The Great Offence

She seemed so bored,

I wanted to embrace her by surprise;

But then the scalding waters

Fell from her eyes and burnt her roses.

I offered her a cup....

And came to paradise....

Ah, sorrow,

When she rose from the waves of wine

I thought she would have killed me

With the swords of her desolation....

Especially as I had tied her girdle

With the wrong bow.

From the Arabic of Abu Nuas (eighth century).