He said to us, “She verily is mine!” “It’s but a joke, friend, it’s but a joke! Come thou away - thou’rt utterly in wine. It’s not thy business, boy, walk not this road!”     But he quits not, “I’ve really won today! Let’s catch a cab, it’s time to take a roam! The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same, We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over.” I take no pity on such queer birds, Yet try to keep him being almost sober. But he again talks big about her... “Thou shouldst not say, friend, even a word over!”     My blood and wine start boiling in my veins, And with a smile like I had heretofore, I softly say to him, “It’s all the same, But thou shalt pay, friend, when the roam’s over!” Nor words nor tears can touch me tonight - I want to fight, and I’ve been really strengthened! “It’s not the moment to discuss my right - Thou hast to pay for that, and thou shalt pay, friend!..”     Life drives me forth, and I enjoy the way. I’m feeling good, I want to laugh and joke. The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same, We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over...
© Akbar Muhammad. Translation, 2007
(akbarmuhammad.awardspace.co.uk)