Fairuz

Hayyi-l-Biyya'in (Peddlers' Quarter)

Fairuz


Take me 
to the peddler's quarter 
O peddling woman 
and sell me to my lover 
in the vendors' square. 

My next of kin 
put me guard on the garden 
they instructed me and said 
that I must watch over 
the garden 
but my eyes dozed off 
little by little 
the thieves sneaked in 
and stole the orchards. 

My mother has lost me 
at the end of the crossroads 
I wept but she didn't hear me 
then I was taken by the crossroads. 

Tell him to hear me 
and return me to my mother 
I'm afraid he'll lose me 
and look for the pretty ones.