1. We see greatness in the evident, and estrangement is greater,
We blame the slanderers, while tears flow from them.

2. He whose heart lies with another, how is his state?
He whose secret lies in his eyelids, how can he conceal it?

3. When we met, while the purpose and watcher were heedless of us,
I remained weeping while she smiled.

4. Never before have I seen a laughing full moon like her face,
Nor has she before seen a dead man speak.

5. Oppressive like her waist to a youth like her hips,
Powerless before her actions, he complains.

6. A branch that makes the night and dawn radiant,
And a face that makes the dawn and night dark.

7. Had my heart been her house, it would be empty,
But the army of passion resides therein, restless.

8. More lasting with her than devotion in my heart,
A symbol, like my worn out, crumbling body.

9. I moistened, with her, my cheeks, and the clouds poured down,
While her tears were transient, and in my tears was blood.

10. Had it not been for the blood that poured from my cheek,
It would not have been red, oozing putridity.

11. The visiting specter of my imagination after a nap says to me,
After we wake, “Have a bite!”

12. Greetings! Were it not for the fear and stinginess in him,
I would say, “Abu Hafs, peace be upon us!”

13. The lover of dew is generous with his money when loving,
Pouring it out as a lover pours it out in lament.

14. I swear that if each of his hairs,
Did not have a guest, we would call him “host.”

15. Should we diminish what is his right while he exceeds?
It would be forbidden injustice and tyranny.

16. He is above all comparison - not reticent nor profound -
His opinion is not muddled, nor is his mind disordered.

17. His wound does not grieve, his depth is not seen,
His limit does not appear, he does not grimace.

18. What is permitted does not become prohibited,
Just as what is prohibited does not become permitted.

19. The noble do not chase glory,
Nor do they serve the world while it serves them.

20. He does not desire to remain while his gifts perish,
Nor do his enemies escape him while he escapes.

21. Mentioning him is sweeter than cold water on a hot day,
And better than ease after hardship.

22. His form among birds is stranger than an ostrich,
And lowlier than one asking from him is the criminal.

23. More generous than hands beyond hands,
Drop after drop during abundant rain.

24. Had the stingy seen his sleep they would fear
That he would not become upset by them.

25. Even if he said “give a coin” I would not find against the beggars,
Seeking from people, a single coin.

26. If someone hurt another before him, what pleased him
Would not spread its harm for his magnanimity.

27. In every raid he irrigates with waves like horsemen in a charge,
Orphans gush from the sheaths as they are rubbed.

28. Until today, the supreme sacrifice did not lower his saddle
Since the invasion, the stallion’s bridle armed.

29. He splits the land of Rome while the clouds are filled,
With his swords, and the weather with clouds is laden.

30. Against the tyrant king - how many battalions
March to their doom while they know!

31. From the soft cheeks of Christian women offered to him
Smooth cheeks from nearby will be crushed.

32. Regiments for a lion whose strongholds are lions,
The insides of shields and pierced coats of mail.

33. Death is absent from them while he is absent,
And it goes ahead of them when he goes ahead.

34. How you continuously spend, freeing the fetters!
O son of Suleiman, dispensing wealth!

35. The one who appointed you heir of his Messenger’s debt -
A hand that cannot repay its gratitude, even with hand and mouth -

36. Will reward you. Gently! If you are not merciful
To yourself through munificence, you will be shown mercy.

37. Your place is intended, and your distinction eminent,
None can be found like you, your attainment mature.

38. You visited me, below kings in my confusion,
When an ocean could not be crossed, even hopping on one foot.

39. If freeing you from death cost the slave his soul,
You would not be lost while there are Muslims on earth!