1. O you whose mind wields a sharp sword
Finer than the blades of renowned warriors
١. يا مَنْ لَهُ مِنْ ذِهْنِهِ
سَيْفٌ أَحَدٌ منَ الْبَواتِرْ
2. What is the name of this famed trilogy?
A sword sharper than the blades of renowned warriors
٢. ما اسْمُ ثُلاثِيٍ مُسَمَّ
سَيْفٌ أَحَدُّ منَ الْبَواتِرْ
3. And whose heart harbors the malady of hearts
Without shame of abominations
٣. وبِقَلْبِهِ داءُ الْقُلو
بِ بدُونِ نُكْرٍ منْ مُناكِرْ
4. And when he wields control
Bends all poets to his will
٤. وإذا تَصَرَّفَ خِلْتَهُ
طَوْعَ الْقِيادِ لِكُلِّ شاعِرْ
5. And when his gaze is removed
The heart falters, slips, and watches
٥. وإذا أُزيلَتْ عَيْنُهُ
فالقَلْبُ زَلَّ وسَلْ وناظِرْ
6. Woe to you! Your raving is but
An empty wind carrying idle chatter
٦. وافاكَ لُغْزٌ وَهْوَ تَصْ
رِيحٌ بما فيهِ نُحَاوِرْ
7. After this candid exposition
Of the true intent, close and desist
٧. ما بَعْدَ ذَا التَّصِريحِ في
كَشْفِ الْمُرادِ قَفُلْ وبَادِرْ