1. It was neither for food nor clothes that I came to him,
No, nor for status or benevolence.

2. Rather, I came seeking to attain lofty aims
Obligatory in religion from the Judge on high.

3. I was one with wings that freely roamed the heights,
Frolicking like a foal in an open field.

4. I was not downtrodden so as to seek elevation,
Nor indolent so as to covet notoriety.

5. Ask the caravans throughout the lands,
Ask the beasts and those afar and near.

6. Ask the scholastic gatherings in every school
Who excelled among them on each occasion.

7. Ask the elders and scribes about a youth
Who gives drink to the thirsty time and again.

8. The Merciful has blessed no greedy slave
Who wakes and sleeps seeking what will perish.

9. When the world confined him with all its woes,
He found the adversities of faith a comfort.