1. By the one whose love made me melt,
And for whom I yearn and pine,

2. The more he is cold and aloof,
The more my heart clings to his love.

3. My misery in his love will not cease,
For love itself is misery.

4. I complain openly, while the sad
Can not conceal their sadness.

5. If God answered the prayers
Of lovers for their loved ones,

6. I would ask God to save me
From the heights of his love.

7. He has conquered my heart, though
His love was cruel and harsh.

8. O beautiful tyrant, be gentler
In your love, and not so harsh.

9. I will emulate those who died
Of love for you, following their example.

10. May God not allow me to meet you
If I harbored any twisted thoughts.

11. But to see your sweet lips
Smiling at me would fulfill my hopes.

12. And to meet privately, as permitted
By proper conduct, would delight me.

13. I wish to sip coffee sweetened by
Your sweet lips and breath.

14. By God, the pillar of religion
And model for the generous is Imād al-Dīn.

15. He combines good character,
Spirit, and upbringing.

16. And he has reached the highest
Peaks of glorious deeds.

17. In generosity, he emulates
Hatim, and surpasses in his bounty.

18. He is not tempted by praise
Except that which is deserved and true.

19. He loves sincerely and is loved by people,
His affection is true and genuine.

20. A lord, but considers us
As brothers in affection.

21. O generous one, no eye has
Seen the like of you in nobility.

22. And O eloquent one, your words
Silence all other speech.

23. Your virtue is not diminished
By what you own of status and wealth.

24. O most perfect of people in
Generosity, modesty and chivalry.

25. Baghdad, once known for stinginess,
Has become a land of charity because of you.

26. While its people are the most
Generous people on earth.

27. The bitter cold has returned
After a harsh summer.

28. Attacking us night and day
In its regions without cease.

29. Just as the light of faith pursues
Its enemies tirelessly.

30. So clothe my body, O gracious brother,
With a fine, warm, heavy coat.

31. A coat fit to be gifted
By one such as you.

32. That I may wear with pride
At gatherings and while alone.

33. Please, bestow it upon me soon, so I can
Grip it tight with utmost joy.

34. For you, O noble and wise one,
Are the hope of all hopes.

35. You know well, since no days
Have passed without your care and gifts,

36. That still I have some dignity
Despite my poverty and weakness.

37. I rarely demean myself
With begging and servility.

38. I have too much pride to accept
Charity except when direly needed.

39. But life's difficulties have spoiled
Its goodness since you left.

40. How many missteps I have taken
Since you went away!

41. After I had once commanded
Respect and authority.

42. A man of lofty ambition, who accepts
No blame, but has the power of forgiveness.

43. Yet ill fortune has drawn near
In my times of need.

44. It is never found
Except with ignorant fools.

45. So for this outstanding merit,
I remain silently hopeful.

46. While the ignorant are identified
By their loud voices.

47. Listen to these sweet words
Praising you, may they find favor.

48. I ask God to allow them
To have an effect on you.