1. He burdened my back with kindness,
Khidan, lord of nobility, Abul Hasan,

2. And protected me from humiliation—
Without him, from it I would not have been protected.

3. Pure of pocket, of unsullied virtue,
Guarding my honor without flaw,

4. Most honorable trusted Meimoun
With the heart of the Siddiq entrusted,

5. Bringing together praiseworthy character
And good manner,

6. For what he adorned me with
Of gifts and favors—

7. My gratitude pledged
Until death held in bond.

8. May he who meeting you brings
Joy to the saddened heart ransom you,

9. Renewed is his existence,
A freshness upon time,

10. Smooth of brow, his face not frowning
Nor sullen as ship hulls.

11. He gathered in his time’s span
Meanness accrued over generations,

12. He backbites you secretly but would not
Dare oppose you openly.

13. You rose high while he among the people
Remained despised and disgraced,

14. Of a breed nursed on
The milk of corrupt natures.

15. Sing his praises for me
As my tongue has judged right,

16. What a man acquires remains his
After what he hoarded passes.

17. It protects the dignified
From madness and insanity—

18. So the noble ask only for
Praise by custom as their price,

19. Then live long, however much
Clouds swarm and passions rage,

20. No lightning flashed or twittering sang
In wild trills and rapture.