1. O people of Nu'man, I found no solace with you, only my own solace.
You greeted me with betrayal after I trusted you,

2. Every spring quenched the thirst of wild deer,
While my tears quenched the thirst of barren valleys.

3. Dwellings gleamed with dazzling lights,
Illuminating the land and making it prosper.

4. Gardens flourished far from frontiers,
With cheeks of myrtle and roses in full bloom.

5. Clouds gathered and gently rained,
With thunder rumbling and lightning striking the meadows.

6. The breeze adorned the ponds when it rained,
Dotting them with the eggs of the francolin.

7. How wonderful, as the breeze carried gentle wafts
Of fragrance from the willow's dangling tresses.

8. My life was lost among them, though it was unworthy,
The days changed but you did not change, O home of my solace.

9. Many days I spent with you, in hardship and in ease,
And a time I spent in my youth, never to retrieve or redeem.

10. Welcome, O phantom of imagination that visited me at night unexpectedly,
While the stars watched enviously from above.

11. As if the Pleiades dispersed in the western sky,
Like pearls unstrung after their thread was severed.

12. My companions would have lost their way, had I not sighed,
O my friends, would you help a traveller whose days have passed virtuously?

13. Aid me with a pause at the taverns of life, if you are guided by the landmarks of al-Najd,
And mourn it with my tears, and ask who shall water it with tears after me.

14. For in its valleys crouch dormant sands,
And in its gowns hide ferocious lions.

15. Though its sharp swords glitter gently,
Death lurks in each French blade.

16. When will those who have left return to reunite?
Prepare yourself for the imminent separation and prevention.

17. I hoped to be cured by kissing the taverns,
But it is as if I was cured by my own passion.

18. Shall I find solace in an antelope or a branch,
Daydreaming of you, marching with a quiver and arrows?

19. My eyes have shed so many tears for the departed over the lone sands,
As if I extended them from the pillars of faith of al-Jawwad.

20. Neighboring and sanctuary are permitted,
And springtide for the destitute, while the year has made me weary.

21. Owner of the white mantle and the red palette,
The austere uniform and the well-woven belt.

22. Who combines gentleness and firmness in manner,
Mingling easiness with severity.

23. He is like rain that fills the land with his generosity,
To me, remoteness and nearness are equal from him.

24. His good deeds have spread,
So he makes no distinction in generosity between freeman and slave.

25. Thus also the abundant rain, when it pours down,
Makes no distinction between highland and valley.

26. O brother of dedication and determination, the steeds have concluded
What lies between easiness and severity.

27. Visit ‘Ali and partake of his plain of generosity,
Its soil, if you seek sustenance.

28. Inhale the air of his valleys and find rest,
As the riding camels rest from exhaustion and toil.

29. Fear not under his protection, the turns of fate,
And ask him for safety, without fear of rejection.

30. Buyer of praise through devotion, not through vainglory,
Seeking to buy God’s praise through devotion.

31. A king from whom I have never gained audience
Except that I left rewarded and gratified.

32. Whenever time unfolds its gifts,
He endows me from his bliss with new gains.

33. Hardships have weakened my resolve,
So he strengthens me against them with a sturdy arm.

34. Men of repute paved the way for his glory,
They were nurtured on the pearl of exaltation in the cradle.

35. On the day of battle, they sacrificed white swords and keen tongues,
Vanquishing all who dared transgress and challenge.

36. They fought the enemies with every sharp and unsheathed sword,
Every single-handed warrior, every solitary champion.

37. Virtue belongs to you, O sons of al-Muzaffar,
Though our time has been darkened.

38. My soul has wearied counting the favors
I failed to reciprocate, while I exhausted my efforts.

39. O you who help me as fate destroys my happiness
Between jest and passion, between easiness and severity,

40. My adversary, since I sought refuge in your abode,
His days have become my soldiers.

41. You have enriched me and protected my worth
From every disgrace and every ignominy.

42. A people who do not favor releasing hands
With gifts, or tongues with promises.

43. The tidings of celebration have arrived
With the finest pilgrims of high and noble ranks.

44. Your share from them is our share from you,
So adorn yourself and celebrate it as an omen of fortune.

45. May you fulfill the needs of the people as you fulfill
The year's tithe-tax and pay off debts!

46. You have lived among us in sincere aid and ample shade,
Unfailing in generosity and unsheathing swords.