1. My darling reproaches me and complains
With my soul I'd ransom the angry dark one

2. Alas, his radiant golden cheek
None but the worthless are devoid of its glow

3. My morals change colors like my tears
And my heart burns like his blushing cheeks

4. He gives like a gazelle gives its lover
And evades like a fox evading capture

5. The apple of his cheek gloats at my murder
So to him fully bloody will you go

6. In my dreams, his cheek and his wine
Each day a meadow or watering hole

7. Shall I abstain from drinking his cup that gives cheer
Do I have a mother or father to forbid?

8. I see no difference between depictions of his wine
And his kisses, save what is pure and lawful

9. I perfumed my passion with his wine's bouquet
A soul praising the line of glorious Sa'd

10. The king who stilled ambitions so lofty
That glory halted awestruck in its steps

11. Those who gained acceptance with their generosity
For no gifts but theirs would you amass

12. Those whose crafts gained them our necks
Whose skills outpaced our aspirations

13. The earth of the victorious king's land yielded fruit
While bounty like his keeps pouring forth

14. He shepherded the most virtuous abode with his praise
His fame illuminating east and west

15. King of dew and valor, either downpour
Perpetual showers or pouring clouds

16. His father, whose construction the clouds envy
Look at them withdraw and run dry

17. If not for shyness the clouds wouldn't be named thus
In his horizon they shyly withdraw

18. God's bounty on Muhammad - how can
Our pens dictate it or scribes transcribe it?

19. Sa'd's kings have gone but their days remain
As if they'd never left this temporal plain

20. Seeking knowledge and arts in his gates
Seekers find all they seek, nothing barred

21. By God we know not what we miss
When seeking you, whom all hopes orbit

22. O deep-rooted king, pride of all kings
Most able to protect and inspire awe

23. I, praising your kingdom, boast of my youth
While my peers bow their heads before you

24. I wore his gifts of old age and youth alike
Robbing both of what can't be robbed

25. Take my praises like necklaces, pleased
For praises to the noble are beloved

26. To compose like Al-Walid ibn 'Ubaid
For the like of them when stars align

27. Their meanings called me though above my skill
I tried my best - perfection belongs to God