1. Her phantom went where the gazelles sleep,
So it spread its blossoms over us, wilted.

2. And it began relating tales to me in the darkness,
As if the Pleiades in it were a jeweled cup.

3. We long for the dwellings of your spring,
Even if there is no place in them for my gaze.

4. I complained to the slopes of an-Naqāʾ of your long absence.
And the slopes of an-Naqāʾ, like me, feared separation.

5. And I must complain to one of chivalry
Who will console you, appease you, or sympathize.

6. I ransom a beloved from whom my eyes are empty,
Yet no place in my heart is empty of him.

7. He stays on the edges of the meadows, shy,
Or else in the valley of bending, compliant.

8. The obstruction of parting extended between us,
So my tears flow and his eyes shyly avert.

9. If, without seeing him, I happen on some open space,
Then, by the Lord of a garden, gather us there together,

10. A place you see wherein is every pleasure collected,
At which birds and grasses bow down.

11. We will study the favors there, dressed
In dragging robes, hands lifting wine.

12. And we will feel secure in an exalted, happy kingdom,
Having no fear of blame or shame.

13. Its praises blot out sins, and its overflowing generosity
Makes up for squandered plenty.

14. God protect the days of al-Muʾayyad! We
Have found the people of purpose shepherded in them.

15. A king whose generosity is subtly crafted -
Its meanings are so refined as if contrived.

16. And noble ladies - if we relate their discourse,
We find their qualities surpass what is attributed.

17. Wealth hangs low for a thief, but if he dared
To steal its treasures, his hand would not be cut off by law.

18. He showed us circles of wealth and glory in the world,
So this is offered, while that is guarded.

19. And he brought together scripture and towns,
Opening from him springs of generosity and skill.

20. A mind blazed and virtues poured forth abundantly,
So know that meteors flare up from rainclouds.

21. He protected the unruly ways of kingship through justice and awe,
So that no side remains except as a meadow for grazing.

22. The resolves of the eminent Wadaah are most sublime
When it is said, “The resolves of the eminent Wadaah!”

23. The burdens of prosperity emptied from his right hand
When it set out, gathering long ropes.

24. He has no fault in his character other than
When reproached for benefaction, he does not refrain.

25. Every day for him sovereignty and sublimity
Relate tales that inspire panegyrists to create.

26. When war calls for helpers, his swords
Flash, and spear blades ring against teeth.

27. And if hopes proceed toward his side,
They see the palm of his hand rushing to provide.

28. Do not boast of obtaining fingers of the Nile,
For the Nile is but a finger of your right hand.

29. O king - when my pleading called upon him
I was certain fate itself would plead to me.

30. I sought you thirsty and found, in deepest affliction,
One who, as they say of him, is most generous.

31. In some of what you gave I gained satisfaction, but in truth
I was one whose hopes were boundless.

32. May God preserve what most pure, noble intention,
And most excellent diversified supreme glory, are yours.

33. My praise of you is an obligation, binding in religion,
While praising others of the supreme house is voluntary.