1. Fate and a man’s needs have led me
To come knocking at your door.

2. When the procession of litters
Approached you through the night,

3. And the riders firing volleys
In the narrow alley—

4. Galloping without check
Through the deepest gloom—

5. Making for the place of camel litters
With snorting nostrils and rattling tackle

6. As their equipment jingles and clashes.
We took great draughts from your overflowing cup,

7. Sweet, unmixed; your glory lacks no grace:
Devoutly fearful, rightly guided leader,

8. Scorning base intrigues, warding off oppression.
Through you truth finds its mark and slakes its thirst,

9. As your cupbearer gives you to drink
A delicious, exhilarating draft.

10. What luck shone on your birth, son of bright stars!
You are flawless, peerless

11. Like the full moons of Badr and dawn’s first light.
Arab patriarchs, sweet of stock,

12. Of lofty, generous souls.
From a line ennobled in ancestral glory,

13. By your good fortune and noble deeds.
You have sublime qualities, far from all guile;

14. I exposed myself and drew near to take my leave
As wealth fades but fair fame endures.

15. Grace and favor can hardly repay your kindness,
Or intimacy parallel your gentle ways