1. I thought Sulaiman generous, moved by my praise,
His gifts summoned by my magic.

2. I saw him clothed in nobility's garb - it seduced me
As a family seduces him who envies their finery.

3. I entered his mansion and found him
On his dais, ranked by status.

4. When he saw me he said, “Who said this poet
Came to praise me?” His mood soured.

5. He dismissed his servants angrily
As his cupbearer poured his drinks.

6. I recited poetry whose meter I chose with care,
Its ideas pleased, its trends impressed.

7. A marvelous garden graced by life’s hand -
No sooner bloomed than its stars shone bright.

8. I frequented him two years - one year
I’d visit, one year stay.

9. I complained until exhaustion, chided with satire,
Speaking frankly until his flaws silenced me.

10. He was but a boulder, softened by no kind word,
A mountain, shaken by no critique.

11. I persisted until poetry cried, “Set me free!
Why speak to one who cannot hear?”

12. Don’t repeat such foolishness, though goats
May wrong the milker who holds their teats.

13. If a man has no noble soul or origin
Status cannot raise his lowly state.

14. The monkey’s worth was not increased when
The Sultan simply favored him.