1. My longing beloved ones complaining of my long absence,
And those turning away from passion in my path,

2. Think not that I avoided your company by choice,
Rather destiny drove me from you against my will.

3. I traveled far horizons not freely roaming,
But seeking you while in this world remaining.

4. My efforts really are to reach you though outwardly
They seem but worldly toils that life demands.

5. Toward you my steps turn but my fate backwards flows,
Like planets seeming westward while eastward go.

6. The aim's the farthest east but the course seen is west,
My life shreds to tatters from its twisting woe.

7. By God the slanderers lie in their evil tales,
That I forgot my pledge when far away I fell.

8. Parting was easy after our separation -
The rough seems smooth when a rougher load you bear.

9. O rider who spurs his mount traveling on,
Until you bring it to rest at the high dunes.

10. Were there radiant moons rising in the morn,
Those suns now set in the darkening evening gloom?

11. With arms bare were they and necks gracefully long,
Of every traveler, though veiled and unrevealed.

12. Like white gazelles grazing, they came to dwell,
In a house with pillars of lances clad.

13. My treaty with them - though long estranged were they,
A home to them - though far their ravens strayed.

14. So today I stand like a visiting stranger,
Casting my eyes around though the land I know.

15. For you my plentiful flowing tears suffice,
Beyond need for the scent of musk I bear.

16. It matters not, the rain my tomb drenches,
Whether from clouds in the stormy north wind driven,

17. Or else the showers in sunlight south winds bring.
You may find me atop the lofty mountain peaks,

18. Crossing the barren plains without a friend or guide.
The nights and I still take turns wandering,

19. Between the horses dark and the steeds gray.
I penetrate the settled lands and those untamed,

20. My life shreds to tatters from its twisting woe.
The earth to me seems like a ball I can bound across,

21. My journeys like the hands that caress its curves.

22. The glory of serving our Master has no limits,
After attaining success all quests seem possible.

23. A kingdom he rules, though his might veiled remains,
His fame resounds though from sight hidden he reigns.

24. With the neighing steeds his arsenal overflows,
Calling his sons to him, their loyalty sustains.

25. With hospitality his manor welcomes in,
All guests, though no speech from stones would sound.

26. Not mere stars in its horizon, his empire lies,
But his lofty train fills the heavens high.

27. Your feared enemies, like snakes by your might crushed,
Their fangs and talons broken by your forceful hand.

28. You leveled time and all the people in your grasp,
And brought each nation to believe in your command.

29. The non-Arabs like markings without meaning seem,
While Arabs as text made clear appear.

30. You truly seek counsel, your piercing insight guides,
Directing your armies with wisdom and decisive plans.

31. Your speech flows smoothly like a cup passed around,
Filled with death for the rivals you sought to quell.

32. Your sharp blade relentlessly cuts down the necks
Of the arrogant foe with skillful swings.

33. In fear and awe you fill the hearts of enemies,
Ripping out the soul of the evasive rogue.

34. Foiling schemes hatched in darkness of night,
Or troops massed stealthily stationed out of sight.

35. A sultan's counsel polishes his reign,
Correcting any error with wisdom's advice.

36. He rises above mere rule, his reason uncorrupted,
His decisions untainted, founded on insight.

37. His days are thus spent in constant struggle,
Never rising in station though most skillful and bright.

38. He is the axis around which the empire turns,
The pole star fixed, while others fluctuate in their plight.

39. In his hand the pen whose radiance is veiled,
Erasing all vain words of the foolish writer's night.

40. He seems like a sharpened sword ready to strike,
Or clouds heavy with rain about to ignite.

41. Only when words flow smoothly is poetry seemly,
So take your own course and of them fashion the right.

42. The ignoble were stingy and so their praise refuted,
Can anytime but misshapen pearls come from a snake?

43. The fame your rule achieved displeased your enemies,
Building glory for an age crowned by your worthy might.

44. To you we dedicate our praise, you are the reason,
As the sword's adorned scabbard the blade does requite.

45. So allow us to gather what you find pleasing,
Turning our words into finest necklaces bedight.

46. I count it a wonder I can praise you so,
Creating pearls when no tool have I to pierce.

47. I do my best though I fear your judgment awaits,
Like one who stands anxious before you upright.

48. Your highest traits shine clear, no need to elaborate,
Like lamps lit up high casting radiance bright.

49. If I say too much I fall short, too brief I refrain,
If concise I seem, I become long-winded forthright.

50. Poetry is a sorcery that ought properly
To only describe things good and upright.

51. So take your own way and fashion gems to your taste,
Or else take your own rope and gather your wood.

52. Only misers deny praise, is aught found
In meager souls except defects in their plight?

53. The fame your rule won rouses your enemies' wrath,
For ages you brought glory, an age now of might.

54. While you reign we offer our praises,
Like scabbard embellished, made for sword's blade.

55. So allow us to gather what brings delight,
Turning sweet phrases into necklaces bright.

56. Be joyous as fasting comes an honored guest,
Visiting you mornings, with blessings bedight.

57. Permit all around you, let them come and go,
Under your auspicious shadow may they unite.

58. In the shade of your unchallenged reign,
Where your still hoped for glories challenge its height.

59. My longing beloved ones complaining of my long absence,
And those turning away from passion in my path,

60. Think not that I avoided your company by choice,
Rather destiny drove me from you against my will.