1. The supple branch shows you her slender shape,
And the gentle morning breeze reveals her eyelids.

2. One morning appeared a moist cheek for her,
Caressed by a ruddy palm, gently stroking.

3. And the twilight brought her closer to passion’s heat—
Thus does sunset draw the sun nearer.

4. So one whose cheeks are reddened by tears,
And whose heart is stirred by a lover,

5. Seeks a gazelle in tents, fulfilling desire,
And a full moon in chambers, setting.

6. How remote was the spy! Fortune granted me success
When the guardian was far away.

7. Dawn appeared in its beauty,
And night melted in its passions.

8. Restrain yourself, O troubled heart,
And limit yourself, O overflowing tears.

9. Generosity has withdrawn such that none come near,
And mortals have departed such that none return.

10. An eloquent poet was held back though worthy,
And an unscrupulous thief put forward, corrupting.

11. Some game is apportioned to the errant hunter
While the true marksman is deprived of the best.

12. I will be unique in praising Ibn Fahd—
For in the world he is truly unique.

13. He shone though gloom surrounded him,
He brightened and darkness was his blanket.

14. Burdens have wounded generosity,
And straits have torn poetry.

15. He of Mecca’s virtues enriches us
With his fairness and the scholar’s ways.

16. When his lightning flashed, a heaven
Of his gifts opened and took aim.

17. He rivals Abu al-Fawaris in grandeur;
None can rival what he has achieved.

18. Through his wisdom nights submit to him,
And through his reason grim fates bow down.

19. He brought more glory to the Azd
And from each honor gained a share.

20. You granted your loyal one blessings—
Each hardship they relieved and drove away.

21. The breadth of your chest showed clear
When troubles narrowed the ample bosom.

22. When the watcher of nights was pleased
The frolics of youth were hastened by old age.

23. When will the reins of mortal man
Turn from him, and troubles cease?

24. For you an incomparable orator spread praise,
One no other speaker resembles.

25. He launched from you an undying fame,
And made rise from you a sun that never sets.

26. Your right hand planted in him a shoot—
Protect it from the blight of meanness!

27. Is one of distant lineage brought near to you
While one whose lineage is near is kept far?

28. You have been praised with eulogies
That exceed you, like excessive chill.

29. When they reach listeners’ ears one day,
Hearts and souls will smile.

30. For the odes contain a remarkable beauty,
And the praises, a pleasing fragrance.

31. The meadow’s flowers smell not their scent
Until stirred by a south or north wind.