1. O father of all good and benefit
Clad in the feathers of propriety

2. To whom people confide their troubles
The keys of writing and arithmetic

3. Whose eloquent speech, if he desires
Will not lack the fruits of discourse

4. Attributes of benevolence are ascribed to him
As rainfall is attributed to clouds

5. He showed us every fascinated one
That we were in his eyes youth itself

6. An inkwell, if it contained a place
I’d think it his den and the raven’s

7. I know not whether kohl or molten night
Assumed a corporeal form

8. The old hag with shrunken gums said
When she saw him: “Would that this were my dye!”

9. And departure time has drawn near
With no delay but packing gear

10. To a king whose land lies between
A foaming, towering ocean and the barren terrain

11. I cannot find a companion there
Save whales coupled with the mist

12. So provide me with some food
To strengthen me until my dying day

13. For if you favor me with provender
Food will not suffice without drink