1. Alas! The Levant lightning at dusk as it headed to Rome was beautiful.
It marched like a fantasy and stirred him towards the desert where there was a clever, eloquent guide.

2. It reminded him of his journey to the Levant with its gentle breeze in the ravines of al-Lawa.
In a valley topped by a hill, its settlements were streams flowing in the lowlands.

3. To the shade of scenes more beautiful than paradise the souls would soar still wholesome.
In it the pebbles make a sound like the tinkling of anklets around the necks of gazelles calling them for morning prayer.

4. The north wind blows through it then turns gently. From its pockets comes wafting sweet musk.
A land we frequented in our youth going back and forth led by passion.

5. I changed it for another, though not satisfied, for I and my like have little love for home.
Damascus! If your loved ones are absent, your pouring tears will water its plains.

6. Missing you makes me quiver like a feather quivers in the hands of one taking an oath.
It is protected by singers of amusements whose call at dusk rings out, the place for singers’ art.

7. Its rain is the brother of eyelid clouds, always bestowing favor where it is sought.
A maiden’s purpose is to sway gently; as for her stance, it is delicate; as for her gait, casual.

8. The heart clung to her earring so it quivers alongside her quivering, wounded heart.
Remembering her in Damascus, her home, I almost revealed my secret passion.

9. In Rome, the cooing of a dove with the voice of a fawn at dawn made me sleepless.
I scare it away, my eye thankful for its water as I weep for a stranger who weeps.

10. It cried where its chicks could see it while away from my chicks it suffered torment.
Two years have passed and now a third while they head to that loved place.

11. Perhaps Sa‘d al-Din’s generosity will rein me in and straighten my aim to reach them.
The Imam guiding to righteousness, Sa‘d the excellent, refined in manners, his generosity overflowing.

12. Sheltered by God’s shade, revealing His signs engraved on the essence of beings.
He whom God graced with everlasting rule and age far outlasting Noah.

13. He is the appearance of the essence which veiled itself in qualities clearly manifest.
He is the firm handhold for one who clings. Understand the mystery to which I hint!

14. If the eye perceives the truth, you will witness him and know the symbol points to him.
Beware a profound secret without revealing it, else the sword of law permits bloodshed.

15. Say to the lad seeking truth earnestly if you possess reason and insight:
If in you is longing to grasp meanings and resolve to attain heights,

16. Seek refuge in Sa‘d’s protection; good fortune is his servant and the full moon obeys them.
There you will find glory welcoming you; its treasures are his opinions and clarity.

17. From him you will receive every honorable and lofty thing with the face of generosity shining upon you.
O Sa‘d, eminent in rank, your lights shining in hearts!

18. I see the wild mares of metre obedient whenever I wish to praise you, impetuous.
Before me, many have led them to your court, each commending you as suits him.

19. They knew not that praising the virtuous has categories, some incomplete, some comprehensive.
So take from your eulogist the pick of praises like a torrent whose drink is ancestry.

20. If the mouth drew from it a draught naming you, it would brim and the house overflow.
Wondrous, unprecedented praises of your eminence in which praise itself is wondrous!

21. On the pages of time remains immortalized praise whose perfection embraces mankind.
It congratulates you on Nawruz and on the Feast thereafter returning with your choice.

22. Above poetry my hopes have risen, hopeful of ascension, and hopes are truthful.
Your slave in the ocean of your nobility hopes though he is sinful, for you are forgiving.

23. To rein in my journey towards my lands, for my expatriation has been prolonged.
Grant Sa‘d his request in your kingdom’s sky; he indicates what you prefer and it comes to pass.

24. You remain forever the caliphate’s good fortune; yours are time’s service and Messiah.