1. Say to the minister words of praise
For the immense favors he bestows

2. Abu Sa’d, without whom the affairs
Of the two worlds would be in chaos

3. I disdain to be seen receiving
Praise circulating among vile folk

4. If I followed my own preference
And if the reins were in my hands

5. I would not deviate save from the vile
Nor take delight save with the noble

6. But taqiyyah has always led me
To words and deeds I do not favor

7. With a people whose guidance
Lies in the lawful or the forbidden

8. We feign affection for enemies
While hiding malice like embers

9. If not for what you know, you would hear my words
And how eloquent the veiled can be!

10. Soon comes a time I watch for
When dawn will distinguish night from day

11. I will say what I wish without caution
And do as I please without modesty

12. For life is not lived by base begging
Nor abjectly, like a fluttering dove

13. A time in which no cure avails
The hands of one struck with illness

14. Tempestuous, with no happiness
Or dawn, but only gloom

15. None can make a difference but
A few, with anger or patience

16. Eyes have despaired of discerning
Between a spring and a mirage

17. Every word said in defense
Of evil is naught but blame

18. One without merit or skill
Will not be advanced by my words

19. Feet are not made even by plains
Nor is a shoe equaled to a horseshoe

20. One deficient will never approach
The abode of perfection by favor

21. Your praise of a person falsely is censure
An apparition in the sleep of dreams

22. If we were to count every crooked one
Truly deserving of blame

23. People would all be equal
And we would exclude you from all men

24. So praising you above all people is lawful
While everything else is forbidden