1. That dark night's screen unveiled its veil,
And your phantom visited me, a welcome guest.

2. It passed where no watcher could bar its way,
Nor did the eyes of a guardian espy it.

3. Would that it had stayed by the far-off tomb,
For those ruins gave it shelter!

4. To assuage the longings of an ardent lover
And revive the memories of bygone passion.

5. Afterwards, in my solitude, I recalled
That neither he was near, nor I patient.

6. Would that I knew if youth would return to me,
And those gazelles, leaping, turn back!

7. Then I could go back to my wonted ways,
My eyes and heart enthralled by love.

8. By God, I swore to the days of my youth
Which no seasons could reclaim or restore!

9. I reproached her whose reproach was my duty.
Gently! Though, if she were excused...

10. I wore the cloak of poverty until poverty destroyed me,
And a lingering malady consumed me.

11. It suffices you that I am true and faithful to you
Though suspicious things may trouble you.

12. Does indecency cling to the noble soul?
My own self restrains me from baseness.

13. My purity proclaims me above vile deeds,
For men take purity from the elements themselves.

14. My soul demands what is its right,
Though the vicissitudes of time treat it harshly.

15. It aspires to glory and high estate,
Hoping to attain them yet fearing the outcome.

16. I honored it by keeping it from vileness,
And am proud that among the noblest it is numbered.

17. I shoulder the burdens of manhood, bearing
The cares beyond the strength of maidens.

18. And I grow more pleasing in misfortunes, as though I
Were moist cloves mixed with dried berries.

19. Neither poverty distressed me, nor wealth delighted me.
My honor was unblemished, ever plentiful.

20. The days to me were all equal, whether fine or gloomy,
And none of Time's accidents caused me harm.

21. Of my firm principles, the stars are protectors,
My words to the stars the unravelers of fate.

22. In God's lands, East and West, my rare words
Are jewels on the necks of kings, though of mere sounds shaped.

23. They urge noble deeds by their own action,
And offer clear guidance to men of sense.

24. If you test men by knowing these words of mine,
They will lend you their knowledge though men dispute.

25. May God water with life the family of Rashid,
Who brake the strength of the foe, the keen swords flashing!

26. In the land between Euphrates and Tigris they dwell,
Guardians, defenders, rulers, and lords.

27. When they alight on the fertile plains, the land grows green
And the heavens send down torrents from the clouds.

28. Their swords are fires, their hands oceans
Of boundless generosity, pouring waves of gifts.

29. When events thicken, you will find among them
Faces that outshine the brilliant moon.

30. One is a rain-cloud, bountifully watering the land,
One is a gleaming sword, subduing the foe.

31. With his soul he protects from the poisons of misfortune
When the biting winds carry poison.

32. He guarded the land, so the disasters feared
To set foot where the defender planted his sword.

33. The millstones of war, if they turn, turn
Around him, the axis, the circle's pivot.

34. He takes the mountain sheep and deer as booty,
As if they were the lawful spoils for him.

35. In the day of turmoil, the onslaught of the champions preceding him
Suffices you when the lions recoil.

36. He terrifies yet knows no terror when disaster strikes,
For who feels dread when the lion turns back?

37. O rider of the steed into the swirling fray,
The paths to doom have no retreat!

38. You sought them till you found them,
No goal but the heights and greatness.

39. A heritage from noble fathers who went before,
The first of them, the last, lords all.

40. You mounted till you won the highest place
By a peerless feat of arms - you were not outreached!

41. Who dares approach you in the field
When you can fell the lion with your hands?

42. Your visage, O Saad, is the joy of the world,
A rising harbinger of good fortune.

43. No group of kinsmen under your just rule
Has been wretched, for you command and forbid rightfully.

44. Your open hand gives them hope of gaining their desire
While your sword restrains them from transgressing bounds.

45. East and West stand in awe of you, though you dwell afar.
The boldest tribes cannot withstand you.

46. You pay no heed to the world while unaware of nothing.
Prudence keeps vigil, good fortune is wakeful.

47. Your foes are filled with dread, as though you were among them
When you are absent from your people, yet your might is present.

48. When the arrogant are asked, "Is there one who will challenge?"
The collars are clasped for none but you.

49. The scions of your house in every land
Are stars of glory, brilliant heavenly bodies.

50. The scions of your house - may God reward them! -
Are the great among peoples, and their great are greatest.

51. Small wonder that I seek rest in praising you,
And my heart permits me to compose poetry!

52. For through you I am the bard of the sons of Rashid;
And so long as I live, I am yours in gratitude!

53. The days have championed no tribe, left
No dwellings flourishing but yours.