1. I am of the prince's choosing, a treasure
Of the prince's treasures, profitable indeed,

2. A writer, accountant, eloquent orator,
An advisor blessed beyond counsellors,

3. A poet splitting complexities finer than
The feathers beneath a wing,

4. Then I recite the poetry of Ibn Harmah
To the people in embellished verse,

5. Then I recite the words of Ibn Sirin
In illuminated speech of knowledge,

6. Then I recite the poetry of Ibn Sirin
And the words of an-Nasib and eulogies,

7. I have in grammar insight and penetration,
I have in it a necklace with fine links,

8. If the prince shoots at me, may God amend him,
Spears that battered the tips of spears,

9. I am no weakling nor spineless one,
Except towards the command of my generous lord,

10. I am neither stocky, O prince, nor short,
Nor humpbacked with a protruding hump,

11. A thick beard and a beautiful face,
Kindled like the flame of a lantern,

12. Witty in speech of every kind,
And discerning in political affairs,

13. How much, how much speech have I stored
That is to kings like sweet apples,

14. So one like me makes kings' moods sweet and playful
And whispers to them of intricate matters,

15. Am I not the luckiest man on a hunt
On a morning raid or an evening prowl?

16. I have the sharpest sight of men for horses
And weapons and the excellent steeds,

17. All this I have gathered, praise be to God
For making me a witty jester,

18. I am not the ascetic wrapping his garb
Nor the obscene shameless libertine,

19. If the prince summons me he will see in me
One vigorous, no wailing nightjar.