1. Eloquence was but gleanings of poetry,
Or whatever fine prose there was.

2. Al-Mahdi presented it a virgin,
Who snuggled under jewellery in green robes.

3. Discussions - if Zuhair had fed on some -
His rhymes would be more magical than sorcery.

4. If the Nile, blessed as it is, knew their essence,
It would turn that blend into wine.

5. If grim Fate allowed some,
Days would smile, laughing.

6. If ransomed Egypt knew their worth,
Eloquence would spend the night on embers.

7. O You, One, eloquence owes its glory to Him -
However long eloquence endured estrangement!

8. Being away from You is in my heart a bright fire
That cracks my liver and eats at my chest.

9. I have endured it - God knows - perforce
While no help could be hoped for from heat.

10. When I saw endurance was no use to me
I set to my worries and made them my poetry.