1. What covenant embraced the chiefs with its system,
What horizon quenched the souls with its clouds,

2. What pillar of loyalty was steadfast,
Its refuge relieving the forbidden?

3. What shade of bliss was shady,
Unperturbed by bothersome flaws?

4. What garden of Paradise was fresh,
With cave from heaven its coveted shelter?

5. It protected eloquence for the articulate Arabs
Crowded with hunting, travel and assembly.

6. An arena wherein the stallion’s neigh
Reveals its eloquence from darkness,

7. Whenever a horseman rode I said this one
Exceeds in the race, this one leads them.

8. I see none but Okaz,
This is its land and those its tents.

9. Tongues declaimed but he deemed speech's denial slight
For its outpouring and composition.

10. Between a reciter of eloquence vibrant
And leg aligned with prohibition roams his cup.

11. O joyous reveler, call out
For his eloquent speech is perfect.

12. Your words, deeds and perception
Are equally lofty, prominently flagged.

13. You battled vileness and surrender and saved
Your afflicted people, for you are their “backbone.”

14. Take refuge in God if you were unjust
Mighty is he who in God takes refuge.

15. Make death pleasing to the holy warrior
Whose pleasure is to storm for God’s signs,

16. Consult and deliberate what you desire
For no fear of its collapse in decision.

17. When a member in the group is paralyzed
Opinion can sever it, no quarrel.

18. O noble brothers, forgive my poetry
For its reins have run wild.

19. This is no last will, rather satisfaction
Praising you and conveying greetings,

20. Overlook my gifts, I was guided to pardon
O sharp reproacher of blame.

21. Poetry's barren time resembles the barren time of revelation
Though the Messenger's station remains lofty.

22. Be honored, O learned ones, the people have surrendered to you
Their elder and youth.

23. May God preserve the learned as long as
Its beginning was good and its ending good.