1. The fairest life's rewards are the finest spoils,
Though they are but shadows that do not last.

2. I held the reins of life therein, and ofttimes
Raised its prime till the ballistas fell.

3. My battle steeds were roused by the tears I wept
For you when the clouds' eyes were dry.

4. The sport I had in its gardens, how much of it
Passed in the morn of youth now gone!

5. On Babylon's west side were the trysts
Where smiles would greet me at each visit.

6. Between the two fortresses were the landmarks,
Though the nobility was in their people.

7. Long I stayed there, my eye joyous,
While the halls of glory stood tall-pillared.

8. My siesta — leaves' shade, my friends —
Gardens, sans thorns or harshness.

9. My firm friendship spurns each hot-headed fool,
Vain, tall in pride, rash in his aims.

10. When he was generous, his wealth proclaimed ‘O Tariq!’
When he walked, his honor proclaimed ‘O Salim!’

11. No use remembering past joys
Unless I seek deeds of great renown.

12. It rouses my resolve — no dormancy here!
It wakes my wisdom — no sleep to fear!

13. My fortuned stars I watched till I was bored
As though staying lowly was fated for me.

14. Jesus I hindered from roving, and my act
Hindered the great king Mansur's travel.

15. A king whose mildness rent earth's mountains apart
And whose bounty sets the seas a-surge.

16. Who splits wealth after its accumulation
And in his comfort brings honors' union.

17. His gifts are for each seeker's taking
And his swords certain for each sinner.

18. He keeps each settled man in comfort
As his swords unseat each stirring rebel.

19. In his blade and its edge lie havoc,
In his palm and fingertips, waves of generosity.

20. He erased all mention of Amr and Antarah
And revived the repute of Ma'n and Hatim.

21. The palms' glories, which ever bind the world
About its neck like a ringdove.

22. Unwont to hoarding, unless appearing
With a lion's blow or erect, blade-wielding.

23. The exalted one leaves no lack of moisture
And hears no blamer's rebuke in his munificence.

24. Bent on sacrificing wealth, made happy
When his riches greet the morning shrouded.

25. Increased giving cannot match his bounty
Or trail regret like a repentant man.

26. A host for all, like springtime in its prime,
Its days in his shade like seasons fair.

27. Barefoot we trod his land's holy ground
As though treading lofty riches.

28. Though we fulfilled his due, we'd have walked
Upon live coals instead of cushions.

29. Time without end, men of pride journey to him
And gain wealth and spoils.