1. If destroyed things could be restored by generosity,
The generous acts would have kept the pillars of generosity intact.

2. And preserved the refined youthful hands
That collared the necks of slaves with dew.

3. And if pigeons warded off with fluttering,
Pecking and cooing, the red snakes and enemies,

4. On the day of disturbance, brave pigeons,
Ruffling the white feathers before the enemies,

5. And wild pigeons shaded by the foliage
Of bending branches walking slowly among the nests

6. With sailboards that make the waves of death appear
In their limpid decks as locusts' eyes.

7. Every sincere separation is loath to turn,
To bloodshed but days run their course among people

8. To meet the appointed terms as the racers run.
How can you hope for stay while people are travelling?

9. We ride and fate is the leader.
Where is the Lord of the Throne and the White Palace

10. Or where is the Lord of the Pillared Palace?
The causes of death's separation have destroyed

11. Pharaoh of lofty pillars.
I do not depend on time which has led

12. My Master whom I depended on to his end.
Of long shadows, short waterskin, open favours, long generosity,

13. Extravagant in generosity, deluded by munificence
That moderation lies in extravagance.

14. No breeze of pride made his sides swing
Nor did the rein of obstinacy guide him.

15. A ruler who judged the expectant regarding wealth
And a judge who ruled for the execution of enemies.

16. Among the people, the course of justice spread from him
Like the movement of souls in the bodies.

17. The sun of the religion whose laws controlled
Rulings like the regulation of money by numbers.

18. Many a clemency in it dormant severity
Like the burning heat latent in tinder.

19. Awe that quenches the thirst of the intimidated
And a speech that slakes the thirst of arid souls.

20. And a criticism which when the darkness of doubt disperses,
Its light makes it disappear like fuel in fire.

21. And a mellifluous debate in which sarcasm hides
As if the enemy in it is in a suit of armour.

22. Of gentle disposition and harsh constitution,
Sincere conscience and empty heart.

23. He was served by the whites and the mourners when he was
A child like the nestlings of a clever fowler.

24. So when he raced on the Tarsus track,
Fear ran in the hearts of enemies.

25. He uttered words in prose and brought
Meanings coupled in a polished style.

26. We have not seen before its course a line
Radiant with light in the darkness of ink.

27. Every line - its blackness is in white
And its whiteness you see in black.

28. Where is the fertility of loins in the empty era
And abundance in the barren years?

29. Where is the generous, easy to reach, when
Easy to reach was not the same as generous?

30. Days robbed him stealthily though he was
Submissive to their harshness in grave affairs,

31. And because he was lost, his kin thereafter
Wore mourning clothes for this reason.

32. He was a support to the hopeful so at his loss
His pillars shook among the pillars.

33. He was the beauty of children and wealth, indeed if
Anything was more beautiful with wealth and children.

34. O sword, the earth's surface does not remain
Empty of glory for it after him.

35. You were quick to kindness on the day of dew
And to warding off harm the day of decline.

36. Which caller to generosity were you not
Present at with favours and your mention lasting?

37. After you, bounty became poverty
And noble deeds unbroken steeds.

38. And generosity passed away the day you passed away
Were you both then at a promised time?

39. It is hard for bounty to be obscure while among people
The fragrance of your mention remains.

40. Or generosity is called but your favours do not
Precede the caller's call.

41. A slumber you never tasted before it
The flavour of tranquil rest.

42. We did not witness before it a state for you
Empty of envy.

43. May God reward you well for patience and fine eulogies
And consolation of prose and verse.

44. And may God prolong the life of my elegies
For I swear to persevere in their creation.

45. Though my tears were perfumes and torrents
They watered your grave.

46. By my life, I have commanded my tears
To suffice me instead of the tears of grievers.