1. They laughed at the grief of departing youth,
And cried at the laughter of shimmering old age.

2. They gnawed at the steeds of my resolve with resolve,
Leaving in my heart an irremediable wound.

3. And they tested my nature to find me
Magnanimous in giving, though vexed within.

4. They were amazed I relinquished my treasured belongings,
Just as Ja'far was amazed at such magnanimity.

5. A king whose desires incline to benefaction
Will clasp the palm of one made prosperous by him.

6. A king whose keys to munificence are in his left hand,
While his right hand holds the shackle-key of the destitute.

7. A king, when poetry is bewildered by eloquence,
Becomes its guide out of perplexity.

8. O you who give me glad tidings of wealth's causes,
In your face are glad tidings for the hopeful!

9. Boast of your generosity, not your pride, for
Your generosity spreads what your pride concealed.

10. O Abu l-Fadl, who by his generosity
Brought my watering-place near to my spring,

11. Live in safety, and build greatness with the hand of bounty,
So you may be a foe to the profiteer.

12. I see the fruit of praise burgeoning,
Its branches trembling over the palace pillars.

13. Were it not for you, I'd never have slipped the bridle of eulogy
Or opened the saddlebags of my gratitude,

14. And I'd scarcely have saddled the steeds of praise
Except to return from them unsuccessful.

15. Was not my homeland in your lands, and passion
Grazing in the abode of al-Buhturi?

16. I take refuge in your name from your being like one
Whose help is not to be hoped for or who yields no fruit.

17. And know that I stand not boasting of you,
Though I praise without forewarning in my praise of you.