1. Where does the flowering branch rest, where does the sun set upon it?
If only my hand could write the verses to describe it

2. A longing soul sees the ruins and wilderness that remains
After the landmark was erased and the pact was broken

3. Separation cleaved it then a heart that was rock
Returned through passion low and vile

4. Its tears exposed it while the last pearl fell
From his cheek almost forgotten in slumber

5. He nearly forgets the beauty of Damascus
When its mixture separated from him

6. He wishes he could envision it and if not for
Affliction grazing his sight he would not have attained it at all

7. Raising the ignorant and foolish beyond measure
Acting arbitrarily and boastful in deeds and self

8. Graceful, he leans toward you but his heart is stone
Nay, it is harder than stone

9. The days have taught him the ways of evasion
And the nights have imbued cunning and fraudulence in him

10. I repeat his memory and if not for it
My pillow would not have gained soft silk

11. Beauty flourished in the garden of his cheek, roses
Wilting, shedding their color, their petals fading

12. How often with deceits have I watered it
Thrice one day, five times the next

13. I stir the wine in discourse but there is no
Profound meaning sensed in that discourse

14. I know not whether it is the essence of his cheek
Or just the spices in the wine I taste

15. When my eyelashes perceived his cheek, was it
That my heart pitied him or grieved over him

16. And I lost all aid in passion, if you likened
This dear one to anyone of his ilk and nature

17. The intuitive one almost guesses what
The days may bring in intuition and perception

18. It is Mohammad Al-Nadim whom I mean
Surpassing in sagacity and supreme in eloquence

19. The most generous of people in nature and giving
And in defying the times mighty and bold

20. His ring stamped high distinction and he was first
To glory so the seal-ring and yesterday became one

21. He brought honor perfectly ripened from the branches
Of greatness too lofty for anyone to touch

22. Of finer manners than a garden, more beautiful than
Splendor and most friendly and companionable

23. His high principles spread as he roamed proud
Exuding fragrance, prestigious, his origins most fragrant

24. Visit him to see the brightest full moons
Depicting a soul of the angels in holiness

25. Whenever we see him it is as if spring
In its bloom, and life itself is but a wedding

26. O most honored of men in status, most chaste
In high principles, highest branch and noblest soul

27. Would that good fortune let you drink from the pure
Wine its draught after serving me from your cup

28. All merit beside you is a cloak worn in falsehood
While from you doubt not the garb is donned

29. And we see the merit in you, glory a heritage
Upon you dignity and precedence imposed and withheld

30. The days wish if only I were a verse
And the nights if only I were sweet poetry describing you

31. You have with me rights and bonds
Remaining, and a blessing that shall not be forgotten