1. I distract myself from thoughts of his farewell,
And restrain myself from spreading news I hear of him,

2. My patience at the pangs of parting was no more
Than the patience of death at the moment of its struggle,

3. While we are in Damascus, serving one
Whose spirit overflows its breast however much it expands

4. The greatest defender of the faith, son of its protector,
Guardian of its pillars and warden of its marches,

5. On the eve of farewells to great deeds and glories,
While all that gives pride to the world lies in its quarters,

6. I left not Damascus nor did delight there leave me -
Its dwellings and farms were my intimate companions

7. Except that I cannot be pleased to see there
Other than him over its nobles and commoners alike,

8. What heart after the day of his departure
Remains unrent by grief and parting?

9. O you who travel from Damascus where
Justice has found rest in its vales and hills,

10. And O you who come, nay who leave our lands
While renown from his rays fills every earth,

11. Forget not a servant whose fame has reached
Your lofty court, exalted when cut off,

12. He whose allegiance was to the fierce lions
Has wealth in his time against loss,

13. You who before I praised by name
And left lasting fame by celebrating his making