1. Meaning and darkness were put to the test,
While night had no friend or sickle.

2. Stars raced down every path,
Halting like a restless, sleepless shepherd.

3. If he watched them absentmindedly,
He guarded them with a heedless gaze.

4. O night that passed but did not change,
You are nothing but empty wasteland.

5. By God, if you were empowered to act
Against the dawn, you would not dare.

6. Or if you sought out swords against the armies of daybreak,
You would not be to my enemies as you are to me.

7. I spent the night suffering while fate turned,
The cup neither emptying nor filling.

8. My cheek drinks from my tears and their outpouring,
From one eye and from a stream.

9. Yearning is a fire amidst the ashes of grief,
Thought kindles it and darkness is illuminated.

10. My heart stands guard over my ribs
As if it were the bell in a temple.

11. Through my torment I came close to the Lord of souls
And the footsteps of the happiest fate.

12. Greetings Lord of the Nile, Lord of villages,
Lord of wide plains more numerous than slopes.

13. Uniter of twenty into one,
Wearer of two crowns in the assembly.

14. Who drags his train across the century,
Above the kings of earlier times.

15. Greetings to our Master, welcome to Him,
Hail to the favored Lord.

16. Mounted on the back of glory with honor,
If fate gestured he would not descend.

17. Bestower of abundant gifts from himself,
From his ancestor, from his generous ancestor.

18. Who made the nation by his justice,
Grace between shade and watering place.

19. Capital of the Nile, rejoice and be merry,
And put on all kinds of finery today.

20. Parade horses and extend hands
With palms. And you, palace, delight

21. And plead. Bring scholars the revealed knowledge.
And let the delegation draw near their Lord.

22. Provide shade and give shade.
And you, Egypt's sons, hurry and plead

23. For the protection of Egypt's Master and haven.
This to you is the face of dew and guidance,

24. So receive him in the best reception.