1. To Hussein, ruler of Al Qanat
An example of good manners among men

2. I send sincere greetings as sincere as his manners
With respect that is but a fraction of what he deserves

3. I will keep my promise to him with resolve
And honesty in affection for him and in passion as well

4. It is known amongst companions
That gift-giving stirs up love

5. You have flowers and I have poetry
Both are rare in what is told

6. I have heard from trusted sources
That you are king of all plants

7. Your flowers have a splendor unlike any other
You almost seem to create them out of attentive care

8. The narcissus’ eye has not seen your equal
After the refined kings of Andalusia

9. I have in my melodious gardens
A meadow above the fragrant plain

10. I came to request and ask
I will be content with a handful and not overburden

11. Ten flower bushes of unmatched rarity
That only bloom in the governor’s gardens

12. Thriving and blossoming in winter and summer
And gathering colors like a rainbow’s arc

13. Send them entrusted to my care
If they perish I have the right to their equivalent

14. The right to the watering can as well is mine
And instruction for the servant on how to water

15. After this I will visit you
So you can tour around my meadow

16. If you oblige, rhymes will do
What is more beautiful than flowers’ deeds

17. For I have never seen in my life
Anything adorn a man among people like praise