1. I heard that a peacock
Came one day to Solomon

2. Dragging, without the bird envoys,
Tails and feathers.

3. Showing its feathers at times
And hiding them at others.

4. So it said: I have an issue
I think it's time I present it

5. So I have come to lay it
At the threshold of my Master.

6. Am I not the meadow with flowers
And lights decorated?

7. Have I not been granted the perfections
Of form and color?

8. Have I not by your court
Become king of all birds?

9. How then is it fitting that I stay
While my people are idols?

10. For the beauty of voice has been
Denied to me.

11. I have not captivated hearts
Nor intoxicated ears.

12. And the most wretched of birds
Excells me in singing.

13. Kings shake for him
When he flutters branches.

14. So Solomon said to him:
What's happened has happened.

15. Exalted is the wisdom of the Creator,
His work sublime in glory.

16. You have belittled, O ungrateful one,
God's blessings showing ingratitude.

17. The kingdom of birds which you did not care for
Arrogantly and tyrannically.

18. Had you been given a voice
You would not have spoken to humans.