1. If you delay, though you delayed gratifying union,
For ancient knowledge and the decree of Providence,

2. You are too lofty to have wronged by delaying lately,
According to the justice you decree in truth.

3. And in the wisdom of delay there is a conquering glory
And the providence of the Lord and impossibility of partnership.

4. You delay whatever you delayed in its resting-place,
So that hastening it is not possible by cunning.

5. And he for whom the binding of delay is in fetters of His decree,
That prisoner cannot be ransomed for any ransom.

6. And how should one who is impotent overstep his limit,
If you do not will to hasten him the length of a step?

7. And in consideration of the Name Delayed there is a power
That disables all strength and ability.

8. You looked behind and delayed their steps,
And forwarded a generation rank after rank.

9. In both these views, the command and decree concerning them
Accord with the judgement of the eternal consideration.

10. By the right of Your Name, the Most High, the Delayer, stop me
With it from my rashness, from passion in which is my misery,

11. And divert my enemies from the aims of their questionings,
For they have evil that has encompassed my solitude.