1. Poetry is but a melody
In which the inspired one excels

2. The sad and the infatuated lament in it
And the lovesick and the devoted recite it

3. The listener cried over hearing it
His tears harmonizing

4. Just as the reciter cried
When he was composing it

5. The suffering know nothing
In life but suffering

6. Weep, for the tears
Of the weeping are solace for them

7. Does not the tearful smile
Appear on the face of the sorrowful?

8. A thousand live miserably
And one in bliss

9. Poetry is neither meter nor
Rhyme to be adhered to

10. Rather it is a rebellious meaning
That words have restrained

11. Its bonds almost unravel
From its rebellion

12. And poetry is music that shakes
The soul with its melody

13. Sometimes it relaxes it
And sometimes it gathers it

14. And sometimes it builds hopes
And sometimes it destroys them

15. It is for a people whose
Era has passed in mourning

16. And it is for a group who
Were wedded with a lyre that sings

17. It is for those whose
Morals have been corrected

18. The early ones began
And the later ones completed

19. It is a lofty sky
With stars illuminating it

20. It is a feeling that ignites
The feelings of the listeners

21. It is the hues of imagination
Infused into life

22. It is, when it addresses virtues
The foremost in mentions

23. The master poet - it is from
Himself that he is taught

24. His worries compose for him
And life inspires him

25. Until when passion boils
Words represent it

26. I love the singing and the
Melody from merriment

27. It is upon a branch of flowers
And leaves that perch

28. With your singing my heart flutters
O melody I am enamored

29. For you translate what is in my mind
Of sorrows

30. Poetry in its homeland
Has been angered as it suppressed

31. There is a group that says of it
What they do not know

32. Most criticism has ulterior motives
And is suspect

33. And how much critics poison
Their swords and attack

34. Nothing extinguishes the fires
Of their hatred but blood

35. If criticism judged fairly
It would be excellent judgment

36. But it is unjust in its rulings
And oppresses

37. As for sincere criticism
Its benefit is undisputed

38. Yet much good poetry
They have insulted and defamed

39. Denying its beauty
As if they were blind to it

40. Poetry may rise up enraged
And take revenge

41. Woe to those struck
By its flaming embers

42. When poetry casts, arrows fly
And no arrows return fruitless

43. Then every critic wishes
He could make peace

44. And a wedding that brought joy
To some turns into mourning for them

45. For those who criticize it
Hit a rock and are injured

46. It is best for them to flee
For that is safer

47. Poetry does not fear criticism
Its sword is unblunted

48. Its fire is true fire
And its gathering is momentous

49. No good in the criticism of one
Whose talk is nonsense

50. Falsehood and truth are not equal
To one who comprehends

51. This is a radiant day
And that is a dark night

52. Truth is treated with sanctity
While falsehood has no respect

53. They said poetry is dead
After those who preceded

54. They have lied, for poetry lives
Full of vitality

55. Live O poetry, for you are
The greatest leader

56. Under your banner hearts
Have gathered crowding

57. For they walk when you walk
Or settle when you settle

58. You are in life, O poetry
For me an established faith