1. No passage of time makes the hills subside,
Save the constant plodding of feet and the hardship of wayfarers,

2. Save when the obstinate mortal summoned them,
Then crossing the wasteland was extremely arduous!

3. They negated the water-skin and the leather bucket,
Carriers of the errant winds.

4. So they set out like the bow or even like arrows,
And the bowsman reached his target.

5. Where the water-skins cannot keep up when running,
After they had kept up with the light runners.

6. In seven nights they performed the deeds of seven lean years,
And reached the Nile of Egypt before the arrival of carriers and slaves.

7. When they marched in the fertile meadow,
The pasture of Anemones and goats,

8. And descended comfortably in a state,
Where dwelling sufficed the perfect host.

9. So its pride and son of its pride are the essence of sovereignty,
The lord of highness brought up in chastity.

10. The noblest lineage, soul and ambition,
And the most generous character and traits.

11. Of radiant visage that eyelids refuse shelter,
And dwelling in open space not in pages.

12. So I sought refuge from all types of disgrace,
Since I sought refuge with the noblest of nobles.

13. And I praised the times in the presence of glories,
Unequalled throughout thousands of halcyon days.

14. They did not condemn living in a refuge, mansion or resort,
So I forgot every fair patron,

15. In the presence of a patron with folded sleeves,
Seeking his glory, hoping his hopes, whose hospitality is hospitable.

16. Prejudiced in obstinacy the course of persistence, prejudice of the horrific prejudice.
While awake, he is not devoid of dew, and when asleep, the visitor reaches him.

17. A benefactor whom calumnies are distant from,
As distant as his appointment was from betrayal.

18. O few helpers in the ranks of glory, peerless and granter of thousands!
How many a brother in time surpassed his brother,

19. By a deed that reveals the contrasts!
Just as the praise of ‘Abd Shams surpassed

20. That which Hashim the son of ‘Abd Manāf attained
By a deed that made him eponymous and forgettable the mention of ‘Amr,

21. And ‘Amr is no faintheart.
All came making pilgrimage at your abode hoping for

22. That which the pilgrims hope for during circumambulation.
Where the pastureland of glory is not extending

23. And the hopes of wishes are not sound.
You are the protection of mankind, even if

24. Youbuilt them, still they would crumble without accord.
Did the bird ever arrive with news

25. Except exposing the failing of the rest?
For the Lord of worship from you are swords

26. That need no sharpening.
You protected religion with rapprochement and dignity

27. While it was vulnerable to rapprochement.
And steadfastness to warring with enemies,

28. And steadfastness under the pounding catapult.
And tomorrow mankind will know them by their mark,

29. Men from you on the Heights.
You have unlocked the chests of the proud

30. And the pride of the generous suffices.
And if praise circulates among people one day,

31. You will exclusively obtain the share and favor.
With casuals the date palms and orchards are erased and forgotten

32. Better than one bought by usury.
Of it for you are multiples of what the deluge takes

33. After insistence and depletion.
And for them parts equal to what the thief leaves

34. After admission to the witness.
Or how your gifts surpassed

35. Your surplus when censured with extravagance.
Then take exclusive exaltation, O son of Abī Ya‘lā

36. Like the exclusivity of heavens in elevation!
Not like a people who long asked

37. Then referred to their ancestors.
They chronicled in papers of pride

38. An account that sinks into decadence.
Whoever had his home in al-Thurayyā

39. And with it became a swimmer without fatigue,
Theirs are nomad’s houses wherein no landmarks remain

40. Save the funnels and pegs.
One day they sense no blame.

41. Can the cicada feel the pinch of the blacksmith’s tongs?
Creation was misguided, and you were guided,

42. So your effects among the noble deeds are unequalled.
Those who hope in you did not accept

43. In the arena of purpose, or accept sufficiency.
Noble deeds wherein you were ascribed aggression

44. While you are the essence of integrity.
I used to hope from one in whom hope could not be placed,

45. Thus time tries and grants wellbeing.
Thus have I told greediness, “Away with you!”

46. And when times bring hardship, then wellbeing!
And my admission of ignorance is an excuse and a basis;

47. Transgression is obliterated by admission.
My hopes in you came to fruition,

48. While the days tired me out in contrast.
Just as death attains the ghoul,

49. Not health to the invalid.
And you were kind in acquiring my praise

50. With frequent gentleness and favours.
Between consideration, by which the swordsman’s hand is adorned,

51. And consideration to the dart-thrower of slices.
You gave me without asking and conferred kindness upon kindness.