1. Do I pour dew over the narcissus,
Or is it the breeze of the garden beneath the Indian jasmine?

2. Or is it a string of pearls, a well-arranged necklace,
That brings together all that is precious and cherished?

3. Or is it an ode that came to me from a king,
A righteous king with a gentle spirit?

4. My thoughts were confused by its creativity,
Perplexed, my eloquence failed me.

5. I passed it on, wavering between an ambitious plain
And a gloomy, despairing valley.

6. O joyful breath of my father Abu al-Qasim, be calm!
O ray of the rising sun, shine!

7. O most gracious and gentle nature, smile!
O difficult and haughty spirit, frown!

8. O beauty of the departing procession, when
He walked in it, O splendor of the gathering!

9. You were not satisfied that I clothed you
With blessings that recall the bygone finery,

10. So you were gracious and adorned me
As a client dressed in splendor.

11. Yours is praise that exalts, its pride
Is sublime, the most fragrant scent.

12. The prime of glory was honored by a proposal
From you, and the groom rejoiced.

13. You are granted support, victory shines on you,
Sweet and mighty triumph.

14. And sip the honeyed drink of speckled victory
That you collect from the grey grouse,

15. And gently handle good fortune in the hand of wishes,
So that your works shine like goblets.

16. Thus the course of fate, however you desire it,
Climbing in its breast, does not shudder.