1. Do you know the quarter most glorious?
Its people departed and vanished

2. Due to my wickedness, though pardoned,
Or turned to ghosts or mirage.

3. The winds blew over it
From south and north alike,

4. Many a gazelle once frolicked there
Filling the eyes with beauty.

5. The ruined abodes will deceive your eye
As though adorned with a grazing gazelle,

6. In meadows once trodden by does
Stately walking with swelling bellies.

7. Branches have changed into spears
With tips made long by points.

8. How many bright eyes have they soothed
With morning draughts and kohl!

9. Deserts clad by the darkness of night
With majestic garb.

10. I moored my camel in a ruin
Overtaking the swift rumen.

11. It fills me with joy at evening
And completes the cords in the morning,

12. A sleek smooth-necked she-camel
Outstripping the glance of an eye.

13. While it was of Ibrahim's camels
Seeking refuge if scarred.

14. Best is he who pitched his tent
Where the saddled camels knelt.

15. Ibrahim cared not for riches
On his right or left.

16. Whenever a steed was counted
His, it proved unsound.

17. Would that my enemies possessed
For Abu Ishaq riches!

18. He was munificent until reaping bounty
And uprooting begging.

19. He never said: ‘I will act’
Unless following words with deeds.

20. Most generous of men, even if
Becoming poorest of all.

21. O Abu Ishaq, if you inventoried
Your wealth, it would say:

22. 'Why does the man complain of you
When the penniless cry in weariness?

23. Why, when you gained some of it
And others took a share as agents?'

24. Do you see any unlawful coin
And regard any as lawful?'

25. O young man who by his munificence
Vanquishes men and men!

26. Whenever the champions were compared with you
They did not equal a span.