1. If this abode could speak, it would have marveled in wonder,
Or clapped in joyous rapture.

2. For it was visited today by one whose presence honored it,
As if its walls were gilded with gold.

3. Its dwellings almost danced to receive him,
Yet kept their dignity before him.

4. This trustee, in whose hands is Lebanon,
Guarding the trust of God as was His due.

5. He ruled the countries with gentle disposition,
And gentleness that severs better than a sword whoever it struck.

6. Blessed of face, prosperity comes wherever he came,
And good fortune goes with him wherever he went.

7. He invades adversities with unyielding wisdom,
Were it fire, he would have brought timber.

8. If his days were late in coming,
Yet he was early in the line of precedents.

9. Time had yearned for him until this day,
As the eager ones yearn for the choicest grapes.

10. I offered verses of my poetry, of which I was proud,
My home’s verses deemed themselves flames.

11. Today I posted them on the altar of his state,
Proudly, and in posting them shone among the Arabs.