1. My praise of your virtues is an obligation,
And for others in all gatherings an obligation.

2. You are a merciful sultan, supported,
With justice in rulings according to Islamic law, an expert.

3. You are the truthful, confident imam whose light
Has illuminated the West from your face.

4. In green Tunisia over all the people
Your hands are like stars before being asked.

5. Your sword in battles is sharp
Before which enemies and troops bow down.

6. You are the supporter of the religion of God and the kingdom
And your army in all clashes is victorious.

7. O honor of whoever comes to you in peace
And humiliation of whoever opposes you in war!

8. He has failed in this life and the next in disgrace and torment
And ways of escape have narrowed for him in fleeing.

9. With your resolve on the day of battle misfortunes poured
Upon whoever betrayed or transgressed and assaulted.

10. O prosperity of countries which you lead!
Your gifts have spread through them from your comfort.

11. My praise cannot encompass your peerless eminence
And your virtues have transcended enumeration.

12. Below you in glory, honor, and elevation
Are heavenly bodies adorned with stars.

13. And though I am the literatus of Egypt
And composing sweet verse comes naturally to me,

14. I only compose poetry out of refinement
And am not motivated for it by acquisitions.

15. Because I am esteemed in my country, drawn near,
And foreigners there have submitted to my precedence,

16. I am not needy or seeking wealth
And positions have not deluded me.

17. So I am incapable of refining your praise
Being feeble-minded, incompetent for what is appropriate.

18. But my love for your eminence is what
Has opened for me the door to praise you.

19. How could it not when my affiliation to Tunis
Has raised me to the peak of pride and nobility?

20. Since my ancestors proliferated there
And I had relatives from it and in it.

21. Therefore my yearning for it increases
While my spirit remains in Egypt dwelling.

22. Especially when its rule was assumed by you
And processions revolved around you protecting it.

23. You established in it foundations of justice
For which children and elders give thanks.

24. You deputized the judicious Sa'id in Egypt
To execute affairs overseeing,

25. To aid the wronged and deter the unjust
And judge, erasing troubles.

26. So he acted in ways that please you
A magnificent, experienced hero.

27. Ibn Dahman's conduct is praiseworthy and his reason
Is correct, his mind in understanding piercing.

28. That selection is one in which every trustee
Is rightly guided, abundant in wisdom.

29. My excuse for falling short, I hope you'll accept
Since you are truly inclined to pardon.

30. Illness distracted me from praise for a time
Or else I would not have neglected praising you.

31. But now that I have recovered, praise comes
Racing to you on mounts.

32. This gift to you from me is suitable
To my condition and apology.

33. So accept its greeting with what you deserve
Of clemency for what the writer has not polished.

34. And say: If my servant erred, we meet
Mistakes with forgiveness, whoever is absent.

35. Live sublimely clothed in kingship, confident
In enduring, as long as critic and praised live.

36. Continue in noble deeds, holding their reins,
And sending their winds to our Lord.

37. You are for Islam in the West like the Kaaba,
Through which seekers fulfill hopes.