1. With the form of a slender gazelle I was smitten,
Turning around, mocking a timid rabbit.

2. She glanced at me with eyes like a sharp sword,
Capable of overcoming the strongest armor.

3. She shot my heart with the arrows of her frowning brows,
Arrows that go astray and know no mercy.

4. By her braided hair, her radiant forehead,
Her languid eyelids known for drowsiness.

5. By the rose of her cheeks and the mole that appeared
To guard her blossoming beauty.

6. By the pearl that glows with the order of its form
And the fragrance of her sweet breath.

7. By her neck as graceful as the stem of a flower
Adorned with pearls that rival the glow of embers.

8. Even if those who blame me fight withdrawal
From the only comfort not marred by doubts.

9. I won’t recoil from my love of her,
Despite the betrayal of a slanderous critic.

10. My critic, how can I find solace when she
Has stolen all my senses in her siege?

11. She has conquered a heart that before love
Was like a towering mountain crag.

12. Or like iron, safe from the heat of passion,
Before it was forged by the merciless flame.

13. Far be it from me to turn away from love
Except to praise the Minister, the Crown Prince.

14. Tawfiq, the generous one whose knowledge
Surpasses the wisdom of Abbasid rule.

15. His views on governance made Qays seem wanting,
His intellect enlivened the brilliance of Iyas.

16. He surpassed all mankind in merits
Too many to be contained in a book.

17. Generosity, eloquence, loyalty to his word
Without forgetfulness or apathy.

18. Clemency, kindness, and pardon that guides
The hostile soul to familiarity.

19. O patron whose grant brought me back
From the brink of poverty and ruin.

20. I spurred the steed of my thoughts into verse
And raced to sing your praises.

21. I cannot fully thank your generosity
Freely given, with no plea from me.

22. For though others boast some virtues,
You have achieved the greatest fame.

23. Accept my apology and welcome
This praise sung sincerely without artifice.

24. Grant success to the state of your father, founded
In Egypt on unshakable foundations.

25. You remain victorious with him as long
As the gentle breeze stirs the banners.

26. As long as your command makes your time joyful
And the fountain of your kindness comforts the destitute.

27. As beautifully as I began with gratitude,
I was smitten by the form of a slender gazelle.