1. She knew my passion burned for her in my heart,
So she grew distant, glancing at me listlessly.

2. She veiled herself when she saw me visiting,
Is this how a lover should be treated when visiting?

3. If aloofness pleased her, then indeed
I love keeping apart, like a startled gazelle.

4. Hayfa, jewellery weighs her down and her face
Is lovelier and more alluring than the jewels of a Samaritan.

5. Do not deny I am smitten with her, for her eyes
Have condemned me, with an overwhelming judgement.

6. Or have you not seen her stature and lips,
Like the thrust of a lance, and the sorcery of a bewitcher.

7. And whenever I gestured discreetly, wanting something,
She was heedless, speaking of other things.

8. I cannot forget when she said, “I knew you were fearful
Of the pitfalls in these unsettled times.”

9. When asked who I took revenge on, I replied eagerly,
“I took revenge through Ahmad ibn al-Nasir.”

10. She said, “You were victorious, so trust in your good fortune,
Vast is the field for one who arrives and departs.”

11. No man can compare to the one you mentioned, do not say
Among a thousand there is one like this rare man.

12. Who sees him and does not say of him,
“How much remains from beginning to end!”

13. He inherited sovereignty from his father and grandfather,
Generations of the great, from one great man to another.

14. And truly, after hardship befell him,
I arrived ruffled and crumpled under the wing of a bird.

15. Evil watches me at every turn,
Mocking me maliciously with a treacherous face.

16. But as soon as I touched his palm,
I felt delight spread through my heart.

17. O family of Naji, you are all, because of him,
Worthy of praise, and appreciative of the appreciator.

18. Indeed, virtuous merits in all their varieties
Have gathered in your house, every ample share.

19. None between a champion, or a provincial governor,
Or an ocean of excellence, or chief man of prestige.

20. O master, his generosity has restored my honour,
And given me life through timely good.

21. A noble nature in the generous man is instinctive,
Hidden, yet his handsome appearance reveals it.

22. May your Lord keep you safe and sound, in bliss,
Until you live out the lifetime of your glorious ancestor.