1. Say to the eminent one who delights my hearing with joy
By mentioning one whom the heights of glory made a mount to ride

2. And hear the virtues we never would have believed
Had they not come reliably confirmed as news

3. Do not say where or how or who is astonished
Rather say blessed is He who gave and bestowed

4. For time has its favors though they are rare
The nights are pregnant with them however much they give birth to wonders

5. Among the men of Suwayda are those of mighty stature
Whose stature is no mere fancy or awe

6. They have generosities how many springs have overflowed from them
And what before was desolate turned fertile through them

7. Of the elite of the age they have won praise and glory
With excellent morals, resplendent honor, and seemliness

8. Among them most distinguished, of exalted worth, the most perfect
Quintessence of the East, whether in virtue or etiquette

9. The valiant, magnanimous horseman of the furthest Syria
Whose steeds outstripped steeds, and the select

10. The surpassing in righteousness, no doubt or suspicion
The truthful in righteousness, whether he spoke or wrote

11. Khalil Pasha al-Wafi the weaver, for whom eminence
Has woven garments, the venerable ones have spun

12. That prince who time boasted of
With auspicious stars unsetting in his sky

13. One most loyal in his service
Never leaving his side the length of ages

14. So were the pangs of distress to prick his fingers
By God's decree its brine would turn to honey

15. Or were the slippers of poverty and distress to tread him
I would find in the dust gold and the pebbles silver

16. Alas O brotherly love were you to seek a peer for him
Remember the Nile’s loyalty, cite excellent fragrance

17. And say to him whatever you wish, enumerate his merits
None knows merit save one whose nature tends toward it

18. Expound and detail the favors he bestows
And the hearing that thanks are due them, a duty

19. What excellent deeds, all wisdom
And what a wise one deserving praise

20. He bid farewell to Damascus, which weeps for him in sorrow
And planted its bounties; they grew more lush

21. He settled in Egypt, and its splendor shone
With the excellent work and fine things he chose there

22. And so wherever he headed he made prosperous
So that goodness became his sister and father

23. Do you not see his fortune everlasting
And the length of days extended in his life

24. With most perfect glory since his prosperity called on him
At the abode of joy he sought no increase or portion

25. He was excellent in his work with the gifts he was granted
By which the memory of his munificence lived on in posterity

26. What occurred of praise and pleasure
From the King, and royal favor drawing near

27. So his glory increased upon glory, and the amplest fortune was completed for him
That no effort came to

28. He won superiority with it, his brilliance doubled
So it was light upon light, radiance and captivation

29. With a rank, its limit the highest inflated
Its banner in the lofty heights erected

30. Field Marshall, though it outstrips this nobility in merit
And though its esteem surpasses in worth

31. And as for our mother, we thank her, her care for him unceasing
Heaven and stars at her service and sway

32. So ask not the reason for sadness that has afflicted a heart distraught with grief
For he who intends must pursue the means

33. Nor ask us, as news has arrived
Of his fine return, which delights the soul

34. We all said, congratulations!
You date it, with fortune, in the heights of ranks

35. Rejoicing we reciprocate the good tidings
And drink deep of wishes in his company

36. O ultimate aim in truth, and attainment in truth
Cream of glory, truly, and pride of fathers

37. There my congratulations I present
Hoping by them a share of your affection

38. Before it was a promotion, granted by the Caliph
God preserve him, a gift of His love

39. Thank your God, make use of His gifts
Keep to goodness, never lacking its saplings

40. And look with the eye of acceptance on a poem I composed
My love for you was the reason for it

41. And defend me from those who fault it
I am no poet, but love for you prevailed

42. And to my love hold fast if you wish
For love in me is sweeter than sap

43. Forever, whatever your state, and in future
Fortune guarantees, and favor is your due