1. I have many benefactors, more numerous
Than my enumeration of them here.

2. Though people forget their benefaction
Upon you, promises are brought to mind.

3. If I was neglected after being nurtured,
And forgotten until called unkempt and dusty,

4. And was appointed to a task whose harm to me
Was quick, while its benefit delayed,

5. I go to and fro therein as an industrious worker
Whose palms turned yellow, so how have I endured!

6. When I sell my protection and dignity
For hunger, who could I blame and take to task?

7. How excellent are works in every condition
When ease and benefit can be derived!

8. But when they weary and weigh upon the youth,
They are not praiseworthy - rather something to forbid.

9. Abu Abdillah is a master who could,
Were my condition brought to his attention, effect change.

10. By his grace he has the means
To transform, though characters may alter.

11. And if he is like brass that tarnishes others
While he remains red despite what came upon him,

12. I will hold back blame from him against every critic
To protect him as long as I can hold back.

13. And I will excuse him as long as there is room for excuses,
And wait for him as long as the soul can wait.

14. And I will count on him one day to be moved
To do for my affair that which is most sublime.

15. And Abu Abdillah's soul is too noble
To see him tortured and blamed.

16. Nor is it apt to blame him
Until it sees him rewarded and thanked -

17. I mean Abu Abdillah, and do not say
I intended the ordained destiny.

18. For in the matter, if you see it facilitated,
And in the matter, if you find it difficult,

19. Do I thirst when your valley has plenty
And wither when your valley is green?

20. That one disdained that your nobility
Is your nature, and that you live honored and praised,

21. And that you do not prefer over truth the pleasure
Of judging by passion. Truth with you takes precedence.

22. And you have continued to choose matters wisely,
The most excellent course being what you select.