1. We clung to the ties of the minister but found
No access to him, nor gifts from his hand.

2. He flowed on leaving the boastful behind
And gave, but gave sparingly, nothing grand.

3. No special favors he showed petitioners;
His gifts to seekers were only what they had.

4. Long of hand, his gifts were never assessed
As sire’s; in deed and gift he was not like dad.

5. When Shaiban ibn Tha'alaba held sway
He gladly let the noble house rule, spread its glory.

6. We were blessed through him when the land was wet,
And got from the dew of his palm freshness and glee.

7. No rain whose procession his rule maintained
With more liberal mood or plenty, I say.

8. Good for me that you delayed and tarried
As if you thought I’d abandoned you purposely!

9. When will you, best companion, return
With blame that you see me no more merry?

10. I wear no mourning, see no good in dust
If eyes in the blackened get no victory.

11. If you're a beaming light, our path to you
Is over darkness dismally obscure, I guarantee.

12. Had Baghdad kept tryst like Wasit’s
I'd have failed not to hymn its success sincerely.

13. Nor did I, Ibn Al-Anjum’s bright star, leave you
Forsaking your famed gifts completely.

14. I pray, don't let people take you
As model when seeking rejection coldly.

15. My song to you was no forgetfulness;
Why then no cash for it forthrightly?