1. My excuse for you is blame if I complain of love’s burning, it chides me bitterly.
No, by your father, I have lost no patience, nor in loving you have I done wrong.

2. Blame for loving you is unjust, if I love the like of you, that I’m blamed.
You made lawful from my visitation unlawful, and made unlawful from my estrangement lawful.

3. Give me a look of one hoping for reward or fearing sins.
You will see a burning liver, sleepless eyes, and a love-mad heart.

4. The abode of ‘Alwa drew near, then far - is there a rider to convey it greetings?
And its specter renewed blame and reproach - we’re accustomed to nothing but trials.

5. How many a night have I passed, watered by its eyes and hands with wine!
We shared the night, kissing and embracing, and spent it hugging and adhering.

6. And it knew I neither failed a tryst nor slackened a covenant.
If our camp has become Irāq, radiant, and its weather Syria,

7. I have brought it only affection, and increased through it only love-longing.
Ja‘far’s caliphate is justice, safety, and clemency that goes on embracing all people.

8. Wondrous in gifts – you see necks of wealth before him bowing in humbleness.
When he grants pearls, you see a face whose beauty rivals the full moon.

9. Wealthy he is, to vaunt or aspire! Sublime, to vaunt or aspire!
You flooded people with grace, nobility, true favor, and vengeance.

10. We count for you the cupbearer, prayer niche, pillars, and standing-place.
Virtues you have weighed against glory, but they decreased not, and with them you have eternalized your name.

11. Had the caliphs contended with you one day over those who follow your creed and resolution,
Would you not be more generous than them, more forceful of blade?

12. Had the imams assembled in one spot, you would have been for them imam.
Opposing your command is disobedience to God, denying your right is to meet sins.

13. No true Muslim he who did not give precedence to your friendship, even if he prayed and fasted.
You were famed in every land’s horizons, lions of the white [sword] blades and sturdy heroes.

14. You took the lead, though advancement is hated, charging the deadly press.
God’s trustee! Abide for us unharmed, continuing in well-being and permanence!

15. I see the beauties of Mutawwakiliyya have become perfected and achieved perfection.
Palaces like gleaming stars, almost giving light to one who has lost his way in the dark.

16. A land like the cool of Washi’s wool - upon it the produce of gardens is spread and aromatic plants.
When spring lightens, it puts on its brocade, valleys of al-Muzn, and the scented east wind.

17. Marvels among the kinds of plants - selections of single blossoms and pairs.
Morning and evening it exchanges laughter with them - upon it the rain harmonizes in harmony.

18. Had a cloud not announced it with its dripping, you would have been a cloud for it.