1. He obeyed his reproacher in love when he gave advice,
Yet he was intoxicated with the drunkenness of passion and became sober.

2. So the cooing of the doves does not arouse him when
The doves coo on the branches or chirp loudly.

3. Nor do his tears flow for the little branches
Even if he moans and goes beyond the sand dunes.

4. Sometimes the ruins evoke his tears
And lightning from Najd startles him when it flashes.

5. My yearning was not novel that day, nor
Were my tears the first to flow in passion and pour forth.

6. But for a nation I was engrossed by its ancientness
For which grey hair did not excuse me nor overlook.

7. When I forget the love of Layla, an apparition
Travels in the blackness of night when it spreads its wings.

8. It drew near me from afar and kept me awake
Until the light of dawn shone clearly.

9. I was astonished at how it crossed the plain out of concealment
And traversed the sands without stopping or resting.

10. Behold! The efforts of those hopeful have succeeded,
And the door of bounty has been opened wide.

11. How excellent is he whose initial action is good,
While he is unseeing, and whose words earn praise.

12. He restored virtues amongst us after they were lost
And brought generosity near after it had recoiled.

13. He does not become angry when dignity envelops him,
Nor do his sides stir when he jokes.

14. His determination softened to the pliable palm branches,
And if his forbearance were weighed, it would prevail.

15. He persisted in a generosity that seeks no substitute,
Even if a reproacher blames him and finds fault.

16. O king, fulfiller of his promise!
The radiance of the sun beamed for the eyes at dawn.

17. There, the most honorable of all people
Came to you in the morning, happy and refreshed,

18. Pleased to drink it for a while, and saddened
That no goblet competes with him in drinking it.

19. You became ill, or he became worried about you,
So restore us to wellness just as you brought reconciliation.