1. I conjure you by God, from a lightning on a clouded night,
When you quenched the thirst of sadness, so the banners waved.

2. And you poured between them until you made them flow
With a torrent from Al-Wasmi, harmoniously mixed.

3. Abodes where the rain does not awake the deaf,
Nor does it pasture the herds of the dumb.

4. He stood reciting verses, to mend a disjointed tribe
Of Layla's kin, and a nation not united.

5. Among them may be the reddened wands of Isḥilah
Swaying amid the blush of roses and meadows.

6. Since the love of Layla is true, free of any doubt,
And the rope of Layla is new, not yet worn.

7. With her eyes she captures hearts wherever she glances
Until she finds in them some trace of sickness.

8. But her laughter reveals a graceful, gentle pace,
Its expressions disclose a refreshing, cool calm.

9. I would have concealed his love if an ardent longing
And unrestrained tears would allow concealment.

10. God bless the abode of Banu Khāqān, for they
Have excelled in noble manners and ethics.

11. A house where glory advanced and gathered
Were great ambitions and venerable lineages.

12. Those who flee indecency are distanced
From its shame by their sense of dignity and resolve.

13. The glory of the servants of God does not cease to earn them
Affection from the hearts of Arabs and non-Arabs alike.

14. The dew continues to extend to them a hand
Outreached from afar, from home and womb.

15. His critics blame him for his generosity
Towards morals they have not censured or blamed.

16. Al-Khirāq established the channels of kingship, so they flowed
With a steady stream of wise governance.

17. Firm in judgment, his youth left no trace,
Nor is he, when aged, neglectful of duties.

18. He has perfected forbearance and his wisdom intensified
Against enemies, though not reaching the limits of clemency.

19. How then, now his hair grayed and his experience matured,
Prudence is his armor and he has gained wisdom from nations?

20. A glance overlooking horizons, prowling over them
With an eye that did not sleep nor slumber over them.

21. His hearing is gentle towards callers; he spares no effort
For the most distant screamer, and is without arrogance.

22. When the desperate seek refuge in him, they see
A face that dispels the darkness of injustice and oppression.

23. If they diminish his prestige or exaggerate pretense,
He listens forbearingly and averts speech from error.

24. If they overlook an argument, he does not stealthily seize it,
And if they err in speech, he does not err.

25. Guardian of a kingdom - beside him it forever has
A compassionate heart and an unaccused opinion.

26. You assumed the caliphate with care and vigilance
And defended its right with sword and pen.

27. Since you assumed it, you have not ceased to provide
Succor for the anguished or victory for the oppressed.

28. The masses - you have secured them on all sides
Though they would be vulnerable to pillage and division.

29. They saw you as their fortress against every remaining threat
And their protection among the strongest of protections.

30. You did not waver, nor did your aid cease,
From fulfilling the wants of each one, and staunching blood.

31. Seeking propriety's demand, you make it
Among the righteous, and maintain blessings.

32. Your munificence has shaded them - if you were to adorn
The earth’s surfaces with it, they would lack no moisture.

33. You have not been with them fleeting in bestowal,
Nor careless in action, nor improvising in generosity.

34. Indeed, I profess a love for you, enduring, transcending
The newness of nights, not formed in recent times.

35. And an obligation to you that its constancy
Resembles only your loyalty to pacts and covenants.