1. The valleys were watered from early dawn and the fourth hour,
And I was greeted from a house for Asma in Balqa.

2. Though I am not one whom Asma hopes will return
Successfully, nor does putting off Asma convince me.

3. Neither my pouring forth tears that flowed before her,
Nor my abundant yearning brings me back together with her.

4. So there is no union unless her image comes upon us
Beneath a canopy of the darkest night.

5. She blamed me after cordiality, then permitted
A union I seek seriously but she refuses.

6. She did not move until the night passed and went away,
And the caller to dawn, adorned with light, hastened her.

7. She turned away as if parting convulsed her being
When she turned from my pride and ribs.

8. How often there is a meeting not hoped for and a separation
From Asma not feared nor expected.

9. Do you see me cease every night
When the Pleiades return to my resting place,

10. Lying down close by an intimate companion
Yet more lovelorn for a beloved who has bid farewell?

11. So what will happen to us after resolve is separation
Agitated by dreams of fate and gathering.

12. And a torment that follows upon torment
And tears pouring after tears.

13. Why can't the people of the sanctuary reward my flowing tears
And my longing for the people of sanctity and my aspiration?

14. Soon it will carry my concerns on its neighing
To every magnificent, glorious, splendid knight.

15. It will raid the open deserts on legs
Quick to the open desert and forearms.

16. When you attain victory by the grace of Chosroes, do not waver
In distress nor panic without a refuge.

17. An ally of help when his torrents overflow
And one noble only when asked gives generously.

18. His favors are hoped for and his bounty sought
By one emaciated or another well-fed.

19. And the onlookers seek from him when there appears
The splendor of full moons from the veil of kingship rising.

20. When he walks between ranks, the heads of men
Bow down before the tall and towering.

21. They stand from afar when they catch sight of him
For the shining full moons of majesty most radiant.

22. And they call him in plural and singular
When they approach the door of the lofty porch.

23. When movement of glances stops from everything else
And voices hush from all hearing,

24. You see only the outpouring of upturned eyes
To him or fingers pointing to him.

25. Heeding the times of glory when an honor befits him
At which he rushes so it may be placed before him.

26. Forgiving of sinners until he returns them
To himself, otherwise he pardons, seizes and hurries.

27. Knowledgeable of the course of nights as if
He suffers the turns of fate since ancient Tubba.

28. Forbearing, so if an ignorant one vents his spite,
He passes the night with his head at the asp's path.

29. He neither starts war nor starts it with him
Dignified, slow to anger, hastily advancing.

30. He has despaired enemies with his twisted grimace
When he frowns with his palms, he cuts them off.

31. Seeking the farthest extent of command until he attains it
And tempted by the limits of truths, obsessed.

32. And I said to one deluded with him, the hopes
Of the opportune moment in other than hopes have faded for him.

33. You have neglected seeking pardon though pardon turns away
Since peace remains and strength is not yet cut off.

34. Have you now tried acceptance after the resolve
Of an angry one intent on evil has passed?

35. When resolve appears from him, he does not stand still
And if the matter goes beyond him, he does not pursue.

36. Charging the enemies from every direction,
Roaring if they roar in his face, unafraid.

37. Trustworthy of the Abbasids in the secret of their affair
And their equipment for the defiant apostate.

38. He is not lowly among them nor
A sycophant or pretender among them.

39. And the hatred of the governor of scoundrels pleases you
As does his daring in the snarled and tangled.

40. He has the praised effect in every stance
And the decisive word in every position.

41. Goodness to you, I will follow you so be
Forewarned about me, and I am saying to you, so listen.

42. My position from your favors is not delayed
And my share from your endeavors not wasted.

43. And even if you have raised me to the honor of elevation
And freed me from the disgrace of low horizons,

44. I am not sullen about what you have brought
To me nor misplaced in other than my position.

45. And a group of failing and falsely laying claim
To what was not said have competed with me.

46. When we vie for a goal, I come first
And they follow in the tracks of my misfortune and shade.

47. Do not liken me to a group who did not hope
To catch up to me nor race with me to any goal.