1. For how long do I see Saad settled in his place
While ministers pass by him, minister after minister

2. They fade away soon or die a sudden death
Yet he remains firm, unchanging, steadfast

3. If he allures his soul with its ill omens
Darkness will vanish and light will follow

4. When we emerge from the mouth of peace the dawn rises
Misfortune hides where it descends

5. Ibn Sawda’s company I hated
So the dawns and their first lights avoided his house