1. Do not linger over what the clouds may bring,
For rain has not poured images on Aleppo.

2. The winds of dew have blown, some from Damascus,
Whether the wind blows gently or rages.

3. When Sa'eed al-Deen departed,
I knew generosity had gone into exile.

4. He was used to outstripping all people,
Overtaking them in wealth and seeking more.

5. He gives and lends so who can oppose him
When fate leads him and gifts need no reason?

6. Since his ambition soared it became eightfold,
Where once they said the seven planets.

7. He shines in peace like Venus with the moon,
And rages in war like fiery Mars.

8. Blessed be the golden state named for flowers,
The light of passions overturned on high.

9. Perhaps long sitting made them think little of him
And his views were grasped tight in his hand.

10. The tethered horses acted while standing still
What urging and whips would otherwise do.

11. Until the troop burst out, the slim steeds and the dark,
The fleet and the Indian sorrels.

12. There his sole concern was to set free souls
And relieve people's anguish and grief--

13. What they newly gained or seized by force
And prints left in souls by what they endured.

14. Is it justice that generosity be robbed from him
When plunder itself knows no plundering?

15. People seek his rank in the heights but when
They come, they find he has departed.

16. He lent the verse a part of his nature
And it flowed in prose until almost spilling over,

17. Then restrained it with resolute maxims,
Kindling it with a fusion of both.

18. Happy be Saoud's feast day and after him
A chain of gladness will ensue.

19. I see no joy in celebration,
How can one rejoice whose days are ending?

20. But know the best praise is to emulate
Your fine deeds, and this is noted and recorded.

21. I have attained permanent refuge with you, counted
On you, blessings too many to be numbered.

22. My reliance on your judgment for what you grant me
Suffices me, and what a reliance to rely on!