1. Stand still, speak of old ruins and quarries,
Of bygone days that have passed and pressed wine.

2. Of a neighborhood whose company was pleasant,
Cups of love and joy overflowed without restraint.

3. Nights of amity were generous with their union,
They did not sever ties or abandon.

4. For so long I have remained a keen listener,
A spring of honor never muddied.

5. In their company I found all I yearned for in delight,
No pleasure but was found in their presence.

6. You’d see imprints of kisses if she graced your lips,
Leaving a mark on her rosy, tawny cheek.

7. Kissing the cheek that reddens, it blushes
With a hue of beauty, golden yellow.

8. The cool of her mouth strained the drops from her lips,
Telling of wine blended with pressed grapes.

9. Her body complained of its saddle atop it,
As her hips bemoaned their crushing embrace.

10. She appeared with the traits of beauty, slender waist wrapped tightly,
Smooth legs and heavy hips on perfect display.

11. When one who is sober sees her as if drunk
On the wine of youth till fully inebriated.

12. I have gained knowledge of events from their wisdom,
And spoken to them of foreknown, predestined fate.

13. When misfortunes have struck me with their twists and turns,
I fret not, but to divine decrees acquiesce.

14. Though my neighbor changes his nature,
Mine remains unshaken, its course stays steadfast.

15. I inherited Zuhair’s art of poetry, and Jarwal’s;
I took over from Qays and the pride of Buzurjmihr.

16. I’ve become envied for the merits I’ve amassed,
Of noble knowledge and deeds so august.

17. A stranger in manners, alone in ambition,
Though amidst my people, kin and peers.

18. Not because the envious see me above reproach,
None more pristine than I, or of greater worth.

19. Yet I’ve become distinguished among men
For my praises of the victorious King.

20. The most generous brother, his gifts to the people
Are like rainfall, streaming, flowing bountiful.

21. Nobler than the egret among his companions,
Greater than Kisra bin Kisra and Caesar of Rome.

22. You inherited the crown of glory from every elder,
Received it from each predecessor and forebear.

23. ‘Amr and Tubba‘ in pride are in your debt,
As are Dar bin Dar and Jaland of Karkar.

24. If the world entire and its people were weighed,
They would not balance a feather of your worth.

25. Oh inquire about him if you do not know him,
Be informed of the certainty, ask and be told.

26. If you are honored to behold his visage,
Revere him greatly, shout God’s praises and exalt.

27. Bow your head, kiss his carpet, acclaim him loudly,
Speak his praises openly, repeat and extol.

28. An ode of praise and glory—rejoice and recall.
Congratulations are yours for the kingdom you hold,

29. Rule it and thank your God, offer gratitude and laud.
You remain, O sun of glory and its full moon,

30. Ever rising in splendor, pulpit and station.