1. Oh tell me about the patterns of covenants
And the covenant of that slandering dissenter

2. And every ardent longing that is fulfilled and habit
And the covenant of an era generous with loved ones

3. Oh if only I knew will I see the days of youth again
Return to us or will that not come back?

4. A time when Ummayma and her people were close to me
As good neighbors, with sweet connection between us

5. And I lived in bliss and comfort
Fearing no critic or envier

6. The prime of youth plead for me before her
And time was cooperative and helpful

7. I let the trailing trains of my cloak flow in every field
And unleash the herds of my glances on every delicate girl

8. So who will convey from me, O people, to Ummayma
The greetings of a heart passionately in love?

9. Of handsome figure, teeth bright as hailstones
Legs well-shaped, arms supple and plump

10. She would secretly glance at me and pierce my core
With arrows of a look, well-aimed by a desirous eye

11. Unveiling a face that shames the full moon, glowing
Dispelling darkness, shining like lamps

12. Smiling with lips sweeter than wine
Warmer than the heat of embers, cooler than chilled drink

13. So who will help, now that the camels of my loved ones
Roam the expanse of the desert sands?

14. Grant that time allows reunion, after it gave me to drink
The poison of separation from them, deadly as vipers

15. I yearn for that past time now gone
And its blessed nights, with a lost one's sorrow

16. We passed it drinking wine and fun but gained
No good from it, corrupted with vice

17. All those pleasures have passed and gone
With naught remaining but the friend to lean upon

18. And now between resignation and pain I struggle
Battling my thoughts - both hunter and hunted

19. I reproach my fate - the nights bear witness
That fate has failed to keep its promised meetings

20. I will travel east and west of this land
Seeking glory or praise to earn

21. And carry wares of poetry
To those who appreciate verse of value

22. To Ibn Sinan, lofty pillar
Who inherited it from father and father before

23. The shining lamp of Oman is he
Dispelling the darkness of her plights

24. He has the generosity of a willing buyer
The pride of Keywan, the speed of Mercury

25. I try composing praise poetry in his honor
But words fall short of reaching his due

26. In the fury of battle he wields his sword
Cleaving the skulls and necks of foes

27. You would see the sword bowing without bowing
Prostrating without prostrating, bound to no oath

28. As if they were crops harvested by the sword
Ripe until harvested by the reaper

29. Can the creed be reformed if they reveal
The hidden tenets of belief?

30. By it the fort was delighted that we saw no equal
Among the competitors vying to build and excel

31. Lofty buildings rising high, as if granted
Necklaces of stars, plucked from the sky

32. A towering minaret reaching into the heavens
Appearing to confer with planets on high

33. After the loss of its rule it was restored
With great dedication, firm not weak

34. So I was the pillar and he was the dome
And the efforts of the diligent go not to waste

35. Unfurl the banners of pride and ascend the pulpits
Of glory - none paved that ascent but you