1. My tongue deserves excuse, though eloquent
It's silenced by what's drawn atop my page

2. None but an Arab can appropriately praise
A non-Arab tongue in this regard is dumb

3. To describe Saad, excellence personified
My mouth falls short though it's succinct and terse

4. The best that I can say is, O paragon
Of knowledge - though all knowledge is scarce

5. I leave his court's dominions uncounted
Not daring to describe this sacred realm

6. Like leaving his subjects unenumerated
How count the multitudes his grace o'erwhelms?

7. I see the earth in council congregated
Beneath the mantle his protection helms

8. He is the moon made perfect, the crescent moon
Whose lacks and wants the full moon overwhelms

9. Amid the princely train surrounding him
Calm, lofty, like the mountains, calm and proud

10. When absent, still the throng says, "He is here"
When present, all are silenced by the crowd

11. You began by perfecting poetic speech
O ocean, generous by nature endowed

12. Yes, I'm obliged to thank the times for you
Your noble care's the greatest boon allowed

13. But eloquence fails me, I've no means
To match the guidance of your wisdom's shroud