1. This pride of mine in this verse,
Is to identify Hafez Ibrahim among the nations.

2. I say among nations, for there is no land
In the Orient where the poet’s name is unknown.

3. Or who has not read and appreciated his masterpieces,
Both prose and verse alike.

4. Should I say they know him not,
To pay homage in this introduction I am bound.

5. This is the paragon of the age, nobility adorns his features,
Though not particularly handsome or sublime.

6. When inspiration radiates through his eyes,
Look not to his appearance or complexion.

7. If his body seems weary and fatigued,
In moments he is lively and bright of spirit.

8. Let go of appearances and breathe life into a man
Of the noblest character and manners.

9. I am dazzled by him, though you know not his uniqueness
In rhyme and meter, even if minds are occupied.

10. His shining virtues are evident
To the discerning, like meteors in the dark of night.

11. You esteem him profoundly, and your high regard humbles him,
Magnanimous, neither miserly nor aloof.

12. He remains the best at honoring kinship and one who
Safeguards humanity that he too may be kept from harm.

13. Despite the Orient’s slumber
And the Occident not yet asleep.

14. If hope shines from any side,
He revives aspiration with unrestrained tears.

15. If zeal calls him to defend dignity,
He chases the enemies like a lion in the thickets.

16. Hafez Ibrahim’s poetry is but an image
Of the Nile overflowing with blessings and bounty.

17. And only the echo of birds filling
Egypt’s gardens with a melody that stirs the soul.

18. Poetry that determines the people’s passions
So their desires are clearly reflected in his verses.

19. You see it as the truest mirror of his nation
Whether uncovering hope or revealing pain.

20. He composes a tune without a tune, bringing delight
And inspiring the imagination without dependence on myth.

21. Had you witnessed him reciting his poems
While standing atop a platform before a gathered crowd.

22. You would know the rapture of the ancient soul, unable
To discern between dream and reality.

23. When his talent flowed freely, his genius
Produced the finest speech, weighty and harmonious.

24. Meanings came easily to him, and were his
To mold as he desired like an arbiter.

25. Prose wherein the arts of rhetoric intermingled
Between scenes, ideas, and wisdom.

26. Eloquent in the most articulate expression and moving imagery,
Of smooth diction and language free of defect.

27. But I warn you, Hafez Ibrahim has
Other dimensions that display his greatness.

28. Seek refuge in God from the deception of eyes that see
A fellow who exceeds elegance and tastes.

29. We lived as friends in our youth in Egypt, and for ages
Our affairs were known in every gathering.

30. For thirty years the necklace hasn’t broken,
Its cord hasn’t snapped or come undone.

31. He saw me endure in his gatherings
The trials of a free man, good of thought and generous.

32. Traveling to remote homes and daring raids
To conquer the nomads in the desert land.

33. Attending their feasts, enjoying their delicacies,
Perfecting the manners of hosts and servants.

34. So he resented my competition, and rightly so,
Though no crime in the resentment of one aggrieved.

35. He came to you embittered, displaying the claws
Of a grieving lion, vengeful and enraged.

36. Feed him, fulfill your duty to your companion,
Grant him no rest from worldly indulgences.

37. Make the price of fine cuisine affordable,
For a debtor may pay a high price for a precious gain.

38. The least of his conversation, if weighed, would outweigh
The costliest luxuries in value and price.

39. He has many a subtle point that captivates minds
When traced with a pen or recited aloud.

40. O people of Lebanon, a guest among you
Is a gift of God, so it’s been said since ancient times.

41. Honor him, for he is a gift from Egypt to
Its most righteous neighbor, faithful to its pact.

42. Is not the brilliant Alamee among you the representative
Of the Nile’s glory and the pyramids of timeless fame?

43. Do you not see in his achievements
The most splendid pride of Egypt ever written?

44. May she endure in her past and present,
Esteemed and revered among the nations.