1. A land and sea blocking
My path, and beyond what was traversable lay difficulties.

2. The steamers were made ready,
And above their funnels rose a cloud.

3. And in them was the hustle and bustle
Of movement and perturbation.

4. The aeroplanes - one would think
Their passengers were almost flung from their frames.

5. The means of approach multiplied,
Yet how far we still were from approaching!

6. I wish to go, yet by what means
Can I go, when going itself eludes me?

7. Though I am in my house, estrangement
From the house lies within my heart.

8. Our brothers awaited our meeting -
Of what use was this waiting?

9. I find rest, yet my pains
Are eased, and my hopes angered.

10. And through the anger of hopes,
How often does its fang prevail and bite!

11. What have I gained from the lofty ones
That I should suffer this punishment?

12. O my companions! Alas, this address
Will not assuage my burning pain.

13. How are the meadows ablaze,
The hills and dales?

14. Will the valley teem, and its springs
Make my misfortunes gush forth?

15. Those gentle beauties the river extends -
In my heart there is nothing but war.

16. Neither the cupbearer or wine
Can dispel my cares.

17. Rather, may this book forgive
The sins of life!

18. My gratitude stands fulfilled,
Yet the vastness constrains.

19. The notables of Saida surround him
Kin and comrades...

20. A throng honouring him, with no
Doubt or misgiving there.

21. At a resplendent festival
Whose adornments are wondrous marvels.

22. Minds are vacant, and nothing like
His mention occupies books.

23. In my heart I attend though
Nothing but the body is absent.

24. Shall I wail if they convey
My excuse? For blame is precluded.

25. A doctor’s word, when you state it,
Is esteemed and refined.

26. The knowledge and manners that polish him,
And the merit that adorns him.

27. And the tolerance of that gentle,
Compassionate soul - how many doors to good they open!

28. What of my gratitude? Do you think
It has flown from his presence like the crow?

29. Or have the vows of my passion declared themselves,
While the youths continue to deny them?

30. The press knows who the brave one of the
People is, be the students many or few.

31. A man with a wooden sword in deadly earnest,
Though his eyebrows be delicate.

32. Dexterous with the staff, his blows
Defend the rights of the country without fear.

33. In his seriousness and jest
Lies the essence of events and jesting.

34. A critic of truth - rarely does
His writing transgress what is right.

35. If he seeks nothing but reform,
What flaw can be found?

36. However much we extol his reward,
From us it is but little reward.