1. Sunnah delighted the West; guidance was in it,
So he greeted it with good tidings when it appeared.

2. For the mother of languages its jewels were evident,
Precious pearls, a garden blooming in splendor.

3. The eminent sons were remiss, but she honors
Her eloquent praiser, auspicious.

4. She honors an eminent, virtuous poet,
The trusted conveyor, the echo of integrity.

5. He made clear to her ignorant ones her excellence
And displayed her hidden treasures.

6. With wording that, though alphabetical, described
The beauty of the eloquent Arabic tongue.

7. From its lifetime, to its sunnah a sunnah,
And from its call, to its rising a call.

8. Rapture almost repeats for its rhythm
A melody, singing it repeatedly.

9. I saw them excel through that Excellent One,
Purity, essence, and a place of descent.

10. And for them from the treasures of guidance
He unlocked what would provoke envy.

11. Treasures they will raid
And seize their guarded valuables.

12. If they do—though resolute be the doers—
To man in fate belongs what he is used to.

13. As they drained East and West, land and sea,
Leaving no pearl or ruby behind.

14. So these remnants of glories are
What affirm for us the most glorious past,

15. And no loss that our pride be divulged,
Or loss of repute that it be assailed.

16. Oh, would that they had left it alone
And extended their hands to it long ago.

17. Since they knew, after failure,
The sanctity of our nation resolutely.

18. For eloquence like this eloquence
Is worthy, as he willed, to be immortalized.

19. And souls like those souls
Have a return in their children tomorrow.

20. It soared in glories—this, our pride,
And the truth refused to be denied.

21. So do not grieve, fresh as it is,
When we see it criticized.

22. They want from us far-reaching verse,
Great in dimensions, little in scope.

23. But they ignored the house—we will build it soon—
So remote time will stare astonished.

24. Its adornment vies with garden blossoms
And its meaning lodges stars.

25. I have described, excelling predecessors
And succeeding by it as example.

26. You aimed for the loftiest, knowing peak,
A victor, aided, attaining it.

27. With beautiful judgment and splendid effort
Worthy for time to be praised.

28. Thus is discretion directed in its course,
And endeavors never go astray.