1. Salute the finest companions and tell them:
On your feast day we are your partners

2. From Egypt to Lebanon however far between
Partners in concord though kinship there has never been

3. He whom you honour on this noble feast
Though tastes for other men may vary or cease

4. On his white festival, throngs shine immaculate
High morals adorning their honour innate

5. He served the citizens, served beyond measure
As only the greatest leaders unfurl such treasure

6. From debasement he raised his nation anew
Though ruin seemed fated whate’er he might do

7. He drew on his faith and his constancy too
Though allies there were not his goal to construe

8. He tended its schools and moulded its youth
For the new generation to strengthen their growth

9. He cared for all needy no matter how poor
Not only the wretched his bounties assure

10. Resolved evermore to shepherd his flock
No weariness daunted nor drudgery shocked

11. His homilies graced with each eloquent phrase
In every obscure allegory to raise

12. The greatest of scholars his wisdom endures
His eloquence raptured the cultured and pure

13. Piety, judgement, reserve and tact
No wavering, prudence and skill intact

14. A will that prevailed and speech that'd disarm
Such valour, largesse, determination and calm

15. These virtues of his I recount but in brief
Lest praise should seem fulsome, not sound but effete

16. If the just man's meed is not gratitude’s wreath
To what in this world can his payment bequeath?