1. Convey my greetings and apology to the people,
An illness has kept me confined in the depths of my house.

2. My bad neighbor has returned and afflicted me again,
After parting from me for just a few short days.

3. She has captured me a second time,
After I thought she had freed me from her fetters.

4. If the worshipper of a blazing sun is touched by its fire,
He will not go near its flames again after turning away.

5. Nothing remains in my body except weakness, contortion and defeat;
In men of stature this is called dignity and composure.

6. Yesterday I had a hardy constitution,
But today my body denies and rejects it.

7. It is fate that has estranged me from you,
So I remain seated, but by compulsion.

8. Had my endeavor or its goal been otherwise,
I would not have delayed my address by choice.

9. O my brother Sarkis, say on my behalf
To the throngs of people, so they may understand,

10. That creation most deserves praise when
It cares for fledglings just learning to fly.

11. The people of God's kindness remain as they were -
The people of lofty stations and great deeds.

12. They vie with one another in munificence -
Men in generosity and women in adornment of homes.

13. May God bless their wealth
And protect them from every loss and detriment;

14. May He reward with goodness those among the honorable people
Who have supported them in excellent character.

15. This abode of stability was built by
Blessings from the gentlest of hands.

16. The people here are blessed with fine youths
Whose goodness has inspired them to ready service,

17. And fair maidens who excel in
Beautifying the world and prospering homes.

18. Thus excellence, and you have gained its reward,
And with it freedom from any fault.

19. For the married couple sought only
The height of virtue with resolve.

20. Like "dew" in its singular term, yet possessing
Two meanings that share the beauty of proximity.

21. So it is his munificence, by which the lofty are built,
And it is the rain, by which the tender plants are watered.