1. They made him drink the chalice of their parting in deep draughts,
And farewell intoxicated him, so he did not recover.

2. When the cup is no longer a cup of communion,
It is neither cordial nor full.

3. Only separation would my patience's unity consent to,
And my tears when they turned away consented only to separation.

4. Companions who in their journey desired nothing
But the hearts of lovers - they were their companions.

5. Charmer of beauty, no beauty charmed you
To make my blood forbidden.

6. You travelled in secrecy, so why did you steal
The heart of a free man without making it lawful?

7. You taunt me with the nights' events,
And how can the full moon defend the disappearing crescent?

8. A youth that was exalted is now humbled,
And a breast that was capacious is now straitened.

9. Time charges me to praise a people
Who see the decline of their mention as hypocrisy.

10. And who hopes for quenching from fire
Like one who fears being set ablaze by water?

11. Had time wanted to load me with what
I am not strong enough to bear.

12. Yet I have a will by which to attain
The unlocking of the door of glory, if I fear its closing.

13. By it I sent messengers, and it may give hope
Of a refined life to one who sent messengers.

14. I set forth with it while my luck slumbered.
So I came to Abu'l-Fawaris and he awoke.

15. Kings strove and strove. But he
Excelled them in exertion and outdid in endeavor.

16. The longest of them in status with the Sublime,
The firmest of them in position with the passionate.

17. His rain pours upon the land of hopes
And his good fortune transcends the seven spheres.

18. His resolve outstrips the word of nights.
So how can they attempt to outstrip him?

19. And whoever seeks a flashing lightning bolt's illumination
Will find it the most inaccessible sought thing to attain.

20. Not by wealth did he surpass people in repute,
But by munificence and prowess he surpassed.

21. Whoever woos the heights with heights
And with bounty, has indeed profited his friends.

22. And if the way of enemies importuned him
The bent necks of kings alone pleased him.

23. Every ardent lover disliked meeting
As if longing for separation attracted him.

24. With the noose he tightened his grip on enemies -
A youth relaxed with his choking noose.

25. Hopes converged upon you until
Your limitless munificence refused convergence.

26. And a feast came to you in delight
Its procession to you impelled it.

27. It delighted you, and its being delighted with you
Is more delightful - no wonder, the longing one complains!

28. And the like of you, O Muhammad, marched an army
That tasks its happy marcher’s energy.

29. When the noble steeds shouldered anxiety,
Your anxiety shoulders the noble steeds.

30. Whoever loved the slender, dark-lipped one day
You love the dark-lipped and slender forever.

31. With it you trample kings, trampling them,
And you pierce the enemy lines, piercing them.

32. You delight to give the army a draught
Of war at dawn, engaging it.

33. The most courageous we saw was brave,
But joy met him in his bravery.

34. No fresher water for a thirsty one
Than the taste of his creation.

35. His munificence granted me a life as though
I had stealthily seized it from fate.

36. So my days through it are shining white
While before it they were murky black.

37. And the son of Malik collared me with a collar of bounty,
So I was loquacious in praise of him.

38. I see the days do not give a generous one
Attainment of his desire except transcending.

39. So may the days not prevent you
From seeking the heights, should they almost prevent you.