1. If time has kept me from meeting you
It has not kept me from remembering what has passed

2. And if some people replace their loved ones
I have not replaced anything but sorrow and regret

3. How can a heart turn away from love of you
When it sees none of you there when it turns away

4. My yearning has no right to be blamed
Nor do my tears have any right to be restrained when they flow

5. The sorrow of one who parts from noble souls
Is not like one who parts from the common folk

6. I will pretend to blame our separation
But how can one who is joined in love condemn it

7. I pass by the garden where there are traces of you
So I enter cheerful but leave downcast

8. And rain falls on the watering spot intriguing me
For I see in it some sign of your character

9. O people of Ammar you have outdone
All others in generosity as if miserliness was never known

10. The meaning of justice was not known before you
Until you ruled and followed the way of the righteous caliphs

11. Since you left me time has brought
Nothing but a love like rainwater when first drunk

12. Scattered in praise that does not neglect you
Seasoned with subtle poetry and gentle expression

13. Like a rose blossoming but in its nature
It remains fresh no matter how much it is plucked

14. Praises that time cannot wear away
How could they when I have preserved them in scripture

15. So elegant that when recited their sweetness
Nearly teaches poems their first steps

16. Glory needs no justice from me against one
Who seeks witnesses to one who comes confessing

17. You are not mere water when your religion
Binds me more than my distance from you does

18. One riding describing my longing for a king
Before whom even the garden feels shame when described

19. He veers into praising the majesty of the kingdom for blessings
Too subtle for my gratitude to fully describe

20. Say to the resolute who pasture hopes after you
A people I was delighted to drive the stallions and yearlings before

21. If their side is harsh to the enemy
It may also be gentle to one seeking their alliance

22. Far from one whom your blessings have made
Determine never to see a day half-spent

23. How many resolves for you race the exalted
When the days run their course and halt

24. And a city protected by your Lord from tyranny
That does not resist fate once it enters

25. If distress stirs it is an inviolable refuge
Or if a misfortune occurs it is a gentle meadow

26. Indeed comfort is a garb you have authorized for it
Lasting from you throughout its days and nights

27. If you have left any nobility in your life
May God increase you in His nobility