1. For the life of my father al-'Ata, if he turns away
How excellent a climbing place for the litter's company,

2. And how excellent a host when the rain
Casts down the tent pegs of the tribe,

3. And how excellent a clear-sighted counselor
When stubbornness and dispute have multiplied,

4. And how excellent a reliever of distress when it weighs down
On the tongues’ venom and back-stabbing,

5. I find it hard to dedicate my elegy to you
With my gratitude so meager and my praise so brief,

6. Yet whenever I came to you seeking favor
You would grant my request without hesitation.

7. I shall cry while the rhymes delight me
With weeping over your praise or consolation,

8. And when a sluggish tear fails me
I shall weep with the eloquent tears of poetry

9. In return for kindness from you - may
Your hands be wrapped in my mantle and my turband.

10. Without cease each day your munificence pours forth
Abundant tears like rain from laden clouds,

11. The garden's branches intoxicated and languid
As though showered with gentle rain,

12. Until it is sated as if in it
Are the visions of your noble, generous nature.