1. Poetry is naught but what provokes the praised
And delights the longing and pleases the angry

2. It obeyed yet its rhymes were not repelling
Nor did words come to it regretfully seeking

3. And among people are rhymes' followers you see
Spreading amidst their traces the subtle snares

4. When they glance at the rhyme letter they rush
And leave aside meaning with utterance cast off

5. And if free speech they're denied they find ways
To weak margins thus ravaging the meek nearby

6. But I fling each rhetorical device that may
In men's minds lodge, arousing the passions' flames

7. It walks yet has not traveled, draws near though remote
And earns men of rank ascending steps of fame

8. You see people either enraptured by its mention
Or fervent, or even borrowing and usurping

9. I ward off people's blame from it and take care
As far as I'm able if I do not guard it from reproaches

10. And I make it tough until when its match comes
I allow it, auspicious maidens being suitors

11. And which jealous one would not respond having seen
Your noble deeds that came seeking to propose