1. O rider cutting through the empty desert
Between Dhamil and Wakhd,

2. Appearing and disappearing in every land
Between valley and plateau,

3. As if a stealthy lion met
A brave army's horses in the sands,

4. Charging and paying no heed
To pasture, water or settlement,

5. His she-camel and saddlebags aflame
Smoldering beneath him as he spurs her on.

6. Convey to the vizier of the Imam my words-
About the eloquent Sa’d, so highly esteemed:

7. Abu Ja’far is no faint-heart
When it comes to merit and keeping his word.

8. He’s passionate in war, a raincloud in drought,
Firm in speech, of glorious repute,

9. Named for an honored frontier town, support of the borderlands,
Corrector of time’s wrongs, true friend.

10. A buttress of resilience, a warrior in battle,
Sage in speech, stubborn opponent in debate,

11. Lofty in rank, imminent in victory,
Bountiful, generous, giver of plenty.

12. Tell him the eulogists are many,
While my praise and thanks are few.

13. So make the most of a conversation with him
That will endure beyond me-

14. For when the land loses its verdure,
And the free man, his dignity,

15. How can the survival of glory be hoped
Without pasture or fountain?