1. I complain of the vicissitudes of Time, then you make me turn back,
Through your noble deeds and generosity,

2. And out of shyness before your munificence I keep silent about my wants,
Though importunate with necessities that press upon me.

3. I know for certain that you are clouds
That rain, no matter how much lightning flashes around them,

4. Time has left me none but you
To give me support, while other men deny and forbid.

5. So do not deny me your nature on account of my audacity,
For good fortune is yours before my audacity.

6. Do not deny me outright for a request
While I conceal the anxiety that besets me.

7. The ostrich envies the minister his resolve and strength,
And the clouds envy his leisure free from care.

8. At his ease he is brave in his error and safe,
His swords weep blood while he smiles.

9. His battalions and his books are the buttress of his glory,
Registers exult in him, and epics.

10. In the day of hardship he has a censurer
And in the parchment’s heart an arranger of its prose.

11. Father of kings, wealth of the honoured house,
Pillar of the realm, most generous when gloomy,

12. You are the lion of the thicket in guarding us, and our protection,
When events make us prey for those who blame.

13. I boast to the family of Nujar concerning him
Whose fame the high and lowly celebrate.

14. He is hard beneath the banners and harsh,
But in giving victory gentle, lavish, merciful.

15. How should anxiety enter a house where Ahmad dwells,
He who makes radiant the authoritative commands?