1. In praising him, the eloquent are rendered speechless
Though the Arabs know my mastery of rhetoric

2. If I am right in my praises
Then my rhymes and ideas are exquisite

3. Poetry could not increase his virtues
Though the eloquent speaker tried his best

4. But perfection is adorned by his grace
The meadows are illuminated and gold raised high

5. A disaster when Thursday befalls him
Thursday has woes and wars

6. If he gets angry while the countries are not ready
Then where are the seas and the clouds?

7. Al-Ya’qoubi, his competence has terrified
Scribes and books submit to him

8. All that their fancy has constructed
Is demolished by his extempore creation

9. So the king’s crown has lived as long as the Pleiades lasted
And stayed closer than the nearest spring