1. With open-handed generosity and kindly disposition,
Of noble ancestry and gentle upbringing.

2. My morning greetings are tinged with envy,
And if he does not reward me, his recompense awaits.

3. When gratitude for his bounty exceeds my capacity
He prepares at every station provisions and refreshments.

4. I made all human needs my helpers, thanks to his precedence,
To reach the Throne though no veil lies between.

5. May he remain minister of benevolence to mankind and fresh water
When the Indian bows low and the clouds pour down.

6. Father of Ja'far, crown of kings, who ascended
To glory as a child while men of purpose walked.

7. The sons of misfortune and want take refuge in him
When crisis overcomes them and roads are blocked.

8. He surprises them with gifts they did not expect
Herald of ease, welcome showers, and righteousness.

9. His cheer makes lawful pleasures accessible to the chaste,
Banquets from the countryside and wine.

10. They revive the souls of the people before their bodies,
Potions like juice pressed from grapes, sheer torment.

11. They are freely available when enterprises succeed
Like lightning that flashes and clouds that pour down.

12. They come in waves to gladden his noble father
As if it were the pure nectar of vines aged long.

13. A minister who sees that wealth’s purpose is generosity,
And hoarding fleeting things is utterly vain,

14. That wealth itself is poverty if benevolence is lacking,
And every cloud that fails to rain is but haze,

15. When the swelling Euphrates is not pouring something
To quench thirst, the Euphrates itself is mirage.

16. A sword from his arm of resolve always drawn
And stocks in his prudence preserved safe and close.

17. His presence delights, his noble cheeks are radiant,
His strongholds protect you from flies and gnats.

18. More alluring than his spacious, lofty breast
Are his dwellings open to callers, with ample room,

19. His reasoning outpaces the speed of spear-tips
When the slim have fallen behind in attack.

20. If a battalion calls him to battle
The clanging of armored men’s weapons responds.

21. My night turned brief in his company after its length,
And the late morning came before any response.

22. After long absence, my cheer returned
And if the impossible could happen, so would my youth.