1. I say, though my ode's measures are cramped,
In describing the minister, noble and magnanimous,

2. When excellence prompts me to praise him,
Another glory appears, and all are amazed.

3. I will preface my praise while slumber weighs down,
And to sleep I have a coming and going.

4. With a prayer raised pure in its intention,
Neither hypocrisy nor barriers can mar.

5. May I fulfil my duty to thank him,
Far apart are insipid words and heated passion!

6. How can a cup contain the sea, which overflows?
Or flasks contain the towering waves?

7. But I perform what I can and have not shirked
What cannot be done, for which none can punish.

8. He's the oft-victorious knight in war and munificence,
When battle proves true and clouds give rain.

9. He fulfils it perfectly, at ease,
With an unending return and renewal.

10. Unashamed, he releases the living if life is denied them,
So I remove her for those who covet songstresses.

11. When on the day of peace he yields,
Willingly submitting, necks and heads bow to his awe.

12. He excels in solving problems and in munificence,
Such is his customary, judicious bounty.

13. Bitter when strong, gentle when friendly, as though
His nature is a meadow, sweet and pure.

14. To the submissive, gardens of delight from him,
To the hostile, the growling of lionesses.

15. His lineage derives from the most noble benefactors,
And from the proud heroes, the choicest part.

16. Gracious yet feared, revered and stood in awe,
Like an Indian sword, its blade adorned.

17. And for death, a cleaving chest and hornets for stings,
The heap of treasure diminishes not the night of Muhammed.

18. When the guest comes at night, he gives praise.
A minister, when Thursday is too short for his munificence,

19. A pouring rain and scripture suffice him.
When he has resolved on glorious deeds,

20. An eagle moves to the attack, and a falcon.
So he lives, obeyed, as long as a turtledove moans,

21. And in the expanse of the desert, a mirage gleams.