1. With the most auspicious bird and the happiest omen,
The prince goes forth supported by victorious armies,

2. That march on to success wherever they go,
Until they attain the ultimate triumph.

3. He brings us good tidings, the herald -
A prince, the most magnanimous of all princes,

4. When situations contract what chests can contain.
O son of those who stood erect in every age,

5. When ages crouched and would not stand erect!
When have the stars been reckoned as live coals?

6. For you are suns that know no setting.
Some of the Byzantines you left slain,

7. Pouring blood, some taken captive.
When yesterday your might assailed them,

8. They fled in panic like frightened birds.
Though they died, they were not buried,

9. As if their homes became their tombs.
The sword of Saif al-Dawla is the sword that renders

10. Death-rattles in its sheath a roar.
Villages it defends are a verdant paradise

11. Girdled by its blade, and seared by its flame.
With its right hand it storms the foe

12. As falcons stoop upon the pigeons.
Poetic genius never flags or pauses;

13. Events slacken or draw nigh.