1. They say, "Zayd, why have you stopped praising him
Though his virtues shine brightly like stars?"
١. يقولُون زَيدٌ لِمْ تَركْتَ مديحَهُ
وقد ظَهَرتْ مثل النجومِ معاليهِ
2. I said, "It's not from ignorance of his merit
That I've stopped, but fear I cannot do justice."
٢. فقلتُ لهم ما ذاكَ جهلاً لِحقّهِ
عَلَيَّ ولكنْ خِفتُ أن لا أوفّيه
3. What can a praiser say that's adequate?
Any praise is less than he deserves.
٣. وماذا عَسَى المدَّاحُ فيه يقولُهُ
وكلّ غلوٍّ فيه دون الذي فيه