1. When I saw that most people lacked gratitude
And the best of what they offered was tainted thanks
١. ولّما رأيْتُ النَّاسَ إلا أقلَّهُمْ
وأطيَبُ ما مَجُّوا منَ الشُّكْرِ أخبَثُ
2. I spread praise whose sweet fragrance filled the horizon
For the freeman's praise is like pure wine
٢. نشَرْتُ ثناءً عَطَّرَ الأُفْقَ طِيبُهُ
كذاكَ ثناءُ الحُرِّ نَدٌّ مَثَلَّتُ
3. And I composed melodies in thanks to you the likes of which
Were never matched in pairs or trios before
٣. وألَّفتُ ألحاناً لشُكرِكَ لم يُصِبْ
تَناسُبَها زِيرٌ ومَثْنى ومَثْلَتُ