1. None but you, my king, to be hoped for and feared,
An ocean of generosity ever stirred,

2. My master, since my youth you have accustomed me to nobility,
Sending clouds to water those you favour.

3. I obeyed you openly and in secret, striving,
Yet nothing was my reward but blame.

4. I strove with all my strength to please you,
Though no door stood open to me.

5. When my efforts failed and brought me no relief
From the bitterness of my condition,

6. And when my patience ran out, so little comfort
Did I find with you but harshness and rebuke,

7. I decided to flee, to seek some respite
For my soul, though life without you is but tears,

8. It was your messenger that drove me away
His hooves striking sparks from the hillsides.

9. He spoke words I could find no answer to,
And told me things I could not refuse.

10. The Commander of the Faithful has summoned you,
I said: The Commander of the Faithful shall be obeyed!

11. I set out riding so hard
You'd think a falcon flew with my saddle,

12. But for all the distance between us, I am still
Resolved never to return.

13. Yet you, oh world, are dear to me,
So I have no course but to come back to you.

14. Gladden my heart by pardoning me,
Though I may have erred in what I did.

15. Your noble nature makes reproach needless,
For your rights hold my heart captive.

16. When bounty is mixed with harm
It becomes but trial and torment.

17. Do not close your hand to me,
For to deny me is to destroy glory.

18. By God, I seek nothing but
To adorn your peace with my neck's servitude,

19. And have people freely give you love
Not feigned but true, untainted by hypocrisy.

20. My only claim on you is my belonging to you,
And you suffice me with your praise.

21. As long as you are empowered, shining brightly,
No misfortune can darken the horizon.