1. I set out at dawn, resolved like the intrepid Majid,
To ransom my son with my life from certain death.

2. A boy whose father takes refuge in his grave,
While the knight redeemer relieves the distressed.

3. You were the son of elders who gave refuge
And revived the withered bones with rain.

4. They cured ignorance and delirium,
And gave solace to the ailing and frail.

5. I pledged my lord's ill-omened sons in surety
For their slain, when ransomed, a precious prize.

6. I said, "Judge me, o sons of my lord,
For my arms are not too narrow for your rule."

7. When the noble must choose between sin and righteousness,
He will come to what had been sinful.

8. Had I given what Waṣiṭ embraced,
God's ordained fate which had passed would have refused.

9. When he called me as he sped,
I was neither slow to respond, nor hesitant.

10. I girded up my waistcloth, and sometimes
I girded it up for the gravity of events.

11. He called me while the blade of the sword was over him,
So I gave him my son and all my money.

12. I saw none like me called, "Son of Ghalib,"
Responding, nor any caller calling like him.

13. So what was my crime against death if it disobeyed,
When I left nothing precious behind me?