1. To God I complain of the ills of existence,
So misfortune descended upon them and made evident,

2. And lo, tremendous, grave events occurred,
Which shake pleasures and dazzle sights.

3. O Time, you have attained what you sought,
By my life, you have won the treasure of existence.

4. So is this my covenant after having been part of its throng?
What ingratitude! What has transpired?

5. How could you be so heartless?
Though it did shine radiantly.

6. And yesterday it had such strength,
As to resist importunate events, rather repel them!

7. And whence, O foe, did you gain access to him?
For lions of combat guarded him.

8. And whence did you espy him asleep?
While he was watched by the highest Heaven.

9. And whence did the frailty of the vessel make daring?
You entered against him, though you would not make bold.

10. So your right hand is severed for betraying
The most noble lord, the most faithful trustee.

11. Why did you not take others in ransom?
A thousand victims, and you would not be blamed.

12. So who now remains for the widows after him?
And who for the guests and who for the neighbors?

13. And who for the delegations and distribution of wealth?
And who for the beggar when he is needy?

14. And who for the swords and despite the noses?
And who will restore affairs if they are disordered?

15. And who for expenses that remove affliction?
And who for fears that come to pass?

16. And who for the administration of Iraq’s affairs?
And lifting discord and benefitting society?

17. And who to man the frontier garrisons
And guard the country and fortify the villages?

18. And who to spread justice among the people
And forbid tyranny and wrong?

19. Alas, none can match his example,
For he surpassed Aaron and Caesar!

20. Noble in qualities, pure in ancestry,
Beautiful in traits, lofty in lineage,

21. He is the sea running to newcomers
With waves above the ground - most glorious.

22. So how, O grave, could you hide him?
When was it licit for the sea to be concealed?

23. And how could you eclipse his brilliance
And obscure that splendid visage?

24. His position was above the clouds,
Pacing the stars, as you can see.

25. If they had buried him according to his merit,
It would have been fitting by a star to bury him.

26. He became pure when washed according to the sunna,
Not because he needed purity.

27. Else, who soils the seas
And pollutes the vast oceans?

28. His honor blanketed the Highest Company,
And the celestial ranks will not look upon him.

29. It is our right to rend our bosoms
In place of our garments and complain.

30. For patience has become hateful,
And who can bear to be patient?

31. And O eye, be miserly with your tears,
Pour upon him crimson blood!

32. And O heart’s anguish, melt in sorrow!
And O heart, it’s time you ruptured!

33. And O night’s darkness, do not leave,
For dawn has been buried beneath the soil!

34. So who will inform Jarir
And alert al-Farazdaq and al-Shanfara

35. That gifts of poetry are rejected in this market -
They are neither sold nor bought?

36.
And that praise has become worthless,

37. So today it will neither be composed nor scattered?
And that eloquence has locked its house

38. And the door of rhetoric has been shut?
For he who granted eloquence has died

39. And loved praise without tiring.
He who gave discourse its order has vanished

40. And in place of his eulogies, pearls.
So arise and lament him in Tay

41. And in 'Abs and let us weep for him in Himiara:
That the noble one was brother to Hatim

42. And Antarah of war and boldness,
And crown of kings, father of justice -

43. Death called him, but he will not return.
And blissful abode called him to join it,

44. So he answered the summons and set forth.
And in eternity he embraced the maidens of Paradise

45. And with favors he was indeed gladdened.
And from God he met with grace,

46. And the best reward and beautiful lodging.
Thus he came not to a palace,

47. And did not dwell or was buried in it.
Rather, since the day of his birth,