1. In each day there is denial of hopes,
And time takes us up and casts us down.

2. Why do I submit to the tyranny of Time?
Each day it has practices to perturb me.

3. Is it right that I echo truth when in my heart there is still callousness,
For which a fire burns in my breast?

4. And he, compared to me, is downcast, his water sweet,
While bitter to me are the water’s richest springs.

5. I go and come back, led on by the quest of my soul’s fancies—
All of them are lies.

6. I complained of my Time, but Time is not to be blamed,
Rather it is helplessness, awaiting, self-reproach.

7. My station between abasement and heights has vexed me,
I stand in a state that terrifies the timid.

8. As for heights, Time cannot reach their summit,
Or inertness, which is truly reprehensible.

9. I was created for that which, had I striven for other,
I would have been overcome; they say straining is defeated.

10. Can the caprice of Time stop me importuning
When my steps are not confined nor my hands bound?

11. Then my hands would not sleep empty, and the loves
Would not favor me, nor the companions draw me to themselves.

12. All noble horses gone before were racers,
With competitors to spur them on.

13. What beaming light smiles whose branches below it
Are intoxicated!

14. What excuse is there for one who hopes for peace from Fate
When the twists of events have enabled the wiliest to grab it!

15. The time has come for my glory to be freely drunk
And for all desired things to succeed and sorrows to dissolve.

16. It does not befit my like to be seen infatuated
And I am not one moved to joy by musicians.

17. I refused, so that no intruder comes to my dwellings,
As if I am a miser denied gifts.

18. I want my glory, gallantry, aloofness,
The resolve of a soul brought forth by clear minds.

19. I know my people well, I am no fool,
That to attain honors I must court them.

20. This is my wish; no doubts make it fail,
Nor is glory miserable or opinion deceitful.

21. It has the highest, noblest rank,
And, from Hashim, a path smoothed to glory.

22. Was it not a bright full moon that branched out
And I became one branch nurtured by its moons?

23. What shining light smiles whose branches below it
Are tossed about by the tears of rain?

24. The zephyr sings to it when it breathes
And the sun pours out its light and veil upon it.

25. Its meadows rival musk pods in fragrance
And the ripe fruits in the sweet scent they exude.

26. With the most fragrant blossom in its nature
When its generosities pour forth blessings.

27. High-minded, when resolved to punish enemies,
Drawing the white sword swiftly from its sheath.

28. You see in his wrathful moment the agonies of death
And from his hands' bounty the water of life is poured.

29. Above his brow shines the illuminating full moon
Inscribed with light from the divine.

30. He lodges the guest with utmost honor;
When they come to his plains he makes them family and bids them welcome.

31. A gallant whose hands weighed heavy on the swords,
Bending them as they did under their burdens.

32. He established the pillars of the kingdom after their decay,
Spending the night in counsel, honored and glorified.

33. He attained the highest glories and sublime heights,
Beyond the reach of description however hard description tries.

34. Your complaining has allowed me to bare my soul.
Are you uncertain or is my gaze piercing?

35. I seek refuge from being left with longing in my soul
And, without attaining my hopes, anguish and torture.

36. Do you see me assailed without my might striking terror
Into any foe or any loved one hoping for my favors?

37. Never let it be that your cub be seen
With time’s claws sunk into him!

38. I promised myself your granting my wish would be
The greatest gift, and if I failed my promise I would be disgraced.

39. So here I am, directing my request to you,
Most hopeful that my want will be obtained.