1. I presented myself and left no room for another with a past to judge
Such has been my wont in enmity and friendship both

2. When the ostrich treads on too narrow a patch
His gait traces it out, widening it into a plain

3. As a falcon flew aloft through the sky
The little birds saw him as certain death for them

4. If I brag of youthful vigor in my heart
How many a lesson has dashed my vainglory!

5. I had attained the goals of every high virtue
Arabs and non-Arabs alike scarcely can aspire to them

6. And the magic of poetry so graced me
That I gained knowledge of all the world’s literary arts

7. Yet my glory refused to see me as a poet
Whom it might show gaining some prize as booty

8. No fair judge who himself aspires to virtue
Can see me as marked with glory beyond him

9. But I cede praise to those who merit it
Too proud am I to claim it wrongfully as my blood-price

10. At times my prose takes the reins
And at times my verse captivates all minds

11. My poetry is lawful magic in its eloquence
Whose meanings give joy even when shrouded in a veil

12. Nothing is magnified unless by one whose fame endures
Who magnifies the great wisdom contained therein

13. Had not the mighty king, whose like Time
Has never exalted, cast his shadow upon it—

14. The loftiest, noblest of all—
Afterward desire would have parched me

15. And I aspired to no sweet watering-place.
Whenever creatures of glory are counted

16. He is first named and last named.
His hand aims truly at the notion of the ignorant

17. Like spears straight and sharp in war.
He went to extremes in valor and friendship

18. Exhausting war and enriching them in peace.
Ever firmly cautious and strong in argument,

19. Far from committing any shameful deed.
He inherited glory from his father and more—

20. From his uncle whose glory has spread far and wide.
Would that his soul’s glories

21. Had no need to relate a father or an uncle!
Gently, Aziz al-Din! No aspiration remains

22. That could rise as high as you have risen, no notion.
You grasped every aspect of good government

23. So that their inadequacy at it was a brand upon them.
You were granted the wisdom of old age in your youth

24. Just as you surpassed them in judgment without attaining maturity.
You it is whom, if every refined soul emulated,

25. It would wrongfully attempt to match your refinement.
Through my praise you gain no greater eminence—

26. But from praising you I derive honor.
You remained, despite the days’ vicissitudes,

27. In the shade of a bounty, hardship for the rebel, blessings for the obedient.
Your pleasure is invoked; your wishes are sought;