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We sought Ibn Daud of sublime virtues,

قصدنا ابن داود ذا المعلوات

1. We sought Ibn Daud of sublime virtues,
Ali, Ali of the lofty rank,

١. قَصَدْنَا ابْنَ دَاوُدَ ذَا الْمَعْلُوَاتِ
عَلِيّاً عَلِيَّ الْمَقَامِ الْجَلِيلْ

2. At the time it became clear to us that he
Was fully capable of all we desired.

٢. عَلَى حِينَ بَانَ لَنَا أَنَّهُ
بِكُلِّ الذِي قَدْ أَرَدْنَا كَفِيلْ

3. Whether he favors us with what we hope for,
Then that is the cure for anguish,

٣. فَإِمَّا حَبَانَا بِمَا نَرْتَجِي
فَذَاكَ وَفِِيهِ شِفَاءُ الْغَلِيلْ

4. Or else - and far be it from him - if he lacks support
We know the intruder is intrusive,

٤. وَإِلاَّ وَحَاشَاهُ مِنْ سَنَدٍ
عَلِمْنَا بِأَنَّ الدَّخِيلَ دَخِيلْ

5. And that intentions were built
On a cliff of faint hope.

٥. وَأَنَّ الْمَقَاصِدَ قَدْ بُنِيَتْ
عَلَى جُرُفٍ مِنْ رَجَاءٍ عَلِيلْ

6. So he relegated us to a distant place,
Far from the end, by one who attains.

٦. فَبَوَّأَنَا دَرَكاً نَازِحاً
بُعَيْدَ النِّهَايَةِ مِمَّنْ يُنِيلْ

7. And ask God's forgiveness, for the Sublime
His call encompasses the lowly and few.

٧. وَاسْتَغْفِرِ اللهَ أَنَّ الْعَلِي
يَعُمُّ نَدَاهُ الدَّنِيَّ الْقَلِيلْ

8. I have no doubt about his overflowing grace
Upon us, when we intend departure.

٨. فَلاَ شَكَّ عِنْدِي مِنْ فَيْضِهِ
عَلَيْنَا إِذَا مَا نَوَيْنَا الرَّحِيلْ