1. We came to the exalted one yearning with desire
As the sun's light shone in the west and east

2. We came to him for the art which is his lord
And which made him a bright horizon in our west

3. We came to you, O one whose fame covered the earth
And who attained the highest status and preceded all

4. Who became master of Africa and pride of its people
And left nothing lacking in pride or existing still

5. We came to you, O pillar of virtues beyond what
We heard and the eyelid approved as truth

6. We saw the lofty ideals proud through you, so many
Proud through you, though bare of wreaths still

7. So we thank your generosity, grace and freshness
And praise you on your journey like lightning