1. You kept me from thanking you properly for the good news,
So do not deny me if I failed to grace my thanks.

2. Though my joy did not do justice to such loyalty,
Perhaps it was excuse enough for me.

3. I owe you much praise for tremendous favor
That I cannot requite however hard I try.

4. A sea of bounty in which I nearly drowned,
Yet I drew out of its depths a precious pearl.

5. Would that I had, for each limb, a tongue
And for each joint, a mind to think and express

6. To spread the sweet words of praise through every voice
And compose poetry and prose through every thought,

7. Though not my father, I have brothers who are
As if my mother nursed and raised them too.

8. A brotherhood so strong I fancied at times
Its chalices poured honey between hearts.

9. They brought creation together, each to each,
In closest amity and farthest from betrayal.

10. My soul urged me insistently toward them,
But I told it: patience. It could not be patient,

11. And restless for news, encompassed them
With inquiries, until it learned of them all.

12. My soul found men adorned with perfection,
Refinement, manners and nature most noble.

13. The best of creation in merit and renown,
Of vast capacity and generous spirits.

14. A fellowship of enlightened souls everywhere,
Like stars adorning every group and land.

15. O my eyes, delight in wished-for brothers,
My bulwark in every misfortune and calamity.

16. O my soul, who in this world has power over you
When such hands do not fear even fate?

17. And you have but to make the effort, in each goal,
To either suffer woes or attain your desire.

18. So do not incline toward repose if ever
The harsh turns of fate cast terror upon you.

19. O you in whose company I feel fortunate,
While without you I cannot find any help,

20. I came to you out of longing for your fraternity,
Sincerely offering you my secret and open affection.

21. I am not - however you suspect - careless,
Nor asking for wages for what I am charged to do.

22. Rather, I aim to fulfill my duty, for I
Am associated with you, strengthened through you.

23. I left degradation and servility to others,
And in your presence stand free and proud.