1. My lips did not cease to provoke and enchant
Until the charming Babylonian smiled at me

2. With an alluring glance from his hazel eyes
And a sedated lion pounced at me from him

3. His glances suddenly flirted with me
Rather, they raided me when I least expected

4. It's but a line, though its phrases are spears
A garden, though eloquently flourishing

5. I did not hesitate, when I plucked its fruits
With a glance, to sniff the intoxicating fragrance

6. Had I not feared being likened to a horde
Whose sights are veiled and bewildered

7. I would have lingered, touching his parchment
Saying I see it as intoxicating nectar

8. O Mahdi, seal of glorious virtues
Whose wraps unfurl the flags of pride

9. You gifted me a parchment inscribed
With virtues of glory that cannot be concealed

10. You presented to the seven constructs therein
A sea of poetry, truly they are oceans

11. I wondered if among them a sphere in which
The seven gleaming planets blossom

12. In each verse, if attributed to its founder
Becomes like his name, grandly arrogant

13. Hearts in the world swoon to its chant
And the righteous turn their faces to it

14. I wondered how it came to me, though I've never
Ceased to pursue it until I grew weary

15. A wish I've held since containing it
With thanks or wonder and all dazzles

16. It rose upon me at dusk, so I said: that
Is a moon with a jewel-adorned appearance

17. My soul rejoiced at its rise and creation's realms
Still rejoice at its rising and gleam

18. But I lived for it while my eyelid wavered
Then recoiled while my pensive eye saddened

19. It was as if the extract I wrung from its vines
Was a spirit that came to me for ages pressed

20. Gently, Abu Ishaq, none in the earth, striving
To rise to the celestial spheres, dares

21. You sent me seven poems, though below them
Are seven lengthy, wondrous ones that shorten

22. And I mentioned some of my poems delighted you
Though they are miserable and turn green

23. Wait, look again, for what pleased you thus
May be conceit though the arrogant pleases

24. Especially if it is the excuse of spontaneity
And the difficulty of the pressing state

25. When it circulates that you wish for my beads
For vain ostentation, while you are the jewel

26. You have presented me with masterpieces from it
That no poet will attempt to attain

27. And had you reckoned them a favor upon us
It would suffice, but you sought what is greater

28. You permitted me the honor of visiting
For which I am more rightful and obliged

29. And it is best I visit tomorrow
For delaying duty cannot be excused

30. And to you however my spontaneity allowed
Its composition, though it remains sparse

31. For I detained your messenger for a time
Until it took form, for he could not recall

32. Due to obstacles in its folds, consulting me,
My words, though the consultant may seem rude

33. And the poets' instincts are like conceptions
Not every time does poetry flow readily

34. This, while yearning for you lodges in my core
To become like your consuming blaze

35. But perhaps it will be coolness met with greetings
And abundant peace when we meet