1. You were troubled, yet this youth and pretentiousness -
What can the lovesick do when separated by distance?

2. You were troubled by a beloved who reminded you of love -
An Iraqi woman, a heart-piercing memory.

3. You exude the scent of fine musk and care -
Like bunches of fruit untouched by the picker.

4. And I fear the day of separation when love becomes known
And eyes, however lowering, reveal what's hidden.

5. When they speak of this separation, my tears will flow
For one sobbing bitterly in a remote spot.

6. My companion says, when will the stars of al-Nawá
Stop wandering and come together?

7. And though my intention was towards Syria,
My Yemeni love drew me to those I know.

8. It was women, bent on your beauty, who carried
The news of her passion, mounted on racing steeds.

9. And they shot her down, the archers, and killed
Hearts with arrows no breastplates can stop.

10. I have turned against those who emulated that love -
Their twittering resembles the warbler's song.

11. We sought the Commander of the Faithful but found
Only layers of dust raised by his entourage.

12. At Mayyirat al-A‘ḍād, belonging to Shaddām
Or the Da‘rī daughters, loose-haired beauties.

13. They smile at us, their cheeks dyed red
By the blood their soft hands have spilled.

14. We reached the Commander, who was still feeling
Ill, some riding, some walking by his side.

15. Those whose steeds cannot reach you hope in you
As do the wronged who seek justice at your gate.

16. For the favors you have showered on me, best of Creation,
I praise you, O successor known for his piety!

17. No misery lasts while the Caliph draws breath
And I stand embarrassed before the Caliph.

18. When there are complaints against the Imam, hearts
Tremble with fear and quake in their chests.

19. News reached us, after which there was no more patience -
It came upon every clan before that fateful event.

20. When we prayed for the Caliph, calling upon our Lord,
And the living were herded to him, frail and weak,

21. Tidings of you came, bringing joy to our eyes
And dread to the hypocrites and all their fears.

22. For you are God's Caliph on Earth, protector
Of His covenant, knowledgeable in truth.

23. He who guides the caliphs to piety has guided you.
You were granted a victory no caliph before you achieved.

24. India has surrendered its fortresses to you
And tribute flows from the land of China.

25. The land of Heraclius you have subdued and humbled
And Kisrá's descendants hurry to serve you.

26. This by the grace of Him whose ranks of worshippers
Prostrate as one, devotedly circumambulating.

27. You conquered other nations and when you subdued them,
You were granted victory, and your mercy returned.

28. They found your ropes to be strong,
So they submitted, and the dispute was settled.

29. You are the son of ‘Ays al-Ash‘athān, descended
From a noble lineage untouched by criticism.

30. The steeds of Dāḥis have carried you to the heights
And the plunder of Manāf, taken by speedy warriors.

31. You have clear evidence from Lu’ayy ibn Ghalib -
Before it the pretender and dissenter are silenced.

32. Noble, articulate - your grandfather was a begetter,
And begetters of repute have come down to you.

33. The house of al-Walīd has never lacked
A brother of trust who wards off every assault.