أحلى المديحِ مديح خلّ فاخر

أقواله تنبي كدرّ باهر

The finest praise is praise of a dear friend

The sweetest praise is the commendation of a magnificent friend,

Whose words hint at hidden wonders

His words prophesy their worth like dazzling pearls,

عمّا أجنّ من الوداد جنانه

ألفاظه تترى كشهد قاطر

From the affection he has inspired

Revealing the affection that his heart has held concealed,

His words seem like pouring honey

His phrases flowing in succession like dripping honeycomb.

تكسو الملاحةُ والطلاوة وجهها

فالودّ من أرجائها كالعاطر

Charm and eloquence grace his face

Grace and elegance clothe the countenance of his speech,

Affection emanates from him like perfume

So that love breathes from its borders like perfume.

يا صاح خاتمه الأفاضل كلهم

من كل شهم كاتب أو شاعر

O seal of the virtuous, foremost of all

O companion, he is the seal of all the virtuous,

Every brave author or poet

Distinguished among every gallant scribe or poet.

عندي لكم بين الضلوع مودةٌ

محفوظةٌ ومصونةٌ للغابر

For you I hold in my heart a love

I harbor for you, deep within my ribs, a fond affection,

Preserved and protected through time

Preserved and guarded for all time to come.

كن كيف شئت فأنت أنت أمينها

ما بين بادي عربها والحاضر

However you are, you're still its keeper

Be however you wish, for you are truly its trustee,

Amongst Arabs, past and present alike

Whether among the desert Bedouin or the city dweller.

ما الدر إلا ما أتانا منكم

أنا مخلص للود أول شاكر

Pearls come only from your bounty

Pearls are naught but what has reached us from you;

I'm loyal in my love, and first in thanks

I am loyal to this bond, the first to give thanks.