يقولون لي من للمكارم يرتجى

ومن ذا الذي يأوي إلى ظله اللاجي

They tell me, who can one hope for generosity from?

And who is there that the desperate can seek refuge under his shade?

فقلت اقصدوا دار السلام ويمموا

ربوع علاماً خاب في قصدها الراجي

So I said, head to Dar Al-Salam, and make way

To the meadows of knowledge, though the hopeful was disappointed in reaching it.

وشموا شذى عرف من العرف عاطر

وشيمواسنا برق على الكرخ وهاج

And smell the fragrance of virtuous chivalry,

And aspire to be like the bright lightning over Karkh roared.

هناك السويدي الذي في ربوعه

محط رحال الوافدين أولي الحاج

There lies Al-Suwaydi, in whose meadows

Is the destination of newcomers, and pilgrims of duty.

بآل السويدي الكرام تزينت

سماء العلى وانجاب غيهبها الداجي

With the generous Al-Suwaydi family, the

Heavens of the High were adorned, though the aspirer despaired.

وقد علمت بغداد ان عميدها

وحامى حماها في الخطوب ابو ناجي

And Baghdad knew that its dean,

And protector of its sanctuary in hardships, is Abu Naji.

إذا لبست تاج الفخار فيوسف

وان رغمت اعداؤه درة التاج

When it wore the crown of pride, it was like Joseph,

And when its enemies scowled, it was like a precious crown.