Sol 5.6

  1. The Tongue of the Arabs was completed,

    and it came as desire’s very aim.

  2. Twenty volumes, followed by

    seven containing choice selections.

  3. Jamal al-Din brought, in

    his compilation, a marvel.

  4. He left it a treasure for humankind,

    to endure as the ages endure.

  5. He wreathed the neck of his age

    with it—a collar of gold.

  6. He studded it with gems,

    and it became the ornament of books.

  7. His book is the sun of bright forenoon,

    and their books are like shooting stars.

  8. From a family that surpassed mankind

    with their brown-shafted spears and swords:

  9. the sons of Qahtan, those who

    were called the Helpers of the Prophet.

  10. Oh, what a family—

    noble in lineage!

  11. Their Jamal made them beautiful,

    the pupil of literature’s eye.

  12. May God water his grave

    with rain from the teeming clouds;

  13. and may his spirit remain forever

    with the loving beauties,

  14. in a garden where he is given to drink

    of milk and honey.

Sol 5.6