سلطان فاسٍ جدَّ اعداؤه

وهو رخيُّ البال مزّاحُ

The sultan of Fez, his enemies are very hostile

Yet he is carefree and cheerful

رثى له الأغيار في مشرق

وهمه الحسناء والراحُ

Strangers mourned for him in the East

While his concerns were only beautiful women and comfort

لا تعذلوه إن تلاهى ولم

ينح على الملك كما ناحوا

Do not blame him for amusing himself and not

Bending to kingship as others have wailed

فإن في إفريقيا أمةً

مأتمهم رقص وأفراحُ

For in Africa there is a nation

Whose grief is dance and joy