Sol 6.1

  1. I have seen that what I seek lies with no one but you;

    And likewise, beyond that there is no path to take.

  2. So it becomes clear to me that all the earth

    Is Samad, and that all people are Ya'rub.

  3. That is only because your generosity embraces all

    With its bounty, and because your abode is fertile.

  4. And every people has a livelihood within your spacious courts;

    And every land has a downpour from your sky.

  5. People have hearts that, through love of you, fill

    With joy, and tongues that proclaim your praise.

  6. O son of the kings of al-'Atik—beyond this, is there

    Any noble lineage a claimant might imagine or reckon?

  7. Your qualities are the measure of comparison among mankind;

    And your generosity is cited among them in proverbs.

  8. And it is distinction enough for you that your grandfather is noble,

    And your bounty is freely bestowed and your nature is good.

  9. I praise you for the excellence of what you do;

    It is as though you dictate to me, and I write.

  10. So may you live on, endowed with wealth, O Abu al-'Arab;

    Indeed, life with wealth is sweet for you.

  11. Were it not for the bounty of Ya'rub, the Arabs' noble youth,

    We would not have praised success in literary art.

  12. His kindness enriched us, making possible for us

    Fine praise that endures throughout the ages.

  13. And a desire arose in the soul, so there came to be

    For its fulfillment, poetry—the best recourse one could reckon.

  14. And poetry is embroidery and jewels, and the two

    Are the attire of high distinction and a resource for noble lineage.

  15. And how fine is poetry when we send it forth

    Ahead of our needs, to make our request,

  16. When we find for it a man of generosity,

    Like the lord we look to in hope, Abu al-'Arab,

  17. Whose palm's stream of generosity has never ceased to be

    A help to our hopes against misfortunes.

  18. And ever, in the heights of glory, his aspirations

    Rise and soar toward the noblest ranks.

  19. His traits are pure, good, and virtuous;

    So they are pleasing in contentment and in anger.

  20. And he is like rainwater that you mingle

    With wine, or like silver in gold.

Sol 6.1