ما للقريض وإن يكن غضّ الجنا

لم يبلغ المقصود منه قصيده

Though the poem be rough, as if rushed through,

It won't achieve what's intended of a ode.

ما ذاك إلا أنني حمّلته

ما لم يقم بأقلّه مجهوده

That's only because I've burdened it

With more than it's able to bear of its load.

هذا ولو أنّ الأوائل كلّفوا

شعراً يوفي وصفكم فيجيده

Had the ancients tasked a poem

To properly describe you, and do it with flair,

ألقى السلاح حبيبه ووليده

وثنى العنان لبيده وعبيده

It would cast off its beloved weapon and child,

And direct its rhythm elsewhere, fully beguiled.