يقرّر المنعم النعما إذا شاء

على الذي شاءه ومثله جاءَ

The Bestower decrees blessings when He wills

Upon whom He willed, and the like of him came

امتنَّ جوداً فأعطاه عنى وهدى

معنى وحِسَّاً وإيجاداً وإيواءَ

He was thankful for generosity, so He gave him care and guidance

Meaning, feeling, creation, and shelter

من جودِه كان شكرُ الجودِ في خبر

كان الحديثُ عن النعماءِ نعماء

From His generosity was thanks for generosity indeed

Speaking of blessings was itself a blessing

رِفقاً من الله للجل الذي عجبتْ

نفوسُنا فيه إذ أنشأن إنشاء

A mercy from Allah for the eminent one whom

Our souls were amazed by when composing poetry

إن المنازعَ في الأمثالِ ذو حسد

ما شئته لم يشأُ ما لم أشاء

Indeed the disputer in proverbs is envious

He did not will what I willed, what I did not will

وقد يكون لنا خيراً نفوز به

لعلمنا أنَّ ظلَّ المثلِ قد فاء

And there may be good for us we will attain

Since we know the likeness's shadow has departed