شمس المعالي كعقود الجمان — Ismail Sabry

The sun of high distinction, like strings of pearls,

Has been arrayed at the forefront of this place.

And the joys throughout its precincts

Form a beautiful union—what a union!

It greets the eye with what it desires:

Delicate, beautiful marvels of ornament.

There the fruits of fellowship draw near

To the guests of Abbas, the exalted one of the age.

May his gathering place remain the seat of hospitality,

And his towering glory bound to security.

Egypt revels all her days beneath his shade,

In the meadows' freshness and the gardens' sweetness.

And from his light the days clothe themselves

In a radiance the sun and moon envy.

How clear truth is when it shines forth

In beauty's robe and eloquence's jewels!

With it, the man of judgment refutes his opponent

Before the spearpoint does its work upon him.

So it is, without doubt or misgiving,

The god of the master of sword and mantle.

And justice raises sovereignty above Suha,

And clothes the world in garments of safety.

Upholding the scales is part of what it requires,

And its pillar is deterrence without vehemence.

So exercise mercy toward those deserving it;

Do not put harshness in place of tenderness.

Do not ask the ruler about his rule;

For his justice is his rule's interpreter.

The subjects' love is the best thing to acquire,

And the best thing the heart can yearn for.

How often, through it, a man has spent the day amid a mighty host,

And spent the night in a fortress towering high!

So hold fast to it forever as a means of defense,

To which the universe bows and time gives ear.