وَإِنّي لَأَستَحِيَ السُؤالَ وَمَذهَبي

عَريضٌ وَآبى الشُحَّ إِلّا عَلى عِرضي

Though asking shames me, my nature is generous,

I disdain only stinginess, not my honor.

وَما كانَ مِثلي يَعتَريكَ رَجاؤُهُ

وَلَكِن أَساءَت شيمَةٌ مِن فَتىً مَحضِ

One such as I would not trouble you hoping,

Except that an exemplar's ways have shamed me.

وَإِنّي وَإِشرافي عَلَيكَ بِهِمَّتي

لَكَالمُبتَغي زُبداً مِنَ الماءِ بِالمَخضِ

For I and my pursuit of you are like

One who churns water seeking foam.