Sol 5.6

  1. You, a latter-day man of Bakr, heedlessly vie with me,

    though by ancient lineage you stand at Bakr’s very summit.

  2. Ah, if only I knew why you delayed my reward,

    though neither miserliness drove you nor did you act from want.

  3. I suppose that, when I perfected my panegyrics upon you,

    you withheld my reward, envying me my poetry.

  4. Do you envy me the fine workmanship of a robe I wove

    for you to wear? Oh, what a wondrous thing!

  5. Remember—may God guide you—that I am the panegyrist,

    and you the one praised; do not overstep my station in dealing with me.

  6. In poetry, a peer competes with his peer,

    but the kings of men are far above such a disposition.

  7. Nor do two poets race toward any goal

    beyond seeking bounty from an unstinting lord.

  8. You are he whose overflowing bounty petitioners seek,

    and whoever enters the race sends poetry coursing toward your kindness.

  9. Why then, sir, did you begrudge me my paltry share,

    when you stand beside the radiant sun and the full moon?

  10. Yours is to enrich the poor man and restore his fortunes,

    and to free the helpless captive from captivity.

  11. Yours is to unravel crises and mend them,

    and kindle war’s fire with white blades and tawny spears.

  12. Yours are the deeds of kings; leave me

    to extol the kindnesses and extraordinary feats you perform.

  13. For every noble endeavor, having you as its champion is enough,

    and it is enough for you that I describe what you feather and shape.

  14. I speak, and you bestow bounty after bounty:

    you scoop from an ocean, while I hew from rock.

  15. When the poet Ibn al-Rumi lavishes praise upon his emir,

    what a praiser you have—and what a praised patron I have!

  16. My panegyric adds nothing to your praise,

    save that I string your scattered pearls.

Sol 5.6