إذا مدحَ الأقوامُ قَرْماً بسؤْددٍ

وأعلَوْا لهُ ذِكْرا ونَثُّوا لهُ فَضْلا

When people praise an unworthy man

And exalt his name and attribute to him merit,

مَدحْتُ ابنَ عَبّادٍ لأنَّي لا أرى

لهُ في النَّدى نِدّا ولا في العُلا شَكْلا

I praise Ibn Abbad because I do not see

Anyone comparable to him in virtue or nobility.

كريمٌ إذا ما جرَّدَ العَزمَ ماضياً

لأُكْرومةٍ أزرى بِمنْ جرَّدَ النَّصْلا

He is generous whenever he decides firmly

To perform a glorious deed. He surpasses those who wield the sword.

ظريفُ السَّجايا حُلوَةٌ حركاتُهُ

كأنَّ لهُ في كُلِّ جارِحَةٍ عَقْلا

Refined and subtle are his qualities, charming his gestures,

As if each part of his body had a mind of its own.