1. As though the All-Merciful had reserved greatness

    for the hero Sayf al-Dawla, to the exclusion of other kings.

  2. He deemed him the most generous of them in goodness, if they were mentioned

    in description, and the best of them in speech and deed.

  3. So He brandished him while the blades of swords lay sheathed,

    and unsheathed him, free of any nick in his edge.

  4. Until, through him, the faith, after frowning, became

    joyful, walking proudly in robes bestowed by his bounty.

  5. So, were it to speak in any circumstance and be asked,

    "Who is the best of these mortals?" it would name none but Ali.

Sol 6.1