يقولُون زَيدٌ لِمْ تَركْتَ مديحَهُ

وقد ظَهَرتْ مثل النجومِ معاليهِ

They say, "Zayd, why have you stopped praising him

Though his virtues shine brightly like stars?"

فقلتُ لهم ما ذاكَ جهلاً لِحقّهِ

عَلَيَّ ولكنْ خِفتُ أن لا أوفّيه

I said, "It's not from ignorance of his merit

That I've stopped, but fear I cannot do justice."

وماذا عَسَى المدَّاحُ فيه يقولُهُ

وكلّ غلوٍّ فيه دون الذي فيه

What can a praiser say that's adequate?

Any praise is less than he deserves.