Sol 5.6

  1. Speak to al-Kamāl in words whose ornament is lucid expression:

    The tale-bearers lied, and the blameworthy one changed you.

  2. You made me indignant over my livelihood, yet I did not go beyond—

    the gentleness of reproach, nor did censure beguile me.

  3. I spent my year famished, looking about in bewilderment,

    while my words were peaceable and my heart untainted.

  4. For less than what I endured, a revered man would have lost his gravity

    before me, and a forbearing man would have flown into folly.

  5. Why, then, was I thought ill of, when my mettle

    is known, and my self-command is known?

  6. Far be it from Abu al-Rayyan to revile his honor,

    when his countenance is radiant and his hand generous.

  7. Abounding in virtues, his protected honor is never fair game,

    nor is any seeker of bounty ever turned away.

  8. Gracious in close dealings, gentle in his ways;

    jealous for honor, he rises for lofty glory and stands firm.

Sol 5.6