1. True in character, a wellspring of gifts,

    whenever the cloud-laden sky fails its promise;

  2. his bounty pours down thunderously, while from his face

    the gloom of ill fortune and the pitch-black night are driven away.

  3. When massed armies fail, he stands protector;

    and when the life-giving rain withholds, he is the generous one.

  4. Morning’s radiance grows lovelier through him,

    and amid his noble traits, bliss grows sweet.

  5. The aged she-camels and the champions complain of him,

    while guest and settled neighbor speak his praise.

  6. He is stern when lofty spears clash,

    but in peace, a man of gentle mercy.

  7. The supreme state’s right hand, mighty in his stroke,

    when brutal calamity presses forward.

  8. Open-faced and ever smiling—yet from him

    comes grave silence whenever an ugly word is uttered.

Sol 5.6