1. The buttons of Zabadani's paradise were unfastened

    by a visitor who settled in its finest abodes.

  2. It is finer than the valley of Bawwan, if

    spring dwells there in every season.

  3. That was when the sage visited it, Abu al-

    Fath, the young philosopher, a man of kindness.

  4. The two springs of Madaya and Baqqayn delighted him—

    God be praised for those two springs!

  5. Then al-Kubra Spring—how fine a spring it is,

    and how fine its water!—and the spring of Bludan.

  6. And if you wish to see the sea and the shore,

    climb the heights of Maryunan.

  7. Indeed, Abba Saba, at the monastery of Qubays,

    is truly venerable and subtle in thought.

  8. Safe from the harm of the blind,

    a virtuous man from Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.

  9. With him, you make the cups shine like suns,

    while darkness lies in the monks' robes.

  10. O Abu al-Fath, you visited paradises,

    while we, in longing, dwelt amid flames.

  11. So may God be your protector wherever you are,

    warding off misfortune's night visitor from you.

Sol 6.1