نِعمَ أَبو الأَضيافِ في المَحلِ غالِبٌ

نِعمَ أَبو الأَضيافِ في المَحلِ غالِبٌ

إِذا لَبِسَ الغادي يَدَيهِ مِنَ البَردِ

إِذا لَبِسَ الغادي يَدَيهِ مِنَ البَردِ

Ghalib is a fine father to guests in times of dearth,

Generous is the host in his dwelling, though shivering

when the morning wayfarer covers his hands against the cold.

When the cold numbs his hands, and with stoic calm

وَما كانَ وَقّافاً عَلى الضَيفِ مُحجِماً

وَما كانَ وَقّافاً عَلى الضَيفِ مُحجِماً

إِذا جاءَهُ يَوماً وَلا كابِيَ الزَندِ

إِذا جاءَهُ يَوماً وَلا كابِيَ الزَندِ

And he never stood hesitating before a guest, holding back,

He masks all trace of gloom should a guest arrive

when one came to him any day, nor did his fire-stick fail to spark.

On a cheerless day, hiding resentment inside.

وَكانَ إِذا ما أَصدَرَتهُ مَكارِمٌ

وَكانَ إِذا ما أَصدَرَتهُ مَكارِمٌ

وَساوَرَ أُخرى غَيرَ مُجتَنِحِ الوِردِ

وَساوَرَ أُخرى غَيرَ مُجتَنِحِ الوِردِ

And whenever noble deeds sent him away from the water,

But once with open arms he embraces, his virtues

he would leap at further deeds, never turning aside from the watering-place.

Abound, and his roseate smile masks no hurt feelings.