1. To the son of Abu al-Walid my riding camels sped,

    and journeyed on, their braided girths shifting loosely.

  2. To al-Hakam, whose hands excel

    other hands through great, perilous undertakings.

  3. For him the camel-drivers press on, despite their mounts' sore feet,

    toward the desert heights, sweat streaming behind their ears.

  4. And many a valiant king lives on in you,

    a forefather of yours, like the breaking light of day.

  5. So whoever chooses you among Nizar's two sons

    has indeed laid his hands upon the best—

  6. upon the giver of fine, marked steeds,

    along with noble Bactrian camels and maidens.

  7. I saw your hands as the finest hands of any generous man,

    and every runner grew weary, falling short of your pace.

  8. A noble man who buys praise with wealth,

    through noble deeds grown too costly for merchants.

  9. We found the stature of your house among Quraysh

    lofty in height, its pillars rising high.

  10. And who can seek with his hands to match your achievements,

    aspiring to some eminence on the day of boasting?

  11. I saw kingship pass from Uthman,

    its bonds settling with you, its lasting abode.

  12. And a captive called out, and you answered him,

    and freed his hands from bondage,

  13. when death hemmed them in with death's decrees,

    and the people were caught in its scorching blaze.

Sol 6.1