كفى بفعال امرئٍ عالمٍ

على أهلِه عادِلاً شاهِدا

A leader's deeds for his people suffice

As fair witness if he rules justly.

أَرى لَهُم طارِفاً مُؤنِقا

وَلا يُشبِه الطَّارِفُ التالِدا

I see for them a helper, a defender,

Unlike tired, idle defenders.

يُمَنّ عَلَيكُم بِأَموالِكُم

وَتُعطَونَ من مائَة واحِدا

He grants you wealth which is yours already

And you're given one percent in fees.

فَلا حمد اللَّه مُستَبصِرا

يَكون لأَعدائِكُم حامِدا

So do not praise God gratefully

If your enemies get praised too.

فضلتَ قَسيمَك في قُعددٍ

كَما فَضلَ الوالِدُ الوالِدا

You favored your partner sitting still

Just as a father favors his son.