Sol 5.6

  1. Come, greet Nicola for me, O breeze,

    and whatever praise of that man you wish, speak it.

  2. Gently convey, O breeze, my greeting,

    for to me you are gentleness itself, whom I have sent as a messenger.

  3. By God, throughout all time I have never forgotten the joy of his company,

    nor forgotten any kindness or gracious deed of his.

  4. Even if I lived an eagle’s lifetime, I could not fully repay the thanks I owe him,

    even if my reach in praise were long.

  5. When it is asked, “Who among mankind is the greatest master of his craft,

    and the most brilliant physician?” we answer: “Nicola.”

  6. Hippocrates, were he still alive, would deck his ear

    with earrings of wisdom that have no equal.

  7. We forgot Avicenna when we beheld his healing:

    how many a sick man—and how much burning anguish—has he cured!

  8. Moreover, he is a skilled physician, gentle with one wasted by illness,

    refined in manner, never weary of a patient.

  9. And he is noble-hearted, generous, and illustrious,

    distinguished in virtue—how often he gladdens a friend!

  10. A discerning companion, whose fine qualities resemble

    the north wind’s breeze—nay, surpass it altogether.

  11. His outward conduct is exalted by the goodness of his inner nature;

    so may fair praise of him endure in fullest measure.

Sol 5.6