Sol 5.6

  1. O sons of al-Attar, O fragrance of Damascus!

    Through surpassing kindness, you have made me your thrall.

  2. Your fragrance wafted through the universe, surpassing

    the perfume of garden roses, whether wafted or inhaled.

  3. Your bough soared toward glory’s heaven,

    and yours is a root sprung from the finest stock.

  4. Your child is a star, your elder a full moon;

    then indeed, the sheikh among you is a horizon’s sun.

  5. O full moon of the Levant, O people of high glory!

    Your light has gleamed in West and East.

  6. You became masters of all people through knowledge and piety,

    through good works, benevolence, and gentleness.

  7. And if one should seek to rival you—

    a man of eminence—yours is the palm of victory.

  8. How fine a family you are among humankind!

    O nobles, attain every further height!

  9. I shall never cease to sing your name,

    imitating on my page the warbling of doves.

  10. To you I remain a captive always,

    obedient to your command, never running away.

  11. If, my masters, you should wish to set me free,

    I would not consent to my emancipation at your hands,

  12. grateful for your favors through all time,

    since from you I received more than my due.

  13. My friends and intimates—you are

    the people of my affection, my love, my passion:

  14. with unstained hems, noble lords,

    people of virtue, fair in form and character.

  15. May my Lord increase you in knowledge and guidance,

    with ease of life and the amplest provision.

Sol 5.6