Sol 6.1

  1. Gently—let your steps test the road,

    if they have tasked you with attaining a goal.

  2. O man of vast influence, a greeting—

    if a poet who greets you could stir your sympathy.

  3. Welcome to your long, keen sword, and welcome,

    provided you do not put it in place of your generosity.

  4. In Egypt are a people who will not be wronged, and a sovereign

    without peer, who accepts no partner.

  5. She greets you, gentle and clear-skied;

    why should the free and innocent fear you?

  6. You will never hold back her Nile, nor

    will her pyramids be razed by your might.

  7. God is mightier than your armies,

    and time stretches beyond the reach of your aim.

  8. And surely you are loftier in resolve and character

    than to spread nets for those living in safety.

  9. And too righteous to turn with hatred upon

    captives here groping for release.

  10. Do the wounded do wrong if they attempt

    a cry and a stir in the face of beasts of prey?

  11. Did the Germans have any interest in them

    ever, when they showed courtesy to the Turks?

  12. Love for them was no wrongdoing, even if it

    wearied and tormented the lying faultfinder.

  13. We are not a flock whose shepherd is absent, as

    we once were; nor are you the deadly lion.

  14. Having tested our souls, you are forbidden

    by your past caution to let us be your foes.

  15. Your experiences, which you handled well, have ensured

    in Egypt that you will disobey the one who enticed you.

  16. Whether you are cheerful-faced or scowling,

    God knows the full extent of your secret counsel.

  17. And perhaps your conduct in your gray-haired years differs from what

    you did before in the prime of your youth.

  18. So let those fearing ill omens here be calm, even if

    the alarmists’ thunderclaps crash over there.

  19. They clamored, then returned to listening; and perhaps

    your right hand has outrun your mouth with mighty deeds.

  20. You may have all you wish of the lands, except what

    the one who appointed you does not claim there.

  21. And if you attend to all that has been decreed, who

    is better suited than you to fulfill the promises?

  22. Your great state's covenant is the best thing

    for you to uphold, if the one who entrusted you with its care acted justly.

  23. O conqueror of Khartoum, with the army that

    became a sacrifice for her spoils and for you,

  24. remember its feats, which you directed,

    until through them you reached your lofty eminence.

  25. And the burdens of heroes after their fighting—

    we are surely the nearest of them to your mercy.

  26. Surely he whose fingers are pure is worthier of what

    you bestowed on that mighty slaughterer.

  27. So stay in Egypt as a beneficent guest,

    and they must honor your stay.

  28. And remember the Nile Valley's bounty; perhaps

    you will give its sons some of what it gave you.

  29. Then, when you pass beyond Egypt—the Quiver—conquer

    whatever your resolve wills, and ascend the celestial spheres.

  30. Outside Egypt are pretexts and battlefields

    for one seeking more ambition and combat.

  31. And even if you are angry with the unbowed, their endurance

    is worthier and nobler than hoping for your favor.

  32. So acknowledge their excuse as that of the careful man, if they

    have not surrendered to you what your hands can reach.

Sol 6.1