1. O House of Lutfallah, to you has passed

    the Palace of Gezira after Ismail.

  2. So welcome there the delegations, resplendent,

    and an age of freedom and abundant bliss.

  3. You have attained the angels’ pure character

    and gained the kings’ beautiful abode—

  4. the reward of those whose wealth and eminence

    bring far-reaching acts of grace to every quarter.

  5. Existence has rejoiced in you; were you to approach

    a mountain, it would turn verdant and inhabited.

  6. Every generous soul has benefactions throughout the land,

    but I deem your benefaction the proudest and most magnificent.

  7. The noblest aim generous men pursue through wealth

    is whatever gladdens hearts and satisfies minds.

  8. Through you, Syria makes a grander showing among kingdoms

    and offers a mightier proof and demonstration.

  9. In bounty there you have rivaled the Jordan; and how often

    in generosity, in Egypt, you have rivaled the Nile.

  10. You have supported its free people and its defenders

    and guaranteed its longed-for independence.

  11. May I yet see in the East, from among your noble sons,

    a hero leading the army and the fleet;

  12. then kingdoms will concede high rank to the Arabs,

    and generations will honor this generation.

  13. In congratulating you on the palace, I discharge some of what

    Michel’s generosity lays upon me as a duty.

Sol 6.1