Sol 6.1

  1. The proof of your eminence admits no objection,

    and the outspread reach of your bounty never contracts.

  2. In you are excellences, in word and meaning;

    you have shouldered their burden—how mightily!

  3. The envious acknowledge them—and why not?

    Your good fortune bears witness, and your bounty is judge.

  4. You are the surviving heir of your noble progenitors, father and grandfather;

    by those who remain, those gone before are judged.

  5. And he endowed them—many and noble as they were—

    as flowers inherit the gardens’ fragrant breaths [reading uncertain].

  6. So this light comes from those lamp-niches,

    and this river from those pools.

  7. News of Abu al-Fadl’s departure reached me,

    leaving me bowed between longing and burning anguish.

  8. So we have not folded our ribs around consolation,

    nor folded our eyelids shut.

  9. Parting from the soul is not by choice,

    and losing the spirit is not by mutual consent.

  10. Though one may find a friend in place of a friend,

    no friend has been given me in place of Iyad.

  11. A meeting with him is a debt owed me, but

    I see the days delaying payment when I demand my due.

  12. Abu al-Fadl, time, as you see it,

    turns between binding fast and unraveling.

  13. I have accepted separation, though it holds displeasure,

    yet I am not content with separation from you.

  14. So travel unhurriedly, and return swiftly,

    like a falcon in ascent and downward swoop.

  15. And live in happiness, eminence, and glory,

    with your good fortune obedient and tame.

  16. When have the claims of any untamable one been upheld

    by the testimony of languishing eyes?

Sol 6.1