Sol 6.1

  1. Ah, is there any defense against unbearable oppression,

    And a hearing for a claim against the implacable adversary?

  2. For the bow of discernment can be drawn no further,

    And Abd al-Karim's contention has dragged on.

  3. The arrows of calamity struck him, and he was felled by

    Death's champions—a keen sword and a reed pen.

  4. His life was torn to utter shreds,

    And a hand and an arm pluck him free of them,

  5. If he does not soon fulfill a promise

    Of a teaching post that cannot be denied.

  6. I never hoped for a post from him; I only

    Hoped for Sa'd's bounty—generosity is his nature.

  7. A young man whose palm was made for three things:

    Generosity, a keen, cutting sword, and a reed pen.

  8. O my lord, my affiliation with your door is widely known,

    And my share of praise for your eminence is spread abroad.

  9. And poems have gone forth from me to you,

    And a face never abased, and written petitions.

  10. And I have a promise from you whose fulfillment has been delayed;

    So grant me an appointed time whose footsteps are swift.

  11. So fulfill it with a command that is obeyed; for these

    Commands of yours are obeyed in East and West.

Sol 6.1