1. يا إماماً له مقام سنيّ

    وثناء في الخافقين وفيّ

    O imam whose station is exalted,

    And whose praise is ample in East and West,

  2. ما اسم شيء فيه لقوم طعام

    ولكلِّ الورَى بخمسيهِ ريّ

    What is the name of a thing containing food for some people,

    And whose two fifths quench the thirst of all humankind?

  3. وهو مستضعف العيان ولكن

    فيه للسامعين بأس قويّ

    And it seems feeble to the eye, yet

    Within it lies mighty force for those who hear.

  4. لا تقل لي في اللّغز بالفتح ريب

    فهو لغزٌ إذا نظرت جليّ

    Do not tell me there is doubt about 'laghz'—'riddle' pronounced with an a;

    For it is a riddle, clear when you consider it.

  5. سائر الذكر إن عكست وإن أس

    قطت حرفاً كذاك منه السريّ

    It is widely known if you reverse it; and if you re-

    move a letter, likewise from it comes the noble one.