My nature did not desire this kind of work,

Nor was I inclined to praise kings.

But I composed it in the name of so-and-so,

So the wise may speak of it again.

That Saadi, who seized the ball of eloquence,

Lived in the era of Abu Bakr ibn Sa’d.

It is fitting to admire his time as much,

As the Prophet admired the era of Nushirwan.

A world-ruling, pious, and just king,

None came like Abu Bakr after Umar.

The leader of the proud and the crown of nobles,

O world, take pride in the era of his justice.

If anyone seeks refuge from turmoil,

They have no sanctuary but this land.

Blessed is the essence of the ancient house,

And the hope of all who journey from distant paths.

I have not seen such treasure, kingdom, and throne,

Dedicated to children, the poor, and the elderly.

No painful sorrow came upon him,

That he did not heal with a balm in his heart.

He is a seeker of goodness and hopeful,

O God, fulfill the hope he holds.

His lofty cap reaches the highest skies,

Yet in humility, his head remains bowed to the earth.

If a beggar shows humility, it is his nature,

But humility befits the highborn.

If the lowly fall, what is lost?

But when the mighty fall, they are godly men.

His good name is never concealed,

For the sound of his generosity spreads through the world.

Such a wise man of noble birth as you,

The world shall remember as long as it exists.

You will not see suffering in his time,

Nor hear complaints of tyranny.

No one has seen such order and tradition,

Not even Fereydun with all his splendor witnessed this.

His standing before God is strong,

For the hands of the weak are strengthened by his power.

His shadow extends over the world so far,

That an old woman need not fear a Rostam.

Always, people complain of the tyranny of time,

And lament the turning of the heavens.

In your era of justice, O King,

No one has complaints about the times.

In your reign, I see the people at peace,

But after you, I know not their fate.

It is from your blessed fate,

That Saadi's chronicle belongs to your time.

As long as the moon and sun remain in the sky,

Your name will live forever in this book.

Kings who gained noble fame,

Learned virtues from those before they came.

In your royal conduct and sovereign grace,

You surpass kings of the ancient race.

Alexander, with walls of brass and stone,

Narrowed Gog and Magog’s passage to none.

Your barrier to Gog is your wealth of gold,

Not of brass like Alexander’s stronghold.

A tongue that praises this peace and right,

If silent in thanks, may it lose its light.

Oh sea of compassion and mine of grace,

Existence itself is supported by your place.

The king’s virtues exceed the bounds of count,

They overflow this book’s narrow account.

If Saadi were to write all, verse by verse,

He would need another book to rehearse.

Overwhelmed am I by thanks for such grace,

Better that I raise hands in prayer’s embrace.

May the world be to your will, heavens your aid,

And the Creator of worlds your guard, unstayed.

Your high star lights the world, so bright,

May your foes’ stars burn out of sight.

May no sorrow trouble your passing days,

And no dust of worry cloud your heart’s rays.

For grief upon a sovereign’s mind,

Distresses the hearts of all mankind.

May your heart and realm remain unified,

May disunion from your kingdom be denied.

May your health, like faith, be steady and true,

And ill-wishers’ hearts be weak as dew.

May your soul, by God’s support, be blessed,

May your heart, faith, and realm find rest.

May the Creator grant you mercy profound,

Anything more I say is mere tale and sound.

Sufficient it is from the Glorious Lord,

That your good fortune is richly stored.

Sa’d Zangi left this world not in despair,

For he sired a successor as renowned and rare.

No wonder this branch from that pure root grew,

His spirit soars while his body lies true.

O Lord, on that famous tomb, let blessings rain,

Through your grace, let mercy fall again.

If Sa’d Zangi’s name leaves a lasting mark,

May the heavens support Sa’d Abu Bakr’s ark.