Thus spoke a woman to a sultan's officer (serhang)

Arise, O blessed one, for the sustenance of your wife.

Go so that they may give you a share from their table

For your children's eyes are fixed on the path (awaiting your return).

He said, 'The kitchen is cold today'

For the sultan intended to fast tonight.

The woman, out of despair, lowered her head

And said to herself, with a heart wounded by poverty.

What, one might say, did the sultan want from this fasting?

For his breaking of the fast is a feast for our children.

One who eats and from whose hand good comes forth (who gives to others)

Is better than a perpetually fasting world-worshipper.

Fasting is certainly appropriate for one

Who gives the morning meal to a helpless person.

Otherwise, what is the need for you to strive

To withhold from yourself and then eat it yourself?