so it became a delight for those of understanding.

And a cool, sweet, pure water,

and a paradise for one fearing the heat of Hell.

When a nobleman came to propose to her,

a brother of sincere, intimate friendship.

She became a barrier for one who did not deflower her,

a connoisseur of secrets and sciences.

And the stratagem of the covenant possesses a firm bond,

upright upon the Straight Path.

Except for a few—and no boast [intended]

for a learned multitude in the view of the learned wise.

The epistle is complete by the praise and aid of God, the High who ascended and was powerful, the Manifest and Evident who was inward and then appeared, and by His judgment in His sovereignty He put forward and put back. So glory be to the Lord of Might, glory be to the Possessor of Greatness and Sovereignty. His prayers be upon His Name and His Gate of magnificent status; His servant and His messenger sent in every era and time; and upon Salsal the Trustworthy Spirit, the guide of the believers to the recognition of the Manifest Truth; and upon the people of the Luminous Ranks, the Noble Scribes, and those who follow them until the last of the ranks of the Joiners—a permanent prayer until the Day of Judgment. May there be upon us from their blessings and the nobility of their calls that which delivers us to the goal and makes us reach the desired end; indeed, He is the Hearing, the Answering.