In another place it is written:

(from the mutaqārab metre)

A hall that seems as though the gardens of everlasting life (1)
Had lent it a share of their beauty for splendor;
And granted it, amid the turns of time,
Immunity from any calamity that might befall it (2).
Thus it came to boast above every structure,
Whether raised in the West or in the East.
Delegations linger there, thronging its courts (3),
And guests walk through it by every road.
Remain for it, O Beauty of Kings and of Excellence,
For as long as you wish to remain;
May the vicissitudes of the age leave it safe through you,
And may you be protected therein from all that is feared.

Yet—by Allah (4)—these hopes were not fulfilled. Before long, once they had seemingly been attained (5), the caliph accused Ibn Aflah (6) of corresponding with Dubays and ordered that this mansion be demolished (7). Not a single wall was left standing, and it became a desolation (8) after having been a most agreeable dwelling. Such is the wisdom of Him who turns night over day, and by whose will destinies unfold (9); it is His way with every house erected in ostentation and pride, and with every garment donned in arrogance and vanity.

Ibn al-Jawzi (10) has transmitted a number of fine specimens of his verse and prose, among them the following:

(from the basīṭ metre)

Leave passion to those who are known for it;
They have practiced love until even its hardest part grew gentle.
You have tried your soul in what you do not understand (11);
A thing is difficult for the one who has never experienced it.
Acquire (12) patience—even if you cannot summon endurance—
For many a seeker has attained a goal (13) whose pursuit was arduous.