الْمَقَامَةُ الْكُوفِيَّةُ

English: So we brought the inkwell and its snakes (pens).

Yoruba: Nítorí náà, a mú àwo ìkọ̀wé àti àwọn kálàmù rẹ̀ wá.

English: And we inscribed the story as he narrated it.

Yoruba: A sì kọ ìtàn náà sílẹ̀ bí ó ṣe sọ ọ́.

English: Then we inquired of him about his intention.

Yoruba: Lẹ́yìn náà, a bi í léèrè nípa èrò rẹ̀.

English: In taking charge of his son.

Yoruba: Nípa gbígbé ọmọ rẹ̀ wọ ilé.

English: He said: If my burden becomes heavy.

Yoruba: Ó sọ pé: Tí ẹrù mi bá wúwo.

English: It will be light for me to take care of my son.

Yoruba: Yóò jẹ́ ìrọ̀rùn fún mi láti tọ́jú ọmọ mi.

English: We said: If a portion of wealth is enough for you.

Yoruba: A sọ pé: Tí apá kan nínú ọrọ̀ bá tó fún ọ.

English: We will collect it for you immediately.

Yoruba: A ó kó o jọ fún ọ lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀.

English: He said: And how would a portion not satisfy me?

Yoruba: Ó sọ pé: Báwo ni apá kan kò ṣe lè tẹ́ mi lọ́rùn?

English: And who would despise its value except one afflicted?

Yoruba: Tani yóò fojú kéré iye rẹ̀ àyàfi aladanwo ?