1. The swords were sheathed and the debate of insults ceased,
The eagles left their places for the humming of flies’ wings.

2. The arena was left for every faint voice with no claws or fangs,
Ostriches in the caves, and in altercation the lion absent.

3. They pelt each other with all kinds of slander like poisoned spears,
The nation fragmented, and the pages stripped of their covers.

4. And the people lament, saying: “This struggle is at my expense!”
Accusations poured like rain pouring from clouds,

5. Their smell not like flowers or musk perfume.
If cast among the righteous, it would taint the purity of the devout.

6. Today Egypt looks upon its leaders with doubtful eyes,
The innocent are blamed and others cursed a thousandfold.

7. If they lie in the accusations, their disgrace is that of liars,
Or if true, what a terrible affliction that would be!

8. They hushed the talk, as if you were not in a land with a door,
And your talk followed by pure youth modest of gaze.

9. The war of lies and obscenity, its answer comes hard to the weary,
The great revolution whose path we paved with the blood of youth,

10. What has befallen it, turned into feasts of food and drink?
It has become theaters of ostentation and a market of profit,

11. No lesson taken from ruling; how the sneeze is buried in dust!
When the scent of power is smelled, all salivate,

12. Two parties: one eyeing the other, poised to pounce.
They said: “It's what the people want,” I said: “The people wronged!”

13. And the glimmer of the constitution revealed the mirage of the illusion,
Pacts were broken, so what pact was not a coup?

14. Where is he who assumed command and did not weaken or cower?
We have made rule a reward and punishment,

15. I see a blind fanatic partisanship, lost of reason,
Hurling accusations at kin, dividing companions.

16. It gave the country two cups: one of poison, one to sip.
A partisanship built on whims, fleeting and drifting,

17. Its men confused between rejection and affiliation.
Among its principles what changes like clothes.

18. Too long has their silence lasted, and the rock nods to speak.
Can it be said: the zealous heroes put demands aside?

19. And their resolve birthed only a tale of melting salt?
That they folded the reins of command upon the book?

20. The East races to its destiny, while the Nile valley slumbers.
Where is he who sought refuge and believed the students?

21. Vanished are the demands for rights during prolonged absence,
At the time of deciding fate, and freeing of necks,

22. O Farouk, pride of youth, and cub of angry lions,
No matter how scattered the peoples, you unite the branches,

23. You are the hope in distress, the refuge in tribulations,
Steer the ship wisely, for it tosses in upheaval,

24. The wind blows tumultuously and the waves rise like domes,
For the shepherds parted and the flock fears the wolves!