1. When I saw the foreheads of a people in the dust
And their lips hanging on thresholds

2. And heard in Tanta the supplication of one saying
"O Bedouin, relieve what is in me"

3. And I met in Hanafy one who was striving for him
With an open letter and a book

4. And witnessed in Rome the Church of St. Peter
Where lips wear out the iron of the gate

5. And I knew that among the priests are those
Who hope for forgiveness and goodly reward

6. I was certain that people had lost their Lord
O Lord, take them not with torment