1. O poet of the Nile, neighbor of the Nile in virtue,
Who wove its birds in song and melody

2. On its banks and in the call of its raging torrents
Is what is between inspiration and speech in your writing,

3. And in its meanings are spirits from its paradise,
The most wholesome breezes for the soul and the breath.

4. Poetry as if the outpouring of good overflowed with it
On the slopes, its flood in the lowlands and the dunes.

5. Both are fertile, its outlet a field,
And its friend in the desolation of the flat land.

6. It overflows to cover the frowning face of the rocky hills
And clarity emerges from clouds therein smiling.

7. With that poetry describe Egypt and its nation,
Describe every sense therein seething forth.

8. Describe that grace which if nations prided in one day
Egypt would pride in over the nations.

9. Describe that intimacy flowing from its springs
Sweet waters offered for all the thirsty.

10. Describe that gentleness which in its softness
Fulfills what is not the softness of silk and plush.

11. Describe what the beauty of nature wills in charm
And what the halal of the soul wills in nobility.

12. These traits are not revealed in splendor
By a rhyme like yours of gravity and harmony.

13. I want for it a description but my inadequacy brings me back
When passion spurs on my pen.

14. Who can lend me your rhyme by whose miracle
I take the utmost hopes upon my resolves?

15. Thanks to Egypt and praise to its nation
From a sincere one high above suspicion toward them.

16. Egypt is civilization - relics bear witness -
Egypt is tolerance, Egypt is glory of old.

17. Beloved Egypt whether it draws near or keeps its distance,
Dear Egypt whether we stay or depart.

18. We are guests of its hospitality and honor
Therefrom though we closely keep trusts.

19. We came under its protection and lived safely by it
In comfort as though life were but a dream.

20. So who of us replayed favor with wrong?
We obligate him as violating sanctity.

21. And whoever attains it with harm, verily in us
Is double from impact of harm and pain.

22. But my people have innocent hearts therein
Leave the suspicious one who calls to illusion.

23. May God not bless one who sows division
Between the two rows of kinsman and neighbor nations.

24. O Keeper of Good be in the knot of their amity
A unique knot persisting unsevered.

25. Reveal with your wisdom the screens of the crafty one
From a trap the nomads use to catch the foreigners.

26. The true poet's who inspiration makes radiant for him
A sun amid darkness from revelation.

27. Between the two prophets and advisors a platform
From the Most High is profiled for opinion and rule.

28. And for simpler things in his praises
Is the excellent phrasing of refined organized words.

29. So his pride wherever he finds mercy and guidance
And where he deters from passions and vengeance,

30. And where he protects the sanctuary from misguidance and misery
And where he calls to dangers and greatness.

31. This which you O son of the Nile are its maker,
And that is your glory, the glory of the Nile and the pyramids.