1. I was silent, so they lessened my respect,
And I spoke, so they increased their folly,

2. And I have no hope in a country,
Where aspirations are frustrated, and vile.

3. Is there anything in Egypt to be proud of,
Other than titles and ranks?

4. And one who boasts of inherited wealth,
Not earned by his own efforts?

5. And in the Roman, there is an admonition,
For a people immersed in frivolity,

6. They kill us without reason,
No wergild or refuge for us.

7. And he walks towards his banner,
Which shields him from affliction.

8. So say to the boasters - what is the cause,
Of this empty boasting?

9. Show me among you an upstanding man,
Of clear and noble lineage.

10. Show me half an inventor,
Show me a quarter of a guardian of morals.

11. Show me one who hosts gatherings,
Of people of merit and literature.

12. And what is in your schools,
Of education and books?

13. And what is in your mosques,
Of elucidation and sermons?

14. And what is in your newspapers,
Other than deception and lies?

15. The harvest of tongues that have led,
To misery and war.

16. So rise from your slumber,
For time is made of gold.

17. This is a nation that has passed,
The prime of its youth.

18. It was passionate for the heights,
And dreamed of a daughter of grapes.