1. What is my standing with disgrace while I have
A sharp saying and a haughty nose,

2. And lofty refusal from the abjectness
Like a wild bird that took wing and flew away.

3. What excuse to glory has he if he yields
While yet a blade in its flashing sheath.

4. Shall I don the garb of disgrace in the lands of foes
While in Egypt rules the descendant of the Exalted?

5. Whoever is my father, my father is his sire
When the distant kinsman undertakes my cause.

6. My forefather linked his origin with the origin
Of all the human race, Muhammad and Ali.

7. My abasement with such pride is glory indeed,
And my place with such outcasts is but eminence.

8. The noble may be abased when he does not gird
Himself for effort, and the ignoble exalted.

9. It is the greatest evil if my will's endeavor
Seeks the heights while my lot holds me back.

10. I am patient with injury and my glory rests
Not on palace and mansion but on resolution.

11. Like him who gropes the dark while dawn spreads
Its light behind him and the day is clear.