1. We cried but crying and grief avail naught,
While we in passionate love still distraught.

2. My dearest friends their ships did sail away,
But ne'er a ship returned unto this day.

3. Who shall convey my love and longing overt,
That perchance our spots may draw somewhat near?

4. Thou keeper of the honor dear as gold, a martyr now lies cold,
While round thee in the fort stand men so bold.

5. Dire fate assailed thee ere it showed its might,
With souls defending thee they did not fright.

6. A year now passed since we were thus forlorn,
No peace they found, no hope of thy return.

7. As one they swore by that which thou hast kept,
And truth acclaimed in all that thou hast stepped.

8. The best they knew in word and deed sublime,
Both eye and ear, eternal through all time.

9. Recalling now their loss in thee today,
All cities mourn in sorrow and dismay.

10. Our king's behest fulfilled in thee, their care,
All rules and laws made just for all to share.

11. In trust thou hast fulfilled thy mission grand,
Each man a friend lent others a helping hand.

12. In Egypt thou didst every good create,
Through all the years, as brother, son, and mate.

13. Whose life is built on sure foundation sound,
Thy base in heaven firm place has found.

14. Not years or age, but deeds of youth create,
The lifelong merit and the worthy state.

15. Thou left this world, no safety could be found,
No joy nor comfort in this earthly round.

16. Would that in resurrection thou appear,
With triumph in thy hand and counsels near.

17. When men in senseless strife destruction wake,
In such turmoil the brave and coward quake.

18. Unbidden war on time and fate they thrust,
As though marauders war could be so just.

19. Now slaughter skills between these hosts prevail,
Not life but death do science now and art entail.

20. Their hands like earthquake and like lightning smite,
They ruin earth and pierce with hateful spite.

21. Vile demons now replace the race of yore,
Foul deeds they dare as demons dared before.

22. They treat this land as prey and seek its fall,
Have they in madness dreamed to ruin all?

23. And should a wounded few survive this fray,
Could cripples rise to build its walls one day?

24. And if some corner from the wreck be spared,
‘Twill be a prison for the guilty scared.

25. Between them means and roads asunder torn,
Naught moves but havoc, hatred, rage, and scorn.

26. Stern life necessity weighs on all this wrong,
Until their breath and steps alike are weighed and long.

27. Can weapons more than food man's strength supply?
Or back stand straight though stomachs empty cry?

28. Whoso in world crisis hoards of wealth would gain,
His profits curse, while upright men disdain.

29. Shall hungry men dig sustenance from earth,
And scorn to mix their flour, while round them surges dearth?

30. The bread and wheat cannot make people glad,
If war leaves none secure or undefiledly clad.

31. Mere safety is today an ample feast,
If one escape starvation as a distinguished guest.

32. What food consoles the sorrowing man forlorn,
Though honeyed cakes and manna grace his board?

33. Can boughs delight the birds when fruit is gone,
And only leafless branches glare thereon?

34. When minds are dazed can wisdom see the way,
When intellects are darkened, trace the ray?

35. What ease can sheep and cattle hope to find,
When pastures fail, what comfort for their kind?

36. I call on wealthy Hatim's name no more,
Where can one live today so free of yore?

37. Men's thoughts today are turned to urgent needs,
None cares for others, no one hears or heeds.

38. Myself I'd sell into slavery, if I could,
To aid their cause, if legal were that road.

39. Who for his people bears the heavy load,
Will restless spend each hour upon that goad.

40. Who for the fiery waste has mercy yet,
With kindness may the burning flame beset.

41. And who will grant me after peace one day,
The rising and the fallen then to say?