1. The fate decreed has wearied your resolves,
And time the changer has folded your record.

2. Have you not seen how the leader in his goals
Is overtaken and the jumper cut off?

3. You forgot Egypt's plight in its misfortune
When the army roamed it, tortured,

4. Neglecting it until they attacked it
And your heart became a flaming ember.

5. You lingered remembering Ghrdun's revenge
Until the claim was due and the request ready,

6. And you attacked with the attack of a pursuing conqueror
To whom the conqueror pursuing submits,

7. And you massacred the people with the vengeance of an angry one
Who fears no blame nor feels awe.

8. The Egyptian did not reflect upon their belongings
Until the Egyptian became among the plundered.

9. You continued to appear in the adornments of one loyal
To the people, hiding what you intended and concealing it,

10. Deceiving them for a while until they were heedless,
Only to pounce upon them, claw extended.

11. Were it not for the submissiveness of an intimidated government,
Things would not have gone well for you in politics.

12. Are you among us a conqueror or an heir,
Or a steward, a close neighbor, or a more merciful guardian?

13. Or are you among us a volunteer reformer
For good, or one who thoroughly uproots?

14. A Caesar who twists the law of his people,
While among us you tyrannize and terrorize.

15. Does Egypt deserve mercy more than a homeland
Drenched in the blood of your people?

16. What have you prepared for Egypt's people when you see
That the most deserving to rule Egypt are foreigners?

17. Do you intend to prolong your stay among them, striving
And saying: until they learn and become refined?

18. If you enrich it or make it prosperous, it is by its people
And its Nile that you make the country thrive and flourish.

19. They are the sons of its heroes and defenders.
Will you deny that they should sire?

20. Or close their hearts and minds
After they have learned lessons and gained experience?

21. You made its dwellers partners in their homelands
And granted them in Egypt what is not granted.

22. And you ended your reign with what shook
The pillars of Mecca and Medina sought refuge.

23. A lofty people weary of carrying
A burden too heavy for the vastest space.

24. We said, and you said, but who among us is the obstinate denier,
The arrogant oppressor, the stubborn tyrant?

25. What have you gained, when you are leaving us,
Except alienation and the misery of these gains?

26. If staying away from your farewell appearance is a sin,
Then we are not the guilty ones.

27. What do we owe you if you had stayed on, flattering us,
Until you left us while still beloved?

28. Did you assume your affairs were eternal
In Egypt's people, like Egypt's eternity, and think so?

29. You insult their religion, deny their throne,
Their banner, and wish they do not become angry?

30. You criticize them the days you spent among them,
And after dismissal wish they learn manners?

31. Your party still aggrandizes you in consent and anger,
Until it has misled you, so they were punished.

32. Welcome, welcome to the newcomer! Would that we
Could be like others, joyous at newcomers and delighted!

33. You have lived with us a gentle, sweet time,
So return as you are, gentle and sweet.

34. If I did not fear you saying "gloating,"
The parade would have hastened to you.

35. Will you follow the steps of the predecessor, persisting,
Or are you ordered to do what earns you?

36. And your post which has reached you increases your mercy,
Or does the post make you arrogant?

37. Each day has its own state, each matter novelty,
And each generation its own watering place.

38. Today Egypt is not her former self,
Resolute spirits and an observant watcher.

39. Do not oppose its current, for it may perhaps
Flood the country while you are exhausted and feeble.

40. If you frown at it unjustly, it will refuse tyranny, but if
You treat it well, the most difficult correspondence is smoother for you.

41. And sharper than the sword of insults and its fire
Is a pen that argues or a tongue that speaks.

42. The army may one day return in numbers, and no
Emotion will recede for one who laments and weeps.

43. The secret is easier than binding a sentiment
And silencing tongues that show and express.

44. And our students who call for Egypt's liberty are by nature
The same, whether naive or experienced.

45. Be among us like your position, a satisfied guest.
Life will be pleasant for you and for us.

46. Do not be fooled by a flattering charmer
Whose branches sway with disgraceful news.

47. However strong your resolve, the East remains East,
And however firm your step, the West remains West.