تغيَّرَ مدلولُ الكلامِ فعاذِرٌ

تغيَّرَ مدلولُ الكلامِ فعاذِرٌ

إذا نحن لم ندركه حين يردد

إذا نحن لم ندركه حين يردد

The meaning of speech has changed—so forgive us

The meaning of words has changed—so be forgiving

if we fail to grasp it when it is repeated.

If we do not grasp it when it is repeated.

فكُلُّ بذيءٍ ناقدٌ ذو بصيرةٍ

فكُلُّ بذيءٍ ناقدٌ ذو بصيرةٍ

وكلُّ سخيفٍ من مقالٍ تجدد

وكلُّ سخيفٍ من مقالٍ تجدد

For every vulgarian is now a discerning critic,

For every foul-mouthed man is a critic with insight,

and every fool, through your words, has become modern.

And every foolish utterance is renewal.