لنا مَلِك ما فيه للمُلكِ آلةٌ

سِوَى أنه يَومَ السلام مُتَوَّجُ

We have a king who has no tools for kingship

Except that he is crowned on days of peace

أُقيم لإصلاحِ الوَرَى وهو فاسدٌ

وكيف استواُ الظلّ والعود أعوجُ

He was installed to reform the land while it was corrupt

How can a crooked stick be compared to a shadow?