أَرى فلكاً في رَوضة النيل زادَها

بَهاء وَحلّى بِالعُقود جِيادها

I see a sky in the Nile's meadow, its

Beauty increased, its necklaces adorned its steeds.

وَغضّ عَن الشَمس ازدراء بنورها

وَأَطلَع بَدراً قَد أَنار مهادها

It scowled at the sun disdainfully, spurning its light,

And raised a moon that illuminated its resting place.

فَقُلت وَقَد تَم البناء مؤرخاً

سراية إسماعيل بِالمَجد شادَها

I said, when the building was complete with glory chronicled:

A palace of Ismail erected with glory.