عَصَا حَكمٍ فِي الدَّارِ أَوَّلُ دَاخلٍ

وَنَحنُ عَلَى الأَبوَابِ نُقصى ونُحجَبُ

The ruler's staff is foremost in the house to the newcomer

While we remain by the doors, denied and barred

وكَانَت عَصَا مُوسَى لِفِرعَونَ أَيةً

وهذِي لَعَمرُ الله أَدهَى وأعجَبُ

Moses' staff was for Pharaoh a sign

But by God, this one is more wondrous and amazing

تُطاعُ فَلاَ تُعصَى ويُحذَرُ سُخطُها

ويُرغَبُ فِي المرضاة فِيها ويُرهَبُ

It is obeyed, never disobeyed, its anger is feared

And pleasing it is sought, as is avoiding its wrath