حاوَلتُ تَهنِئَةَ الوَزيرِ فَلَم أَجِد

لي في الدُخولِ بِبابِهِ مِن مُسعِدِ

I tried to congratulate the vizier, but could find

No one to help me gain admission at his door.

لَم أَحظَ إِلّا بِالقِيامِ لِمَن أَتى

فَلَقَد دُفِعتُ إِلى المُقيمِ المُقعِدِ

I gained nothing but rising for each person who came;

For I was handed over to one who makes men stand, then sit.

يا حَبَّذا فِعلُ المَغارِبَةِ الأُولى

تَرَكوا القِيامَ لِصادِرٍ في مَورِدِ

How admirable the way of the Maghribis of old:

They gave up rising for anyone, whether departing or arriving,

وَتَنَكَّبوا الأَلقابَ فيما بَينَهُم

كَفِعالِ أَصحابِ النَّبِيِّ مُحَمَّدِ

And shunned honorific titles among themselves,

As did the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad.