نعود إلى مآثمنا نعود

فمن هذي المآثم نستفيد

We return to our sins, we return

For from these sins we benefit

ونجترع الخطايا كل وقت

بأرض ما بها رأى رشيد

And we drink down our misdeeds every time

In a land where no wise opinion is seen

عقلنا أزمناً فجنى علينا

بقوة عقله الرأي السديد

Our mind has failed us

With its strength of mind and right judgement

ظمئنا والرياض بها حياض

بها ماء يفيض ولا يجود

We thirst while the meadows have ponds

With overflowing water that is not generous

أفي مصر يضيع فتى أديب

لسحر بيانه وجب السجود

Can an educated boy get lost in Egypt

For the magic of his eloquence that deserves prostration