1. وَجَدتُ الناسَ عَمَّهُمُ سُقوطٌ

    وَكُلُّ الخَيلِ يُدرِكُها سِقاطُ

    I found that degradation had overtaken all people,

    and every horse falters in its stride.

  2. غَدَت لِلِقاطِها نِسوانُ قَومٍ

    وَأَفراسُ الأَميرِ لَها لِقاطُ

    The womenfolk of a people went out to glean,

    while the emir's mares have a swift gait.

  3. أَما يُعطي ذَوي الحاجاتِ حَقّاً

    وَفَوقَ شَواتِهِ السَيفُ السِقاطُ

    Will he not give those in need their due,

    with the keen sword above his scalp?