From the 'Terkib-i Bend'

Success is now achieved through calumny of friends, it is the fashion, For previous ignorance of this rule we make amends, it is the fashion. Thievery has increased, lip-service is in style, Integrity is out, fanaticize, it is the fashion. Disparage your acquaintances when talking to their foes, it’s smart, When talking to her rivals of your loved one, criticize, it is the fashion. To heap contempt and scorn upon the faithful is the law, But shower the able robber with favours, it is the fashion. The truthful man has always been abhorred and shunned, But show regard for the traitor’s endeavours, it is the fashion. All edicts used to be proclaimed in documents of state, Promotion’s now a form of verbal play, it is the fashion. The helpless find themselves divested of their rightful due, The patronized are helped in every way, it is the fashion. The brave and public-spirited are now imputed bigots, The godless are admired for their sagacity, it is the fashion. Islam provides, it now appears, the fetters to all progress, The tale is new, do not doubt its veracity, it is the fashion. Forgetful of our nationhood in all we undertake We bow before the thought of Frank capacity, it is the fashion.

Alas, I fear that in this game we’ve risked our all in vain: What we have lost is evident, what is it that we gain?

Translated by Nermin Menemencioğlu