As for us, we are convinced that the Factualists/Realists1
will succeed although they are so few in number and that they will defeat their powerful opponents, but only after severe suffering and a long time,
They adore their past and venerate/sanctify what the forefathers have created, in the erroneous assumption that what their Arab ancestors have produced is the optimum of creative perfection that one cannot but take as an example to follow with respect and deference.
Since the Egyptian people have such an optimistic opinion about their habits and customs,3
they believe in the purity [p. vii] of these and the solidity of their holy/venerable inherited tradition.
Therefore, the brutal, dry and bitter truth will cause them pain, and they will rise in protest against anyone who dares to portray it [as it is], refusing this and trying to show that it is a lie, [just] in order to keep their sweet dreams.