You praise only the one who sings your praises; O kind friend, this congratulatory applause has turned completely backward into mere mutual flattery.

In this sharp yet playful couplet, the poet gently calls out the hollow game of mutual flattery. Genuine praise is meant to honor true merit, but here it has become a mere transaction—you praise me, and I praise you in return. With a knowing smile, the poet laments that the very spirit of authentic applause ('marhaba') has been turned completely upside down.