Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-06-02
POETRY.
MARSElLLES HYMN.

We have had on our table for some lime Inc
following admirable translation Of this noole ma
tional song, from The pen OF highly accomplished
and intelligent young gentleman, now resident
of our city. The versifcation is smooth ana
flowing vet il preserves TO great degree the spi-
rit and force of the original, which il follows
with remarkable fidelity and accuracy. Here is
brief notice of the history Of this splendid song ::
son the 3o,h July, 1893, when the citizens OF
Marseies arrived in Paris, after their celebrated
expedition, as il was called by the pnblIcists OF
that day, they went 10 the Elysian Fields, headed
by Santerre, and took seats around a splendid
banquet Their arrival was signali2ed BY bloody
riots, which violently shook The throne OF Louis
XVI. At that time Rouget de Lille composed the
Marseilles Hymn, in words and music. This
patriotic song was celebrated throughout Europe,
during the revolution. The music OF this hymn
has often conducted the French armies to victory.
The author Of this hymn was born at Ions le-
Saulnier, and was an officer OF the Genie in 1870.
In spite Of bis republican opinions, he was i'm.
prisoned during The Reign OF Terror, but liberated
on the 9Th Thefmidor. Had he been sent TO the
scafold be would have died with the Marseil'
laise chanting in his ears"
Gather, We patriot sons of France,
The day OF glory lights the Worldi
Tyranls against our homes advance,
With bloody banners high uniurpd.-lrepea'J
Hear, hear you mol The loud alarms,
Their bowling bands raise on The air3
They come TO slaughter in your arms
Your infants and your trembling fair:
To arms, ye brave and iree-in firm battalion go |!
March on, let gully blood our valleys overflow
This horde OF slaves, why come they here
ThoeA osfnrc fhaeo Wiz
Are we their gathering might 10 Tear,
And all the chains the yraDt brinss2-.trepeal]
Great God! must we With shackled hands
Our toreheads bow, submitting still3
And shall a despols vile commands
Find us obedien, to his Wilt
To arms. &c.
Shall then our arms inglorious yield
To strangers on our native soil3
Shall ireemen on tn embanled field
From mercenary foes recoil7-(repeatI
Ye sons OF France, shall this disgrace
In patriot hearts meet no disdain2
And is our country then SO base
To welcome tyranny again}-
To arms, &c.
Tremble ye tyrants, for now CLEANS
Ger perhdy tn avengipg sword;
Soon, wreches, your opprobrious schemes
Receive al length their due reward.-[lepeat]
I1t yOui uPpIOdCu we IlSS.
II in the fight our heroes fall
A host of others quickly flies
To answer 10 their Counlry's CALL
To arms, &c.
(The following stanEa was usually sung around the
Tree of Liberty. all joining hands In circle and kneel
ing uucovered:)
Sacred love OF our native land,
Conduct sustain us in Our right!
Q, Liberty, lead on our band;
With thy defenders join the fght!-[repeatl
And loud as wrings Thy gathering cry,
Let victory TO our banners come;
And may thy foes before they die
Behold thy triumph in their doom!-
To arms, &c.
(Stanza sung by the young alono)
We shall pursue the same career
The legion OF our elders leads;
There we shall find their honored bier
And The example Of their deeds.-[repeall
What five die as they have died!-
The sepulchre with them we'll share;
Vengeance shall be our lofty pride,
And We shall lie conenled lhere:-
To arms, &c.
r. B. MlcHARD.