天国のアナクレオンへ

「天国のアナクレオンへ」（てんごくのアナクレオンへ、英語: To Anacreon in Heaven）は、ロンドンのアマチュアミュージシャンが定期的にコンサートを行っていた社交クラブ、アナクレオンティック・ソサエティの公式ソングであった。同クラブの弁護士、医者、他のプロフェッショナルの面々はギリシャの紀元前6世紀の詩人アナクレオンにちなみ、クラブの名前を付けた。アナクレオンの詩は美少年たちや女人、ワイン、享楽、エロスなどを賛美している。 ソサエティのメンバーだった、ジョン・スタフォード・スミスによって1760年代中盤に作曲、ソサエティの会長だったラルフ・トムリンソンによって作詞された。1778年・1779年、ロンドンの Longman & Broderip によって最初に発表された。 下品で大酒飲みを歌った歌詞のためにロンドンで人気を博し、また "Adams and Liberty" や "Jefferson and Liberty." と行った愛国的な新しい歌詞を付けて、イギリス、アメリカで流行した。 1814年9月14日から数日の間に、法律家のフランシス・スコット・キーによって、後の1931年にアメリカ合衆国国歌「星条旗」として認識される、「マクヘンリー砦の防衛」の歌詞が創られた。 BBCの「銀河ヒッチハイク・ガイド」のベテルギウス人の死の曲として、変奏された。 1 To Anacreon in Heav'n, Where he sat in full glee, A few Sons of Harmony Sent a petition That he their Inspirer And Patron would be; When this answer arrived From the Jolly Old Grecian: "Voice, Fiddle, and Flute, No longer be mute, I'll lend you my name And inspire you to boot, Chorus And besides I'll instruct you, Like me, to intwine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus's Vine." 2 The news through Olympus Immediately flew; When Old Thunder pretended To give himself airs. "If these Mortals are suffered Their scheme to pursue, The devil a Goddess, Will stay above stairs. Hark, already they cry, In transports of joy, 'Away to the Sons Of Anacreon we'll fly, Chorus And there with good fellows, We'll learn to intwine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus' Vine. 3 "The Yellow-Haired God And his nine fusty Maids From Helicon's banks Will incontinent flee, Idalia will boast But of tenantless shades, And the bi-forked hill A mere desert will be. My Thunder no fear on't, Shall soon do its errand, And dam'me I'll swing The Ringleaders I warrant. Chorus I'll trim the young dogs, For thus daring to twine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus's Vine." 4 Apollo rose up, And said, "Pry'thee ne'er quarrel, Good King of the Gods, With My Vot'ries below: Your Thunder is useless"-- Then showing his laurel, Cry'd "Sic evitabile Fulmen, you know! Then over each head, My laurels I'll spread, So my sons from your Crackers No mischief shall dread, Chorus While, snug in their clubroom, They jovially twine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus's Vine." 5 Next Momus got up With his risible Phiz And swore with Apollo He'd cheerfully join -- "The full tide of Harmony Still shall be his, But the Song, and the Catch, And the Laugh shall be mine. Then, Jove, be not jealous Of these honest fellows." Cry'd Jove, "We relent, Since the truth you now tell us: Chorus And swear by Old Styx, That they long shall intwine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus's Vine." 6 Ye Sons of Anacreon, Then join hand in hand; Preserve Unanimity, Friendship, and Love! 'Tis yours to support What's so happily plann'd; You've the sanction of Gods, And the Fiat of Jove. While thus we agree, Our toast let it be: "May our Club flourish Happy, United, and Free! Chorus And long may the Sons Of Anacreon intwine The Myrtle of Venus With Bacchus's Vine." ^ Smithonian: "Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812" 2013年9月14日閲覧 ^ Smithonian: THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER 2013年9月14日閲覧 Sons of Anacreon UVa Library: Exhibits: Lift Every Voice: Patriotic Odes Smithsonian: The Star-Sprangled Banner: The Story of the Flag: From Poem to National Anthem To Anacreon in Heaven(real audio, 1:08) An early copy of To Anacreon In Heaven Modern a capella version by Oak Ash & Thorn The Colonial Music Institute