THE OCEAN'S SONG
by: Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
- E walked
amongst the ruins famed in story
- Of Rozel-Tower,
- And saw the boundless waters stretch in glory
- And heave in power.
-
- O Ocean vast! We heard thy song with wonder,
- Whilst waves marked time.
- "Appear, O Truth!" thou sang'st with tone of thunder,
- "And shine sublime!
-
- "The world's enslaved and hunted down by beagles,
- To despots sold.
- Souls of deep thinkers, soar like mighty eagles!
- The Right uphold.
-
- "Be born! arise! o'er the earth and wild waves bounding,
- Peoples and suns!
- Let darkness vanish; tocsins be resounding,
- And flash, ye guns!
-
- "And you who love no pomps of fog or glamour,
- Who fear no shocks,
- Brave foam and lightning, hurricane and clamour,--
- Exiles: the rocks!"
This English translation of "The
Ocean's Song" was composed by Toru Dutt (1856-1877). |
MORE
POEMS BY VICTOR HUGO |
|
|
|
|