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).

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