VIII. Translation of the famous Greek War Song, Aεule waïdes Twy 'Eλλvwv, written by Riga, who perished in the attempt to revolutionize Greece. The following translation is as literal as the author could make it in verse; it is of the same measure as that of the original. See Appendix to vol. 1. 1. SONS of the Greeks, arise! The glorious hour's gone forth, And, worthy of such ties, Display who gave us birth. CHORUS. Sons of Greeks! let us go In arms against the foe, Till their hated blood shall flow In a river past our feet. 2. Then manfully despising The Turkish tyrant's yoke, Let your country see you rising, And all her chains are broke. Brave shades of chiefs and sages, Behold the coming strife! Hellénes of past ages, Oh, start again to life! At the sound of my trumpet, breaking And the seven-hilled' city seeking, Fight, conquer, till we're free. Sons of Greeks, &c. 3. Sparta, Sparta, why in slumbers Lethargic dost thou lie? Awake, and join thy numbers With Athens, old ally! Leonidas recalling, That chief of ancient song, Who saved ye once from falling, The terrible! the strong! Who made that bold diversion In old Thermopyla, And warring with the Persian To keep his country free; With his three hundred waging The battle, long he stood, And like a lion raging, Expired in seas of blood. Sons of Greeks, &c. IX. Translation of the Romaic Song, σε Ωραιότατη Χαηδή,” &c. The song from which this is taken is a great favourite with the young girls of Athens of all classes. Their manner of singing it is by verses in rotation, the whole number present joining in the chorus. I have heard it frequently at our "xópo" in the winter of 1810-11. The air is plaintive and pretty. 1. I ENTER thy garden of roses, Beloved and fair Haideé, Each morning where Flora reposes, For surely I see her in thee. |