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Poem October 8, 1830

Virginia Advocate

Charlottesville, Virginia

What is this article about?

The Marseilles Hymn is a revolutionary call to arms for the French people to rise against tyrants, defending liberty and peace amid war and oppression. It urges bravery and resolve for victory or death, with repeating chorus.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

MARSEILLES HYMN.

Ye Sons of France awake to glory,
Hark! Hark! what myriads bid you rise.
Your children, wives, and grandsires hoary,
Behold their tears and hear their cries—
Shall hateful tyrants mischief breeding,
With hireling hosts a ruffian band,
Affright and desolate the land,
While liberty and peace lie bleeding?

To arms, to arms, ye brave,
The avenging sword unsheath,
March on, march on, all hearts resolved
On victory or death.

Now, now, the dangerous storm is rolling,
Which treacherous Kings confederate raise;
The dogs of war let loose are howling,
And lo! our fields and cities blaze—
And shall we basely view the ruin,
While lawless force with guilty stride,
Spreads desolation far and wide,
With crimes and blood his hands imbruing?

To arms, &c.

With luxury and pride surrounded,
The bold insatiate despots dare;
Their thirst of gold and power unbounded,
To mete and vend the light and air—
Like beasts of burden would they load us,
Like Gods would bid their slaves adore;
But man is man, and who is more?
Then shall they longer lash and goad us?

To arms, &c.

Oh! Liberty, can man resign thee?
Once having felt thy generous flame?
Can dungeons, bolts or bars confine thee?
Or whips thy noble spirit tame?
Too long the world has wept bewailing,
That falsehood's dagger tyrants wield;
But freedom is our sword and shield,
And all their arts are unavailing.

To arms, &c.

What sub-type of article is it?

Hymn Song

What themes does it cover?

Liberty Independence Patriotism War Military

What keywords are associated?

Marseilles Hymn French Revolution Liberty Tyrants To Arms Victory Or Death Patriotic Song

Poem Details

Title

Marseilles Hymn.

Subject

Call To Arms Against Tyrants For Liberty

Form / Style

Stanzaic Song With Repeating Chorus

Key Lines

To Arms, To Arms, Ye Brave, The Avenging Sword Unsheath, March On, March On, All Hearts Resolved On Victory Or Death. Oh! Liberty, Can Man Resign Thee?

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