The Greek National Anthem

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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We knew thee of old, Oh divinely restored, By the light of thine eyes And the light of thy Sword. From the graves of our slain Shall thy valour prevail As we greet thee again, Hail, Liberty! Hail! Long time didst thou dwell Mid the peoples that mourn, Awaiting some voice That should bid thee return. Ah, slow broke that day And no man dared call, For the shadow of tyranny Lay over all: And we saw thee sad-eyed, The tears on thy cheeks While thy raiment was dyed In the blood of the Greeks. Yet, behold now thy sons With impetuous breath Go forth to the fight Seeking Freedom or Death. From the graves of our slain Shall thy valour prevail As we greet thee again, Hail, Liberty! Hail!

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