The oleander sprouts
on Mount Hymettus,
the holy flower decorates
the desolate ruins
of the Parthenon.
But young men and women
old people too,
Hellenic giants, kiss, cut the branches
and crown
each other’s heads
Ride your Arabian mare,
Ottoman, ride away,
escape, while you can,
the Hellenic giants
who chase you down.
See the gleam
of their battle-loving arms,
hear the roar
of those who seek
freedom or death.
Understand and gather here,
children of Hellas,
the time of glory has come.
Let us emulate
our glorious ancestors.
When our swords are sharpened
by the thunderbolts,
when our souls
are warmed by glory
who can defeat the Hellenes?
Libros Libertad 