Henry Van Dyke (Генри Ван Дайк)
The Name of France
Give us a name to fill the mind With the shining thoughts that lead mankind, The glory of learning, the joy of art, -- A name that tells of a splendid part In the long, long toil and the strenuous fight Of the human race to win its way From the feudal darkness into the day Of Freedom, Brotherhood, Equal Right, -- A name like a star, a name of light. I give you France! Give us a name to move the heart With a warmer glow and a swifter flood, -- A name like the sound of a trumpet, clear, And silver-sweet, and iron-strong, That calls three million men to their feet, Ready to march, and steady to meet The foes who threaten that name with wrong, -- A name that rings like a battle-song. I give you France! Give us a name to move the heart With the strength that noble griefs impart, A name that speaks of the blood outpoured To save minkind from the sway of the sword, -- A name that calls on the world to share In the burden of sacrificial strife Where the cause at stake is the world’s free life Andthe rule of the people everywhere, -- A name like a vow, a name like a prayer. I give you France!
Henry Van Dyke’s other poems:
