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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SONG OF LEPANTO by LUIS DE GONGORA

First Line: LO! THE PAYNIM'S PRIDE IS BROKEN
Last Line: "WAKE HER TRUMP WITH ""VICTORY."
Subject(s): LEPANTO, BATTLE OF;

LO! the Paynim's pride is broken,
Torn and shattered, wings and van,
Where we closed, with fiery gun-decks,
Plank to plank, and man to man.

Where is now vain Uluc-Ali?
Fled to sea in shame and fear:
And the Pasha's head, grim ensign,
Frowns on Spain's avenging spear.

Slaves are free, who toiled in galleys: --
Pitying God, thy grace alone
Saved them by the threefold succors
In the bond of truth made one.

Victory! let the shout in thunder
Roll afar to seas and sky;
Memory waft it on, and Glory
Wake her trump with "Victory."

Glory waits on thy returning,
John of Austria, to the sound
Of the cannon's voice, and clarions,
Heard these sea-girt isles around,

Where all fiery red with slaughter
Breaks the bubbling foam and spray;
Smouldering spars and turbans floating
Crowd each cove and inland bay.

Victory speak each blazing beacon,
Victory speak each booming gun!
Victory speak each rock and headland
By the Christian victors won!

Victory! let the shout in thunder
Roll afar to seas and sky;
Memory waft it on, and Glory
Wake her trump with "Victory."



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