To the Fatherland

^{translated from the Spanish by Ernest S. Green and Miss H. Von Lowenfels}

^{A composition recited by a girl in Tacubaya De Los Martires, September 16th, 1873.}

   At the blessed memory 
Of that sacred night 
In which my shackled fatherland, 
At last broke its bondage; 
At the sweet remembrance 
Of that hour and that day, 
I hear within my heart 
Something like the song of a lute.

    I feel the abundance of my emotions 
Breaking out in blossoms, 
And among their clusters 
Trembles the strophe of a song; 
And at the sonorous and ardent 
Murmuring of each note, 
I feel something great which springs 
In the depth of my heart.

   Blessed night of glory 
That thus thou stirrest my spirit; 
Night of liberty, 
Blessed among the blest! 
Hour of triumph in which the people 
At the light of independence, 
Breaking through darkness, 
Left conscience free.

    I love thee,—and as I step 
Before the altar of victory 
Where the fatherland and its history 
Gaze on our joy, 
I come to unite to the tribute 
Which the people are eager to give 
My true Mexican song;             [thee,
My true woman’s heart.

 
      1873.