1. Dance, O stars, around me in the night
And follow, O mountains, in the earth my shadow

2. And roar, O rapids of the river, under me
With the hymns of your angelic spring

3. And lift up to me, O meadow, and bring near
Flowers from your verdant grass

4. Steep them in their fragrance and melody
A foot that has never known submission

5. They ridiculed the wounds from the talons of the ni
ght and the fangs of every sly and cunning snake

6. And carry, O winds, my voice to the valley and echo
With every sorrow and plain

7. And whisper, with love, O breeze of the night, and be
My messenger to the beloved

8. For in the camp of the tribe there is a fire
That has illuminated for me the tents of my family

9. Around it danced the maidens and sang
With the songs of their blossoming youth

10. The voice of Africa and inspiration of its youth
And the call of the centuries after and before me

11. In its immortal name I have drawn my sword
With a hand that brings down fortunes and lifts them

12. And I have drunk the wine from every sun
Whose fire melts rocks and kindles them

13. And I have conquered life as if I were
Fate, writing destinies and dictating them

14. O virtuous maidens of the tribe, you are for glory
On the heights of chastity, generous in giving

15. My dark soul and my wounds are enough
A sip from your soft eyes

16. And your smiles above lips
That have whispered to me the meanings of life

17. When my husband returns to our hut's door
And I rock my child in my arms

18. And I sleep the short night in order to meet
My destiny in the dawning morn