1. You ask me why I'm silent, not crying out
For my people while misery's night grows dark,

2. And sorrow's torrent sweeps all dams aside,
Wrathful, with Fortune's face gloomiest and bleakest.

3. I'm silent though my soul once sighed its soft desires
Into the breathing winds, and knew sweet dreams;

4. And though I spoke once while the wind bowed down to listen,
Its storm came raging over me, discomfited.

5. And though I spoke while inspiration overflowed
Within me like the croaking frogs in rut,

6. I see Glory wounded in the brow, diademed
With anguish, drenched in blood upon the stretcher of affliction.

7. And Creativity was a name that stepped forth brightly
And never balked...

8. O Darkness that does frown, stay your advance!
Time destroys but also builds.

9. The Crown whose grandeur lies in fragments yet
Shall be avenged by men, when tumult stirs their blood;

10. Men who see degradation as dishonour and abasement
And do not fear the notice of death drawing near;

11. And nothing scales the battlements of purpose
But souls who smash the fetters of disgrace and smash them.