War has been decided upon,
  Strongly and freely!
  Away out of peace!
  All is becoming new.
 
Wimpily, ah, we were
  Constrained by rest,
  Joy was given us only by
  Loving and wine.
 
Now we go onward,
  Out into the world!
  Forward, ye riders!
  The enemy is in the battlefield;
 
The foe’s horse
  Storms toward you lustily,
  Because [the foe] keenly feels
  Himself to be worthy of you.
 
The blades, quickly then
  Draw them forth, brethren!
  So that you may be lauded in song
  By the maidens at the feast.
 
Should you fall, oh refreshing
  Is sleep, when victory
  At eventide radiantly
  Emerges from the clouds.
 
Wherever you may battle
  Daringly and wildly,
  Ever accompanying you
  Is the image of your beloved.
 
Can you still be disturbed
  By doubts and delusion?
  Shall she not hear
  Of your deeds?
 
Even should she weep
  When you are defeated,
  For the One nevertheless
  You did battle.
 
And for you ring out
  Paeans of praise.
  The dead are beautified
  By the gratitude of the fatherland.
 
See, how joyfully
  Upon the grave
  Spirits gaze down
  From grey clouds.
 
True to your flags
  Your blood flowed.
  Thus fought your ancestors'
  Laudable courage!