The metal of they treasure, Warrior Land Is forged today as it was forged of old Hot on the anvil; but his blood goes cold And his hair crisps who takes it in his hand. Costlier treasure, too, than swords of steel, Land of the Rising Sun is ever thine, Treasure of hearts that glow with the divine Ardour a patriot alone can feel. Treading white swords beneath their eager feet Thy sons press storming onward, while the light That plays about their whirling blades doth fright The trembling mountains. These find battle sweet. These find fierce joy in life's extremity, Land of the Gods, far rather would they sheathe Their falchions in their own red hearth than breathe One hour dishonoured, -- or dishonour Thee.
Sword and Blossom Poems I: Sword Songs
by Granville Ransome Bantock, Sir (1868 - 1946)
1. Hearts and Swords  [sung text not yet checked]
Authorship:
- by Shōtarō Kimura (b. 1912), "Hearts and Swords", appears in Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese, in Sword Songs
- by Charlotte M. A. Peake , "Hearts and Swords", appears in Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese, in Sword Songs
Based on:
- a text in Japanese (日本語) by Takesada [text unavailable]
Go to the single-text view
Confirmed with Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese. Done into English Verse by Shotaro Kimura and Charlotte M. A. Peake. Illustrated by Japanese Artists, Tokyo, T. Hasegawa, Publisher.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
2. A Death Reverie  [sung text not yet checked]
'Tis very white, a frosty white and cold, This Skull that in the winter moonlight gleams! Success and failure, Hope and fear, and Dreams Are Nothing when our Tale of Life is Told. Soon for dear Honour's sake my stainless Sword Shall give this worthless body up to Death; Yet when my bosom is bereft of breath My Red Heart's faithfulness shall guard my Lord.
Authorship:
- by Shōtarō Kimura (b. 1912), "A Death Reverie", appears in Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese, in Sword Songs
- by Charlotte M. A. Peake , "A Death Reverie", appears in Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese, in Sword Songs
Based on:
- a text in Japanese (日本語) by Nakamura Katsutomo [text unavailable]
Go to the single-text view
Confirmed with Sword and Blossom Poems. From the Japanese. Done into English Verse by Shotaro Kimura and Charlotte M. A. Peake. Illustrated by Japanese Artists, Tokyo, T. Hasegawa, Publisher.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]