by Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852)
Translation © by Pierre Mathé

The Minstrel Boy
 (Sung text for setting by V. Herbert)
 See original
Language: English 
Our translations:  CAT FRE
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.
"Land of Song", said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee".

 ...

Note: the text above is taken from stanza 1 of the original text.

Note: some settings of this text use a third verse written by an unknown author during the American Civil War, found here.

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):


Researcher for this page: Ted Perry

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 113

Language: French (Français)  after the English 
Le jeune ménestrel est parti à la guerre,
Vous le trouverez dans les rangs de la mort ;
Il a ceint l'épée de son père
Et sa harpe indomptable est jetée sur son dos.
« Pays des chants — a dit le barde guerrier —
Bien que le monde entier te trahisse,
Une épée au moins défendra tes droits,
Une harpe fidèle te célébrera ».

 ...

Note: the text above is taken from stanza 1 of the original text.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from English to French (Français) copyright © 2014 by Pierre Mathé, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2014-04-16
Line count: 16
Word count: 122