Ivan Franko

translation by Alyssa Gillespie

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Semper Idem!​

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Swim against the current,

Shove against the lance,

Bear the cross’s burden

Boldly unto death!

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Truth will battle power!

Evil will be cowed!

’Midst a people bound to

Freedom of the word!

Grasp the torch of science,

Banish darkness, lies —

Working hands affianced,

Bright, unclouded minds!

Never was sharp iron

Honed to such a keenness

That its wielding tyrant

Struck down truth and freedom!

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Never was a bonfire

Built so hot it perished

Not just fragile bodies,

But immortal spirits!

3 April 1880