Brothers, hasten to arms!
The Empire is in peril.
In these times of danger,
Let us rush to its relief:
All bursting with energy,
All proud of our triumphs,
Let us prove to our nation
That we are indeed Frenchmen.
Following the trajectory
Of our warlike leaders,
Let us cover ourselves before their eyes
With a noble dust.
The lover of victory,
All aflame with courage,
To rush to glory,
Is born a soldier fully-armed.
May a common love unite us,
May it blend our hearts.
Let us stifle the fury
Of shameful envy.
The volunteer warrior we love,
The true soldier-hero,
Must be noble, even
In his defects.
If the infernal League
We seek to punish,
By dastardly intrigues,
Could disunite us,
Our finest patriots,
In that horrible misfortune,
Would have no recourse
But to beg for the shackles of despotism!
Against absurd terrors,
How well you reassure me!
You all bear the marks
Of the sacred sentiments
That shine in the Genius,
The exalted soldier,
Proud child of courage,
Liberty’s gift.