TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

Hold high your faultless brow,

Filipino youth, on this day grand!
Shine forth resplendent now,
In gallant glory stand,
Handsome home of my motherland!
Radiant Genius, arise!
Make thy noblest dreams his own;
Catch his mind in keen surprise;
Swifter than by tempest blown
Sweep him up to glory's throne!
Descend, O youth, -- the lovely light
Of art and science in your train; -On life's arena, smite
And break the heavy chain
Where long your pinioned poetry hath lain.
Behold how, on this ardent zone
Where shadows dwell, the Spaniard's hand,
So wise and pious grown,
Confers a garland grand
Upon the youth of our fair Indian land!
O you, who now aspiring rise
On fancy's gifted wings
From Mount Olympus to the skies,
While Poetry more sweetly sings
Than any sweetness nectar ever brings.
Ye rivals of the nightingale
Who carol some celestial lay
Beneath the night moon pale,
And by the tune you play
Drive bitter mortal pain away.
All ye who hold the power to free
Those sorely grieved, by your charm'd word,
And fix in their fond memory,
That by your genius is stirred,
The immortal thought that ye have heard.
And ye who Phoebus' charms expose,
That stole divine Apollo's heart;

And borrowing from nature's clothes,

With artist's magic art,
On linen canvas portray every part.
O hasten! See whose sacred flame
Of genius will be laurel crowned;
And hear what moral name,
While trumpet peals resound,
Around the whole wide world will be renowned!
O blessed day and hour,
Beloved Filipinas, for your land,
Thanks to the mighty Power
Which, with loving hand,
This venture and this consolation planned