Dawn on the Mountains

In this third millennium, in this August that has passed,
We have seen our Army’s valor to a degree unsurpassed.
In the north-east mountain range took place this martial deed,
The prayers of Our Lady responded to our need.
The brave though silent Army saw Lebanon at stake,
And likewise all our freedoms, our democracy and fate.
These were all of them in danger from savage alien bands,
Men mad enough themselves to kill, using their own hands.
They make God like themselves, and twist his holy Law,
No argument do they accept but fight with tooth and claw.
Your crimes do all dishonor God for you do them in His Name,
You torture, kill, do all you wish, and then you virtue claim.
You sought to spread the “Islamic State” throughout the Beqaa Plain,
That enriches Lebanon with vineyards, fruit trees and grain,
That gives blessings to a land that God has made unique
So that prophets in the ancient times in praise of it would speak.
The north-east Beqaa was bowing beneath the yoke
Of evil fanatics who were murdering its folk.
But when faced by our soldiers the terrorists just fled
To the nearby frontier peaks, for they were filled with dread.
Our brave men advanced and nothing held them back,
When facing greatest peril they moved to the attack.
Theirs is the glory that is writ down on this page
Of Lebanon’s long history by the war which they wage.
Early one morning on hillsides bathed in light
They raked the ravines where the devils had sought flight.
Our men cleaned out the hollows that lay on every hand
Running risks from the mines as they cleared up all the land.
Our soldiers are the heirs of warriors famed of old,
Of Hannibal the Great, whose deeds are widely told.
The Greeks and the Persians their forebears withstood,
They fought invaders every time with courage they renewed.
Love of God and country set loyal hearts on fire
So to noble deeds they instantly aspire.
In the hills of North Beqaa our soldiers upward drove
And won back inch by inch the sacred soil that we love.
The Lord, he trod upon our soil at Sidon and at Tyre,
At Cana he produced the wine the marriage did require.
In this Lebanon so holy where mir abound,
Where beauty as in heaven everywhere is found,
Men sought to make an “Islamic State” to be a launching ground
Drom which they would attempt to rule the stricken world around.
Among the frozen mountains they thought themselves secure
Thinking that the crescent moon would always shine before.
The Land of the Cedars they tried to seize and hold,
But they roused up the fury of lions strong and bold.
The Army has its badges whose gleam is like the light
Of the stars above that share their splendor bright.
For the service of the nation its men are full of zeal,
Their faces full of fury which from love of land they feel.
Nothing holds them back, neither hidden mines nor fire,
No engines hidden deep under stones or in the mire.
Our soldiers turn not back and do not compromise,
But crush the evil enemy however he replies.
About our God on high each has his own idea
But little does it matter if differences appear;
About our common fatherland, on this we all agree,
We want it a democracy, a nation that is free.
It makes me very sad when arguments I hear
On what we mean by “martyr” and who can this title bear.
A martyr is a witness to God in heaven above,
Or who dies with faith and passion firing the country of his love,
The soldier who for honor has fallen in the strife,
The Christian who for Christ has offered up his life.
Before the Cross of Christ no true martyrs did exist,
There was sacrifice of slaves with no power to resist.
Whatever their religion, men should all as brothers be
And respect all human rights and opinions, which are free.
Our Holy Church proclaims as saint whoever dies for truth,
And we proclaim as martyrs true the flower of our youth.
These are men who were inspired to join the Army ranks,
Men who more than any others deserve the people’s thanks.
They form the force of a little land with frontiers round the globe;
Its people everywhere have shown a culture of their own,
Courage, genius, holiness, their virtues they’ve made known,
Soldiers, warriors, and resistants, who to their land are true,
Courageous men who fight for us, Lebanon honors you.
So thrust away those evil men who make the criminal band,
Who bring distorted ways of thought to impose them on the land.
Our people in their lively faith raise their hands up to the skies;
Our Lady Lebanon protects, love her and do likewise.
In State and Army one religion is not to be imposed,
But together with belief in God human rights are all supposed.
This has not been a lightning war, near the Temple of the Sun,
Through strategy and cunning the battle has been won.
The soldiers of the Army had popular support,
They united all the nation and its forces as they fought.
The Army binds the nation and makes it strong to be,
For the people must be strong in order to be free.
Our country is like Paradise, and so it can remain
If it stays united and respects God’ holy Name.
I pray for all our soldiers brave who suffered death or pain,
That those who murdered, tortured them, meet justice for their shame.
The Army victory has won for the honor of its name,
Let us all beware and learn ever vigilant to remain.

French by Joseph Matar – Translation from the French: Kenneth Mortimer