To The Filipino Youth

Translated by Frank A Hilario

Theme: Unfold, Oh Timid Flower!

Lift up your head resplendent
O youth, wherever you stand
To all let shine your talent
To all incandescent, grand
Fine hope of my Fatherland!

Soar high, oh august genius
And bring down inspiration
To fill honor's seat glorious
To occupy a higher station
Your mind innocent, to reason.

Descend with the pleasant light
Of the arts and the sciences
O youth, and with your might
Banish the circumstances
Light the dark that confuses.

See how in that fiery zone
Stand the Spaniard and shadow
Offering a shining crown
With kind hand, with holy brow
To the son of the Indio.

You, who would rise to heaven
On wings of rich fantasy
Go seek from skies Olympian
Songs of greater melody
Sweeter than divine honey.

You, whose voice sublime
Rivals Philomel's refrain
On nights of peace, nights of calm
That in varied measures gain
For us a reprieve of pain.

You, who turn inanimate
To life on your mind's impulse
Transform into immortal state
With your memory's impetus
With your colossal genius.

And you, who with magic brush
On canvas plain can capture
The varied charms of Phoebus
The love of Apelles, his ardor
And the curtain of Nature.

Go forth! then the sacred fire
Of your genius will forge a crown
Of laurel for which to aspire
And so proclaim your renown
Declare a majestic man.

Come o joyful, joyful day
For you, fair Filipinas!
May the Almighty bless today
Who with a lovingkindness
Sends you grace and happiness.

‘A La Juventud Filipina’ by Jose Rizal
Translated by Frank A Hilario 21 September 2003