To the Fatherland

A composition recited by a girl in Tacubaya De Los Martires, September 16th, 1873. At the blessed memory Of that sacred night In which my shackled fatherland, At last broke its bondage; At the sweet remembrance Of that hour and that day, I hear within my heart Something like the song of a lute. I feel the abundance of my emotions Breaking out in blossoms, And among their clusters Trembles the strophe of a song; And at the sonorous and ardent Murmuring of each note, I feel something great which springs In the depth of my heart. Blessed night of glory That thus thou stirrest my spirit; Night of liberty, Blessed among the blest! Hour of triumph in which the people At the light of independence, Breaking through darkness, Left conscience free. I love thee,—and as I step Before the altar of victory Where the fatherland and its history Gaze on our joy, I come to unite to the tribute Which the people are eager to give My true Mexican song; [thee, My true woman’s heart. 1873.