
Translation from Polish to English by Jarek Zawadzki.
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Lyrics:
I lived with you, I grieved, and many a tear I shed.
In truth, I never did a noble soul defy.
Now it is time for me to go and join the dead.
Seems like it's joy I leave on earth — so sad am I.
But I beseech you — there is hope while there is breath.
Do lead the nation with a wisdom's torch held high,
And one by one, if needed be, go straight to death,
As God-hurled stones that densely over ramparts fly.
To my inheritance on earth I leave no heir,
Nor to this lute of mine nor even to my name;
My name has but dashed through, much like a lightening glare,
For aye it shall remain an empty sound and tame.
But I beseech you — there is hope while there is breath.
Do lead the nation with a wisdom's torch held high,
And one by one, if needed be, go straight to death,
As God-hurled stones that densely over ramparts fly.
But after me remains, howe'er, the fateful force
That, of no use in life, adorned my forehead tall;
But it will press you when I die, without remorse,
So that, bread-eaters, you become sheer angels all.
But I beseech you — there is hope while there is breath.
Do lead the nation with a wisdom's torch held high,
And one by one, if needed be, go straight to death,
As God-hurled stones that densely over ramparts fly.