TO MY COMPATRIOTS

If a tempest arises and causes to fall

One of the pillars supporting your wall,

The house will not topple – don't run off in fright:

Replace it – just find a new pillar, that's all,

    And everything will be all right.

If at the hands of a foe or of fate

Falls one of our best – let your will not abate;

Let another, his comrade-in-arms, his true friend

Step forth and continue his cause so great

    Until its triumphant end.

Lithuania! Invaded by enemies dread

You must be like the hydra, which, losing one head,

At once grew five others instead of just one.

Only so you'll survive and will not fall down dead

    Though the enemy thinks he has won!

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg