’Partant pour la Syrie’ - Song of the Second French Empire

Support the channel on Patreon: “Partant pour la Syrie’ (’Departing for Syria’) was first composed by Hortense de Beauharnais, Duchess of Saint-Leu and stepdaughter of Napoleon I. Words were later written by Alexandre de Laborde in 1807. Although composed during the reign of Napoleon I, the song reached peak popularity during the reign of Napoleon III. As the unofficial anthem of the Second French Empire, the song was often performed at state and military events. It was also performed during the historic ceremony marking Napoleon III’s departure into exile. The text was inspired by Napoleon I’s Egypt campaign, and tells the chivalric story of the knight Dunios as he participates in the crusades. Reflecting popular fascination with French medievalism at the time, the song also has a heavy religious tone, focusing heavily on Dunios’ prayers to the Virgin Mary. Lyrics (French): Partant pour la Syrie, Le jeune et beau Dunois, Venait prier Marie De bénir ses exploits : Faites, Reine immortelle, Lui dit-il en partant, Que j’aime la plus belle Et sois le plus vaillant. Il trace sur la pierre Le serment de l’honneur, Et va suivre à la guerre Le Comte son seigneur ; Au noble vœu fidèle, Il dit en combattant : Amour à la plus belle, Honneur au plus vaillant. On lui doit la Victoire. Vraiment, dit le seigneur ; Puisque tu fais ma gloire Je ferai ton bonheur. De ma fille Isabelle, Sois l’Epoux à l’instant, Car elle est la plus belle, Et toi le plus vaillant. A l’Autel de Marie, Ils contractent tous deux Cette union Chérie Qui seule rend heureux. Chacun dans la chapelle Disait en les voyant : Amour à la plus belle, Honneur au plus vaillant. Lyrics (English): Going to Syria The young and handsome Dunois Went to ask the Virgin Mary, His heroic deeds to bless, Make it so, immortal Queen He said on his leaving, That I love the most beautiful woman And be the bravest He writes on stone The oath of honor And follows into war The earl, his lord. The noble desire faithfulness He said to his fighter: Love to the most beautiful woman Honor to the brave Love to the most beautiful woman Honor to the brave We owe you the victory Verily! says the lord, Since you have established my glory, I will make you happy! My daughter Isabella Will be your wife For she is the most beautiful woman And you the bravest For she is the most beautiful woman And you the bravest At the altar of Mary, They pledged both This dear union Which makes the lonely happy. Everyone in the chapel Said seeing them: Love to most beautiful woman Honor to the bravest Love to the most beautiful woman Honor to the bravest.