Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Song of the Watchmen of Modena lyrics

Good men who guard those walls tonight with arms, I warn you: do not sleep. Stand watchful guard. While Hector stood his watch, Troy still stood free And did not fall to any scheme of Greece. But as Troy slept in the early morning's peace, Sinon unlocked the gift horse of defeat. The horde slipped down a rope in dark concealed, Stormed into Troy and raped her to debris. And the watchful voice of the white goose redeemed Rome's citadel and forced the Celts to flee. For this they made her a silver effigy And adored the bird as a Roman deity. But let us worship Christ's divinity And pay to Him our tuneful jubilee. Trusting in Him, His guardianship supreme, Let us sing Him this wakeful hymn with cheer "Christ, King of all things, guardian godhead, keep This faithful city in Thy watchful care. Be to Thy people a bulwark none may breach, The fearsome enemy our enemies fear. Within Thy care no power can do us harm For Thou wilt drive all hostile force afar. Keep these our walls O Christ, under Thy care With the protection of Thy mighty spear. And Glorious Mary, mother of Lord Jesus With Saint John's aid entreat our victory, You whose most holy relics we revere, To whom we consecrate this chapel here." Swords under Christ's command strike victory. Without Him, of what use can weapons be? Brave, good young men, bold in your strength of arms Let the ramparts sound with song from wakeful hearts; And take your turns to stand at arms on guard That no foe's ploy may breach these walls of ours. Let the echo sound along the walls "Stand guard!" Let it resound "Comrades, stand watchful guard!"