[Verse 1] To France rode out two grenadiers, From Russia’s thrall returning; And when they came to the German camp, Their heads were bowed in yearning. They heard the tale, most grievous told— That France was lost, undone; Her mighty host vanquished and cold, Her Emperor, her Emperor was gone. [Refrain] Alas, my soul, for France’s woe! For France’s woe and sorrow! My Emperor in bonds doth lie— What hope bringeth the morrow? [Verse 2] Then wept together those grenadiers, For tidings dire and bellows; Quoth one: “Ah, me, my heart it sears, Old wounds again find pillows.” The other said, “The song is sung— I too would fain be dying; Yet wife and child at home are young, And for my bread are crying.” [Refrain] Alas, my soul, for France’s woe! For France’s woe and sorrow! My Emperor in bonds doth lie— What hope bringeth the morrow? [Bridge] “What care I then for child or wife? My soul on nobler hungers; Let them seek alms to save their life— My Emperor languished longers! But grant me, brother, this one plea, Should Death my brow soon cover: Bear thou my body back o’er sea, And lay me in France’s clover.” [Verse 3] “The cross of honour, tinged with red, Upon my heart lay gently; My musket in my hand be spread, My sword girded intently. Thus let me lie in sentry’s post, As silent grave’s true warder, Till trumpet’s blare and cannon’s boast Shall shake the ground asunder!” [Refrain] Alas, my soul, for France’s woe! For France’s woe and sorrow! My Emperor in bonds doth lie— What hope bringeth the morrow? [Verse 4] Then shall my Emperor, riding bold O’er graves where warriors slumber, Hear sabres’ clash and trumpets rolled, And hoofbeats without number. Then armed, I’ll rise with hand on blade— From earth’s embrace beguiling— To guard my sovereign unafraid, My Emperor, my Emperor, smiling. [Refrain] Alas, my soul, for France’s woe! For France’s woe and sorrow! For when he calls his sons to show Their love—thou’lt see me follow. [Final Refrain] Alas, my soul, for France’s woe! For France’s woe and sorrow! For when he calls his sons to show Their love—thou’lt see me follow.
