Saint Georges, Guide-Nous (St. George, Guide Us) is a French song to St. George, recorded in the Montjoie scout songbook from 1946.
The song communicates a hope and virile courage in the face of tribulation, beginning first by expressing its admiration for the great dragon-slaying Saint. It makes a plea to St. George, asking him for cheerfulness in battle, joy in suffering, steadfastness in the struggle, and duty over pleasure.
Saint Georges, Guide-Nous is here interpreted by an unknown singer and ensemble, featured here.
Listen to Saint Georges, Guide-Nous
Lyrics:
French text (1)
1. Fier chevalier, l’éclat de ton armure
Comme un soleil attire tous les yeux ;
Ta loyauté, ton âme toute pure
Nous ont conquis, et nous voici joyeux.
Refrain:
Saint Georges, guide-nous
Sur la route claire et belle
Saint Georges, guide-nous,
Rends-nous fermes et prêts à tout.
2. Garde à nos yeux le charme d’un sourire
Quand nous souffrons au plein de notre effort;
Et dussions-nous souffrir un long martyr,
Tiens nos cœurs droits quand faibliront nos corps
(Refrain)
3. Ô grand vainqueur, de ton séjour de gloire
Assiste-nous, quand ici nous luttons.
Conduis nos pas aux routes de victoire;
Jusqu’à la mort s’il faut, nous te suivrons.
(Refrain)
4. Enseigne-nous la force plus qu’humaine
Qui fait passer avant tous les plaisirs
Le seul devoir au prix de mille peines;
Donne à nos cœurs les plus vaillants désirs.
English translation (2):
1. Proud knight, the gleam of your armor
Draws every eye like a sun;
Your loyalty, your soul so pure,
Have won us over, and here we stand, full of joy.
Refrain:
Saint George, guide us
Upon the path, so bright and fair;
Saint George, guide us,
Make us steadfast and ready for all.
2. Keep ever in our eyes the grace of a smile,
When we suffer at the very height of our struggle;
And should we endure a long martyrdom,
Keep our hearts true when our bodies begin to fail.
(Refrain)
3. O great conqueror, from your realm of glory,
Come to our aid as we struggle here below.
Guide our steps along the paths of victory;
Even unto death, if need be, we shall follow you.
(Refrain)
4. Teach us that strength—more than human—
Which places duty above all earthly pleasures,
Embracing it alone at the cost of a thousand pains;
Instill within our hearts the most valiant desires.
