Oe’r the Neva gayly dancing,
Flag and pennant flutter fair.
From the boats in line advancing,
Oarsmen’s chorus fill the air.
Loud and joyous guests assembling,
Throng the palace of the Czar.
And to cannon crashes trembling,
All the Neva from afar.
Wherefore feasts our Czar of wonders,
Why is Petersburg so gay?
Why those shouts and cannon thunders,
And the fleets in war array?
Is new glory dawning on ye,
Russia’s eagle, Russia’s sword?
Has the stern Swede fled before ye?
Has the foe for peace implored?
Is it Brandt’s slight boat appearing,
On the shore that was the Swedes?
Through our young fleet proudly steering,
Like a grandame she proceeds.
They, her giant brood, seem kneeling,
'Fore their grandame, black and grim.
And to science’s name are pealing,
Cannon crash and choral hymn?
No! A subject’s crime remitting,
To the guilty, guilt he sinks.
From a subject’s side he’s sitting,
From a subject’s cup he drinks.
And his brow he kisses smiling,
Gay of heart and bright of eye.
And he feasts a reconciling,
Like some mighty victory.
Hence those shouts of joy and wonder,
Hence is Petersburg so gay.
Hence the songs and cannon thunder,
And the fleet in war array.
Hence the guests in joy assembling,
Hence the full cup of the Czar.
And hence with cannon crashes trembling,
All the Neva from afar!
