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War and the Muses - The Italian Seaman's Prayer
By ancient tradition, in the Italian Navy, when a ship is underway, a prayer is read at sunset by the most junior officer in the crew.
To you, O great eternal God, Lord of the Sky and the Deep,
whom winds and
waves obey,
We, men of the sea and war,
Sailors of Italy, from this sacred ship, armed
by the Nation, raise our hearts!
Save and praise, in your faith, O great God,
our Country,
Give right glory and power to our flag.
Let storms and swells serve her; lay terror of
her upon the foe,
Let chests of iron, stronger than the iron that
girds this ship, protect her forever:
Forever grant her victory.
Bless, O God, our distant homes,
our beloved kin.
Bless, in the coming night, our people's rest.
Bless us who, in arms, watch over for them
at sea.
Bless!
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