Sein 1940 [English translation]

1940, at the end of June

122 men from the Isle of Sein

Sail the sea on six boats

For England yonder

To fight for liberty

It's outrage, greats of France

When their children challenge you

Whether they speak French, whether they speak Breton

The question did not matter to you

They heard the call

Crying "Rather death"1

Painted "Freedom" on their wax

It's offense, greats of France

To condemn their language to the pyre

It's offense, greats of France

To condemn their language to the pyre

Wanting to follow their men to Albion2

The Sénanes3 left from the far end of their island,

Their rowing led them

straight to England

From the North cape in the wave spray

When you think, greats of France:

You deny them their civil rights

Two years passed and then another two years passed

For those who revered Saint Winwaloe

Not all returned from their travel

When the storm ended

More than twenty were msising

People of France, remember well

What those sailors did for you

People of France, remember well

What the men of Sein did for you

1. Breton expression2. Alternative name for Great Britain3. Female inhabitant of Isle de Sein