O Canada

In honour of Canada Day, I'm posting the lyrics of our national anthem in their original language - French.  Surprisingly enough, the English lyrics that we know so well aren't a literal translation at all. Anyway, these words were written by Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Théodore Robitaille in 1880. Enjoy!

Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

And this is what a literal translation looks like:

O Canada!
Land of our forefathers,
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.
As is thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Thy history is an epic
Of the most brilliant exploits.
Thy valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights