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SONG OF WELCOME TO THE RUSSIAN FLEET
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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SONG OF WELCOME TO THE RUSSIAN FLEET

JUNE 8, 1864
Sea-birds of Muscovy, rest in our waters,
Fold your white wings by our rock-girded shore;
While with glad voices its sons and its daughters
Welcome the friends ye have wafted us o'er.
Sea-kings of Neva, our hearts throb your greeting!
Deep as the anchors your frigates let fall;
Down to the fount where our life-pulse is beating,

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Sink the kind accents you bear to us all.
Fires of the North, in eternal communion,
Blend your broad flashes with evening's bright star!
God bless the Empire that loves the great Union!
Strength to her people! Long life to the Czar!