In the Face of the Absolute Lyrics

Neither father nor fortune had ever wished
That the Bismarck would forever live

To depart from life
Distrait from suffering
Till the last breath
Till the last shell

Neither through fortune nor chance alone
Had ever a man immortality gained

Masters of the world, of the seas, through this, a pure distinction
Yet with no foot of earth their own, a mark of pure discipline
Humble suppliants to the bitter floods and waves of suffering
They who sit in judgment to the war and to the callous sea

When time grows cruel valour becomes the only light
That shines in sinking darkness
That remains alight through all blessings and all ills
Valour raises men high when fortune falls

This day will make wives widows, as the war wills
Purity of silence and pure honour will thus reign
Resolved to duty as the destroyers emerged
Pure devotion though death was absolute

Duty attend
In loyalty
Yield to nothing
Save dishonour

In accordance with the decree of fortune perish
And the will of blessed inexorable war

Fire unchain
Disable the beast
Condemn to the sea
Destroy the Bismarck

Withered her flower of triumph and mastery
Though valour remains more glorious to behold