HOMAGE TO THE SILENT Oh mothers, sisters, and daughters; The honor of the world Comes from you. Countries' populations, And the greatness of nations, Come from you. Princesses in homes, And the progenitors of towns: You are of sorrowful hearts the inspiration, And in pain the consolation. With you, the homeless find a home. Without you, no desert can be sown. At home or in a foreign land, The delight of life at hand Comes from you. You are the picture of piety, The counselor of chastity, Of religion the guarantee. Protection of the faith Comes from you. Your temperament is shy, loving, and true. Your nature content and patient too. The expression of humanity Comes from you. There lived virtuous men Who knew not when their virtue was lost. Oh, virtuous ones of the world: Whatever virtue now costs, It comes from you. Companions of your husbands, And comforters of your sons, Without you, all homes are deserted; The blessings of the entire home Come from you. -48-