ODE TO NAPOLEON

By Dr. Arie Ribon , MD. , FACAAI, FINS

Dr. Ribon is a former Associate Professor and Chief of Allergy and Immunology at New York Medical College. Dr. Ribon's great interest in Napoleon resulted in his many articles published in the Bulletin of the Napoleonic Society of America where he is a member. Among the subjects were separate articles on Napoleonic art: in the Louvre, in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City and at Harvard's Fogg Museum as well as Napoleon, patron of the performing arts (theatre and opera). One of his articles was translated in French and was published in the Revue de l'Institute Napoleon in Paris 2003. Napoleon at the Metropolitan Museum was chosen article of the month by the Fondation Napoleon in Paris and published on their web site Napoleon.org. Dr. Arie Ribon lectured on «Napoleon the man; the art he inspired», at the Morgagni Medical Society in New York City.

In times of agitation

and national fervor

in a land at war with itself

you stopped the terror 

and honored the revolution.

As the nation planned rebellion

and people made useless plots

you freed us from their rule

and stood up against 

the fury of their thoughts.

The danger of death was around you

kings and armies ran away.

You broke their swords,

their shields, yes all their weapons,

and returned home

glorious and majestic

as you defeated your foes.

When you threatened them,

your anger resulted in more praise.

Their strength and skill was useless;

horses and riders fell dead.

Your battles won you great victories.

Your arrows were sharp

and pierced the hearts of your enemies.

Nations fell down at your feet.

Ride in majesty to victory

for the defence of truth and justice.

The crown was down

and you picked it up

with your sword!

The perfume of myrrh

was on your clothes;

musicians entertained you

in palaces decorated with silk and gold,

among your household

daughter of kings.

You protected the weak

from the oppressor

and made good laws.

You ruled over people with justice

loving what is right

and hated what is evil.

No one was abandoned

who came to you.

In times of trouble

they found a place of safety.

You judged in their favor

and always helped the needy.

Rest in the perpetuity of peace

among the people

you loved the most.

Your memory will be

our shelter from the wind

and a place to hide from storms.

You showed us the glory

and when there are no kings,

people of every nation

will be angry at all armies

and condemn them to destruction.

Europe 's nations will come

and listen to you:

they will unite, settle their disputes,

and break their weapons.

Only justice will rule us

in a land that stretches in all directions.

We will be singing and shouting with joy.

Will nations ever go to war again?

(This Pseudo-Pindaric ode was inspired by
various Psalms)

Previoulsy published in the Bulletin of the Napoleonic Society of America N. 77/2004