After we all shed our blood
To get rid of the French,
We consumed our riches, we suffered hunger
Is this how we are being repaid? Is this love?
That they squeeze us every day?
Of every right they want to undress us,
Leaving us entirely naked!…
The first thing they deprived us of
As soon as Ball became governor:
The Council, with its Councillors;
Isn’t it clear that he’s a traitor?
How could they ever take the rights
Of this island, please answer me?
Had we asked them to buy it
They would have paid many millions for it.
Let alone when we gave it to them
On condition they would safeguard our rights!
However do not blame the Queen,
But some others who are here with us! …
Richard Taylor (1818 - 1868) Malta
Translated by Arnold Cassola
Source: Maltese Romantic poetry and the yearning for self-governance and independence, Arnold Cassola, Dialoghi Mediterranei, 1 March 2020
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