Hymn of Modan

The Hymn of Modan was composed in the eighth month of 1663 by Rykos Evemani, a bellboy in Modan Hamlet's Viviantia Benacian Continental Hotel, and set to the tune of a old nationalist folk-song.

The piece was first performed to the Prince of Modan whilst he waited in the lobby for his luggage to be transferred up to the Kaiser's Suite of the hotel. The impromptu recital impressed him sufficiently that he instructed his bodyguards to spare the bellboy's life and instead, after issuing a compulsory purchase order acquiring the hotel for himself, appointed Evemani to the position of Manager in return for the hastily scribbled lyrics and musical notation.

The following day, after a discussion over drinks at breakfast with the Chancellor and the Marshal of Modan, it was decided that a technical committee would be formed by the Council of Archon's to formalise the piece. Only a little tidying up was required, and on 04.IX.1663 the piece was performed at a charity gala hosted by the Nationalist and Humanist Party in Eriksburg. The Hymn of Modan was politely received on its first play, but was more favourably received, accompanied by frantic rapturous applause, when played the second time around after the Marshal, Horsten Merrick - somewhat the worse for drink, bellowed "Clap! You silk and fur swathed sacks of shit! Clap!" whilst waving his service revolver in one hand and a bottle of plum brandy in the other. The favourable feedback received in Modan Hamlet after this event led the Prince to formally declare the Hymn of Modan to be one of the official symbols of the State, effectively making it the anthem of the relam.

Lyrics

O my Modan; O Motherland; We live and die in your grace.
O my Modan; From vale to sand; Atos shines brightly on you.
O my Modan; With hand in hand; Our might shall stand against all foes.
In lands reclaimed, from lich’s shame, your soul’s restored; O Modan.
O my Modan; O Motherland; We live and die in your grace.
O my Modan; From vale to sand; Atos shines brightly on you.
O my Modan; With hand in hand; Our might shall stand against all foes.
With sword aflame, in Prince’s name, you live again; O Modan.

(ported over from Shirewiki)