'Partant Pour La Syrie' ('Leaving For Syria') - de facto anthem of the Second French Empire

This is "Partant Pour La Syrie" ("Leaving For Syria"), a song composed in 1807, with lyrics by Hortense de Beahamais, the stepdaughter of Napoleon I, and music by Alexandre de Laborde.

The song was inspired by Napoleon I's campaign in Egypt and Syria. It represents a chivalric composition of the aspirations of a crusader knight in a style typical of the First French Empire.

The poem by Laborde was originally titled Le beau Dunois, telling the story of the handsome crusader Dunois. Prior to his departure to Syria, he prays to the Virgin Mary that he will love the most beautiful woman and that he himself may be the bravest, and his prayers are answered. On his return, the brave warrior wins the hand of Isabelle, the daughter of his liege lord, and love and honour prevail.

The song served as the unofficial anthem of the Second French Empire of Napoleon III from 1852 to 1870.

[slaughterhound]

Excellent! The Second French Empire is my favorite era in the history of France, aside from my interest in our War Between the States here in America, the other war that I find fascinating is the Mexican Adventure that France entered into under Napoleon III's leadership. I would appreciate any videos about that war that you might produce.