Moonlight on Manila Bay

by Fernando M. Maramag (1912)

1 A light, serene, ethereal glory rests

2 Its beams effulgent on each crestling wave;

3 The silver touches of the moonlight wave

4 The deep bare bosom that the breeze molests;

5 While lingering whispers deepen as the wavy crests

6 Roll with weird rhythm, now gay, now gently grave;

7 And floods of lambent light appear the sea to pave-

8 All cast a spell that heeds not times behests.

9 Not always such the scene; the din of fight

10 Has swelled the murmur of the peaceful air;

11 Here East and West have oft displayed their might;

12 Dark battle clouds have dimmed this scene so fair;

13 Here bold Olympia, one historic night,

14 Presaging freedom, claimed a peoples care.