What Shall We Do? Poem by Raphael Patkanian

'WHAT shall we do ? ' Now, shame on those who that weak plaint renew !
He that despairs, in deepest shame his cowardice shall rue.
Armenian brothers, let us ask no more what we shall do!
What does the man do that has chanced to fall into the sea?
What does he do that has no bread, and starves in poverty ?
What does he do that has been seized and bound in slavery?
He that is drowning in the sea struggles with all his might;
The hungry man wears out his neighbor’s threshold day and night;
He that is in captivity seeks ever means of flight.
O rich man, for what purpose hast thou filled thy chests with gold?
O youth, for what hast thou reserved thy strength, thy courage bold?
O patriot, wherefore hast thou loved thy country from of old?
Let us no more the plaint renew, ' Armenians, say, what shall we do ?'