“Sail to great Byzantium” (“Angels we have heard on high”)
Sail to great Byzantium, eastern base of Ancient Rome.
At the capital you’ll see St. Sophia’s massive dome.
(Refrain): Goooooooooooold icons
Behold the great city
Goooooooooooold icons
Hung up on the city walls
Silken robes the people wear
Finest fabric anywhere
Purple color oh so rare
Ruler’s sign for those who bear
(Refrain)
Chariots in Blue and Green —
Races taken seriously
Which side claims orthodoxy?
“Nike!” cry for victory.
(Refrain)
Wealthy markets foes attract
Walls preventing an attack
Theotokos all can see
Protecting her fabled city
(Refrain)
Source(s): MS 24189, f 9v. Bohemia, 1st quarter of the 15th century. A view of Constantinople from Mandeville’s Travels. (From the British Museum blog page “The last day of Constantinople”).
