The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume V Part 16

And our freedom's sure foundation, Pious longing, fills the breast; Love that charms in every nation In our German land is best.

Ye that are in castles dwelling, Or in towns that grace our soil, Farmers that in harvests swelling Reap the fruits of German toil-- German brothers dear, united, Mark my words both old and new!

That our land may stay unblighted, Keep this concord, and be true!

FREEDOM[16] (1815)

Freedom that I love, s.h.i.+ning in my heart, Come now from above, Angel that thou art.

Wilt thou ne'er appear To the world oppressed?

With thy grace and cheer Only stars are blessed?

In the forest gay When the trees are green, 'Neath the blooming spray, Freedom, thou art seen.

Oh, what dear delight!

Music fills the air, And thy secret might Thrills us everywhere,

When the rustling boughs Friendly greetings send, When we lovers' vows Looks and kisses spend.

But the heart aspires Upward evermore, And our high desires Ever sky-ward soar.

From his simple kind Comes my rustic child, Shows his heart and mind To the world beguiled;

For him gardens bloom, For him fields have grown, Even in, the gloom Of a world of stone.

Where in that man's breast Glows a G.o.d-sent flame Who with loyal zest Loves the ancient name,

Where the men unite Valiantly to face Foes of honor's right-- There dwells freedom's race.

Ramparts, brazen doors Still may bar the light, Yet the spirit soars Into regions bright;

For the fathers' grave, For the church to fall, And for dear ones--brave, True at freedom's call--

That indeed is light, Glowing rosy-red; Heroes' cheeks grow bright And more fair when dead.

Down to us, oh, guide Heaven's grace, we pray!

In our hearts reside-- German hearts--to stay!

Freedom sweet and fair, Trusting, void of fear, German nature e'er Was to thee most clear.

_LUDWIG UHLAND_

THE CHAPEL[17] (1805)

Yonder chapel, on the mountain, Looks upon a vale of joy; There, below, by moss and fountain, Gaily sings the herdsman's boy.

Hark! Upon the breeze descending, Sound of dirge and funeral bell; And the boy, his song suspending, Listens, gazing from the dell.

Homeward to the grave they're bringing Forms that graced the peaceful vale; Youthful herdsman, gaily singing!

Thus they'll chant thy funeral wail.

THE SHEPHERD'S SONG ON THE LORD'S DAY[18] (1805)

The Lord's own day is here!

Alone I kneel on this broad plain; A matin bell just sounds; again 'Tis silence, far and near.

Here kneel I on the sod; O deep amazement, strangely felt!

As though, unseen, vast numbers knelt And prayed with me to G.o.d!

Yon heav'n afar and near-- So bright, so glorious seems its cope As though e'en now its gates would ope-- The Lord's own day is here!

[Ill.u.s.tration: LUDWIG UHLAND]

THE CASTLE BY THE SEA[19] (1805)

Hast thou seen that lordly castle, That castle by the sea?

Golden and red above it The clouds float gorgeously.

And fain it would stoop downward To the mirrored lake below; And fain it would soar upward In the evening's crimson glow.

Well have I seen that castle, That castle by the sea, And the moon above it standing, And the mist rise solemnly.

The winds and the waves of ocean-- Had they a merry chime?

Didst thou hear, from those lofty chambers, The harp and the minstrel's rhyme?

The winds and the waves of ocean, They rested quietly; But I heard in the gale a sound of wail, And tears came to mine eye.

And sawest thou on the turrets The king and his royal bride, And the wave of their crimson mantles, And the golden crown of pride?

Led they not forth, in rapture, A beauteous maiden there, Resplendent as the morning sun, Beaming with golden hair!

Well saw I the ancient parents, Without the crown of pride; They were moving slow, in weeds of woe-- No maiden was by their side!