en take, after heavy fighting,
German hearts, the rest ye need.

Then shall all men be possessing
Honor, humbleness, and might,
And thus only can the blessing
Sent our monarch shine with right.
All the ancient sins must perish--
In the God-sent deluge all,
And the heritage we cherish
To a worthy heir must fall.

God has blessed the grain that's growing
And the vineyard's fruit no less;
Men with hunter's joy are glowing;
In the homes reigns happiness.
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,
Shining 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 God-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!