Part 3 (1/2)
I'st where the Markers iron find[5]
Oh no! etc.
Which is the German's Fatherland?
Westphalian, or Pomerian land?
Is't where the sand from sea-down blows?
Is't where the Danube foaming flows?
Oh no! etc.
Which is the German's Fatherland?
So name to me the mighty land.
The land of Hofer?--or of Tell?
Both land and people love I well.
Oh no! etc.
Which is the German's Fatherland?
So name to me that mighty land.
The Austrian land it sure must be, With glory crowned and victory!
Oh no! etc.
Which is the German's Fatherland?
So name to me that mighty land.
Is't what the Princes' hollow theft, From Emperor and from Empire reft?
Oh no! etc.
Which is the German's Fatherland?
So name me finally that land!
Wide as the German tree tongue springs, And hymns to G.o.d in heaven sings!
That shall it be! that shall it be!
That land brave German's giv'n to thee!
That is the German's Fatherland, Where oaths are sworn by grasp of hand; Where in all eyes clear truth doth s.h.i.+ne; Where in warm hearts sits love benign.
That shall it be! etc.
That is the German's Fatherland, Where foreign folly scorn doth brand; Where all that's base 'neath hate must bend; Where all that's n.o.ble name we Friend.
That shall it be! that shall it be!
That whole, the German land shall be!
That whole, the German land shall be!
O G.o.d of Heaven! hither see!
And give us genuine German soul, That we may love it high and whole.
That shall it be! etc.
But with the peace which succeeded the second overthrow of Napoleon, the expectations of the German nation began to exhibit themselves more clearly; and out of the disproportion between them and that which was done to satisfy them, sprang the germs of mistrust between the princes and the people. The opening of the _Bundesversammlung_, or confederated a.s.sembly, Nov. 5, 1816, betrayed not only the imperfection of the const.i.tution, which had been thrown together in a hurry, but also the uncertainty of the a.s.sembly itself, of the extent of its delegated powers. Its declaration that Germany was not to be considered as a united state, but as a confederation of states--(nicht als ein Bundesstaat, sondern als ein Staaten-bund)--gave the less satisfaction, as it was just contrary to what was desired. The nation desired earnestly a common all-embracing bond of union and communion, and not merely a confederacy of their sovereign princes, which the interests of the moment, as they had originated it, would also dissolve again.