  A voice resounds like thunder-peal, ’Mid dashing waves and clang of steel, “The Rhine! the Rhine! the German Rhine! Who guards to-day my stream divine?” Dear Fatherland! no danger thine: Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine. They stand, a hundred thousand strong, Quick to avenge their country’s wrong: With filial love their bosoms swell: They’ll guard the sacred landmark well. And though in death our hopes decay, The Rhine will own no foreign sway; For rich with water as its flood Is Germany with hero blood. From yon blue sky are bending now The hero-dead to hear our vow: “As long as German hearts are free The Rhine, the Rhine, shall German be.” “While flows one drop of German blood, Or sword remains to guard thy flood, While rifle rests in patriot hand, No foe shall tread thy sacred strand.” [Image unavailable.] Queen Louise of Prussia and her Sons Our oath resounds; the river flows; In golden light our banner glows; Our hearts will guard thy stream divine: The Rhine! the Rhine! the German Rhine! —Max Schneckenburger. |
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