Poems (Waldenburg)/Frederick Barbarossa

FREDERICK BARBAROSSA.

Now after the centuries long have grown
The Emperor wakes from his sleep.
"Ho! Slave bring word have the ravens flown
From the Kyffhäüser turret steep?"

"O Sire, a tri-color waves this hour
The ravens have flown away;
Black white and red gleams from the tower
Gleams in the light of day."

Then the Emperor springs from his seat of stone
From his eyes all sleep has {led
Like fire they shine from his brows that frown,
His beard unshorn and his hoary head.

With mighty hand, he grasps the sword
And shouts with clarion cry
"The hour is here, I hold my word
To lead to victory!"

Germania old, Germania one!
Calls, and awakes in ire,
To drive the foe to the setting sun,
And fight with her olden fire;

That kindled my breast when I fought in Spain
And sent the dogs to their fate,
Oh the fire burns thro' my veins again,
My awaking was not too late!

Up slave! Bring purple robes of pride
And trim my beard and hair,
To my kingdom's bridal feast I ride,
Her Emperor must be there.

Old father Rhine shall give me greet
Who dare say he is not mine?
He'll faithful dash at his master's feet
True river the German Rhine!

His waves that rise in pride to-day,
Should a strange flag o'er them shine,
Would stagnant grow and vanish away
For the Rhine is a German Rhine!

Now slave with the gleam of spear and lance
I ride forward in the sun,
To greet the foe from the land of France
And fight till this day be done!"

And he grandly rode thro' the battle thick
With smoke and thunder of gun.
'Twas at Worth, the old Emperor Frederick
Stood, when the battle was won!