Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Germany: Vols. XVII–XVIII. 1876–79.

Rhine, the River

The Guard on the Rhine

By Max Schneckenburger (1819–1849)

THERE comes a call like thunder’s peal,

The breakers’ roar, the clank of steel;

The Rhine! the Rhine! the glorious Rhine!

Who will protect the river’s line?

Dear Fatherland, be comfort thine,

Dear Fatherland, thou need’st not pine.

Firm stands thy shield, the Guard, the Guard on the Rhine.

By hundred thousands forth they stream,

Their eyes like flashing lightnings gleam,

The German, honest, strong, and brave;

These will the sacred landmark save,

Dear Fatherland, etc.

To heaven they raised their gleaming eyes,

The heroes saw them from their skies,

And swore, with yearning for the strife,

“Dear is the free Rhine as our life!”

Dear Fatherland, etc.

Loud rings the oath, the waters flow,

In the free breeze the banners blow;

The Rhine! the Rhine! unfettered Rhine!

All Germany will guard its line.

Dear Fatherland, etc.