C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Sword Song
By Karl Theodor Körner (1791–1813)
S
What means thy bright eye’s beaming?
It makes my spirit dance
To see thy friendly glance.
Hurrah!
A freeborn German wears me:
That makes my eye so bright;
That is the sword’s delight.”
Hurrah!
And love thee heartily,
And clasp thee to my side
E’en as a plighted bride.
Hurrah!
My light steel life have given:
When shall the knot be tied?
When wilt thou take thy bride?”
Hurrah!
Shall hail the bridal morning.
When cannon-thunders wake,
Then my true love I take.
Hurrah!
My heart is wildly beating:
Come, bridegroom, come for me;
My garland waiteth thee.”
Hurrah!
So wild, so fierce for battle?
What means this restless glow?
My sword, why clatter so?
Hurrah!
My spirit yearns for battle:
Rider, ’tis war’s wild glow
That makes me tremble so.”
Hurrah!
My love: what wilt thou here?
Still in thy chamber bide:
Soon, soon I take my bride.
Hurrah!
Love’s garden blooms in state
With roses bloody-red,
And many a bright death-bed.”
Hurrah!
Come forth, thou rider’s pride!
Come out, my good sword, come,
Forth to thy father’s home!
Hurrah!
The glorious wedding dance!
How in the sun’s bright beams,
Bride-like the clear steel gleams!”
Hurrah!
And forward, German riders!
And when the heart grows cold,
Let each his love enfold.
Hurrah!
And stolen glances flung;
Now clearly on your right
Doth God each fond bride plight.
Hurrah!
That virgin cheek of steel;
One kiss—and woe betide
Him who forsakes the bride.
Hurrah!
Now let the clear blade ring,
Till the bright sparks shall fly,
Heralds of victory!
Hurrah!
Proclaims the marriage morning:
It dawns in festal pride;
Hurrah, thou Iron Bride!
Hurrah!