Classic Poem

A VOICE resounds like thunder-peal,
'Mid clashing waves and clang of steel: —
" The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!
Who guards to-day my stream divine? " Chorus

— 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!

The dead of a heroic race
From heaven look down and meet their gaze;
They swear with dauntless heart, " O Rhine,
Be German as this breast of mine!

" 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!

" 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! "