Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
III. WarSword Song
Karl Theodor Körner (17911813)S
What means thy bright eye’s beaming?
It makes my spirit dance
To see thy friendly glance.
Hurrah!
A free-born 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 the 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, ’t is 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 infold.
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!