Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
I. PatriotismThe Watch on the Rhine
Max Schneckenburger (18191849)A
’Mid dashing waves and clang of steel:—
“The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!
Who guards to-day my stream divine?”
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
Quick to avenge their country’s wrong;
With filial love their bosoms swell,
They ’ll guard the sacred landmark well!
From heaven look down and meet their gaze;
They swear with dauntless heart, “O Rhine,
Be German as this breast of mine!”
Or sword remains to guard thy flood,
While rifle rests in patriot hand,—
No foe shall tread thy sacred strand!
In golden light our banner glows;
Our hearts will guard thy stream divine:
The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!