Classic Poem

Some learned German men
Who the German language ken
Their labours now combine
Its powers and use to sound,
Its varied rules to bound
And fixedly define.

While these to fix and trace
Each word's true form and grace
Their useful toil pursue,
Your silent aid afford,
Your active help accord,
Ye German folk, thereto!

Yea! give them language chaste,
Pure phrases culled with taste
From purest hearts that flow;
Speak fiery words and free,
Let all the nations see
How German minds can glow!

Then from your speech expel
All words where lies may dwell,
Be truth on all conferred;
Implant in every youth
The love of honest truth
With every German word.

Let not your words of might
In amorous ditties light
Be tamely made to move,
But honour's code express,
Or maid's pure flame confess,
Or sing true strains of love.

Ne'er let them, as at court,
Like girls or jugglers sport,
Nor idly lisp—for shame;
But consecrated be—
Unweakened—to the free
Who speak in Freedom's name.

When thus your noble speech
To greater force shall reach,
And every grace combine;
Of Germans men will say,
That—greet where'er they may—
There speaks the Voice Divine!