Classic Poem

Where is the minstrel's Fatherland?
Where sparks of noble souls were flowing,
Where wreaths for noble deeds were growing,
Where strong hearts big with joy were glowing,
For sacred things their ardor fanned;
There was my Fatherland.

What calls the minstrel Fatherland?
What now, o'er slaughtered sons, is moaning,
What under foreign yoke is groaning,
The proud name " Land of Oaks " once owning,
The free land and the German land;
This called I Fatherland.

Why weeps the minstrel's Fatherland?
That 'neath the tyrant's fury being,
Its people's rulers tremble, seeing
Now broken every promise being,
And that its cries no aid command;
So weeps my Fatherland.

Whom calls the minstrel's Fatherland?
Its cries to silent gods are soaring,
With desperation's thunders roaring,
Its freedom and release imploring,
For retribution's vengeful hand;
Thus calls my Fatherland.

What would the minstrel's Fatherland?
To crush the slaves its bounds embracing,
The bloodhound from its limits chasing,
And free its freeborn sons be raising,
Or lay them, free, beneath the sand;
Thus would my Fatherland.

What hopes the minstrel's Fatherland?
It trusts its righteous cause undying,
On faithful sons its hopes relying,
And for the great God's vengeance sighing,
Nor yet mistakes the avenging hand;
Thus hopes my Fatherland.