Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Germany: Vols. XVII–XVIII. 1876–79.

Introductory

The German’s Native Land

By Anonymous

Translated by C. T. Brooks

KNOW ye the land where, tall and green,

The ancient forest-oaks are seen?

Where the old Rhine-waves sounding run

Through vineyards gleaming in the sun?—

We know the lovely land full well;

’T is where the free-souled Germans dwell.

Know ye the land where truth is told,

Where word of man is good as gold?

The honest land where love and truth

Bloom on in everlasting youth?—

We know that honest land full well;

’T is where the free-souled Germans dwell.

Know ye the land where each vile song

Is banished from the jovial throng?

The sacred land where, free from art,

Religion sways the simple heart?—

We know that sacred land full well;

’T is where the free-souled Germans dwell.