But the heart aspires Upward evermore, And our high desires Ever sky-ward soar. From his simple kind Comes my rustic child, Shows his heart and mind To the world beguiled; For him gardens bloom, For him fields have grown, Even in, the gloom Of a world of stone. Where in that man's breast Glows a God-sent flame Who with loyal zest Loves the ancient name, Where the men unite Valiantly to face Foes of honor's right-- There dwells freedom's race. Ramparts, brazen doors Still may bar the light, Yet the spirit soars Into regions bright; For the fathers' grave, For the church to fall, And for dear ones--brave, True at freedom's call-- That indeed is light, Glowing rosy-red; Heroes' cheeks grow bright And more fair when dead. Down to us, oh, guide Heaven's grace, we pray! In our hearts reside-- German hearts--to stay! Freedom sweet and fair, Trusting, void of fear, German nature e'er Was to thee most clear. _LUDWIG UHLAND_ * * * * * THE CHAPEL[17] (1805) Yonder chapel, on the mountain, Looks upon a vale of joy; There, below, by moss and fountain, Gaily sings the herdsman's boy. Hark! Upon the breeze descending, Sound of dirge and funeral bell; And the boy, his song suspending, Listens, gazing from the dell. Homeward to the grave they're bringing Forms that graced the peaceful vale; Youthful herdsman, gaily singing! Thus they'll chant thy funeral wail. * * * * * THE SHEPHERD'S SONG ON THE LORD'S DAY[18] (1805) The Lord's own day is here! Alone I kneel on this broad plain; A matin bell just sounds; again 'Tis silence, far and near. Here kneel I on the sod; O deep amazement, strangely felt! As though, unseen, vast numbers knelt And prayed with me to God! Yon heav'n afar and near-- So bright, so glorious seems its cope As though e'en now its gates would ope-- The Lord's own day is here! [Illustration: LUDWIG UHLAND] * * * * * THE CASTLE BY THE SEA[19] (1805) Hast thou seen that lordly castle, That castle by the sea? Golden and red above it The clouds float gorgeously. And fain it would stoop downward To the mirrored lake below; And fain it would soar upward In the evening's crimson glow. Well have I seen that castle, That castle by the sea, And the moon above it standing, And the mist rise solemnly. The winds and the waves of ocean-- Had they a merry chime? Didst thou hear, from those lofty chambers, The harp and the minstrel's rhyme? The winds and the waves of ocean, They rested quietly; But I heard in the gale a sound of wail, And tears came to mine eye.