The members of these companies conducted themselves so discreetly, that people willingly suffered them, and any little distinctions which might gratify youthful vanity--the wearing of the old German costume, the short coat, the broad out-lying shirt-collar, with the open breast, the cap which but scantily covered the long down-hanging hair, and which, as well as the coat, was mostly of black velvet--such old Germanisms and peculiar attire--were cheerfully conceded to them. Hitherto must the life and movements of the Burschenschaft be styled noble. With enthusiasm its members received the call to the fight of freedom, which resounded from Prussia in the year 1813; and from all the universities streamed forth volunteers, to join themselves to the German host, which was to do battle with the oppressors of the Fatherland. Theodore Körner has immortalized in his songs the feelings and sentiments of the German youth at that glorious crisis. Many Burschen died, like him, the hero's death, inspired with equal zeal for the good cause, though it was alone permitted to the poet to flash radiantly forth, as from a mirror, the inner glow of his spirit in patriotic song. THE SWORD SONG. Sword on my left side gleaming, What means thy clear eyes' beaming? Thou look'st with love on me, And I have joy in thee. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! A soldier bears me dearly, Hence beam I forth so cheerly; I am a free man's choice, Which makes the Sword rejoice. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Good Sword! yes, free I hold thee, And in hearths love enfold thee, As if thou wert allied To me, a lovely bride. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Already it is tendered, To thee my life surrendered; Ah! were we so allied; When wilt thou fetch thy bride? Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! The bridal night's red morning Breaks to the trumpet's warning; When cannon peals begin, Fetch I the loved-one in. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! O sweet embrace! untiring, I tarry still desiring; Then bridegroom fetch thou me, My garland waits for thee. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Why in thy scabbard ringing, Thou Iron-joy art springing In such wild battle-glow? My Sword, why ring'st thou so? Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Ah! in the scabbard ringing, I long to be forth springing, Right wild with battle-glow; Hence, soldier, clink I so! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!