The wanderings and fortunes of some German emigrantsGerstäcker, Friedrich
General
The wanderings and fortunes of some German emigrants
Gerstäcker, Friedrich
Germany -- Emigration and immigration -- Fiction; Immigrants -- Fiction
"Gentlemen,"--he now began, after casting a searching glance round the
circle, and making some very long pauses, particularly in the
commencement, as though he were overcome by his feelings, until at last,
by degrees, he got into full swing, as Mr. Becher afterwards observed,
and pursued the thread of his discourse with more animated words and
gesticulations,--"It is with satisfaction--that I do myself the
honour--of standing up in this place--which it would be impossible to
express. I see that you are determined to remain true to your former
well-tried and honourable opinions. I see the fire of courage and of
patriotism beaming in your eyes. I see that you will not bow down again
under that yoke which you have but recently shaken off, together with
the old country, your former home." (No, no, no! from several parts of
the room.)--"Gentlemen, it is not only necessary that we should show
firm resolution in the exertions which we have attained by the
perseverance of our dear fellow-countrymen, and with iron determination
refuse to join a party which tries to frighten us by trickery and
bragging; no, we must also, conscious of our worth, in the hope of real
and irresistible conviction, endeavour to carry out that feeling which
inflames us with holy ardour, that feeling for justice and freedom which
is a birthright of Germans!" (Bravo! bravo! from all
sides.)--"Gentlemen," Strauss, becoming warmer, now proceeded--"you have
an internal conviction of the words of truth. Although British gold and
selfish opinions may oppress a portion of this holy republic, although
tyranny and oppression may threaten with chains and sharpened swords,
have you ever been dismayed? Did you not return gloriously and
triumphantly from the former battle?" (Hurrah for Strauss!
hurrah!)--"Yes, my dear fellow-countrymen, you understand my feelings,
but you also know, as I do, that a party cannot triumph in whose hearts
a participation in deceit and seductive appearances has taken root,
whose independence and convictions are attacked by venal brokers and
agents, in which the blind fanaticism of thousands aimed at a height
which, by chimerical hopes and impressions, composed of promises and
deceptions, sought in vain to attain that goal which comes to meet and
bless an honest heart." (Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for Strauss! the crowd
exclaimed, and the rejoicing and clattering of drinking vessels for some
moments drowned every other word.) "No, no, and no, again I say,"
continued Strauss, as soon as the noise had abated a little. "When the
heart does not with loud throbs throw itself into the arms of
liberty,--when strength does not stretch out its powerful hands into
one great alliance--where talent and knowledge do not work together with
firm and inflexible unanimity, where, during generations, evil has not
been held in contempt and good honoured--of what avail are the
fine-drawn nets of the hypocrites, who appear to spread their yarns with
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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