Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1835.pdf/9

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Literary Gazette, 3rd January, 1835, Pages 11-12


The Gathering. — Koerner.

The people are risen—the storm is unbound—
Whoso with folded arms shall be found,
Shame on the loiterer wherever he be,
At the hearth,* in the hall, by the plough on the lea—
    Dishonour on thy useless hand!
A German maid shall kiss thee not,
A German song rejoice thee not,
And German wine shall warm thee not!
    He who has strength to wield a brand,
    Let him draw it now for his father-land!

While we are laid on the battle plain,
Drenched to the skin by the midnight rain,
Pleasant dreams may thy slumber crown,
As thou sinkest to rest amid silk and down:
    But shame beside thy pillow stand!
A German maid shall kiss thee not,
A German song rejoice thee not,
And German wine shall warm thee not!
    He who has strength to wield a brand,
    Let him draw it now for his father-land!

When our trumpets like thunder in heaven resound,
Thou may'st be lulled to the lute's languid sound;
When we ask in the hot noon for water in vain,
Thou may'st be pouring the sparkling champagne:
    But shame thy sunny cup shall brand!
A German maid shall kiss thee not,
A German song rejoice thee not,
And German wine shall warm thee not!
    He who has strength to wield a brand,
    Let him draw it now for his father-land!