Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/150

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PENNSYLVANIAN

From the archaic German in the Ausbund, a Mennonite Hymn Book published in Switzerland about 1620 and in Pennsylvania reproduced eight times.

Translated into English verse by Samuel W. Pennypacker, March 8th, 1904.

1.   We sing in such way as we can
The fate which happened an old man.
He came from Haslibach.
Haslibacher was he called,
Out of Kilchori Summiswald.
 
2.   The dear Lord suffered it to be
That he was punished grievously
Because of his belief.
They caught him at his home, I learn,
And took him to the town of Berne.
 
3.   And there in prison he was cast.
In pain and torture was held fast,
Because of his belief.
But pain and torture did not scathe
And steadfast kept he to his faith.
 
4.   On Friday, as I understand,
The learned priests who ruled the land
Went to his prison cell,
Began to argue that he ought
To yield the faith he had been taught.
 
5.   The Haslibacher listened long
While they disputed hard and strong,
Then made this quick response:
“I will not my belief resign,
While life is in this body mine.”
 
6.   Upon a Saturday again
Appeared anew these learned men
And angrily they spoke:
“If now this faith you do not doff
You soon will have your head cut off.”
 
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