There rolls He now, majestic, broad, and free,1
The German Rhine, with viny verduro bound,2
Festooned with populous wealth, a joy to see,3
With town and tower and rock-perched castle crowned !4
And all around the little jocund rills5
Come bickering down, and from the genial mould6
Time’s vintage from the old Vulcanian hills,7
The bright flowers wave their purple and their gold.8
This the Frank saw and envied, till his passion9
Grew to a deed that made a din in story,10
When he his hand put forth in conqueror’s fashion,11
And lived by rapine, which he baptized glory,12
And bade the German Rhine flow blood and tears,13
Till God’s stern vengeance came with the slow-ripening years.14