By the Blue Danube

[ZaunköniG]

By the Blue Danube

And here the Nibelungen marched along
With iron clang to their imprending doom.
Beyond the stream the towers of Bechlarn loom,
Where the last revels cheered the fated throng;

When Giselher without a thought of wrong,
Stood laughing into Hagen's face of gloom,
And Gunther smiled at life's elusive bloom,
Whilst Volker's heart poured forth is wealth of song:

Then sank the storm-cloud: lightnings shot athwart
The bloodstained pathway; hurtling lance and spear
Darkened the sky, as kings and heroes fell:

But truth and manhood knew no doubt or fear,
As Queen Kriemhild with hate-transfigured heart
Watched o'er the raging battle's surge and swell.