Arndt was also constantly occupied in writing pamphlets of the most stirring nature, as their titles show:—­’The Rhine, Germany’s River, but Never Germany’s Boundary’; ‘The Soldier’s Catechism’; and ’The Militia and the General Levy.’  After the disasters of the French in Russia, he returned to Germany, unceasingly devoted to his task of rousing the people.  Though by birth a Swede, he had become at heart a Prussian, seeing in Prussia alone the possibility of German unity.

In 1817 he married Schleiermacher’s sister, and the following year was appointed professor of history in the newly established University of Bonn.  Shortly afterward suspended, on account of his liberal views, he was forced to spend twenty years in retirement.  His leisure gave opportunity for literary work, however, and he availed himself of it by producing several historical treatises and his interesting ‘Reminiscences of My Public Life.’  One of the first acts of Frederick William IV., after his accession, was to restore Arndt to his professorship at Bonn.  He took a lively interest in the events of 1848, and belonged to the deputation that offered the imperial crown to the King of Prussia.  He continued in the hope and the advocacy of German unity, though he did not live to see it realized.  The ninetieth birthday of “Father Arndt,” as he was fondly called by his countrymen, was celebrated with general rejoicing throughout Germany.  He died shortly afterward, on January 29th, 1860.

Arndt’s importance as a poet is due to the stirring scenes of his earlier life and the political needs of Germany.  He was no genius.  He was not even a deep scholar.  His only great work is his war-songs and patriotic ballads.  Germany honors his manly character and patriotic zeal in that stormy period of Liberation which led through many apparent defeats to the united Empire of to-day.

The best German biographies are that of Schenkel (1869), W. Baur (1882), and Langenberg (1869); the latter in 1878 edited ’Arndt’s Letters to a Friend.’  J.R.  Seeley’s ‘Life and Adventures of E.M.  Arndt’ (1879) is founded on the latter’s ’Reminiscences of My Public Life.

WHAT IS THE GERMAN’S FATHERLAND?

What is the German’s fatherland? 
Is it Prussia, or the Swabian’s land? 
Is it where the grape glows on the Rhine? 
Where sea-gulls skim the Baltic’s brine? 
Oh no! more grand
Must be the German’s fatherland!

What is the German’s fatherland? 
Bavaria, or the Styrian’s land? 
Is it where the Master’s cattle graze? 
Is it the Mark where forges blaze? 
Oh no! more grand
Must be the German’s fatherland!

What is the German’s fatherland? 
Westphalia?  Pomerania’s strand? 
Where the sand drifts along the shore? 
Or where the Danube’s surges roar? 
Oh no! more grand
Must be the German’s fatherland!

What is the German’s fatherland? 
Now name for me that mighty land! 
Is it Switzerland? or Tyrols, tell;—­
The land and people pleased me well! 
Oh no! more grand
Must be the German’s fatherland!