Then made answer the landlord, with thoughts judicious and manly: 
“Often the Rhine’s broad stream have I with astonishment greeted,
As I have neared it again, after travelling abroad upon business. 
Always majestic it seemed, and my mind and spirit exalted. 
But I could never imagine its beautiful banks would so shortly
Be to a rampart transformed, to keep from our borders the Frenchman,
And its wide-spreading bed be a moat all passage to hinder. 
See! thus nature protects, the stout-hearted Germans protect us,
And thus protects us the Lord, who then will he weakly despondent? 
Weary already the combatants, all indications are peaceful. 
Would it might be that when that festival, ardently longed for,
Shall in our church be observed, when the sacred Te Deum is rising,
Swelled by the pealing of organ and bells, and the blaring of trumpets,—­
Would it might be that that day should behold my Hermann, sir pastor,
Standing, his choice now made, with his bride before thee at the altar,
Making that festal day, that through every land shall be honored,
My anniversary, too, henceforth of domestic rejoicing! 
But I observe with regret, that the youth so efficient and active
Ever in household affairs, when abroad is timid and backward. 
Little enjoyment he finds in going about among others;
Nay, he will even avoid young ladies’ society wholly;
Shuns the enlivening dance which all young persons delight in.”

Thus he spoke and listened; for now was heard in the distance
Clattering of horses’ hoofs drawing near, and the roll of the wagon,
Which, with furious haste, came thundering under the gateway.

TERPSICHORE

HERMANN

Now when of comely mien the son came into the chamber,
Turned with a searching look the eyes of the preacher upon him,
And, with the gaze of the student, who easily fathoms expression,
Scrutinized well his face and form and his general bearing. 
Then with a smile he spoke, and said in words of affection: 
“Truly a different being thou comest!  I never have seen thee
Cheerful as now, nor ever beheld I thy glances so beaming. 
Joyous thou comest, and happy:  ’tis plain that among the poor people
Thou hast been sharing thy gifts, and receiving their blessings upon thee.”

Quietly then, and with serious words, the son made him answer: 
“If I have acted as ye will commend, I know not; but I followed
That which my heart bade me do, as I shall exactly relate you. 
Thou wert, mother, so long in rummaging ’mong thy old pieces,
Picking and choosing, that not until late was thy bundle together;
Then too the wine and the beer took care and time in the packing. 
When I came forth through the gateway at last, and out on the high-road,
Backward the crowd of citizens streamed with women and children,