And now to you all--whether married or single--
Whether sheltered by slate, or by "shake," or by shingle--
God bless you with peace and with bountiful cheer,
Happy houses, happy hearts--and a happy New Year!
P.S.--If you wish all these blessings, 'tis clear
You should send in your "stamps" for the old _Pioneer_.
* * * * *
MY FATHER-LAND
[From the German of Theodor Korner.]
Where is the minstrel's Father-land?
Where the sparks of noble spirits flew,
Where flowery wreaths for beauty grew,
Where strong hearts glowed so glad and true
For all things sacred, good and grand:
There was my Father-land.
How named the minstrel's Father-land?
O'er slaughtered son--'neath tyrants' yokes,
She weepeth now--and foreign strokes;
They called her once the Land of Oaks--
Land of the Free--the German Land:
Thus was called my Father-land.
Why weeps the minstrel's Father-land?
Because while tyrant's tempest hailed
The people's chosen princes quailed,
And all their sacred pledges failed;
Because she could no ear command,
Alas must weep my Father-land.
Whom calls the minstrel's Father-land?
She calls on heaven with wild alarm--
With desperation's thunder-storm--
On Liberty to bare her arm,
On Retribution's vengeful hand:
On these she calls--my Father-land.
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