Palästinalied [English translation]

Now my life has gained its meaning

since these sinful eyes behold

the sacred land with meadows greening

whose renown is often told.

This was granted me from God:

to see the land, the holy sod,

which in human form He trod.

Splendid lands of wealth and power,

I’ve seen many, far and near,

yet of all are you the flower.

What a wonder happened here!

That a maid a child should bear,

Lord of all the angels fair,

was not this a wonder rare?

Here was He baptized, the Holy,

that all people might be pure.

Here He died, betrayed and lowly,

that our bonds should not endure.

Else our fate had been severe.

Hail, O cross, thorns and spear!

Heathens, woe! Your rage is clear.

Out of pity for us,

He suffered here the cruel parting.

Out of pity for us

He, the Almighty, allowed cursing.

For us to escape misery,

it is an immeasurable prodigy,

more than any other prodigy.

Then to hell the Son descended

from the grave in which He lay,

by the Father still attended,

and the Spirit whom none may give a name:

in one are three,

an arrowshaft in unity.

This did Abraham once see.

When He there defeated Satan,

ne’ er has kaiser battled so,

He returned, our ways to straighten.

Then the Jews had fear and woe:

watch and stone were both in vain,

He appeared in life again,

whom their hands had struck and slain.

Thereafter he walked this land,

for forty days: then He ascended,

from whence His Father had him on errand.

His Spirit, may He protect us from the wicked,

He at once sent back down.

Holy is this very town,

its name, is by God known.

To this land, so He has spoken,

shall a fearful judgment come.

Widows’ bonds shall then be broken

and the orphans’ foe be dumb,

and the poor no longer cower

under sad misuse of power.

Woe to sinners in that hour!

All the judgement of an earthly court,

will give no man respite from accusation,

for He will want at once to sort,

for the Last Day annunciation:

whoever leaves a single sin,

unatoned here, how bereft he will stand facing Him,

where he has neither surety nor kin.

Christians, heathen, Jews, contending,

claim it as a legacy.

May God judge with grace unending

through his blessed Trinity.

Strife is heard on every hand:

ours the only just demand,

He will have us rule the land.

Now do not ignore,

what I have recited.

My wish was to briefly explore,

the discourse and to you I have presented,

all the wonder that God has unfurled,

upon man in this world,

they began and ended here in this emerald.