Palästinalied [English translation]

Now my life has gained its meaning

Since these sinful eyes behold

The sacred land with meadows greening

Whose renown was 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, o thorns and spear!

Heathens, woe! Your rage is clear.

At the most compass'nate hour

'Tis the place that he was slain

The all splendrous in his power

Gave himself up for our gain

To buy out our misery

What astounding prodigy

None alike shall ever be

Thence to hell the son descended

From the grave in which he lay

By the father still attended

And the spirits ineffable name

Like one bolt cut from one tree

Three in one and one are three

Thus did Abraham once see

When He thence 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.

Forty days again he wandered

And was seen all through the land

Thus he rose but left, oh wonder

His good ghost, protector, friend

He at once us sent back down

Bless'd shall be this land and town

His illustrous name reknown

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!

Verdicts of all earthly trial

Shall spare none of accusation

In his hour due judgment's vial

At last day's annunciation

Oh how great one's blame shall be

Evry soul shall bow the knee

Without pledge or guarantee

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 i beg you

All the things ye heard me say

I'll expound at last the matter

Then ye shall be on your way

All great deeds of awe and fear

That have ever come to ear

They began and end right here

• Artist:Walther von der Vogelweide