From Egmont
Act I
Clara winds a skein, and sings with Brackenburg.
THE drum gives the signal!
Loud rings the shrill fife!
My love leads his troops on
Full arm’d for the strife,
While his hand grasps his lance
As they proudly advance.
My bosom pants wildly!
My blood hotly flows!
Oh had I a doublet,
A helmet, and hose!
Through the gate with bold footstep
I after him hied,—
Each province, each country
Explored by his side.
The coward foe trembled
Then rattled our shot:
What bliss e’er resembled
A soldier’s glad lot!