Joseph Victor von Scheffel (1826–1886)

OLD Heidelberg, I love thee,

Thou town of honours fine.

Ah, there is none above thee,

By Neckar or the Rhine.

With youth in pleasure glowing,

With wisdom blessed and wine!

How clear thy stream is flowing—

Blue eyes like sunlight shine!

And when rough winter leaves thee,

And northward turns the spring,

A bridal gown it weaves thee

Of blossoms shimmering.

Thy name is written clearly

Upon my heart’s own ground,

And like a bride’s so dearly

I love thy name’s sweet sound.

When cruel thorns shall sting me,

And dreary grows the land,

I’ll spur my horse to bring me

Back unto Neckar’s strand!