The Hussites Before Naumburg

H. W. Dulcken

The Hussites invested Naumburg,
By way of Jena and Kamburg.
On the "Vogelwies," afar and near,
Naught was seen but sword and spear,
Near one hundred thousand.

And when Naumburg they invested,
Plague the people a great distress did.
Hunger bit them, thirst held fast;
Half an ounce of coffee at last
Sixteen pennies cost them.

And when naught it seemed could save them,
One good scheme some hope still gave them;
For a pedagogue set his wit
To find a stratagem, and hit
On his little scholars.

"Children," said he, "you are young, sure;
None of you has done any wrong, sure.
I will lead you to Prokop;
He won't be so bad, I hope,
That he should destroy you.

Old Prokop this mightily please did;
He on cherries the youngsters feasted;
Then he drew his SM'ord from its case,
And commanded, "Right about face,
Backward march from Naumburg."

In this miracle's honor the people
Every year a holiday keep all.
Surely the cherry-feast you know,
Where with our cask to the tents we go, —
Victory and freedom!


Main Location:

06618 Naumburg, Germany