Kaiserhymne (Emperor's Hymn), also known as Gott
erhalte Franz den Kaiser (God Save Emperor Francis)
was an anthem composed in honour of Emperor Francis II of
the Holy Roman Empire (and later of the Austrian Empire).
Its composer was Joseph Haydn with lyrics written by Lorenz
Leopold Haschka. It was created in 1797 after Haydn had
spent some time in Britain. He was impressed by the anthem
God Save the King and desired to create a song even more
grand for his emperor. At the time the Holy Roman Empire
was being hard-pressed by France and Haydn felt that he
might lift people's spirits through music.
The song persisted as an unofficial anthem in Austria after the
abolishment of the Holy Roman Empire with modified lyrics
for each new sovereign. The German lyrics below are the
original ones created in 1797 while the English translation is
a modern attempt to preserve the metre, rhythm and rhyme
of the original. I am indebted to aquohn on /r/monarchism
for his work in translating the lyrics.
erhalte Franz den Kaiser (God Save Emperor Francis)
was an anthem composed in honour of Emperor Francis II of
the Holy Roman Empire (and later of the Austrian Empire).
Its composer was Joseph Haydn with lyrics written by Lorenz
Leopold Haschka. It was created in 1797 after Haydn had
spent some time in Britain. He was impressed by the anthem
God Save the King and desired to create a song even more
grand for his emperor. At the time the Holy Roman Empire
was being hard-pressed by France and Haydn felt that he
might lift people's spirits through music.
The song persisted as an unofficial anthem in Austria after the
abolishment of the Holy Roman Empire with modified lyrics
for each new sovereign. The German lyrics below are the
original ones created in 1797 while the English translation is
a modern attempt to preserve the metre, rhythm and rhyme
of the original. I am indebted to aquohn on /r/monarchism
for his work in translating the lyrics.
|
German Lyrics
Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! Lange lebe Franz, der Kaiser, In des Glückes hellstem Glanz! Ihm erblühen Lorbeerreiser, Wo er geht, zum Ehrenkranz! Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! Laß von seiner Fahne Spitzen Strahlen Sieg und Fruchtbarkeit! Laß in seinem Rate Sitzen Weisheit, Klugheit, Redlichkeit; Und mit Seiner Hoheit Blitzen Schalten nur Gerechtigkeit! Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! Ströme deiner Gaben Fülle Über ihn, sein Haus und Reich! Brich der Bosheit Macht, enthülle Jeden Schelm- und Bubenstreich! Dein Gesetz sei stets sein Wille, Dieser uns Gesetzen gleich. Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! Froh erleb' er seiner Lande, Seiner Völker höchsten Flor! Seh' sie, Eins durch Bruderbande, Ragen allen andern vor! Und vernehm' noch an dem Rande Später Gruft der Enkel Chor. Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! 
Emperor Francis II
|
English Lyrics
God preserve our Holy Emp'ror, Sov'reign ever good and great; Keep, O keep him from all error, In Prosperity and State! May his Laurels ever blooming Be by Faith and Virtue fed; May his worth the world illumine And bring back the Sheep misled! God preserve our Holy Emp'ror, Sov'reign ever good and great. All thy bounties, good and gracious, Pour on him, his house, and realm; And, in mercy, plots audacious, With confusion overwhelm. By thy law may he be guided, Be thy will done at his word. In him are our lives confided, This thy Delegate, O Lord. God preserve our Holy Emp'ror, Sov'reign ever good and great. ‘Neath his glorious banners streaming, May success and plenty grow; In his councils, brightly beaming, O may wisdom, prudence flow. May his hand strike forth like lightning For the cause of justice true. Glorious Emp’ror, our hopes bright’ning! May all yield to him his due. God preserve our Holy Emp'ror, Sov'reign ever good and great. May he see his Empire flourish, And his people crowned with joy; Love fraternal may he nourish, And all seeds of hate destroy. Should thy Church e’er be imperilled, May he save her on that day. Keep him from death, thy dread herald, May we never cease to pray: God preserve our Holy Emp'ror, Sov'reign ever good and great. |
Because of the multicultural nature of the Habsburg Empire
the Kaiserhymne was translated into the major languages
present in the Empire. Wikipedia maintains a good overview
of these translations. The Kaiserhymne is still sung on
occasion in Austria. In 2011 it was sung at the funeral for
Otto von Habsburg, heir to the thrones of Austria & Hungary.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
the Kaiserhymne was translated into the major languages
present in the Empire. Wikipedia maintains a good overview
of these translations. The Kaiserhymne is still sung on
occasion in Austria. In 2011 it was sung at the funeral for
Otto von Habsburg, heir to the thrones of Austria & Hungary.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
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