Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Alfred Schaffer

ENVOY

William van Nassau, descended
From an old and German line,
I have undying
Faith in this country of mine.
I am fearless, a Prince
Of Orange, always free,
A lifetime’s loyalty
To the King of Spain, I have offered.

I once tried to live in
The fear of God’s command
Which is why I have driven,
From people, home and the country,
But God, I trust, will rate me
His willing vessel
And one day restore me
To my rule.

ENVOI

ENVOI

Willem van Nassau, telg
Van een Duitse en oude lijn,
Ik draag onsterfelijke
Geloof in dit land van mij.
Een prins ben ik onverschrokken,
Van Oranje, altijd gratis,
Aan de koning van Spanje heb ik verleend
Een levenslange loyaliteit.

Ik heb ooit geprobeerd om te leven in
De vreze Gods gebod
En daarom heb ik gereden,
Van mensen, thuis, en het land,
Maar God, ik vertrouw, zal rate me
Zijn gewillige instrument
En op een dag me te herstellen
In mijn regering.
Close

ENVOY

William van Nassau, descended
From an old and German line,
I have undying
Faith in this country of mine.
I am fearless, a Prince
Of Orange, always free,
A lifetime’s loyalty
To the King of Spain, I have offered.

I once tried to live in
The fear of God’s command
Which is why I have driven,
From people, home and the country,
But God, I trust, will rate me
His willing vessel
And one day restore me
To my rule.

ENVOY

William van Nassau, descended
From an old and German line,
I have undying
Faith in this country of mine.
I am fearless, a Prince
Of Orange, always free,
A lifetime’s loyalty
To the King of Spain, I have offered.

I once tried to live in
The fear of God’s command
Which is why I have driven,
From people, home and the country,
But God, I trust, will rate me
His willing vessel
And one day restore me
To my rule.
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