English translation of the Dutch National Anthem, the "Wilhelmus":
- 1 William of Nassau, scion
- Of a Dutch and ancient line [1],
- Dedicate undying
- Faith to this land of mine.
- A prince I am, undaunted,
- Of Orange, ever free,
- To the king of Spain I've granted
A lifelong loyalty.
2 I've ever tried to live in
- The fear of God's command
- And therefore I've been driven,
- From people, home, and land,
- But God, I trust, will rate me
- His willing instrument
- And one day reinstate me
Into my government.
3 Let no despair betray you,
- My subjects true and good.
- The Lord will surely stay you
- Though now you are pursued.
- He who would live devoutly
- Must pray God day and night
- To throw His power about me
champion of your right.
4 Life and my all for others
- I sacrificed, for you!
- And my illustrious brothers
- Proved their devotion too.
- Count Adolf, more's the pity,
- Fell in the Frisian fray,
- And in the eternal city
Awaits the judgement day.
5 I, nobly born, descended
- From an imperial stock.
- An empire's prince, defended
- (Braving the battle's shock
- Heroically and fearless
- As pious Christian ought)
- With my life's blood the peerless
Gospel of God our Lord.
6 A shield and my reliance,
- O God, Thou ever wert.
- I'll trust unto Thy guidance.
- O leave me not ungirt.
- That I may stay a pious
- Servant of Thine for aye
- And drive the plagues that try us
And tyranny away.
7 My God, I pray thee, save me
- From all who do pursue
- And threaten to enslave me,
- Thy trusted servant true.
- O Father, do not sanction
- Their wicked, foul design,
- Don't let them wash their hands in
This guiltless blood of mine.
8 O David, thou soughtest shelter
- From King Saul's tyranny.
- Even so I fled this welter
- And many a lord with me.
- But God the Lord did save me
- From exile and its hell
- And, in His mercy, gave him
A realm in Israel.
9 Fear not 't will rain sans ceasing
- The clouds are bound to part.
- I bide that sight so pleasing
- Unto my princely heart,
- Which is that I with honor
- Encounter death in war,
- And meet in heaven my Donor,
His faithful warrior.
10 Nothing so moves my pity
- As seeing through these lands,
- Field, village, town and city
- Pillaged by roving hands.
- O that the Spaniards r@pe thee,
- My Netherlands so sweet,
- The thought of that does grip me
Causing my heart to bleed.
11 A stride on steed of mettle
- I've waited with my host
- The tyrant's call to battle,
- Who durst not do his boast.
- For, near Maastricht ensconced,
- He feared the force I wield.
- My horsemen saw one bounce it
Bravely across the field.
12 Surely, if God had willed it,
- When that fierce tempest blew,
- My power would have stilled it,
- Or turned its blast from you
- But He who dwells in heaven,
- Whence all our blessings flow,
- For which aye praise be given,
Did not desire it so.
13 Steadfast my heart remaineth
- In my adversity
- My princely courage straineth
- All nerves to live and be.
- I've prayed the Lord my Master
- With fervid heart and tense
- To save me from disaster
And prove my innocence.
14 Alas! my flock. To sever
- Is hard on us. Farewell.
- Your Shepherd wakes, wherever
- Dispersed you may dwell,
- Pray God that He may ease you.
- His Gospel be your cure.
- Walk in the steps of Jesu
This life will not endure.
15 Unto the Lord His power
- I do not confession make
- That ne'er at any hour
- Ill of the King I spake.
- But unto God, the greatest
- Of Majesties I owe
- Obedience first and latest,
- For Justice wills it so.
See lyrics in Dutch at Metro Lyrics.
The Netherlands' official national anthem is Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, or more commonly called Wilhelmus (translation: the William). It is considered to be the oldest national anthem of the world at 440 years old. It was not approved as the official national anthem until 1932.
“Het Wilhelmus” has 15 eight-line verses (the first verse, and sometimes the sixth, is most commonly performed). Learn more facts at The History Files.
Get some hints and tips on learning Dutch at Just Landed.