AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PENNSYLVANIAN
From the archaic German in the Ausbund, a Mennonite Hymn Book published in Switzerland about 1620 and in Pennsylvania reproduced eight times.
Translated into English verse by Samuel W. Pennypacker, March 8th, 1904.
| 1. | We sing in such way as we can |
| The fate which happened an old man. | |
| He came from Haslibach. | |
| Haslibacher was he called, | |
| Out of Kilchori Summiswald. | |
| 2. | The dear Lord suffered it to be |
| That he was punished grievously | |
| Because of his belief. | |
| They caught him at his home, I learn, | |
| And took him to the town of Berne. | |
| 3. | And there in prison he was cast. |
| In pain and torture was held fast, | |
| Because of his belief. | |
| But pain and torture did not scathe | |
| And steadfast kept he to his faith. | |
| 4. | On Friday, as I understand, |
| The learned priests who ruled the land | |
| Went to his prison cell, | |
| Began to argue that he ought | |
| To yield the faith he had been taught. | |
| 5. | The Haslibacher listened long |
| While they disputed hard and strong, | |
| Then made this quick response: | |
| “I will not my belief resign, | |
| While life is in this body mine.” | |
| 6. | Upon a Saturday again |
| Appeared anew these learned men | |
| And angrily they spoke: | |
| “If now this faith you do not doff | |
| You soon will have your head cut off.” | |
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