![KLOPSTOCK, Friedrich Gottlieb (1724-1803). Autograph manuscript poem, n.d., 'Unssre Sprache Ode' [i.e. 'Deutsche Sprache'], the metre indicated at the head of the poem, 28 lines on 3 pages, 4to, on a bifolium, note of authentification on verso of second leaf (remnants of paste on verso of second leaf; repair to horizontal centre-fold, touching one word). Provenance: sold at Sotheby's, 30 April 1980, lot 522, when it was offered immediately after a manuscript of 'Der Kranz' (to which it was evidently once attached), and the authenticating hand was identified as that of Dr Botha.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/CKS/2007_CKS_07411_0102_000(022246).jpg?w=1)
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KLOPSTOCK, Friedrich Gottlieb (1724-1803). Autograph manuscript poem, n.d., 'Unssre Sprache Ode' [i.e. 'Deutsche Sprache'], the metre indicated at the head of the poem, 28 lines on 3 pages, 4to, on a bifolium, note of authentification on verso of second leaf (remnants of paste on verso of second leaf; repair to horizontal centre-fold, touching one word). Provenance: sold at Sotheby's, 30 April 1980, lot 522, when it was offered immediately after a manuscript of 'Der Kranz' (to which it was evidently once attached), and the authenticating hand was identified as that of Dr Botha.
Klopstock's genius found its fullest expression in his odes. Here, the majestic metaphor of a flowing river expresses Klopstock's vision of the history and destiny of his native tongue:
'Ferner Gestade, die Woge schnell,
Dem Blicke gehellt bis zum Kiesel ist, --
Das Gehölz blinket er durch oder wallt
In die Luft, hohes Gewölk duftend, -- der Strom;
Wirbelchen drehn mit ihm fort. So strömt
Die Sprache, die, Hermann, dein Ursohn spricht ...'.
The manuscript offers a version of ll.23-25 which differs significantly from the standard text: 'wie Der Erguß töne Verein; Hadre mit ihm. Hadr ist tiefes Geheimniß, trifts Zur Weise'. There are a number of minor variants throughout: in l.3, 'Gehölz' for 'Gebüsch', in l.20 'bleibet ihr Leid' for 'bleibt ihr Gesang', in l.27 'rauscht' for 'tönt' and in l.28 'den Gesang' for 'das Lied'.
Klopstock's genius found its fullest expression in his odes. Here, the majestic metaphor of a flowing river expresses Klopstock's vision of the history and destiny of his native tongue:
'Ferner Gestade, die Woge schnell,
Dem Blicke gehellt bis zum Kiesel ist, --
Das Gehölz blinket er durch oder wallt
In die Luft, hohes Gewölk duftend, -- der Strom;
Wirbelchen drehn mit ihm fort. So strömt
Die Sprache, die, Hermann, dein Ursohn spricht ...'.
The manuscript offers a version of ll.23-25 which differs significantly from the standard text: 'wie Der Erguß töne Verein; Hadre mit ihm. Hadr ist tiefes Geheimniß, trifts Zur Weise'. There are a number of minor variants throughout: in l.3, 'Gehölz' for 'Gebüsch', in l.20 'bleibet ihr Leid' for 'bleibt ihr Gesang', in l.27 'rauscht' for 'tönt' and in l.28 'den Gesang' for 'das Lied'.
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