Dejlig er Jorden,
Praegtig er Guds Himmel,
Skoen er Sjaelenes Pilgrimsgang.
Gennem de fagre
Riger paa Jorden
Gaa vi til Paradis med Sang.
This hymn is written to the tune of "Beautiful Savior" which Ingemann, in
common with many others, accepted as a marching tune from the period of
the crusades. Although this historic origin has now been disproved, the
tune united with Ingemann's text undoubtedly will remain the most beloved
pilgrim song among the Danish and Norwegian peoples. Though fully aware
of the impossibility of translating this tenderly beautiful song so that
it is acceptable to those who know the original, the author presents the
following translation in the hope that it may interest those who cannot
read the original.
Fair is creation,[12]
Fairer God's heaven,
Blest is the marching pilgrim throng.
Onward through lovely
Regions of beauty
Go we to Paradise with song.
Ages are coming,
Ages are passing
Nations arise and disappear.
Never the joyful
Message from heaven
Wanes through the soul's brief sojourn here.
Angels proclaimed it
Once to the shepherds,
Henceforth from soul to soul it passed:
Unto all people
Peace and rejoicing,
Us is a Savior born at last.
Of other hymns by Ingemann, which are now available in English, we may
mention "Jesus, My Savior, My Shepherd Blest," "The Country Lies in Deep
Repose" and "I Live and I Know the Span of My Years."
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[12]Another translation: "Beauty around us" by S. D. Rodholm in "A World
of Song."
The last half of the 19th century also brought forth a number of Danish
hymnwriters of considerable merit, such as Chr. Richardt, Pastor J. P. M.
Paulli, Pastor Olfert Ricard and Pastor J. Schjorring. The latter is
especially known by one song which has been translated into many
languages and with which it seems appropriate to close this survey of
Danish hymnody.
Love from God our Lord,
Has forever poured
Like a fountain pure and clear.
In its quiet source,
In its silent course
Doth the precious pearl appear.
Love from God our Lord,
Comes with sweet accord,
Like a pure and lovely bride.
Dwell within my heart,
Peace from God impart,
Heaven doth with Thee abide.
Love from God our Lord,
Has to man restored
Life and peace from heaven above.
Who in love remains,
Peace from God obtains;
God Himself is ever love.