Translations:Minette Blaufuß (Da VII 4)/10/en
This is also where we witnessed the great events of 1870 in which my father took the liveliest interest. I still recall how my father once came home from Kleinlangheim, all hoarse. When my shocked mother asked him what the matter was with him, he said very quietly: "Napoleon is captured." And thus, he had shouted himself hoarse in his enthusiasm about the joyful event. A master of speeches, he had to make a speech at the peace celebration in Kleinlangheim. I still remember the first sentence: "I take my hat off to the German warrior!" It was a time of great enthusiasm and high hopes. I often heard my father state: "Our children will now have a better life." When remembering this great period, one’s heart aches, and, lamenting, one has to proclaim with the poet: "German people, you most glorious of all, your oak trees stand, you have fallen!"