Kong Christian stod ved højen mast

"Kong Christian stod ved højen mast" (, meaning "King Christian Stood By the Lofty Mast") is one of the two national anthems of Denmark, the other one being "Der er et yndigt land" (meaning "There is a Lovely Land"). The main difference between the two anthems is that this one is used mostly for royal and military purposes, and the other one is used for civil purposes. The lyrics were written by Johannes Ewald, the composer is unknown.

Lyrics
The English version of the song was written by fellow American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Words of the song in DanishPronunciation of these words using the IPAWords of the song in EnglishI
King Christian stood by the lofty mast
In mist and smoke;
His sword was hammering so fast,
Through Gothic helm and brain it passed;
Then sank each hostile hulk and mast,
In mist and smoke.
"Flee!" shouted they, "flee, he who can!
Who braves of Denmark's Christian,
Who braves of Denmark's Christian,
In fight?"

II
Niels Juel gave heed to the tempest's roar,
Now is the hour!
He hoisted his blood-red flag once more,
And smote upon the foe full sore,
And shouted loud, through the tempest's roar,
"Now is the hour!"
"Flee!" shouted they, "for shelter flee!
"Who can defy of Denmark's Juel,
Who can defy of Denmark's Juel,
In battle?"

III
North Sea! a glimpse of Wessel rent
Thy murky sky!
Then champions to thine arms were sent;
Terror and Death glared where he went;
From the waves was heard a wail, that rent
Thy murky sky!
From Denmark thunders Tordenskiol',
Let each to Heaven commend his soul,
Let each to Heaven commend his soul,
And fly!

IV
Path of the Dane to fame and might!
Dark-rolling wave!
Receive thy friend, who, scorning flight,
Goes to meet danger with despite,
Proudly as thou the tempest's might,
Dark-rolling wave!
And amid pleasures and alarms,
And war and victory, be thine arms,
And war and victory, be thine arms,
My grave!

References

Category:Danish anthems
Category:Royal anthems
Category:National symbols of Denmark