The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Becker, Nikolaus

BECKER, Nikolaus, German poet: b. Bonn, 8 Oct. 1809; d. Hunshovem, 28 Aug. 1845. His early training was in law, and for some years he held a position in a court. He is principally known as the author of the popular song &ldquo;Rheinliedes.&rdquo; The song begins with the words, addressed to the French: &ldquo;You should not have it, the free, German Rhine.&rdquo; So widespread did this refrain become that French poets replied, Alfred de Musset with &ldquo;Nous l'avons eu, votre Rhin allemand.&rdquo; For this song the King of Prussia awarded the poet a prize of 1,000 thalers. Becker's other poems were published as a collection (Cologne 1841) but none of them attained much popularity and they have not generally been considered of a high order.