High deeds, O Germans, are to come from you!
Thus in your Books the record shall be found,
"A Watchword was pronounced, a potent sound--
ARMINIUS!--all the people quaked like dew
Stirr'd by the breeze--they rose, a Nation, true,
True to itself--the mighty Germany,
She of the Danube and the Northern Sea,
She rose,--and off at once the yoke she threw.
All power was given her in the dreadful trance--
Those new-born Kings she wither'd like a flame."
--Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame
To that Bavarian who could first advance
His banner in accursed league with France,
First open Traitor to her sacred name! |