The Poetry Corner

A Prophecy - February 1807

By William Wordsworth

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 Stirred by the breeze; they rose, a Nation, true, True to herself 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 withered 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 the German name!