A Prophecy. February, 1807

Composed 1807.--Published 1807

Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty," re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--ED.

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![A]--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."[B] --Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame To that Bavarian who could first advance His banner in accursed league with France,[C] First open traitor to the German name!

VARIANTS:

1820.

... itself ... 1807.

1837.

... did ... 1807.

1837.

... to her sacred name! 1807.

... to a ... 1820.