For you told us the English were worthless in war;
Pray what was the reason of that?"
"In my earlier days," said his sire, "through and through
I studied that decadent race,
And in failing to prove that my forecast was true
They have covered themselves with disgrace."
"You are bold," said the youth, "and the Nietzschean creed
Cries, 'Down with the humble and meek;'
Yet the sack of Louvain made your bosom to bleed;
Why were you so painfully weak?"