Watching Rhine-lights growing dim,
Hearing clear a weary nation struggling sore with spectres grim.
In the nations’ anthems swelling
Ever twanged some chord of wrong:
Broken notes in anguish welling
Even in our starlit song—
Shadowy notes from swamp and prairie mingling with the suffering throng.
Stilled at last the music’s clamor,
Drum and hautboy laid to rest,
Softly through the silence’ glamour