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, 5
True to herself[1]—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] 10
—Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame
To that Bavarian who could[2] first advance
His banner in accursed league with France,[C]
First open traitor to the German name![3]
VARIANTS:
[1] 1820.
... itself ... 1807.
[2] 1837.
... did ... 1807.
[3] 1837.
... to her sacred name! 1807.
... to a ... 1820.