WAKE—awake! The cry rings out; From the high watch-tower comes the shout. Awake, imperial German land— Ye by distant Danube dwelling, And where the infant Rhine is swelling, And where the bleak dunes pile their sand! For hearth and home keep watch, Sword from its scabbard snatch; Every hour For bitter fight Prepare aright— The day of combat is in sight! Hear in the East the ominous cry That tells a greedy foe draws nigh— The vulture, thirsting for the strife. Hear in the west the serpent's hiss Whose siren-fangs are set for this, To poison all your virtuous life. Near is the vulture's swoop; The serpent coils to stoop For the stroke; Then watch and pray Until the day— Your swords be sharpened for the fray! Pure in life, in faith as strong, Let no man do your courage wrong; Be one, what time the trump shall sound. Cleanse your souls by fervent prayer, That so the Lord may find them fair When He shall make His questioning round. The Cross be still your pride, Your banner and your guide In the battle! Who in the field Their fealty yield To God, victorious weapons wield. Look Thou down from heaven above, Thou Whom the angels praise and love— Be gracious to our German land! Speak from the clouds with thunder-voice; Princes and people of Thy choice, Unite them with a mighty hand. Be Thou our fortress-tower, Bring us through danger's hour. Hallelujah! Thine is today And shall alway Kingdom, and power, and glory stay! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHARLOTTE CORDAY (REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL, JULY 17, 1793) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS STANZAS FOR MUSIC (2) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE RAGGEDY MAN by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY LINES PLACED OVER A CHIMNEY-PIECE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |