Sonnet - A Prophecy

   Feb. 1807.

  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!--all the people quaked like dew
  Stirr'd by the breeze--they rose, a Nation, true,
  True to itself--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 wither'd like a flame."
  --Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame
  To that Bavarian, who did first advance
  His banner in accursed league with France,
  First open Traitor to her sacred name!