Classic Poem

German bard! acclaim the glory
Of our German freedom high;
Be your song a brand to fire us;
To heroic deeds inspire us,
Like the Marseillaise of story.

Turn from Werther and his cooing,
For his Lotte let him cry.
Voice the message to your people
That has rung from every steeple —
Dagger, sword, and doughty doing.

Let the flute be trampled under,
With the soul's idyllic sigh.
Be your nation's trump of battle,
Boom of cannon, musket rattle;
Blow and crash and kill and thunder.

Loud with thunder let each day be,
Till the tyrants all shall fly.
Take my counsel for your banner,
But be sure you keep your manner
Vague and general as may be.