Germany Free!
Reading edition
By BEATRICE BARRY.
Deeds that have startled the civilized world Blot her escutcheon, brand her with shame; But though the German flag there be unfurled, Do Germans know what is done in their name? If not, the final accounting may see— Germany free! Germany, free from the canker of self— Free from the lusting for prestige and power; Purged of her passion for place and for pelf— Shall she not rise to great heights in that hour? God speed its coming, for fain would we see— Germany free! Free from the militant few who have ruled Seventy millions with sabre of steel; Free from the doctrine in which they are schooled— "Might shall prevail!" All the rancor we feel Strikes at that dogma, from which we would see— Germany free! Much in her national life we admire, Much we recoil from, or needs must dispute; Germany needs her baptism of fire, But you will find us the first to salute— (God speed the "Day" the awakening shall be) Germany FREE!