I TAKE OFF MY HAT TO ALBERT
Reading edition
Albert, King of Belgium, is the hero of the hour; He's the greatest king in Europe, he's a royal arch and tower; He is bigger in the trenches than the Kaiser on his Throne, And the whole world loves him for the sorrows he has known: So I take off my hat to Albert.
Defiance was his answer to the Teuton at his gate, Then he buckled on his armor and pledged his soul to fate; He stood between his people and the biggest Essen gun, For he feared not shot nor shrapnel as his little army won: So I take off my hat to Albert.
King of Belgium, Duke of Brabant, Count of Flanders, all in one; Little Kingdom of the Belgae starr'd with honor in the sun! You have won a place in history, of your deeds the world will sing, But the glory of your nation is your dust-stained, fearless King: So I take off my hat to Albert.
For M. Goor.