The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 4 (of 8)

A PROPHECY. FEBRUARY, 1807

Reading edition

Composed 1807.—Published 1807

Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty," re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.

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![A]—all the people quaked like dew Stirred by the breeze; they rose, a Nation, true, 5 True to herself[1]—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 withered like a flame."[B] 10 —Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame To that Bavarian who could[2] first advance His banner in accursed league with France,[C] First open traitor to the German name![3]

VARIANTS:

FOOTNOTES:

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · Arminius, or Hermann, the liberator of Germany from the Roman power, A.D. 9-17. Tacitus says of him, "He was without doubt the deliverer of Note 2 · 1820. ... itself ... 1807.Note 3 · The "new-born Kings" were the lesser German potentates, united in the Confederation of the Rhine. By a treaty signed at Paris (July 12th, 18 Note 4 · 1837. ... did ... 1807.Note 5 · On December 11, 1806, Napoleon concluded a treaty with Frederick Augustus, the Elector of Saxony—who had been secretly on the side of France Note 6 · 1837. ... to her sacred name! 1807. ... to a ... 1820.