Note 9 — Chapter III · ON THE WAY TO THE FIFTH ARMY
H. G. De Walterstorff translation
And if nought else to us be left, There still remains the sword Which boldly wielded with fierce cleft Defies the foemen’s horde. Thus combat unto death we make, Last arbiter indeed, For if need will not iron break Then iron shall break the need.
The last line is a play on the German proverb, “Not bricht Eisen”: Necessity will (teach us to) break down (obstacles strong as) iron; and if it will not, our “iron” (sword) shall break the necessity itself.