Fuimus

I AM one of some half thousand from the millions of a

reign

Departed with the years before the flood —
A reign of Anarchy and Grandeur, Intellect and Crime,

Which witnessed all of ill or Good
The lifewhile of a world can show — phenomena such

as Time
Shall never, never see again!

Then spread far forth, like billowy fire, the feelings that

of old

Had smouldered in the bosoms of the Few;
Immortal Freedom then was born, and dwelt with

mortal men;

And France, the Thundress, rose and threw
Her giant shadow o'er the quaking earth! Since then
Hath half a stormy century rolled!

You, Germans, you are dead in soul! Your luxury is

Repose;
We hated that! The price of Liberty

We knew to be our hearts' best blood, and that we

freely gave;

We poured it forth in oceans, we!
Even till we saw the Night again close o'er us like a

grave,
Where first our sun of glory rose!

We have learned all terrible truths that Revolution came

to teach —
We have known all marvellous changes Time could

show —
We have seen the Phoenix of a world whose ashes on

the winds

Were scattered long and long ago!
Therefore, pale Youth of Germany, we think not with

your minds,
Nor can you understand our speech!