Sadly, deeply grieving, wondering, <br />At the diplomatic blundering, <br />Powerless to prevent the thundering, <br />On Denmark's leaguer'd shore, <br />Brave Denmark! in her fated hour, <br />Will not falter, will not cower, <br />Though a pledged and trusted power <br />Has failed her evermore. <br /> <br /> <br />Leaning on a broken reed, <br />Hand and heart full sorely bleed; <br />In this her hour of utmost need <br />We ever stand aloof. <br />'Princess,' erst a Danish maiden, <br />Denmark's wrongs we do not aid in; <br />The bloody cerements she is laid in, <br />Are German warp and woof. <br /> <br /> <br />For this were our loud pæans sung, <br />For this the joy-bells loudly rung, <br />Abroad a thousand banners flung, <br />In festal welcome waved. <br />From the German Faderland <br />Hadst thou come-the Teuton brand <br />On thy fair brow and lily hand, <br />Thy country had been saved. <br /> <br /> <br />Were thy sire of Coburg's line, <br />Or held his rule by right divine, <br />The eagles ne'er in land of thine <br />Had fleshed the murderous beak. <br />Britain! from thy sullied fame, <br />The glorious prestige of thy name, <br />Wipe off the stain, and quench the shame <br />A Briton may not speak.<br /><br />Janet Hamilton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dane-and-german/
