Fifes and Drums/The Kaiser

by Florence Earle Coates

THE KAISER

He stood alone, in sovereignty sublime,
Uniquely great,—the Kaiser! They that feared,
Yet honored him, who to the world appeared
Lofty in courage, wise, above his time,
The Monarch of the hour!—
Using his strength destructive things to bind,
Serving the Fatherland—and, so, mankind,
Safe-guarding Peace with Power.

He stood alone? How lone today he stands,
The eyes of all fixed wondering on him!
His throne ensanguined, his bright ægis dim,
The murderous sword clutched in his lawless hands!
What spectacle more sad
Than Might by its own folly wounded so?
Are the Gods jealous now, as long ago,
That thus they make ambitious mortals mad?

Florence Earle Coates.