Page:Fifes and Drums, Poems of America at War, Vigilantes, 1917.djvu/83



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!