Richard Dehmel (1863–1920)

HOUR of steel, thou art a blessing

That at last unites us all.

Friend and foe, still peace caressing,

Trembled in suspicion’s thrall.

Now comes the fight,

The honest fight!

Greed with blunted claw has meanly

Bartered for its pomp and lust;

Now we all are feeling keenly

What can save our souls from dust:

The hour of need,

Of blessed need!

Truth will blaze, through darkness smiting,

Over dust and powder’s smoke.

Not for life we men are fighting—

Fighting till the fatal stroke:

For then comes death,

Divinest death!

Led by faith, thy land defending,

People, for thy spirit fight,

Heroes’ blood for honour spending!

Sacrifice be our delight—

Then victory,

Hail victory!