THE KAISER'S CROWN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 173, 12 May 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE KAISER'S CROWN.

At the present juncture Charles Mackay's poem "The Kaiser's Crown' (written in 1871) has remarkable interest. It is as follows : Versailles, January 18th, 1371. The wind on the Thames blow icy breath, The wind on the Seine blew fiery death, The snow lay thick on tower and tree. The streams ran black through wold and lea. As I sat alone in London to\vn_ And drcam'd a dream of the Ka:ser's crown. Holy William, that conqueror dread, Placed it on hi, hoary head, And sat on his throne wjth his nobles about, And his captains raising the wild warshout; And ask'd himself 'twix' a smile and a Was over a Kaiser so great as I?' From every jewel—from every gem Tn that imperial diadem, There came a voice and a whisper clear : I heard it; and I still can hear,— strong, Which said, 'O, Kaiser! great and God's sword is douhle-cdged and long'.' 'Av.' «nid the emeralds, flashing green, 'The fruit shell be what his hosts have sown, Debt and nvseiv. tear and groan, Piing and «oli. and gref ami shame, And rapine, and consuming flame!'

'Ay-' said the rubies, glowine: rod 'There comes new life from life-blood

shed, And though the Goth o'or-ride the Gaul, Eternal Justice rides o'c all! Might may be right for its own short

' dnv, Rut Right is Might for ever and aye!'

'Av!' said the diamonds, tongucd wit'

fire, 'Grief tracks (he pathways of desire! Our Kaiser, on whose head we glow, Takes little heed of hi- penp'e's woe; Or the deep, deep thoughts in the

people's brain That hum and throb like healing pain

'Thinks not that Germany, joyous now, Cares nought for the crown upon his brow, Rut much for the Freedom—wooed, not

won, That must be hers, ere all : s done— That gleams, and floats, and shines afar A glorious and approaching star!' 'Av!' said they all—with one accord, 'He is the Kaiser. King, and Lord.— Rut kings are small —the people great And Freedom coineth— sure, though late— A stronger than he idiall cast him down !' This was niy dream of the Kaiser's crown!