Classic Poem

Nach Frankreich zogen zwei Grenadier'

Toward France there journeyed two grenadiers
Who had been captured in Russia;
And they hung their heads and their eyes had tears
As they came to the border of Prussia.

They heard the terrible news again
That France had been lost and forsaken;
Her armies were beaten, her captains were slain,
And the Emperor, the Emperor was taken!

Together they wept, these two grenadiers,
To one thing their thoughts kept returning —
" Alas, " cried one, half-choked with tears,
" Once more my old wound is burning. "

The other said, " The tale is told:
I'd welcome Death about me,
But I've a wife and child to hold;
What would they do without me? "

" What matters wife? What matters child?
With far greater cares I am shaken;
Let them go and beg with hunger wild —
My Emperor, my Emperor is taken!

" And this, oh friend, my only prayer
When I am dying, grant me:
You'll carry my body to France and there
In the sweet soil of France you'll plant me.

" The cross of honor with crimson band
Lay on my heart to cheer me;
Then put my musket in my hand
And strap my sabre near me.

" And so I will lie and listen and wait
Like a sentinel, down in the grass there.
Till I hear the roar of the guns, and the great
Thunder of hoofs as they pass there.

" And the Emperor will come, and his columns will wave;
And the swords will be flashing and rending —
And I will arise, full-armed from the grave,
My Emperor, my Emperor attending! "