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1862–1893

TO THE EMPEROR WILLIAM.

Francis William Lauderdale Adams

You are at least a man, of men a king. You have a heart, and with that heart you love. The race you come from is not gendered of The filthy sty whose latest litter cling

Round England's flesh-pots, gorged and gluttoning. No, but on flaming battle-fields, in courts Of honour and of danger old resorts, The name of Hohen-Zollern clear doth ring.

O Father William, you, not falsely weak, Who never spared the rod to spoil the child, Our mighty Germany, we only speak To bless you with a blessing sweet and mild,

Ere that near heaven your weary footsteps seek Where love with liberty is reconciled.

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TO THE EMPEROR WILLIAM. · Francis William Lauderdale Adams · Poetry Cove