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192 WITH THE GERMAN ARMIES IN THE WEST
chaplains of the Field Army, he wore round the arm a white
and violet band. Taking the Epistle to the Romans as his
subject, he spoke on the strength which the Gospel gives.
From that he passed to the stirring world conflict which now
filled everyone’s thoughts. He spoke of the irresistible power
sometimes imparted to a people with the knowledge that it
has a ruler who likewise is a real leader. The Emperor had
done all within human power to avert the war, he said. The
Emperor wanted peace, but when he was forced into the war
he knew what his position was and understood what the people
asked of him, and trusting in his people he did not hesitate
to strike a blow for Germany’s existence and future.
He spoke of the nation’s sense of duty, which is the first
prerequisite of victory. The people know what they must do
when duty calls. " We must thank God for His infinite grace
in thus making us united and strong in our time of trial, in
our direst but also our greatest hour." Then he touched upon
the spirit of the soldiers and their firm resolve to fight to the
last drop of blood and not to give way until the last man and
the last horse has fallen. He spoke with simple eloquence,
no flowers and no phrases. He spoke manfully with cheerful
confidence and an unshakable faith in victory, and the
German words roused a ringing echo from the old French
houses opposite. " Vater miser, der du hist im Himmel. . . .
Der Herr segne Euch und behiite Euch." In conclusion another
psalm was intoned. It was sung in swelling, rousing tones,
as if they were on the eve of the triumphal entry through the
Brandenburger Tor in BerHn. Here they stood, these broad-
shouldered, sturdy Teutons, in the hey-day of youth and
strength, with eyes flashing beneath their helmets—eyes
whose vision would perhaps be dimmed for ever to-morrow
in the trenches. I thrilled with emotion as I heard the ringing
song, and thought : These men may know the art of dying,
but their nation can never die. And this thought led to the
reflection : I am sorry for the Powers who have combined to
destroy it ; what rivers of blood will flow before they learn
to understand that their aim, the destruction of Germany, is
unattainable
!
" Und wenn die Welt vol! Teufel war
Und vvoll’n uns gar verschlingen,
So fiirchten wir uns nicht so sehr,
Es soil uns doch gelingen.
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