A Prophecy
A Prophecy - context Summary
Support for German Resistance
Wordsworth’s "A Prophecy" responds to the Napoleonic wars by urging German unity and praising resistance to French domination. Addressing Germans directly, the poem invokes the figure of Arminius as a rallying symbol and predicts national revival that will overthrow foreign yoke. It also condemns collaborators, singling out a Bavarian who allies with France. The poem reflects Wordsworth’s political sympathy for German opposition to Napoleon.
Read Complete AnalysesHigh deeds, O Germans, are to come from you! Thus in your books the record shall be found, "A watchword was pronounced, a potent sound-- ARMINIUS!--all the people quaked like dew Stirred by the breeze; they rose, a Nation, true, True to herself--the mighty Germany, She of the Danube and the Northern Sea, She rose, and off at once the yoke she threw. All power was given her in the dreadful trance; Those new-born Kings she withered like a flame." --Woe to them all! but heaviest woe and shame To that Bavarian who could first advance His banner in accursed league with France, First open traitor to the German name!
February 1807
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