"Mother, thou wilt say,--Why have I brought up a son to maturity, whom
I loved, and who loved me; for whom I have striven with a thousand
cares and continual anxiety; who through my prayers became inspired
with the love of goodness, and from whom I fondly hoped in the last
days of my weary pilgrimage to experience repose and filial love? Why
forsakes he me now? Dear mother! might not the fosterer of another also
thus lament, if he went forth for his Fatherland? If no other will do
that, where will the Fatherland be? But certainly thou complainest not
thus, but thinkest on these things too justly. Complain not, noble
woman! Once already have I received thy call, and if no one now would
step forward for the good cause, wouldst thou thyself send me forth to
the contest. Still two brothers, and two sisters, all true and noble,
have I before me--they remain to you--I follow my duty! The young ones
will step into my place, they will be true to their country--they also
are your children. In the world have we troubles, but in God we are
able to overcome them like Christ. Oh that we may enjoy his peace in
full measure! Forsaken on the solitary way which I tread alone, I have
no dependence but upon the Eternal Father: in him, however, grasp I
courage and strength to conquer the last terror, and to accomplish my
solemn deed. I commend you to his protection and comfort. May he lift
you to that joy which misfortunes are not able to disturb. Forget then
the loss in the enduring joy in Him, and regard not my tears so much as
the love which exists between us, and never can perish. Advance still
farther for your country, and conduct your little ones--to whom so
gladly would I have become the guiding friend--without delay, up into
the mighty mountains, and let them there, upon that sublime altar in
the midst of the Fatherland, dedicate themselves and swear, never to
rest nor to lay down the sword till the Brethren are united in freedom,
till all Germany as one people, and with one constitution for the whole
empire, great before God and mighty against their neighbours, is knit
into one complete whole!
"With joyful look turned toward Thee, Eternal God, stands my
Fatherland! Blessed be the great host of the German people ready armed
for the battle, who, recognising the high privilege to be allowed to
promote the cause of a pure humanity, thy image upon earth, stands
courageously resolved, and amongst those may I see them in whose love I
shall glory till my end.
"Salvation lies--highest and solely in the sword;
Press then the spear into the patriot heart,
And make a way for freedom!
"Karl Sand."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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