Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 1206

In these wild days what tumults reign!

Each smitten is and smites again,

Deaf to command, will none obey.

The burgher, safe behind his wall,

Within his rocky nest, the knight,

Against us have conspired, and all

Firmly to hold their own unite.

Impatient is the hireling now,

With vehemence he claims his due;

And did we owe him naught, I trow,

Off he would run, nor bid adieu.

Who thwarts what fondly all expect,

He bath disturbed a hornet's nest;

The empire which they should protect,

It lieth plundered and oppress'd.

Their furious rage may none restrain;

Already half the world's undone;

Abroad there still are kings who reign—

None thinks 'tis his concern, not one.