PS 3515 j.fl777 Y6 1922 Copy 2 )U BROUGHT THE KAISER DOWN An Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors A. R. HARRISON, Ph.D. YOU BROUGHT THE KAISER DOWN / / An Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors / Published and Sold by the NATIONAL LITERARY SOCIETY, Inc. International Building Washington, D. C. 1922 Copyright, 190^ \. R. Harrison/Pl All Rights Reserved By A. R. Harrison/Ph.D. M4T10HA1 OCltAl I'KCtS, IMC, «»»SHlM«IO». O. «. TO THE ALLIED VETERANS oj the WORLD WAR AND TO THE MEMORY OF THE ALLIED SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND TO THE WOMEN WHO HELPED This Volume Is Respectfully Dedicated BY The Author )CI.A6'.H)i33 ^ ^N. NOV 14 1922 * ^Ap •y'^ Introduction It is fitting that the heroic deeds of warriors and the services of their helpers behind the lines should be portrayed in poetic style, for poetry, by its very nature, makes a peculiar appeal to the heartstrings of him who is able to appreciate its forceful expression. The Author ascribes due honor to our European Allies in the great conflict which tried men's souls. The heroes of Belgium made a record of defense, which the ravages of time can never erase; they were true to the record of their ancestors of whom Julius Caesar wrote (in his "Gallic War") ". . . of all these, the bravest are the Belgians." The valiant sons of France fought as only heroes can fight in the cause of justice and self-defense. Great Britain's powerful navy saved the Western Hemisphere until America entered the war, and greatly helped us thereafter. And the soldiers of all our Allies (on land and in the air) were indispensable. But after our heroic Allies had faced the mad rush of the overwhelming numbers of von Hindenberg's trained warriors until the earth was drunk with the blood of its defenders, it remained for the American forces to join the conflict, turn back the tide of carnage, and (with our en- couraged Allies) drive home the victory. But it does not behoove any one nation to boast that it won the victory, for we all had a share in it, and there is glory enough for alL A. R. Harrison, Ph.D., Founder, National Literary Society, Inc.,, National Literary Hall of Fame. International Building, Washington, D. C, October 6, 1922. You Brought the Kaiser Down All the world in peace was sleeping, While the Kaiser, on his bed, Lingered, with his eyes wide open, And ambition filled his head ; He was planning, how, by conquest. He might have a world-wide crown. And might rule o'er one great empire. But you brought the Kaiser down. Since the dawn of early morning, When Jehovah made the world, No such plans for wicked conquest, Anywhere have been unfurled ; As the Kaiser worked through agents. Here and there, in ermine gown, But the light broke on their plotting. And you brought the Kaiser down. Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors He had trained his men in warfare, From the time that they were boys, So that they looked on our soldiers As no more than trifling toys; Thoughts of right his mind ne'er entered, What he wanted was that crown Which would place the earth beneath him, But you brought the Kaiser down. When the Serban plot was finished, And the dual monarch said: "Serbia shall bow before me, Though my army there must tread ;" Then the Kaiser saw an op'ning For a dash the world aroun' (?), But he missed his calculations, For you brought the Kaiser down. Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Then he gave his royal order, That his army should advance, Not across the Serban border, But into the land of France; And he planned an early breakfast In dame fashion's royal town, But that breakfast still is waiting. For you brought the Kaiser down. He would send his mighty forces O'er the lands of Johnnie Bull, And with all the British conquered He would see his cup 'most full ; Then he'd cross the deep blue ocean And would place us 'neath his crown. But he did not know our Sammies 'Till you brought the Kaiser down. Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Praise is due the sturdy Belgae, For they checked that mighty throng, Until PVance could call her freemen, And could train an army strong; Then the British saw their duty, And obeyed their royal crown. Then the onward march was slackened, And you brought the Kaiser down. When he saw that he was losing. Then the Kaiser showed his spleen. By his plans to starve the Allies, Through his lurking submarine; Thus he broke the law of nations, And besmirched his royal gown. For all ships may sail the ocean. But you brought the Kaiser down. 10 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors But the most outrageous plotting, Was performed through Bernsdorff here. Under guise of such relations As to him and us were dear ; But we learned the Kaiser's purpose, Cleared the veil, and saw his frown We were forced into the conflict, But you brought the Kaiser down. Kaiser Bill thought there was no one Who should not obey his nod. And, in speaking to his soldiers. Bade them fight for "Me and God;" He would rule the earth in toto. Letting God have heaven's crown, But the time was fast approaching. When you brought the Kaiser down. 11 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Peace is dear to all our people, And we did not want to fight; But when duty called we answered: "We will battle for the right ;" You did save the cause of freedom, From that ruthless German crown, Oh, our cause was just, ye heroes, And you brought the Kaiser down. Those few German-sympathizers Who did utter once or twice, "We as neutrals yet should languish, And have peace at any price," Did not know what you had in you, Men in country and in town, For you are the sons of freemen. And you brought the Kaiser down. 12 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors We could hear the groans of women, And of children ev'rywhere, While the Kaiser with his U-boats, And his bondage brought despair: You did rouse! And don your armour. Follow God, and win a crown. In the cause of human freedom, For you brought the Kaiser down. Our own land was in great danger, Should the Kaiser cross the foam. You were fighting for your loved ones. And for liberty, and home; Oh, ye naval men, how valiant ; God forbid that you should drown: For you sank the sneaking U-boats, And you brought the Kaiser down. 13 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors In your homes of peace and plenty You were taught to live the right, You were then in righteous conflict, Therefore, you did arm and fight, And the man was not your comrade, Who would make his mother frown ; When your country, peace and justice. Said, "The Kaiser must come down." See the way our own good women — Mothers, wives and sweethearts, all- Fell in line when duty called them. Heard our own great Wilson's call; They were saving, by the millions, Yea, they wore the "Hoover gown;" They were with you to the finish, Till you brought the Kaiser down. 14 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Should the Christian mind of any Deem that it is never right, Though a foe in sin shall strike us, To unsheathe the sword and fight; Let him read, again, his Bible, See our God on evil frown, Hear him say: "Destroy the wicked," Yes, you brought the Kaiser down. In the time of ancient nations. When a ruler, steeped in sin. And his subjects, all agreeing Sought his wicked way to win; Then the Lord raised up a captain, Bade him crush that haughty crown. Such a case you had before you, And you brought the Kaiser down. 16 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors There was then some balm in Gilead, There was a physician there, When the evil-minded Kaiser On the helpless brought despair; Many honest, peaceful Belgae Work as slaves on German groun' Since the Kaiser broke his treaty, But you brought the Kaiser down. We are called the Christian nations, With the Bible as our guide, But oh! shame, thrice shame upon us, If our swords we then should hide, When the cries of starving millions, And the martyrs 'neath the moun' Told us that the God of vengeance Said : "The Kaiser must come down.' 16 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors While awaiting marching orders, With your armour shining bright, You were saying to your captain "Take us to the front to fight;" "Take good aim! Be calm and steady! Puncture old Bill Kaiser's crown," This is what your captain told you, And you brought the Kaiser down. There's no other place 'neath sunshine Like a man's beloved home, Thoughts of it make heart-beats faster, Ev'rywhere that he may roam ; But, though in a foreign country. You're as near to Heaven's crown, As you'd be in your own bed-room. And you brought the Kaiser down. 17 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Thus, no longing — for your loved ones. Took you from your duty's post, There were other men just like you, Marching on, a mighty host; Looked not back ! The cry was "forward !" Nothing equaled duty's crown, And no fear your heart could weaken, While you brought the Kaiser down. When your ranks were thinned in battle, And your leaders killed, as well. You would never heed: "Surrender!" Hating then a prison hell; Better that some died, still fighting, Than, as slaves beneath his frown, All should serve that wily Kaiser, But you brought the Kaiser down. 18 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors While the angry battle thundered, If a wound seemed to betide, You soon had the Red Cross Surgeons And good nurses by your side; Yes, they worked as well-trained experts, That they might your sorrows drown, And here's praise for noble service. While you brought the Kaiser down. Many fell beneath "Old Glory," Which for freedom was unfurled, And we hope God gave admission To that upper, better world ; They did trust him, marching onward. For they fought 'neath Heaven's crown, "Right must reign," "Let wrong be vanquished," Yes, you brought the Kaiser down. 19 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors You were up against an army Trained in pride and war, from youth, And you had a job before you, This is simple, honest truth ; You were equal to your duty, O! You men in blue, in brown! For you had the means and manhood. And you brought the Kaiser down. See the choice of our young manhood, Officers and men, go out. Eager for a chance to battle For the right, the foe to rout; Ev'ry nerve in their strong bodies. Men from country and from town, Was prepared to do its utmost. And you brought the Kaiser down. 20 Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors When von Hindenberg was planning To construct his famous "Line," He expected that his shrewdness, On the record long would shine; But you broke his "Line" in pieces, And old "Hindy" wears a frown, For no line could stop the heroes Who would bring the Kaiser down. While you fought we tried to Ijelp you, As we labored here behind, Knowing that you faced the conflict With courageous heart and mind ; And when warfare had been ended. Then you wore the victor's crown, And we thank the God of freedom, That you brought the Kaiser down. Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Since you have come back among us, Here to spend your future life, May God grant you'll n'er be called on, To return to "warring strife;" William Sherman in an outburst Warmly uttered: "War is Hell," And, perhaps, you might inform us If the whole truth he did tell. m Let no critic say: "A Mis-fit Has been brought into our life," Though you suffered many changes While upon the field of strife, Certain views were surely altered, But you're heroes to this day; Take our hand in warmest welcome: "Glad to have you home, to stay." sa Ode to the Allied Soldiers and Sailors Oh, ye heroes, we all love you, And your absence did deplore, Thanks to God you were permitted To return to freedom's shore; Yes, we know you suffered hardships While you faced the Kaiser's frown, But we know you were good soldiers, For you brought the Kaiser down. The Soldier's Prayer O, Lord of truth, justice and mercy, I am a sinner, unworthy of Thy love; but I come to Thee in the Name of Thy Son, Jesus, Christ, who died for me; and I plead the promise written in Thy Word: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Then, Lord, with a clean heart and clear eyes I can look into Thy Face and ask Thee for all other needed blessings. Father, I believe that by Thy Providence, Thou hast led me into a bloodly conflict with an Imperial Government which has forgotten Thee, and has oppressed many of Thy poor and needy servants, and maliciously shed the blood of millions of innocent men, women and children. And I believe that Thou has chosen my Nation, and me Thy humblfi servant, to aid in punishing the wicked aggressors, and in preparing the way for a lasting peace on earth. As I go forth at the call of duty, to do my part. Father, let Thy love o'ershadow me and keep me from evil ; and, if it be Thy vinll, let me survive this angry warfare, and return in peace to my home. But, if it be Thy will that I should shed my blood while in the line of duty, then take my soul to be ever with Thee. And, Father, while I am absent from my home, watch over my loved ones, save their souls, provide for their needs, and cause them to serve Thee. And, Father, since we go forth according to the leading of Thy Divine Providence, be pleased to give success to our Army and Navy, and to the armies and navies of our Allies, in this great conflict for Freedom, Justice and Peace; and Thine shall be the praise, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Amen. Z4 CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP 1. Any white resident of the United States is entitled to become a member of the National Literary Society, Inc., by the payment of the Annual Membership Fee of $i.oo. 2. Every member of this Society shall have the following rights and privileges: (a) Membership in any or all of the following: The Writers' Club, The Speakers' Club, and The Dramatic Club. (b) The right to use the facilities of the Society in selling all worthy productions, and exhibiting community plays. (c) Admission to any Local Contest for a Gold Medal, and eligibility to each succeeding contest by winning a medal at each contest. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION William Douden, Chairman, Board of Trustees. A. R. Harrison, Ph.D., President of the Society. Ernest Warren Porter, LL.D., Vice-President. Miss Ruth P. Gray, Secretary & Treasurer. STATE ORGANIZATION * State Advisory Board. State Director. Congressional District Director. County Director. Local Director. For further information, call on any officer of the Society, or write the Home Office. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NATIONAL LITE] Incorpo, International Building Washington, D. C. Founded February 6, 1922, by A. R. Harrison, Ph.D. Incorporated September 6, 1922, in the District of Columbia. Controlled by a Board of Trustees of nine members. Owned by all people who contribute to its support. Registering in every State in the Union. PURPOSE To Develop American Literature, Elocution and Drama. 1. To build a National Literary Hall of Fame, in Washington, D. C. 2. To promote The Writers' Club, The Speakers' Club, and The Dramatic Club in every community; provide special training; sell literary and dramatic productions; and exhibit community plays. 3. To conduct Annual Contests (Local, County, Congres- sional District, State and National), and award a Gold Medal to the highest competitor as follows : ( i ) Declaimer ; (2) Reciter; (3) Orator; (4) Debater; (5) Poet; (6) Essayist; (7) Novelist; (8) Short Story Writer; (9) Playwright. Also, to award a scholarship to each of the nine persons who win the National medals; and a Silver Loving Cup to the State which wins the National Debate. 4. To provide a Student Loan Fund to be administered by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in the State in which the money is raised.