FOR VALOR The Kaiser has decorated himself with the Iron Cross.

With modest hand I pin upon my breast This solid, simple, Iron decoration, Proclaiming to the world I did my best Through storm and stress to ser e and sa e the nation. !illions ha e bled in our great Teuton stand To win the right of uni ersal plunder" I am unpunctured, though my high command #olled in the loudest echoes of thunder. I played my part. $ en I urged them on When in the blast of war their hearts seemed %uailing" &nd now that our best chance is past and gone &nd all our hopes loo' ery much li'e failing, I feel I must award myself a pri(e, $re our assault has petered out and duffered, &s recognition in the nation)s eyes *f all the other chap has done and suffered. In +ritish courts a charge of murder stands &gainst my name for horrid deeds committed. With arying curses through the earth)s wide lands !y fame on anger,sharpened tongues is spitted. I tremble somewhat in the midnight hour When the twel e stro'es of doom are loudly clanging. If once the foe could get me in their hands It might mean something ery much li'e hanging. Then, on the other hand, our -erman mob. The star ed dependents of the men who perished. &re wailing loud with treason in each sob &nd railing at the shattered hopes we cherished. If these should catch me / me their prince and lord. The awful beldams0, sausageless and s'ittish, !ight cho'e me with a lengthy cord 1uite as effecti ely as might the +ritish.

2a ing these things in near and steady iew,

0

& beldam is an old woman who is malicious or ugly

I wear with pride my new,won decoration &s to'en of the curry, hash and stew I made of my belo ed -erman nation. If I may rise to *din treading air, While ict)ry on 3rench drums is gaily banging, I must ha e something suitable to wear To grace my holy and distinguished hanging.
Pat *)!aori Pseudonym of 4a id !cKee Wright 5.6.W The Bulletin, 0st 3ebruary 0708