Margarete Münsterberg, ed., trans. A Harvest of German Verse. 1916.
By Austrian Cavalry Song, 1914Hugo Zuckermann (18811914)
T
Two jackdaws cry—
Is it on Danube’s strand
I’ll have to lie?
Or in a Polish grave?
Before my soul shall fly,
I’ll fight a rider brave.
Two ravens scurry.
Shall I the first one be
Whom they must bury?
What’s that to me!
Many hundred thousands hurry
In Austria’s cavalry.
Hover two crows:
When comes the reaper Death
Who mows and mows?
We’re not afraid!
If but our banner blows
Over Belgrade!