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John Huss and the Hussite Wars - James Aitken Wylie

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Whoe'er will wage it free from guile,<br />

Himself with God must reconcile.'<br />

On Friday <strong>the</strong>n, at morning light,<br />

The Czechians service held aright,<br />

Received God's body <strong>and</strong> His blood,<br />

Ere for <strong>the</strong>ir faith in fight <strong>the</strong>y stood.<br />

Prince Sigmund did <strong>the</strong> same likewise,<br />

And prayed to God with tearful eyes,<br />

And urged <strong>the</strong> warriors firm to st<strong>and</strong>,<br />

And cheer'd <strong>the</strong> people of <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong>.<br />

By Predlitz, on Behani's height,<br />

The armies met <strong>and</strong> closed in fight;<br />

Stout Germans <strong>the</strong>re, Bohemians here,<br />

Like hungry lions, know no fear.<br />

The Germans loud proclaim'd that day,<br />

The Czechians must <strong>the</strong>ir creed unsay,<br />

Submit <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>and</strong> sue for grace,<br />

Or leave <strong>the</strong>ir lives upon <strong>the</strong> place.<br />

''Gainst us ye cannot st<strong>and</strong>,' <strong>the</strong>y said,<br />

'Against our host ye are but dead;<br />

Look at our numbers; what are ye?<br />

A cask of poppy-seed are we.'<br />

The bold Bohemians made reply:<br />

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