Daniel Schjtz

(DIED OF OVER-EXERTION AS VOLUNTEER MILITARY-SURGEON, 1864)     He gave heed to no Great Power      But the one that God we call.     Hastening on to death's high hour,      He before asked not the Gaul,     Nor the Briton, nor the others,      If he too had leave to die     In the battle of his brothers      Underneath the Danish sky.      First to act with ardor youthful,         First a strong, clear faith to show,      First to swear in spirit truthful,         First o'er death's dark bridge to go.     Knowing not, in times so trying      None would come but he alone,     Thus he struggled, death defying,      For the sacred things we own.     He of thousands here remaining      Single would the name redeem,     Sank then with his zeal unwaning      Down beneath death's silent stream.     First of souls in hope believing,      Freedom's right 'gainst wrong to wield,     First warm drop, full-flowing, cleaving,      Of our blood on Denmark's shield.