Georg Herwegh (1817–75) was a German revolutionary who participated in the failed German Revolution of 1848. His poem ‘A Song of Hatred’ expresses contempt for the German ruling class. It was translated into English by the Fenian activist Clarence Mangan and published in Reynolds’s Miscellany.[1] It has been transcribed by Stephen Basdeo.

Yes, Freedom’s war!—though the deadly strife

Makes earth one charnal bone-yard!

The last kiss now to the child and wife,

And the first firm grasp of the poniard!

Blood soon shall run in rivers above

The bright flowers we to-day tread:

We have all had more than enough of love,

               So now for a spell of Hatred!

We have all had more than enough of love,

               So now for a spell of Hatred!

How long shall the hideous ogre, Power,

Rear column of skulls on column?

Oh, Justice! hasten thy judgment-hour,

And open thy doomsday volume!

No more oiled speech!—it is time the drove

Of despots should hear their fate read—

We have all had quite enough of love,

               Be our watchword henceforth Hatred!

We have all had quite enough of love,

               Be our watchword henceforth Hatred.

Cold steel! To that it must come at length—

Nor quake to hear it spoken!

By the blows alone we strike in our strength

Can the chains of the world be broken!

Up then! No more in city or grove.

Let Slavery and Dismay tread!

We have all had more than enough of love,

               Let us now fail back upon Hatred:

We have all had more than enough of love,

               Let us now fall back upon Hatred!

My friends! the tremendous time at hand

Will show itself truly in earnest!

Do you the like!—and take your stand

Where its aspect frowns the sternest!

Strive now as Tell and Korner strove!

Be your sharp swords early and late red!

You have all had more than enough of love—

               Test now the talisman, Hatred!

You have all had more than enough of lové,

               Test now the talisman, Hatred!

[1] Georg Herweg, ‘A Song of Hatred’, Reynolds’s Miscellany, 15 September 1849, 127.