PROPHECY IN A POEM.

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVIII, Issue 31, 20 November 1939, Page 1

PROPHECY IN A POEM.

DOWNFALL OF HITLER

FOLLOWED BY A LASTING PEACE.

LONDON, October 17. It is recorded that a twelfth century poem, foretelling Hitler’s downfall, is being circulated in parts of Western Germany. It has created such an impression, and so many Germans have read it, that the Gestapo are at their wits’ end to trace its distributors.

The poem, printed in secret, is believed to have been written by a monk in a famous monastery in Brandenburg and many of its prophecies have already come true. The twelfth century writer describes the Kaiser’s rise to power, the Great War, and the flight of the German monarch. The poem then goes on to foretell how, despite a period of peace, the world is greatly troubled by a man who rises from obscurity to the highest position in Germany. This man, the poet declares, will make a ‘ ‘ Great Germany ’ ’ and will also drive many Jews out of the country. But, when he is at the height of his power, this leader will drag Germany into another great war, and from it Germany will emerge ruined and smashed.

A new and glorious monarch will then reign over a smaller Germany and by his wise guidance, a true and lasting peace will come to the world. The poet also mentions that, during these troubled times, there will be a Pope who does much for peace, even though he has not long been elected. During these critical times, this Pope will be forced to leave Rome for a time.

Millions of Catholics in Western Germany have been profoundly impressed by this poem, and there is already wide speculation as to which of Germany’s exiled princes will be the monarch to come.