The letter

Von Langenau is writing a letter, lost in thought.

He is drawing slowly with large, serious, upright letters:

"My good mother,

"Be proud: I am carrying the flag,

"Be without worry. I am carrying the flag.

"Love me: I am carrying the flag-"

The he puts the letter under his uniform,

in the most secret place, next to the rose petal.

And thinks: he will soon be fragrant with it.

And thinks: perhaps someone will find it one day...

And thinks -...; because the enemy is near.