Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/152

 I long to hear thee prove thy argument. What caused this insurrection? what has filled The heart of every honest Mexican With sorrow and disgust? The overthrow Of what he deemed his costliest possession, His constitution, through your agency. Would you behold this land restored to peace, To rise, to flourish, render up your power And leave your fellow-citizens to mould, Perfect, enjoy their rights of Liberty. Yes, Liberty! that is the hue and cry, That is the cloak of rogues and demagogues. Who 'neath the word's great meaning wish to hide The littleness of their corrupt desires. A nation must be ripe for Liberty. Inevitably as children come to grief When left without a guide, so will a people. What was the former state of Mexico? Ere I reluctantly agreed to take Into mine hand the reins of government? 'Twas anarchy, disorder, lawlessness. What is it now? The roads, alive before With robber-bands, are safe for travel now,