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It is hatched in a dragon's nest, thick with bones. It is the mother of Poverty ; the breeder of all crime.

POET: Where is this devourer of the world?

TRUTH: It blows its fetid breath against the Soul ; It hatches war and with its filthy talons rends the just. It snatches men out of the healing air, Away from the cool waters, And denies to them the blessed breast of the Mother,

except for a grave. It hates the voice of Nature and fashions the sword.

POET: Oh, that I had a sword of the gods to set men free !

TRUTH: You are the deliverer.

POET: Where is this monster?

TRUTH: The people are dumb before it and stretch out their throats for its teeth.

POET: Show me this harpy of the world.

TRUTH: The State ! Force ! Authority ! Hater of freedom ; oppressor of the poor ; creator of

poverty ; Foster-mother of crime. The unsated monster which devours The men with despairful eyes; the women with tired

faces, And the little children whose fingers are so soft;

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