Page:The Spirit of the Nation.djvu/84

72 And the rulers grinned a ghastly smile

Of triumph and delight,

As forth their minions came to crush,

The weak with armed might;

And the landlords of that land surveyed,

With bland approving eye,

The savage and the ruthless war

Of stern monopoly!

V.

Now the council of that nation sits

Again in grave divan;

But care they aught for liberty,

Or for the rights of man?

A coxcomb's proclamations claim

Discussion fierce and strong;

But a starving nation's loud appeals

Unheeded pass along!

And still the cumberers of the earth

Contrive to hold in chains

The nerve and sinew of the land

Throughout their wide domains.

VI.

And shall this state of thraldom last?

Can Heaven's approving eye,

Through clouds of blood look placidly

On such vile tyranny?

No! brethren, no; 'twere blasphemy

These doubtings to maintain.

Up! right your wrongs, let despots sink,

Be freemen once again.

Go! tell that the earth

Shall yield the food you crave,

Or

Shall