Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/156

 Hark to that snore—some beast that slumbers deep; Hark to that roar—some beast that dreams of blood; Hark to that moan—some beast that wakes and weeps; And then in sudden stillness mark the sound— Some beast that rasps his vermin-haunted hide!

Oh come, ye lords and ladies of the realm, Come keep the watch with me; this show is yours. Behold the source of all your joy and pride, The beasts ye harness fast and set to draw The chariots of your pageantry and pomp! It is their blood ye shed to make your feasts, It is their treadmill that moves all your world. Come gather now, and think how it will be When God shall send his flaming angel down And break these bars—so hath he done of yore, So doeth he to lords and ladies grand— And loose these beasts to raven in your streets!

A Sentiment on Social Reform

(American locomotive engineer; born 1855; president of his union, and later the best known of American Socialist lecturers)

While there is a lower class, I am in it. While there is a criminal element, I am of it. While there is a soul in jail, I am not free.