Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/162

 weakened by the measures of Government, was instilled into the people to whom it was not natural.

"Then why is it done?" Nehlúdof asked himself, and could find no answer.

He hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary to hear the sighing of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.

Ballade of Misery and Iron

(Some years ago the Century Magazine received several poems from an inmate of the State pentitentiary of Minnesota. Upon investigation it was found that the poet, a young Englishman, had been driven to stealing by starvation. Subsequently his pardon was procured)

Haggard faces and trembling knees, Eyes that shine with a weakling's hate, Lips that mutter their blasphemies, Murderous hearts that darkly wait: These are they who were men of late, Fit to hold a plow or a sword. If a prayer this wall may penetrate, Have pity on these my comrades, Lord!

Poets sing of life at the lees In tender verses and delicate; Of tears and manifold agonies— Little they know of what they prate.