Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/191

 The People's Anthem

(One of the leaders of the Chartist movement in England, 1781-1849; known as the "Poet of the People," and by his enemies as the "Corn-law Rhymer")

When wilt thou save the people? O God of mercy! when? Not kings and lords, but nations! Not thrones and crowns, but men! Flowers of thy heart, O God, are they! Let them not pass, like weeds, away! Their heritage a sunless day! God save the people!

Shall crime bring crime for ever, Strength aiding still the strong? Is it thy will, O Father! That man shall toil for wrong? "No!" say thy mountains; "No!" thy skies; "Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise, And songs be heard instead of sighs." God save the people!

When wilt thou save the people? O God of mercy! when? The people, Lord! the people! Not thrones and crowns, but men! God save the people! thine they are; Thy children, as thy angels fair; Save them from bondage and despair! God save the people!