Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/227

 *tion to moral heights never attained by Florence Nightingale; and that an arrangement to establish economic equality between them by duly adjusted pensions would be impossible. I say that no sane person can be expected to treat such impudent follies with patience, much less with respect.

The Two Songs

(See page 98)

I heard an Angel singing When the day was springing: "Mercy, pity, and peace, Are the world's release."

So he sang all day Over the new-mown hay, Till the sun went down, And haycocks looked brown

I heard a Devil curse Over the heath and the furze: "Mercy could be no more If there were nobody poor, And pity no more could be

If all were happy as ye: And mutual fear brings peace. Misery's increase Are mercy, pity, peace."

At his curse the sun went down, And the heavens gave a frown.