Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/349

 And in this man who wept, and who smiled through his tears, no one—not the judges, or his comrades, or himself—would have recognized the cold and haughty Werner, sceptical and insolent.

A Woman's Execution

(After the Paris Commune of 1871, the leaders of the people were led out and slaughtered by thousands. The author of this poem was an American journalist, 1848-1896)

Sweet-breathed and young, The people's daughter, No nerves unstrung, Going to slaughter!

"Good morning, friends, You'll love us better,— Make us amends:  We've burst your fetter!

"How the sun gleams! (Women are snarling): Give me your beams,  Liberty's darling!

"Marie's my name; Christ's mother bore it. The badge? No shame:  Glad that I wore it!"