Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/483

 *ing bitterness and pathos. The peasant is beaten by the servants of the grand steward, but still he comes. "Thou art appointed to hear causes, to judge two litigants, to ward off the robber. But thou makest common cause with the thief Thou art instructed, thou art educated, thou art taught—but not for robbery. Thou art accustomed to do like all men, and thy kin are likewise ensnared. Thou the rectitude of all men, art the chief transgressor of the whole land. The gardener of evil waters his domain with iniquity that his domain may bring forth falsehood, in order to flood the estate with wickedness."

In spite of his eloquence, the grand steward remains unmoved. The peasant appeals to the gods of Justice; and in the ninth address he threatens to make his plea to the god Anubis, who is the god of the dead—meaning thereby that he will commit suicide. None of the extant papyri informs us as to the outcome of the whole proceedings.

Prayers Without Answer

(From The Iliad)

(Greek epic poet, B.C. 700?)

Prayers are Jove's daughters of celestial race, Lame are their feet, and wrinkled is their face; With homely mien and with dejected eyes, Constant they follow where injustice flies. Injustice, suave, erect, and unconfined, Sweeps the wide earth, and tramples o'er mankind— While prayers to heal her wrongs move slow behind.