Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/487

 King Yu's Misgovernment

(From the She-ching)

(Chinese classic, B.C. 1000)

A fish in some translucent lake Must ever live to fear a prey He cannot hide himself away From those who come the fish to take. I, too, may not escape the eyes Of those who cause these miseries; My sorrowing heart must grieve to know My country's deep distress and woe.

Slavery

(From the Edda)

(Scandinavian legends of great antiquity, collected, A.D. 1100, by Saemund)

King Frothi called his slaves renowned for strength, Fenia and Menia, and bade them grind for gold. The maidens ground through many years, they ground endless treasures; but at last they grew weary. Then Frothi said, "Grind on! Rest ye not, sleep ye not, longer than the cuckoo is silent, or a verse can be sung." The weary slaves ground on, till lo! from the mighty mill is poured forth an army of men. Now lies Frothi slain amid his gold. Now is Frothi's peace forever ended.