Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/490



(Latin epic poet, B.C. 70-19)

Curst greed of gold, what crimes thy tyrant power has caused!

(From the "Antigone" of Sophocles)

(Greek tragic poet, B.C. 440)

No such ill device Ever appeared, as money to mankind: This is it that sacks cities, this routs out Men from their homes, and trains and turns astray The minds of honest mortals, setting them Upon base actions; this revealed to men Habits of all misdoing, and cognizance Of every work of wickedness.

(From the Book of Good Counsels)

(Sanscrit, B.C. 300)

Wealth is friends, home, father, brother, title to respect, and fame; Yea, and wealth is held for wisdom—that it should be so is shame.

(From the "Medea" of Euripides)

(Greek tragic poet, B.C. 431)

Speak not so hastily: the gods themselves By gifts are swayed, as fame relates; and gold Hath a far greater influence o'er the souls Of mortals than the most persuasive words.