Page:When the Leaves Come Out (Chaplin 1917).pdf/8

 

Serene, complacent, satisfied;
 * Content with things that be—

The paragon of paltriness
 * Upraised for all to see.

With loving pride he cherishes
 * His Mediocrity!

The smirking, ass-like multitudes
 * Cringe down at his command.

With wagging ears and blinded eyes
 * They do not understand.

With pride they show each shackled wrist
 * And on each brow the brand.

The young, the old, the great, the small
 * Give homage—all supine.

Fond parents bring their children there
 * As to some holy shrine.

And every one the Beast transforms
 * From Human into swine!

Well praised are they—rewarded well—
 * Who on their shoulders bore

The gilded Thing that all the mob
 * Fawned in the dust before,

And each that did obeisance therez
 * Was naked like a whore.

