And the rulers grinned a ghastly smile
Of triumph and delight,
As forth their minions came to crush,
The weak with armed might;
And the landlords of that land surveyed,
With bland approving eye,
The savage and the ruthless war
Of stern monopoly!
V.
Now the council of that nation sits
Again in grave divan;
But care they aught for liberty,
Or for the rights of man?
A coxcomb's proclamations claim
Discussion fierce and strong;
But a starving nation's loud appeals
Unheeded pass along!
And still the cumberers of the earth
Contrive to hold in chains
The nerve and sinew of the land
Throughout their wide domains.
VI.
And shall this state of thraldom last?
Can Heaven's approving eye,
Through clouds of blood look placidly
On such vile tyranny?
No! brethren, no; 'twere blasphemy
These doubtings to maintain.
Up! right your wrongs, let despots sink,
Be freemen once again.
Go! tell the locusts that the earth
Shall yield the food you crave,
Or * * * * *
Shall * * * *
