From their grim battlements the imps of hell
Indignant hissed and damped their fires with tears;
And Manhood from the watch-towers of the world
Cried in the name of Human Nature--"Hold!"
As well the drifting snail might strive to still
The volcan-heaved, storm-struck, moon-maddened sea.
Blood-frenzied beasts demand their feast of blood.
_"Liberty--Equality--Fraternity!"_--the cry
Of blood-hounds baying on the track of babes.
Queen innocent beheaded--mother-queen!
And queenly Roland--Nature's queenly queen!
Aye, at the foot of bloody guillotine
She stood a heroine: before her loomed
The Goddess of Liberty--in statue-stone.
Queen Roland saw, and spake the words that ring
Along the centuries--_"O Liberty!
What crimes are committed in thy name!"_--and died.
And when the headsman raised her severed head
To hell-dogs shouting _"Vive la Liberte,"_
Godlike disdain still sparkled in her eyes.
Grim Hell herself in pity stood aghast,
Clanged shut her doors and stopped her ears with pitch.
See the wise ruler--father of Brazil,
Who struck the shackles from a million slaves,
Whose reign was peace and love and gentleness,
Despoiled and driven from the land he loves.
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