Zig *put at or. " December 20th, 1851
ODE ON THE LATE COUP D'ETAT IN FRANCE Let loose thy hell-hounds, man of blood, But not against the foe- 'Gainst those who in thy quarrel stood Not three short years ago ; 'Gainst harmless burghers, whom the hum Of marching troops or beating drum Brings back to perrceful homes, or calls To windows and soon batter'd walls ; Or 'gainst some unoffending passer-by, A stranger in thy land, the grave of liberty.
Bring forth thy prisoners!—never wait To bind their streaming eyes: What matter how they meet their fate ?- Curse on yon women's cries!
Now fire, my men, nor stop your mirth—
Sweep the Socialists from the earth!
Far better they should piecemeal lie Than trouble our " humanity "! * Lo these the triumphs of thy murderous crew, Thou reckless, ruthless chief, ungrateful and untrue.
God help thee! fair and glorious land, With whom but late we seem'd Link'd by a new and loving band, While not of this we dream'd: God help thee, prostrate 'neath the rule Of daring knave and willing tool!
Now let some foe thy discord view, And long-repressed attacks renew; Unlike our Isle, who mourns her sister's fall, And this, the darkest, vilest, saddest scene of all. J. E. B.
*Letter in the Spectator, December 13th.
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