Mr Morley'S Apology (1893)

We statesmen of Erin, Archbishops, M.P.'s, and Leaders of National Thought, Pray explain to your friends that I'm anxious to please, if I do not succeed as I ought! When I sympathize quite with their notions of right, it is hard, as I'm sure you'll agree, That an agent should come with a dynamite bomb, which perhaps was intended for me!

My views on the tenants evicted for debt are identical wholly with yours, And the fact that they're not in possession as yet no statesman more deeply deplores: I approve of explosives--they're often a link which our union may serve to complete-- But they're dangerous too, as I venture to think, when employed in a populous street.

I planned the Commission; I packed it with men opposed to the payment of rent; No landlord had ever evicted again if they only had done what I meant: It "adjourned," as I know, in a fortnight or so, and it did not do much while it sat, But I was not to blame if we failed in our aim-- for I could not anticipate that.

'Tis a shame, I agree, that I cannot set free all persons who kill the police; That patriots leal who in dynamite deal I can only in sections release: But I think you must see that a statesman like me has a character moral at stake, And must simulate doubt as to letting them out, for my Saxon constituents' sake.

For their sentiments move in the narrowest groove-- be thankful you are not like them! Mere murder's an act which they seldom approve, and are even inclined to condemn: When the patriot blows up his friends or his foes, those prejudiced Saxons among, It is reckoned a flaw in his notion of law, and he is not unfrequently hung.

Then explain to your friends that their means and their ends I wholly and fully approve, Though at times what I feel I am forced to conceal, and to partly dissemble my love, And the Saxon, I hope, may develop the scope of his narrow and obsolete view-- He will alter in time his conception of crime, on a longer acquaintance with You.

HONESTY REWARDED (1892).

I have always regarded with wonder and awe The conception of Justice embodied in Law: For it dealt in a highly remarkable way With Cornelius Molloy and with Peter O'Shea.

Now, Peter O'Shea was by nature a serf, And he paid (when he could) for his land and his turf: But Cornelius, his friend, was a broth of a boy-- The Sassenach's scourge was Cornelius Molloy.

Cornelius adopted the Plan of Campaign, And he tried to tempt Peter, but tempted in vain. "'Twas the masther, not thim, I conthracted to pay: 'Tis a quare kind of business," said Peter O'Shea.

But the Plan of Campaign, as its authors confess, Was not, on the whole, a decided success: And the blackguardly minion whom tyrants employ Evicted at last great Cornelius Molloy.

The Saxon oppressor, still potent for harm, Gave Peter a lease of Cornelius' farm: Which Peter accepted with virtuous joy-- For he lived quite adjacent to Mr Molloy.

Cornelius was angry (and faith he'd a right), So he came with a party to Peter's by night, And they shot through the door, with intention to slay That traitor and land-grabber, Peter O'Shea.

Poor Peter was pained, but he scorned to show fear: "Sure the law will protect me so long as I'm here: 'Tis an iligant holding and little to pay; Och! 'twas only wid shnipe-shot!" said Pether O'Shea.

But the Liberal Party observed with dismay The outrageous proceedings of Peter O'Shea; And Mr O'Kelly, our pride and our joy, Made a law for restoring Cornelius Molloy.

Cornelius came back to his former abode, And Peter was houseless, and starved on the road: For Justice, whose methods O'Kelly can tell, Gave Cornelius his holding and Peter's as well.

It is this which inspires us with feelings of awe For the standards of Justice embodied in Law: And tenants, the law when inclined to obey, Will be cheered by the instance of Peter O'Shea.