Ix

There have been moments haunted by the sound Of riot in our midst and foul rapine, Which, with more wealth, still makes our lives more mean, When I have asked: “If one who strove to ground Our life afresh should cast his eyes around Amongst the people, one great class to glean Out of the whole, that should keep England clean, Where should this pure, effectual class be found?” No answer came from those who still divide The old tradition of a worn-out past. I asked the Church: the labouring lost replied; For these the Publican. And at the last I looked into the honest eyes of youth, And knew--the exceeding bitterness of truth.

HESEPE, 5th July