A Word To The Czar

(Penned on “Vladimir’s Day” January 22, 1905.)

Thou great Usurper of the Liberty Of hapless Men and Maids, this gory shame Shall wrap thee in a livid Cloak of Flame Ere days have swoll’n to years. We who are free, Who owe no fouling bond of Tyranny, We look at Thee, and execrate thy Name: Nor in our Vision art thou quit of blame That by the hand of him who stood for thee This bloody deed was done. Across the Years, And from the lips of peoples one and all, A mighty curse rolls on, to reach His ears Who silently surveys thy hastening fall:-- Soon may His Might pluck from thy reeking Hand Thy Batôn of a self-usurped command!