A Dirty Work

"A dirty work," said Dyer, rebuked for spilling Hundreds of lives to irrigate new lands. A dirty work, but not for British hands, Dabbling in blood to earn each day their shilling. Hark! Mohawk Valley and Wyoming, chilling With thought of Tarleton's King-serving bands, And Canada red-clayed, though high snow stands, Cry: Work for which the British are too willing!

Invaded lands need terror irrigation To make them fruitful. Better flood the field, Then let the native bloom become the yield; And, so, this Dyer submerged a small whole nation With crimson death, that England might, deep-keeled, Have for display, new seas of desolation.