The War-Makers

Who are the Makers of Wars? The Kings of the earth.

And who are these Kings of the earth? Only men--not always even men of worth, But claiming rule by right of birth.

And Wisdom?--does that come by birth? Nay then--too often the reverse. Wise father oft has son perverse; Solomon's son was Israel's curse.

Why suffer things to reason so averse? It always has been so, And only now does knowledge grow To that high point where all men know-- Who would be free must strike the blow.

And how long will man suffer so? Until his soul of Freedom sings, And, strengthened by his sufferings, He breaks the worn-out leading-strings, And calls to stricter reckonings Those costliest things--unworthy Kings.

Not all are worthless. Some, with sense of duty, Strive to invest their lives with grace and beauty. To such--high honour! But the rest--self-seekers, Pride-puffed--out with them!--useless mischief-makers!

The time is past when any man or nation Will meekly bear unrighteous domination.

The time is come when every burden-bearer Must, in the fixing of his load, be sharer.