II.

We hate you—not because of cruel deeds Staining a glorious effort. They who live Learn in this earth to give and to forgive, Where heart and soul are noble and fate's needs Imperious: No, nor yet that cruel seeds Of power and wrong you've sown alternative, We hate you, we your sons who yet believe That truth and justice are not empty creeds! No, but because of greed and golden pay, Wages of sin and death: because you smother Your conscience, making cursed all the day. Bible in one hand, bludgeon in the other, Cain-like you come upon and slay your brother, And, kneeling down, thank God for it, and pray!