Fin de Siècle

WHAT! do I hear the nations boast

Of what the century’s shown,

The while on Corfu’s distant coast

The persecuted groan?

The while in Russia’s spreading space

No smallest place is found

Whereon a guiltless hunted race

May find a resting ground?

The while e’en noblest charity

But little can avail,

And bitter, widespread misery

Relates a woful tale?

The while some starve and have no bed

While others roll in gold,

And socialism’s spirit dread

The problem would unfold?

The while in Europe’s cultured lands

Vast armies still maintain,

And men must learn from skilled commands

How men may best be slain?

And to achieve this worldly lore

Must work more worthy cease,

Constrained to practice art of war

In time of doubtful peace?

The while so many a labor-strike

Speaks of injustice rife,

On man and master’s side alike,

And leads to endless strife?

The while so many wretched cry

In vain for Work? Oh, say!

Is aught herein to glorify?

Or reason for dismay!