Through all the past historic days,
Tyrants have gloried in the crown;
And base and bloody are the ways
By which men have been trampled down.
That royalty may thrive and tax
The toilers for its vain support;
Cities and towns it often sacks,
And of men's birthrights makes a sport;
Yet men submit to the command
Of him who wears a crown, and join
Oppression's hosts, on sea and land,
As loyal subjects, or for coin;
And so delusive is the glare
Of crowns to the deluded slave
That he lifts up an earnest prayer
To wear a crown beyond the grave,
And in imagination reigns
O'er souls submissive to his chains!
[Illustration]
_The Cross and Crown._