I saw a Ruler take his stand
And trample on a mighty land;
The People crouched before his beck,
His iron heel was on their neck,
His name shone bright through blood and pain,
His sword flashed back their praise again.
I saw another Ruler rise--
His words were noble, good and wise;
With the calm sceptre of his pen
He ruled the minds, and thoughts of men;
Some scoffed, some praised, while many heard,
Only a few obeyed his word.
Another Ruler then I saw--
Love and sweet Pity were his law:
The greatest and the least had part
(Yet most the unhappy) in his heart--
The People in a mighty band,
Rose up and drove him from the land!