Linked in Love’s leash
With those who weep, with those who tremble,
With those, outcast, by Christ redeemed,
By brethren betrayed.
By sea, by land, to thronging crowds
New laws have they proclaimed;
Have raised the hymn of coming ages,
Sublimely frenzied
For the ideal; and,—irons, rope or axe—
Smiled at their torments.
✴✴✴✴✴
But for the Great of Gloomy Places,
Tears, heart-wrung. Such as are
A-hungered, trodden down; and—venerable—
Nor truce nor pardon knew
From hostile, impious nature,
Yet hated not.
Who saw the corn-ear spring for others,
Yet thievèd not.