I have made my children the slaves of trade,
And scarred their backs with the rod;
For a bag of gold, with a sword of steel
I have broken the laws of God.
But whenever a cause demands my life,
I have laid it down with a will;
For honor and love and a heart-wrung cry
I can play the hero still.
My feet are firm on the steep, straight way, though I doubt if I understand;
Whether you lead or follow me brother, let us go hand in hand!