Volume IV Part 25 (1/2)

”Is it our fault?” you reply, ”When, throughout civilization, Every nation's empery Is a.s.serted by starvation?

XXV.

”All these mouths we cannot feed, And we cannot clothe these bodies.”

Well, if man's so hard indeed, Let them learn at least what G.o.d is!

XXVI.

Little outcasts from life's fold, The grave's hope they may be joined in By Christ's covenant consoled For our social contract's grinding.

XXVII.

If no better can be done, Let us do but this,--endeavour That the sun behind the sun s.h.i.+ne upon them while they s.h.i.+ver!

XXVIII.

On the dismal London flags, Through the cruel social juggle, Put a thought beneath their rags To enn.o.ble the heart's struggle.

XXIX.

O my sisters, not so much Are we asked for--not a blossom From our children's nosegay, such As we gave it from our bosom,--

x.x.x.

Not the milk left in their cup, Not the lamp while they are sleeping, Not the little cloak hung up While the coat's in daily keeping,--

x.x.xI.

But a place in RAGGED SCHOOLS, Where the outcasts may to-morrow Learn by gentle words and rules Just the uses of their sorrow.

x.x.xII.

O my sisters! children small, Blue-eyed, wailing through the city-- Our own babes cry in them all: Let us take them into pity.

MAY'S LOVE.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Handwritten Copy of Poem]

I.

You love all, you say, Round, beneath, above me: Find me then some way Better than to love me, Me, too, dearest May!

II.

O world-kissing eyes Which the blue heavens melt to; I, sad, overwise, Loathe the sweet looks dealt to All things--men and flies.

III.