They never thought that it would come to this;
How should they, while the brain and eye, and hand
Were clear, and keen, and cunning? And our Land
Had need of such. They ask what went amiss
To throw the busy life-wheel out of gear,
While life was strong and willing in the frame
Of them that toiled? What raised the pallid fear
In fearless hearts? What brought the crimson shame
On honest brows, and hungry Death so near?
Poor, stricken, patient ones! not theirs the blame:
Man’s sin, man’s lust of power, wrought evil here,
As ever since the first dire trouble came
That cursed the world.—They justly claim our aid,
Man is man’s debtor: let this debt be paid.