Libertatis Sacra Fames

Oscar Wilde

          ALBEIT nurtured in democracy,
            And liking best that state republican
            Where every man is Kinglike and no man
          Is crowned above his fellows, yet I see,
          Spite of this modern fret for Liberty,
            Better the rule of One, whom all obey,
            Than to let clamorous demagogues betray
          Our freedom with the kiss of anarchy.
          Wherefore I love them not whose hands profane
            Plant the red flag upon the piled-up street               10
            For no right cause, beneath whose ignorant reign
          Arts, Culture, Reverence, Honour, all things fade,
            Save Treason and the dagger of her trade,
            And Murder with his silent bloody feet.

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