Olga
Olga.So I may be assured
That, using thus the weapons of the wicked,
We shall not take their place—become as they are.
Dim. No, by my soul! The enemy we fight
Is false and cruel in his own behalf;
For power, for lands, for wasteful luxury,
For all the haughty privilege of the few
To suck the life-blood of the many, enjoy
While others weep, idle while others toil;
To speak, to walk, like Agag, delicately,
While humble Labour heavily plods by—
To keep the key of knowledge and to close
Its doors on starving ignorance, then doze o'er
The page of genius in an easy-chair—
For Self alone our masters sell their souls;
And we—we give them for humanity.
That, using thus the weapons of the wicked,
We shall not take their place—become as they are.
Dim. No, by my soul! The enemy we fight
Is false and cruel in his own behalf;
For power, for lands, for wasteful luxury,
For all the haughty privilege of the few
To suck the life-blood of the many, enjoy
While others weep, idle while others toil;
To speak, to walk, like Agag, delicately,
While humble Labour heavily plods by—
To keep the key of knowledge and to close
Its doors on starving ignorance, then doze o'er
The page of genius in an easy-chair—
For Self alone our masters sell their souls;
And we—we give them for humanity.
Enter Countess Anastasia, Olga's mother
Countess. Pardon for breaking in upon your studies.
I need my daughter for a pressing business.
Dim. Countess, her task is finished.
Count.And I hope
Well learned. I trust you have a docile pupil.
Dim. None more responsive to a word, or swifter
To follow out my thought.
I need my daughter for a pressing business.
Dim. Countess, her task is finished.
Count.And I hope
Well learned. I trust you have a docile pupil.
Dim. None more responsive to a word, or swifter
To follow out my thought.
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