Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/La Gillotine
LA GILLOTINE
I see a square where that dread engine stands,And gathered round a cruel vengeful throng,Made blind by centuries of want and wrongTo truth and right, with blood upon their hands.Amid the throng one noble figure stands,With regal form and features clear and strong,Indifferent to curses deep and longHeaped on her head by Paris' motly bands.A moment e'er she dies she lifts her headTo view the form of liberty that criesEternally to God against man's lies;The whole world knows the glowing words she said.O liberty! unto thy holy nameWhat crimes are linked to hide their burning shame.