Opinion's Change

THE beardless statesman out at monarchy screams,

"Down, trampler by the heel on men's rights, down,

Foe to humanity's universal crown

Because it overdazzles thy false crown's beams";--

Thoughtless of human needs, he ever dreams

Of human "rights"--those "rights" being just alone

The singular needs peculiarly his own,--

Such needs as power to test one's own law-schemes;

But learned to think, he sees that men, in a king,

Find much they need,--a thing, to which must bow

Masters, as low as serfs; a man, whose brow

Is highest in the state, and yet must spring

Smiles to their smiles;--and so he lets enjoy

Mankind its many kings, as a child its toy.

Ebenezer Jones