Cry Of The Homeless After The Prussian Invasion Of Belgium by Thomas Hardy Lyrics

"Instigator of the ruin -
    Whichsoever thou mayst be
Of the masterful of Europe
    That contrived our misery -
Hear the wormwood-worded greeting
    From each city, shore, and lea
        Of thy victims:
    "Conqueror, all hail to thee!"

"Yea: 'All hail!' we grimly shout thee
    That wast author, fount, and head
Of these wounds, whoever proven
    When our times are throughly read.
'May thy loved be slighted, blighted,
    And forsaken,' be it said
        By thy victims,
    'And thy children beg their bread!'

"Nay: a richer malediction! -
    Rather let this thing befall
In time's hurling and unfurling
    On the night when comes thy call;
That compassion dew thy pillow
    And bedrench thy senses all
        For thy victims,
    Till death dark thee with his pall."
August 1915.