The Martyr

Indicative of the Passion of the People on the 15th Day of April, 1865

Good Friday was the day
— — Of the prodigy and crime,
When they killed him in his pity,
— — When they killed him in his prime
Of clemency and calm —
When with yearning he was filled
To redeem the evil-willed,
And, though conqueror, be kind;
— — But they killed him in his kindness,
— — In their madness and their blindness,
And they killed him from behind.

There is sobbing of the strong,
— — And a pall upon the land;
But the People in their weeping
Bare the iron hand:
Beware the People weeping
— — When they bare the iron hand.

He lieth in his blood —
— — The father in his face;
They have killed him, the Forgiver —
— — The Avenger takes his place,
The Avenger wisely stern,
Who in righteousness shall do
What the heavens call him to,
And the parricides remand;
— — For they killed him in his kindness
— — In their madness and their blindness,
And his blood is on their hand.

There is sobbing of the strong,
— — And a pall upon the land;
But the People in their weeping
Bare the iron hand:
Beware the People weeping
— — When they bare the iron hand.