Classic Poem

Before the beginning of lords and kings,
Before the beginning of thrones,
Did we not bargain for better things,
And pay a price for the stones?

False we grew in the house of peace,
Small in the days of pride;
Only never of war we cease,
Never of death we died.

Stones that shatter and blades that shine
And hate of man made mad,
These were ever our meat and wine—
Let us eat and drink and be glad.

Though we fought from a broken wreck,
Though they were banded thus,
He that trod on Napoleon's neck
Could not tread upon us.

What if again be dark and drouth?
What if the dogs have bayed?
We that laugh in the lions mouth—
Why should we be afraid?

Before the beginning of lords and kings,
Before the beginning of thrones,
Did we not bargain for better things,
And pay a price for the stones?

The old wounds burn. Hail! To the hour!
Hail to the feast of Cain!
When they have the thrones and rods and power
And we our youth again.