Classic Poem

What said that jailer jail'd, who would have been,
Had he been just, of men the greatest man?
“Europe, ere long, will be republican,
Or Cossac.” What say they, whom we have seen
Risking dominion for their own vile ban?
“Better the Cossac than the artisan!
Better one master, than the public will!”
Aye, dig your mean grave deep, ye swift to screen
Wrong and the wronger! for the self-betray'd
Are God's abandon'd. Ye shall be obey'd.
Long-waiting Nicholas is patient still;
Tending his work of deadliest sin and woe,
And for his neighbours, over plain and hill
Sowing worst weeds, which, ye have sworn, shall grow!