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Edgar Lee Masters - Ballade Of Dead Republics
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Tell me ye King-craft of to-day 
Where is Athens, who made men free; 
Then sank into stupor by the way, 
Subdued by the Spartan tyranny? 
And Rome that staggered to death, perdie, 
Stabbed by the sword of Hannibal, 
And bled by patrician infamy -- 
The Dragon of Greed destroyed them all! 

Cleon and Pericles held sway 
O`er the foes of Greek democracy. 
The Gracchi brothers struggled to stay 
The stress of the Ceasars` stern decree. 
And look at Rienzi`s passion, he 
Who strove the republic to recall! 
Slain at last for his perfidy -- 
The Dragon of Greed destroyed them all! 

What of Florence and Venice, say? 
And the Netherlands that ruled the sea? 
And Cromwell`s England more strong than they 
Which banished the throne and the bended knee? 
Yes, and Savonarola`s plea, 
And William of Orange`s rise and fall? 
Yea, though they labored for you and me -- 
The Dragon of Greed destroyed them all! 


ENVOY. 

Prince! `tis the year of your jubilee, 
The great republic is in your thrall. 
And who will restore her armory?-- 
The Dragon of Greed destroyed them all!
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