‘ALL men are free and equal born <br /> Before the Law!’ So runs the worn <br /> And specious, lying, parrot-cry. <br /> All men are free—to starve or sigh; <br />But few to feed on Egypt’s corn. <br /> <br />There toils the sweated slave, forlorn; <br />There weeps the babe with hunger torn; <br /> Dear God! Forgive us for the lie— <br /> ‘All men are free!’ <br /> <br />That man may laugh while this must mourn; <br />One’s heir to honour, one to scorn— <br /> Were they born free? Were you? Was I? <br /> No! Not when born, but when they die <br />And of their robes—or rags—are shorn, <br /> All men are free! <br /><br /><br />Sydney Elliott Napier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/all-men-are-free/
