If, maddened by oppression, men have torn
Their shackles off, and in an evil time
Spurned all restraint, and steeped their souls in crime,
Trampling laws, customs, creeds, in utter scorn,
Giving the rein to license, and through blood
Wading in quest of unsubstantial good,
Till Earth the frenzy of her sons doth mourn—
Reproach not LIBERTY! The winds long pent,
The volcan’s fires repressed, in finding vent
Sweep on in desolation! So are born
All monstrous crimes of Tyranny—rapine, lust,
Murder, convulsion—then on her alone
Vengeance be heaped! and Earth and Heaven will own
The terrible retribution wise and just!
