1 “This is the State above the Law. The State exists for the State alone.” [This is a gland at the back of the jaw, And an answering lump by the collar-bone.] 2 Some die shouting in gas or fire; Some die silent, by shell and shot. Some die desperate, caught on the wire; Some die suddenly. This will not. 3 “Regis suprema voluntas Lex” [It will follow the regular course of—throats.] Some die pinned by the broken decks, Some die sobbing between the boats. 4 Some die eloquent, pressed to death By the sliding trench as their friends can hear. Some die wholly in half a breath. Some—give trouble for half a year. 5 “There is neither Evil nor Good in life Except as the needs of the State ordain.” [Since it is rather too late for the knife, All we can do is to mask the pain.] 6 Some die saintly in faith and hope— One died thus in a prison-yard— Some die broken by rape or the rope; Some die easily. This dies hard. 7 “I will dash to pieces who bar my way. Woe to the traitor! Woe to the weak!” [Let him write what he wishes to say. It tires him out if he tries to speak.] 8 Some die quietly. Some abound In loud self-pity. Others spread Bad morale through the cots around . . . This is a type that is better dead. 9 “The war was forced on me by my foes. All that I sought was the right to live.” [Don’t be afraid of a triple dose; The pain will neutralize half we give. 10 Here are the needles. See that he dies While the effects of the drug endure. . . . What is the question he asks with his eyes?— Yes, All-Highest, to God, be sure.]
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