1 Through learned and laborious years They set themselves to find Fresh terrors and undreamed-of fears To heap upon mankind. 2 All that they drew from Heaven above Or digged from earth beneath, They laid into their treasure-trove And arsenals of death: 3 While, for well-weighed advantage sake, Ruler and ruled alike Built up the faith they meant to break When the fit hour should strike. 4 They traded with the careless earth, And good return it gave: They plotted by their neighbour’s hearth The means to make him slave. 5 When all was ready to their hand They loosed their hidden sword, And utterly laid waste a land Their oath was pledged to guard. 6 Coldly they went about to raise To life and make more dread Abominations of old days, That men believed were dead. 7 They paid the price to reach their goal Across a world in flame; But their own hate slew their own soul Before that victory came.
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