He asked for Justice! . . Lo, between
Him and the judgment-seat there rose
The Sword of Menace, ever keen
To smite the braggart War-Wolf's foes!

Light, Truth, and Justice all denied,
He struggled on 'mid threat and blow--
A brave Voice battling by his side--
Till Error's minions struck him low.

Yet is his faith not dead, nor mine:
O'er deepest gloom, o'er worst distress,
Ever the mighty Sun doth shine
Aglow with Truth and Righteousness.

The blackest clouds are rent at last;
And the divine resistless flame
Through all, some morn, its blaze shall cast,
The Wrong disclose, the Right proclaim!

E. A. V.

February 23, 1898.


[Printed in 'The Star' on the morrow of M. Zola's condemnation in Paris]



PREFACE