Friedrich Krasser

“ Oh, the pity they would lavish on the Past's unhappy plight!
If but Socrates and Jesus once again should walk the earth
And perceive athwart the darkness morning's sweet and marvelous birth,
With what prescient exultation they would comprehend and wait
The fulfilled and perfect glory of the intellect's estate.
Should we cleave to ancient mummeries, or forever soar away,
Spreading wide the spirit's pinions in the sunshine of to-day?
Should we rest upon tradition and obey the old decrees,—
We, the children of the present, with its dawning excellencies? ”

“ For whose keeping strives the toiler, though his lot be anguish-fraught,
Plodding on in Christian silence till to verge of madness brought,
Forced beside to fatten loafers, cheats and ne'er-do-well recruits,
Beggars, vagabonds and swindlers, highway robbers, murderous brutes;
Since the honest man's endeavor builds for every slothful wight
Prison, hospital and refuge—most humane and goodly sight!—
Whilst his own forlorn condition unbefriended still may go
Till himself has sunk to thieving, overpowered by want and woe. ”

“ Shining bribe and luring promise with a lavish hand bestow,—
In the dwellings of the humble to achieve an endless woe!
Priestly celibates and masses sinning early, sinning late,
Who shall wonder at the foulness of the world's debased estate? ”