1. In fever is there light for one whose night is bleak?
In flood’s path does a hill for one in peril speak?

2. How long can wrong yet rule and justice lie asleep?
How long can tyranny the people’s cries besiege?

3. When one of merit speaks he’s called a foolish freak.
When blather blathers, it is said to be unique.

4. I turn my gaze about, and nowhere do I seek
A man of merit, though of claims there is no leak.

5. When bid, “Arise!” he answers, making excuses weak,
“I cannot rise or stir—I nothing have that’s chic!”

6. When mules are set as leaders, matters go oblique.
Can crooked mule the path of straightness ever seek?

7. Ignorant and insolent, lewd villain and critique—
Squeezing wealth from people whom no justice does bespeak.

8. Is there no wounded heart among you that will shriek?
If you’ve no wealth or steeds, where is your manhood bleak?

9. Enough disgrace, when it is said they tricked the meek—
A brother, milked by them, from whom they always seek.