Song for the Luddites
Lord Byron, "Song for the Luddites" (December 1816)
- As the Liberty lads o'er the sea
- Bought their freedom, and cheaply, with blood,
- So we, boys, we
- Will _die_ fighting, or _live_ free,
- And down with all kings but King Ludd!
-
- When the web that we weave is complete,
- And the shuttle exchanged for the sword,
- We will fling the winding sheet
- O'er the despot at our feet,
- And dye it deep in the gore he has pour'd.
-
- Though black as his heart its hue,
- Since his veins are corrupted to mud,
- Yet this is the dew
- Which the tree shall renew
- Of Liberty, planted by Ludd!
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