Page:Poems Merrill.djvu/49

I have hurled men down from their high estate—
 Remorseful I'm not in the least,—
I have dragged them down, and down, until
 They were level with the beast.

I have happy homes made desolate
 Ha, ha! I laugh with glee
As I see the babes every comfort denied,
 While the money is wasted on me!
Tell me, my friend, Oh tell me I pray,
 Of a power that is greater than mine—
Not yours—No! you are but water weak,
 While I am the fiery wine!

And though I am classed in the bar-room
 Under many a different name,—
No matter what liquor they call me,
 My spirit is always the same.
I have sunk big ships—Yes, sank them down
 In the depths of the briny deep;
And for the loved who perished there
 Their kindred e'er may weep.

I have wrecked the train—I have mansions burned—
 'Neath my power man's senses flee—
I have cast proud monarchs from their throne,—
 Behold! this wrought by Me!