Libertatis Sacra Fames

Oscar Wilde

Albeit nurtured in democracy,
    And liking best that state republican
    Where every man is Kinglike and no man
Is crowned above his fellows, yet I see,
Spite of this modern fret for Liberty,
    Better the rule of One, whom all obey,
    Than to let clamorous demagogues betray
Our freedom with the kiss of anarchy.
Wherefore I love them not whose hands profane
    Plant the red flag upon the piled-up street 10
    For no right cause, beneath whose ignorant reign
Arts, Culture, Reverence, Honour, all things fade,
    Save Treason and the dagger of her trade,
    And Murder with his silent bloody feet.