Upton Sinclair, ed. (1878–1968). rn The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest. 1915.

Work and Pray

Herwegh, Georg

Georg Herwegh

(German poet, 1817–1875; took part in the attempt at revolution in Baden in 1848)

PRAY and work! proclaims the world;

Briefly pray, for Time is gold.

On the door there knocketh dread—

Briefly pray, for Time is bread.

And ye plow and plant to grow.

And ye rivet and ye sow.

And ye hammer and ye spin—

Say, my people, what ye win.

Weave at loom both day and night,

Mine the coal to mountain height;

Fill right full the harvest horn—

Full to brim with wine and corn.

Yet where is thy meal prepared?

Yet where is thy rest-hour shared?

Yet where is thy warm hearth-fire?

Where is thy sharp sword of ire?