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1869–1935

Demos II

Edwin Arlington Robinson

So little have you seen of what awaits Your fevered glimpse of a democracy Confused and foiled with an equality Not equal to the envy it creates,

That you see not how near you are the gates Of an old king who listens fearfully To you that are outside and are to be The noisy lords of imminent estates.

Rather be then your prayer that you shall have Your kingdom undishonored. Having all, See not the great among you for the small, But hear their silence; for the few shall save

The many, or the many are to fall — Still to be wrangling in a noisy grave.

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Demos II · Edwin Arlington Robinson · Poetry Cove