TO JAPAN.

Simple you were, and good. No kindlier heart

Beat than the heart within your gentle breast.

Labour you had, and happiness, and rest,

And were the maid of nations. Now you start

To feverish life, feeling the poisonous smart

Upon your lips of harlot lips close-pressed,

The lips of her who stands among the rest

With greasy righteous soul and rotten heart.

O sunrise land, O land of gentleness,

What madness drives you to lust's dreadful bed?

O thrice accursed England, wretchedness

For ever be on you, of whom‘ tis said,

Prostitute plague-struck, that you catch and kiss

Innocent lives to make them foully dead!