Francis William Lauderdale Adams - To Japan lyrics

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 hateful bed? O thrice-accursèd 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!