Classic Poem

O who will bear the battle's brunt
And lead the ranks of Labour?
Our leaders blunder in the front
While Victory's a neighbour!
We need a man to guide us through—
The march is rough and hilly—
The army wants to know if you
Are coming, Charlie Lilley?

The hand of Greed is on the soil
And times are growing harder,
And soon 'twill break the heart of Toil
To fill the workman's larder.
Across the sky we hear the cry
Of Justice calling shrilly,
And we might save her by and by
If led by Charlie Lilley.

We want the gentleman who'll face
The social sham and evil
And sacrifice a higher place
To seek the people's level.
The parasite ne'er led the van
To Victory—nor will he:
To lead us on we need a man
Like brave old Charlie Lilley.

So, Charlie Lilley, will you dare
The lying papers' fury,
With God alone to judge you fair,
The people for a jury?
Can heart like yours keep warm and true
On heights where hearts are chilly?
The people want to know if you
Are coming, Charlie Lilley.