The Liberator

For the Liberator.

'HOME MISSIONARIES' ABROAD

BY PETER PEACEFUL.

I.

Bombshells, by chance, may sometimes hurt you
Though sent to teach a nation virtue;
And thus the work of Gen. Taylor,
Tis plain, was but a signal failure

II.

His pious 'mission,' he fulfilling,
Developed strong a love for killing.
'Home missionaries,' sent abroad,
Forget themselves are inen of God.'

III.

Was it the purpose of this nation
To enlarge the bounds of civilization?
To raise the moral standard higher':
Could they do this with sword and fire?

IV.

Poor Mexico, all pale and bleeding,
While Taylor's lesson she was reading,
Could say—' With kindness would ye fill us,
Don't shoot it at us, lest ye kill us.

V.

Mexican elevation' never
Could be wrought out by such a lever;
The Polkites lied; for all their shooting
Was but to gain for Slavery footing.

VI.

Freedom's area,' they pretended,
In Mexico must be 'extended';
"Twas all pretence, talking of 'freedom'—
The thing they wanted was, to bleed'em.

VII.

And the result has proved it certain
That 'pious men' behind the curtain,
And 'missionaries' fond of battle,
Care not at all for 'human cattle.

TO PHILANTHROPISTS.

Love with strength as well as meekness;
Love with firmness, not with weakness;
Probe the wound and scarify,
Before the balsam you apply.
Be so benevolent, I pray,
As to drive the wolf away;
Love him, if you will, but keep
Some love also for the sheep.