(Indicative of the Passion of the People br on the 15th Day of April, 1865) br * * * br br Good Friday was the day br Of the prodigy and crime, br When they killed him in his pity, br When they killed him in his prime br Of clemency and calm- br When with yearning he was filled br To redeem the evil-willed, br And, though conqueror, be kind; br But they killed him in his kindness, br In their madness and their blindness, br And they killed him from behind. br br There is sobbing of the strong, br And a pall upon the land; br But the People in their weeping br Bare the iron hand; br Beware the People weeping br When they bare the iron hand. br br He lieth in his blood- br The father in his face; br They have killed him, the Forgiver- br The Avenger takes his place, br The Avenger wisely stern, br Who in righteousness shall do br What the heavens call him to, br And the parricides remand; br For they killed him in his kindness, br In their madness and their blindness, br And his blood is on their hand. br br There is sobbing of the strong, br And a pall upon the land; br But the People in their weeping br Bare the iron hand; br Beware the People weeping br When they bare the iron hand.