COME then, let us at least know what's the truth. br Let us not blink our eyes and say br We did not understand; old age or youth br Benumbed our sense or stole our sight away. br It is a lie — just that, a lie — to declare br That Wages are the worth of Work. br No; they are what the Employer wills to spare br To let the Employee sheer starvation shirk. br They're the life-pittance Competition leaves, br The least for which brother'll slay brother. br He who the fruits of this hell-strife receives, br He is a thief, an assassin, and none other. br It is a lie — just that, a lie — to declare br That Rent's the interest on just gains. br Rent's the thumb-screw that makes the worker share br With him who worked not the produce of his pains. br Rent's the wise tax the human tape-worm knows. br The fat he takes; the life-lean leaves.