Explore "France" by Ambrose Bierce on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Unhappy State! with horrors still to strive: / Thy Hugo dead, thy Boulanger alive; / A Prince who'd govern where he dares not dwell, / And who for power would his birthright sell -- / Who, anxious o'er his enemies to reign, / Grabs at the scepter and conceals the chain; / While pugnant factions mutually strive / By cutting throats to keep the land alive.
Perverse in passion, as in pride perverse -- / To all a mistress, to thyself a curse; / Sweetheart of Europe! every sun's embrace / Matures the charm and poison of thy grace.
Yet time to thee nor peace nor wisdom brings: / In blood of citizens and blood of kings / The stones of thy stability are set, / And the fair fabric trembles at a threat.