Mussolini
(To his rivals east and west)

What, are crimes like Mussolini’s so unheard of in this age? Why should they put Europe’s goodies into such a silly rage?

Need the pot feel so indigent when the kettle wears a blot? We are Culture’s twin utensils—I the kettle, you the pot.

You have watched my lust for conquest and dominion with a frown— But have you not knocked the brittle walls of feeble countries down?

To whose empires is that clever piece of trickery so dear, By which royal seats survive but kings and kingdoms disappear.

We, the children of the Caesars, strove to water heath and sand— You could never bear to leave untaxed the earth’s most barren land!

You have plundered tents of nomads of the little wealth they own, You have plundered peasants ploughlands, you have plundered crown and throne

And that looting and that killing—in a civilized way— Yesterday you, you defended! I defend it now to‐day.