AUSTRALIA’S ANSWER TO BRITAIN’S CRY FOR BREAD.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 275, 18 May 1918, Page 10

AUSTRALIA’S ANSWER TO BRITAIN’S CRY FOR BREAD.

I heard the cry of the children, It came across the sea, ’Twas a cry of want and famine, The wild waves bore to me, For the precious little children Of w hom our Lord has said: “What ye do to them is done to Me.” Were famishing for bread; While some w°re cold and hungry, Mothers with hearts of stone, Through strong drink’s power forsook them, Nor heard their feeble moan. I heard the cry of the wounded, Their faces worn and white, In hospital wards so weary, Once foremost in the fight, Now turning from tasteless morsels — They were too sick to eat. They ionged for a better portion, They craved for som°thing sweet. But the sugar was denied them, Those gallant soldiers true ; It was taken by the brewers, The poisonous drink to brew; But thev looked for help to our land, Knowing the bount°ous store God had provided so richly, Enough for us and more. But like a dread coil’d-up python, Waiting to crush its prey, The submarine there was lurking To snatch their food away. Yet men with a noble courage Still crossed the dangerous wave, D°fving the mine and submarine, The Motherland to save. But how vour head, O ye nation, For men in place and power Said, “Send them wine instead of wheat. Tn this their darkest hour.” Oh. shame on ye Christian rulers W’ho heard tb* erv for bread. And then for the filthv lucre Bestowed a store instead. “Bestowed a stone!” that were kindness, Thev tried to send a foe That now was sapping their lif" blood, Helping to lay them low. Oh. hide it, ve future records, T.et he dumb. Nor reveal their cruel conduct To children vet to come. Our Father above forgive them. Test when Thv face thev sen. Thv piercing voice shall say to them ; “Ye did it unto Me.”