Epigraph
Poor scape-goat of crimes, where,—her part what it may,
So tortured, so hunted to die,
Foul age of deceit and of hate,—on her head
Least stains of gore-guiltiness lie;
To the hearts of the just her blood from the dust
Not in vain for mercy will cry.
Poor scape-goat of nations and faiths in their strife
So cruel,—and thou so fair!
Poor girl!—so, best, in her misery named,—
Discrown’d of two kingdoms, and bare;
Not first nor last on this one was cast
The burden that others should share.
Visions of England, by F. T. Palgrave