The Unrealized

From the Evening Star, April 19, 1913.
 By Philander Johnson.
 

 They say our legislature
     Is going to find a way
 To conquer human nature
     And drive its faults away;
 To shield us from oppression—
     Although with some regret
 We note this sad confession:
     It never happened yet.
 
 Mankind has ever striven
     For sweet Perfection’s state.
 All power has been given
     To kings and princes great.
 On soldiers, saints and others
     Its hopes the world has set
 To make men dwell as brothers;
     It never happened yet.