Edwin Arlington Robinson — Demos II

So little have you seen of what awaits        &nbsp Your fevered glimpse of a democracy        &nbsp Confused and foiled with an equality Not equal to the envy it creates, That you see not how near you are the gates        &nbsp Of an old king who listens fearfully        &nbsp To you that are outside and are to be The noisy lords of imminent estates. Rather be then your prayer that you shall have        &nbsp Your kingdom undishonored. Having all,        &nbsp See not the great among you for the small, But hear their silence; for the few shall save        &nbsp The many, or the many are to fall — Still to be wrangling in a noisy grave.