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Appian Way The

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154 views2 pages

Appian Way The

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api-230469635
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The Appian Way

After the defeat and death of Spartacus and his army of revolted slaves, which had defiled Roman power for several years, 6,000 captives were crucified along the road from Rome to Capua 1.

There is a shortage of Nails in Rome Crassus, the victor, is home. The slaves are broken, and Spartacus dead. The legions march with a lifted head; And a freemans job in a land made free, Is to hammer the nails so that all may see How a great republic deals with those, Who spurned her whips and be came her foes. Ho! Smite the metal for faith and home, There must be no shortage of nails in Rome. Freemen, get away to the saws For timber to back our laws. The axe is loud in the Appinines, And the oxen stain through beaches and vines, Bringing the logs that must prop the State. In the vengeance due that cannot wait. The slaves are broken and Spartacus dead. The legions march with a lifted head. Saw we the timber of Roman pride Six thousand slaves must be crucified. All from Capua to Rome The wide paved roadway leads men To the hearth where Vestas flame Keeps alive the holy name All from Capua to Rome Screaming agony leads men home Lifted high on either side Hang the naked crucified, Broken slaves that dared to be For a burning moment free, Broken slaves who, sword in hand, Dared to bid the legions stand.

Spartacus was one of the residents of Capua in 73 BC

There is a shortage of iron for nails, But mighty the hand that prevails Forging a torment of gold To crucify men as of old All from New York to Pekin Deep are the nails driven in, Outward from London to Perth, Round the full girth of the earth. From Sydney to London again Goes the world by its highway of pain, Flaunting its strength and its pride Where the slaves of its wealth crucified Groan only a welcome to death. March on! Close the eyes! Hold the breath! Smite hard at the forge. Pity fails, For the world has a shortage of nails.
W. (Pseudonym of David McKee Wright) N.S.W. Australian Worker 2nd February 1927. Pg. 10 [Due to poor copy accuracy is uncertain, especially in punctuation.]

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