Punch (95.1888)

70

PUNCH, OE THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[August 11, 1888.

THE NEW CRUSADE, AND THE FIVE CHAMPIONS OF CHRISTENDOM.

' I addresa myself to Christian England, because nowhere can I find a greater respect for liberty and human dignity; for it is England, who, in this
age, has taken the initiative in the abolition of slavery in the West Indies, and this she has done with an indomitable energy and a perseverance which
have at last obtained the concurrence of all nations, and the triumph of a noble cause. Noblesse oblige. After having destroyed Colonial slavery,

England owes it to herself, to support, bv her sympathies, those who wish to destroy African slavery,—a hundred times more horrible."— Cardinal
Lavigerie, at Meeting of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, held in Prince's Sail.

Noblesse oblige ! Right, eloquent, high
preacher

Of Christian chivalry to willing ears!
When England owns not Duty for chief teacher,
Slights honour, or takes counsel of her fears;

When the long wail of the enslaved, tormented
Dusk victims of the gold-god's cankered lust
Stirs not her heart, with sluggish peace con-
tented,

Her name is nullity, her fame is dust.

Noblesse oblige ! This, like the war-drum's
rattle _ [Isle;

Should sound reveille round the freeman's
A sovereign summons, not to Syrian battle,

But struggle with a foe more venal-vile