Which else would bring ruin to farmer and land,
Yet so kindly imports them, preserves them, assorts them,
There’s a discrepance I’d fain understand.
When the Butcher makes boast of the killing of cattle,
That would multiply fast and the world over-run,
Yet so carefully breeds them, rears, fattens and feeds them
Here also, methinks, a fine cobweb is spun.
Hark you, then, whose profession or pastime is killing!
To dispel your benignant illusions I’m loth;
But be one or the other, my double-faced brother,
Be slayer or saviour — you cannot be both.
“Mr Facing Both Ways” by Henry S. Salt (1851-1939). Learn more about Henry Salt.
