Joseph Skipsey - The Petition

DEAR critics, pray, what have I done
That thus you frown so? tell me truly?
'You've for your neck a halter spun,
In blaming of our race unduly!'

Don't hang me, pray!—Just praise my lay,
And I will swear the Muse but garbled
My sweet intent; and what was meant
Was not the blame the Gipsy warbled!

Joseph Skipsey

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-petition-4/