Many great ones through the ages
Have attained to earthly power
Yet they all had their hour
As we witnessed behind our cages .
Sad it is when fate has failed
To speed them.
But for us whose job it is
To feed them
Whether this one's high
Or that one low
The load on our shoulders
Always go.
Still the millwheel turns
It turns forever
Though what it uppermost
Remains not so.
The water underneath
In vain endeavor,
Does the work but always stays below.
Many are different masters
Who have ruled us in their day
Eagles, hyenas and tigers
Even swine have had their say.
Which of them was better
Than the other?
Every boot's the copy
Of its brother
Do you understand what's here intended?
We don't need no masters
We want all mastery ended.
Still the millwheel turns
It turns forever
Though what it uppermost
Remains not so.
The water underneath
In vain endeavor,
Does the work but always stays below.
And they beat their hands
Till they are bloody
Scrambling after booty.
Everyone calls the other " rascal "
And himself " the slave of duty ".
Time has come away
To speed them.
Each in lasting conflict
With its brother.
Only our will that we won't feed them
Brings them to peace
With one another.
Still the millwheel turns
It turns forever
Though what it uppermost
Remains not so.
The water underneath
In vain endeavor,
Does the work but always stays below.