# Righteousness or Revenue? This poem was published with the following heading from the Editor: >The following verses have been sent to us by Miss M. E. Barber, our missionary at Fuh-chow. They were written after reading the speech of the Bishop of Durham on the Opium Question (see *Intelligencer* for February, page 150). She says:— 'I faced this morning 240 Chinese girls, and I asked them to pray that God would bless every effort to root out the opium curse from their country. With one voice the girls said, "England sent it to us." For one moment I was speechless, and then almost with tears, I said, "Yes, it is true, but England is sorry she did." *Is* she sorry?'—Ed. ### Verse 1 Righteousness or Revenue? England, thine the choice! Country, dearer far than life, Wilt thou heed the voice Calling thee to clear thy name From thy share in China's shame? ### Verse 2 Righteousness or Revenue? 'Revenue,' she cried. Then the curse began to work: China far and wide Groaned beneath the opium blight, Wandered further into night. ### Verse 3 Righteousness or Revenue? Orientals say 'Give us Revenue,' and we,* We have nought to say Whilst our coffers ring with gold Price of curse, to China sold. ### Verse 4 Righteousness or Revenue? Ah! we watch with tears, England's opportunity; Yet dismiss our fears, Whilst we ask that God will sway England's will, the price to pay. ### Verse 5 Righteousness or Revenue? Awful is the choice, Should we choose the Revenue And despise the voice, Calling us to rise and be Freed from Mammon's tyranny. ### Verse 6 Righteousness, whate'er the price! God make *this* our choice! Oh! may England's stalwart sons With a clarion voice For her stainless honour plead, Though her coffers gold must bleed. ### Verse 7 Righteousness! This first we seek! God in Heaven, hear: When we turn us from our sin Thou wilt bend Thine ear; Hear, and heal, and bless our land, Make her in Thy Might to stand. ### Verse 8 Then from China's stretching shores Myriads yet shall stand, Clasping hands with England's sons In the sinless land: Use, O God, our country where Opium fumes now taint the air! ### Verse 9 Even yet shall China learn England can repent: Costly though the sacrifice, She shall yet relent: And her name no more shall be Linked with China's misery. *Fuh-chow,* May 1905. Margaret E. Barber --- * The answer to the question we put to the Chinaman, 'Why do you grow the poppy?' is always, 'It pays,' --- Meter: 7.5.7.5.7.7. Published: Earliest Known Publication: : _The Church Missionary Intelligencer_, Volume 30, Issue. 1905. London: Church Missionary Society.