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Upton Sinclair, ed. (1878–1968). rn The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest. 1915.

Slavery

From the Edda

(Scandinavian legends of great antiquity, collected, A.D. 1100, by Saemund)

KING FROTHI called his slaves renowned for strength, Fenia and Menia, and bade them grind for gold. The maidens ground through many years, they ground endless treasures; but at last they grew weary. Then Frothi said, “Grind on! Rest ye not, sleep ye not, longer than the cuckoo is silent, or a verse can be sung.” The weary slaves ground on, till lo! from the mighty mill is poured forth an army of men. Now lies Frothi slain amid his gold. Now is Frothi’s peace forever ended.