Last night I dreamed and in my dream
My spirit was gently led
To the abode of Shades, where forever roam,
The spirits of those long dead,
Who sinned in life and repented not
Ere they reached their dying bed.

In this strange abode, by Light Divine,
Their sins were all made clean;
Revealed in hideous nakedness,
The tortured souls to sear.
Each shade retained its earthly form,
Bereft of flesh and bone.
Some roamed in groups, in ceaseless search,
Some wandered all alone.

I asked the shade of a murderer,
Why some were ostracised;
Shunned by the Shades of young and old,
And never recognized.
The Shade replied: "We all have sinned,
Torment we must endure,
But even here we draw the line,
'Twixt unclean sins and pure."

Some sons of Cain, some thieves were they
While in the flesh they dwelled,
And some for various other crimes
Are in this torture held.
But each of these while still on earth,
Though hardened long in shame,
Would never stoop as low in crime --
Either for wealth or fame,
As those who now for selfish ends,
Disgrace their country's name.

For murderers, thieves, criminals, all,
In flesh, or here in Hell,
Despise a traitor most of all,
And with them will not dwell.
So now you know who these Shades are
Who wander all alone,
They have no race, they have no creed,
Their sin they can't atone;
Forever they are doomed to burn,
God can't their sin condone.

And now, before this place you leave,
Where evil spirits dwell,
A message we confide to you,
A message you must tell.
Present our compliments to Stone
And LaFolette as well,
Say: "Please remain up where you are,
You're welcome not in HELL."
--W.