Can four percent control the other ninety-six by force?
Cecil smiled: "Of course, my child --
for a while."
Will bands and coloured bunting keep the populace in line?
Benito smiled: "Works fine, my child --
for a while."
Can we hypnotise their sons with dulce et decorum est?
Augustus smiled, "Certes, my child --
for a while."
With relentless repetition do absurdities seem true?
Josef smiled: "They do, my child --
for a while."
Can Media and State combined exert complete control?
Adolf smiled: "Ja wohl, my child --
for a while."
Can we live well and happily on swindlings and thefts?
Don Vito smiled: "Why yes, my child --
for a while."
Will future generations marvel at our might and skill?
Ozymandias smiled: "They will, my child --
for a while."