Black Beetles in Amber - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 22

AN "EXHIBIT"

Goldenson hanged! Well, Heaven forbid That I should smile above him:Though truth to tell, I never did Exactly love him.It can't be wrong, though, to rejoice That his unpleasing capersAre ended. Silent is his voice In all the papers.No longer he's a show: no more, Bear-like, his den he's walking.No longer can he hold the floor When I'd be talking.The laws that govern jails are bad If such displays are lawful.The fate of the assassin's sad, But ours is awful!What! shall a wretch condemned to die In shame upon the gibbetBe set before the public eye As an "exhibit"?—His looks, his actions noted down, His words if light or solemn,And all this hawked about the town— So much a column?The press, of course, will publish news However it may get it;But blast the sheriff who'll abuse His powers to let it!Nay, this is not ingratitude; I'm no reporter, truly,Nor yet an editor. I'm rude Because unruly—Because I burn with shame and rage Beyond my power of tellingTo see assassins in a cage And keepers yelling."Walk up! Walk up!" the showman cries: "Observe the lion's poses,His stormy mane, his glooming eyes. His—hold your noses!"How long, O Lord, shall Law and Right Be mocked for gain or glory,And angels weep as they recite The shameful story?