Page:Fifes and Drums, Poems of America at War, Vigilantes, 1917.djvu/23

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17
FIFES AND DRUMS


By right of a Document sealed with a Seal—
King Solomon's firman which none may repeal."

"Ha!" snarled the Hyena; "but where is your proof?"
"My warrant is writ," said the Ass, "on my hoof."
"Indeed!" sneered the Plaintiff; "then show it, I beg."
"Look well!" brayed the Ass, as he drew up a leg.
Close peered the Hyena. The Ass gave a snort
And kicked the Conspirator clean out of Court.

L'Envoi

While Patience is praiseworthy, even in Gath,
And Sweetness may possibly turn away Wrath,
The mildest can have but one answer to give
Oppressors who question their title to live.

Arthur Guiterman.