The Scape-Goat
Ah, me! she was only a child ; and yet so aware
Of the shame which follows on sin.
A poor, lost, terrified child ! she stept in the snare,
Knowing the toils she was in.
Yet, now, when I watch her pass with a heavy reel,
Shouting her villainous song,
It is only pity or shame, do you thinlc, that I feel
For the infinite sorrow and wrong?
With a sick, strange wonder I ask, Who shall answer the sin,
Thou, lover, brothers of thine?
Or he who left standing thy hovel to perish in?
Or I, who gave no sign?
244
