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CRUTCH, THE JUDGE.
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I forgot, as he forgot,
All his woe and blindness ;
No one heard how hard his lot,
Save as bringing kindness.
Now he only bowed his head
O'er the crutch beside him,
While with gentle mirth he said,
" Crutch, the Judge, has tried him.
" Crutch, the Judge, most learned stick,
Sentenced that free lancer."
"Sentenced whom?" I questioned, quick;
" Mat, the fool," came answer.
" Mat, who planned his life before,
As a rush to glory,
Now, contented, lame, and poor,
Only dreams his story."
" Tell me all the dream," I prayed,
Creeping nearer, nearer ;
For his face, in sorrow's shade,
Shone with beauty clearer.
