One darkly muttering, “This is Hell!”

His weed was wet from head to feet;

He put him in a common cell.

The Justice chewed the evidence;

His eyes were soft, his lips were bland;

It was, he said, a first offence;

He merely gave a reprimand.

“Go free, my poppets, keep the laws,

And get ye wed at once,” said he;

The court indulged in rude applause;

The usher cleared the gallery.

The prison-warder, deeply stirred,

Approached the culprits at the bar;

Then haled them forth without a word

Towards the nearest Registrar.

RICHARD.

John, you surpass yourself. Next week

Expect a flattering critique!

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