REPLEVIN

Who can replevin all his own

From his platonic debtors—

From plagiarists perchance unknown

Who steal his thoughts or letters?

His property is small or great

As it is worth the using,

And such a tribute to his rate

Makes property worth losing.

To say or do a thing that’s fine,

Which makes the world the wiser,

Should be a royalty divine

To any but a miser.

Their pound of flesh let Shylocks sue

And bank in figures seven—

Our noblest own is what is due

In goods beyond replevin.