Bring him in quick. It often seems a curious thing that I,
Who in my ordinary clothes would hardly hurt a fly,
Hold to the rigour of the law when I put on gown and wig,
As if for mere humanity I didn't care a fig.
For once I'm seated on the bench I do not shrink or flinch
From the reddest laws of Draco, or the practice of Judge Lynch.
Servant: (At door.) Here he is now.
(Jester comes in, disguised as Executioner, a
long cloak with hood over his head.)
Guardian: Here is the sword (hands it to him
and reads), "In case of the first act of theft the
left thumb is to be struck off." There are the
criminals before you. That is what you have to do.
Jester: (Taking the sword.) Stretch out your
hands! There is hurry on me. I was sitting at
the dinner I engaged for. I was called away from
the first mouthful, and I would wish to go back
to the second mouthful that is getting cold.