No less, to be the right, the just, the merciful.

"God's servant!" hissed the crowd.

When the Amen grew dull

And died away and left acquittal plain adjudged,

"Amen!" last sighed the lord. "There 's none shall say I grudged

Escape from punishment in such a novel case.

Deferring to old age and holy life,—be grace

Granted! say I. No less, scruples might shake a sense

Firmer than I boast mine. Law 's law, and evidence

Of breach therein lies plain,—blood-red-bright,—all may see!