In plaintive murmurs they bewail their fate,
And many an eager, wishful eye they cast,
Whene’er the turn-key opes and shuts the gate.
For who to dull imprisonment a prey,
The pleasing thoughts of freedom e’er resign’d,
From home, from wife and children dragg’d away,
“Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind!”
Some sharp attorney must the captive hire,
Who knows each secret winding of the laws;
Some previous fees th’ attorney will require