And they seemed extremely wamble-cropt and chop-fallen; their feathers shone not, even their sickle-feathers drooped in the dust, and their combs were white.
And they seemed as unclean men caught in their unrighteousness, who had been sold uncommonly cheap, with nary buyer.
And they took from them the gold which they had stolen afore-time from Uncle Sam, even the bills upon the Hebrews did they yield up. Howbeit, they received a receipt for them.
And they asked much, 'How shall we feed, and may we have servants?' and wished to live pleasantly; yet, when at Richmond, Slidell had reviled the Yankee prisoners sorely, and counseled harsh treatment.
Then went they into the jug, and were allotted each man his bunk in the prison-house.
And the word went forth to hang all pirates and robbers on the sea, even as it had been spoken sternly by Old Abe, of Washington;
Saying, string them up in short order.
And if they of Secessia hang the brave Corcoran and his friends,
Then, as the Lord liveth, Slidell and Mason shall pull hemp; even on the gallows shall they hang like thieves and murderers—the land hath sworn it. Selah!
'Sound on the Goose Question.'