IV.

She gain'd the cot; irresolute he stood, Where the wall ceased amidst the circling wood, When voices rude and sudden jarr'd his ear, And thro' the din came woman's wail of fear; Then all grew silent as he gain'd the door Which gaped ajar;--he cross'd the threshold floor: Now sounds more low;--he still pass'd on and saw, Track'd to its covert, Want at bay with Law.-- The Daughter clinging to the Father's breast; The Father's struggle from the clasp that press'd; The hard officials, with familiar leer And ribald comfort barb'd with cynic sneer; On these, the Lord of lavish thousands glanced, Law louted lowly as that Wealth advanced. "And what this old Man's crime?"--"My orders say," Quoth Law, and smiled--"a debt he cannot pay!" Then from his child the poor proud captive broke-- Sign'd to the door--raised moistening eyes, and spoke-- "I thank thee, Heaven! that in my prosperous time I was not harsh to others--for this crime; Sirs, I am ready!"--Ere the word was o'er, The parchment fell in fragments on the floor. "The crime is rased!" cried Wealth.--"My Lord," said Law, "I humbly thank your Lordship, and withdraw."