hose sound judgment dare I now rely?
Whose honor, on grave issues, can I trust?
Shall I use Quezox blindly as a staff
On which to lean, as on my path I grope?
Or shall I ope' mine ear to those entrenched
Behind official desks, with knowledge armed
And primed for combat, when I shall disclose
The policy profound, by wisdom sired?
Alas, I find that I must war with friends,
Who seem enamored with the tricky foe,
And by long contact they infected be
By doctrines both heretical and vile.
Of those who legal robbery do make
A vehicle to stuff their bellies full
I must beware; for it doth to me seem
That long and double squinting at the law
Impairs their moral sight for all but fees;
Hence deep entanglements might be the goal
To which their slimy tongues would shrewdly guide
That from disturbance, they might profit reap.
Alas, what to me seemed but pigmy state
Now looms up mightily before mine eye,
And like the feathered mother with her brood
Must I my many cares each day enwing
And from the circling hawk with hungry eye
Protect and shelter, till mature, they grow.
But this commission! We must shrewd select
Such pliant men as will our pleasure work;
For we ken not what yeast in working deep
Within the inexperienced minds of those
Foregath'ring soon to fashion laws to meet
The pressing needs of our embarrassed state.
I feel mayhap, that seeds of self were sown
Within the willing hearts of those who long
Have profit made at this poor State's expense;
Which seeds have grown into a mighty tree
That hides behind its fol'age justice sweet
So deep within those shades that e'en the sun
Of righteousness reveals its presence not.
For such compassion's bowels ne'er should yearn,
And yet mine eyes behold a handiwork
Which were the offspring but of earnest zeal;
Yet since example's perfect work is done,
The pattern to oblivion's shades we'll cast.
But I to mine uneasy couch will hie.
The morrow's cares may feed upon t