the Cretian laws,
That were put through a filter by Solon,
That for theft the first time, though a capital crime
A criminal may keep his poll on.
Though _(consults another book_) some jurists believe
That a wretch who can thieve,
Has earned a full stop, not a colon.

_Ogre_: That was said by a better than Solon.

_Guardian_:
And the book says in sum, to cut off the left thumb,
May be penalty enough for a warning;
Though _(looks at another book_) the Commentors say
That one let off that way
Will be thieving again before morning.

_Ogre_: So he will, and the jury suborning.

_Guardian:_
For the second offence, as the crime's more immense,
Take the thumb off the _right_ hand instead;
And the third time he'll steal, without any appeal,
The hangman's to whip off his head.

_Ogre_:
Very right to do so, for a thief as we know,
Isn't likely to steal when he's dead.

_2nd Dowager Messenger_:
You won't order the worst, as this crime is the first,
It's a pity if they have to swing.

_Guardian_:
In the Commentors' sense, a _primal_ offence
Is as much an impossible thing
As a stream without source, a blow struck without
force,
Or leaves without roots in the spring.

_Ogre_: Or a catapult wanting a sling.

_Guardian_:
But although this case is proved on its face
To be what is called _a priori_
I cannot refuse to consider the views
Of the amiable lady before me. _(Bows to 2nd
Dowager Messenger.)_
In compliance to her I am ready to err
On the side that she leans to, of mercy,
For she has a kind tongue, and the prisoners are
young;
But that they may not live to curse me,
I give out my decree, the _left_ thumb shall be
Kept in Court till the next time they'll come.
And now if you please let whoever agrees
With my pledge turn down his own thumb.

_1st Dowager Messenger_: It is very just and right.
(_Turns down hers_.)

_Ogre_: You're letting them off too easy. They're
a bad example to the world. But to take the
thumb off them is better than nothing! _(Turns
down both his thumbs.)_

_Guardian: (To Wrenboys.)_ Well, my dear pupils,
I don't see you turn down your thumbs.

_1st Wrenboy_: We cannot do it. _(They cover
their faces with their hands.)_

_Ogre_: Get on so. I never saw the work I'd
sooner do than checking youngsters!

_Guardian_: Where is the Executioner?

_Servant_: I sent seeking him a while ago, thinking
he might be needed.

_Guardian_: Bring him in.

_Servant_: He is not in it. Ther