That Ye Be Not Judged.It was stolen; and to-day From the world the thief is banished___ Thief's an ugly word to say. You who never knew of sinning___ Strong in manhood from your youth; You who from your life's beginning, Never loosened hands with truth___ Are you the judge? Yonder walks an erring woman___ Heartless, hopeless, in the mire; Painted, brazen, scarcely human In her gaudy trade attire. Passing her, you give no token___ You of sinless, baby face___ You, to whom mere words unspoken Are the chains of her disgrace___ Are you the judge? He was "murdered," said the jury; In the viscid, musty cell Paces one whose fatal fury Did the deed; you said: "'Tis well"___ You who take life school-girl fashion, You who never spat at Fate___ You who never fondled Passion___ You who never suckled Hate___ Are you the judge? They have broken vows like basting; They are underneath the ban; She, her wifehood's portion wasting___ He, his world-chance as a man. You whose heart has ne'er caught anchor Deeper than Life's drifting mold; You who never felt the rancor Of a duty-love grown cold___ Are you the judge? __William Allen White. |