But of all burdens on his mind distracted,
Greatest must be that dread responsibility
Where sense of justice wars with sensibility.
_Punch_ hardly thinks the two have interacted
This time with quite ideal force and fitness,
And that the Public doubts, let the Press witness!

A loathsome story, sordid, brutal, sickening!
Dull callousness to smug contrition quickening
Under the spur of an ignoble terror,
A hope scarce less ignoble--in expression,
At least. Yes, calm judicial self-possession
Is difficult, most easy trimming error;
But compromise with claims conflicting _here_,
Is scarce the course of equity one must fear.

The logic of it does not stand forth clearly;
The public conscience fidgets, and feels queerly.
Yes, to be arbiter, by law's compulsion,
In such a case, with issues so immense,
_Is_ hard, no doubt; the public common sense
Against the arrangement turns with strong revulsion;
And the right remedy, as all must feel,
Is in a Court of Criminal Appeal!

* * * * *

[Illustration: EXTREMES MEET!

_Hearty Luncher._ "THIS FASTING IS ALL BOSH! ROBERT, ANOTHER PLATE OF
PORK AND ANOTHER PINT OF STOUT. I'M GOING TO SEE SUCCI THIS AFTERNOON!"]

* * * * *

SONG SENTIMENTIANA.

(_A Delightful "All-the-Year-Round" Resort for the Fashionable
Composer._)

EXAMPLE III.--CONCERNING THE LOVER'S OBJECTION TO BEING HARD ON A
PERSON.

I love you so! I love you so!
It's funny, but I do--
In spite of what my parents know,
And what they say, of you!
No honest folks will near you go--
But wherefore should _I_ shrink?
I only know I love you so,
Whatever _they_ may think!

I love you so! I love you so!
As I have sung before--
Although the heart you have to show
Is rotten to the core!
They say you oft to prison go;
But wherefore _my_ dismay?
I only know I love you so!
I don't care what _they_ say!

I love you so! I love you so!
As I will sing again.
(In face of all the bills you owe,
It's awfully insane!)
What boots it that you _are_ my foe?
Should that my passion mar?
I only know I love you so!--
No matter _what_ you are!

I love you so! I love you so!
As still again I'll sing,
And sing a thousand times, although
You stole my ruby ring!
But what care I for suchlike show,
So long as I have _thee_