Island traders._]

But make the fetters of pure gold.
They're hateful still, they gall, they hold,
And if the pill is sugared o'er,
'Tis still as bitter as before.
Cuff ponder'd much, but did not know,
If he his master left to go,

[Illustration: _A Cruel Master._]

And seek his fortune, he could find
Another master half so kind,
And who would give so large a share
Of the small pittance he could spare,
And every privilege could grant,
Which he could need or ever want;

[Illustration: _Emblem of Freedom.--A moth just changed from its
chrysalis state, deserting its shell._]

But then of freedom he had heard,
And ere the dawning light appeared.
Early one morning Cuff arose,
And quickly putting on his clothes,
Stole softly out; lest he should wake
His master, who would rouse and shake

[Illustration: NOTE.--_The Lawyer owned a Blacksmith's shop._]

The slumbers from his drowsy eyes,
And think that it was time to rise.
So Cuff went off. His master woke,
And Cuff was gone! It was no joke.
The Lawyer's work must now be done,
All by himself; and till the sun

[Illustration: _A man escaping from slavery._]

Is slowly sinking in the west,
He'll scarcely have a minute's rest.
He felt his temper quickly rise,
Thinking his slave too rich a prize,
To be allowed to slip away,
Without a trial for "fair play;"

[Illustration: _A slave-catcher is worse than a beast of prey._]

Said he, "My course is plain enough,
I'll take my horse and go for Cuff,
For he's my slave, and he shall give
To me, his service if he live."
Saddling his horse he mounts him quick,
Drives after Cuff with spur and stick:

[Illustration: "_Angel of Mercy._"]

But soon he paused his cause to try,
And thus he said, Why should not I
Be slave instead of Cuff, and he
As well be running after me
As I for him?--I'll let him go,
Whether he's free by law or no.

[Illustration: _Justice freeing the slave._]

_For God who fashioned him and me,_
_No doubt_ MADE ALL HIS CHILDREN FREE.
So justice o'er his mind held sway,
And Cuff in freedom, went his way.

[Illustration: _Emancipation._]

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Amusing Trial in which a Yankee Lawyer
Renders a Just Verdict, by Anonymous

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMUSING TRIA