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I. ON THE IMPENDING EXECUTION OF FLORENCE MAYBRICK

This crime will darken England, and dethrone
Justice.—On one side, human, prone to err,
Twelve men, and men, moreover, judging her
For one sin mainly—sin confessed and known.
But on the other side, as hourly shown,
The soul of England, greater than her laws:
The voice that bids the ermined Hangman pause:
The nation's sob, that deepens to a groan.
Carry out the sentence? What dishonour then
Shall rest for ever on the hands that slew,
Though England cried, “This woman's cause is mine!”
Reverse it? From the hearts of living men
Honour, and time's vast tribute nobly due
To those who held the helm in 'eighty-nine.
Aug. 13, 1889.
 

This Sonnet appeared, at the time in question, in the New York Herald.