 | Young Arthur |  |
But, to advert to our outsetting,
Alfred invented juries; not forgetting
That where the judgment rested in one breast
Some prejudice might start, and justice wrest
From her pure course; for artful mind
On reasoning oft has much refin'd;
For propositions found pretence
Built on sophisticated sense;
Making black white and white of sable;
As did judge Reynard in the fable.
I give the tale from Æsop's reading,
My own the precepts and the pleading;
Reader, be kind and give me quarter,
To Æsop's wine though I put water.
Alfred invented juries; not forgetting
That where the judgment rested in one breast
Some prejudice might start, and justice wrest
From her pure course; for artful mind
On reasoning oft has much refin'd;
For propositions found pretence
Built on sophisticated sense;
Making black white and white of sable;
As did judge Reynard in the fable.
I give the tale from Æsop's reading,
My own the precepts and the pleading;
Reader, be kind and give me quarter,
To Æsop's wine though I put water.
| Young Arthur | |