University of Virginia Library


144

XXII. TO A JUST LAWYER (EDWARD O'BRIEN).

This sonnet was addressed to my dear early friend, Edward O'Brien, on the publication of his work, ‘The Lawyer,’ (Pickering.)

Defrauded Justice, long a wanderer driven
From Law, her Temple, holy kept of old,
Though now the money-changers' strongest hold,
Invoked not vainly aid from thee: and Heaven
To thee that voice heroical hath given
Wherewith to all thy brethren thou hast called,
Standing alone among them disenthralled,
All chains of custom, fear, and interest riven.
Young Priest of Justice, what was their reply?
‘Justice herself this human sacrifice
Requires: if thou wouldst serve her, rob and lie,
So keeps the State function and equipoise’—
Such answer thou didst scorn; and hast for this,
Attained, fully to see its utter hollowness.
 

Author of “The Lawyer.”