The Prisoner

 Upspoke the culprit at the bar,
 Conducting his own case:
'Your Lordship, I have gone to far,
 But grant me of your grace.
As I was passing by a shop
 I saw my arm go out,
And though I begged of it to stop,
 It stole beyond a doubt.

'But why should my whole body be
 Condemned to dungeon grim,
For what in fact was only the
 Transgression of a limb?
So here before the Court I stand,
 And beg in Justice' name:
Please penalise my arm and hand,
 But not my frame.'

Outspoke the Judge with voice of ice,
 Although a smile he hid:
'Quite right! You should not pay the price
 For what one member did.
Your reasoning I must admit;
 Your arm should gaol expect . . .
Three months! And if you follow it
 The Court does not object.'

The culprit smiled with sudden charm,
 Then to the Court's dismay,
Quickly removed a wooden arm
 And went away.

Form: Ballad

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