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Robert W Service - The Prisoner
Work rating: Medium

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.
Source
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