Fragments Written at Down-Hall: For When Your Judge Becomes Your Foe

FOR when your Judge becomes your Foe
Think nor to give nor ward the blow
The danger prudently to shun
Forbear to plead and learn to run
What good can Culprits staying do
When Laws explain'd by Pow'r pursue ?
Avails it aught what you can say
If all the Bench resolves the Nay ?
When Truth out-voted comes too late
What does She but Prevaricate ?
The Circumstances change the case,
'Tis now no Tryal but a race,
What signifies Achilles speed
But to be rid in time of need ?
When angry Paris aim'd the Dart
Against the Heroes Mortal part
Instead of Fighting, had he fled,
His Heel might have secur'd his Head.