The Verdict

There was süence in the court room. Llke the silence of the grave, Ere the foreman gave the verdict : Would it ru in ! Would it save '. Many an anxiousheart was beatlug, Döubtiul whether it would thiïll With eompasslon or with gladness: And the prlsoner's heart etood stlll. In hls hands his face was hidden, Waiting for the fnteful word That proelainis all hope forbiddeu, ür the freedom of a bird. And lie thought - of what avails It- What the value of good name If it does not aid to save me From a üfe hencefortli of shamc: 'Twas to him aday of judgment, Likc to that which waits us all, When the trumpet of the angel From their graves the deadshall cali. And we stand - twelve 6olemu jurors - ¦Ve the only self-posscssed ; Rcady to reveal the secret Trembling yet within our breast. ïhen the foreman spake : "Not guilty !" And the voung man raiscd his head; And he looked a child of beauty Rising, wcoping, from the dead. Silence reigns again- a moment; Silence of a gladsome awe; And we seomed to hear the heartbeat Of relief from all who saw. Said the judge : ''Discharge the prisoner !" Scarce conccaling his own joy, And the waiting, wceping father Clasped again his rescued boy. And the boy went forth acquitted, Feeling that the sage of old Well decïared a good name better Than all coffers flllod with gold.