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1842–1914

JUDGE RUTLEDGE

Ambrose Bierce

Sultan of Stupids! with enough of brains To go indoors in all uncommon rains, But not enough to stay there when the storm Is past. When all the world is dry and warm,

In irking comfort, lamentably gay, Keeping the evil tenor of your way, You walk abroad, sweet, beautiful and smug, And Justice hears you with her wonted shrug,

Lifts her broad bandage half-an-inch and keeps One eye upon you while the other weeps.

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JUDGE RUTLEDGE · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove