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1842–1914

OVER THE BORDER

Ambrose Bierce

O, justice, you have fled, to dwell In Mexico, unstrangled, Lest you should hang as high as — well, As Haman dangled.

( I know not if his cord he twanged, Or the King proved forgiving. ‘ Tis hard to think of Haman hanged, And Haymond living. )

Yes, as I said: in mortal fear To Mexico you journeyed; For you were on your trial here, And ill attorneyed.

The Law had long regarded you As an extreme offender. Religion looked upon you, too, With thoughts untender.

The Press to you was cold as snow, For sin you'd always call so. In Politics you were de trop, In Morals also.

All this is accurately true And, faith! there might be more said; But — well, to save your thrapple you Fled, as aforesaid.

You're down in Mexico — that's plain As that the sun is risen; For Daniel Burns, down there, his chain Drags round in prison.

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OVER THE BORDER · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove