The Death Warrant.

Th’ Imperial Council sat in state,
The virgin Queen presiding there,
Her first debut, with joy elate,
Her bosom void of other care!

Peace to all leiges of the land
Was in her heart, when with his bill
Stern Justice came with grave demand,
That she a duty must fulfil.

A convict’s fate must settled be,
Her signature confirms his doom;
To which her thoughts could ill agree,
Which filled her peaceful mind with gloom.

Sweet mercy in her heart arose,
As if indignant at the deed
Her hand must do; and would oppose
A task, to which she’s called t’ accede:

Government; Law“Alas!” she sighed, while Justice stern
The duty urged as “must be done!”
While pity made her bosom yearn
O’er the poor captive’s fate undone!

“Must such be so?” she sighed, when press’d,
(The law would not evaded be)
As stirr’d the emotions of her breast,
The tears bedew’d the sad decree!