132 SELECT POETRY

Besides the man’s poor, his orchard’s his bread ;
Then think of his children, for they must be fed.”

“You speak very fine, and you look very grave,
But apples we want, and apples we'll have ;

If you will go with us, we'll give you a share,
If not, you shall have neither apple nor pear.”

They spoke, and Tom pondered—* I see they will

go

Poor man! what a pity to injure him so!

Poor man! I would save him his fruit if I could,
But staying behind wil] do him no good.

“If this matter depended alone upon me,

His apples might hang till they dropped from the
tree ;

But since they will take them, I think I'll go too,

He will lose none by me, though I get a few.”

His scruples thus silenced, Tom felt more at ease,
And went with his comrades the apples to seize ;
He blamed and protested, but joined in the plan ;
He shared in the plunder, but pitied the man.

Conscience slumbered awhile, but soon woke in his
breast,
‘And in language severe the delinquent addressed ;
“With such empty and selfish pretenccs away !
By your actions you're judged, be your speech
what it inay.”?
Couper.

The last verse is added by another hand.