In ancient Days, when Times were good, And Men lov'd Peace and Neighborhood, When all with one another bore, None were deem'd either Rogue or Whore; No Frauds, Deceits, nor Under-dealing, Nor Publick Thefts, no Private Stealing, No Jars, nor Discords, e'er were known, In City, or in Country Town; Then was Old @3England@1 free, at least, From Lawyers as from Rav'nous Beast. But since those Times, the Case is alter'd, (Tho' Pettifoggers none are Halter'd) For now in ev'ry Town and Village, There Ply alas! A Baker's dozen Of @3Pettifoggers@1, all to Cozen. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOW TO BE A POET (TO REMIND MYSELF) by WENDELL BERRY WOODSMOKE AT 70 by HAYDEN CARRUTH WHERE? by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON DOWN BY THE CARIB SEA: 3. TEESTAY by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE FEAST OF LIGHTS by EMMA LAZARUS |