Page:A lover's tale (Tennyson, 1879).djvu/92

88 I knew another, not so long ago, Who found the dying servant, took him home, And fed, and cherish'd him, and saved his life. I ask you now, should this first master claim His service, whom does it belong to? him Who thrust him out, or him who saved his life?'

This question, so flung down before the guests, And balanced either way by each, at length When some were doubtful how the law would hold, Was handed over by consent of all To one who had not spoken, Lionel.

Fair speech was his, and delicate of phrase. And he beginning languidly—his loss Weigh'd on him yet—but warming as he went, Glanced at the point of law, to pass it by, Affirming that as long as either lived,