Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/99



Five nights agone I lay at rest On my suburban couch. My trousers on the bedpost hung, Red gold within their pouch. The twin-gods Law and Order seemed To me all powerful as I dreamed.

My life was staid, my rates were paid, And peace was in my mind. Nor recked I of unruly men To evil deeds inclined— Strange, primal, atavistic men Who shock the peaceful citizen.

But all the same by stealth he came, A man of vile intent. What cared he that my life was pure, Or that I paid my rent? He willed to violate my shrine For household treasures that were mine.