Page:Peter Bell (Wordsworth).djvu/77

Part III. And Peter is a deep logician

Who hath no lack of wit mercurial;

"Blood drops—leaves rustle—yet," quoth he,

"This poor man never, but for me,

"Could have had Christian burial.

"And, say the best you can, 'tis plain

"That here hath been some wicked dealing:

"No doubt the devil in me wrought;—

"I'm not the man who could have thought

"An Ass like this was worth the stealing!"

So from his pocket Peter takes

His shining horn tobacco-box,

And, in a light and careless way

As men who with their purpose play,

Upon the lid he knocks.