Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 10.pdf/129

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THE BIRTH OF THE LAW. By John Albert Macy.

"D EAD here the tale of how the Law grew up.— Ages agone in a primeval wood Two primitive child-men fought 'neath the shade. From dawn to eve they struggled and then sank Exhausted on the turf. They lay there prone. And when night fell, a third strode through the glade Singing of her for whom the twain had fought; Whereat the twain rose up and murdered him, And shook each other's hand. " I swear," cried each, "That since I fear to die, whom thou wouldst kill, And thou whom my soul hates, wouldst also live, I swear to harm thee not, but to defend thee Against a common foe; and she for whom We match our arms shall choose between us, fair. Then if I win, thou guard our bridal hut, And if thou art the man, thee I'll protect." So did the rivals clasp their hostile hands; And from the treaty grew the laws of murder, Not because Right is Right, but men thus found That two are stronger against Death than one,— Read here the tale of how the Law grew up.


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