Harmonies (Howe collection)/Investigation
INVESTIGATION
There was a simple citizen
Who read the news each day,
And marvelled much that living men
Their trusts could so betray.
Who read the news each day,
And marvelled much that living men
Their trusts could so betray.
"Since all the world is steeped in sin,
Were it not well," quoth he,
"That some inquiries should begin
At home, like charity?"
Were it not well," quoth he,
"That some inquiries should begin
At home, like charity?"
And so this very simple man
Put questions to himself,
Though surely 't was a worn-out plan,
Fit for a dusty shelf.
Put questions to himself,
Though surely 't was a worn-out plan,
Fit for a dusty shelf.
He asked if he had ever bent
To custom's smug control,
And made—'t was so expedient—
Small rebates to his soul.
To custom's smug control,
And made—'t was so expedient—
Small rebates to his soul.
Then how before all-searching eyes
Would show his kindliest act?
In what preservatives and dyes
Were half his motives packed?
Would show his kindliest act?
In what preservatives and dyes
Were half his motives packed?
Honor like his stood so secure
That none could tempt it—still,
Had he, with specious, subtle lure,
Bribed never yet his will?
That none could tempt it—still,
Had he, with specious, subtle lure,
Bribed never yet his will?
Thus did the simple citizen
Probe in his private court:
The findings lie beyond our ken—
He's published no report.
Probe in his private court:
The findings lie beyond our ken—
He's published no report.