As wild and callous as you are,
by rights
You should be banished outside to the ditch,
To pay your pen-ance in disturbing nights,
Expecting to be rescued by some witch
In morbid need of a familiar friend
With wicked eyes and automatic claws;
A master with few fineries to mend,
And less respect for civilizing laws.

And, child to Him who furnished flocks of quail
Until the sons of Israel grew sick,
Some part of me delights to countervail,
To see you suffer for your latest trick;
Some part which would enjoy your punishment,
   But for those pleading eyes, when you repent.