288 THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET. 



Its pump the lymph oblivious* pours, 



To drown despite and treason; 

 Its purer air at once restores 



To liberty and reason.! 



When erring virtue asks excuse, 



'T is free good-nature grants it, 

 And that which else would be abuse 



Is winked by laws of 'Sconset; 



And should your fault incur a grudge, 



Our courts]: you must attend, sir: 

 Your speaker 's conscience; reason, judge; 



Your jury is a friend, sir. 



This court guards well our dearest rights, 



And when the county owns it, 

 Lawyers will starve with all their wits, 



And curse the laws of 'Sconset. 



* Allusion to the ancient river Lethe, whose waters were said 

 to make oblivious all things that were past. The well at Siascon- 

 set is accordingly celebrated for a salubrious quality in its water. 

 The use of it so corrects the vicious humors of the body that it 

 really produces in the mind the disposition here suggested. 



I The flux and reflux of the tide operates as a continual venti- 

 lation to the place. 



J The legislature which has favored us with this useful code 

 of laws is composed of conscience, reason, and philanthropy. 

 No bribes prevent a strict administration of justice. The happy 

 era is not far distant in which this court, we hope, will give 

 laws to the universe. At that time priests and lawyers will be 

 but " drones of the church and harpies of the state.'' 



