John Greenleaf Whittier

“ No warrant is good, though backed by the Crown,
For whipping women in Salisbury town...."
The Quakers sank on their knees in praise
And thanks. A last, low sunset blaze
Flashed out from under a cloud and shed
A golden glory on each bowed head.
The tale is one of an evil time,
When souls were fettered and thought was crime,
And heresy's whisper above its breath
Meant shameful scourging and bonds and death! ”

“ The Salisbury constable dropped his whip.
"This warrant means murder foul and red;
Cursed is he who serves it," he said.
"Show me the order, and meanwhile strike
A blow at your peril!" said Justice Pike.
Of all the rulers the land possessed,
Wisest and boldest was he and best....
He read the warrant: "'These convey
From our precincts; at every town on the way
Give each ten lashes.' God judge the brute! ”