Who is the Thief?

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1502, 24 October 1885, Page 5

Who is the Thief?

Is it he whose failing vitals, Stinted of their needful food, Dim his moral eyes' discernment "I w i.xt the evil and the good— Who, to still his wailing children's Hungry clamoring for more, Steals a loaf or some such trifle When the wolf is at the door? And must he be dragged to a dungeon away, Who has nothing remaining to pawn or to pay, Is it he, the low-browed creature, With the undeveloped mind ; Small of brain and fierce of featureScarce a thing of human kind— Who, with stern and savage aspect, Threatening pistol-shot or knife, On tlie highway intercepts you For " your money or your life ?" Is this the true type of the thief of to-day ? And is this form of robbery likely to pay ?

No ! 'tis he, the well-fed rascal With the hypocntic smile— Breathing cant and pious precept, Versed in every crafty wile ; Debt on debt incessant piling (To the struggling tradesman's grief), Then within the bankrupt's haven From bis burden f-eeks relief ! Yrur bolts and your bars may keep burglars aw ay, But how can you cope with I he. thuf who won't )>ay? J.B.H. (Duuedin)