Alexander Pope on Law
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βCurse on all laws but those which love has made.β
βAll, look up with reverential awe, At crimes that 'scape, or triumph o'er the law.β
βMark what unvary'd laws preserve each state, Laws wise as Nature, and as fixed as Fate.β
βPiecemeal they win this acre first then, that, Glean on, and gather up the whole estate.β
βOnce (says an Author; where, I need not say) Two Trav'lers found an Oyster in their way; Both fierce, both hungry; the dispute grew strong, While Scale in hand Dame Justice pass'd along. Before her each with clamour pleads the Laws. Explain'd the matter, and would win the cause, Dame Justice weighing long the doubtful Right, Takes, open, swallows it, before their sight. The cause of strife removed so rarely well, "There take" (says Justice), "take ye each a shell. We thrive at Westminster on Fools like you: 'Twas a fat oysterβlive in peaceβAdieu."β
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