The
Quality of Mercy
(on the
presidential pardons of Clinton's last days in office)
An earthly power is most like unto God's,
So Shakespeare said, when Mercy seasons Justice.
But present circumstances are at odds
And call to question if this claim just is.
If presidential pardons are the gift
Of God (and every gift of God is free)
And spirits out of condemnation lift,
Then why is Mercy purchased for a fee?
If it should drop from Heav'n as gentle rain,
Why should this sordid harvest come about
Where, as Nero's preceder did complain:
All poisons lurking in the earth, hatch out?
Rotten republic, who taught thee to lie
In ever thickening presidential plot,
Where business buys the statesman, statesmen buy
The law, in machinations misbegot?
The parting pair, however, share no blame!
As innocent as ignorant white doves!
This saying sage should shield their souls from shame:
"The right hand knows not what the left hand does!"
So think on this when scandal looms afresh:
The presidential two are but one flesh!
Feb. 26,
2001
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