Two boys were up for burglary, and crowded was the Court,

With half the town of Elkington, who came to see the sport.

For well they knew the Judge, whose heart was harder than a stone,

Who only dealt in justice—to whom mercy was unknown.

Oh! what a wondrous judge he was, no guilty e’er got free,

His instinct read between the lines what no one else could see,

And these two boys on whom he gazed with comprehensive stare,

Raised not their eyes to his stern face, for mercy was not there.

“No counsel, Judge,” the prosecutor said in careless way;

A case was just a case to him, who tried them every day.

“We’ll see to it,” the Judge replied, as often times before.

He had imposed the maximum—the law allowed no more.

The case was called, the jury boxed, when Juror No. 3

Said, “Judge, they have no counsel, and it seems unfair to me.

The Commonwealth has two shrewd men.” The Judge replied, “What two?”

And Juror No. 3 came back, “Why, Mr. Todd and you.”

“Let me correct you,” said the Judge, amid the courtroom din;

Then turning to the crier he said, “Keep order in the Court;

Now Mr. Todd, begin the case, the time is getting short.”

Just then a woman’s helpless cry fell on the Judge’s ear,

And both the lads within the dock were seen to shed a tear.

And Juror No. 3 stood up and said, “Where is the friend?

I call on Thee, Lord Jesus, the prisoners to defend.”

The Judge sat upright on the bench, a greater One than he

Was in the court to help the lads, summoned by Juror 3.

The case was tried and verdict found, “Guilty” the foreman said,

And not a juror disagreed—the Judge bowed low his head.

Then to the bar there came the man, whose house the lads had robbed.

Gazing on Juror No. 3, “Forgive them, Judge,” he sobbed.

“I forgive them as Our Master would, as I hope He’ll pardon me.”

And the light on the face of Juror 3 was wonderful to see.

And all eyes turned upon the bench; what would that stern Judge do?

His face was soft as baby’s smile; he had been born anew.

“You have sinned, my lads; go, sin no more!” Then he set them free,

And who shall say that Jesus was not Juror No. 3?