Gentlemen of the jury, listen to
The verdict as recorded by the court
The prisoner at the bar is therein found
For crime committed--and that has been proven--
Guilty of murder in the second degree.
So say you, Mister Foreman? So say all?

FOREMAN AND JURY.
All (_bowing_).


JUDGE BOLTON.
A righteous verdict this, and yet a sad one
A fellow-being banished from our midst,
To pass his days in utter loneliness
Prisoner you've heard the verdict. Have you aught
To say why sentence should not now be passed?
Speak; you may have the opportunity.

LANGDON _counsel for the prisoner, confers
with him then addresses the_ JUDGE.

LANGDON
He cannot speak; his heart o'erpowers his tongue;
The tide of grief seeps all his strength away,
As rising waters drown the sinking boat.
And he entreats that I would say for him,
The court permitting me, a few last words.