Classic Poem

Thou, Nemesis, whom the old Greeks did name
Sternest of all who claimed their vow and prayer,
Pleased by no gifts, choosing thine altars bare
Till he who gave should cleanse himself from blame,
Thou ceased pursuit when restitution came,
And turned thine eyes' grave searching otherwhere,
While the light-bosomed wretch, free of thy care,
Felt his heart leap with joy no past could tame.
But we of our day own a bitterer fate,—
(Who would not justice, even if justice slay?)—
For scarce man knoweth if he violate
Our goddess' bidding till her reckoning-day;
Then slowly he perceiveth his estate:
Not he alone, but heirs unborn must pay.