I<\/b>
\nWe start with God (or Gods, or none)
\nThen speech and press, assembling:
\nThe ways and means that anyone
\nCan ask for change to anything.<\/p>\n
II<\/b>
\nBut might makes right, or helps it thrive
\nAgainst the worst ill wishers.
\nSo guns can keep the State alive
\nIn well-regulated Militias.<\/p>\n
III<\/b>
\nThe homely castle where you live
\nAffords no soldier boarder.
\nThe third amendment lets you give
\nNew meaning to “No quarter!”<\/p>\n
IV<\/b>
\nYour property and self are your own
\nAnd none may search or take them
\nUnless probable cause can be shown
\nAnd warrants evidence make them.<\/p>\n
V<\/b>
\nDue process of law is next in our reach
\nAs part of the health of the nation.
\nTrials are needed, and only one each
\nWithout any self incrimination.<\/p>\n
VI<\/b>
\nIn criminal trials, a jury must sit
\nAnd witnesses be openly heard.
\nCounsel assists, and the state will commit
\nTo compel defence witnesses’ word.<\/p>\n
VII<\/b>
\nWhere common law suits are tried
\nAnd sums are more than a score
\nA jury request cannot be denied
\nNor appeals their findings ignore.<\/p>\n
VIII<\/b>
\nExcessive bail shall not be imposed
\nLest poverty tyranny fuel.
\nAnd punishments, however composed,
\nShould not be unusual or cruel.<\/p>\n
IX<\/b>
\nNaming rights here does not deny
\nThat for the people others exist.
\nAnd inclusion herein does not imply
\nDisparagement to the ones missed.<\/p>\n
X<\/b>
\nOur Federal nation is made of States
\nTo whom other powers are reserved.
\nThe People as well, in any debates,
\nMust have their control preserved.<\/p>\n
Originally posted on Making Light<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I We start with God (or Gods, or none) Then speech and press, assembling: The ways and means that anyone Can ask for change to anything. II But might makes right, or helps it thrive Against the worst ill wishers. So guns can keep the State alive In well-regulated Militias. III The homely castle where … Continue reading The Bill of Rights, in Quatrains<\/span>