Poetry · Chapter
Over the Border explained
The narrator addresses Justice, personified as a fugitive who has fled to Mexico to escape persecution from Law, Religion, the Press, Politics, and Morals.
What happens
The narrator addresses Justice, personified as a fugitive who has fled to Mexico to escape persecution from Law, Religion, the Press, Politics, and Morals. The poem contrasts Justice's fate with that of Haman, who was hanged, and references Daniel Burns languishing in a Mexican prison.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
Justice is personified as a fugitive fleeing persecution, highlighting the failure of earthly institutions to uphold true justice.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Law, Religion, the Press, Politics, and Morals are all depicted as hostile to Justice, suggesting systemic hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Creed Haymond
Mentioned as a living contrast to the hanged Haman, implying Haymond's own guilt or corruption.
- Unknown
The speaker who laments the flight of Justice and comments on the state of society.
Key passages
“O, justice, you have fled, to dwell In Mexico, unstrangled, Lest you should hang as high as—well, As Haman dangled.”
Justice has escaped to Mexico to avoid being hanged like Haman.
The narrator uses the biblical story of Haman to underscore the threat Justice faces.
“’Tis hard to think of Haman hanged, And Haymond living.”
It is difficult to accept that Haman was executed while Creed Haymond remains alive.
Contrasts the punishment of a biblical villain with the impunity of a contemporary figure.
“For Daniel Burns down there his chain Drags round in prison.”
Daniel Burns is imprisoned in Mexico, dragging his chains.
Illustrates the grim reality of those who fall afoul of the law in Mexico.