I had some things that I called mine —
And God, that he called his,
Till, recently a rival Claim
Disturbed these amities.

The property, my garden,
Which having sown with care,
He claims the pretty acre,
And sends a Bailiff there.

The station of the parties
Forbids publicity,
But Justice is sublimer
Than arms, or pedigree.

I’ll institute an “Action” —
I’ll vindicate the law —
Jove! Choose your counsel —
I retain “Shaw”!

-Emily Dickinson