The Verdict

    "An inquisition taken for the people
    Of the State of Illinois here at LeRoy,
    County aforesaid, on the 7th of August,
    Anna Domini, nineteen hundred nineteen,
    Before me, William Merival, coroner
    For the said County, viewing here the body
    Of Elenor Murray lying dead, upon
    The oath of six good lawful men, the same
    Of the said County, being duly sworn
    To inquire for the said people into all
    The circumstances of her death, the said
    Elenor Murray, and by whom the same
    Was brought about, and in what manner, when,
    And where she came to death, do say upon
    Their oaths, that Elenor Murray lying dead
    In the office of the coroner at LeRoy
    Came to her death on August 7th aforesaid
    Upon the east shore of the Illinois River
    A mile above Starved Rock, from syncope,
    While in the company of Barrett Bays,
    Who held her in his arms when she was seized,
    And should have laid her down when she was seized
    To give her heart a chance to resume its beat."

    *        *        *        *        *

    The jury signed the verdict and arose
    And said good-night to Merival, went their way.
    Next day the coroner went to Madison
    To look on Arielle, who had written him.