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The rope was removed and a chain brought
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and securely coiled around the victim and the stake
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There he stood, a man only in form and stature
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His eyes were full and vacant,
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indicating not a single ray of thought
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Fuel was brought from everywhere; oil, the torch,
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the flames crouched for an instant as though to gather strength,
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then leaped up as high as the victim's head
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He squirmed, he writhed, he strained at his chains,
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then gave out cries and groans that I shall always hear
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rolled from side to side, appealing in vain for help
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I was fixed to the spot where I stood,