Retarding what we see
By obstacles of swarthy gold
And amber mystery－
(F.1644/J.1609)
[1] Sunset:: the sunset law in 1839, closing the poll before sunset.
[2] Retarding:: restriction, unconstitutional from the view of some voters, a kind of qualification; a result of screening.
[3] menaces:: threats, evil intentions. One of the reasons for the law was to avoid riots in the night time. Amethyst:: purple, a color of blood.
[4] Moats of Mystery:: trenches to fortify a castle; ways to protect the poll containing mystery result of an election.
The celebrated sunset law of 1839. So much of the second section of that law, as relates to closing the poll before sunset, was expressly repealed March 24th, 1843, and the third section was rendered inoperative by the act of 1844. Some have argued, that the sunset law was unconstitutional, others, that it was merely directory to the selectmen. It has been said, that, as the constitution allows the whole day for the choice of a representative, it includes, of course, the time between sunset and twelve o'clock at night, and that the legislature does not possess the power to alter it. Those who considered that law as mandatory merely to the selectmen, admitted that it was a good regulation for the accommodation of aged and infirm voters, and for preventing riots and disturbances, in the night time; ─ Reports Of Controverted Elections (1853)