Cohens v. Virginia

Strophe
From Richmond’s courts a challenge rose,
Virginia stood with iron hand:
“No higher voice may rule our cause,
No distant bench may shape this land.”

Antistrophe
But Union’s law was forged in fire,
Its voice one chorus, strong and clear;
The Constitution lifts us higher,
And binds the states when nations hear.

Epode
Thus Marshall spoke: the Court must see
All laws that flow from federal might;
For justice needs a single key,
To keep the Union’s compass right.