Terrance has had what in vulgar
parlance is termed a "tough time" with several of his own stubborn
negroes; and having already heard a deal about this very bad case,
is prepared to proclaim him fit only to be hanged. His honour
reminds Terrance that such remarks from a juror are neither strictly
legal nor in place.
The first witness called is Toby, a slave of Terrance M'Quade, who
has worked in the same shop with Nicholas. Toby heard him say he got
his larnin' when he was young,--that his heart burned for his
freedom-that he knew he was no slave by right-that some day would
see him a great man; that if all those poor wretches now in slavery
knew as much as he did, they would rise up, have their liberties,
and proclaim justice without appealing to heaven for it!-"
"I said all that, and more!" interrupted the criminal bondman,
rising quickly to his feet, and surveying those around him with a
frown of contempt.
"Silence! sit down!" resounds from the officer.
He will sit down, but they cannot quench the fires of his soul; they
may deny him the commonest right of his manhood, but they cannot
take from him the knowledge that God gave him those rights; they may
mock with derision the firm mien with which he disputes the power of
his oppressors, and their unjust laws, but they cannot make him less
than a man in his own feelings!
His honour, squire Fetter, reminds him that it were better he said
nothing, sit down,--or be punished instanter. Turning to Felsh, who
is sipping his quencher, he enquires what that gentleman means to
prove by the witness Toby?
"His intention to raise an insurrection, yer honour!" Felsh, setting
his glass aside, quickly responds, wiping his lips as he adds, "It
is essentially necessary, yer honour!"
His honour, leaning forward, places the fore-finger of his right
hand to his lip, and making a very learned gesture, says, "Toby has
said enough to establish that point.
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