without sufficient reasons--what affection should I have for
England? You cannot stamp out the instincts that are in the
breast of man--man will be man to the end of time--the very
worm you tread upon will turn upon your feet. If I remained in
this country till I descended to the grave, I would remain in
obscurity and poverty. I left Ireland, not because I disliked
the country--I love Ireland as I lovs myself--I left Ireland
for the very good and cogent reason that I could not live in
Ireland. But why could I not live here? I must not say; that
would be trespassing. I must not mention why I was forced to
leave Ireland--why I am now placed in this dock. Think you,
my lords, that I would injure a living being--that I would,
of my own free accord, willingly touch a hair upon the head
of any man? No, my lords; far would it be from me; but that
government which has left our people in misery--

The LORD CHIEF BARON--I cannot allow you to trespass on
political grievances.

COSTELLO--I am afraid I am occupying the time of the court
too much, but really a man placed in such a position as I now
occupy, finds it necessary to make a few observations. I know
it savours of a great deal that is bad and foul to be mixed
up with Fenian rebels, assassins, and cut-throats. It is
very bad; it is not a very good recommendation for a young
man. Even were that fact proved home to me--that I were a
Fenian--no act of mine has ever thrown dishonour on the name.
I know not what Fenian means. I am an Irishman, and that is
all-sufficient.