The Tables Turned - or, Nupkins Awakened. A Socialist Interlude by William Morris
page 41 of 63 (65%)
page 41 of 63 (65%)
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his responsibility for all these words and deeds. With the utmost
effrontery having pleaded "Not Guilty," he says, "I am a Socialist and a Revolutionist"!--Thus much, gentlemen, my duty compels me to lay before you as to the legal character of the evidence. But you must clearly understand that it rests with you and not with me to decide as to whether the evidence shows this man to be guilty. It is you, gentlemen of the Jury, who are responsible for the verdict, whatever it may be; and I must be permitted to add that letting this man loose upon society will be a very heavy responsibility for you to accept. [_The Jury consult: the noise outside increases_. _J. F_. (_Aside_; Hilloa! what _is_ going on? I begin to think there's a row up!) _Foreman of the Jury_. My lord, we are agreed upon our verdict. _J. N_. Do you find the prisoner at the bar "Guilty" or "Not Guilty"? _F. of J_. Guilty, my lord. _J. F_. Just _so_. _J. N_. Prisoner at the bar, you have been fairly tried and found guilty by a jury of your fellow-countrymen of two most serious offences--crimes, I should say. If I had not to pronounce sentence upon one whose conscience is seared and case-hardened to an unexampled degree, I might have some words to say to you. (_Aside_: And also if I didn't want to get out of this as quick as I can; for I'm sure there is some row going on.) As it is, I will add no words to my sentence. (_Aside_: I wish I |
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