John Ball. I am John Ball; but I am not a rebel. Take ye the name, who, arrogant in strength, Rebel against the people's sovereignty. Sir John. John Ball, you are accused of stirring up The poor deluded people to rebellion, Not having the fear of God and of the king Before your eyes; of preaching up strange notions, Heretical and treasonous, such as saying That kings have not a right from Heaven to govern; Ay, and the sacred rights of property, Are evil and oppressive. Plead you guilty John Ball. If it be guilt To preach what you are pleased to call strange notions, That all mankind as brethren must be equal; That privileged orders of society Are evil and oppressive; that the right Of property is a juggle to deceive The poor, whom you oppress, I plead me guilty. Sir John. It is against the custom of this court That the prisoner should plead guilty. John Ball. Why, then, put you The needless question? Sir Judge, let me save The vain and empty insult of a trial: What I have done, that I dare justify. Sir John. Did you not tell the mob they were oppressed, And preach upon the equality of man, With evil intent, thereby to stir them up John Ball. That I told them That all mankind are equal, is most true: [earth O'erflow with plenty, while the poor man starves? And there will be a time when this great truth Sir John. Audacious rebel! How darest thou insult this sacred court, John Ball. Tell me, Sir Judge, What does the government avail the peasant? Would not he plough his field, and sow the corn, Ay, and in peace enjoy the harvest too, Would not the sun shine, and the dews descend, Though neither king nor parliament existed? Do your court politics aught matter him? Would he be warring even unto death With his French neighbors? Charles and Richard contend; The people fight and suffer. Think ye, sirs, King. Of stirring up the people to rebellion, And preaching to them strange and dangerous doctrines; And whereas your behavior to the court The city gates, - a terrible example: And the Lord God have mercy on your soul! John Ball. Why, be it so. I can smile at your vengeance, For I am armed with rectitude of soul. The truth, which all my life I have divulged, The rays of truth shall emanate around, And the whole world be lighted. Drag him hence! King. Away with him to death! Order the troops Now to give quarter, and make prisoners; Let the blood-reeking sword of war be sheathed, That the law may take vengeance on the rebels. POEMS CONCERNING THE SLAVE TRADE. SONNET I. -- HOLD your mad hands! For ever on your plain SONNET II. WHY dost thou beat thy breast, and rend thine hair, And to the deaf sea pour thy frantic cries? Before the gale, the laden vessel flies; |