Have a care, brother Burroughs!
Do you know Sir—do you know that, if this man be not allowed to say what he has to say on oath, less credit will be given to what he says?
Can’t help that Sir.—Such is the law.
Judges—judges—do ye hear that?—can this be the law? Will you give the sanction of oaths to whatever may be said here against life?—and refuse their sanction to whatever may be said for life? Can such be the law?
The judges consulted together and agreed that such was the law, the law of the mother-country and therefore the law of colonies.
Of a truth, said Burroughs, in reply; of a truth, I can perceive now why it is, if a man appear to testify in favor of human life that he is regarded as a witness against the crown.—God help such crowns, I say!
Brother!—dear brother!
God help such crowns, I say! What an idea of kingship it gives! What a fearful commentary on the guardianship of monarchs! How much it says in a word or two of their fatherly care! He who is for the subject, even though a life be at stake, is therefore against the king!
Beware of that Sir.—You are on the very threshold of treason.
Be it so.—If there is no other way, I will step over that threshold—.