"I eat when I am hungry, drink when I am thirsty, and have no other means of subsistence than chance throws in my way," replied the vagabond.
"Under whose laws do you live?"
"I acknowledge obedience to none, but as it suits my pleasure or my necessities," said the Bohemian.
"Who is your leader, and commands you?"
"The Father of our tribe – if I choose to obey him," said the guide – "otherwise I have no commander."
"You are then," said the wondering querist, "destitute of all that other men are combined by – you have no law, no leader, no settled means of subsistence, no house or home. You have, may Heaven compassionate you, no country – and, may Heaven enlighten and forgive you, you have no God! What is it that remains to you, deprived of government, domestic happiness, and religion?"
"I have liberty," said the Bohemian – "I crouch to no one – obey no one – respect no one. – I go where I will – live as I can – and die when my day comes."
"But you are subject to instant execution, at the pleasure of the Judge?"
"Be it so," returned the Bohemian; "I can but die so much the sooner."
"And to imprisonment also," said the Scot; "and where then is your boasted freedom?"