The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest / The writings of philosophers, poets, novelists, social reformers, and others who have voiced the struggle against social injustice; selected from twenty-five languages; covering a period of five thousand years

by Unknown

Death:—Condemned—in the name of Satan!

King Hunger (rising, speaks aloud, extending his hands to the woman, as if veiling her in an invisible, black shroud):— You’re condemned, woman, do you hear? Death awaits you. In blackest hell you will be tormented and burnt on everlasting, slakeless fires! Devils will rack your heart with their iron talons! The most venomous serpents of the infernal abyss will suck your brain and sting, sting you, and nobody will heed your agonizing cries, for you’ll be silenced. Let eternal night be over you. Do you hear, Starveling?

Young Woman:—Yes.

King Hunger:—Muzzle her.

(The starveling is led away. King Hunger addresses the spectators in a frank and joyous manner.) Now, ladies and gentlemen, I propose recess for luncheon. Adjudication is a fatiguing affair, and we need to invigorate ourselves. (Gallantly.) Especially our charming matrons and the young ladies. Please!

(Joyful exclamations.)

—To dine! To dine!

—’Tis about time!

—Mamma dear, where are the bonbons?

—Your little mind is only on bonbons!