Mr. Justice N. ( who has made an elaborate show of composing himself to slumber since the counsel began, here wakes up and cries out ) Arrest that man, officer; I will commit him, and give him the heaviest punishment that the law allows of.
[ The Usher dives among the audience amidst great confusion, but comes back empty-handed.
J. N. A most dangerous disturbance! A most dangerous disturbance!
Mr. H. Gentlemen of the Jury, in confirmation of my remarks on the spirit that is abroad, I call your attention to the riot which has just taken place, endangering, I doubt not, the life of his lordship, and your own lives, gentlemen, so valuable to—to—to—in short, to yourselves. Need I point out to you at any length, then, the danger of allowing criminals, offenders against the sacred rights of property, to go at large? This incident speaks for me, and I have now nothing to do but let the witnesses speak for themselves. Gentlemen of the Jury, I do not ask you to convict on insufficient evidence; but I do ask you not to be swayed by any false sentiment bearing reference to the so-called smallness of the offence, or the poverty of the offender. The law is made for the poor as well as for the rich, for the rich as well as for the poor. The poor man has no more right to shelter himself behind his poverty, than the rich man behind his riches. In short, gentlemen of the Jury, what I ask you in all confidence to do, is to do justice and fear not.—I call Sergeant Sticktoit.
[ Sergeant Sticktoit sworn.
Mr. H. Well, sergeant, you saw this woman steal the loaves?
Sticktoit. Yes, sir.
Mr. H. All of them?
St. Yes, all.
Mr. H. From different shops, or from one?