Page:The Book of Nullification.djvu/19

 27. "Wherefore, O men of Charleston, be not wroth with me, for the work which was done by Thomas, for I am but an humble follower of his path; and if Nullification be evil in your sight, visit not the sin thereof upon my head."

28. And Robert the Nullifier said many words to the people, to blind their eyes to the error of his ways, and they held their peace, but their hearts were kindled against him, for they saw manifestly, that though his courage failed him, yet he repented not.

29. And they treasured up his words in their remembrance for a future day of reckoning, when he should be called to account for his stewardship.

30. And they were yet the more angry with Robert, because he laid his own sins at the door of Thomas, surnamed Jefferson, for the people knew that Thomas was a man without guile, and would not bow down before any Graven Image.

1. Now it came to pass that while the people hearkened to the speech of Robert the Nullifier, James, who is called "the Deluded," caused certain men privily to gather together the fragments of the graven image.

2. And he sent the same to John the conjurer, to be set together again by the power of his sorceries and enchantments; and he also sent messengers to John, to beseech him to hide the graven image until the hour should come wherein it could be elevated in the place that is called.

3. For that the men of Charleston were greatly wroth against, and would not bow down before it; but he trusted that they might be made to believe that was a good thing, and worthy of all praise.

4. So when Robert the Nullifier had seated himself again amongst the people at the great feast, James "the Deluded" sought to withdraw the eyes of men from the ruin which had overtaken Nullification, and he arose, and with a great shout uttered praises to the name of William the just, and to the other counsellors of the South.

5. And the people with one accord joined in the shout, for their hearts overflowed with love towards William the just, and towards a certain other William, who was a Senator from the provinces of the South.

6. And these were the counsellors to whose names the people gave praises, but the deeds of Robert the Nullifier were set apart in their hearts for the day of reckoning.

7. Then Langdon arose and spake in a loud voice to all the elders, and the rulers, and the wise men, and the people who were gathered together at the feast, and said:

8. "Ye men of Charleston! behold I have pitched my tent amongst you, for I heard when I was afar off, that ye were afflicted, and that