Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/103

 :—Take the muzzle off the starveling. What's your offense, Starveling?

(speaking in a broken voice):—Theft.


 * —How much did you steal?

from me. I had only time to bite a small piece of it. Forgive me, I will never again
 * —I stole a five-pound loaf, but it was wrested

Or won't you eat hereafter?
 * —How? Have you acquired an inheritance?

chewed off a small piece
 * —No. It was wrested from me. I only

haven't you been working?
 * —But how won't you steal? Why


 * —There's no work.

Why don't they support you?
 * —But where's your brood, Starveling?


 * —My children died of hunger.

as they?
 * —Why did you not starve to death,


 * —I don't know. I had a mind to live.


 * —Of what use is life to you, Starveling?

(Voices of Spectators.)

—Indeed, how do they live? I don't comprehend it.

—To work.

—To glorify God and be confirmed in the consciousness that life—

—Well, I don't suppose they exalt Him.

—It were better if he were dead.

—A rather wearisome old fellow. And what style of trousers!

—Listen! Listen!

(rising, speaks aloud):—Now, ladies and gentlemen, we will feign to meditate. Honorable judges, I beg you to simulate a meditative air.