Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/105

 —Crimes of infanticide were not regarded as such in ancient times, and were looked upon as a natural right of parents. Only with the introduction of humanism into our customs

—Oh, please, just a second, professor.

—But science, my child


 * —Tell us, Starveling, how it happened.

(With drooping hands and motionless, the woman speaks up dully and dispassionately.)

the long bridge over the river. And since I had long before decided, so then approaching the middle, where the river is deep and swift, I said: "Look, baby dear, how the water is a-roaring below." She said, "I can't reach, mamma, the railing is so high." I said, "Come, let me lift you, baby dear." And when she was gazing down into the black deep, I threw her over. That's all.
 * —One night my baby and I crossed


 * —Did she grip you?


 * —No.


 * —She screamed?


 * —Yes, once.


 * —What was her name?


 * —Baby dear.


 * —No, her name. How was she called?


 * —Baby dear.

(covering his face, he speaks in sad, quivering voice):—Honorable judges, I beg you to simulate a meditative air. (The judges knit their brows, gaze on the ceiling, chew their lips. Venerable silence. Then they rise and gravely bow to Death.)


 * —Condemned—in the name of Satan!

(rising, speaks aloud, extending his hands to the woman, as if veiling her in an invisible, black shroud):—*