AN ULSTERMAN FOR IRELAND
all, then I suppose I must still remain in custody till the Government people, on some one of the three cases, pack a jury to their mind. For what is the use of a Queen's Bench, or a Government, if it cannot crush the miscreant who says one Peasant's life is equal to one Peer's.
Now, before undergoing any of my trials—while T have still the use of pen and paper—I wish to say to you that I am more than ever convinced the way I have been taking is the true and only way to deal with the "Government," to right the wrongs of the working-men, and to achieve liberty for our country. Let the plain truth be told, the plain truth be acted, felony or no felony. Let Irishmen, north and south, reflect upon that maxim:—The Life of one Peasant is equal to the Life of one Peer; and follow it out to its consequences, whithersoever it may lead, be that through prisons, or anarchy, or reigns of terror, or rivers of blood;—and, above all things, remember, that no good thing can come from the English Parliament or the English Government.
For me, I abide my fate joyfully; for I know that whatever betide me, my work is nearly done. Yes; Moral Force, and "Patience and Perseverance," are scattered to the wild winds of Heaven. The music my countrymen now love best to hear, is the rattle of arms and the ring of the rifle. As I sit here, and write in my lonely cell, I hear, just dying away, the measured tramp of ten thousand marching men—my gallant Confederates, unarmed and silent, but with hearts like bended bow, waiting till the time comes. They have marched past my prison windows to
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