Such
a calamity as this could never have happened under the Athenian
democracy: nay, even when the tyrant Pisistratus got possession of
that commonwealth, he durst not venture to rule with such absolute
and unjust dominion. You shall see now that Mr. Pickle and my
friend Pallet will fall a sacrifice to the tyranny of lawless power;
and, in my opinion, we shall be accessory to the ruin of this poor
enslaved people if we bestir ourselves in demanding or imploring
the release of our unhappy countrymen; as we may thereby prevent the
commission of a flagrant crime, which would fill up the vengeance
of Heaven against the perpetrators, and perhaps be the means of
restoring the whole nation to the unspeakable fruition of freedom.
For my own part, I should rejoice to see the blood of my father
spilt in such a glorious cause, provided such a victim would furnish
me with the opportunity of dissolving the chains of slavery, and
vindicating that liberty which is the birthright of man. Then would
my name be immortalised among the patriot heroes of antiquity, and
my memory, like that of Harmodius and Aristogiton, be honoured by
statues erected at the public expense.
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