The Slave King

There sits the kin! His throne rcsts on human skulls, bullel-brcken. In his right hand, he has a grent whip. His face is fierce and nflnmed. Ples ofchains and pistols support hito on either hand, as he shifts unoasily from side to sidc. A heapot'iron gngs are behind hiai. The democratie leaders prostrate themselves hefore him. A tahle stands in the centre of the hall, covered with bags of gold, and scrolls of parchmentsealed with the emblem of liberty- the legend, 'Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God." Il is guardod by a slave-breeder from the eastern shore of Virginia. - Another table occupies an obscure corner, and under il are strewn files and fragmenta of paper, on which is written "Pelition for the repeal of the 2lst Rule." "Remonstrnnce againát the Ajnerican slave trade." The king'a negro hounds have made their nest in them. An old man enters. He glances with a look of unfeigned compassion at the crowd jf worshippcr?, and steers straight to the table in the corner. He drives away the dogs, and reverently galhers up the papers, numbering them, and placing them in a sack ; and with one in his hand, and the sack under his arm, he stands erect before the enthroned monster, and reads aloud. The lyrarit starts, flourishes his whip, roars, foams, and then falls back, p?inting, upon the heap ofgags. Mcanwhile, several ot the worshippers seize the old rnan, teur liim from the sack, and throw it again under the table; while a worshipper IVom New Harnpshire, and a stout slave driver trom Ciirulin;, take one of the iron gags and fnree it into his mouth, bracingtheir hoi agaiuct his venerable person. Thcjr)rtd the cords round his white locks and j trive to tie them íirm. The oíd man i sts noi, bul he still clutches ihc peíiüon; nil as soon as thd worsiiippers are oíf his ack, and he is able to me, he holds up the wriling before the ivrani's eyes.