e a few honest men on that jury. They knew that
Augustine E. Costello was not guilty of the crime trumped up
against him. They knew I was not guilty. Mr. Anderson, sitting
there, knows that I am not a felon, but that I am an honest
man; that as such I stand here in this dock, where Robert
Emmett stood, where Robert Emmett spoke from; and the actions
and the words of that Emmett have immortalized him, and he now
lies embalmed in the hearts of the world.

The LORD CHIEF BARON--I cannot allow you to proceed in that
strain.

COSTELLO--I can say to those assembled here, and who are now
listening to me, that I stand here, branded, as I am, a felon,
but with a clear conscience. No one can point the finger of
scorn against me, and say I have sold my brother and committed
perjury. Can every man in this court house lay his hand on his
heart and say the same? Answer me, Mr. Anderson. Answer me,
Governor Price.

The LORD CHIEF BARON--You are again transgressing. You had
better stop for a moment or two; you seem to be excited.

COSTELLO--My lord, as you truly remark. I have allowed my
feelings to run away with my discretion; but it is hard for
a man to stand here, satisfied as I am of innocence, knowing
full well that I have committed no wrong; it is hard for a
man in the bloom of youth, when the world looks fair and
prosperous to him--when all he loves is in that world--it is
hard that a man should be torn from it, and incarcerated in a
living tomb. My lords, I am an humble individual; I claim no
rights but the rights that emanated from a Godhead--the rights
that were given to me at the hour of my birth. That right is
my inalienable liberty, and that no government, no people,
has a right to take from me. I am perfectly satisfied to stand
before a British tribunal to answer for acts or words of mine,
if I break any of the laws of the country; but, my lords,
you must admit that I have transgressed no law. His lordship,
Judge Keogh--I must now candidly admit that I have heard
a great deal about that gentle nan that was not at all
complimentary to him--but I say for myself that his lordship,
Judge Keogh has dealt with me in the fairest manner he could
have done. I have nothing to say against the administration of
the law, as laid down by you; but I say a people who boast of