A True Hero | Page 8

must either be quickly driven out again, or our
country will be no fit place for honest men."
Once more the jury were locked up, without food, fire, or water; but
they were Englishmen to the backbone, and were ready to die in the
cause of civil freedom, rather than play traitors to their own
convictions.
On Monday the court again sat. Each juror was separately questioned,
and one and all pronounced "Not guilty." The Recorder on this fined

them forty marks a man, and imprisonment in Newgate till the fines
were paid. Penn and Mead were fined in the same way, the Recorder
crying out, "Put him out of court! Take him away!"
"`Take him away!'" exclaimed Penn. "Whenever I urge the fundamental
laws of England, `Take him away!' is their answer; but no wonder,
since the Spanish Inquisition sits so near the Recorder's heart."
Both prisoners and jurors were carried off to Newgate, refusing to pay
the fines: Penn and Mead as a case of conscience; while Bushel advised
his fellow-jurors to dispute the matter. The jurors were committed to
prison on the 5th of September, and it was not till the 9th of November
that the trial came on. Learned counsel were engaged for their defence;
Newdegate, one of them, arguing that the judges may try to open the
eyes of the jurors, but not to "lead them by the nose." Christison and his
son were present. "I had hoped to spend some years in my native land,
and renew the friendship I formed in my youth," observed the former;
"but I tell thee, Wenlock, if this trial goes against those twelve honest
men, I will forswear my country, and go and seek thy fortune and mine
in some other land, where knaves do not, as here, `rule the roost.'"
When, however, the twelve judges gave an almost unanimous verdict in
favour of the jurymen, Christison agreed that, after all, there were more
honest men in the country than he had feared was the case.
To return, however, to William Penn and Mead. They were remanded
to Newgate, refusing to pay the fines imposed on them, as a matter of
conscience. Without difficulty, Christison and Wenlock obtained
admittance to them. "Truly, friends, you are hardly dealt with," said the
former, as he shook hands. "We had tyrannical proceedings enough in
the time of the first Charles, but it seems to me that we are even worse
off now. I would that I could collect a band of honest fellows and
rescue you out of this vile den."
"I pray thee, be silent, dear friend," said Mead. "We are here for
conscience sake; and our consciences being right towards God, would
support us under far greater trial."
"Well, well, I suppose you are right," answered Christison; "but it

sorely troubles me to see you here. I came back to England,
understanding that the country was enjoying rest, and prospering under
the new reign; but it seems to me that the rest is more that of wearied
sleep than prosperous tranquillity, and that ere long the people will
revive, and will once more draw the sword to reassert their rights."
"I pray not," said Mead; "but I do pray that those principles which I
have unfolded to thee, old friend, may be promulgated throughout the
length and breadth of England; as it is through them, and them only,
that the country can obtain true rest, and prosper as a Christian people
would desire."
Two days after this, the prisoners were pacing their cell, talking
earnestly on matters seldom discussed within prison walls, when the
turnkey entered.
"Gentlemen," he said, "I bring you news such as may perhaps be
satisfactory. Your fines have been paid, and you are at liberty to depart
from hence. I trust you will not forget the attention and courtesy with
which I have treated you!"
"Verily, knave!" exclaimed Mead, laughing as Quakers were not wont
to laugh, "thou ought to go to Court and push thy fortune there. I would
willingly pay thee for all the attention thou hast shown us, but I fear
thou wouldst not be satisfied with the payment. If I give thee more than
thy deserts, thou wilt be better pleased. Here, take this groat. Art thou
satisfied?"
The turnkey made a wry face, and Mead followed Penn, who had
hurried out, anxious to be free from the prison. On the outside they met
Christison and Wenlock, with several other friends, waiting for them.
Penn hastened to his lodgings to change his dress, requesting Mead to
order horses directly, that he might proceed down to his father.
"Come," said Mead to his old comrade; "many days have passed since I
gave thee an invitation to my abode; but as I have not since