Mackshane’s Accusations Against Morgan
Doctor Mackshane steps forward to accuse Morgan after clearing his throat with a prolonged hem. Morgan greets him by calling on God to judge between them, but Mackshane ignores this appeal. He announces that Morgan has spoken disrespectful words against Captain Oakum, whom he describes as the most honorable and generous commander in the king’s service. Mackshane presents this as his sole allegation, claiming that information has reached him of Morgan’s disloyalty. Oakum immediately interjects that such disrespect constitutes mutiny, punishable by death under the articles of war, and orders witnesses to be called.
Corrupt Witnesses Testify Against Morgan
The testimony against Morgan comes from witnesses who have been seduced and tutored by Mackshane for the purpose. Mackshane’s servant testifies that Morgan, descending the cockpit-ladder, called the captain a savage beast and said he ought to be hunted down as an enemy to mankind. The clerk interprets this as strong presumption of a design against the captain’s life, presupposing malice aforethought. A boy from their mess confirms that Morgan called the captain a bear and the surgeon an ass. A sentinel testifies that Morgan prophesied Oakum and Mackshane would “toss upon billows of burning brimstone in hell” for their cruelty. The clerk claims this proves Morgan planned to kill them before they could repent.
Morgan Defends His Metaphorical Insults
When confronted with the testimonies, Morgan acknowledges the words but denies their malicious interpretation. He explains that he spoke by metaphor, parable, comparison, and types, using figures of speech as people traditionally do. He compares his language to how one signifies meekness by a lamb, lechery by a goat, and craftiness by a fox. By the same principle, he likens ignorance to an ass, brutality to a bear, and fury to a tiger. Morgan insists he spoke these words before God and will not unsay them before man, asserting his right to express his sentiments through figurative language rather than literal accusations. Oakum considers this defence insolence and orders Morgan back to confinement.
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