U 108 | 46. Candid culprit. The Viceroy of Naples, passing through Barcelona and having obtained leave to release some slaves, went on board the Galley, in which they were confined. Passing through the crew of slaves, he asked several of them what their offences were 7 Every one excused himself upon various pretences; one said, he was confined out of malice, another through the corruption of the judge, while no one acknowledged the justice of his sentence. But one little black man whom the duke questioned as to the reason of his being there said, “My Lord,” “I cannot deny I am justly confined here, sor I wanted money, and stole a purse near Tarragona, to keep me from straving.” The Viceroy on hearing this, gave him two or three strokes on the shoulder with his stick, saying, “You rogue, what are you doing among so many honest, innocent men 2 Get out of their company.” Having said this, he released the slave, while the rest were left in slavery. t
