was passed. Here was an opportunity for Mr. Tilak to withdraw his remarks or express regret for hi& conduct and attitude. But his spirit was unbending ; his cause was sacred and invincible. " In a solemn and piercing tone " he uttered the following words which deserve to be written in letters of gold : —
All I wish to say is that in spite of the verdict of the Jury, I maintain that I am innocent. There are higher Powers that rule the desti- nies of things ; and it may be the will of the Providence that the cause which I represent may prosper more by my sufferings than by my remaining free."
Let us compare these words with those of the Judge, when he sentenced the accused to six years* Transportation (three years on each charge of sedition) to which a fine of Rs. i,ooo (on the third charge) was added: — "It is my painful duty to pass sentence upon you. I cannot tell you how painful it is to me to see you in this position. You are a man of undoubted talents and great power and influence. Those talents and that influence, if used for the good of your country, would have been instrumental in bringing about a great deal of happiness for those very people whose cause you espouse. Ten years ago you were convicted and the Court dealt most leniently with you and the Crown dealt still more kindly with you. * * * It seems to me that it must be a diseased mind, a most perverted intellect, that could say that the articles, which you have written are legitimate weapons in political agitation. They are seething with sedition, they preach violence ; they speak ol
