"We are determined no longer to let our families be imprisoned at the pleasure of the Lord Mayor and aldermen.
We mean to break open all the plague houses, and set free their inmates." "For Heaven's sake, consider what you are about, Mr.Barcroft," cried the grocer.

"My house has been closed for nearly a month.

Nay, as my son has entirely recovered, and received his certificate of health from Doctor Hodges, it would have been opened in three days hence by the officers; so that I have suffered all the inconvenience of the confinement, and can speak to it.

It is no doubt very irksome, and may be almost intolerable to persons of an impatient temperament: but I firmly believe it is the only means to check the progress of contagion.
Listen to me, Mr.Barcroft--listen to me, good friends, and hesitate before you violate laws which have been made expressly to meet this terrible emergency." Here he was checked by loud groans and upbraidings from the bystanders.
"He tells you himself that the period of his confinement is just over," cried Barcroft.

"It is plain he has no interest in the matter, except that he would have others suffer as he has done.