Back in Europe, the Pope condemns the Rights of Man, the Declaration of which was passed by the National Assembly in 1789, and which has subsequently taken on the aspect of a political manifesto, as a sin. News as well as revolutionary ideas now reach the streets almost at once via the printing press and pamphleteering, and no edict of any kind can hold the latter back. The Priest (from a pulpit), the Troublemaker, and various others vent their anger at the Pope’s attempted intervention, and vow to continue to strive for the universal application of the Rights of Man regardless of this new sanction.
RINGMASTER Trade winds Buffeting the sweet molasses smoke of burning cane Push, swelling East the spreading ripples of unrest Back to Europe and the rain The Holy See safe on Tiber’s shore Surveys the flotsam on the tide Ignores the cries of drowning men and Passes on the other side