He proved the same thing to the people at large by publishing this _Collection of the writings of the author of the True-Born Englishman_, but he accompanied the proof by a lively appeal to their sympathy under the title of _More Reformation, a Satire on himself_, a lament over his own folly which was calculated to bring pressure on the Government against prosecuting a man so innocent of public wrong.

When, in spite of his efforts, a conviction was recorded against him, he adopted a more defiant tone towards the Government.

He wrote the _Hymn to the Pillory_.

This daring effusion was hawked in the streets among the crowd that had assembled to witness his penance in the "hieroglyphic State-machine, Contrived to punish Fancy in." "Come," he cried, in the concluding lines-- "Tell 'em the M---- that placed him here Are Sc----ls to the times, Are at a loss to find his guilt, And can't commit his crimes." "M----" stands for Men, and "Sc---- ls" for Scandals.

Defoe delighted in this odd use of methods of reserve, more common in his time than in ours.
The dauntless courage of Defoe's _Hymn to the Pillory_ can only be properly appreciated when we remember with what savage outrage it was the custom of the mob to treat those who were thus exposed to make a London holiday.