“’T were convenient to bethink thee, should any other great man’s park have been robbed this season, no judge upon the bench will back my recommendation for mercy.  And, indeed, how could I expect it?  Things may soon be brought to such a pass that their lordships shall scarcely find three haunches each upon the circuit.”

“Well, Sir!” quoth Master Silas, “you have a right to go on in your own way.  Make him only give up the girl.”

Here Sir Thomas reddened with righteous indignation, and answered, —

“I cannot think it! such a stripling! poor, penniless; it must be some one else.”  And now Master Silas did redden in his turn, redder than Sir Thomas, and first asked me, —

“What the devil do you stare at?” And then asked his worship, —

“Who should it be if not the rogue?” and his lips turned as blue as a blue-bell.  Then Sir Thomas left the window, and again took his chair, and having stood so long on his legs, groaned upon it to ease him.  His worship scowled with all his might, and looked exceedingly wroth and vengeful at the culprit, and said unto him, —

“Harkye, knave!  I have been conferring with my learned clerk and chaplain in what manner I may, with the least severity, rid the county (which thou disgracest) of thee.”

William Shakspeare raised up his eyes, modestly and fearfully, and said slowly these few words, which, had they been a better and nobler man’s, would deserve to be written in letters of gold.  I, not having that art nor substance, do therefore write them in my largest and roundest character, and do leave space about ’em, according to their rank and dignity

“Worshipful sir!”

“A word in the ear is often as good as A Halter under it, and saves the groat.”

“Thou discoursest well,” said Sir Thomas, “but others can discourse well likewise.  Thou shalt avoid; I am resolute.”

William Shakspeare.

“I supplicate your honour to impart unto me, in your wisdom, the mode and means whereby I may surcease to be disgraceful to the county.”

Sir Thomas.

“I am not bloody-minded.

“First, thou shalt have the fairest and fullest examination.  Much hath been deposed against thee; something may come forth for thy advantage.  I will not thy death; thou shalt not die.

“The laws have loopholes, like castles, both to shoot from and to let folks down.”

Sir Silas.

“That pointed ear would look the better for paring, and that high forehead can hold many letters.”

Whereupon did William, poor lad! turn deadly pale, but spake not.

Sir Thomas then abated a whit of his severity, and said, staidly, —

“Testimony doth appear plain and positive against thee; nevertheless am I minded and prompted to aid thee myself, in disclosing and unfolding what thou couldst not of thine own wits, in furtherance of thine own defence.