The foreigner, who has voluntarily assumed
the name and service of a son of Spain, demands yet more at our hands.
My Lords and holy Fathers, and ye Associated Brethren, remember
this important truth, and act accordingly: but if, on a strict,
unprejudiced examination of the evidence against the prisoner, ye
pronounce him guilty, be it so: the scripture saith, 'blood must flow
for blood!'"
A universal murmur of assent filled the hall as the King ceased: his
words had thrilled reprovingly on many there present, particularly
amongst the populace, who felt, even as the Monarch spoke, the real
cause of their violent wrath against the murderer. Ere, however, they
had time to analyze why the violent abhorrence of Stanley should be
so calmed merely at the King's words, the command, "Bring forth the
prisoner!" occasioned an intensity of interest and eager movement
of the numerous heads towards the base of the hall, banishing every
calmer thought. The treble line of soldiers, forming the base of the
crescent, divided in the centre, and wheeling backwards, formed two
files of dense thickness, leaving a lane between them through which
the prisoner and his guards were discerned advancing to the place
assigned. He was still heavily fettered, and his dress, which he had
not been permitted to change, covered with dark, lurid stains, hung so
loosely upon him, that his attenuated form bore witness, even as the
white cheek and haggard eye, to the intense mental torture of the last
fortnight.
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