“I sit here,” he said, “as the representative of the Majesty of England—­clothed with the authority of my royal father, and prepared to exercise it, as he would do were he present in person.  But though this seat is erected into a tribunal before which accusations against wrong-doers can be brought, and sentence upon them pronounced; still, whatever charges are now made, and against whomsoever they may be preferred, those charges will have to be repeated to the Lords of the Council of the Star-Chamber, before whom the accused will be taken; and any judgment now given will have to be confirmed by that high and honourable Court.  Of late, the course of justice has been too often baffled and turned aside by the craft and subtlety of certain powerful and audacious offenders.  Hence it has been the wish of the King’s Highness, in order that the laws may no longer be broken with impunity, that certain preliminary inquiries and investigations should be made on the spot itself, where it is alleged that the crimes and misdemeanours have been committed; and, according to the evidence afforded, such measures as may be deemed fitting taken against the wrong-doers.  All present have witnessed this mock ceremonial, and have laughed at its conclusion, but mirth will be changed to indignation, when it is known that the intended marriage was the result of a vile conspiracy on the part of Sir Giles Mompesson and Sir Francis Mitchell, against a young, virtuous, and unprotected maiden, whose beauty had inflamed the breast of the elder, and it might have been expected from that circumstance, the wiser of the two.  Into the details of their infamous scheme, it will not be necessary now to enter; and it may suffice to say, that the devoted attachment of the damsel to another was wholly disregarded, while the basest means were employed to induce her consent to a match so abhorrent to her feelings, as must have been that with Sir Francis.  Failing in this, however, the two conspirators went yet further.  They forcibly carried off the maiden from her own dwelling, and detained her against her will within this house, till by their arts they imagined they had gained their point—­and that a love-potion would accomplish all for them, that their persuasions and fair promises were unable to effect.  But the damsel was guarded from all ill by an unseen friend—­and the weapons of the conspirators were turned against themselves.  You have witnessed how they have been duped, and, as no mischief has resulted from this infamous endeavour, the mortification they have endured may be taken as part punishment of the offence.  Stand forward, fair Mistress Aveline Calveley, and substantiate what I have just declared.”

Thus adjured, the maiden approached within a few paces of the Prince, and having made a lowly salutation, said,—­

“All that your Highness has advanced concerning me is correct.”

“Enough, fair mistress,” rejoined Charles.  “How say you, Sirs,” he continued, in a stern tone, to the two extortioners.  “Do you confess your guilt, and sue for pardon?  If so, down on your knees before this injured damsel, and implore her forgiveness!”