The eyes of Winthrop, which, while the knight was speaking, had been fastened on his face, fell upon the rich Turkey carpet that, with its intricate figures and varied dies, covered, in place of a modern cloth, the table supporting the desk whereat he had been writing.

“The soldier,” he said, sit last, slowly, “is enduring the punishment awarded to him by the Court of Assistants.”

“A harsh and cruel sentence,” said the knight, “and one at the infliction whereof I know your noble nature relucted.”

“I may not, without censure of my own conscience, hear those who are associated with me in the government blamed.”

“I would not trespass on the bounds of courteous license, but cannot believe that your gentle temper approves of proceedings at once severe and impolitic.”

“It becomes me not,” said Winthrop, modestly, “to set up my sentiments against the opinion of a majority.  This is not the government of one man, and I am, as I may say, it being properly understood, only primus inter pares.”

“Then avouch yourself to some purpose to be truly primus, and by your kingly mercy not only put to silence the unruly tongues of men complaining of harshness not without reason, but also take away the occasion for reproach.”

“Hitherto,” said Winthrop, “you have spoken in riddles, though they are not hard to be guessed; but, nevertheless, let me entreat you to explicate, in plainer phrase, your meaning, and reveal your full desire.”

“I came, then,” answered the knight, “to solicit the full pardon of Joy.”

“It may not be.  Though the right to pardon would seem inherent in him to whose hands is entrusted the power to punish, that the sorrow of inflicting pain might be balanced by the joy of conferring pleasure, and so his office be not wholly converted into that of an executioner, yet were I ever so much disposed, I could not, in the present case, grant your request.  It would raise a storm which, however little to be regarded for its consequences to myself, might be seriously injurious to the budding interests of our infant state.”

“I pray you to consider,” said the knight, “the good character of the man accused, ever approving himself brave and faithful in all trusts confided to him; no drone, but an active honey-bee, laying up store in your hive, with no fault charged but speaking too freely, and if that be true, only imitating therein, his betters.  Next reflect upon the opposite reputation of his accusers, and I venture to say malingers, though in truth there is but one, not sustained by the other.  Men are murmuring at your sentence, and holding your justice for naught, a sure presage of troublous times; and be assured, that a commonwealth not founded in righteousness cannot stand, for on it rests not the blessing of Heaven.”