"'Blessed are the merciful,' interposed Ken softly, "'for they shall obtain mercy.'" "Mercy," said the King, who was in a tender mood apparently, "'tis a pleasant word." Indeed he might well think it so, since by common report it was one he was but little accustomed to use. "Out upon both word and thing!" cried Jeffreys. "I plead for justice on the traitorous soldier. Your Majesty's power hath been limited already by the mercy you have shown the false Clanranald." "'And earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice,'" quoted the Bishop still softly, looking kindly at me. I recognised Master William Shakespeare's words as I had recognised them before on Master Dunner's lips. The King hesitated as before between these two differing counsellors. And once more I threw the golden weights in the balance, hoping to incline it my way. "If it please you, Sire, I have yet another five thousand pounds...." The King started. "For charity, Your Majesty," I added quickly, "if Sir Hugh Richmond be enlarged." "By the Mass," said the King, betraying himself, at which Ken started, "methinks the lady rains gold pieces." "Sir Hugh Richmond's whole estate will be confiscate, Your Majesty," said Jeffreys. "'Tis worth much more." "Why, so it will," replied the King, "yet five thousand pounds more for charity, 'tis a goodly sum, hey, my Lord Bishop?" "Indeed, Your Majesty, well expended it will relieve the suffering of many of God's poor," returned the Bishop. "Quite so," said the King. He stopped again. I had played my last card. I could do no more if it failed. Jeffreys opened his mouth to speak. As he did so, my heart sank, but the King stopped him. "My Lord Chief Justice," he said, "we will decide this matter ourselves. Madam," he said at last, "your plea for mercy hath been heard again. Sir Hugh Richmond's life shall be spared. His estates shall be confiscate. He is broke from his rank, dismissed from our guards, and must leave our realm at once. My Lord Bishop, since you have already tried your hand, will you draw up the writing for that?" "With alacrity, Your Majesty," said the Bishop, busying himself writing once more. "Now, madam, I believe that all is completed except..." The King paused. I thrust my hand into the bosom of my dress and drew forth the bills of exchange. I very well knew what he wanted; the mean King, not content with confiscating my friend's estate, would have the bribe as well. He was more avaricious even than the base and contemptible Jeffreys if it were possible for any one to go lower than this unjust judge. "They are here, Your Majesty, ten thousand pounds in bills of exchange upon London," I said, lifting them up. "You may present them yourself, madam," said the King with a manner he meant to be gracious, as I made as if to hand them to General Feversham.