Who would lay in the arms of a child that which must crush him to the earth?
Years did I take to meditate ere I resolved, and I know not yet if thou hast in thee the power of meditation.' 'At least, father, I could try to understand, if you would unfold your mind.' 'When you know what the matters at issue are, my son,--that is, when you are able to ask me questions worthy of answer, I shall be ready to answer thee, so far as my judgment will reach.' 'I thank you, father.

In the meantime I am as one who knocks, and the door is not opened unto him.' 'Rather art thou as one who loiters on the door-step, and lifts up neither ring nor voice.' 'Surely, sir, I must first know the news.' 'Thou hast ears; keep them open.

But at least you know, my son, that on the twelfth day of May last my lord of Strafford lost his head.' 'Who took it from him, sir?
King or parliament ?' 'Even that might be made a question; but I answer, the High Court of Parliament, my son.' 'Was the judgment a right one or a wrong, sir?
Did he deserve the doom ?' 'Ah, there you put a question indeed! Many men say RIGHT, and many men say WRONG.

One man, I doubt me much, was wrong in the share HE bore therein.' 'Who was he, sir ?' 'Nay, nay, I will not forestall thine own judgment.

But, in good sooth, I might be more ready to speak my mind, were it not that I greatly doubt some of those who cry loudest for liberty.