Ha! I perceive I have touched you now." "What was your offence, unhappy man ?" asked Sir Jocelyn, averting his gaze from the hideous aspect which, now lighted up with mingled emotions of rage and despair, had become absolutely appalling.
"The same as your own, as I have said," replied the other;--"a few hasty words impugning the justice of this vindictive court.

Better had I have cut out my tongue than have given utterance to them.

But my case more nearly resembled yours than I have yet explained, for, like you, I had incurred the displeasure of Sir Giles Mompesson, and was by him delivered to these hellish tormentors.

Acting under cover of the Star-Chamber, and in pursuance of its iniquitous decrees, he nailed me to the pillory, and so fast, that the ears through which the spikes were driven were left behind.

Think how you would like that, Sir Jocelyn?
Think what you would feel, if you stood there on that infamous post, a spectacle to the base and shouting rabble, with a paper fastened to your breast, setting forth your crimes, and acquainting all that you were a Star-Chamber delinquent ?" "Enough, Sir," interrupted Sir Jocelyn.
"Ay, enough--more than enough," rejoined the other; "but I cannot spare you the whole of the recital, however painful it may be to you.