From which cometh the word _stellionatus_, that signifieth _cosenage_; because that crime was chiefly punishable in this Court by an extraordinary power, as it was in the civil law.

Or, because the roof of this Court was garnished with gilded stars, as the room itself was starry, or full of windows and lights.

In which respect some of the Latin Records name it _Camera Stellata;_ the French _Chambre des Etoiles;_ and the English the Starred Chamber." The derivation of the name, we repeat, seems to us sufficiently simple and obvious; but as it has been matter of controversy, we have thought it worth while to advert to the circumstance.
To proceed.

In a chair of state, elevated above the table round which the Lords of the Council were gathered, and having a canopy over it, sat the King, calmly watching them as they pursued their deliberations,--his own mind being completely made up as to the sentence he should pronounce--and ever and anon stealing a glance at Lady Lake and her husband, who were seated behind a bar that crossed the room below the Council-table.

The defendants, or prisoners--for such in effect they were--were under the guard of a pursuivant and a serjeant-at-arms.