Here was he, encircled by their knowledge of his own iniquities, apart from his public acts; and there, standing in that dock, from which he might have gone out free, so far as regarded his political exploits, he found, although he did not know it, the black weight of his private vices fall upon his head in the shape of the verdict just delivered.

It would be impossible to describe his appearance on hearing it; his head fell down upon his breast listless, helpless, and with a character of despair that was painful to contemplate.
When the verdict was handed down, the judge immediately put on the black-cap; but Whitecraft's head was resting on his breast, and he did not for some time see it.

At length, stirred into something like life by the accents of the judge, he raised his head with an effort.

The latter addressed him as thus: "Sir Robert Whitecraft, you have been convicted this day by as enlightened a jury as ever sat in a jury-box.

You must be aware yourself, by the length of time, and consequently the deep and serious investigation which they bestowed--and, it is evident, painfully bestowed--upon your unhappy case, that your conviction is the deliberate result of their conscientious opinion.