He had been five or six times arrested for political offences.

The last crime laid to his charge was, that he had contemptuously denied the validity of a warrant, signed by a Roman Catholic Justice of the Peace.

He had been brought before the Privy Council and strictly examined, but to little purpose.

He resolutely refused to criminate himself; and the evidence against him was insufficient.

He was dismissed; but, before he retired, James exclaimed in great heat, "My Lord, this is not the first trick that you have played me." "Sir," answered Lovelace, with undaunted spirit, "I never played any trick to your Majesty, or to any other person.