But no story is too absurd to be imposed on minds blinded by religious and political fanaticism.

The Quakers and the Tories joined to raise a formidable clamour.

The Quakers had, in those days, no scruples about capital punishments.

They would, indeed, as Spencer Cowper said bitterly, but too truly, rather send four innocent men to the gallows than let it be believed that one who had their light within her had committed suicide.
The Tories exulted in the prospect of winning two seats from the Whigs.
The whole kingdom was divided between Stouts and Cowpers.

At the summer assizes Hertford was crowded with anxious faces from London and from parts of England more distant than London.