Pardon, therefore, was denied him--not pardon merely, but all mitigation of suffering.

My friend had been wealthy; but heavy fines and penalties had stripped him of his possessions, and brought him to destitution.

Lord of an ancient hall, with woods and lands around it, wherein he could ride for hours without quitting his own domains, his territories were now narrowed to a few yards; while one dark, dreary chamber was alone accorded him.

Finding he must necessarily perish, if left to rot there, I prevailed upon him (not without much reluctance on his part) to petition the King for liberation; and was myself the bearer of his prayer.

Earnestly pleading the cause of the unfortunate man, and representing his forlorn condition, I besought his Majesty's gracious intercession.