Need I say my father was ruined by the Star-Chamber ?" "Hush! hush! my good young Sir," Sir Francis cried, having vainly endeavoured to interrupt his companion's angry denunciation.

"Pray heaven your words have reached no other ears than mine! To speak of the Star-Chamber as you have spoken is worse than treason.

Many a man has lost his ears, and been branded on the brow, for half you have uttered." "Is free speech denied in this free country ?" the young man cried in astonishment.

"Must one suffer grievous wrong, and not complain ?" "Certes, you must not contemn the Star-Chamber, or you will incur its censure," Sir Francis replied in a low tone.

"No court in England is so jealous of its prerogatives, nor so severe in punishment of its maligners.