Learn to be more humble and answer to the things whereof you are accused.

Do you desire that witness should be brought ?" "Of what need are witnesses?
I own no court or jurisdiction.

I have heard no accusations!" said the Earl William.
The Chancellor motioned with his hand, whereupon Master Robert Berry, a procurator of the city, advanced and read a long parchment which set forth in phrase and detail of legality twenty accusations against the Earl,--of treason, rebellion, and manifest oppression.
When he had finished the Chancellor said, "And now, Earl Douglas, what answer have you to these things ?" "Does it matter at all what I answer ?" asked the Earl, succinctly.
"I do not bandy words with you," said the Chancellor; "I order you to make your pleading, or stand within your danger." "And yet," said William Douglas, gravely, "words are all that you dare bandy with me.

Even if I honoured you by laying aside my dignities and consented to break a lance with you, you would refuse to afford me trial by battle, which is the right of every peer accused." "'Tis a barbarous custom," said the Chancellor; "we will try your case upon its merit." The Earl laughed a little mocking laugh.
"It will be somewhat safer," said he, "but haste you and get the sham done with.

I plead nothing.