It is an ill necessity, yet it must be." "Didst pronounce his sentence ?" Nigel answered in the affirmative.
"And how was it received ?" "In the same sullen silence on the part of the criminal as he had borne during his examination.

Methought a low murmur of discontent escaped from some within the hall, but it was drowned in the shout of approbation from the men-at-arms, and the execrations they lavished on the traitor as they bore him away, so I heeded it not." "But thou wilt heed it," said a sweet voice beside him, and Agnes, who had just entered the chamber, laid her hand on his arm and looked beseechingly in his face.

"Dearest Nigel, I come a pleader." "And for whom, my beloved ?" he asked, his countenance changing into its own soft beautiful expression as he gazed on her, "What can mine Agnes ask that Nigel may not grant ?" "Nay, I am no pleader for myself," she said; "I come on the part of a wretched wife and aged mother, beseeching the gift of life." "And for a traitor, Agnes ?" "I think of him but as a husband and son, dearest Nigel," she said, more timidly, for his voice was stern.

"They tell me he is condemned to death, and his wretched wife and mother besought my influence with thee; and indeed it needed little entreaty, for when death is so busy around us, when in this fearful war we see the best and bravest of our friends fall victims every day, oh, I would beseech you to spare life when it may be.

Dearest, dearest Nigel, have mercy on this wretched man; traitor as he is, oh, do not take his life--do not let thy lips sentence him to death.