Wilt thou not be merciful ?" "If the death of one man will preserve the lives of many, how may that one be spared ?" said Sir Nigel, folding the sweet pleader closer to him, though his features spoke no relaxation of his purpose.

"Sweet Agnes, do not ask this, give me not the bitter pain of refusing aught to thee.
Thou knowest not all the mischief and misery which pardon to a traitor such as this will do; thou listenest only to thy kind heart and the sad pleadings of those who love this man.

Now listen to me, beloved, and judge thyself.

Did I believe a pardon would bring back the traitor to a sense of duty, to a consciousness of his great crime--did I believe giving life to him would deter others from the same guilt, I should scarce wait even for thy sweet pleading to give him both liberty and life; but I know him better than thou, mine Agnes.

He is one of those dark, discontented, rebellious spirits, that never rest in stirring up others to be like them; who would employ even the life I gave him to my own destruction, and that of the brave and faithful soldiers with me." "But send him hence, dearest Nigel," still entreated Agnes.