I never was so before.

Once I little thought that I ever should be so.

Least of all could I think that I should be charged with any offence against my King: but, since I am so unhappy as to be in this situation, your Majesty will not be offended if I avail myself of my lawful right to decline saying anything which may criminate me." "This is mere chicanery," said the King.

"I hope that your Grace will not do so ill a thing as to deny your own hand?
Sir," said Lloyd, whose studies had been much among the casuists, "all divines agree that a person situated as we are may refuse to answer such a question." The King, as slow of understanding as quick of temper, could not comprehend what the prelates meant.

He persisted, and was evidently becoming very angry.