The government was willing to spare him if he would earn his pardon by a full confession.

The struggle in his mind was terrible and doubtful.

At one time Mrs.Clifford, who had access to his cell, reported to the Jacobite chiefs that he was in a great agony.

He could not die, he said; he was too young to be a martyr, [660] The next morning she found him cheerful and resolute, [661] He held out till the eve of the day fixed for his execution.

Then he sent to ask for an interview with the Secretary of State.