 Execution, either to gratify the Monarch's Resentment, or
the Malice of a Favourite; the Emperor always made a Speech to his whole
Council, expressing his great Lenity and Tenderness, as Qualities known and
confessed by all the World. This Speech was immediately published through the
Kingdom; nor did any thing terrify the People so much as those Encomiums on his
Majesty's Mercy; because it was observed, that the more these Praises were
enlarged and insisted on, the more inhuman was the Punishment, and the Sufferer
more innocent. Yet, as to myself, I must confess, having never been designed for
a Courtier, either by my Birth or Education, I was so ill a Judge of Things,
that I could not discover the Lenity and Favour of this Sentence; but conceived
it (perhaps erroneously) rather to be rigorous than gentle. I sometimes thought
of standing my Tryal; for although I could not deny the Facts alledged in the
several Articles, yet I hoped they would admit of some Extenuations. But having
in my Life perused many State-Tryals, which I ever observed to terminate as the
Judges thought fit to direct; I durst not rely on so dangerous a Decision, in so
critical a Juncture, and against such powerful Enemies. Once I was strongly bent
upon Resistance: For while I had Liberty, the whole Strength of that Empire
could hardly subdue me, and I might easily with Stones pelt the Metropolis to
Pieces: But I soon rejected that Project with Horror, by remembering the Oath I
had made to the Emperor, the Favours I received from him, and the high Title of
Nardac he conferred upon me. Neither had I so soon learned the Gratitude of
Courtiers, to persuade myself that his Majesty's present Severities acquitted me
of all past Obligations.
    At last I fixed upon a Resolution, for which it is probable I may incur some
Censure, and not unjustly; for I confess I owe the preserving mine Eyes, and
consequently my Liberty, to my own great Rashness and Want of Experience:
Because if I had then known the Nature of Princes and Ministers, which I have
since observed in many other Courts, and their Methods of treating Criminals
less obnoxious than myself; I should with great Alacrity and Readiness have
submitted to so easy a Punishment. But hurried on by the Precipitancy of Youth;
and having his Imperial Majesty's Licence to pay my Attendance upon the Emperor
of Blefuscu; I took this Opportunity, before the three Days were elapsed, to
send a Letter to my Friend the Secretary, signifying my Resolution of setting
out that Morning
