before the
resistless might of inborn dignity, and not before the cold formality of
statutes. If my calumniator were worthy of my resentment I would chastise him
with my own sword, and not that of the magistrate; but in the present case I
smile at his malice, and resolve to spare him, as the generous lord of the
forest spares the insect that would disturb his repose.
    The language you now hold, said Mr. Forester, is that of romance, and not of
reason. Yet I cannot but be struck with the contrast exhibited before me of the
magnanimity of virtue and the obstinate, impenetrable injustice of guilt. While
your mind overflows with goodness, nothing can touch the heart of this thrice
bred villain. I shall never forgive myself for having once been entrapped by his
detestable arts. This is no time for us to settle the question between chivalry
and law. I shall therefore simply insist as a magistrate, having taken the
evidence in this felony, upon my right and duty of following the course of
justice, and committing the accused to the county jail.
    After some farther contest Mr. Falkland, finding Mr. Forester obstinate and
impracticable, withdrew his opposition. Accordingly a proper officer was
summoned from the neighbouring village, a mittimus made out, and one of Mr.
Falkland's carriages prepared to conduct me to the place of custody. It will
easily be imagined that this sudden reverse was very painfully felt by me. I
looked round on the servants who had been the spectators of my examination, but
not one of them either by word or gesture expressed any compassion for my
calamity. The robbery of which I was accused appeared to them atrocious from its
magnitude, and whatever sparks of compassion might otherwise have sprung up in
their ingenuous and undisciplined minds, were totally obliterated by indignation
at my supposed profligacy in recriminating upon their worthy and excellent
master. My fate being already determined, and one of the servants dispatched for
the officer, Mr. Forester and Mr. Falkland withdrew, and left me in the custody
of two others.
    One of these was the son of a farmer at no great distance, who had been in
habits of long established intimacy with my late father. I was willing
accurately to discover the state of mind of those who had been witnesses of this
scene and who had had some previous opportunity of observing my character and
manners. I therefore endeavoured to open a conversation with him. Well, my good
Thomas, said I, in a querulous tone and with a hesitating manner, am I not a
most miserable creature?
    Do not speak to me, master