Page:Dorastus and Fawnia, or, The life and adventures of a German princess.pdf/10

 with the poor, yet cruel revenge he had taken against an infant, resolved next to glut himself with, the death of Bellaria. But this could not be done; without a trial and, therefore, assembling his nobles and counsellors, he caused her to be brought into open court, charging her with having committed adultery with Egistus, and conspiring with Franion to poison the king her husband; but, being afraid that their wickedness was found out, Egistus and Franion fled by night, and made their escape.

Bellaria perceiving nothing would satisfy her husband but her death, she plucked up her spirits, and boldly told the king, she shewed for nothing but law and justice, for she neither needed nor desired his mercy, and, therefore, hoped she would not be condemned without seeing the face of her accusers; and being heard what she could lay in her own defence, the noblemen told the king, that what the queen had spoken was but reason, and therefore, entreated the king, that her accusers might be openly sworn and examined, and, if by the proof, she was found guilty, the king would be: justified in the punishment he inflicted. The king knowing well enough he could produce no evidence, told them it was his pleasure, they would take his affirmation as sufficient evidence. Bellaria told the king, that if his will must stand for a law it was in vain for the jury to give in their verdict, and therefore, kneeling down upon her knees, she desired the king, for the love he bore to his young son Garinter, whom she brought into the world, that he would grant her only this request, which was, that he would send six of his nobleman, which he most confided in, to Delphos, to inquire of Apollo, whether she was guilty of the crimes she was accused of, or not; and if, by