Page:The Necromancer, or, The Tale of the Black Forest Vol. 2.djvu/224

 however, I am not yet chained in fetters, am yet at liberty, and fear has the least share in my prayer."

"It is mercy that I crave, and if I had some claim to justice I would not attempt now to enforce it; yet there is one circumstance which I have reason to recall to the recollection of my judges. The period of my crimes commences with that rigorous sentence which has deprived me of my honor. If my judges had not been too severe, if they had listened to the voice of equity and humanity, I should perhaps not have been reduced to the necessity of craving the mercy of your Highness—their want of feeling has plunged me in the fatal gulph of guilt."

"Let mercy supply the place of justice and spare my life, if it is in your power to intercede with the law in my behalf, the remainder of my life shall be entirely devoted to your service: If you can grant my