"And now there is a light step in the hall, a slight female form is led before the judge, and Anne Ascue stands so near to the instrument of torture, that her white robe touches its iron wheel, and unconsciously she half leans upon the frame."
"Wriothesley beckons to his secretary, a hard-featured man in the garb of a monk, who at the sign takes a seat at a small table near, and placing a blank sheet of paper before him, remains ready to take down the confession of the prisoner."
"'Woman,' said the Chancellor, 'for the last time mercy is offered to thee; thou mayest earn it by a full confession and a free recantation.'"
"How silvery were the tones of the tremulous voice that replied: 'Recant!—that I cannot, or deny the truth. Confess!—I can confess my sins, and I can confess my faith, and I know that I shall find mercy, but not from man!'"
"'This is trifling. Look behind you!' spake Wriothesley."
"Then, indeed, all colour faded from the cheek of the young Lollard,* an expression of intense horror passed over her features, she clasped her hands and looked wildly round, as though seeking a protector in that stern company. But none stood forwards to help the oppressed; those whose hearts felt pity shunned meeting her gaze; slowly she raised it towards heaven, and her lips moved in silent, fervent prayer."
* A name given to the Reformers (we now call them Protestants)
in early times.
"' Once more, prisoner, I demand, wilt thou recant?'"
"With a violent effort Anne gasped forth, 'Never!'"
"Wriothesley made a sign to the executioner, and the stern man silently obeyed.