"Do you know the nature of an oath, my little man?" asked the judge at length.
The boy remained silent for a few seconds; and then the voice of Chandos Winslow was heard amidst the stillness of the court, saying aloud, "That he does, my lord. I taught him."
"Why does he not answer then?" demanded the judge.
"Because your language, my lord, is perhaps above his comprehension," replied the prisoner. "He is here as a witness against me; but if you would permit me to suggest, you would ask him first, What are the consequences of a lie?"
"Tell me, my little man," said the judge; "do you know what are the consequences of a lie?"
"Disgrace and shame amongst men, and the anger of Almighty God," replied the boy, readily.
The judge wiped his spectacles; for something touched him.
"Now, if you would pardon me, my lord," said the prisoner, "you would inquire, What are the consequences of calling upon God to witness a falsehood?"
"Do you know, boy," asked the judge, "what is the consequences of taking God's name to a falsehood?"
"The loss of his protection for ever," said the little witness, "for the greatest offence and insult to his truth and holiness."