"Marry, that I do. Since I am already judged, it can work me no hurt."
Richard looked at him fixedly. "You are overbold, sirrah!"
"Those who speak truth to a King must needs be so," was the curt rejoinder.
"Steady your tongue, Lord Darby," said Richard sternly, "else may the Tower teach you respect for England's King."
"Think you, then, I should find the young Fifth Edward there———alive?" sneered Darby.
For a moment, Richard's eyes flashed like sparks springing from the clashing of two angry swords. Then he smiled; and the smile was more ominous than the sparks.
"Be easy, sir; the remainder of the declaration shall be read in season," he said very quietly. "But first, will you reply now to Stafford's allegation, or shall we proceed with Sir John de Bury's charge?"
If this were all the evidence of treason Darby was in small danger and it behooved him to change his bearing.
"I did Your Majesty grave wrong in presuming you had prejudged me," he said with a frank smile, "for well I know that on such shallow falsehoods no man could ever be condemned. And here do I place my own knightly word against the traitor Buckingham's; and do specifically deny all that has been read by the Lord Chancellor. And further, do I solemnly affirm that neither by voice nor deed have I been recreant to my oath of allegiance, nor false to you. Moreover, Sire, my very action in the rebellion attests my truth: Did I not hasten to join your army with all the force at my disposal? Have I not been ever honest and faithful?"
And with arms folded proudly on his breast, he waited for the acquittance that seemed to be his due.