It was what he had said since he had first been put on trial, a steady refusal to recognize this Court (as on all legal grounds he was justified in doing), a refusal to plead or argue the cause, a repetition of the haughty demand—"By what authority?" Before the Lords and Commons he might defend himself, not before this tribunal of his rebellious subjects. But as deeply rooted, as unyielding, as his refusal to recognize the Court was the Court's intention to judge and condemn him; they were there to make inquisition for blood, and not one of them faltered in their stern task.
In answer to the King's last speech Bradshaw said merely, "Sir, I have received direction from the Court."
The King sat down.
"Well, sir," he said, and looked about him with utter haughtiness.
"The Court will proceed to sentence," continued the Lord President, "if you have nothing more to say."
Lord Digby and many others held their breath: would the King, even now, disdain to answer to his charge?
He looked at Bradshaw and very faintly smiled.
"Sir," he said, "I have nothing more to say, but I shall desire that this may be entered—what I have said."
He knew as he spoke that his last hope had gone; he put the herbs to his nostrils and his thoughts flew to Paris and the woman waiting there.... The winter sun had faded; the crimson and scarlet glowed through a sombre shadow of river mist and afternoon fog, which began to encroach upon the Court and blot the eager faces and blur the coloured garments and dim the glitter of the great bare sword at which the King, turning in his chair, looked curiously.
"The Court, sir, hath something more to say to you," said Bradshaw, "which, although I know it will be very unacceptable, yet they are resolved to discharge their duty. Sir, you speak very well of a precious thing, which you call Peace, and it is much to be wished that God had put it into your heart that you had as effectually and really endeavoured and studied the peace of the kingdom, as now in words you do pretend—but, as you were told the other day, actions must expound intentions—yet your actions have been clean contrary."