"Well, what then?"
"It's too late, now," said Sir George, bitterly. "If they do condemn me I shall claim the benefit of clergy. I know some of the prayers, and if I can only find the right page I shall get on well enough. They will only fine me, though, at worst."
"But you have enemies at Court, remember."
"Well, let them do their worst. I shall not disgrace myself when the time comes, and in the meantime I will address myself to Lord Burleigh; he is all-powerful now."
"And if he fail us," added Sir Thomas, "I will take thee to Sir
Nicholas Bacon."
"The Lord Keeper?"
"Yes, why not?"
"He is a hard man."
"He is honest, and will take no bribe, if that is what you mean, Sir George; but if there is a flaw in the proceedings he will point it out for us, and that will be better than naught. We shall have the satisfaction of knowing that everything was properly done, at least."
"We will try my Lord Burleigh first," sighed the knight.