that category who yet in no wise
deserve such epithets," answered the generous Governor. "Were
opposition to come only from so base a quarter, little should I heed,
and rather consider it an incitement to keener action; but there are
also choice spirits, elect vessels, pillars of the congregation, men
inspired with godly zeal, who are persuaded themselves, and would
persuade others, that I am lukewarm in the cause, and bear the sword
in vain."

"If the peevish captiousness of these persons is greatly to influence,
I will not say over-awe you, noble sir," said Sir Christopher, "I
tremble lest the errand of mercy whereon I come should fail of its
purpose."

"Ever true to the principle of the [Greek: Melissa]," said the
Governor, smiling "what can the Knight of the Golden Melice crave
which John Winthrop can deny?"

The Knight of the Golden [Greek: Melissa], or Melice, as he was
commonly called, meaning thereby the Knight of the Golden Honey-Bee,
and who, by wearing conspicuously about his person the device or badge
adopted when he received the order of knighthood, only complied with
the fantastic notions of the times, gazed a moment at the figure of
the bee on the handle of his sword, before replying:

"The golden bee does indeed remind me," he said, "that even as he, in
the summer of his days, collects the yellow treasure which is to
sustain him in the death of winter, so should I, while the day is
mine, be busy to perform the will of Him who hath called me to a post
in his creation, that I be not ashamed in the grave. I came to ask a
favor in behalf of the soldier Philip Joy."

The eyes of Winthrop, which, while the knight was speaking, had been
fastened on his face, fell upon the rich Turkey carpet that, with its
intricate figures and varied dies, covered, in place of a modern
cloth, the table supporting the desk whereat he had been writing.

"The soldier," he said, sit last, slowly, "is enduring the punishment
awarded to him by the Court of Assistants."

"A harsh and cruel sentence," said the knight, "and one at the
infliction whereof I know your noble nature relucted."

"I may not, without censure of my own conscience, hear those who are
associated with me in the government blamed."

"I would not trespass on the bounds of courteous license, but cannot
believe that your gentle temper approves of proceedings at once severe
and impolitic."

"It becomes me not," said Winthrop, modestly, "to set up my sentim