ents
against the opinion of a majority. This is not the government of one
man, and I am, as I may say, it being properly understood, only
_primus inter pares_."

"Then avouch yourself to some purpose to be truly primus, and by your
kingly mercy not only put to silence the unruly tongues of men
complaining of harshness not without reason, but also take away the
occasion for reproach."

"Hitherto," said Winthrop, "you have spoken in riddles, though they
are not hard to be guessed; but, nevertheless, let me entreat you to
explicate, in plainer phrase, your meaning, and reveal your full
desire."

"I came, then," answered the knight, "to solicit the full pardon of
Joy."

"It may not be. Though the right to pardon would seem inherent in him
to whose hands is entrusted the power to punish, that the sorrow of
inflicting pain might be balanced by the joy of conferring pleasure,
and so his office be not wholly converted into that of an executioner,
yet were I ever so much disposed, I could not, in the present case,
grant your request. It would raise a storm which, however little to be
regarded for its consequences to myself, might be seriously injurious
to the budding interests of our infant state."

"I pray you to consider," said the knight, "the good character of the
man accused, ever approving himself brave and faithful in all trusts
confided to him; no drone, but an active honey-bee, laying up store in
your hive, with no fault charged but speaking too freely, and if that
be true, only imitating therein, his betters. Next reflect upon the
opposite reputation of his accusers, and I venture to say malingers,
though in truth there is but one, not sustained by the other. Men are
murmuring at your sentence, and holding your justice for naught, a
sure presage of troublous times; and be assured, that a commonwealth
not founded in righteousness cannot stand, for on it rests not the
blessing of Heaven."

"Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Winthrop, "you have spoken boldly,
and but that I believe in your honesty, and am assured of your
friendship, I should be offended. But you belong not to the
congregation, your notions differing from our faith; the light which
illuminates the minds of the chosen remnant which Providence hath
planted in this far off land, this ultissima Thule, not yet having
penetrated your understanding; Your freedom of speech, therefore,
because in favor of mercy, shall not prejudice, though it might injure
y