LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 55 



That the blood of Overbury is al 

 ready revenged by divers exe 

 cutions. 



That confession and penitency are 

 the foot-stools of mercy, adding 

 this circumstance likewise, that 

 the former offenders did none of 

 them make a clear confession. 



That the great downfall of so great 

 persons carrieth, in itself, a heavy 

 punishment, and a kind of civil 

 death, although their lives should 

 not be taken. 



All which may satisfy honor, for sparing their lives. 

 But if your majesty s mercy should extend to the first 

 degree, which is the highest, of sparing the stage and the 

 trial ; then three things are to be considered. 

 REX. This article can- First, that they make such a 

 not be mended in submission or deprecation, as they 

 point thereof. prostrate themselves, and all that 



they have, at your majesty s feet, 

 imploring your mercy. 



Secondly, that your majesty, in 

 your own wisdom, do advise what 

 course you will take, for the utte r 

 extinguishing of all hope of resus 

 citating of their fortunes and fa 

 vour ; whereof if there should be 

 the least conceit, it will leave in 

 men a great deal of envy and dis 

 content. 



And lastly, whether your majesty 

 will not suffer it to be thought 

 abroad, that there is a cause of 



