82 THE KING PARDONS HEYWOOD. 
dear little Ness, suppose I tell you this merely 
to ease your mind. No, far from it; you must 
be certain I am in earnest, else I would not 
write in so light a strain. Adieu, dear sister. 
Best compliments to Mr. and Miss Graham, and 
believe me ever affectionately yours, 
" JAMES HEYWOOD." 
We know how the recommendation to mercy 
prevailed. King George was then enjoying a visit 
at Wey mouth, with the Queen, and the royal 
family. It appears from the public records of 
that date, that he found pleasure in doing acts 
of kindness ; and doubtless this exercise of the 
royal prerogative was a cause of much inward 
. satisfaction to the King. 
"The quality of mercy is not strain' d ; 
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest, 
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ; 
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes 
The throned monarch better than his crown. 
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, 
The attribute to awe and majesty, 
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings : 
But mercy is above this sceptred sway ; 
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, 
It is an attribute to God himself, 
And earthly power doth then show likest God's, 
When mercy seasons justice." 
On the 24th of October, 1792, the royal 
warrant was despatched, granting a free pardon 
to Heywood and Morrison, with a respite for 
Muspratt. At the same time was sent a warrant 
for executing Burkitt, Ellison, and Millward. 
Muspratt was afterwards pardoned. 
