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 sentiments
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