but habit is second nature, and although two days before, when
I set out on my pilgrimage, I had resolved to discard these
superfluities, yet now in my distress I felt as if they would comfort me.
That evening, after rectifying a few mistakes on the part of the
good-tempered gaoler, by writing down what I wanted on the paper which
he had procured me, I obtained all that I required.

The next morning, he informed me that the grand jury had found a true
bill against me, and that on the Saturday next, the assizes would be
held. He also brought me the list of trials, and I found that mine would
be one of the last, and would not probably come on until Monday or
Tuesday. I requested him to send for a good tailor, as I wished to be
dressed in a proper manner, previous to appearing in court. As a prisoner
is allowed to go into court in his own clothes instead of the gaol dress,
this was consented to, and when the man came, I was very particular in my
directions, so much so, that it surprised him. He also procured me the
other articles I required to complete my dress, and on Saturday night I
had them all ready, for I was resolved that I would at least die as a
gentleman.

Sunday passed away, not as it ought to have passed, certainly. I
attended prayers, but my thoughts were elsewhere--how, indeed, could it
be otherwise? Who can control his thoughts? He may attempt so to do, but
the attempt is all that can be made. He cannot command them. I heard
nothing, my mind was in a state of gyration, whirling round from one
thing to the other, until I was giddy from intensity of feeling.

On Monday morning the gaoler came and asked me whether I would have legal
advice. I replied in the negative. "You will be called about twelve
o'clock, I hear," continued he; "it is now ten, and there is only one
more trial before yours, about the stealing of four geese and half a
dozen fowls."

"Good God!" thought I, "and am I mixed up with such deeds as these?" I
dressed myself with the utmost care and precision, and never was more
successful. My clothes were black, and fitted well. About one o'clock I
was summoned by the gaoler, and led between him and another to the
court-house, and placed in the dock. At first my eyes swam, and I could
distinguish nothing, but gradually I recovered. I looked round, for I
had called up my courage. My eyes wandered from the judge to the row of
legal gentlemen below him; from them to the well-dressed ladies who sat