er to bear the cares of state. Upon the conclusion
of the interview, the knight courteously took leave, after thanking
the Governor for his promise in behalf of the imprisoned soldier, and,
mounting his horse, returned the way he came.

When he was gone, Winthrop fell into a fit of musing.

"What am I to think of this man?" (such was the tenor of his
reflections.) "Is he what he appears? Doth the garniture of his spirit
conform to the polished and attractive surface? Is he, as sometimes
from his language might be surmised, one who, though young in years,
is old in experience, and hath already discovered how unsatisfactory
are the vanities of the world? There be such men in these strange
days. And yet, how wonderfully hath he preserved his cheerfulness, and
though chastened, is not cast down! That he hath been a cavalier, I
plainly see, and he doth admit; that he is fit at present to be one of
us, I doubt; that he will be, I hope. The jealous Dudley, the
suspicious Endicott, and the subtle Spikeman, are disposed to regard
him as one who, under the mask of an angel of light, doth conceal
dangerous designs; as a plotter of mischief; some cunning tool of our
enemies, who have sent him hither to creep into our confidence, that
he may the better detect our weakness and confound our plans. I cannot
harbor these latter notions. There is that about the knight which
gives the lie to suspicion. Who can look upon his noble countenance
and listen to the tones of his sincere voice, and not be satisfied of
his truth? Did he not, on his arrival, communicate to me his views,
which, however romantic, are consistent both with the training of his
previous life and the change which hath been effected in his feelings?
And doubtful myself, lest the gracious impression he made upon me
might pervert my judgment, did I not set a watch upon his motions, and
find them all to harmonize with his frank and gallant bearing? I see
no cause to alter my conduct or withdraw my confidence. Yet will I be
guarded in our intercourse. If I err, it shall be on the side of
prudence; but this matter whereunto he hath called my attention, shall
forthwith be searched. It were shame if the cruelty whereof he
complains has been practised. Ah me, the eye of the ruler cannot be
everywhere! There be those who already term our justice tyranny, and
who would be glad to be furnished with another occasion of complaint.
Nor can I conceal from myself that the sentence of the