t, for the surprisal of this fort and island?

_Beam._ As I shall reconcile my sins to heaven, in my last article of
life, I am innocent.

_Col._ And so am I.

_Har._ So, you are first upon the negative.

_Beam._ And will be so till death.

_Col._ What plot is this you speak of?

_Fisc._ Here are impudent rogues! now after confession of two
Japanese, these English starts dare ask what plot it is!

_Har._ Not to inform your knowledge, but that law may have its course
in every circumstance, Fiscal, sum up their accusation to them.

_Fisc._ You stand accused, that new-year's day last past, there met at
captain Towerson's house, you present, and many others of your
factory: There, against law and justice, and all ties of friendship,
and of partnership betwixt us, you did conspire to seize upon the
fort, to murder this our worthy governor; and, by the help of your
plantations near, of Jacatra, Banda, and Loho, to keep it for
yourselves.

_Beam._ What proofs have you of this?

_Fisc._ The confession of two Japanese, hired by you to attempt it.

_Beam._ I hear they have been forced by torture to it.

_Har._ It matters not which way the truth comes out; take heed, for
their example is before you.

_Beam._ Ye have no right, ye dare not torture us; we owe you no
subjection.

_Fisc._ That, sir, must be disputed at the Hague; in the mean time we
are in possession here.

_2 Dutch._ And we can make ourselves to be obeyed.

_Van Her._ In few words, gentlemen, confess. There is a beverage ready
for you else, which you will not like to swallow.

_Col._ How is this?

_Har._ You shall be muffled up like ladies, with an oiled cloth put
underneath your chins, then water poured above; which either you must
drink, or must not breathe.

_1 Dutch._ That is one way, we have others.

_Har._ Yes, we have two elements at your service, fire, as well as
water; certain things called matches to be tied to your finger-ends,
which are as sovereign as nutmegs to quicken your short memories.

_Beam._ You are inhuman, to make your cruelty your pastime: nature
made me a man, and not a whale, to swallow down a flood.

_Har._ You will grow a corpulent gentleman like me; I shall love you
the better for it; now you are but a spare rib.

_Fisc._ These things are only offered to your choice; you may avoid
your tortures, and confess.

_Col._ Kill us first; for that we know is your design at last, and
'tis more mercy now.

_Beam._ B