I denied to petition! No, Gentlemen; 'fore God,
if the authority of my master's government must be overcome in Virginia,
let me perish with it. I wish no higher destiny than to be a martyr,
like my royal master, Charles the First, to the cause of truth and
justice. Let them rob me of my life when they rob me of my trust."

While thus the councillors were vainly endeavoring to persuade the old
man to yield to the current which had so set against him, he was
surprised by a slight touch on his shoulder, and on looking up he saw
Alfred Bernard standing before him. The young man bent over, and in a
low whisper uttered these significant words:

"The commission, extorted by force, is null and void when the duress is
removed."

Struck by a view so apposite to his condition, and so entirely tallying
with his own wishes, the impetuous old Governor fairly leaped from his
chair and grasped the hand of his young adviser.

"Right, by God!" he said; "right, my son. Gentlemen, this young man's
counsel is worth all of your's. Out of the mouth of babes and
sucklings--however, Alfred, you would not relish a compliment paid at
the expense of your manhood."

"What does the young man propose?" drawled the phlegmatic old Cole, who
was one of the council board.

"That I should yield to the current when I must, and resist it when I
can," cried Berkeley, exultingly. "Loyalty must only bow to the storm,
as the tree bows before the tempest. The most efficient resistance is
apparent concession."

The councillors were astounded. Sprung from that chivalric Anglo-Saxon
race, who respected honour more than life, and felt a stain like a
wound, they could scarcely believe their senses when they thus heard the
Governor of Virginia recommending deceit and simulation to secure his
safety. To them, rebellion was chiefly detestable because it was an
infraction of the oath of loyalty. It could scarcely be more base than
the premeditated perjury which Sir William contemplated. Many an angry
eye and dark scowl was bent on Alfred Bernard, who met them with an easy
and defiant air. The silence that ensued expressed more clearly than
words the disapprobation of the council. At length old Ballard, one of
the most loyal and esteemed members of the council, hazarded an
expression of his views.

"Sir William Berkeley, let me advise you as your counsellor, and warn
you as your friend, to avoid the course prescribed by that young man.
What effect can your bad f