

They tried to change the topic, but his fears were aroused, and he
pursued it--

Will they scourge thee?  No, no, they would not be so cruel!  Say they
would not.  Come, they _will_ not, will they?

The women betrayed confusion and distress, but there was no avoiding an
answer, so one of them said, in a voice choked with emotion--

Oh, thoult break our hearts, thou gentle spirit!--God will help us to
bear our--

It is a confession! the King broke in.