"`May it please your majesty,' the old man began, while the tears ran down his cheeks, and his voice was troubled, `I have always, as I am sure you will acknowledge, behaved with due respect to your majesty whenever in your majesty's presence; nor can any one here say that he has ever heard me speak evil of your majesty behind your back.  Your majesty knows, also, that I have endeavoured to serve you faithfully on the field and in the council-chamber.  You must therefore bear with me while I say that I cannot sit patiently by and hear your majesty join with your friends in speaking evil of the dearest friend I have, one dearer to me than my life, and whom I must hold in greater honour than even your majesty.  I mean my Saviour and heavenly King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Pardon me, therefore, your majesty, if I ask leave to withdraw at once.'