The prisoner bowed respectfully to the Court, and immediately
addressed the Recorder with his "most humble and unfeigned
thanks, for the kindness and humanity of the Recorder, the
Sheriffs, and other gentlemen who had interested themselves in
his favour, and who had so effectually represented his unhappy
case to the throne, that his Majesty, whose humanity could only
be equalled by his love of virtue, had extended his mercy; but
however flattering the prospect of preserving life might be to a
man in a different situation; yet that he, now he was sunk and
degraded in society, was totally insensible of the blessing. Life
was no longer an object with him, as it was utterly impossible
that he could be joined in union with the person who was dearer
to him than life itself. Under such circumstances, although he
was truly sensible of his Majesty's goodness and clemency, yet he
must positively decline the terms offered him; preferring death
to the prolongation of a life which could not be otherwise than
truly miserable.
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