Henri Matisse Painting

Henri Matisse Painting
This was an argument of tremendous force, in that superstitious day. Tom felt that the thing was settled; if evidence was worth anything, this poor fellow's guilt was proved. Still he offered the prisoner a chance, saying:
"If thou canst say aught in thy behalf, speak."
Henri Matisse Painting
"Naught that will avail, my king. I am innocent, yet cannot I make it appear. I have no friends, else might I show that I was not in Islington that day; so also might I show that at that hour they name I was above a league away, seeing I was at Wapping Old Stairs; yea more, my king, for I could show, that while they say I was taking life, I was saving it. A drowning boy-"
"Peace! Sheriff, name the day the deed was done!"
Henri Matisse Painting