A Public Defense

King James the 1st – Speaking to the Privy Council in 1817 – addressed the rising rumors:

You may be sure that I love the Earl of Buckingham more than anyone else, and 
more than you who are here assembled.  I wish to speak in my own behalf and not to
have it thought to be a defect, for Jesus Christ did the same, and therefore I cannot be blamed.
Christ had John, and I have George.