She 'professed to be' pleased with the outcome, but we knew the truth.
He 'professes' himself (to be) unsatisfied with their decision.
She 'professed to know' nothing about the missing money.
(..) 'returning were as tedious as go o'er. 'Strange things I have in head that will to hand, 'which must be acted ere they may be scanned.' I conjure you, by that which you profess, howe'er you come to know it, answer me. Speak, I charge you. Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care who chafes, (..)2015 Macbeth