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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/1879-h.zip b/1879-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..fa1b656 --- /dev/null +++ b/1879-h.zip diff --git a/1879-h/1879-h.htm b/1879-h/1879-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a4c42f --- /dev/null +++ b/1879-h/1879-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12558 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Royalty Restored, by J. Fitzgerald Molloy + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Royalty Restored, by J. Fitzgerald Molloy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Royalty Restored + or, London under Charles II. + +Author: J. Fitzgerald Molloy + +Release Date: November 7, 2008 [EBook #1879] +Last Updated: February 6, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROYALTY RESTORED *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteeer, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + ROYALTY RESTORED + </h1> + <h2> + or, LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + Original Transcriber's Note: + </p> + <p> + Footnotes have been inserted into this etext in square brackets close to + the place where they were indicated by a suffix in the original text. + </p> + <p> + The pound sterling symbol has been written as 'L'. + </p> + <p> + Text in italics has been written in capital letters. + </p> + <br /> + <p> + PG Editor's Note: Archaic spelling and grammar retained. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + TO THOMAS HARDY, ESQ. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEAR MR. HARDY, + + In common with all readers of the English language, I owe you a + debt of gratitude, the which I rejoice to acknowledge, even in so + poor a manner as by dedicating this work to you. + + Believe me, + + Faithfully yours always, + + J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. + </h2> + <p> + No social history of the court of Charles II. has heretofore been written. + The Grammont Memoirs, devoid of date and detail, and addressed "to those + who read only for amusement," present but brief imperfect sketches of the + wits and beauties who thronged the court of the merry monarch whilst the + brilliant Frenchman sojourned in England. Pepys, during the first nine + years of the Restoration, narrates such gossip as reached him regarding + Whitehall and the practices that obtained there. Evelyn records some + trifling actions of the king and his courtiers, with a view of pointing a + moral, rather than from a desire of adorning a tale. + </p> + <p> + To supply this want in our literature, I have endeavoured to present a + picture of the domestic life of a king, whose name recalls pages of the + brightest romance and strangest gallantry in our chronicles. To this I + have added a study of London during his reign, taken as far as possible + from rare, and invariably from authentic sources. It will readily be seen + this work, embracing such subjects, could alone have resulted from careful + study and untiring consultation of diaries, records, memoirs, letters, + pamphlets, tracts, and papers left by contemporaries familiar with the + court and capital. The accomplishment of such a task necessitated an + expenditure of time, and devotion to labour, such as in these fretful and + impatient days is seldom bestowed on work. + </p> + <p> + As in previous volumes I have writ no fact is set down without authority, + so likewise the same rule is pursued in these; and for such as desire to + test the accuracy thereof, or follow at further length statements + necessarily abbreviated, a list is appended of the principal literature + consulted. And inasmuch as I have found pleasure in this work, so may my + gentle readers derive profit therefrom; and as I have laboured, so may + they enjoy. Expressing which fair wishes, and moreover commending myself + unto their love and service, I humbly take my leave. + </p> + <p> + J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. <a name="link2H_LIST" id="link2H_LIST"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, TRACTS, AND NEWSPAPERS, CONSULTED + IN WRITING THIS VOLUME. + </h2> + <p> + "Elenchus Motuum Nuperorum." Heath's "Flagellum; or, the Life and Death of + Oliver Cromwell." Banks' "Life of Cromwell." "Review of the Political Life + of Cromwell." "A Modest Vindication of Oliver Cromwell." "The Machivilian + Cromwellist." Kimber's "Life of Cromwell." "The World Mistaken in Oliver + Cromwell"(1668). "A Letter of Comfort to Richard Cromwell." "Letters from + Fairfax to Cromwell." "Cromwell's Letters and Speeches." "A Collection of + Several Passages concerning Cromwell in his Sickness." "The Protector's + Declaration against the Royal Family of the Stuarts." "Memoirs of Cromwell + and his Children, supposed to be written by himself." "Narrative of the + Proceedings of the English Army in Scotland." "An Account of the Last + Houres of the late renowned Oliver, Lord Protector" (1659). "Sedition + Scourged." Heath's "Chronicles of the late Intestine War." Welwood's + "Memoirs of Transactions in England." "Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, M.P., in + the year 1640." Forster's "Statesmen of the Commonwealth." "Killing No + Murther." Thurloe's "State Papers." Lord Clarendon's "State Papers." + Tatham's "Aqua Triumphalis." "The Public Intelligencer." "Mercurius + Politicus." "The Parliamentary Intelligencer." Lyon's "Personal History of + Charles II." "The Boscobel Tracts, relating to the Escape of Charles II." + "An Exact Narrative of his Majesty's Escape from Worcester." Several + Passages relating to the "Declared King of Scots both by Sea and Land." + "Charles II.'s Declaration to his Loving Subjects in the Kingdom of + England." "England's Joy; or, a Relation of the most Remarkable Passages + from his Majesty's Arrival at Dover to his Entrance at Whitehall." "Copies + of Two Papers written by the King." "His Majesty's Gracious Message to + General Monk." "King Charles, His Starre." "A Speech spoken by a Blew-Coat + of Christ's Hospital to his Sacred Majesty." "Monarchy Revived." "The + History of Charles II., by a Person of Quality." Lady Fanshawe's + "Memoirs." "The Character of Charles II., written by an Impartial Hand and + exposed to Public View." "Sports and Pastimes of the English People." "A + History of Domestic Manners and Sentiments in England." Wright's "Homes of + Other Days." Idalcomb's "Anecdotes of Manners and Customs of London." + Pepys' "Diary." Evelyn's "Diary." Grammont's "Memoirs." Lord Romney's + "Diary of the Times of Charles II." "The Life and Adventures of Colonel + Blood." "Diary of Dr. Edward Lake, Court Chaplain." Bishop Burnet's + "History of His Own Times." Oldmixon's "Court Tales." Madame Dunois' + "Memoirs of the English Court." Heath's "Glories and Triumphs of Charles + II." "Continuation of the Life of Edward, Earl of Clarendon." "Original + Correspondence of Lord Clarendon." "The Memoirs of Sir John Reresby." + Lister's "Life of Clarendon. Brain Fairfax's "Memoirs of the Duke of + Buckingham." "Letters of Philip, Second Earl of Chesterfield." Aubrey's + "Memoirs." "The Life of Mr. Anthony a Wood, written by Himself." Elias + Ashmole's "Memoirs of his Life." Luttrell's "Diary." "The Althorp Memoirs" + (privately printed). Lord Broghill's "Memoirs." "Memoir of Barbara, + Duchess of Cleveland" (privately printed). Aubrey's "Lives of Eminent + Men." Count Magalotti's "Travels in England." "The Secret History of + Whitehall: consisting of Secret Memoirs which have hitherto lain conceal'd + as not being discoverable by any other hand." "Athenae Oxonienses." Lord + Rochester's Works. Brown's "Miscellanea Aulica." The Works of Andrew + Marvell. "State Tracts, relating to the Government from the year 1660 to + 1689." "Antiquities of the Crown and State of Old England." "Narrative of + the Families exposed to the Great Plague of London." "Loimologia; or, an + Historical Account of the Plague in 1665." "A Collection of very Valuable + and Scarce Pieces relating to the Last Plague in 1665." "London's Dreadful + Visitation." "Letter of Dr, Hedges to a Person of Quality." "God's + Terrible Voice in the City: a Narrative of the late Dreadful Judgments by + Plague and Fire." "Pestis; a Collection of Scarce Papers relating to the + Plague." "An Account of the Fire of London, published by authority." Lord + Clarendon's "Account of the Great Fire." "A Voyage into England, + containing many things relating to the State of Learning, Religion, and + other Curiosities of that Kingdom," by Mons. Sorbiere. Carte's "Life of + James, Duke of Ormond." Carte's "History of England." Lord Somers' + "Collection of Scarce and Valuable Tracts." "Memoirs of the Duchess of + Mazarine." "Secret History of the Duchess of Portsmouth." St. Evremond's + "Memoirs." "Curialia; or, an Historical Account of some Branches of the + Royal Household." "Parliamentary History." Oldmixon's "History of the + Stuarts." Ellis's "Original Letters." Charles James Fox's "History of + James II." Sir George L'Estrange's "Brief History of the Times." Lord + Romney's "Diary of the Times of Charles II." Clarke's "Life of James II." + "Vindication of the English Catholics." "The Tryals, Conviction and + Sentence of Titus Oates." "A Modest Vindication of Oates." "Tracts on the + Popish Plot." Macpherson's "Original Papers." A. Marvell's "Account of + Popery." "An Exact Discovery of the Mystery of Iniquity as Practised among + the Jesuits." Smith's "Streets of London." "London Cries." Seymour's + "Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster." Stow's "Survey of London + and Westminster." "Angliae Metropolis." Dr. Laune's "Present State of + London, 1681." Sir Roger North's "Examn." "The Character of a Coffee + House." Stow's "Chronicles of Fashion." Fairholt's "Costume in England." + "A Just and Seasonable Reprehension of Naked Breasts and Shoulders." Sir + William Petty's "Observations of the City of London." John Ogilvy's + "London Surveyed." R. Burton's "Historical Remarks." Dr. Birch's "History + of the Royal Society of London." "A Century of Inventions." Wild's + "History of the Royal Society." "The Philosophical Transactions of the + Royal Society." Richardson's "Life of Milton." Philip's "Life of Milton." + Johnson's "Lives of the Poets." Aubrey's "Collections for the Life of + Milton." Langbaine's "Lives and Characters of the English Dramatic Poets." + "Some Remarkable Passages in the Life of Mr. Wycherley." "Some Account of + what Occurred at the King's Death," by Richard Huddlestone, O.S.B. "A True + Narrative of the late King's Death." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_LIST"> LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, ETC. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_TOC"> DETAILED CONTENTS. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>ROYALTY RESTORED</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DETAILED CONTENTS. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER I. <br /> Cromwell is sick unto death.—Fears and + suspicions.—Killing no <br /> Murder.—A memorable storm.—The + end of all.—Richard Cromwell <br /> made Protector,—He + refuses to shed blood. Disturbance and <br /> dissatisfaction.—Downfall + of Richard.—Charles Stuart proclaimed <br /> king.—Rejoicement + of the nation.—The king comes into his own.—Entry <br /> into + London.—Public joy and festivity. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER II. <br /> The story of the king's escape.—He accepts the + Covenant, and lands in <br /> Scotland.—Crowned at Scone.—Proclaimed + king at Carlisle.—The <br /> battle of Worcester,—Bravery of + Charles.—Disloyalty of the Scottish <br /> cavalry.—The + Royalists defeated.—The king's flight.—Seeks refuge <br /> in + Boscobel Wood. The faithful Pendrells.—Striving to cross the <br /> + Severn.—Hiding in an oak tree.—Sheltered by Master Lane. + Sets out <br /> with Mistress Lane.—Perilous escapes.—On the + road.—The king is <br /> recognised.—Strange adventures.—His + last night in England. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER III. <br /> Celebration of the king's return. Those who flocked + to Whitehall.—My <br /> Lord Cleveland's gentlemen.—Sir + Thomas Allen's supper.—Touching for <br /> king's evil.—That + none might lose their labour—The man with the fungus <br /> nose.—The + memory of the regicides.—Cromwell's effigy.—Ghastly scene + <br /> at Tyburn.—The king's clemency.—The Coronation + procession.—Sights and <br /> scenes by the way.—His majesty + is crowned <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER IV. <br /> The king's character.—His proverbial grace.—He + tells a story well.—"A <br /> warmth and sweetness of the blood."—Beautiful + Barbara Palmer.—Her <br /> intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.—James, + Duke of York. His <br /> early days.—Escape from St. James's.—Fights + in the service of <br /> France.—Marriage with Anne Hyde.—Sensation + at Court.—The Duke of <br /> Gloucester's death.—The Princess + of Orange.—Schemes against the <br /> Duke of York's peace.—The + "lewd informer."—Anne Hyde is acknowledged <br /> Duchess of York. + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER V. <br /> Morality of the restoration.—Puritan piety.—Cromwell's + <br /> intrigues.—Conduct of women under the Republic.—Some + notable <br /> courtiers.—The Duke of Ormond and his family.—Lord + St. Albans and <br /> Henry Jermyn.—His Grace of Buckingham and + Mistress Fairfax.—Lord <br /> Rochester.—Delights all hearts.—The + king's projected <br /> marriage.—Catherine of Braganza.—His + majesty's speech.—A royal <br /> love-letter.—The new queen + sets sail. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VI. <br /> The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.—The + queen arrives at <br /> Portsmouth.—Visited by the Duke of York.—The + king leaves town.—First <br /> interview with his bride.—His + letter to the lord chancellor.—Royal <br /> marriage and + festivities.—Arrival at Hampton Court Palace.—Prospects + <br /> of a happy union.—Lady Castlemaine gives birth to a second + child.—The <br /> king's infatuation.—Mistress and wife.—The + queen's misery.—The king's <br /> cruelty.—Lord Clarendon's + messages.—His majesty resolves to break the <br /> queen's spirit.—End + of the domestic quarrel. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VII. <br /> Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.—My Lady + Castlemaine a <br /> spectator.—Young Mr. Crofts.—New + arrivals at court.—The Hamilton <br /> family.—The Chevalier + de Grammont.—Mrs. Middleton and Miss Kirke.—At <br /> the + queen's ball.—La belle Hamilton.—The queen mother at + Somerset <br /> House.—The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.—Fair + Frances Stuart.—Those <br /> who court her favour.—The king's + passion. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER VIII. <br /> The Duke of York's intrigues.—My Lady + Chesterfield and his royal <br /> highness.—The story of Lady + Southesk's love,—Lord Arran plays the <br /> guitar.—Lord + Chesterfield is jealous.—The countess is taken from <br /> court.—Mistress + Margaret Brooks and the king.—Lady Denham and the <br /> duke.—Sir + John goes mad.—My lady is poisoned. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER IX. <br /> Court life under the merry monarch.—Riding in + Hyde Park.—Sailing on <br /> the Thames.—Ball at Whitehall.—Petit + soupers.—What happened at <br /> Lady Gerrard's.—Lady + Castlemaine quarrels with the king.—Flight to <br /> Richmond.—The + queen falls ill.—The king's grief and remorse.—Her <br /> + majesty speaks.—Her secret sorrow finds voice in delirium.—Frances + <br /> Stuart has hopes.—The queen recovers. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER X. <br /> Notorious courtiers.—My Lord Rochester's satires.—Places + a watch on <br /> certain ladies of quality.—His majesty becomes + indignant.—Rochester <br /> retires to the country.—Dons a + disguise and returns to town.—Practises <br /> astrology.—Two + maids of honour seek adventure.—Mishaps which befell <br /> them.—Rochester + forgiven.—The Duke of Buckingham.—Lady Shrewsbury <br /> and + her victims.—Captain Howard's duel.—Lord Shrewsbury avenges + <br /> his honour.—A strange story.—Colonel Blood attempts an + <br /> abduction.—Endeavours to steal the regalia.—The king + converses with <br /> him. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XI. <br /> Terror falls upon the people.—Rumours of a + plague.—A sign in the <br /> heavens.—Flight from the + capital.—Preparations against the dreaded <br /> enemy.—Dr. + Boghurst's testimony.—God's terrible voice in the <br /> city.—Rules + made by the lord mayor.—Massacre of animals.—O, dire <br /> + death!—Spread of the distemper.—Horrible sights.—State + of the <br /> deserted capital.—"Bring out your dead."—Ashes + to ashes.—Fires are <br /> lighted.—Relief of the poor.—The + mortality bills. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XII <br /> A cry of fire by night.—Fright and confusion.—The + lord mayor is <br /> unmanned.—Spread of the flames.—Condition + of the streets.—Distressful <br /> scenes.—Destruction of the + Royal Exchange.—Efforts of the king and the <br /> Duke of York.—Strange + rumours and alarms, St. Paul's is doomed.—The <br /> flames + checked.—A ruined city as seen by day and night.—Wretched + state <br /> of the people.—Investigation into the origin of the + fire.—A new city <br /> arises. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIII. <br /> The court repairs to Oxford—Lady Castlemaine's + son.—Their majesties <br /> return to Whitehall.—The king + quarrels with his mistress.—Miss Stuart <br /> contemplates + marriage.—Lady Castlemaine attempts revenge.—Charles <br /> + makes an unpleasant discovery.—The maid of honour elopes.—His + majesty <br /> rows down the Thames.—Lady Castlemaine's intrigues.—Fresh + quarrels at <br /> court.—The king on his knees. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIV. <br /> The kingdom in peril.—The chancellor falls + under his majesty's <br /> displeasure.—The Duke of Buckingham's + mimicry.—Lady Castlemaine's <br /> malice.—Lord Clarendon's + fall.—The Duke of Ormond offends the king's <br /> mistress.—She + covers him with abuse.—Plots against the Duke of <br /> York.—Schemes + for a royal divorce.—Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn.—The <br /> + king and the comedian.—Lady Castlemaine abandons herself to great + <br /> disorders.—Young Jack Spencer.—The countess intrigues + with an <br /> acrobat.—Talk of the town.—The mistress + created a duchess. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XV. <br /> Louise de Querouaille.—The Triple Alliance.—Louise + is created Duchess <br /> of Portsmouth,—Her grace and the impudent + comedian.—Madam Ellen moves <br /> in society. The young Duke of + St. Albans.—Strange story of the <br /> Duchess of Mazarine.—Entertaining + the wits at Chelsea.—Luxurious <br /> suppers.—profligacy and + wit. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVI. <br /> A storm threatens the kingdom—The Duke of York + is touched in his <br /> conscience.—His interview with Father + Simons.—The king declares his <br /> mind.—The Duchess of + York becomes a catholic.—The circumstances of her <br /> death.—The + Test Act introduced.—Agitation of the nation.—The Duke <br /> + of York marries again.—Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.—The Duke + of <br /> Monmouth.—William of Orange and the Princess Mary.—Their + marriage and <br /> departure from England. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVII. <br /> The threatened storm bursts.—History of Titus + Oates and Dr. Tonge.—A <br /> dark scheme concocted.—The king + is warned of danger.—The narrative of <br /> a horrid plot laid + before the treasurer.—Forged letters.—Titus Oates <br /> + before the council.—His blunders.—A mysterious murder.—Terror + of the <br /> citizens.—Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.—Papists + are banished from the <br /> capital.—Catholic peers committed to + the Tower.—Oates is encouraged. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> Reward for the discovery of murderers.—Bedlow's + character <br /> and evidence.—His strange story.—Development + of the "horrid <br /> plot."—William Staley is made a victim.—Three + Jesuits hung.—Titus <br /> Oates pronounced the saviour of his + country.—Striving to ruin the <br /> queen.—Monstrous story + of Bedlow and Oates.—The king protects <br /> her majesty.—Five + Jesuits executed.—Fresh rumours concerning <br /> the papists.—Bill + to exclude the Duke of York.—Lord Stafford is <br /> tried.—Scene + at Tower Hill.—Fate of the conspirators. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XIX. <br /> London under Charles II.—Condition and + appearance of the <br /> thoroughfares.—Coffee is first drunk in + the capital.—Taverns and <br /> their frequenters.—The city + by night.—Wicked people do creep <br /> about.—Companies of + young gentlemen.—The Duke of Monmouth kills <br /> a beadle.—Sir + Charles Sedley's frolic.—Stately houses of the <br /> nobility.—St. + James's Park.—Amusement of the town.—At Bartholomew <br /> + Fair.—Bull, bear, and dog fights.—Some quaint sports. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XX. <br /> Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.—Dining + in public.—The <br /> Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.—Entertainment + of guests by <br /> mountebanks.—Gaming at court.—Lady + Castlemaine's losses.—A fatal <br /> duel.—Dress of the + period.—Riding-habits first seen.—His majesty <br /> invents + a national costume.—Introduction of the penny post.—Divorce + <br /> suits are known.—Society of Antiquaries.—Lord + Worcester's <br /> inventions.—The Duchess of Newcastle. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p> + CHAPTER XXI. <br /> A period rich in literature.—John Milton's + early life.—Writing <br /> "Paradise Lost."—Its publication + and success.—His later works and <br /> death.—John Dryden + gossips with wits and players.—Lord Rochester's <br /> revenge.—Elkanah + Settle.—John Crowne.—Thomas Otway rich in <br /> miseries.—Dryden + assailed by villains.—The ingenious Abraham <br /> Cowley.—The + author of "Hudibras."—Young Will Wycherley and Lady <br /> + Castlemaine. The story of his marriage.—Andrew Marvell, poet and + <br /> politician.—John Bunyan. <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p> + Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.—The Rye House <br /> + conspiracy.—Profligacy of the court.—The three duchesses.—The + king <br /> is taken ill.—The capital in consternation.—Dr. + Ken questions his <br /> majesty.—A Benedictine monk is sent for.—Charles + professes catholicity <br /> and receives the Sacraments.—Farewell + to all.—His last night on <br /> earth.—Daybreak and death.—He + rests in peace. <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + ROYALTY RESTORED + </h1> + <h2> + or, LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cromwell is sick unto death.—Fears and suspicions.—Killing no + Murder.—A memorable storm.—The end of all.—Richard Cromwell + made Protector.—He refuses to shed blood.—Disturbance and + dissatisfaction.—Downfall of Richard.—Charles Stuart proclaimed + king.—Rejoicement of the nation.—The king comes into his own.—Entry + into London.—Public joy and satisfaction. +</pre> + <p> + On the 30th of January, 1649, Charles I. was beheaded. In the last days of + August in the year of grace 1658, Oliver Cromwell lay sick unto death at + the Palace of Whitehall. On the 27th day of June in the previous year, he + had, in the Presence of the Judges of the land, the Lord Mayor and + Aldermen of the City, and Members of Parliament assembled at Westminster + Hall, seated himself on the coronation chair of the Stuarts, assumed the + title of Lord Protector, donned a robe of violet velvet, girt his loins + with a sword of state, and grasped the sceptre, symbolic of kingly power. + From that hour distrust beset his days, his nights were fraught with fear. + All his keen and subtle foresight, his strong and restless energies, had + since then been exerted in suppressing plots against his power, and + detecting schemes against his life, concocted by the Republicans whose + liberty he had betrayed, and by the Royalists whose king he had beheaded. + </p> + <p> + Soon after he had assumed the title of Lord High Protector, a most daring + pamphlet, openly advocating his assassination, was circulated in vast + numbers throughout the kingdom. It was entitled "Killing no Murder," and + was dedicated in language outrageously bold to His Highness Oliver + Cromwell. "To your Highness justly belongs the honour of dying for the + people," it stated, "and it cannot but be an unspeakable consolation to + you, in the last moments of your life, to consider with how much benefit + to the world you are likely to leave it. It is then only, my lord, the + titles you now usurp will be truly yours; you will then be, indeed, the + deliverer of your country, and free it from a bondage little inferior to + that from which Moses delivered his, you will then be that true reformer + which you would now be thought; religion shall then be restored, liberty + asserted, and Parliaments have those privileges they have sought for. All + this we hope from your Highness's happy expiration. To hasten this great + good is the chief end of my writing this paper; and if it have the effects + I hope it will, your Highness will quickly be out of the reach of men's + malice, and your enemies will only be able to wound you in your memory, + which strokes you will not feel." + </p> + <p> + The possession of life becomes dearest when its forfeiture is threatened, + and therefore Cromwell took all possible means to guard against treachery—the + only foe he feared, and feared exceedingly. "His sleeps were disturbed + with the apprehensions of those dangers the day presented unto him in the + approaches of any strange face, whose motion he would most fixedly + attend," writes James Heath, gentleman, in his "Chronicles," published in + 1675. "Above all, he very carefully observed such whose mind or aspect + were featured with any chearful and debonair lineaments; for such he boded + were they that would despatch him; to that purpose he always went secretly + armed, both offensive and defensive; and never stirred without a great + guard. In his usual journey between Whitehall and Hampton Court, by + several roads, he drove full speed in the summer time, making such a dust + with his life-guard, part before and part behinde, at a convenient + distance, for fear of choaking him with it, that one could hardly see for + a quarter of an hour together, and always came in some private way or + other." The same authority, in his "Life of Cromwell," states of him, "It + was his constant custom to shift and change his lodging, to which he + passed through twenty several locks, and out of which he had four or five + ways to avoid pursuit." Welwood, in his "Memoirs," adds the Protector wore + a coat of mail beneath his dress, and carried a poniard under his cloak. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all. According to the "Chronicle of the late Intestine War," + Cromwell "would sometimes pretend to be merry, and invite persons, of whom + he had some suspicion, to his cups, and then drill out of their open + hearts such secrets as he wisht for. He had freaks also to divert the + vexations of his misgiving thoughts, calling on by the beat of drum his + footguards, like a kennel of hounds to snatch away the scraps and reliques + of his table. He said every man's hand was against him, and that he ran + daily into further perplexities, out of which it was impossible to + extricate, or secure himself therein, without running into further danger; + so that he began to alter much in the tenour of his former converse, and + to run and transform into the manners of the ancient tyrants, thinking to + please and mitigate his own tortures with the sufferings of others." + </p> + <p> + But now the fate his vigilance had hitherto combated at last overtook him + in a manner impossible to evade. He was attacked by divers infirmities, + but for some time made no outward sign of his suffering, until one day + five physicians came and waited on him, as Dr. George Bate states in his + ELENCHUS MOTUUM NUPERORUM. And one of them, feeling his pulse, declared + his Highness suffered from an intermittent fever; hearing which "he looked + pale, fell into a cold sweat, almost fainted away, and orders himself to + be carried to bed." His fright, however, was but momentary. He was + resolved to live. He had succeeded in raising himself to a position of + vast power, but had failed in attaining the great object of his ambition—the + crowned sovereignty of the nation he had stirred to its centre, and + conquered to its furthest limits. Brought face to face with death, his + indomitable will, which had shaped untoward circumstances to his accord + with a force like unto fate itself, now determined to conquer his shadowy + enemy which alone intercepted his path to the throne. Therefore as he lay + in bed he said to those around him with that sanctity of speech which had + cloaked his cruellest deeds and dissembled his most ambitious designs, "I + would be willing to live to be further serviceable to God and his people." + </p> + <p> + As desires of waking hours are answered in sleep, so in response to his + nervous craving for life he had delusive assurances of health through the + special bounty of Providence. He was therefore presently able to announce + he "had very great discoveries of the Lord to him in his sickness, and + hath some certainty of being restored;" as Fleetwood, his son-in-law, + wrote on the 24th of August in this same year. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, when one of the physicians came to him next morning, the High + Protector said, "Why do you look sad?" To which the man of lore replied + evasively, "So it becomes anyone who had the weighty care of his life and + health upon him." Then Cromwell to this purpose spoke: "You think I shall + die; I tell you I shall not die this bout; I am sure on't. Don't think I + am mad. I speak the words of truth upon surer grounds than Galen or your + Hippocrates furnish you with. God Almighty himself hath given that answer, + not to my prayers alone, but also to the prayers of those who entertain a + stricter commerce and greater intimacy with him. Ye may have skill in the + nature of things, yet nature can do more than all physicians put together, + and God is far above nature." The doctor besought him to rest, and left + the room. Outside he met one of his colleagues, to whom he gave it as his + opinion their patient had grown light-headed, and he repeated the words + which Cromwell had spoken. "Then," said his brother-physician, "you are + certainly a stranger in this house; don't you know what was done last + night? The chaplain and all their friends being dispersed into several + parts of the palace have prayed to God for his health, and they all heard + the voice of God saying, 'He will recover,' and so they are all certain of + it." + </p> + <p> + "Never, indeed, was there a greater stock of prayers going on for any + man," as Thurlow, his secretary, writes. So sure were those around him + that Providence must hearken to and grant the fulfilment of such desires + as they thought well to express, that, as Thomas Goodwin, one of + Cromwell's chaplains, said, "We asked not for the Protector's life, for we + were assured He had too great things for this man to do, to remove him + yet; but we prayed for his speedy recovery, because his life and presence + were so necessary to divers things then of great moment to be despatched." + When this Puritanical fanatic was presently disappointed, Bishop Burnet + narrates "he had the impudence to say to God, 'Thou hast deceived us.'" + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Protector lay writhing in pain and terror. His mind was + sorely troubled at remembrance of the last words spoken by his daughter + Elizabeth, who had threatened judgments upon him because of his refusal to + save the King; whilst his body was grievously racked with a tertian fever, + and a foul humour which, beginning in his foot, worked its way steadily to + his heart. Moreover, some insight regarding his future seemed given to him + in his last days, for he appeared, as Ludlow, his contemporary, states, + "above all concerned for the reproaches he saw men would cast upon his + name, in tramping upon his ashes when dead." + </p> + <p> + On the 30th of August his danger became evident even to himself, and all + hope of life left him. For hours after the certain approach of death + became undeniably certain, he remained quiet and speechless, seemingly + heedless of the exhortation and prayers of his chaplains, till suddenly + turning to one of them, he whispered, "Tell me, is it possible to fall + from grace?" The preacher had a soothing reply ready: "It is not," he + answered. "Then," exclaimed this unhappy man, whose soul was red with the + blood of thousands of his countrymen, "I am safe, for I know I was once in + grace." Anon he cries out, whilst tossing wildly on his bed, "Lord, + although I am a miserable and a wretched creature, I am in covenant with + Thee through grace, and I may and will come to Thee for Thy people. Pardon + such as desire to trample upon the dust of a poor worm. And give us a good + night if it be Thy pleasure. Amen." + </p> + <p> + It was now the 2nd of September. As the evening of that day approached he + fell into a stupor, and those who watched him thought the end had come. + </p> + <p> + Within the darkened chamber in Whitehall all was silence and gloom; + without all was tumult and fear. Before the gates of the palace a + turbulent crowd of soldiers and citizens had gathered in impatient + anxiety. Those he had raised to power, those whose fortunes depended on + his life, were steeped in gloom; those whose principles he had outraged by + his usurpation, those whose position he had crushed by his sway, rejoiced + at heart. Not only the capital, but the whole nation, was divided into + factions which one strong hand alone had been able to control; and terror, + begotten by dire remembrances of civil war and bloodshed, abode with all + lovers of peace. + </p> + <p> + As evening closed in, the elements appeared in unison with the distracted + condition of the kingdom. Dark clouds, seeming of ominous import to men's + minds, gathered in the heavens, to be presently torn asunder and hurried + in wild flight by tempestuous winds across the troubled sky. As night + deepened, the gale steadily increased, until it raged in boundless fury + above the whole island and the seas that rolled around its shores. In town + houses rocked on their foundations, turrets and steeples were flung from + their places; in the country great trees were uprooted, corn-stacks + levelled to the ground, and winter fruits destroyed; whilst at sea ships + sank to rise no more. This memorable storm lasted all night, and continued + until three o'clock next afternoon, when Cromwell expired. + </p> + <p> + His body was immediately embalmed, but was of necessity interred in great + haste. Westminster Abbey, the last home of kings and princes, was selected + as the fittest resting-place for the regicide. Though it was impossible to + honour his remains by stately ceremonials, his followers were not content + to let the occasion of his death pass with-out commemoration. They + therefore had a waxen image of him made, which they resolved to surround + with all the pomp and circumstances of royalty. For this purpose they + carried it to Somerset House—one of the late King's palaces—and + placed it on a couch of crimson velvet beneath a canopy of state. Upon its + shoulders they hung a purple mantle, in its right hand they placed a + golden sceptre, and by its side they laid an imperial crown, probably the + same which, according to Welwood, the Protector had secretly caused to be + made and conveyed to Whitehall with a view to his coronation. The walls + and ceiling of the room in which the effigy lay were covered by sable + velvet; the passages leading to it crowded with soldiery. After a few + weeks the town grew tired of this sight, when the waxen image was taken to + another apartment, hung with rich velvets and golden tissue, and otherwise + adorned to symbolize heaven, when it was placed upon a throne, clad "in a + shirt of fine Holland lace, doublet and breeches of Spanish fashion with + great skirts, silk stockings, shoe-strings and gaiters suitable, and black + Spanish leather shoes." Over this attire was flung a cloak of purple + velvet, and on his head was placed a crown with many precious stones. The + room was then lit, as Ludlow narrates, "by four or five hundred candles + set in flat shining candlesticks, so placed round near the roof that the + light they gave seemed like the rays of the sun, by all which he was + represented to be now in a state of glory." Lest, indeed, there should be + any doubt as to the place where his soul abode, Sterry, the Puritan + preacher, imparted the information to all, that the Protector "now sat + with Christ at the right hand of the Father." + </p> + <p> + But this pomp and state in no may overawed the people, who, by pelting + with mire Cromwell's escutcheon placed above the great gate of Somerset + House gave evidence of the contempt in which they held his memory. After a + lapse of over two months from the day of his death, the effigy was carried + to Westminster Abbey with more than regal ceremony, the expenses of his + lying-in-state and of his funeral procession amounting, as stated by + Walker and Noble, to upwards of L29,000. "It was the joyfullest funeral I + ever saw," writes Evelyn, "for there were none that cried but dogs, which + the soldiers hooted away with a barbarous noise, drinking and taking + tobacco as they went." + </p> + <p> + A little while before his death Cromwell had named his eldest surviving + son, Richard, as his successor, and he was accordingly declared Protector, + with the apparent consent of the council, soldiers, and citizens. Nor did + the declaration cause any excitement, "There is not a dog who wags his + tongue, so profound is the calm which we are in," writes Thurlow to + Oliver's second son, Henry, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. But if the + nation in its dejection made no signs of resistance, neither did it give + any indications of satisfaction, and Richard was proclaimed "with as few + expressions of joy as had ever been observed on a like occasion." For a + brief while a stupor seemed to lull the factious party spirit which was + shortly to plunge the country into fresh difficulties. The Cromwellians + and Republicans foresaw resistless strife, and the Royalists quietly and + hopefully abided results. + </p> + <p> + Nor had they long to wait. In the new Parliament assembled in January, + 1659, the Republicans showed themselves numerous and bold beyond measure, + and hesitated to recognise Richard Cromwell as successor to the + Protectorate. However, on the 14th of the following month the Cromwellians + gained the upper hand, when Richard was confirmed in his title of "Lord + Protector, and First Magistrate of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with + all the territories depending thereon." Further discussion quickly + followed. "One party thinks the Protectorate cannot last; the other that + the Republican cannot raise itself again; the indifferent hope that both + will be right. It is easy to foretell the upshot," writes Hyde. The + disunion spread rapidly and widely; not only was the Parliament divided + against itself, but so likewise was the army; and the new Protector had + neither the courage nor the ability to put down strife with a strong hand. + Richard Cromwell was a man of peaceful disposition, gentle manners and + unambitious mind, whom fate had forced into a position for which he was in + no way fitted. By one of those strange contradictions which nature + sometimes produces, he differed in all things from his father; for not + only was he pleasure-loving, joyous, and humane, but he was, moreover, a + Royalist at heart, and continued in friendship with the Cavaliers up to + the period of his proclamation as Protector. It has been stated that, + falling on his knees, he entreated his father to spare the life of Charles + I.; it is certain he remained inactive whilst the civil wars devastated + the land; and there is evidence to show that, during the seven months and + twenty-eight days of his Protectorship, he shrank from the perpetration of + cruelty and crime. Accordingly, when those who had at first supported his + authority eventually conspired against him, he refrained from using his + power to crush them. At this his friends were wrath. "It is time to look + about you," said Lord Howard, speaking with the bluntness of a friend. + "Empire and command are not now the question. Your person, your life are + in peril. You are the son of Cromwell; show yourself worthy to be his son. + This business requires a bold stroke, and must be supported by a good + head. Do not suffer yourself to be daunted. I will rid you of your + enemies: do you stand by me, and only back my zeal for your honour with + your name; my head shall answer for the consequences." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Ingoldsby seconded the advice Lord Howard gave, but Richard + Cromwell hearkened to neither. "I have never done anybody any harm, and + never will," said he, "will not have a drop of blood spilt for the + preservation of my greatness, which is a burden to me." At this Lord + Howard was indignant. "Do you think," he asked, "this moderation of yours + will repair the wrong your family has committed by its elevation? + Everybody knows that by violence your father procured the death of the + late king, and kept his sons in banishment: mercy in the present state of + affairs is unreasonable. Lay aside this pussillanimity; every moment is + precious; your enemies spend the time in acting which we waste in + consulting." "Talk no more of it," answered the Protector. "I am thankful + for your friendship, but violent counsels suit not with me." + </p> + <p> + The climax was at hand; his fall was but a question of time. "A wonderfull + and suddaine change in ye face of ye publiq," writes Evelyn, on the 25th + of April, 1659. "Ye new Protector Richard slighted; several pretenders and + parties strove for the Government; all anarchy and confusion. Lord have + mercy on us!" + </p> + <p> + Before the month of May had expired, the House of Commons commissioned two + of its members to bid Richard Cromwell leave the palace of Whitehall, and + obtain his signature to a deed wherein he acknowledged complete submission + to Parliament. His brief inglorious reign was therefore at an end. "As + with other men," he wrote to the House of Commons, "I expect protection + from the present Government: I do hold myself obliged to demean myself + with all the peaceableness under it, and to procure, to the utmost of my + power, that all in whom I have any interest to do the same." He retired + into Hampshire, where he dwelt as a private gentleman. His brother Henry + resigned his position as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and settled in + Cambridgeshire. From this time the name of Cromwell was no longer a power + in the land. + </p> + <p> + During two years subsequent to the death of Oliver the government of + England underwent various changes, and the kingdom suffered many + disorders; until, being heartily sick of anarchy, the people desired a + king might once more reign over them accordingly, they turned their eyes + towards the son of him whom "the boldest villany that ever any nation saw" + had sent to the block. And the time being ripe, Charles Stuart, then an + exile in Breda, despatched Sir John Grenville with royal letters to both + Houses of Parliament, likewise to the Lord Mayor of London and members of + the Common Council, to Monk, commander of the forces, and Montagu, admiral + of the fleet. These letters were received with so universal a joy and + applause, that Parliament forthwith ordained Charles Stuart should be + proclaimed "the most potent, mighty, and undoubted King of England, + Scotland and Ireland." Moreover, both Houses agreed that an honourable + body of Commissioners, all men of great quality and birth, should be sent + to the king with letters, humbly begging his majesty would be pleased to + hasten his long-desired return into England. And because they knew full + well the royal exchequer was empty, Parliament ordered these noble + gentlemen to carry with them a present of fifty thousand pieces of gold to + the king, together with ten thousand to his brother of York, and five + thousand to his brother of Gloucester. Nor was the City of London + backwards in sending expressions of loyalty and tokens of homage and + devotion; to evince which twenty valiant men and worthy citizens were + despatched with messages of goodwill towards him, and presents in gold to + the amount of twelve thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + And presently Admiral Montagu arriving with his fleet upon the coast of + Holland, awaited his majesty near Scheveling; and all things being in + readiness the king with his royal brothers and a most noble train set sail + for England. + </p> + <p> + It came to pass that on the 25th day of May, 1660, a vast concourse of + nobility, gentry, and citizens had assembled at Dover to meet and greet + their sovereign king, Charles II., on his landing. On the fair morning of + that day a sound of cannon thundering from the castle announced that the + fleet, consisting of "near forty sail of great men-of-war," which conveyed + his majesty to his own, was in sight; whereon an innumerable crowd betook + its joyful way to the shore. The sun was most gloriously bright, the sky + cloudless, the sea calm. Far out upon the blue horizon white-winged ships + could be clearly discerned. By three o'clock in the afternoon they had + reached the harbour, when the king, embarking in a galley most richly + adorned, was rowed to shore. Then cannon roared once more from the castle, + and were answered from the beach; bells rang from church towers, and a + mighty shout went up from the hearts of the people. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these rejoicings Charles II. landed, and the gallant + General Monk, who had been mainly instrumental in bringing his royal + master to the throne without loss of blood, now fell upon his knees to + greet his majesty. The king raised the general from the ground, embraced + and kissed him. Then the nobility hastened to pay their duty likewise, and + the Mayor and Aldermen of Dover presented him with a most loyal address. + And presently, with the roar of cannon, the clangour of bells, the sound + of music, and the shouts of a great multitude ringing in his ears, the + king advanced on his way towards Canterbury. At the gates of this ancient + city he was met by the mayor and aldermen, and was presented by them with + a golden tankard, Here he spent the following day, which being Sunday, he + went with a great train to the cathedral, where service according to the + Church of England, long disused by the Puritans, was restored, to the + satisfaction of many. + </p> + <p> + Setting out from Canterbury on Monday, the 29th of May—which was, + moreover, the anniversary of his birth—he journeyed to Blackheath, + where he reviewed the forces drawn up with great pomp and military + splendour to greet him, and bestowed many gracious expressions on them. + Then, having received assurances of their loyal homage through their + commander, Colonel Knight, he turned towards London town. And the nearer + he approached, the more dense became crowds thronging to meet him; the + fields on either side the long white road being filled with persons of all + conditions, who cheered him lustily. As he passed they flung leaves of + trees and sweet May flowers beneath his horse's feet, and waved green + boughs on high, And when he came to St. George's Fields, there was my lord + mayor in his robes of new velvet, wearing his collar of wrought gold, and + attended by his aldermen in brave apparel likewise. Going down on his + knees my lord mayor presented the king with the city sword, which his + majesty with some happy expressions of confidence gave back into his good + keeping, having first struck him with it upon the shoulder and bade him + rise up Sir Thomas Allen. Whereon that worthy man rose to his feet and + conducted the king to a large and richly adorned pavilion, and entertained + him at a splendid collation, it being then one of the clock. And being + refreshed his majesty set forth again, and entered the city, which had + never before shown so brave and goodly an appearance as on this May day, + when all the world seemed mad with joy. + </p> + <p> + From London Bridge even to Whitehall Palace the way was lined on one side + by the train-bands of the city, and on the other by the city companies in + their rich livery gowns; to which were added a number of gentlemen + volunteers, all in white doublets, commanded by Sir John Stanel. Across + the streets hung garlands of spring flowers that made the air most sweet, + and at the corners thereof were arches of white hawthorn in full bloom, + bedecked with streamers of gay colours. From wooden railed balconies, + jutting windows, and quaint gables hung fair tapestries, rich silks, and + stuffs of brilliant hues; and from the high red chimneys, grey turrets, + and lofty spires, floated flags bearing the royal arms of England, and + banners inscribed with such mottoes as loyalty and affection could + suggest. The windows and galleries were filled with ladies of quality in + bright dresses; the roofs and scaffolding, with citizens of all classes, + who awaited with eager and joyous faces to salute their lord and king. + </p> + <p> + And presently, far down the line of streets, a sound was heard of + innumerable voices cheering most lustily, which every minute became nearer + and louder, till at last a blare of trumpets was distinguished, followed + by martial music, and the tramp and confusion of a rushing crowd which + suddenly parted on all sides. Then there burst on view the first sight of + that brave and glorious cavalcade to the number of twenty thousand, which + ushered the king back unto his own. First came a troop of young and comely + gentlemen, three hundred in all, representing the pride and valour of the + kingdom, wearing cloth of silver doublets and brandishing naked swords + which flashed in the sunlight. Then another company, less by a hundred in + number, habited in rich velvet coats, their footmen clad in purple + liveries; and next a goodly troop under the command of Sir John Robinson, + all dressed in buff coats with cloth of silver sleeves, and green scarves + most handsome to behold. These were followed by a brave troop in blue + doublets adorned with silver lace, carrying banners of red silk fringed + with gold. Then came trumpets, and seven footmen in sea-green and silver + liveries, bearing banners of blue silk, followed by a troop in grey and + blue to the number of two hundred and twenty, and led by the most noble + the Earl of Northampton. After various other companies, all brave in + apparel, came two trumpets bearing his majesty's arms, followed by the + sheriffs' men in red cloaks and silver lace, and by a great body of + gentlemen in black velvet coats with gold chains. Next rode six hundred + brave citizens, twelve ministers, the king's life guards, led by Sir + Gilbert Gerrard, the city marshals with eight footmen, the city waits and + officers, the sheriffs and aldermen in scarlet gowns, the maces and + heralds in great splendour, the lord mayor carrying a naked sword in his + strong right hand, the Duke of Buckingham, and General Monk, soon to be + created Duke of Albermarle. + </p> + <p> + Now other heralds sound their trumpets with blasts that make all hearts + beat quicker; church bells ring far louder than before; voices are raised + to their highest pitch, excitement reaches its zenith, for here, mounted + on a stately horse caparisoned in royal purple and adorned with gold, + rides King Charles himself; on his right hand his brother of York, on his + left his brother of Gloucester. Handkerchiefs are waved, flowers are flung + before his way, words of welcome fall upon his ear, in answer to which he + bows with stately grace, smiles most pleasantly, and gives such signs of + delight as "cheared the hearts of all loyal subjects even to extasie and + transportation." Last of all came five regiments of cavalry, with back, + breast, and head piece, which "diversified the show with delight and + terrour." John Evelyn stood in the Strand and watched the procession pass, + when that worthy man thanked God the king had been restored without + bloodshed, and by the very army that had rebelled against him. "For such a + restauration was never mention'd in any history ancient or modern, since + the returne of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity; nor so joyfull a + day and so bright ever seene in this nation, this hapning when to expect + or effect it was past all human policy." + </p> + <p> + For full seven hours this "most pompous show that ever was" wound its way + through the city, until at nine of the clock in the evening it brought his + majesty to the palace of Whitehall, where the late king had "laid down his + sacred head to be struck off upon a block," almost twelve years before. + Then the lord mayor and his aldermen took their goodly leave, and the king + entered into the banquet hall, where the lords and commons awaited him, + and where an address was made to him by the Earl of Manchester, Speaker to + the House of Peers, congratulating him on his miraculous preservation and + happy restoration to his crown and dignity after so long and so severe a + suppression of his just right and title. Likewise his lordship besought + his majesty to be the upright assertor of the laws and maintainer of the + liberties of his subjects. "So," said the noble earl, "shall judgment run + down like a river, and justice like a mighty stream, and God, the God of + your mercy, who hath so miraculously preserved you, will establish your + throne in righteousness and peace." Then the king made a just and brief + reply, and retired to supper and to rest. + </p> + <p> + The worthy citizens, however, were not satisfied that their rejoicements + should end here, and "as soon as night came," says Dr. Bate, "an + artificial day was begun again, the whole city seeming to be one great + light, as, indeed, properly it was a luminary of loyalty, the bonfires + continuing till daybreak, fed by a constant supply of wood, and maintained + with an equal excess of gladness and fewel." Wine flowed from public + fountains, volleys of shot were discharged from houses of the nobility, + drums and other musical instruments played in the streets, citizens danced + most joyfully in open places, and the effigy of Cromwell was burned, + together with the arms of the Commonwealth with expressions of great + delight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The story of the king's escape.—He accepts the Covenant and lands in + Scotland.—Crowned at Scone.—Proclaimed king at Carlisle.—The + battle of Worcester.—Bravery of Charles.—Disloyalty of the Scottish + cavalry.—The Royalists defeated.—The King's flight.—Seeks refuge + in Boscobel Wood.—The faithful Pendrells.—Striving to cross the + Severn.—Hiding in an oak tree.—Sheltered by Master Lane.—Sets out + with Mistress Lane.—Perilous escapes.—On the road.—The king is + recognised.—Strange adventures.—His last night in England. +</pre> + <p> + That King Charles had been miraculously preserved, as my Lord Manchester + set forth, there can be no doubt. His courageous efforts to regain the + Crown at the battle of Worcester and his subsequent escapes from the + vigilant pursuits of the Cromwellian soldiers, would, if set down in + justice and with detail, present a story more entertaining than any + romance ever written. Here they must of necessity be mentioned with + brevity. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1645, Charles I., having suffered the loss of many great + battles, became fearful of the danger which threatened his family and + himself. He therefore ordered his son Charles, who had already retired + into the west, to seek refuge in the Scilly Isles. The prince complied + with his desires, and went from thence to Paris, where his mother, + Henrietta Maria, had already taken shelter, and, after a short stay with + her, travelled to the Hague. Soon after the king was beheaded, the Scots, + who regarded that foul act with great abhorrence, invited Charles to come + into their kingdom, provided he accepted certain hard conditions, which + left the government of all civil business in the hands of Parliament, and + the regulation of all religious matters in charge of the Presbyterians. No + other prospect of regaining his rights, and of enabling him to fight for + his throne presenting itself, he accepted what was known as the Covenant, + and landed in Scotland in 1650. He was received with the respect due to a + monarch, but placed under the surveillance forced on a prisoner. The + fanatical Presbyterians, jealous of that potent influence which his blithe + ways exercised over all with whom he associated, neither permitted him to + attend the council nor command the army; they, however, preached to him + incessantly, admonished him of his sins and those of his parents, guarded + him as a captive, and treated him as a puppet. Meanwhile Cromwell, being + made aware of his presence in the kingdom, advanced at the head of a + powerful body into Scotland, fought and won the battle of Dunbar, stormed + and captured Leith, and took his triumphal way towards Edinburgh town. + Charles was at this time in Perth, and being impatient at his enforced + inaction whilst battles were fought in his name, and lives lost in his + cause, made his escape from the Covenanters, with the determination of + arousing the Royalists who lay in the north. But the Scots soon overtook + and recaptured him. However, this decisive action awoke them to a better + understanding of the deference due to his position, and therefore they + crowned him at Scone on the first day of the year 1651, with much + solemnity, and subsequently made him commander of the army. + </p> + <p> + After spending some months in reorganizing the troops, he boldly declared + his intention of marching into England, and fighting the rebel force. + Accordingly, on the 31st of July, 1651, he set out from Sterling with an + army of between eleven and twelve thousand men. At Carlisle he was + proclaimed king, and a declaration was published in his name, granting + free grace and pardon to all his subjects in England, of whatever nature + or cause their offences, saving Cromwell, Bradshaw and Cooke. He then + marched to Lancashire, and on the 23rd of August unfurled the Royal + standard at Worcester, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of his troops + and the loyal demonstrations of the citizens. Weary of civil strife, + depressed with fear of Cromwell's severities, and distrustful of the + Presbyterians, who chiefly composed the young king's army, the Royalists + had not gathered to his standard in such numbers as he had anticipated. + His troops, since leaving Scotland, had been reinforced merely by two + thousand men; but Charles had hopes that fresh recruits would join him + when news of the rising got noised abroad. + </p> + <p> + The Republicans were filled with dismay at the king's determined action, + but were prompt to make a counter-move, Accordingly, additional troops + were levied, London was left to be defended by volunteers, and Cromwell, + heading an army of thirty-four thousand men, marched against the + Royalists. On the 28th of August, they drew near Worcester, and on the 3rd + of September the battle was fought which will remain for ever famous in + the annals of civil war. On the morning of that day, the king, ascending + the cathedral tower, saw the enemy's forces advancing towards Worcester: + before reaching the city, it was necessary they should cross the Severn, + and, in order to prevent this if possible, Charles hurried down and + directed that some of his troops, under the command of Montgomery, should + defend Powick Bridge; whilst he stationed others under Colonel Pitscottie + lower down, at a point of the river towards which the Republicans were + marching with pontoons, by means of which they intended to cross. The + young king, hopeful of victory and full of enthusiasm, rode speedily out + at the head of his troops and placed them at their various stations. + Scarcely had he done so, when he became aware that the main body of the + enemy had opened an artillery fire on Fort Royal, which guarded the city + on the south-east side. He therefore galloped back in hot haste to + headquarters, and reconnoitred the advanced posts eastward of the city, in + full front of the enemy's fire. Meanwhile Montgomery, having exhausted his + ammunition, was obliged to retreat in disorder from Powick Bridge, + followed by the Cromwellians. The king now courageously resolved to attack + the enemy's camp at Perry Wood, which lay south-east of Worcester. + Accordingly he marched out with the flower of his Highland infantry and + the English cavaliers, led by the Dukes of Hamilton and Buckingham. + Cromwell, seeing this, hastened to intercept the king's march, whereon a + fierce battle was bravely fought on either side. Nothing could be more + valiant than the conduct of the young king, who showed himself wholly + regardless of his life in the fierce struggle for his rights. Twice was + his horse shot under him; but increasing danger seemed but to animate him + to greater daring. So bravely did his army fight likewise, that the + Republicans at first gave way before them. For upwards of four hours the + engagement raged with great fierceness. Cromwell subsequently declared it + was "as stiff a contest as he had ever seen," and his experience was + great. Success seemed now to crown the Royalists, anon to favour the + Roundheads. The great crisis of the day at length arrived: the + Cromwellians began to waver and give way just as the Royalist cavalry had + expended their ammunition; the king had still three thousand Scotch + cavalry in the rear under the command of Leslie, who had not yet been + called into action. He therefore ordered them to advance; but, to his + horror, not one of these men, who had looked on as passive spectators, + made a movement. In this hour, when victory or defeat hung upon a thread + the Scots ignominiously failed their king. Charles instantly saw he was + undone. The English cavalry continued to fight bravely, in their + desperation using the butt ends of their muskets; but they were gradually + compelled to give way before the enemy, who, seeing their condition, had + renewed the attack. The Royalists therefore fell back into the city. When + the king re-entered Worcester he saw before him a scene of the most + disastrous confusion. Royalists and Republicans encountered and fought + each other in every thoroughfare; the air was filled with the report of + muskets, the imprecations of soldiers, the groans of wounded men, and the + shrieks of women. The streets ran red with blood. At such a sight his + heart sank within him, but, manning himself for fresh efforts, he called + his troops together and sought to incite them with courage to make a final + charge. "I would rather," he cried out, "you would shoot me than keep me + alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal day." Those who heard him + were disheartened: it was too late to retrieve their heavy losses: most of + them refused to heed him; many sought safety in flight. Then the young + king's friends, gathering round, besought him to make good his escape; and + accordingly, with a sad heart, he rode out of St. Martin's Gate humbled + and defeated. In order to cover his retreat from the enemy now advancing, + my Lord Cleveland, Sir James Hamilton, Colonel Careless, and some other + worthy gentlemen defended Sudbury Gate, towards which the main body of the + Republicans approached. They held this position a sufficient time to gain + the end for which it was undertaken. But at length the Republicans, + forcing open the gate, marched upon the fort, defended by fifteen hundred + soldiers under Colonel Drummond. This loyal man refusing to surrender, the + fort was speedily stormed; and he and those of his men who survived the + attack were mercilessly put to the sword. + </p> + <p> + Dr. George Bate gives a quaint and striking picture of what followed. + "Deplorable and sad was the countenance of the town after that," writes + he; "the victorious soldiers on the one hand killing, breaking into + houses, plundering, sacking, roaring, and threatening; on the other hand, + the subdued flying, turning their backs to be cut and slashed, and with + outstretched hands begging quarter; some, in vain resisting, sold their + lives as dear as they could, whilst the citizens to no purpose prayed, + lamented, and bewailed. All the streets are strewed with dead and mangled + bodies. Here were to be seen some that begged relief, and then again + others weltering in their own gore, who desired that at once an end might + be put to their lives and miseries. The dead bodies lay unburied for the + space of three days or more, which was a loathsome spectacle that + increased the horror of the action." + </p> + <p> + Concerning his subsequent dangers and narrow escapes, the king, in his + days of peace and prosperity, was wont to discourse at length, for they + had left impressions on his mind which lasted through life. Edward Hyde, + Lord Clarendon, his Lord High Chancellor, Dr. George Bate, his learned + physician, and Samuel Pepys, Esquire, sometime Surveyor-General to the + Victualling Office, have preserved the records of that time of peril, as + told by his majesty. True, their various stories differ in minor details, + but they agree in principal facts. The king had not ridden many miles from + Worcester when he found himself surrounded by about four thousand of his + army, including the Scots under the command of Leslie. Though they would + not fight for him, they were ready enough to fly with him. At first he + thought of betaking himself to Scotland; but having had sad proof of the + untrustworthy character of those with whom he travelled, he feared they + would further betray him if pursued by the enemy. He therefore resolved to + reach London before the news of his defeat arrived thither, and make his + escape from thence; but this scheme presented many difficulties. Amongst + the persons of quality who accompanied him were my Lord Duke of + Buckingham, the Earls of Derby and Lauderdale, and the Lords Wilmot and + Talbot. During their journey it fell from my Lord Derby's lips, that when + he had been defeated at Wigan, one Pendrell, an honest labourer and a + Papist, had sheltered him in Boscobel House, not far distant from where + they then rode. Hearing this, the king resolved to trust this same + faithful fellow, and for the present seek such refuge as Pendrell could + afford. It was not easy, however, for his majesty to escape the Scots; but + when night came, he and his gentlemen slipped away from the high road, + which the others continued to pursue, and made for Boscobel Wood, led by + Charles Giffard, a loyal gentleman and true. The house they sought was + situated between Tong Castle and Brewood, in a woody place most fitting + for retreat; it was, moreover, six and twenty miles from Worcester, and + stood in Shropshire, on the borders of Staffordshire. + </p> + <p> + In order to gain this haven of rest, it was necessary for them to pass + through Stourbridge, where a troop of the Republican army lay quartered. + Midnight had fallen ere they reached the town, which was now wrapt in + darkness, and was, moreover, perfectly still. The king and his friends, + dismounting, led their horses through the echoing streets as softly as + possible, being filled the while with dire apprehensions. Safely leaving + it, they rode into the wood until they came to the old convent of + Whiteladies, once the home of Cistercian nuns, who had long since been + driven from their peaceful retreat. The house was now the habitation of + the Giffard family, with whom George Pendrell lived as servant. On being + aroused, he came forth with a lantern, and admitted them, when Charles + Giffard made known to him in whose presence he stood, and acquainted him + with their situation. Thereupon the honest fellow promised to serve the + king faithfully, and sent immediately for his brothers four: William, who + took charge of Boscobel House, not far removed; Humphrey, who was miller + at Whiteladies; Richard, who lived at Hobbal Grange; and John, who was a + woodman, and dwelt hard by. When they had all arrived, Lord Derby showed + them the king's majesty, and besought them for God's sake, for their + loyalty's sake, and as they valued all that was high and sacred, to keep + him safe, and forthwith seek some place of decent shelter where he might + securely lurk. This they readily swore to compass, though they risked + their lives in the attempt. + </p> + <p> + It being considered that greater safety lay in the king being unattended, + his loyal friends departed from him with many prayers and hopes for a + joyful reunion: all of them save my Lords Wilmot and Buckingham set out to + join Leslie's company, that they might proceed together towards Scotland; + but they had not marched six miles in company with the Scots when these + three thousand men and more were overtaken and were routed by a single + troop of the enemy's horse, and my Lord Derby, being taken, was condemned + and executed. Lords Wilmot and Buckingham set out for London, to which + place it was agreed the king should follow them. + </p> + <p> + When his majesty's friends had departed, the Pendrells undertook to + disguise him; towards which end one of them cut the long locks reaching + his shoulders, another rubbed his hands and face with dust, and a third + brought him a suit of clothes. "The habit of the king," says Pepys, "was a + very greasy old grey steeple-crowned hat, with the brims turned up, + without lining or hatband, the sweat appearing two inches deep through it + round the band place; a green cloth jump-coat, threadbare, even to the + threads being worn white, and breeches of the same, with long knees down + to the garter; with an old sweaty leathern doublet, a pair of white + flannel stockings next to his legs, and upon them a pair of old green yarn + stockings, all worn and darned at the knees, with their feet cut off: his + shoes were old, all slashed for the ease of his feet, with little rolls of + paper between his toes to keep them from galling; and an old coarse shirt, + patched both at the neck and hands, of that very coarse sort which go by + the name of nogging shirts." + </p> + <p> + When Charles was attired in this fashion, Richard Pendrell opened a back + door and led him out into the wood; not a moment too soon, for within half + an hour Colonel Ashenhurst, with a company of Cromwell's soldiers, rode up + to Whiteladies, rushed into the house, searched every chamber and secret + place, pulled down the wainscoting, and otherwise devastated the mansion + in the search for the king. A damp cold September morning now lengthened + to a day of gloom and depression. Rain fell in heavy torrents, dripped + from the leafless branches of trees, and saturated the thick undergrowth + and shrubs where his majesty lay hidden. Owing to the condition of the + weather, the soldiers neglected to search Boscobel Wood; and, after + uttering many threats and imprecations, withdrew from Whiteladies. When he + considered himself quite alone, Richard Pendrell ventured forth, taking + with him a billhook, that if observed he might seem engaged in trimming + hedges; and drawing near the spot where his majesty lay, assured him of + his safety. Later on he besought an old woman, his neighbour, to take + victuals into the wood to a labourer she would find there. Without + hesitation the good woman carried some eggs, bread, butter, and milk + towards the spot indicated to her. On seeing her the king was much alarmed + fearing recognition and dreading her garrulity; wherefore he said to her: + "Can you be true to anyone who hath served the king?" Upon which she + readily made answer: "Yes, sir; I'd die sooner than betray you." Being + reassured at this, he ate heartily. + </p> + <p> + When night fell, Richard brought him into the house again, and the king, + now abandoning his intention of proceeding to London, expressed his + anxiety to reach Wales where he had many friends, and which afforded him + ready opportunities of escaping from the kingdom. Pendrell expressed + himself willing to conduct him thither. Accordingly, about nine of the + clock, they set out with the determination of crossing the Severn, + intending to pass over a ferry between Bridgenorth and Shrewsbury. When + they had walked some hours they drew near a water-mill. "We could see the + miller," said the king in relating the story, "as I believe, sitting at + the mill-door, he being in white clothes, it being a very dark night. He + called out sturdily, 'Who goes there?' Upon which Richard Pendrell + answered, 'Neighbours going home,' or suchlike words. Whereupon the miller + cried out: 'If you be neighbours, stand, or I will knock you down.' Upon + which, we believing there was company in the house, Richard bade me follow + him close, and he ran to a gate that went up a dirty lane up a hill. The + miller cried out: 'Rogues—rogues!' And thereupon some men came out + of the mill after us, which I believe were soldiers; so we fell a-running, + both of us up the lane as long as we could run, it being very deep and + very dirty, till at last I bade him leap over a hedge, and lie still to + hear if anybody followed us—which we did, and continued lying down + upon the ground about half an hour, when, hearing nobody come, we + continued our way." + </p> + <p> + This led to the house of an honest gentleman named Woolfe, living at + Madeley, who was a Catholic, and loyal to his king, and as such was known + to the Pendrells. When they drew near to his house, Richard, leaving his + majesty in a field, went forward and asked this worthy man if he would + shelter one who had taken part in the battle of Worcester; whereon he made + answer he would not venture his neck for any man unless it were the king + himself, upon which Pendrell made known to him it was his majesty who + sought refuge from him. Mr. Woolfe came out immediately and carried the + king by a back way into a barn, where he hid him for the day, it being + considered unsafe for him to stay a longer period there, as two companies + of militia were at that time stationed in the town, and were very likely + to search the house at any minute. Moreover he advised his majesty by no + means to adventure crossing the Severn, as the strictest guard was then + kept at the ferries to prevent any Royalist fugitives from escaping into + Wales. The king was therefore obliged to retrace his steps, and now sought + Boscobel House, not far distant from his first resting-place of + Whiteladies. Arriving there, he remained secreted in the wood, whilst + Richard went to see if soldiers were in occupation of the dwelling. There + was no one there, however, but Colonel Careless, the same good man and + true who had helped to keep Sudbury Gate whilst Charles made his escape. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel had been hiding in the forest, and, being sore pressed by + hunger, had come to beg a little bread. Being informed where the king was, + he came forth with great joy, and, the house not being considered a safe + refuge, they both climbed into the branches of a leafy oak, situated in an + open part of the wood, from whence they could see all round them. They + carried with them some bread and cheese and small beer, and stayed there + that day. "While we were in the tree," says the king, "we saw soldiers + going up and down in the thicket of the wood, searching for persons + escaped, we seeing them now and then peeping out of the wood." When this + danger had passed away, the king, worn out by his sore fatigues, laid his + head on his friend's breast and slept in his arms. At night they + descended, and going to Boscobel House, were shown a secret hiding-place, + such as were then to be found in the mansions of all Catholic families, + called the priests' hole a little confined closet built between two walls, + in the principal stack of chimneys, and having a couple of exits for the + better escape of those compelled to seek its shelter. Here the king rested + in peace for a day and a night. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Humphrey Pendrell went into Shifnal to pay his taxes; and it + being known he had come from Whiteladies, he was questioned closely as to + whether he knew aught of Charles Stuart. On stoutly denying all knowledge + of him, he was told that any man who discovered him would gain a thousand + pounds, but he that sheltered him would suffer death without mercy; these + being the terms of a proclamation just issued. This the honest miller on + his return narrated to the king, swearing roundly he would run all risks + for his sake. It chanced at this time one of the Pendrells heard that my + Lord Wilmot who had not been able to make his way to London, was hiding in + a very secure place, at the house of a gentleman named Whitegrave, above + seven miles distant. This coming to the king's knowledge, he became + anxious to see his faithful friend and hold communication with him. + Accordingly one of the Pendrells was despatched to request Lord Wilmot to + meet his majesty that night, in a field close by Mr. Whitegrave's house. + And the time of night being come, the king was impatient of delay; but his + feet were sore from the rough shoes he had worn on his journey, so that he + was scarce able to walk; therefore he was mounted on Humphrey's + mill-horse, and, the four loyal brothers forming a guard, they directed + their way towards Moseley. The king's eagerness to see Wilmot being great, + he complained of the horse's slow pace. "Can you blame him, my liege," + said Humphrey, who loved a jest, "that he goes heavily, having the weight + of three kingdoms on his back?" + </p> + <p> + When they had travelled with him a great part of the journey it was + thought safer three of them should withdraw themselves. They therefore + turned away; but scarcely had they gone when the king, who, being lost in + thought, had remained unconscious of their departure, suddenly stopped, + and caused John, who remained, to speedily summon them back. When they + returned he gave them his hand to kiss, and, with that charm of manner + which never failed in winning friends, said to them sadly, "My sorrows + make me forget myself. I earnestly thank you all." + </p> + <p> + They kissed his hand heartily, and prayed God to save him. In the days of + his prosperity he remembered their kindness and rewarded their loyalty. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at the trysting place the king found Mr. Whitegrave, a + Benedictine monk named Father Huddlestone, Sir John Preston, and his + brother awaiting him. It may be mentioned here this monk was destined, + many years later, to play an important part in the closing scene of his + majesty's life. Mr. Whitegrave conducted Charles with great show of + respect to his house, where the king spoke with my Lord Wilmot, feasted + well, and rested safe that night. Next morning the worthy host had private + notice given that a company of soldiers were on their way to arrest him as + one who had served in the king's army. He, being innocent of this charge, + did not avoid them, but received them boldly at his door, spoke + confidently in his own defence, and referred them to the testimony of his + neighbours, whereon they departed quietly. + </p> + <p> + It was feared, however, the house was no longer safe, and that another + refuge had best be sought for his majesty. Therefore, Father Huddlestone + informed the king of an honest gentleman, the owner of a fair estate some + six miles removed, who was generous and exceedingly beloved, and the + eldest justice of peace in the county of Stafford. This gentleman was + named Lane, "a very zealous Protestant, yet he lived with so much civility + and candour towards the Catholics, that they would all trust him as much + as they would any of their own profession." The king, however, not being + willing to surprise this worthy man, immediately despatched the + Benedictine to make certain of his welcome; receiving due assurances of + which he and Lord Willmot set out by night for Master Lane's mansion, + where they were heartily received, and where Charles rested some days in + blessed security. Knowing, however, in what risk he placed those who + sheltered him, and how vigilant the pursuit after him, he became most + anxious for his safe delivery out of the kingdom. To this end it was + desirable he should draw near the west coast, and await an opportunity of + sailing from thence for France. + </p> + <p> + The members of Master Lane's family then living with him consisted of a + son and a daughter: the former a man of fearless courage and integrity, + the latter a gentlewoman of good wit and discretion, as will be seen + hereafter. Consulting, amongst themselves as to the best means of + compassing the king's escape, it was resolved Mistress Lane should visit a + kinswoman of hers with whom she had been bred, that had married one + Norton, and was now residing within five miles of Bristol. It was likewise + decided she should ride on her journey thence behind the king, he being + habited in her father's livery, and acting as her servant; and for greater + safety her sister and her sister's husband were to accompany them on the + road. Mistress Jane Lane then procured from a colonel of the rebel army a + passport for herself and her servant, her sister and her brother-in-law, + to travel without molestation to her cousin Mistress Norton, who was ready + to lie in. With this security Jane set out, her brother bearing them + company part of the way, with a hawk upon his fist and two or three + spaniels at his heels, which warranted him keeping the king and his + friends in sight without seeming to be of their company. + </p> + <p> + The first day's journey was not accomplished without an exciting incident. + The horse ridden by Mistress Lane and the king—now bearing the name + of William Jackson—lost a shoe; and being come to Bromsgrove, he + must dismount and lead the animal to the village blacksmith. + </p> + <p> + "As I was holding my horse's foot," said his majesty, when narrating the + story to Mr. Pepys, "I asked the smith what news. He told me that there + was no news that he knew of, since the good news of the beating the rogues + of the Scots. I asked him whether there was none of the English taken that + joined with the Scots, He answered he did not hear if that rogue, Charles + Stuart, were taken; but some of the others, he said, were taken. I told + him that if that rogue were taken, he deserved to be hanged more than all + the rest, for bringing in the Scots. Upon which he said I spoke like an + honest man; and so we parted." + </p> + <p> + At the end of the first day's journey they were met by Lord Wilmot at the + inn; and he continued to join them wherever they rested at night, without + appearing to travel with them by day. Mistress Lane took all possible care + to guard the king against recognition, stating at every house of + accommodation where they tarried he was "a neighbour's son whom her father + had lent her to ride before her in hope that he would the sooner recover + from a quartan ague with which he had been miserably afflicted, and was + not yet free." Which story served as sufficient excuse for his going to + bed betimes, and so avoiding the company of servants. At the end of three + days they arrived at their destination. Jane Lane was warmly received by + her cousin, and the whole party made heartily welcome. Jane, however, did + not entrust her secret to Mistress Norton's keeping, but repeated her tale + of the good youth being newly recovered from ague, and desired a chamber + might be provided for him, and a good fire made that he might retire early + to bed. Her desires being obeyed, the king withdrew, and was served with + an excellent good supper by the butler, a worthy fellow named Pope, who + had been a trooper in the army of Charles I., of blessed memory. + </p> + <p> + "The next morning" said the king continuing his strange story, "I arose + pretty early, having a very good stomach, and went to the buttery-hatch to + get my breakfast, where I found Pope and two or three other men in the + room, and we all fell to eating bread and butter, to which he gave us very + good ale and sack. And as I was sitting there, there was one that looked + like a country fellow sat just by me, who, talking, gave so particular an + account of the battle of Worcester to the rest of the company that I + concluded he must be one of Cromwell's soldiers. But I, asking how he came + to give so good an account of that battle, he told me he was in the King's + regiment, by which I thought he meant one Colonel King's regiment. But + questioning him further, I perceived he had been in my regiment of Guards, + in Major Broughton's company—that was my Major in the battle. I + asked him what kind of man I was; to which he answered by describing + exactly both my clothes and my horse, and then, looking upon me, he told + me that the king was at least three fingers taller than I. Upon which I + made what haste I could out of the buttery, for fear he should indeed know + me, as being more afraid when I knew he was one of our own soldiers than + when I took him for one of the enemy's. So Pope and I went into the hall, + and just as we came into it Mistress Norton was coming by through it; upon + which I, plucking off my hat and standing with it in my hand as she passed + by, Pope looked very earnestly in my face. But I took no notice of it, but + put on my hat again and went away, walking out of the house into the + field." + </p> + <p> + When he returned, however, the butler followed him into a private room, + and going down on his stiff knees, said, with tears in his old eyes, he + was rejoiced to see his majesty in safety. The king affected to laugh at + him, and asked him what he meant; but Pope told him he knew him well, for + before he was a trooper in his father's service he had been falconer to + Sir Thomas Jermyn, groom of the bedchamber to the king when he was a boy. + Charles saw it was useless longer to deny himself, and therefore said he + believed him to be a very honest man, and besought he would not reveal + what he knew to anyone. This the old man readily promised, and faithfully + kept his word. Having spent a couple of days at Norton's, the king, by + advice of Lord Wilmot, went to the house of a true friend and loyal man, + one Colonel Windham, who lived at Trent. This town was notable as a very + hotbed of republicanism; a proof of which was afforded his majesty on the + very day of his entrance. As he rode into the principal street, still + disguised as a waiting man to Mistress Lane, he heard a great ringing of + bells, and the tumult of many voices, and saw a vast concourse of people + gathered in the churchyard close by. On asking the cause he was informed + one of Cromwell's troopers was telling the people he had killed Charles + Stuart, whose buff coat he then wore; whereon the rebels rang the church + bells, and were about to make a great bonfire for joy. + </p> + <p> + Having brought him to Trent, Mistress Lane returned home, carrying with + her the king's friendship and gratitude, of which he gave her ample proof + when he came unto the throne. Charles stayed at Colonel Windham's over a + week, whilst that gallant man was secretly striving to hire a ship for his + majesty's safe transportation into France. Presently succeeding in this + object, the king, yet wearing his livery, and now riding before Mistress + Judith Coningsby, cousin of Colonel Windham, started with high hopes for + Lyme; but at the last moment the captain of the vessel failed him, and he + was again left in a state of painful uncertainty and danger. Lord Wilmot + was sent to ascertain the cause of this disappointment, and for greater + safety the king rode on to Burport with his friends. Being come to the + outskirts of the town, they were alarmed at finding the streets in a state + of confusion, and full of Cromwell's soldiers, fifteen hundred of whom + were about to embark for Jersey. His majesty's coolness and presence of + mind did not fail him; he resolved to ride boldly into the town, and hire + a chamber at the best inn. The yard of the hostelry was likewise crowded + with troopers; but this did not dismay his majesty. + </p> + <p> + "I alighted," said he, "and taking the horses, thought it the best way to + go blundering in among them, and lead them through the middle of the + soldiers into the stable; which I did, and they were very angry with me + for my rudeness. As soon as I came into the stable I took the bridle off + the horses, and called the ostler to me to help me, and to give the horses + some oats. And as the hostler was helping me to feed the horses, 'Sure, + sir,' says he, 'I know your face?' which was no very pleasant question to + me. But I thought the best way was to ask him where he had lived, or + whether he had always lived there or no. He told me that he was but newly + come thither; that he was born in Exeter, and had been ostler in an inn + there, hard by one Mr. Potter's, a merchant in whose house I had lain in + the time of the war. So I thought it best to give the fellow no further + occasion of thinking where he had seen me, for fear he should guess right + at last; therefore I told him, 'Friend, certainly you have seen me then at + Mr. Potter's, for I served him a good while above a year.' 'Oh,' says he, + 'then I remember you a boy there;' and with that was put off from thinking + any more on it, but desired that we might drink a pot of beer together, + which I excused by saying that I must go wait on my master, and get his + dinner ready for him; but told him that my master was going to London, and + would return about three weeks hence, when he would be there, and I would + not fail to drink a pot with him." + </p> + <p> + The king and his friends, having dined at the inn, got word that the + master of the ship, suspecting that it was some dangerous employment he + had been hired for, absolutely refused to fulfil his contract. Therefore + they, being sad at heart and fearful, retraced their steps to Trent, and + presently his majesty went further into Sussex, and abode with a staunch + Royalist, one Colonel Gunter, who resided within four miles of Salisbury. + This excellent man at last succeeded in hiring a ship to carry away the + king, and so Charles made another journey to Brighthelmstone, where he met + the captain of the vessel and the merchant that had hired her on behalf of + Colonel Gunter, both of whom had been kept in ignorance of their future + passenger's identity. Arriving at Brighthelmstone, they entered an inn and + ordered supper, during which the captain more than once looked hard at the + king. And the meal being ended, the captain called the merchant aside and + said he was not dealt with fairly, inasmuch as he had not been told the + king was the person to be conveyed from thence. The merchant, not being so + wise as the master, denied such was the case; but the honest fellow told + him not to be troubled. "For I think," said he, "I do God and my country + good service in preserving the king: and by the grace of God I will + venture my life and all for him, and set him safely on shore, if I can, in + France." + </p> + <p> + Nor was this the last of his majesty's numerous risks, for being presently + left alone, he stood thoughtful and somewhat melancholy by the fire, + resting one hand on a chair; and the landlord, coming in and seeing him + engaged in this manner, softly advanced, suddenly kissed the king's hand, + and said, "God bless you, wherever you go." Charles started, and would + have denied himself; but the landlord cried out, "'Fore God, your majesty + may trust me; and," he added, "I have no doubt, before I die, to be a + lord, and my wife a lady." + </p> + <p> + That night, the last his majesty was to spend in England for many years, + he was sad and depressed. The scenes of bloodshed he had witnessed, the + imminent dangers he had escaped, were vividly present to his mind. The + past was fraught with horror; the future held no hope. Though a king, he + was about to become an outcast from his realm. Surmising his thoughts, his + companions sought to cheer him. Now the long-desired moment of escape was + at hand, no one thought of repose. The little vessel in which he intended + sailing lay dry upon the shore, the tide being at low water. The king and + his friends, the merchant, the captain, and the landlord, sat in the + well-lighted cosy parlour of the seaport inn, smoking, playing cards, + telling stories and drinking good ale. + </p> + <p> + With all such diversions the hours wore heavily away. Their noisy + joviality had an undercurrent of sadness; jokes failed to amuse; laughter + seemed forced; words, mirthful in leaving the lips, sounded ominous on + reaching the ear. At four o'clock the captain rose to survey his ship, and + presently returned saying the tide had risen. Thereon the king and his + friends prepared to depart. A damp, chilly November fog hung over the sea, + hiding its wide expanse without deadening its monotonous moan. A + procession of black figures leaving the inn sped noiselessly through + darkness. Arriving at the shore, those who were not to accompany his + majesty, knelt and kissed his hand. Then he, with Lord Wilmot and the + captain, climbed on board the vessel and entered the cabin. The fog had + turned to rain. Four hours later, the tide being favourable, the ship + sailed out of port, and in due time the king was safely landed in France. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Celebration of the Kings return.—Those who flocked to Whitehall My Lord + Cleveland's gentlemen.—Sir Thomas Allen's supper.—Touching for King's + evil.—That none might lose their labour.—The man with the fungus + nose.—The memory of the regicides.—Cromwell's effigy.—Ghastly scene + at Tyburn.—The King's clemency.—The Coronation procession.—Sights and + scenes by the way.—His Majesty is crowned. +</pre> + <p> + The return of the king and his court was a signal for universal joy + throughout the nation in general and the capital in particular. For weeks + and months subsequent to his majesty's triumphal entry, the town did not + subside from its condition of excitement and revelry to its customary + quietude and sobriety. Feasts by day were succeeded by entertainments at + night; "and under colour of drinking the king's health," says Bishop + Burnet, "there were great disorder and much riot." + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if the people could not sufficiently express their delight at + the presence of the young king amongst them, or satisfy their desire of + seeing him. When clad in rich velvets and costly lace, adorned with many + jewels and waving feathers, he walked in Hyde Park attended by an + "abundance of gallantry," or went to Whitehall Chapel, where "the organs + and singing-men in surplices" were first heard by Mr. Pepys, a vast crowd + of loyal subjects attended him on his way. Likewise, when, preceded by + heralds, he journeyed by water in his barge to open Parliament, the river + was crowded with innumerable boats, and the banks lined with a great + concourse anxious for sight of him. Nor were his subjects satisfied by the + glimpses obtained of him on such occasions; they must needs behold their + king surrounded by the insignia of royalty in the palace of his ancestors, + and flocked thither in numbers. "The eagerness of men, women, and children + to see his majesty, and kisse his hands was so greate," says Evelyn, "that + he had scarce leisure to eate for some dayes, coming as they did from all + parts of the nation: and the king being as willing to give them that + satisfaction, would have none kept out, but gave free access to all sorts + of people." Indeed his loyal subjects were no less pleased with him than + he with them; and in faith he was sorry, he declared, in that delicate + strain of irony that ran like a bright thread throughout the whole pattern + of his speech, he had not come over before, for every man he encountered + was glad to see him. + </p> + <p> + Day after day, week after week, the Palace of Whitehall presented a scene + of ceaseless bustle. Courtiers, ambassadors, politicians, soldiers, and + citizens crowded the antechambers, flocked through the galleries, and + tarried in the courtyards. Deputations from all the shires and chief towns + in the three kingdoms, bearing messages of congratulation and loyalty, + were presented to the king. First of all came the worshipful lord mayor, + aldermen and council of the city of London, in great pomp and state; when + the common-sergeant made a speech to his majesty respecting the affection + of the city towards him, and the lord mayor, on hospitable thoughts + intent, besought the honour of his company to dinner, the which Charles + promised him most readily. And the same day the commissioners from Ireland + presented themselves, headed by Sir James Barry, who delivered himself of + a fine address regarding the love his majesty's Irish subjects bore him; + as proof of which he presented the monarch with a bill for twenty thousand + pounds, that had been duly accepted by Alderman Thomas Viner, a right + wealthy man and true. Likewise came the deputy steward and burgesses of + the city of Westminster, arrayed in the glory of new scarlet gowns; and + the French, Italian, and Dutch ministers, when Monsieur Stoope pronounced + an harangue with great eloquence. Also the vice-chancellor of the + University of Oxford, with divers doctors, bachelors of divinity, + proctors, and masters of arts of the same learned university, who, having + first met at the Temple Church, went by two and two, according to their + seniority, to Essex House, that they might wait on the most noble the + Marquis of Hertford, then chancellor. Accompanied by him, and preceded by + eight esquires and yeomen beadles, having their staves, and three of them + wearing gold chains, they presented themselves before the king, and spoke + him words of loyalty and greeting. The heads of the colleges and halls of + Cambridge, with some masters of arts, in like manner journeyed to + Whitehall, when Dr. Love delivered a learned Latin oration, expressive of + their devotion to royalty in the person of their most illustrious monarch. + </p> + <p> + Amongst others came, one day, my Lord Cleveland at the head of a hundred + gentlemen, many of them being officers who had formerly served under him, + and other gentlemen who had ridden to meet the king when coming unto his + own; and having arrived at Whitehall, they knelt down in the matted + gallery, when his majesty "was pleased to walk along," says MERCURIUS + PUBLICUS, "and give everyone of them the honour to kiss his hand, which + favour was so highly received by them, that they could no longer stifle + their joy, but as his majesty was walking out (a thing thought unusual at + court) they brake out into a loud shouting." + </p> + <p> + Then the nobility entertained the king and his royal brothers with much + magnificence, his Excellency Lord General Monk first giving at his + residence in the Cockpit, a great supper, after which "he entertained his + majesty with several sorts of musick;" Next Earl Pembroke gave a rare + banquet; also the Duke of Buckingham, my Lord Lumley, and many others. Nor + was my lord mayor, Sir Thomas Allen, behindhand in extending hospitality + to the king, whom he invited to sup with him. This feast, having no + connection with the civic entertainments, was held at good Sir Thomas's + house. The royal brothers of York and Gloucester were likewise bidden, + together with several of the nobility and gentry of high degree. Previous + to supper being served, the lord mayor brought his majesty a napkin dipped + in rose-water, and offered it kneeling; when his majesty had wiped his + hands, he sat down at a table raised by an ascent, the Duke of York on his + right hand, and the Duke of Gloucester on his left. They were served with + three several courses, at each of which the tablecloth was shifted, and at + every dish which his majesty or the dukes tasted, the napkins were + moreover changed. At another table in the same room sat his Excellency the + Lord General, the Duke of Buckingham, the Marquis of Ormond, the Earl of + Oxford, Earl of Norwich, Earl of St. Albans, Lords De la Ware, Sands, + Berkeley, and several other of the nobility, with knights and gentlemen of + great quality. Sir John Robinson, alderman of London, proposed his + majesty's health, which was pledged standing by all present. His majesty + was the while entertained with a variety of rare music. This supper was + given on the 16th of June; and a couple of weeks later, on the 5th of + July, the king went "with as much pompe and splendour as any earthly + prince could do to the greate Citty feast, the first they had invited him + to since his returne." + </p> + <p> + But whilst entertainments were given, and diversions occupied the town, + Charles was called upon to touch for the evil, an affliction then most + prevalent throughout the kingdom. According to a time-honoured belief + which obtained until the coming of George I., when faith in the divinity + of kings was no longer possible to the most ignorant, the monarch's touch + was credited with healing this most grievous disease. Majesty in those + days was sacred, and superstition rife. Accordingly we read in MERCURIUS + PUBLICUS that, "The kingdom having for a long time, by reason of his + majesty's absence, been troubled with the evil, great numbers flocked for + cure. Saturday being appointed by his majesty to touch such as were so + troubled, a great company of poor afflicted creatures were met together, + many brought in chairs and baskets; and being appointed by his majesty to + repair to the banqueting house, the king sat in a chair of state, where he + stroked all that were brought to him, and then put about each of their + necks a white ribbon with an angel of gold on it. In this manner his + majesty stroked above six hundred; and such was his princely patience and + tenderness to the poor afflicted creatures, that though it took up a long + time, the king, being never weary of well doing, was pleased to make + inquiry whether there were any more that had not been touched. After + prayers were ended the Duke of Buckingham brought a towel, and the Earl of + Pembroke a basin and ewer, who, after they had made their obeysance to his + majesty, kneeled down till his majesty had washed." + </p> + <p> + This was on the 23rd of June, a few days earlier than the date fixed by + Evelyn as that on which the king first began "touch for ye evil." A week + later we find he stroked as many as two hundred and fifty persons. Friday + was then appointed as the day for those suffering from this disease to + come before the king; it was moreover decided that only two hundred + persons should be presented each week and these were first to repair to + Mr. Knight, his majesty's surgeon, living at the Cross Guns, in Russell + Street, Covent Garden, over against the Rose tavern, for tickets of + admission. "That none might lose their labour." the same Mr. Knight made + it known to the public he would be at home on Wednesdays and Thursdays, + from two till six of the clock; and if any person of quality should send + for him he would wait upon them at their lodgings. The disease must indeed + have been rife: week after week those afflicted continued to present + themselves, and we read that, towards the end of July, "notwithstanding + all discouragements by the hot weather and the multitude of sick and + infirm people, his majesty abated not one of his accustomed number, but + touched full two hundred: an high conviction of all such physicians, + surgeons, and apothecaries that pretend self-preservation when the + languishing patient requires their assistance." Indeed, there were some + who placed boundless faith in the king's power of healing by touch; + amongst whom was one Avis Evans, whom Aubrey, in his "Miscellanies," + records "had a fungus nose, and said it was revealed to him that the + king's hand would cure him. And at the first coming of King Charles II. + into St. James's Park, he kissed the king's hand, and rubbed his nose with + it, which disturbed the king, but cured him." + </p> + <p> + The universal joy which filled the nation at the restoration of his + majesty was accompanied, as might be expected, by bitter hatred towards + the leaders of Republicanism, especially towards such as had condemned the + late king to death. The chief objects of popular horror now, however, lay + in their graves; but the sanctity of death was neither permitted to save + their memories from vituperation nor their remains from moltestation. + Accordingly, through many days in June the effigy of Cromwell, which had + been crowned with a royal diadem, draped with a purple mantle, in Somerset + House, and afterwards borne with all imaginable pomp to Westminster Abbey, + was now exposed at one of the windows at Whitehall with a rope fixed round + its neck, by way of hinting at the death which the original deserved. But + this mark of execration was not sufficient to satisfy the public mind, and + seven months later, on the 30th of January, 1661, the anniversary of the + murder of Charles I., the bodies of Oliver Cromwell, Henry Ireton, and + John Bradshaw were taken from their resting places in Westminster Abbey, + and drawn on hurdles to Tyburn, the well-known site of public executions. + "All the way the universal outcry and curses of the people went along with + them," says MERCURIUS PUBLICUS. "When these three carcasses arrived at + Tyburn, they were pulled out of their coffins, and hanged at the several + angles of that triple tree, where they hung till the sun was set; after + which they were taken down, their heads cut off; and their loathsome + trunks thrown into a deep hole under the gallows. The heads of those three + notorious regicides, Oliver Cromwell, John Bradshaw, and Ireton are set + upon poles on the top of Westminster Hall by the common hangman. Bradshaw + placed in the middle (over that part where the monstrous high court of + justice sat), Cromwell and his son-in-law Ireton on either side of + Bradshaw." + </p> + <p> + Before this ghastly execution took place, Parliament had brought to + justice such offenders against the late king's government and life as were + in its power. According to the declaration made by the king at Breda, a + full and general pardon was extended to all rebellious subjects, excepting + such persons as should be hereafter excepted by Parliament. By reason of + this clause, some who had been most violent in their persecution of + royalty were committed to the Tower before the arrival of his majesty, + others fled from the country, but had, on another proclamation summoning + them to surrender themselves, returned in hope of obtaining pardon. Thirty + in all were tried at the Old Bailey before the Commissioners of Oyer and + Terminer and a special jury of knights and gentlemen of quality in the + county of Middlesex. Twenty-nine of these were condemned to death. The + king was singularly free from desires of revenge; but many of his council + were strangers to clemency, and, under the guise of loyalty to the crown, + sought satisfaction for private wrongs by urging severest measures. The + monarch, however, shrank from staining the commencement of his reign with + bloodshed and advocated mercy. In a speech delivered to the House of Lords + he insisted that, as a point of honour, he was bound to make good the + assurances given in his proclamation of Breda, "which if I had not made," + he continued, "I am persuaded that neither I nor you had now been here. I + pray, therefore, let us not deceive those who brought or permitted us to + come together; and I earnestly desire you to depart from all particular + animosities and revenge or memory of past provocations." Accordingly, but + ten of those on whom sentence of death had been passed were executed, the + remainder being committed to the Tower. That they were not also hung was, + according to the mild and merciful Dr. Reeves, Dean of Westminster, "a + main cause of God's punishing the land" in the future time. For those + destined to suffer, a gibbet was erected at Charing Cross, that the + traitors might in their last moments see the spot where the late king had + been executed. Having been half hung, they were taken down, when their + heads were severed from their trunks and set up on poles at the south-east + end of Westminster Hall, whilst their bodies were quartered and exposed + upon the city gates. + </p> + <p> + Burnet tells us that "the regicides being odious beyond all expression, + the trials and executions of the first who suffered were run to by crowds, + and all the people seemed pleased with the sight;" yet by degrees these + cruel and ghastly spectacles became distasteful and disgusting. "I saw not + their executions," says Evelyn, speaking of four of the traitors who had + suffered death on the 17th of October, "but met their quarters mangled and + cutt and reeking as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on the + hurdle. Oh the miraculous providence of God!" + </p> + <p> + Seven months later, the people were diverted by the more cheerful pageant + of the king's coronation, which was conducted with great magnificence. + "Two days," as Heath narrates, "were allotted to the consummation of this + great and most celebrated action, the wonder, admiration and delight of + all persons, both foreign and domestick." Early on the morning of the 22nd + of May, the day being Monday, the king left Whitehall, by water, for the + Tower, in order that he might, according to ancient custom, proceed + through the city to Westminster Abbey. It was noticed that it had + previously rained for a month together, but on this and the next day "it + pleased God that not one drop fell on the king's triumph." At ten o'clock + the roaring of cannon announced the procession had left the Tower on its + way to Whitehall, where his majesty was to rest the night. The splendour + of the pageant was such as had never before been witnessed. The procession + was headed by the king's council at law, the masters of chancery and + judges, who were followed by the lords according to their rank, so + numerous in all, that those who rode first reached Fleet Street, whilst + the king was yet in the Tower. + </p> + <p> + No expense was spared by those who formed part of that wonderful + cavalcade, towards rendering their appearance magnificent. Heath tells us + it was incredible to think "what costly cloathes were worn that day. The + cloaks could hardly be seen what silk or satin they were made of, for the + gold and silver laces and embroidery that was laid upon them; the like + also was seen on their foot-cloathes. Besides the inestimable value and + treasures of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels worn upon their backs and + in their hats, not to mention the sumptuous and rich liveries of their + pages and footmen, some suits of liveries amounting to fifteen hundred + pounds." Nor had the city hesitated in lavishing vast sums towards + decorating the streets through which the king was to pass. Four triumphal + arches were erected, that were left standing for a year in memory of this + joyful day. These were "composed" by John Ogilby, Esquire; and were + respectively erected in Leadenhall Street, the Exchange on Cornhill, Wood + Street, and Fleet Street. + </p> + <p> + The thoroughfares were newly gravelled, railed all the way on both sides, + and lined with the city companies and trained bands. The "relation of his + majesty's entertainment passing through the City of London," as narrated + by John Ogilby, and by the papers of the day, is extremely quaint and + interesting, but too long for detailed description. During the monarch's + progress through "Crouched Friers," he was diverted with music discoursed + by a band of eight waits, placed upon a stage. At Aldgate, and at several + other stages of his journey, he was received in like manner. Arriving at + the great arch in Leadenhall Street, his ears were greeted by sounds of + trumpets and drums playing marches; when they had finishes, a short scene + was enacted on a balcony of the arch, by figures representing Monarchy, + Rebellion, and Loyalty. Then the great procession wended its way to the + East India House, situate in the same street, when the East India Company + took occasion to express their dutiful affections, in a manner "wholly + designed by person of quality." As the king advanced, a youth in an Indian + habit, attended by two blackamoors, knelt down before his majesty's horse, + and delivered himself of some execrable verse, which he had no sooner + ended than another youth in an Indian vest, mounted on a camel, was led + forwards and delivered some lines praying his majesty's subjects might + never see the sun set on his crown or dignity. The camel, it my be + noticed, bore panniers filled with pearls, spices, and silks, destined to + be scattered among the spectators. At Cornhill was a conduit, surmounted + by eight wenches representing nymphs—a sight which must have + rejoiced the king's heart; and on the tower of this same fountain sounded + "a noise of seven trumpets." Another fountain flowed with wine and water; + and on his way the king heard several speeches delivered by various + symbolic figures. One of these, who made a particularly fine harangue, + represented the River Thames, as a gentleman whose "garment loose and + flowing, coloured blue and white, waved like water, flags and ozier-like + long hair falling o'er his shoulders; his beard long, sea-green, and + white." And so by slow degrees the king came to Temple Bar, where he was + entertained by "a view of a delightful boscage, full of several beasts, + both tame and savage, as also several living figures and music of eight + waits." And having passed through Temple Bar into his ancient and native + city of Westminster, the head bailiff in a scarlet robe and the high + constable, likewise in scarlet, on behalf of the dean, chapter, city, and + liberty, received his majesty with great expressions of joy. + </p> + <p> + Never had there been so goodly a show so grand a procession; the citizens, + still delighted with their young king, had certainly excelled in doing him + honour, and some foreigners, Heaton says, "acknowledged themselves never + to have seen among all the great magnificences of the world any to come + near or equal this: even the vaunting French confessed their pomps of the + late marriage with the Infanta of Spain, at their majesties' entrance into + Paris, to be inferior in its state, gallantry, and riches unto this most + illustrious cavalcade." Amongst those who witnessed the procession was Mr. + Pepys, who has left us a realistic description, without which this picture + would be incomplete. He tells us he arose early on this day; and the vain + fellow says he made himself as fine as could be, putting on his velvet + coat for the first time, though he had it made half a year before. "And + being ready," he continues, "Sir W. Batten, my lady, and his two + daughters, and his son and wife, and Sir W. Pen and his son and I, went to + Mr. Young's, the flag-maker, in Corne-hill; and there we had a good room + to ourselves, with wine and good cake, and saw the show very well. In + which it is impossible to relate the glory of this day, expressed in the + clothes of them that rid, and their horses and horses' clothes; among + others, my Lord Sandwich's embroidery and diamonds were ordinary among + them. The Knights of the Bath was a brave sight of itself. Remarquable + were the two men that represent the two Dukes of Normandy and Aquitane. My + Lord Monk rode bare after the king, and led in his hand a spare horse, as + being Master of the Horse. The king, in a most rich embroidered suit and + cloak, looked most noble. Wadlow, the vintner, at the Devil, in Fleet + Street, did lead a fine company of soldiers, all young comely men in white + doublets. There followed the Vice-Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, and a + company of men all like Turkes. The streets all gravelled, and the houses + hung with carpets before them, made brave show; and the ladies out of the + windows, one of which over against us, I took much notice of, and spoke of + her, which made good sport among us. So glorious was the show with gold + and silver, that we were not able to look at it, our eyes at last being so + much overcome with it. Both the king and the Duke of York took notice of + us as they saw us at the window. The show being ended, Mr. Young did give + us a dinner, at which we were very merry and pleased above imagination at + what we have seen." + </p> + <p> + The next day, being the feast of St. George, patron of England, the king + went in procession from Whitehall to Westminster Abbey, where he was + solemnly crowned in the presence of a vast number of peers and bishops. + After which, surrounded by the same brilliant company, he passed from the + Abbey to Westminster Hall, the way being covered with blue cloth, and + lined with spectators to the number of ten thousand. Here his majesty and + the lords, spiritual and temporal, dined sumptuously, whilst many fine + ceremonies were observed, music of all sorts was played, and a great crowd + of pretty ladies looked down from the galleries. And when the banquet was + over, and a general pardon had been read by the lord chancellor, and the + champion had drank out of the king's gold cup, Charles betook himself to + Whitehall. Then, after two days of fair weather, it suddenly "fell + a-raining, and thundering and lightning," says Pepys, "as I have not seen + it do for some years; which people did take great notice of." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The King's character.—His proverbial grace.—He tells a story well.—"A + warmth and sweetness of the blood."—Beautiful Barbara Palmer.—Her + intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.—James, Duke of York.—His + early days.—Escape from St. James's.—Fights in the service of + France.—Marriage with Anne Hyde.—Sensation at Court.—The Duke of + Gloucester's death.—The Princess of Orange.—Schemes against the + Duke of York's peace.—The "lewd informer."—Anne Hyde is acknowledged + Duchess of York. +</pre> + <p> + Whilst the kingdom was absorbed by movements consequent on its change of + government, the court was no less engrossed by incidents relative to the + career it had begun. In the annals of court life there are no pages more + interesting than those dealing with Charles II, and his friends; in the + history of kings there is no more remarkable figure than that of the merry + monarch himself. + </p> + <p> + Returning to rule over a nation which, during his absence, had been + distracted by civil strife, King Charles, young in years, brave in deeds, + and surrounded by that halo of romance which misfortune lends its victims, + entirely gained the hearts of his subjects. Nature had endowed him with + gifts adapted to display qualities that fascinated, and fitted to hide + blemishes which repelled. On the one hand his expressive features and + shapely figure went far towards creating a charm which his personal grace + and courtesy of manner completed; on the other, his delicate tact screened + the heartlessness of his sensualism, whilst his surface sympathies hid the + barrenness of his cynicism. + </p> + <p> + With the coolness and courage he had shown in danger, the shrewdness and + wit he continually evinced, and the varied capacities he certainly + possessed, Charles II. might have made his reign illustrious, had not his + love of ease and detestation of business rendered him indifferent to all + things so long as he was free to follow his desires. But these faults, + which became grievous in the eyes of his subjects, commended him to the + hearts of his courtiers, the common purpose of whose lives was pursuit of + pleasure. Never was sovereign more gracious to those who came in contact + with him, or less ceremonious with his friends; whilst abroad he had lived + with his little band of courtiers more as a companion than a king. The + bond of exile had drawn them close together; an equal fortune had gone far + towards obliterating distinctions of royalty; and custom had so fitted the + monarch and his friends to familiarity, that on his return to England + neither he nor they laid aside a mutual freedom of treatment which by + degrees extended itself throughout the court. For all that, "he was + master," as Welwood says, "of something in his person and aspect that + commanded both love and admiration at once." + </p> + <p> + Among his many gifts was that of telling a story well—a rare one + 'tis true in all ages. Never was he better pleased than when, surrounded + by a group of gossips, he narrated some anecdote of which he was the hero; + and, though his tales were more than twice told, they were far from + tedious; inasmuch as, being set forth with brighter flashes of wit and + keener touches of irony, they were ever pleasant to hear. His conversation + was of a like complexion to his tales, pointed, shrewd, and humorous; + frequently—as became the manner of the times—straying far + afield of propriety, and taking liberties of expression of which nice + judgments could not approve. But indeed his majesty's speech was not more + free than his conduct was licentious. He could not think, he gravely told + Bishop Burnet, "God would make a man miserable for taking a little + pleasure out of the way." Accordingly he followed the free bent of his + desires, and his whole life was soon devoted to voluptuousness; a vice + which an ingenious courtier obligingly describes as a "warmth and + sweetness of the blood that would not be confined in the communicating + itself—an overflowing of good nature, of which he had such a stream + that it would not be restrained within the banks of a crabbed and + unsociable virtue." + </p> + <p> + The ease and freedom of his continental life had no doubt fostered this + lamentable depravity; for his misfortunes as an exiled king by no means + prevented him following his inclinations as an ardent lover. Accordingly, + his intrigues at that time were numerous, as may be judged from the fact + of Lady Byron being described as "his seventeenth mistress abroad." The + offspring of one of his continental mistresses was destined to plunge the + English nation into civil warfare, and to suffer a traitor's death on + Tower Hill in the succeeding reign. + </p> + <p> + "The profligacy which Charles practised abroad not being discontinued at + home, he resumed in England an intrigue commenced at Brussels a short time + before the restoration. The object of this amour was the beautiful Barbara + Palmer, afterwards, by reason of her lack of virtue, raised to the peerage + under the titles of Countess of Castlemaine, and Duchess of Cleveland. + This lady, who became a most prominent figure in the court of the merry + monarch, was daughter of William, second Viscount Grandison, a brave + gentleman and a loyal, who had early in life fallen in the civil war + whilst fighting for his king. He is described as having, among other + gifts, "a faultless person," a boon, which descended to his only child, + the bewitching Barbara. In the earliest dawn of her womanhood she + encountered her first lover in the person of Philip Stanhope, second Earl + of Chesterfield. My lord was at this time a youthful widower, and is + described as having "a very agreeable face, a fine head of hair, an + indifferent shape, and a pleasant wit. He was, moreover, an elegant beau + and a dissolute man—testimony of which latter fact may be gathered + from a letter written to him in 1658, by his sister-in-law, Lady Essex, to + prevent the "ruin of his soule." Writes her ladyship: "You treate all the + mad drinking lords, you sweare, you game, and commit all the extravagances + that are insident to untamed youths, to such a degree that you make + yourselfe the talke of all places, and the wonder of those who thought + otherwise of you, and of all sober people." + </p> + <p> + When Barbara was sixteen, my lord, then in his twenty-third year, + inherited the title and estates of his grandfather: he therefore became + master of his own fortune and could bestow his hand where he pleased. That + he was in love with Barbara is, indeed, most true; but that his passion + was dishonourable is likewise certain: for though he wrote her letters + full of tenderness, and kept assignations with her at Butler's shop, on + Ludgate Hill, he was the while negotiating a marriage with one Mrs. + Fairfax, to whom he was not, however, united. His intrigue with Barbara + continued for upwards of three years, when it was temporarily suspended by + her marriage to one Roger Palmer, a student of the Inner Temple, the son + of a Middlesex knight, and, moreover, a man of the most obliging temper, + as will hereafter be seen. Barbara's loyalty to her husband was but of + short duration. Before she had been nine months a wife, we find her + writing to her old lover she is "ready and willing to goe all over the + world" with him—a sacrifice he declined to accept! though eager to + take advantage of the affection which prompted it. A little while later he + was obliged to quit England; for it happened in the first month of the + year 1660 he quarrelled with and killed one Francis Woolley, a student at + law, to avoid the consequences of which act he speedily fled the country. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at Calais, he wrote to King Charles, who was then preparing to + return, throwing himself on his mercy, and beseeching his pardon; which + the king granting, Lord Chesterfield sought his majesty at Brussels. Soon + afterwards Barbara Palmer and her complaisant husband, a right loyal man, + joined the king's court abroad, when the intrigue begun which was + continued on the night of the monarch's arrival in London. True the loyal + PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCER stated "his majesty was diverted from his + pious intention of going to Westminster to offer up his devotions of + prayer and praise in publick according to the appointment of his Majesty, + and made his oblations unto God in the presence-chamber;" but it is, alas, + equally certain, according to Oldmixon, Lord Dartmouth, and other reliable + authorities, he spent the first night of his return in the company of + Barbara Palmer. From that time this abandoned woman exercised an influence + over the king which wholly disgraced his court, and almost ruined his + kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Another prominent figure, whose history is inseparable from the king's, + was that of his majesty's brother, James, Duke of York—a man of + greater ambition and lesser talents than the merry monarch, but one whose + amorous disposition equalled the monarch's withal. At an early period of + his life the Duke of York was witness of the strife which divided his + unhappy father's kingdom. When only eight years old he was sent for by + Charles I. to York, but was forbidden by the Parliament to leave St. + James's Palace. Despite its commands he was, however, carried to the king + by the gallant Marquis of Hereford. That same year the boy witnessed the + refusal of Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull, to admit his majesty within + the gates; and James was subsequently present at the siege of Bristol, and + the famous battle of Edgehill, when his life at one period of the + engagement was in imminent peril. + </p> + <p> + Until 1646 he continued under the guardianship of his father, when, on the + entrance of Fairfax into Oxford, the young duke was found among the + prisoners, and by Cromwell's orders committed to the charge of Sir George + Ratcliffe. A few months later he was removed to St. James's Palace, when + in company with his brother, the Duke of Gloucester, and his sister, the + Princess Elizabeth, he was placed under the care of Lord Northumberland, + who had joined the Republican cause. + </p> + <p> + Though by no means treated with unkindness, the young duke, unhappy at the + surveillance placed upon his actions and fearful of the troubles quickly + gathering over the kingdom, twice sought escape. This was a serious + offence in the eyes of Cromwell's Parliament; a committee was accordingly + sent to examine him, and he was threatened with imprisonment in the Tower. + Though only in his fourteenth year he already possessed both determination + and courage, by reason of which he resolved to risk all danger, and make a + third effort for freedom. Accordingly he laid his plans with much + ingenuity, selecting two men from those around him to aid his undertaking. + These were George Howard and Colonel Bamfield. The latter had once served + in the king's army, but when the fortunes of war had gone against his + royal master, had professed himself friendly to the Republicans. No doubt + the young duke saw the gallant colonel was still true at heart to the + Royalist cause, and therefore trusted him at this critical juncture. + </p> + <p> + Now for a fortnight previous to the night on which he designed to escape, + James made it his habit to play at hide-and-seek every evening after + supper with his brother and sister, and the children of the officers then + located in the palace; and in such secure places did he secrete himself + that his companions frequently searched for over half an hour without + discovering him. This of course accustomed the household to miss him, and + was cunningly practised for the purpose of gaining time on his pursuers + when he came to be sought for in good earnest. + </p> + <p> + At last the eventful night fixed for his escape arrived; and after supper + a pleasant group of merry children prepared to divert themselves in the + long dark halls and narrow winding passages of the grim old palace. James, + as usual, proposed concealing himself, and leaving his companions for the + purpose, disappeared behind some arras; but, instead of hiding, he + hastened to his sister's chamber, where he locked up a favourite dog that + was in the habit of following his footsteps wherever he went, and then + noiselessly slipped down a back stairs which led to an inner garden. + Having taken care to provide himself with a key fitting the garden door, + he quickly slipped into the park. Here he found Colonel Bamfield waiting, + who, giving him a cloak and a wig for his better disguise, hurried him + into a hackney coach, which drove them as far as Salisbury House in the + Strand. From thence they went through Spring Garden, and down Ivy Lane, + when, taking boat, they landed close by London Bridge. Here entering the + house of a surgeon friendly to their adventure, they found a woman named + Murray awaiting them, who immediately provided a suit of woman's wearing + apparel for the young duke, in which she helped to attire him. Dressed in + this costume he, attended by the faithful Bamfield, hastened to Lion Quay, + where they entered a barge hired for their conveyance to a Dutch frigate + stationed beyond Gravesend. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the children not being able to discover their playfellow in the + palace, their elders became suspicious of the duke's escape, and began to + aid the search. Before an hour elapsed they were convinced he had fled, + and St. James's was thrown into a state of the utmost excitement and + confusion. Notice of his flight was at once despatched to General Fairfax + at Whitehall, who immediately gave orders have all the roads from London + guarded, especially those leading to the north; for it was surmised he + would in the first instance seek to escape into Wales. The duke, however, + had taken a safer course, but one which was not unattended by danger. He + had not sailed far in the barge when its master became suspicious that he + was aiding the escape of some persons of consequence, and became + frightened lest he should get into trouble by rendering them his services. + And presently his surmise was converted into certainty; for looking + through a cranny of the barge-room door, he saw the young woman fling her + leg on the table and pull up her stocking in a most unmaidenly manner. He + therefore at once peremptorily declared to Colonel Bamfield they must land + at Gravesend, and procure another boat to carry them to the ship; for it + would be impossible for the barge to pass the block-house lower down + without being observed, and consequently inspected, as was the custom at + this troubled time. On hearing which Colonel Bamfield was filled with + dismay; but, knowing that at heart the people were loyal towards the + Stuarts, he confided the identity of his passenger, and begged him not to + betray them in this hour of peril. To give his appeal further weight, he + promised the fellow a considerable sum if they safely reached the frigate; + for human nature is weak, and greed of gold is strong. On this, the + bargee, who was a loyal man, promised he would help them to the best of + his powers; the lights were therefore extinguished, the oars drawn in, + and, the tide fortunately answering, the barge glided noiselessly down + under cover of night, and passed the block-house unobserved. In good time + they reached the frigate, which, the duke and Colonel Bamfield boarding, + at once set sail, and in a few days landed them at Middleburgh. James + proceeded to the court of his sister, the Princess of Orange, and later on + joined his mother in France. + </p> + <p> + At the age of twenty he served in the French army, under Turenne, against + the Spanish forces in Flanders, and subsequently in several campaigns, + where he invariably showed himself so brave and valiant that the Prince de + Conde declared that if ever there was a man without fear, it was James, + Duke of York. Now it happened that in 1658 the Princess of Orange went to + Paris in order to visit the queen mother, as the widow of Charles I. was + called. The Duke of York was in the gay capital at this time, and it soon + became noticed that he fixed his attention overmuch on one of his sister's + maids of honour, Anne Hyde. This gentlewoman, then in her twenty-first + year, was the possessor of a comely countenance, excellent shape, and much + wit. Anne was daughter of Edward Hyde, a worthy man, who had been bred to + the law, and proved himself so faithful a servant to Charles I., that his + majesty had made him Privy Councillor and Chancellor of the Exchequer. + After the king's execution, in 1649, the chancellor thought it wise for + himself and his family to seek refuge in exile, and accordingly joined + Charles II., with whom he lived in the closest friendship, and for whose + return he subsequently negotiated with General Monk. + </p> + <p> + Now James, after his fashion, made love to Mistress Hyde, who encouraged + his advances until they reached a certain stage, beyond which the + judicious maiden forbade them to proceed unless blessed by the sanction of + holy church. The Duke, impatient to secure his happiness, was therefore + secretly united to Mistress Hyde in the bonds of matrimony on the 24th of + November, in the year of grace 1659, at Breda, to which place the Princess + of Orange had returned. In a little while, the restoration being effected, + the duke returned to England with the king, leaving his bride behind. And + Chancellor Hyde being presently re-established in his offices, and settled + in his residence at Worcester House in the Strand, sent for his wife and + children; the more speedily as he had received an overture from a noble + family, on behalf of "a hopeful, well-bred young gentleman," who expressed + himself anxious to wed with Mistress Anne. + </p> + <p> + The same young lady had not long returned, when she informed her husband + she was about to become a mother; whereon the duke, seeking the king, fell + upon his knees before him, laid bare his secret, and besought him to + sanction his union, "that he might publicly marry in such a manner as his + majesty thought necessary for the consequence thereof;" adding that, if + consent were refused, he would "immediately take leave of the kingdom and + spend his life in foreign parts." King Charles was astonished and + perplexed by this confession. James was heir, and as such it behoved him + to wed with one suited, by reason of her lineage, to support the dignity + of the crown, and calculated by her relation towards foreign powers to + strengthen the influence of the throne. The duke was fully aware of this, + and, moreover, knew he could without much difficulty have his marriage + annulled; but that he did not adopt this course was an honourable trait in + his character; and, indeed, his conduct and that of the king was most + creditable throughout the transactions which followed; an account of which + is set forth with great minuteness in the "Continuation of Edward Hyde, + Lord Clarendon's Life." + </p> + <p> + Without the advice of his council, the king could give no satisfactory + reply to his brother. He therefore summoned two of his trusty friends, the + Marquis of Ormond and the Earl of Southampton, whom he informed of the + duke's marriage, requesting them to communicate the same to the + chancellor, and return with him for private consultation. The good man's + surprise at this news concerning his daughter was, according to his own + account, exceeding great, and was only equalled by his vast indignation. + His loyalty towards the royal family was so fervent that it overlooked his + affection to his child. He therefore fell into a violent passion, + protested against her wicked presumption, and advised that the king + "should immediately cause the woman to be sent to the Tower, and to be + cast into a dungeon, under so strict a guard that no person should be + admitted to come to her; and then that an act of parliament should be + immediately passed for the cutting off her head, to which he would not + only give his consent, but would very willingly be the first man that + should propose it." All this he presently repeated to the king, and + moreover, assured him an example of the highest severity, in a case so + nearly concerning himself, would serve as a warning that others might take + heed of offences committed against his regal dignity. + </p> + <p> + News of this marriage spread throughout the court with rapidity, and + caused the utmost excitement; which in a little while was somewhat abated + by the announcement that the king's youngest brother, Henry, Duke of + Gloucester, was taken ill of small-pox. This young prince, who is + described as "a pretty boy," possessed parts which bade fair to surpass + his brothers. He was indeed associated by his family with their tenderest + memories, inasmuch as he had been with his father on the sad day previous + to his execution. On that melancholy occasion, Charles I. had taken him + upon his knee, and said to him very tenderly, "Sweetheart, they will cut + off thy father's head," at which the boy shuddered and turned pale. "Mark, + child, what I say," continued the unhappy king, "they will cut off my + head, and, perhaps, make thee a king; but mark what I say, you must not be + made king as long as your brothers Charles and James are alive, for they + will cut off thy brothers' heads when they catch them, and cut off thy + head at last; and therefore I charge you not to be made a king by them." + To which the lad replied very earnestly, "I will be torn in pieces first." + Sometime after the death of his father he was allowed to join his family + in France, and, like his brother James, entered the army of that country. + On the restoration, he had returned with the king, and, three months + later, this "prince of very extraordinary hopes" died, grievously lamented + by the court, and especially by his majesty, who declared he felt this + loss more than any other which had previously fallen upon him. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he been laid to rest in the vault containing the dust of Mary + Queen of Scots and Lady Arabella Stuart, when the Princess of Orange + arrived in England to pay the king a visit of ceremony. No sooner was she + settled at court, than rumour of her brother's marriage reached her; on + which she became outrageous; but her wrath was far exceeded by that of the + queen mother, who, on hearing the news, wrote to the duke expressing her + indignation "that he should have such low thoughts as to marry such a + woman." The epistle containing this sentence was at once shown by James to + his wife, whom he continually saw and spent much time with, unknown to her + father, who had given orders she should keep her chamber. Parliament now + sat, but no mention was made of the duke's marriage by either House; and, + inasmuch as the union so nearly concerned the nation, this silence caused + considerable surprise. It was surmised the delay was made in deference to + the feelings of the queen mother, who at this juncture set out for + England, to prevent what she was pleased to term "so great a stain and + dishonour to the crown." The king regarded his brother's alliance in a + lenient spirit, and not only spoke of it frequently before the court, but + expressed his desire of bringing the indiscretion to a happy conclusion by + a public acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + The queen mother, being an ambitious woman, had cherished certain schemes + for extending the power of her family by the respective marriages of her + sons, which the duke's union was, of course, calculated to curtail. She + therefore regarded his wife with the bitterest disdain. Whenever that + woman should be brought into Whitehall by one door, her majesty declared + she would leave it by another and never enter it again. The marriage was + rendered all the more disagreeable to the queen, because the object of her + son's choice was daughter of the lord chancellor, whose influence over + Charles II. had frequently opposed her plans in the past, and threatened + to prevent their realization in the future. The monarch, however, paid + little attention to his mother's indignation. He was resolved no disgrace + which he could hinder should fall upon the family of one who had served + him with disinterested loyalty; and, by way of proving his friendship + towards the chancellor on the present occasion, he, before setting out to + meet his mother on her arrival at Dover, presented him with twenty + thousand pounds, and left a signed warrant for creating him a baron, which + he desired the attorney-general to have ready to pass the seals at his + return. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a wicked plot, for the purpose of lessening James's + affection for his wife, and ultimately preventing the acknowledgment of + his marriage, was promoted by the chancellor's enemies and the duke's + friends, principal amongst whom were the Princess of Orange and Sir + Charles Berkley, "a fellow of great wickedness," Sir Charles was his royal + highness's most trusted friend, and was, moreover, devoted to the service + of the princess and her mother. He therefore determined to hinder the duke + from taking a step which he was of opinion would injure him irretrievably. + Accordingly, when James spoke in confidence concerning his marriage, Sir + Charles told him it was wholly invalid, inasmuch as it had taken place + without the king's consent; and that a union with the daughter of an + insignificant lawyer was not to be thought of by the heir to the crown. + Moreover, he hinted he could a tale unfold regarding her behaviour. At + this the duke became impatient to hear what his good friend had to say; + whereon that valiant gentleman boasted, with an air of bravery and truth, + of certain gallantries which had passed between him and the lady. On + hearing this, James, being credulous was sorely depressed. He ceased to + visit his wife, withdrew from general company; and so well did Sir Charles's + scheme succeed, that before the queen's arrival, the duke had decided on + denying his marriage with one who had brought him dishonour. The king, + however, put no faith in these aspersions; he felt sure "there was a + wicked conspiracy set on foot by villains." + </p> + <p> + It therefore happened the queen was spared the trouble she had anticipated + with her son; indeed, he humbly begged her pardon for "having placed his + affections so unequally, of which he was sure there was now an end"—a + confession most gratifying to her majesty. The duke's bitter depression + continued, and was soon increased by the death of his sister, the Princess + of Orange, which was occasioned by smallpox on the 23rd of December, 1660. + In her last agonies Lord Clarendon says "she expressed a dislike of the + proceedings in that affair, to which she had contributed too much." This + fact, together with his royal highness's unhappiness, had due weight on + Sir Charles Berkley, who began to repent of the calumnies he had spoken. + Accordingly, the "lewd informer" went to the duke, and sought to repair + the evil he had wrought. Believing, he said, such a marriage would be the + absolute ruin of his royal highness, he had made the accusation which he + now confessed to be false, and without the least ground; for he was very + confident of the lady's honour and virtue. He then begged pardon on his + knees for a fault committed out of pure devotion, and trusted the duke + would "not suffer him to be ruined by the power of those whom he had so + unworthily provoked, and of which he had so much shame that he had not + confidence to look upon them." + </p> + <p> + James was so much relieved by what he heard that he not only forgave Sir + Charles, but embraced him, and promised him protection. Nor did his royal + highness longer withhold the reparation due to his wife, who, with the + approval of the king and the reluctant consent of the queen, was received + at court as Duchess of York. Such was the romance connected with the + marriage of her who became mother of two English queens—Mary, wife + of William of Orange, and Anne, of pious memory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Morality of the Restoration.—Puritan piety.—Conduct of women under + the Republic.—Some notable courtiers.—The Duke of Ormond and his + family.—Lord St. Albans and Henry Jermyn.—His Grace of Buckingham + and Mistress Fairfax.—Lord Rochester.—Beautiful Barbara Palmer.—The + King's Projected marriage.—Catherine of Braganza.—His Majesty's + speech.—A Royal love-letter.—The new Queen sets sail. +</pre> + <p> + A general idea obtains that the libertine example set forth by Charles II. + and his courtiers is wholly to blame for the spirit of depravity which + marked his reign. That it was in part answerable for the spread of + immorality is true, inasmuch as the royalists, considering sufficient + aversion could not be shown to the loathsome hypocrisy of the puritans, + therefore fell into an opposite extreme of ostentatious profligacy. But + that the court was entirely responsible for the vice tainting all classes + of society whilst the merry monarch occupied the throne, is false. + </p> + <p> + Other causes had long been tending to produce this unhappy effect. The + reign of the Commonwealth had not been, remarkable for its virtue, though + it had been notable for its pharisaism. With the puritan, words of piety + took place of deeds of grace; the basest passions were often hidden under + sanctimonious exteriors. Even Cromwell, "a man of long and dark + discourses, sermons, and prayers," was not above reproach. Bishop Burnet, + who has no harsh words for him, and few gentle ones for Charles, states + the Protector's intrigue with Lady Dysart was "not a little taken notice + of;" on which, the godly man "broke it off." He therefore, Heath records, + began an amour with a lady of lesser note—Mrs. Lambert, the wife of + a puritan, herself a lady devoted to psalm singing and audible prayer + when, not otherwise pleasantly engaged. + </p> + <p> + The general character of many news-sheets of the day proves that morality + under the Republic was at a low ebb. Anarchy in a kingdom invariably + favours dissoluteness in a people, inasmuch as the disturbance of civil + order tends to unsettle moral law. Homes being divided amongst themselves + by political strife, paternal care was suspended, and filial respect + ignored. In the general confusion which obtained, the distinction of + social codes was overlooked. Lord Clarendon states that; during this + unhappy period, young people of either sex were "educated in all the + liberty of vice, without reprehension or restraint." He adds, "The young + women conversed without any circumspection or modesty, and frequently met + at taverns and common eating-houses." An additional description of the + ways and manners of young maidens under the Republic is given in a rare + and curious pamphlet entitled "A Character of England as it was lately + presented in a Letter to a Nobleman of France"; printed in the year 1659, + for Jo. Crooke, and sold at the Ship in St. Paul's Yard. Having spoken of + taverns where "fury and intemperance" reign, and where, "that nothing may + be wanting to the height of luxury and impiety, organs have been + translated out of the churches for the purpose of chanting their + dithyrambics and bestiall bacchanalias to the tune of those instruments + which were wont to assist them in the celebration of God's praises," the + writer continues: "Your lordship will scarce believe me that the ladies of + greatest quality suffer themselves to be treated in one of those taverns, + where a curtezan in other cities would scarcely vouchsafe to be + entertained; but you will be more astonish't when I shall assure you that + they drink their crowned cups roundly, strain healths through their + smocks, daunce after the fiddle, kiss freely, and tearm it an honourable + treat." He furthermore says they were to be found until midnight in + company with their lovers at Spring Garden, which seemed to be "contrived + to all the advantages of gallantry." From which evidences it may be + gathered, that London under the Commonwealth was little less vicious than + under the merry monarch. + </p> + <p> + The court Charles speedily gathered round him on his restoration was the + most brilliant the nation had ever witnessed. Those of birth and + distinction who had sought refuge abroad during the late troubles, now + joyfully returned: whilst the juvenile branches of noble families living + in retirement in England, to whom royalty had been a stranger, no less + eagerly flocked to the presence of the gay young king. The wit and + politeness of the men, the grace and beauty of the women, who surrounded + Charles II. have become proverbial; whilst the gallantries of the one, and + the frailties of the other, savour more of romance than reality. + </p> + <p> + That the condition of the court on its establishment may be realized, it + is necessary, at this stage of its history, to introduce briefly some of + the chief personages who surrounded his majesty, and occupied prominent + attention in the annals of his reign. Notably amongst them were the + gallant Duke of Ormond and his family. His grace, now in his fiftieth + year, was distinguished for his commanding appearance, gracious manner, + and excellent wit. During the troubles of the civil war, he had proved + himself a most loyal subject, inasmuch as he had vested his fortune and + ventured his person in service of the late king. Subsequently refusing + liberal offers made him by Cromwell, on condition of living in peaceful + retirement, he, after the execution of Charles I., betook himself to + France, and shared exile with the young king until the restoration. In + consequence of his proven fealty, honours were then deservingly showered + upon him: he was made grand steward of the household, first lord of the + bedchamber, and subsequently lord lieutenant of Ireland. The duchess, who + had participated in her husband's misfortunes with a courage equal to his + own, was a high-minded and most virtuous lady, who had brought up her + family with great care. Scarcely less distinguished in mien and manner + than the duke, were his two sons, Thomas, Earl of Ossory, and Lord Richard + Butler, afterwards Earl of Arran. My lord of Ossory was no less remarkable + for his beauty than famous for his accomplishments: he rode and played + tennis to perfection, performed upon the lute to entrancement, and danced + to the admiration of the court; he was moreover a good historian, and well + versed in chronicles of romance. No less was the Earl of Arran proficient + in qualifications befitting his birth, and gifted with attributes aiding + his gallantry. + </p> + <p> + A third member of this noble family played a more remarkable part in the + history of the court during her brief career than either of her brothers. + This was the Lady Elizabeth Butler, eldest daughter of the duke, who, + unfortunately for her own happiness, married my Lord Chesterfield at the + Hague, when, a few months before the restoration, that nobleman fled to + the continent to escape the consequences of Francis Woolley's murder. In + Lely's picture of the young Countess of Chesterfield, her piquancy + attracts at a glance, whilst her beauty charms on examination. Her cousin, + Anthony Hamilton, describes her as having large blue eyes, very tempting + and alluring, a complexion extremely fair, and a heart "ever open to + tender sentiments," by reason of which her troubles arose, as shall be set + down in proper sequence. + </p> + <p> + Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, and his nephew, "the little Jermyn," + were also notable as figuring in court intrigues. The earl was member of + the privy council to his majesty, and moreover held a still closer + connection to the queen mother; for, according to Sir John Reresby, Madame + Buviere, and others, her majesty had privately married his lordship abroad—an + act of condescension he repaid with inhumanity. Madame Buviere says he + never gave the queen a good word; and when she spoke to him he used to + say, "Que me veut cette femme?" The same authority adds, he treated her + majesty in an extremely ill manner, "so that whilst she had not a faggot + to warm herself, he had in his apartments a good fire and a sumptuous + table." [This testimony concerning the queen's poverty is borne out by + Cardinal de Retz. In his interesting Memoirs he tells of a visit he paid + the queen mother, then an exile in Paris. He found her with her youngest + daughter, Henrietta, in the chamber of the latter. "At my coming in," says + the Cardinal, "she (the queen) said, 'You see, I am come to keep Henrietta + company; the poor child could not rise to-day for want of a fire.' The + truth is, that the Cardinal (Mazarin) for six months together had not + ordered her any money towards her pension; that no tradespeople would + trust her for anything and there was not at her lodgings a single billet. + You will do me the justice to think that the princess of England did not + keep her bed the next day for want of a faggot... Posterity will hardly + believe that a princess of England, grand-daughter to Henry the Great, + hath wanted a faggot in the month of January, in the Louvre, and in the + eyes of the French court."] Pepys records that the marriage of her majesty + to the earl was commonly talked of at the restoration; and he likewise + mentions it was rumoured "that they had a daughter between them in France. + How true," says this gossip, "God knows." + </p> + <p> + The earl's nephew, Henry Jermyn, is described as having a big head and + little legs, an affected carriage, and a wit consisting "in expressions + learned by rote, which he occasionally employed either in raillery or + love." For all that, he being a man of amorous disposition, the number of + his intrigues was no less remarkable than the rank of those who shared + them. Most notable amongst his conquests was the king's eldest sister, + widow of the Prince of Orange—a lady possessing in no small degree + natural affections for which her illustrious family were notorious. During + the exile of Charles II., Henry Jermyn had made a considerable figure at + her court in Holland by reason of the splendour of his equipage, entirely + supported by his uncle's wealth; he had likewise made a forcible + impression on her heart by virtue of the ardour of his addresses, wholly + sustained by his own effrontery. The effect of his presence on the + princess soon became visible to the court. Rumour whispered that as Lord + St. Albans had already made an alliance with royalty, his nephew had + likewise followed his example; but scandal declared that young Jermyn and + the princess had omitted the ceremony which should have sanctioned their + happiness. The reputation of such an amour gained him the immediate + attention of many women, whose interest in his character increased with + the knowledge of his abilities, and helped to associate him in their + memories with tenderest emotions. + </p> + <p> + Another figure prominent in this gay and goodly assembly was George + Villiers, second Duke of Buckingham. The faultless beauty of his face, and + graceful symmetry of his figure, would have rendered him distinguished in + a court less sensuously impressionable to physical perfection, even if his + talents had not dazzled, and his wit amused. On the death of the first + Duke of Buckingham, "styled the handsomest bodied man in England," the + late king of pious memory undertook the charge of the young duke, and had + him educated with his own sons. Subsequently he was sent to Cambridge, and + then travelled into France, the better to acquire that polish of manner + and grace of bearing for which he became distinguished. But, whilst + abroad, word was brought him of the distress of his master, the king; on + which the young duke hastened back into England, became a cavalier, and + fought his majesty's battles with great gallantry. Soon after Charles I. + had been beheaded, his faithful servitor went abroad; but being loyal to + the Stuart cause, he journeyed with Charles II. to Scotland, and + afterwards fought beside him in the bloody battle of Worcester. Whilst the + monarch was hiding in Boscobel Wood, the duke betook himself to London, + where, donning a wizard's mask, a jack-pudding coat, a hat adorned with a + fox's tail and cock's feathers, he masqueraded as a mountebank, and + discoursed diverting nonsense from a stage erected at Charing Cross. After + running several risks, he escaped to France. But alas for the duke, who + was born as Madame Dunois avows, doubtless from experience—"for + gallantry and magnificence," he was now penniless, his great estates being + confiscated by Cromwell. However, conceiving a scheme that might secure + him part of his fortune, he hastened to put it into execution. + </p> + <p> + It happened that my Lord Fairfax, one of Cromwell's great generals, had + allotted to him by the Protector a portion of the Buckingham estates that + returned five thousand pounds a year. The general was, moreover, placed in + possession of York House, which had likewise belonged to his grace. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened Lord Fairfax, a generous-tempered man and brave soldier, + had an only child, a daughter destined to become his heiress; aware of + which the duke resolved to marry her, that he might in this manner recover + portion of his estate. The fact of the lady never having seen him did not + interfere with his plans; that she would reject his suit seemed an + impossibility; that she would succumb to the fascination he invariably + exercised over woman was a certainty. Nor did it matter that Mistress + Fairfax was no beauty; for the duke, being grateful for past favours + liberally bestowed by the opposite sex, had no intention of becoming under + any circumstances churlish enough to limit his devotion to one lady, + though she were his wife. + </p> + <p> + Carefully disguising himself, he journeyed to London, where he was met by + a faithful friend, who promised he would aid him in winning Mistress + Fairfax, towards which end he promptly introduced the duke to that + estimable gentlewoman. Having once obtained speech of her, the remainder + of his scheme was comparatively easy of accomplishment. She loved the gay + and graceful gallant at first sight, and through years of bitter wrong and + cruel neglect continued his faithful and devoted slave. + </p> + <p> + Though she had become clandestinely acquainted with him, she was too good + a daughter to wed without her father's consent. But this she had not much + difficulty in obtaining. Though Lord Fairfax had fought against his king, + he was not sufficiently republican to scorn alliance with nobility, nor so + thoroughly puritan as to disdain connection with the ungodly. Accordingly + he gave his sanction to the union, which was celebrated at his mansion at + Nun Appleton, within six miles of York. Now, my Lord Fairfax had not + consulted Cromwell's goodwill concerning this alliance, the news of which + reaching the Protector in due time, made him exceedingly wroth. For he had + daughters to marry, and, that he might strengthen his power, was desirous + of wedding them to scions of nobility; Buckingham being one of those whom + he had mentally selected to become a member of his family. His anger was + therefore at once directed against Fairfax and his grace. The former he + could not molest, but the latter he committed to the Tower; and if the + great Protector had not been soon after seized by fatal illness, the duke + would have made his last journey from thence to Tower Hill. As it fell out + he remained a prisoner until within a year of the coming of Charles, whom + he welcomed with exceeding joy. Being bred with the merry monarch, he had + from boyhood been a favourite of his majesty, with whom he shared a common + love for diversion. He was, therefore, from the first a prominent figure + at Whitehall; his handsome person and extravagant dress adorned the court; + his brilliant wit and poignant satire amused the royal circle. + </p> + <p> + His grace, however, had a rival, the vivacity of whose temper and piquancy + of whose humour went far to eclipse Buckingham's talent in these + directions. This was the young Earl of Rochester, son of my Lord Wilmot, + who had so successfully aided the king's escape after the battle of + Worcester, for which service he had been created Earl of Rochester by + Charles in Paris. That worthy man dying just a year previous to the + restoration, his son succeeded to his titles, and likewise to an estate + which had been preserved for him by the prudence of his mother. Even in + his young days Lord Rochester gave evidence of possessing a lively wit and + remarkable genius, which were cultivated by his studies at Oxford and his + travels abroad. So that at the age of eighteen, when he returned to + England and presented himself at Whitehall, his sprightly parts won him + the admiration of courtiers and secured him the favour of royalty. Nor was + the young earl less distinguished by his wit and learning than by his face + and figure; the delicate beauty of his features and natural grace of his + person won him the love of many women, whom the tenderness of his heart + and generosity of his youth did not permit him to leave unrequited. + </p> + <p> + Soon surfeited by his conquests in the drawing-room, he was anxious to + extend his triumphs in another direction; and, selecting the sea as a + scene of action, he volunteered to sail under my Lord Sandwich in quest of + the Dutch East Indian fleet. At the engagements to which this led he + exhibited a dauntless courage that earned him renown abroad, and covered + him with honour on his return to court. From that time he, for many years, + surrendered himself to a career of dissipation, often abandoning the paths + of decency and decorum, pursuing vice in its most daring and eccentric + fashion, employing his genius in the composition of lampoons which spared + not even the king, and in the writing of ribald verses, the very names of + which are not proper to indite. Lord Orford speaks of him as a man "whom + the muses were fond to inspire, and ashamed to avow; and who practised, + without the least reserve, that secret which can make verses more read for + their defects than for their merits." More of my Lord Rochester and his + poems anon. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Killigrew, another courtier, was a poet, dramatist, and man of + excellent wit. He had been page in the service of his late majesty, and + had shared exile with the present monarch, to whose pleasures abroad and + at home he was ever ready to pander. At the restoration he was appointed a + groom of the bedchamber, and, moreover, was made master of the revels—an + office eminently suited to his tastes, and well fitted to exercise his + capacities. His ready wit amused the king so much, that he was + occasionally led to freedoms of speech which taxed his majesty's + good-nature. His escapades diverted the court to such an extent, that he + frequently took the liberty of affording it entertainment at the expense + of its reputation. The "beau Sidney," a man "of sweet and caressing + temper," handsome appearance, and amorous disposition; Sir George + Etherege, a wit and a playwright; and Charles Sackville, Earl of Dorset, a + poet and man of sprightly speech, were likewise courtiers of note. + </p> + <p> + Among such congenial companions the merry monarch abandoned himself wholly + to the pursuit of pleasure, and openly carried on his intrigue with + Barbara Palmer. According to the testimony of her contemporaries, she was + a woman of surpassing loveliness and violent passions. Gilbert Burnet, + whilst admitting her beauty, proclaims her defects. She was, he relates, + "most enormously vicious and ravenous, foolish but imperious, very uneasy + to the king, and always carrying on intrigues with other men, while she + yet pretended she was jealous of him." Pepys testifies likewise to her + physical attractions so long as she reigned paramount in the king's + affections; but when another woman, no less fair, came betwixt my lady and + his majesty's favour, Mr. Pepys, being a loyal man and a frail, found + greater beauty in the new love, whose charms he avowed surpassed the old. + To his most interesting diary posterity is indebted for glimpses of the + manner in which the merry monarch and his mistress behaved themselves + during the first months of the restoration. Now he tells of "great doings + of musique," which were going on at Madame Palmer's house, situated in the + Strand, next Earl Sandwich's, and of the king and the duke being with that + lady: again, in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, he observed, whilst Dr. + Herbert Croft prayed and preached, "how the Duke of York and Mrs. Palmer + did talk to one another very wantonly through the hangings that part the + king's closet and the closet where the ladies sit." And later on, when he + witnessed "The Humorous Lieutenant" performed before the court, he noted + the royal favourite was likewise present, "with whom the king do discover + a great deal of familiarity." + </p> + <p> + Presently, in February, 1661, exactly nine months after his majesty's + return, Mrs. Palmer gave birth to a daughter. To the vast amusement of the + court, no less than three men claimed the privilege of being considered + father of this infant. One of these was my Lord Chesterfield, whom the + child grew to resemble in face and person; the second was Roger Palmer, + who left her his estate; the third was King Charles, who had her baptized + Anne Palmer Fitzroy, adopted her as his daughter, and eventually married + her to the Earl of Sussex. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the restoration the subject of his majesty's marriage was + mooted by his councillors, who trusted a happy union would redeem him from + vice, and, by bringing him heirs, help to establish him more firmly in the + affections of his people. The king lending a willing ear to this advice, + the sole difficulty in carrying it into execution rested in the selection + of a bride congenial to his taste and equal to his sovereignty. King Louis + of France had no sisters, and his nieces had not commended themselves to + the merry monarch's favour during his stay abroad. Spain had two infantas, + but one was wedded to the King of France, and the other betrothed to the + heir of the royal house of Austria. Germany, of course, had princesses in + vast numbers, who awaited disposal; but when they were proposed to King + Charles, "he put off the discourse with raillery," as Lord Halifax + narrates. "Odd's fish," he would say, shrugging his shoulders and making a + grimace, "I could not marry one of them: they are all dull and foggy!" + </p> + <p> + Catherine of Braganza, daughter of Don Juan IV. of Portugal, was unwedded, + and to her Charles ultimately addressed himself. Alliance with her + commended itself to the nation from the fact that the late king, before + the troubled times began, had entered into a negotiation with Portugal + concerning the marriage of this same infanta and his present majesty; and + such was the esteem in which the memory of Charles I. was now held, that + compliance with his desires was regarded as a sacred obligation. The + Portuguese ambassador assured the merry monarch that the princess, by + reason of her beauty, person, and age, was most suited to him. To convince + him of this, he showed his majesty a portrait of the lady, which the king + examining, declared "that person could not be unhandsome." The ambassador, + who was of a certainty most anxious for this union, then said it was true + the princess was a catholic, and would never change her faith; but she was + free from "meddling activity;" that she had been reared by a wise mother, + and would only look to the freedom of practising her own religion without + interfering with that of others. Finally, he added that the princess would + have a dowry befitting her high station, of no less a sum than five + hundred thousand pounds sterling in ready money. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, by way of addition to this already handsome portion, the Queen + of Portugal was ready to assign over and annex to the English crown, the + Island of Bombay, in the East Indies, and Tangier on the African coast—a + place of strength and importance, which would be of great benefit and + security to British commerce. Nor was this all. Portugal was likewise + willing to grant England free trade in Brazil and the East Indies, a + privilege heretofore denied all other countries. This was indeed a dower + which none of the "dull and foggy" German princesses could bring the + crown. The prospect of obtaining so much ready money especially commended + the alliance to the extravagant taste of his majesty, who had this year + complained to Parliament of his poverty, by reason of which he "was so + much grieved to see many of his friends come to him at Whitehall, and to + think they were obliged to go somewhere else for a dinner." + </p> + <p> + The merry monarch was therefore well pleased at the prospect of his union, + as were likewise the chancellor and four or five "competent considerers of + such an affair" whom he consulted. These worthy counsellors and men of + sage repute, who included in their number the Duke of Ormond and Sir + Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State, the Earl of Manchester, and the Earl + of Southampton, after regretting it was not agreeable to his majesty to + select a queen who professed the protestant religion, gave it as their + opinion there was no catholic princess in Europe whom he, with so much + reason and advantage, could marry as the infanta of Portugal. They, + moreover, added that the sum promised as part of her portion, setting + aside the places, "was much greater—almost double to what any king + had ever received in money by any marriage." The council, therefore, + without a dissenting voice, advised him to the marriage. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of May, 1661, his majesty, being clad in robes of state, and + wearing the crown, rode in great pomp to open Parliament, which he + addressed from the throne. In the course of his speech, he announced his + approaching marriage in a singularly characteristic address. "I will not + conclude without telling you some news," he said, "news that I think will + be very acceptable to you, and therefore I should think myself unkind, and + ill-natured if I did not impart it to you. I have been put in mind by my + friends that it was now time to marry, and I have thought so myself ever + since I came into England. But there appeared difficulties enough in the + choice, though many overtures have been made to me; and if I should never + marry until I could make such a choice against which there could be no + foresight of any inconvenience that may ensue, you would live to see me an + old bachelor, which I think you do not desire to do. I can now tell you, + not only that I am resolved to marry, but with whom I am resolved to + marry. If God please, it is with the daughter of Portugal. And I will make + all the haste I can to fetch you a queen hither, who, I doubt not, will + bring great blessings with her to me and you." + </p> + <p> + Next day addresses of congratulation were presented to his majesty by both + Houses. This gratifying news was made known to the Portuguese ambassador, + Count da Ponte, by the lord high chancellor, who visited his excellency + for the purpose, attended by state befitting such a great and joyful + occasion; two gentlemen preceded him, bearing respectively a gilded mace + and a crimson velvet purse embroidered with the arms of Great Britain, and + many others following him to the ambassador's residence. A month later, + the marriage articles were signed; the new queen being guaranteed the free + exercise of her faith, and the sum of thirty thousand a year during life; + whilst the king was assured possession of her great dowry, together with + the territories already mentioned, one of which, Bombay, ultimately became + of such vast importance to the crown. + </p> + <p> + Charles then despatched the Portuguese ambassador to Catherine—from + this time styled queen—in order to make arrangements for her journey + into England. Likewise he wrote a letter, remarkable for the fervour of + its sentiments and elegance of its diction, which da Ponte was + commissioned to convey her. This courtly epistle, addressed by Charles to + "The Queen of Great Britain, my wife and lady, whom God preserve," is + dated July 2nd, 1661, and runs as follows: + </p> + <p> + "MY LADY AND WIFE, + </p> + <p> + "Already, at my request, the good Count da Ponte has set off for Lisbon; + for me the signing of the marriage act has been great happiness; and there + is about to be despatched at this time after him one of my servants, + charged with what would appear necessary, whereby may be declared, on my + part, the inexpressible joy of this felicitous conclusion, which, when + received, will hasten the coming of your majesty. + </p> + <p> + "I am going to make a short progress into some of my provinces; in the + meantime, whilst I go from my most sovereign good, yet I do not complain + as to whither I go, seeking in vain tranquillity in my restlessness; + hoping to see the beloved person of your majesty in these kingdoms already + your own, and that with the same anxiety with which, after my long + banishment, I desired to see myself within them, and my subjects, desiring + also to behold me amongst them, having manifested their most ardent wishes + for my return, well known to the world. The presence of your serenity is + only wanting to unite us, under the protection of God, in the health and + content I desire. I have recommended to the queen, our lady and mother, + the business of the Count da Ponte, who, I must here avow, has served me + in what I regard as the greatest good in this world, which cannot be mine + less than it is that of your majesty; likewise not forgetting the good + Richard Russell, who laboured on his part to the same end. [Richard + Russell was Bishop of Portalegre, in Portugal, and Almoner to Catherine of + Braganza.] + </p> + <p> + "The very faithful husband of your majesty, whose hand he kisses, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "CHARLES REX." +</pre> + <p> + London, 2nd of July, 1661. + </p> + <p> + During many succeeding months preparations were made in England to receive + the young Queen. The "Royal Charles," a stately ship capable of carrying + eighty cannon and six hundred men, was suitably fitted to convey her to + England. + </p> + <p> + The state room and apartments destined for use of the future bride were + furnished and ornamented in most luxuriant manner, being upholstered in + crimson velvet, handsomely carpeted, and hung with embroideries and + taffeties. Lord Sandwich was made commander of the gallant fleet which in + due time accompanied the "Royal Charles." He was likewise appointed + ambassador extraordinary, and charged with safely conducting the bride + unto her bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + In due time, my lord, in high spirits, set sail with his gallant fleet, + and on arriving at Portugal was received with every remark of profound + respect, and every sign of extravagant joy. Stately ceremonies at court + and brilliant rejoicings in public made time speed with breathless + rapidity. But at length there came a day when my Lord Sandwich encountered + a difficulty he had not foreseen. According to instructions, he had taken + possession of Tangier before proceeding for the queen; and he had likewise + been directed to see her dowry put on board one of his ships, before + receiving her on the "Royal Charles." + </p> + <p> + Now the Queen of Portugal, who acted as regent since the death of her + husband, being strongly desirous of seeing her daughter the consort of a + great sovereign, and of protecting her country from the tyranny of Spain + by an alliance with England, had gathered the infanta's marriage portion + with infinite trouble; which had necessitated the selling of her majesty's + jewels and much of her plate, and the borrowing of both plate and jewels + from churches and monasteries all over the land. The sums accumulated in + this manner she had carefully stowed away in great sacks; but, alas, + between the date on which the marriage treaty had been signed, and arrival + of the English ambassador to claim the bride, Spain had made war upon + Portugal, and the dowry had to be expended in arming the country for + defence. Therefore, when my Lord Sandwich mentioned the dowry, her + majesty, with keen regrets and infinite apologies, informed him so great + were the straits of poverty to which her kingdom was reduced, that she + could pay only half the stipulated sum at present, but promised the + remaining portion should be made up the following year. Moreover, the part + which she then asked him to accept was made up of jewels, sugars, spices + and other commodities which she promised to have converted by arrangement + into solid gold in London. + </p> + <p> + The ambassador was therefore sorely perplexed, and knew not whether he + should return to England without the bride, or take her and the + merchandise which represented half her dowry on board his ship. He decided + on the latter course, and the queen, with her court and retinue, set sail + for merry England on the 23rd of April, 1662. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.—The queen arrives at + Portsmouth.—Visited by the Duke of York.—The king leaves town,—First + interview with his bride.—His letter to the lord chancellor.—Royal + marriage and festivities.—Arrival at Hampton Court Palace.—Prospects + of a happy union.—Lady Castlemaine gives birth to a second child.—The + king's infatuation.—Mistress and wife.—The queen's misery.—The king's + cruelty.—Lord Clarendon's messages.—His majesty resolves to break the + queen's spirit.—End of the domestic quarrel. +</pre> + <p> + Whilst the king conducted the negotiations of his marriage with Catherine + of Braganza, he likewise continued the pursuit of his intrigue with + Barbara Palmer. The unhappy fascination which this vile woman exercised + over his majesty increased with time; and though his ministers declared a + suitable marriage would reform his ways, his courtiers concluded he had no + intention of abandoning his mistress in favour of his wife. For Barbara + Palmer, dreading the loss of her royal lover and the forfeiture of wealth + accruing from this connection, had firmly bound him in her toils. + Moreover, in order that he might continually abide under her influence, + she conceived a scheme which would of necessity bring her into constant + intercourse with him and the young queen. She therefore demanded he would + appoint her one of the ladies of the bedchamber to her majesty, to which + he, heedless of the insult this would fix upon his wife, readily + consented. + </p> + <p> + In order to qualify Barbara Palmer for such a position, it was necessary + she should be raised to the peerage. This could only be accomplished by + ennobling her husband, unless public decency were wholly ignored, and she + was created a peeress in her own right, whilst he remained a commoner. + After some faint show of hesitation, Roger Palmer accepted the honours + thrust upon him by reason of his wife's infamy. On the 11th of December, + 1661, he was created Earl of Castlemaine, and Baron Limerick in the + peerage of Ireland, when the royal favourite became a countess. + </p> + <p> + And now the merry month of May being arrived, the queen was speedily + expected; and on the night of the 13th joyful tidings reached London that + the "Royal Charles," accompanied by the fleet, was in sight of Portsmouth. + At which news there was great rejoicing throughout the town, church bells + ringing merrily, and bonfires blazing brightly; but before the Countess of + Castlemaine's house, where the king, according to his custom was at + supper, there was no fire, though such signs of joy burned "at all the + rest of the doors almost in the streets, which was much observed." + </p> + <p> + Next day the fleet arrived in the harbour of Portsmouth, about four in the + afternoon. Heath says the people gathered to receive the bride with all + possible demonstrations of honour, "the nobility and gentry and multitudes + of Londoners, in most rich apparel and in great numbers, waiting on the + shore for her landing; and the mayor and aldermen and principal persons of + that corporation being in their gowns, and with a present and a speech + ready to entertain her; the cannon and small shot, both from round that + town and the whole fleet echoing to one another the loud proclamations of + their joy." These good people were, however, destined to disappointment; + for though the bride was impatient to land, because suffering from + prostration consequent on a rough voyage and severe illness, she was not, + in observance of court etiquette, permitted to leave the ship until the + king arrived. This did not take place until six days later, Charles being + detained in town by reason of some important bills then passing in + Parliament, which it was necessary for him to sign. He had, however, + despatched his royal brother of York, then Lord High Admiral of England, + to meet her at sea, and give her greeting in his name. Accordingly the + duke had encountered the fleet at the Isle of Wight, and gone on board the + queen's ship, when she received him in her cabin seated under a canopy on + a chair of state. His royal highness expressed his joy at her arrival, + presented "his majesty's high respects and his exceeding affection for + her," and paid her many compliments. Lord Chesterfield, who had been + appointed chamberlain to the queen, tells us: "Although James, in + consequence of his near connection with the sovereign, might have saluted + the royal bride, he did not avail himself of this privilege, out of a + delicate regard to his majesty's feelings, that he might be the first man + to offer that compliment to his queen; she coming out of a country where + it was not the fashion." The Duke of York presented some noblemen who had + accompanied him; after which she introduced the members of her suite. The + queen and her brother-in-law then held a conversation in the Spanish + language, when James assured her of his affection, and besought her to + accept his services. To these compliments she replied in like manner, when + he arose to depart. The queen advanced three paces with him, not + withstanding that he protested against such courtesy, bidding her remember + her rank. At this she smiled, and answered with much sweetness, "She + wished to do that out of affection, which she was not obliged to do"—a + reply which made a favourable impression on his mind. Whilst she continued + on board, the duke and his suite visited her daily, entering freely into + conversation with her, and finding her "a most agreeable lady." Probably + at the desire of the king, she left the ship before his arrival, and was + conveyed to his majesty's house at Portsmouth, where she was received by + the Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the bedchamber, and four other + ladies who had been appointed members of her household. One of her first + requests to these was—as may be learned from a letter of Lord + Sandwich, preserved in the Bodleian library—"that they would put her + in that habit they thought would be most pleasing to the king." Before + leaving the "Royal Charles" she spoke to all the officers of the ship, + thanked them for their services, and permitted them to kiss her hand. She + then presented a collar of gold to the captain, and gave money to be + distributed among the crew. + </p> + <p> + When at length the parliamentary business was concluded, the king found + himself in readiness to depart. The last words he addressed to his + faithful commons before starting are worth recording: "The mention of my + wife's arrival," said he, in the pleasant familiar tone it was his wont to + use, "puts me in mind to desire you to put that compliment upon her, that + her entrance into this town may be made with more decency than the ways + will now suffer it to be; and to that purpose I pray you would quickly + pass such laws as are before you, in order to the mending those ways, that + she may not find Whitehall surrounded with water." + </p> + <p> + At nine o'clock on the night of the 19th of May, his majesty left London + in Lord Northumberland's carriage, on his way to Portsmouth. Arriving at + Kingston an hour later, he entered Lord Chesterfield's coach, which + awaited him there by appointment, and drove to Guildford, at which town he + slept the night. In the morning he was up betimes, and posted to + Portsmouth, where he arrived at noon. The queen, being ill of a slight + fever, was yet in bed: but the king, all impatient to see the bride which + heaven had sent him, sought admittance to her chamber. The poor princess + evidently did not look to advantage; for his majesty told Colonel Legg he + thought at first glance "they had brought him a bat instead of a woman." + On further acquaintance, however, she seemed to have afforded more + pleasure to the king's sight, for the next day he expressed the + satisfaction he felt concerning her, in a letter addressed to the lord + chancellor, which is preserved in the library of the British Museum, and + runs as follows: + </p> + <p> + "PORTSMOUTH, 21st May (Eight in the Morning). + </p> + <p> + "I arrived here yesterday about two in the afternoon, and, as soon as I + had shifted myself, I went into, my wife's chamber, whom I found in bed, + by reason of a little cough and some inclination to a fever: but I believe + she will find herself very well in the morning when she wakes. I can now + only give you an account of what I have seen abed, which, in short, is, + her face is not so exact as to be called a beauty, though her eyes are + excellent good, and not anything in her face that in the least degree can + shock one: on the contrary, she hath as much agreeableness in her looks + altogether as ever I saw; and if I have any skill in physiognomy, which I + think I have, she must be as good a woman as ever was born. Her + conversation, as much as I can perceive, is very good, for she has wit + enough, and a most agreeable voice. You would wonder to see how well + acquainted we are already. In a word, I think myself very happy; for I am + confident our two humours will agree very well together. I have no more to + say: my Lord Lieutenant will give you an account of the rest." + </p> + <p> + The king was attended by Lord Sandwich during this interview, and his + lordship, in a letter addressed to the lord chancellor, informed him the + meeting between his majesty and the infanta, "hath been with much + contentment on both sides, and that we are like to be very happy in their + conjunction." Next morning the Countess of Suffolk, and other ladies + appointed to wait upon the bride, dressed her according to the English + fashion, in "a habit they thought would be most pleasing to the king," in + which she was married. The ceremony was first performed according to the + rites of the Catholic Church, by the Rev. Lord Aubigny, brother to the + Duke of Richmond, in the queen's bedchamber; that apartment being selected + for the purpose, as affording a privacy necessary to be maintained, by + reason of the prejudice then existing towards Catholicism. There were + present the Duke of York, Philip, afterwards Cardinal Howard, and five + Portuguese, all of whom were bound over to keep the strictest secrecy + concerning what they witnessed. Later in the day, Dr. Sheldon, Bishop of + London, married their majesties according to the form prescribed by the + Church of England. The latter ceremony took place in the presence chamber. + A rail divided the apartment, at the upper part of which the king and + queen, the bishops, the Spanish Ambassador, and Sir Richard Fanshaw stood; + the lower portion being crowded by the court. When Dr. Sheldon had + declared their majesties married, the Countess of Suffolk, according to a + custom of the time, detached the ribbons from the bride's dress, and, + cutting them in pieces, distributed them amongst those present. + </p> + <p> + Feasting, balls, and diversions of all kinds followed the celebration of + the royal nuptials, and for a time the king was delighted with his bride. + Four days after the marriage he writes again to the lord chancellor in + most cheerful tone: + </p> + <p> + "My brother will tell you of all that passes here, which I hope will be to + your satisfaction. I am sure 'tis so much to mine that I cannot easily + tell you how happy I think myself, and must be the worst man living (which + I hope I am not) if I be not a good husband. I am confident never two + humours were better fitted together than ours are. We cannot stir from + hence till Tuesday, by reason that there is not carts to be had to-morrow + to transport all our GUARDE INFANTAS, without which there is no stirring: + so you are not to expect me till Thursday night at Hampton Court." + </p> + <p> + They did not reach the palace until the 29th of May, that being the king's + birthday, and, moreover, the anniversary of his entrance into London; a + date which the Queen's arrival now caused to be celebrated with triple + magnificence and joy. When the coach that conveyed their majesties drew + near, the whole palace seemed astir with happy excitement. Double lines of + soldiers, both horse and foot, lined the way from the gates to the + entrance. In the great hall the lord chancellor, foreign ambassadors, + judges, and councillors of state awaited to pay homage to their majesties; + whilst in various apartments were the nobility and men of quality, with + their ladies, ranged according to their rank, being all eager to kiss the + new queen's hand. Sure never was such show of gladness. Bells rang people + cheered, bonfires blazed. + </p> + <p> + In the evening news was brought that the Duchess of York was being rowed + to Hampton from town; hearing which, the king, with a blithe heart, betook + his way to meet her through the garden, now bright with spring flowers and + fragrant with sweet scents, till he arrived at the gate by which the + silver streak of the pleasant Thames flowed past. And presently on this + calm May eve the sound of oars splashing in the tide was heard, and anon a + barge came in sight, hung with silken curtains and emblazoned with the + arms of royalty. From this the Duchess of York disembarked, aided by the + king. When she had offered her congratulations to him, he, taking her + hand, led her to his bride, that such fair speeches might be repeated to + her majesty. And coming into the queen's presence the duchess would have + gone upon her knees and kissed her majesty's hand; but Catherine raised + her in her arms, and kissed her on the cheek. Then amidst much joy the + happy evening waned to night. + </p> + <p> + The royal palace of Hampton Court, in which Charles had decided on + spending his honeymoon, had been raised by the magnificent Wolsey in the + plenitude of his power as a place of recreation. Since his downfall it had + been used by royalty as a summer residence, it being in truth a stately + pleasure house. The great pile contained upwards of four hundred rooms. + The principal apartments had cedar or gilded and frescoed ceilings, and + walls hung with rare tapestries and curtains heavy with gold. Moreover, + these rooms contained furniture of most skilful design and costly + manufacture, and were adorned by the choice works of such masters of their + art as Holbein, Bellini, Vansomer, Rubens, and Raphael; and withal + enriched with Indian cabinets, such as never were seen in England before, + which the queen had brought with her from Portugal. + </p> + <p> + The great hall had been the scene of many sumptuous banquets. The chapel + was rich in carved designs. Her majesty's bedroom, with its curtains of + crimson silk, its vast mirror and toilet of beaten and massive gold, was a + splendid apartment—the more so from its state bed, which Evelyn says + was "an embroidery of silver on crimson velvet, and cost L8,000, being a + present made by the States of Holland, when his majesty returned, and had + formerly been given by them to our king's sister, ye Princess of Orange, + and being bought of her againe, was now presented to ye king." Around this + noble residence, where the court was wont to tarry in summer months, + stretched broad and flowerful gardens, with wide parterres, noble statues, + sparkling fountains, and marble vases; and beyond lay the park, planted + "with swete rows of lime-trees." + </p> + <p> + And here all day long, in the fair summer time of this year, pleasure held + boundless sway. Sauntering in balmy gardens, or seeking shelter from + sun-rays in green glades and leafy groves, their majesties, surrounded by + their brilliant court, chased bright hours away in frolic and pleasantry + from noon till night. Then revelry, gaining new life, began once more, + when courtly figures danced graceful measures to sounds of mirthful + strains, under the lustre of innumerable lights. + </p> + <p> + For a while it seemed as if a brave prospect of happiness was in store for + the young queen. Her love for her husband, her delight in his affection, + her pride in his accomplishments, together with her simplicity, innocence, + and naivete, completely won his heart. These claims to his affection were, + moreover, strengthened by the charms of her person. Lord Chesterfield, a + man whom experience of the sex had made critical, writes that she "was + exactly shaped, has lovely hands, excellent eyes, a good countenance, a + pleasing voice, fine hair, and, in a word, what an understanding man would + wish for in a wife." Notwithstanding the attractions of her majesty's + person which he enumerates, he adds his fears that "all these will hardly + make things run in the right channel; but, if it should, our court will + require a new modelling." In this note of alarm he forebodes danger to + come. A man of his majesty's character, witty and careless, weak and + voluptuous, was not likely to reconstruct his court, or reclaim it from + ways he loved. Nor was his union calculated to exercise a lasting + impression on him. The affection he bore his wife in the first weeks of + their married life was due to the novelty he found in her society, + together with the absence of temptation in the shape of his mistress. + Constancy to the marriage vow was scarcely to be expected from a man whose + morals had never been shackled by restraint; yet faithlessness to a bride + was scarcely to be anticipated ere the honeymoon had waned. This was, + however, the unhappy fate which awaited Catherine of Braganza. + </p> + <p> + It happened early in the month of June, whilst the court was at Hampton, + my Lady Castlemaine, who had remained in town through illness, gave birth + to a second child. The infant was baptized Charles Palmer, adopted by the + king as his own, and as such subsequently created Duke of Southampton. + This event seemed to renew all his majesty's tenderness towards her. + Wearied by the charm of innocence in the person of his wife, his weak + nature yielded to the attraction of vice in that of his mistress. He, + therefore, frequently left Hampton Court that he might ride to London, + visit the countess, and fritter away some hours in her presence; being + heedless alike of the insult he dealt the queen, and the scandal he gave + the nation. + </p> + <p> + The while my Lord Castlemaine lived with the lady who shared his title, + and whom he called his wife; but their continuance to abide in harmony and + goodwill was, soon after the birth of this child, interrupted for ever. My + lord was certainly a loyal subject, but he was likewise a religious man, + as may be judged, not by that which has been recorded, but from the + narration which follows. Having been bred a Catholic, he was anxious his + wife's son should be enrolled a member of the same community. To this end + he had him baptized by a priest, a proceeding of which the king wholly + disapproved; not because his majesty was attached to any religion in + particular, but rather that he resented interference with the infant whom + he rested satisfied was his own child. Accordingly, by the king's command, + Lady Castlemaine's son was rebaptized by the rector of St. Margaret's, + Westminster, in the presence of his majesty, the Earl of Oxford, and the + Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the bedchamber to the queen and aunt to + the king's mistress. + </p> + <p> + This exasperated my Lord Castlemaine to such a degree that high words + passed between him and his lady: on which he resolved to part from her for + ever. However, she was more prompt to act in the matter than he; for, + taking advantage of his absence one day, she packed up her jewels, plate, + and household treasures, and departed to the residence of her uncle, + Colonel Edward Villiers, at Richmond. This step was probably taken, if not + by his majesty's suggestion, at least with his full approval; for the + house she selected brought her within an easy distance of Hampton Court, + into which the king designed promptly to introduce her. + </p> + <p> + Now rumour of the king's liason had spread beyond the English nation, and + had been whispered even at the secluded court of Portugal, into the ears + of the bride elect. And the queen regent, dreading the trouble this might + draw upon her daughter, had counselled her never to admit his majesty's + mistress into her presence. This advice the young queen determined to act + upon; and accordingly when Charles, a couple of days after their marriage, + presented her with a list of those appointed to her household—amongst + whom was my Lady Castlemaine—her majesty drew a pen across the name + of the dreaded favourite. The king, if surprised or indignant, made no + remark at the time, but none the less held to the resolution he had taken + of appointing the countess a lady of the bedchamber. No further attempt of + intruding his mistress's presence upon his wife was made until Lady + Castlemaine came to Richmond. + </p> + <p> + It happened on the afternoon of the day on which the favourite arrived her + majesty sat in the great drawing-room, surrounded by a brilliant throng of + noble and beautiful women and gay and gallant men. The windows of the + apartment stood open; outside fountains splashed in the sun; music played + in a distant glade: and all the world seemed glad. And as the queen + listened to pleasant sounds of wit and gossip, murmuring around her, the + courtiers, at sound of a well-known footstep, suddenly ceasing their + discourse, fell back on either side adown the room. At that moment the + king entered, leading a lady apparelled in magnificent attire, the contour + of whose face and outline of whose figure distinguished her as a woman of + supreme and sensuous loveliness. + </p> + <p> + His majesty, suceedingly rich in waving feathers, glittering satins, and + fluttering ribbons, returned the gracious bows of his courtiers to right + and left; and, unconscious of the curious and perplexed looks they + interchanged, advanced to where his wife sat, and introduced my Lady + Castlemaine. Her majesty bowed and extended her hand, which the countess, + having first courtesyed profoundly, raised to her lips. The queen either + had not caught the name, or had disassociated it from that of her + husband's mistress; but in an instant the character of the woman + presented, and the insult the king had inflicted, flashed upon her mind. + Coming so suddenly, it was more than she could bear; all colour fled from + her face, tears rushed to her eyes, blood gushed from her nostrils, and + she fell senseless to the floor. + </p> + <p> + Such strong evidence of the degree in which his young wife felt the + indignity forced upon her, by no means softened his majesty's heart + towards her, but rather roused his indignation at what he considered + public defiance of his authority. But as his nature was remote from + roughness, and his disposition inclined to ease, he at first tried to gain + his desire by persuasion, and therefore besought the queen she would + suffer his mistress to become a lady of the bedchamber. But whenever the + subject was mentioned to her majesty, she burst into tears, and would not + give heed to his words. Charles therefore, incensed on his side, deserted + her company, and sought the society of those ever ready to entertain him. + And as the greater number of his courtiers were fully as licentious as + himself, they had no desire he should become subject to his wife, or alter + the evil tenor of his ways. + </p> + <p> + Therefore in their conversation they cited to him the example of his + grandfather, King James I., of glorious memory, who had not dissembled his + passions, nor suffered the same to become a reproach to those who returned + his love; but had obliged his queen to bear with their company, and treat + them with grace and favour; and had, moreover, raised his natural children + to the degree of princes of the blood. They told Charles he had inherited + the disposition of his grandsire, and they were sure he would treat the + objects of his affection in like manner as that king had done. Lady + Castlemaine, her friends moreover argued, had, by reason of her love for + his majesty, parted from her husband; and now that she had been so + publicly made an object of the queen's indignation, she would, if + abandoned by him, meet with rude contempt from the world. To such + discourses as these the king lent a willing ear, the more as they + encouraged him to act according to his desires. He was therefore fully + determined to support his mistress; and firmly resolved to subdue his + wife. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, all joyousness vanished from the court; the queen seemed + thoroughly dejected, the king bitterly disappointed, and the courtiers + grievously disturbed. Moreover, rumours of the trouble which had risen + between their majesties became noised abroad, and gave the people occasion + of speaking indifferently of their lord the king. Now Charles in his + unhappiness betook himself to the chancellor, who was not only his sage + adviser and trusted friend, but who had already gained the esteem and + confidence of the queen. My lord, by reason of his services to the late + king, and his friendship towards his present majesty, took to himself the + privilege of speaking with freedom and boldness whenever his advice was + asked by the monarch. As Burnet tells us, the worthy chancellor would + never make any application to the king's mistress, nor allow anything to + pass the seal in which she was named; nor would he ever consent to visit + her, which the bishop considered "was maintaining the decencies of virtue + in a very solemn manner." The king knowing my lord was the only one of all + the strangers surrounding the queen whom she believed devoted to her + service, and to whose advice she would hearken with trust, therefore bade + him represent to her the advisability of obedience. + </p> + <p> + Whereon the chancellor boldly pointed out to him "the hard-heartedness and + cruelty of laying such a command upon the queen, which flesh and blood + could not comply with." He also begged to remind the monarch of what he + had heard him say upon the occasion of a like indignity being offered by a + neighbouring king to his queen, inasmuch as he had compelled her to endure + the presence of his mistress at court. On hearing which King Charles + avowed it was "a piece of ill-nature that he could never be guilty of; and + if ever he should be guilty of having a mistress after he had a wife, + which he hoped he should never be, she should never come where his wife + was; he would never add that to the vexation, of which she would have + enough without it." Finally my lord added that pursuit of the course his + majesty had resolved on, was a most certain way to lose the respect and + affections of his people; that the excesses he had already fallen into had + in some degree lost him ground in their good esteem, but that his + continuance of them would "break the hearts of all his friends, and be + grateful only to those who desired the destruction of monarchy." + </p> + <p> + Charles heard him with some impatience, but in his reply betrayed that + graciousness of manner which, never forsaking him, went far in securing + the favour of those with whom he conversed. He commenced by telling the + chancellor he felt assured his words were prompted by the affection in + which he held him; and then having by a pathway of courteous speeches + found his way to the old man's heart, his majesty broached the subject + uppermost in his mind. His conscience and his honour, he said, for he laid + claim to both, led him to repair the ruin he had caused Lady Castlemaine's + reputation by promoting her to the position of a lady of the bedchamber; + and his gratitude prompted him to avow a friendship for her, "which he + owed as well to the memory of her father as to her own person," and + therefore he would not be restrained from her company and her + conversation. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, he had proceeded so far in the business, that if not successful + Lady Castlemaine would be subjected to all imaginable contempt, and be + exposed to universal ridicule. If, he added, the queen conformed to his + wishes in this regard, it would be the only hard thing he should ever + require of her; and, indeed, she might make it very easy, for my lady must + behave with all possible respect in her presence, otherwise she should + never see his face again. Then he begged the chancellor to wait upon her + majesty, lay bare his arguments, and urge her to receive the countess with + some show of favour. The chancellor, though not pleased with his mission, + yet in hope of healing private discord and averting public scandal, + undertook to counsel the queen to obedience, and accordingly waited on her + in her private apartments. + </p> + <p> + Now her majesty's education had been such as kept her in complete + ignorance of the world's ways. The greater part of her life had been spent + in the peaceful retirement of a convent, which she left for her mother's + country palace, a home scarcely less secluded. Maynard, in a letter + preserved in the State Paper Office, written from Lisbon when the royal + marriage was proposed, says the infanta, "as sweete a disposition princess + as everr was borne," was "bred hugely retired. She hath," he continues, + "hardly been tenn tymes out of the palace in her life. In five years tyme + she was not out of doores, untill she hurde of his majestie's intentions + to make her queen of Ingland, since which she hath been to visit two + saintes in the city; and very shortly shee intends to pay her devotion to + some saintes in the country." + </p> + <p> + From a life of innocence she was brought for the first time face to face + with vice, by one who should have been foremost in shielding her from its + contact. All her training taught her to avoid the contamination sought to + be forced upon her; all her new-born love for her husband prompted her to + loathe the mistress who shared his affections. A stranger in a strange + land, a slighted queen, a neglected wife, an outraged woman, her + sufferings were bitter, Her wrongs were hard to bear. Therefore when my + lord chancellor came and made known the object of his visit, she broke + into a passion of tears, and could not speak from force of sobs that + seemed to rend her heart, and wholly choked her utterance. + </p> + <p> + The chancellor then retired with some dismay, but waited on her again next + day, when he found her more calm. She begged he would excuse the outburst + of feeling he had witnessed, but added very pitifully that when she + thought of her misfortunes "she sometimes gave vent to that passion which + was ready to break her heart." The advice, or, as he terms it, "the + evidence of his devotion," which the chancellor gave was worthy of a + courtier and a philosopher. He told the young queen he doubted "she was + little beholden to her education, that had given her no better information + of the follies and iniquities of mankind; of which he presumed the climate + from whence she came could have given more instances than this cold region + would afford." Had she been properly instructed, he furthermore hinted, + she would never have thought herself so miserable, or her condition so + insupportable; and indeed he could not comprehend the reason of her loud + complaint. + </p> + <p> + At this she could no longer suppress the tears which came into her dark + eyes, and cried out she did not expect to find her husband in love with + another woman. Then my lord besought her submission to the king; but she + remained unshaken in the resolution she had formed. She was ready to ask + his majesty's pardon for tiny passion or peevishness she had been guilty + of, but added, "the fire appearing in her eyes where the water was," she + would never endure the presence of his mistress; and rather than submit to + such insult she would "put herself on board any little vessel" and return + to Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + Back went the chancellor, with a heavy heart and a troubled face, to the + king. He softened the queen's words as much as possible, and assured his + majesty her resistance to his will proceeded "from the great passion of + love she had for him, which transported her beyond the limits of reason." + But this excuse, which should have rejoiced a husband's heart, only + irritated his majesty's temper. That night a violent quarrel took place + between the husband and wife, yet scarce more than bride and bridegroom. + When they had retired, the king—being inflamed with the words of his + courtiers, who assured him the dispute had now resolved itself into a + question of who should govern—reproached the queen with stubbornness + and want of duty; upon which she answered by charging him with tyranny and + lack of affection. One word borrowed another, till, in his anger, he used + threats when she declared she would leave the kingdom. "The passion and + noise of the night reached too many ears to be a secret the next day," + says the chancellor, "and the whole court was full of that which ought to + have been known to nobody." + </p> + <p> + When the royal pair met next morning, they neither looked at nor spoke to + each other. Days passed full of depression and gloom for the young wife, + who spent most of her time in seclusion, whilst the king sought + distraction in the society of his courtiers. The chancellor, after his + second interview with the queen, absented himself from court, not wishing + to be furthermore drawn into a quarrel which he saw himself powerless to + heal. During his absence the king wrote him a letter which evinced + determination to carry out his design. This epistle, preserved in the + library of the British Museum, runs as follows: + </p> + <p> + "HAMPTON COURT, THURSDAY MORNING. + </p> + <p> + "I forgot when you were here last to desire you to give Broderich good + council not to meddle any more with what concerns my Lady Castlemaine, and + to let him have a care how he is the author of any scandalous reports; for + if I find him guilty of any such thing, I will make him repent it to the + last moment of his life. + </p> + <p> + "And now I am entered on this matter, I think it very necessary to give + you a little good council in it, lest you may think that by making a + farther stir in the business you may divert me from my resolution, which + all the world shall never do; and I wish I may be unhappy in this world + and in the world to come, if I fail in the least degree of what I have + resolved, which is of making my Lady Castlemaine of my wife's bedchamber. + And whosoever I find in any endeavours to hinder this resolution of mine + (except it be only to myself), I will be his enemy to the last moment of + my life. You know how true a friend I have been to you; if you will oblige + me eternally, make this business as easy to me as you can, of what opinion + soever you are of; for I am resolved to go through with this matter, let + what will come on it, which again I solemnly swear before Almighty God. + </p> + <p> + "Therefore, if you desire to have the continuance of my friendship, meddle + no more with this business except it be to bear down all false and + scandalous reports, and to facilitate what I am sure my honour is so much + concerned in. And whosoever I find is to be my Lady Castlemaine's enemy in + this matter, I do promise, upon my word, to be his enemy as long as I + live. You may show this letter to my lord lieutenant, and if you have both + a mind to oblige me, carry yourselves like friends to me in this matter." + </p> + <p> + The chancellor was, soon after the receipt of this letter, summoned to + Hampton Court, when his majesty, with some passion, declared the quarrel + was spoken of everywhere, and wholly to his disadvantage. He was therefore + anxious to end it at once, and commanded my lord to wait again upon the + queen, and persuade her to his wishes. The chancellor informed the king he + "had much rather spend his pains in endeavouring to convert his majesty + from pursuing his resolution, which he did in his conscience believe to be + unjust, than in persuading her majesty to comply with it, which yet he + would very heartily do." Saying which, he departed on his errand; to which + the queen answered, her conscience would not allow her to consent that the + king's mistress should be one of her attendants. Then the chancellor + besought his royal master, saying he hoped he might be no more consulted + with, nor employed concerning an affair, in which he had been so + unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + By reason of this opposition the king was now more resolved than ever to + honour his mistress and humble his wife; and, with a cruelty unusual to + his nature, determined to break her majesty's spirit, and force her into + obedience. + </p> + <p> + On coming to England the young bride had brought in her train some + Portuguese gentlewomen and nobles, whom she was anxious to employ in + various offices about her person, that she might not feel quite in the + midst of strangers. These his majesty believed were in some measure + answerable for the queen's resistance to his desires, and therefore + decided on sending them back to their own country; knowing moreover, this + was an act which would sorely grieve her majesty. Therefore, without first + deigning to inform, the Queen of Portugal, he named a day for them to + embark. This was a sad blow to the hopes of the Portuguese, who had + entertained high expectations of being placed in advantageous + circumstances about the court; nor did the king by any show of liberality + help to lessen their disappointment. The queen was indeed afflicted at the + prospect of their loss; and her mortification was the greater because, + having received no money since she came into the kingdom, it was out of + her power to make them compensation for their services. + </p> + <p> + The thought of being deprived of her people in her present unhappy + condition rendered her so miserable, that she besought the king to allow + some of them to remain; and, likewise, she employed others to make the + same petition on her behalf. Therefore one of her ladies, the Countess of + Penalva, who had been her attendant since childhood, and who now, because + of weakness of sight and other infirmities, scarce ever left her + apartments, was allowed to stay, as were likewise "those necessary to her + religion," and some servants employed in her kitchen. + </p> + <p> + But these were not the only means the king took to thwart her majesty and + all connected with her. He upbraided the Portuguese ambassador for not + having instructed the queen "enough to make her unconcerned in what had + been before her time, and in which she could not reasonably be concerned." + Moreover he reproached him with the fact of the queen regent having sent + only half the marriage portion; and so harassed was the ambassador by + royal wrath, that he took to his bed, "and sustained such a fever as + brought him to the brink of the grave." Regarding that part of the dowry + which had arrived, Charles behaved in an equally ungracious and + undignified manner. He instructed the officers of the revenue to use all + strictness in its valuation, and not make any allowances. And because + Diego de Silva—whom the queen had designed for her treasurer, and + who on that account had undertaken to see the money paid in London—did + not make sufficient haste in the settlement of his accounts, he was by the + king's command cast into prison. + </p> + <p> + These various affronts grievously afflicted her majesty, but the insults + she had to endure before the whole court wounded her far more. For + meanwhile the king lodged his mistress in the royal household, and every + day she was present in the drawing-room, when his majesty entered into + pleasant conversation with her, while his wife sat patiently by, as wholly + unheeded as if unseen. When the queen occasionally rose and indignantly + left the apartment to relieve her anguish by a storm of tears, it may be + one or two of the courtiers followed her, but the vast number of the + brilliant throng remained; and Lord Clarendon adds, "they, too, often said + those things aloud which nobody ought to have whispered." + </p> + <p> + Charles no longer appeared with the grave and troubled expression his face + had worn at the commencement of the quarrel, but seemed full of pleasantry + and eager for enjoyment. Those surrounding him took their tone from the + monarch, and followed his example the more because he "did shew no + countenance to any that belong to the queen." Her majesty, on the + contrary, took her misery to heart, and showed dejection by the sadness of + her face and listlessness of her gait. There was universal diversion in + all company but hers; sounds of laughter rang all day and far into the + night in every apartment of the palace but those appropriated to her use. + Charles steadily avoided her, and the attendants who replaced her + countrywomen showed more deference to the king's mistress than to his + queen. The solitary condition to which the helpless foreigner and forsaken + wife was reduced increased day by day, her gloom deepened hour by hour, + until, worn out by the unequal conflict, her spirit broke. "At last," says + Lord Clarendon, "when it was least expected or suspected, the queen on a + sudden let herself fall, first to conversation, and then to familiarity, + and even, in the same instant, to a confidence with the lady; was merry + with her in public, talked kindly of her, and in private used no lady more + friendly." + </p> + <p> + From that hour her majesty never interfered with the king's amours, and + never again did a quarrel rise between them even to the day of his death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.—My Lady Castlemaine a + spectator.—Young Mr. Crofts.—New arrivals at court.—The Hamilton + family.—The Chevalier de Grammont.—Mrs. Middleton and Miss Kirke.—At + the queen's ball—La belle Hamilton.—The queen mother at Somerset + House.—The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.—Fair Frances Stuart.—Those + who court her favour.—The king's passion. +</pre> + <p> + On the 23rd of August, 1662, their majesties journeyed from Hampton Court + to the palace of Whitehall by water. The gay and goodly procession formed + on that occasion has been described as "the most magnificent triumph that + ever floated on, the Thames." First came barges belonging to city + companies, beginning with the mercers and grocers, most of them being + attended with a pageant, and all of them richly adorned as became their + affection and loyalty. Then followed barges of statesmen, nobility, and + courtiers, with their retinues, brave in numbers, gay in colours, and + attended by bands of music. And finally came the king and queen, seated + side by side in a galley of antique shape, all draped with crimson damask, + bearing a canopy of cloth of gold, supported by Corinthian pillars, + wreathed with ribbons, and festooned with garlands of fragrant flowers. + </p> + <p> + The whole city was abroad, watchful of their approach; the Thames was + covered with boats to the number of ten thousand; and the banks were + crowded with spectators beyond reckoning. On this fair August day the sky + had not a single cloud to mar its universal blue; the sun shone gloriously + bright, turning the river to sheets of gleaming gold: whilst the air was + filled with roaring of cannon, strains of music, and hearty shouts of a + loyal multitude. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Samuel Pepys, though he offered as much as eight shillings for a boat + to attend him that day, could not obtain one, and was therefore obliged to + view this gallant procession from the roof of the royal banqueting hall, + which commanded a glorious view of the Thames. But what pleased his + erratic fancy best on this occasion was, not the great spectacle he had + taken such trouble to survey, but a sight of my Lady Castlemaine, who + stood over against him "upon a piece of Whitehall." The worthy clerk of + the Admiralty "glutted" himself with looking on her; "but methought it was + strange," says he, "to see her lord and her upon the same place walking up + and down without taking notice of one another, only at first entry he put + off his hat, and she made him a very civil salute, but afterwards took no + notice of one another; but both of them now and then would take their + child, which the nurse held in her arms, and dandle it. One thing more: + there happened a scaffold below to fall, and we feared some hurt, but + there was none; but she of all the great ladies only ran down among the + common rabble to see what hurt was done, and did take care of a child that + received some little hurt, which methought was so noble. Anon there came + one there booted and spurred, that she talked long with. And by-and-by, + she being in her haire, she put on her hat, which was but an ordinary one, + to keep the wind off. But methinks it became her mightily, as everything + else do." + </p> + <p> + It was notable the countess did not accompany her majesty in the + procession to Whitehall, as one of her attendants; but in fact she had not + obtained the position sought for, though she enjoyed all the privileges + pertaining to such an appointment. "Everybody takes her to be of the + bedchamber," the lord chancellor writes to the Duke of Ormond, "for she is + always there, and goes abrode in the coach. But the queen tells me that + the king promised her, on condition she would use her as she doth others, + that she should never live in court; yet lodgings I hear she hath." + Lodgings the countess certainly had provided for her in that block of the + palace of Whitehall, separated from the main buildings by the old roadway + running between Westminster and the city. + </p> + <p> + A few days after their majesties' arrival at Whitehall, the queen mother + returned to town, and established her court at Somerset House, which had + been prepared for her future abode. She had arrived in England before the + king and queen left Hampton Court, and had taken up her residence at + Greenwich Palace. The avowed object of her visit was to congratulate them + upon their marriage. Charles and his bride therefore took barge to + Greenwich, one bright July day, followed by a brilliant and illustrious + train, that they might wait upon her majesty. And she, being made aware of + their approach, met them at the portal of the palace. There Catherine + would have gone down upon her knees to this gracious lady—the + survivor of great sorrows—but she took the young queen in her arms, + and calling her beloved daughter, kissed her many times. Then she greeted + her sons Charles and James, likewise the Duchess of York, and led them to + the presence-chamber, followed by the whole court. And presently when + Catherine would, through her interpreter, have expressed her gratitude and + affection, the elder queen besought her to lay aside all ceremony, for she + "should never have come to England again except for the pleasure of seeing + her, to love her as her daughter, and serve her as her queen." At these + sweet words the young wife, now in the first days of her grief, was almost + overcome by a sense of thankfulness, and could scarce restrain her tears; + but she answered bravely, "Believe me, madam, that in love and obedience + neither the king nor any of your children shall exceed me." + </p> + <p> + The court of the merry monarch and that of the queen mother being now + settled in town, a period of vast brilliancy ensued, during which great + festivity and much scandal obtained, by reason of intrigues in which the + king and his friends indulged. Whitehall, the scene of so much gaiety and + gallantry, was a palace by no means befitting the luxurious Charles. It + consisted of a series of irregular houses built for different purposes at + various periods; these contained upwards of two thousand rooms, most of + which were small, and many of which were without doors. The buildings were + intersected by grassy squares, where fountains played, statues were + grouped, and dials shadowed the passing hour. At hand stood St. James's + Park, with its fair meadows and leafy trees; close by flowed the placid + Thames, bearing heavily laden lighters and innumerable barges. Attached to + these dwellings, and forming part of the palace, stood the great banquet + hall, erected from designs by Inigo Jones for James I. Here audiences to + ambassadors, state balls, and great banquets were held. The ceiling was + painted by Rubens, and was, moreover, handsomely moulded and richly gilt. + Above the entrance-door stood a statue of Charles I., "whose majestic mien + delighted the spectator;" Whilst close by one of the windows were the + ineradicable stains of blood, marking the spot near which he had been + beheaded. + </p> + <p> + Now in the train of the queen mother there had travelled from France "a + most pretty sparke of about fourteen years," whom Mr. Pepys plainly terms + "the king's bastard," but who was known to the court as young Mr. Crofts. + This little gentleman was son of Lucy Walters, "a brown, beautiful, bold + creature," who had the distinction of being first mistress to the merry + monarch. That he was his offspring the king entertained no doubt, though + others did; inasmuch as young Mr. Crofts grew to resemble, "even to the + wart on his face," Colonel Robert Sidney, whose paramour Lucy Walters had + been a brief while before his majesty began an intrigue with her. Soon + after the boy's birth that beautiful woman abandoned herself to pleasures, + in which the king had no participation. He therefore parted from her; had + her son placed under the guardianship of Lord Crofts, whose name he bore, + and educated by the Peres de l'Oratoire at Paris. The while he was + continually at the court of the queen mother, who regarded him as her + grandson, and who, by the king's command, now brought him into England. + The beauty of his face and grace of his figure could not be exceeded, + whilst his manner was as winning as his air was noble. Moreover, his + accomplishments were numerous; he danced to perfection, sang with + sweetness, rode with skill; and so gallant was his nature that he became + at this early age, as Hamilton affirms, "the universal terror of husbands + and lovers." + </p> + <p> + The king betrayed the greatest affection for him, and took exceeding pride + in being father of such a brave and comely youth, at which my Lady + Castlemaine was both wrathful and jealous, fearing he would avert the + royal favour from her own offspring; but these feelings she afterwards + overcame, as will be duly shown. His majesty speedily showered honours + upon him, allotted him a suite of apartments in the royal palace of + Whitehall, appointed him a retinue befitting the heir apparent, created + him Duke of Orkney and of Monmouth, and installed him a knight of the + garter. + </p> + <p> + But, before this had been accomplished, there arrived in town some + personages whose names it will be necessary to mention here, the figure + they made at court being considerable. These were Sir George Hamilton and + his family, and Philibert, Chevalier de Grammont. Sir George was fourth + son of James, Earl of Abercorn, and of Mary, sister to James, first Duke + of Ormond. Sir George had proved himself a loyal man and a brave during + the late civil war, and had on the murder of his royal master sought + safety in France, from which country he, in the second year of the + restoration, returned, accompanied by a large family; the women of which + were fair, the men fearless. The Hamiltons being close kin to the Ormond + great intimacy existed between them; to facilitate which they lived not + far apart—the duke residing in Ormond Yard, St. James's Square, and + the Hamiltons occupying a spacious residence in King Street. James + Hamilton, Sir George's eldest son, was remarkable for the symmetry of his + figure, elegance of his manner, and costliness of his dress. Moreover, he + possessed a taste shaped to pleasure, and a disposition inclined to + gallantry, which commended him so strongly to the king's favour, that he + was made groom of the bedchamber and colonel of a regiment. + </p> + <p> + His brother George was scarcely less handsome in appearance or less + agreeable in manner. Another brother, Anthony, best remembered as the + writer of Grammont's memoirs, was likewise liberally endowed by nature. + Elizabeth, commonly called "la belle Hamilton," shared in the largest + degree the hereditary gifts of grace and beauty pertaining to this + distinguished family. At her introduction to the court of Charles II. she + was in the bloom of youth and zenith of loveliness. The portrait of her + which her brother Anthony has set before the world for its admiration is + delicate in its colours, and finished in its details. "Her forehead," he + writes, "was open, white, and smooth; her hair was well set, and fell with + ease into that natural order which it is so difficult to imitate. Her + complexion was possessed of a certain freshness, not to be equalled by + borrowed colours; her eyes were not large, but they were lovely, and + capable of expressing whatever she pleased; her mouth was full of graces, + and her contour uncommonly perfect; nor was her nose, which was small, + delicate, and turned up, the least ornament of so lovely a face. She had + the finest shape, the loveliest neck, and most beautiful arms in the + world; she was majestic and graceful in all her movements; and she was the + original after which all the ladies copied in their taste and air of + dress." + </p> + <p> + Now, about the same time the Hamiltons arrived at court, there likewise + appeared at Whitehall one whose fame as a wit, and whose reputation as a + gallant, had preceded him. This was the celebrated Chevalier de Grammont, + whose father was supposed to be son of Henry the Great of France. The + chevalier had been destined by his mother for the church, the good soul + being anxious he should lead the life of a saint; but the youth was + desirous of joining the army, and following the career of a soldier. Being + remarkable for ingenuity, he conceived a plan by which he might gratify + his mother's wishes and satisfy his own desires at the same time. He + therefore accepted the abbacy his brother procured for him; but on + appearing at court to return thanks for his preferment, comported himself + with a military air. Furthermore, his dress was combined of the habit and + bands pertaining to an ecclesiastic, and the buskins and spurs belonging + to a soldier. Such an amalgamation had never before been witnessed, and + caused general attention; the court was amazed at his daring, but + Richelieu was amused by his boldness. His brother regarded his appearance + in the dual character of priest and soldier as a freak, and on his return + home asked him gravely to which profession he meant to attach himself. The + youth answered he was resolved "to renounce the church for the salvation + of his soul," upon condition that he retained his beneficed abbacy. It may + be added, he kept this resolution. + </p> + <p> + A soldier he therefore became, and subsequently a courtier. His valour in + war and luck in gambling won him the admiration of the camp; whilst his + ardour in love and genius for intrigue gained him the esteem of the court, + but finally lost him the favour of his king. For attaching himself to one + of the maids of honour, Mademoiselle La Motte Houdancourt, whom his most + Christian Majesty Louis XIV. had already honoured with his regard, + Grammont was banished from the French court. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, in the second year of the merry monarch's reign he presented + himself at Whitehall, and was received by Charles with a graciousness that + served to obliterate the memory of his late misfortune. Nor were the + courtiers less warm in their greetings than his majesty. The men hailed + him as an agreeable companion; the ladies intimated he need not wholly + abandon those tender diversions for which he had shown such natural talent + and received such high reputation at the court of Louis XIV. He therefore + promptly attached himself to the king, whose parties he invariably + attended, and whose pleasures he continually devised; made friends with + the most distinguished nobles, whom he charmed by the grace of his manner + and extravagance of his entertainments; and took early opportunities of + proving to the satisfaction of many of the fairer sex that his character + as a gallant had by no means been exaggerated by report. + </p> + <p> + Amongst those to whom he paid especial attention were Mrs. Middleton, a + woman of fashion, and Miss Kirk, a maid of honour, to whom Hamilton, in + his memoirs of Grammont, gives the fictitious name of Warmestre. The + former was at this time in her seventeenth summer, and had been two years + a wife. Her exquisitely fair complexion, light auburn hair, and dark hazel + eyes constituted her a remarkably beautiful woman. Miss Kirk was of a + different type of loveliness, inasmuch as her skin was brown, her eyes + dark, and her complexion brilliant. As Mrs. Middleton was at this time but + little known at court, Grammont found some difficulty in obtaining an + introduction to her as promptly as he desired; but feeling anxious to make + her acquaintance, and being no laggard in love, he without hesitation + applied to her porter for admittance, and took one of her lovers into his + confidence. This latter gallant rejoiced in the name of Jones, and + subsequently became Earl of Ranelagh. In the fulness of his heart towards + one who experienced a fellow feeling, he resolved to aid Grammont in + gaining the lady's favours. This generosity being prompted by the fact + that the chevalier would rid him of a rival whom he feared, and at the + same time relieve him of an expense he could ill afford, the lady having + certain notions of magnificence which her husband's income was unable to + sustain. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Middleton received the chevalier with good grace; but he found her + more ready to receive the presents he offered, than to grant the + privileges he required. Miss Kirk, on the other hand, was not only + flattered by his attentions, but was willing to use every means in her + power to preserve a continuance of his friendship; Therefore out of + gratitude for graces received from one of the ladies, and in expectation + of favours desired from the other, Grammont made them the handsomest + presents. Perfumed gloves, pocket looking-glasses, apricot paste, came + every week from Paris for their benefit; whilst more substantial offerings + in the shape of jewellery, diamonds, and guineas were procured for them in + London, all of which they made no hesitation to accept. + </p> + <p> + It happened one night, whilst Grammont was yet in pursuit of Mrs. + Middleton, that the queen gave a ball. In hope of winning her husband's + affection, by studying his pleasures and suiting herself to his ways, her + majesty had become a changed woman. She now professed a passion for + dancing, wore decollete costumes, and strove to surpass those surrounding + her in her desire for gaiety. Accordingly her balls were the most + brilliant spectacles the court had yet witnessed; she taking care to + assemble the fairest women of the day, and the most distinguished men. Now + amongst the latter was the Chevalier de Grammont; and amidst the former, + Mrs. Middleton and Miss Hamilton. + </p> + <p> + Of all the court beauties, "la belle Hamilton" was one of whom Grammont + had seen least and heard most; but that which had been told him of her + charms seemed, now that he beheld her, wholly inadequate to express her + loveliness. Therefore, his eyes followed her alone, as her graceful figure + glided in the dance adown the ball-room, lighted with a thousand tapers, + and brilliant with every type of beauty. And when presently she rested, it + was with an unusual flutter at his heart that this gallant, heretofore so + daring in love, sought her company, addressed her, and listened with + strange pleasure to the music of her voice. From that night he courted + Mrs. Middleton no more, but devoted himself to "la belle Hamilton," who + subsequently became his wife. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the merry monarch behaved as if he had no higher purpose in + life than that of following his pleasures. "The king is as decomposed + [dissipated] as ever," the lord chancellor writes to the Duke of Ormond, + in a letter preserved in the Bodleian library, "and looks as little after + his business; which breaks my heart, and makes me and other of your + friends weary of our lives. He seeks for his satisfaction and delight in + other company, which do not love him so well as you and I do." His days + were spent in pursuing love, feasting sumptuously, interchanging wit, and + enjoying all that seemed good to the senses. Pepys, who never fails to + make mention of the court when actual experience or friendly gossip + enables him, throws many pleasant lights upon the ways of the monarch and + his courtiers. + </p> + <p> + For instance, he tells us that one Lord's day—the same on which this + excellent man had been to Whitehall chapel, and heard a sermon by the Dean + of Ely on returning to the old ways, and, moreover, a most tuneful anthem + sung by Captain Cooke, with symphonies between—whom should he meet + but the great chirurgeon, Mr. Pierce, who carried him to Somerset House, + and into the queen mother's presence-chamber. And there, on the left hand + of Henrietta Maria, sat the young queen, whom Mr. Pepys had never seen + before, and now thought that "though she be not very charming, yet she + hath a good, modest, and innocent look, which is pleasing." Here, + likewise, he saw the king's mistress, and the young Duke of Monmouth, + "who, I perceive," Pepys continues, "do hang much upon my Lady + Castlemaine, and is always with her; and I hear the queenes, both of them, + are mighty kind to him. By-and-by in comes the king, and anon the duke and + his duchesse; so that, they being all together, was such a sight as I + never could almost have happened to see with so much ease and leisure. + They staid till it was dark, and then went away; the king and his queene, + and my Lady Castlemaine and young Crofts, in one coach, and the rest in + other coaches. Here were great stores of great ladies. The king and queen + were very merry; and he would have made the queene mother believe that the + queene was with child, and said that she said so. And the young queene + answered, 'You lye,' which was the first English word that I ever heard + her say, which made the king good sport." + </p> + <p> + Others besides Mr. Pepys had begun to notice that the young Duke of + Monmouth hung much upon the Countess of Castlemaine, and that her ladyship + lavished caresses upon him. Whether this was to provoke the uneasiness of + his majesty, who she hoped might find employment for the lad elsewhere, or + to express her genuine affection for him, it is impossible to say. + However, the duke being come to an age when the endearments of such a + woman might have undesired effects upon him, the king resolved to remove + him from her influence, and at the same time secure his fortune by + marriage. + </p> + <p> + He therefore selected a bride for him, in the person of Lady Anne Scott, a + young gentlewoman of virtue and excellence, who was only child of Francis, + Earl of Buccleugh, and the greatest heiress in Great Britain. Their + nuptials were celebrated on the 20th of April, 1663, the bridegroom at + this time not having reached his fifteenth birthday, whilst the bride was + younger by a year. The duke on his marriage assumed his wife's family + name, Scott; and some years later—in 1673—both were created + Duke and Duchess of Buccleugh. From this union the family now bearing that + title has descended. A great supper was given at Whitehall on the + marriage-night, and for many days there were stately festivities held to + celebrate the event with becoming magnificence. + </p> + <p> + Now at one of the court balls held at this time, the woman of all others + who attracted most attention and gained universal admiration was Frances + Stuart, maid of honour to Queen Catherine. She was only daughter of a + gallant gentleman, one Walter Stuart, and grand-daughter of Lord Blantyre. + Her family had suffered sore loss in the cause of Charles I., by reason of + which, like many others, it sought refuge in France. This young + gentlewoman was therefore bred in that country, and was, moreover, + attached to the court of the queen mother, in whose suite she travelled + into England. Her beauty was sufficient to attract the attention of Louis + XIV., who, loath to lose so fair an ornament from his court, requested her + mother would permit her to remain, saying, he "loved her not as a + mistress, but as one that would marry as well as any lady in France." + </p> + <p> + No doubt Mrs. Stuart understood the motives of his majesty's interested + kindness, of which, however, she declined availing herself, and therefore + departed with her daughter for England. At the time of her appearance at + Whitehall, Frances Stuart was in her fifteenth year. Even in a court + distinguished by the beauty of women, her loveliness was declared + unsurpassed. Her features were regular and refined, her complexion fair as + alabaster, her hair bright and luxuriant, her eyes of violet hue; + moreover, her figure being tall, straight, and shapely, her movements + possessed an air of exquisite grace. An exact idea of her lineaments may + be gained unto this day, from the fact that Philip Rotier, the medallist, + who loved her true, represented her likeness in the face of Britannia on + the reverse of coins; and so faithful was the likeness, we are assured, + that no one who had ever seen her could mistake who had sat as model of + the figure. + </p> + <p> + Soon after her arrival in England, she was appointed one of the maids of + honour to Queen Catherine, and as such was present at all festivities of + the court. Now, at one of the great balls given in honour of the Duke of + Monmouth's nuptials, the fair Frances Stuart appeared in the full lustre + of her charms. Her beauty, her grace, and her youth completely eclipsed + the more showy gifts of my Lady Castlemaine, who on this occasion looked + pale and thin, she being in the commencement of another pregnancy, "which + the king was pleased to place to his own account." The merry monarch had + before this time been attracted by the fair maid of honour, but now it was + evident his heart had found a new object of admiration in her surpassing + beauty. Henceforth he boldly made love to her. The countess was not much + disturbed by this, for she possessed great faith in her own charms and + implicit belief in her power over the king. Besides, she had sufficient + knowledge of mankind to comprehend that to offer opposition in pursuit of + love is the most certain method to foster its growth. She therefore + resolved to seek Miss Stuart's society, cultivate her friendship, and + constantly bring her into contact with his majesty. This would not only + prove to the satisfaction of the court she had no fear of losing her + sovereignty over the monarch, but, by keeping him engaged with the maid of + honour, would likewise divert his attention from an intrigue the countess + was then carrying on with Henry Jermyn. Accordingly, she made overtures of + friendship to Miss Stuart, invited her to private parties, and appeared + continually with her in public. + </p> + <p> + Concerning these ladies and the merry monarch, Pepys narrates a strange + story which Captain Ferrers told him as they "walked finely" in the park. + This was, that at an entertainment given by my Lady Castlemaine, towards + the end of which his majesty played at being married with fair Frances + Stuart, "with ring and all other ceremonies of Church service, and + ribbands, and a sack posset [A drink composed of milk, wine, and spices.] + in bed, and flinging the stocking. My Lady Castlemaine looked on the + while, evincing neither anger nor jealousy, but entering into the + diversion with great spirit." Nor was this the only indiscretion of which + she was culpable, for, in the full confidence of her charms, she + frequently kept Miss Stuart to stay with her. "The king," says Hamilton, + "who seldom neglected to visit the countess before she rose, seldom failed + likewise to find Miss Stuart with her. The most indifferent objects have + charms in a new attachment; however, the imprudent countess was not + jealous of this rival's appearing with her, in such a situation, being + confident that, whenever she thought fit, she could triumph over all the + advantages which these opportunities could afford Miss Stuart." + </p> + <p> + No doubt Lady Castlemaine's imprudences arose from knowledge that Miss + Stuart was devoid of tact, and incapable of turning opportunities to her + own advantage in the king's regard. For though the maid of honour was + richly endowed with beauty, she was wholly devoid of wit. She was not only + a child in years, but likewise in behaviour. She laughed at every remark + made her, delighted in playing blind man's buff, and was never more happy + than when building castles of cards. At this latter amusement she + continually employed herself whilst the deepest play was taking place in + her apartments; being always attended by groups of courtiers, who were + either attracted by the charm of her beauty, or were eager to make court + through her favour. As she sat upon the floor, intent on her favourite + occupation, they on their knees handed her cards, traced out designs for + her, or built elaborate structures rivalling her own. + </p> + <p> + Amongst those who attended her in this manner was the gay, graceful, and + profligate Duke of Buckingham, who became enamoured of her loveliness. Not + only did he raise the most wonderful of card mansions for her delight, but + having a good voice, and she possessing a passion for music, he invented + songs and sung them to pleasure her. Moreover, he told her the wittiest + stories, turned the courtiers into the greatest ridicule for her + entertainment, and made her acquainted with the most diverting scandals. + Finally, he professed his ardent love for her; but at this the fair Stuart + either felt, or feigned, intense astonishment, and so repulsed him that he + abandoned the pursuit of an amour over which he had wasted so much time, + and thenceforth deprived himself of her company. + </p> + <p> + His attentions were, however, soon replaced by those of the Earl of + Arlington, a lord of the bedchamber, and a man of grave address and great + ambition. Owing to this latter trait his lordship was desirous of winning + the good graces of Miss Stuart in the present, in hopes of governing his + majesty in the future, when she became the king's mistress. But these sage + and provident intentions of his were speedily overturned, for early in the + course of their acquaintance, when he had commenced to tell her a story, + his manner so forcibly reminded her of Buckingham's mimicry of him, that + she burst out laughing in the earl's face. This being utterly uncalled for + by the circumstances of his tale, and still less by the manner of its + narration, Lord Arlington, who was serious, punctilious, and proud, became + enraged, abruptly left her presence, and abandoned his schemes of + governing the king through so frivolous a medium. + </p> + <p> + A man who had better chances of success in winning this beautiful girl was + George Hamilton, whose name has been already mentioned. It was not, + however, his graceful person, or elegant manner, but his performance of a + trick which gained her attention. It happened one night that an Irish + peer, old Lord Carlingford, was diverting her by showing how she might + hold a burning candle in her mouth a considerable time without its being + extinguished. This was a source of uncommon delight to her; seeing which, + George Hamilton thought he would give her still further entertainment. For + being furnished by nature with a wide mouth, he placed within it two + lighted candles, and walked three times round the room without + extinguishing them, whilst the fair Stuart clapped her pretty hands in + delight, and shouted aloud with laughter. + </p> + <p> + A man who could accomplish such a feat was worthy of becoming a favourite. + She at once admitted him to terms of familiarity; and he had a hundred + chances of paying her the attentions he greatly desired, and which she + freely accepted. Grammont, foreseeing that Hamilton would incur the royal + displeasure if his love for Miss Stuart became known to the king, besought + him to abandon his addresses; but this advice did not at first sound + pleasant to the lover's ears. "Since the court has been in the country," + said he, "I have had a hundred opportunities of seeing her, which I had + not before. You know that the dishabille of the bath is a great + convenience for those ladies, who, strictly adhering to all the rules of + decorum, are yet desirous to display all their charms and attractions. + Miss Stuart is so fully acquainted with the advantages she possesses over + all other women, that it is hardly possible to praise any lady at court + for a well-turned arm, and a fine leg but she is ever ready to dispute the + point by demonstration; and I really believe that, with a little address, + it would not be difficult to induce her to strip naked, without ever + reflecting upon what she was doing. After all, a man must be very + insensible to remain unconcerned and unmoved on such happy occasions." + </p> + <p> + Hamilton was therefore not willing to renounce Miss Stuart, but upon + Grammont showing that attentions paid the lady would certainly provoke the + king's anger, he resolved on sacrificing love to interest, and abandoning + the company of the fair maid of honour for evermore. The truth was, his + majesty loved her exceedingly, as was indeed evident, for he constantly + sought her presence, talked to her at the drawing-rooms as if no one else + were by, and kissed her "to the observation of all the world." But though + she allowed Charles such liberties, she refused to become his mistress, + notwithstanding the splendid settlements and high titles with which the + monarch engaged to reward the sacrifice of her virtue. And so, though a + king, it was not given him to be obeyed in all. And though generally loved + for his easy ways and gracious manners, he was continually harassed by his + mistresses, reproved by his chancellor, and ridiculed by his courtiers. + Indeed, they now spoke of him in his absence as "Old Rowley;" the reason + of which is given by Richardson. "There was an old goat," writes he, "in + the privy garden, that they had given this name to; a rank lecherous + devil, that everybody knew and used to stroke, because he was + good-humoured and familiar; and so they applied this name to the king." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Duke of York's intrigues.—My Lady Chesterfield and his royal + highness—The story of Lady Southesk's love.—Lord Arran plays the + guitar.—Lord Chesterfield is jealous.—The countess is taken from + court.—Mistress Margaret Brooke and the king.—Lady Denham and the + duke.—Sir John goes mad.—My lady is poisoned. +</pre> + <p> + The while his majesty devoted himself to pleasure and intrigue, neglectful + of affairs of state, and heedless of public scandal, his brother of York, + whose disposition was not less amorous, likewise followed the bent of his + inclinations. Soon after her appearance at court he professed himself in + love with the beautiful Elizabeth Hamilton, whom to behold was to admire. + But the duke being a married man, and she a virtuous woman, he dared not + address her on the subject of his affection, and was therefore obliged to + confine the expression of his feelings to glances. These she refused to + interpret; and he, becoming weary of a pursuit which promised no happy + results, turned his attentions to the Countess of Chesterfield, who seemed + in no way loath to receive them. + </p> + <p> + This charming woman had married my Lord Chesterfield in compliance with a + family arrangement; and discovered too soon she had no place in the heart + of him whose life she shared. His coldness to her was only equalled by his + ardour for Lady Castlemaine, whose lover he continued to remain after his + marriage. The affection his wife had offered and he had repulsed, in the + dawn of their wedded life, changed by degrees to disdain and hatred. + </p> + <p> + Now as chamberlain to the queen my Lord Chesterfield had, apartments in + the palace, by reason of which the countess became an habituee of the + court. The moral atmosphere of Whitehall was not calculated to strengthen + her conjugal virtue, but its perpetual gaiety was destined to dissipate + her sense of neglect. It was not possible for a woman endowed with so much + beauty, and possessed of such engaging manners, to be disregarded, in a + court entirely devoted to love and gallantry; and accordingly she soon + became an object of general admiration. This was by no means pleasing to + my Lord Chesterfield, who, though he had wilfully repulsed her affections, + was selfishly opposed to their bestowal upon others. Accordingly he became + watchful of her conduct, and jealous of her admirers. + </p> + <p> + Prominent amongst these were James Hamilton and the Duke of York. The + former was her cousin, and her husband's confidant, in consequence of + which my lord failed to associate him with the suspicion he entertained + towards all other men who approached her: the latter he regarded with the + uttermost distrust. His royal highness had before now disturbed the happy + confidence which husbands had placed in their wives, as my Lord Carnegy + could testify. + </p> + <p> + The story which hangs thereby had, a little while before the duke fell in + love with Lady Chesterfield, afforded vast amusement to the court, and was + yet fresh in the recollection of many. It happened that his royal highness + became enamoured of my Lady Carnegy, daughter of the gallant Duke of + Hamilton, and friend of the gay Lady Castlemaine. Lady Carnegy loved + pleasure mightily, painted her face "devilishly," and drove in the park + flauntingly. She was endowed with considerable beauty of form and great + tenderness of heart, as many gallants acknowledged with gratitude. Now + when the Duke of York made advances to her, she received them with all the + satisfaction he could desire; an intimacy therefore followed, which she + was the better able to entertain on account of her husband's absence in + Scotland. Whilst my Lord Carnegy was in that country, his father, the Earl + of Southesk, died, and he succeeded to the title and estates. In due time + the new earl returned to London and his wife, and was greeted by rumours + of the friendship which in his absence had sprung up between my lady and + the duke. These, as became a good husband, he refused to believe, until + such time as he was enabled to prove their veracity. Now, though his royal + highness did not cease to honour my lady with his visits on her husband's + return, yet out of respect to decorum, and in order to silence scandalous + tongues, he from that time invariably called on her accompanied by a + friend. + </p> + <p> + It therefore came to pass that one day he requested an honest, foolish + Irishman, Dick Talbot, afterwards Duke of Tyrconnel, to attend him in his + visit to the lady. He could scarcely have selected a man more unfitted to + the occasion, inasmuch as Talbot was wholly devoid of tact, and possessed + a mind apt to wander at large at critical moments. He had but recently + returned from Portugal, and was not aware my Lord Carnegy had in the + meantime become Earl of Southesk, nor had he ever met the lady who shared + that title until introduced to her by the duke. When that ceremony had + been duly performed and a few sentences interchanged between them, Talbot, + acting on instructions previously received, retired into an ante-room and + took his post at a window that he might divert himself by viewing the + street, and observing those who approached the house. + </p> + <p> + Here he remained for some time, but the study of mankind which the view + admitted did not afford sufficient interest to prevent him becoming + absorbed in his own thoughts, and indifferent to all objects surrounding + him. From this mental condition he was presently aroused by seeing a + carriage draw up to the door, and its occupant descend and quickly enter + the house. Talbot was so forgetful of his duty that he omitted apprising + the duke of this fact or making any movement until the door of the + ante-room opened, when he turned round to face the intruder. Then he + started forward and cried out, "Welcome, Carnegy!" for it was no other + than he. "Welcome my good fellow! Where the devil have you been, that I + have never been able to set eyes on you since we were at Brussels! What + business brought you here?" he continued in the same breath; and then + added in a tone of banter, "Do you likewise wish to see Lady Southesk; if + this is your intention, my poor friend, you may go away again; for I must + inform you the Duke of York is in love with her, and I will tell you in + confidence that at this very time he is in her chamber." + </p> + <p> + My Lord Southesk was overwhelmed with shame and confusion, and not knowing + how to act, immediately returned to his coach, Talbot attending him to the + door as his friend, and advising him to seek a mistress elsewhere. He then + went back to his post, and with some impatience awaited the Duke's return, + that he might tell him what had happened. And in due time, when he had + narrated the story, he was much surprised that neither his royal highness + nor the countess saw any humour in the fact of Lord Carnegy's + discomfiture. It served, however, to make the duke break off his + connection with the lady, and likewise to amuse the town. + </p> + <p> + Remembering this incident, my Lord Chesterfield kept a watchful eye upon + the duke, who he observed made advances towards the countess, which she, + in her generosity, had not the heart to repulse. But, as his royal + highness could see her only in presence of the court, my lord derived some + satisfaction from knowing he was witness to such civilities as had yet + passed between them. The duke was, however, anxious to have a more + particular occasion of conversing with my lady, and in accomplishing this + desire her brother Lord Arran was willing to aid him. + </p> + <p> + It happened about this time an Italian, named Francisco Corbeta, who + played with great perfection on the guitar, arrived at court. His + performances excited the wonder and delight of all who heard him, and the + instrument which produced such melody speedily became fashionable at + court, to such an extent, that a universal strumming was heard by day and + by night: throughout the palace of Whitehall. The Duke of York, being + devoted to music, was amongst those who strove to rival Signor Francisco's + performance; whilst my Lord Arran, by the delicacy of his execution, + almost equalled the great musician. The while Francisco's popularity + increased, his fame reaching its zenith when he composed a saraband, to + learn which became the ambition of all delighting in the guitar. + </p> + <p> + Now one day the duke, not thinking himself perfect in this piece, + requested Lord Arran to play it over for him. My lord being a courteous + man, was anxious to oblige his royal highness, and in order that the + saraband might be heard to greatest advantage, was desirous of performing + it upon the best instrument at court, which it was unhesitatingly + acknowledged belonged to my Lady Chesterfield. Accordingly, Lord Arran led + the duke to his sister's apartments. Here they found not only the guitar + and my lady, but likewise my lord, who was no less astonished than + disturbed by their visit. Then my Lord Arran commenced the famous + saraband, whilst the duke commenced to ogle my lady, and she to return his + glances in kind, as if both were unconscious of her husband's presence. So + delightful did they find the saraband, that Lord Arran was obliged to + repeat it at least twenty times, to the great mortification of the earl, + who could scarcely contain his violent rage and jealousy. His torture was + presently increased to an immeasurable degree, by a summons he received + from the queen to attend her in his capacity of lord chamberlain, during + an audience she was about, to give the Muscovite ambassador. + </p> + <p> + He had from the first suspected the visit, with which he was honoured, to + have been preconcerted by his wife and the duke; and he now began to think + her majesty was likewise connected with a plot destined to rob him of his + peace and blight his honour. However, he was obliged to obey the queen's + summons and depart. Nor had he been many minutes absent when Lord Arran + entered the presence-chamber where the audience was being held, + unaccompanied by the duke, at which Lord Chesterfield's jealous fears were + strengthened a thousandfold. Before night came he was satisfied he held + sufficient proof of his wife's infidelity. + </p> + <p> + This conviction caused him intense anxiety and pain; he walked about his + apartments abstracted and brooding on the wrongs from which he suffered; + avoided all who came in his way; and maintained strict silence as to that + which disturbed his peace, until next day, when he met James Hamilton. To + him he confided an account of the troubles which beset him. After speaking + of the visit paid by his royal highness, and the part enacted by my Lord + Arran, whom he described as "one of the silliest creatures in England, + with his guitar, and his other whims and follies," he went on to say that + when Hamilton had heard him out, he would be enabled to judge whether the + visit ended in perfect innocence or not. "Lady Chesterfield is amiable, it + must be acknowledged," said he, "but she is far from being such a miracle + of beauty as she supposes herself: you know she has ugly feet; but perhaps + you are not acquainted that she has still worse legs. They are short and + thick, and to remedy these defects as much as possible, she seldom wears + any other than green stockings. I went yesterday to Miss Stuart's after + the audience of those damned Muscovites: the king arrived there just + before me; and as if the duke had sworn to pursue me wherever I went that + day, he came in just after me. The conversation turned upon the + extraordinary appearance of the ambassadors. I know not where that fool + Crofts had heard that all these Muscovites had handsome wives; and that + all their wives had handsome legs. Upon this the king maintained, that no + woman ever had such handsome legs as Miss Stuart; and she to prove the + truth of his majesty's assertion, with the greatest imaginable ease, + immediately showed her leg above the knee. Some were ready to prostrate + themselves in order to adore its beauty, for indeed none can be handsomer; + but the duke alone began to criticize upon it. He contended that it was + too slender, and that as for himself he would give nothing for a leg that + was not thicker and shorter, and concluded by saying that no leg was worth + anything without green stockings; now this in my opinion was a sufficient + demonstration that he had just seen green stockings, and had them fresh in + his remembrance." + </p> + <p> + At hearing this story, Hamilton, being deeply in love with Lady + Chesterfield, was scarcely less agitated or less jealous than her lord; + but he was obliged to conceal his feelings. Therefore, assuming the tone + of an impartial hearer, he shrugged his shoulders, declared appearances + were often deceitful, and maintained that even if she had given herself + airs to encourage the duke, there were no grounds to show she had been + culpable of improprieties. My lord expressed himself much obliged to his + friend for the interest he had shown in his troubles, and after exchanging + a few compliments they parted. Hamilton, full of wrath, returned home, and + wrote a letter replete with violent expostulations and tender reproaches + to the woman he loved. This he delivered to her secretly at the next + opportunity. She received it from him with a smile, which scared all + doubts of her frailty from his mind, and with a pressure of his hand which + awoke the tenderest feelings in his heart. + </p> + <p> + He was now convinced her husband had allowed jealousy to blind him, and + had magnified his unworthy suspicions to assurances of guilt. Is this view + Hamilton was fully confirmed by a letter he received from her the + following day in answer to his own. "Are you not," said she, "ashamed to + give any credit to the visions of a jealous fellow, who brought nothing + else with him from Italy? Is it possible that the story of the green + stockings, upon which he has founded his suspicions, should have imposed + upon you, accompanied as it is with such pitiful circumstances? Since he + has made you his confidant, why did not he boast of breaking in pieces my + poor harmless guitar? This exploit, perhaps, might have convinced you more + than all the rest; recollect yourself, and if you are really in love with + me, thank fortune for a groundless jealousy, which diverts to another + quarter the attention he might pay to my attachment for the most amiable + and the most dangerous man at court." + </p> + <p> + Anointed by this flattering unction, such wounds as Hamilton had + experienced were quickly healed; alas, only to bleed afresh at the certain + knowledge that this charming woman had been making him her dupe! For soon + after, in a moment of indiscretion, and whilst the whole court, including + her majesty, was assembled in the card-room, my lady there permitted the + duke a liberty which confirmed her husband in his suspicions of their + intimacy. Hamilton at hearing this was wild with fury, and advised Lord + Chesterfield to carry her away from the allurements of the court, and + seclude her in one of his country mansions. This was an advice to which + the earl listened with complaisance, and carried out with despatch, to her + intense mortification. + </p> + <p> + The whole court was amused by the story, but dismayed at the punishment my + lord inflicted upon his lady. Anthony Hamilton declares that in England + "they looked with astonishment upon a man who could be so uncivil as to be + jealous of his wife; and in the city of London it was a prodigy, till that + time unknown, to see a husband have recourse to violent means to prevent + what jealousy fears, and what it always deserves." He adds, they + endeavoured to excuse my lord by laying all the blame on his bad + education, which made "all the mothers vow to God that none of their sons + should ever set a foot in Italy, lest they should bring back with them + that infamous custom of laying restraint upon their wives." + </p> + <p> + By the departure of Lady Chesterfield the court lost one of its most + brilliant ornaments forever, for the unhappy countess never again returned + to the gay scene of her adventures. For three long years she endured + banishment at Bretby in Derbyshire, and then died, it was believed, from + the effects of poison. For my lord, never having his suspicions of her + intrigue cleared, insisted on her taking the sacrament by way of pledging + her innocence; on which occasion he, in league with his chaplain, mixed + poison in the sacred wine, as result of which she died. This shocking + story gained credence not only with the public, but with members of his + own family; inasmuch as his daughter-in-law, Lady Gertrude Stanhope, after + she had quarrelled with him, would, when she sat at his table, drink only + of such wine and water as a trusty servant of hers procured. + </p> + <p> + This intrigue of the duke had given much uneasiness to his duchess, who + had complained to the king and to her father, and had, moreover, set a + watch upon the movements of his royal highness. But such measures did not + avail to make him a faithful husband, and no sooner was Lady Chesterfield + removed from his sight, than Lady Denham took her place in his affections. + This latter mentioned gentlewoman was daughter of a valiant baronet, Sir + William Brooke, and niece to a worthless peer, the Earl of Bristol. The + earl had, on the king's restoration, cherished ambitious schemes to obtain + the merry monarch's favour; for which purpose he sought to commend himself + by ministering to the royal pleasures. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he entertained the king as became a loyal gentleman, giving + him luxurious banquets and agreeable suppers, to which, by way of adding + to his majesty's greater satisfaction, the noble host invited his nieces, + Mistress Brooke and her sister. The wily earl had, indeed, conceived a + plan the better to forward his interests with the king, and was desirous + one of these gentlewomen should subdue his majesty's heart, and become his + mistress. Margaret Brooke, the elder of the maidens, was at this time in + her eighteenth year, and was in the full flower of such loveliness as was + presented by a fair complexion, light brown hair, and dark grey eyes. The + merry monarch's susceptible heart was soon won by her beauty; the charming + lady's amorous disposition was speedily conquered by his gallantry, and + nothing prevented her becoming his mistress save Lady Castlemaine's + jealousy. + </p> + <p> + This, however, proved an insurmountable obstacle; for the countess, + hearing rumours of the pleasures which were enjoyed at my Lord Bristol's + table, insisted on attending the king thither, and soon gave his gracious + majesty an intimation he dared not disregard—that she would not + suffer Miss Brooke as a rival. Margaret Brooke was grievously + disappointed; but the Duke of York beginning his attentions at the point + where his majesty discontinued them, she was soon consoled for loss of the + monarch's affection by the ardour of his brother's love. But a short time + after, probably foreseeing the ambiguous position in which she stood, she + forsook her lover, and accepted a husband in the person of Sir John + Denham. + </p> + <p> + This worthy knight was a man of parts; inasmuch as he was a soldier, a + poet, and a gamester. At the time of his marriage he had passed his + fiftieth year; moreover, he limped painfully and carried a crutch. His + appearance, indeed, was far from imposing. According to Aubrey, he was + tall, had long legs, and was "incurvelting at his shoulders; his hair was + but thin and flaxen, with a moist curl; his gait slow and rather + astalking; his eye was a kind of light goose-grey, not big, but it had a + strange piercingness, not as to shining and glory, but when he conversed + he looked into your very thoughts." His personal defects, however, were to + a great degree compensated for by his great wealth. Moreover he was + surveyor-general of his majesty's works, had a town house in Scotland + Yard, and a country residence at Waltham Cross in Essex. But there are + some deficiencies for which wealth does not atone, as no doubt Lady Denham + promptly discovered; for, before a year of her married life had passed, + she renewed her intrigue with the Duke of York. His love for her seemed to + have increased a thousandfold since fate had given her to the possession + of another. At royal drawing-rooms he took her aside and talked to her "in + the sight of all the world," and whenever she moved away from him he + followed her like a dog. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, he made no effort to screen his passion, for not only did he make + love to her in presence of the court, but he visited her at noonday, + attended by his gentlemen, before all the town. Nor did Lady Denham desire + to conceal the honour with which, she considered, this amour covered her, + but openly declared she would "not be his mistress, as Mrs. Price, to go + up and down the privy stairs, but will be owned publicly;" and in this + respect she obtained her desire. Meanwhile Sir John was rendered + miserable; and, indeed, his desperation soon overthrew his reason, and + rendered him a lunatic. This affection first appeared during a journey he + made to the famous free-stone quarries near Portland in Dorset. When he + came within a mile of his destination, he suddenly turned back, and + proceeded to Hounslow, where he demanded rents for lands he had disposed + of years before; and then hastening to town sought out the king and + informed him he was the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + This madness lasted but a short time; and the first use he made of his + recovered senses was to plot vengeance on his wife. Now there was one + honour which she coveted above all others, that of being appointed a lady + of the bedchamber to the Duchess of York. This her royal lover, following + the example of his majesty, sought to obtain for her; but the duchess, who + had already suffered many indignities by reason of her husband's + improprieties, refused him this request, which would render her liable to + continual insult in her own court. The duke, however, had a strong will, + and the duchess was on the point of yielding to his demand, when rumour + announced that Lady Denham had been taken suddenly ill, and scandal + declared she had been poisoned. The wildest sensation followed. His royal + highness, stricken with remorse and terror, hastened to Scotland Yard and + sought his beloved mistress, who told him she believed herself poisoned, + and felt she was now dying. The most eminent physicians were speedily + summoned, but their skill proved of no avail, for she gradually became + worse, and finally died, leaving instructions that her body should be + opened after death, in order that search might be made for the fatal drug. + </p> + <p> + The surgeons followed these directions, as we learn from the Orrery state + papers, but no trace of poison was discovered. For all that the public had + no doubt her husband had destroyed her life, and Hamilton tells us the + populace "had a design of tearing Sir John in pieces as soon as he should + come abroad; but he shut himself up to bewail her death, until their fury + was appeased by a magnificent funeral, at which he distributed four times + more burnt wine than had ever been drunk at any burial in England." + </p> + <p> + As for the duke, he was sorely troubled for her loss, and declared he + should never have a public mistress again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Court life under the merry monarch.—Riding in Hyde Park.—Sailing on + the Thames.—Ball at Whitehall.—Petit soupers.—What happened at + Lady Gerrard's.—Lady Castlemaine quarrels with the king.—Flight to + Richmond.—The queen falls ill.—The king's grief and remorse.—Her + majesty speaks.—Her secret sorrow finds voice in delirium.—Frances + Stuart has hopes.—The queen recovers. +</pre> + <p> + Views of court life during the first years of the merry monarch's reign, + obtainable from works of his contemporaries, present a series of + brilliant, changeful, and interesting pictures. Scarce a day passed that + their majesties, attended by a goodly throng of courtiers, went not + abroad, to the vast delight of the town: and rarely a night sped by + unmarked by some magnificent entertainment, to the great satisfaction of + the court. At noon it was a custom of the king and queen, surrounded by + maids of honour and gentlemen in waiting, the whole forming a gladsome and + gallant crowd, to ride in coaches or on horseback in Hyde Park: which + place has been described as "a field near the town, used by the king and + nobility for the freshness of the air, and goodly prospect." + </p> + <p> + Here in a railed-off circle, known as the ring, and situated in the + northern half of the park, the whole world of fashion and beauty diverted + itself. Noble gallants wearing broad-brimmed hats and waving plumes, + doublets of velvet, and ruffles of rich lace; and fair women with flowing + locks and dainty patches, attired in satin gowns, and cloaks wrought with + embroidery, drove round and round, exchanging salutations and smiles as + they passed. Here it was good Mr. Pepys saw the Countess of Castlemaine, + among many fine ladies, lying "impudently upon her back in her coach + asleep, with her mouth wide open." And on another occasion the same + ingenious gentleman observed the king and my lady pass and repass in their + respective coaches, they greeting one another at every turn. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Pepys gives us another picture, in which he shows us the king + riding right gallantly beside his queen, and therefore presents him to + better advantage. This excellent gossip, sauntering down Pall Mall one + bright summer day, it being the middle of July, in the year 1663, met the + queen mother walking there, led by her supposed husband, the Earl of St. + Albans. And, hearing the king and queen rode abroad with the ladies of + honour to the park, and seeing a great crowd of gallants awaiting their + return, he also stayed, walking up and down the while. "By-and-by," says + he, "the king and queene, who looked in this dress (a white laced + waistcoate and a crimson short pettycoate, and her hair dressed A LA + NEGLIGENCE) mighty pretty; and the king rode hand in hand with her. Here + was also my Lady Castlemaine riding amongst the rest of the ladies; but + the king took, methought, no notice of her; nor when they light did + anybody press (as she seemed to expect, and staid for it) to take her + down, but was taken down by her own gentlemen. She looked mighty out of + humour, and had a yellow plume in her hat (which all took notice of), and + yet is very handsome. I followed them up into Whitehall, and into the + queene's presence, where all the ladies walked, talking and fiddling with + their hats and feathers, and changing and trying one another's by one + another's heads, and laughing. But it was the finest sight to me, + considering their great beautys and dress, that ever I did see in my life. + But, above all, Mrs. Stuart in this dresse with her hat cocked and a red + plume, with her sweet eye, little Roman nose, and excellent taille, is now + the greatest beauty I ever saw, I think, in my life; and, if ever woman + can, do exceed my Lady Castlemaine, at least in this dresse: nor do I + wonder if the king changes, which I verily believe is the reason of his + coldness to my Lady Castlemaine." + </p> + <p> + Having returned from the park, dined at noon, walked in the palace + gardens, or played cards till evening came, their majesties, surrounded by + a brilliant and joyous court, would in summer time descend the broad steps + leading from Whitehall to the Thames, and embark upon the water for + greater diversion. Never was there so goodly a sight, seldom so merry a + company. The barges in which they sailed were draped to the water's edge + with bright fabrics, hung with curtains of rich silk, and further adorned + with gay pennants. And, as the long procession of boats, filled with fair + women and gallant men, followed their majesties adown the placid Thames + towards pleasant Richmond, my Lord Arran would delight the ears of all by + his performance on the guitar; the fair Stuart would sing French songs in + her sweet childlike voice; or a concert of music would suddenly resound + from the banks, being placed there to surprise by some ingenious courtier. + </p> + <p> + And presently landing on grassy meads, delightful to sight by freshness of + their colour, and sweet to scent from odour of their herbs, the court + would sup right heartily; laugh, drink, and make love most merrily, until + early shadows stole across the summer sky, and night-dews fell upon the + thirsty earth. Then king, queen, and courtiers once more embarking, would + sail slowly back, whilst the moon rose betimes in the heavens, and the + barges streaked the waters with silver lines. + </p> + <p> + At other times magnificent entertainments filled the nights with light and + revelry. Pepys tells us of a great ball he witnessed in the last month of + the year 1662 at the palace of Whitehall. He was carried thither by Mr. + Povy, a member of the Tangier Commission, and taken at first to the Duke + of York's chambers, where his royal highness and the duchess were at + supper; and from thence "into a room where the ball was to be, crammed + with fine ladies, the greatest of the court. By-and-by comes the king and + queene, the duke and duchess, and all the great ones; and, after seating + themselves, the king takes out the Duchess of York; and the duke the + Duchess of Buckingham; the Duke of Monmouth my Lady Castlemaine; and so + other lords other ladies; and they danced the bransle. After that, the + king led a lady a single coranto; and then the rest of the lords, one + after another, other ladies: very noble it was, and great pleasure to see. + Then to country dances: the king leading the first. Of the ladies that + danced, the Duke of Monmouth's lady, and my Lady Castlemaine, and a + daughter of Sir Harry de Vicke's were the best. The manner was, when the + king dances, all the ladies in the room, and his queene herself, stand up: + and indeed he dances rarely, and much better than the Duke of York." + </p> + <p> + PETIT SOUPERS were another form of entertainments, greatly enjoyed by + Charles, and accordingly much in vogue with his courtiers. The Chevalier + de Grammont had principally helped to make them fashionable, his suppers + being served With the greatest elegance, attended by the choicest wits, + and occasionally favoured with the presence of majesty itself. Nor were + Lady Gerrard's PETIT SOUPERS less brilliant, or her company less + distinguished. Her ladyship boasted of French parentage and understood the + art of pleasing to perfection; and accordingly at her board wine flowed, + wit sparkled, and love obtained in the happiest manner. Now it happened + one of her delightful entertainments was destined to gain a notoriety she + by no means coveted, and concerning which the French ambassador, Count de + Comminges, wrote pleasantly enough to the Marquis de Lionne. + </p> + <p> + It came to pass that Lady Gerrard, who loved the queen, requested the + honour of their majesties to sup with her. She, moreover, invited some of + the courtiers, amongst whom she did not include my Lady Castlemaine. On + the appointed night the king and queen duly arrived; the other guests had + already assembled; and the hour gave fair promise of entertainment. But + presently, when supper was announced, his majesty was missing, and on + inquiry it was discovered he had left the house for Lady Castlemaine's + lodgings, where he spent the evening. Such an insult as this so openly + dealt the queen, and such an indignity put upon the hostess, caused the + greatest agitation to all present; and subsequently afforded subject for + scandalous gossip to the town. It moreover showed that the monarch was yet + an abject slave of his mistress, whose charms entangled him irresistibly. + At least four times a week he supped with her, returning at early morning + from her lodgings, in a stealthy way, through the privy gardens, a + proceeding of which the sentries took much notice, joked unbecomingly, and + gossiped freely. + </p> + <p> + Now in order to avoid further observation at such times, and silence + rumours which consequently obtained, his majesty removed the countess from + her lodgings in that part of the palace divided by the road leading to + Westminster from the chief block, and furnished her with apartments next + his own chamber. The poor queen, who had sought by every means in her + power to win his affection, was sorely grieved at this action, and + moreover depressed by the neglect to which she was continually subjected. + Sometimes four months were allowed to pass without his deigning to sup + with her, though the whole court was aware he constantly paid that honour + to her infamous rival. But knowing how unavailing reproach would be, she + held her peace; and feeling how obtrusive her sorrow would seem, she hid + her tears. Now and again, however, a look would flash in her eyes, and an + answer rise to her lips, which showed how deeply she felt her bitter + wrongs. "I wonder your majesty has the patience to sit so long adressing," + said my Lady Castlemaine to her one morning when she found her yet in the + dresser's hands. "I have so much reason to use patience," answered the + neglected wife, "that I can very well bear with it." + </p> + <p> + And so the countess continued to reign paramount in his majesty's favour + until the middle of July, 1663, when a rumour spread through the town that + she had quarrelled with the king, and had consequently fallen from her + high estate. The cause of disagreement between the monarch and his + mistress is narrated by the French ambassador in a letter to Louis XIV. + </p> + <p> + By this time the fair Stuart had so increased in his majesty's favour, + that my Lady Castlemaine began to see the indiscretion of which she had + been guilty in bringing her so constantly into his presence, and moreover + to fear her influence over his fickle heart. Accordingly she refused to + invite the maid of honour to her apartments, or entertain her at her + assemblies. At this the king became exceedingly wrathful, and told my lady + he would not enter her rooms again unless Miss Stuart was there. Thereon + the charming countess flew into a violent passion, roundly abused his + majesty, called her carriage, and protesting she would never again enter + the palace of Whitehall, drove off in a rage to the residence of her uncle + at Richmond. The monarch had not expected his words would cause such fury, + nor did he desire her departure; and no sooner had she gone than he began + to regret her absence and long for her return. + </p> + <p> + Therefore next morning he made pretence of hunting, and turning his + horse's head in the direction of Richmond, called on his mistress, when he + apologized to and made friends with her. She therefore returned and + exercised her old ascendancy over him once more. It is probable his + majesty was the more anxious to pacify her, from the fact that she was now + far advanced in her third pregnancy; for two months later she gave birth + to her second son, who was baptized Henry Fitzroy, and subsequently + created Duke of Grafton. + </p> + <p> + And it happened about this time, that the queen, falling ill, drew near + unto death. On Friday, the 14th October, 1663, a fever took possession of + her, when the doctors were summoned, her head shaven, and pigeons put to + her feet. Her illness, however, rapidly increased, and believing she was + about to leave a world in which her young life had known so much sorrow, + she made her will, put her affairs in order, and received extreme unction. + Upon this the king, mindful of grievous injuries he had done her, was + sorely troubled in his heart, and going to her chamber, flung himself at + the foot of her bed and burst into tears; as the French ambassador + narrates. + </p> + <p> + It is said women love best men who treat them worst. If this be so, God, + alone who made them knows wherefore; for it is given no man to understand + them in all. Now her majesty proved no exception to this rule regarding + the unreasonableness of her sex in placing their affections most on those + who regard them least; for she was devoted to the king. Therefore the + evidence of his grief at prospect of her loss touched her deeper than all + words can say, and with much sweetness she sought to soothe and console + him. + </p> + <p> + She told him she had no desire to live, and no sorrow to die, save, + indeed, that caused by parting from him. She hoped he would soon wed a + consort more worthy of his love than she had been; one who would + contribute more to his happiness and the satisfaction of the nation than + she had. And now they were about to part, she had two requests to make: + that he would never separate his interests from those of the king her + brother, or cease to protect her distressed nation; and that her body + might be sent back to Portugal and laid in the tomb of her ancestors. At + this the king, yet on his knees beside her, interrupted her only by his + sobs, hearing which she wept likewise; and so overcome was he by grief + that he was obliged to be led from her room. + </p> + <p> + The court was saddened by her majesty's illness, for she had won the + goodwill of all by the kindness of her disposition and gentleness of her + manner; the city was likewise afflicted, for the people thought so good a + queen could not fail in time to reclaim even so erratic a husband; and + trade became suddenly depressed. Crowds gathered by night and by day + outside the palace to learn the most recent change in her majesty's + condition many thinking her death inevitable, because the doctors had + pronounced her recovery impossible. And for days her soul hovered betwixt + two worlds. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the 19th, a fierce storm raged over England; and Mr. + Pepys, being waked by the roaring of mighty winds, turned to his wife and + said: "I pray God I hear not of the death of any great person, this wind + is so high." And fearing the queen might have departed, he rose betimes, + and took coach to the palace that he might make inquiries concerning her, + but found her majesty was still living. She was now, however, unconscious; + and gave free voice to the secret sorrow which underlay her life, because + she had not borne children to the king. Had she given him heirs, she felt + assured he would certainly love her as well as he loved his mistresses; + and would feel as proud of her offspring as of those borne him by other + women. But though she had proved capable of becoming a mother on more than + one occasion, it pleased heaven to leave her childless, to her great + grief. Therefore in her delirium, desires shaped themselves to realities, + and she believed she had given birth to three children, two boys and a + girl. The latter she fancied much resembled the king, but she was troubled + that one of the boys was plain featured. And seeing her grief at this, his + majesty, who stood by, sought in pity to console her, saying the boy was + indeed pretty; at which she brightened visibly, and answering him said: + "Nay, if it be like you, it is a fine boy indeed, and I would be very well + pleased with it." This delusion continued through her illness, and so + strongly did it force itself upon her mind, that one morning when she was + on her way to recovery, on waking suddenly and seeing the doctor bending + over her, she exclaimed, "How do the children?" + </p> + <p> + Now all this time, whilst the shadow of death lay upon the palace, and + laughter and music were no longer heard within its walls, there was one of + its inmates who pondered much upon the great fortune which the future + might have in keeping for her. This was fair Frances Stuart, who, not + having yielded to the king's request by becoming his mistress, now + entertained high hopes of being made his wife. In this dream she was, + moreover, flattered by an unusual deference and high respect paid her by + the court since the beginning of her majesty's illness. The king continued + his attentions to her; for though he had proved himself "fondly + disconsolate" and wept sorely for her majesty, he never during her + sickness omitted an opportunity of conversing with Miss Stuart, or + neglected supping with Lady Castlemaine. But the hopes entertained by the + maid of honour were speedily overthrown, for contrary to all expectation + the queen recovered, and was so well on the 10th November as to "bespeak + herself a new gowne" + </p> + <p> + And so the court remained unchanged, and life went on as before; the queen + growing gradually stronger, the king making love to Miss Stuart by day, + and visiting Lady Castlemaine by night. And it happened one evening when + he went to sup with the latter there was a chine of beef to roast, and no + fire to cook it because the Thames had flooded the kitchen. Hearing which, + the countess called out to the cook, "Zounds, you must set the house on + fire but it shall be roasted!" And roasted it was. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Notorious courtiers.—My Lord Rochester's satires.—Places a watch on + certain ladies of quality.—His majesty becomes indignant.—Rochester + retires to the country.—Dons a disguise and returns to town.—Practises + astrology.—Two maids of honour seek adventure.—Mishaps which befell + them.—Rochester forgiven.—The Duke of Buckingham.—Lady Shrewsbury + and her victims.—Captain Howard's duel.—Lord Shrewsbury avenges + his honour.—A strange story.—Colonel Blood attempts an + abduction.—Endeavours to steal the regalia.—The king converses with + him. +</pre> + <p> + Prominent among the courtiers, and foremost amid the friends of his + majesty, were two noblemen distinguished alike for their physical grace, + exceeding wit, and notable eccentricity. These were the Earl of Rochester, + and his Grace of Buckingham; gallants both, whose respective careers were + so intimately connected with the court as to make further chronicle of + them necessary in these pages. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Rochester, though younger in years than the duke, was superior to + him in wit, comeliness, and attraction. Nor was there a more conspicuous + figure observable in the palace of Whitehall than this same earl, who was + ever foremost in pursuit of such pleasures as wine begets and love + appeases. His mirth was the most buoyant, his conversation the most + agreeable, his manner the most engaging in the world; whence he became + "the delight and wonder of men, the love and dotage of women." A courtier + possessed of so happy a disposition, and endowed with such brilliant + talents, could not fail in pleasing the king; who vastly enjoyed his + society, but was occasionally obliged to banish his person from court, + when his eccentric conduct rendered him intolerable, or his bitter satire + aimed at royalty. For it was given no other man in his age to blend merry + wit and caustic ridicule so happily together; therefore those who read his + lines were forced to laugh at his fancy, even whilst hurt by his irony. + </p> + <p> + Now in order to keep this talent in constant practice, he was wont to + celebrate in inimitable verse such events, be they private or public, as + happened at court, or befell the courtiers; and inasmuch as his subjects + were frequently of a licentious nature, his lines were generally of a + scandalous character. He therefore became the public censor of court + folly; and so unerringly did his barbed shafts hit the weaknesses at which + they aimed, that his productions were equally the terror of those he + victimized, and the delight of those he spared. + </p> + <p> + This liberal use of satire he was wont to excuse on the plea there were + some who could not be kept in order, or admonished, by other means. + Therefore, having the virtue of his friends keenly at heart, an ingenious + plan occurred to him by which he might secretly discover their vices, and + publicly reprove them. In order that he might fulfil this purpose to his + greater satisfaction, he promptly sought and found a footman, who, by + virtue of his employment, was well acquainted with the courtiers. This man + the "noble and beautiful earl" furnished with a red coat and a musket, + that he might pass as a sentinel, and then placed him every night + throughout one winter at the doors of certain ladies of quality whom he + suspected of carrying on intrigues. + </p> + <p> + In this disguise the footman readily passed as a soldier stationed at his + post by command of his officer, and was thus enabled to note what + gentlemen called on the suspected ladies at unreasonable but not + unfashionable hours. Accordingly, my lord made many surprising + discoveries, and when he had gained sufficient information on such + delicate points, he quietly retired into the country, that he might with + greater ease devote himself to the composition of those lively verses + which he subsequently circulated through the court, to the wonder and + dismay of many, and the delight and profit of few. + </p> + <p> + To these lampoons no name was attached, and my lord took precautions that + their authorship should not be satisfactorily proved, no matter how sagely + suspected. Moreover, in his conversation he was judicious enough to keep + the weapon of his satire in reserve; sheathing its fatal keenness in a + bewitching softness of civility until occasion required its use; when + forth it flashed all the brighter for its covering, all the sharper for + its rest. And satire being absent from his speech, humour ever waited on + his words; and never was he more extravagantly gay than when assisting at + the pleasant suppers given by the merry monarch to his choicest friends. + </p> + <p> + Here, whilst drinking deep of ruddy wine from goblets of old gold, he + narrated his strange experiences, and illustrated them with flashes of his + wit. For it was the habit of this eccentric earl, when refinements of the + court began to pall upon him, or his absence from Whitehall became a + necessity, to seek fresh adventure and intrigue disguised as a porter, a + beggar, or a ballad-monger. And so carefully did he hide his identity in + the character he assumed, that his most intimate friends failed to + recognise his personality. + </p> + <p> + No doubt the follies in which he indulged were in some measure due to the + eccentricity ever attendant upon genius; but they were probably likewise + occasioned by craving for excitement begotten of drink. For my lord loved + wine exceedingly; and when he drew near unto death in the dawn of his + manhood, confessed to Bishop Burnet that for five years he was continually + drunk: "Not that he was all the while under the visible effects of it, but + his blood was so inflamed, that he was not in all that time cool enough to + be perfectly master of himself." Charles delighted in the society of this + gay courtier, because of his erratic adventures, and his love of wine. + Moreover, the licentious verses which it was the earl's good pleasure to + compose, the names of some of which no decent lips would whisper in this + age of happy innocence, afforded the monarch extravagant enjoyment. Withal + his majesty's satisfaction in Lord Rochester's wit was not always to be + counted upon, as it proved. For it came to pass one night at the close of + a royal supper, during which the earl had drunk deep, that with great + goodwill to afford the king diversion, he handed his majesty what he + believed was a satire on a courtier, more remarkable for its humour than + its decency. Whereon Charles, with anticipation of much delight, opened + the folded page, when he was surprised to see, not a copy of verses, but + an unflattering description of himself, which ran as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here lies our mutton-eating king, + Whose word no man relies on; + Who never said a foolish thing, + And never did a wise one." +</pre> + <p> + Now the king, though the best tempered of men and most lenient of masters, + was naturally wrathful at this verbal character: the more so because + recognising its faithfulness at a glance. He therefore upbraided Rochester + with ingratitude, and banished him from the court. + </p> + <p> + Nothing dismayed, my lord retired into the country; but in a short time, + growing weary of pastoral solitude which gave him an appetite for + adventure it could not wholly supply, he returned privately to town, and + assuming a disguise, took up his residence in the city. Here exercising + his characteristic tact, and great capacity for pleasing, he speedily made + friends with wealthy merchants and worthy aldermen, who subsequently + invited him to their hospitable tables, and introduced him to their + gracious ladies. + </p> + <p> + And as his conversation had not failed to delight the husbands, neither + were his charms unsuccessful in affording satisfaction to their wives. To + the one he railed against the impotence of the king's ministers, to the + other he declaimed upon the wickedness of his majesty's mistresses; and to + both his denunciations were equally sincere and acceptable. But his + bitterest words were reserved for such courtiers as Rochester, Buckingham, + and Killigrew, whose dissipated lives were the scandal of all honest men, + the terror of all virtuous women: insolent fellows, moreover, who had the + impudence to boast that city ladies were not so faithful to their husbands + as was generally supposed, and, moreover, the boldness to assert that they + painted. Indeed, he marvelled much, that since such men were frequenters + of Whitehall, sacred fire from heaven had not long since descended and + consumed the royal palace to ashes. Such virtuous sentiments as these, + expressed by so gallant a man, made him acceptable in many homes: and the + result was he speedily became surfeited by banquets, suppers, and other + hospitalities, to which the excellent but credulous citizens bade him + heartily welcome. + </p> + <p> + He therefore disappeared from their midst one day as suddenly and + unaccountably as he had come amongst them. He did not, however, take + himself afar, but donning a new disguise, retreated to a more distant part + of the city: for an idea had occurred to him which he determined speedily + to put in practice. This was to assume the character and bearing of a sage + astrologer and learned physician, at once capable of reading the past, and + laying bare the future of all who consulted him; also of healing diseases + of and preventing mishaps to such as visited him. Accordingly, having + taken lodgings in Tower Street, at a goldsmith's house, situated next the + Black Swan, he prepared himself for practice, adopted the title of doctor, + the name of Alexander Bendo, and issued bills headed by the royal arms, + containing the most remarkable and impudent manifesto perhaps ever set + forth by any impostor. + </p> + <p> + Copies of this may yet be seen in early editions of his works. It was + addressed to all gentlemen, ladies, and others, whether of the city, town, + or country, to whom Alexander Bendo wished health and prosperity. He had + come amongst them because the great metropolis of England had ever been + infested by numerous quacks, whose arrogant confidence, backed by their + ignorance, had enabled them to impose on the public; either by + premeditated cheats in physic, chymical and galenic, in astrology, + physiognomy, palmistry, mathematics, alchymy, and even government itself. + Of which latter he did not propose to discourse, or meddle with, since it + in no way belonged to his trade or vocation, which he thanked God he found + much more safe, equally honest, and more profitable. But he, Alexander + Bendo, had with unswerving faithfulness and untiring assiduity for years + courted the arts and sciences, and had learned dark secrets and received + signal favours from them. He was therefore prepared to take part against + unlearned wretches, and arrant quacks, whose impudent addresses and saucy + pretences had brought scandal upon sage and learned men. + </p> + <p> + However, in a wicked world like this, where virtue was so exactly + counterfeited, and hypocrisy was generally successful, it would be hard + for him, a stranger, to escape censure. But indeed he would submit to be + considered a mountebank if he were discovered to be one. Having made which + statement, he proceeded to draw an ingenious comparison between a + mountebank and a politician, suitable to all ages and dimes, but + especially to this century and country. Both, he intimated, are fain to + supply the lack of higher abilities to which they pretend, with craft; and + attract attention by undertaking strange things which can never be + performed. By both the people are pleased and deluded; the expectation of + good in the future drawing their eyes from the certainty of evil in the + present. + </p> + <p> + The sage Alexander Bendo then discoursed of miraculous cures which he + could effect, but he would set down no word in his bill which bore an + unclean sound. It was enough that he made himself understood, but indeed + he had seen physicians' bills containing things of which no man who walked + warily before God could approve. Concerning astrological predictions, + physiognomy, divination by dreams, and otherwise, he would say, if it did + not look like ostentation, he had seldom failed, but had often been of + service; and to those who came to him he would guarantee satisfaction. Nor + would he be ashamed to avow his willingness to practise rare secrets, for + the help, conservation, and augmentation of beauty and comeliness; an + endowment granted for the better establishment of mutual love between man + and woman, and as such highly valuable to both. The knowledge of secrets + like this he had gathered during journeys through France and Italy, in + which countries he had spent his life since he was fifteen years old. + Those who had travelled in the latter country knew what a miracle art + there performs in behalf of beauty; how women of forty bear the same + countenance as those of fifteen, ages being in no way distinguished by + appearances; whereas in England, by looking at a horse in the mouth and a + woman in the face, it was possible to tell the number of their years. He + could, therefore, give such remedies as would render those who came to him + perfectly fair; clearing and preserving them from all spots, freckles, + pimples, marks of small-pox, or traces of accidents. He would, moreover, + cure the teeth, clear the breath, take away fatness, and add flesh. + </p> + <p> + A man who vouched to perform such wonders was not long without patients. + At first these were drawn from his immediate neighbourhood, but soon his + fame reached the heart of the city. Accordingly, many ladies of whose + hospitality he had partaken, and of whose secrets he had become possessed, + hurried to consult him; and the marvellous insight he betrayed regarding + their past, and strange predictions he pronounced concerning their future, + filled them with amazement, and occasionally with alarm. And they, + proclaiming the marvels of his wisdom, widened the circle of his + reputation, until his name was spoken within the precincts of Whitehall. + </p> + <p> + Curiosity concerning so remarkable a man at once beset the minds of + certain ladies at court, who either feared or expected much from the + future, and were anxious to peer into such secrets as it held concerning + themselves. But dreading the notoriety their presence would naturally + cause in the vicinity of Tower Street, a spot to them unknown, they, + acting with a prudence not invariably characteristic of their conduct, + sent their maids to ascertain from personal experience if the astrologer's + wisdom was in truth as marvellous as reported. Now, when these appeared in + fear and trembling before the great Alexander Bendo, the knowledge he + revealed concerning themselves, and their mistresses likewise, was so + wonderful that it exceeded all expectation. Accordingly, the maids + returned to court with such testimonies concerning the lore of this + star-reader, as fired afresh their mistresses' desires to see and converse + with him in their proper persons. + </p> + <p> + It therefore came to pass that Miss Price and Miss Jennings, maids of + honour both—the one to the queen, the other to the Duchess of York—boldly + resolved to visit Doctor Bendo, and learn what the future held for them. + Miss Price was a lady who delighted in adventure; Miss Jennings was a + gentlewoman of spirit; both looked forward to their visit with excitement + and interest. It happened one night, when the court had gone to the + playhouse, these ladies, who had excused themselves from attending the + queen and the duchess, dressed as orange girls, and taking baskets of + fruit under their arms, quickly crossed the park, and entered a + hackney-coach at Whitehall Gate. Bidding the driver convey them to Tower + Street, they rattled merrily enough over the uneven streets until they + came close to the theatre, when, being in high spirits and feeling anxious + to test the value of their disguise, they resolved to alight from their + conveyance, enter the playhouse, and offer their wares for sale in + presence of the court. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, paying the driver, they descended from the coach, and running + between the lines of chairs gathered round the theatre, gained the door. + Now, who should arrive at that moment but the beau Sidney, attired in the + bravery of waving feathers, fluttering ribbons, and rich-hued velvets. And + as he paused to adjust his curls to his greater satisfaction before + entering the playhouse, Miss Price went boldly forward and asked him to + buy her fine oranges; but so engaged was he in his occupation, that he did + not deign to make reply, but passed into the theatre without turning his + glance upon her. Miss Jennings, however, fared somewhat differently; and + with less satisfaction to herself; for, perceiving another courtier, none + other than Tom Killigrew, a rare wit and lover of pleasure, she went up to + him and offered her fruit for sale. These he declined to buy; but chucking + her under the chin, and glancing at her with an air of familiarity, + invited her to bring her oranges to his lodgings next morning. On this + Miss Jennings, who was as virtuous as lovely, pushed him away with + violence, and forgetting the character she assumed, commenced rebuking his + insolence, much to the amusement and surprise of the bystanders. Fearing + detection of their identity, Miss Price pulled her forcibly away from the + crowd. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jennings was after this incident anxious to forego her visit to the + astrologer, and return to Whitehall, but her companion declaring this + would be a shameful want of spirit, they once more entered a + hackney-coach, and requested they might be driven to the lodgings of the + learned Doctor Bendo. Their adventures for the evening were unfortunately + not yet at an end; for just as they entered Tower Street they saw Henry + Brinker, one of the gentlemen of the bedchamber to the Duke of York. Now + it happened this courtier had been dining with a citizen of worth and + wealth, whose house he was about to leave the moment the maids of honour + drove by. They, knowing him to be a man remarkable for his gallantries, + were anxious to avoid his observation, and therefore directed the driver + to proceed a few doors beyond their destination; but he, having caught + sight of two pretty orange wenches, followed the coach and promptly + stepping up as they alighted, made some bold observations to them. On this + both turned away their heads that they might avoid his gaze, a proceeding + which caused him to observe them with closer scrutiny, when he immediately + recognised them, without however intimating his knowledge. He therefore + fell to teasing them, and finally left them with no very pleasant remarks + ringing in their ears, concerning the virtue which obtained among maids of + honour, for he did not doubt their disguise was assumed for purposes of + intrigue. + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed with confusion, they walked towards the goldsmith's shop, over + which the oracle delivered wisdom; but being no longer in a humour to heed + his words, they presently resolved on driving back to Whitehall with all + possible speed. But alas! on turning round they beheld their driver waging + war with a crowd which had gathered about his vehicle; for having left + their oranges in the coach, some boys had essayed to help themselves, + whereon the man fell foul of them. But he, being one against many, was + like to fare badly at their hands; seeing which, the maids of honour + persuaded him to let the crowd take the fruit and drive them back at once. + This conduct had not the effect of appeasing those who profited by its + generosity; for the gentlewomen were greeted with most foul abuse, and + many unworthy charges were laid to their account in language more vigorous + than polished. And having at last arrived in safety at Whitehall, they + resolved never to sally forth in search of adventure again. + </p> + <p> + After various strange experiences in his character as doctor of medicine + and teller of fortunes, of the weakness of human nature and strength of + common credulity, the learned Alexander Bendo vanished from the city; and + about the same time the gallant Earl of Rochester appeared at court, where + he sought for and obtained the merry monarch's pardon. The wonderful + stories he was enabled to relate, piquant in detail, and sparkling with + wit, rendered it delightful to the king, in whose favour he soon regained + his former supremacy. Nay, Charles even determined to enrich and reward + him, not indeed from the resources of his privy purse, his majesty's + income being all too little for his mistresses' rapacity, but by uniting + him to a charming woman and an heiress. + </p> + <p> + The lady whom his majesty selected for this purpose was Elizabeth Mallett, + daughter of Lord Hawley of Donamore. Now this gentlewoman had a fortune of + two thousand five hundred a year, a considerable sum in those days, and + one which gained her many suitors; amongst whom Lord Hinchingbrook was + commended by her family, and Lord Rochester by the king. Now the latter + nobleman, having but a poor estate, was anxious to obtain her wealth, and + fearful of losing his suit: and being uncertain as to whether he could + gain her consent to marry him by fair means, he resolved to obtain it by + execution of a daring scheme. + </p> + <p> + This was to carry her off by force, an action which highly commended + itself to his adventurous spirit. Accordingly he selected a night on which + the heiress supped at Whitehall with her friend Miss Stuart, for + conducting his enterprise. It therefore happened that as Elizabeth Mallett + was returning home from the palace in company with her grandfather, their + coach was suddenly stopped at Charing Cross. Apprehending some danger, + Lord Hawley looked out, and by the red light of a score of torches + flashing through darkness, saw he was surrounded by a band of armed men, + both afoot and on horse. Their action was prompt and decisive, for before + either my lord or his granddaughter was aware of their intention, the + latter was seized, forcibly lifted from the coach, and transferred to + another which awaited close at hand. This was driven by six horses, and + occupied by two women, who received the heiress with all possible respect. + No sooner had she been placed in the coach than the horses were set to a + gallop, and away she sped, surrounded by a company of horsemen. + </p> + <p> + Lord Hawley was cast into the uttermost grief and passion by this outrage; + but his condition did not prevent him speedily gathering a number of + friends and retainers, in company with whom he gave chase to those who had + abducted his granddaughter; and so fast did they ride that Mistress + Mallett was overtaken at Uxbridge, and carried back in safety to town. For + this outrageous attempt, my Lord Rochester was by the king's command + committed to the Tower, there to await his majesty's good pleasure. It + seemed now as if the earl's chance of gaining the heiress had passed away + for ever; inasmuch as Charles regarded the attempted abduction with vast + displeasure, and my Lord Hawley with terrible indignation. + </p> + <p> + But the ways of women being inexplicable, it happened in a brief while + Mistress Mallett was inclined to regret my Lord Rochester's imprisonment, + and therefore moved to have him released; and, moreover, she was + subsequently pleased to regard his suit and accept him as her wedded lord. + It speaks favourably for his character that with all his faults she loved + him well: nor did Rochester, though occasionally unfaithful, ever treat + her with unkindness. At times the old spirit of restlessness and passion + for adventure would master him, when he would withdraw himself from her + society for weeks and months. But she, though sadly afflicted by such + conduct, did not resent it. "If I could have been troubled at anything, + when I had the happiness of receiving a letter from you," she writes to + him on one occasion when he had absented himself from her for long, "I + should be so because you did not name a time when I might hope to see you, + the uncertainty of which very much afflicts me." And again the poor + patient wife tells him, "Lay your commands upon me, what I am to do, and + though it be to forget my children, and the long hope I have lived in of + seeing you, yet I will endeavour to obey you; or in memory only torment + myself, without giving you the trouble of putting you in mind that there + lives such a creature as your faithful humble servant." At length + dissipation undermined his naturally strong constitution; and for months + this once most gay and gallant man, this "noble and beautiful earl," lay + dying of that cruel disease consumption. The while such thoughts as come + to those who reason of life's vanities beset him; and as he descended into + the valley of shadows, the folly of this world's ways was made clear to + him. And repenting of his sins, he died in peace with God and man at the + age of three-and-thirty. + </p> + <p> + George Villiers second Duke of Buckingham, was not less notable than my + Lord Rochester. By turns he played such diverse parts in life's strange + comedy as that of a spendthrift and a miser, a profligate and a + philosopher, a statesman who sought the ruin of his country, and a + courtier who pandered to the pleasures of his king. But inasmuch as this + history is concerned with the social rather than the political life of + those mentioned in its pages, place must be given to such adventures as + were connected with the court and courtiers. Buckingham's were chiefly + concerned with his intrigues, which, alas! were many and strange; for + though his wife was loving and virtuous, she was likewise lean and brown, + and wholly incapable of controlling his erring fancies. Perhaps it was + knowledge of her lack of comeliness which helped her to bear the burden of + his follies; for according to Madame Dunois, though the duchess knew he + was continually engaged in amours, she, by virtue of a patience uncommon + to her sex, forbore mentioning the subject to him, and "had complaisance + enough to entertain his mistresses, and even lodge them in her house, all + which she suffered because she loved him." + </p> + <p> + The most remarkable of his intrigues was that which connected his name + with the Countess of Shrewsbury. Her ladyship, was daughter of the second + Earl of Cardigan, and wife of the eleventh Earl of Shrewsbury. She was + married a year previous to the restoration, and upon the establishment of + the court at Whitehall had become one of its most distinguished beauties. + Nor was she less famed for the loveliness of her person than for the + generosity of her disposition; inasmuch as none who professed themselves + desirous of her affection were ever allowed to languish in despair. She + therefore had many admirers, some of whom were destined to suffer for the + distinction her friendship conferred. + </p> + <p> + Now one of the first to gain her attachment was the young Earl of Arran, + the grace of whose bearing and ardour of whose character were alike + notable to the court. The verses he sung her to an accompaniment of his + guitar, and the glances he gave her indicative of his passion, might have + melted a heart less cold than hers. Accordingly they gained him a + friendship which, by reason of her vast benevolence, many were + subsequently destined to share. Now it chanced that the little Jermyn, who + had already succeeded in winning the affections of such notable women as + the poor Princess of Orange and my Lady Castlemaine, and had besides + conducted a series of minor intrigues with various ladies connected with + the court, was somewhat piqued that Lady Shrewsbury had accepted my Lord + Arran's attentions without encouraging his. For Henry Jermyn, by virtue of + the fascinations he exercised and the consequent reputation he enjoyed, + expected to be wooed by such women as desired his love. + </p> + <p> + But when, later on, Lord Arran's devotion to the lady was succeeded by + that of Thomas Howard, brother to the Earl of Carlisle, and captain of the + guards, Jermyn was thoroughly incensed, and resolved to make an exception + in favour of the countess by beginning those civilities which act as + preludes to intrigue. My lady, who was not judicious enough to be off with + the old love before she was on with the new, accepted Jermyn's advances + with an eagerness that gave promise of further favours. This was highly + displeasing to Howard, a brave and generous man, who under an exterior of + passive calmness concealed a spirit of fearless courage. Though not + desirous of picking a quarrel with his rival, he was unwilling to suffer + his impertinent interference. Jermyn, on the other hand, not being aware + of Howard's real character, sought an early opportunity of insulting him. + Such being their dispositions, a quarrel speedily ensued, which happened + in this manner. + </p> + <p> + One fair summer day Captain Howard gave an entertainment at Spring + Gardens, in honour of the countess. These gardens were situated close by + Charing Cross, and opened into the spacious walks of St. James's Park. + Bounded on one side by a grove, and containing leafy arbours and numerous + thickets, the gardens were "contrived to all the advantages of gallantry." + The scene of many an intrigue, they were constantly frequented by denizens + of the court and dwellers in the city, to whom they afforded recreation + and pleasure. In the centre of these fair gardens stood a cabaret, or + house of entertainment, where repasts were served at exceeding high + prices, and much good wine was drunk. Here it was Captain Howard received + my Lady Shrewsbury and a goodly company, spread a delicate banquet for + them, and for their better diversion provided some excellent music played + upon the bagpipes, by a soldier noted for his execution on that + instrument. + </p> + <p> + Jermyn hearing of the great preparations Captain Howard made, resolved to + be present on the occasion; and accordingly, before the hour appointed for + dinner, betook himself to the garden, and as if he had arrived there by + accident, strolled leisurely down the broad pleasant paths, bordered by + pinks and fragrant roses clustering in the hedgerows. And presently + drawing nigh the cabaret, he tarried there until the countess, rich in + physical graces, with sunny smiles upon her lips, and amorous light in her + eyes, stepped forth upon the balcony and greeted him. Whereon his heart + took fire: and entering the house, he joined her where she stood, and held + pleasant converse with her. Inflated by his success, he resolved on making + himself disagreeable to the host, and therefore ventured to criticize the + entertainment, and ridicule the music, which he voted barbarous to + civilized ears. And to such an extent did he outrage Thomas Howard, that + the gallant captain, being more of a soldier than a courtier, and + therefore preferring passages at arms to those of wit, could scarce + refrain from drawing his sword and demanding the satisfaction due to him. + </p> + <p> + However, he subdued his wrath till the day was spent, and early next + morning sent a challenge to his rival. Accordingly they met with fierce + intent, and the duel which followed ended almost fatally for Jermyn, who + was carried from the scene of encounter bleeding from three wounds caused + by his antagonist's sword. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate issue of this fight deprived Lady Shrewsbury of two + lovers; for Howard, having rendered Jermyn unable to perform the part of a + gallant, was obliged to fly from the country and remain abroad some time. + </p> + <p> + In their stead the countess sought consolation in the companionship of + Thomas Killigrew, a handsome man and a notable courtier. She therefore had + no regrets for the past: and he was entirely happy in the present, so that + he boasted of his felicities to all acquaintance, in general, and to his + friend the Duke of Buckingham in particular. It was Killigrew's constant + habit to sup with his grace, on which occasions his conversation + invariably turned on her ladyship, when, his imagination being heated by + wine, he freely endowed her with the perfections of a goddess. To such + descriptions the duke could not listen unmoved; and therefore resolved to + judge for himself if indeed the countess was such a model of loveliness as + Killigrew represented. Accordingly, at the first opportunity which + presented itself, the duke made love to her, and she, nothing averse to + his attentions, encouraged his affections. Killigrew was much aggrieved at + this unexpected turn of affairs, and bitterly reproached the countess; but + she, being mistress of the situation, boldly denied all knowledge of him. + </p> + <p> + This was more than he expected or could endure, and he consequently abused + her roundly in all companies, characterizing the charms of which he once + boasted as faults he could not endure; ridiculing her airs, and denouncing + her conduct. Reports of his comments and discourses speedily reached Lady + Shrewsbury's ears; and he was privately warned that if he did not desist + means would be taken to silence him effectually. Not being wise enough to + accept this hint he continued to vilify her. The result was, one night + when returning from the Duke of York's apartments he was suddenly waylaid + in St. James's Park, and three passes of a sword made at him through his + chair, one of which pierced his arm. Not doubting they had despatched him + to a better world, His assailants made their escape; and my Lady + Shrewsbury, who singularly enough happened to be passing at the time in + her coach, and had stopped to witness the proceedings, drove off as + speedily as six horses could carry her. + </p> + <p> + Knowing it would be impossible to trace the villainy which had prompted + this deed to its source, Killigrew said not a word concerning the + murderous attempt, and henceforth held his peace regarding his late + mistress's imperfections. For some time she continued her intrigue with + the Duke of Buckingham without interference. But in an evil hour it + happened the Earl of Shrewsbury, who had long entertained a philosophical + indifference towards her previous amours, now undertook to defend his + honour, which it was clear his Grace of Buckingham had sadly injured. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he challenged the duke to combat, and in due time they met + face to face in a field by Barnes Elms. His grace had as seconds Sir + Robert Holmes and Captain William Jenkins; the earl being supported by Sir + John Talbot and Bernard Howard, son of my Lord Arundel. The fight was + brief and bloody; Lord Shrewsbury, being run through the body, was carried + from the field in an insensible condition. The duke received but a slight + wound, but his friend Captain Jenkins was killed upon the spot. The while + swords clashed, blood flowed, and lives hung in a balance, the woman who + wrought this evil stood close by, disguised as a page, holding the bridle + of her lover's horse, as Lord Orford mentions. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this duel the Duke of Buckingham absented himself from + the capital; but two months after its occurrence King Charles was pleased, + "in contemplation of the services heretofore done to his majesty by most + of the persons engaged in the late duel or rencontre, to graciously pardon + the said offence." Three months after the day on which he fought, Lord + Shrewsbury died from effects of his wounds, when the duke boldly carried + the widow to his home. The poor duchess, who had patiently borne many + wrongs, could not stand this grievous and public insult, and declared she + would not live under the same roof with so shameless a woman. "So I + thought, madam," rejoined her profligate lord, "and have therefore ordered + your coach to convey you to your father." + </p> + <p> + The countess continued to live with her paramour; nor was the court + scandalized. The queen, it is true, openly espoused the cause of the + outraged duchess, and sought to enlist sympathy on her behalf; but so low + was the tone of public morality that her words were unheeded, and no voice + was raised in protest against this glaring infamy. Nay, the duke went + further still in his efforts towards injuring the wife to whom he owed so + much, and who loved him over-well; as he caused his chaplain, the Rev. + Thomas Sprat, to marry him to my Lady Shrewsbury; and subsequently + conferred on the son to which she gave birth, and for whom the king stood + godfather, his second title of Earl of Coventry. His wife was henceforth + styled by the courtiers Dowager Duchess of Buckingham. It is worthy of + mention that the Rev. Thomas Sprat in good time became Bishop of + Rochester, and, it is written, "an ornament to the church among those of + the highest order." + </p> + <p> + One of the most extraordinary characters which figured in this reign was + Thomas Blood, sometimes styled colonel. He was remarkable for his great + strength, high courage, and love of adventure. The son of an Irish + blacksmith, he had, on the outbreak of civil warfare in his native + country, joined Cromwell's army; and for the bravery he evinced was raised + to the rank of lieutenant, rewarded by a substantial grant of land, and + finally made a justice of the peace. At the restoration he was deprived of + this honour, as he was likewise of the property he called his, which was + returned to its rightful owner, an honest royalist. Wholly dissatisfied + with a government which dealt him such hardships, he organised a plot to + raise an insurrection in Ireland, storm Dublin Castle, and seize the Duke + of Ormond, then lord lieutenant. This dark scheme was discovered by his + grace; the chief conspirators were accordingly seized, with the exception + of Blood, who succeeded in making his escape to Holland. His fellow + traitors were tried and duly executed. + </p> + <p> + From Holland, Blood journeyed into England, where, becoming acquainted + with some republicans, he entered into projects with them calculated to + disturb the nation's peace; which fact becoming known, he was obliged to + seek refuge in Scotland. Here he found fresh employment for his restless + energies, and in the year 1666 succeeded in stirring up some malcontents + to rebellion. The revolt being quelled, he escaped to Ireland; and after a + short stay in that country returned once more to England, where he sought + security in disguise. + </p> + <p> + He lived here in peace until 1670, when he made an attempt no less + remarkable for its ingenuity than notable for its villainy. Towards the + end of that year the Prince of Orange, being in London, was invited by the + lord mayor to a civic banquet. Thither the Duke of Ormond attended him, + and subsequently accompanied him to St. James's, where the prince then + stayed. A short distance from the palace gates stood Clarendon House, + where the duke then resided, and towards which he immediately drove, on + taking leave of his royal highness. Scarce had he proceeded a dozen yards + up St. James's Street, when his coach was suddenly stopped by a band of + armed and mounted men, who, hurriedly surrounding his grace, dragged him + from the carriage and mounted him on a horse behind a stalwart rider. Word + of command being then given, the gang started at a brisk pace down + Piccadilly. Prompted by enemies of the duke, as well as urged by his own + desires to avenge his loss of property and the death of his + fellow-conspirators, Blood resolved to hang him upon the gallows at + Tyburn. That he might accomplish this end with greater speed and security, + he, leaving his victim securely buckled and tied to the fellow behind whom + he had been mounted, galloped forward in advance to adjust the rope to the + gallows, and make other necessary preparations. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the echo of his horse's hoofs die away, than the duke, + recovering the stupor this sudden attack had caused, became aware that now + was his opportunity to effect escape, if, indeed, such were possible. He + to whom his grace was secured was a burly man possessed of great strength; + the which Lord Ormond, being now past his sixtieth year, had not. However, + life was dear to him, and therefore he began struggling with the fellow; + and finally getting his foot under the villain's, he unhorsed him, when + both fell heavily to the ground. Meanwhile his grace's coach having driven + to Clarendon House, the footmen had given an account of the daring manner + in which his abduction had been effected. On this an alarm was immediately + raised, and the porter, servants, and others hastened down Piccadilly in + search of their master, fast as good horses could carry them. + </p> + <p> + They had proceeded as far as the village of Knightsbridge, when reports of + muskets, cries for help, and sounds of a scuffle they could not see for + darkness, fell upon their ears, and filled them with alarm. The whole + neighbourhood seemed startled, lights flashed, dogs barked, and many + persons rushed towards the scene of encounter. Aware of this, the + miscreants who had carried off the duke discharged their pistols at him, + and leaving him, as they supposed, for dead, fled to avoid capture, and + were seen or heard of no more. His grace was carried in an insensible + condition to a neighbouring house, but not having received serious hurt, + recovered in a few days. The court and town were strangely alarmed by this + outrage; nor as time passed was there any clue obtained to its + perpetrators, though the king offered a thousand pounds reward for their + discovery. + </p> + <p> + The duke and his family, however, had little doubt his grace of Buckingham + was instigator of the deed; and Lord Ossory was resolved the latter should + be made aware of their conviction. Therefore, entering the royal + drawing-room one day, he saw the duke standing beside his majesty, and + going forward addressed him. "My lord," said he in a bold tone, whilst he + looked him full in the face, "I know well that you are at the bottom of + this late attempt upon my father; and I give you fair warning, if my + father comes to a violent end by sword or pistol, or if he dies by the + hand of a ruffian, or by the more secret way of poison, I shall not be at + a loss to know the first author of it: I shall consider you as the + assassin; I shall treat you as such; and wherever I meet you I shall + pistol you, though you stood behind the king's chair; and I tell you it in + his majesty's presence, that you may be sure I shall keep my word." No + further attempt was made upon the Duke of Ormond's life. + </p> + <p> + Scarce six months elapsed from date of the essayed abduction, before Blood + endeavoured to steal the regalia and royal jewels preserved in the Tower. + The courage which prompted the design is not more remarkable than the + skill which sought to effect it; both were worthy a man of genius. In the + month of April, 1671, Blood, attired in the cassock, cloak, and canonical + girdle of a clergyman, together with a lady, whom he represented as his + wife, visited the Tower on purpose to see the crown. With their desire Mr. + Edwards, the keeper, an elderly man and a worthy, readily complied. It + chanced they were no sooner in the room where the regalia was kept, than + the lady found herself taken suddenly and unaccountably ill, and indeed + feared she must die; before bidding adieu to life, she begged for a little + whisky. This was promptly brought her, and Mrs. Edwards, who now appeared + upon the scene, invited the poor gentlewoman to rest upon her bed. Whilst + she complied with this kind request, the clergyman and Edwards had time to + improve their acquaintance, which indeed bade fair towards speedily + ripening into friendship. + </p> + <p> + And presently the lady recovering, she and her spouse took their leave + with many expressions of gratitude and respect. Four days later, the good + parson called on Mrs. Edwards, in order to present her with four pairs of + fine new gloves, which she was pleased to receive. This gracious act paved + the way to further friendship, which at last found its climax in a + proposal of marriage made by the parson on behalf of his nephew, for the + hand of young Mistress Edwards. "You have a pretty gentlewoman for your + daughter," said the clergyman, "and I have a young nephew, who has two or + three hundred pounds a year in land, and is at my disposal; if your + daughter be free, and you approve of it, I will bring him hither to see + her, and we will endeavour to make a match of it." + </p> + <p> + To this project Edwards readily consented, and invited the clergyman and + the young man to spend a day with him when they could discourse on the + subject with greater leisure and more satisfaction. This was cordially + agreed to by the parson, who, with the bridegroom elect and two of his + friends, presented themselves on the appointed date, as early as seven of + the clock in the morning. Edwards was up betimes; but the good clergyman, + apologizing for the untimely hour of their arrival, which he attributed to + his nephew's eagerness for sight of his mistress, declared he would not + enter the keeper's apartments until Mrs. Edwards was ready to receive + them. However, in order to pass the time, he begged his host might show + the jewels to their young friends. + </p> + <p> + With this petition Edwards complied readily enough. One of the men, + protesting he did not care to see the treasures, waited at the door; the + other three entered with the keeper, who was no sooner inside the room + than a cloak was thrown over his head, a gag, constructed of wood with a + hole in it by which he might breathe, clapped into his mouth, and the more + effectually to prevent him making a noise, an iron ring was fastened to + his nose. He was told if he attempted an alarm he would be instantly + killed, but if he remained quiet his life should be spared. Blood and his + two accomplices then seized upon the crown, orb, and sceptre, seeing + which, Edwards made as much noise as he possibly could by stamping on the + floor, whereon the robbers struck him with a mallet on the head, stabbed + him with a short sword in the side, and left him, as they thought, for + dead. Blood then secured the regalia under his cloak, one of his + companions put the orb into his breeches pocket, whilst the other + proceeded to file the sceptre that it might be more conveniently carried. + </p> + <p> + Now, at this moment it happened the keeper's son, who had been absent in + Flanders, returned to his father's home. He who stood sentinel asked him + with whom he would speak, whereon young Edwards said he belonged to the + house, and so passed to the apartments where his family resided. The other + giving notice of his arrival, the robbers hastened to depart, leaving the + sceptre behind them. No sooner had they gone, than the old man struggled + to his feet, dragged the gag from his mouth, and cried out in fright: + "Treason—murder—murder—treason!" On this his daughter + rushed down, and seeing the condition of her father, and noting the + absence of the regalia, continued his cry, adding, "The crown is stolen—thieves—thieves!" + </p> + <p> + Young Edwards and another who heard her, Captain Beekman, now gave pursuit + to the robbers, who had already got beyond the main guard. Word was + instantly shouted to the warder of the drawbridge to stop the villains, + but Blood was equal to this emergency; coolly advancing, he discharged his + pistol at the man, who instantly fell. The thieves then crossed the + bridge, passed through the outward gate, and made for the street close by, + where their horses awaited them, crying the while, "Stop thief! stop + thief!" Before they advanced far, Captain Beekman came up with Blood, who, + turning quickly round, fired his second pistol at the head of his pursuer; + but Beekman, suddenly stooping, escaped injury, and sprang at the throat + of his intended assassin. A struggle then ensued. Blood was a man of + powerful physique, but Beekman was lithe and vigorous, and succeeded in + holding the rogue until help arrived. In the contest, the regalia fell to + the ground, when a fair diamond and a priceless pearl were lost; they + were, however, eventually recovered. The other thieves were likewise + captured, and all of them secured in the Tower. + </p> + <p> + Certain death now faced Blood; but the wonderful luck which had befriended + him during life did not desert him now. At this time the Duke of + Buckingham was high in favour with the king, and desirous of saving one + who had secretly served him; or fearing exposure if Blood made a full + confession, his grace impressed Charles with a desire to see the man who + had perpetrated so daring a deed, saying he must be one possessed of + extraordinary spirit. Giving ready ear to his words, the monarch consented + to have an interview with the robber, for which purpose he gave orders + Blood should be brought to Whitehall. + </p> + <p> + Those who heard of the king's resolution felt satisfied Blood need not + despair of life; "for surely," said Sir Robert Southwell, on becoming + aware of his majesty's design, "no king should wish to see a malefactor + but with intentions to pardon him." Now Blood, being a man of genius, + resolved to play his part during the audience in a manner which would + favourably impress the king. Therefore when Charles asked him how he had + dared attempt so bold a robbery, Blood made answer he had lost a fine + property by the crown, and was resolved to recover it with the crown. + Diverted by his audacity his majesty questioned him further, when Blood + confessed to his attempted abduction of the Duke of Ormond, but refused to + name his accomplices. Nay, he narrated various other adventures, showing + them in a romantic light; and finally concluded by telling the king he had + once entered into a design to take his sacred life by rushing upon him + with a carbine from out of the reeds by the Thames side, above Battersea, + when he went to swim there; but he was so awed by majesty his heart + misgave him, and he not only relented, but persuaded the remainder of his + associates from such an intention. + </p> + <p> + This strange interview resulted in Charles pardoning Blood his many + crimes. The Duke of Ormond, at his majesty's request, likewise forgave + him. Nor did the king's interest in the villain end here; for he gave him + a pension of five hundred pounds a year, and admitted him to his private + friendship. Blood was therefore constantly at court, and made one of that + strange assembly of wits and profligates which surrounded the throne. "No + man," says Carte the historian, "was more assiduous than he. If anyone had + a business at court that stuck, he made his application to Blood as the + most industrious and successful solicitor; and many gentlemen courted his + acquaintance, as the Indians pray to the devil, that he may not hurt them. + He was perpetually in the royal apartments, and affected particularly to + be in the same room where the Duke of Ormond was, to the indignation of + all others, though neglected and overlooked by his grace." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Terror falls upon the people.—Rumours of a plague.—A sign in the + heavens.—Flight from the capital.—Preparations against the dreaded + enemy.—Dr. Boghurst's testimony.—God's terrible voice in the + city.—Rules made by the lord mayor.—Massacre of animals.—O, dire + death!—Spread of the distemper.—Horrible sights.—State of the + deserted capital.—"Bring out your dead."—ashes to ashes.—Fires are + lighted.—Relief of the poor.—The mortality bills. +</pre> + <p> + It came to pass during the fifth month of the year 1665, that a great + terror fell upon the city of London; even as a sombre cloud darkens the + midday sky. For it was whispered abroad a plague had come amongst the + people, fears of which had been entertained, and signs of which had been + obvious for some time. During the previous November a few persons had + fallen victims to this dreaded pestilence, but the weather being cold and + the atmosphere clear, it had made no progress till April. In that month + two men had died of this most foul disease; and in the first week of May + its victims numbered nine; and yet another fortnight and it had hurried + seventeen citizens to the grave. + </p> + <p> + Now the memory of their wickedness rising before them, dread took up its + abode in all men's hearts; for none knew but his day of reckoning was at + hand. And their consternation was greater when it was remembered that in + the third year of this century thirty-six thousand citizens of London had + died of the plague, while twenty-five years later it had swept away + thirty-five thousand; and eleven years after full ten thousand persons + perished of this same pestilence. Moreover, but two years previous, a like + scourge had been rife in Holland; and in Amsterdam alone twenty-four + thousand citizens had died from its effects. + </p> + <p> + And the terror of the citizens of London was yet more forcibly increased + by the appearance in April of a blazing star or comet, bearing a tail + apparently six yards in length, which rose betimes in a lurid sky, and + passed with ominous movement from west to east. [It is worthy of notice + that Lilly in his "Astrological Predictions," published in 1648, declared + the year 1656 would be "ominous to London, unto her merchants at sea, to + her traffique at land, to her poor, to her rich, to all sorts of people + inhabiting in her or her Liberties, by reason of sundry fires and a + consuming plague."] The king with his queen and court, prompted by + curiosity, stayed up one night to watch this blazing star pass above the + silent city; the Royal Society in behalf of science embodied many learned + comments regarding it in their "Philosophical Transactions;" but the great + body of the people regarded it as a visible signal of God's certain wrath. + They were more confirmed in this opinion, as some amongst them, whose + judgments were distorted by fears, declared the comet had at times before + their eyes assumed the appearance of a fiery sword threatening the sinful + city. It was also noted in the spring of this year that birds and wild + fowls had left their accustomed places, and few swallows were seen. But in + the previous summer there had been "such a multitude of flies that they + lined the insides of houses; and if any threads of strings did hang down + in any place, they were presently thick-set with flies like ropes of + onions; and swarms of ants covered the highways that you might have taken + up a handful at a time, both winged and creeping ants; and such a + multitude of croaking frogs in ditches that you might have heard them + before you saw them," as is set down by one William Boghurst, apothecary + at the White Hart in St. Giles-in-the-Fields, who wrote a learned "Treatis + on the Plague" in 1666, he being the only man who up to that time had done + so from experience and observation. [This quaint and curious production, + which has never been printed, and which furnishes the following pages with + some strange details, is preserved in the Sloane Collection of Manuscripts + in the British Museum.] And from such signs, as likewise from knowledge + that the pestilence daily increased, all felt a season of bitter + tribulation was at hand. + </p> + <p> + According to "Some Observations of the Plague," written by Dr. Hedges for + use of a peer of the realm, the dread malady was communicated to London + from the Netherlands "by way of contagion." It first made its appearance + in the parishes of St. Giles and St. Martin's, Westminster, from which + directions it gradually spread to Holborn, Fleet Street, the Strand, and + the city, finally reaching to the east, bringing death invariably in its + train. + </p> + <p> + The distemper was not only fatal in its termination, but loathsome in its + progress; for the blood of those affected being poisoned by atmospheric + contagion, bred venom in the body, which burst forth into nauseous sores + and uncleanness; or otherwise preyed with more rapid fatality internally, + in some cases causing death before its victims were assured of disease. + Nor did it spare the young and robust any more than those weak of frame or + ripe with years, but attacking stealthily, killed speedily. It was indeed + the "pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that wasteth + in the noonday." In the month of May, when it was yet uncertain if the + city would be spared even in part, persons of position and wealth, and + indeed those endowed with sufficient means to support themselves + elsewhere, resolved to fly from the capital; whilst such as had neither + home, friends, nor expectation of employment in other places, remained + behind. Accordingly great preparations were made by those who determined + on flight; and all day long vast crowds gathered round my lord mayor's + house in St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, seeking certificates of health, so that + for some weeks it was difficult to reach his door for the throng that + gathered there, as is stated by John Noorthouck. Such official testimonies + to the good health of those leaving London had now become necessary; for + the inhabitants of provincial towns, catching the general alarm, refused + to shelter in their houses, or even let pass through their streets, the + residents of the plague-stricken city, unless officially assured they were + free from the dreaded distemper. Nay, even with such certificates in their + possession, many were refused admittance to inns, or houses of + entertainment, and were therefore obliged to sleep in fields by night, and + beg food by day, and not a few deaths were caused by want and exposure. + </p> + <p> + And now were the thoroughfares of the capital crowded all day long with + coaches conveying those who sought safety in flight, and with waggons and + carts containing their household goods and belongings, until it seemed as + if the city mould be left without a soul. Many merchants and shipowners + together with their families betook themselves to vessels, which they + caused to be towed down the river towards Greenwich, and in which they + resided for months; whilst others sought refuge in smacks and + fishing-boats, using them as shelters by day, and lodging on the banks by + night. Some few families remaining in the capital laid in stores of + provisions, and shutting themselves up securely in their houses, permitted + none to enter or leave, by which means some of them escaped contagion and + death. The court tarried until the 29th of June, and then left for + Hampton, none too soon, for the pestilence had reached almost to the + palace gates. The queen mother likewise departed, retiring into France; + from which country she never returned. + </p> + <p> + All through the latter part of May, and the whole of the following month, + this flight from the dread enemy of mankind continued; presenting a + melancholy spectacle to those who remained, until at last the capital + seemed veritably a city of the dead. But for the credit of humanity be it + stated, that not all possessed of health and wealth abandoned the town. + Prominent amongst those who remained were the Duke of Albemarle, Lord + Craven, the lord mayor, Sir John Laurence, some of his aldermen, and a + goodly number of physicians, chirurgeons, and apothecaries, all of whom by + their skill or exertions sought to check the hungry ravages of death. The + offices which medical men voluntarily performed during this period of dire + affliction were loathsome to a terrible degree. "I commonly dressed forty + sores in a day," says Dr. Boghurst, whose simple words convey a forcible + idea of his nobility; "held the pulse of patients sweating in their beds + half a quarter of an hour together; let blood; administered clysters to + the sick; held them up in their beds to keep them from strangling and + choking, half an hour together commonly, and suffered their breathing in + my face several times when they were dying; eat and drank with them, + especially those that had sores; sat down by their bedsides and upon their + beds, discoursing with them an hour together. If I had time I stayed by + them to see them die. Then if people had nobody to help them (for help was + scarce at such time and place) I helped to lay them forth out of the bed, + and afterwards into the coffin; and last of all, accompanied them to the + ground." + </p> + <p> + Of the physicians remaining in the city, nine fell a sacrifice to duty. + Amongst those who survived was the learned Dr. Nathaniel Hodges, who was + spared to meet a philanthropist's fate in penury and neglect. [Dr. Hodges + subsequently wrote a work entitled "Loimologia; or, an Historical Account + of the Plague of London," first published in 1672; of which, together with + a collection of the bills of mortality for 1665, entitled "London's + Dreadful Visitation," and a pamphlet by the Rev. Thomas Vincent, "God's + Terrible Voice in the City," printed in 1667, De Foe largely availed + himself in writing his vivid but unreliable "Journal of the Plague Year," + which first saw the light in 1722.] The king had, on outbreak of the + distemper, shown solicitude for his citizens by summoning a privy council, + when a committee of peers was formed for "Prevention and Spreading of the + Infection." Under their orders the College of Physicians drew up "Certain + necessary Directions for the Prevention and Cure of the Plague, with + Divers remedies for small Change," which were printed in pamphlet form, + and widely distributed amongst the people. [We learn that at this time the + College was stored with "men of learning, virtue, and probity, nothing + acquainted with the little arts of getting a name by plotting against the + honesty and credulity of the people." The prescriptions given by this + worthy body were consequently received with a simple faith which later and + more sceptical generations might deny them. Perhaps the most remarkable of + these directions, given under the heading of "Medicines External," was the + following: "Pull off the feathers from the tails of living cocks, hens, + pigeons, or chickens, and holding their bills, hold them hard to the botch + or swelling, and so keep them at that part until they die, and by that + means draw out the poison. It is good to apply a cupping glass, or embers + in a dish, with a handful of sorrel upon the embers."] + </p> + <p> + The lord mayor, having likewise the welfare of the people at heart, + "conceived and published" rules to be observed, and orders to be obeyed, + by them during this visitation. These directed the appointment of two + examiners for every parish, who were bound to discover those who were + sick, and inquire into the nature of their illness: and finding persons + afflicted by plague, they, with the members of their family and domestics, + were to be confined in their houses. These were to be securely locked + outside, and guarded day and night by watchmen, whose duty it should be to + prevent persons entering or leaving those habitations; as likewise to + perform such offices as were required, such as conveying medicines and + food. And all houses visited by the distemper were to be forthwith marked + on the door by a red cross a foot long, with the words LORD HAVE MERCY + UPON US set close over the same sacred sign. Female searchers, "such as + are of honest reputation, and of the best sort as can be got of the kind," + were selected that they might report of what disease people died; such + women not being permitted during this visitation to use any public work or + employment, or keep shop or stall, or wash linen for the people. Nurses to + attend the afflicted deserted by their friends were also appointed. And + inasmuch as multitudes of idle rogues and wandering beggars swarming the + city were a great means of spreading disease, the constables had orders + not to suffer their presence in the streets. And dogs and cats, being + domestic animals, apt to run from house to house, and carry infection in + their fur and hair, an order was made that they should be killed, and an + officer nominated to see it carried into execution. It was computed that, + in accordance with this edict, forty thousand dogs, and five times that + number of cats, were massacred. + </p> + <p> + All plays bear-baitings, exhibitions, and games were forbidden; as were + likewise "all public feasting, and particularly by the companies of the + city, and dinners at taverns, alehouses, and other places of common + entertainment; and the money thereby spared, be employed for the benefit + and relief of the poor visited with the infection." Pest-houses were + opened at Tothill Fields, Westminster, and at Bunhill Fields, near Old + Street, for reception of the sick: and indeed every possible remedy + calculated to check the disease was adopted. Some of these, though + considered necessary to the well-being of the community, were by many + citizens regarded as hardships, more especially the rule which related to + closing of infected houses. + </p> + <p> + The misery endured by those in health suffering such confinement, was + scarcely less than that realized by the afflicted. And fear making way for + disease, it frequently occurred a whole family, when confined with one + infected member, speedily became stricken by plague, and consequently + overtaken by death. It therefore happened that many attempts were made by + those in health to escape incarceration. In some cases they bribed, and in + others ill-treated the watchmen: one of whom was actually blown up by + gunpowder in Coleman Street, that those he guarded might flee unmolested. + Again, it chanced that strong men, rendered desperate when brought face to + face with loathsome death, lowered themselves from windows of their houses + in sight of the watch, whom they threatened with instant death if they + cried out or stirred. + </p> + <p> + The apprehension of the sick, who were in most cases deserted by their + friends, was increased tenfold by the practices of public nurses: for + being hardened to affliction by nature of their employment, and incapable + of remorse for crime by reason of their vileness, they were guilty of many + barbarous usages. "These wretches," says Dr. Hodges, "out of greediness to + plunder the dead, would strangle their patients, and charge it to the + distemper in their throats. Others would secretly convey the pestilential + taint from sores of the infected to those who were well; and nothing + indeed deterred these abandoned miscreants from prosecuting their + avaricious purposes by all methods their wickedness could invent; who, + although they were without witnesses to accuse them, yet it is not doubted + but divine vengeance will overtake such wicked barbarities with due + punishment. Nay, some were remarkably struck from heaven in the + perpetration of their crimes; and one particularly amongst many, as she + was leaving the house of a family, all dead, loaded with her robberies, + fell down lifeless under her burden in the street. And the case of a + worthy citizen was very remarkable, who, being suspected dying by his + nurse, was beforehand stripped by her; but recovering again, he came a + second time into the world naked." + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding all precautions and care taken by the Duke of + Albemarle and the worthy lord mayor, the dreadful pestilence spread with + alarming rapidity; as may be judged from the fact that the number who died + in the first week of June amounted to forty-three, whilst during the last + week of that month two hundred and sixty-seven persons were carried to + their graves. From the 4th of July to the 11th, seven hundred and + fifty-five deaths were chronicled; the following eight days the death rate + rose to one thousand and eighty-two; whilst the ensuing week this high + figure was increased by over eight hundred. For the month of August, the + mortality bill recorded seventeen thousand and thirty-six deaths; and + during September, twenty-six thousand two hundred and thirty persons + perished in the city. + </p> + <p> + The whole British nation was stricken with consternation at the fate of + the capital. "In some houses," says Dr. Hodges, speaking from personal + experience, "carcases lay waiting for burial, and in others were persons + in their last agonies. In one room might be heard dying groans, in an + other the ravings of delirium, and not far off relations and friends + bewailing both their loss and the dismal prospect of their own sudden + departure. Death was the sure midwife to all children, and infants passed + immediately from the womb to the grave. Some of the infected run about + staggering like drunken men, and fall and expire in the streets; whilst + others lie half dead and comatose, but never to be waked but by the last + trumpet." The plague had indeed encompassed the walls of the city, and + poured in upon it without mercy. A heavy stifling atmosphere, vapours by + day and blotting out all traces of stars and sky by night, hovered like a + palpable shape of dire vengeance above the doomed city. During many weeks + "there was a general calm and serenity, as if both wind and rain had been + expelled the kingdom, so that there was not so much as to move a flame." + The oppressive silence of brooding death, unbroken now even by the passing + bell, weighed stupor-like upon the wretched survivors. The thoroughfares + were deserted, grass sprang green upon side-paths and steps of dwellings; + and the broad street in Whitechapel became like unto a field. Most houses + bore upon their doors the dread sign of the red cross, with the + supplication for mercy written above. Some of the streets were barricaded + at both ends, the inhabitants either having fled into the country or been + carried to their graves; and it was estimated in all that over seven + thousand dwellings were deserted. All commerce, save that dealing with the + necessaries of life, was abandoned; the parks forsaken and locked, the + Inns of Court closed, and the public marts abandoned. A few of the church + doors were opened, and some gathered within that they might humbly beseech + pardon for the past, and ask mercy in the present. But as the violence of + the distemper increased, even the houses of God were forsaken; and those + who ventured abroad walked in the centre of the street, avoiding contact + or conversation with friend or neighbour; each man dreading and avoiding + his fellow, lest he should be to him the harbinger of death. And all + carried rue and wormwood in their hands, and myrrh and zedoary in their + mouths, as protection against infection. Now were the faces of all pale + with apprehension, none knowing when the fatal malady might carry them + hence; and moreover sad, as became those who stand in the presence of + death. + </p> + <p> + And such sights were to be witnessed day after day as made the heart sick. + "It would be endless," says the Rev. Thomas Vincent, "to speak what we + have seen and heard; of some, in their frenzy, rising out of their beds + and leaping about their rooms; others crying and roaring at their windows; + some coming forth almost naked and running into the streets; strange + things have others spoken and done when the disease was upon them: but it + was very sad to hear of one, who being sick alone, and it is like frantic, + burnt himself in his bed. And amongst other sad spectacles methought two + were very affecting: one of a woman coming alone and weeping by the door + where I lived, with a little coffin under her arm, carrying it to the new + churchyard. I did judge that it was the mother of the child, and that all + the family besides was dead, and she was forced to coffin up and bury with + her own hands this her last dead child. Another was of a man at the corner + of the Artillery Wall, that as I judge, through the dizziness of his head + with the disease, which seized upon him there, had dashed his face against + the wall; and when I came by he lay hanging with his bloody face over the + rails, and bleeding upon the ground; within half an hour he died in that + place." + </p> + <p> + And as the pestilence increased, it was found impossible to provide + coffins or even separate graves for those who perished. And therefore, in + order to bury the deceased, great carts passed through the streets after + sunset, attended by linkmen and preceded by a bellman crying in weird and + solemn tones, "Bring out your dead." At the intimation of the watchmen + stationed before houses bearing red crosses upon their doors, the sad + procession would tarry, When coffinless, and oftentimes shroudless, rigid, + loathsome, and malodorous bodies were hustled into the carts with all + possible speed. Then once more the melancholy cortege took its way adown + the dark, deserted street, the yellow glare of links falling on the + ghastly burden they accompanied, the dirge-like call of the bellman + sounding on the ears of the living like a summons from the dead. And so, + receiving additional freight upon its way, the cart proceeded to one of + the great pits dug in the parish churchyards of Aldgate and Whitechapel, + or in Finsbury Fields close by the Artillery Ground. These, measuring + about forty feet in length, eighteen in breadth, and twenty in depth, were + destined to receive scores of bodies irrespective of creed or class. The + carts being brought to these dark and weirdsome gulphs, looking all the + blacker from the flickering lights of candles and garish gleams of + lanterns placed beside them, the bodies, without rite or ceremony, were + shot into them, and speedily covered with clay. For the accomplishment of + this sad work night was found too brief. And what lent additional horror + to the circumstances of these burials was, that those engaged in this duty + would occasionally drop lifeless during their labour. So that it sometimes + happened the dead-carts were found without driver, linkman, or bell-man. + And it was estimated that the parish of Stepney alone lost one hundred and + sixteen gravediggers and sextons within that year. + </p> + <p> + During the month of September, the pestilence raged with increased fury; + and it now seemed as if the merciless distemper would never cease whilst a + single inhabitant remained in the city. The lord mayor, having found all + remedies to stay its progress utterly fail, by advice of the medical + faculty, ordered that great fires should be kindled in certain districts, + by way of purifying the air, Accordingly, two hundred chaldrons of coal, + at four pounds a chaldron, were devoted to this purpose. At first the + fires were with great difficulty made to burn, through the scarcity, it + was believed, of oxygen in the atmosphere; but once kindled, they + continued blazing for three days and three nights, when a heavy downpour + of rain falling they were extinguished. The following night death carried + off four thousand souls, and the experiment of these cleansing fires was + discontinued. All through this month fear and tribulation continued; the + death rate, from the 5th of September to the 3rd of October, amounting to + twenty-four thousand one hundred and seventy-one. + </p> + <p> + During October, the weather being cool and dry, the pestilence gave + promise of rapid decrease. Hope came to the people, and was received with + eager greeting. Once more windows were unshuttered, doors were opened, and + the more venturous walked abroad. The great crisis had passed. In the + middle of the month Mr. Pepys travelled on foot to the Tower, and records + his impressions. "Lord," he says, "how empty the streets are and + melancholy, so many poor sick people in the streets full of sores; and so + many sad stories overheard as I walk, everybody talking of this dead, and + that man sick, and so many in this place, and so many in that. And they + tell me that in Westminster there is never a physician and but one + apothecary left, all being dead; but that there are great hopes of a + decrease this week. God send it." + </p> + <p> + The while, trade being discontinued, those who had lived by commerce or + labour were supported by charity. To this good purpose the king + contributed a thousand pounds per week, and Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of + Canterbury—who remained at Lambeth during the whole time—by + letters to his bishops, caused great sums to be collected throughout the + country and remitted to him for this laudable purpose. Nor did those of + position or wealth fail in responding to calls made upon them at this + time; their contributions being substantial enough to permit the lord + mayor to distribute upwards of one hundred thousand pounds a week amongst + the poor and afflicted for several months. + </p> + <p> + In October the death rate fell to nine thousand four hundred and + forty-four; in November to three thousand four hundred and forty-nine; and + in December to less than one thousand. Therefore, after a period of + unprecedented suffering, the people took courage once more, for life is + dear to all men. And those who had fled the plague-stricken city returned + to find a scene of desolation, greater in its misery than words can + describe. But the tide of human existence having once turned, the capital + gradually resumed its former appearance. Shops which had been closed were + opened afresh; houses whose inmates had been carried to the grave became + again centres of activity; the sound of traffic was heard in streets long + silent; church bells called the citizens to prayer; marts were crowded; + and people wore an air of cheerfulness becoming the survivors of a + calamity. And so all things went on as before. + </p> + <p> + The mortality bills computed the number of burials which took place in + London during this year at ninety-seven thousand three hundred and six, of + which sixty-eight thousand five hundred find ninety-six were attributed to + the plague. This estimate has been considered by all historians as + erroneous. For on the first appearance of the distemper, the number of + deaths set down was far below that which truth warranted, in order that + the citizens might not be affrighted; and when it was at its height no + exact account of those shifted from the dead-carts into the pits was + taken. Moreover, many were buried by their friends in fields and gardens. + Lord Clarendon, an excellent authority, states that though the weekly + bills reckoned the number of deaths at about one hundred thousand, yet + "many who could compute very well, concluded that there were in truth + double that number who died; and that in one week, when the bill mentioned + only six thousand, there had in truth fourteen thousand died." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A cry of fire by night.—Fright and confusion.—The lord mayor is + unmanned.—Spread of the flames.—Condition of the streets.—Distressful + scenes.—Destruction of the Royal Exchange.—Efforts of the king and + Duke of York.—Strange rumours and alarms.—St. Paul's is doomed.—The + flames checked.—A ruined city as seen by day and night.—Wretched state + of the people.—Investigation into the origin of the fire.—A new city + arises. +</pre> + <p> + Scarcely had the city of London recovered from the dire effects of the + plague, ere a vast fire laid it waste. It happened on the 2nd of + September, 1666, that at two o'clock in the morning, the day being Sunday, + smoke and flames were seen issuing from the shop of a baker named Faryner, + residing in Pudding Lane, close by Fish Street, in the lower part of the + city. The house being built of wood, and coated with pitch, as were + likewise those surrounding it, and moreover containing faggots, dried + logs, and other combustible materials, the fire spread with great + rapidity: so that in a short time not only the baker's premises, but the + homesteads which stood next it on either side were in flames. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the watchman's lusty cry of "Fire, fire, fire!" which had + roused the baker and his family in good time to save their lives, was now + shouted down the streets with consternation, startling sleepers from their + dreams, and awaking them to a sense of peril. Thereon they rose promptly + from their beds, and hastily throwing on some clothes, rushed out to + rescue their neighbours' property from destruction, and subdue the + threatening conflagration. + </p> + <p> + And speedily was heard the tramp of many feet hurrying to the scene, and + the shouting of anxious voices crying for help; and presently the bells of + St. Margaret's church close by, ringing with wild uneven peals through the + darkness, aroused all far and near to knowledge of the disaster. For + already the flames, fanned by a high easterly wind, and fed by the dry + timber of the picturesque old dwellings huddled close together, had spread + in four directions. + </p> + <p> + One of these being Thames Street, the consequence was terrible, for the + shops and warehouses of this thoroughfare containing inflammable + materials, required for the shipping trade, such as oil, pitch, tar, and + rosin, the houses at one side the street were immediately wrapped, from + basement to garret, in sheets of angry flame. And now flaunting its yellow + light skywards, as if exulting in its strength, and triumphing in its + mastery over men's efforts, the fire rushed to the church of St. Magnus, a + dark solid edifice standing at the foot of London Bridge. The frightened + citizens concluded the conflagration must surely end here; or at least + that whilst it endeavoured to consume a dense structure such as this, they + might succeed in subduing its force; but their hopes were vain. At first + the flames shot upwards to the tower of the building, but not gaining + hold, retreated as if to obtain fresh strength for new efforts; and + presently darting forward again, they seized the woodwork of the belfry + windows. A few minutes later the church blazed at every point, and was in + itself a colossal conflagration. + </p> + <p> + From this the fire darted to the bridge, burning the wooden houses built + upon it, and the water machines underneath, and likewise creeping up + Thames Street, on that side which was yet undemolished. By this time the + bells of many churches rang out in sudden fright, as if appealing to + heaven for mercy on behalf of the people; and the whole east end of the + town rose up in alarm. The entire city seemed threatened with destruction, + for the weather having long been dry and warm, prepared the homesteads for + their fate; and it was noted some of them, when scorched by the + approaching fire, ignited before the flames had time to reach them. + </p> + <p> + Sir Thomas Bludworth, the lord mayor, now arrived in great haste, but so + amazed was he at the sight he beheld, and so bewildered by importunities + of those who surrounded him, that he was powerless to act. Indeed, his + incapacity to direct, and inability to command, as well as his lack of + moral courage, have been heavily and frequently blamed. Bring a weak man, + fearful of outstepping his authority, he at first forebore pulling down + houses standing in the pathway of the flames, as suggested to him, a means + that would assuredly have prevented their progress; but when urged to this + measure would reply, he "durst not, without the consent of the owners." + And when at last, after great destruction had taken place, word was + brought him from the king to "spare no house, but pull them down + everywhere before the fire," he cried out "like a fainting woman," as + Pepys recounts, "Lord! what can I do? I am spent; people will not obey + me." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, great bodies of the citizens of all classes had been at work; + some upon the cumbrous engines, others carrying water, others levelling + houses, but all their endeavours seemed powerless to quell the raging + flames. And it was notable when first the pipes in the streets were + opened, no water could be found, whereon a messenger was sent to the works + at Islington, in order to turn on the cocks, so that much time was lost in + this manner. All through Sunday morning the flames extended far and wide, + and in a few hours three hundred houses were reduced to ashes. Not at + midday, nor yet at night, did they give promise of abatement. The strong + easterly wind continuing to blow, the conflagration worked its way to + Cannon Street, from thence gradually encompassing the dwellings which lay + between that thoroughfare and the Thames, till the whole seemed one vast + plain of raging fire. + </p> + <p> + The streets now presented a scene of the uttermost confusion and distress. + The affrighted citizens, whose dwellings were momentarily threatened with + destruction, hurried to and fro, striving to save those of their families + who by reason of infancy, age or illness were unable to help themselves. + Women on the eve of child-birth were carried from their beds; mothers with + infants clinging to their naked breasts fled from homes which would + shelter them no more; the decrepit were borne away on the shoulders of the + strong. The narrow thoroughfares were moreover obstructed by furniture + dragged from houses, or lowered from windows with a reckless speed that + oftentimes destroyed what it sought to preserve. Carts, drays, and horses + laden with merchandise jostled each other in their hurried way towards the + fields outside the city walls. Men young and vigorous crushed forward with + beds or trunks upon their backs; children laboured under the weight of + bundles, or rolled barrels of oil, wine, or spirits before them. And the + air, rendered suffocating by smoke and flame, was moreover confused by the + crackling of consuming timber, the thunder of falling walls, the crushing + of glass, the shrieks of women, and the imprecations of men. + </p> + <p> + And those who lived near the waterside, or in houses on the bridges, + hurried their goods and chattels into boats, barges, and lighters, in + which they likewise took refuge. For the destruction of wharfs and + warehouses, containing stores of most inflammable nature, was brief and + desperate. The Thames, now blood-red from reflection of the fierce sky, + was covered with craft of all imaginable shape and size. Showers of sparks + blown by the high wind fell into the water with hissing sounds, or on the + clothes and faces of the people with disastrous and painful effects; and + the smoke and heat were hard to bear. And it was remarked that flocks of + pigeons, which for generations had found shelter in the eaves and roofs of + wooden houses by the riverside, were loath to leave their habitations; and + probably fearing to venture afar by reason of the unwonted aspect of the + angry sky, lingered on the balconies and abutments of deserted houses, + until in some cases, the flames enwrapping them, they fell dead into the + waters below. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday evening Gracechurch Street was on fire; and the flames spread + onwards till they reached, and in their fury consumed, the Three Cranes in + the Vintry. Night came, but darkness had fled from the city; and for forty + miles round all was luminous. And there were many who in the crimson hue + of the heavens, beheld an evidence of God's wrath at the sins of the + nation, which it was now acknowledged were many and great. + </p> + <p> + Throughout Sunday night the fire grew apace, and those who, in the morning + had carried their belongings to parts of the city which they believed + would by distance ensure safety, were now obliged to move them afresh, the + devastation extending for miles. Therefore many were compelled to renew + their labours, thereby suffering further fatigue; and they now trusted to + no protection for their property save that which the open fields afforded. + Monday morning came and found the flames yet raging. Not only Gracechurch + Street, but Lombard Street, and part of Fenchurch street, were on fire. + Stately mansions, comfortable homes, warehouses of great name, banks of + vast wealth, were reduced to charred and blackened walls or heaps of + smoking ruins. Buildings had been pulled down, but now too late to render + service; for the insatiable fire, yet fed by a high wind, had everywhere + marched over the dried woodwork and mortar as it lay upon the ground, and + communicated itself to the next block of buildings; so that its + circumvention was regarded as almost an impossibility. + </p> + <p> + During Monday the flames attacked Cornhill, and then commenced to demolish + the Royal Exchange. Having once made an entrance in this stately building + it revelled in triumph; climbing up the walls, roaring along the courts + and galleries, and sending through the broken windows volleys of smoke and + showers of sparks, which threatened to suffocate and consume those who + approached. Then the roof fell with a mighty crash, which seemed for a + time to subdue the powerful conflagration; the walls cracked, parted, and + fell; statues of kings and queens were flung from their niches; and in a + couple of hours this building, which had been the pride and glory of + British Merchants, was a blackened ruin. + </p> + <p> + The citizens were now in a state of despair. Upwards of ten thousand + houses were in a blaze, the fire extending, according to Evelyn, two miles + in length and one in breadth, and the smoke reaching near fifty miles in + length. Mansions, churches, hospitals, halls, and schools crumbled into + dust as if at blighting touch of some most potent and diabolical magician. + Quite hopeless now of quenching the flames, bewildered by loss, and + overcome by terror, the citizens, abandoning themselves to despair, made + no further effort to conquer this inappeasable fire; but crying aloud in + their distraction, behaved as those who had lost their wits. The king and + the Duke of York, who on Sunday had viewed the conflagration from the + Thames, now alarmed at prospect of the whole capital being laid waste, + rode into the city, and by their presence, coolness and example roused the + people to fresh exertions. Accordingly, citizens and soldiers worked with + renewed energy and courage; whilst his majesty and his brother, the + courtiers and the lord mayor, mixed freely with the crowd, commanding and + directing them in their labours. + </p> + <p> + But now a new terror rose up amongst the citizens, for news spread that + the Dutch and French—with whom England was then at war—and + moreover the papists, whom the people then abhorred, had conspired to + destroy the capital. And the suddenness with which the flames had appeared + in various places, and the rapidity with which they spread, leading the + distracted inhabitants to favour this report, a strong desire for + immediate revenge took possession of their hearts. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly all foreigners were laid hold of, kicked, beaten, and abused + by infuriated mobs, from which they were rescued only to be flung into + prison. And this conduct was speedily extended to the catholics, even when + such were known to be faithful and well-approved good citizens. For though + at first it spread as a rumour, it was now received as a certainty that + they, in obedience to the wily and most wicked Jesuits, had determined to + lay waste an heretical city. Nor were there wanting many ready to bear + witness they had seen these dreaded papists fling fire-balls into houses + of honest citizens, and depart triumphing in their fiendish deeds. So that + when they ventured abroad they were beset by great multitudes, and their + lives were imperilled. And news of this distraction, which so forcibly + swayed the people, reaching the king, he speedily despatched the members + of his privy council to several quarters of the city, that in person they + might guard such of his subjects as stood in danger. + </p> + <p> + Lord Hollis and Lord Ashley were assigned Newgate Market and the streets + that lie around, as parts where they were to station themselves. And it + happened that riding near the former place they saw a vast number of + people gathered together, shouting with great violence, and badly using + one who stood in their midst. Whereon they hastened towards the spot and + found the ill-treated man to be of foreign aspect. Neither had he hat, + cloak, nor sword; his face was covered with blood, his jerkin was torn in + pieces, and his person was bedaubed by mud. And on examination it was + found he was unable to speak the English tongue; but Lord Hollis, entering + into conversation with him in the French language, ascertained that he was + a servant of the Portuguese ambassador, and knew not of what he was + accused, or why he had been maltreated. + </p> + <p> + Hereon a citizen of good standing pressed forward and alleged he had truly + seen this man put his hand in his pocket and throw a fire-ball into a + shop, upon which the house immediately took flame; whereon, being on the + other side of the street, he called aloud that the people might stop this + abominable villain. Then the citizens had seized upon him, taking away his + sword, and used him according to their will. My Lord Hollis explaining + this to the foreigner, he was overcome by amazement at the charge; and + when asked what he had thrown into the house, made answer he had not flung + anything. But he remembered well, whilst walking in the street, he saw a + piece of bread upon the ground, which he, as was the custom in his country + took up. Afterwards he laid it upon a shelf in a neighbouring house, which + being close by, my Lords Hollis and Ashley, followed by a dense crowd, + conducted him thither, and found the bread laid upon a board as he had + stated. It was noted the next house but one was on fire, and on inquiry it + was ascertained that the worthy citizen, seeing a foreigner place + something inside a shop without tarrying, and immediately after perceiving + a dwelling in flames, which in his haste he took to be the same, he had + charged the man with commission of this foul deed. But even though many + were convinced of his innocence, my Lord Hollis concluded the stranger's + life would be in safer keeping if he were committed to prison, which was + accordingly done. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the fire continued; and on Monday night and Tuesday raged with + increasing violence. The very heart of the city was now eaten into by this + insatiable monster: Soper Lane, Bread Street, Friday Street, Old Change, + and Cheapside being in one blaze. It was indeed a spectacle to fill all + beholding it with consternation; but that which followed was yet more + terrible, for already St. Paul's Cathedral was doomed to destruction. + </p> + <p> + Threatened on one side by the flames devastating Cheapside, and on the + other from those creeping steadily up from Blackfriars to this great + centre, it was now impossible to save the venerable church, which Evelyn + terms "one of the most ancient pieces of early Christian piety in the + world." Seen by this fierce light, and overhung by a crimson sky, every + curve of its dark outline, every stone of its pillars and abutments, every + column of its incomparable portico, stood clearly defined, so that never + had it looked so stately and magnificent, so vast and majestic, as now + when beheld for the last time. + </p> + <p> + Too speedily the fire advanced, watched by sorrowful eyes; but even before + it had reached the scaffolding now surrounding the building, the vaulted + roof, ignited by showers of sparks, burst into flames. Then followed a + scene unspeakably grand, yet melancholy beyond all telling. In a few + moments a pale yellow light had crept along the parapets, sending faint + clouds of smoke upwards, as if more forcibly marking the course of + destruction. Then came the crackling, hissing sounds of timber yielding to + the fire, and soon a great sheet of lead which covered the roof, and was + said to measure six acres, melting by degrees, down came on every side a + terrible rain of liquid fire that seamed and burned the ground, and + carried destruction with it in its swift course towards the Thames. + </p> + <p> + And now, by reason of the fearful heat, great projections of Portland + stone, cornices, and capitals of columns, flew off before the fire had + time to reach them. Windows melted in their frames, pillars fell to the + ground, ironwork bent as wax; nay, the very pavements around glowed so + that neither man nor horse dared tread upon them. And the flames, + gradually gaining ground, danced fantastically up and down the + scaffolding, and covered the edifice as with one blaze; whilst inside + transom beams were snapped asunder, rafters fell with destruction, and the + fire roaring through chapels and aisles as in a great furnace, could be + heard afar. And that which had been a Christian shrine was now, a smoking + ruin. + </p> + <p> + Raging onward in their fierce career, the flames darted towards such + buildings in the neighbourhood as had been previously untouched, so that + Paternoster Row, Newgate Street, the Old Bailey and Ludgate Hill were soon + in course of destruction. And from the latter spot the conflagration, + urged by the wind, rapidly rushed onwards towards Fleet Street. On the + other hand, it extended from Cheapside to Ironmongers' Lane, Old Jewry, + Lawrence Lane, Milk Street, Wood Street, Gutter Lane, and Foster Lane; and + again spreading from Newgate Street, it surrounded and destroyed Christ + Church, burned through St. Martin's-le-Grand towards Aldgate, and + threatened to continue its triumphant march to the suburbs. + </p> + <p> + For several miles nothing but raging fire and smoking ruins was visible, + for desolation had descended on the city. It was now feared the flames + would reach the Palace of Whitehall, and extend towards Westminster Abbey, + a consideration which caused much alarm to his majesty, who prized the + sacred fane exceedingly. And now the king was determined the orders he had + already issued should be obeyed, and that houses standing in direct path + of the fire should be demolished by gunpowder; so that, a greater gap + being effected than any previously made by pulling them down, the + conflagration might have no further material wherewith to strengthen and + feed its further progress. + </p> + <p> + This plan, Evelyn states, had been proposed by some stout seamen early + enough to have saved nearly the whole city; "but this some tenacious and + avaricious men, aldermen, etc., would not permit, because their houses + would have been the first." Now, however, this remedy was tried, and with + greater despatch, because the fire threatened the Tower and the powder + magazine it contained. And if the flames once reached this, London Bridge + would assuredly be destroyed, the vessels in the river torn and sunk, and + incalculable damage to life and property effected. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Tower Street, which had already become ignited, was, under + supervision of the king, blown up in part, and the fire happily brought to + an end by this means in that part of the town. Moreover, on Wednesday + morning the east wind, which had continued high from Sunday night, now + subsided, so that the flames lost much of their vehemence, and by means of + explosions were more easily mastered at Leadenhall and in Holborn, and + likewise at the Temple, to which places they had spread during Wednesday + and Thursday. + </p> + <p> + During these latter days, the king and the Duke of York betrayed great + vigilance, and laboured with vast activity; the latter especially, riding + from post to post, by his example inciting those whose courage had + deserted them, and by his determination overcoming destruction. On + Thursday the dread conflagration, after raging for five consecutive days + and nights, was at length conquered. + </p> + <p> + On Friday morning the sun rose like a ball of crimson fire above a scene + of blackness, ruin, and desolation. Whole streets were levelled to the + ground, piles of charred stones marked where stately churches had stood, + smoke rose in clouds from smouldering embers. With sorrowful hearts many + citizens traversed the scene of desolation that day; amongst others Pepys + and Evelyn. The latter recounts that "the ground and air, smoke and fiery + vapour, continu'd so intense, that my haire was almost sing'd, and my + feete unsuffurably surbated. The people who now walk'd about ye ruines + appear'd like men in some dismal desert, or rather in some greate citty + laid waste by a cruel enemy; to which was added that stench that came from + some poore creatures' bodies, beds, and other combustible goods." + </p> + <p> + It would have been impossible to trace the original course of the streets, + but that some gable, pinnacle, or portion of walls, of churches, halls, or + mansions, indicated where they had stood. The narrower thoroughfares were + completely blocked by rubbish; massive iron chains, then used to prevent + traffic at night in the streets, were melted, as were likewise iron gates + of prisons, and the hinges of strong doors. Goods stored away in cellars + and subterranean passages of warehouses yet smouldered, emitting foul + odours; wells were completely choked, fountains were dried at their + sources. The statues of monarchs which had adorned the Exchange, were + smashed; that of its founder, Sir Thomas Gresham, alone remaining entire. + The ruins of St. Paul's, with its walls standing black and cheerless, + presented in itself a most melancholy spectacle. Its pillars were embedded + in ashes, its cornices irretrievably destroyed, its great bell reduced to + a shapeless mass of metal; whilst its general air of desolation was + heightened by the fact that a few monuments, which had escaped + destruction, rose abruptly from amidst the charred DEBRIS. + </p> + <p> + But if the ruins of the capital looked sad by day, their appearance was + more appalling when seen by light of the moon, which rose nightly during + the week following this great calamity. From the city gates, standing + gaunt, black, and now unguarded, to the Temple, the level waste seemed + sombre as a funeral pall; whilst the Thames, stripped of wharves and + warehouses, quaintly gabled homes, and comfortable inns—wont to cast + pleasant lights and shadows on its surface—now swept past the + blackened ruins a melancholy river of white waters. + </p> + <p> + In St. George's Fields, Moorfields, and far as Highgate for several miles, + citizens of all degrees, to the number of two hundred thousand, had + gathered: sleeping in the open fields, or under canvas tents, or in wooden + sheds which they hurriedly erected. Some there were amongst them who had + been used to comfort and luxury, but who were now without bed or board, or + aught to cover them save the clothes in which they had hastily dressed + when fleeing from the fire. And to many it seemed as if they had only been + saved from one calamity to die by another: for they had nought wherewith + to satisfy their hunger, yet had too much pride to seek relief. + </p> + <p> + And whilst yet wildly distracted by their miserable situation, weary from + exhaustion, and nervous from lack of repose, a panic arose in their midst + which added much to their distress. For suddenly news was spread that the + French, Dutch and English papists were marching on them, prepared to cut + their throats. At which, broken-spirited as they were, they rose up, and + leaving such goods that they had saved, rushed towards Westminster to seek + protection from their imaginary foes. On this, the king sought to prove + the falsity of their alarm, and with infinite difficulty persuaded them to + return to the fields: whence he despatched troops of soldiers, whose + presence helped to calm their fears. + </p> + <p> + And the king having, moreover, tender compassion for their wants, speedily + sought to supply them. He therefore summoned a council that it might + devise means of relief; and as a result, it published a proclamation + ordering that bread and all other provisions, such as could be furnished, + should be daily and constantly brought, not only to the markets formerly + in use, but also to Clerkenwell, Islington, Finsbury Fields, Mile End + Green, and Ratcliffe, for greater convenience of the citizens. For those + who were unable to buy provisions, the king commanded the victualler of + his navy to send bread into Moorfields, and distribute it amongst them. + And as divers distressed people had saved some of their goods, of which + they knew not where to dispose, he ordered that churches, chapels, + schools, and such like places in and around Westminster, should be free + and open to receive and protect them. He likewise directed that all cities + and towns should, without contradiction or opposition, receive the + citizens and permit them free exercise of their manual labours: he + promising, when the present exigency had passed away, to take care the + said persons should be no burden to such towns as received them. + </p> + <p> + The people were therefore speedily relieved. Many of them found refuge + with their friends and relatives in the country, and others sought homes + in the districts of Westminster and Southwark: so that in four days from + the termination of the fire, there was scarce a person remaining in the + fields, where such numbers had taken refuge. + </p> + <p> + The first hardships consequent to the calamity having passed away, people + were anxious to trace the cause of their sufferings, which they were + unwilling to consider accidental. A rumour therefore sprang up, that the + great fire resulted from a wicked plot, hatched by Jesuits, for the + destruction of an heretical city. At this the king was sorely troubled; + for though there was no evidence which led him to place faith in the + report, yet a great body of the citizens and many members of his council + held it true. Therefore, in order to appease such doubts as arose in his + mind, and likewise to satisfy the people, he appointed his privy council + to sit morning and evening to inquire into the matter, and examine + evidences set forth against those who had been charged with the outrage + and cast into prison during the conflagration. + </p> + <p> + And in order that the investigation might be conducted with greater rigour + he sent into the country for the lord chief justice, who was dreaded by + all for his unflinching severity. The lord chancellor, in his account of + these transactions, assures us many of the witnesses who gave evidence + against those indicted with firing the capital "were produced as if their + testimony would remove all doubts, but made such senseless relations of + what they had been told, without knowing the condition of the persons who + told them, or where to find them, that it was a hard matter to forbear + smiling at their declarations." Amongst those examined was one Roger + Hubert, who accused himself of having deliberately set the city on fire. + This man, then in his twenty-fifth year, was son of a watchmaker residing + in Rouen. Hubert had practised the same trade both in that town and in + London, and was believed by his fellow workmen to be demented. When + brought before the chief justice and privy council, Hubert with great + coolness stated he had set the first house on fire: for which act he had + been paid a year previously in Paris. When asked who had hired him to + accomplish this evil deed, he replied he did not know, for he had never + seen the man before: and when further questioned regarding the sum he had + received, he declared it was but one pistole, but he had been promised + five pistoles more when he should have done his work. These ridiculous + answers, together with some contradictory statements he made, inclined + many persons, amongst whom was the chief justice, to doubt his confession. + Later on in his examinations, he was asked if he knew where the house had + stood which he set on fire, to which he replied in the affirmative, and on + being taken into the city, pointed out the spot correctly. + </p> + <p> + In the eyes of many this was regarded as proof of his guilt; though others + stated that, having lived in the city, he must necessarily become + acquainted with the position of the baker's shop. Opinion was therefore + somewhat divided regarding him. The chief justice told the king "that all + his discourse was so disjointed that he did not believe him guilty." Yet + having voluntarily accused himself of a monstrous deed, and being + determined as it seemed to rid himself of life, he was condemned to death + and speedily executed. + </p> + <p> + Lord Clarendon says: "Neither the judges nor any present at the trial did + believe him guilty; but that he was a poor distracted wretch, weary of his + life, and chose to part with it in this way. Certain it is that upon the + strictest examination that could be afterwards made by the king's command, + and then by the diligence of the House, that upon the jealousy and rumour + made a committee, that was very diligent and solicitous to make that + discovery, there was never any probable evidence (that poor creature's + only excepted) that there was any other cause of that woful fire than the + displeasure of God Almighty: the first accident of the beginning in a + baker's house, where there was so great a stock of faggots, and the + neighbourhood of such combustible matter, of pitch and rosin, and the + like, led it in an instant from house to house, through Thames Street, + with the agitation of so terrible a wind to scatter and disperse it." + </p> + <p> + But belief that the dreaded papists had set fire to the city, lingered in + the minds of many citizens. When the city was rebuilt, this opinion found + expression in an inscription cut over the doorway of a house opposite the + spot where the fire began, which ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Here, by the permission of heaven, hell broke loose on this protestant + city from the malicious hearts of barbarous papists, by the hand of their + agent Hubert, who confessed, and on the ruins of this place declared the + fact, for which he was hanged. Erected in the mayoralty of Sir Patience + Ward, Knight." + </p> + <p> + The loss caused by this dreadful conflagration was estimated at ten + million sterling. According to a certificate of Jonas Moore and Ralph + Gatrix, surveyors appointed to examine the ruins, the fire overrun 373 + acres within the walls, burning 13,200 houses, 89 parish churches, + numerous chapels, the Royal Exchange, Custom House, Guildhall, Blackwell + Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral, Bridewell, fifty-two halls of the city + companies, and three city gates. + </p> + <p> + As speedily as might be, the king and his parliament then sitting at + Oxford, sought to restore the city on a scale vastly superior to its + former condition. And the better to effect this object, an act of + parliament was passed that public buildings should be rebuilt with public + money, raised by a tax on coals; that the churches and the cathedral of + St. Paul's should be reconstructed from their foundations; that bridges, + gates and prisons should be built anew; the streets made straight and + regular, such as were steep made level, such as were narrow made wide; + and, moreover, that every house should be built with party walls, such + being of stone or brick, and all houses raised to equal height in front. + </p> + <p> + And these rules being observed, a stately and magnificent city rose + phoenix-like from ruins of the old; so that there was naught to remind the + inhabitants of their great calamity save the Monument. This, designed by + Sir Christopher Wren, and built at a cost of fourteen thousand five + hundred pounds, was erected near where the fire broke out, the better to + perpetuate a memory of this catastrophe in the minds of future + generations, which purpose it fulfils unto this day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The court repairs to Oxford.—Lady Castlemaine's son.—Their majesties + return to Whitehall.—The king quarrels with his mistress.—Miss Stuart + contemplates marriage.—Lady Castlemaine attempts revenge.—Charles + makes an unpleasant discovery.—The maid of honour elopes.—His majesty + rows down the Thames.—Lady Castlemaine's intrigues.—Fresh quarrels at + court.—The king on his knees. +</pre> + <p> + The while such calamities befell the citizens, the king continued to + divert himself in his usual fashion. On the 29th of June, 1665, whilst + death strode apace through the capital, reaping full harvests as he went, + their majesties left Whitehall for Hampton Court, From here they repaired + to Salisbury, and subsequently to Oxford, where Charles took up his + residence in Christchurch, and the queen at Merton College. + </p> + <p> + Removed from harrowing scenes of ghastliness and distress, the court made + merry. Joined by fair women and gallant men, their majesties played at + bowls and tennis in the grassy meads of the college grounds; rode abroad + in great hawking parties; sailed through summer days upon the smooth + waters of the river Isis; and by night held revelry in the massive-beamed + oak-panelled halls, from which scarce five-score candles served to chase + all gloom. + </p> + <p> + It happened whilst life thus happily passed, at pleasant full-tide flow, + my Lady Castlemaine, who resided in the same college with her majesty, + gave birth on the 28th of December to another son, duly baptized George + Fitzroy, and subsequently created Duke of Northumberland. By this time, + the plague having subsided in the capital, and all danger of infection + passed away, his majesty was anxious to reach London, yet loth to leave + his mistress, whom he visited every morning, and to whom he exhibited the + uttermost tenderness. And his tardiness to return becoming displeasing to + the citizens, and they being aware of its cause, it was whispered in + taverns and cried in the streets, "The king cannot go away till my Lady + Castlemaine be ready to come along with him," which truth was found + offensive on reaching the royal ears. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of January, 1666, he returned to Whitehall, and a month + later the queen, who had been detained by illness, joined him. Once more + the thread of life was taken up by the court at the point where it had + been broken, and woven into the motley web of its strange history. + Unwearied by time, unsatiated by familiarity, the king continued his + intrigue with the imperious Castlemaine, and with great longing likewise + made love to the beautiful Stuart. But yet his pursuit of pleasure was not + always attended by happiness; inasmuch as he found himself continually + involved in quarrels with the countess, which in turn covered him with + ridicule in the eyes of his courtiers, and earned him contempt in the + opinions of his subjects. + </p> + <p> + One of these disturbances, which occurred soon after his return from + Oxford, began at a royal drawing-room, in presence of the poor slighted + queen and ladies of the court. It happened in the course of conversation + her majesty remarked to the countess she feared the king had taken cold by + staying so late at her lodgings; to which speech my Lady Castlemaine with + some show of temper answered aloud, "he did not stay so late abroad with + her, for he went betimes thence, though he do not before one, two, or + three in the morning, but must stay somewhere else." The king, who had + entered the apartment whilst she was speaking, came up to her, and + displeased with the insinuations she expressed, declared she was a bold, + impertinent woman, and bade her begone from the court, and not return + until he sent for her. Accordingly she whisked from the drawing-room, and + drove at once to Pall Mall, where she hired apartments. + </p> + <p> + Her indignation at being addressed by Charles in such a manner before the + court, was sufficiently great to beget strong desires for revenge; when + she swore she would be even with him and print his letters to her for + public sport. In cooler moments, however, she abandoned this idea; and in + course of two or three days, not hearing from his majesty, she despatched + a message to him, not entreating pardon, but asking permission to send for + her furniture and belongings. To this the monarch, who had begun to miss + her presence and long for her return, replied she must first come and view + them; and then impatient for reconciliation, he sought her, and they + became friends once more. And by way of sealing the bond of pacification, + the king soon after agreed to pay her debts, amounting to the sum of + thirty thousand pounds, which had been largely incurred by presents + bestowed by her upon her lovers. + </p> + <p> + His majesty was not only rendered miserable by the constant caprices and + violent temper of the countess, but likewise by the virtue and coldness + Miss Stuart betrayed since her return from Oxford. The monarch was sorely + troubled to account for her bearing, and attributing it to jealousy, + sought to soothe her supposed uneasiness by increasing his chivalrous + attentions. Her change of behaviour, however, proceeded from another + cause. The fair Stuart, though childlike in manner, was shrewd at heart; + and was moreover guided invariably by her mother, a lady who reaped wisdom + from familiarity with courts. Therefore the maid of honour, seeing she had + given the world occasion to think she had lost her virtue, declared she + was ready to "marry any gentleman of fifteen hundred a year that would + have her in honour." + </p> + <p> + This determination she was obliged to keep-secret from the king, lest his + anger should fall upon such as sought her, and so interfere with her + matrimonial prospects. Now with such intentions in her mind she pondered + well on an event which had happened to her, such as no woman who has had + like experience ever forgets; namely, that amongst the many who professed + to love her, one had proposed to marry her. This was Charles Stuart, + fourth Duke of Richmond, a man possessed of neither physical gifts nor + mental abilities; who was, moreover, a widower, and a sot. + </p> + <p> + However, the position which her union with him would ensure was all she + could desire, and he renewing his suit at this time, she consequently + consented to marry him. Now though it was probable she could keep her + design from knowledge of her royal lover, it was scarcely possible she + could hide it from observation of his mistress. And the latter, knowing + the extent to which fair Frances Stuart shared his majesty's heart, and + being likewise aware of the coldness with which his protestations were by + her received, scorned the king and detested the maid. Lady Castlemaine + therefore resolved to use her knowledge of Miss Stuart's contemplated + marriage, for purpose of enraging the jealousy of the one, and destroying + the influence of the other. In order to accomplish such desirable ends she + quietly awaited her opportunity. This came in due time. + </p> + <p> + It happened one evening when his majesty had been visiting Frances Stuart + in her apartments, and had returned to his own in a condition of + ill-humour and disappointment, the countess, who had been some days out of + favour, suddenly presented herself before him, and in a bantering tone, + accompanied by ironical smiles, addressed him. + </p> + <p> + "I hope," said she, "I may be allowed to pay you my homage, although the + angelic Stuart has forbidden you to see me at my own house. I will not + make use of reproaches and expostulations which would disgrace myself; + still less will I endeavour to excuse frailties which nothing can justify, + since your constancy for me deprives me of all defence, considering I am + the only person you have honoured with your tenderness, who has made + herself unworthy of it by ill-conduct. I come now, therefore, with no + other intent than to comfort and condole with you upon the affliction and + grief into which the coldness or new-fashioned chastity of the inhuman + Stuart has reduced your majesty." + </p> + <p> + Having delivered herself of this speech she laughed loud and heartily, as + if vastly amused at the tenour of her words; and then before the impatient + monarch had time to reply, continued in the same tone, with quickening + breath and flashing eyes, "Be not offended that I take the liberty of + laughing at the gross manner in which you are imposed upon; I cannot bear + to see that such particular affection should make you the jest of your own + court, and that you should be ridiculed with such impunity. I know that + the affected Stuart has sent you away under pretence of some + indisposition, or perhaps some scruple of conscience; and I come to + acquaint you that the Duke of Richmond will soon be with her, if he is not + there already. I do not desire you to believe what I say, since it might + be suggested either through resentment or envy. Only follow me to her + apartment, either that, no longer trusting calumny and malice you may + honour her with a just preference, if I accuse her falsely; or, if my + information be true, you may no longer be the dupe of a pretended prude, + who makes you act so unbecoming and ridiculous a part." + </p> + <p> + The king, overwhelmed with astonishment, was irresolute in action; but + Lady Castlemaine, determined on not being deprived of her anticipated + triumph, took him by the hand and forcibly pulled him towards Miss + Stuart's apartments. The maid of honour's servants, surprised at his + majesty's return, were unable to warn their mistress without his + knowledge; whilst one of them, in pay of the countess, found means of + secretly intimating to her that the Duke of Richmond was already in Miss + Stuart's chamber. Lady Castlemaine, having with an air of exultation led + the king down the gallery from his apartments to the threshold of Miss + Stuart's door, made him a low courtesy savouring more of irony than + homage, bade him good-night, and with a subtle smile promptly retired. + </p> + <p> + The scene which followed is best painted by Hamilton's pen. "It was near + midnight; the king on his way met the chambermaids, who respectfully + opposed his entrance, and, in a very low voice, whispered his majesty that + Miss Stuart had been very ill since he left her; but that being gone to + bed, she was, God be thanked, in a very fine sleep. 'That I must see,' + said the king, pushing her back, who had posted herself in his way. He + found Miss Stuart in bed, indeed, but far from being asleep; the Duke of + Richmond was seated at her pillow, and in all probability was less + inclined to sleep than herself. The perplexity of the one party, and the + rage of the other, were such as may easily be imagined upon such a + surprise. The king, who of all men was one of the most mild and gentle, + testified his resentment to the Duke of Richmond in such terms as he had + never before used. The duke was speechless and almost petrified; he saw + his master and his king justly irritated. The first transports which rage + inspires on such occasions are dangerous. Miss Stuart's window was very + convenient for a sudden revenge, the Thames flowing close beneath it; he + cast his eyes upon it, and seeing those of the king more incensed than + fired with indignation than he thought his nature capable of, he made a + profound bow, and retired without replying a single word to the vast + torrent of threats and menaces that were poured upon him. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Stuart having a little recovered from her first surprise, instead of + justifying herself, began to talk in the most extravagant manner, and said + everything that was most capable to inflame the king's passion and + resentment: that if she were not allowed to receive visits from a man of + the Duke of Richmond's rank, who came with honourable intentions, she was + a slave in a free country; that she knew of no engagement that could + prevent her from disposing of her hand as she thought proper; but, + however, if this were not permitted her in his dominions, she did not + believe that there was any power on earth that could hinder her from going + over to France, and throwing herself into a Convent, to enjoy there that + tranquillity which was denied her in his court. The king, sometimes + furious with anger, sometimes relenting at her tears, and sometimes + terrified at her menaces, was so greatly agitated that he knew not how to + answer either the nicety of a creature who wanted to act the part of + Lucretia under his own eye, or the assurance with which she had the + effrontery to reproach him. In this suspense love had almost entirely + vanquished all his resentments, and had nearly induced him to throw + himself upon his knees, and entreat pardon for the injury he had done her, + when she desired him to retire, and leave her in repose, at least for the + remainder of that night, without offending those who had either + accompanied him, or conducted him to her apartments, by a longer visit. + This impertinent request provoked and irritated him to the highest degree: + he went out abruptly, vowing never to see her more, and passed the most + restless and uneasy night he had ever experienced since his restoration." + </p> + <p> + Next morning, his majesty sent orders to the Duke of Richmond to quit the + court, and never appear again in his presence. His grace, however, stayed + not to receive this message, having betaken himself with all possible + speed into the country. Miss Stuart, who likewise feared the king's + resentment, hastened to the queen, and throwing herself at her majesty's + feet, entreated forgiveness for the pain and uneasiness she had caused her + in the past, and besought her care and protection in the future. + </p> + <p> + She then laid bare her intentions of marrying the Duke of Richmond, who + had loved her long, and was anxious to wed her soon; but since the + discovery of his addresses had caused his banishment, and created + disturbances prejudicial to her good name, she begged the queen would + obtain his majesty's consent to her retiring from the vexations of a court + to the tranquillity of a convent. The queen raised her up, mingled her + tears with those of the troubled maid, and promised to use her endeavours + towards averting the king's displeasure. + </p> + <p> + On consideration, however, the fair Stuart did not wait to hear his + majesty's reproaches, or receive his entreaties; for the duke, being + impatient to gain his promised bride, quietly returned to town, and + secretly communicated with her. It was therefore agreed between them she + should steal away from the palace, meet him at the "Bear at the Bridge + Foot," situated on the Southwark side of the river, where he would have a + coach awaiting her, in order they might ride away to his residence at + Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, and then be legally and happily united in the + holy bonds of matrimony. And all fell out as had been arranged: the time + being the month of March, 1667. + </p> + <p> + Now when the king discovered her flight, his anger knew no bounds, though + it sought relief in uttering many violent threats against the duke, and in + sending word to the duchess he would see her no more. In answer to this + message, she, with some show of spirit, returned him the jewels he had + given her, principal amongst which were a necklace of pearls, valued at + over a thousand pounds, and a pair of diamond pendants of rare lustre. + </p> + <p> + Neither she nor her husband paid much heed to the royal menaces, for + before a year elapsed they both returned to town, and took up their + residence at Somerset House. Here, as Pepys records, she kept a great + court, "she being visited for her beauty's sake by people, as the queen is + at nights: and they say also she is likely to go to court again and there + put my Lady Castlemaine's nose out of joint. God knows that would make a + great turn." But to such proposals as were made regarding her return to + Whitehall, her husband would not pay heed, and she therefore remained a + stranger to its drawing-rooms for some time longer. And when two years + later she appeared there, her beauty had lost much of its famed lustre, + for meantime she was overtaken by smallpox, a scourge ever prevalent in + the capital. During her illness the king paid her several visits, and was + sorely grieved that the loveliness he so much prized should be marred by + foul disease. But on her recovery, the disfigurement she suffered scarce + lessened his admiration, and by no means abated his love; which seemed to + have gained fresh force from the fact of its being interrupted awhile. + </p> + <p> + This soon became perceptible to all, and rumour whispered that the young + duchess would shortly return to Whitehall in a position which she had + declined before marriage. And amongst other stories concerning the king's + love for her, it was common talk that one fair evening in May, when he had + ordered his coach to be ready that he might take an airing in the park, + he, on a sudden impulse, ran down the broad steps leading from his palace + gardens to the riverside. Here, entering a boat alone, he rowed himself + adown the placid river now crossed by early shadows, until he came to + Somerset House, where his lady-love dwelt; and finding the garden-door + locked, he, in his impatience to be with her, clambered over the wall and + sought her. Two months after the occurrence of this incident, the young + duchess was appointed a lady of the bedchamber to the queen, and therefore + had apartments at Whitehall. There was little doubt now entertained she + any longer rejected his majesty's love; and in order to remove all + uncertainties on the point which might arise in her husband's mind, the + king one night, when he had taken over much wine, boasted to the duke of + her complaisancy. Lord Dartmouth, who tells this story, says this happened + "at Lord Townshend's, in Norfolk, as my uncle told me, who was present." + Soon after his grace accepted an honourable exile as ambassador to + Denmark, in which country he died. + </p> + <p> + During the absence of the Duchess of Richmond, my Lady Castlemaine, then + in the uninterrupted possession of power, led his majesty a sorry life. + Her influence, indeed, seemed to increase with time, until her victim + became a laughing-stock to the heartless, and an object of pity to the + wise. Mr. Povy, whose office as a member of the Tangier Commission brought + him into continual contact with the court, and whose love of gossip made + him observant of all that passed around him, in telling of "the horrid + effeminacy of the king," said that "upon any falling out between my Lady + Castlemaine's nurse and her woman, my lady hath often said she would make + the king make them friends, and they would be friends and be quiet—which + the king had been fain to do." Nor did such condescension on his majesty's + part incline his mistress to treat him with more respect; for in the + quarrels which now became frequent betwixt them she was wont to term him a + fool, in reply to the kingly assertion that she was a jade. + </p> + <p> + The disturbances which troubled the court were principally caused by her + infidelities to him, and his subsequent jealousies of her. Chief among + those who shared her intrigues at this time was Harry Jermyn, with whom + she renewed her intimacy from time to time, without the knowledge of his + majesty. The risks she frequently encountered in pursuit of her amours + abounded in comedy. Speaking of Harry Jermyn, Pepys tells us the king "had + like to have taken him abed with her, but that he was fain to creep under + the bed into the closet." It being now rumoured that Jermyn was about to + wed my Lady Falmouth, the countess's love for one whom she might for ever + lose received a fresh impulse, which made her reckless of concealment. The + knowledge of her passion, therefore, coming to Charles's ears, a bitter + feud sprang up between them, during which violent threats and abusive + language were freely exchanged. + </p> + <p> + At this time my lady was far gone with child, a fact that soon came + bubbling up to the angry surface of their discourse; for the king avowed + he would not own it as his offspring. On hearing this, her passion became + violent beyond all decent bounds. "God damn me, but you shall own it!" + said she, her cheeks all crimson and her eyes afire; and moreover she + added, "she should have it christened in the Chapel Royal, and owned as + his, or otherwise she would bring it to the gallery in Whitehall, and dash + its brains out before his face." + </p> + <p> + After she had hectored him almost out of his wits, she fled in a state of + wild excitement from the palace, and took up her abode at the residence of + Sir Daniel Harvey, the ranger of Richmond Park. News of this scene spread + rapidly through the court, and was subsequently discussed in the + coffee-houses and taverns all over the town, where great freedom was made + with the lady's name, and great sport of the king's passion. And now it + was said the monarch had parted with his mistress for ever, concerning + which there was much rejoicement and some doubt. For notwithstanding the + king had passed his word to this effect, yet it was known though his + spirit was willing his flesh was weak. Indeed, three days had scarcely + passed when, mindful of her temper, he began to think his words had been + harsh, and, conscious of her power, he concluded his vows had been rash. + He therefore sought her once more, but found she was not inclined to + relent, until, as Pepys was assured, this monarch of most feeble spirit, + this lover of most ardent temper, "sought her forgiveness upon his knees, + and promised to offend her no more." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The kingdom in peril.—The chancellor falls under his majesty's + displeasure.—The Duke of Buckingham's mimicry.—Lady Castlemaine's + malice.—Lord Clarendon's fall.—The Duke of Ormond offends the royal + favourite.—She covers him with abuse.—Plots against the Duke of + York.—Schemes for a royal divorce.—Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn.—The + king and the comedian.—Lady Castlemaine abandons herself to great + disorders.—Young Jack Spencer.—The countess intrigues with an + acrobat.—Talk of the town.—The mistress created a duchess. +</pre> + <p> + At this time the kingdom stood in uttermost danger, being brought to that + condition by his majesty's negligence towards its concerns. The peril was, + moreover, heightened from the fact of the king being impatient to rid + himself of those who had the nation's credit at heart, and sought to + uphold its interests. To this end he was led in part by his own + inclinations, and furthermore by his friends' solicitations. Foremost + amongst those with whose services he was anxious to dispense, were the + chancellor, my Lord Clarendon, and the lord lieutenant of Ireland, his + grace the Duke of Ormond. + </p> + <p> + The king's displeasure against these men, who had served his father + loyally, himself faithfully, and their country honestly, was instigated + through hatred borne them by my Lady Castlemaine. From the first both had + bewailed the monarch's connection with her, and the evil influence she + exercised over him. Accordingly, after the pattern of honest men, they had + set their faces against her. + </p> + <p> + Not only, as has already been stated, would the chancellor refuse to let + any document bearing her name pass the great seal, but he had often + prevailed with the king to alter resolutions she had persuaded him to + form. And moreover had his lordship sinned in her eyes by forbidding his + wife to visit or hold intercourse with her. These were sufficient reasons + to arouse the hatred and procure the revenge of this malicious woman, who + was now virtually at the head of the kingdom. For awhile, however, + Charles, mindful of the services the chancellor had rendered him, was + unwilling to thrust him from his high place. But as time sped, and the + machinations of a clique of courtiers in league with the countess were + added to her influence, the chancellor's power wavered. And finally, when + he was suspected of stepping between his majesty and his unlawful + pleasures—concerning which more shall be said anon—he fell. + </p> + <p> + At the head and front of the body which plotted against Lord Clarendon, + pandered to Lady Castlemaine, and, for its own purposes—politically + and socially—sought to control the king, was his grace the Duke of + Buckingham. This witty courtier and his friends, when assembled round the + pleasant supper table spread in the countess's apartments, and honoured + almost nightly by the presence of the king, delighted to vent the force of + their humour upon the chancellor, and criticize his influence over the + monarch until Charles smarted from their words. In the height of their + mirth, if his majesty declared he would go a journey, walk in a certain + direction, or perform some trivial action next day, those around him would + lay a wager he would not fulfil his intentions; and when asked why they + had arrived at such conclusions, they would reply, because the chancellor + would not permit him. On this another would remark with mock gravity, he + thought there were no grounds for such an imputation, though, indeed, he + could not deny it was universally believed abroad his majesty was + implicitly governed by Lord Clarendon. The king, being keenly sensitive to + remarks doubting his authority, and most desirous of appearing his own + master, would exclaim on such occasions that the chancellor "had served + him long, and understood his business, in which he trusted him; but in any + other matter than his business, he had no more credit with him than any + other man." And presently the Duke of Buckingham—who possessed + talents of mimicry to a surpassing degree—would arise, and, screwing + his face into ridiculous contortions, and shaking his wig in a manner that + burlesqued wisdom to perfection, deliver some ludicrous speech brimming + with mirth and indecencies, assuming the grave air and stately manner of + the chancellor the while. And finally, to make the caricature perfect, Tom + Killigrew, hanging a pair of bellows before him by way of purse, and + preceded by a friend carrying a fireshovel to represent a mace, would walk + round the room with the slow determined tread peculiar to Lord Clarendon. + At these performances the king, his mistress, and his courtiers would + laugh loud and long in chorus, with which was mingled sounds of chinking + glasses and flowing wine. ["Came my lord chancellor (the Earl of + Clarendon) and his lady, his purse and mace borne before him, to visit me"—Evelyn's + "Diary."] + </p> + <p> + In this manner was the old man's power undermined; but a circumstance + which hastened his fall occurred in the early part of 1667. In that year + Lady Castlemaine had, for a valuable consideration, disposed of a place at + court, which ensured the purchaser a goodly salary. However, before the + bargain could finally be ratified, it was necessary the appointment should + pass the great seal. This the chancellor would not permit, and accompanied + his refusal by remarking, "he thought this woman would sell every thing + shortly." His speech being repeated to her, she, in great rage, sent him + word she "had disposed of this place, and had no doubt in a little time to + dispose of his." And so great was the malice she bore him, that she railed + against him openly and in all places; nor did she scruple to declare in + the queen's chamber, in the presence of much company, "that she hoped to + see his head upon a stake, to keep company with those of the regicides on + Westminster Hall." + </p> + <p> + And some political movements now arising, the history of which lies not + within the province of this work, the king seized upon them as an excuse + for parting with his chancellor. The monarch complained that my Lord + Clarendon "was so imperious that he would endure no contradiction; that he + had a faction in the House of Commons that opposed everything that + concerned his majesty's service, if it were not recommended to them by + him; and that he had given him very ill advice concerning the parliament, + which offended him most." + </p> + <p> + Therefore there were rumours in the air that the chancellor's fall was + imminent; nor were the efforts of his son-in-law, the Duke of York, able + to protect him, for the friends of my Lady Castlemaine openly told his + majesty "it would not consist with his majesty's honour to be hectored out + of his determination to dismiss the chancellor by his brother, who was + wrought upon by his wife's crying." It therefore happened on the 26th of + August, 1667, as early as ten o'clock in the morning, Lord Clarendon + waited at Whitehall on the king, who presently, accompanied by his + brother, received him with characteristic graciousness. Whereon the old + man, acknowledging the monarch's courtesy, said he "had no suit to make to + him, nor the least thought to dispute with him, or to divert him from the + resolution he had taken; but only to receive his determination from + himself, and most humbly to beseech him to let him know what fault he had + committed, that had drawn this severity upon him from his majesty." + </p> + <p> + In answer to this Charles said he must always acknowledge "he had served + him honestly and faithfully, and that he did believe never king had a + better servant; that he had taken this resolution for his good and + preservation, as well as for his own convenience and security; that he was + sorry the business had taken so much air, and was so publicly spoken of, + that he knew not how to change his purpose." To these words of fair + seeming the troubled chancellor replied by doubting if the sudden + dismissal of an old servant who had served the crown full thirty years, + without any suggestion of crime, but rather with a declaration of + innocence, would not call his majesty's justice and good nature into + question. He added that men would not know how to serve him, when they + should see it was in the power of three or four persons who had never done + him any notable service to dispose him to ungracious acts. And finally, he + made bold to cast some reflections upon my Lady Castlemaine, and give his + majesty certain warnings regarding her influence. + </p> + <p> + At this the king, not being well pleased, rose up, and the interview, + which had lasted two hours, terminated. Lord Clarendon tells us so much + concerning his memorable visit, to which Pepys adds a vivid vignette + picture of his departure. When my lord passed from his majesty's presence + into the privy garden, my Lady Castlemaine, who up to that time had been + in bed, "ran out in her smock into her aviary looking into Whitehall—and + thither her woman brought her nightgown—and stood joying herself at + the old man's going away; and several of the gallants of Whitehall, of + which there were many staying to see the chancellor return, did talk to + her in her birdcage—among others Blaneford, telling her she was the + bird of paradise." + </p> + <p> + A few days after this occurrence the king sent Secretary Morrice to the + chancellor's house, with a warrant under a sign manual to require and + receive the great seal. This Lord Clarendon at once delivered him with + many expressions of duty which he bade the messenger likewise convey his + majesty. And no sooner had Morrice handed the seals to the king, than + Baptist May, keeper of the privy purse, and friend of my Lady Castlemaine, + sought the monarch, and falling upon his knees, kissed his hand and + congratulated him on his riddance of the chancellor. "For now." said he, + availing himself of the liberty Charles permitted his friends, "you will + be king—what you have never been before." Finally, the chancellor + was, through influence of his enemies, impeached in the House of Commons; + and to such length did they pursue him, that he was banished the kingdom + by act of parliament. + </p> + <p> + His grace the Duke of Ormond was the next minister whom my Lady + Castlemaine, in the strength of her evil influence, sought to undermine. + By reason of an integrity rendering him too loyal to the king to pander to + his majesty's mistress, he incurred her displeasure in many ways; but + especially by refusing to gratify her cupidity. It happened she had + obtained from his majesty a warrant granting her the Phoenix Park, Dublin, + and the mansion situated therein, which had always been placed at service + of the lords lieutenants, and was the only summer residence at their + disposal. The duke, therefore, boldly refusing to pass the warrant, + stopped the grant. [According to O'Connor's "Bibliotheca Stowensis," Lady + Castlemaine soon after received a grant of a thousand pounds per annum in + compensation for her loss of Phoenix Park.] This so enraged the countess, + that soon after, when his grace returned to England, she, on meeting him + in one of the apartments in Whitehall, greeted him with a torrent of + abusive language and bitter reproaches, such as the rancour of her heart + could suggest, or the license of her tongue utter, and concluded by hoping + she might live to see him hanged. The duke heard her with the uttermost + calmness, and when she had exhausted her abusive vocabulary quietly + replied, "Madam, I am not in so much haste to put an end to your days; for + all I wish with regard to you is, that I may live to see you grow old." + And, bowing low, the fine old soldier left her presence. It may be added, + though the duke was deprived of the lord lieutenancy, the countess's pious + wish regarding him was never fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + It now occurred to those who had relentlessly persecuted the chancellor, + that though they were safe as long as Charles reigned, his death would + certainly place them in peril. For they sufficiently knew the Duke of + York's character to be aware when he ascended the throne he would + certainly avenge the wrongs suffered by his father-in-law. Accordingly + these men, prominent amongst whom were the Duke of Buckingham, Sir Thomas + Clifford, Lords Arlington, Lauderdale, and Ashley, and Baptist May, + resolved to devise means which would prevent the Duke of York ever + attaining the power of sovereignty. Therefore scarce a year had gone by + since Lord Clarendon's downfall, ere rumours were spread abroad that his + majesty was about to put away the queen, This was to be effected, it was + said, by the king's acknowledgment of a previous marriage with Lucy + Walters, mother of the Duke of Monmouth, or by obtaining a divorce on + ground of her majesty's barrenness. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Buckingham, who was prime mover in this plot, aware of the + king's pride in, and fondness for the Duke of Monmouth, favoured the + scheme of his majesty's admission of a marriage previous to that which + united him with Catherine of Braganza. And according to Burnet, Buckingham + undertook to procure witnesses who would swear they had been present at + the ceremony which united him with the abandoned Lucy Walters. Moreover, + the Earl of Carlisle, who likewise favoured the contrivance, offered to + bring this subject before the House of Lords. However, the king would not + consent to trifle with the succession in this vile manner, and the idea + was promptly abandoned. But though the project was unsuccessful, it was + subsequently the cause of many evils; for the chances of sovereignty, + flashing before the eyes of the Duke of Monmouth, dazzled him with hopes, + in striving to realize which, he, during the succeeding reign, steeped the + country in civil warfare, and lost his head. + </p> + <p> + The king's friends, ever active for evil, now sought other methods by + which he might rid himself of the woman who loved him well, and therefore + be enabled to marry again, when, it was trusted, he would have heirs to + the crown. It was suggested his union might, through lack of some + formality, be proved illegal; but as this could not be effected without + open violation of truth and justice, it was likewise forsaken. The Duke of + Buckingham now besought his majesty that he would order a bill to divorce + himself from the queen to be brought into the House of Commons. The king + gave his consent to the suggestion, and the affair proceeded so far that a + date was fixed upon for the motion. However, three days previous, Charles + called Baptist May aside, and told him the matter must be discontinued. + </p> + <p> + But even yet my Lord Buckingham did not despair of gaining his wishes. + And, being qualified by his character for the commission of abominable + deeds, and fitted by his experience for undertaking adventurous schemes, + he proposed to his majesty, as Burnet states, that he would give him leave + to abduct the queen, and send her out of the kingdom to a plantation, + where she should be well and carefully looked to, but never heard of more. + Then it could be given out she had deserted him, upon which grounds he + might readily obtain a divorce. But the king, though he permitted such a + proposal to be made him, contemplated it with horror, declaring "it was a + wicked thing to make a poor lady miserable only because she was his wife + and had no children by him, which was no fault of hers." + </p> + <p> + Ultimately these various schemes resolved themselves into a proposition + which Charles sanctioned. This was that the queen's confessor should + persuade her to leave the world, and embrace a religious life. Whether + this suggestion was ever made to her majesty is unknown, for the Countess + of Castlemaine, hearing of these schemes, and foreseeing she would be the + first sacrificed to a new queen's jealousy, opposed them with such vigour + that they fell to the ground and were heard of no more. The fact was, the + king took no active part in these designs, not being anxious, now the + Duchess of Richmond had accepted his love, to unite himself with another + wife. Whilst her grace had been unmarried, the idea had indeed occurred to + him of seeking a divorce that he might be free to lay his crown at the + feet of the maid of honour. And with such a view in mind he had consulted + Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, as to whether the Church of England + "would allow of a divorce, when both parties were consenting, and one of + them lay under a natural incapacity of having children." Before answering + a question on which so much depended, the archbishop requested time for + consideration, which, with many injunctions to secrecy, was allowed him. + "But," says Lord Dartmouth, who vouches for truth of this statement, "the + Duke of Richmond's clandestine marriage, before he had given an answer, + made the king suspect he had revealed the secret to Clarendon, whose + creature Sheldon was known to be; and this was the true secret of + Clarendon's disgrace." For the king, believing the chancellor had aided + the duke in his secret marriage, in order to prevent his majesty's union + with Miss Stuart, and the presumable exclusion of the Duke and Duchess of + York and their children from the throne, never forgave him. + </p> + <p> + Though the subject of the royal divorce was no longer mentioned, the + disturbances springing from it were far from ended; for the Duke of + Buckingham, incensed at Lady Castlemaine's interference, openly quarrelled + with her, abused her roundly, and swore he would remove the king from her + power. To this end he therefore employed his talents, and with such tact + and assiduity that he ultimately fulfilled his menaces. The first step he + took towards accomplishing his desires, was to introduce two players to + his majesty, named respectively Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn. + </p> + <p> + The former, a member of the Duke of York's troupe of performers, could + boast of goodly lineage, though not of legitimate birth, her father being + Thomas Howard, first Earl of Berkshire. She had, early in the year 1667, + made her first appearance at the playhouse, and had by her comely face and + shapely figure challenged the admiration of the town. Her winsome ways, + pleasant voice, and graceful dancing soon made her a favourite with the + courtiers, who voted her an excellent wench; though some of her own sex, + judging harshly of her, as is their wont towards each other, declared her + "the most impertinent slut in the world." + </p> + <p> + Now the Duke of Buckingham knowing her well, it seemed to him no woman was + more suited to fulfil his purpose of thwarting the countess; for if he + succeeded in awaking the king's passion for the comedian, such a + proceeding would not only arouse my lady's jealousy, but likewise humble + her pride. Therefore, when this court Mephistopheles accompanied his + majesty to the playhouse, he was careful to dwell on Moll Davis's various + charms, the excellency of her figure, the beauty of her face, the piquancy + of her manner. So impressed was the monarch by Buckingham's descriptions, + that he soon became susceptible to her fascinations. The amour once begun + was speedily pursued; and she was soon enabled to boast, in presence of + the players, that the king—whose generosity was great to fallen + women—had given her a ring valued at seven hundred pounds, and was + about to take, and furnish most richly, a house in Suffolk Street for her + benefit and abode. Pepys heard this news in the first month of the year + 1668; and soon afterwards a further rumour reached him that she was + veritably the king's mistress, "even to the scorn of the world." + </p> + <p> + This intrigue affected Lady Castlemaine in a manner which the Duke of + Buckingham had not expected. Whilst sitting beside Charles in the + playhouse, she noticed his attention was riveted upon her rival, when she + became melancholy and out of humour, in which condition she remained some + days. But presently rallying her spirits, she soon found means to divert + her mind and avenge her wrongs, of which more shall be recorded hereafter. + Meanwhile, the poor queen, whose feelings neither the king nor his + courtiers took into consideration, bore this fresh insult with such + patience as she could summon to her aid, on one occasion only protesting + against her husband's connection with the player. This happened when the + Duke of York's troupe performed in Whitehall the tragedy of "Horace," + "written by the virtuous Mrs. Phillips." The courtiers assembled on this + occasion presented a brilliant and goodly sight. Evelyn tells us "the + excessive gallantry of the ladies was infinite, those jewels especially on + Lady Castlemaine esteemed at forty thousand pounds and more, far + outshining ye queene." Between each act of the tradgedy a masque and + antique dance was performed. When Moll Davis appeared, her majesty, + turning pale from sickness of heart, and trembling from indignation at the + glaring insult thrust upon her, arose and left the apartment boisterous + with revelry, where she had sat a solitary sad figure in its midst. As a + result of her intimacy with the king, Moll Davis bore him a daughter, who + subsequently became Lady Derwentwater. But the Duke of Buckingham's + revenge upon my Lady Castlemaine was yet but half complete; and therefore + whilst the monarch carried on his intrigue with Moll Davis, his grace, + enlarging upon the wit and excellency of Nell Gwynn, besought his majesty + to send for her. This request the king complied with readily enough, and + she was accordingly soon added to the list of his mistresses. Nell Gwynn, + who was at this period in her eighteenth year, had joined the company of + players at the king's house, about the same time as Moll Davis had united + her fortunes with the Duke of York's comedians. Her time upon the stage + was, however, but of brief duration; for my Lord Buckhurst, afterwards + Earl of Dorset, a witty and licentious man, falling in love with her, + induced her to become his mistress, quit the theatre, and forsake the + society of her lover, Charles Hart, a famous actor and great-nephew of + William Shakespeare. And she complying with his desires in these matters, + he made her an allowance of one hundred pounds a year, on which she + returned her parts to the manager, and declared she would act no more. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly in the month of July, 1667, she was living at Epsom with my + Lord Buckhurst and his witty friend Sir Charles Sedley, and a right merry + house they kept for a time. But alas, ere the summer had died there came a + day when charming Nell and his fickle lordship were friends no more, and + parting from him, she was obliged to revert to the playhouse again. + </p> + <p> + Now Nell Gwynn being not only a pretty woman, but moreover an excellent + actress, her return was welcomed by the town. Her achievements in light + comedy were especially excellent, and declared entertaining to a rare + degree. Pepys, who witnessed her acting "a comical part," in the "Maiden + Queen," a play by Dryden, says he could "never hope to see the like done + again by man or woman. So great performance of a comical part," he + continues, "was never, I believe, in the world before as Nell do this, + both as a mad girle, then most and best of all when she comes in like a + young gallant; and hath the motions and carriage of a spark the most that + ever I saw any man have. It makes me, I confess, admire her." In the part + of Valeria, in "Tyrannic Love," she was also pronounced inimitable; + especially in her delivery of the epilogue. The vein of comedy with which + she delivered the opening lines, addressed to those about to bear her dead + body from the stage, was merry beyond belief. "Hold!" she cried out to one + of them, as she suddenly started to life— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Hold! are you mad? you damned confounded dog! + I am to rise and speak the epilogue." +</pre> + <p> + Before the year 1667 ended, she had several times visited his majesty at + Whitehall. The king was now no less assured of her charms as a woman, than + he had previously been convinced of her excellence as an actress. In due + time, her intimacy with the monarch resulted in the birth of two sons; the + elder of which was created Duke of St. Albans, from whom is descended the + family now bearing that title: the second died young and unmarried. + </p> + <p> + Through influence of these women, my Lady Castlemaine's power over the + king rapidly diminished, and at last ceased to exist; seeing which, as + Burnet says, "She abandoned herself to great disorders; one of which by + the artifice of the Duke of Buckingham was discovered by the king in + person, the party concerned leaping out of the window." The gallant to + whom the worthy bishop refers was John Churchill, afterwards the great + Duke of Marlborough, at this time a handsome stripling of eighteen + summers. In his office as page to the Duke of York, he frequently came + under notice of her ladyship, who, pleased with the charms of his boyish + face and graceful figure, intimated his love would not prove unacceptable + to her. Accordingly he promptly made love to the countess, who, in the + first fervour of her affection, presented him with five thousand pounds. + With this sum he purchased a life annuity of five hundred pounds, which, + as Lord Chesterfield writes, "became the foundation of his subsequent + fortune." Nor did her generosity end here: at a cost of six thousand + crowns she obtained for him the post of groom of the bedchamber to the + Duke of York, and was instrumental in subsequently forwarding his + advancements in the army. + </p> + <p> + My Lady Castlemaine was by no means inclined to spend her days in misery + because the royal favour was no longer vouchsafed her; and therefore, by + way of satisfying her desires for revenge, conducted intrigues not only + with John Churchill and Harry Jermyn, but likewise with one Jacob Hall, a + noted acrobat. This man was not only gifted with strength and agility, but + likewise with grace and beauty: so that, as Granger tells us, "The ladies + regarded him as a due composition of Hercules and Adonis." His dancing on + the tight rope at Bartholomew Fair was "a thing worth seeing and mightily + followed;" whilst his deeds of daring at Southwark Fair were no less + subjects of admiration and wonder. The countess was so charmed by the + performance of this athlete in public, that she became desirous of + conversation with him in private; and he was accordingly introduced to her + by Beck Marshall, the player. The countess found his society so + entertaining that she frequently visited him, a compliment he courteously + returned. Moreover, she allowed him a yearly salary, and openly showed her + admiration for him by having their portraits painted in one picture: in + which she is represented playing a fiddle, whilst he leans over her, + touching the strings of a guitar. + </p> + <p> + Her amours in general, and her intimacy with the rope-dancer in + particular, becoming common talk of the town, his majesty became incensed; + and it grieved him the more that one who dwelt in his palace, and was yet + under his protection, should divide her favours between a king and a + mountebank. Accordingly bitter feuds arose between her and the monarch, + when words of hatred, scorn, and defiance were freely exchanged. His + majesty upbraiding her with a love for the rope-dancer, she replied with + much spirit, "it very ill became him to throw out such reproaches against + her: that he had never ceased quarrelling unjustly with her, ever since he + had betrayed his own mean low inclinations: that to gratify such a + depraved taste as his, he wanted the pitiful strolling actresses whom he + had lately introduced into their society." Then came fresh threats from + the lips of the fury, followed by passionate storms of tears. + </p> + <p> + The king, who loved ease greatly, and valued peace exceedingly, became + desirous of avoiding such harrowing scenes. Accordingly, he resolved to + enter into a treaty with his late mistress, by which he would consent to + grant her such concessions as she desired, providing she promised to + discontinue her intrigues with objectionable persons, and leave him to + pursue his ways without reproach. By mutual consent, his majesty and the + countess selected the Chevalier de Grammont to conduct this delicate + business; he being one in whose tact and judgment they had implicit + confidence. After various consultations and due consideration, it was + agreed the countess should abandon her amours with Henry Jermyn and Jacob + Hall, rail no more against Moll Davis or Nell Gwynn, or any other of his + majesty's favourites, in consideration for which Charles would create her + a duchess, and give her an additional pension in order to support her + fresh honours with becoming dignity. + </p> + <p> + And as the king found her residence in Whitehall no longer necessary to + his happiness, Berkshire House was purchased for her as a suitable + dwelling This great mansion, situated at the south-west corner of St. + James's Street, facing St. James's Palace, was surrounded by pleasant + gardens devised in the Dutch style, and was in every way a habitation + suited for a prince. This handsome gift was followed by a grant of the + revenues of the Post Office, amounting to four thousand seven hundred + pounds a year, which was at first paid her in weekly instalments. On the + 3rd of August, 1670, Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine, was created + Baroness Nonsuch, of Nonsuch Park, Surrey; Countess of Southampton; and + Duchess of Cleveland in the peerage of England. The reasons for crowding + these honours thick upon her were, as the patent stated, "in consideration + of her noble descent, her father's death in the service of the crown, and + by reason of her personal virtues." + </p> + <p> + Nor did his majesty's extravagant favours to her end here. She was now, as + Mr. Povy told his friend Pepys, "in a higher command over the king than + ever—not as a mistress, for she scorns him, but as a tyrant, to + command him." In consequence of this power, she was, two months after her + creation as duchess, presented by the monarch with the favourite hunting + seat of Henry VIII., the magnificent palace and great park of Nonsuch, in + the parishes of Cheam and Malden, in the county of Surrey. And yet a year + later, she received fresh proofs of his royal munificence by the gift of + "the manor, hundred, and advowson of Woking, county Surrey; the manor and + advowson of Chobham, the hundred of Blackheath and Wootton, the manor of + Bagshot (except the park, site of the manor and manor-house, and the + Bailiwick, and the office of the Bailiwick, called Surrey Bailiwick, + otherwise Bagshot Bailiwick), and the advowson of Bisley, all in the same + county." + </p> + <p> + Her wealth, the more notable at a time when the king was in debt, and the + nation impoverished from expenditure necessary to warfare, was enormous. + Andrew Marvell, writing in August, 1671, states: "Lord St. John, Sir R. + Howard, Sir John Bennet, and Sir W. Bicknell, the brewer, have farmed the + customs. They have signed and sealed ten thousand pounds a year more to + the Duchess of Cleveland; who has likewise near ten thousand pounds a year + out of the new farm of the country excise of Beer and Ale; five thousand + pounds a year out of the Post Office; and they say, the reversion of all + the King's Leases, the reversion of places all in the Custom House, the + green wax, and indeed what not? All promotions spiritual and temporal pass + under her cognizance." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Louise de Querouaille.—The Triple Alliance.—Louise is created Duchess + of Portsmouth.—Her grace and the impudent comedian.—Madam Ellen moves + in society.—The young Duke of St. Albans.—Strange story of the + Duchess of Mazarine.—Entertaining the wits at Chelsea.—Luxurious + suppers.—Profligacy and wit. +</pre> + <p> + The Duchess of Cleveland having shared the fate common to court + favourites, her place in the royal affections was speedily filled by a + mistress whose influence was even more baneful to the king, and more + pernicious to the nation. This woman was Louise de Querouaille, the + descendant of a noble family in Lower Brittany. At an early age she had + been appointed maid of honour to Henrietta, youngest sister of Charles + II., soon after the marriage of that princess, in 1661, with the Duke of + Orleans, brother to Louis XIV. Fate decreed that Mademoiselle de + Querouaille should be brought into England by means of a political + movement; love ordained she should reign mistress of the king's + affections. + </p> + <p> + It happened in January, 1668, that a Triple Alliance had been signed at + the Hague, which engaged England, Sweden, and the United Provinces to join + in defending Spain against the power of France. A secret treaty in this + agreement furthermore bound the allies to check the ambition of Louis + XIV., and, if possible, reduce his encroaching sway. That Charles II. + should enter into such an alliance was galling to the French monarch, who + resolved to detach his kinsman from the compact, and bind him to the + interests of France. To effect this desired purpose, which he knew would + prove objectionable to the British nation, Louis employed Henrietta, + Duchess of Orleans, to visit England on pretext of pleasure and affection, + and secretly persuade and bribe her brother to the measures required. + </p> + <p> + The young duchess, though an English princess, had at heart the interests + of the country in which she had been reared, and which on her marriage she + had adopted as her own. She therefore gladly undertook this mission, + confident of her success from the fact that of all his family she had ever + been the most tenderly beloved by Charles. Therefore she set out from + France, and in the month of May, 1670, arrived at Dover, to which port the + king, Queen, and court hastened, that they might greet and entertain her. + For full ten days in this merry month, high revelry was held at Dover, + during which time Henrietta skilfully and secretly effected the object of + her visit. And her delight was now the greater, inasmuch as one item which + this agreement entrusted her to make, engaged that Charles would, as soon + as he could with safety, follow the example of his brother the Duke of + York, and become a Catholic. In carrying out this purpose Louis promised + him substantial aid and sure protection. Likewise, it may be mentioned, + did the French king engrage to grant him a subsidy equal to a million a + year, if Charles joined him in an attack on Holland. + </p> + <p> + The prospect of his sister's return filled the king with sorrow, which + increased as the term of her visit drew to an end. "He wept when he parted + with her," wrote Monsieur Colbert, the French ambassador, who + significantly adds, "whatever favour she asked of him was granted." + </p> + <p> + Now Louis knowing the weakness of the English monarch's character, and + aware of his susceptibility to female loveliness, had despatched + Mademoiselle de Querouaille in the train of Henrietta. Satisfied that + Charles could not resist her charms, the French monarch had instructed + this accomplished woman, who was trusted in his councils, to accept the + royal love, which it was surmised would be proffered her; so that by the + influence which she would consequently obtain, she might hold him to the + promises he might make the Duchess of Orleans. + </p> + <p> + As had been anticipated, the king became enamoured of this charming woman, + who, before departing with the princess, faithfully promised to return and + become his mistress. In his desire to possess her the merry monarch was + upheld by his grace of Buckingham, who, continuing in enmity with the + Duchess of Cleveland, resolved to prevent her regaining influence over the + king by adding the beautiful Frenchwoman to the number of his mistresses. + He therefore told Charles, in the sarcastic manner it was occasionally his + wont to use, "it was a decent piece of tenderness for his sister to take + care of some of her servants;" whilst on being sent into France, he + assured Louis "he could never reckon himself sure of the king, but by + giving him a mistress that should be true to his interests." But neither + king required urging to a resolution on which both had separately + determined; and soon Mademoiselle Querouaille was ready for her journey to + England. A yacht was therefore sent to Dieppe to convey her, and presently + she was received at Whitehall by the lord treasurer, and her arrival + celebrated in verse by Dryden. Moreover, that she might have apartments in + the palace, the king at once appointed her a maid of honour to her + majesty, this being the first of a series of favours she was subsequently + to receive. Evelyn, writing in the following October, says it was + universally reported a ceremonious espousal, devoid of the religious rite, + had taken place between his majesty and Mademoiselle Querouaille at Lord + Arlington's house at Euston. "I acknowledge," says this trustworthy + chronicler "she was for the most part in her undresse all day, and that + there was fondnesse and toying with that young wanton; nay, 'twas said I + was at the former ceremony, but 'tis utterly false; I neither saw nor + heard of any such thing whilst I was there, tho' I had ben in her chamber, + and all over that apartment late enough, and was myself observing all + passages with much curiosity." + </p> + <p> + She now became a central figure in the brilliant court of the merry + monarch, being loved by the king, flattered by the wits, and tolerated by + the queen, to whom—unlike the Duchess of Cleveland—she + generally paid the greatest respect. Her card tables were thronged by + courtiers eager to squander large sums for the honour of playing with the + reigning sultana; her suppers were attended by wits and gallants as merry + and amorous as those who had once crowded round my Lady Castlemaine in the + zenith of her power. No expense was too great for his majesty to lavish + upon her; no honour too high with which to reward her affection. The + authority just mentioned says her apartments at Whitehall were luxuriously + furnished "with ten times the richnesse and glory beyond the Queene's; + such massy pieces of plate, whole tables and stands of incredible value." + After a residence of little more than three years at court she was raised + by King Charles to the peerage as Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of + Farnham, and Duchess of Portsmouth; whilst the French king, as a mark of + appreciation for the services she rendered France, conferred upon her the + Duchy of Aubigny, in the province of Berri in France, to which he added + the title and dignity of Duchess and Peeress of France, with the revenues + of the territory of Aubigny. And two years later King Charles, prodigal of + the honours he conferred upon her, ennobled the son she had borne him in + 1672. The titles of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox having lately reverted + to the crown by the death of Frances Stuart's husband, who was last of his + line, the bastard son of the French mistress was created Duke of Richmond + and Earl of March in England, and Duke of Lennox and Earl of Darnley in + Scotland. To these proud titles the present head of the noble house of + Richmond and Lennox—by virtue of the grant made by Louis XIV. to his + ancestress likewise adds that of Duc d'Aubigny in the peerage of France. + </p> + <p> + But though honoured by the king, and flattered by the court, the Duchess + of Portsmouth was far from enjoying uninterrupted happiness; inasmuch as + her peace was frequently disturbed by jealousy. The principal cause of her + uneasiness during the first five years of her reign was the king's + continued infatuation for Nell Gwynn; now, by reason of the elevated + position she enjoyed, styled Madam Ellen. This "impudent comedian," as + Evelyn calls her, was treated by his majesty with, extreme indulgence and + royal liberality. In proof of the latter statement, it may be mentioned + that in less than four years from the date of her first becoming his + mistress, he had wantonly lavished sixty thousand pounds upon her, as + Burnet affirms. Moreover, he had purchased as a town mansion for her "the + first good house on the left-hand side of St. James's Square, entering + Pall Mall," now the site of the Army and Navy Club; had given her likewise + a residence situated close by the Castle at Windsor; and a summer villa + located in what was then the charming village of Chelsea. To such + substantial gifts as these he added the honour of an appointment at court: + when the merry player was made one of the ladies of the privy chamber to + the queen. Samuel Pegg states this fact, not generally known, and assures + us he discovered it "from the book in the lord chamberlain's office." + </p> + <p> + From her position as the king's mistress, Madam Ellen moved on terms of + perfect equality with the Duchess of Portsmouth's friends—supping + with my Lady Orrery, visiting my Lord Cavendish, and establishing a + friendship with the gay Duchess of Norfolk. This was a source of deep + vexation to the haughty Frenchwoman; but Nell Gwynn's familiarity with the + king was a cause of even greater mortification. Sir George Etherege + records in verse when the monarch was "dumpish" Nell would "chuck the + royal chin;" and it is stated that, mindful of her former conquests over + Charles Hart and Charles Lord Buckley, it was her habit to playfully style + his majesty "Charles the Third." Her wilfulness, wit, and beauty enabled + her to maintain such a strong hold upon the king's heart, that he shared + his time equally between her and the Duchess of Portsmouth. Indignant that + a woman from the playhouse should receive such evidences of the royal + affection, her grace lost no opportunity of insulting Nell, who responded + by mimicry and grimaces, which threw those who witnessed the comedy into + fits of laughter, and covered the wrathful duchess with confusion. + </p> + <p> + But though the light-hearted actress frequently treated disdain with + ridicule, she could occasionally analyze the respective positions held by + herself and the duchess with seriousness, Madame de Sevigne tells us, Nell + would reason in this manner: "This duchess pretends to be a person of + quality: she affirms she is related to the best families in France, and + when any person of distinction dies she puts herself in mourning. If she + be a lady of such quality, why does she demean herself to be a courtesan? + She ought to die with shame. As for me, it is my profession. I do not + pretend to anything better. The king entertains me, and I am constant to + him at present. He has a son by me; I contend that he ought to acknowledge + him—and I am well assured that he will, for he loves me as well as + the duchess." + </p> + <p> + To have her son ennobled, and by this means raise him to an equality with + the offspring of her grace, became the desire of Nell Gwynn's life. To her + request that this favour might be granted, the king had promised + compliance from time to time, but had as frequently postponed the + fulfilment of his word. At last, weary of beseeching him, she devised a + speech which she trusted might have the desired effect. Accordingly, when + the monarch came to see her one day, he found her in a pensive mood, + playing with her pretty boy; and the lad, being presently set upon his + feet, he promptly tottered down the room, whereon she cried out to him, + "Come here, you little bastard!" Hearing this word of evil import applied + to his son, the monarch begged she would not use the expression, "I am + sorry," said she regretfully, "but, alas, I have no other name to give + him!" His majesty took the hint, and soon after bestowed on him that of + Charles Beauclerk, and created him Baron of Heddington, in Oxon, and Earl + of Burford in the same county; and finally, when he had reached the age of + ten years, raised him to the dignity of Duke of St. Albans. + </p> + <p> + After a reign of five years in the court of the merry monarch, her Grace + of Portsmouth was destined to encounter a far more formidable rival than + Nell Gwynn, in the person of the Duchess of Mazarine. This lady, on her + arrival in England in 1675, possessed most of the charms which had + rendered her notable in youth. To the attraction they lent was added an + interest arising from her personal history, in which King Charles had once + figured, and to which fate had subsequently added many pages of romance. + </p> + <p> + Hortensia Mancini, afterwards Duchess of Mazarine, was descendant of a + noble Roman family, and niece of the great Julius Mazarine, cardinal of + the church, and prime minister of France. Her parents dying whilst she, + her sister and brother were young, they had been reared under the care of + his eminence. According to the memoirs of the duchess, the cardinal's + peace must have frequently been put to flight by his charges, whose + conduct, he declared, exhibited neither piety nor honour. Mindful of this, + he placed his nieces under the immediate supervision of Madame de Venelle, + who was directed to have the closest guard over them. A story related by + the duchess shows in what manner this lady's duty was carried out, and + what unexpected results attended it on one occasion. + </p> + <p> + When the court visited Lyons, in the year 1658, the cardinal's nieces and + their governess lodged in a commodious mansion in one of the public + squares. "Our chamber windows, which opened towards the market-place," + writes Hortensia, "were low enough for one to get in with ease. Madame de + Venelle was so used to her trade of watching us, that she rose even in her + sleep to see what we were doing. One night, as my sister lay asleep with + her mouth open, Madame de Venelle, after her accustomed manner, coming, + asleep as she was, to grope in the dark, happened to thrust her finger + into her mouth so far that my sister, starting out of her sleep, made her + teeth almost meet in her finger. Judge you the amazement they both were in + to find themselves in this posture when they were thoroughly awake. My + sister was in a grievous fret. The story was told the king the next day, + and the court had the divertisement of laughing at it." + </p> + <p> + Whilst the great minister's nieces were yet extremely young, Louis XIV. + fell passionately in love with the elder, Maria, and his marriage with her + was frustrated only by the united endeavours of the queen mother and the + cardinal. A proposal to raise Hortensia to the nominal dignity of queen + was soon after made on behalf of Charles II., who sought her as his bride. + But he being at the time an exile, banished from his kingdom, and with + little hope of regaining his throne, the offer was rejected by Cardinal + Mazarine as unworthy of his favourite niece. + </p> + <p> + His eminence was, however, anxious to see her married, and accordingly + sought amongst the nobility of France a husband suitable to her merits and + equal to her condition, she being not only a beautiful woman but, through + his bounty, the richest heiress in Christendom. It happened the cardinal's + choice settled upon one who had fallen in love with Hortensia, and who had + declared, with amorous enthusiasm, that if he had but the happiness of + being married to her, it would not grieve him to die three months + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + The young noble was Armand Charles de la Porte, Duke de Meilleraye, who + had the sole recommendation of being one of the richest peers of France. + On condition that he and his heirs should assume the name of Mazarine and + arms of that house, the cardinal consented to his becoming the husband of + his niece. And the great minister's days rapidly approaching their end, + the ceremony was performed which made Hortensia, then at the age of + thirteen, Duchess of Mazarine. A few months later the great cardinal + expired, leaving her the sum of one million six hundred and twenty-five + thousand pounds sterling. Alas that she should have died in poverty, and + that her body should have been seized for debt! + </p> + <p> + Scarce had the first weeks of her married life passed away, when the young + wife found herself mated to one wholly unsuited to her character. She was + beautiful, witty, and frivolous; he jealous, dull, and morose. The + incompatibility of their dispositions became as discernible to him, as + they had become intolerable to her; and, as if to avenge the fate which + had united them, he lost no opportunity of thwarting her desires, by such + means striving to bend her lissom quality to the gnarled shape of his + unhappy nature. + </p> + <p> + With such a purpose in view no opportunity was neglected to curb her + pleasures or oppose her inclinations. He continually forced her to leave + Paris, and even when her condition required rest and care, compelled her + to accompany him on long and weary journeys, undertaken by him in + consequence of his diplomatic missions. If she received two successive + visits from one man, he was instantly forbidden the house. If she called + her carriage, the coachman received orders not to obey. If she betrayed a + preference for one maid more than another, the favourite was instantly + dismissed, moreover, the duchess was surrounded by spies, her movements + being rigorously watched, and invariably reported. Nor would the duke + vouchsafe an explanation to his young wife regarding the cause of this + severe treatment, but continued the even course of such conduct without + intermission or abatement. + </p> + <p> + After displaying these eccentricities for some years, they suddenly + associated themselves with religion, when he became a fanatic. Her + condition was now less endurable than before; his whims more ludicrous and + exasperating. With solemnity he declared no one could in conscience visit + the theatre; that it was a sin to play blind man's buff, and a heinous + crime to retire to bed late. And presently, his fanaticism increasing, he + prohibited the woman who nursed his infant to suckle it on Fridays or + Saturdays; that instead of imbibing milk, it might, in its earliest life, + become accustomed to fasting and mortification of the flesh. + </p> + <p> + The young duchess grew hopeless of peace. All day her ears were beset by + harangues setting forth her wickedness, by exortations calling her to + repentance, and by descriptions of visions vouchsafed him. By night her + condition was rendered scarcely less miserable. "No sooner," says St. + Evremond, "were her eyes closed, than Monsieur Mazarine (who had the devil + always present in his black imagination) wakes his best beloved, to make + her partaker—you will never be able to guess of what—to make + her partaker of his nocturnal visions. Flambeaux are lighted, and search + is made everywhere; but no spectre does Madame Mazarine find, except that + which lay by her in the bed." + </p> + <p> + The distresses to which she was subjected were increased by the knowledge + that her husband was squandering her vast fortune. In what manner the + money was spent she does not state. "If" she writes, "Monsieur Mazarine + had only taken delight in overwhelming me with sadness and grief, and in + exposing my health and my life to his most unreasonable caprice, and in + making me pass the best of my days in an unparalleled slavery, since + heaven had been pleased to make him my master, I should have endeavoured + to allay and qualify my misfortunes by my sighs and tears. But when I saw + that by his incredible dilapidations and profuseness, my son, who might + have been the richest gentleman in France, was in danger of being the + poorest, there was no resisting the force of nature; and motherly love + carried it over all other considerations of duty, or the moderation I + proposed to myself. I saw every day vast sums go away: moveables of + inestimable prices, offices, and all the rich remains of my uncle's + fortune, the fruits of his labours, and the rewards of his services. I saw + as much sold as came to three millions, before I took any public notice of + it; and I had hardly anything left me of value but my jewels, when + Monsieur Mazarine took occasion to seize upon them." + </p> + <p> + She therefore sought the king's interference, but as the duke had interest + at court, she received but little satisfaction. Then commenced disputes, + which, after months of wrangling, ended by the duchess escaping in male + attire out of France, in company with a gay young cavalier, Monsieur de + Rohan. After various wanderings through Italy and many adventures in + Savoy, she determined on journeying to England. That her visit was not + without a political motive, we gather from St. Evremond; who, referring to + the ascendancy which the Duchess of Portsmouth had gained over his + majesty, and the uses she made of her power for the interests of France, + tells us, "The advocates for liberty, being excluded from posts and the + management of affairs, contrived several ways to free their country from + that infamous commerce; but finding them ineffectual, they at last + concluded that there was no other course to take than to work the Duchess + of Portsmouth out of the king's favour, by setting up against her a rival + who should be in their interest. The Duchess of Mazarine was thought very + fit for their purpose, for she outshined the other, both in wit and + beauty." + </p> + <p> + Charles de St. Denis, Seigneur de St. Evremond, was a soldier, + philosopher, and courtier, who had distinguished himself by his bravery, + learning, and politeness. Having fallen under the displeasure of the + French court, he had, in the year 1662, sought refuge in England, where he + had been welcomed with the courtesy due to his rank, and the esteem which + befitted his merits. Settling in the capital, he mixed freely in the + companionship of wits, gallants, and courtiers who constituted its + society; and delighted with London as a residence, he determined on making + England his country by adoption. An old friend and fervent admirer of the + Duchess of Mazarine, he had received the news of her visit with joy, and + celebrated her arrival in verse. + </p> + <p> + The reputation of her loveliness and the history of her life having + preceded her, the court became anxious to behold her; the king, mindful of + the relationship he had once sought; with the duchess, grew impatient to + welcome her. After a few days' rest, necessary to remedy the fatigue of + her journey, she appeared at Whitehall. By reason of her beauty, now + ripened rather than impaired by time, and those graces which attracted the + more from the fascination they had formerly exercised, she at once gained + the susceptible heart of the monarch. St. Evremond tells us her person + "contained nothing that was not too lovely." In the "Character of the + Duchess of Mazarine," which he drew soon after her arrival in London, he + has presented a portrait of her worth examining not only for sake of the + object it paints, but for the quaint workmanship it contains. "An + ill-natured curiosity," he writes, "makes me scrutinize every feature in + her face, with a design either to meet there some shocking irregularity, + or some disgusting disagreeableness. But how unluckily do I succeed in my + design. Every feature about her has a particular beauty, that does not in + the least yield to that of her eyes, which, by the consent of all the + world, are the finest in the universe. One thing there is that entirely + confounds me: her teeth, her lips, her mouth, and all the graces that + attend it, are lost amongst the great variety of beauties in her face and + what is but indifferent in her, will not suffer us to consider what is + most remarkable in others. The malice of my curiosity does not stop here. + I proceed to spy out some defect in her shape; and I find I know not what + graces of nature so happily and so liberally scattered in her person, that + the genteelness of others only seems to be constraint and affectation." + </p> + <p> + The king—to whom the presence of a beautiful woman was as sunshine + to the earth—at once offered her his affections, the gallants + tendered their homage, the ladies of the court volunteered the flattery + embodied in imitation. And by way of practically proving his admiration, + his majesty graciously allotted her a pension of four thousand pounds a + year, with apartments in St. James's Palace. + </p> + <p> + The sovereignty which the Duchess of Portsmouth had held for five years + over the monarch's heart was now in danger of downfall; and probably would + have ended, but for Madame Mazarine's indiscretions. It happened a few + months after her arrival in London, the Prince of Monaco visited the + capital. Young in years, handsome in person, and extravagant in + expenditure, he dazzled the fairest women at court; none of whom had so + much power to please him in all as the Duchess of Mazarine. + Notwithstanding the king's generosity, she accepted the prince's + admiration; and resolved to risk the influence she had gained, that she + might freely love where she pleased. Her entertainment of a passion, as + sudden in development as fervid in intensity, enraged the king; but his + fury served only to increase her infatuation, seeing which, his majesty + suspended payment of her pension. + </p> + <p> + The gay Prince of Monaco in due time ending his visit to London, and + leaving the Duchess of Mazarine behind him, she, through the interposition + of her friends, obtained his majesty's pardon, was received into favour, + and again allowed her pension. + </p> + <p> + She now ruled, not only mistress of the king's heart, but queen of a + brilliant circle of wits and men of parts, whose delight it became to heed + the epigrams and eccentricities which fell from her lips. Her rooms at St. + James's, and her house in Chelsea, became the rendezvous of the most + polite and brilliant society in England. In the afternoons, seated amongst + her monkeys, dogs, parrots, and pets, she discoursed on philosophy, love, + religion, politics, and plays; whilst at night her saloons were thrown + open to such as delighted in gambling. Then the duchess, seated at the + head of the table, her dark eyes flashing with excitement, her red lips + parted in expectation, followed the fortunes of the night with anxiety: + all compliments being suspended and all fine speeches withheld the while, + nought being heard but the rustle of cards and the chink of gold. + </p> + <p> + Dainty and luxurious suppers followed, when rare wines flowed, and wit + long suppressed found joyous vent. Here sat Charles beside his beautiful + mistress, happy in the enjoyment of the present, careless of the needs of + his people; and close beside him my Lord of Buckingham, watchful of his + majesty's face, hatching dark plots whilst he turned deft compliments. + There likewise were my Lord Dorset, the easiest and wittiest man living; + Sir Charles Sedley, one learned in intrigue; Baptist May, the monarch's + favourite; Tom Killigrew who jested on life's follies whilst he enjoyed + them; the Countess of Shrewsbury, beautiful and amorous; and Madam Ellen, + who was ready to mimic or sing, dance or act, for his majesty's diversion. + </p> + <p> + And so, whilst a new day stole upon the world without, tapers burned low + within the duchess's apartments; and the king, his mistress, and a brave + and gallant company ate, drank, and made merry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A storm threatens the kingdom.—The Duke of York is touched in his + conscience.—His interview with Father Simons.—The king declares his + mind.—The Duchess of York becomes a catholic.—The circumstances of her + death.—The Test Act introduced.—Agitation of the nation.—The Duke + of York marries again.—Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.—The Duke of + Monmouth.—William of Orange and the Princess Mary.—Their marriage and + departure from England. +</pre> + <p> + Whilst the surface life of the merry monarch sped onward in its careless + course, watchful eyes took heed of potent signs boding storms and strife. + The storm which shook the kingdom to its centre came anon; the strife + which dethroned a monarch was reserved for the succeeding reign. These + were not effected by the king's profligacy, indolence, or extravagance, + but because of a change in the religious belief of the heir-apparent to + the crown. + </p> + <p> + The cloud, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently spread and + overcast the political horizon, was first observed towards the beginning + of the year 1669. The Rev. J. S. Clarke, historiographer to George III., + chaplain to the royal household, and librarian to the Prince Regent, in + his "Life of James II., collected out of Memoirs writ of his own hand," + tells us that about this time the Duke of York "was sensibly touched in + his conscience, and began to think seriously of his salvation." + Accordingly, the historian states, "he sent for one Father Simons, a + Jesuit, who had the reputation of a very learned man, to discourse with + him upon that subject; and when he came, he told him the good intentions + he had of being a catholic, and treated with him concerning his being + reconciled to the church. After much discourse about the matter, the + Jesuit very sincerely told him, that unless he would quit the communion of + the Church of England, he could not be received into the Catholic Church. + The duke then said he thought it might be done by a dispensation from the + pope, alleging the singularity of his case, and the advantage it might + bring to the catholic religion in general, and in particular to those of + it in England, if he might have such dispensation for outwardly appearing + a protestant, at least till he could own himself publicly to be a + catholic, with more security to his own person and advantage to them. But + the father insisted that even the pope himself had not the power to grant + it, for it was an unalterable doctrine of the Catholic Church, not to do + ill that good might follow. What this Jesuit thus said was afterwards + confirmed to the duke by the pope himself, to whom he wrote upon the same + subject. Till this time his royal highness believed (as it is commonly + believed, or at least said by the Church of England doctors) that + dispensations in any such cases are by the pope easily granted; but Father + Simons's words, and the letter of his holiness, made the duke think it + high time to use all the endeavours he could, to be at liberty to declare + himself, and not to live in so unsafe and so uneasy a condition." + </p> + <p> + Inasmuch as what immediately followed touches a point of great delicacy + and vast importance, the words of the historian, mainly taken from the + "Stuart Papers," are best given here, "His royal highness well-knowing + that the king was of the same mind, and that his majesty had opened + himself upon it to Lord Arundel of Wardour, Lord Arlington, and Sir Thomas + Clifford, took an occasion to discourse with him upon that subject about + the same time, and found him resolved as to his being a catholic, and that + he intended to have a private meeting with those persons above named at + the duke's closet, to advise with them about the ways and methods fit to + be taken for advancing the catholic religion in his dominions, being + resolved not to live any longer in the constraint he was under. The + meeting was on the 25th of January. When they were met according to the + king's appointment, he declared his mind to them on the matter of + religion, and said how uneasy it was to him not to profess the faith he + believed; and that he had called them together to have their advice about + the ways and methods fittest to be taken for the settling of the catholic + religion in his kingdoms, and to consider of the time most proper to + declare himself, telling them withal that no time ought to be lost; that + he was to expect to meet with many and great difficulties in bringing it + about, and that he chose rather to undertake it now, when he and his + brother were in their full strength and able to undergo any fatigue, than + to delay it till they were grown older and less fit to go through with so + great a design. This he spoke with great earnestness, and even with tears + in his eyes; and added, that they were to go about it as wise men and good + catholics ought to do. The consultation lasted long, and the result was, + that there was no better way for doing this work than to do it in + conjunction with France, and with the assistance of his Most Christian + majesty." Accordingly the secret treaty with France was entered into, as + already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + No further movement towards professing the catholic religion was made by + the king or his brother for some time. The tendencies of the latter + becoming suspected, his actions were observed with vigilance, when it was + noted, that although he attended service as usual with the king, he no + longer received the sacrament. It was also remarked the Duchess of York, + whose custom it had been to communicate once a month, soon followed his + example. Her neglect of this duty was considered the more conspicuous as + she had been bred a staunch protestant, and ever appeared zealous in her + support of that religion. Moreover, it was noted that, from the beginning + of the year 1670, she was wont to defend the catholic faith from such + errors as it had been charged withal. + </p> + <p> + These matters becoming subjects of conversation at court soon reached the + ears of Bishop Morley, who had acted as her confessor since her twelfth + year, confession being then much practised in the English Church. Thereon + he hastened to her, and spoke at length of the inferences which were drawn + from her neglect of receiving the sacrament, in answer to which she + pleaded business and ill-health as sufficient excuses. But he, suspecting + other causes, gave her advice, and requested she would send for him in + case doubts arose in her mind concerning the faith she professed. Being + now free from all uncertainties, she readily promised compliance with his + desire, and added, "No priest had ever taken the confidence to speak to + her on those matters." + </p> + <p> + The fact that she no longer communicated becoming more noticed as time + passed, the king spoke to his brother concerning the omission, when the + duke told him she had become a catholic. Hearing this, Charles requested + him to keep her change of faith a secret, which was accordingly done, none + being aware of the act but Father Hunt, a Franciscan friar, Lady Cranmer, + one of her women of the bedchamber, and Mr. Dupuy, servant to the duke. In + a paper she drew up relative to her adoption of the catholic religion, + preserved in the fifth volume of the "Harleian Miscellany," she professes + being one of the greatest enemies that faith ever had. She likewise + declares no man or woman had said anything, or used the least persuasion + to make her change her religion. That had been effected, she adds, by a + perusal of Dr. Heylin's "History of the Reformation;" after which she + spoke severally to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury and Dr. + Blandford, Bishop of Worcester, who told her "there were many things in + the Roman Church which it was very much to be wished they had kept—as + confession, which was no doubt commanded by God; and praying for the dead, + which was one of the ancient things in Christianity—that for their + parts they did it daily, though they would not own to it." + </p> + <p> + The duchess pondered over what she had read and heard, and being a woman + accustomed to judge for herself, and act upon her decisions, she, in the + month of August, 1670 became a member of the Catholic Church, in which + communion she died seven months later. For fifteen months previous to her + demise she had been suffering from a complication of diseases, with which + the medical skill of that day was unable to cope, and these accumulating, + in March, 1671, ended her days. The "Stuart Papers" furnish an interesting + account of her death. Seeing the hour was at hand which would sever her + from all earthly ties, she besought her husband not to leave her whilst + life remained. She likewise requested that in case Dr. Blandford or any + other of the bishops should come to visit her, he would tell them she had + become a member of the Catholic Church; but if they insisted on seeing her + she was satisfied to admit them, providing they would not distress her by + arguments or controversy. + </p> + <p> + Soon after she had expressed these desires, Bishop Blandford arrived, and + begged permission to see her, hearing which the duke went into the + drawing-room, where his lordship waited, and delivered the message with + which the duchess had charged him. Thereon the bishop said, "he made no + doubt but that she would do well since she was fully convinced, and had + not changed out of any worldly end." He then went into the room, and + having made "a short Christian exhortation suitable to the condition she + was in," took his departure. Presently the queen came and sat by the dying + woman, with whom she had borne many wrongs in common; and later on, the + Franciscan friar being admitted, the duchess "received all the last + sacraments of the Catholick Church, and dyed with great devotion and + resignation." + </p> + <p> + Though no mystery was now made concerning the faith in which she died, the + duke, from motives of prudence, continued to preserve the secret of his + having embraced the same religion. He still publicly attended service on + Sundays with the king, but continued to absent himself from communion. At + last, the Christmastide of the year 1672 being at hand, his majesty + besought Lord Arundel and Sir Thomas (now Lord) Clifford to persuade the + duke to take the sacrament with him, "and make him sensible of the + prejudice it would do to both of them should he forbear so to do, by + giving the world so much reason to believe he was a catholick." To this + request these honest gentlemen replied it would be difficult to move the + duke to his majesty's desires; but even if they succeeded, it would fail + to convince the world his royal highness was not a catholic. With these + answers Charles seemed satisfied; but again on Christmas Eve he urged Lord + Clifford to advise the duke to publicly communicate on the morrow. His + royal highness, not being so unscrupulous as the king, refused compliance + with his wishes. + </p> + <p> + The following Easter he likewise refrained from communicating. Evelyn + tells us that "a most crowded auditorie" had assembled in the Chapel Royal + on this Sunday; possibly it had been drawn there to hear the eloquence of + Dr. Sparrow, Bishop of Exeter—probably to observe the movements of + the king's brother. "I staied to see," writes Evelyn, "whether, according + to costome, the Duke of York received the communion with the king; but he + did not, to the amazement of everybody. This being the second year he had + forborn and put it off, and within a day of the parliament sitting, who + had lately made so severe an act against ye increase of poperie, gave + exceeding griefe and scandal to the whole nation, that the heyre of it, + and ye sonn of a martyr for ye Protestant religion, should apostatize. + What the consequence of this will be God only knows, and wise men dread." + </p> + <p> + That the nation might no longer remain in uncertainty concerning the + change the duke was suspected to have made, a bill, commonly called the + "Test Act," was, at the instigation of Lord Shaftesbury, introduced into + the House of Commons, on its reassembling. In substance this set forth, + that all persons holding office, or place of trust, or profit, should take + the oaths of supremacy and allegiance in a public court; receive the + sacrament according to the Church of England in some parish church on the + Lord's Day; and deliver a certificate of having so received communion, + signed by the respective ministers and church-wardens, and proved by two + credible witnesses on oath. After prolonged debates upon this singular + bill, it was passed through both houses of parliament, and received a + reluctant consent from the king. [This act continued in force until the + reign of George IV.] + </p> + <p> + A great commotion followed the passing of this Act. Immediately the Duke + of York resigned his post of lord high admiral of England. Suspicion now + became certainty; he was truly a papist. His enemies were elated with + triumph, his friends dejected by regret. Before public feeling had time to + subside, it was thoroughly startled by the news that Lord Clifford, who + was supposed to be a staunch protestant, had delivered up his staff of + office as lord treasurer; and Lord Bellasis and Sir Thomas Strickland, + papists both, "though otherwise men of quality and ability," had + relinquished their places at court. The king was perplexed, the parliament + divided into factions, the nation disturbed. No man knew who might next + proclaim himself a papist. As days passed, excitement increased; for + hundreds who held positions in the army, or under the crown—many of + whom had fought for the king and his father—by tendering their + resignations, now proved themselves slaves of what a vigorous writer calls + the "Romish yoke: such a thing," he adds, "as cannot, but for want of a + name to express it, be called a religion." + </p> + <p> + Public agitation steadily rose. Evelyn tells us, "he dare not write all + the strange talk of the town." Distrust of the king, fear of his brother, + hatred of popery and papists, filled men's minds and blinded their reason + with prejudice. That the city had seven years ago been destroyed by fire, + in accordance with a scheme of the wicked Jesuits, was a belief which once + more revived: the story of the gunpowder plot was again detailed. Fearful + suspicions sprang up and held possession of the vulgar mind, that the + prosecutions suffered by protestants under Queen Mary might be repeated in + the reign of the present monarch, or of his brother. That heaven might + defend the country from being overrun by popery, the House of Commons + besought his majesty to order a day of fasting and humiliation. And by way + of adding fury to the gathering tempest, the bishops, Burnet states, + "charged the clergy to preach against popery, which alarmed the court as + well as the city, and the whole nation." + </p> + <p> + The king therefore complained to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, + that the discourse heard in every pulpit throughout the capital and the + kingdom was "calculated to inflame the people, and alienate them from him + and his government." Upon which Dr. Sheldon called the bishops together, + that he might consult with them as to what answer he had best make. + Whereon these wise men declared "since the king himself professed the + protestant religion, it would be a thing without a precedent that he + should forbid his clergy to preach in defence of a religion, while he + himself said he was of it." The next action which served to inflame public + prejudice against catholicism, was the marriage of the Duke of York to a + princess professing that faith. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the death of his wife, it was considered wise and well his + royal highness should marry again. Of the four sons and four daughters the + duchess had borne him, three sons and one daughter had died before their + mother, and the surviving son and another daughter quickly followed her to + the tomb; therefore, out of eight children but two survived, Mary and + Anne, at this time respectively aged nine and seven. It being desirable + there should be a male heir-presumptive to the crown, the king was anxious + his brother should take unto himself a second wife. And that a lady might + be found worthy of the exalted station to which such a union would raise + her, the Earl of Peterborough was sent incognito to report on the manners + and appearance of the princesses of the courts of Neuburg and of Modena. + Not being impressed by the merits of those belonging to the former, he + betook himself to the latter, where, seeing the young Princess d'Este, + then in her fifteenth year, he came to the conclusion no better choice + could be made on behalf of the duke than this fair lady. On communicating + this opinion to his royal highness and to his majesty, the king + commissioned him to demand the hand of the princess in marriage for his + brother. + </p> + <p> + Difficulties regarding this desired union now arose. The young lady, + having been bred in great simplicity and ignorance, had never heard of + such a country as England, or such a person as the Duke of York; and + therefore had no mind to adventure herself in a distant land, or wed a man + of whom she knew nought. Moreover, she had betrayed an inclination to + spend her days in the seclusion of a convent, and had no thought of + marriage. Her mother, the Duchess of Modena, then regent, by reason of her + husband's death and her son's minority, was anxious for so advantageous an + alliance. And being unable to gain her daughter's consent, she sought the + interference of the pope, who wrote to the young princess, that compliance + with her mother's request would "most conduce to the service of God and + the public good." On this, Mary Beatrice Eleonora, Princess d'Este, + daughter of the fourth Duke of Modena, consented to become Duchess of + York. Whereon the Earl of Peterborough made a public entry into Modena, as + ambassador extraordinary of Charles II.; and having agreed to all the + articles of marriage, wedded her by proxy for the royal duke. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, news that the heir to the crown was about to wed a papist + spread with rapidity throughout the kingdom, carrying alarm in its course. + If sons were born of the union, they would, it was believed, undoubtedly + be reared in the religion of their parents, and England in time became + subject to a catholic king. The possibility of such a fate was to the + public mind fraught with horror; and the House of Commons, after some + angry debates on the subject, presented an address to the king, requesting + he would abandon this proposed marriage. To this he was not inclined to + listen, his honour being so far involved in the business; but + notwithstanding his unwillingness, his councillors urged him to this step, + and prayed he would stop the princess, then journeying through France on + her way to England. This so incensed him that he immediately prorogued + parliament, and freed himself from further interference on the subject. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st of November, 1673, the future duchess landed at Dover, where + the duke awaited her, attended by a scant retinue. For the recent + protestations, made in the House of Commons against the marriage, having + the effect of scaring the courtiers, few of the nobility, and but one of + the bishops, Dr. Crew of Oxford, ventured to accompany him, or greet his + bride. On the day of her arrival the marriage was celebrated, "according + to the usual form in cases of the like nature." The "Stuart Papers" give a + brief account of the ceremony. "The Duke and Duchess of York, with the + Duchess of Modena her mother, being together in a room where all the + company was present, as also my Lord Peterborough, the bishop asked the + Duchess of Modena and the Earl of Peterborough whether the said earl had + married the Duchess of York as proxy of the duke? which they both + affirming, the bishop then declared it was a lawful marriage." + </p> + <p> + This unpopular union served to strengthen the gathering storm; Protests + against popery were universally heard; an article in the marriage + settlement, which guaranteed the duchess a public chapel, was broken; and + the duke was advised by Lord Berkshire to retire into the country, "where + he might hunt and pray without offence to any or disquiet to himself." + This counsel he refused to heed. Until his majesty should command him to + the contrary, he said, he would always attend upon him, and do such + service as he thought his duty and the king's security required of him. + His enemies became more wrathful at this reply, more suspicious of popery, + and more fearful of his influence with the king, They therefore sought to + have him removed from his majesty's councils and presence by act of + parliament. + </p> + <p> + Consequently, when both Houses assembled on the 7th of January, 1674, the + lords presented an address to the monarch, praying he would graciously + issue a proclamation, requiring all papists, or reputed papists, within + five miles of London, Westminster, or Southwark, to depart ten miles from + these respective cities, and not return during this session of Parliament. + A few days afterwards an act was introduced into the House of Commons + proposing a second test, impossible for catholics to accept, the refusal + of which would not only render them incapable of holding any office, civil + or military, or of sitting in either House of Parliament, but "of coming + within five miles of the court." This unjust bill, to which, if it passed + both houses, Charles dared not refuse assent, threw the court and country + into a state of renewed excitement. Knowing it was a blow levelled at the + duke, his friends gathered round him, determined to oppose it by might and + main; and after great exertions caused a clause to be inserted excepting + his royal highness from the test. This was ultimately carried by a + majority of two votes, which, says Clarke, "put the little Earl of + Shaftesbury so out of humour, that he said he did not care what became of + the bill, having that proviso in it." + </p> + <p> + This noble earl, who was chief among the royal duke's enemies, was a + prominent figure in the political history of the time. Mr. Burnet tells us + his lordship's strength lay in the knowledge of England, and of all + considerable men. "He understood," says the bishop, "the size of their + understandings and their tempers; and he knew how to apply himself to them + so dexterously, that though by his changing sides so often it was very + visible how little he was to be depended on, yet he was to the last much + trusted by all the discontented party. He had no regard to truth or + justice." As rich in resources as he was poor in honour, he renewed a plan + for depriving the Duke of York from succession to the crown; which, though + it had failed when formerly attempted, he trusted might now succeed. This + was to declare the Duke of Monmouth the king's legitimate son and heir to + the throne of England, a scheme which the ambitious son of Lucy Walters + was eager to forward. + </p> + <p> + His majesty's affection for him had strengthened with time, and his + favours had been multiplied by years. On the death of the Duke of + Albemarle, Captain General of the Forces, Monmouth had been appointed to + that high office; and some time later had been made General of the Kingdom + of Scotland, posts of greatest importance. Relying on the monarch's love + and the people's admiration for this illegitimate scion of royalty, Lord + Shaftesbury hoped to place him on the throne. As the first step necessary + in this direction was to gain his majesty's avowal of a union with Lucy + Walters, he ventured on broaching the subject to the king; at which + Charles was so enraged that he declared, "much as he loved the Duke of + Monmouth, he had rather see him hanged at Tyburn than own him as his + legitimate son." There was, however, another man engaged in a like design + to the noble earl, who, if not less scrupulous, was more daring. + </p> + <p> + This was one Ross, a Scotsman, who had been made governor of the young + duke on his first coming into England, and who had since acted as his + friend and confidant. Now Ross, who had not failed to whisper ambitious + thoughts into his pupil's head, at this time sought Dr. Cosin, Bishop of + Durham, and according to the "Stuart Papers," told him "he might do a + great piece of service to the Church of England in keeping out popery, if + he would but sign a certificate of the king's marriage to the Duke of + Monmouth's mother, with whom that bishop was acquainted in Paris. Ross + also told the bishop, to make the thing more easy to him, that during his + life the certificate should not be produced or made use of." The same + papers state that, as a bishop's certificate is a legal proof of marriage, + Dr. Cosin's compliance would have been invaluable to the duke and his + friends. His lordship, however, rejected the proposition, and laid the + matter before the king, who expelled Ross from court. + </p> + <p> + Horror of popery and fear of a papist sovereign increased with time, care + having been taken by my Lord Shaftesbury and his party that the public + mind, once inflamed, should be kept ignited. For this purpose he spread + reports abroad that the Irish were about to rise in rebellion, backed by + the French; and that the papists in London had entered into a vile + conspiracy to put their fellow citizens to the sword on the first + favourable opportunity. To give this latter statement a flavour of reality + he, assuming an air of fright, betook himself one night to the city, and + sought refuge in the house of a fanatic, in order, he said, that he might + escape the catholics, who had planned to cut his throat. + </p> + <p> + A tempest, dark and dangerous, was gathering fast, which the court felt + powerless to subdue. The king's assurance to parliament that "he would + endeavour to satisfy the world of his steadfastness for the security of + the protestant religion," had little avail in soothing the people. Many of + them suspected him to be a catholic at heart; others knew he had accepted + the bounty of a country feared and detested by the nation. Deeds, not + words, could alone dispel the clouds of prejudice which came between him + and his subjects; and accordingly he set about the performance of such + acts as might bring reconciliation in their train. + </p> + <p> + The first of these was the confirmation, according to the Protestant + Church, of the Lady Mary, eldest daughter of the Duke of York, and after + him heir presumptive to the crown; the second and more important was the + marriage of that princess to William of Orange. This prince was son of the + king's eldest sister, and therefore grandson of Charles I. As a hero who, + by virtue of his statesmanship and indomitable courage, had rescued + Holland from the hateful power of France, he was regarded not only as the + saviour of his country, but as the protector of protestantism. Already a + large section of the English nation turned their eyes towards him as one + whom they might elect some day to weald the sceptre of Great Britain. + Subtle, ambitious, and determined, a silent student of humanity, a grave + observer of politics, a sagacious leader in warfare, he had likewise begun + to look forward towards the chances of succeeding his uncle in the + government of England—in hopes of which he had been strengthened by + the private overtures made him by Shaftesbury, and sustained by the public + prejudices exhibited against the Duke of York. + </p> + <p> + The proposed union between him and the heiress presumptive to the crown + was regarded by the nation with satisfaction, and by the prince as an act + strongly favouring the realization of his desires for sovereignty. Cold + and grave in temperament, sickly and repulsive in appearance, blunt and + graceless in manner, he was by no means an ideal bridegroom for a fair + princess; but neither she nor her father had any choice given them in a + concern so important to the pacification of the nation. She, it was + whispered at court, had previously given her heart to a brave young + Scottish laird; and her father, it was known, had already taken an + instinctive dislike to the man destined to usurp his throne. In October, + 1677, the Prince of Orange came to England, ostensibly to consult with + King Charles regarding the establishment of peace between France and the + Confederates; but the chief motive of his visit was to promote his + marriage, which had some time before been proposed, and owing to political + causes had been coolly received by him. Now, however, his anxiety for the + union was made plain to the king, who quickly agreed to his desires. + "Nephew," said he to the sturdy Dutchman, "it is not good for man to be + alone, and I will give you a help meet for you; and so," continues Burnet, + "he told him he would bestow his niece on him." + </p> + <p> + The same afternoon the monarch informed his council that "the Prince of + Orange, desiring a more strict alliance with England by marriage with the + Lady Mary, he had consented to it, as a thing he looked on as very proper + to unite the family, and which he believed would be agreeable to his + people, and show them the care he had of religion, for which reason he + thought it the best alliance he could make." When his majesty had + concluded this speech, the Duke of York stepped forward, and declared his + consent to the marriage. He hoped "he had now given a sufficient testimony + of his right intentions for the public good, and that people would no more + say he designed altering the government in church or state; for whatever + his opinion on religion might be, all that he desired was, that men might + not be molested merely for conscience' sake." + </p> + <p> + The duke then dined at Whitehall with, the king, the Prince of Orange, and + a noble company; after which he returned to St. James's, where he then + resided. Dr. Edward Luke, at this time tutor to the Lady Mary, and + subsequently Archdeacon of Exeter, in his interesting manuscript diary, + informs us that on reaching the palace, the duke, with great tenderness + and fatherly affection, took his daughter aside, "and told her of the + marriage designed between her and the Prince of Orange; whereupon her + highness wept all that afternoon and the following day." Her tears had not + ceased to flow when, two days after the announcement of her marriage, Lord + Chancellor Finch, on behalf of the council, came to congratulate her; and + Lord Chief Justice Rainsford, on the part of the judges, complimented her + in extravagant terms. + </p> + <p> + This union, which the bride regarded with so much repugnance, was + appointed to take place on the 4th of November, that date being the + bridegroom's birthday, as likewise the anniversary of his mother's + nativity. Dr. Luke gives a quaint account of the ceremony. "At nine + o'clock at night," he writes, "the marriage was solemnized in her + highness's bedchamber. The king; who gave her away, was very pleasant all + the while; for he desired that the Bishop of London would make haste lest + his sister [the Duchess of York] should be delivered of a son, and so the + marriage be disappointed. And when the prince endowed her with all his + worldly goods [laying gold and silver on the book], he willed to put all + up in her pockett, for 'twas clear gains. At eleven o'clock they went to + bed, when his majesty came and drew the curtains, saying, 'Hey! St. George + for England!'" + </p> + <p> + For a time both court and town seemed to forget the trouble and strife + which beset them. Bonfires blazed in the streets, bells rang from church + towers, the populace cheered lustily; whilst at Whitehall there were many + brilliant entertainments. These terminated with a magnificent ball, held + on the 15th instant, the queen's birthday; at the conclusion of this + festivity the bride and bridegroom were to embark in their yacht, which + was to set sail next morning for Holland. For this ball the princess had + "attired herself very richly with all her jewels;" but her whole + appearance betrayed a sadness she could not suppress in the present, and + which the future did not promise to dispel. For already the bridegroom, + whom the maids of honour had dubbed the "Dutch monster" and "Caliban," had + commenced to reveal glimpses of his unhandsome character; "and the court + began to whisper of his sullennesse or clownishnesse, that he took no + notice of his princess at the playe and balle, nor came to see her at St. + James', the day preceding that designed for their departure." + </p> + <p> + The wind being easterly, they were detained in England until the 19th, + when, accompanied by the king, the Duke of York, and several persons of + quality, they went in barges from Whitehall to Greenwich. The princess was + sorely grieved, and wept unceasingly. When her tutor "kneeled down and + kissed her gown" at parting, she could not find words to speak, but turned + her back that she might hide her tears; and, later on, when the queen + "would have comforted her with the consideration of her own condition when + she came into England, and had never till then seen the king, her highness + replied, 'But, madam, you came into England; but I am going out of + England.'" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The threatened storm bursts.—History of Titus Oates and Dr. Tonge.—A + dark scheme concocted.—The king is warned of danger.—The narrative of + a horrid plot laid before the treasurer.—Forged letters.—Titus Oates + before the council.—His blunders.—A mysterious murder.—Terror of the + citizens.—Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.—Papists are banished from the + capital.—Catholic peers committed to the Tower.—Oates is encouraged. +</pre> + <p> + The marriage of the Lady Mary, though agreeable to the public mind, by no + means served to distract it from the turmoil by which it was beset. Hatred + of catholicism, fear of the Duke of York, and distrust of the king, + disturbed the nation to its core. Rumours were now noised abroad, which + were not without foundation, that the monarch and his brother had renewed + the treaty with France, by which Louis engaged to send troops into England + to support Charles, when the latter saw fit to lay aside duplicity, and + proclaim himself a catholic. And, notwithstanding the rigorous Test Acts, + it was believed many high positions at court were held by those who were + papists at heart. Occasion was therefore ripe for the invention of a + monstrous fraud, the history of which has been transmitted under the title + of the Popish Plot. + </p> + <p> + The chief contrivers of this imposture were Titus Oates and Dr. Tonge. The + first of these was son of a ribbon-weaver, who, catching the fanatical + spirit of the Cromwellian period, had ranted as an Anabaptist preacher. + Dissent, however, losing favour under the restoration, Oates, floating + with the current of the times, resolved to become a clergyman of the + Church of England, He therefore took orders at Cambridge, officiated as + curate in various parishes, and served as chaplain on board a man-of-war. + The time he laboured as spiritual shepherd to his respective flocks was + necessarily brief; for his grossly immoral practices becoming notable, he + was in every case ousted from his charge. The odium attached to his name + was moreover increased by the fact, that his evidence in two cases of + malicious prosecution had been proved false; for which he had been tried + as a perjurer. Deprived of his chaplaincy for a revolting act of + profligacy, driven from congregations he had scandalized, homeless and + destitute, he in an evil hour betook himself to Dr. Ezrael Tonge, to whom + he had long been known, and besought compassion and relief. + </p> + <p> + The Rev, Dr. Tonge, rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, was a confirmed + fanatic and political alarmist. For some years previous to this time, he + had published quarterly treatises dealing with such wicked designs of the + Jesuits as his heated brain devised. These he had printed and freely + circulated, in order, as he acknowledged, "to arouse and awaken his + majesty and the parliament" to a sense of danger. He had begun life as a + gardener, but left that honest occupation that he might cultivate flowers + of rhetoric for the benefit of Cromwell's soldiers. Like Titus Oates, he + had become suddenly converted to orthodox principles on return of the + king, and had, through interest, obtained the rectorship of St. Michael's. + Bishop Burnet considered him "a very mean divine, (who) seemed credulous + and simple, and was full of projects and notions." + </p> + <p> + Another historian who lived in those days, the Rev. Laurence Eachard, + Archdeacon of Stowe, states Dr. Tonge was "a man of letters, and had a + prolific head filled with all the Romish plots and conspiracies since the + reformation." According to this author, Tonge took Oates into his house, + provided him with lodging, diet, and clothes; and when the latter + complained he knew not where to get bread, the rector told him "he would + put him in a way." After this, finding Oates a man of great ingenuity and + cunning, "he persuaded him," says Archdeacon Eachard, "to insinuate + himself among the papists, and get particular acquaintance with them; + which being effected, he let him understand that there had been several + plots in England to bring in popery, and that if he would go beyond sea + among the Jesuits, and strictly observe their ways, it was possible there + might be one at present; and if he could make that out, it would be his + preferment for ever; but, however, if he could get their names, and some + information from the papists, it would be very easy to rouse people with + the fears of popery." + </p> + <p> + Hungering for gold, and thirsting for notoriety, Oates quickly agreed to + the scheme laid before him. Accordingly he became acquainted with, and was + received into the Catholic Church by, Father Berry, a Jesuit, and in May, + 1677, was sent by the Jesuits to study in one of their seminaries, + situated in Valladolid, in Spain. Oates, however, though he had proved + himself an excellent actor, could not overcome his evil propensities, and + before seven months had passed, he was expelled from the monastery. + </p> + <p> + Returning to England, he sought out Dr. Tonge, to whom he was unable to + recount the secret of a single plot. Confident, however, that wicked + schemes against the lives and properties of innocent protestants were + being concocted by wily Jesuits, the fanatical divine urged Oates to + present himself once more before them, bewail his misconduct, promise + amendment, and seek readmission to their midst. Following his advice, + Oates was again received by the Jesuits, and sent to their famous seminary + at St. Omer's; where, though he had reached the age of thirty years, he + was entered among the junior students. For six months he remained here, + until his vices becoming noted, he was turned away in disgrace. Again he + presented himself before the rector of St. Michael's, knowing as little of + popish plots as he did on his previous return. But Tonge, though + disappointed, was not disheartened; if no scheme existed, he would invent + one which should startle the public, and save the nation. Such proposals + as he made towards the accomplishment of this end were readily assented to + by Oates, in whose breast wounded pride and bitter hate rankled deep. + Therefore, after many consultations they resolved to draw up a "Narrative + of a Horrid Plot." This was repeatedly changed and enlarged, until + eventually it assumed the definite shape of a deposition, consisting of + forty-three distinct articles, written with great formality and care, and + embodying many shocking and criminal charges. + </p> + <p> + The narrative declared that in April, 1677, the deponent was employed to + carry letters from the Jesuits in London to members of their order in + Spain; these he broke open on the journey, and discovered that certain + Jesuits had been sent into Scotland to encourage the presbyterians to + rebel. Arrived in Valladolid, he heard one Armstrong, in a sermon + delivered to students, charge his majesty with most foul and black-mouthed + scandals, and use such irreverent, base expressions as no good subjects + could repeat without horror. He then returned to England, and was soon + after sent to St. Omer with fresh letters, in which was mentioned a design + to stab or poison his majesty—Pere la Chaise, the French king's + confessor, having placed ten thousand pounds at the disposal of the + Jesuits that they might, by laying out such a sum, the more successfully + accomplish this deed. While abroad the deponent had read many letters, + relating to the execution of Charles II., the subverting of the present + government, and the establishment of the Romish religion. Returning again + to England, he became privy to a treaty with Sir George Wakeham, the + queen's physician, to poison the king; and likewise with an agreement to + shoot him, made between the Jesuits and two men, named Honest William and + Pickering. He had heard a Jesuit preach a sermon to twelve persons of + quality in disguise, in which he asserted "that protestants and other + heretical princes were IPSO FACTO deposed because such; and that it was as + lawful to destroy them as Oliver Cromwell or any other usurper." He also + became aware that the dreadful fire had been managed by Strange, the + provincial of the Jesuits, who employed eighty-six men in distributing + seven hundred fire-balls to destroy the city; and that notwithstanding his + vast expenses, he gained fourteen thousand pounds by plunder carried on + during the general confusion, a box of jewels, consisting of a thousand + carat weight of diamonds, being included in the robbery. + </p> + <p> + The document containing these remarkable statements was finished in + August, 1678. It now remained to have it brought before the king or the + council. Tonge was resolved this should be done in a manner best + calculated to heighten the effect of their narrative; at the same time he + was careful to guard the fact that he and Oates had an intimate knowledge + of each other. Not knowing any one of interest at court, he sought out + Christopher Kirby, a man employed in the king's laboratory, of whom he had + some slight knowledge, and, pledging him to the strictest secrecy, showed + him the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and besought his help in bringing + it under the notice of his majesty in as private a manner as possible. + </p> + <p> + This aid was freely promised; and next day, the date being the 13th of + August, when the monarch was about to take his usual airing in the park, + Kirby drew near, and in a mysterious tone bade his majesty take care, for + his enemies had a design against his life, which might be put into + execution at any moment. Startled by such words, the king asked him in + what manner was it intended his life should be taken; to which he replied, + "It might be by pistol; but that to give a more particular account of the + matter, required greater privacy." The monarch, who quickly recovered his + first surprise, resolved to take his usual exercise; and, subduing his + curiosity, he bade Kirby attend him on his return from the park, and tell + him what he knew of the subject. + </p> + <p> + When the time arrived, Kirby saw his majesty alone, and related to him in + brief that two men waited but an opportunity to shoot him; and Sir George + Wakeham had been hired to poison him; which news, he concluded, had been + imparted to him by a worthy man living close at hand, who would attend his + majesty's pleasure when that was manifested. + </p> + <p> + Bewildered by such intelligence, yet suspicious of its veracity, the king + ordered Kirby to summon his informant that evening by eight o'clock. When + that hour came his majesty repaired to the Red Room, and there met Dr. + Tonge, who delivered his narrative into his hands. The rector was + convinced the great moment he had so long awaited, in which he would + behold the monarch aroused to a sense of his danger, had arrived. He was + doomed to bitter disappointment. His majesty coolly took the narrative, + and without opening it, said it should be examined into. On this Tonge + begged it might be kept safe and secret, "lest the full discovery should + otherwise be prevented and his life endangered." The monarch replied that, + before starting with the court to-morrow for Windsor, he would place it in + the hands of one he could trust, and who would answer for its safety. He + then bade him attend on the Lord Treasurer Danby next morning. + </p> + <p> + In obedience to this command, Tonge waited on his lordship at the + appointed time, and by the character of his replies helped to develop his + story of the plot. When asked if the document he had given his majesty was + the original of the deponent, Tonge admitted it was in his own + handwriting. On this, Lord Danby expressed a desire to see the original, + and likewise become acquainted with its author. Nothing abashed, the + rector replied the manuscript was in his house, and accounted for its + possession by stating that, singularly enough, it had been thrust under + his door—he did not know by whom, but fancied it must be by one who, + some time before, had discussed with him on the subject of this + conspiracy. Whereon his lordship asked him if he knew the man, and was + answered he did not, but he had seen him lately two or three times in the + streets, and it was likely he should see him soon again. + </p> + <p> + Being next questioned as to whether he had any knowledge of Honest + William, or Pickering, the villains who sought the king's life, he + answered he had not. Immediately, however, he remembered it was their + habit to walk in St. James's Park, and said, if any man was appointed to + keep him company, he was almost certain he would have opportunities of + letting that person see these abominable wretches. Finally, Lord Danby + asked him if he knew where they dwelt, for it was his duty to have them + arrested at once; but of their abode Tonge was completely ignorant, though + he was hopeful he should speedily be able to obtain the required + information. + </p> + <p> + He was therefore dismissed, somewhat to his satisfaction, being unprepared + for such particular examination; but in a couple of days he returned to + the charge, determined his tale should not be discredited for lack of + effrontery, On this occasion he said he had met the man he suspected of + being author of the document, who owned himself as such, and stated that + his name was Titus Oates, but requested Tonge would keep it a strict + secret, "because the papists would murder him if they knew what he was + doing." Moreover, Oates had given him a second paper full of fresh horrors + concerning this most foul plot. Taking this with him, the lord treasurer + hastened to Windsor, that he might consult the king, having first left a + servant with Tonge, in hopes the latter might catch sight of Honest + William and Pickering in their daily walk through the park, and have them + arrested. On Danby recounting Tonge's statements to the king, his majesty + was more convinced than before the narrative was wholly without + foundation, and refused to make it known to his council or the Duke of + York. Therefore the lord-treasurer, on conclusion of a brief visit, left + Windsor for his country residence, situated at Wimbledon. + </p> + <p> + For some days no fresh disclosure was made concerning this horrid plot, + until late one night, when Dr. Tonge arrived in great haste at Lord + Danby's house, and informed him some of the intended regicides had + resolved on journeying to Windsor next morning, determined to assassinate + the king. He added, it was in his power to arrange that the earl's servant + should ride with them in their coach, or at least accompany them on + horseback, and so give due notice of their arrival, in order that they + might be timely arrested. Alarmed by this intelligence, Danby at once + hastened to Windsor, and informed the king of what had come to his + knowledge. Both endured great suspense that night, and next day their + excitement was raised to an inordinate pitch by seeing the earl's servant + ride towards the castle with all possible speed. When, however, the man + was brought into his majesty's presence, he merely delivered a message + from Dr. Tonge, stating the villains "had been prevented from taking their + intended journey that day, but they proposed riding to Windsor next day, + or within two days at farthest." Before that time had arrived, another + message came to say, "one of their horses being slipped in the shoulder, + their trip to Windsor was postponed." + </p> + <p> + Taking these foolish excuses, as well as Dr. Tonge's prevaricating answers + and mysterious statements, into consideration, the king was now convinced + the "Narrative of a Horrid Plot" was an invention of a fanatic or a rogue. + He was, therefore; desirous of letting the subject drop into obscurity; + but Lord Danby, foreseeing in the sensation which its avowal would create, + a welcome cloud to screen the defects of his policy, which parliament + intended to denounce, urged his majesty to lay the matter before his privy + council. This advice the king refused to accept, saying, "he should alarm + all England, and put thoughts of killing him into people's heads, who had + no such ideas before." Somewhat disappointed, the lord treasurer returned + once more to Wimbledon, the king remaining at Windsor, and no further news + of the plot disturbed the even tenour of their lives for three days. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time Dr. Tonge, now conscious of the false steps he had + taken, conceived a fresh scheme by which his story might obtain credence, + and he gain wealth and fame. Accordingly he wrote to Danby, informing him + a packet of letters, written by the Jesuits and concerning the plot, + would, on a certain date, be sent to Mr. Bedingfield, chaplain to the + Duchess of York. Such information was most acceptable to Danby at the + moment; he at once started for Windsor, and laid this fresh information + before the king. To his lordship's intense surprise, his majesty handed + him the letters. These, five in number, containing treasonable expressions + and references to the plot, had been some hours before handed by Mr. + Bedingfield to the Duke of York, saying, he "feared some ill was intended + him by the same packet, because the letters therein seemed to be of a + dangerous nature, and that he was sure they were not the handwriting of + the persons whose names were subscribed to the letters." On examination, + they were proved to be most flagrant forgeries. Written in a feigned hand, + and signed by different names, they were evidently the production of one + man; the same want of punctuation, style of expression, and peculiarities + of spelling being notable in all. The Duke of York, foreseeing malice was + meant by them, forcibly persuaded the king to place the epistles before + the privy council. Accordingly, they were handed to Sir William Jones, + attorney general, and Sir Robert Southwell, who stated, upon comparing + them with Dr. Tonge's narrative, they were convinced both were written by + the same hand. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Tonge and Oates, aware of the coldness and doubt with which his + majesty had received the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and ignorant of + the fact he had placed the letters before his privy council, resolved to + make their story public to the world. It therefore happened on the 6th of + September they presented themselves before Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, a + justice of the peace, in the parish of St. Martin's, who, not without + considerable persuasion, consented to receive a sworn testimony from Titus + Oates regarding the truth of his narrative, which had now grown from + forty-three to eighty-one articles. This action prevented further secrecy + concerning the so-called plot. + </p> + <p> + A few days later the court returned to town for the winter, when the Duke + of York besought the privy council to investigate the strange charges made + in the declaration. Accordingly, on the 28th of the month, Tonge and Oates + were summoned before it, when the latter, making many additions to his + narrative, solemnly affirmed its truth. Aghast at so horrible a relation, + the council knew not what to credit. The evil reputation Oates had borne, + the baseness of character he revealed in detailing his actions as a spy, + the mysterious manner in which the fanatical Tonge accounted for his + possession of the document, tended to make many doubt; whilst others, + believing no man would have the hardihood to bring forward such charges + without being able to sustain them by proof, contended it was their duty + to sift them to the end. Believing if he had been entrusted with secret + letters and documents of importance, he would naturally retain some of + them in order to prove his intended charges, the council asked Oates to + produce them; but of these he had not one to show. Nor, he confessed, + could he then furnish proof of his words, but promised if he were provided + with a guard, and given officers and warrants, he would arrest certain + persons concerned in the plot, and seize secret documents such as none + could dispute. These being granted him, he immediately caused eight + Jesuits to be apprehended and imprisoned. Then he commenced a search for + treasonable letters, not only in their houses, but in the homes of such + catholics as were noted for their zeal. His investigations were awaited + with impatience; nor were they without furnishing some pretext for his + accusations. + </p> + <p> + One of the first dwellings which Titus Oates investigated was that of + Edward Coleman. This gentleman, the son of an English divine, had early in + life embraced catholicity, for the propagation of which he thenceforth + became most zealous. Coming under notice of the court, he became the + confidant of the Duke of York, and by him was made secretary to the + duchess. A man of great mental activity, religious fervour, and + considerable ambition, he had, about four years previous to this time, + entered into a correspondence with the confessor of the French king and + other Jesuits, regarding the hopes he entertained of Charles II. + professing catholicity. Knowing him to be bold in his designs and + incautious in his actions, the duke had discharged him from his post as + secretary to the duchess, but had retained him in his dependence. This + latter circumstance, together with a suspicion of the confidence which had + existed between him and his royal highness, prompted Oates to have him + arrested, and his house searched. Coleman, having received notice of this + design, fled from his home, incautiously leaving behind him some old + letters and copies of communications which had passed between him and the + Jesuits. These were at once seized, and though not containing one + expression which could be construed as treasonable, were, from + expectations they set forth of seeing catholicity re-established in + England, considered by undiscerning judges, proofs of the statements made + by Oates. + </p> + <p> + On the strength of his discovery, Oates hastened to Sir Edmondbury + Godfrey, and swore false informations; becoming aware of which, Coleman, + conscious of his innocence, delivered himself up, in hopes of meeting a + justice never vouchsafed him. + </p> + <p> + The Privy council now sat morning and evening, in order to examine Oates, + whose evidence proved untrustworthy and contradictory to a bewildering + degree. When it was pointed out to him the five letters, supposed to come + from men of education, contained ill-spelling, bad grammar, and other + faults, he, with much effrontery, declared it was a common artifice among + the Jesuits to write in that manner, in order to avoid recognition; but + inasmuch as real names were attached to the epistles, that argument was + not considered just. The subject was not mentioned again. When an agent + for these wicked men in Spain, he related, he had been admitted into the + presence of Don John, and had seen him counting out large sums of money, + with which he intended to reward Sir George Wakeham when he had poisoned + the king. Hearing this, his majesty inquired what kind of person Don John + was. Oates said he was tall, lean, and black; whereas the monarch knew him + to be small, stout, and fair. And on another occasion, when asked where he + had heard the French king's confessor hire an assassin to shoot Charles, + he replied, "At the Jesuits' monastery close by the Louvre;" at which the + king, losing patience with the impostor, cried out, "Tush, man! the + Jesuits have no house within a mile of the Louvre!" Presently Oates named + two catholic peers, Lord Arundel of Wardour and Lord Bellasis, as being + concerned in the plot, when the king again spoke to him, saying these + lords had served his father faithfully, and fought his wars bravely, and + unless proof were clear against them, he would not credit they sought him + ill. Then Oates, seeing he had gone too far, said they did not know of the + conspiracy, but it had been intended to acquaint them with it in good + time. Later on he swore falsely against them. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the wildest sensation was caused by the revelations of this + "hellish plot and attempt to murder the king." The public mind, long + filled with hatred of papacy, was now inflamed to a degree of fury which + could only be quenched by the blood of many victims. To the general + sensation which obtained, a new terror was promptly added by the + occurrence of a supposed horrible and mysterious murder. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of Saturday, the 12th of October, Sir Edmondbury Godfrey + was missing from his home in the parish of St. Martin's. The worthy + magistrate was an easy going bachelor of portly appearance, much given to + quote legal opinions in his discourse, and to assert the majesty of the + law as represented in his person. He was alike respected for his zeal by + the protestants, and esteemed for his lenity by the catholics. Bishop + Burnet records the worthy knight "was not apt to search for priests or + mass-houses;" and Archdeacon Eachard affirms "he was well known to be a + favourer rather than a prosecutor of the papists." Accordingly, his + disappearance at first begot no evil suspicions; but as he did not return + on Monday, his servants became alarmed at the absence of a master whose + regularity was proverbial. His brothers were of opinion he was in debt, + and sought escape from his creditors; whilst his friends, after their + kind, were ready to name certain houses of doubtful repute in which they + were certain he had taken temporary lodgings. On his papers being + examined, it was found he had set his affairs in order, paid all his + debts, and destroyed a quantity of his letters and documents. It was then + remembered he had been occasionally susceptible to melancholia—a + disease he inherited from his father, who had perished by his own hand. It + was noted some days before that on which he was missed, he had appeared + listless and depressed. It was known the imprisonment of his friend + Coleman had weighed heavily on his spirits. A terrible fear now taking + possession of his relatives and friends, thorough search was made for him, + which proved vain until the Thursday following his disappearance, when he + was accidentally discovered lying in a ditch, a cloth knotted round his + neck, and a sword passed through his body, "at or near a place called + Primrose Hill, in the midway between London and Hampstead." + </p> + <p> + If he had been murdered, no motive appeared to account for the deed; + neither robbery nor revenge could have prompted it. His rings and money, + gloves and cane, were found on and near his body; and it was known he had + lived in peace with all men. Nor did an inquest lasting two days throw any + light upon the mystery. If it were proved he had died by his own hand, the + law of that day would not permit his brothers to inherit his property, + which was found to be considerable. It was therefore their interest to + ignore the fact that strangulation pointed to FELO DE SE, and to assume he + had been murdered. Accordingly they prohibited the surgeons from opening + the body, lest examination should falsify conclusions at which they + desired to arrive. A verdict was ultimately returned "that he was murdered + by certain persons unknown to the jurors, and that his death proceeded + from suffocation and strangling by a certain piece of linen cloth of no + value." + </p> + <p> + Occurring at such a moment, his death was at once attributed to the + papists, who, it was said, being incensed that the magistrate had received + the sworn testimonies of Oates, had sought this bloody revenge. Fear now + succeeded bewilderment; desires of vengeance sprang from depths of horror. + For two days the mangled remains of the poor knight were exposed to public + view, "and all that saw them went away inflamed." They were then interred + with all the pomp and state befitting one who had fallen a victim to + catholicism, a martyr to protestantism. The funeral procession, which took + its sad way through the principal thoroughfares from Bridewell to St. + Martin's-in-the-Fields, numbered seventy-two divines, and over twelve + hundred persons of quality and consideration. Arriving at the church, Dr. + Lloyd, a clergyman remarkable for his fine abhorrence of papists, ascended + the pulpit, where, protected by two men of great height and strength, he + delivered a discourse, pointing to the conclusion that Sir Edmondbury + Godfrey had been sacrificed to the catholic conspiracy, and instigating + his hearers to seek revenge. Sir Roger North tells us the crowd in and + about the church was prodigious, "and so heated, that anything called + papist, were it cat or dog, had probably gone to pieces in a moment. The + catholics all kept close in their houses and lodgings, thinking it a good + composition to be safe there." + </p> + <p> + The whole city was terror-stricken. "Men's spirits were so sharpened," + says Burnet, "that it was looked on as a very great happiness that the + people did not vent their fury upon the papists about the town." Tonge and + Oates went abroad protected by body guards, arresting hundreds of + catholics; cannon were mounted around Whitehall and St. James's; patrols + paraded the streets by day and night; the trained bands were ready to fall + in at a moment's notice; preparations were made for barricading the + principal thoroughfares; the city gates were kept closed so that admission + could be only had through the wickets; and the Houses of Parliament + demanded a guard should keep watch on the vaults over which they sat, lest + imitators of Guy Fawkes might blow them to pieces. Moreover, it was not + alone the safety of the multitude, but the protection of the individual + which was sought to be secured. In the dark confusion which general terror + produced, each man felt he might be singled out as the next victim of this + diabolical plot, and therefore devised means to guard his life from the + hands of murderous papists. North, in his "Examen," speaking of this + period, tells us: "There was much recommendation of silk armour, and the + prudence of being provided with it against the time the Protestants were + to be massacred. And, accordingly, there were abundance of those silken + back, breast, and headpots made and sold, that were pretended to be pistol + proof; in which any man dressed up was as safe as in a house, for it was + impossible anyone could go to strike him for laughing; so ridiculous was + the figure, as they say, of hogs in armour. This was the armour of + defence; but our sparks were not altogether so tame as to carry their + provision no further, for truly they intended to be assailants upon fair + occasion, and had for that end recommended also to them a certain pocket + weapon, which for its design and efficacy had the honour to be called a + protestant flail. It was for street and crowd work; and the engine lurking + perdue in a coat pocket, might readily sally out to execution, and so, by + clearing a great hall, or piazza or so, carry an election by a choice of + polling called knocking down. The handle resembled a farrier's blood + stick, and the fall was joined to the end by a strong nervous ligature, + that in its swing fell just short of the hand, and was made of LIGNUM + VITAE, or rather, as the poet termed it, MORTIS." + </p> + <p> + One day, whilst the town was in this state of consternation, Tonge sent + for Dr. Burnet, who hastened to visit him in the apartments allotted him + and Oates at Whitehall. The historian says he found Tonge "so lifted up + that he seemed to have lost the little sense he had. Oates came in," he + continues, "and made me a compliment that I was one that was marked out to + be killed. He had before said the same to Stillingfleet of him. But he had + made that honour which he did us too cheap, when he said Tonge was to be + served in the same manner, because he had translated 'The Jesuits' Morals' + into English. He broke out into great fury against the Jesuits, and said + he would have their blood. But I, to divert him from that strain, asked + him what were the arguments that prevailed on him to change his religion + and to go over to the Church of Rome? He upon that stood up, and laid his + hands on his breast, and said, 'God and His holy angels knew that he had + never changed, but that he had gone among them on purpose to betray them.' + This gave me such a character of him, that I could have no regard to + anything he said or swore after that." + </p> + <p> + The agitation now besetting the public mind had been adroitly fanned into + flame by the evil genius of Lord Shaftesbury. Eachard states that if he + was not the original contriver of this disturbance, "he was at least the + grand refiner and improver of all the materials. And so much he seemed to + acknowledge to a nobleman of his acquaintance, when he said, 'I will not + say who started the game, but I am sure I had the full hunting of it.'" In + the general consternation which spread over the land he beheld a means + that might help the fulfilment of his strong desires. Chief among these + were the exclusion of the Duke of York from the throne, and the + realization of his own inordinate ambition. A deist in belief, he abhorred + catholicism; a worshipper of self, he longed for power. He had boasted + Cromwell had wanted to crown him king, and he narrated to Burnet that a + Dutch astrologer had predicted he would yet fill a lofty position. He had + long schemed and dreamed, and now it seemed the result of the one and + fulfilment of the other were at hand. The pretended discovery of this plot + threatened to upheave the established form of government, for the king was + one at heart with those about to be brought to trial and death. A quarter + of a century had not passed since a bold and determined man had risen up + and governed Great Britain. Why should not history repeat itself in this + respect? the prospect was alluring. Possessing strong influence, great + vanity, and an unscrupulous character, Shaftesbury resolved to stir the + nation to its centre, at the expense of peace, honour, and bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st of October, Parliament assembled, when Lord Danby, much + against his majesty's inclination, brought the subject of the plot before + the Commons. This was a movement much appreciated by the House, which, + fired by the general indignation, resolved to deal out vengeance with a + strong hand. As befitted such intention, they began by requesting his + majesty would order a day of general fasting and prayer, to implore the + mercy of Almighty God. The king complying with this desire, they next, "in + consideration of the bloody and traitorous designs," besought him to issue + a proclamation "commanding all persons being popish recusants, or so + reputed," to depart ten miles from the city. Accordingly, upwards of + thirty thousand citizens left London before the 7th of the following + month, "with great lamentations leaving their trades and habitations." + Many of them in a little while secretly returned again. A few days before + this latest petition was presented to the monarch, Oates had been examined + before the House for over six hours; and so delighted was he by the + unprejudiced manner in which his statements were received, that he added + several items to them. These were not only interesting in themselves, but + implicated peers and persons of quality to the number of twenty-six. The + former, including Lords Stafford, Powis, Petre, Bellasis, and Arundel of + Wardour, were committed to the Tower, the latter to Newgate prison. + </p> + <p> + At the end of his examination he was several times asked if he knew more + of the plot, or of those concerned with it, to which he emphatically + replied he did not. Three days later he remembered a further incident + which involved many persons not previously mentioned by him. + </p> + <p> + Both Houses now sat in the forenoon and afternoon of each day; excitement + was not allowed to flag. Oates seldom appeared before the Commons without + having fresh revelations to make; but the fertility of his imagination by + no means weakened the strength of his evidence in the opinions of his + hearers. "Oates was encouraged," writes John Evelyn, "and everything he + affirmed taken for gospel." Indignation against the papists daily + increasing in height, the decrees issued regarding them became more + rigorous in severity. + </p> + <p> + On the 2nd of November the king, in obedience to his Parliament, offered a + reward of twenty pounds for the discovery of any officer or soldier who, + since the passing of the Test Act, "hath been perverted to the Romish + religion, or hears mass." Two days later a bill was framed "for more + effectually preserving the king's person and government, by disabling + papists from sitting in either House of Parliament." As it was feared a + clause would be inserted in this, excluding the Duke of York, the enemies + of his royal highness more plainly avowed their object by moving that an + address be presented to the king, praying his brother should "withdraw + himself from his majesty's person and counsels." This was the first step + towards the Bill of Exclusion from Succession which they hoped + subsequently to obtain. The monarch, however, determined to check such + designs whilst there was yet time; and accordingly made a speech to the + peers, in which he said to them, "Whatever reasonable bills you shall + present to be passed into laws, to make you safe in the reign of my + successor, so they tend not to impeach the right of succession, nor the + descent of the crown in the true line, shall find from me a ready + concurrence." + </p> + <p> + The intended address was therefore abandoned for the present; but the bill + for disabling catholics from sitting in either House of Parliament, having + a clause which excepted the Duke of York from that indignity, passed on + the 30th of November. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Reward for the discovery of murderers.—Bedlow's character + and evidence.—His strange story.—Development of the "horrid + plot."—William Staley is made a victim.—Three Jesuits hung.—Titus + Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.—Striving to ruin the + queen.—Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.—The king protects + her majesty.—Five Jesuits executed.—Fresh rumours concerning + the papists.—Bill to exclude the Duke of York.—Lord Stafford is + tried.—Scene at Tower Hill.—Fate of the conspirators. +</pre> + <p> + Before the remains of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey were laid to rest, a + proclamation was issued by the king, offering a reward of five hundred + pounds for discovery of the murderers. If one of the assassins betrayed + those who helped him in the deed, he should receive, not only the sum + mentioned, but likewise a free pardon, and such protection for his + security as he could in reason propose. Two days after this had been made + public, a man named William Bedlow put himself in communication with Sir + William Coventry, Secretary of State, declaring he had a certain knowledge + of the murder in question. + </p> + <p> + Archdeacon Eachard tells us this man "was one of a base birth and worse + manners, who from a poor foot-boy and runner of errands, for a while got + into a livery in the Lord Bellasis's family; and having for his villainies + suffered hardships and want in many prisons in England, he afterwards + turned a kind of post or letter carrier for those who thought fit to + employ him beyond sea. By these means he got the names and habitations of + men of quality, their relations, correspondents, and interests; and upon + this bottom, with a daring boldness, and a dexterous turn of fancy and + address, he put himself into the world. He was skilful in all the arts and + methods of cheating; but his masterpiece was his personating men of + quality, getting credit for watches, coats, and horses; borrowing money, + bilking vintners and tradesmen, lying and romancing to the degree of + imposing upon any man of good nature. He lived like a wild Arab upon prey, + and whether he was in Flanders, France, Spain, or England, he never failed + in leaving the name of a notorious cheat and impostor behind him." + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of November, Bedlow was brought before the king, and examined + by two Secretaries of State. Here he made the extraordinary declaration + that he had seen the body of the murdered magistrate lying at Somerset + House—then the residence of the queen; that two Jesuits, named La + Faire and Walsh, told him they, with the assistance of an attendant in the + queen's chapel, had smothered Sir Edmondbury Godfrey between two pillows; + that he had been offered two thousand guineas if he would safely remove + the body, which on his refusal was carried away, a couple of nights after + the murder, by three persons unknown to him, who were servants of the + queen's household. Hearing this statement, Sir William Coventry asked him + if he knew anything of the popish plot, when he affirmed on oath he was + entirely ignorant regarding it; he likewise swore he knew no such man as + Titus Oates. + </p> + <p> + That night he was lodged in Whitehall, in company with Tonge and Oates; + and next morning appeared before the House of Lords, when it was evident + his memory had wonderfully improved since the previous day. His story now + assumed a more concise form. In the beginning of October, he stated, he + had been offered the sum of four thousand pounds, to be paid by Lord + Bellasis, provided he murdered a man whose name was withheld from him, + This he refused. He was then asked to make the acquaintance and watch the + movements of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. With this he complied. Soon after + dusk on the 12th of October, the magistrate had been dragged into the + court of Somerset House by the Jesuits, and asked if he would send for the + documents to which Oates had sworn. On his refusal he had been smothered + with a piece of linen cloth; the story of suffocation by pillows, being at + variance with the medical evidence, was now abandoned. One of the Jesuits, + La Faire, had asked Bedlow to call at Somerset House that night at nine + o'clock; and on presenting himself, he was conducted through a gloomy + passage into a spacious and sombre room, where a group of figures stood + round a body lying on the floor. Advancing to these, La Faire turned the + light of a lantern he carried on the face of the prostrate man, when + Bedlow recognised Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. He was then offered two thousand + guineas if he would remove the body, which was allowed to remain there + three days. This he promised to accomplish, but afterwards, his conscience + reproving him, he resolved to avoid the assassins; and rather than accept + the sum proffered, he had preferred discovering the villainy to the + Government. + </p> + <p> + This improbable story obtained no credit with the king, nor indeed with + those whose minds were free from prejudice. "His majesty," writes Sir John + Reresby, "told me Bedlow was a rogue, and that he was satisfied he had + given false evidence concerning the death of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey." Many + circumstances regarding the narrator and his story showed the viciousness + of the one and the falsity of the other. The authority just mentioned + states, when Bedlow "was taxed with having cheated a great many merchants + abroad, and gentlemen at home, by personating my Lord Gerard and other men + of quality, and by divers other cheats, he made it an argument to be more + credited in this matter, saying nobody but a rogue could be employed in + such designs." Concerning the murder, it chanced the king had been at + Somerset House visiting the queen, at the time when, according to Bedlow, + the deed had been committed. His majesty had been attended by a company of + guards, and sentries had been placed at every door; yet not one of them + had witnessed a scuffle, or heard a noise. Moreover, on the king sending + Bedlow to Somerset House, that he might indicate the apartment in which + the magistrate's remains had lain three days, he pointed out a room where + the footman waited, and through which the queen's meals were daily + carried. + </p> + <p> + But the dishonesty of his character and falsity of his statements by no + means prevented the majority of his hearers from believing, or pretending + to believe, his statements; and therefore, encouraged by the ready + reception they met, he ventured to make fresh and startling revelations. + Heedless of the oath he had taken on the first day of his examination, + regarding his ignorance of the popish plot, he now asserted he was well + acquainted with all its details. For some four years he had been in the + secret employment of the wicked Jesuits, and knew they intended to stab + and poison his majesty, establish catholicity in England, and make the + pope king. So far, indeed, had their evil machinations been planned, that + several popish peers already held commissions for posts they expected to + fill in the future. Lord Bellasis and Lord Powis were appointed commanders + of the forces in the north and south; whilst Lord Arundel of Wardour had + permission to grant such positions as he pleased. Then the Dukes of + Buckingham, Ormond, and Monmouth, with Lords Shaftesbury and Ossory, + together with many others, were to be murdered by forty thousand papists, + who were ready to rise up all over the country at a moment's notice. "Nor + was there," he added, "a Roman Catholic of any quality or credit but was + acquainted with these designs and had received the sacrament from their + father confessors to be secret in carrying it out." + </p> + <p> + It by no means pleased Oates that Bedlow should surpass him in his + knowledge of this hellish plot. Therefore, that he might not lose in + repute as an informer, he now declared he was also aware of the + commissions held by popish peers. He, however, assigned them in a + different order. Arundel was to be made chancellor; Powis, treasurer; + Bellasis general of the army; Petre, lieutenant-general; Ratcliffe, + major-general; Stafford, paymaster-general; and Langhorn, + advocate-general. Nay, his information far outstripped Bedlow's, for he + swore that to his knowledge Coleman had given four ruffians eighty guineas + to stab the king, and Sir George Wakeham had undertaken to poison his + majesty for ten thousand pounds. When, however, he was brought face to + face with these men, he was unable to recognise them, a fact he accounted + for by stating he was exhausted by prolonged examination. + </p> + <p> + All England was scared by revelations so horrible; "the business of life," + writes Macpherson, "was interrupted by confusion, panic, clamour, and + dreadful rumours." In London, two thousand catholics were cast into + prison; houses were daily searched for arms and treasonable documents; and + in good time merciless executions filled up the sum of bitter + persecutions. + </p> + <p> + One of the first victims of this so-called plot was William Staley, a + catholic banker of fair renown. The manner in which his life was + sacrificed will serve as an example of the injustice meted to those + accused. One day, William Staley happened to enter a pastrycook's shop in + Covent Garden, opposite his bank, where there chanced to stand at the time + a fellow named Carstairs; one of the infamous creatures who, envious of + the honours and riches heaped on Oates and Bedlow, resolved to make new + discoveries and enjoy like rewards. At this time he was, as Bishop Burnet + states, "looking about where he could find a lucky piece of villainy." + Unfortunately the banker came under his notice, and Bedlow and an + associate pretended to have heard Staley say the king was a rogue and a + persecutor of the people whom he would stab if no other man was found to + do the deed. These words Carstairs wrote down, and next morning called on + the banker, showed him the treasonable sentence, and said he would swear + it had been uttered by him, unless he, Staley, would purchase his silence. + Though fully aware of his danger, he refused to do this; whereon Carstairs + had him instantly arrested and committed for trial. Hearing of his + situation, and knowing the infamous character of his accusers, Dr. Burnet + thought it his duty to let the lord chancellor and the attorney-general + know "What profligate wretches these witnesses were." His interference was + received with hostility. The attorney-general took it ill that he should + disparage the king's evidence; Lord Shaftesbury avowed those who sought to + undermine the credit of witnesses were to be looked on as public enemies; + whilst the Duke of Lauderdale said Burnet desired to save Staley because + of the regard he had for anyone who would murder his majesty. Frightened + by such remarks at a time when no man's life or credit was safe, Burnet + shrank from further action; but rumour of his interference having got + noised abroad, it was resented by the public to such an extent, that he + was advised not to stir abroad for fear of public affronts. + </p> + <p> + Within five days of his arrest, William Staley was condemned to death. In + vain he protested his innocence, pointed out the improbability of his + using such words in a public room, and referred to his character as a + loyal man and worthy citizen. He was condemned and executed as a traitor. + </p> + <p> + The next victim was Coleman. He denied having hired assassins to murder + his majesty, or entertained desires for his death; but honestly stated he + had striven to advance his religion, not by bloodshed, but by tolerance. + Whilst lying in chains at Newgate prison under sentence of death members + of both Houses of Parliament visited him, and offered him pardon if he + confessed a knowledge of the plot; but, in answer to all persuasions and + promises, he avowed his innocence; protesting which, he died at Tyburn. + </p> + <p> + A little later, three Jesuits, named Ireland, Whitehead, and Fenwick, and + two attendants of the queen's chapel, named Grove and Pickering, were + executed on a charge of conspiracy to kill the king. Oates and Bedlow + swore these Jesuits had promised Grove fifteen hundred pounds as price of + the murder; Pickering chose as his reward to have thirty thousand masses, + at a shilling a mass, said for him. Three times they had attempted this + deed with a pistol; but once the flint was loose, another time there was + no powder in the pan, and again the pistol was charged only with bullets. + These five men died denying their guilt to the last. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Dr. Tonge, the ingenious inventor of the plot, had sunk into + insignificance by comparison with his audacious pupil. Not only did the + latter have apartments at Whitehall allotted him, and receive a pension of + twelve hundred a year, but he was lauded as the saviour of his country, + complimented with the title of doctor of divinity, honoured in public, and + entertained in private. Eachard mentions "a great supper in the city," + given in compliment to Oates by "twenty eminent rich citizens;" and Sir + John Reresby writes of meeting him at the dinner-table of Dr. Gunning, + Bishop of Ely. Nothing could exceed the insolence and arrogance of the + impostor. He appeared in a silk gown and cassock, a long scarf, a broad + hat with satin band and rose, and called himself a doctor of divinity. No + man dared contradict or oppose him, lest he should be denounced as a + conniver of the plot, and arrested as a traitor. "Whoever he pointed at + was taken up and committed," says North. "So that many people got out of + his way as from a blast, and glad they could prove their last two years' + conversation. The very breath of him was pestilential, and if it brought + not imprisonment, it surely poisoned reputation." Sir John, speaking of + him at the bishop's dinner-table, says "he was blown up with the hopes of + running down the Duke of York, and spoke of him and his family after a + manner which showed himself both a fool and a knave. He reflected not only + on him personally, but upon her majesty; nobody daring to contradict him, + for fear of being made a party to the plot. I at least did not undertake + to do it, when he left the room in some heat. The bishop told me this was + his usual discourse, and that he had checked him formerly for taking so + indecent a liberty, but he found it was to no purpose." + </p> + <p> + The impostor's conversation on this occasion furnishes the key-note of a + vile plot now contrived to intercept the lawful succession, either by + effectually removing the queen, and thereby enabling the king to marry + again; or otherwise excluding the Duke of York by act of parliament from + lawful right to the crown. Though Shaftesbury's hand was not plainly seen, + there can be no doubt it was busily employed in working out his favourite + design. + </p> + <p> + The blow was first aimed at her majesty by Bedlow, who, on the 25th of + November, accused her of conspiring to kill her husband. About eighteen + months previously, he said, there had been a consultation in the chapel + gallery at Somerset House, which had been attended by Lord Bellasis, Mr. + Coleman, La Faire, Pritchard, Latham, and Sheldon, four Jesuits, and two + Frenchmen whom he took to be abbots, two persons of quality whose faces he + did not see, and lastly by her majesty. The Jesuits afterwards confided in + him as a person of trust, that the queen wept at a proposal to murder the + king which had been made, but subsequently yielding to arguments of the + French abbots, had consented to the design. Indeed, Bedlow, who was in the + sacristy when her majesty passed through at the termination of this + meeting, noticed her face had much changed. Here his story ended; but, as + was now usual, it was taken up and concluded by Oates. + </p> + <p> + Appearing at the Bar of the House of Commons, this vile impostor cried + out, "Aye, Taitus Oates, accause Caatharine, Quean of England, of haigh + traison." Then followed his audacious evidence. In the previous July, Sir + George Wakeham, in writing to a Jesuit named Ashby, stated her majesty + would aid in poisoning the king. A few days afterwards, Harcourt and four + other Jesuits having been sent for, attended the queen at Somerset House. + On that occasion Oates waited on them; they went into a chamber, he stayed + without. Whilst there he heard a woman's voice say she would endure her + wrongs no longer, but should assist Sir George Wakeham in poisoning the + king. He was afterwards admitted to the chamber, and saw no woman there + but her majesty; and he heard the same voice ask Harcourt, whilst he was + within, if he had received the last ten thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + The appetite of public credulity seeming to increase by that on which it + fed, this avowal was readily believed. That the accusation had not been + previously made; that Oates had months before sworn he knew no others + implicated in the plot beyond those he named; that the queen had never + interfered in religious matters; that she loved her husband exceeding + well, were facts completely overlooked in the general agitation. + Parliament "was in a rage and flame;" and next day the Commons drew up an + address to the king, stating that "having received information of a most + desperate and traitorous design against the life of his sacred majesty, + wherein the queen is particularly charged and accused" they besought him + that "she and all her family, and all papists and reputed papists, be + forthwith removed from his court." Furthermore, the House sent a message + to the Peers, desiring their concurrence in this request; but the Lords + made answer, before doing so they would examine the witnesses against her + majesty. This resolution was loudly and indecently protested against by + Lord Shaftesbury and two of his friends. + </p> + <p> + The king had discredited the story of the plot from the first; but + remembering the unhappy consequences which had resulted upon the + disagreement of the monarch and his parliament in the previous reign, he + weakly resolved to let himself be carried away by the storm, other than + offer it resistance. On the condemnation of the Jesuits, he had appeared + unhappy and dissatisfied; "but," says Lord Romney, "after he had had a + little advice he kept his displeasure to himself." The Duke of York + states, in the Stuart Papers, that "the seeming necessity of his affairs + made his majesty think he could not be safe but by consenting every day to + the execution of those he knew in his heart to be most innocent." Now, + however, when foul charges were made against the queen, calculated not + merely to ruin her honour but destroy her life, he resolved to interfere. + He therefore requested she would return to Whitehall, where she should be + safe under his protection; and feeling assured Oates had received + instructions from others more villainous than their tool, he ordered a + strict guard to be kept upon him. This he was, however, obliged to remove + next day at request of the Commons. + </p> + <p> + On the examination before the House of Lords of Oates and Bedlow, their + evidence proved so vague and contradictory that it was rejected even by + the most credulous. When Bedlow was asked "why he had not disclosed such a + perilous matter in conjunction with his previous information touching the + murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey," he coolly replied, "it had escaped his + memory." On Oates being sent to point out the apartment in which he had + seen her majesty and the Jesuits, he first selected the guard-room, and + afterwards the privy chamber, places in which it would have been + impossible to have held secret consultation. Aware that the king was + resolved to protect her majesty, and conscious the evidence of her + accusers was more wildly improbable than usual, the Lords refused to + second the address of the Commons, when the charge against this hapless + woman was abandoned, to the great vexation of my Lord Shaftesbury. + </p> + <p> + Though the queen happily escaped the toils of her enemies, the reign of + terror was by no means at an end. At request of the king, the Duke of York + left England and took refuge in Brussels; the catholic peers imprisoned in + the Tower were impeached with high treason; Hill, Green, and Berry, + servants of her majesty, charged with the murder of Sir Edmondbury + Godfrey, were, without a shadow of evidence, hurried to the scaffold, as + were soon after Whitebread, Fenwick, Harcourt, Gavan and Turner, Jesuits + all, and Langhorn, a catholic lawyer, for conspiring to murder the king. + On the morning when these unfortunate men stood ignominiously bound to the + gallows at Tyburn, the instruments of death before their eyes, the angry + murmurs of the surging mob ringing in their ears, suddenly the sound of a + voice crying aloud, "A pardon! a pardon!" was heard afar off, and + presently a horseman appeared riding at full speed. The soldiers with some + difficulty making way for him through a line of excited people, he + advanced to the foot of the scaffold, and handed a roll of paper bearing + the king's seal to the sheriff, who, opening it, read a promise of pardon + to those now standing face to face with death, provided "they should + acknowledge the conspiracy, and lay open what they knew thereof." To this + they replied they knew of no plot, and had never desired harm to the king; + and, praying for those who had sought their lives, they died. + </p> + <p> + The firmness and patience with which the victims of judicial murder had + one and all met death, refusing bribes, and resisting persuasions to own + themselves guilty, could not fail in producing some effect upon the public + mind; and towards the middle of the year 1679 the first signs of reaction + became visible, when three Benedictine monks and the queen's physician + were tried for conspiracy "to poison the king, subvert the government, and + introduce popery." During the examination, Evelyn tells us, "the bench was + crowded with the judges, lord mayor, justices, and innumerable + spectators." After a tedious trial of nine hours, the jury brought the + prisoners in not guilty, "without," says Evelyn, "sufficient disadvantage + and reflection on witnesses, especially on Oates and Bedlow." + </p> + <p> + As my Lord Shaftesbury had not yet succeeded in his desired project of + excluding the Duke of York from succession, the symptoms of change in + public opinion were thoroughly distasteful to him. He therefore resolved + to check them immediately, and stimulate the agitation and fear that had + for many months reigned paramount through out the nation. For this purpose + he had recourse to his former method of circulating wild and baseless + reports. Accordingly a rumour was soon brought before the House of Commons + of a horrible plot hatched by the papists to burn London to the ground. + This, it was alleged, would be effected by a servant-maid setting a + clothes-press on fire in the house of her master, situated in Fetter Lane. + Two vile Irishmen were to feed the flames, and meanwhile the catholics + would rise in rebellion, and, assisted by an army of sixty thousand French + soldiers, kill the king, and put all protestants to the sword. Though this + tale was in due time discredited, yet it served its purpose in the + present. The violent alarm it caused had not subsided when another + terrible story, started on the excellent authority of Lord Shaftesbury's + cook, added a new terror. This stated the Duke of York had placed himself + at the head of the French troops, with intention of landing in England, + murdering the king and forcing papacy on his subjects. The scare was + sufficiently effectual to cause Parliament to petition his majesty that he + might revoke all licenses recently granted catholic householders to reside + in the capital; and order the execution of all priests who administered + sacraments or celebrated mass within the kingdom. Soon after this address, + Lord Russell was sent by the Commons to the Peers, requesting their + concurrence in the statement that "the Duke of York's being a papist, the + hope of his coming to the crown had given the greatest countenance and + encouragement to the conspiracies and designs of the papists." And now, in + May, 1679, the condition of popular feeling promising well for its + success, the Bill of Exclusion was introduced, ordaining that "James, Duke + of York should be incapable of inheriting the crowns of England and + Ireland; that on the demise of his majesty without heirs of his body, his + dominions should devolve, as if the Duke of York were also dead, on that + person next in succession who had always professed the protestant religion + established by law." This passed the House of Commons by a majority of + seventy-nine votes. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed by this bill, Charles resolved to show signs of resentment, and at + the same time check the increasing power of the Commons, by a sudden and + decisive movement. Therefore, without previously hinting at his + intentions, he prorogued parliament before the bill was sent to the House + of Lords. This was a keen surprise to all, and a bitter disappointment to + Shaftesbury, who vowed those who advised the king to this measure should + answer for it with their heads. Owing to various delays, the Bill of + Exclusion was not brought before the Peers until eighteen months later. + Its introduction was followed by a debate lasting six hours, in which + Shaftesbury distinguished himself by his force and bitterness. At nine + o'clock at night the House divided, when the measure was rejected by a + majority of thirty-three votes, amongst which were those of the fourteen + bishops present. + </p> + <p> + Mortified by this unexpected decision, the violent passions of the + defeated party hurried them on to seek the blood of those peers lodged in + the Tower. Of the five, William Howard, Viscount Stafford—youngest + son of the Earl of Arran, and nephew of the Duke of Norfolk—was + selected to be first put upon his trial; inasmuch as, being over sixty + years, and a sufferer from many infirmities, it was judged he would be the + least capable of making a vigorous defence. Three perjured witnesses swore + he had plotted against the king's life, but no proof was forthcoming to + support their evidence. Notwithstanding this was "bespattered and + falsified in almost every point," it was received as authentic by the + judges, who made a national cause of his prosecution, and considered no + punishment too severe for a papist. After a trial of five days sentence of + death was pronounced upon him, and on the 29th of December, 1680, he was + beheaded on Tower Hill. + </p> + <p> + Like those who had suffered from similar charges, he protested his + innocence to the last; but his words met with a reception different from + theirs. Their dying speeches had been greeted by groans, hisses, and signs + of insatiable fury; but his declarations fell upon silent and sympathizing + hearts. When he had made denial of the crimes of which he was accused, a + great cry rose from the mob, "We believe you—we believe you, my + lord;" and then a single voice calling out "God bless you!" the words were + taken up and repeated by a vast throng, so that the last sounds he heard + on earth were those of prayer. He died with a firmness worthy of his + caste. Having laid his head upon the block, the executioner brandished his + axe in the air, and then set it quietly down at his feet. Raising his + head, Lord Stafford inquired the cause of delay; the executioner replied + he awaited a sign. "Take your time," said he who stood at the verge of + eternity; "I shall make no sign." He who held the axe in his hand + hesitated a second, and then said in a low and troubled voice, "Do you + forgive me, sir?" To which Lord Stafford made brief answer, "I do." Then + he laid his head again upon the blood-stained block. Once more the glitter + of steel flashed through the air, a groan arose from the crowd, and Lord + Stafford's head was severed from his body. + </p> + <p> + A reaction now set in, and gained strength daily. The remaining peers were + in due time liberated; the blood of innocent victims was no longer shed; + and the Duke of York was recalled. Such was the end of the popish plot, + which, says Archdeacon Eachard, "after the strictest and coolest + examinations, and after a full length of time, the government could find + very little foundation to support so vast a fabrick, besides downright + swearing and assurance; not a gun, sword, nor dagger, not a flask of + powder or dark lanthorn, to effect this strange villainy, and with the + exception of Coleman's writings, not one slip of an original letter of + commission among those great numbers alledged to uphold the reputation of + the discoveries." + </p> + <p> + Concerning those through whose malice such disturbance was wrought, and so + much blood shed, a few words may be added. Within twelve months of Lord + Stafford's execution, Shaftesbury was charged with high treason, but + escaping condemnation, fled from further molestation to Holland, where, + after a residence of six weeks, he died. Tonge departed this life in 1680, + unbenefited by the monstrous plot he had so skilfully devised; and in the + same year Bedlow was carried to the grave after an illness of four days. + Oates survived to meet a share of the ignominy and punishment due to his + crimes. After a residence of three years in Whitehall, he was driven out + of the palace on account of "certain misdemeanors laid to his charge," and + deprived of his salary. Two years later, in May, 1683, he was accused of + calling the Duke of York a traitor, and using scandalous words towards his + royal highness. Upon hearing of the case the jury fined him one hundred + thousand pounds. Unable to pay the sum, he was cast into prison, where he + remained six years, until liberated in the reign of William and Mary, His + punishment was not, however, at an end. At the Michaelmas term of 1684 he + was accused of having wilfully perjured himself at the late trials. As he + pleaded not guilty, his case was appointed to be heard at the King's Bench + Court. His trial did not take place until May, 1685, on which occasion the + lord chief justice, in summing up the evidence, declared, "There does not + remain the slightest doubt that Oates is the blackest and most perjured + villain on the face of the earth." + </p> + <p> + After a quarter of an hour's absence from court, the jury returned a + verdict of guilty, and sentence was pronounced against him. He was + stripped of his canonical habit; forced to walk through all the courts of + Westminster Hall proclaiming his crimes; to stand an hour on the pillory + opposite Westminster Hall gate on Monday; an hour on the pillory at the + Royal Exchange on Tuesday; and on Wednesday he was tied to a cart and + whipt at the hands of the common hangman from Aldgate to Newgate, in the + presence, says Eachard, "of innumerable spectators, who had a more than + ordinary curiosity to see the sight." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + London under Charles II.—Condition and appearance of the + thoroughfares.—Coffee is first drunk in the capital.—Taverns and + their frequenters.—The city by night.—Wicked people do creep + about.—Companies of young gentlemen.—The Duke of Monmouth kills + a beadle.—Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.—Stately houses of the + nobility.—St. James's Park.—Amusement of the town.—At Bartholomew + Fair.—Bull, bear, and dog fights.—Some quaint sports. +</pre> + <p> + During the first six years of the merry monarch's reign, London town, east + of Temple Bar, consisted of narrow and tortuous streets of quaintly gabled + houses, pitched roofed and plaster fronted. Scarce four years had passed + after the devastating fire which laid this portion of the capital in + ashes, when a new and stately city rose upon the ruins of the old. + Thoroughfares lying close by the Thames, which were wont to suffer from + inundations, were raised; those which from limited breadth had caused + inconvenience and bred pestilence were made wide; warehouses and dwellings + of solid brick and carved stone, with doors, window-frames, and + breastsummers of stout oak, replaced irregular though not unpicturesque + habitations; whilst the halls of companies, eminent taverns, and abodes of + great merchants, were now built "with fair courtyards before them, and + pleasant gardens behind them, and fair spacious rooms and galleries in + them, little inferior to some princes' palaces." Moreover, churches + designed by the genius of Christopher Wren, adorned with spires, steeples, + and minarets, intersected the capital at all points. + </p> + <p> + This new, handsome, and populous city presented an animated, ever + changing, and merry scene. From "the high street which is called the + Strand," far eastwards, great painted signs, emblazoned with heraldic + arms, or ornamented with pictures of grotesque birds and animals, swung + above shop-doors and taverns. Stalls laden with wares of every + description, "set out with decorations as valuable as those of the stage," + extended into the thoroughfares. In the new Exchange, built by the + worshipful company of mercers at a cost of eight thousand pounds, and + adorned by a fair statue of King Charles II. in the habit of a Roman + emperor, were galleries containing rows of very rich shops, displaying + manufactures and ornaments of rare description, served by young men known + as apprentices, and likewise by comely wenches. + </p> + <p> + At corners and nooks of streets, under eaves of churches and great + buildings, and other places of shelter, sat followers of various trades + and vendors of divers commodities, each in the place which had become his + from daily association and long habit. These good people, together with + keepers of stalls and shops, extolled their wares in deafening shouts; + snatches of song, shouts of laughter, and the clang of pewter vessels came + in bursts of discord from open tavern doors; women discoursed with or + abused each other, according to their temper and inclination as they + leaned from the jutting small-paned windows and open balconies of their + homesteads; hackney coaches or "hell carts," as they drove by, cast filth + and refuse lying in kennels upon the clothes of passengers; the carriers + of sedan-chairs deposited their burthens to fight for right of way in + narrow passages and round crowded corners. + </p> + <p> + Through the busy concourse flowing up and down the thoroughfares from dawn + to dusk, street-criers took their way, bearing wares upon their heads in + wicker baskets, before them on broad trays, or slung upon their backs in + goodly packs. And as they passed, their voices rose above the general din, + calling "Fair lemons and oranges, oranges and citrons!" "Cherries, sweet + cherries, ripe and red!" "New flounders and great plaice; buy my dish of + great eels!" "Rosemary and sweet briar; who'll buy my lavender?" "Fresh + cheese and cream!" "Lily-white vinegar!" "Dainty sausages!" which calls, + being frequently intoned to staves of melody, fell with pleasant sounds + upon the ear. [These hawkers so seriously interfered with legitimate + traders, that in 1694 they were forbidden to sell any goods or merchandise + in any public place within the city or liberties, except in open markets + and fairs, on penalty of forty shillings for each offence, both to buyers + and sellers.] Moreover, to these divers sights and sounds were added + ballad singers, who piped ditties upon topics of the day; quacks who sold + nostrums and magic potions; dancers who performed on tight-ropes; + wandering musicians; fire-eaters of great renown; exhibitors of dancing + dolls, and such like itinerants "as make show of motions and strange + sights," all of whom were obliged to have and to hold "a license in red + and black letters, under the hand and seal of Thomas Killigrew, Esq., + master of the revels to his sacred majesty Charles II." + </p> + <p> + Adown the Strand, Fleet Street, and in that part of the city adjoining the + Exchange, coffee-houses abounded in great numbers. Coffee, which in this + reign became a favourite beverage, was introduced into London a couple of + years before the restoration. It had, however, been brought into England + at a much earlier period. John Evelyn, in the year 1638, speaks of it + being drunk at Oxford, where there came to his college "one Nathaniel + Conoposis out of Greece, from Cyrill the patriarch of Constantinople, who, + returning many years after, was made Bishop of Smyrna." Twelve good years + later, a coffee-house was opened at Oxford by one Jacobs, a Jew, where + this beverage was imbibed "by some who delighted in novelty." It was, + however, according to Oldys the antiquarian, untasted in the capital till + a Turkey merchant named Edwards brought to London a Ragusan youth named + Pasqua Rosee, who prepared this drink for him daily. The eagerness to + taste the strange beverage drawing too much company to his board, Edwards + allowed the lad, together with a servant of his son-in-law, to sell it + publicly; whence coffee was first sold in St. Michael's Alley in Cornhill + by Pasqua Rosee, "at the sign of his own head," about the year 1658. + </p> + <p> + Though coffee-drinkers first met with much ridicule from wits about town, + and writers of broadsheet ballads, the beverage became gradually popular, + and houses for its sale quickly multiplied. Famous amongst these, in the + reign of the merry monarch, besides that already mentioned, was Garraway's + in Exchange Alley; the Rainbow, by the Inner Temple Gate; Dick's, situated + at No. 8, Fleet Street; Jacobs', the proprietor of which moved in 1671 + from Oxford to Southampton Buildings, Holborn; the Grecian in the Strand, + "conducted without ostentation or noise;" the Westminster, noted as a + resort of peers and members of parliament; and Will's, in Russell Street, + frequented by the poet Dryden. + </p> + <p> + These houses, the forerunners of clubs, were, according to their situation + and convenience, frequented by noblemen and men of quality, courtiers, + foreign ministers, politicians, members of learned professions, wits, + citizens of various grades, and all who loved to exchange greetings and + gossip with their neighbours and friends. Within these low-ceilinged + comfortable coffee-house rooms, fitted with strong benches and oak chairs, + where the black beverage was drunk from handless wide brimmed cups, Pepys + passed many cheerful hours, hearing much of the news he so happily + narrates, and holding pleasant discourse with many notable men. It was in + a coffee-house he encountered Major Waters, "a deaf and most amorous + melancholy gentleman, who is under a despayer in love, which makes him bad + company, though a most good-natured man." And in such a place he listened + to "some simple discourse about quakers being charmed by a string about + their wrists;" and saw a certain merchant named Hill "that is a master of + most sorts of musique and other things, the universal character, art of + memory, counterfeiting of hands, and other most excellent discourses." + </p> + <p> + In days before newspapers came into universal circulation, and general + meetings were known, coffee-houses became recognised centres for exchange + of thought and advocacy of political action. Aware of this, the + government, under leadership of Danby, not desiring to have its motives + too freely canvassed, in 1675 issued an order that such "places of resort + for idle and disaffected persons" should be closed. Alarmed by this + command, the keepers of such houses petitioned for its withdrawal, at the + same time faithfully promising libels should not be read under their + roofs. They were therefore permitted to carry on their business by + license. + </p> + <p> + Next in point of interest to coffee-houses were taverns where men came to + make merry, in an age when simplicity and good fellowship largely + obtained. As in coffee-houses, gossip was the order of the day in such + places, each tavern being in itself "a broacher of more news than + hogsheads, and more jests than news." Those of good standing and fair + renown could boast rows of bright flagons ranged on shelves round panelled + walls; of hosts, rotund in person and genial in manner; and of civil + drawers, who could claim good breeding. The Bear, at the bridge-foot, + situated at the Southwark side, was well known to men of gallantry and + women of pleasure; and was, moreover, famous as the spot where the Duke of + Richmond awaited Mistress Stuart on her escape from Whitehall. The Boar's + Head, in Eastcheap, which gained pleasant mention in the plays of William + Shakespeare, when rebuilt, after the great fire, became a famous resort. + The Three Cranes, in the Vintry, was sacred to the shade of rare Ben + Jonson. The White Bear's Head, in Abchurch Lane, where French dinners were + served from five shillings a head "to a guinea, or what sum you pleased," + was the resort of cavaliers, The Rose Tavern, in the Poultry, was famous + for its excellent ale, and no less for its mighty pretty hostess, to whom + the king had kissed hands as he rode by on his entry. The Rummer was + likewise of some note, inasmuch as it was kept by one Samuel Prior, uncle + to Matthew Prior, the ingenious poet. On the balcony of the Cock, near + Covent Garden, Sir Charles Sedley had stood naked in a drunken frolic; and + at the King's Head, over against the Inner Temple Gate, Shaftesbury and + his friends laid their plots, coming out afterwards on the double balcony + in front, as North describes them, "with hats and no peruques, pipes in + their mouths, merry faces and dilated throats, for vocal encouragement of + the canaglia below." + </p> + <p> + All day long the streets were crowded by those whom business or diversion + carried abroad; but when night fell apace, the keepers of stalls and shops + speedily secured their wares and fastened their doors, whilst the honest + citizen and his family kept within house. For the streets being unlighted, + darkness fell upon them, relieved only as some person of wealth rode + homewards from visiting a friend, or a band of late revellers returned + from a feast, when the glare of flambeaux, carried by their attendants, + for a moment brought the outlines of houses into relief, or flashed red + light upon their diamond panes, leaving all in profound gloom on + disappearing. + </p> + <p> + The condition of the thoroughfares favouring the inclination of many loose + persons, they wandered at large, dealing mischief to those whose duty took + them abroad. From the year 1556, in the reign of Queen Mary, "fit persons + with suitable strength" had been appointed to walk the streets and watch + the city by night; to protect those in danger, arrest suspected persons, + warn householders of danger by fire and candle, help the poor, pray for + the dead, and preserve the peace. These burly individuals were known as + watch or bell men; one was appointed for each ward, whose duty it was to + pass through the district he guarded ringing his bell, "and when that + ceaseth," says Stow, "he salutes his masters and mistresses with his + rhymes, suitable to the seasons and festivals of the year, and bids them + look to their lights." + </p> + <p> + In the third year of the reign of King Charles II., whilst Sir John + Robinson was mayor of London town, divers good orders were made by him and + his common council for the better service of these watches. The principal + of these set forth that each should be accompanied by a constable and a + beadle selected from the inhabitants of their respective wards, who should + be required in turn to render voluntary service in guarding the city, from + nine of the clock at night till seven in the morning, from Michaelmas to + the 1st of April; and from that date until the 31st of March, from ten at + night till five in the morning. + </p> + <p> + These rules were not, however, vigorously carried out; the volunteers were + frequently unwilling to do duty, or when, fearful of fine, they went + abroad, they usually spent their time in tippling in ale-houses, so that, + as Delaune remarks, "a great many wicked persons capable of the blackest + villainies do creep about, as daily and sad experience shows." It was not + only those who, with drawn swords, darted from some deep porch or + sheltering buttress, in hopes of enriching themselves at their neighbour's + expense, that were to be dreaded. It was a fashion of the time for + companies of young gentlemen to saunter forth in numbers after route or + supper, when, being merry with wine and eager for adventure, they were + brave enough to waylay the honest citizen and abduct his wife, beat the + watch and smash his lantern, bedaub signboards and wrench knockers, + overturn a sedan-chair and vanquish the carriers, sing roystering songs + under the casements of peaceful sleepers, and play strange pranks to which + they were prompted by young blood and high spirits. + </p> + <p> + Among those who made prominent figures in such unholy sports was the + king's eldest son, my Lord Duke of Monmouth. He and his young grace of + Albemarle—son to that gallant soldier now deceased, who was + instrumental in restoring his majesty—together with some seven or + eight young gentlemen, whilst on their rounds one Sunday morning + encountered a beadle, whose quaint and ponderous figure presented itself + to their blithe minds as a fit object for diversion in lieu of better. + Accordingly they accosted him with rough words and unceremonious usage, + the which he resenting, they came to boisterous threats and many blows, + that ended only when the poor fellow lay with outstretched limbs stark + dead upon the pavement. Sir Charles Sedley and Lord Brockhurst were also + notable as having been engaged in another piece of what has been called + "frolick and debauchery," when "they ran up and down all night almost + naked through the streets, at last fighting and being beaten by the watch, + and clapped up all night." + </p> + <p> + It was not until the last years of the merry monarch's reign that there + was introduced "an ingenious and useful invention for the good of this + great city, calculated to secure one's goods, estates, and person; to + prevent fires, robberies and housebreakings, and several accidents and + casualties by falls to which man is liable by walking in the dark" This + was a scheme for lighting the streets, by placing an oil-lamp in front of + every tenth house on each side of the way, from Michaelmas to Lady-day, + every night from six of the clock till twelve, beginning the third night + after every full moon, and ending on the sixth night after every new moon; + one hundred and twenty nights in all. The originator of this plan was one + Edward Hemming, of London, gentleman. His project was at first ridiculed + and opposed by "narrow-souled and self-interested people," who were no + doubt children of darkness and doers of evil deeds; but was eventually + hailed with delight by all honest men, one of whom, gifted with + considerable imagination, declared these poor oil-lamps "seemed but one + great solar light that turned nocturnal shades to noonday." + </p> + <p> + In this reign the city proper was confined eastward of Temple Bar; to the + west lay the palaces of Somerset House and Whitehall, the stately parks, + and great houses of the nobility surrounded by wide gardens and wooded + grounds. Monsieur Sorbiere, who in this reign made a journey into England, + an account of which he subsequently published "to divert a person of + quality who loved him extremely," resided close by Covent Garden during + his stay. It was usual, he writes, for people in the district to say, "I + go to London," for "indeed 'tis a journey for those who live near + Westminster. 'Tis true," he adds, "they may sometimes get thither in a + quarter of an hour by water, which they cannot do in less than two hours + by land, for I am persuaded no less time will be necessary to go from one + end of its suburb to the other." For a crown a week this ingenious and + travelled gentleman had lodgings in Covent Garden, not far removed from + Salisbury House, a vicinity which he avows was "certainly the finest place + in the suburbs." Covent Garden itself has been described by John Strype, + native of the city of London, as "a curious large and airy square enclosed + by rails, between which railes and houses runs a fair street." The square, + or, as it was commonly called, garden, was well gravelled for greater + accommodation of those who wished to take the air; and that its surface + might more quickly dry after rain, it was raised by an easy ascent to the + centre, where stood a sundial fixed on a black marble pillar, at the base + of which were stone steps, "whereon the weary' might rest." + </p> + <p> + The west side of the square was flanked by the handsome portico of St. + Paul's Church, erected at the expense of Francis, Earl of Bedford, from + designs by Mr. Inigo Jones; the south side opened to Bedford Gardens, + "where there is a small grotto of trees, most pleasant in the summer + season." Here, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a market was held, + well stocked with roots, fruits, herbs, and flowers. On the north and east + sides stood large and stately houses of persons of quality and + consideration, the fronts of which, being supported by strong pillars, + afforded broad walks, known as the Piazza, and found convenient in wet and + sultry weather. + </p> + <p> + Here amongst other houses was that of my Lord Brouncker, where Mr. Pepys + enjoyed a most noble French dinner and much good discourse, in return for + which he gave much satisfaction by the singing of a new ballad, to wit, + Lord Dorset's famous song, "To all ye ladies now on land." Not far + distant, its face turned to the Strand, was the stately residence of the + Duke of Bedford, a large dark building, fronted by a great courtyard, and + backed by spacious gardens enclosed by red-brick walls. Likewise in the + Strand stood Arundel House, the residence of Henry Frederick Howard, Earl + of Arundel and Surrey, and Earl Marshal of England; Hatfield House, built + by Thomas Hatfield, Bishop of Durham, as a town residence for himself and + his heirs lawfully begotten; York House, richly adorned with the arms of + Villiers and Manners—one gloomy chamber of which was shown as that + wherein its late noble owner, George, first Duke of Buckingham, was + stabbed by Felton; Worcester House, at one time occupied by Lord + Chancellor Clarendon; and Essex House, situated near St. Clement Danes, + the town residence of Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex, "a sober, wise, + judicious, and pondering person, not illiterate beyond the rate of most + noblemen of this age." + </p> + <p> + There were also many other noble mansions lying westward, amongst them + being those of the Dukes of Ormond and Norfolk in St. James's Square, + which was built at this time; Berkeley House, which stood on the site now + occupied by Berkeley Square, a magnificent structure containing a + staircase of cedar wood, and great suites of lofty rooms; Leicester House, + situated in Leicester Fields, subsequently known as Leicester Square, + behind which stretched a goodly common; Goring House, "a very pretty villa + furnished with silver jars, vases, cabinets, and other rich furniture, + even to wantonnesse and profusion," on the site of which Burlington Street + now stands; Clarendon House, a princely residence, combining "state, use, + solidity, and beauty," surrounded by fair gardens, that presently gave + place to Bond Street; Southampton House, standing, as Evelyn says, in "a + noble piazza—a little town," now known as Bloomsbury Square, whose + pleasant grounds commanded a full view of the rising hills of Hampstead + and Highgate; and Montagu House, described as a palace built in the French + fashion, standing on the ground now occupied by the British Museum, which + in this reign was backed by lonely fields, the dread scenes of "robbery, + murder, and every species of depravity and wickedness of which the heart + can think." + </p> + <p> + Besides the grounds and gardens surrounding these stately mansions, a + further aspect of space and freshness was added to the capital by public + parks. Foremost amongst these was St. James's, to which the merry monarch + added several fields, and for its greater advantage employed Monsieur La + Notre, the famous French landscape-gardener. Amongst the improvements this + ingenious man effected were planting trees of stately height, contriving a + canal one hundred feet broad and two hundred and eighty feet long, with a + decoy and duck island, [The goodnatured Charles made Monsieur St. Evremond + governor of Duck Island, to which position he attached a salary much + appreciated by the exile. The island was removed in 1790 to make room for + fresh improvements.] and making a pleasant pathway bordered by an aviary + on either side, usually called Bird Cage Walk. An enclosure for deer was + formed in the centre of the park; not far removed was the famous Physic + Garden, where oranges were first seen in England; and at the western end, + where Buckingham Palace has been erected, stood Arlington House, described + as "a most neat box, and sweetly seated amongst gardens, enjoying the + prospect of the park and the adjoining fields." + </p> + <p> + The great attraction of St. James's Park was the Mall, which Monsieur + Sorbiere tells us was a walk "eight hundred and fifty paces in length, + beset with rows of large trees, and near a small wood, from whence you may + see a fine mead, a long canal, Westminster Abbey, and the suburbs, which + afford an admirable prospect." This path was skirted by a wooded border, + and at the extreme end was set with iron hoops, "for the purpose of + playing a game with a ball called the mall." ["Our Pall Mall is, I + believe, derived from paille maille, a game somewhat analogous to cricket, + and imported from France in the reign of the second Charles. It was + formerly played in St. James's Park, and in the exercise of the sport a + small hammer or mallet was used to strike the ball. I think it worth + noting that the Malhe crest is a mailed arm and hand, the latter grasping + a mallet."—NOTES AND QUERIES, 1st series, vol. iii. p. 351.] + </p> + <p> + In St. James's Park Samuel Pepys first saw the Duke of York playing at + "pelemele"; and likewise in 1662 witnessed with astonishment people skate + upon the ice there, skates having been just introduced from Holland; on + another occasion he enjoyed the spectacle of Lords Castlehaven and Arran + running down and killing a stout buck for a wager before the king. And one + sultry July day, meeting an acquaintance here, the merry soul took him to + the farther end, where, seating himself under a tree in a corner, he sung + him some blithesome songs. It was likewise in St. James's Park the Duke of + York, meeting John Milton one day, asked him if his blindness was not to + be regarded as a just punishment from heaven, due to his having written + against the martyred king. "If so, sir," replied the great poet and + staunch republican, "what must we think of his majesty's execution upon a + scaffold?" To which question his royal highness vouchsafed no reply. + </p> + <p> + It was a favourite custom of his majesty, who invariably rose betimes, to + saunter in the park whilst the day was young and pass an hour or two in + stroking the heads of his feathered favourites in the aviary, feeding the + fowls in the pond with biscuits, and playing with the crowd of spaniels + ever attending his walks. For his greater amusement he had brought + together in the park a rare and valuable collection of birds and beasts; + amongst which were, according to a quaint authority, "an onocratylus, or + pelican, a fowl between a stork and a swan—a melancholy water-fowl + brought from Astracan by the Russian ambassador." This writer tells us, + "It was diverting to see how the pelican would toss up and turn a flat + fish, plaice or flounder, to get it right into its gullet at its lower + beak, which being filmy stretches to a prodigious wideness when it devours + a great fish. Here was also a small water-fowl, not bigger than a + more-hen, that went almost quite erect like the penguin of America. It + would eate as much fish as its whole body weighed, yet ye body did not + appear to swell the bigger. The Solan geese here are also great devourers, + and are said soon to exhaust all ye fish in a pond. Here was a curious + sort of poultry not much exceeding the size of a tame pidgeon, with legs + so short as their crops seemed to touch ye earth; a milk-white raven; a + stork which was a rarity at this season, seeing he was loose and could fly + loftily; two Balearian cranes, one of which having had one of his leggs + broken, and cut off above the knee, had a wooden or boxen leg and thigh, + with a joint so accurately made that ye creature could walke and use it as + well as if it had ben natural; it was made by a souldier. The park was at + this time stored with numerous flocks of severall sorts of ordinary and + extraordinary wild fowle breeding about the decoy, which, looking neere so + greate a citty, and among such a concourse of souldiers and people, is a + singular and diverting thing. There are also deere of several countries, + white, spotted like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deere, roebucks, + staggs, Guinea goates, Arabian sheepe, etc. There are withy-potts or nests + for the wild fowle to lay their eggs in, a little above ye surface of ye + water." + </p> + <p> + Hyde Park, lying close by, likewise afforded a pleasant and convenient + spot for recreation. Here, in a large circle railed off and known as the + Ring, the world of quality and fashion took the air in coaches. The king + and queen, surrounded by a goodly throng of maids of honour and gentlemen + in waiting, were wont to ride here on summer evenings, whilst courtiers + and citizens looked on the brilliant cavalcade with loyal delight. Horse + and foot races were occasionally held in the park, as were reviews + likewise, Cosmo, Grand Duke of Tuscany, "a very jolly and good comely + man," whilst visiting England in 1669, was entertained by his majesty with + a military parade held here one Sunday in May. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Hyde Park, he found a great concourse of people and + carriages waiting the coming of his majesty, who presently appeared with + the Duke of York and many lords and gentlemen of the court. Having + acknowledged an enthusiastic greeting, Charles retired under shade of some + trees, in order to protect himself from the sun, and then gave orders for + the troops to march past. "The whole corps," says the Grand Duke, + "consisted of two regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, and of three + companies of the body-guard, which was granted to the king by parliament + since his return, and was formed of six hundred horsemen, each armed with + carabines and pistols, all well mounted and dressed, which are uniform in + every thing but colour. When they had marched by, without firing either a + volley or a salve, his majesty dismounted from his horse, and entering his + carriage, retired to Whitehall." + </p> + <p> + Besides such diversions as were enjoyed in the parks, the people had + various other sources of public amusement; amongst these puppet-shows, + exhibitions of strength and agility, bear-baiting, cock-fighting, and + dancing obtained. Until the restoration, puppet-shows had not been seen + for years; for these droll dolls, being regarded as direct agents of + Satan, were discountenanced by the puritans. With the coming of his + majesty they returned in vast numbers, and were hailed with great delight + by the people. One of these exhibitions which found special favour with + the town, and speedily drew great audiences of gallants and ladies of + quality, was situated within the rails of Covent Garden. And so perfect + were the marionettes of this booth in the performance of divers sad + tragedies and gay comedies, that they had the honour of receiving a royal + command to play before their majesties at Whitehall. Amongst the most + famous tumblers, or, as they were then styled, posturemakers, of this + reign were Jacob Hall the friend of my Lady Castlemaine, and Joseph + Clarke, beloved by the citizens. Though the latter was "a well-made man + and rather gross than thin," we are told he "exhibited in the most natural + manner almost every species of deformity and dislocation; he could + dislocate his vertebrae so as to render himself a shocking spectacle; he + could also assume all the uncouth faces he had seen at a quaker's meeting, + at the theatre, or any public place. He was likewise the plague of all the + tailors about town. He would send for one of them to take measure of him, + but would so contrive it as to have a most immoderate rising in one of his + shoulders; when his clothes were brought home and tried upon him, the + deformity was removed into the other shoulder, upon which the tailor + begged pardon for the mistake, and mended it as fast as he could; but on + another trial found him as straight-shouldered a man as one would desire + to see, but a little unfortunate in a hump back. In fact, this wandering + tumour puzzled all the workmen about town, who found it impossible to + accommodate so changeable a customer." + </p> + <p> + Florian Marchand, "the water-spouter," was another performer who enjoyed + considerable fame. Such was the dexterity of this conjurer that, "drinking + only fountaine-water, he rendered out of his mouth in severall glasses all + sorts of wine and sweete waters." A Turk, who walked up an almost + perpendicular line by means of his toes, danced blindfold on a tight rope + with a boy dangling from his feet, and stood on his head on the top of a + high mast, shared an equal popularity with Barbara Vanbeck, the bearded + woman, and "a monstrous beast, called a dromedary." These wondrous sights, + together with various others of a like kind, which were scattered + throughout the town and suburbs during the greater part of the year, + assembled in full strength at the fairs of St. Margaret, Southwark, and + St. Bartholomew, in Smithfield. These gatherings, which usually lasted a + fortnight, were looked forward to with considerable pleasure, and + frequented not only by citizens bent on sport, but by courtiers in search + of adventure. + </p> + <p> + Nay, even her majesty was tempted on one occasion to go a-fairing, as we + gather from a letter addressed to Sir Robert Paston, contained in Ives's + select papers. "Last week," says the writer thereof, "the queen, the + Duchess of Richmond, and the Duchess of Buckingham had a frolick to + disguise themselves like country lasses, in red petticoates, waistcoates, + etc., and so goe see the faire. Sir Bernard Gascoign, on a cart jade, rode + before the queen; another stranger before the Duchess of Buckingham, and + Mr. Roper before Richmond. They had all so overdone it in their disguise, + and look'd so much more like antiques than country volk, that as soon as + they came to the faire, the people began to goe after them; but the queen + going to a booth to buy a pair of yellow stockins for her sweethart, and + Sir Bernard asking for a pair of gloves, sticht with blew, for his + sweethart, they were soon, by their gebrish, found to be strangers, which + drew a bigger flock about them. One amongst them [who] had seen the queen + at dinner, knew her, and was proud of her knowledge. This soon brought all + the faire into a crowd to stare at the queen. Being thus discovered, they + as soon as they could got to their horses; but as many of the faire as had + horses, got up with their wives, children, sweetharts, or neighbours + behind them, to get as much gape as they could till they brought them to + the court gate. Thus by ill conduct was a merry frolick turned into a + penance." + </p> + <p> + On another occasion my Lady Castlemaine went to Bartholomew fair to see + the puppets play "Patient Grissel;" and there was the street "full of + people expecting her coming out," who, when she appeared, "suffered her + with great respect to take the coach." Not only the king's mistress, but + likewise the whole court went to St. Margaret's fair to see "an Italian + wench daunce and performe all the tricks on the high rope to admiration; + and monkies and apes do other feates of activity." "They," says a quaint + author, "were gallantly clad A LA MODE, went upright, saluted the company, + bowing and pulling off their hats, with as good a grace as if instructed + by a dancing master. They turned heels over head with a basket having eggs + in it, without breaking any; also with lighted candles on their heads, + without extinguishing them; and with vessells of water without spilling a + drop." + </p> + <p> + The cruel sport of bull and bear baiting was also commonly practised. + Seated round an amphitheatre, the people witnessed these unfortunate + animals being torn to pieces by dogs, the owners of which frequently + jumped into the arena to urge them to their sanguinary work, on the result + of which great wagers depended. Indignation arising against those who + witnessed such sights may be somewhat appeased by the knowledge that + infuriated bulls occasionally tossed the torn and bleeding carcases of + their tormentors into the faces and laps of spectators. Pepys frequently + speaks of dense crowds which assembled to witness this form of cruelty, + which he designates as good sport; and Evelyn speaks of a gallant steed + that, under the pretence that he had killed a man, was baited by dogs, but + fought so hard for his life "the fiercest of them could not fasten on him + till he was run through with swords." Not only bull and bear baiting, cock + and dog fighting were encouraged, but prize combats between man and man + were regarded as sources of great diversion. Pepys gives a vivid picture + of a furious encounter he, in common with a great and excited crowd, + witnessed at the bear-garden stairs, at Bankside, between a butcher and a + waterman. "The former," says he, "had the better all along, till by-and-by + the latter dropped his sword out of his hand; and the butcher, whether not + seeing his sword dropped I know not, but did give him a cut over the + wrist, so as he was disabled to fight any longer. But Lord! to see how in + a minute the whole stage was full of watermen to revenge the foul play, + and the butchers to defend their fellow, though most blamed him; and then + they all fell to it to knocking down and cutting many on each side. It was + pleasant to see, but that I stood in the pit, and feared that in the + tumult I might get some hurt." + </p> + <p> + Among the more healthy sports which obtained during the reign were + horse-racing, tennis, and bowling. The monarch had, at vast expense, built + a house and stables at Newmarket, where he and his court regularly + repaired, to witness racing. Here likewise the king and "ye jolly blades + enjoyed dauncing, feasting, and revelling, more resembling a luxurious and + abandoned route than a Christian court." He had likewise a tennis-court + and bowling green at Whitehall, where at noonday and towards eve, blithe + lords, and ladies in brave apparel, might be seen at play. Bowling was a + game to which the people were much devoted, every suburban tavern having + its green, where good friends and honest neighbours challenged each + other's strength and skill. And amongst other pleasant sports and customs + were those practised on May-day, when maids rose betimes to bathe their + faces in dew, that they might become sweet-complexioned to men's sight; + and milk-maids with garlands of spring flowers upon their pails, and + posies in their breasts, danced to the merry music of fiddles adown the + streets. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.—Dining in public.—The + Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.—Entertainment of guests by + mountebanks.—Gaming at court.—Lady Castlemaine's losses.—A fatal + duel.—Dress of the period.—Riding-habits first seen.—His majesty + invents a national costume.—Introduction of the penny post.—Divorce + suits are known.—Society of Antiquaries.—Lord Worcester's + inventions.—The Duchess of Newcastle. +</pre> + <p> + Few courts have been more brilliant than that of the merry monarch. All + the beauty of fair women, the gallantry of brave men, and the gaiety of + well-approved wits could compass, perpetually surrounded his majesty, + making the royal palace a lordly pleasure house. Noble banquets, + magnificent balls, and brilliant suppers followed each other in quick + succession. Three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—the + king and queen dined publicly in ancient state, whilst rare music was + discoursed, and many ceremonies observed, amongst these being that each + servitor of the royal table should eat some bread dipped in sauce of the + dish he bore. On these occasions meats for the king's table were brought + from the kitchen by yeomen of the guard, or beef-eaters. These men, + selected as being amongst the handsomest, strongest, and tallest in + England, were dressed in liveries of red cloth, faced with black velvet, + having the king's cipher on the back, and on the breast the emblems of the + Houses of York and Lancaster. By them the dishes were handed to the + gentlemen in waiting, who served royalty upon their knees. "You see," said + Charles one day to the Chevalier de Grammont, "how I am waited on." "I + thank your majesty for the explanation," said the saucy Frenchman; "I + thought they were begging pardon for offering you so bad a dinner." [This + mode of serving the sovereign continued unto the coming of George I.] + </p> + <p> + The costliness and splendour of some royal entertainments require the + description of an eye-witness to be fully realized. Evelyn, speaking of a + great feast given to the Knights of the Garter in the banqueting-hall, + tells us "the king sat on an elevated throne, at the upper end of the + table alone, the knights at a table on the right hand, reaching all the + length of the roome; over against them a cupboard of rich gilded plate; at + the lower end the musick; on the balusters above, wind musick, trumpets, + and kettle-drums. The king was served by the lords and pensioners who + brought up the dishes. About the middle of the dinner the knights drank + the king's health, then the king theirs, when the trumpets and musick + plaid and sounded, the guns going off at the Tower. At the banquet came in + the queene and stood by the king's left hand hand, but did not sit. Then + was the banquetting stuff flung about the roome profusely. In truth the + crowd was so great that I now staied no longer than this sport began for + fear of disorder. The cheere was extraordinary, each knight having forty + dishes to his messe, piled up five or six high." + </p> + <p> + Concerning the habit mentioned by Evelyn, of mobs rushing into + banquet-halls, in order to possess themselves of all on which they could + lay hands, many instances are mentioned. The Duke of Tuscany, amongst + other authorities, narrates the inconvenience it caused at a supper he + gave the king. When his majesty drove to the duke's residence he was + preceded by trumpeters and torch-bearers, attended by the horse-guards and + a retinue of courtiers, and accompanied by a vast crowd. On alighting from + the coach the Duke of Tuscany, together with the noblemen and gentlemen of + his household, received and conducted him through passages lighted by + torches to the banquet-hall. From the ceiling of this saloon was suspended + a chandelier of rock crystal, blazing with tapers; beneath it stood a + circular table, at the upper end of which was placed a chair of state for + the king. The whole entertainment was costly and magnificent. As many as + eighty dishes were set upon the table; foreign wines, famous for great age + and delicate flavour, sparkled in goblets of chased gold; and finally, a + dessert of Italian fruits and Portuguese sweetmeats was served. But scarce + had this been laid upon the board, when the impatient crowd which had + gathered round the house and forced its way inside to witness the banquet, + now violently burst into the saloon and carried away all that lay before + them. Neither the presence of the king nor the appearance of his soldiers + guarding the entrance with carbines was sufficient to prevent entrance or + hinder pillage. Charles, used to such scenes, left the table and retired + into the duke's private apartments. + </p> + <p> + A quaint and curious account of a less ceremonious and more convivial + feast, also graced by the king's presence, was narrated by Sir Hugh + Cholmely to a friend and gossip. This supper was given by Sir George + Carteret, a man of pleasant humour, and moreover treasurer of the navy. By + the time the meats were removed, the king and his courtiers waxed + exceedingly merry, when Sir William Armorer, equerry to his majesty, came + to him and swore, "'By God, sir,' says he, 'you are not so kind to the + Duke of York of late as you used to be.' 'Not I?' says the king. 'Why so?' + 'Why,' says he, 'if you are, let us drink his health.' 'Why, let us,' says + the king. Then he fell on his knees and drank it; and having done, the + king began to drink it. 'Nay, sir,' says Armorer; 'by God, you must do it + on your knees!' So he did, and then all the company; and having done it, + all fell acrying for joy, being all maudlin and kissing one another, the + king the Duke of York, the Duke of York the king; and in such a maudlin + pickle as never people were." + </p> + <p> + Throughout this reign the uttermost hospitality and good-fellowship + abounded. Scarce a day passed that some noble house did not throw open its + doors to a brilliant throng of guests; few nights grew to dawn that the + vicinities of St. James's and Covent Garden were not made brilliant by the + torches of those accompanying revellers to their homes. The fashionable + hour for dinner was three of the clock, and for greater satisfaction of + guests it now became the mode to entertain them after that meal with + performances of mountebanks and musicians, Various diaries inform us of + this custom. When my Lord Arlington had bidden his friends to a feast, he + subsequently diverted them by the tricks of a fellow who swallowed a knife + in a horn sheath, together with several pebbles, which he made rattle in + his stomach, and produced again, to the wonder and amusement of all who + beheld him. [At a great dinner given by this nobleman, Evelyn, who was + present, tells us that Lord Stafford, the unfortunate nobleman afterwards + executed on Tower Hill, "rose from the table in some disorder, because + there were roses stuck about the fruite when the descert was set on the + table; such an antipathie it seems he had to them, as once Lady St. Leger + also had, and to that degree, that, as Sirr Kenelm Digby tell us, laying + but a rose upon her cheeke when she was asleepe, it raised a blister; but + Sir Kenelm was a teller of strange things."] The master of the mint, + worthy Mr. Slingsby, a man of finer taste, delighted his guests with the + performances of renowned good masters of music, one of whom, a German, + played to great perfection on an instrument with five wire strings called + the VOIL D'AMORE; whilst my Lord Sunderland treated his visitors to a + sight of Richardson, the renowned fire eater, who was wont to devour + brimstone on glowing coals; melt a beer-glass and eat it up; take a live + coal on his tongue, on which he put a raw oyster, and let it remain there + till it gaped and was quite broiled; take wax, pitch and sulphur, and + drink them down flaming; hold a fiery hot iron between his teeth, and + throw it about like a stone from hand to hand, and perform various other + prodigious feats. + </p> + <p> + Other means of indoor amusement were practised in those days, which seem + wholly incompatible with the gravity of the nation in these latter times. + Pepys tells us that going to the court one day he found the Duke and + Duchess of York, with all the great ladies, sitting upon a carpet on the + ground playing "I love my love with an A, because he is so-and-so; and I + hate him with an A, because of this and that;" and some of the ladies were + mighty witty, and all of them very merry. Grown persons likewise indulged + in games of blind man's buff, and amusements of a like character; whilst + at one time, the king, queen, and the whole court falling into much + extravagance, as Burnet says, "went about masked, and came into houses + unknown, and danced there with a great deal of wild frolic. In all this + they were so disguised, that without being in the secret, none could + distinguish them. They were carried about in hackney chairs. Once the + queen's chairmen, not knowing who she was, went from her; so she was alone + and was much disturbed, and came to Whitehall in a hackney coach; some say + it was in a cart." + </p> + <p> + Dancing was also a favourite and common amusement amongst all classes. + Scarce a week went by that Whitehall was not lighted up for a ball, at + which the king, queen, and courtiers danced bransles, corants, and French + figures; [The bransle, or brawl, had all the characteristics of a + country-dance; several persons taking part in it, and all at various times + joining hands. The corant was a swift lively dance, in which two persons + only took part, and was not unlike our modern galop.] and no night passed + but such entertainments were likewise held in the city. Billiards and + chess were also played, whilst gambling became a ruling passion. The + queen, Duchess of York, and Duchess of Cleveland had each her card-table, + around which courtiers thronged to win and lose prodigious sums. The + latter being a thorough rake at heart, delighted in the excitement which + hazard afforded; and the sums changing owners at her hoard were sometimes + enormous. Occasionally she played for a thousand, or fifteen hundred + pounds at a cast, and in a single night lost as much as twenty-five + hundred guineas. It is related that once when playing basset she lost all + her money; but, being unwilling to retire, and hopeful of regaining her + losses, she asked young Churchill, on whom she had bestowed many favours, + to lend her twenty pieces. Though the wily youth had a thousand before him + on the table, he coolly refused her request, on the plea that the bank—which + he was then keeping—never lent. "Not a person in the place," says + the narrator of this anecdote, "but blamed him; as to the duchess, her + resentment burst out into a bleeding at her nose, and breaking of her + lace, without which aid it is believed her vexation had killed her on the + spot." + </p> + <p> + The courtly Evelyn speaks of a certain Twelfth-night, when the king opened + the revels in his privy chamber by throwing dice, and losing one hundred + pounds; and Pepys describes the groom-porters' rooms where gambling + greatly obtained, and "where persons of the best quality do sit down with + people of any, though meaner." Cursing and swearing, grumbling and + rejoicing, were heard here to an accompanying rattle of guineas; the whole + causing dense confusion. And amongst the figures crouching round the + tables of this hell, that of my Lord St. Albans was conspicuous. So great, + indeed, was his passion for gambling, that when approaching his eightieth + year, and quite blind, he was unable to renounce his love for cards, but + with the help of a servant who named them to him, indulged himself in this + way as of yore. + </p> + <p> + As may be expected, disputes, frequently ending in duels, continually + arose betwixt those who gambled. Although the king had, on his + restoration, issued a proclamation against this common practice, + threatening such as engaged in it with displeasure, declaring them + incapable of holding any office in his service, and forbidding them to + appear at court, yet but little attention was paid his words, and duels + continually took place, Though most frequently resorted to as a means of + avenging outraged honour, they were occasionally the result of + misunderstanding. A pathetic story is told of a fatal encounter, caused by + a trifle light as air, which took place in the year 1667 at Covent Garden, + between Sir Henry Bellasis and Tom Porter—the same witty soul who + wrote a play called "The Villain," which was performed at the Duke's + Theatre, and described as "a pleasant tragedy." + </p> + <p> + These worthy gentlemen and loyal friends loved each other exceedingly. One + fatal day, both were bidden to dine with Sir Robert Carr, at whose table + it was known all men drank freely; and having feasted, they two talked + apart, when bluff Sir Henry, giving words of counsel to honest Tom, from + force of earnestness spoke louder than his wont. Marvelling at this, some + of those standing apart said to each other, "Are they quarrelling, that + they talk so high?" overhearing which the baronet replied in a merry tone, + "No, I would have you know I never quarrel but I strike; and take that as + a rule of mine." At these words Tom Porter, being anxious, after the + manner of those who have drunk deep, to apprehend offence in speech of + friend or foe, cried out he would like to see the man in England that + durst give him a blow. Accepting this as a challenge, Sir Henry dealt him + a stroke on the ear, which the other would have returned in anger but that + they were speedily parted. + </p> + <p> + And presently Tom Porter, leaving the house full of resentment for the + injury he had received, and of resolution to avenge it, met Mr. Dryden the + poet, to whom he recounted the story. He concluded by requesting he might + have his boy to bring him word which way Sir Henry Bellasis would drive, + for fight he would that night, otherwise he felt sure they should be + friends in the morning, and the blow would rest upon him. Dryden complying + with his request, Tom Porter, still inflamed by fury, went to a + neighbouring coffee-house, when presently word arrived Sir Harry's coach + was coming that way. On this Tom Porter rushed out, stopped the horses, + and bade the baronet alight. "Why," said the man, who but an hour before + had been his best friend, "you will not hurt me in coming out, will you?" + "No," answered the other shortly. Sir Henry then descended, and both drew + their swords. Tom Porter asked him if he were ready, and hearing he was, + they fought desperately, till of a sudden a sharp cry was heard; Sir + Henry's weapon fell upon the ground, and he placed one hand to his side, + from which blood flowed freely. Then calling his opponent to him, he + looked in his face reproachfully, kissed him lovingly, and bade him seek + safety. "For, Tom," said he, struggling hard to speak, "thou hast hurt me; + but I will make shift to stand upon my legs till thou mayest withdraw, and + the world not take notice of you, for," continued he, with much + tenderness, "I would not have thee troubled for what thou hast done." And + the little crowd who had gathered around carried him to his coach and + twenty days later they followed him to his grave. + </p> + <p> + Throughout this merry reign, many fantastic changes took place in the + costumes of courtiers and their followers. At the restoration, the dress + most common to women of all ranks consisted of a gown with a laced + stomacher and starched neckerchief, a sad-coloured cloak with a French + hood, and a high-crowned hat. Such habiliments, admitting of little + variety and less ornament, found no favour in the eyes of those who + returned from foreign courts with the king, and therefore a change was + gradually effected. The simple gown of wool and cotton gave place to loose + and flowing draperies of silk and satin; the stiff neckerchief was removed + to display fair shoulders and voluptuous breasts; the hat was bedecked by + feathers of rare plumage and rich colour; the cloaks changed hues from sad + to gay; the hoods being of "yellow bird's eye," and other bright tints. + Indeed, the prodigal manner in which ladies of quality now exposed their + bosoms, though pleasing to the court, became a matter of grave censure to + worthy men. One of these in a pamphlet, entitled "A Just and Seasonable + Reprehension of Naked Breasts and Shoulders," charges women of fashion + with "overlacing their gown bodies, and so thrusting up their breasts in + order that they might show them half-naked." It was not only at balls and + in chambers of entertainment, he avowed, they appeared in this manner, but + likewise at church, where their dress was "not only immodest, but + sometimes impudent and lascivious;" for they braved all dangers to have + the satisfaction of being seen, and the consolation of giving pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The riding-habit, first introduced in 1664 caused considerable notice, and + no small amount of mirth. The garb, as it was called, consisted of a + doublet buttoned up the breast, a coat with long skirts, a periwig and + tall hat, so that women clad in this fashion might be mistaken for men, if + it were not for the petticoat which dragged under the coat. At the + commencement of the reign, ladies of the court wore their hair after the + French fashion, cut short in front and frizzed upon the forehead. When the + queen arrived, her hair was arranged A LA NEGLIGENCE, a mode declared + mighty pretty; but presently a fashion came in vogue of wearing "false + locks set on wyres to make them stand at a distance from the head; as + fardingales made the clothes stand out in Queen Elizabeth's reign." + Painting the face, which had been practised during the Commonwealth, + became fashionable; as did likewise the use of patches and vizards or + masks; which from the convenience they afforded wearers whilst witnessing + an immoral play, or conducting a delicate intrigue, came greatly into use. + </p> + <p> + According to Randal Holmes's notes on dress, in the Harleian Library, the + male costume at the restoration consisted of "a short-waisted doublet, and + petticoat breeches—the lining, being lower than the breeches, is + tied above the knees. The breeches are ornamented with ribands up to the + pocket, and half their breadth upon the thigh; the waistband is set about + with ribands, and the shirt hanging out over them." This dress gradually + increased in richness and ornamentation: the doublet and breeches being + changed from cloth to velvet and satin, the hat trimmed with plumes of gay + feathers, and the neck adorned with bands of cambric, trimmed with + Flanders and Brussels lace. The perfection and costliness to which the + costume eventually reached is best shown by a description of Sir Richard + Fanshaw ambassador of the king, as presented in the diary of his spouse. + "Sir Richard was dressed," she writes, "in a very rich suit of clothes of + a dark FILLEMONTE brocade, laced with silver and gold lace—nine + laces—every one as broad as my hand, and a little silver and gold + lace laid between them, both of very curious workmanship; his suit was + trimmed with scarlet taffety ribbon; his stockings of white silk upon long + scarlet silk ones; his shoes black, with scarlet shoestrings and gaiters; + his linen very fine, laced with rich Flanders lace; a black beaver + buttoned on the left side with a jewel of twelve hundred pounds' value, a + rich curious wrought gold chain, made in the Indies at which hung the king + his master's picture, richly set with diamonds; on his fingers he wore two + rich rings; his gloves trimmed with the same ribbon as his clothes." + </p> + <p> + The uttermost extravagance and luxury in dress now obtained; indeed, to + such a passion and pride did it reach that the monarch resolved on giving + it some check by inventing a suit of plainer pretensions, which should + become the national costume, and admit no change. + </p> + <p> + This determination he solemnly declared to his council in October, 1666, + and on the 14th of the month appeared clad in a long vest slashed with + white silk, reaching the knee, having the sword girt over it, a loose + coat, straight Spanish breeches ruffled with black ribbons, and buskins + instead of shoes and stockings. Though the habit was pronounced decent and + becoming to his majesty, and was quickly adopted by the courtiers, there + were those amongst his friends who offered him a wager he would not + persist in wearing it long. At this the king stated his resolution afresh + of never changing; but before the month was out he had made an alteration, + for inasmuch as the vest being slashed with white, was said by a wag to + make the wearers look like magpies, his majesty changed the colour of the + silk to black. This "manly and comely habit" might have become permanently + the fashion, if the King of France, by way of ridiculing the merry + monarch, had not caused his footmen to be clad in like manner. Therefore, + in less than two years, this mode gave place to others more fantastical. + The vest was retained, but the shape and material were altered; the + surcoat of cloth was discarded for velvet and rich plush, adorned with + buckles of precious stones and chains of gold; the Spanish leather boots + were laid aside for high-heeled shoes with rosettes and silver buckles. + Towards the close of the reign the costume became much plainer. Through + all these varying fashions the periwig, introduced in 1663, held its own, + increasing in length and luxuriance with time. On its first coming into + general use, the clergy had cried out against it as ministering to the + vanity and extravagance of the age; but in a while many of them adopted + its use, for, as Granger remarks, "it was observed that a periwig procured + many persons a respect and even veneration which they mere strangers to + before, and to which they had not the least claim from their personal + merit." + </p> + <p> + Amongst other strange innovations and various improvements known in this + reign, the introduction of a penny post may be considered the most useful. + King James I., of happy memory, had, in imitation of like regulations in + other countries, established a general post for foreign parts; King + Charles I. had given orders to Thomas Witherings, Esquire, his + postmaster-general, to settle "a running post or two, to run night and day + between Edinburgh, in Scotland, and the city of London, to go thither and + back in six days;" but the organization of a penny post, for the + conveyance of letters and parcels throughout the capital and suburbs, was + reserved for the reign of the merry monarch. This beneficial scheme was + originated by an upholsterer named Murray, who communicated it to one + William Dockwra, a man who for over ten years had laboured with fidelity + in the Custom House. Uniting their efforts, they, with great labour and + vast expense, carried the plan into execution in the year 1680. + </p> + <p> + The principal office was stationed at the residence of William Dockwra, in + Lime Street; seven sorting-houses and as many as four hundred + receiving-houses were speedily established in the cities of London, + Westminster, and the suburbs; and a great number of clerks and messengers + were employed to collect, enter, and deliver parcels and letters not + exceeding one pound in weight nor ten pounds in value. Stamps were used as + an acknowledgment that postage was paid, and likewise to mark the hours + when letters were sent out from the offices, by which, in case of delay, + its cause might be traced to the messengers; and deliveries took place ten + times in the vicinity of the Exchange and Inns of Court, and four times in + the suburbs daily. All persons were requested to post their communications + before six o'clock in the winter, and seven in the summer, on Saturday + nights, "that the many poor men employed may have a little time to provide + for their families against the Lord's Day." And it was moreover intimated + that upon three days at Christmas, and two at Easter and Whitsuntide, as + likewise upon the 30th of January, the post would not be delivered. + </p> + <p> + From the first this scheme promised success, the manner in which it was + carried out being wholly admirable; yet there were many who raised their + voices against it persistently. Porters and messengers declared it took + away their means of subsistence; whilst those of higher grade were + confident it was a contrivance of the papists, which enabled them to carry + out their wicked schemes with greater security. But these illusions + vanished with time; and the penny post became such a success that + Government laid claim to it as a branch of the General Post Office, and + annexed its revenues to the Crown. [In the year 1703 Queen Anne bestowed a + grant on Elizabeth, Dowager countess of Thanet, to erect a penny + post-office in Dublin, similar to that in existence in London.] + </p> + <p> + Another innovation in this interesting reign were stage-coaches, described + as affording "admirable commodiousness both for men and women of better + rank, to travel from London and to almost all the villages near this great + city, that the like hath not been known in the world, wherein one may be + transported to any place, sheltered from foul weather and foul ways, free + from endamaging one's health or body by hard jogging or over-violent + emotion, and this not only at a low price, as about a shilling for every + five miles in a day; for the stage-coaches called flying coaches make + forty or fifty miles in a day, as from London to Cambridge or Oxford, and + that in the space of twelve hours, not counting the time for dining, + setting forth not too early, nor coming in too late." + </p> + <p> + Likewise were divorce suits introduced whilst Charles II. sat upon the + throne for the first time—if the case of Henry VIII. be excepted—when + my Lord Rosse, in consequence of the misconduct of his lady, had a bill + brought into the House of Lords for dissolving his marriage and enabling + him to wed again. There being at this period, 1669, a project for + divorcing the king from the queen, it was considered Lord Rosse's suit, if + successful, would facilitate a like bill in favour of his majesty. After + many and stormy debates his lordship gained his case by a majority of two + votes. It is worth noting that two of the lords spiritual, Dr. Cosin, + Bishop of Durham, and Dr. Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, voted in favour of + the bill. + </p> + <p> + The social history of this remarkable reign would be incomplete without + mention of the grace and patronage which Charles II. extended towards the + Society of Antiquaries. This learned body, according to Stow, had been in + existence since the days of Elizabeth; but for lack of royal + acknowledgment of its worth and lore, was permitted to languish in neglect + and finally become extinct. However, under the commonwealth the society + had revived, from the fact that numbers of the nobility being unemployed + in affairs of state, and having no court to attend, applied themselves + whilst in retirement to the study of chemistry, mathematics, mechanism, + and natural philosophy. The Duke of Devonshire, Marquis of Worcester, + Viscount Brouncker, Honourable Robert Boyle, and Sir Robert Murray, built + laboratories, made machines, opened mines, and perfected inventions. When + the temper of the times permitted, these men, with various others of like + tastes, drew together, held weekly meetings at Gresham College in + Bishopsgate Street, discoursed on abstruse subjects, and heard erudite + lectures, from Dr. Petty on chemistry, from Dr. Wren on astronomy, from + Mr. Laurence Rooke on geometry; so that the Society of Antiquaries may be + said to have been founded in the last years of the republic. + </p> + <p> + Now Charles II., having some knowledge of chemistry and science, looked + upon the society with favourable eyes; and in the first year of his + restoration desired to become one of its members; expressed satisfaction + it had been placed upon a proper basis in his reign; represented the + difficulty of its labours; suggested certain investigations, and declared + his interest in all its movements. Moreover, in the year 1662 he bestowed + on the society a charter in which he styled himself its founder and + patron; presented it with a silver mace to be borne before the president + on meeting days; and gave it the use of the royal arms for a seal. Nor did + his concern for its welfare cease here. He was frequently present at its + meetings, and occasionally witnessed, and assisted "with his own hands," + in the performance of experiments. Some of these were of a singularly + interesting character; amongst which may be mentioned infusion of the + blood of an animal into the veins of a man. This took place in the year + 1667, the subject being one Arthur Coga, a minister poor in worldly + substance, who, in exchange for a guinea, consented to have the operation + performed on him. Accordingly two surgeons of great skill and learning, + named Lower and King, on a certain day injected twelve ounces of sheep's + blood into his veins. After which he smoked an honest pipe in peace, drank + a glass of good canary with relish, and found himself no worse in mind or + body. And in two days more fourteen ounces of sheep's blood were + substituted for eight of his own without loss of virility to him. + </p> + <p> + Nor were experiments in vivisection unknown to the Royal Society, as it + was called, for the "Philosophical Transactions" speak of a dog being tied + through the back above the spinal artery, thereby depriving him of motion + until the artery was loosened, when he recovered; and again, it is + recorded that Dr. Charleton cut the spleen out of a living dog with good + success. + </p> + <p> + The weighty discourses of the learned men who constituted the society + frequently delighted his majesty; though it must be confessed he sometimes + laughed at them, and once sorely puzzled them by asking the following + question. "Supposing," said Charles, assuming a serious expression, and + speaking in a solemn tone, "two pails of water were placed in two + different scales and weighed alike, and that a live bream or small fish + was put into one, now why should not the pail in which it was placed weigh + heavier than the other?" Most members were troubled to find the king a + fitting reply, and many strange theories were advanced by way of + explaining why the pail should not be found heavier, none of them being + thought satisfactory. But at last a man sitting far down the table was + heard to express an opinion, when those surrounding him laughed; hearing + which the king, who had not caught his words, asked him to repeat them. + "Why, your majesty," said he boldly, "I do believe the pail would weigh + heavier." "Odds-fish!" cried Charles, bursting out into laughter, "you are + right, my honest fellow!" and so the merriment became general. + </p> + <p> + The Royal Society was composed of men of quality with a genius for + investigation, and men of learning eager for further knowledge. Persons of + all nationalities, religions, and professions were admitted members; and + it was continually enriched by the addition of curiosities, amongst which + in particular were an herb which grew in the stomach of a thrush; the skin + of a Moor tanned, with the beard and hair white; a clock, having movements + directed by loadstone; an ostrich, whose young had been born alive; + mummies; strange fish; and the hearts and livers of vipers. Likewise was + the society endowed with gifts, amongst the most notable being the + valuable library of Henry Howard, afterwards Duke of Norfolk. + </p> + <p> + Fostered by this society, science received its first impulse towards the + astounding progress it has since achieved. Nay, in this reign the germs of + some inventions were sown, which, subsequently springing into existence, + have startled the world by their novelty, utility, and power, Monsieur + Sorbiere, when in England, was shown a journal kept by Montconis, + concerning the transactions of the Royal Society, in which several new + devices, "which scarce can be believed unless seen," were described. + Amongst these were an instrument for showing alterations in the weather, + whether from heat, cold, wind, or rain; a method for blowing up ships; a + process for purifying salt water, so that it could be drunk; and an + instrument by which those ignorant of drawing could sketch and design any + object. He also states Dr. Wallis had taught one born deaf and dumb to + read. + </p> + <p> + In 1663, "the right honourable (and deservedly to be praised and admired) + Edward Somerset, Marquis of Worcester," published a quaint volume entitled + "A Century of the Names and Scantlings of such Inventions as at present I + can call to mind to have tried and perfected, which (my former notes being + lost) I have, at the instance of a powerful friend, endeavoured to set + down in such a way as may sufficiently instruct me to put any of them in + practice." Amongst these are enumerated false decks, such as in a moment + should kill and take prisoners as many as should board the ship, without + blowing her up, and in a quarter of an hour's time should recover their + former shape without discovering the secret; a portable fortification, + able to contain five hundred men, which in the space of six hours might be + set up, and made cannon-proof; a dexterous tinder-box which served as a + pistol, and was yet capable of lighting a fire or candle at any hour of + the night without giving its possessor the trouble of stretching his hand + from bed; a lock, the ways of opening which might be varied ten millions + of times, but which on a stranger touching it would cause an alarm that + could not be stopped, and would register what moneys had been taken from + its keeping; a boat which would work against wind and tide; with various + other discoveries to the number of one hundred, all arrived at from + mathematical studies. + </p> + <p> + The means of propelling a boat against such disadvantages, to which the + Marquis of Worcester alludes, was in all probability by steam-power. This + he described as "an admirable and most forcible way to drive up water by + fire," the secret of which he is believed to have first discovered. + [Before the century was concluded, Captain Savery contrived a steam-engine + which was certainly the first put to practical uses. It has been stated + that he owed the knowledge of this invention to hints conveyed in Lord + Worcester's little volume.] In the preface to his little book, the marquis + states he had sacrificed from six to seven hundred thousand pounds in + bringing his various inventions to perfection; after which it is + satisfactory to find he derived some profit from one of them, conceived, + as he says, "by heavenly inspiration." This was a water-engine for drying + marsh-lands and mines, requiring neither pump, suckers, barrels, bellows, + nor external nor additional help, save that afforded from its own + operations. This engine Sorbiere describes as one of the most curious + things he had a mind to see, and says one man by the help of this machine + raised four large buckets full of water in an instant forty feet high, + through a pipe eight inches long. An act of parliament was passed enabling + the marquis to reap the benefit and profit from this invention, subject to + a tenth part which was reserved for the king and his heirs. + </p> + <p> + The Royal Society soon became one of the foremost objects of interest in + the city. Foreigners of distinction were conducted to its rooms that they + might behold the visible signs of knowledge it could proudly boast; and + women of culture were admitted to hear the lectures its members delivered. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these latter may be mentioned the eccentric Duchess of Newcastle; + a lady who dressed her footmen in velvet coats, habited herself in antique + gowns, wrote volumes of plays and poetry, desired the reputation of + learning, and indulged in circumstances of pomp and state. Having + expressed her desire to be present at one of the meetings of the Royal + Society, the council prepared to receive her, not, it must be admitted, + without some fear her extravagance would expose them to the ridicule of + the town, and place them fit the mercy of ballad-mongers. So it happened + one fair May-day, in the year 1667 a vast concourse of people had + assembled to witness her arrival at Arundel House in the Strand, where the + society held its meetings for some years after the burning of Gresham + College. And she in good time reaching there, surrounded by her maids of + honour, gentlemen in waiting, and lackeys, was met by the president, + Viscount Brouncker, having his mace carried before him, and was conducted + to the great room. When the meeting was over, various experiments were + tried for her satisfaction; amongst others a piece of roasted mutton was + turned into pure blood. The while she witnessed these sights, crowds of + gallants gathered round her that they might catch and retain such fine + things as fell from her lips; but she only cried out her wonder and + admiration at all she saw; and at the end of her visit was conducted in + state to her coach by several noble lords, notable amongst whom was a + vastly pretty young man, Francis Seymour, fifth Duke of Somerset. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A period rich in literature.—John Milton's early life.—Writing + "Paradise Lost."—Its publication and success.—His later works and + death.—John Dryden gossips with wits and players.—Lord Rochester's + revenge.—Elkanah Settle.—John Crowne.—Thomas Otway rich in + miseries.—Dryden assailed by villains.—The ingenious Abraham + Cowley.—The author of "Hudibras."—Young Will Wycherley and Lady + Castlemaine—The story of his marriage.—Andrew Marvell, poet and + politician.—John Bunyan. +</pre> + <p> + The men of genius who lived in the days of the merry monarch have rendered + his reign, like that of Elizabeth, illustrious in the annals of + literature. The fact of "Paradise Lost," the "Pilgrim's Progress," + "Hudibras," and "Alexander's Feast" being given to the world whilst + Charles II. occupied the throne, would have sufficiently marked the epoch + as one exceeding in intellectual brilliancy; but besides these works, an + abundance of plays, poems, satires, treatises, and histories added fresh + lustre to this remarkable age. + </p> + <p> + At the period of the restoration, John Milton had reached his fifty-second + year. He had studied in the University of Cambridge; published the "Masque + of Comus;" likewise a treatise against the Established Church; taught + school at Aldersgate Street; married a wife and advocated divorce; printed + a pamphlet to compose the minds of those disturbed by the murder of + Charles I.; as also a defence of his murderers, justifying the monarch's + execution, for which the author was awarded a thousand pounds; had become + secretary to Cromwell, whom he stooped to flatter; and had even, on the + advent of his majesty's return, written and set forth "A Ready and Easy + Way to establish a Free Commonwealth." ["To your virtue," writes John + Milton to Oliver Cromwell, "overpowering and resistless, every man gives + way, except some who, without equal qualifications, aspire to equal + honours, who envy the distinctions of merit greater than their own, and + who have yet to learn that, in the coalition of human society, nothing is + more pleasing to God, or more agreeable to reason, than that the highest + mind should have the sovereign power. Such, sir, are you, by general + confession: such are the things achieved by you, the greatest and most + glorious of our countrymen, the director of our public councils, the + leader of unconquered armies the father of your country; for by that title + does every good man hail you with sincere and voluntary praise."] + </p> + <p> + On the landing of Charles II. Milton withdrew to the privacy afforded by a + residence in Bartholomew Close, near West Smithfield. For a time he was + apprehensive of punishment. His pamphlet justifying the late king's + execution was, with others of a like kind, burned by the common hangman; + but though parliament ordered the attorney-general would prosecute the + authors of these works, Milton was neither seized nor brought to trial. + Soon after his arrival, Charles published an act of grace promising free + pardon to those instrumental in overthrowing his father's government, with + the exception of such as had contrived his death; and inasmuch as Milton + had but justified that monstrous act after it had taken place, he escaped + condemnation. Moreover, he received a special pardon, which passed the + privy seal in December, 1660. His escape has been attributed to his friend + Davenant. This loyal soldier had, when taken by Cromwell's troopers in the + civil war, been condemned to speedy death; from which, by Milton's + intercession, he escaped; an act of mercy Davenant now repaid in kind, by + appealing to his friends in behalf of the republican's safety. + </p> + <p> + Having secured his freedom, Milton lived in peace and obscurity in Jewin + Street, near Aldersgate Street. During the commonwealth his first wife, + the mother of his three children, had died; on which he sought solace and + companionship in a union with Catherine Woodcock, who survived her + marriage but twelve months; and being left free once more, he, in the year + of grace 1661, entered into the bonds of holy matrimony for a third time, + with Elizabeth Minshul, a lady of excellent family and shrewish temper, + who rendered his daughters miserable in their father's lifetime, and + defrauded them after his death. + </p> + <p> + In order to support his family he continued to keep a school, and likewise + employed himself in writing "Paradise Lost" the composition of which he + had begun five years previously. From his youth upwards he had been + ambitious to furnish the world with some important work; and prevision of + resulting fame had given him strength and fortitude in periods of + difficulty and depression. And now the time had arrived for realization of + his dream, though stricken by blindness, harassed by an unquiet wife, and + threatened by poverty, he laboured sore for fame. The more fully to enjoy + quiet necessary to his mental condition, he removed to a house in + Artillery Walk, Bunhill Fields. His life was one of simplicity. He rose as + early as four o'clock in summer and five in winter, and being "smit with + the love of sacred song," had a chapter of the Bible read to him; studied + until twelve, dined frugally at one, and afterwards held discourse with + such friends as came to visit him. + </p> + <p> + One of these was Thomas Elwood, a quaker much esteemed amongst good men, + who, in order that he might enjoy the advantages of the poet's + conversation, read Latin to him every afternoon save Sunday. The whilst + his voice rose and fell in regular monotony, the blind man drank his words + with thirsty ears; and so acute were the senses remaining to him, that + when Elwood read what he did not understand, Milton perceived it by the + inflection of his voice, and stopped him to explain the passage. In fair + weather the poet wandered abroad, enjoying the fragrance of sweet pasture + land, and the warmth of glad sunlight he might not behold. And anon, + seated in a high-backed chair without his door, his straight pale face + full of repose and dignity, his light brown hair falling in curls upon his + shoulders, his large grey eyes, "clear to outward view of blemish or of + spot," fixed on vacancy, his figure clad in coarse cloth—he received + those who sought his society. + </p> + <p> + In their absence the poet spent solitary hours conning over as many lines + of the great poem as his memory could store, until one of his friends + arrived, and relieved him by taking the staazas down. Frequently his + nephew, Edward Philips, performed this task for him. To him Milton was in + the habit of showing his work as it advanced, and Philips states he found + it frequently required correction in orthography and punctuation, by + reason of the various hands which had written it. As summer advanced, he + was no longer favoured by a sight of the poem; inquiring the reason of + which, Milton told him "his vein never happily flowed but from the + autumnal equinox to the vernal; and that whatever he attempted at other + times was never to his satisfaction, though he courted his fancy never so + much." + </p> + <p> + In the year 1665 "Paradise Lost" was completed, but no steps were taken + towards its publication, as the author, in company with his neighbours, + fled from the dreaded plague. The following year the citizens were + harassed by losses sustained from the great fire, so that Milton did not + seek to dispose of his poem until 1667; when, on the 27th of April, it was + sold to Samuel Simmons, a publisher residing in Aldersgate Street. The + agreement entered into stated Milton should receive an immediate payment + of five pounds, with the stipulation that he should be given an equal sum + on sale of thirteen hundred copies of the first edition, and five pounds + on disposal of the same number of the second edition, and yet five pounds + more after another such sale of the third edition. Each edition was to + number fifteen hundred books. Two years after the publication of "Paradise + Lost," its author received the second payment of five pounds; five years + later a third payment was made him; before the fourth fell due his life + had been set free from care. + </p> + <p> + From the first his poem had come in contact with a few receptive minds, + and borne the blessed fruit of appreciation. Richardson recounts that Sir + John Denham, a poet and man of culture, one morning brought a sheet of the + great epic fresh from the press to his friend Sir George Hungerford. "Why, + what have you there?" asked the latter. "Part of the noblest poem that was + ever written in any, language or in any age," said Sir John, as he laid + the pages before him. And a few weeks later my Lord Dorset, looking over a + bookstall in Little Britain, found a copy of this work, which he opened + carelessly at first, until he met some passages which struck him with + surprise and filled him with admiration: observing which the honest + bookseller besought him to speak in favour of the poem, for it lay upon + his hands like so much waste-paper. My lord bought a copy, carried it + home, read and sent it to Dryden, who, in due time returning the volume, + expressed his opinion of its merits in flattering terms. "The author," + said he, "cuts us all out—aye, even the ancients too." + </p> + <p> + Such instances as these were, however, few in number. That the work did + not meet with wider appreciation and quicker sale is not surprising when + it is called to mind that from 1623 to 1664 but two editions of + Shakespeare's works, comprising in all about one thousand copies, had been + printed. In an age when learning was by no means universal, and polite + reading uncommon, it was indeed a scource of congratulation, rather than a + topic for commiseration, that the work of a republican had in two years + reached a sale of thirteen hundred copies. + </p> + <p> + Before a third edition was required his fame had spread. The house in + which he had been born, in Bread Street, was shown with pride to foreign + visitors; parents sent their sons to read to him, that they might reap the + benefit of his remarks. The latter testimony to his genius was a tribute + the blind poet appreciated. But it happened there were times and seasons + when these obliging youths were not at hand, or when it was inconvenient + for him to receive them. On such occasions he demanded that his daughters + should read him the books he required, though these were frequently + written in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, and Spanish—languages of + which they were wholly ignorant. The torment this inflicted on those + striving to pronounce unaccustomed words which had no meaning to their + ears, and the torture endured by him, may readily be conceived. + Expressions of complaint on the one side, and of pain on the other, + continually interrupted the readings, which were eventually wholly + abandoned; the poet sending his children, whose education was so limited + that they were unable to write, to learn "ingenious sorts of manufacture + proper for women, particularly embroideries in gold and Silver." + </p> + <p> + When in 1665 Milton had shown his poem to Elwood, the good quaker + observed, "Thou hast said a great deal upon Paradise Lost: what hast thou + to say upon Paradise Found?" This question resting in the poet's mind, in + due time produced fruit; for no sooner had his first poem been published + than he set about composing the latter, which, under the name of "Paradise + Regained," was given to the world in 1670 "This," said he to Elwood, "is + owing to you; for you put it into my head by the question which you put to + me, which otherwise I had not thought of." This poem, he believed, had + merits far superior to those of "Paradise Lost," which he could not bear + to hear praised in preference to "Paradise Regained." In the same year he + published "Samson Agonistes," and two years later a treatise on "Logic," + and another on "True Religion, Heresy, Schism, Toleration, and the Best + Methods to Prevent the Growth of Popery." In this, the mind which had + soared to heaven and descended to hell in its boundless flight, argues + that catholics should not be allowed the right of public or private + worship. In the last year of his life he republished his "Juvenile Poems," + together with "Familiar Epistles in Latin." + </p> + <p> + He had now reached his sixty-sixth year. His life had been saddened by + blindness, his health enfeebled by illness, his domesticity troubled by + his first marriage and his last, his desires disappointed by the result of + political events. So that when, on the 10th of November, 1674, death + summoned him, he departed without regret. + </p> + <p> + Amongst those who visited Milton was John Dryden, whom the author of + "Paradise Lost" regarded as "a good rhymester, but no poet," an opinion + with which posterity has not held. At the restoration, John Dryden was in + his twenty-ninth year. The son of Sir Erasmus Dryden, Baronet, of Canons + Ashby, he enjoyed an income of two hundred pounds a year, a sum then + considered sufficient to defray the expenses of a young man of good + breeding. He had passed through Westminster School, taken a degree at + Cambridge, written a eulogistic stanza on the death of Cromwell, and a + joyous poem on the happy restoration of the merry monarch. + </p> + <p> + Three years after the arrival of his majesty, Dryden's comedy entitled + "The Wild Gallant" was produced, this being the first of twenty-eight + plays which followed. In the year 1668 he had the honour to succeed Sir + William Davenant as poet laureate, the salary attached to which office was + one hundred pounds a year and a tierce of wine. His dignity was moreover + enhanced, though his happiness was by no means increased, by his marriage + with the Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Earl of Berkshire. For my + lady's temper sorely marred the poet's peace, and left such impressions + upon his mind, that to the end of his days his invectives against the + bonds of matrimony were bitter and deep. In justice it must be mentioned + the Lady Elizabeth's mental condition was supposed to be unsettled; a + conjecture which was proved true by a madness which befell her, subsequent + to her husband's death. + </p> + <p> + Dryden was now a well known figure in town, consorting with men of the + highest quality and parts, and gossiping with wits and players who + frequented Will's coffee-house. Here, indeed, a special chair was + appropriated to his use; which being placed by the fire in winter, and on + the balcony in summer, he was pleased to designate as his winter and his + summer seat. At Will's he was wont to hold forth on the ingenuity of his + plays, the perfection of his poems, and the truth of astrology. It was + whilst leaving this coffee house one night a memorable occurrence befell + the poet, of which more anon. + </p> + <p> + It happened at one time the brilliant, poetical, and mercurial Earl of + Rochester extended his favour and friendship towards Dryden, gratified by + which, the poet had, after the manner of those days, dedicated a play to + him, "Marriage a la Mode." This favour his lordship received with + graciousness, and no doubt repaid with liberality. After a while, Dryden, + led by choice or interest, sought a new patron in the person of the Earl + of Mulgrave. For this nobleman Rochester had long entertained a bitter + animosity, which had arisen from rivalry, and had been intensified from + the fact that Rochester, refusing to fight him, had been branded as a + coward. Not daring to attack the peer, Rochester resolved to avenge + himself upon the poet. In order to effect his humiliation, the earl at + once bestowed his favour on Elkanah Settle, a playwright and poet of mean + abilities. He had originally been master of a puppet-show, had written + verses to order for city pageants, and produced a tragedy in heroic verse, + entitled "Cambyses, King of Persia." + </p> + <p> + His patron being at this time in favour with the king, introduced Settle + to the notice of the court, and induced the courtiers to play his second + tragedy, "The Empress of Morocco," at Whitehall, before their majesties. + This honour, which Dryden, though poet laureate, had never received, gave + Elkanah Settle unmerited notoriety; the benefit of which was apparent by + the applause his tragedy received when subsequently produced at the Duke's + Theatre in Dorset Gardens. Nor did the honour and profit which "The + Empress of Morocco" brought him end here; it was published by William + Cademan, and had the distinction of being the first English play ever + illustrated, or sold for the price of two shillings. It was scarce to be + expected, in an age when men ventilated their merest grievances by the + publication of pamphlets, Dryden could refrain from pointing out to the + public the mistake into which they had fallen by honouring this man. Nor + was he singular in his feelings of animosity. The poets Shadwell and + Crowne, believing themselves ignored and neglected, whilst their rival was + enriched and exalted, joined Dryden in writing a merciless criticism upon + Settle's tragedy. This was entitled "The Empress of Morocco, or some few + erratas to be printed instead of the sculptures + </p> + <p> + With the Second Edition of The Play. "This Settle Was Described As "an + Animal of a Most Deplored Intellect, Without Reading and Understanding;' + Whilst his Play Was Characterized As 'a Tale Told by an Idiot, Full of + Noise and Fury Signifying Nothing.' To These Remarks and Others of Like + Quality, Settle Replied in the Same Strain, So That the Quarrel Diverted + The Town and Even Disturbed The Quiet Of The Universities. Time Did Ample + Justice to Both Men; Lowering Settle To Play the Part of a Dragon in A + Booth at Bartholomew Fair, And Consecrating Dryden to Immortality." + </p> + <p> + Before the clamour resulting from this dispute had ended, Rochester, + fickle and eccentric, grew weary of his PROTEGE and consequently abandoned + him. He had not, however, tired of humiliating the laureate, and to + mortify him the more, introduced a new poet at court, This was John + Crowne, a man then little known to the town, and now best remembered as + author of "Sir Courtly Nice," a comedy of wit and entertainment. So well + did he succeed in obtaining favour at court, through Rochester's + influence, that the queen ordered him to write a masque. This command he + immediately obeyed, producing "Calisto, or the Chaste Nymph," which was + acted at Whitehall by the Duke of York's fair daughters, the Princesses + Mary and Anne, together with many gracious ladies and noble lords. Dryden, + probably the better to hide the mortification he felt at seeing his office + as laureate unceremoniously usurped, offered to write an epilogue for the + occasion; but this service was, through Rochester's interference, + rejected. The masque proved a brilliant success; "the dancing, singing, + and music, which were all in the highest perfection, and the graceful + action, incomparable beauty, and splendid habits of those ladies who + accompanied them, afforded the spectators extraordinary delight." + "Calisto" was therefore performed thirty times. + </p> + <p> + The author's gratitude for his lordship's patronage was only equalled by + his disappointment upon its hasty withdrawal. Growing weary of him, + Rochester found a more worthy object for his favour in Thomas Otway, a + poet rich in all the miseries which afflicted genius in those days. Son of + the rector of Woolbeding, pupil at Winchester School, and commoner of + Christchurch, Cambridge, he had on his arrival in town vainly sought + employment as an actor, and barely earned bread as a play-writer. Before + he became a PROTEGE of my Lord Rochester he had written "Alcibiades," a + tragedy, he being then, in 1665, in his twenty-fifth year. His next play + was "Don Carlos, Prince of Spain," which, through the earl's influence, + gained great success. In the preface to this tragedy he acknowledges his + unspeakable obligations to my lord, who he says made it his business to + establish "Don Carlos" in the good opinion of the king and of his royal + highness the Duke of York. Unwarned by the fate of his predecessors, and + heedless of the fickleness of his patron, he basked in hope in the + present, mercifully unconscious of the cruel death by starvation which + awaited him in the future. Alas! Rochester not only forsook him, but + loaded him with satire in a poem entitled "Session of the Poets." + </p> + <p> + In verses which he wrote soon after, entitled "An Allusion to the Tenth + Satire," Rochester likewise attacked Dryden; who, in the preface of his + "All for Love," replied in like manner. Then there appeared an "Essay on + Satire," which ridiculed the king, dealt severely with his mistresses, + said uncivil things of the courtiers in general, and of my Lord Rochester + in particular. The noble earl was indeed described as being "lewd in every + limb," affected in his wit, mean in his actions, and cowardly in his + disposition. Now, though this was conceived and brought forth by my Lord + Mulgrave, Rochester suspected Dryden of its authorship, and resolved to + punish him forthwith. Accordingly on the night of the 18th of December, + 1679, when Dryden was passing through Rose Street, Covent Garden, on his + homeward way from Will's Coffee House, he was waylaid by some ruffians, + and, before he could draw his sword, promptly surrounded and severely + beaten. + </p> + <p> + This occurrence caused considerable sensation throughout the town, and + though surmises arose in many minds as to who had hired the bravoes, it + was found impossible to prove them. In hope of gaining some clue to the + instigator of the attack, Dryden caused the following advertisement to be + inserted in the LONDON GAZETTE AND DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE for three + consecutive days: "Whereas John Dryden, Esq., was on Monday, the 18th + instant, at night, barbarously assaulted and wounded in Rose Street, in + Covent Garden, by divers men unknown; if any person shall make discovery + of the said offenders to the said Mr. Dryden, or to any justice of the + peace, he shall not only receive fifty pounds, which is deposited in the + hands of Mr. Blanchard Goldsmith, next door to Temple Bar, for the said + purpose; but if he be a principal or an accessory in the said fact, his + majesty is graciously pleased to promise him his pardon for the same." + </p> + <p> + Dryden sought no opportunity for revenge; for which restraint, outliving + Rochester, and having a noble mind and generous disposition, he was no + doubt glad at heart. Not only did he survive the earl, but likewise the + king. To the company and conversation of that gracious sovereign the poet + was frequently admitted, a privilege which resulted in satisfaction and + pleasure to both. One pleasant day towards the end of his majesty's reign, + whilst they walked in the Mall, Charles said to him, "If I were a poet, + and indeed I think I am poor enough to be one, I would write a satire on + sedition." Taking this hint, Dryden speedily set himself to work, and + brought a poem on such a subject to his royal master, who rewarded him + with a hundred broad pieces. + </p> + <p> + Amongst Dryden's friends was the excellent and ingenious Abraham Cowley, + whose youth had given the promise of distinction his manhood fulfilled. It + is related that when quite a lad, he found in the window recess of his + mother's apartment a copy of Spencer's "Faerie Queene." Opening the book, + he read it with delight, and his receptive mind reflecting the poet's + fire, he resolved likewise to exercise the art of poesy. In 1628, when at + the age of ten, he wrote "The Tragic History of Pyramus and Thisbe;" five + years later he published a volume of poems; and whilst yet a schoolboy + wrote his pastoral comedy, "Love's Riddle." + </p> + <p> + When at St. John's College, Oxford, he gave proof of his loyalty by + writing a poem entitled the "Puritan and the Papist," which gained him the + friendship of courtiers. On the Queen of Charles I. taking refuge in + France, he soon followed her, and becoming secretary to the Earl of St. + Albans, conducted the correspondence between her majesty and the king, + ciphering and deciphering their letters, and such as were sent or received + by those immediately concerned in the cause of royalty. In this situation + he remained until four years previous to the restoration, when he was sent + into England for the purpose of observing the condition of the nation, and + reporting the same. Scarce had he set foot in London when he was seized, + examined, and only liberated on a friend offering bail for him to the + amount of one thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + The better to disguise the object of his visit, and lull suspicions of + republicans, he took out the degree of Doctor of Physic at Oxford; after + which he retired into Kent, where he devoted a great portion of his time + to the study of botany and the composition of poetry. On Cromwell's death + he hastened to France, and remained there until the king's return; which + he celebrated by a song of triumph. Like hundreds of others who had served + Charles in his exile, he looked forward to gratitude and reward, but met + disappointment and neglect. Amongst the numerous places and employments + the change of government opened in court and state, not one was offered + the loyal poet. + </p> + <p> + Nay, his hardships did not end here; for having, in 1663, produced his + merry comedy, "Cutter of Coleman Street," it was treated with severity as + a censure upon the king. Feeling over-nervous to witness the result of its + first representation, the poet absented himself from the playhouse; but + thither his friends Dryden and Sprat sped, hoping they might be able to + bear him tidings of its triumph. When they returned to him at night and + told him of its fate, "he received the news of its ill success," says + Sprat, "not with so much firmness as might have been expected from so + great a man." Of all intent to satirize the king he was entirely innocent—a + fact he set before the public in the preface to his play on its + publication. Having, he argues, followed the fallen fortunes of the royal + family so long, it was unlikely he would select the time of their + restoration to quarrel with them. + </p> + <p> + Feeling his grievances acutely, he now published a poem called "The + Complaint," which met with but little success; whereon, depressed by + ill-fortune and disgusted by ingratitude, he sought consolation in the + peace of a country life. Through the influence of his old friend, Lord St. + Albans, and the Duke of Buckingham, he obtained a lease of the queen's + lands at Chertsey, which produced him an income of about three hundred + pounds a year—a sum sufficient for his few wants and moderate + desires. He resided here but two years, when he died, on the 28th of July, + 1667. Milton, on hearing of his death, was troubled. The three greatest + English poets, he declared, were Spenser, Shakespeare, and Cowley. + </p> + <p> + The ungrateful neglect with which he was treated in life was sought to be + atoned for by useless honours paid him after death. His remains were first + conveyed to Wallingford House, then a residence of the Duke of Buckingham, + from whence they were carried in a coach drawn by six horses, and followed + by all the men of letters and wits of the town, divers stately bishops, + courtiers, and men of quality, whose carriages exceeded one hundred in + number, to Westminster Abbey. Here the Poet was laid at rest beside + Geoffrey Chaucer, and not far removed from gentle Spenser, whose words had + first inspired his happy muse. + </p> + <p> + The literary wealth of this reign was furthermore enhanced by the genius + of Butler, the inimitable author of "Hudibras," concerning whom little is + known, save that he was born in 1612, and spent his life in poverty. He + passed some years as clerk to a justice of the peace; he also served a + great man's steward, and acted as secretary to Sir Samuel Luke, one of + Cromwell's officers. With those of the commonwealth he held no part; that + he was a royalist at heart his great satire indicates. The first part of + this was published in the third year of the restoration, and was + introduced to the notice of his majesty by my Lord Dorset. So delighted + was the monarch by its wit that its lines were continually on his lips, an + example speedily followed by the courtiers. It was considered certain a + man possessing such brilliant genius and loyal nature would be rewarded + with place or pension; but neither boon was bestowed upon him. Resting his + hopes on future achievements, the second part of "Hudibras" appeared in + 1664; but again his recompense was delayed. Clarendon made him promises of + valuable employments, which were never fulfilled; and to soothe his + disappointment the king sent him a present of three hundred guineas. + </p> + <p> + Indignant at the neglect from which he suffered, his friend Wycherley + spoke to the Duke of Buckingham on his behalf, saying it was a shame to + the court a man of Butler's parts should be allowed to suffer want. With + this his grace readily agreed, and promised to use his influence towards + remedying the poet's ill-fortune; but time went by, and his condition + remained unaltered. Whereon Wycherley conceived the idea of bringing + Butler and the duke together, that the latter might the more certainly + remember him. He therefore succeeded in making his grace name an hour and + place in which they might meet. So it came to pass they were together one + day at the Roebuck Tavern; but scarce had Buckingham opened his lips when + a pimp of his acquaintance—"the creature was likewise a knight"—passed + by with a couple of ladies. To a man of Buckingham's character the + temptation was too seductive to be neglected; accordingly, he darted after + those who allured him, leaving the needy poet, whom he saw no more. Butler + lived until 1680, dying in poverty. Longueville, having in vain solicited + a subscription to defray the expenses of the poet's burial in Westminster + Abbey, laid him to rest in the churchyard of Covent Garden. + </p> + <p> + Wycherley, the friend of Butler, though a child of the Muses, was superior + to poverty. He was born in the year of grace 1640, and early in life sent + for his better education into France. Returning to England soon after the + king had come unto his own, young Wycherley entered Queen's College, + Oxford, from whence he departed without obtaining a degree. He then betook + himself to town, and became a law student. The Temple, however, had less + attraction for him than the playhouse. Indeed, before leaving Oxford he + had, written a couple of comedies—to wit, "Love in a Wood," and "The + Gentleman Dancing Master," a fact entitling him to be considered a man of + parts. Not satisfied with this distinction, he soon developed tastes for + pleasures of the town, and became a man of fashion. His wit illuminated + choice gatherings of congenial spirits at coffee-houses; his epigrams were + repeated by boon companions in the precincts of the court. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1672 his comedy "Love in a Wood" was produced. It immediately + gained universal favour, and, moreover, speedily attracted the attention + of his majesty's mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland. Wycherley was a man + well to look upon: her grace was a lady eager for adventure. Desiring his + acquaintance, and impatient of delay, she introduced herself to his notice + in a manner eminently characteristic of the age. It happened when driving + one day through Pall Mall, she encountered Wycherley riding in his coach + in an opposite direction. Thrusting her head out of the window of her + vehicle, she saluted the author with a title unknown to the conversations + of polite society in the present day. + </p> + <p> + The fashionable playwright understanding the motive which prompted her + remark, hastily ordered his coach to follow hers; and, overtaking her, + uncovered and began a speech becoming so ardent a gallant. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said he, "you have been pleased to bestow a title on me which + belongs only to the fortunate. Will your ladyship be at the play + to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," replied her grace, well pleased at this beginning, "what if I am + there?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, then," answered he, "I will be there to wait on your ladyship, + though I disappoint a fine woman who has made me an assignation." + </p> + <p> + "So," said this frail daughter of Eve, greedily swallowing his flattery, + "you are sure to disappoint a woman who has favoured you for one who has + not?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," quoth he, readily enough, "if the one who has not favoured me is + the finer woman of the two. But he who can be constant to your ladyship + till he can find a finer, is sure to die your captive." + </p> + <p> + That night her grace sat in the front row of the king's box at Drury Lane + playhouse, and sure enough there was handsome Will Wycherley sitting in + the pit underneath. The gentleman cast his eyes upwards and sighed; the + lady looked down and played with her fan; after which preliminaries they + fell into conversation which both found far more interesting than the + comedy then being enacted before their eyes. This was the beginning of an + intimacy concerning which the court made merry, and of which the town + spoke scandal. My lady disguised herself as a country wench, and visited + his chambers, Mr. Wycherley dedicated his play, "Love in a Wood," to her + in elegant phraseology, He was of opinion that she stood as little in need + of flattery as her beauty did of art; he was anxious to let the world know + he was the greatest admirer she had; and he was desirous of returning her + his grateful acknowledgment for the favours he had received from her. + </p> + <p> + The interest of this romance was presently intensified by the introduction + of a rival in the person of the Duke of Buckingham. Probably from fear an + intrigue with such a prominent figure would, if indulged in, quickly + become known to the king, she refused to encourage Buckingham's love. His + grace was not only a passionate lover, but likewise a revengeful man; + accordingly, he resolved to punish my lady for her lack of good taste. It + therefore became his habit to speak of her intrigues before the court, and + to name the individuals who received her favours. Now Wycherley, being + amongst these, grew fearful his amour with the duchess should become known + to the king, from whom at this time he expected an appointment. + Accordingly, he besought his good friends, Lord Rochester and Sir Charles + Sedley, to remonstrate on his behalf with the duke. These gentlemen + undertook that kindly office, and in order to make the rivals acquainted, + besought his grace to sup with the playwright. The duke complying with + their request, met Wycherley in a friendly spirit, and soon professed + himself delighted with his wit; nay, before the feast was over he drank + his health in a bumper of red wine, and declared himself Mr. Wycherley's + very good friend and faithful servant henceforth. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, he was as good as his word; for, being master of the horse, he + soon after appointed Wycherley an equerry, and subsequently gave him a + commission as captain of a regiment of which he was colonel. Nor did the + duke's services to the dramatist end here; for when occasion offered he + introduced him to the merry monarch, and so pleased was the king with the + author's conversational powers that he admitted him to his friendship. His + majesty's regard for Wycherley gradually ripened, and once when he lay ill + of fever at his lodgings in Bow Street, Covent Garden, the merry monarch + visited him, cheered him with words of kindness, and promised he would + send him to Montpelier when he was well enough to travel. For this good + purpose Charles sent him five hundred pounds, and Wycherley spent the + winter of 1679 abroad. + </p> + <p> + Previous to this date he had written, besides his first comedy, three + others which had been received with great favour by the town, viz., "The + Gentleman Dancing Master," "The Country Wife," and "The Plain Dealer." + Soon after his return to England the crisis of his life arrived, and he + married. His introduction to the lady whom fate ordained to become his + wife is not the least singular episode in a remarkable biography. Being at + Tunbridge Wells, then a place of fashion and liberty, he was one day + walking with a friend named Fairbeard. And it happened as they were + passing a book-stall they overheard a gentlewoman inquire for the "Plain + Dealer." + </p> + <p> + "Madam," says Mr. Fairbeard, uncovering, "since you are for the 'Plain + Dealer,' there he is for you;" whereon he led Wycherley towards her. + </p> + <p> + "This lady," says that gentleman, making her a profound bow, "can bear + plain speaking; for she appears to be so accomplished, that what would be + compliment said to others, spoken to her would be plain dealing." + </p> + <p> + "No truly, sir," replied the lady; "I am not without my faults, like the + rest of my sex; and yet, notwithstanding all my faults, I love plain + dealing, and never am more fond of it than when it points out my errors." + </p> + <p> + "Then, madam," said Mr. Fairbeard, "you and the plain dealer seem designed + by heaven for each other." + </p> + <p> + These pretty speeches having been delivered and received with every mark + of civility, Mr. Wycherley made his exit with the lady, who was none other + than the Countess of Drogheda, a young widow gifted with beauty and + endowed by fortune. Day by day he waited on her at her lodging, + accompanied her in her walks, and attended her to the assemblies. Finally, + when she returned to town he married her. It is sad yet true the union did + not result in perfect happiness. Mr. Wycherley had a reputation for + gallantry, the Countess of Drogheda was the victim of suspicion. Knowing + jealousy is beget by love, and mindful of sacrifices she had made in + marrying him, Wycherley behaved towards her with much kindness. In + compliance with her wishes he desisted visiting the court, a place she + probably knew from experience was rife with temptation; and moreover when + he cracked a bottle of wine with convivial friends at the Cock Tavern, + opposite his lodgings in Bow Street, he, for the greater satisfaction of + his wife, would leave the windows open of the room in which he sat, that + she might from the vantage ground of her home see there were no hussies in + the company. + </p> + <p> + As proof of her love, she, when dying, settled her fortune upon him; but + unhappily his just right was disputed by her family. The case therefore + went into litigation, for the expenses of which, together with other + debts, Wycherley was cast into prison. Here the brilliant wit, clever + writer, and boon companion, was allowed to remain seven long years. When + released from this vile bondage, another king than the merry monarch + occupied the English throne. + </p> + <p> + The name of Andrew Marvel is inseparably connected with this period. He + was born in the year 1620 in the town of Kingston-upon-Hull; his father + being a clever school-master, worthy minister, and "an excellent preacher, + who never broached what he had never brewed, but that which he had studied + some compitent time before." At the age of fifteen, Andrew Marvell was + sent to Trinity College, Cambridge. But he had not long been there when he + withdrew himself, lured, as some authorities state, by wiles of the wicked + Jesuits; repulsed, as others say, by severities of the head of his + college. Leaving the university, he set out for London, where his father, + who hastened thither in search of him, found him examining some old + volumes on a book-stall. He was prevailed to return to his college, where, + in 1638, he took his degree as bachelor of arts. + </p> + <p> + On the completion of his studies and death of his father, he travelled + through Holland, France, and Italy. Whilst abroad he began to produce + those satirical verses such as were destined to render him famous. One of + his earliest efforts in this direction was aimed at the Abbe de Maniban, a + learned ecclesiastic, whose chief fault in Marvell's eyes lay in the fact + of his professing to judge characters from handwriting. + </p> + <p> + Whilst in Italy, Andrew Marvell met John Milton, and they having many + tastes and convictions in common, became fast friends. In 1653, the former + returned to England, and for some time acted as tutor to Mistress Fairfax; + he being an excellent scholar, and a great master of the Latin tongue. He + now led a peaceful and obscure life until 1657. In that year, Milton, + "laying aside," as he wrote, "those jealousies, and that emulation which + mine own condition might suggest to me," introduced him to Bradshaw; soon + after which he was made assistant-secretary to Milton, who was then in the + service of Cromwell. + </p> + <p> + He had not been long engaged in this capacity, when the usurper died; and + Marvell's occupation being gone, the goodly burgesses of the town of Hull, + who loved him well, elected him as their representative in parliament, for + which service, in accordance with a custom of the time, he was paid. The + salary, it is true, was not large, amounting to two shillings a day for + borough members; yet when kindly feeling and honest satisfaction mutually + existed between elector and representative, as in Marvell's case, the wage + was at times supplemented by such acceptable additions as home-cured pork + and home-brewed ale, "We must first give you thanks," wrote Marvell on one + occasion to his constituents, on the receipt of a cask of beer, "for the + kind present you have pleased to send us, which will give occasion to us + to remember you often; but the quantity is so great, that it might make + sober men forgetful." + </p> + <p> + He now, in the warfare of political life, made free use of his keen wit + and bitter sarcasm as serviceable weapons. These were chiefly employed in + exposing measures he considered calculated to ruin the country, though + they might gratify the king. However, he had no hatred of monarchy, but + would occasionally divert Charles by the sharpness of his satire and + brilliancy of his wit. Considering how valuable these would be if employed + in service of the court, Charles resolved to tempt Marvell's integrity. + For this purpose the Lord Treasurer Danby sought and found him in his + chamber, situated in the second floor of a mean house standing in a court + off the Strand. Groping his way up the dark and narrow staircase of the + domicile, the great minister stumbled, and falling against a door, was + precipitated into Marvell's apartment, head foremost. Surprised at his + appearance, the satirist asked my Lord Danby if he had not mistaken his + way. "No," said the courtier with a bow, "not since I have found Mr. + Marvell." He then proceeded to tell him that the king, being impressed by + a high sense of his abilities, was desirous of serving him. Apprehending + what services were expected in return, Marvell answered that he who + accepted favours from the court was bound to vote in its interests. "Nay," + said my lord, "his majesty but desires to know if there is any place at + court you would accept." On which Marvell replied he could receive nothing + with honour, for either he must treat the king with ingratitude by + refusing compliance with court measures, or be a traitor to his country by + yielding to them. The only favour he therefore begged was, that his + majesty would esteem him a loyal subject; the truer to his interests in + refusing his offers than he would be by accepting them. It is stated that + Lord Danby, surprised at so much purity in an age of corruption, + furthermore tempted him with a bag of gold, which Marvell obstinately + refused to accept. + </p> + <p> + He died suddenly in the year 1678, leaving behind him a reputation for + humour and satire which has rarely been excelled. + </p> + <p> + Besides these poets and dramatists, there were other great men, who as + prose writers, helped to render the literary history of the period + remarkable for its brilliancy. Amongst these were Lord Clarendon, High + Chancellor of England, concerning whom much has already been said; and + Thomas Hobbs of Malmesbury, better known as author of "The History of the + Causes of the Civil War," and of "Human Nature," than as a translator of + the Iliad and the Odyssey. Dr. Gilbert Burnet, author of "The History of + his Own Times;" and Dr. Ralph Cudworth, author of "The True Intellectual + System of the Universe," were likewise men of note. But one whose name is + far more familiar than any writer of his time is John Bunyan, author of + "The Pilgrim's Progress." + </p> + <p> + He was the son of a tinker, and was born within a mile of Bedford town in + the year 1628. He imbibed at an early age the spirit of Puritanism, fought + in the civil wars, took to himself a wife, and turned preacher. Six months + after the merry monarch landed, Bunyan was flung into Bedford gaol, where, + rather than refrain from puritanical discourses, in the utterance of which + he believed himself divinely inspired, he remained, with some short + intervals of liberty, for twelve years. When offered freedom at the price + of silence, he replied, "If you let me out to-day, I will preach + to-morrow." Nay, even in his confinement he delivered sermons to his + fellow-prisoners; and presently he commenced to write. His convictions + leading him to attack the liturgy of the Church of England, and the + religion of the Quakers, his productions became popular amongst + dissenters. At length, by an act annulling the penal statutes against + Protestant Nonconformists and Roman Catholics, passed in 1671, he was + liberated. When he left prison he carried with him a portion of his + "Pilgrim's Progress," which was soon after completed and published, though + at what date remains uncertain. In 1678 a second edition was printed, and + such was the growth of its popularity, that six editions were issued + within the following four years. + </p> + <p> + Now he became famous, his lot was far different from what it had been; his + sermons were heard by eager audiences, his counsel was sought by those in + trouble, his prayers were regarded as the utterances of inspiration. Once + a year he rode, attended by vast crowds, from Bedford Town to London City, + that he might preach to those burdened by sin; and from the capital he + made a circuit of the country, where he was hailed as a prophet. His life + extended beyond the reign of King Charles; his influence lasted till his + death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.—The Rye House + conspiracy.—Profligacy of the court.—The three duchesses.—The king + is taken ill.—The capital in consternation.—Dr. Ken questions his + majesty.—A Benedictine monk sent for.—Charles professes catholicity + and receives the Sacraments.—Farewell to all.—His last night on + earth.—Daybreak and death.—He rests in peace. +</pre> + <p> + His majesty's habits changed but little with the flight of time, To the + end of his reign the court continued brilliant and profligate. Wits, + courtezans, and adventurers crowded the royal drawing-rooms, and conversed + without restraint; the monarch pursued his pleasures with unsatiated zest, + taking to himself two new mistresses, Lady Shannon and Catherine Peg, who + respectively bore him a daughter and a son, duly created Countess of + Yarmouth and Earl of Plymouth. For a while, indeed, a shadow fell upon the + life of the merry monarch, when, in 1683, he was roused to a sense of + danger by discovery of the Rye House conspiracy. + </p> + <p> + This foul plot, entered into by the Whigs on failure of the Exclusion + Bill, had for its object the murder of his majesty and of the Duke of + York. Before arriving at maturity its existence and intentions were + revealed by one of the conspirators, when William Lord Russell, the Earl + of Essex, and Algernon Sidney, second son of the Earl of Leicester, were + arrested and charged with high treason. My Lord Essex died in the Tower by + his own hand; Lord Russell was condemned on testimony of one witness, and + duly executed; as was likewise Algernon Sidney, whose writings on + Republicanism were used as evidence against him. On the revelation of this + wicked scheme the country became wildly excited, and the king grievously + afflicted. A melancholy seized upon his majesty, who stirred not abroad + without double guards; and the private doors of Whitehall and avenues of + the park were closed. + </p> + <p> + From this condition, however, he gradually recovered, and resumed his + usual habits. Accordingly, we find him engaged in "luxurious dalliance and + prophaneness" with the Duchess of Mazarine, and visiting the Duchess of + Portsmouth betimes in her chamber, where that bold and voluptuous woman, + fresh risen from bed, sat in loose garments talking to the king and his + gallants, the while her maids combed her beautiful hair. + </p> + <p> + "I can never forget," says John Evelyn, writing on the 4th of February, + 1685, "the inexpressible luxury and prophaneness, gaming, and all + dissoluteness, and as it were total forgetfullnesse of God (it being + Sunday evening), which this day se'nnight I was witnesse of, the king + sitting and toying with his concubines, Portsmouth, Cleveland, and + Mazarine, etc., a French boy singing love songs in that glorious gallery, + whilst about twenty of the greate courtiers and other dissolute persons + were at basset round a large table, a bank of at least two thousand in + gold before them, upon which two gentlemen who were with me made + reflexions with astonishment. Six days after was all in the dust." + </p> + <p> + For now the end of all things had come for Charles Stuart. It happened on + the morning of the 2nd of February, 1685, the day being Monday, the king + whilst in his bedroom was seized by an apoplectic fit, when crying out, he + fell back in his chair, and lay as one dead. Wildly alarmed, his + attendants summoned Dr. King, the physician in waiting, who immediately + bled him, and had him carried to bed. Then tidings spread throughout the + palace, that his majesty hovered betwixt life and death; which should + claim him no man might say. Whereon the Duke of York hastened to his + bedside, as did likewise the queen, her face blanched, her eyes wild with + terror. His majesty after some time recovering consciousness, slowly + realized his sad condition. Then he conceived a fear, the stronger as + begotten by conviction, that the sands of his life had run their course. + Throughout that day and the next he fainted frequently, and showed + symptoms of epilepsy. On Wednesday he was cupped and bled in both + jugulars; but on Thursday he was pronounced better, when the physicians, + anxious to welcome hope, spoke of his probable recovery. + </p> + <p> + But, alas, the same evening he grew restless, and signs of fever became + apparent. Jesuits' powders, then of great repute, were given him, but with + no good result. Complaining of a pain in his side, the doctors drew twelve + ounces more of blood from him. Exhaustion then set in; all hope of life + was over. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the capital was in a state of consternation. Prayers for his + majesty's recovery were offered up in all churches throughout the city; + likewise in the royal chapels, where the clergy relieved each other every + quarter of an hour. Crowds gathered by day and night without the palace + gates, eager to learn the latest change in the king's condition from those + who passed to and fro. Inside Whitehall all was confusion. Members of the + Privy Council assembled in the room adjoining that where the monarch lay; + politicians and ambassadors conversed in whispers in the disordered + apartments; courtiers of all degrees flocked through the corridors bearing + signs of deep concern upon their countenances. + </p> + <p> + And amongst others who sought his majesty's presence was the Archbishop of + Canterbury, together with the Bishops of London, Durham, Ely, and Bath and + Wells; all being anxious to render spiritual services to the king. Of + these good men, Charles liked best Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, + having most faith in his honesty. For, when his lordship was a prebend of + Winchester, it had happened Charles passed through that city, accompanied + by Nell Gwynn, when Dr. Ken refused to receive her beneath his roof even + at the king's request. This proof of integrity so pleased his majesty, + that he gave him the next vacant bishopric by way of reward. And now, his + lordship being at hand, he read prayers for the Sick from out the Common + Prayer Book for his benefit, until coming to that part where the dying are + exhorted to make confession of their sins, when the bishop paused and said + such was not obligatory. He then asked his majesty if he were sorry for + the iniquities of his life? when the sick man, whose heart was exceeding + heavy, replied he was; whereon the bishop pronounced absolution, and asked + him if he would receive the Sacrament. To this Charles made no reply, + until the same question had been repeated several times, when his majesty + answered he would think of it. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of York, who stood by the while, noting the king's answer, and + aware of his tendencies towards Catholicism, bade those who had gathered + round stand aside; and then, bending over him, asked in a low tone if he + might send for a priest. A look of unspeakable relief came into the king's + face, and he answered, "For God's sake do, brother, and lose no time." + Then another thought flashing across his mind, he said, "But will not this + expose you to much danger?" James made answer, "Though it cost me my life + I will bring you a priest." He then hurried into the next room, where, + among all the courtiers, he could find no man he could trust, save a + foreigner, one Count Castelmachlor. Calling him aside, he secretly + despatched him in search of a priest. + </p> + <p> + Between seven and eight o'clock that evening, Father Huddleston, the + Benedictine friar who had aided the king's escape after the battle of + Worcester, awaited at the queen's back stairs the signal to appear in his + majesty's presence. The duke being made aware of the fact, announced it to + the king, who thereon ordered all in his room to withdraw; but James, + mindful that slander might afterwards charge him with killing his brother, + begged the Earl of Bath, the lord of the bedchamber then in waiting, and + the Earl of Feversham, captain of the guard, might stay—saying to + the king it was not fitting he should be unattended in his weak condition. + These gentlemen therefore remained. And no sooner had all others departed + than the monk was admitted by a private entrance to the chamber. The king + received him with great joy and satisfaction, stating he was anxious to + die in the communion of the catholic church, and declaring he was sorry + for the wrongs of his past life, which he yet hoped might be pardoned + through the merits of Christ. + </p> + <p> + He then, as we read in the Stuart Papers, "with exceeding compunction and + tenderness of heart," made an exact confession of his sins, after which he + repeated an act of contrition, and received absolution. He next desired to + have the other Sacraments of the church proper to his condition + administered to him: on which the Benedictine asked if he desired to + receive the Eucharist; eagerly he replied, "If I am worthy pray fail not + to let me have it." Then Father Huddleston, after some exhortation, + prepared to give him the Sacrament; when the dying man, struggling to + raise himself, exclaimed, "Let me meet my heavenly Lord in a better + posture than lying in bed." But the priest begged he would not move, and + then gave him the Communion, which he received with every sign of fervour. + And for some time he prayed earnestly, the monk and the duke kneeling by + the while, silence obtaining in the room. This was presently broken by the + sad and solemn tones of the priest's voice, reading a commendation of the + soul to its Maker: the which being ended, the Benedictine, with tears in + his eyes, took leave of his majesty. "Ah," said Charles, "you once saved + my body; you have now saved my soul." Then the monk gave him his + benediction, and departed as quietly as he had come. + </p> + <p> + Then those waiting without were once more admitted to the room, when + Charles nerved himself to take a sad farewell of those around him. He + first publicly thanked his brother for the services and affection he had + ever rendered him through life, and extolled his obedience and submission + to his commands. Giving him his keys, he said he had left him all he + possessed, and prayed God would bless him with a happy and prosperous + reign. Finally, he recommended all his children to him by name, excepting + only the Duke of Monmouth then in Holland, and suffering from the king's + displeasure; and besought him to extend his kindness towards the Duchesses + of Portsmouth and Cleveland; "and do not," said he, "let poor Nelly + starve." Whilst these commands were addressed him, the duke had flung + himself on his knees by the bedside, and, bursting into tears, kissed his + brother's hand. + </p> + <p> + The queen, who had scarce left his majesty since the beginning of his + illness, was at this time absent, her love and grief not permitting her to + endure this afflicting scene. He spoke most tenderly of her; and when + presently she sent a message praying he would pardon her absence in regard + to her excessive grief, and forgive her withal if at any time she had + offended him, he replied, "Alas, poor woman! She beg my pardon?—I + beg hers, with all my heart." He next summoned his children to him, one by + one, and addressing them with words of advice, embraced them heartily and + blessed them fervently. And he being the Lord's anointed, the bishops + present besought he would give them his benediction likewise, and all that + were present, and in them the whole body of his subjects; in compliance + with which request he, with some difficulty, raised himself, and all + falling on their knees, he blessed them fervently. Then they arose and + departed. + </p> + <p> + Silence fell upon the palace; night wore slowly away. Charles tossed upon + his bed racked with pain, but no complaint escaped his lips. Those who + watched him in the semi-darkened room heard him ask God to accept his + sufferings in atonement for his sins. Then, speaking aloud, he declared + himself weary of life, and hoped soon to reach a better world. Courteous + to the last, he begged pardon for the trouble he gave, inasmuch as he was + long in dying. And anon he slumbered, and quickly woke again in agony and + prayed with zeal. Never had time moved with slower passage for him; not + hours, but weeks, seemed to elapse between each stroke of the clock; and + yet around him was darkness and tardy night. But after much weary waiting, + morning was at hand, the time-piece struck six. "Draw the curtains," said + the dying man, "that I may once more see day." The grey light of a + February dawn, scarce brightened to eastward a cheerless sky; but he + hailed this herald of sunrise with infinite relief and terrible regret; + relief that he had lived to see another day; regret that no more morns + should break for him. + </p> + <p> + His soul tore itself from his body with fierce struggles and bitter pain. + It was hard for him to die, but he composed himself to enter eternity + "with the piety becoming a Christian, and the resolution becoming a king;" + as his brother narrates. About ten o'clock on Friday morning, February + 6th, 1685, he found relief in unconsciousness; before midday chimed he was + dead. He had reached the fifty-fifth year of his life, and the + twenty-fifth year of his reign. + </p> + <p> + His illegitimate progeny was numerous, numbering fifteen, besides those + who died in infancy. These were the Duke of Monmouth and a daughter + married to William Sarsfield, children of Lucy Walters; the Dukes of + Southampton, Grafton, and Northumberland, the Countesses of Litchfield and + of Sussex, and a daughter Barbara, who became a nun, children of the + Duchess of Cleveland; the Duke of Richmond, son of the Duchess of + Portsmouth; the Duke of St. Albans, and a son James, children of Nell + Gwynn; Lady Derwentwater, daughter of Moll Davis; the Countess of + Yarmouth, daughter of Lady Shannon; and the Earl of Plymouth, son of + Catherine Peg. + </p> + <p> + For seven days the remains of the late king lay in state; on the eighth + they were placed in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was of necessity + conducted in a semi-private manner for by reason of his majesty dying in + the Catholic religion, his brother considered it desirable the ceremonies + prescribed for the occasion by the English church should be dispensed + with. Therefore, in order to avoid disputes or scandal, the king was laid + in the tomb without ostentation. At night his remains were carried from + the painted chamber in Westminster sanctuary to the abbey. The procession, + headed by the servants of the nobility, of James II., and his queen, of + the dowager queen, and of the late king, was followed by the barons, + bishops, and, peers according to their rank; the officers of the + household, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Then came all that was mortal + of his late majesty, borne under a canopy of velvet, supported by six + gentlemen of the privy chamber, the pall being held by six earls. Prince + George of Denmark—subsequently husband of Queen Anne—acted as + chief mourner, attended by the Dukes of Somerset and Beaufort, and sixteen + earls. One of the kings of Arms carried the crown and cushion, the train + being closed by the king's band of gentlemen pensioners, and the yeomen of + the guard. + </p> + <p> + At the abbey entrance the dean and prebendaries, attended by torch + bearers, and followed by a surpliced choir, met the remains, and joined + the procession, the slow pacing figures of which seemed spectral in this + hour and place; then the sad cortege passed solemnly through the grey old + abbey, the choir chanting sorrowfully the while, the yellow flare of + torches marking the prevailing gloom. And being come to the chapel of + Henry VII., the body of the merry monarch was suffered there to rest in + peace. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Royalty Restored, by J. Fitzgerald Molloy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROYALTY RESTORED *** + +***** This file should be named 1879-h.htm or 1879-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/7/1879/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteeer, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Royalty Restored + or, London under Charles II. + +Author: J. Fitzgerald Molloy + +Posting Date: November 7, 2008 [EBook #1879] +Release Date: September, 1999 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROYALTY RESTORED *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteeer + + + + + +ROYALTY RESTORED + +or, LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + + +By J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY + + + +Original Transcriber's Note: + +Footnotes have been inserted into this etext in square brackets ("[]") +close to the place where they were indicated by a suffix in the original +text. + +The pound sterling symbol has been written as 'L'. + +Text in italics has been written in capital letters. + + +PG Editor's Note: Archaic spelling and grammar retained. + + + +TO THOMAS HARDY, ESQ. + + DEAR MR. HARDY, + + In common with all readers of the English language, I owe you a + debt of gratitude, the which I rejoice to acknowledge, even in so + poor a manner as by dedicating this work to you. + + Believe me, + + Faithfully yours always, + + J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. + + + + +PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. + +No social history of the court of Charles II. has heretofore been +written. The Grammont Memoirs, devoid of date and detail, and addressed +"to those who read only for amusement," present but brief imperfect +sketches of the wits and beauties who thronged the court of the merry +monarch whilst the brilliant Frenchman sojourned in England. Pepys, +during the first nine years of the Restoration, narrates such gossip as +reached him regarding Whitehall and the practices that obtained there. +Evelyn records some trifling actions of the king and his courtiers, +with a view of pointing a moral, rather than from a desire of adorning a +tale. + +To supply this want in our literature, I have endeavoured to present a +picture of the domestic life of a king, whose name recalls pages of the +brightest romance and strangest gallantry in our chronicles. To this I +have added a study of London during his reign, taken as far as possible +from rare, and invariably from authentic sources. It will readily be +seen this work, embracing such subjects, could alone have resulted from +careful study and untiring consultation of diaries, records, memoirs, +letters, pamphlets, tracts, and papers left by contemporaries +familiar with the court and capital. The accomplishment of such a task +necessitated an expenditure of time, and devotion to labour, such as in +these fretful and impatient days is seldom bestowed on work. + +As in previous volumes I have writ no fact is set down without +authority, so likewise the same rule is pursued in these; and for such +as desire to test the accuracy thereof, or follow at further length +statements necessarily abbreviated, a list is appended of the principal +literature consulted. And inasmuch as I have found pleasure in this +work, so may my gentle readers derive profit therefrom; and as I have +laboured, so may they enjoy. Expressing which fair wishes, and moreover +commending myself unto their love and service, I humbly take my leave. + +J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. + + + + +LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, TRACTS, AND NEWSPAPERS, +CONSULTED IN WRITING THIS VOLUME. + +"Elenchus Motuum Nuperorum." Heath's "Flagellum; or, the Life and Death +of Oliver Cromwell." Banks' "Life of Cromwell." "Review of the Political +Life of Cromwell." "A Modest Vindication of Oliver Cromwell." "The +Machivilian Cromwellist." Kimber's "Life of Cromwell." "The World +Mistaken in Oliver Cromwell"(1668). "A Letter of Comfort to Richard +Cromwell." "Letters from Fairfax to Cromwell." "Cromwell's Letters and +Speeches." "A Collection of Several Passages concerning Cromwell in his +Sickness." "The Protector's Declaration against the Royal Family of the +Stuarts." "Memoirs of Cromwell and his Children, supposed to be written +by himself." "Narrative of the Proceedings of the English Army in +Scotland." "An Account of the Last Houres of the late renowned Oliver, +Lord Protector" (1659). "Sedition Scourged." Heath's "Chronicles of the +late Intestine War." Welwood's "Memoirs of Transactions in England." +"Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, M.P., in the year 1640." Forster's "Statesmen +of the Commonwealth." "Killing No Murther." Thurloe's "State Papers." +Lord Clarendon's "State Papers." Tatham's "Aqua Triumphalis." "The +Public Intelligencer." "Mercurius Politicus." "The Parliamentary +Intelligencer." Lyon's "Personal History of Charles II." "The Boscobel +Tracts, relating to the Escape of Charles II." "An Exact Narrative of +his Majesty's Escape from Worcester." Several Passages relating to the +"Declared King of Scots both by Sea and Land." "Charles II.'s Declaration +to his Loving Subjects in the Kingdom of England." "England's Joy; or, +a Relation of the most Remarkable Passages from his Majesty's Arrival +at Dover to his Entrance at Whitehall." "Copies of Two Papers written +by the King." "His Majesty's Gracious Message to General Monk." "King +Charles, His Starre." "A Speech spoken by a Blew-Coat of Christ's +Hospital to his Sacred Majesty." "Monarchy Revived." "The History of +Charles II., by a Person of Quality." Lady Fanshawe's "Memoirs." "The +Character of Charles II., written by an Impartial Hand and exposed to +Public View." "Sports and Pastimes of the English People." "A History +of Domestic Manners and Sentiments in England." Wright's "Homes of Other +Days." Idalcomb's "Anecdotes of Manners and Customs of London." Pepys' +"Diary." Evelyn's "Diary." Grammont's "Memoirs." Lord Romney's "Diary +of the Times of Charles II." "The Life and Adventures of Colonel Blood." +"Diary of Dr. Edward Lake, Court Chaplain." Bishop Burnet's "History of +His Own Times." Oldmixon's "Court Tales." Madame Dunois' "Memoirs of +the English Court." Heath's "Glories and Triumphs of Charles II." +"Continuation of the Life of Edward, Earl of Clarendon." "Original +Correspondence of Lord Clarendon." "The Memoirs of Sir John Reresby." +Lister's "Life of Clarendon. Brain Fairfax's "Memoirs of the Duke of +Buckingham." "Letters of Philip, Second Earl of Chesterfield." Aubrey's +"Memoirs." "The Life of Mr. Anthony a Wood, written by Himself." Elias +Ashmole's "Memoirs of his Life." Luttrell's "Diary." "The Althorp +Memoirs" (privately printed). Lord Broghill's "Memoirs." "Memoir of +Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland" (privately printed). Aubrey's "Lives +of Eminent Men." Count Magalotti's "Travels in England." "The Secret +History of Whitehall: consisting of Secret Memoirs which have hitherto +lain conceal'd as not being discoverable by any other hand." "Athenae +Oxonienses." Lord Rochester's Works. Brown's "Miscellanea Aulica." The +Works of Andrew Marvell. "State Tracts, relating to the Government +from the year 1660 to 1689." "Antiquities of the Crown and State of +Old England." "Narrative of the Families exposed to the Great Plague of +London." "Loimologia; or, an Historical Account of the Plague in 1665." +"A Collection of very Valuable and Scarce Pieces relating to the Last +Plague in 1665." "London's Dreadful Visitation." "Letter of Dr, Hedges +to a Person of Quality." "God's Terrible Voice in the City: a Narrative +of the late Dreadful Judgments by Plague and Fire." "Pestis; a +Collection of Scarce Papers relating to the Plague." "An Account of the +Fire of London, published by authority." Lord Clarendon's "Account of +the Great Fire." "A Voyage into England, containing many things relating +to the State of Learning, Religion, and other Curiosities of that +Kingdom," by Mons. Sorbiere. Carte's "Life of James, Duke of Ormond." +Carte's "History of England." Lord Somers' "Collection of Scarce and +Valuable Tracts." "Memoirs of the Duchess of Mazarine." "Secret History +of the Duchess of Portsmouth." St. Evremond's "Memoirs." "Curialia; +or, an Historical Account of some Branches of the Royal Household." +"Parliamentary History." Oldmixon's "History of the Stuarts." Ellis's +"Original Letters." Charles James Fox's "History of James II." Sir +George L'Estrange's "Brief History of the Times." Lord Romney's "Diary +of the Times of Charles II." Clarke's "Life of James II." "Vindication +of the English Catholics." "The Tryals, Conviction and Sentence of Titus +Oates." "A Modest Vindication of Oates." "Tracts on the Popish Plot." +Macpherson's "Original Papers." A. Marvell's "Account of Popery." +"An Exact Discovery of the Mystery of Iniquity as Practised among the +Jesuits." Smith's "Streets of London." "London Cries." Seymour's "Survey +of the Cities of London and Westminster." Stow's "Survey of London +and Westminster." "Angliae Metropolis." Dr. Laune's "Present State of +London, 1681." Sir Roger North's "Examn." "The Character of a Coffee +House." Stow's "Chronicles of Fashion." Fairholt's "Costume in England." +"A Just and Seasonable Reprehension of Naked Breasts and Shoulders." +Sir William Petty's "Observations of the City of London." John Ogilvy's +"London Surveyed." R. Burton's "Historical Remarks." Dr. Birch's +"History of the Royal Society of London." "A Century of Inventions." +Wild's "History of the Royal Society." "The Philosophical Transactions +of the Royal Society." Richardson's "Life of Milton." Philip's "Life of +Milton." Johnson's "Lives of the Poets." Aubrey's "Collections for +the Life of Milton." Langbaine's "Lives and Characters of the +English Dramatic Poets." "Some Remarkable Passages in the Life of Mr. +Wycherley." "Some Account of what Occurred at the King's Death," by +Richard Huddlestone, O.S.B. "A True Narrative of the late King's Death." + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. + +Cromwell is sick unto death.--Fears and suspicions.--Killing no +Murder.--A memorable storm.--The end of all.--Richard Cromwell +made Protector,--He refuses to shed blood. Disturbance and +dissatisfaction.--Downfall of Richard.--Charles Stuart proclaimed +king.--Rejoicement of the nation.--The king comes into his own.--Entry +into London.--Public joy and festivity. + +CHAPTER II. + +The story of the king's escape.--He accepts the Covenant, and lands in +Scotland.--Crowned at Scone.--Proclaimed king at Carlisle.--The +battle of Worcester,--Bravery of Charles.--Disloyalty of the Scottish +cavalry.--The Royalists defeated.--The king's flight.--Seeks refuge +in Boscobel Wood. The faithful Pendrells.--Striving to cross the +Severn.--Hiding in an oak tree.--Sheltered by Master Lane. Sets out +with Mistress Lane.--Perilous escapes.--On the road.--The king is +recognised.--Strange adventures.--His last night in England. + +CHAPTER III. + +Celebration of the king's return. Those who flocked to Whitehall.--My +Lord Cleveland's gentlemen.--Sir Thomas Allen's supper.--Touching for +king's evil.--That none might lose their labour--The man with the fungus +nose.--The memory of the regicides.--Cromwell's effigy.--Ghastly scene +at Tyburn.--The king's clemency.--The Coronation procession.--Sights and +scenes by the way.--His majesty is crowned + +CHAPTER IV. + +The king's character.--His proverbial grace.--He tells a story well.--"A +warmth and sweetness of the blood."--Beautiful Barbara Palmer.--Her +intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.--James, Duke of York. His +early days.--Escape from St. James's.--Fights in the service of +France.--Marriage with Anne Hyde.--Sensation at Court.--The Duke of +Gloucester's death.--The Princess of Orange.--Schemes against the +Duke of York's peace.--The "lewd informer."--Anne Hyde is acknowledged +Duchess of York. + +CHAPTER V. + +Morality of the restoration.--Puritan piety.--Cromwell's +intrigues.--Conduct of women under the Republic.--Some notable +courtiers.--The Duke of Ormond and his family.--Lord St. Albans and +Henry Jermyn.--His Grace of Buckingham and Mistress Fairfax.--Lord +Rochester.--Delights all hearts.--The king's projected +marriage.--Catherine of Braganza.--His majesty's speech.--A royal +love-letter.--The new queen sets sail. + +CHAPTER VI. + +The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.--The queen arrives at +Portsmouth.--Visited by the Duke of York.--The king leaves town.--First +interview with his bride.--His letter to the lord chancellor.--Royal +marriage and festivities.--Arrival at Hampton Court Palace.--Prospects +of a happy union.--Lady Castlemaine gives birth to a second child.--The +king's infatuation.--Mistress and wife.--The queen's misery.--The king's +cruelty.--Lord Clarendon's messages.--His majesty resolves to break the +queen's spirit.--End of the domestic quarrel. + +CHAPTER VII. + +Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.--My Lady Castlemaine a +spectator.--Young Mr. Crofts.--New arrivals at court.--The Hamilton +family.--The Chevalier de Grammont.--Mrs. Middleton and Miss Kirke.--At +the queen's ball.--La belle Hamilton.--The queen mother at Somerset +House.--The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.--Fair Frances Stuart.--Those +who court her favour.--The king's passion. + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Duke of York's intrigues.--My Lady Chesterfield and his royal +highness.--The story of Lady Southesk's love,--Lord Arran plays the +guitar.--Lord Chesterfield is jealous.--The countess is taken from +court.--Mistress Margaret Brooks and the king.--Lady Denham and the +duke.--Sir John goes mad.--My lady is poisoned. + +CHAPTER IX. + +Court life under the merry monarch.--Riding in Hyde Park.--Sailing on +the Thames.--Ball at Whitehall.--Petit soupers.--What happened at +Lady Gerrard's.--Lady Castlemaine quarrels with the king.--Flight to +Richmond.--The queen falls ill.--The king's grief and remorse.--Her +majesty speaks.--Her secret sorrow finds voice in delirium.--Frances +Stuart has hopes.--The queen recovers. + +CHAPTER X. + +Notorious courtiers.--My Lord Rochester's satires.--Places a watch on +certain ladies of quality.--His majesty becomes indignant.--Rochester +retires to the country.--Dons a disguise and returns to town.--Practises +astrology.--Two maids of honour seek adventure.--Mishaps which befell +them.--Rochester forgiven.--The Duke of Buckingham.--Lady Shrewsbury +and her victims.--Captain Howard's duel.--Lord Shrewsbury avenges +his honour.--A strange story.--Colonel Blood attempts an +abduction.--Endeavours to steal the regalia.--The king converses with +him. + +CHAPTER XI. + +Terror falls upon the people.--Rumours of a plague.--A sign in the +heavens.--Flight from the capital.--Preparations against the dreaded +enemy.--Dr. Boghurst's testimony.--God's terrible voice in the +city.--Rules made by the lord mayor.--Massacre of animals.--O, dire +death!--Spread of the distemper.--Horrible sights.--State of the +deserted capital.--"Bring out your dead."--Ashes to ashes.--Fires are +lighted.--Relief of the poor.--The mortality bills. + +CHAPTER XII + +A cry of fire by night.--Fright and confusion.--The lord mayor is +unmanned.--Spread of the flames.--Condition of the streets.--Distressful +scenes.--Destruction of the Royal Exchange.--Efforts of the king and the +Duke of York.--Strange rumours and alarms, St. Paul's is doomed.--The +flames checked.--A ruined city as seen by day and night.--Wretched state +of the people.--Investigation into the origin of the fire.--A new city +arises. + +CHAPTER XIII. + +The court repairs to Oxford--Lady Castlemaine's son.--Their majesties +return to Whitehall.--The king quarrels with his mistress.--Miss Stuart +contemplates marriage.--Lady Castlemaine attempts revenge.--Charles +makes an unpleasant discovery.--The maid of honour elopes.--His majesty +rows down the Thames.--Lady Castlemaine's intrigues.--Fresh quarrels at +court.--The king on his knees. + +CHAPTER XIV. + +The kingdom in peril.--The chancellor falls under his majesty's +displeasure.--The Duke of Buckingham's mimicry.--Lady Castlemaine's +malice.--Lord Clarendon's fall.--The Duke of Ormond offends the king's +mistress.--She covers him with abuse.--Plots against the Duke of +York.--Schemes for a royal divorce.--Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn.--The +king and the comedian.--Lady Castlemaine abandons herself to great +disorders.--Young Jack Spencer.--The countess intrigues with an +acrobat.--Talk of the town.--The mistress created a duchess. + +CHAPTER XV. + +Louise de Querouaille.--The Triple Alliance.--Louise is created Duchess +of Portsmouth,--Her grace and the impudent comedian.--Madam Ellen moves +in society. The young Duke of St. Albans.--Strange story of the +Duchess of Mazarine.--Entertaining the wits at Chelsea.--Luxurious +suppers.--profligacy and wit. + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A storm threatens the kingdom--The Duke of York is touched in his +conscience.--His interview with Father Simons.--The king declares his +mind.--The Duchess of York becomes a catholic.--The circumstances of her +death.--The Test Act introduced.--Agitation of the nation.--The Duke +of York marries again.--Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.--The Duke of +Monmouth.--William of Orange and the Princess Mary.--Their marriage and +departure from England. + +CHAPTER XVII. + +The threatened storm bursts.--History of Titus Oates and Dr. Tonge.--A +dark scheme concocted.--The king is warned of danger.--The narrative of +a horrid plot laid before the treasurer.--Forged letters.--Titus Oates +before the council.--His blunders.--A mysterious murder.--Terror of the +citizens.--Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.--Papists are banished from the +capital.--Catholic peers committed to the Tower.--Oates is encouraged. + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Reward for the discovery of murderers.--Bedlow's character +and evidence.--His strange story.--Development of the "horrid +plot."--William Staley is made a victim.--Three Jesuits hung.--Titus +Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.--Striving to ruin the +queen.--Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.--The king protects +her majesty.--Five Jesuits executed.--Fresh rumours concerning +the papists.--Bill to exclude the Duke of York.--Lord Stafford is +tried.--Scene at Tower Hill.--Fate of the conspirators. + +CHAPTER XIX. + +London under Charles II.--Condition and appearance of the +thoroughfares.--Coffee is first drunk in the capital.--Taverns and +their frequenters.--The city by night.--Wicked people do creep +about.--Companies of young gentlemen.--The Duke of Monmouth kills +a beadle.--Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.--Stately houses of the +nobility.--St. James's Park.--Amusement of the town.--At Bartholomew +Fair.--Bull, bear, and dog fights.--Some quaint sports. + +CHAPTER XX. + +Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.--Dining in public.--The +Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.--Entertainment of guests by +mountebanks.--Gaming at court.--Lady Castlemaine's losses.--A fatal +duel.--Dress of the period.--Riding-habits first seen.--His majesty +invents a national costume.--Introduction of the penny post.--Divorce +suits are known.--Society of Antiquaries.--Lord Worcester's +inventions.--The Duchess of Newcastle. + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A period rich in literature.--John Milton's early life.--Writing +"Paradise Lost."--Its publication and success.--His later works and +death.--John Dryden gossips with wits and players.--Lord Rochester's +revenge.--Elkanah Settle.--John Crowne.--Thomas Otway rich in +miseries.--Dryden assailed by villains.--The ingenious Abraham +Cowley.--The author of "Hudibras."--Young Will Wycherley and Lady +Castlemaine. The story of his marriage.--Andrew Marvell, poet and +politician.--John Bunyan. + +CHAPTER XXII. + +Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.--The Rye House +conspiracy.--Profligacy of the court.--The three duchesses.--The king +is taken ill.--The capital in consternation.--Dr. Ken questions his +majesty.--A Benedictine monk is sent for.--Charles professes catholicity +and receives the Sacraments.--Farewell to all.--His last night on +earth.--Daybreak and death.--He rests in peace. + + + + +ROYALTY RESTORED + +or, LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + + + +CHAPTER I. + + Cromwell is sick unto death.--Fears and suspicions.--Killing no + Murder.--A memorable storm.--The end of all.--Richard Cromwell + made Protector.--He refuses to shed blood.--Disturbance and + dissatisfaction.--Downfall of Richard.--Charles Stuart proclaimed + king.--Rejoicement of the nation.--The king comes into his own.--Entry + into London.--Public joy and satisfaction. + +On the 30th of January, 1649, Charles I. was beheaded. In the last days +of August in the year of grace 1658, Oliver Cromwell lay sick unto death +at the Palace of Whitehall. On the 27th day of June in the previous +year, he had, in the Presence of the Judges of the land, the Lord +Mayor and Aldermen of the City, and Members of Parliament assembled at +Westminster Hall, seated himself on the coronation chair of the Stuarts, +assumed the title of Lord Protector, donned a robe of violet velvet, +girt his loins with a sword of state, and grasped the sceptre, symbolic +of kingly power. From that hour distrust beset his days, his nights were +fraught with fear. All his keen and subtle foresight, his strong and +restless energies, had since then been exerted in suppressing plots +against his power, and detecting schemes against his life, concocted +by the Republicans whose liberty he had betrayed, and by the Royalists +whose king he had beheaded. + +Soon after he had assumed the title of Lord High Protector, a most +daring pamphlet, openly advocating his assassination, was circulated +in vast numbers throughout the kingdom. It was entitled "Killing no +Murder," and was dedicated in language outrageously bold to His Highness +Oliver Cromwell. "To your Highness justly belongs the honour of dying +for the people," it stated, "and it cannot but be an unspeakable +consolation to you, in the last moments of your life, to consider with +how much benefit to the world you are likely to leave it. It is then +only, my lord, the titles you now usurp will be truly yours; you will +then be, indeed, the deliverer of your country, and free it from a +bondage little inferior to that from which Moses delivered his, you +will then be that true reformer which you would now be thought; religion +shall then be restored, liberty asserted, and Parliaments have those +privileges they have sought for. All this we hope from your Highness's +happy expiration. To hasten this great good is the chief end of my +writing this paper; and if it have the effects I hope it will, your +Highness will quickly be out of the reach of men's malice, and your +enemies will only be able to wound you in your memory, which strokes you +will not feel." + +The possession of life becomes dearest when its forfeiture is +threatened, and therefore Cromwell took all possible means to guard +against treachery--the only foe he feared, and feared exceedingly. "His +sleeps were disturbed with the apprehensions of those dangers the day +presented unto him in the approaches of any strange face, whose motion +he would most fixedly attend," writes James Heath, gentleman, in his +"Chronicles," published in 1675. "Above all, he very carefully observed +such whose mind or aspect were featured with any chearful and debonair +lineaments; for such he boded were they that would despatch him; to that +purpose he always went secretly armed, both offensive and defensive; +and never stirred without a great guard. In his usual journey between +Whitehall and Hampton Court, by several roads, he drove full speed in +the summer time, making such a dust with his life-guard, part before and +part behinde, at a convenient distance, for fear of choaking him with +it, that one could hardly see for a quarter of an hour together, and +always came in some private way or other." The same authority, in his +"Life of Cromwell," states of him, "It was his constant custom to shift +and change his lodging, to which he passed through twenty several locks, +and out of which he had four or five ways to avoid pursuit." Welwood, in +his "Memoirs," adds the Protector wore a coat of mail beneath his dress, +and carried a poniard under his cloak. + +Nor was this all. According to the "Chronicle of the late Intestine +War," Cromwell "would sometimes pretend to be merry, and invite persons, +of whom he had some suspicion, to his cups, and then drill out of their +open hearts such secrets as he wisht for. He had freaks also to divert +the vexations of his misgiving thoughts, calling on by the beat of drum +his footguards, like a kennel of hounds to snatch away the scraps and +reliques of his table. He said every man's hand was against him, +and that he ran daily into further perplexities, out of which it was +impossible to extricate, or secure himself therein, without running +into further danger; so that he began to alter much in the tenour of +his former converse, and to run and transform into the manners of the +ancient tyrants, thinking to please and mitigate his own tortures with +the sufferings of others." + +But now the fate his vigilance had hitherto combated at last overtook +him in a manner impossible to evade. He was attacked by divers +infirmities, but for some time made no outward sign of his suffering, +until one day five physicians came and waited on him, as Dr. George Bate +states in his ELENCHUS MOTUUM NUPERORUM. And one of them, feeling +his pulse, declared his Highness suffered from an intermittent fever; +hearing which "he looked pale, fell into a cold sweat, almost fainted +away, and orders himself to be carried to bed." His fright, however, +was but momentary. He was resolved to live. He had succeeded in raising +himself to a position of vast power, but had failed in attaining the +great object of his ambition--the crowned sovereignty of the nation he +had stirred to its centre, and conquered to its furthest limits. Brought +face to face with death, his indomitable will, which had shaped untoward +circumstances to his accord with a force like unto fate itself, now +determined to conquer his shadowy enemy which alone intercepted his path +to the throne. Therefore as he lay in bed he said to those around him +with that sanctity of speech which had cloaked his cruellest deeds and +dissembled his most ambitious designs, "I would be willing to live to be +further serviceable to God and his people." + +As desires of waking hours are answered in sleep, so in response to his +nervous craving for life he had delusive assurances of health through +the special bounty of Providence. He was therefore presently able +to announce he "had very great discoveries of the Lord to him in his +sickness, and hath some certainty of being restored;" as Fleetwood, his +son-in-law, wrote on the 24th of August in this same year. + +Accordingly, when one of the physicians came to him next morning, the +High Protector said, "Why do you look sad?" To which the man of lore +replied evasively, "So it becomes anyone who had the weighty care of +his life and health upon him." Then Cromwell to this purpose spoke: "You +think I shall die; I tell you I shall not die this bout; I am sure on't. +Don't think I am mad. I speak the words of truth upon surer grounds than +Galen or your Hippocrates furnish you with. God Almighty himself hath +given that answer, not to my prayers alone, but also to the prayers of +those who entertain a stricter commerce and greater intimacy with him. +Ye may have skill in the nature of things, yet nature can do more than +all physicians put together, and God is far above nature." The doctor +besought him to rest, and left the room. Outside he met one of his +colleagues, to whom he gave it as his opinion their patient had grown +light-headed, and he repeated the words which Cromwell had spoken. +"Then," said his brother-physician, "you are certainly a stranger in +this house; don't you know what was done last night? The chaplain and +all their friends being dispersed into several parts of the palace +have prayed to God for his health, and they all heard the voice of God +saying, 'He will recover,' and so they are all certain of it." + +"Never, indeed, was there a greater stock of prayers going on for any +man," as Thurlow, his secretary, writes. So sure were those around him +that Providence must hearken to and grant the fulfilment of such +desires as they thought well to express, that, as Thomas Goodwin, one of +Cromwell's chaplains, said, "We asked not for the Protector's life, for +we were assured He had too great things for this man to do, to remove +him yet; but we prayed for his speedy recovery, because his life and +presence were so necessary to divers things then of great moment to be +despatched." When this Puritanical fanatic was presently disappointed, +Bishop Burnet narrates "he had the impudence to say to God, 'Thou hast +deceived us.'" + +Meanwhile the Protector lay writhing in pain and terror. His mind was +sorely troubled at remembrance of the last words spoken by his daughter +Elizabeth, who had threatened judgments upon him because of his refusal +to save the King; whilst his body was grievously racked with a tertian +fever, and a foul humour which, beginning in his foot, worked its way +steadily to his heart. Moreover, some insight regarding his future +seemed given to him in his last days, for he appeared, as Ludlow, his +contemporary, states, "above all concerned for the reproaches he saw men +would cast upon his name, in tramping upon his ashes when dead." + +On the 30th of August his danger became evident even to himself, and +all hope of life left him. For hours after the certain approach of death +became undeniably certain, he remained quiet and speechless, seemingly +heedless of the exhortation and prayers of his chaplains, till suddenly +turning to one of them, he whispered, "Tell me, is it possible to fall +from grace?" The preacher had a soothing reply ready: "It is not," he +answered. "Then," exclaimed this unhappy man, whose soul was red with +the blood of thousands of his countrymen, "I am safe, for I know I was +once in grace." Anon he cries out, whilst tossing wildly on his bed, +"Lord, although I am a miserable and a wretched creature, I am in +covenant with Thee through grace, and I may and will come to Thee for +Thy people. Pardon such as desire to trample upon the dust of a poor +worm. And give us a good night if it be Thy pleasure. Amen." + +It was now the 2nd of September. As the evening of that day approached +he fell into a stupor, and those who watched him thought the end had +come. + +Within the darkened chamber in Whitehall all was silence and gloom; +without all was tumult and fear. Before the gates of the palace a +turbulent crowd of soldiers and citizens had gathered in impatient +anxiety. Those he had raised to power, those whose fortunes depended on +his life, were steeped in gloom; those whose principles he had outraged +by his usurpation, those whose position he had crushed by his sway, +rejoiced at heart. Not only the capital, but the whole nation, was +divided into factions which one strong hand alone had been able to +control; and terror, begotten by dire remembrances of civil war and +bloodshed, abode with all lovers of peace. + +As evening closed in, the elements appeared in unison with the +distracted condition of the kingdom. Dark clouds, seeming of ominous +import to men's minds, gathered in the heavens, to be presently torn +asunder and hurried in wild flight by tempestuous winds across the +troubled sky. As night deepened, the gale steadily increased, until it +raged in boundless fury above the whole island and the seas that rolled +around its shores. In town houses rocked on their foundations, turrets +and steeples were flung from their places; in the country great trees +were uprooted, corn-stacks levelled to the ground, and winter fruits +destroyed; whilst at sea ships sank to rise no more. This memorable +storm lasted all night, and continued until three o'clock next +afternoon, when Cromwell expired. + +His body was immediately embalmed, but was of necessity interred in +great haste. Westminster Abbey, the last home of kings and princes, was +selected as the fittest resting-place for the regicide. Though it was +impossible to honour his remains by stately ceremonials, his followers +were not content to let the occasion of his death pass with-out +commemoration. They therefore had a waxen image of him made, which they +resolved to surround with all the pomp and circumstances of royalty. For +this purpose they carried it to Somerset House--one of the late King's +palaces--and placed it on a couch of crimson velvet beneath a canopy of +state. Upon its shoulders they hung a purple mantle, in its right hand +they placed a golden sceptre, and by its side they laid an imperial +crown, probably the same which, according to Welwood, the Protector had +secretly caused to be made and conveyed to Whitehall with a view to his +coronation. The walls and ceiling of the room in which the effigy lay +were covered by sable velvet; the passages leading to it crowded with +soldiery. After a few weeks the town grew tired of this sight, when the +waxen image was taken to another apartment, hung with rich velvets and +golden tissue, and otherwise adorned to symbolize heaven, when it was +placed upon a throne, clad "in a shirt of fine Holland lace, doublet +and breeches of Spanish fashion with great skirts, silk stockings, +shoe-strings and gaiters suitable, and black Spanish leather shoes." +Over this attire was flung a cloak of purple velvet, and on his head +was placed a crown with many precious stones. The room was then lit, as +Ludlow narrates, "by four or five hundred candles set in flat shining +candlesticks, so placed round near the roof that the light they gave +seemed like the rays of the sun, by all which he was represented to be +now in a state of glory." Lest, indeed, there should be any doubt as to +the place where his soul abode, Sterry, the Puritan preacher, imparted +the information to all, that the Protector "now sat with Christ at the +right hand of the Father." + +But this pomp and state in no may overawed the people, who, by pelting +with mire Cromwell's escutcheon placed above the great gate of Somerset +House gave evidence of the contempt in which they held his memory. After +a lapse of over two months from the day of his death, the effigy was +carried to Westminster Abbey with more than regal ceremony, the expenses +of his lying-in-state and of his funeral procession amounting, as stated +by Walker and Noble, to upwards of L29,000. "It was the joyfullest +funeral I ever saw," writes Evelyn, "for there were none that cried but +dogs, which the soldiers hooted away with a barbarous noise, drinking +and taking tobacco as they went." + +A little while before his death Cromwell had named his eldest surviving +son, Richard, as his successor, and he was accordingly declared +Protector, with the apparent consent of the council, soldiers, and +citizens. Nor did the declaration cause any excitement, "There is not +a dog who wags his tongue, so profound is the calm which we are in," +writes Thurlow to Oliver's second son, Henry, then Lord Lieutenant of +Ireland. But if the nation in its dejection made no signs of resistance, +neither did it give any indications of satisfaction, and Richard was +proclaimed "with as few expressions of joy as had ever been observed on +a like occasion." For a brief while a stupor seemed to lull the +factious party spirit which was shortly to plunge the country into +fresh difficulties. The Cromwellians and Republicans foresaw resistless +strife, and the Royalists quietly and hopefully abided results. + +Nor had they long to wait. In the new Parliament assembled in January, +1659, the Republicans showed themselves numerous and bold beyond +measure, and hesitated to recognise Richard Cromwell as successor to +the Protectorate. However, on the 14th of the following month the +Cromwellians gained the upper hand, when Richard was confirmed in his +title of "Lord Protector, and First Magistrate of England, Scotland, and +Ireland, with all the territories depending thereon." Further discussion +quickly followed. "One party thinks the Protectorate cannot last; the +other that the Republican cannot raise itself again; the indifferent +hope that both will be right. It is easy to foretell the upshot," +writes Hyde. The disunion spread rapidly and widely; not only was the +Parliament divided against itself, but so likewise was the army; and the +new Protector had neither the courage nor the ability to put down strife +with a strong hand. Richard Cromwell was a man of peaceful disposition, +gentle manners and unambitious mind, whom fate had forced into a +position for which he was in no way fitted. By one of those strange +contradictions which nature sometimes produces, he differed in all +things from his father; for not only was he pleasure-loving, joyous, +and humane, but he was, moreover, a Royalist at heart, and continued in +friendship with the Cavaliers up to the period of his proclamation as +Protector. It has been stated that, falling on his knees, he entreated +his father to spare the life of Charles I.; it is certain he remained +inactive whilst the civil wars devastated the land; and there is +evidence to show that, during the seven months and twenty-eight days of +his Protectorship, he shrank from the perpetration of cruelty and +crime. Accordingly, when those who had at first supported his authority +eventually conspired against him, he refrained from using his power to +crush them. At this his friends were wrath. "It is time to look about +you," said Lord Howard, speaking with the bluntness of a friend. "Empire +and command are not now the question. Your person, your life are in +peril. You are the son of Cromwell; show yourself worthy to be his son. +This business requires a bold stroke, and must be supported by a good +head. Do not suffer yourself to be daunted. I will rid you of your +enemies: do you stand by me, and only back my zeal for your honour with +your name; my head shall answer for the consequences." + +Colonel Ingoldsby seconded the advice Lord Howard gave, but Richard +Cromwell hearkened to neither. "I have never done anybody any harm, +and never will," said he, "will not have a drop of blood spilt for the +preservation of my greatness, which is a burden to me." At this Lord +Howard was indignant. "Do you think," he asked, "this moderation of +yours will repair the wrong your family has committed by its elevation? +Everybody knows that by violence your father procured the death of the +late king, and kept his sons in banishment: mercy in the present state +of affairs is unreasonable. Lay aside this pussillanimity; every moment +is precious; your enemies spend the time in acting which we waste +in consulting." "Talk no more of it," answered the Protector. "I am +thankful for your friendship, but violent counsels suit not with me." + +The climax was at hand; his fall was but a question of time. "A +wonderfull and suddaine change in ye face of ye publiq," writes Evelyn, +on the 25th of April, 1659. "Ye new Protector Richard slighted; several +pretenders and parties strove for the Government; all anarchy and +confusion. Lord have mercy on us!" + +Before the month of May had expired, the House of Commons commissioned +two of its members to bid Richard Cromwell leave the palace of +Whitehall, and obtain his signature to a deed wherein he acknowledged +complete submission to Parliament. His brief inglorious reign was +therefore at an end. "As with other men," he wrote to the House of +Commons, "I expect protection from the present Government: I do hold +myself obliged to demean myself with all the peaceableness under it, +and to procure, to the utmost of my power, that all in whom I have any +interest to do the same." He retired into Hampshire, where he dwelt as +a private gentleman. His brother Henry resigned his position as Lord +Lieutenant of Ireland and settled in Cambridgeshire. From this time the +name of Cromwell was no longer a power in the land. + +During two years subsequent to the death of Oliver the government +of England underwent various changes, and the kingdom suffered many +disorders; until, being heartily sick of anarchy, the people desired +a king might once more reign over them accordingly, they turned their +eyes towards the son of him whom "the boldest villany that ever any +nation saw" had sent to the block. And the time being ripe, Charles +Stuart, then an exile in Breda, despatched Sir John Grenville with royal +letters to both Houses of Parliament, likewise to the Lord Mayor of +London and members of the Common Council, to Monk, commander of the +forces, and Montagu, admiral of the fleet. These letters were received +with so universal a joy and applause, that Parliament forthwith ordained +Charles Stuart should be proclaimed "the most potent, mighty, and +undoubted King of England, Scotland and Ireland." Moreover, both Houses +agreed that an honourable body of Commissioners, all men of great +quality and birth, should be sent to the king with letters, humbly +begging his majesty would be pleased to hasten his long-desired return +into England. And because they knew full well the royal exchequer was +empty, Parliament ordered these noble gentlemen to carry with them a +present of fifty thousand pieces of gold to the king, together with ten +thousand to his brother of York, and five thousand to his brother of +Gloucester. Nor was the City of London backwards in sending expressions +of loyalty and tokens of homage and devotion; to evince which twenty +valiant men and worthy citizens were despatched with messages of +goodwill towards him, and presents in gold to the amount of twelve +thousand pounds. + +And presently Admiral Montagu arriving with his fleet upon the coast of +Holland, awaited his majesty near Scheveling; and all things being in +readiness the king with his royal brothers and a most noble train set +sail for England. + +It came to pass that on the 25th day of May, 1660, a vast concourse of +nobility, gentry, and citizens had assembled at Dover to meet and greet +their sovereign king, Charles II., on his landing. On the fair morning +of that day a sound of cannon thundering from the castle announced that +the fleet, consisting of "near forty sail of great men-of-war," which +conveyed his majesty to his own, was in sight; whereon an innumerable +crowd betook its joyful way to the shore. The sun was most gloriously +bright, the sky cloudless, the sea calm. Far out upon the blue horizon +white-winged ships could be clearly discerned. By three o'clock in the +afternoon they had reached the harbour, when the king, embarking in a +galley most richly adorned, was rowed to shore. Then cannon roared once +more from the castle, and were answered from the beach; bells rang from +church towers, and a mighty shout went up from the hearts of the people. + +In the midst of these rejoicings Charles II. landed, and the gallant +General Monk, who had been mainly instrumental in bringing his royal +master to the throne without loss of blood, now fell upon his knees to +greet his majesty. The king raised the general from the ground, embraced +and kissed him. Then the nobility hastened to pay their duty likewise, +and the Mayor and Aldermen of Dover presented him with a most loyal +address. And presently, with the roar of cannon, the clangour of bells, +the sound of music, and the shouts of a great multitude ringing in his +ears, the king advanced on his way towards Canterbury. At the gates +of this ancient city he was met by the mayor and aldermen, and was +presented by them with a golden tankard, Here he spent the following +day, which being Sunday, he went with a great train to the cathedral, +where service according to the Church of England, long disused by the +Puritans, was restored, to the satisfaction of many. + +Setting out from Canterbury on Monday, the 29th of May--which was, +moreover, the anniversary of his birth--he journeyed to Blackheath, +where he reviewed the forces drawn up with great pomp and military +splendour to greet him, and bestowed many gracious expressions on them. +Then, having received assurances of their loyal homage through their +commander, Colonel Knight, he turned towards London town. And the nearer +he approached, the more dense became crowds thronging to meet him; the +fields on either side the long white road being filled with persons of +all conditions, who cheered him lustily. As he passed they flung leaves +of trees and sweet May flowers beneath his horse's feet, and waved green +boughs on high, And when he came to St. George's Fields, there was my +lord mayor in his robes of new velvet, wearing his collar of wrought +gold, and attended by his aldermen in brave apparel likewise. Going down +on his knees my lord mayor presented the king with the city sword, which +his majesty with some happy expressions of confidence gave back into his +good keeping, having first struck him with it upon the shoulder and bade +him rise up Sir Thomas Allen. Whereon that worthy man rose to his feet +and conducted the king to a large and richly adorned pavilion, and +entertained him at a splendid collation, it being then one of the clock. +And being refreshed his majesty set forth again, and entered the city, +which had never before shown so brave and goodly an appearance as on +this May day, when all the world seemed mad with joy. + +From London Bridge even to Whitehall Palace the way was lined on one +side by the train-bands of the city, and on the other by the city +companies in their rich livery gowns; to which were added a number +of gentlemen volunteers, all in white doublets, commanded by Sir John +Stanel. Across the streets hung garlands of spring flowers that made the +air most sweet, and at the corners thereof were arches of white hawthorn +in full bloom, bedecked with streamers of gay colours. From wooden +railed balconies, jutting windows, and quaint gables hung fair +tapestries, rich silks, and stuffs of brilliant hues; and from the high +red chimneys, grey turrets, and lofty spires, floated flags bearing +the royal arms of England, and banners inscribed with such mottoes as +loyalty and affection could suggest. The windows and galleries +were filled with ladies of quality in bright dresses; the roofs and +scaffolding, with citizens of all classes, who awaited with eager and +joyous faces to salute their lord and king. + +And presently, far down the line of streets, a sound was heard of +innumerable voices cheering most lustily, which every minute became +nearer and louder, till at last a blare of trumpets was distinguished, +followed by martial music, and the tramp and confusion of a rushing +crowd which suddenly parted on all sides. Then there burst on view the +first sight of that brave and glorious cavalcade to the number of twenty +thousand, which ushered the king back unto his own. First came a troop +of young and comely gentlemen, three hundred in all, representing the +pride and valour of the kingdom, wearing cloth of silver doublets and +brandishing naked swords which flashed in the sunlight. Then another +company, less by a hundred in number, habited in rich velvet coats, +their footmen clad in purple liveries; and next a goodly troop under the +command of Sir John Robinson, all dressed in buff coats with cloth of +silver sleeves, and green scarves most handsome to behold. These were +followed by a brave troop in blue doublets adorned with silver lace, +carrying banners of red silk fringed with gold. Then came trumpets, and +seven footmen in sea-green and silver liveries, bearing banners of blue +silk, followed by a troop in grey and blue to the number of two hundred +and twenty, and led by the most noble the Earl of Northampton. After +various other companies, all brave in apparel, came two trumpets bearing +his majesty's arms, followed by the sheriffs' men in red cloaks and +silver lace, and by a great body of gentlemen in black velvet coats with +gold chains. Next rode six hundred brave citizens, twelve ministers, the +king's life guards, led by Sir Gilbert Gerrard, the city marshals with +eight footmen, the city waits and officers, the sheriffs and aldermen in +scarlet gowns, the maces and heralds in great splendour, the lord mayor +carrying a naked sword in his strong right hand, the Duke of Buckingham, +and General Monk, soon to be created Duke of Albermarle. + +Now other heralds sound their trumpets with blasts that make all hearts +beat quicker; church bells ring far louder than before; voices are +raised to their highest pitch, excitement reaches its zenith, for here, +mounted on a stately horse caparisoned in royal purple and adorned with +gold, rides King Charles himself; on his right hand his brother of York, +on his left his brother of Gloucester. Handkerchiefs are waved, flowers +are flung before his way, words of welcome fall upon his ear, in answer +to which he bows with stately grace, smiles most pleasantly, and gives +such signs of delight as "cheared the hearts of all loyal subjects +even to extasie and transportation." Last of all came five regiments of +cavalry, with back, breast, and head piece, which "diversified the show +with delight and terrour." John Evelyn stood in the Strand and watched +the procession pass, when that worthy man thanked God the king had +been restored without bloodshed, and by the very army that had rebelled +against him. "For such a restauration was never mention'd in any history +ancient or modern, since the returne of the Jews from the Babylonish +captivity; nor so joyfull a day and so bright ever seene in this nation, +this hapning when to expect or effect it was past all human policy." + +For full seven hours this "most pompous show that ever was" wound its +way through the city, until at nine of the clock in the evening it +brought his majesty to the palace of Whitehall, where the late king had +"laid down his sacred head to be struck off upon a block," almost twelve +years before. Then the lord mayor and his aldermen took their goodly +leave, and the king entered into the banquet hall, where the lords and +commons awaited him, and where an address was made to him by the Earl +of Manchester, Speaker to the House of Peers, congratulating him on his +miraculous preservation and happy restoration to his crown and dignity +after so long and so severe a suppression of his just right and title. +Likewise his lordship besought his majesty to be the upright assertor of +the laws and maintainer of the liberties of his subjects. "So," said the +noble earl, "shall judgment run down like a river, and justice like a +mighty stream, and God, the God of your mercy, who hath so miraculously +preserved you, will establish your throne in righteousness and peace." +Then the king made a just and brief reply, and retired to supper and to +rest. + +The worthy citizens, however, were not satisfied that their rejoicements +should end here, and "as soon as night came," says Dr. Bate, "an +artificial day was begun again, the whole city seeming to be one great +light, as, indeed, properly it was a luminary of loyalty, the bonfires +continuing till daybreak, fed by a constant supply of wood, and +maintained with an equal excess of gladness and fewel." Wine flowed from +public fountains, volleys of shot were discharged from houses of the +nobility, drums and other musical instruments played in the streets, +citizens danced most joyfully in open places, and the effigy of Cromwell +was burned, together with the arms of the Commonwealth with expressions +of great delight. + + + +CHAPTER II. + + The story of the king's escape.--He accepts the Covenant and lands in + Scotland.--Crowned at Scone.--Proclaimed king at Carlisle.--The + battle of Worcester.--Bravery of Charles.--Disloyalty of the Scottish + cavalry.--The Royalists defeated.--The King's flight.--Seeks refuge + in Boscobel Wood.--The faithful Pendrells.--Striving to cross the + Severn.--Hiding in an oak tree.--Sheltered by Master Lane.--Sets out + with Mistress Lane.--Perilous escapes.--On the road.--The king is + recognised.--Strange adventures.--His last night in England. + +That King Charles had been miraculously preserved, as my Lord Manchester +set forth, there can be no doubt. His courageous efforts to regain the +Crown at the battle of Worcester and his subsequent escapes from the +vigilant pursuits of the Cromwellian soldiers, would, if set down in +justice and with detail, present a story more entertaining than any +romance ever written. Here they must of necessity be mentioned with +brevity. + +In the year 1645, Charles I., having suffered the loss of many great +battles, became fearful of the danger which threatened his family and +himself. He therefore ordered his son Charles, who had already retired +into the west, to seek refuge in the Scilly Isles. The prince complied +with his desires, and went from thence to Paris, where his mother, +Henrietta Maria, had already taken shelter, and, after a short stay +with her, travelled to the Hague. Soon after the king was beheaded, the +Scots, who regarded that foul act with great abhorrence, invited +Charles to come into their kingdom, provided he accepted certain hard +conditions, which left the government of all civil business in the hands +of Parliament, and the regulation of all religious matters in charge +of the Presbyterians. No other prospect of regaining his rights, and of +enabling him to fight for his throne presenting itself, he accepted +what was known as the Covenant, and landed in Scotland in 1650. He +was received with the respect due to a monarch, but placed under the +surveillance forced on a prisoner. The fanatical Presbyterians, jealous +of that potent influence which his blithe ways exercised over all with +whom he associated, neither permitted him to attend the council nor +command the army; they, however, preached to him incessantly, admonished +him of his sins and those of his parents, guarded him as a captive, and +treated him as a puppet. Meanwhile Cromwell, being made aware of his +presence in the kingdom, advanced at the head of a powerful body into +Scotland, fought and won the battle of Dunbar, stormed and captured +Leith, and took his triumphal way towards Edinburgh town. Charles was at +this time in Perth, and being impatient at his enforced inaction whilst +battles were fought in his name, and lives lost in his cause, made his +escape from the Covenanters, with the determination of arousing +the Royalists who lay in the north. But the Scots soon overtook and +recaptured him. However, this decisive action awoke them to a better +understanding of the deference due to his position, and therefore +they crowned him at Scone on the first day of the year 1651, with much +solemnity, and subsequently made him commander of the army. + +After spending some months in reorganizing the troops, he boldly +declared his intention of marching into England, and fighting the rebel +force. Accordingly, on the 31st of July, 1651, he set out from Sterling +with an army of between eleven and twelve thousand men. At Carlisle +he was proclaimed king, and a declaration was published in his name, +granting free grace and pardon to all his subjects in England, of +whatever nature or cause their offences, saving Cromwell, Bradshaw and +Cooke. He then marched to Lancashire, and on the 23rd of August unfurled +the Royal standard at Worcester, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of +his troops and the loyal demonstrations of the citizens. Weary of civil +strife, depressed with fear of Cromwell's severities, and distrustful +of the Presbyterians, who chiefly composed the young king's army, the +Royalists had not gathered to his standard in such numbers as he had +anticipated. His troops, since leaving Scotland, had been reinforced +merely by two thousand men; but Charles had hopes that fresh recruits +would join him when news of the rising got noised abroad. + +The Republicans were filled with dismay at the king's determined action, +but were prompt to make a counter-move, Accordingly, additional troops +were levied, London was left to be defended by volunteers, and Cromwell, +heading an army of thirty-four thousand men, marched against the +Royalists. On the 28th of August, they drew near Worcester, and on the +3rd of September the battle was fought which will remain for ever +famous in the annals of civil war. On the morning of that day, the king, +ascending the cathedral tower, saw the enemy's forces advancing towards +Worcester: before reaching the city, it was necessary they should cross +the Severn, and, in order to prevent this if possible, Charles hurried +down and directed that some of his troops, under the command of +Montgomery, should defend Powick Bridge; whilst he stationed others +under Colonel Pitscottie lower down, at a point of the river towards +which the Republicans were marching with pontoons, by means of which +they intended to cross. The young king, hopeful of victory and full of +enthusiasm, rode speedily out at the head of his troops and placed them +at their various stations. Scarcely had he done so, when he became aware +that the main body of the enemy had opened an artillery fire on Fort +Royal, which guarded the city on the south-east side. He therefore +galloped back in hot haste to headquarters, and reconnoitred the +advanced posts eastward of the city, in full front of the enemy's fire. +Meanwhile Montgomery, having exhausted his ammunition, was obliged to +retreat in disorder from Powick Bridge, followed by the Cromwellians. +The king now courageously resolved to attack the enemy's camp at Perry +Wood, which lay south-east of Worcester. Accordingly he marched out with +the flower of his Highland infantry and the English cavaliers, led by +the Dukes of Hamilton and Buckingham. Cromwell, seeing this, hastened to +intercept the king's march, whereon a fierce battle was bravely fought +on either side. Nothing could be more valiant than the conduct of the +young king, who showed himself wholly regardless of his life in the +fierce struggle for his rights. Twice was his horse shot under him; +but increasing danger seemed but to animate him to greater daring. So +bravely did his army fight likewise, that the Republicans at first gave +way before them. For upwards of four hours the engagement raged with +great fierceness. Cromwell subsequently declared it was "as stiff a +contest as he had ever seen," and his experience was great. Success +seemed now to crown the Royalists, anon to favour the Roundheads. The +great crisis of the day at length arrived: the Cromwellians began to +waver and give way just as the Royalist cavalry had expended their +ammunition; the king had still three thousand Scotch cavalry in the rear +under the command of Leslie, who had not yet been called into action. He +therefore ordered them to advance; but, to his horror, not one of these +men, who had looked on as passive spectators, made a movement. In this +hour, when victory or defeat hung upon a thread the Scots ignominiously +failed their king. Charles instantly saw he was undone. The English +cavalry continued to fight bravely, in their desperation using the butt +ends of their muskets; but they were gradually compelled to give way +before the enemy, who, seeing their condition, had renewed the +attack. The Royalists therefore fell back into the city. When the king +re-entered Worcester he saw before him a scene of the most disastrous +confusion. Royalists and Republicans encountered and fought each other +in every thoroughfare; the air was filled with the report of muskets, +the imprecations of soldiers, the groans of wounded men, and the shrieks +of women. The streets ran red with blood. At such a sight his heart sank +within him, but, manning himself for fresh efforts, he called his troops +together and sought to incite them with courage to make a final charge. +"I would rather," he cried out, "you would shoot me than keep me alive +to see the sad consequences of this fatal day." Those who heard him were +disheartened: it was too late to retrieve their heavy losses: most of +them refused to heed him; many sought safety in flight. Then the young +king's friends, gathering round, besought him to make good his escape; +and accordingly, with a sad heart, he rode out of St. Martin's Gate +humbled and defeated. In order to cover his retreat from the enemy now +advancing, my Lord Cleveland, Sir James Hamilton, Colonel Careless, and +some other worthy gentlemen defended Sudbury Gate, towards which the +main body of the Republicans approached. They held this position a +sufficient time to gain the end for which it was undertaken. But at +length the Republicans, forcing open the gate, marched upon the fort, +defended by fifteen hundred soldiers under Colonel Drummond. This loyal +man refusing to surrender, the fort was speedily stormed; and he and +those of his men who survived the attack were mercilessly put to the +sword. + +Dr. George Bate gives a quaint and striking picture of what followed. +"Deplorable and sad was the countenance of the town after that," writes +he; "the victorious soldiers on the one hand killing, breaking into +houses, plundering, sacking, roaring, and threatening; on the other +hand, the subdued flying, turning their backs to be cut and slashed, and +with outstretched hands begging quarter; some, in vain resisting, sold +their lives as dear as they could, whilst the citizens to no purpose +prayed, lamented, and bewailed. All the streets are strewed with dead +and mangled bodies. Here were to be seen some that begged relief, and +then again others weltering in their own gore, who desired that at once +an end might be put to their lives and miseries. The dead bodies lay +unburied for the space of three days or more, which was a loathsome +spectacle that increased the horror of the action." + +Concerning his subsequent dangers and narrow escapes, the king, in his +days of peace and prosperity, was wont to discourse at length, for they +had left impressions on his mind which lasted through life. Edward Hyde, +Lord Clarendon, his Lord High Chancellor, Dr. George Bate, his learned +physician, and Samuel Pepys, Esquire, sometime Surveyor-General to the +Victualling Office, have preserved the records of that time of peril, +as told by his majesty. True, their various stories differ in minor +details, but they agree in principal facts. The king had not ridden +many miles from Worcester when he found himself surrounded by about four +thousand of his army, including the Scots under the command of Leslie. +Though they would not fight for him, they were ready enough to fly with +him. At first he thought of betaking himself to Scotland; but having +had sad proof of the untrustworthy character of those with whom he +travelled, he feared they would further betray him if pursued by the +enemy. He therefore resolved to reach London before the news of his +defeat arrived thither, and make his escape from thence; but this +scheme presented many difficulties. Amongst the persons of quality who +accompanied him were my Lord Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Derby and +Lauderdale, and the Lords Wilmot and Talbot. During their journey it +fell from my Lord Derby's lips, that when he had been defeated at Wigan, +one Pendrell, an honest labourer and a Papist, had sheltered him in +Boscobel House, not far distant from where they then rode. Hearing +this, the king resolved to trust this same faithful fellow, and for +the present seek such refuge as Pendrell could afford. It was not easy, +however, for his majesty to escape the Scots; but when night came, he +and his gentlemen slipped away from the high road, which the others +continued to pursue, and made for Boscobel Wood, led by Charles Giffard, +a loyal gentleman and true. The house they sought was situated between +Tong Castle and Brewood, in a woody place most fitting for retreat; +it was, moreover, six and twenty miles from Worcester, and stood in +Shropshire, on the borders of Staffordshire. + +In order to gain this haven of rest, it was necessary for them to pass +through Stourbridge, where a troop of the Republican army lay quartered. +Midnight had fallen ere they reached the town, which was now wrapt in +darkness, and was, moreover, perfectly still. The king and his friends, +dismounting, led their horses through the echoing streets as softly as +possible, being filled the while with dire apprehensions. Safely leaving +it, they rode into the wood until they came to the old convent of +Whiteladies, once the home of Cistercian nuns, who had long since been +driven from their peaceful retreat. The house was now the habitation of +the Giffard family, with whom George Pendrell lived as servant. On being +aroused, he came forth with a lantern, and admitted them, when Charles +Giffard made known to him in whose presence he stood, and acquainted him +with their situation. Thereupon the honest fellow promised to serve the +king faithfully, and sent immediately for his brothers four: William, +who took charge of Boscobel House, not far removed; Humphrey, who was +miller at Whiteladies; Richard, who lived at Hobbal Grange; and John, +who was a woodman, and dwelt hard by. When they had all arrived, Lord +Derby showed them the king's majesty, and besought them for God's sake, +for their loyalty's sake, and as they valued all that was high and +sacred, to keep him safe, and forthwith seek some place of decent +shelter where he might securely lurk. This they readily swore to +compass, though they risked their lives in the attempt. + +It being considered that greater safety lay in the king being +unattended, his loyal friends departed from him with many prayers +and hopes for a joyful reunion: all of them save my Lords Wilmot and +Buckingham set out to join Leslie's company, that they might proceed +together towards Scotland; but they had not marched six miles in company +with the Scots when these three thousand men and more were overtaken and +were routed by a single troop of the enemy's horse, and my Lord Derby, +being taken, was condemned and executed. Lords Wilmot and Buckingham +set out for London, to which place it was agreed the king should follow +them. + +When his majesty's friends had departed, the Pendrells undertook to +disguise him; towards which end one of them cut the long locks reaching +his shoulders, another rubbed his hands and face with dust, and a third +brought him a suit of clothes. "The habit of the king," says Pepys, "was +a very greasy old grey steeple-crowned hat, with the brims turned up, +without lining or hatband, the sweat appearing two inches deep through +it round the band place; a green cloth jump-coat, threadbare, even to +the threads being worn white, and breeches of the same, with long knees +down to the garter; with an old sweaty leathern doublet, a pair of white +flannel stockings next to his legs, and upon them a pair of old green +yarn stockings, all worn and darned at the knees, with their feet cut +off: his shoes were old, all slashed for the ease of his feet, with +little rolls of paper between his toes to keep them from galling; and +an old coarse shirt, patched both at the neck and hands, of that very +coarse sort which go by the name of nogging shirts." + +When Charles was attired in this fashion, Richard Pendrell opened a back +door and led him out into the wood; not a moment too soon, for within +half an hour Colonel Ashenhurst, with a company of Cromwell's soldiers, +rode up to Whiteladies, rushed into the house, searched every chamber +and secret place, pulled down the wainscoting, and otherwise devastated +the mansion in the search for the king. A damp cold September morning +now lengthened to a day of gloom and depression. Rain fell in heavy +torrents, dripped from the leafless branches of trees, and saturated the +thick undergrowth and shrubs where his majesty lay hidden. Owing to +the condition of the weather, the soldiers neglected to search Boscobel +Wood; and, after uttering many threats and imprecations, withdrew from +Whiteladies. When he considered himself quite alone, Richard Pendrell +ventured forth, taking with him a billhook, that if observed he might +seem engaged in trimming hedges; and drawing near the spot where his +majesty lay, assured him of his safety. Later on he besought an old +woman, his neighbour, to take victuals into the wood to a labourer she +would find there. Without hesitation the good woman carried some eggs, +bread, butter, and milk towards the spot indicated to her. On seeing +her the king was much alarmed fearing recognition and dreading her +garrulity; wherefore he said to her: "Can you be true to anyone who hath +served the king?" Upon which she readily made answer: "Yes, sir; I'd die +sooner than betray you." Being reassured at this, he ate heartily. + +When night fell, Richard brought him into the house again, and the king, +now abandoning his intention of proceeding to London, expressed his +anxiety to reach Wales where he had many friends, and which afforded +him ready opportunities of escaping from the kingdom. Pendrell expressed +himself willing to conduct him thither. Accordingly, about nine of +the clock, they set out with the determination of crossing the Severn, +intending to pass over a ferry between Bridgenorth and Shrewsbury. When +they had walked some hours they drew near a water-mill. "We could see +the miller," said the king in relating the story, "as I believe, sitting +at the mill-door, he being in white clothes, it being a very dark night. +He called out sturdily, 'Who goes there?' Upon which Richard Pendrell +answered, 'Neighbours going home,' or suchlike words. Whereupon the +miller cried out: 'If you be neighbours, stand, or I will knock you +down.' Upon which, we believing there was company in the house, Richard +bade me follow him close, and he ran to a gate that went up a dirty lane +up a hill. The miller cried out: 'Rogues--rogues!' And thereupon some +men came out of the mill after us, which I believe were soldiers; so we +fell a-running, both of us up the lane as long as we could run, it being +very deep and very dirty, till at last I bade him leap over a hedge, and +lie still to hear if anybody followed us--which we did, and continued +lying down upon the ground about half an hour, when, hearing nobody +come, we continued our way." + +This led to the house of an honest gentleman named Woolfe, living at +Madeley, who was a Catholic, and loyal to his king, and as such was +known to the Pendrells. When they drew near to his house, Richard, +leaving his majesty in a field, went forward and asked this worthy man +if he would shelter one who had taken part in the battle of Worcester; +whereon he made answer he would not venture his neck for any man unless +it were the king himself, upon which Pendrell made known to him it was +his majesty who sought refuge from him. Mr. Woolfe came out immediately +and carried the king by a back way into a barn, where he hid him for the +day, it being considered unsafe for him to stay a longer period there, +as two companies of militia were at that time stationed in the town, and +were very likely to search the house at any minute. Moreover he advised +his majesty by no means to adventure crossing the Severn, as the +strictest guard was then kept at the ferries to prevent any Royalist +fugitives from escaping into Wales. The king was therefore obliged to +retrace his steps, and now sought Boscobel House, not far distant from +his first resting-place of Whiteladies. Arriving there, he remained +secreted in the wood, whilst Richard went to see if soldiers were in +occupation of the dwelling. There was no one there, however, but Colonel +Careless, the same good man and true who had helped to keep Sudbury Gate +whilst Charles made his escape. + +The Colonel had been hiding in the forest, and, being sore pressed by +hunger, had come to beg a little bread. Being informed where the king +was, he came forth with great joy, and, the house not being considered +a safe refuge, they both climbed into the branches of a leafy oak, +situated in an open part of the wood, from whence they could see all +round them. They carried with them some bread and cheese and small beer, +and stayed there that day. "While we were in the tree," says the king, +"we saw soldiers going up and down in the thicket of the wood, searching +for persons escaped, we seeing them now and then peeping out of the +wood." When this danger had passed away, the king, worn out by his sore +fatigues, laid his head on his friend's breast and slept in his arms. At +night they descended, and going to Boscobel House, were shown a secret +hiding-place, such as were then to be found in the mansions of all +Catholic families, called the priests' hole a little confined closet +built between two walls, in the principal stack of chimneys, and having +a couple of exits for the better escape of those compelled to seek its +shelter. Here the king rested in peace for a day and a night. + +Meanwhile Humphrey Pendrell went into Shifnal to pay his taxes; and it +being known he had come from Whiteladies, he was questioned closely +as to whether he knew aught of Charles Stuart. On stoutly denying all +knowledge of him, he was told that any man who discovered him would gain +a thousand pounds, but he that sheltered him would suffer death without +mercy; these being the terms of a proclamation just issued. This the +honest miller on his return narrated to the king, swearing roundly he +would run all risks for his sake. It chanced at this time one of the +Pendrells heard that my Lord Wilmot who had not been able to make his +way to London, was hiding in a very secure place, at the house of a +gentleman named Whitegrave, above seven miles distant. This coming to +the king's knowledge, he became anxious to see his faithful friend +and hold communication with him. Accordingly one of the Pendrells was +despatched to request Lord Wilmot to meet his majesty that night, in a +field close by Mr. Whitegrave's house. And the time of night being come, +the king was impatient of delay; but his feet were sore from the rough +shoes he had worn on his journey, so that he was scarce able to walk; +therefore he was mounted on Humphrey's mill-horse, and, the four loyal +brothers forming a guard, they directed their way towards Moseley. The +king's eagerness to see Wilmot being great, he complained of the horse's +slow pace. "Can you blame him, my liege," said Humphrey, who loved a +jest, "that he goes heavily, having the weight of three kingdoms on his +back?" + +When they had travelled with him a great part of the journey it was +thought safer three of them should withdraw themselves. They therefore +turned away; but scarcely had they gone when the king, who, being +lost in thought, had remained unconscious of their departure, suddenly +stopped, and caused John, who remained, to speedily summon them back. +When they returned he gave them his hand to kiss, and, with that charm +of manner which never failed in winning friends, said to them sadly, "My +sorrows make me forget myself. I earnestly thank you all." + +They kissed his hand heartily, and prayed God to save him. In the +days of his prosperity he remembered their kindness and rewarded their +loyalty. + +Arriving at the trysting place the king found Mr. Whitegrave, a +Benedictine monk named Father Huddlestone, Sir John Preston, and his +brother awaiting him. It may be mentioned here this monk was destined, +many years later, to play an important part in the closing scene of +his majesty's life. Mr. Whitegrave conducted Charles with great show of +respect to his house, where the king spoke with my Lord Wilmot, feasted +well, and rested safe that night. Next morning the worthy host had +private notice given that a company of soldiers were on their way to +arrest him as one who had served in the king's army. He, being innocent +of this charge, did not avoid them, but received them boldly at his +door, spoke confidently in his own defence, and referred them to the +testimony of his neighbours, whereon they departed quietly. + +It was feared, however, the house was no longer safe, and that another +refuge had best be sought for his majesty. Therefore, Father Huddlestone +informed the king of an honest gentleman, the owner of a fair estate +some six miles removed, who was generous and exceedingly beloved, and +the eldest justice of peace in the county of Stafford. This gentleman +was named Lane, "a very zealous Protestant, yet he lived with so much +civility and candour towards the Catholics, that they would all trust +him as much as they would any of their own profession." The king, +however, not being willing to surprise this worthy man, immediately +despatched the Benedictine to make certain of his welcome; receiving +due assurances of which he and Lord Willmot set out by night for Master +Lane's mansion, where they were heartily received, and where Charles +rested some days in blessed security. Knowing, however, in what risk he +placed those who sheltered him, and how vigilant the pursuit after him, +he became most anxious for his safe delivery out of the kingdom. To this +end it was desirable he should draw near the west coast, and await an +opportunity of sailing from thence for France. + +The members of Master Lane's family then living with him consisted of a +son and a daughter: the former a man of fearless courage and integrity, +the latter a gentlewoman of good wit and discretion, as will be seen +hereafter. Consulting, amongst themselves as to the best means of +compassing the king's escape, it was resolved Mistress Lane should visit +a kinswoman of hers with whom she had been bred, that had married +one Norton, and was now residing within five miles of Bristol. It was +likewise decided she should ride on her journey thence behind the king, +he being habited in her father's livery, and acting as her servant; and +for greater safety her sister and her sister's husband were to accompany +them on the road. Mistress Jane Lane then procured from a colonel of the +rebel army a passport for herself and her servant, her sister and her +brother-in-law, to travel without molestation to her cousin Mistress +Norton, who was ready to lie in. With this security Jane set out, her +brother bearing them company part of the way, with a hawk upon his fist +and two or three spaniels at his heels, which warranted him keeping the +king and his friends in sight without seeming to be of their company. + +The first day's journey was not accomplished without an exciting +incident. The horse ridden by Mistress Lane and the king--now bearing +the name of William Jackson--lost a shoe; and being come to Bromsgrove, +he must dismount and lead the animal to the village blacksmith. + +"As I was holding my horse's foot," said his majesty, when narrating the +story to Mr. Pepys, "I asked the smith what news. He told me that there +was no news that he knew of, since the good news of the beating the +rogues of the Scots. I asked him whether there was none of the English +taken that joined with the Scots, He answered he did not hear if that +rogue, Charles Stuart, were taken; but some of the others, he said, +were taken. I told him that if that rogue were taken, he deserved to be +hanged more than all the rest, for bringing in the Scots. Upon which he +said I spoke like an honest man; and so we parted." + +At the end of the first day's journey they were met by Lord Wilmot at +the inn; and he continued to join them wherever they rested at night, +without appearing to travel with them by day. Mistress Lane took all +possible care to guard the king against recognition, stating at every +house of accommodation where they tarried he was "a neighbour's son whom +her father had lent her to ride before her in hope that he would the +sooner recover from a quartan ague with which he had been miserably +afflicted, and was not yet free." Which story served as sufficient +excuse for his going to bed betimes, and so avoiding the company of +servants. At the end of three days they arrived at their destination. +Jane Lane was warmly received by her cousin, and the whole party made +heartily welcome. Jane, however, did not entrust her secret to Mistress +Norton's keeping, but repeated her tale of the good youth being newly +recovered from ague, and desired a chamber might be provided for him, +and a good fire made that he might retire early to bed. Her desires +being obeyed, the king withdrew, and was served with an excellent good +supper by the butler, a worthy fellow named Pope, who had been a trooper +in the army of Charles I., of blessed memory. + +"The next morning" said the king continuing his strange story, "I arose +pretty early, having a very good stomach, and went to the buttery-hatch +to get my breakfast, where I found Pope and two or three other men in +the room, and we all fell to eating bread and butter, to which he gave +us very good ale and sack. And as I was sitting there, there was one +that looked like a country fellow sat just by me, who, talking, gave +so particular an account of the battle of Worcester to the rest of the +company that I concluded he must be one of Cromwell's soldiers. But I, +asking how he came to give so good an account of that battle, he told me +he was in the King's regiment, by which I thought he meant one Colonel +King's regiment. But questioning him further, I perceived he had been in +my regiment of Guards, in Major Broughton's company--that was my Major +in the battle. I asked him what kind of man I was; to which he answered +by describing exactly both my clothes and my horse, and then, looking +upon me, he told me that the king was at least three fingers taller than +I. Upon which I made what haste I could out of the buttery, for fear he +should indeed know me, as being more afraid when I knew he was one of +our own soldiers than when I took him for one of the enemy's. So Pope +and I went into the hall, and just as we came into it Mistress Norton +was coming by through it; upon which I, plucking off my hat and standing +with it in my hand as she passed by, Pope looked very earnestly in my +face. But I took no notice of it, but put on my hat again and went away, +walking out of the house into the field." + +When he returned, however, the butler followed him into a private room, +and going down on his stiff knees, said, with tears in his old eyes, he +was rejoiced to see his majesty in safety. The king affected to laugh +at him, and asked him what he meant; but Pope told him he knew him well, +for before he was a trooper in his father's service he had been falconer +to Sir Thomas Jermyn, groom of the bedchamber to the king when he was +a boy. Charles saw it was useless longer to deny himself, and therefore +said he believed him to be a very honest man, and besought he would not +reveal what he knew to anyone. This the old man readily promised, and +faithfully kept his word. Having spent a couple of days at Norton's, the +king, by advice of Lord Wilmot, went to the house of a true friend +and loyal man, one Colonel Windham, who lived at Trent. This town was +notable as a very hotbed of republicanism; a proof of which was afforded +his majesty on the very day of his entrance. As he rode into the +principal street, still disguised as a waiting man to Mistress Lane, he +heard a great ringing of bells, and the tumult of many voices, and saw a +vast concourse of people gathered in the churchyard close by. On asking +the cause he was informed one of Cromwell's troopers was telling the +people he had killed Charles Stuart, whose buff coat he then wore; +whereon the rebels rang the church bells, and were about to make a great +bonfire for joy. + +Having brought him to Trent, Mistress Lane returned home, carrying with +her the king's friendship and gratitude, of which he gave her ample +proof when he came unto the throne. Charles stayed at Colonel Windham's +over a week, whilst that gallant man was secretly striving to hire +a ship for his majesty's safe transportation into France. Presently +succeeding in this object, the king, yet wearing his livery, and now +riding before Mistress Judith Coningsby, cousin of Colonel Windham, +started with high hopes for Lyme; but at the last moment the captain +of the vessel failed him, and he was again left in a state of painful +uncertainty and danger. Lord Wilmot was sent to ascertain the cause of +this disappointment, and for greater safety the king rode on to Burport +with his friends. Being come to the outskirts of the town, they were +alarmed at finding the streets in a state of confusion, and full of +Cromwell's soldiers, fifteen hundred of whom were about to embark for +Jersey. His majesty's coolness and presence of mind did not fail him; +he resolved to ride boldly into the town, and hire a chamber at the best +inn. The yard of the hostelry was likewise crowded with troopers; but +this did not dismay his majesty. + +"I alighted," said he, "and taking the horses, thought it the best way +to go blundering in among them, and lead them through the middle of the +soldiers into the stable; which I did, and they were very angry with me +for my rudeness. As soon as I came into the stable I took the bridle +off the horses, and called the ostler to me to help me, and to give the +horses some oats. And as the hostler was helping me to feed the horses, +'Sure, sir,' says he, 'I know your face?' which was no very pleasant +question to me. But I thought the best way was to ask him where he had +lived, or whether he had always lived there or no. He told me that he +was but newly come thither; that he was born in Exeter, and had been +ostler in an inn there, hard by one Mr. Potter's, a merchant in whose +house I had lain in the time of the war. So I thought it best to give +the fellow no further occasion of thinking where he had seen me, for +fear he should guess right at last; therefore I told him, 'Friend, +certainly you have seen me then at Mr. Potter's, for I served him a good +while above a year.' 'Oh,' says he, 'then I remember you a boy there;' +and with that was put off from thinking any more on it, but desired that +we might drink a pot of beer together, which I excused by saying that +I must go wait on my master, and get his dinner ready for him; but told +him that my master was going to London, and would return about three +weeks hence, when he would be there, and I would not fail to drink a pot +with him." + +The king and his friends, having dined at the inn, got word that the +master of the ship, suspecting that it was some dangerous employment he +had been hired for, absolutely refused to fulfil his contract. Therefore +they, being sad at heart and fearful, retraced their steps to Trent, and +presently his majesty went further into Sussex, and abode with a +staunch Royalist, one Colonel Gunter, who resided within four miles +of Salisbury. This excellent man at last succeeded in hiring a ship +to carry away the king, and so Charles made another journey to +Brighthelmstone, where he met the captain of the vessel and the merchant +that had hired her on behalf of Colonel Gunter, both of whom had been +kept in ignorance of their future passenger's identity. Arriving at +Brighthelmstone, they entered an inn and ordered supper, during which +the captain more than once looked hard at the king. And the meal being +ended, the captain called the merchant aside and said he was not dealt +with fairly, inasmuch as he had not been told the king was the person to +be conveyed from thence. The merchant, not being so wise as the master, +denied such was the case; but the honest fellow told him not to be +troubled. "For I think," said he, "I do God and my country good service +in preserving the king: and by the grace of God I will venture my life +and all for him, and set him safely on shore, if I can, in France." + +Nor was this the last of his majesty's numerous risks, for being +presently left alone, he stood thoughtful and somewhat melancholy by +the fire, resting one hand on a chair; and the landlord, coming in and +seeing him engaged in this manner, softly advanced, suddenly kissed +the king's hand, and said, "God bless you, wherever you go." Charles +started, and would have denied himself; but the landlord cried out, +"'Fore God, your majesty may trust me; and," he added, "I have no doubt, +before I die, to be a lord, and my wife a lady." + +That night, the last his majesty was to spend in England for many years, +he was sad and depressed. The scenes of bloodshed he had witnessed, the +imminent dangers he had escaped, were vividly present to his mind. The +past was fraught with horror; the future held no hope. Though a king, he +was about to become an outcast from his realm. Surmising his thoughts, +his companions sought to cheer him. Now the long-desired moment of +escape was at hand, no one thought of repose. The little vessel in which +he intended sailing lay dry upon the shore, the tide being at low water. +The king and his friends, the merchant, the captain, and the landlord, +sat in the well-lighted cosy parlour of the seaport inn, smoking, +playing cards, telling stories and drinking good ale. + +With all such diversions the hours wore heavily away. Their noisy +joviality had an undercurrent of sadness; jokes failed to amuse; +laughter seemed forced; words, mirthful in leaving the lips, sounded +ominous on reaching the ear. At four o'clock the captain rose to survey +his ship, and presently returned saying the tide had risen. Thereon the +king and his friends prepared to depart. A damp, chilly November +fog hung over the sea, hiding its wide expanse without deadening its +monotonous moan. A procession of black figures leaving the inn sped +noiselessly through darkness. Arriving at the shore, those who were not +to accompany his majesty, knelt and kissed his hand. Then he, with Lord +Wilmot and the captain, climbed on board the vessel and entered the +cabin. The fog had turned to rain. Four hours later, the tide being +favourable, the ship sailed out of port, and in due time the king was +safely landed in France. + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Celebration of the Kings return.--Those who flocked to Whitehall My Lord + Cleveland's gentlemen.--Sir Thomas Allen's supper.--Touching for King's + evil.--That none might lose their labour.--The man with the fungus + nose.--The memory of the regicides.--Cromwell's effigy.--Ghastly scene + at Tyburn.--The King's clemency.--The Coronation procession.--Sights and + scenes by the way.--His Majesty is crowned. + +The return of the king and his court was a signal for universal joy +throughout the nation in general and the capital in particular. For +weeks and months subsequent to his majesty's triumphal entry, the town +did not subside from its condition of excitement and revelry to its +customary quietude and sobriety. Feasts by day were succeeded by +entertainments at night; "and under colour of drinking the king's +health," says Bishop Burnet, "there were great disorder and much riot." + +It seemed as if the people could not sufficiently express their delight +at the presence of the young king amongst them, or satisfy their desire +of seeing him. When clad in rich velvets and costly lace, adorned with +many jewels and waving feathers, he walked in Hyde Park attended by an +"abundance of gallantry," or went to Whitehall Chapel, where "the organs +and singing-men in surplices" were first heard by Mr. Pepys, a vast +crowd of loyal subjects attended him on his way. Likewise, when, +preceded by heralds, he journeyed by water in his barge to open +Parliament, the river was crowded with innumerable boats, and the banks +lined with a great concourse anxious for sight of him. Nor were his +subjects satisfied by the glimpses obtained of him on such occasions; +they must needs behold their king surrounded by the insignia of royalty +in the palace of his ancestors, and flocked thither in numbers. "The +eagerness of men, women, and children to see his majesty, and kisse his +hands was so greate," says Evelyn, "that he had scarce leisure to eate +for some dayes, coming as they did from all parts of the nation: and the +king being as willing to give them that satisfaction, would have none +kept out, but gave free access to all sorts of people." Indeed his loyal +subjects were no less pleased with him than he with them; and in faith +he was sorry, he declared, in that delicate strain of irony that ran +like a bright thread throughout the whole pattern of his speech, he had +not come over before, for every man he encountered was glad to see him. + +Day after day, week after week, the Palace of Whitehall presented +a scene of ceaseless bustle. Courtiers, ambassadors, politicians, +soldiers, and citizens crowded the antechambers, flocked through the +galleries, and tarried in the courtyards. Deputations from all the +shires and chief towns in the three kingdoms, bearing messages of +congratulation and loyalty, were presented to the king. First of all +came the worshipful lord mayor, aldermen and council of the city of +London, in great pomp and state; when the common-sergeant made a speech +to his majesty respecting the affection of the city towards him, and the +lord mayor, on hospitable thoughts intent, besought the honour of his +company to dinner, the which Charles promised him most readily. And the +same day the commissioners from Ireland presented themselves, headed by +Sir James Barry, who delivered himself of a fine address regarding +the love his majesty's Irish subjects bore him; as proof of which he +presented the monarch with a bill for twenty thousand pounds, that had +been duly accepted by Alderman Thomas Viner, a right wealthy man and +true. Likewise came the deputy steward and burgesses of the city of +Westminster, arrayed in the glory of new scarlet gowns; and the French, +Italian, and Dutch ministers, when Monsieur Stoope pronounced an +harangue with great eloquence. Also the vice-chancellor of the +University of Oxford, with divers doctors, bachelors of divinity, +proctors, and masters of arts of the same learned university, who, +having first met at the Temple Church, went by two and two, according to +their seniority, to Essex House, that they might wait on the most +noble the Marquis of Hertford, then chancellor. Accompanied by him, and +preceded by eight esquires and yeomen beadles, having their staves, and +three of them wearing gold chains, they presented themselves before +the king, and spoke him words of loyalty and greeting. The heads of +the colleges and halls of Cambridge, with some masters of arts, in like +manner journeyed to Whitehall, when Dr. Love delivered a learned Latin +oration, expressive of their devotion to royalty in the person of their +most illustrious monarch. + +Amongst others came, one day, my Lord Cleveland at the head of a hundred +gentlemen, many of them being officers who had formerly served under +him, and other gentlemen who had ridden to meet the king when coming +unto his own; and having arrived at Whitehall, they knelt down in the +matted gallery, when his majesty "was pleased to walk along," says +MERCURIUS PUBLICUS, "and give everyone of them the honour to kiss his +hand, which favour was so highly received by them, that they could no +longer stifle their joy, but as his majesty was walking out (a thing +thought unusual at court) they brake out into a loud shouting." + +Then the nobility entertained the king and his royal brothers with +much magnificence, his Excellency Lord General Monk first giving at his +residence in the Cockpit, a great supper, after which "he entertained +his majesty with several sorts of musick;" Next Earl Pembroke gave a +rare banquet; also the Duke of Buckingham, my Lord Lumley, and many +others. Nor was my lord mayor, Sir Thomas Allen, behindhand in extending +hospitality to the king, whom he invited to sup with him. This feast, +having no connection with the civic entertainments, was held at good Sir +Thomas's house. The royal brothers of York and Gloucester were likewise +bidden, together with several of the nobility and gentry of high degree. +Previous to supper being served, the lord mayor brought his majesty a +napkin dipped in rose-water, and offered it kneeling; when his majesty +had wiped his hands, he sat down at a table raised by an ascent, the +Duke of York on his right hand, and the Duke of Gloucester on his +left. They were served with three several courses, at each of which the +tablecloth was shifted, and at every dish which his majesty or the dukes +tasted, the napkins were moreover changed. At another table in the same +room sat his Excellency the Lord General, the Duke of Buckingham, the +Marquis of Ormond, the Earl of Oxford, Earl of Norwich, Earl of St. +Albans, Lords De la Ware, Sands, Berkeley, and several other of +the nobility, with knights and gentlemen of great quality. Sir John +Robinson, alderman of London, proposed his majesty's health, which was +pledged standing by all present. His majesty was the while entertained +with a variety of rare music. This supper was given on the 16th of June; +and a couple of weeks later, on the 5th of July, the king went "with as +much pompe and splendour as any earthly prince could do to the greate +Citty feast, the first they had invited him to since his returne." + +But whilst entertainments were given, and diversions occupied the town, +Charles was called upon to touch for the evil, an affliction then most +prevalent throughout the kingdom. According to a time-honoured belief +which obtained until the coming of George I., when faith in the divinity +of kings was no longer possible to the most ignorant, the monarch's +touch was credited with healing this most grievous disease. Majesty in +those days was sacred, and superstition rife. Accordingly we read in +MERCURIUS PUBLICUS that, "The kingdom having for a long time, by reason +of his majesty's absence, been troubled with the evil, great numbers +flocked for cure. Saturday being appointed by his majesty to touch such +as were so troubled, a great company of poor afflicted creatures were +met together, many brought in chairs and baskets; and being appointed by +his majesty to repair to the banqueting house, the king sat in a chair +of state, where he stroked all that were brought to him, and then put +about each of their necks a white ribbon with an angel of gold on it. +In this manner his majesty stroked above six hundred; and such was his +princely patience and tenderness to the poor afflicted creatures, that +though it took up a long time, the king, being never weary of well +doing, was pleased to make inquiry whether there were any more that +had not been touched. After prayers were ended the Duke of Buckingham +brought a towel, and the Earl of Pembroke a basin and ewer, who, after +they had made their obeysance to his majesty, kneeled down till his +majesty had washed." + +This was on the 23rd of June, a few days earlier than the date fixed by +Evelyn as that on which the king first began "touch for ye evil." A +week later we find he stroked as many as two hundred and fifty persons. +Friday was then appointed as the day for those suffering from this +disease to come before the king; it was moreover decided that only two +hundred persons should be presented each week and these were first to +repair to Mr. Knight, his majesty's surgeon, living at the Cross Guns, +in Russell Street, Covent Garden, over against the Rose tavern, for +tickets of admission. "That none might lose their labour." the same Mr. +Knight made it known to the public he would be at home on Wednesdays and +Thursdays, from two till six of the clock; and if any person of quality +should send for him he would wait upon them at their lodgings. The +disease must indeed have been rife: week after week those afflicted +continued to present themselves, and we read that, towards the end of +July, "notwithstanding all discouragements by the hot weather and the +multitude of sick and infirm people, his majesty abated not one of his +accustomed number, but touched full two hundred: an high conviction +of all such physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries that pretend +self-preservation when the languishing patient requires their +assistance." Indeed, there were some who placed boundless faith in the +king's power of healing by touch; amongst whom was one Avis Evans, whom +Aubrey, in his "Miscellanies," records "had a fungus nose, and said +it was revealed to him that the king's hand would cure him. And at the +first coming of King Charles II. into St. James's Park, he kissed the +king's hand, and rubbed his nose with it, which disturbed the king, but +cured him." + +The universal joy which filled the nation at the restoration of his +majesty was accompanied, as might be expected, by bitter hatred towards +the leaders of Republicanism, especially towards such as had condemned +the late king to death. The chief objects of popular horror now, +however, lay in their graves; but the sanctity of death was neither +permitted to save their memories from vituperation nor their remains +from moltestation. Accordingly, through many days in June the effigy +of Cromwell, which had been crowned with a royal diadem, draped with +a purple mantle, in Somerset House, and afterwards borne with all +imaginable pomp to Westminster Abbey, was now exposed at one of the +windows at Whitehall with a rope fixed round its neck, by way of hinting +at the death which the original deserved. But this mark of execration +was not sufficient to satisfy the public mind, and seven months later, +on the 30th of January, 1661, the anniversary of the murder of Charles +I., the bodies of Oliver Cromwell, Henry Ireton, and John Bradshaw +were taken from their resting places in Westminster Abbey, and drawn on +hurdles to Tyburn, the well-known site of public executions. "All the +way the universal outcry and curses of the people went along with them," +says MERCURIUS PUBLICUS. "When these three carcasses arrived at Tyburn, +they were pulled out of their coffins, and hanged at the several angles +of that triple tree, where they hung till the sun was set; after which +they were taken down, their heads cut off; and their loathsome trunks +thrown into a deep hole under the gallows. The heads of those three +notorious regicides, Oliver Cromwell, John Bradshaw, and Ireton are +set upon poles on the top of Westminster Hall by the common hangman. +Bradshaw placed in the middle (over that part where the monstrous high +court of justice sat), Cromwell and his son-in-law Ireton on either side +of Bradshaw." + +Before this ghastly execution took place, Parliament had brought to +justice such offenders against the late king's government and life as +were in its power. According to the declaration made by the king +at Breda, a full and general pardon was extended to all rebellious +subjects, excepting such persons as should be hereafter excepted by +Parliament. By reason of this clause, some who had been most violent +in their persecution of royalty were committed to the Tower before +the arrival of his majesty, others fled from the country, but had, on +another proclamation summoning them to surrender themselves, returned +in hope of obtaining pardon. Thirty in all were tried at the Old Bailey +before the Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer and a special jury of +knights and gentlemen of quality in the county of Middlesex. Twenty-nine +of these were condemned to death. The king was singularly free from +desires of revenge; but many of his council were strangers to clemency, +and, under the guise of loyalty to the crown, sought satisfaction for +private wrongs by urging severest measures. The monarch, however, shrank +from staining the commencement of his reign with bloodshed and advocated +mercy. In a speech delivered to the House of Lords he insisted that, as +a point of honour, he was bound to make good the assurances given in his +proclamation of Breda, "which if I had not made," he continued, "I am +persuaded that neither I nor you had now been here. I pray, therefore, +let us not deceive those who brought or permitted us to come together; +and I earnestly desire you to depart from all particular animosities and +revenge or memory of past provocations." Accordingly, but ten of those +on whom sentence of death had been passed were executed, the remainder +being committed to the Tower. That they were not also hung was, +according to the mild and merciful Dr. Reeves, Dean of Westminster, "a +main cause of God's punishing the land" in the future time. For those +destined to suffer, a gibbet was erected at Charing Cross, that the +traitors might in their last moments see the spot where the late king +had been executed. Having been half hung, they were taken down, when +their heads were severed from their trunks and set up on poles at the +south-east end of Westminster Hall, whilst their bodies were quartered +and exposed upon the city gates. + +Burnet tells us that "the regicides being odious beyond all expression, +the trials and executions of the first who suffered were run to by +crowds, and all the people seemed pleased with the sight;" yet by +degrees these cruel and ghastly spectacles became distasteful and +disgusting. "I saw not their executions," says Evelyn, speaking of four +of the traitors who had suffered death on the 17th of October, "but met +their quarters mangled and cutt and reeking as they were brought from +the gallows in baskets on the hurdle. Oh the miraculous providence of +God!" + +Seven months later, the people were diverted by the more cheerful +pageant of the king's coronation, which was conducted with great +magnificence. "Two days," as Heath narrates, "were allotted to the +consummation of this great and most celebrated action, the wonder, +admiration and delight of all persons, both foreign and domestick." +Early on the morning of the 22nd of May, the day being Monday, the +king left Whitehall, by water, for the Tower, in order that he might, +according to ancient custom, proceed through the city to Westminster +Abbey. It was noticed that it had previously rained for a month +together, but on this and the next day "it pleased God that not one +drop fell on the king's triumph." At ten o'clock the roaring of cannon +announced the procession had left the Tower on its way to Whitehall, +where his majesty was to rest the night. The splendour of the pageant +was such as had never before been witnessed. The procession was headed +by the king's council at law, the masters of chancery and judges, who +were followed by the lords according to their rank, so numerous in all, +that those who rode first reached Fleet Street, whilst the king was yet +in the Tower. + +No expense was spared by those who formed part of that wonderful +cavalcade, towards rendering their appearance magnificent. Heath tells +us it was incredible to think "what costly cloathes were worn that day. +The cloaks could hardly be seen what silk or satin they were made of, +for the gold and silver laces and embroidery that was laid upon them; +the like also was seen on their foot-cloathes. Besides the inestimable +value and treasures of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels worn upon +their backs and in their hats, not to mention the sumptuous and rich +liveries of their pages and footmen, some suits of liveries amounting +to fifteen hundred pounds." Nor had the city hesitated in lavishing vast +sums towards decorating the streets through which the king was to pass. +Four triumphal arches were erected, that were left standing for a year +in memory of this joyful day. These were "composed" by John Ogilby, +Esquire; and were respectively erected in Leadenhall Street, the +Exchange on Cornhill, Wood Street, and Fleet Street. + +The thoroughfares were newly gravelled, railed all the way on both +sides, and lined with the city companies and trained bands. The +"relation of his majesty's entertainment passing through the City of +London," as narrated by John Ogilby, and by the papers of the day, is +extremely quaint and interesting, but too long for detailed description. +During the monarch's progress through "Crouched Friers," he was diverted +with music discoursed by a band of eight waits, placed upon a stage. At +Aldgate, and at several other stages of his journey, he was received in +like manner. Arriving at the great arch in Leadenhall Street, his ears +were greeted by sounds of trumpets and drums playing marches; when they +had finishes, a short scene was enacted on a balcony of the arch, by +figures representing Monarchy, Rebellion, and Loyalty. Then the great +procession wended its way to the East India House, situate in the same +street, when the East India Company took occasion to express their +dutiful affections, in a manner "wholly designed by person of quality." +As the king advanced, a youth in an Indian habit, attended by two +blackamoors, knelt down before his majesty's horse, and delivered +himself of some execrable verse, which he had no sooner ended than +another youth in an Indian vest, mounted on a camel, was led forwards +and delivered some lines praying his majesty's subjects might never see +the sun set on his crown or dignity. The camel, it my be noticed, bore +panniers filled with pearls, spices, and silks, destined to be scattered +among the spectators. At Cornhill was a conduit, surmounted by eight +wenches representing nymphs--a sight which must have rejoiced the king's +heart; and on the tower of this same fountain sounded "a noise of seven +trumpets." Another fountain flowed with wine and water; and on his way +the king heard several speeches delivered by various symbolic figures. +One of these, who made a particularly fine harangue, represented the +River Thames, as a gentleman whose "garment loose and flowing, coloured +blue and white, waved like water, flags and ozier-like long hair falling +o'er his shoulders; his beard long, sea-green, and white." And so by +slow degrees the king came to Temple Bar, where he was entertained by +"a view of a delightful boscage, full of several beasts, both tame and +savage, as also several living figures and music of eight waits." And +having passed through Temple Bar into his ancient and native city of +Westminster, the head bailiff in a scarlet robe and the high constable, +likewise in scarlet, on behalf of the dean, chapter, city, and liberty, +received his majesty with great expressions of joy. + +Never had there been so goodly a show so grand a procession; the +citizens, still delighted with their young king, had certainly excelled +in doing him honour, and some foreigners, Heaton says, "acknowledged +themselves never to have seen among all the great magnificences of the +world any to come near or equal this: even the vaunting French confessed +their pomps of the late marriage with the Infanta of Spain, at their +majesties' entrance into Paris, to be inferior in its state, gallantry, +and riches unto this most illustrious cavalcade." Amongst those who +witnessed the procession was Mr. Pepys, who has left us a realistic +description, without which this picture would be incomplete. He tells us +he arose early on this day; and the vain fellow says he made himself as +fine as could be, putting on his velvet coat for the first time, though +he had it made half a year before. "And being ready," he continues, "Sir +W. Batten, my lady, and his two daughters, and his son and wife, and +Sir W. Pen and his son and I, went to Mr. Young's, the flag-maker, in +Corne-hill; and there we had a good room to ourselves, with wine and +good cake, and saw the show very well. In which it is impossible to +relate the glory of this day, expressed in the clothes of them that rid, +and their horses and horses' clothes; among others, my Lord Sandwich's +embroidery and diamonds were ordinary among them. The Knights of the +Bath was a brave sight of itself. Remarquable were the two men that +represent the two Dukes of Normandy and Aquitane. My Lord Monk rode bare +after the king, and led in his hand a spare horse, as being Master of +the Horse. The king, in a most rich embroidered suit and cloak, looked +most noble. Wadlow, the vintner, at the Devil, in Fleet Street, did +lead a fine company of soldiers, all young comely men in white doublets. +There followed the Vice-Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, and a company of +men all like Turkes. The streets all gravelled, and the houses hung with +carpets before them, made brave show; and the ladies out of the windows, +one of which over against us, I took much notice of, and spoke of her, +which made good sport among us. So glorious was the show with gold and +silver, that we were not able to look at it, our eyes at last being so +much overcome with it. Both the king and the Duke of York took notice +of us as they saw us at the window. The show being ended, Mr. Young +did give us a dinner, at which we were very merry and pleased above +imagination at what we have seen." + +The next day, being the feast of St. George, patron of England, the king +went in procession from Whitehall to Westminster Abbey, where he was +solemnly crowned in the presence of a vast number of peers and bishops. +After which, surrounded by the same brilliant company, he passed from +the Abbey to Westminster Hall, the way being covered with blue cloth, +and lined with spectators to the number of ten thousand. Here his +majesty and the lords, spiritual and temporal, dined sumptuously, whilst +many fine ceremonies were observed, music of all sorts was played, and +a great crowd of pretty ladies looked down from the galleries. And when +the banquet was over, and a general pardon had been read by the lord +chancellor, and the champion had drank out of the king's gold cup, +Charles betook himself to Whitehall. Then, after two days of fair +weather, it suddenly "fell a-raining, and thundering and lightning," +says Pepys, "as I have not seen it do for some years; which people did +take great notice of." + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + The King's character.--His proverbial grace.--He tells a story well.--"A + warmth and sweetness of the blood."--Beautiful Barbara Palmer.--Her + intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.--James, Duke of York.--His + early days.--Escape from St. James's.--Fights in the service of + France.--Marriage with Anne Hyde.--Sensation at Court.--The Duke of + Gloucester's death.--The Princess of Orange.--Schemes against the + Duke of York's peace.--The "lewd informer."--Anne Hyde is acknowledged + Duchess of York. + +Whilst the kingdom was absorbed by movements consequent on its change of +government, the court was no less engrossed by incidents relative to the +career it had begun. In the annals of court life there are no pages more +interesting than those dealing with Charles II, and his friends; in the +history of kings there is no more remarkable figure than that of the +merry monarch himself. + +Returning to rule over a nation which, during his absence, had been +distracted by civil strife, King Charles, young in years, brave in +deeds, and surrounded by that halo of romance which misfortune lends its +victims, entirely gained the hearts of his subjects. Nature had endowed +him with gifts adapted to display qualities that fascinated, and +fitted to hide blemishes which repelled. On the one hand his expressive +features and shapely figure went far towards creating a charm which +his personal grace and courtesy of manner completed; on the other, his +delicate tact screened the heartlessness of his sensualism, whilst his +surface sympathies hid the barrenness of his cynicism. + +With the coolness and courage he had shown in danger, the shrewdness +and wit he continually evinced, and the varied capacities he certainly +possessed, Charles II. might have made his reign illustrious, had not +his love of ease and detestation of business rendered him indifferent +to all things so long as he was free to follow his desires. But these +faults, which became grievous in the eyes of his subjects, commended him +to the hearts of his courtiers, the common purpose of whose lives was +pursuit of pleasure. Never was sovereign more gracious to those who came +in contact with him, or less ceremonious with his friends; whilst abroad +he had lived with his little band of courtiers more as a companion +than a king. The bond of exile had drawn them close together; an equal +fortune had gone far towards obliterating distinctions of royalty; and +custom had so fitted the monarch and his friends to familiarity, that on +his return to England neither he nor they laid aside a mutual freedom of +treatment which by degrees extended itself throughout the court. For all +that, "he was master," as Welwood says, "of something in his person and +aspect that commanded both love and admiration at once." + +Among his many gifts was that of telling a story well--a rare one 'tis +true in all ages. Never was he better pleased than when, surrounded by +a group of gossips, he narrated some anecdote of which he was the hero; +and, though his tales were more than twice told, they were far from +tedious; inasmuch as, being set forth with brighter flashes of wit +and keener touches of irony, they were ever pleasant to hear. His +conversation was of a like complexion to his tales, pointed, shrewd, and +humorous; frequently--as became the manner of the times--straying far +afield of propriety, and taking liberties of expression of which nice +judgments could not approve. But indeed his majesty's speech was not +more free than his conduct was licentious. He could not think, he +gravely told Bishop Burnet, "God would make a man miserable for taking +a little pleasure out of the way." Accordingly he followed the free bent +of his desires, and his whole life was soon devoted to voluptuousness; +a vice which an ingenious courtier obligingly describes as a "warmth and +sweetness of the blood that would not be confined in the communicating +itself--an overflowing of good nature, of which he had such a stream +that it would not be restrained within the banks of a crabbed and +unsociable virtue." + +The ease and freedom of his continental life had no doubt fostered this +lamentable depravity; for his misfortunes as an exiled king by no +means prevented him following his inclinations as an ardent lover. +Accordingly, his intrigues at that time were numerous, as may be judged +from the fact of Lady Byron being described as "his seventeenth mistress +abroad." The offspring of one of his continental mistresses was destined +to plunge the English nation into civil warfare, and to suffer a +traitor's death on Tower Hill in the succeeding reign. + +"The profligacy which Charles practised abroad not being discontinued +at home, he resumed in England an intrigue commenced at Brussels a short +time before the restoration. The object of this amour was the beautiful +Barbara Palmer, afterwards, by reason of her lack of virtue, raised to +the peerage under the titles of Countess of Castlemaine, and Duchess of +Cleveland. This lady, who became a most prominent figure in the court of +the merry monarch, was daughter of William, second Viscount Grandison, +a brave gentleman and a loyal, who had early in life fallen in the civil +war whilst fighting for his king. He is described as having, among other +gifts, "a faultless person," a boon, which descended to his only child, +the bewitching Barbara. In the earliest dawn of her womanhood she +encountered her first lover in the person of Philip Stanhope, second +Earl of Chesterfield. My lord was at this time a youthful widower, and +is described as having "a very agreeable face, a fine head of hair, an +indifferent shape, and a pleasant wit. He was, moreover, an elegant beau +and a dissolute man--testimony of which latter fact may be gathered from +a letter written to him in 1658, by his sister-in-law, Lady Essex, to +prevent the "ruin of his soule." Writes her ladyship: "You treate +all the mad drinking lords, you sweare, you game, and commit all the +extravagances that are insident to untamed youths, to such a degree that +you make yourselfe the talke of all places, and the wonder of those who +thought otherwise of you, and of all sober people." + +When Barbara was sixteen, my lord, then in his twenty-third year, +inherited the title and estates of his grandfather: he therefore became +master of his own fortune and could bestow his hand where he pleased. +That he was in love with Barbara is, indeed, most true; but that his +passion was dishonourable is likewise certain: for though he wrote her +letters full of tenderness, and kept assignations with her at Butler's +shop, on Ludgate Hill, he was the while negotiating a marriage with one +Mrs. Fairfax, to whom he was not, however, united. His intrigue with +Barbara continued for upwards of three years, when it was temporarily +suspended by her marriage to one Roger Palmer, a student of the Inner +Temple, the son of a Middlesex knight, and, moreover, a man of the most +obliging temper, as will hereafter be seen. Barbara's loyalty to her +husband was but of short duration. Before she had been nine months a +wife, we find her writing to her old lover she is "ready and willing +to goe all over the world" with him--a sacrifice he declined to accept! +though eager to take advantage of the affection which prompted it. A +little while later he was obliged to quit England; for it happened +in the first month of the year 1660 he quarrelled with and killed one +Francis Woolley, a student at law, to avoid the consequences of which +act he speedily fled the country. + +Arriving at Calais, he wrote to King Charles, who was then preparing to +return, throwing himself on his mercy, and beseeching his pardon; which +the king granting, Lord Chesterfield sought his majesty at Brussels. +Soon afterwards Barbara Palmer and her complaisant husband, a right +loyal man, joined the king's court abroad, when the intrigue begun which +was continued on the night of the monarch's arrival in London. True the +loyal PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCER stated "his majesty was diverted from +his pious intention of going to Westminster to offer up his devotions +of prayer and praise in publick according to the appointment of his +Majesty, and made his oblations unto God in the presence-chamber;" but +it is, alas, equally certain, according to Oldmixon, Lord Dartmouth, and +other reliable authorities, he spent the first night of his return +in the company of Barbara Palmer. From that time this abandoned woman +exercised an influence over the king which wholly disgraced his court, +and almost ruined his kingdom. + +Another prominent figure, whose history is inseparable from the king's, +was that of his majesty's brother, James, Duke of York--a man of greater +ambition and lesser talents than the merry monarch, but one whose +amorous disposition equalled the monarch's withal. At an early period +of his life the Duke of York was witness of the strife which divided his +unhappy father's kingdom. When only eight years old he was sent for by +Charles I. to York, but was forbidden by the Parliament to leave St. +James's Palace. Despite its commands he was, however, carried to +the king by the gallant Marquis of Hereford. That same year the boy +witnessed the refusal of Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull, to admit +his majesty within the gates; and James was subsequently present at the +siege of Bristol, and the famous battle of Edgehill, when his life at +one period of the engagement was in imminent peril. + +Until 1646 he continued under the guardianship of his father, when, on +the entrance of Fairfax into Oxford, the young duke was found among +the prisoners, and by Cromwell's orders committed to the charge of +Sir George Ratcliffe. A few months later he was removed to St. James's +Palace, when in company with his brother, the Duke of Gloucester, and +his sister, the Princess Elizabeth, he was placed under the care of Lord +Northumberland, who had joined the Republican cause. + +Though by no means treated with unkindness, the young duke, unhappy at +the surveillance placed upon his actions and fearful of the troubles +quickly gathering over the kingdom, twice sought escape. This was a +serious offence in the eyes of Cromwell's Parliament; a committee was +accordingly sent to examine him, and he was threatened with imprisonment +in the Tower. Though only in his fourteenth year he already possessed +both determination and courage, by reason of which he resolved to risk +all danger, and make a third effort for freedom. Accordingly he laid his +plans with much ingenuity, selecting two men from those around him to +aid his undertaking. These were George Howard and Colonel Bamfield. The +latter had once served in the king's army, but when the fortunes of war +had gone against his royal master, had professed himself friendly to the +Republicans. No doubt the young duke saw the gallant colonel was still +true at heart to the Royalist cause, and therefore trusted him at this +critical juncture. + +Now for a fortnight previous to the night on which he designed to +escape, James made it his habit to play at hide-and-seek every evening +after supper with his brother and sister, and the children of the +officers then located in the palace; and in such secure places did he +secrete himself that his companions frequently searched for over half an +hour without discovering him. This of course accustomed the household to +miss him, and was cunningly practised for the purpose of gaining time on +his pursuers when he came to be sought for in good earnest. + +At last the eventful night fixed for his escape arrived; and after +supper a pleasant group of merry children prepared to divert themselves +in the long dark halls and narrow winding passages of the grim old +palace. James, as usual, proposed concealing himself, and leaving his +companions for the purpose, disappeared behind some arras; but, instead +of hiding, he hastened to his sister's chamber, where he locked up a +favourite dog that was in the habit of following his footsteps wherever +he went, and then noiselessly slipped down a back stairs which led to +an inner garden. Having taken care to provide himself with a key fitting +the garden door, he quickly slipped into the park. Here he found Colonel +Bamfield waiting, who, giving him a cloak and a wig for his better +disguise, hurried him into a hackney coach, which drove them as far +as Salisbury House in the Strand. From thence they went through Spring +Garden, and down Ivy Lane, when, taking boat, they landed close by +London Bridge. Here entering the house of a surgeon friendly to +their adventure, they found a woman named Murray awaiting them, who +immediately provided a suit of woman's wearing apparel for the young +duke, in which she helped to attire him. Dressed in this costume he, +attended by the faithful Bamfield, hastened to Lion Quay, where they +entered a barge hired for their conveyance to a Dutch frigate stationed +beyond Gravesend. + +Meanwhile, the children not being able to discover their playfellow in +the palace, their elders became suspicious of the duke's escape, and +began to aid the search. Before an hour elapsed they were convinced +he had fled, and St. James's was thrown into a state of the utmost +excitement and confusion. Notice of his flight was at once despatched to +General Fairfax at Whitehall, who immediately gave orders have all the +roads from London guarded, especially those leading to the north; for it +was surmised he would in the first instance seek to escape into Wales. +The duke, however, had taken a safer course, but one which was not +unattended by danger. He had not sailed far in the barge when its master +became suspicious that he was aiding the escape of some persons of +consequence, and became frightened lest he should get into trouble by +rendering them his services. And presently his surmise was converted +into certainty; for looking through a cranny of the barge-room door, he +saw the young woman fling her leg on the table and pull up her stocking +in a most unmaidenly manner. He therefore at once peremptorily declared +to Colonel Bamfield they must land at Gravesend, and procure another +boat to carry them to the ship; for it would be impossible for the +barge to pass the block-house lower down without being observed, and +consequently inspected, as was the custom at this troubled time. On +hearing which Colonel Bamfield was filled with dismay; but, knowing +that at heart the people were loyal towards the Stuarts, he confided +the identity of his passenger, and begged him not to betray them in this +hour of peril. To give his appeal further weight, he promised the fellow +a considerable sum if they safely reached the frigate; for human nature +is weak, and greed of gold is strong. On this, the bargee, who was a +loyal man, promised he would help them to the best of his powers; the +lights were therefore extinguished, the oars drawn in, and, the tide +fortunately answering, the barge glided noiselessly down under cover of +night, and passed the block-house unobserved. In good time they reached +the frigate, which, the duke and Colonel Bamfield boarding, at once set +sail, and in a few days landed them at Middleburgh. James proceeded to +the court of his sister, the Princess of Orange, and later on joined his +mother in France. + +At the age of twenty he served in the French army, under Turenne, +against the Spanish forces in Flanders, and subsequently in several +campaigns, where he invariably showed himself so brave and valiant that +the Prince de Conde declared that if ever there was a man without fear, +it was James, Duke of York. Now it happened that in 1658 the Princess of +Orange went to Paris in order to visit the queen mother, as the widow of +Charles I. was called. The Duke of York was in the gay capital at this +time, and it soon became noticed that he fixed his attention overmuch on +one of his sister's maids of honour, Anne Hyde. This gentlewoman, then +in her twenty-first year, was the possessor of a comely countenance, +excellent shape, and much wit. Anne was daughter of Edward Hyde, a +worthy man, who had been bred to the law, and proved himself so faithful +a servant to Charles I., that his majesty had made him Privy Councillor +and Chancellor of the Exchequer. After the king's execution, in 1649, +the chancellor thought it wise for himself and his family to seek refuge +in exile, and accordingly joined Charles II., with whom he lived in the +closest friendship, and for whose return he subsequently negotiated with +General Monk. + +Now James, after his fashion, made love to Mistress Hyde, who encouraged +his advances until they reached a certain stage, beyond which the +judicious maiden forbade them to proceed unless blessed by the sanction +of holy church. The Duke, impatient to secure his happiness, was +therefore secretly united to Mistress Hyde in the bonds of matrimony +on the 24th of November, in the year of grace 1659, at Breda, to which +place the Princess of Orange had returned. In a little while, the +restoration being effected, the duke returned to England with the +king, leaving his bride behind. And Chancellor Hyde being presently +re-established in his offices, and settled in his residence at Worcester +House in the Strand, sent for his wife and children; the more speedily +as he had received an overture from a noble family, on behalf of "a +hopeful, well-bred young gentleman," who expressed himself anxious to +wed with Mistress Anne. + +The same young lady had not long returned, when she informed her husband +she was about to become a mother; whereon the duke, seeking the king, +fell upon his knees before him, laid bare his secret, and besought him +to sanction his union, "that he might publicly marry in such a manner as +his majesty thought necessary for the consequence thereof;" adding that, +if consent were refused, he would "immediately take leave of the kingdom +and spend his life in foreign parts." King Charles was astonished and +perplexed by this confession. James was heir, and as such it behoved him +to wed with one suited, by reason of her lineage, to support the dignity +of the crown, and calculated by her relation towards foreign powers +to strengthen the influence of the throne. The duke was fully aware +of this, and, moreover, knew he could without much difficulty have +his marriage annulled; but that he did not adopt this course was an +honourable trait in his character; and, indeed, his conduct and that of +the king was most creditable throughout the transactions which +followed; an account of which is set forth with great minuteness in the +"Continuation of Edward Hyde, Lord Clarendon's Life." + +Without the advice of his council, the king could give no satisfactory +reply to his brother. He therefore summoned two of his trusty friends, +the Marquis of Ormond and the Earl of Southampton, whom he informed +of the duke's marriage, requesting them to communicate the same to the +chancellor, and return with him for private consultation. The good man's +surprise at this news concerning his daughter was, according to his own +account, exceeding great, and was only equalled by his vast indignation. +His loyalty towards the royal family was so fervent that it overlooked +his affection to his child. He therefore fell into a violent passion, +protested against her wicked presumption, and advised that the king +"should immediately cause the woman to be sent to the Tower, and to be +cast into a dungeon, under so strict a guard that no person should be +admitted to come to her; and then that an act of parliament should be +immediately passed for the cutting off her head, to which he would not +only give his consent, but would very willingly be the first man that +should propose it." All this he presently repeated to the king, and +moreover, assured him an example of the highest severity, in a case so +nearly concerning himself, would serve as a warning that others might +take heed of offences committed against his regal dignity. + +News of this marriage spread throughout the court with rapidity, and +caused the utmost excitement; which in a little while was somewhat +abated by the announcement that the king's youngest brother, Henry, Duke +of Gloucester, was taken ill of small-pox. This young prince, who is +described as "a pretty boy," possessed parts which bade fair to +surpass his brothers. He was indeed associated by his family with their +tenderest memories, inasmuch as he had been with his father on the sad +day previous to his execution. On that melancholy occasion, Charles I. +had taken him upon his knee, and said to him very tenderly, "Sweetheart, +they will cut off thy father's head," at which the boy shuddered and +turned pale. "Mark, child, what I say," continued the unhappy king, +"they will cut off my head, and, perhaps, make thee a king; but mark +what I say, you must not be made king as long as your brothers Charles +and James are alive, for they will cut off thy brothers' heads when they +catch them, and cut off thy head at last; and therefore I charge you not +to be made a king by them." To which the lad replied very earnestly, "I +will be torn in pieces first." Sometime after the death of his father he +was allowed to join his family in France, and, like his brother James, +entered the army of that country. On the restoration, he had +returned with the king, and, three months later, this "prince of +very extraordinary hopes" died, grievously lamented by the court, and +especially by his majesty, who declared he felt this loss more than any +other which had previously fallen upon him. + +Scarcely had he been laid to rest in the vault containing the dust +of Mary Queen of Scots and Lady Arabella Stuart, when the Princess of +Orange arrived in England to pay the king a visit of ceremony. No sooner +was she settled at court, than rumour of her brother's marriage reached +her; on which she became outrageous; but her wrath was far exceeded by +that of the queen mother, who, on hearing the news, wrote to the duke +expressing her indignation "that he should have such low thoughts as to +marry such a woman." The epistle containing this sentence was at once +shown by James to his wife, whom he continually saw and spent much time +with, unknown to her father, who had given orders she should keep her +chamber. Parliament now sat, but no mention was made of the duke's +marriage by either House; and, inasmuch as the union so nearly concerned +the nation, this silence caused considerable surprise. It was surmised +the delay was made in deference to the feelings of the queen mother, who +at this juncture set out for England, to prevent what she was pleased +to term "so great a stain and dishonour to the crown." The king regarded +his brother's alliance in a lenient spirit, and not only spoke of it +frequently before the court, but expressed his desire of bringing the +indiscretion to a happy conclusion by a public acknowledgment. + +The queen mother, being an ambitious woman, had cherished certain +schemes for extending the power of her family by the respective +marriages of her sons, which the duke's union was, of course, calculated +to curtail. She therefore regarded his wife with the bitterest disdain. +Whenever that woman should be brought into Whitehall by one door, her +majesty declared she would leave it by another and never enter it +again. The marriage was rendered all the more disagreeable to the +queen, because the object of her son's choice was daughter of the lord +chancellor, whose influence over Charles II. had frequently opposed her +plans in the past, and threatened to prevent their realization in the +future. The monarch, however, paid little attention to his mother's +indignation. He was resolved no disgrace which he could hinder should +fall upon the family of one who had served him with disinterested +loyalty; and, by way of proving his friendship towards the chancellor on +the present occasion, he, before setting out to meet his mother on her +arrival at Dover, presented him with twenty thousand pounds, and left +a signed warrant for creating him a baron, which he desired the +attorney-general to have ready to pass the seals at his return. + +In the meantime a wicked plot, for the purpose of lessening James's +affection for his wife, and ultimately preventing the acknowledgment of +his marriage, was promoted by the chancellor's enemies and the duke's +friends, principal amongst whom were the Princess of Orange and Sir +Charles Berkley, "a fellow of great wickedness," Sir Charles was his +royal highness's most trusted friend, and was, moreover, devoted to +the service of the princess and her mother. He therefore determined to +hinder the duke from taking a step which he was of opinion would +injure him irretrievably. Accordingly, when James spoke in confidence +concerning his marriage, Sir Charles told him it was wholly invalid, +inasmuch as it had taken place without the king's consent; and that a +union with the daughter of an insignificant lawyer was not to be thought +of by the heir to the crown. Moreover, he hinted he could a tale unfold +regarding her behaviour. At this the duke became impatient to hear what +his good friend had to say; whereon that valiant gentleman boasted, with +an air of bravery and truth, of certain gallantries which had passed +between him and the lady. On hearing this, James, being credulous was +sorely depressed. He ceased to visit his wife, withdrew from general +company; and so well did Sir Charles's scheme succeed, that before the +queen's arrival, the duke had decided on denying his marriage with one +who had brought him dishonour. The king, however, put no faith in these +aspersions; he felt sure "there was a wicked conspiracy set on foot by +villains." + +It therefore happened the queen was spared the trouble she had +anticipated with her son; indeed, he humbly begged her pardon for +"having placed his affections so unequally, of which he was sure there +was now an end"--a confession most gratifying to her majesty. The duke's +bitter depression continued, and was soon increased by the death of his +sister, the Princess of Orange, which was occasioned by smallpox on the +23rd of December, 1660. In her last agonies Lord Clarendon says "she +expressed a dislike of the proceedings in that affair, to which she had +contributed too much." This fact, together with his royal highness's +unhappiness, had due weight on Sir Charles Berkley, who began to repent +of the calumnies he had spoken. Accordingly, the "lewd informer" went +to the duke, and sought to repair the evil he had wrought. Believing, he +said, such a marriage would be the absolute ruin of his royal highness, +he had made the accusation which he now confessed to be false, and +without the least ground; for he was very confident of the lady's honour +and virtue. He then begged pardon on his knees for a fault committed +out of pure devotion, and trusted the duke would "not suffer him to be +ruined by the power of those whom he had so unworthily provoked, and +of which he had so much shame that he had not confidence to look upon +them." + +James was so much relieved by what he heard that he not only forgave +Sir Charles, but embraced him, and promised him protection. Nor did his +royal highness longer withhold the reparation due to his wife, who, with +the approval of the king and the reluctant consent of the queen, was +received at court as Duchess of York. Such was the romance connected +with the marriage of her who became mother of two English queens--Mary, +wife of William of Orange, and Anne, of pious memory. + + + +CHAPTER V. + + Morality of the Restoration.--Puritan piety.--Conduct of women under + the Republic.--Some notable courtiers.--The Duke of Ormond and his + family.--Lord St. Albans and Henry Jermyn.--His Grace of Buckingham + and Mistress Fairfax.--Lord Rochester.--Beautiful Barbara Palmer.--The + King's Projected marriage.--Catherine of Braganza.--His Majesty's + speech.--A Royal love-letter.--The new Queen sets sail. + +A general idea obtains that the libertine example set forth by Charles +II. and his courtiers is wholly to blame for the spirit of depravity +which marked his reign. That it was in part answerable for the spread +of immorality is true, inasmuch as the royalists, considering sufficient +aversion could not be shown to the loathsome hypocrisy of the puritans, +therefore fell into an opposite extreme of ostentatious profligacy. +But that the court was entirely responsible for the vice tainting all +classes of society whilst the merry monarch occupied the throne, is +false. + +Other causes had long been tending to produce this unhappy effect. +The reign of the Commonwealth had not been, remarkable for its virtue, +though it had been notable for its pharisaism. With the puritan, words +of piety took place of deeds of grace; the basest passions were often +hidden under sanctimonious exteriors. Even Cromwell, "a man of long and +dark discourses, sermons, and prayers," was not above reproach. Bishop +Burnet, who has no harsh words for him, and few gentle ones for Charles, +states the Protector's intrigue with Lady Dysart was "not a little taken +notice of;" on which, the godly man "broke it off." He therefore, Heath +records, began an amour with a lady of lesser note--Mrs. Lambert, the +wife of a puritan, herself a lady devoted to psalm singing and audible +prayer when, not otherwise pleasantly engaged. + +The general character of many news-sheets of the day proves that +morality under the Republic was at a low ebb. Anarchy in a kingdom +invariably favours dissoluteness in a people, inasmuch as the +disturbance of civil order tends to unsettle moral law. Homes being +divided amongst themselves by political strife, paternal care was +suspended, and filial respect ignored. In the general confusion which +obtained, the distinction of social codes was overlooked. Lord Clarendon +states that; during this unhappy period, young people of either sex +were "educated in all the liberty of vice, without reprehension +or restraint." He adds, "The young women conversed without any +circumspection or modesty, and frequently met at taverns and common +eating-houses." An additional description of the ways and manners of +young maidens under the Republic is given in a rare and curious pamphlet +entitled "A Character of England as it was lately presented in a Letter +to a Nobleman of France"; printed in the year 1659, for Jo. Crooke, +and sold at the Ship in St. Paul's Yard. Having spoken of taverns where +"fury and intemperance" reign, and where, "that nothing may be wanting +to the height of luxury and impiety, organs have been translated out of +the churches for the purpose of chanting their dithyrambics and bestiall +bacchanalias to the tune of those instruments which were wont to assist +them in the celebration of God's praises," the writer continues: "Your +lordship will scarce believe me that the ladies of greatest quality +suffer themselves to be treated in one of those taverns, where a +curtezan in other cities would scarcely vouchsafe to be entertained; +but you will be more astonish't when I shall assure you that they drink +their crowned cups roundly, strain healths through their smocks, daunce +after the fiddle, kiss freely, and tearm it an honourable treat." He +furthermore says they were to be found until midnight in company with +their lovers at Spring Garden, which seemed to be "contrived to all the +advantages of gallantry." From which evidences it may be gathered, that +London under the Commonwealth was little less vicious than under the +merry monarch. + +The court Charles speedily gathered round him on his restoration was +the most brilliant the nation had ever witnessed. Those of birth and +distinction who had sought refuge abroad during the late troubles, now +joyfully returned: whilst the juvenile branches of noble families living +in retirement in England, to whom royalty had been a stranger, no less +eagerly flocked to the presence of the gay young king. The wit and +politeness of the men, the grace and beauty of the women, who surrounded +Charles II. have become proverbial; whilst the gallantries of the one, +and the frailties of the other, savour more of romance than reality. + +That the condition of the court on its establishment may be realized, it +is necessary, at this stage of its history, to introduce briefly some of +the chief personages who surrounded his majesty, and occupied prominent +attention in the annals of his reign. Notably amongst them were the +gallant Duke of Ormond and his family. His grace, now in his fiftieth +year, was distinguished for his commanding appearance, gracious manner, +and excellent wit. During the troubles of the civil war, he had proved +himself a most loyal subject, inasmuch as he had vested his fortune and +ventured his person in service of the late king. Subsequently refusing +liberal offers made him by Cromwell, on condition of living in peaceful +retirement, he, after the execution of Charles I., betook himself to +France, and shared exile with the young king until the restoration. In +consequence of his proven fealty, honours were then deservingly showered +upon him: he was made grand steward of the household, first lord of the +bedchamber, and subsequently lord lieutenant of Ireland. The duchess, +who had participated in her husband's misfortunes with a courage equal +to his own, was a high-minded and most virtuous lady, who had brought +up her family with great care. Scarcely less distinguished in mien and +manner than the duke, were his two sons, Thomas, Earl of Ossory, and +Lord Richard Butler, afterwards Earl of Arran. My lord of Ossory was no +less remarkable for his beauty than famous for his accomplishments: +he rode and played tennis to perfection, performed upon the lute to +entrancement, and danced to the admiration of the court; he was moreover +a good historian, and well versed in chronicles of romance. No less was +the Earl of Arran proficient in qualifications befitting his birth, and +gifted with attributes aiding his gallantry. + +A third member of this noble family played a more remarkable part in +the history of the court during her brief career than either of her +brothers. This was the Lady Elizabeth Butler, eldest daughter of +the duke, who, unfortunately for her own happiness, married my Lord +Chesterfield at the Hague, when, a few months before the restoration, +that nobleman fled to the continent to escape the consequences of +Francis Woolley's murder. In Lely's picture of the young Countess of +Chesterfield, her piquancy attracts at a glance, whilst her beauty +charms on examination. Her cousin, Anthony Hamilton, describes her +as having large blue eyes, very tempting and alluring, a complexion +extremely fair, and a heart "ever open to tender sentiments," by reason +of which her troubles arose, as shall be set down in proper sequence. + +Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, and his nephew, "the little Jermyn," +were also notable as figuring in court intrigues. The earl was member +of the privy council to his majesty, and moreover held a still closer +connection to the queen mother; for, according to Sir John Reresby, +Madame Buviere, and others, her majesty had privately married his +lordship abroad--an act of condescension he repaid with inhumanity. +Madame Buviere says he never gave the queen a good word; and when +she spoke to him he used to say, "Que me veut cette femme?" The same +authority adds, he treated her majesty in an extremely ill manner, +"so that whilst she had not a faggot to warm herself, he had in +his apartments a good fire and a sumptuous table." [This testimony +concerning the queen's poverty is borne out by Cardinal de Retz. In his +interesting Memoirs he tells of a visit he paid the queen mother, then +an exile in Paris. He found her with her youngest daughter, Henrietta, +in the chamber of the latter. "At my coming in," says the Cardinal, "she +(the queen) said, 'You see, I am come to keep Henrietta company; the +poor child could not rise to-day for want of a fire.' The truth is, that +the Cardinal (Mazarin) for six months together had not ordered her any +money towards her pension; that no tradespeople would trust her for +anything and there was not at her lodgings a single billet. You will do +me the justice to think that the princess of England did not keep her +bed the next day for want of a faggot... Posterity will hardly believe +that a princess of England, grand-daughter to Henry the Great, hath +wanted a faggot in the month of January, in the Louvre, and in the eyes +of the French court."] Pepys records that the marriage of her majesty +to the earl was commonly talked of at the restoration; and he likewise +mentions it was rumoured "that they had a daughter between them in +France. How true," says this gossip, "God knows." + +The earl's nephew, Henry Jermyn, is described as having a big head and +little legs, an affected carriage, and a wit consisting "in expressions +learned by rote, which he occasionally employed either in raillery or +love." For all that, he being a man of amorous disposition, the number +of his intrigues was no less remarkable than the rank of those who +shared them. Most notable amongst his conquests was the king's eldest +sister, widow of the Prince of Orange--a lady possessing in no small +degree natural affections for which her illustrious family were +notorious. During the exile of Charles II., Henry Jermyn had made a +considerable figure at her court in Holland by reason of the splendour +of his equipage, entirely supported by his uncle's wealth; he had +likewise made a forcible impression on her heart by virtue of the ardour +of his addresses, wholly sustained by his own effrontery. The effect of +his presence on the princess soon became visible to the court. Rumour +whispered that as Lord St. Albans had already made an alliance with +royalty, his nephew had likewise followed his example; but scandal +declared that young Jermyn and the princess had omitted the ceremony +which should have sanctioned their happiness. The reputation of such an +amour gained him the immediate attention of many women, whose interest +in his character increased with the knowledge of his abilities, and +helped to associate him in their memories with tenderest emotions. + +Another figure prominent in this gay and goodly assembly was George +Villiers, second Duke of Buckingham. The faultless beauty of his +face, and graceful symmetry of his figure, would have rendered him +distinguished in a court less sensuously impressionable to physical +perfection, even if his talents had not dazzled, and his wit amused. On +the death of the first Duke of Buckingham, "styled the handsomest bodied +man in England," the late king of pious memory undertook the charge of +the young duke, and had him educated with his own sons. Subsequently +he was sent to Cambridge, and then travelled into France, the better to +acquire that polish of manner and grace of bearing for which he became +distinguished. But, whilst abroad, word was brought him of the distress +of his master, the king; on which the young duke hastened back into +England, became a cavalier, and fought his majesty's battles with +great gallantry. Soon after Charles I. had been beheaded, his faithful +servitor went abroad; but being loyal to the Stuart cause, he journeyed +with Charles II. to Scotland, and afterwards fought beside him in the +bloody battle of Worcester. Whilst the monarch was hiding in Boscobel +Wood, the duke betook himself to London, where, donning a wizard's +mask, a jack-pudding coat, a hat adorned with a fox's tail and cock's +feathers, he masqueraded as a mountebank, and discoursed diverting +nonsense from a stage erected at Charing Cross. After running several +risks, he escaped to France. But alas for the duke, who was born as +Madame Dunois avows, doubtless from experience--"for gallantry and +magnificence," he was now penniless, his great estates being confiscated +by Cromwell. However, conceiving a scheme that might secure him part of +his fortune, he hastened to put it into execution. + +It happened that my Lord Fairfax, one of Cromwell's great generals, had +allotted to him by the Protector a portion of the Buckingham estates +that returned five thousand pounds a year. The general was, moreover, +placed in possession of York House, which had likewise belonged to his +grace. + +Now it happened Lord Fairfax, a generous-tempered man and brave soldier, +had an only child, a daughter destined to become his heiress; aware +of which the duke resolved to marry her, that he might in this manner +recover portion of his estate. The fact of the lady never having seen +him did not interfere with his plans; that she would reject his suit +seemed an impossibility; that she would succumb to the fascination he +invariably exercised over woman was a certainty. Nor did it matter that +Mistress Fairfax was no beauty; for the duke, being grateful for past +favours liberally bestowed by the opposite sex, had no intention of +becoming under any circumstances churlish enough to limit his devotion +to one lady, though she were his wife. + +Carefully disguising himself, he journeyed to London, where he was met +by a faithful friend, who promised he would aid him in winning Mistress +Fairfax, towards which end he promptly introduced the duke to that +estimable gentlewoman. Having once obtained speech of her, the remainder +of his scheme was comparatively easy of accomplishment. She loved the +gay and graceful gallant at first sight, and through years of bitter +wrong and cruel neglect continued his faithful and devoted slave. + +Though she had become clandestinely acquainted with him, she was too +good a daughter to wed without her father's consent. But this she had +not much difficulty in obtaining. Though Lord Fairfax had fought against +his king, he was not sufficiently republican to scorn alliance with +nobility, nor so thoroughly puritan as to disdain connection with +the ungodly. Accordingly he gave his sanction to the union, which was +celebrated at his mansion at Nun Appleton, within six miles of York. +Now, my Lord Fairfax had not consulted Cromwell's goodwill concerning +this alliance, the news of which reaching the Protector in due time, +made him exceedingly wroth. For he had daughters to marry, and, that he +might strengthen his power, was desirous of wedding them to scions of +nobility; Buckingham being one of those whom he had mentally selected to +become a member of his family. His anger was therefore at once directed +against Fairfax and his grace. The former he could not molest, but the +latter he committed to the Tower; and if the great Protector had not +been soon after seized by fatal illness, the duke would have made his +last journey from thence to Tower Hill. As it fell out he remained a +prisoner until within a year of the coming of Charles, whom he welcomed +with exceeding joy. Being bred with the merry monarch, he had from +boyhood been a favourite of his majesty, with whom he shared a common +love for diversion. He was, therefore, from the first a prominent figure +at Whitehall; his handsome person and extravagant dress adorned the +court; his brilliant wit and poignant satire amused the royal circle. + +His grace, however, had a rival, the vivacity of whose temper and +piquancy of whose humour went far to eclipse Buckingham's talent in +these directions. This was the young Earl of Rochester, son of my Lord +Wilmot, who had so successfully aided the king's escape after the battle +of Worcester, for which service he had been created Earl of Rochester +by Charles in Paris. That worthy man dying just a year previous to the +restoration, his son succeeded to his titles, and likewise to an estate +which had been preserved for him by the prudence of his mother. Even in +his young days Lord Rochester gave evidence of possessing a lively wit +and remarkable genius, which were cultivated by his studies at Oxford +and his travels abroad. So that at the age of eighteen, when he returned +to England and presented himself at Whitehall, his sprightly parts won +him the admiration of courtiers and secured him the favour of royalty. +Nor was the young earl less distinguished by his wit and learning than +by his face and figure; the delicate beauty of his features and natural +grace of his person won him the love of many women, whom the tenderness +of his heart and generosity of his youth did not permit him to leave +unrequited. + +Soon surfeited by his conquests in the drawing-room, he was anxious to +extend his triumphs in another direction; and, selecting the sea as a +scene of action, he volunteered to sail under my Lord Sandwich in quest +of the Dutch East Indian fleet. At the engagements to which this led he +exhibited a dauntless courage that earned him renown abroad, and covered +him with honour on his return to court. From that time he, for many +years, surrendered himself to a career of dissipation, often abandoning +the paths of decency and decorum, pursuing vice in its most daring and +eccentric fashion, employing his genius in the composition of lampoons +which spared not even the king, and in the writing of ribald verses, the +very names of which are not proper to indite. Lord Orford speaks of him +as a man "whom the muses were fond to inspire, and ashamed to avow; and +who practised, without the least reserve, that secret which can make +verses more read for their defects than for their merits." More of my +Lord Rochester and his poems anon. + +Thomas Killigrew, another courtier, was a poet, dramatist, and man of +excellent wit. He had been page in the service of his late majesty, and +had shared exile with the present monarch, to whose pleasures abroad and +at home he was ever ready to pander. At the restoration he was appointed +a groom of the bedchamber, and, moreover, was made master of the +revels--an office eminently suited to his tastes, and well fitted to +exercise his capacities. His ready wit amused the king so much, that +he was occasionally led to freedoms of speech which taxed his majesty's +good-nature. His escapades diverted the court to such an extent, that he +frequently took the liberty of affording it entertainment at the expense +of its reputation. The "beau Sidney," a man "of sweet and caressing +temper," handsome appearance, and amorous disposition; Sir George +Etherege, a wit and a playwright; and Charles Sackville, Earl of Dorset, +a poet and man of sprightly speech, were likewise courtiers of note. + +Among such congenial companions the merry monarch abandoned himself +wholly to the pursuit of pleasure, and openly carried on his intrigue +with Barbara Palmer. According to the testimony of her contemporaries, +she was a woman of surpassing loveliness and violent passions. Gilbert +Burnet, whilst admitting her beauty, proclaims her defects. She was, he +relates, "most enormously vicious and ravenous, foolish but imperious, +very uneasy to the king, and always carrying on intrigues with other +men, while she yet pretended she was jealous of him." Pepys testifies +likewise to her physical attractions so long as she reigned paramount +in the king's affections; but when another woman, no less fair, came +betwixt my lady and his majesty's favour, Mr. Pepys, being a loyal +man and a frail, found greater beauty in the new love, whose charms he +avowed surpassed the old. To his most interesting diary posterity is +indebted for glimpses of the manner in which the merry monarch and his +mistress behaved themselves during the first months of the restoration. +Now he tells of "great doings of musique," which were going on at Madame +Palmer's house, situated in the Strand, next Earl Sandwich's, and of +the king and the duke being with that lady: again, in the Chapel +Royal, Whitehall, he observed, whilst Dr. Herbert Croft prayed and +preached, "how the Duke of York and Mrs. Palmer did talk to one another +very wantonly through the hangings that part the king's closet and +the closet where the ladies sit." And later on, when he witnessed "The +Humorous Lieutenant" performed before the court, he noted the royal +favourite was likewise present, "with whom the king do discover a great +deal of familiarity." + +Presently, in February, 1661, exactly nine months after his majesty's +return, Mrs. Palmer gave birth to a daughter. To the vast amusement +of the court, no less than three men claimed the privilege of being +considered father of this infant. One of these was my Lord Chesterfield, +whom the child grew to resemble in face and person; the second was Roger +Palmer, who left her his estate; the third was King Charles, who had +her baptized Anne Palmer Fitzroy, adopted her as his daughter, and +eventually married her to the Earl of Sussex. + +Soon after the restoration the subject of his majesty's marriage was +mooted by his councillors, who trusted a happy union would redeem him +from vice, and, by bringing him heirs, help to establish him more firmly +in the affections of his people. The king lending a willing ear to this +advice, the sole difficulty in carrying it into execution rested in +the selection of a bride congenial to his taste and equal to his +sovereignty. King Louis of France had no sisters, and his nieces had +not commended themselves to the merry monarch's favour during his +stay abroad. Spain had two infantas, but one was wedded to the King +of France, and the other betrothed to the heir of the royal house of +Austria. Germany, of course, had princesses in vast numbers, who awaited +disposal; but when they were proposed to King Charles, "he put off the +discourse with raillery," as Lord Halifax narrates. "Odd's fish," he +would say, shrugging his shoulders and making a grimace, "I could not +marry one of them: they are all dull and foggy!" + +Catherine of Braganza, daughter of Don Juan IV. of Portugal, was +unwedded, and to her Charles ultimately addressed himself. Alliance with +her commended itself to the nation from the fact that the late king, +before the troubled times began, had entered into a negotiation with +Portugal concerning the marriage of this same infanta and his present +majesty; and such was the esteem in which the memory of Charles I. was +now held, that compliance with his desires was regarded as a sacred +obligation. The Portuguese ambassador assured the merry monarch that the +princess, by reason of her beauty, person, and age, was most suited to +him. To convince him of this, he showed his majesty a portrait of the +lady, which the king examining, declared "that person could not be +unhandsome." The ambassador, who was of a certainty most anxious for +this union, then said it was true the princess was a catholic, and would +never change her faith; but she was free from "meddling activity;" that +she had been reared by a wise mother, and would only look to the freedom +of practising her own religion without interfering with that of others. +Finally, he added that the princess would have a dowry befitting +her high station, of no less a sum than five hundred thousand pounds +sterling in ready money. + +Moreover, by way of addition to this already handsome portion, the Queen +of Portugal was ready to assign over and annex to the English crown, +the Island of Bombay, in the East Indies, and Tangier on the African +coast--a place of strength and importance, which would be of great +benefit and security to British commerce. Nor was this all. Portugal +was likewise willing to grant England free trade in Brazil and the East +Indies, a privilege heretofore denied all other countries. This was +indeed a dower which none of the "dull and foggy" German princesses +could bring the crown. The prospect of obtaining so much ready money +especially commended the alliance to the extravagant taste of his +majesty, who had this year complained to Parliament of his poverty, by +reason of which he "was so much grieved to see many of his friends come +to him at Whitehall, and to think they were obliged to go somewhere else +for a dinner." + +The merry monarch was therefore well pleased at the prospect of his +union, as were likewise the chancellor and four or five "competent +considerers of such an affair" whom he consulted. These worthy +counsellors and men of sage repute, who included in their number the +Duke of Ormond and Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State, the Earl +of Manchester, and the Earl of Southampton, after regretting it was not +agreeable to his majesty to select a queen who professed the protestant +religion, gave it as their opinion there was no catholic princess in +Europe whom he, with so much reason and advantage, could marry as the +infanta of Portugal. They, moreover, added that the sum promised as +part of her portion, setting aside the places, "was much greater--almost +double to what any king had ever received in money by any marriage." +The council, therefore, without a dissenting voice, advised him to the +marriage. + +On the 8th of May, 1661, his majesty, being clad in robes of state, +and wearing the crown, rode in great pomp to open Parliament, which he +addressed from the throne. In the course of his speech, he announced his +approaching marriage in a singularly characteristic address. "I will +not conclude without telling you some news," he said, "news that I think +will be very acceptable to you, and therefore I should think myself +unkind, and ill-natured if I did not impart it to you. I have been put +in mind by my friends that it was now time to marry, and I have +thought so myself ever since I came into England. But there appeared +difficulties enough in the choice, though many overtures have been made +to me; and if I should never marry until I could make such a choice +against which there could be no foresight of any inconvenience that may +ensue, you would live to see me an old bachelor, which I think you do +not desire to do. I can now tell you, not only that I am resolved to +marry, but with whom I am resolved to marry. If God please, it is with +the daughter of Portugal. And I will make all the haste I can to fetch +you a queen hither, who, I doubt not, will bring great blessings with +her to me and you." + +Next day addresses of congratulation were presented to his majesty +by both Houses. This gratifying news was made known to the Portuguese +ambassador, Count da Ponte, by the lord high chancellor, who visited his +excellency for the purpose, attended by state befitting such a great +and joyful occasion; two gentlemen preceded him, bearing respectively +a gilded mace and a crimson velvet purse embroidered with the arms +of Great Britain, and many others following him to the ambassador's +residence. A month later, the marriage articles were signed; the new +queen being guaranteed the free exercise of her faith, and the sum +of thirty thousand a year during life; whilst the king was assured +possession of her great dowry, together with the territories already +mentioned, one of which, Bombay, ultimately became of such vast +importance to the crown. + +Charles then despatched the Portuguese ambassador to Catherine--from +this time styled queen--in order to make arrangements for her journey +into England. Likewise he wrote a letter, remarkable for the fervour +of its sentiments and elegance of its diction, which da Ponte was +commissioned to convey her. This courtly epistle, addressed by Charles +to "The Queen of Great Britain, my wife and lady, whom God preserve," is +dated July 2nd, 1661, and runs as follows: + +"MY LADY AND WIFE, + +"Already, at my request, the good Count da Ponte has set off for Lisbon; +for me the signing of the marriage act has been great happiness; +and there is about to be despatched at this time after him one of my +servants, charged with what would appear necessary, whereby may +be declared, on my part, the inexpressible joy of this felicitous +conclusion, which, when received, will hasten the coming of your +majesty. + +"I am going to make a short progress into some of my provinces; in the +meantime, whilst I go from my most sovereign good, yet I do not complain +as to whither I go, seeking in vain tranquillity in my restlessness; +hoping to see the beloved person of your majesty in these kingdoms +already your own, and that with the same anxiety with which, after my +long banishment, I desired to see myself within them, and my subjects, +desiring also to behold me amongst them, having manifested their most +ardent wishes for my return, well known to the world. The presence of +your serenity is only wanting to unite us, under the protection of God, +in the health and content I desire. I have recommended to the queen, our +lady and mother, the business of the Count da Ponte, who, I must here +avow, has served me in what I regard as the greatest good in this world, +which cannot be mine less than it is that of your majesty; likewise not +forgetting the good Richard Russell, who laboured on his part to the +same end. [Richard Russell was Bishop of Portalegre, in Portugal, and +Almoner to Catherine of Braganza.] + +"The very faithful husband of your majesty, whose hand he kisses, + + "CHARLES REX." + +London, 2nd of July, 1661. + + +During many succeeding months preparations were made in England to +receive the young Queen. The "Royal Charles," a stately ship capable +of carrying eighty cannon and six hundred men, was suitably fitted to +convey her to England. + +The state room and apartments destined for use of the future bride were +furnished and ornamented in most luxuriant manner, being upholstered +in crimson velvet, handsomely carpeted, and hung with embroideries and +taffeties. Lord Sandwich was made commander of the gallant fleet which +in due time accompanied the "Royal Charles." He was likewise appointed +ambassador extraordinary, and charged with safely conducting the bride +unto her bridegroom. + +In due time, my lord, in high spirits, set sail with his gallant fleet, +and on arriving at Portugal was received with every remark of profound +respect, and every sign of extravagant joy. Stately ceremonies at court +and brilliant rejoicings in public made time speed with breathless +rapidity. But at length there came a day when my Lord Sandwich +encountered a difficulty he had not foreseen. According to instructions, +he had taken possession of Tangier before proceeding for the queen; and +he had likewise been directed to see her dowry put on board one of his +ships, before receiving her on the "Royal Charles." + +Now the Queen of Portugal, who acted as regent since the death of her +husband, being strongly desirous of seeing her daughter the consort of a +great sovereign, and of protecting her country from the tyranny of Spain +by an alliance with England, had gathered the infanta's marriage +portion with infinite trouble; which had necessitated the selling of her +majesty's jewels and much of her plate, and the borrowing of both plate +and jewels from churches and monasteries all over the land. The sums +accumulated in this manner she had carefully stowed away in great +sacks; but, alas, between the date on which the marriage treaty had been +signed, and arrival of the English ambassador to claim the bride, Spain +had made war upon Portugal, and the dowry had to be expended in arming +the country for defence. Therefore, when my Lord Sandwich mentioned the +dowry, her majesty, with keen regrets and infinite apologies, informed +him so great were the straits of poverty to which her kingdom was +reduced, that she could pay only half the stipulated sum at present, +but promised the remaining portion should be made up the following year. +Moreover, the part which she then asked him to accept was made up of +jewels, sugars, spices and other commodities which she promised to have +converted by arrangement into solid gold in London. + +The ambassador was therefore sorely perplexed, and knew not whether +he should return to England without the bride, or take her and the +merchandise which represented half her dowry on board his ship. He +decided on the latter course, and the queen, with her court and retinue, +set sail for merry England on the 23rd of April, 1662. + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.--The queen arrives at + Portsmouth.--Visited by the Duke of York.--The king leaves town,--First + interview with his bride.--His letter to the lord chancellor.--Royal + marriage and festivities.--Arrival at Hampton Court Palace.--Prospects + of a happy union.--Lady Castlemaine gives birth to a second child.--The + king's infatuation.--Mistress and wife.--The queen's misery.--The king's + cruelty.--Lord Clarendon's messages.--His majesty resolves to break the + queen's spirit.--End of the domestic quarrel. + +Whilst the king conducted the negotiations of his marriage with +Catherine of Braganza, he likewise continued the pursuit of his intrigue +with Barbara Palmer. The unhappy fascination which this vile woman +exercised over his majesty increased with time; and though his ministers +declared a suitable marriage would reform his ways, his courtiers +concluded he had no intention of abandoning his mistress in favour of +his wife. For Barbara Palmer, dreading the loss of her royal lover and +the forfeiture of wealth accruing from this connection, had firmly bound +him in her toils. Moreover, in order that he might continually abide +under her influence, she conceived a scheme which would of necessity +bring her into constant intercourse with him and the young queen. +She therefore demanded he would appoint her one of the ladies of the +bedchamber to her majesty, to which he, heedless of the insult this +would fix upon his wife, readily consented. + +In order to qualify Barbara Palmer for such a position, it was necessary +she should be raised to the peerage. This could only be accomplished by +ennobling her husband, unless public decency were wholly ignored, +and she was created a peeress in her own right, whilst he remained a +commoner. After some faint show of hesitation, Roger Palmer accepted the +honours thrust upon him by reason of his wife's infamy. On the 11th of +December, 1661, he was created Earl of Castlemaine, and Baron Limerick +in the peerage of Ireland, when the royal favourite became a countess. + +And now the merry month of May being arrived, the queen was speedily +expected; and on the night of the 13th joyful tidings reached London +that the "Royal Charles," accompanied by the fleet, was in sight of +Portsmouth. At which news there was great rejoicing throughout the town, +church bells ringing merrily, and bonfires blazing brightly; but before +the Countess of Castlemaine's house, where the king, according to his +custom was at supper, there was no fire, though such signs of joy burned +"at all the rest of the doors almost in the streets, which was much +observed." + +Next day the fleet arrived in the harbour of Portsmouth, about four in +the afternoon. Heath says the people gathered to receive the bride with +all possible demonstrations of honour, "the nobility and gentry and +multitudes of Londoners, in most rich apparel and in great numbers, +waiting on the shore for her landing; and the mayor and aldermen and +principal persons of that corporation being in their gowns, and with a +present and a speech ready to entertain her; the cannon and small shot, +both from round that town and the whole fleet echoing to one another +the loud proclamations of their joy." These good people were, however, +destined to disappointment; for though the bride was impatient to land, +because suffering from prostration consequent on a rough voyage and +severe illness, she was not, in observance of court etiquette, permitted +to leave the ship until the king arrived. This did not take place +until six days later, Charles being detained in town by reason of some +important bills then passing in Parliament, which it was necessary for +him to sign. He had, however, despatched his royal brother of York, then +Lord High Admiral of England, to meet her at sea, and give her greeting +in his name. Accordingly the duke had encountered the fleet at the Isle +of Wight, and gone on board the queen's ship, when she received him in +her cabin seated under a canopy on a chair of state. His royal highness +expressed his joy at her arrival, presented "his majesty's high respects +and his exceeding affection for her," and paid her many compliments. +Lord Chesterfield, who had been appointed chamberlain to the queen, +tells us: "Although James, in consequence of his near connection with +the sovereign, might have saluted the royal bride, he did not avail +himself of this privilege, out of a delicate regard to his majesty's +feelings, that he might be the first man to offer that compliment to his +queen; she coming out of a country where it was not the fashion." The +Duke of York presented some noblemen who had accompanied him; after +which she introduced the members of her suite. The queen and her +brother-in-law then held a conversation in the Spanish language, when +James assured her of his affection, and besought her to accept his +services. To these compliments she replied in like manner, when he arose +to depart. The queen advanced three paces with him, not withstanding +that he protested against such courtesy, bidding her remember her rank. +At this she smiled, and answered with much sweetness, "She wished to do +that out of affection, which she was not obliged to do"--a reply which +made a favourable impression on his mind. Whilst she continued on +board, the duke and his suite visited her daily, entering freely into +conversation with her, and finding her "a most agreeable lady." Probably +at the desire of the king, she left the ship before his arrival, and was +conveyed to his majesty's house at Portsmouth, where she was received +by the Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the bedchamber, and four other +ladies who had been appointed members of her household. One of her first +requests to these was--as may be learned from a letter of Lord Sandwich, +preserved in the Bodleian library--"that they would put her in that +habit they thought would be most pleasing to the king." Before leaving +the "Royal Charles" she spoke to all the officers of the ship, thanked +them for their services, and permitted them to kiss her hand. She +then presented a collar of gold to the captain, and gave money to be +distributed among the crew. + +When at length the parliamentary business was concluded, the king found +himself in readiness to depart. The last words he addressed to his +faithful commons before starting are worth recording: "The mention of my +wife's arrival," said he, in the pleasant familiar tone it was his wont +to use, "puts me in mind to desire you to put that compliment upon her, +that her entrance into this town may be made with more decency than +the ways will now suffer it to be; and to that purpose I pray you would +quickly pass such laws as are before you, in order to the mending those +ways, that she may not find Whitehall surrounded with water." + +At nine o'clock on the night of the 19th of May, his majesty left London +in Lord Northumberland's carriage, on his way to Portsmouth. Arriving +at Kingston an hour later, he entered Lord Chesterfield's coach, which +awaited him there by appointment, and drove to Guildford, at which town +he slept the night. In the morning he was up betimes, and posted to +Portsmouth, where he arrived at noon. The queen, being ill of a slight +fever, was yet in bed: but the king, all impatient to see the bride +which heaven had sent him, sought admittance to her chamber. The poor +princess evidently did not look to advantage; for his majesty told +Colonel Legg he thought at first glance "they had brought him a bat +instead of a woman." On further acquaintance, however, she seemed to +have afforded more pleasure to the king's sight, for the next day he +expressed the satisfaction he felt concerning her, in a letter addressed +to the lord chancellor, which is preserved in the library of the British +Museum, and runs as follows: + +"PORTSMOUTH, 21st May (Eight in the Morning). + +"I arrived here yesterday about two in the afternoon, and, as soon as I +had shifted myself, I went into, my wife's chamber, whom I found in +bed, by reason of a little cough and some inclination to a fever: but I +believe she will find herself very well in the morning when she wakes. +I can now only give you an account of what I have seen abed, which, in +short, is, her face is not so exact as to be called a beauty, though her +eyes are excellent good, and not anything in her face that in the least +degree can shock one: on the contrary, she hath as much agreeableness +in her looks altogether as ever I saw; and if I have any skill in +physiognomy, which I think I have, she must be as good a woman as ever +was born. Her conversation, as much as I can perceive, is very good, for +she has wit enough, and a most agreeable voice. You would wonder to +see how well acquainted we are already. In a word, I think myself very +happy; for I am confident our two humours will agree very well together. +I have no more to say: my Lord Lieutenant will give you an account of +the rest." + +The king was attended by Lord Sandwich during this interview, and his +lordship, in a letter addressed to the lord chancellor, informed him +the meeting between his majesty and the infanta, "hath been with much +contentment on both sides, and that we are like to be very happy in +their conjunction." Next morning the Countess of Suffolk, and other +ladies appointed to wait upon the bride, dressed her according to the +English fashion, in "a habit they thought would be most pleasing to +the king," in which she was married. The ceremony was first performed +according to the rites of the Catholic Church, by the Rev. Lord Aubigny, +brother to the Duke of Richmond, in the queen's bedchamber; that +apartment being selected for the purpose, as affording a privacy +necessary to be maintained, by reason of the prejudice then existing +towards Catholicism. There were present the Duke of York, Philip, +afterwards Cardinal Howard, and five Portuguese, all of whom were bound +over to keep the strictest secrecy concerning what they witnessed. +Later in the day, Dr. Sheldon, Bishop of London, married their majesties +according to the form prescribed by the Church of England. The latter +ceremony took place in the presence chamber. A rail divided the +apartment, at the upper part of which the king and queen, the bishops, +the Spanish Ambassador, and Sir Richard Fanshaw stood; the lower +portion being crowded by the court. When Dr. Sheldon had declared their +majesties married, the Countess of Suffolk, according to a custom of the +time, detached the ribbons from the bride's dress, and, cutting them in +pieces, distributed them amongst those present. + +Feasting, balls, and diversions of all kinds followed the celebration +of the royal nuptials, and for a time the king was delighted with +his bride. Four days after the marriage he writes again to the lord +chancellor in most cheerful tone: + +"My brother will tell you of all that passes here, which I hope will +be to your satisfaction. I am sure 'tis so much to mine that I cannot +easily tell you how happy I think myself, and must be the worst +man living (which I hope I am not) if I be not a good husband. I am +confident never two humours were better fitted together than ours are. +We cannot stir from hence till Tuesday, by reason that there is not +carts to be had to-morrow to transport all our GUARDE INFANTAS, without +which there is no stirring: so you are not to expect me till Thursday +night at Hampton Court." + +They did not reach the palace until the 29th of May, that being the +king's birthday, and, moreover, the anniversary of his entrance into +London; a date which the Queen's arrival now caused to be celebrated +with triple magnificence and joy. When the coach that conveyed +their majesties drew near, the whole palace seemed astir with happy +excitement. Double lines of soldiers, both horse and foot, lined the way +from the gates to the entrance. In the great hall the lord chancellor, +foreign ambassadors, judges, and councillors of state awaited to +pay homage to their majesties; whilst in various apartments were the +nobility and men of quality, with their ladies, ranged according to +their rank, being all eager to kiss the new queen's hand. Sure never was +such show of gladness. Bells rang people cheered, bonfires blazed. + +In the evening news was brought that the Duchess of York was being rowed +to Hampton from town; hearing which, the king, with a blithe heart, +betook his way to meet her through the garden, now bright with spring +flowers and fragrant with sweet scents, till he arrived at the gate +by which the silver streak of the pleasant Thames flowed past. And +presently on this calm May eve the sound of oars splashing in the tide +was heard, and anon a barge came in sight, hung with silken curtains +and emblazoned with the arms of royalty. From this the Duchess of York +disembarked, aided by the king. When she had offered her congratulations +to him, he, taking her hand, led her to his bride, that such fair +speeches might be repeated to her majesty. And coming into the queen's +presence the duchess would have gone upon her knees and kissed her +majesty's hand; but Catherine raised her in her arms, and kissed her on +the cheek. Then amidst much joy the happy evening waned to night. + +The royal palace of Hampton Court, in which Charles had decided on +spending his honeymoon, had been raised by the magnificent Wolsey in the +plenitude of his power as a place of recreation. Since his downfall +it had been used by royalty as a summer residence, it being in truth a +stately pleasure house. The great pile contained upwards of four +hundred rooms. The principal apartments had cedar or gilded and frescoed +ceilings, and walls hung with rare tapestries and curtains heavy with +gold. Moreover, these rooms contained furniture of most skilful design +and costly manufacture, and were adorned by the choice works of such +masters of their art as Holbein, Bellini, Vansomer, Rubens, and Raphael; +and withal enriched with Indian cabinets, such as never were seen in +England before, which the queen had brought with her from Portugal. + +The great hall had been the scene of many sumptuous banquets. The chapel +was rich in carved designs. Her majesty's bedroom, with its curtains of +crimson silk, its vast mirror and toilet of beaten and massive gold, was +a splendid apartment--the more so from its state bed, which Evelyn says +was "an embroidery of silver on crimson velvet, and cost L8,000, being +a present made by the States of Holland, when his majesty returned, and +had formerly been given by them to our king's sister, ye Princess of +Orange, and being bought of her againe, was now presented to ye king." +Around this noble residence, where the court was wont to tarry in summer +months, stretched broad and flowerful gardens, with wide parterres, +noble statues, sparkling fountains, and marble vases; and beyond lay the +park, planted "with swete rows of lime-trees." + +And here all day long, in the fair summer time of this year, pleasure +held boundless sway. Sauntering in balmy gardens, or seeking shelter +from sun-rays in green glades and leafy groves, their majesties, +surrounded by their brilliant court, chased bright hours away in frolic +and pleasantry from noon till night. Then revelry, gaining new life, +began once more, when courtly figures danced graceful measures to sounds +of mirthful strains, under the lustre of innumerable lights. + +For a while it seemed as if a brave prospect of happiness was in store +for the young queen. Her love for her husband, her delight in his +affection, her pride in his accomplishments, together with her +simplicity, innocence, and naivete, completely won his heart. These +claims to his affection were, moreover, strengthened by the charms of +her person. Lord Chesterfield, a man whom experience of the sex had +made critical, writes that she "was exactly shaped, has lovely hands, +excellent eyes, a good countenance, a pleasing voice, fine hair, and, +in a word, what an understanding man would wish for in a wife." +Notwithstanding the attractions of her majesty's person which he +enumerates, he adds his fears that "all these will hardly make things +run in the right channel; but, if it should, our court will require a +new modelling." In this note of alarm he forebodes danger to come. A man +of his majesty's character, witty and careless, weak and voluptuous, was +not likely to reconstruct his court, or reclaim it from ways he loved. +Nor was his union calculated to exercise a lasting impression on him. +The affection he bore his wife in the first weeks of their married +life was due to the novelty he found in her society, together with the +absence of temptation in the shape of his mistress. Constancy to the +marriage vow was scarcely to be expected from a man whose morals had +never been shackled by restraint; yet faithlessness to a bride was +scarcely to be anticipated ere the honeymoon had waned. This was, +however, the unhappy fate which awaited Catherine of Braganza. + +It happened early in the month of June, whilst the court was at Hampton, +my Lady Castlemaine, who had remained in town through illness, gave +birth to a second child. The infant was baptized Charles Palmer, +adopted by the king as his own, and as such subsequently created Duke +of Southampton. This event seemed to renew all his majesty's tenderness +towards her. Wearied by the charm of innocence in the person of his +wife, his weak nature yielded to the attraction of vice in that of his +mistress. He, therefore, frequently left Hampton Court that he might +ride to London, visit the countess, and fritter away some hours in her +presence; being heedless alike of the insult he dealt the queen, and the +scandal he gave the nation. + +The while my Lord Castlemaine lived with the lady who shared his title, +and whom he called his wife; but their continuance to abide in harmony +and goodwill was, soon after the birth of this child, interrupted for +ever. My lord was certainly a loyal subject, but he was likewise a +religious man, as may be judged, not by that which has been recorded, +but from the narration which follows. Having been bred a Catholic, +he was anxious his wife's son should be enrolled a member of the same +community. To this end he had him baptized by a priest, a proceeding of +which the king wholly disapproved; not because his majesty was attached +to any religion in particular, but rather that he resented interference +with the infant whom he rested satisfied was his own child. Accordingly, +by the king's command, Lady Castlemaine's son was rebaptized by the +rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster, in the presence of his majesty, +the Earl of Oxford, and the Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the +bedchamber to the queen and aunt to the king's mistress. + +This exasperated my Lord Castlemaine to such a degree that high words +passed between him and his lady: on which he resolved to part from her +for ever. However, she was more prompt to act in the matter than he; +for, taking advantage of his absence one day, she packed up her jewels, +plate, and household treasures, and departed to the residence of her +uncle, Colonel Edward Villiers, at Richmond. This step was probably +taken, if not by his majesty's suggestion, at least with his full +approval; for the house she selected brought her within an easy distance +of Hampton Court, into which the king designed promptly to introduce +her. + +Now rumour of the king's liason had spread beyond the English nation, +and had been whispered even at the secluded court of Portugal, into the +ears of the bride elect. And the queen regent, dreading the trouble +this might draw upon her daughter, had counselled her never to admit +his majesty's mistress into her presence. This advice the young queen +determined to act upon; and accordingly when Charles, a couple of days +after their marriage, presented her with a list of those appointed to +her household--amongst whom was my Lady Castlemaine--her majesty drew a +pen across the name of the dreaded favourite. The king, if surprised +or indignant, made no remark at the time, but none the less held to +the resolution he had taken of appointing the countess a lady of the +bedchamber. No further attempt of intruding his mistress's presence upon +his wife was made until Lady Castlemaine came to Richmond. + +It happened on the afternoon of the day on which the favourite arrived +her majesty sat in the great drawing-room, surrounded by a brilliant +throng of noble and beautiful women and gay and gallant men. The windows +of the apartment stood open; outside fountains splashed in the sun; +music played in a distant glade: and all the world seemed glad. And +as the queen listened to pleasant sounds of wit and gossip, murmuring +around her, the courtiers, at sound of a well-known footstep, suddenly +ceasing their discourse, fell back on either side adown the room. At +that moment the king entered, leading a lady apparelled in magnificent +attire, the contour of whose face and outline of whose figure +distinguished her as a woman of supreme and sensuous loveliness. + +His majesty, suceedingly rich in waving feathers, glittering satins, and +fluttering ribbons, returned the gracious bows of his courtiers to +right and left; and, unconscious of the curious and perplexed looks they +interchanged, advanced to where his wife sat, and introduced my +Lady Castlemaine. Her majesty bowed and extended her hand, which the +countess, having first courtesyed profoundly, raised to her lips. The +queen either had not caught the name, or had disassociated it from that +of her husband's mistress; but in an instant the character of the woman +presented, and the insult the king had inflicted, flashed upon her mind. +Coming so suddenly, it was more than she could bear; all colour fled +from her face, tears rushed to her eyes, blood gushed from her nostrils, +and she fell senseless to the floor. + +Such strong evidence of the degree in which his young wife felt the +indignity forced upon her, by no means softened his majesty's heart +towards her, but rather roused his indignation at what he considered +public defiance of his authority. But as his nature was remote from +roughness, and his disposition inclined to ease, he at first tried to +gain his desire by persuasion, and therefore besought the queen she +would suffer his mistress to become a lady of the bedchamber. But +whenever the subject was mentioned to her majesty, she burst into tears, +and would not give heed to his words. Charles therefore, incensed on his +side, deserted her company, and sought the society of those ever ready +to entertain him. And as the greater number of his courtiers were fully +as licentious as himself, they had no desire he should become subject to +his wife, or alter the evil tenor of his ways. + +Therefore in their conversation they cited to him the example of his +grandfather, King James I., of glorious memory, who had not dissembled +his passions, nor suffered the same to become a reproach to those who +returned his love; but had obliged his queen to bear with their company, +and treat them with grace and favour; and had, moreover, raised his +natural children to the degree of princes of the blood. They told +Charles he had inherited the disposition of his grandsire, and they were +sure he would treat the objects of his affection in like manner as that +king had done. Lady Castlemaine, her friends moreover argued, had, by +reason of her love for his majesty, parted from her husband; and now +that she had been so publicly made an object of the queen's indignation, +she would, if abandoned by him, meet with rude contempt from the world. +To such discourses as these the king lent a willing ear, the more as +they encouraged him to act according to his desires. He was therefore +fully determined to support his mistress; and firmly resolved to subdue +his wife. + +Meanwhile, all joyousness vanished from the court; the queen seemed +thoroughly dejected, the king bitterly disappointed, and the courtiers +grievously disturbed. Moreover, rumours of the trouble which had risen +between their majesties became noised abroad, and gave the people +occasion of speaking indifferently of their lord the king. Now Charles +in his unhappiness betook himself to the chancellor, who was not only +his sage adviser and trusted friend, but who had already gained the +esteem and confidence of the queen. My lord, by reason of his services +to the late king, and his friendship towards his present majesty, took +to himself the privilege of speaking with freedom and boldness whenever +his advice was asked by the monarch. As Burnet tells us, the worthy +chancellor would never make any application to the king's mistress, nor +allow anything to pass the seal in which she was named; nor would he +ever consent to visit her, which the bishop considered "was maintaining +the decencies of virtue in a very solemn manner." The king knowing my +lord was the only one of all the strangers surrounding the queen whom +she believed devoted to her service, and to whose advice she would +hearken with trust, therefore bade him represent to her the advisability +of obedience. + +Whereon the chancellor boldly pointed out to him "the hard-heartedness +and cruelty of laying such a command upon the queen, which flesh and +blood could not comply with." He also begged to remind the monarch of +what he had heard him say upon the occasion of a like indignity +being offered by a neighbouring king to his queen, inasmuch as he +had compelled her to endure the presence of his mistress at court. On +hearing which King Charles avowed it was "a piece of ill-nature that he +could never be guilty of; and if ever he should be guilty of having a +mistress after he had a wife, which he hoped he should never be, she +should never come where his wife was; he would never add that to the +vexation, of which she would have enough without it." Finally my lord +added that pursuit of the course his majesty had resolved on, was a most +certain way to lose the respect and affections of his people; that the +excesses he had already fallen into had in some degree lost him ground +in their good esteem, but that his continuance of them would "break the +hearts of all his friends, and be grateful only to those who desired the +destruction of monarchy." + +Charles heard him with some impatience, but in his reply betrayed that +graciousness of manner which, never forsaking him, went far in securing +the favour of those with whom he conversed. He commenced by telling the +chancellor he felt assured his words were prompted by the affection in +which he held him; and then having by a pathway of courteous speeches +found his way to the old man's heart, his majesty broached the subject +uppermost in his mind. His conscience and his honour, he said, for +he laid claim to both, led him to repair the ruin he had caused Lady +Castlemaine's reputation by promoting her to the position of a lady of +the bedchamber; and his gratitude prompted him to avow a friendship for +her, "which he owed as well to the memory of her father as to her own +person," and therefore he would not be restrained from her company and +her conversation. + +Moreover, he had proceeded so far in the business, that if not +successful Lady Castlemaine would be subjected to all imaginable +contempt, and be exposed to universal ridicule. If, he added, the queen +conformed to his wishes in this regard, it would be the only hard thing +he should ever require of her; and, indeed, she might make it very +easy, for my lady must behave with all possible respect in her presence, +otherwise she should never see his face again. Then he begged the +chancellor to wait upon her majesty, lay bare his arguments, and urge +her to receive the countess with some show of favour. The chancellor, +though not pleased with his mission, yet in hope of healing private +discord and averting public scandal, undertook to counsel the queen to +obedience, and accordingly waited on her in her private apartments. + +Now her majesty's education had been such as kept her in complete +ignorance of the world's ways. The greater part of her life had been +spent in the peaceful retirement of a convent, which she left for her +mother's country palace, a home scarcely less secluded. Maynard, in a +letter preserved in the State Paper Office, written from Lisbon when the +royal marriage was proposed, says the infanta, "as sweete a disposition +princess as everr was borne," was "bred hugely retired. She hath," he +continues, "hardly been tenn tymes out of the palace in her life. In +five years tyme she was not out of doores, untill she hurde of his +majestie's intentions to make her queen of Ingland, since which she hath +been to visit two saintes in the city; and very shortly shee intends to +pay her devotion to some saintes in the country." + +From a life of innocence she was brought for the first time face to face +with vice, by one who should have been foremost in shielding her from +its contact. All her training taught her to avoid the contamination +sought to be forced upon her; all her new-born love for her husband +prompted her to loathe the mistress who shared his affections. A +stranger in a strange land, a slighted queen, a neglected wife, an +outraged woman, her sufferings were bitter, Her wrongs were hard to +bear. Therefore when my lord chancellor came and made known the object +of his visit, she broke into a passion of tears, and could not speak +from force of sobs that seemed to rend her heart, and wholly choked her +utterance. + +The chancellor then retired with some dismay, but waited on her again +next day, when he found her more calm. She begged he would excuse the +outburst of feeling he had witnessed, but added very pitifully that when +she thought of her misfortunes "she sometimes gave vent to that passion +which was ready to break her heart." The advice, or, as he terms it, +"the evidence of his devotion," which the chancellor gave was worthy of +a courtier and a philosopher. He told the young queen he doubted "she +was little beholden to her education, that had given her no better +information of the follies and iniquities of mankind; of which he +presumed the climate from whence she came could have given more +instances than this cold region would afford." Had she been properly +instructed, he furthermore hinted, she would never have thought herself +so miserable, or her condition so insupportable; and indeed he could not +comprehend the reason of her loud complaint. + +At this she could no longer suppress the tears which came into her dark +eyes, and cried out she did not expect to find her husband in love with +another woman. Then my lord besought her submission to the king; but she +remained unshaken in the resolution she had formed. She was ready to ask +his majesty's pardon for tiny passion or peevishness she had been guilty +of, but added, "the fire appearing in her eyes where the water was," she +would never endure the presence of his mistress; and rather than submit +to such insult she would "put herself on board any little vessel" and +return to Lisbon. + +Back went the chancellor, with a heavy heart and a troubled face, to the +king. He softened the queen's words as much as possible, and assured his +majesty her resistance to his will proceeded "from the great passion +of love she had for him, which transported her beyond the limits of +reason." But this excuse, which should have rejoiced a husband's heart, +only irritated his majesty's temper. That night a violent quarrel took +place between the husband and wife, yet scarce more than bride and +bridegroom. When they had retired, the king--being inflamed with the +words of his courtiers, who assured him the dispute had now resolved +itself into a question of who should govern--reproached the queen with +stubbornness and want of duty; upon which she answered by charging him +with tyranny and lack of affection. One word borrowed another, till, +in his anger, he used threats when she declared she would leave the +kingdom. "The passion and noise of the night reached too many ears to +be a secret the next day," says the chancellor, "and the whole court was +full of that which ought to have been known to nobody." + +When the royal pair met next morning, they neither looked at nor spoke +to each other. Days passed full of depression and gloom for the young +wife, who spent most of her time in seclusion, whilst the king sought +distraction in the society of his courtiers. The chancellor, after +his second interview with the queen, absented himself from court, not +wishing to be furthermore drawn into a quarrel which he saw himself +powerless to heal. During his absence the king wrote him a letter which +evinced determination to carry out his design. This epistle, preserved +in the library of the British Museum, runs as follows: + +"HAMPTON COURT, THURSDAY MORNING. + +"I forgot when you were here last to desire you to give Broderich good +council not to meddle any more with what concerns my Lady Castlemaine, +and to let him have a care how he is the author of any scandalous +reports; for if I find him guilty of any such thing, I will make him +repent it to the last moment of his life. + +"And now I am entered on this matter, I think it very necessary to give +you a little good council in it, lest you may think that by making a +farther stir in the business you may divert me from my resolution, which +all the world shall never do; and I wish I may be unhappy in this world +and in the world to come, if I fail in the least degree of what I +have resolved, which is of making my Lady Castlemaine of my wife's +bedchamber. And whosoever I find in any endeavours to hinder this +resolution of mine (except it be only to myself), I will be his enemy +to the last moment of my life. You know how true a friend I have been to +you; if you will oblige me eternally, make this business as easy to me +as you can, of what opinion soever you are of; for I am resolved to +go through with this matter, let what will come on it, which again I +solemnly swear before Almighty God. + +"Therefore, if you desire to have the continuance of my friendship, +meddle no more with this business except it be to bear down all false +and scandalous reports, and to facilitate what I am sure my honour is so +much concerned in. And whosoever I find is to be my Lady Castlemaine's +enemy in this matter, I do promise, upon my word, to be his enemy as +long as I live. You may show this letter to my lord lieutenant, and if +you have both a mind to oblige me, carry yourselves like friends to me +in this matter." + +The chancellor was, soon after the receipt of this letter, summoned to +Hampton Court, when his majesty, with some passion, declared the +quarrel was spoken of everywhere, and wholly to his disadvantage. He was +therefore anxious to end it at once, and commanded my lord to wait again +upon the queen, and persuade her to his wishes. The chancellor informed +the king he "had much rather spend his pains in endeavouring to convert +his majesty from pursuing his resolution, which he did in his conscience +believe to be unjust, than in persuading her majesty to comply with it, +which yet he would very heartily do." Saying which, he departed on his +errand; to which the queen answered, her conscience would not allow her +to consent that the king's mistress should be one of her attendants. +Then the chancellor besought his royal master, saying he hoped he might +be no more consulted with, nor employed concerning an affair, in which +he had been so unsuccessful. + +By reason of this opposition the king was now more resolved than ever to +honour his mistress and humble his wife; and, with a cruelty unusual to +his nature, determined to break her majesty's spirit, and force her into +obedience. + +On coming to England the young bride had brought in her train some +Portuguese gentlewomen and nobles, whom she was anxious to employ in +various offices about her person, that she might not feel quite in the +midst of strangers. These his majesty believed were in some measure +answerable for the queen's resistance to his desires, and therefore +decided on sending them back to their own country; knowing moreover, +this was an act which would sorely grieve her majesty. Therefore, +without first deigning to inform, the Queen of Portugal, he named a day +for them to embark. This was a sad blow to the hopes of the Portuguese, +who had entertained high expectations of being placed in advantageous +circumstances about the court; nor did the king by any show of +liberality help to lessen their disappointment. The queen was indeed +afflicted at the prospect of their loss; and her mortification was +the greater because, having received no money since she came into the +kingdom, it was out of her power to make them compensation for their +services. + +The thought of being deprived of her people in her present unhappy +condition rendered her so miserable, that she besought the king to allow +some of them to remain; and, likewise, she employed others to make the +same petition on her behalf. Therefore one of her ladies, the Countess +of Penalva, who had been her attendant since childhood, and who now, +because of weakness of sight and other infirmities, scarce ever left her +apartments, was allowed to stay, as were likewise "those necessary to +her religion," and some servants employed in her kitchen. + +But these were not the only means the king took to thwart her majesty +and all connected with her. He upbraided the Portuguese ambassador for +not having instructed the queen "enough to make her unconcerned in +what had been before her time, and in which she could not reasonably be +concerned." Moreover he reproached him with the fact of the queen regent +having sent only half the marriage portion; and so harassed was the +ambassador by royal wrath, that he took to his bed, "and sustained such +a fever as brought him to the brink of the grave." Regarding that part +of the dowry which had arrived, Charles behaved in an equally ungracious +and undignified manner. He instructed the officers of the revenue to +use all strictness in its valuation, and not make any allowances. And +because Diego de Silva--whom the queen had designed for her treasurer, +and who on that account had undertaken to see the money paid in +London--did not make sufficient haste in the settlement of his accounts, +he was by the king's command cast into prison. + +These various affronts grievously afflicted her majesty, but the insults +she had to endure before the whole court wounded her far more. For +meanwhile the king lodged his mistress in the royal household, and every +day she was present in the drawing-room, when his majesty entered into +pleasant conversation with her, while his wife sat patiently by, as +wholly unheeded as if unseen. When the queen occasionally rose and +indignantly left the apartment to relieve her anguish by a storm of +tears, it may be one or two of the courtiers followed her, but the vast +number of the brilliant throng remained; and Lord Clarendon adds, +"they, too, often said those things aloud which nobody ought to have +whispered." + +Charles no longer appeared with the grave and troubled expression his +face had worn at the commencement of the quarrel, but seemed full of +pleasantry and eager for enjoyment. Those surrounding him took their +tone from the monarch, and followed his example the more because he "did +shew no countenance to any that belong to the queen." Her majesty, on +the contrary, took her misery to heart, and showed dejection by the +sadness of her face and listlessness of her gait. There was universal +diversion in all company but hers; sounds of laughter rang all day +and far into the night in every apartment of the palace but those +appropriated to her use. Charles steadily avoided her, and the +attendants who replaced her countrywomen showed more deference to the +king's mistress than to his queen. The solitary condition to which the +helpless foreigner and forsaken wife was reduced increased day by +day, her gloom deepened hour by hour, until, worn out by the unequal +conflict, her spirit broke. "At last," says Lord Clarendon, "when it +was least expected or suspected, the queen on a sudden let herself fall, +first to conversation, and then to familiarity, and even, in the same +instant, to a confidence with the lady; was merry with her in public, +talked kindly of her, and in private used no lady more friendly." + +From that hour her majesty never interfered with the king's amours, +and never again did a quarrel rise between them even to the day of his +death. + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.--My Lady Castlemaine a + spectator.--Young Mr. Crofts.--New arrivals at court.--The Hamilton + family.--The Chevalier de Grammont.--Mrs. Middleton and Miss Kirke.--At + the queen's ball--La belle Hamilton.--The queen mother at Somerset + House.--The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.--Fair Frances Stuart.--Those + who court her favour.--The king's passion. + +On the 23rd of August, 1662, their majesties journeyed from Hampton +Court to the palace of Whitehall by water. The gay and goodly procession +formed on that occasion has been described as "the most magnificent +triumph that ever floated on, the Thames." First came barges belonging +to city companies, beginning with the mercers and grocers, most of them +being attended with a pageant, and all of them richly adorned as +became their affection and loyalty. Then followed barges of statesmen, +nobility, and courtiers, with their retinues, brave in numbers, gay in +colours, and attended by bands of music. And finally came the king and +queen, seated side by side in a galley of antique shape, all draped +with crimson damask, bearing a canopy of cloth of gold, supported by +Corinthian pillars, wreathed with ribbons, and festooned with garlands +of fragrant flowers. + +The whole city was abroad, watchful of their approach; the Thames was +covered with boats to the number of ten thousand; and the banks were +crowded with spectators beyond reckoning. On this fair August day the +sky had not a single cloud to mar its universal blue; the sun shone +gloriously bright, turning the river to sheets of gleaming gold: whilst +the air was filled with roaring of cannon, strains of music, and hearty +shouts of a loyal multitude. + +Mr. Samuel Pepys, though he offered as much as eight shillings for a +boat to attend him that day, could not obtain one, and was therefore +obliged to view this gallant procession from the roof of the royal +banqueting hall, which commanded a glorious view of the Thames. But +what pleased his erratic fancy best on this occasion was, not the great +spectacle he had taken such trouble to survey, but a sight of my Lady +Castlemaine, who stood over against him "upon a piece of Whitehall." +The worthy clerk of the Admiralty "glutted" himself with looking on her; +"but methought it was strange," says he, "to see her lord and her upon +the same place walking up and down without taking notice of one another, +only at first entry he put off his hat, and she made him a very civil +salute, but afterwards took no notice of one another; but both of them +now and then would take their child, which the nurse held in her arms, +and dandle it. One thing more: there happened a scaffold below to fall, +and we feared some hurt, but there was none; but she of all the great +ladies only ran down among the common rabble to see what hurt was done, +and did take care of a child that received some little hurt, +which methought was so noble. Anon there came one there booted and +spurred, that she talked long with. And by-and-by, she being in her +haire, she put on her hat, which was but an ordinary one, to keep the +wind off. But methinks it became her mightily, as everything else do." + +It was notable the countess did not accompany her majesty in the +procession to Whitehall, as one of her attendants; but in fact she +had not obtained the position sought for, though she enjoyed all the +privileges pertaining to such an appointment. "Everybody takes her to +be of the bedchamber," the lord chancellor writes to the Duke of Ormond, +"for she is always there, and goes abrode in the coach. But the queen +tells me that the king promised her, on condition she would use her as +she doth others, that she should never live in court; yet lodgings I +hear she hath." Lodgings the countess certainly had provided for her in +that block of the palace of Whitehall, separated from the main buildings +by the old roadway running between Westminster and the city. + +A few days after their majesties' arrival at Whitehall, the queen mother +returned to town, and established her court at Somerset House, which had +been prepared for her future abode. She had arrived in England before +the king and queen left Hampton Court, and had taken up her residence +at Greenwich Palace. The avowed object of her visit was to congratulate +them upon their marriage. Charles and his bride therefore took barge to +Greenwich, one bright July day, followed by a brilliant and illustrious +train, that they might wait upon her majesty. And she, being made aware +of their approach, met them at the portal of the palace. There Catherine +would have gone down upon her knees to this gracious lady--the survivor +of great sorrows--but she took the young queen in her arms, and calling +her beloved daughter, kissed her many times. Then she greeted her sons +Charles and James, likewise the Duchess of York, and led them to the +presence-chamber, followed by the whole court. And presently when +Catherine would, through her interpreter, have expressed her gratitude +and affection, the elder queen besought her to lay aside all ceremony, +for she "should never have come to England again except for the pleasure +of seeing her, to love her as her daughter, and serve her as her queen." +At these sweet words the young wife, now in the first days of her +grief, was almost overcome by a sense of thankfulness, and could scarce +restrain her tears; but she answered bravely, "Believe me, madam, that +in love and obedience neither the king nor any of your children shall +exceed me." + +The court of the merry monarch and that of the queen mother being now +settled in town, a period of vast brilliancy ensued, during which great +festivity and much scandal obtained, by reason of intrigues in which the +king and his friends indulged. Whitehall, the scene of so much gaiety +and gallantry, was a palace by no means befitting the luxurious Charles. +It consisted of a series of irregular houses built for different +purposes at various periods; these contained upwards of two thousand +rooms, most of which were small, and many of which were without doors. +The buildings were intersected by grassy squares, where fountains +played, statues were grouped, and dials shadowed the passing hour. At +hand stood St. James's Park, with its fair meadows and leafy trees; +close by flowed the placid Thames, bearing heavily laden lighters and +innumerable barges. Attached to these dwellings, and forming part of +the palace, stood the great banquet hall, erected from designs by Inigo +Jones for James I. Here audiences to ambassadors, state balls, and +great banquets were held. The ceiling was painted by Rubens, and was, +moreover, handsomely moulded and richly gilt. Above the entrance-door +stood a statue of Charles I., "whose majestic mien delighted the +spectator;" Whilst close by one of the windows were the ineradicable +stains of blood, marking the spot near which he had been beheaded. + +Now in the train of the queen mother there had travelled from France +"a most pretty sparke of about fourteen years," whom Mr. Pepys plainly +terms "the king's bastard," but who was known to the court as young +Mr. Crofts. This little gentleman was son of Lucy Walters, "a brown, +beautiful, bold creature," who had the distinction of being first +mistress to the merry monarch. That he was his offspring the king +entertained no doubt, though others did; inasmuch as young Mr. Crofts +grew to resemble, "even to the wart on his face," Colonel Robert Sidney, +whose paramour Lucy Walters had been a brief while before his majesty +began an intrigue with her. Soon after the boy's birth that beautiful +woman abandoned herself to pleasures, in which the king had no +participation. He therefore parted from her; had her son placed under +the guardianship of Lord Crofts, whose name he bore, and educated by the +Peres de l'Oratoire at Paris. The while he was continually at the court +of the queen mother, who regarded him as her grandson, and who, by the +king's command, now brought him into England. The beauty of his face +and grace of his figure could not be exceeded, whilst his manner was +as winning as his air was noble. Moreover, his accomplishments were +numerous; he danced to perfection, sang with sweetness, rode with skill; +and so gallant was his nature that he became at this early age, as +Hamilton affirms, "the universal terror of husbands and lovers." + +The king betrayed the greatest affection for him, and took exceeding +pride in being father of such a brave and comely youth, at which my Lady +Castlemaine was both wrathful and jealous, fearing he would avert the +royal favour from her own offspring; but these feelings she afterwards +overcame, as will be duly shown. His majesty speedily showered honours +upon him, allotted him a suite of apartments in the royal palace of +Whitehall, appointed him a retinue befitting the heir apparent, created +him Duke of Orkney and of Monmouth, and installed him a knight of the +garter. + +But, before this had been accomplished, there arrived in town some +personages whose names it will be necessary to mention here, the figure +they made at court being considerable. These were Sir George Hamilton +and his family, and Philibert, Chevalier de Grammont. Sir George was +fourth son of James, Earl of Abercorn, and of Mary, sister to James, +first Duke of Ormond. Sir George had proved himself a loyal man and +a brave during the late civil war, and had on the murder of his royal +master sought safety in France, from which country he, in the second +year of the restoration, returned, accompanied by a large family; the +women of which were fair, the men fearless. The Hamiltons being close +kin to the Ormond great intimacy existed between them; to facilitate +which they lived not far apart--the duke residing in Ormond Yard, St. +James's Square, and the Hamiltons occupying a spacious residence in King +Street. James Hamilton, Sir George's eldest son, was remarkable for the +symmetry of his figure, elegance of his manner, and costliness of +his dress. Moreover, he possessed a taste shaped to pleasure, and a +disposition inclined to gallantry, which commended him so strongly to +the king's favour, that he was made groom of the bedchamber and colonel +of a regiment. + +His brother George was scarcely less handsome in appearance or less +agreeable in manner. Another brother, Anthony, best remembered as the +writer of Grammont's memoirs, was likewise liberally endowed by nature. +Elizabeth, commonly called "la belle Hamilton," shared in the largest +degree the hereditary gifts of grace and beauty pertaining to this +distinguished family. At her introduction to the court of Charles II. +she was in the bloom of youth and zenith of loveliness. The portrait +of her which her brother Anthony has set before the world for its +admiration is delicate in its colours, and finished in its details. "Her +forehead," he writes, "was open, white, and smooth; her hair was well +set, and fell with ease into that natural order which it is so difficult +to imitate. Her complexion was possessed of a certain freshness, not to +be equalled by borrowed colours; her eyes were not large, but they were +lovely, and capable of expressing whatever she pleased; her mouth was +full of graces, and her contour uncommonly perfect; nor was her nose, +which was small, delicate, and turned up, the least ornament of so +lovely a face. She had the finest shape, the loveliest neck, and most +beautiful arms in the world; she was majestic and graceful in all her +movements; and she was the original after which all the ladies copied in +their taste and air of dress." + +Now, about the same time the Hamiltons arrived at court, there likewise +appeared at Whitehall one whose fame as a wit, and whose reputation as +a gallant, had preceded him. This was the celebrated Chevalier de +Grammont, whose father was supposed to be son of Henry the Great of +France. The chevalier had been destined by his mother for the church, +the good soul being anxious he should lead the life of a saint; but the +youth was desirous of joining the army, and following the career of a +soldier. Being remarkable for ingenuity, he conceived a plan by which +he might gratify his mother's wishes and satisfy his own desires at the +same time. He therefore accepted the abbacy his brother procured for +him; but on appearing at court to return thanks for his preferment, +comported himself with a military air. Furthermore, his dress was +combined of the habit and bands pertaining to an ecclesiastic, and the +buskins and spurs belonging to a soldier. Such an amalgamation had +never before been witnessed, and caused general attention; the court +was amazed at his daring, but Richelieu was amused by his boldness. +His brother regarded his appearance in the dual character of priest and +soldier as a freak, and on his return home asked him gravely to which +profession he meant to attach himself. The youth answered he was +resolved "to renounce the church for the salvation of his soul," upon +condition that he retained his beneficed abbacy. It may be added, he +kept this resolution. + +A soldier he therefore became, and subsequently a courtier. His valour +in war and luck in gambling won him the admiration of the camp; whilst +his ardour in love and genius for intrigue gained him the esteem of +the court, but finally lost him the favour of his king. For attaching +himself to one of the maids of honour, Mademoiselle La Motte +Houdancourt, whom his most Christian Majesty Louis XIV. had already +honoured with his regard, Grammont was banished from the French court. + +Accordingly, in the second year of the merry monarch's reign he +presented himself at Whitehall, and was received by Charles with +a graciousness that served to obliterate the memory of his late +misfortune. Nor were the courtiers less warm in their greetings than +his majesty. The men hailed him as an agreeable companion; the ladies +intimated he need not wholly abandon those tender diversions for which +he had shown such natural talent and received such high reputation at +the court of Louis XIV. He therefore promptly attached himself to the +king, whose parties he invariably attended, and whose pleasures he +continually devised; made friends with the most distinguished nobles, +whom he charmed by the grace of his manner and extravagance of +his entertainments; and took early opportunities of proving to the +satisfaction of many of the fairer sex that his character as a gallant +had by no means been exaggerated by report. + +Amongst those to whom he paid especial attention were Mrs. Middleton, a +woman of fashion, and Miss Kirk, a maid of honour, to whom Hamilton, +in his memoirs of Grammont, gives the fictitious name of Warmestre. +The former was at this time in her seventeenth summer, and had been two +years a wife. Her exquisitely fair complexion, light auburn hair, and +dark hazel eyes constituted her a remarkably beautiful woman. Miss Kirk +was of a different type of loveliness, inasmuch as her skin was brown, +her eyes dark, and her complexion brilliant. As Mrs. Middleton was at +this time but little known at court, Grammont found some difficulty in +obtaining an introduction to her as promptly as he desired; but feeling +anxious to make her acquaintance, and being no laggard in love, he +without hesitation applied to her porter for admittance, and took one of +her lovers into his confidence. This latter gallant rejoiced in the name +of Jones, and subsequently became Earl of Ranelagh. In the fulness of +his heart towards one who experienced a fellow feeling, he resolved +to aid Grammont in gaining the lady's favours. This generosity being +prompted by the fact that the chevalier would rid him of a rival whom +he feared, and at the same time relieve him of an expense he could +ill afford, the lady having certain notions of magnificence which her +husband's income was unable to sustain. + +Mrs. Middleton received the chevalier with good grace; but he found +her more ready to receive the presents he offered, than to grant the +privileges he required. Miss Kirk, on the other hand, was not only +flattered by his attentions, but was willing to use every means in her +power to preserve a continuance of his friendship; Therefore out of +gratitude for graces received from one of the ladies, and in expectation +of favours desired from the other, Grammont made them the handsomest +presents. Perfumed gloves, pocket looking-glasses, apricot paste, +came every week from Paris for their benefit; whilst more substantial +offerings in the shape of jewellery, diamonds, and guineas were procured +for them in London, all of which they made no hesitation to accept. + +It happened one night, whilst Grammont was yet in pursuit of Mrs. +Middleton, that the queen gave a ball. In hope of winning her husband's +affection, by studying his pleasures and suiting herself to his ways, +her majesty had become a changed woman. She now professed a passion +for dancing, wore decollete costumes, and strove to surpass those +surrounding her in her desire for gaiety. Accordingly her balls were the +most brilliant spectacles the court had yet witnessed; she taking care +to assemble the fairest women of the day, and the most distinguished +men. Now amongst the latter was the Chevalier de Grammont; and amidst +the former, Mrs. Middleton and Miss Hamilton. + +Of all the court beauties, "la belle Hamilton" was one of whom Grammont +had seen least and heard most; but that which had been told him of her +charms seemed, now that he beheld her, wholly inadequate to express +her loveliness. Therefore, his eyes followed her alone, as her graceful +figure glided in the dance adown the ball-room, lighted with a thousand +tapers, and brilliant with every type of beauty. And when presently she +rested, it was with an unusual flutter at his heart that this gallant, +heretofore so daring in love, sought her company, addressed her, and +listened with strange pleasure to the music of her voice. From that +night he courted Mrs. Middleton no more, but devoted himself to "la +belle Hamilton," who subsequently became his wife. + +Meanwhile, the merry monarch behaved as if he had no higher purpose in +life than that of following his pleasures. "The king is as decomposed +[dissipated] as ever," the lord chancellor writes to the Duke of Ormond, +in a letter preserved in the Bodleian library, "and looks as little +after his business; which breaks my heart, and makes me and other of +your friends weary of our lives. He seeks for his satisfaction and +delight in other company, which do not love him so well as you and +I do." His days were spent in pursuing love, feasting sumptuously, +interchanging wit, and enjoying all that seemed good to the senses. +Pepys, who never fails to make mention of the court when actual +experience or friendly gossip enables him, throws many pleasant lights +upon the ways of the monarch and his courtiers. + +For instance, he tells us that one Lord's day--the same on which this +excellent man had been to Whitehall chapel, and heard a sermon by the +Dean of Ely on returning to the old ways, and, moreover, a most tuneful +anthem sung by Captain Cooke, with symphonies between--whom should he +meet but the great chirurgeon, Mr. Pierce, who carried him to Somerset +House, and into the queen mother's presence-chamber. And there, on the +left hand of Henrietta Maria, sat the young queen, whom Mr. Pepys +had never seen before, and now thought that "though she be not very +charming, yet she hath a good, modest, and innocent look, which is +pleasing." Here, likewise, he saw the king's mistress, and the young +Duke of Monmouth, "who, I perceive," Pepys continues, "do hang much upon +my Lady Castlemaine, and is always with her; and I hear the queenes, +both of them, are mighty kind to him. By-and-by in comes the king, and +anon the duke and his duchesse; so that, they being all together, was +such a sight as I never could almost have happened to see with so much +ease and leisure. They staid till it was dark, and then went away; the +king and his queene, and my Lady Castlemaine and young Crofts, in one +coach, and the rest in other coaches. Here were great stores of great +ladies. The king and queen were very merry; and he would have made the +queene mother believe that the queene was with child, and said that she +said so. And the young queene answered, 'You lye,' which was the first +English word that I ever heard her say, which made the king good sport." + +Others besides Mr. Pepys had begun to notice that the young Duke of +Monmouth hung much upon the Countess of Castlemaine, and that her +ladyship lavished caresses upon him. Whether this was to provoke the +uneasiness of his majesty, who she hoped might find employment for +the lad elsewhere, or to express her genuine affection for him, it +is impossible to say. However, the duke being come to an age when the +endearments of such a woman might have undesired effects upon him, the +king resolved to remove him from her influence, and at the same time +secure his fortune by marriage. + +He therefore selected a bride for him, in the person of Lady Anne Scott, +a young gentlewoman of virtue and excellence, who was only child of +Francis, Earl of Buccleugh, and the greatest heiress in Great Britain. +Their nuptials were celebrated on the 20th of April, 1663, the +bridegroom at this time not having reached his fifteenth birthday, +whilst the bride was younger by a year. The duke on his marriage assumed +his wife's family name, Scott; and some years later--in 1673--both were +created Duke and Duchess of Buccleugh. From this union the family now +bearing that title has descended. A great supper was given at Whitehall +on the marriage-night, and for many days there were stately festivities +held to celebrate the event with becoming magnificence. + +Now at one of the court balls held at this time, the woman of all others +who attracted most attention and gained universal admiration was Frances +Stuart, maid of honour to Queen Catherine. She was only daughter of +a gallant gentleman, one Walter Stuart, and grand-daughter of Lord +Blantyre. Her family had suffered sore loss in the cause of Charles I., +by reason of which, like many others, it sought refuge in France. This +young gentlewoman was therefore bred in that country, and was, moreover, +attached to the court of the queen mother, in whose suite she travelled +into England. Her beauty was sufficient to attract the attention of +Louis XIV., who, loath to lose so fair an ornament from his court, +requested her mother would permit her to remain, saying, he "loved her +not as a mistress, but as one that would marry as well as any lady in +France." + +No doubt Mrs. Stuart understood the motives of his majesty's interested +kindness, of which, however, she declined availing herself, and +therefore departed with her daughter for England. At the time of her +appearance at Whitehall, Frances Stuart was in her fifteenth year. Even +in a court distinguished by the beauty of women, her loveliness was +declared unsurpassed. Her features were regular and refined, her +complexion fair as alabaster, her hair bright and luxuriant, her eyes of +violet hue; moreover, her figure being tall, straight, and shapely, +her movements possessed an air of exquisite grace. An exact idea of +her lineaments may be gained unto this day, from the fact that Philip +Rotier, the medallist, who loved her true, represented her likeness in +the face of Britannia on the reverse of coins; and so faithful was +the likeness, we are assured, that no one who had ever seen her could +mistake who had sat as model of the figure. + +Soon after her arrival in England, she was appointed one of the maids of +honour to Queen Catherine, and as such was present at all festivities of +the court. Now, at one of the great balls given in honour of the Duke of +Monmouth's nuptials, the fair Frances Stuart appeared in the full lustre +of her charms. Her beauty, her grace, and her youth completely eclipsed +the more showy gifts of my Lady Castlemaine, who on this occasion looked +pale and thin, she being in the commencement of another pregnancy, +"which the king was pleased to place to his own account." The merry +monarch had before this time been attracted by the fair maid of honour, +but now it was evident his heart had found a new object of admiration +in her surpassing beauty. Henceforth he boldly made love to her. The +countess was not much disturbed by this, for she possessed great faith +in her own charms and implicit belief in her power over the king. +Besides, she had sufficient knowledge of mankind to comprehend that to +offer opposition in pursuit of love is the most certain method to +foster its growth. She therefore resolved to seek Miss Stuart's society, +cultivate her friendship, and constantly bring her into contact with his +majesty. This would not only prove to the satisfaction of the court she +had no fear of losing her sovereignty over the monarch, but, by keeping +him engaged with the maid of honour, would likewise divert his attention +from an intrigue the countess was then carrying on with Henry Jermyn. +Accordingly, she made overtures of friendship to Miss Stuart, invited +her to private parties, and appeared continually with her in public. + +Concerning these ladies and the merry monarch, Pepys narrates a strange +story which Captain Ferrers told him as they "walked finely" in the +park. This was, that at an entertainment given by my Lady Castlemaine, +towards the end of which his majesty played at being married with fair +Frances Stuart, "with ring and all other ceremonies of Church service, +and ribbands, and a sack posset [A drink composed of milk, wine, and +spices.] in bed, and flinging the stocking. My Lady Castlemaine looked +on the while, evincing neither anger nor jealousy, but entering into +the diversion with great spirit." Nor was this the only indiscretion of +which she was culpable, for, in the full confidence of her charms, she +frequently kept Miss Stuart to stay with her. "The king," says Hamilton, +"who seldom neglected to visit the countess before she rose, seldom +failed likewise to find Miss Stuart with her. The most indifferent +objects have charms in a new attachment; however, the imprudent countess +was not jealous of this rival's appearing with her, in such a situation, +being confident that, whenever she thought fit, she could triumph over +all the advantages which these opportunities could afford Miss Stuart." + +No doubt Lady Castlemaine's imprudences arose from knowledge that Miss +Stuart was devoid of tact, and incapable of turning opportunities to her +own advantage in the king's regard. For though the maid of honour was +richly endowed with beauty, she was wholly devoid of wit. She was not +only a child in years, but likewise in behaviour. She laughed at every +remark made her, delighted in playing blind man's buff, and was never +more happy than when building castles of cards. At this latter amusement +she continually employed herself whilst the deepest play was taking +place in her apartments; being always attended by groups of courtiers, +who were either attracted by the charm of her beauty, or were eager to +make court through her favour. As she sat upon the floor, intent on her +favourite occupation, they on their knees handed her cards, traced out +designs for her, or built elaborate structures rivalling her own. + +Amongst those who attended her in this manner was the gay, graceful, and +profligate Duke of Buckingham, who became enamoured of her loveliness. +Not only did he raise the most wonderful of card mansions for her +delight, but having a good voice, and she possessing a passion for +music, he invented songs and sung them to pleasure her. Moreover, he +told her the wittiest stories, turned the courtiers into the greatest +ridicule for her entertainment, and made her acquainted with the most +diverting scandals. Finally, he professed his ardent love for her; but +at this the fair Stuart either felt, or feigned, intense astonishment, +and so repulsed him that he abandoned the pursuit of an amour over which +he had wasted so much time, and thenceforth deprived himself of her +company. + +His attentions were, however, soon replaced by those of the Earl of +Arlington, a lord of the bedchamber, and a man of grave address and +great ambition. Owing to this latter trait his lordship was desirous +of winning the good graces of Miss Stuart in the present, in hopes +of governing his majesty in the future, when she became the king's +mistress. But these sage and provident intentions of his were speedily +overturned, for early in the course of their acquaintance, when he had +commenced to tell her a story, his manner so forcibly reminded her of +Buckingham's mimicry of him, that she burst out laughing in the earl's +face. This being utterly uncalled for by the circumstances of his tale, +and still less by the manner of its narration, Lord Arlington, who +was serious, punctilious, and proud, became enraged, abruptly left her +presence, and abandoned his schemes of governing the king through so +frivolous a medium. + +A man who had better chances of success in winning this beautiful girl +was George Hamilton, whose name has been already mentioned. It was not, +however, his graceful person, or elegant manner, but his performance of +a trick which gained her attention. It happened one night that an Irish +peer, old Lord Carlingford, was diverting her by showing how she might +hold a burning candle in her mouth a considerable time without its +being extinguished. This was a source of uncommon delight to her; +seeing which, George Hamilton thought he would give her still further +entertainment. For being furnished by nature with a wide mouth, he +placed within it two lighted candles, and walked three times round the +room without extinguishing them, whilst the fair Stuart clapped her +pretty hands in delight, and shouted aloud with laughter. + +A man who could accomplish such a feat was worthy of becoming a +favourite. She at once admitted him to terms of familiarity; and he had +a hundred chances of paying her the attentions he greatly desired, and +which she freely accepted. Grammont, foreseeing that Hamilton would +incur the royal displeasure if his love for Miss Stuart became known to +the king, besought him to abandon his addresses; but this advice did not +at first sound pleasant to the lover's ears. "Since the court has been +in the country," said he, "I have had a hundred opportunities of seeing +her, which I had not before. You know that the dishabille of the bath is +a great convenience for those ladies, who, strictly adhering to all +the rules of decorum, are yet desirous to display all their charms and +attractions. Miss Stuart is so fully acquainted with the advantages she +possesses over all other women, that it is hardly possible to praise +any lady at court for a well-turned arm, and a fine leg but she is ever +ready to dispute the point by demonstration; and I really believe that, +with a little address, it would not be difficult to induce her to strip +naked, without ever reflecting upon what she was doing. After all, a man +must be very insensible to remain unconcerned and unmoved on such happy +occasions." + +Hamilton was therefore not willing to renounce Miss Stuart, but upon +Grammont showing that attentions paid the lady would certainly provoke +the king's anger, he resolved on sacrificing love to interest, and +abandoning the company of the fair maid of honour for evermore. The +truth was, his majesty loved her exceedingly, as was indeed evident, for +he constantly sought her presence, talked to her at the drawing-rooms +as if no one else were by, and kissed her "to the observation of all the +world." But though she allowed Charles such liberties, she refused to +become his mistress, notwithstanding the splendid settlements and high +titles with which the monarch engaged to reward the sacrifice of her +virtue. And so, though a king, it was not given him to be obeyed in all. +And though generally loved for his easy ways and gracious manners, he +was continually harassed by his mistresses, reproved by his chancellor, +and ridiculed by his courtiers. Indeed, they now spoke of him in his +absence as "Old Rowley;" the reason of which is given by Richardson. +"There was an old goat," writes he, "in the privy garden, that they had +given this name to; a rank lecherous devil, that everybody knew and +used to stroke, because he was good-humoured and familiar; and so they +applied this name to the king." + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Duke of York's intrigues.--My Lady Chesterfield and his royal + highness--The story of Lady Southesk's love.--Lord Arran plays the + guitar.--Lord Chesterfield is jealous.--The countess is taken from + court.--Mistress Margaret Brooke and the king.--Lady Denham and the + duke.--Sir John goes mad.--My lady is poisoned. + +The while his majesty devoted himself to pleasure and intrigue, +neglectful of affairs of state, and heedless of public scandal, his +brother of York, whose disposition was not less amorous, likewise +followed the bent of his inclinations. Soon after her appearance +at court he professed himself in love with the beautiful Elizabeth +Hamilton, whom to behold was to admire. But the duke being a married +man, and she a virtuous woman, he dared not address her on the subject +of his affection, and was therefore obliged to confine the expression +of his feelings to glances. These she refused to interpret; and he, +becoming weary of a pursuit which promised no happy results, turned his +attentions to the Countess of Chesterfield, who seemed in no way loath +to receive them. + +This charming woman had married my Lord Chesterfield in compliance with +a family arrangement; and discovered too soon she had no place in +the heart of him whose life she shared. His coldness to her was only +equalled by his ardour for Lady Castlemaine, whose lover he continued to +remain after his marriage. The affection his wife had offered and he +had repulsed, in the dawn of their wedded life, changed by degrees to +disdain and hatred. + +Now as chamberlain to the queen my Lord Chesterfield had, apartments in +the palace, by reason of which the countess became an habituee of +the court. The moral atmosphere of Whitehall was not calculated to +strengthen her conjugal virtue, but its perpetual gaiety was destined to +dissipate her sense of neglect. It was not possible for a woman endowed +with so much beauty, and possessed of such engaging manners, to be +disregarded, in a court entirely devoted to love and gallantry; and +accordingly she soon became an object of general admiration. This was by +no means pleasing to my Lord Chesterfield, who, though he had wilfully +repulsed her affections, was selfishly opposed to their bestowal upon +others. Accordingly he became watchful of her conduct, and jealous of +her admirers. + +Prominent amongst these were James Hamilton and the Duke of York. The +former was her cousin, and her husband's confidant, in consequence of +which my lord failed to associate him with the suspicion he entertained +towards all other men who approached her: the latter he regarded with +the uttermost distrust. His royal highness had before now disturbed the +happy confidence which husbands had placed in their wives, as my Lord +Carnegy could testify. + +The story which hangs thereby had, a little while before the duke fell +in love with Lady Chesterfield, afforded vast amusement to the court, +and was yet fresh in the recollection of many. It happened that his +royal highness became enamoured of my Lady Carnegy, daughter of the +gallant Duke of Hamilton, and friend of the gay Lady Castlemaine. Lady +Carnegy loved pleasure mightily, painted her face "devilishly," and +drove in the park flauntingly. She was endowed with considerable beauty +of form and great tenderness of heart, as many gallants acknowledged +with gratitude. Now when the Duke of York made advances to her, she +received them with all the satisfaction he could desire; an intimacy +therefore followed, which she was the better able to entertain on +account of her husband's absence in Scotland. Whilst my Lord Carnegy +was in that country, his father, the Earl of Southesk, died, and he +succeeded to the title and estates. In due time the new earl returned to +London and his wife, and was greeted by rumours of the friendship which +in his absence had sprung up between my lady and the duke. These, as +became a good husband, he refused to believe, until such time as he was +enabled to prove their veracity. Now, though his royal highness did not +cease to honour my lady with his visits on her husband's return, yet out +of respect to decorum, and in order to silence scandalous tongues, he +from that time invariably called on her accompanied by a friend. + +It therefore came to pass that one day he requested an honest, foolish +Irishman, Dick Talbot, afterwards Duke of Tyrconnel, to attend him +in his visit to the lady. He could scarcely have selected a man more +unfitted to the occasion, inasmuch as Talbot was wholly devoid of tact, +and possessed a mind apt to wander at large at critical moments. He had +but recently returned from Portugal, and was not aware my Lord Carnegy +had in the meantime become Earl of Southesk, nor had he ever met the +lady who shared that title until introduced to her by the duke. When +that ceremony had been duly performed and a few sentences interchanged +between them, Talbot, acting on instructions previously received, +retired into an ante-room and took his post at a window that he might +divert himself by viewing the street, and observing those who approached +the house. + +Here he remained for some time, but the study of mankind which the view +admitted did not afford sufficient interest to prevent him becoming +absorbed in his own thoughts, and indifferent to all objects surrounding +him. From this mental condition he was presently aroused by seeing a +carriage draw up to the door, and its occupant descend and quickly enter +the house. Talbot was so forgetful of his duty that he omitted apprising +the duke of this fact or making any movement until the door of the +ante-room opened, when he turned round to face the intruder. Then he +started forward and cried out, "Welcome, Carnegy!" for it was no other +than he. "Welcome my good fellow! Where the devil have you been, that I +have never been able to set eyes on you since we were at Brussels! What +business brought you here?" he continued in the same breath; and then +added in a tone of banter, "Do you likewise wish to see Lady Southesk; +if this is your intention, my poor friend, you may go away again; for +I must inform you the Duke of York is in love with her, and I will tell +you in confidence that at this very time he is in her chamber." + +My Lord Southesk was overwhelmed with shame and confusion, and not +knowing how to act, immediately returned to his coach, Talbot attending +him to the door as his friend, and advising him to seek a mistress +elsewhere. He then went back to his post, and with some impatience +awaited the Duke's return, that he might tell him what had happened. And +in due time, when he had narrated the story, he was much surprised that +neither his royal highness nor the countess saw any humour in the fact +of Lord Carnegy's discomfiture. It served, however, to make the duke +break off his connection with the lady, and likewise to amuse the town. + +Remembering this incident, my Lord Chesterfield kept a watchful eye upon +the duke, who he observed made advances towards the countess, which +she, in her generosity, had not the heart to repulse. But, as his royal +highness could see her only in presence of the court, my lord derived +some satisfaction from knowing he was witness to such civilities as had +yet passed between them. The duke was, however, anxious to have a more +particular occasion of conversing with my lady, and in accomplishing +this desire her brother Lord Arran was willing to aid him. + +It happened about this time an Italian, named Francisco Corbeta, who +played with great perfection on the guitar, arrived at court. His +performances excited the wonder and delight of all who heard him, and +the instrument which produced such melody speedily became fashionable +at court, to such an extent, that a universal strumming was heard by +day and by night: throughout the palace of Whitehall. The Duke of York, +being devoted to music, was amongst those who strove to rival Signor +Francisco's performance; whilst my Lord Arran, by the delicacy of his +execution, almost equalled the great musician. The while Francisco's +popularity increased, his fame reaching its zenith when he composed a +saraband, to learn which became the ambition of all delighting in the +guitar. + +Now one day the duke, not thinking himself perfect in this piece, +requested Lord Arran to play it over for him. My lord being a courteous +man, was anxious to oblige his royal highness, and in order that +the saraband might be heard to greatest advantage, was desirous +of performing it upon the best instrument at court, which it was +unhesitatingly acknowledged belonged to my Lady Chesterfield. +Accordingly, Lord Arran led the duke to his sister's apartments. Here +they found not only the guitar and my lady, but likewise my lord, who +was no less astonished than disturbed by their visit. Then my Lord Arran +commenced the famous saraband, whilst the duke commenced to ogle my +lady, and she to return his glances in kind, as if both were unconscious +of her husband's presence. So delightful did they find the saraband, +that Lord Arran was obliged to repeat it at least twenty times, to the +great mortification of the earl, who could scarcely contain his +violent rage and jealousy. His torture was presently increased to an +immeasurable degree, by a summons he received from the queen to attend +her in his capacity of lord chamberlain, during an audience she was +about, to give the Muscovite ambassador. + +He had from the first suspected the visit, with which he was honoured, +to have been preconcerted by his wife and the duke; and he now began to +think her majesty was likewise connected with a plot destined to rob him +of his peace and blight his honour. However, he was obliged to obey the +queen's summons and depart. Nor had he been many minutes absent when +Lord Arran entered the presence-chamber where the audience was being +held, unaccompanied by the duke, at which Lord Chesterfield's jealous +fears were strengthened a thousandfold. Before night came he was +satisfied he held sufficient proof of his wife's infidelity. + +This conviction caused him intense anxiety and pain; he walked about his +apartments abstracted and brooding on the wrongs from which he suffered; +avoided all who came in his way; and maintained strict silence as +to that which disturbed his peace, until next day, when he met James +Hamilton. To him he confided an account of the troubles which beset him. +After speaking of the visit paid by his royal highness, and the part +enacted by my Lord Arran, whom he described as "one of the silliest +creatures in England, with his guitar, and his other whims and follies," +he went on to say that when Hamilton had heard him out, he would be +enabled to judge whether the visit ended in perfect innocence or not. +"Lady Chesterfield is amiable, it must be acknowledged," said he, "but +she is far from being such a miracle of beauty as she supposes herself: +you know she has ugly feet; but perhaps you are not acquainted that +she has still worse legs. They are short and thick, and to remedy these +defects as much as possible, she seldom wears any other than green +stockings. I went yesterday to Miss Stuart's after the audience of those +damned Muscovites: the king arrived there just before me; and as if the +duke had sworn to pursue me wherever I went that day, he came in just +after me. The conversation turned upon the extraordinary appearance of +the ambassadors. I know not where that fool Crofts had heard that +all these Muscovites had handsome wives; and that all their wives had +handsome legs. Upon this the king maintained, that no woman ever had +such handsome legs as Miss Stuart; and she to prove the truth of his +majesty's assertion, with the greatest imaginable ease, immediately +showed her leg above the knee. Some were ready to prostrate themselves +in order to adore its beauty, for indeed none can be handsomer; but +the duke alone began to criticize upon it. He contended that it was too +slender, and that as for himself he would give nothing for a leg that +was not thicker and shorter, and concluded by saying that no leg was +worth anything without green stockings; now this in my opinion was a +sufficient demonstration that he had just seen green stockings, and had +them fresh in his remembrance." + +At hearing this story, Hamilton, being deeply in love with Lady +Chesterfield, was scarcely less agitated or less jealous than her lord; +but he was obliged to conceal his feelings. Therefore, assuming the tone +of an impartial hearer, he shrugged his shoulders, declared appearances +were often deceitful, and maintained that even if she had given herself +airs to encourage the duke, there were no grounds to show she had been +culpable of improprieties. My lord expressed himself much obliged to +his friend for the interest he had shown in his troubles, and after +exchanging a few compliments they parted. Hamilton, full of wrath, +returned home, and wrote a letter replete with violent expostulations +and tender reproaches to the woman he loved. This he delivered to her +secretly at the next opportunity. She received it from him with a +smile, which scared all doubts of her frailty from his mind, and with a +pressure of his hand which awoke the tenderest feelings in his heart. + +He was now convinced her husband had allowed jealousy to blind him, and +had magnified his unworthy suspicions to assurances of guilt. Is this +view Hamilton was fully confirmed by a letter he received from her the +following day in answer to his own. "Are you not," said she, "ashamed to +give any credit to the visions of a jealous fellow, who brought nothing +else with him from Italy? Is it possible that the story of the green +stockings, upon which he has founded his suspicions, should have imposed +upon you, accompanied as it is with such pitiful circumstances? Since he +has made you his confidant, why did not he boast of breaking in pieces +my poor harmless guitar? This exploit, perhaps, might have convinced +you more than all the rest; recollect yourself, and if you are really in +love with me, thank fortune for a groundless jealousy, which diverts to +another quarter the attention he might pay to my attachment for the most +amiable and the most dangerous man at court." + +Anointed by this flattering unction, such wounds as Hamilton had +experienced were quickly healed; alas, only to bleed afresh at the +certain knowledge that this charming woman had been making him her dupe! +For soon after, in a moment of indiscretion, and whilst the whole court, +including her majesty, was assembled in the card-room, my lady there +permitted the duke a liberty which confirmed her husband in his +suspicions of their intimacy. Hamilton at hearing this was wild +with fury, and advised Lord Chesterfield to carry her away from +the allurements of the court, and seclude her in one of his country +mansions. This was an advice to which the earl listened with +complaisance, and carried out with despatch, to her intense +mortification. + +The whole court was amused by the story, but dismayed at the punishment +my lord inflicted upon his lady. Anthony Hamilton declares that in +England "they looked with astonishment upon a man who could be so +uncivil as to be jealous of his wife; and in the city of London it was +a prodigy, till that time unknown, to see a husband have recourse +to violent means to prevent what jealousy fears, and what it always +deserves." He adds, they endeavoured to excuse my lord by laying all the +blame on his bad education, which made "all the mothers vow to God that +none of their sons should ever set a foot in Italy, lest they should +bring back with them that infamous custom of laying restraint upon their +wives." + +By the departure of Lady Chesterfield the court lost one of its most +brilliant ornaments forever, for the unhappy countess never again +returned to the gay scene of her adventures. For three long years +she endured banishment at Bretby in Derbyshire, and then died, it was +believed, from the effects of poison. For my lord, never having his +suspicions of her intrigue cleared, insisted on her taking the sacrament +by way of pledging her innocence; on which occasion he, in league with +his chaplain, mixed poison in the sacred wine, as result of which she +died. This shocking story gained credence not only with the public, but +with members of his own family; inasmuch as his daughter-in-law, Lady +Gertrude Stanhope, after she had quarrelled with him, would, when she +sat at his table, drink only of such wine and water as a trusty servant +of hers procured. + +This intrigue of the duke had given much uneasiness to his duchess, who +had complained to the king and to her father, and had, moreover, set a +watch upon the movements of his royal highness. But such measures +did not avail to make him a faithful husband, and no sooner was Lady +Chesterfield removed from his sight, than Lady Denham took her place +in his affections. This latter mentioned gentlewoman was daughter of a +valiant baronet, Sir William Brooke, and niece to a worthless peer, +the Earl of Bristol. The earl had, on the king's restoration, cherished +ambitious schemes to obtain the merry monarch's favour; for which +purpose he sought to commend himself by ministering to the royal +pleasures. + +Accordingly he entertained the king as became a loyal gentleman, giving +him luxurious banquets and agreeable suppers, to which, by way of +adding to his majesty's greater satisfaction, the noble host invited +his nieces, Mistress Brooke and her sister. The wily earl had, indeed, +conceived a plan the better to forward his interests with the king, and +was desirous one of these gentlewomen should subdue his majesty's heart, +and become his mistress. Margaret Brooke, the elder of the maidens, was +at this time in her eighteenth year, and was in the full flower of such +loveliness as was presented by a fair complexion, light brown hair, and +dark grey eyes. The merry monarch's susceptible heart was soon won +by her beauty; the charming lady's amorous disposition was speedily +conquered by his gallantry, and nothing prevented her becoming his +mistress save Lady Castlemaine's jealousy. + +This, however, proved an insurmountable obstacle; for the countess, +hearing rumours of the pleasures which were enjoyed at my Lord Bristol's +table, insisted on attending the king thither, and soon gave his +gracious majesty an intimation he dared not disregard--that she would +not suffer Miss Brooke as a rival. Margaret Brooke was grievously +disappointed; but the Duke of York beginning his attentions at the point +where his majesty discontinued them, she was soon consoled for loss of +the monarch's affection by the ardour of his brother's love. But a short +time after, probably foreseeing the ambiguous position in which she +stood, she forsook her lover, and accepted a husband in the person of +Sir John Denham. + +This worthy knight was a man of parts; inasmuch as he was a soldier, +a poet, and a gamester. At the time of his marriage he had passed his +fiftieth year; moreover, he limped painfully and carried a crutch. His +appearance, indeed, was far from imposing. According to Aubrey, he was +tall, had long legs, and was "incurvelting at his shoulders; his hair +was but thin and flaxen, with a moist curl; his gait slow and rather +astalking; his eye was a kind of light goose-grey, not big, but it had a +strange piercingness, not as to shining and glory, but when he conversed +he looked into your very thoughts." His personal defects, however, were +to a great degree compensated for by his great wealth. Moreover he was +surveyor-general of his majesty's works, had a town house in Scotland +Yard, and a country residence at Waltham Cross in Essex. But there are +some deficiencies for which wealth does not atone, as no doubt Lady +Denham promptly discovered; for, before a year of her married life had +passed, she renewed her intrigue with the Duke of York. His love for her +seemed to have increased a thousandfold since fate had given her to +the possession of another. At royal drawing-rooms he took her aside and +talked to her "in the sight of all the world," and whenever she moved +away from him he followed her like a dog. + +Indeed, he made no effort to screen his passion, for not only did +he make love to her in presence of the court, but he visited her at +noonday, attended by his gentlemen, before all the town. Nor did Lady +Denham desire to conceal the honour with which, she considered, this +amour covered her, but openly declared she would "not be his mistress, +as Mrs. Price, to go up and down the privy stairs, but will be owned +publicly;" and in this respect she obtained her desire. Meanwhile Sir +John was rendered miserable; and, indeed, his desperation soon overthrew +his reason, and rendered him a lunatic. This affection first appeared +during a journey he made to the famous free-stone quarries near Portland +in Dorset. When he came within a mile of his destination, he suddenly +turned back, and proceeded to Hounslow, where he demanded rents for +lands he had disposed of years before; and then hastening to town sought +out the king and informed him he was the Holy Ghost. + +This madness lasted but a short time; and the first use he made of his +recovered senses was to plot vengeance on his wife. Now there was one +honour which she coveted above all others, that of being appointed a +lady of the bedchamber to the Duchess of York. This her royal lover, +following the example of his majesty, sought to obtain for her; but +the duchess, who had already suffered many indignities by reason of her +husband's improprieties, refused him this request, which would render +her liable to continual insult in her own court. The duke, however, +had a strong will, and the duchess was on the point of yielding to his +demand, when rumour announced that Lady Denham had been taken suddenly +ill, and scandal declared she had been poisoned. The wildest sensation +followed. His royal highness, stricken with remorse and terror, hastened +to Scotland Yard and sought his beloved mistress, who told him she +believed herself poisoned, and felt she was now dying. The most eminent +physicians were speedily summoned, but their skill proved of no avail, +for she gradually became worse, and finally died, leaving instructions +that her body should be opened after death, in order that search might +be made for the fatal drug. + +The surgeons followed these directions, as we learn from the Orrery +state papers, but no trace of poison was discovered. For all that the +public had no doubt her husband had destroyed her life, and Hamilton +tells us the populace "had a design of tearing Sir John in pieces as +soon as he should come abroad; but he shut himself up to bewail her +death, until their fury was appeased by a magnificent funeral, at which +he distributed four times more burnt wine than had ever been drunk at +any burial in England." + +As for the duke, he was sorely troubled for her loss, and declared he +should never have a public mistress again. + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + Court life under the merry monarch.--Riding in Hyde Park.--Sailing on + the Thames.--Ball at Whitehall.--Petit soupers.--What happened at + Lady Gerrard's.--Lady Castlemaine quarrels with the king.--Flight to + Richmond.--The queen falls ill.--The king's grief and remorse.--Her + majesty speaks.--Her secret sorrow finds voice in delirium.--Frances + Stuart has hopes.--The queen recovers. + +Views of court life during the first years of the merry monarch's +reign, obtainable from works of his contemporaries, present a series of +brilliant, changeful, and interesting pictures. Scarce a day passed +that their majesties, attended by a goodly throng of courtiers, went +not abroad, to the vast delight of the town: and rarely a night sped by +unmarked by some magnificent entertainment, to the great satisfaction of +the court. At noon it was a custom of the king and queen, surrounded by +maids of honour and gentlemen in waiting, the whole forming a gladsome +and gallant crowd, to ride in coaches or on horseback in Hyde Park: +which place has been described as "a field near the town, used by the +king and nobility for the freshness of the air, and goodly prospect." + +Here in a railed-off circle, known as the ring, and situated in the +northern half of the park, the whole world of fashion and beauty +diverted itself. Noble gallants wearing broad-brimmed hats and waving +plumes, doublets of velvet, and ruffles of rich lace; and fair women +with flowing locks and dainty patches, attired in satin gowns, and +cloaks wrought with embroidery, drove round and round, exchanging +salutations and smiles as they passed. Here it was good Mr. Pepys saw +the Countess of Castlemaine, among many fine ladies, lying "impudently +upon her back in her coach asleep, with her mouth wide open." And on +another occasion the same ingenious gentleman observed the king and +my lady pass and repass in their respective coaches, they greeting one +another at every turn. + +But Mr. Pepys gives us another picture, in which he shows us the king +riding right gallantly beside his queen, and therefore presents him to +better advantage. This excellent gossip, sauntering down Pall Mall one +bright summer day, it being the middle of July, in the year 1663, met +the queen mother walking there, led by her supposed husband, the Earl of +St. Albans. And, hearing the king and queen rode abroad with the ladies +of honour to the park, and seeing a great crowd of gallants awaiting +their return, he also stayed, walking up and down the while. +"By-and-by," says he, "the king and queene, who looked in this dress +(a white laced waistcoate and a crimson short pettycoate, and her hair +dressed A LA NEGLIGENCE) mighty pretty; and the king rode hand in hand +with her. Here was also my Lady Castlemaine riding amongst the rest of +the ladies; but the king took, methought, no notice of her; nor when +they light did anybody press (as she seemed to expect, and staid for it) +to take her down, but was taken down by her own gentlemen. She looked +mighty out of humour, and had a yellow plume in her hat (which all took +notice of), and yet is very handsome. I followed them up into Whitehall, +and into the queene's presence, where all the ladies walked, talking +and fiddling with their hats and feathers, and changing and trying one +another's by one another's heads, and laughing. But it was the finest +sight to me, considering their great beautys and dress, that ever I did +see in my life. But, above all, Mrs. Stuart in this dresse with her +hat cocked and a red plume, with her sweet eye, little Roman nose, and +excellent taille, is now the greatest beauty I ever saw, I think, in my +life; and, if ever woman can, do exceed my Lady Castlemaine, at least in +this dresse: nor do I wonder if the king changes, which I verily believe +is the reason of his coldness to my Lady Castlemaine." + +Having returned from the park, dined at noon, walked in the palace +gardens, or played cards till evening came, their majesties, surrounded +by a brilliant and joyous court, would in summer time descend the broad +steps leading from Whitehall to the Thames, and embark upon the water +for greater diversion. Never was there so goodly a sight, seldom so +merry a company. The barges in which they sailed were draped to the +water's edge with bright fabrics, hung with curtains of rich silk, and +further adorned with gay pennants. And, as the long procession of boats, +filled with fair women and gallant men, followed their majesties adown +the placid Thames towards pleasant Richmond, my Lord Arran would delight +the ears of all by his performance on the guitar; the fair Stuart would +sing French songs in her sweet childlike voice; or a concert of music +would suddenly resound from the banks, being placed there to surprise by +some ingenious courtier. + +And presently landing on grassy meads, delightful to sight by freshness +of their colour, and sweet to scent from odour of their herbs, the court +would sup right heartily; laugh, drink, and make love most merrily, +until early shadows stole across the summer sky, and night-dews fell +upon the thirsty earth. Then king, queen, and courtiers once more +embarking, would sail slowly back, whilst the moon rose betimes in the +heavens, and the barges streaked the waters with silver lines. + +At other times magnificent entertainments filled the nights with light +and revelry. Pepys tells us of a great ball he witnessed in the last +month of the year 1662 at the palace of Whitehall. He was carried +thither by Mr. Povy, a member of the Tangier Commission, and taken at +first to the Duke of York's chambers, where his royal highness and the +duchess were at supper; and from thence "into a room where the ball was +to be, crammed with fine ladies, the greatest of the court. By-and-by +comes the king and queene, the duke and duchess, and all the great ones; +and, after seating themselves, the king takes out the Duchess of York; +and the duke the Duchess of Buckingham; the Duke of Monmouth my Lady +Castlemaine; and so other lords other ladies; and they danced the +bransle. After that, the king led a lady a single coranto; and then the +rest of the lords, one after another, other ladies: very noble it was, +and great pleasure to see. Then to country dances: the king leading the +first. Of the ladies that danced, the Duke of Monmouth's lady, and my +Lady Castlemaine, and a daughter of Sir Harry de Vicke's were the best. +The manner was, when the king dances, all the ladies in the room, and +his queene herself, stand up: and indeed he dances rarely, and much +better than the Duke of York." + +PETIT SOUPERS were another form of entertainments, greatly enjoyed by +Charles, and accordingly much in vogue with his courtiers. The Chevalier +de Grammont had principally helped to make them fashionable, his suppers +being served With the greatest elegance, attended by the choicest wits, +and occasionally favoured with the presence of majesty itself. Nor +were Lady Gerrard's PETIT SOUPERS less brilliant, or her company less +distinguished. Her ladyship boasted of French parentage and understood +the art of pleasing to perfection; and accordingly at her board wine +flowed, wit sparkled, and love obtained in the happiest manner. Now it +happened one of her delightful entertainments was destined to gain +a notoriety she by no means coveted, and concerning which the French +ambassador, Count de Comminges, wrote pleasantly enough to the Marquis +de Lionne. + +It came to pass that Lady Gerrard, who loved the queen, requested the +honour of their majesties to sup with her. She, moreover, invited some +of the courtiers, amongst whom she did not include my Lady Castlemaine. +On the appointed night the king and queen duly arrived; the other guests +had already assembled; and the hour gave fair promise of entertainment. +But presently, when supper was announced, his majesty was missing, +and on inquiry it was discovered he had left the house for Lady +Castlemaine's lodgings, where he spent the evening. Such an insult +as this so openly dealt the queen, and such an indignity put upon the +hostess, caused the greatest agitation to all present; and subsequently +afforded subject for scandalous gossip to the town. It moreover showed +that the monarch was yet an abject slave of his mistress, whose charms +entangled him irresistibly. At least four times a week he supped with +her, returning at early morning from her lodgings, in a stealthy way, +through the privy gardens, a proceeding of which the sentries took much +notice, joked unbecomingly, and gossiped freely. + +Now in order to avoid further observation at such times, and silence +rumours which consequently obtained, his majesty removed the countess +from her lodgings in that part of the palace divided by the road leading +to Westminster from the chief block, and furnished her with apartments +next his own chamber. The poor queen, who had sought by every means in +her power to win his affection, was sorely grieved at this action, +and moreover depressed by the neglect to which she was continually +subjected. Sometimes four months were allowed to pass without his +deigning to sup with her, though the whole court was aware he constantly +paid that honour to her infamous rival. But knowing how unavailing +reproach would be, she held her peace; and feeling how obtrusive her +sorrow would seem, she hid her tears. Now and again, however, a look +would flash in her eyes, and an answer rise to her lips, which showed +how deeply she felt her bitter wrongs. "I wonder your majesty has the +patience to sit so long adressing," said my Lady Castlemaine to her one +morning when she found her yet in the dresser's hands. "I have so much +reason to use patience," answered the neglected wife, "that I can very +well bear with it." + +And so the countess continued to reign paramount in his majesty's favour +until the middle of July, 1663, when a rumour spread through the town +that she had quarrelled with the king, and had consequently fallen from +her high estate. The cause of disagreement between the monarch and his +mistress is narrated by the French ambassador in a letter to Louis XIV. + +By this time the fair Stuart had so increased in his majesty's favour, +that my Lady Castlemaine began to see the indiscretion of which she +had been guilty in bringing her so constantly into his presence, and +moreover to fear her influence over his fickle heart. Accordingly she +refused to invite the maid of honour to her apartments, or entertain +her at her assemblies. At this the king became exceedingly wrathful, and +told my lady he would not enter her rooms again unless Miss Stuart +was there. Thereon the charming countess flew into a violent passion, +roundly abused his majesty, called her carriage, and protesting she +would never again enter the palace of Whitehall, drove off in a rage to +the residence of her uncle at Richmond. The monarch had not expected +his words would cause such fury, nor did he desire her departure; and no +sooner had she gone than he began to regret her absence and long for her +return. + +Therefore next morning he made pretence of hunting, and turning his +horse's head in the direction of Richmond, called on his mistress, when +he apologized to and made friends with her. She therefore returned and +exercised her old ascendancy over him once more. It is probable his +majesty was the more anxious to pacify her, from the fact that she was +now far advanced in her third pregnancy; for two months later she +gave birth to her second son, who was baptized Henry Fitzroy, and +subsequently created Duke of Grafton. + +And it happened about this time, that the queen, falling ill, drew near +unto death. On Friday, the 14th October, 1663, a fever took possession +of her, when the doctors were summoned, her head shaven, and pigeons put +to her feet. Her illness, however, rapidly increased, and believing she +was about to leave a world in which her young life had known so much +sorrow, she made her will, put her affairs in order, and received +extreme unction. Upon this the king, mindful of grievous injuries he had +done her, was sorely troubled in his heart, and going to her chamber, +flung himself at the foot of her bed and burst into tears; as the French +ambassador narrates. + +It is said women love best men who treat them worst. If this be so, +God, alone who made them knows wherefore; for it is given no man to +understand them in all. Now her majesty proved no exception to this rule +regarding the unreasonableness of her sex in placing their affections +most on those who regard them least; for she was devoted to the king. +Therefore the evidence of his grief at prospect of her loss touched her +deeper than all words can say, and with much sweetness she sought to +soothe and console him. + +She told him she had no desire to live, and no sorrow to die, save, +indeed, that caused by parting from him. She hoped he would soon wed +a consort more worthy of his love than she had been; one who would +contribute more to his happiness and the satisfaction of the nation than +she had. And now they were about to part, she had two requests to make: +that he would never separate his interests from those of the king her +brother, or cease to protect her distressed nation; and that her body +might be sent back to Portugal and laid in the tomb of her ancestors. At +this the king, yet on his knees beside her, interrupted her only by his +sobs, hearing which she wept likewise; and so overcome was he by grief +that he was obliged to be led from her room. + +The court was saddened by her majesty's illness, for she had won the +goodwill of all by the kindness of her disposition and gentleness of her +manner; the city was likewise afflicted, for the people thought so good +a queen could not fail in time to reclaim even so erratic a husband; +and trade became suddenly depressed. Crowds gathered by night and by +day outside the palace to learn the most recent change in her majesty's +condition many thinking her death inevitable, because the doctors +had pronounced her recovery impossible. And for days her soul hovered +betwixt two worlds. + +On the night of the 19th, a fierce storm raged over England; and Mr. +Pepys, being waked by the roaring of mighty winds, turned to his wife +and said: "I pray God I hear not of the death of any great person, this +wind is so high." And fearing the queen might have departed, he rose +betimes, and took coach to the palace that he might make inquiries +concerning her, but found her majesty was still living. She was now, +however, unconscious; and gave free voice to the secret sorrow which +underlay her life, because she had not borne children to the king. Had +she given him heirs, she felt assured he would certainly love her +as well as he loved his mistresses; and would feel as proud of her +offspring as of those borne him by other women. But though she had +proved capable of becoming a mother on more than one occasion, it +pleased heaven to leave her childless, to her great grief. Therefore in +her delirium, desires shaped themselves to realities, and she believed +she had given birth to three children, two boys and a girl. The latter +she fancied much resembled the king, but she was troubled that one of +the boys was plain featured. And seeing her grief at this, his majesty, +who stood by, sought in pity to console her, saying the boy was indeed +pretty; at which she brightened visibly, and answering him said: "Nay, +if it be like you, it is a fine boy indeed, and I would be very well +pleased with it." This delusion continued through her illness, and so +strongly did it force itself upon her mind, that one morning when she +was on her way to recovery, on waking suddenly and seeing the doctor +bending over her, she exclaimed, "How do the children?" + +Now all this time, whilst the shadow of death lay upon the palace, and +laughter and music were no longer heard within its walls, there was one +of its inmates who pondered much upon the great fortune which the future +might have in keeping for her. This was fair Frances Stuart, who, not +having yielded to the king's request by becoming his mistress, now +entertained high hopes of being made his wife. In this dream she was, +moreover, flattered by an unusual deference and high respect paid her +by the court since the beginning of her majesty's illness. The king +continued his attentions to her; for though he had proved himself +"fondly disconsolate" and wept sorely for her majesty, he never during +her sickness omitted an opportunity of conversing with Miss Stuart, or +neglected supping with Lady Castlemaine. But the hopes entertained +by the maid of honour were speedily overthrown, for contrary to all +expectation the queen recovered, and was so well on the 10th November as +to "bespeak herself a new gowne" + +And so the court remained unchanged, and life went on as before; the +queen growing gradually stronger, the king making love to Miss Stuart by +day, and visiting Lady Castlemaine by night. And it happened one evening +when he went to sup with the latter there was a chine of beef to roast, +and no fire to cook it because the Thames had flooded the kitchen. +Hearing which, the countess called out to the cook, "Zounds, you must +set the house on fire but it shall be roasted!" And roasted it was. + + + +CHAPTER X. + + Notorious courtiers.--My Lord Rochester's satires.--Places a watch on + certain ladies of quality.--His majesty becomes indignant.--Rochester + retires to the country.--Dons a disguise and returns to town.--Practises + astrology.--Two maids of honour seek adventure.--Mishaps which befell + them.--Rochester forgiven.--The Duke of Buckingham.--Lady Shrewsbury + and her victims.--Captain Howard's duel.--Lord Shrewsbury avenges + his honour.--A strange story.--Colonel Blood attempts an + abduction.--Endeavours to steal the regalia.--The king converses with + him. + +Prominent among the courtiers, and foremost amid the friends of his +majesty, were two noblemen distinguished alike for their physical +grace, exceeding wit, and notable eccentricity. These were the Earl of +Rochester, and his Grace of Buckingham; gallants both, whose respective +careers were so intimately connected with the court as to make further +chronicle of them necessary in these pages. + +My Lord Rochester, though younger in years than the duke, was superior +to him in wit, comeliness, and attraction. Nor was there a more +conspicuous figure observable in the palace of Whitehall than this same +earl, who was ever foremost in pursuit of such pleasures as wine begets +and love appeases. His mirth was the most buoyant, his conversation the +most agreeable, his manner the most engaging in the world; whence he +became "the delight and wonder of men, the love and dotage of women." +A courtier possessed of so happy a disposition, and endowed with such +brilliant talents, could not fail in pleasing the king; who vastly +enjoyed his society, but was occasionally obliged to banish his person +from court, when his eccentric conduct rendered him intolerable, or his +bitter satire aimed at royalty. For it was given no other man in his age +to blend merry wit and caustic ridicule so happily together; therefore +those who read his lines were forced to laugh at his fancy, even whilst +hurt by his irony. + +Now in order to keep this talent in constant practice, he was wont to +celebrate in inimitable verse such events, be they private or public, as +happened at court, or befell the courtiers; and inasmuch as his subjects +were frequently of a licentious nature, his lines were generally of a +scandalous character. He therefore became the public censor of court +folly; and so unerringly did his barbed shafts hit the weaknesses at +which they aimed, that his productions were equally the terror of those +he victimized, and the delight of those he spared. + +This liberal use of satire he was wont to excuse on the plea there were +some who could not be kept in order, or admonished, by other means. +Therefore, having the virtue of his friends keenly at heart, an +ingenious plan occurred to him by which he might secretly discover their +vices, and publicly reprove them. In order that he might fulfil this +purpose to his greater satisfaction, he promptly sought and found a +footman, who, by virtue of his employment, was well acquainted with the +courtiers. This man the "noble and beautiful earl" furnished with a red +coat and a musket, that he might pass as a sentinel, and then placed +him every night throughout one winter at the doors of certain ladies of +quality whom he suspected of carrying on intrigues. + +In this disguise the footman readily passed as a soldier stationed at +his post by command of his officer, and was thus enabled to note +what gentlemen called on the suspected ladies at unreasonable but +not unfashionable hours. Accordingly, my lord made many surprising +discoveries, and when he had gained sufficient information on such +delicate points, he quietly retired into the country, that he might with +greater ease devote himself to the composition of those lively verses +which he subsequently circulated through the court, to the wonder and +dismay of many, and the delight and profit of few. + +To these lampoons no name was attached, and my lord took precautions +that their authorship should not be satisfactorily proved, no matter how +sagely suspected. Moreover, in his conversation he was judicious +enough to keep the weapon of his satire in reserve; sheathing its fatal +keenness in a bewitching softness of civility until occasion required +its use; when forth it flashed all the brighter for its covering, all +the sharper for its rest. And satire being absent from his speech, +humour ever waited on his words; and never was he more extravagantly gay +than when assisting at the pleasant suppers given by the merry monarch +to his choicest friends. + +Here, whilst drinking deep of ruddy wine from goblets of old gold, he +narrated his strange experiences, and illustrated them with flashes of +his wit. For it was the habit of this eccentric earl, when refinements +of the court began to pall upon him, or his absence from Whitehall +became a necessity, to seek fresh adventure and intrigue disguised as a +porter, a beggar, or a ballad-monger. And so carefully did he hide his +identity in the character he assumed, that his most intimate friends +failed to recognise his personality. + +No doubt the follies in which he indulged were in some measure due to +the eccentricity ever attendant upon genius; but they were probably +likewise occasioned by craving for excitement begotten of drink. For +my lord loved wine exceedingly; and when he drew near unto death in the +dawn of his manhood, confessed to Bishop Burnet that for five years he +was continually drunk: "Not that he was all the while under the visible +effects of it, but his blood was so inflamed, that he was not in all +that time cool enough to be perfectly master of himself." Charles +delighted in the society of this gay courtier, because of his erratic +adventures, and his love of wine. Moreover, the licentious verses which +it was the earl's good pleasure to compose, the names of some of which +no decent lips would whisper in this age of happy innocence, afforded +the monarch extravagant enjoyment. Withal his majesty's satisfaction in +Lord Rochester's wit was not always to be counted upon, as it proved. +For it came to pass one night at the close of a royal supper, during +which the earl had drunk deep, that with great goodwill to afford the +king diversion, he handed his majesty what he believed was a satire on +a courtier, more remarkable for its humour than its decency. Whereon +Charles, with anticipation of much delight, opened the folded page, +when he was surprised to see, not a copy of verses, but an unflattering +description of himself, which ran as follows: + + "Here lies our mutton-eating king, + Whose word no man relies on; + Who never said a foolish thing, + And never did a wise one." + +Now the king, though the best tempered of men and most lenient of +masters, was naturally wrathful at this verbal character: the more so +because recognising its faithfulness at a glance. He therefore upbraided +Rochester with ingratitude, and banished him from the court. + +Nothing dismayed, my lord retired into the country; but in a short +time, growing weary of pastoral solitude which gave him an appetite for +adventure it could not wholly supply, he returned privately to town, and +assuming a disguise, took up his residence in the city. Here exercising +his characteristic tact, and great capacity for pleasing, he +speedily made friends with wealthy merchants and worthy aldermen, who +subsequently invited him to their hospitable tables, and introduced him +to their gracious ladies. + +And as his conversation had not failed to delight the husbands, neither +were his charms unsuccessful in affording satisfaction to their wives. +To the one he railed against the impotence of the king's ministers, to +the other he declaimed upon the wickedness of his majesty's mistresses; +and to both his denunciations were equally sincere and acceptable. +But his bitterest words were reserved for such courtiers as Rochester, +Buckingham, and Killigrew, whose dissipated lives were the scandal of +all honest men, the terror of all virtuous women: insolent fellows, +moreover, who had the impudence to boast that city ladies were not so +faithful to their husbands as was generally supposed, and, moreover, the +boldness to assert that they painted. Indeed, he marvelled much, that +since such men were frequenters of Whitehall, sacred fire from heaven +had not long since descended and consumed the royal palace to ashes. +Such virtuous sentiments as these, expressed by so gallant a man, made +him acceptable in many homes: and the result was he speedily became +surfeited by banquets, suppers, and other hospitalities, to which the +excellent but credulous citizens bade him heartily welcome. + +He therefore disappeared from their midst one day as suddenly and +unaccountably as he had come amongst them. He did not, however, take +himself afar, but donning a new disguise, retreated to a more distant +part of the city: for an idea had occurred to him which he determined +speedily to put in practice. This was to assume the character and +bearing of a sage astrologer and learned physician, at once capable of +reading the past, and laying bare the future of all who consulted him; +also of healing diseases of and preventing mishaps to such as +visited him. Accordingly, having taken lodgings in Tower Street, at a +goldsmith's house, situated next the Black Swan, he prepared himself for +practice, adopted the title of doctor, the name of Alexander Bendo, and +issued bills headed by the royal arms, containing the most remarkable +and impudent manifesto perhaps ever set forth by any impostor. + +Copies of this may yet be seen in early editions of his works. It was +addressed to all gentlemen, ladies, and others, whether of the city, +town, or country, to whom Alexander Bendo wished health and prosperity. +He had come amongst them because the great metropolis of England had +ever been infested by numerous quacks, whose arrogant confidence, backed +by their ignorance, had enabled them to impose on the public; either +by premeditated cheats in physic, chymical and galenic, in astrology, +physiognomy, palmistry, mathematics, alchymy, and even government +itself. Of which latter he did not propose to discourse, or meddle with, +since it in no way belonged to his trade or vocation, which he thanked +God he found much more safe, equally honest, and more profitable. But +he, Alexander Bendo, had with unswerving faithfulness and untiring +assiduity for years courted the arts and sciences, and had learned dark +secrets and received signal favours from them. He was therefore prepared +to take part against unlearned wretches, and arrant quacks, whose +impudent addresses and saucy pretences had brought scandal upon sage and +learned men. + +However, in a wicked world like this, where virtue was so exactly +counterfeited, and hypocrisy was generally successful, it would be hard +for him, a stranger, to escape censure. But indeed he would submit to +be considered a mountebank if he were discovered to be one. Having made +which statement, he proceeded to draw an ingenious comparison between +a mountebank and a politician, suitable to all ages and dimes, but +especially to this century and country. Both, he intimated, are fain to +supply the lack of higher abilities to which they pretend, with craft; +and attract attention by undertaking strange things which can never be +performed. By both the people are pleased and deluded; the expectation +of good in the future drawing their eyes from the certainty of evil in +the present. + +The sage Alexander Bendo then discoursed of miraculous cures which he +could effect, but he would set down no word in his bill which bore an +unclean sound. It was enough that he made himself understood, but indeed +he had seen physicians' bills containing things of which no man +who walked warily before God could approve. Concerning astrological +predictions, physiognomy, divination by dreams, and otherwise, he would +say, if it did not look like ostentation, he had seldom failed, but had +often been of service; and to those who came to him he would guarantee +satisfaction. Nor would he be ashamed to avow his willingness to +practise rare secrets, for the help, conservation, and augmentation of +beauty and comeliness; an endowment granted for the better establishment +of mutual love between man and woman, and as such highly valuable to +both. The knowledge of secrets like this he had gathered during journeys +through France and Italy, in which countries he had spent his life since +he was fifteen years old. Those who had travelled in the latter country +knew what a miracle art there performs in behalf of beauty; how women +of forty bear the same countenance as those of fifteen, ages being in +no way distinguished by appearances; whereas in England, by looking at a +horse in the mouth and a woman in the face, it was possible to tell the +number of their years. He could, therefore, give such remedies as would +render those who came to him perfectly fair; clearing and preserving +them from all spots, freckles, pimples, marks of small-pox, or traces +of accidents. He would, moreover, cure the teeth, clear the breath, take +away fatness, and add flesh. + +A man who vouched to perform such wonders was not long without patients. +At first these were drawn from his immediate neighbourhood, but soon his +fame reached the heart of the city. Accordingly, many ladies of +whose hospitality he had partaken, and of whose secrets he had become +possessed, hurried to consult him; and the marvellous insight he +betrayed regarding their past, and strange predictions he pronounced +concerning their future, filled them with amazement, and occasionally +with alarm. And they, proclaiming the marvels of his wisdom, widened the +circle of his reputation, until his name was spoken within the precincts +of Whitehall. + +Curiosity concerning so remarkable a man at once beset the minds of +certain ladies at court, who either feared or expected much from the +future, and were anxious to peer into such secrets as it held concerning +themselves. But dreading the notoriety their presence would naturally +cause in the vicinity of Tower Street, a spot to them unknown, they, +acting with a prudence not invariably characteristic of their +conduct, sent their maids to ascertain from personal experience if the +astrologer's wisdom was in truth as marvellous as reported. Now, when +these appeared in fear and trembling before the great Alexander Bendo, +the knowledge he revealed concerning themselves, and their mistresses +likewise, was so wonderful that it exceeded all expectation. +Accordingly, the maids returned to court with such testimonies +concerning the lore of this star-reader, as fired afresh their +mistresses' desires to see and converse with him in their proper +persons. + +It therefore came to pass that Miss Price and Miss Jennings, maids +of honour both--the one to the queen, the other to the Duchess of +York--boldly resolved to visit Doctor Bendo, and learn what the future +held for them. Miss Price was a lady who delighted in adventure; Miss +Jennings was a gentlewoman of spirit; both looked forward to their visit +with excitement and interest. It happened one night, when the court had +gone to the playhouse, these ladies, who had excused themselves from +attending the queen and the duchess, dressed as orange girls, and taking +baskets of fruit under their arms, quickly crossed the park, and entered +a hackney-coach at Whitehall Gate. Bidding the driver convey them to +Tower Street, they rattled merrily enough over the uneven streets until +they came close to the theatre, when, being in high spirits and feeling +anxious to test the value of their disguise, they resolved to alight +from their conveyance, enter the playhouse, and offer their wares for +sale in presence of the court. + +Accordingly, paying the driver, they descended from the coach, and +running between the lines of chairs gathered round the theatre, gained +the door. Now, who should arrive at that moment but the beau Sidney, +attired in the bravery of waving feathers, fluttering ribbons, and +rich-hued velvets. And as he paused to adjust his curls to his greater +satisfaction before entering the playhouse, Miss Price went boldly +forward and asked him to buy her fine oranges; but so engaged was he in +his occupation, that he did not deign to make reply, but passed into +the theatre without turning his glance upon her. Miss Jennings, however, +fared somewhat differently; and with less satisfaction to herself; for, +perceiving another courtier, none other than Tom Killigrew, a rare wit +and lover of pleasure, she went up to him and offered her fruit for +sale. These he declined to buy; but chucking her under the chin, and +glancing at her with an air of familiarity, invited her to bring her +oranges to his lodgings next morning. On this Miss Jennings, who was as +virtuous as lovely, pushed him away with violence, and forgetting the +character she assumed, commenced rebuking his insolence, much to the +amusement and surprise of the bystanders. Fearing detection of their +identity, Miss Price pulled her forcibly away from the crowd. + +Miss Jennings was after this incident anxious to forego her visit to the +astrologer, and return to Whitehall, but her companion declaring +this would be a shameful want of spirit, they once more entered a +hackney-coach, and requested they might be driven to the lodgings of +the learned Doctor Bendo. Their adventures for the evening were +unfortunately not yet at an end; for just as they entered Tower Street +they saw Henry Brinker, one of the gentlemen of the bedchamber to the +Duke of York. Now it happened this courtier had been dining with a +citizen of worth and wealth, whose house he was about to leave the +moment the maids of honour drove by. They, knowing him to be a man +remarkable for his gallantries, were anxious to avoid his observation, +and therefore directed the driver to proceed a few doors beyond their +destination; but he, having caught sight of two pretty orange wenches, +followed the coach and promptly stepping up as they alighted, made some +bold observations to them. On this both turned away their heads that +they might avoid his gaze, a proceeding which caused him to observe +them with closer scrutiny, when he immediately recognised them, without +however intimating his knowledge. He therefore fell to teasing them, and +finally left them with no very pleasant remarks ringing in their ears, +concerning the virtue which obtained among maids of honour, for he did +not doubt their disguise was assumed for purposes of intrigue. + +Overwhelmed with confusion, they walked towards the goldsmith's shop, +over which the oracle delivered wisdom; but being no longer in a humour +to heed his words, they presently resolved on driving back to Whitehall +with all possible speed. But alas! on turning round they beheld their +driver waging war with a crowd which had gathered about his vehicle; for +having left their oranges in the coach, some boys had essayed to help +themselves, whereon the man fell foul of them. But he, being one against +many, was like to fare badly at their hands; seeing which, the maids of +honour persuaded him to let the crowd take the fruit and drive them back +at once. This conduct had not the effect of appeasing those who profited +by its generosity; for the gentlewomen were greeted with most foul +abuse, and many unworthy charges were laid to their account in language +more vigorous than polished. And having at last arrived in safety at +Whitehall, they resolved never to sally forth in search of adventure +again. + +After various strange experiences in his character as doctor of medicine +and teller of fortunes, of the weakness of human nature and strength of +common credulity, the learned Alexander Bendo vanished from the city; +and about the same time the gallant Earl of Rochester appeared at +court, where he sought for and obtained the merry monarch's pardon. +The wonderful stories he was enabled to relate, piquant in detail, and +sparkling with wit, rendered it delightful to the king, in whose favour +he soon regained his former supremacy. Nay, Charles even determined to +enrich and reward him, not indeed from the resources of his privy purse, +his majesty's income being all too little for his mistresses' rapacity, +but by uniting him to a charming woman and an heiress. + +The lady whom his majesty selected for this purpose was Elizabeth +Mallett, daughter of Lord Hawley of Donamore. Now this gentlewoman had a +fortune of two thousand five hundred a year, a considerable sum in +those days, and one which gained her many suitors; amongst whom Lord +Hinchingbrook was commended by her family, and Lord Rochester by the +king. Now the latter nobleman, having but a poor estate, was anxious to +obtain her wealth, and fearful of losing his suit: and being uncertain +as to whether he could gain her consent to marry him by fair means, he +resolved to obtain it by execution of a daring scheme. + +This was to carry her off by force, an action which highly commended +itself to his adventurous spirit. Accordingly he selected a night on +which the heiress supped at Whitehall with her friend Miss Stuart, +for conducting his enterprise. It therefore happened that as Elizabeth +Mallett was returning home from the palace in company with her +grandfather, their coach was suddenly stopped at Charing Cross. +Apprehending some danger, Lord Hawley looked out, and by the red light +of a score of torches flashing through darkness, saw he was surrounded +by a band of armed men, both afoot and on horse. Their action was prompt +and decisive, for before either my lord or his granddaughter was aware +of their intention, the latter was seized, forcibly lifted from the +coach, and transferred to another which awaited close at hand. This +was driven by six horses, and occupied by two women, who received the +heiress with all possible respect. No sooner had she been placed in +the coach than the horses were set to a gallop, and away she sped, +surrounded by a company of horsemen. + +Lord Hawley was cast into the uttermost grief and passion by this +outrage; but his condition did not prevent him speedily gathering a +number of friends and retainers, in company with whom he gave chase to +those who had abducted his granddaughter; and so fast did they ride that +Mistress Mallett was overtaken at Uxbridge, and carried back in safety +to town. For this outrageous attempt, my Lord Rochester was by the +king's command committed to the Tower, there to await his majesty's good +pleasure. It seemed now as if the earl's chance of gaining the heiress +had passed away for ever; inasmuch as Charles regarded the attempted +abduction with vast displeasure, and my Lord Hawley with terrible +indignation. + +But the ways of women being inexplicable, it happened in a brief +while Mistress Mallett was inclined to regret my Lord Rochester's +imprisonment, and therefore moved to have him released; and, moreover, +she was subsequently pleased to regard his suit and accept him as her +wedded lord. It speaks favourably for his character that with all +his faults she loved him well: nor did Rochester, though occasionally +unfaithful, ever treat her with unkindness. At times the old spirit of +restlessness and passion for adventure would master him, when he would +withdraw himself from her society for weeks and months. But she, though +sadly afflicted by such conduct, did not resent it. "If I could have +been troubled at anything, when I had the happiness of receiving a +letter from you," she writes to him on one occasion when he had absented +himself from her for long, "I should be so because you did not name a +time when I might hope to see you, the uncertainty of which very much +afflicts me." And again the poor patient wife tells him, "Lay your +commands upon me, what I am to do, and though it be to forget my +children, and the long hope I have lived in of seeing you, yet I will +endeavour to obey you; or in memory only torment myself, without giving +you the trouble of putting you in mind that there lives such a creature +as your faithful humble servant." At length dissipation undermined his +naturally strong constitution; and for months this once most gay and +gallant man, this "noble and beautiful earl," lay dying of that cruel +disease consumption. The while such thoughts as come to those who reason +of life's vanities beset him; and as he descended into the valley of +shadows, the folly of this world's ways was made clear to him. And +repenting of his sins, he died in peace with God and man at the age of +three-and-thirty. + +George Villiers second Duke of Buckingham, was not less notable than my +Lord Rochester. By turns he played such diverse parts in life's +strange comedy as that of a spendthrift and a miser, a profligate and +a philosopher, a statesman who sought the ruin of his country, and a +courtier who pandered to the pleasures of his king. But inasmuch as this +history is concerned with the social rather than the political life of +those mentioned in its pages, place must be given to such adventures as +were connected with the court and courtiers. Buckingham's were chiefly +concerned with his intrigues, which, alas! were many and strange; for +though his wife was loving and virtuous, she was likewise lean and +brown, and wholly incapable of controlling his erring fancies. Perhaps +it was knowledge of her lack of comeliness which helped her to bear +the burden of his follies; for according to Madame Dunois, though the +duchess knew he was continually engaged in amours, she, by virtue of a +patience uncommon to her sex, forbore mentioning the subject to him, +and "had complaisance enough to entertain his mistresses, and even lodge +them in her house, all which she suffered because she loved him." + +The most remarkable of his intrigues was that which connected his name +with the Countess of Shrewsbury. Her ladyship, was daughter of the +second Earl of Cardigan, and wife of the eleventh Earl of Shrewsbury. +She was married a year previous to the restoration, and upon the +establishment of the court at Whitehall had become one of its most +distinguished beauties. Nor was she less famed for the loveliness of her +person than for the generosity of her disposition; inasmuch as none +who professed themselves desirous of her affection were ever allowed to +languish in despair. She therefore had many admirers, some of whom were +destined to suffer for the distinction her friendship conferred. + +Now one of the first to gain her attachment was the young Earl of Arran, +the grace of whose bearing and ardour of whose character were alike +notable to the court. The verses he sung her to an accompaniment of his +guitar, and the glances he gave her indicative of his passion, might +have melted a heart less cold than hers. Accordingly they gained him +a friendship which, by reason of her vast benevolence, many were +subsequently destined to share. Now it chanced that the little Jermyn, +who had already succeeded in winning the affections of such notable +women as the poor Princess of Orange and my Lady Castlemaine, and +had besides conducted a series of minor intrigues with various ladies +connected with the court, was somewhat piqued that Lady Shrewsbury had +accepted my Lord Arran's attentions without encouraging his. For Henry +Jermyn, by virtue of the fascinations he exercised and the consequent +reputation he enjoyed, expected to be wooed by such women as desired his +love. + +But when, later on, Lord Arran's devotion to the lady was succeeded by +that of Thomas Howard, brother to the Earl of Carlisle, and captain +of the guards, Jermyn was thoroughly incensed, and resolved to make an +exception in favour of the countess by beginning those civilities which +act as preludes to intrigue. My lady, who was not judicious enough to be +off with the old love before she was on with the new, accepted Jermyn's +advances with an eagerness that gave promise of further favours. This +was highly displeasing to Howard, a brave and generous man, who under +an exterior of passive calmness concealed a spirit of fearless courage. +Though not desirous of picking a quarrel with his rival, he was +unwilling to suffer his impertinent interference. Jermyn, on the other +hand, not being aware of Howard's real character, sought an early +opportunity of insulting him. Such being their dispositions, a quarrel +speedily ensued, which happened in this manner. + +One fair summer day Captain Howard gave an entertainment at Spring +Gardens, in honour of the countess. These gardens were situated close by +Charing Cross, and opened into the spacious walks of St. James's +Park. Bounded on one side by a grove, and containing leafy arbours and +numerous thickets, the gardens were "contrived to all the advantages +of gallantry." The scene of many an intrigue, they were constantly +frequented by denizens of the court and dwellers in the city, to whom +they afforded recreation and pleasure. In the centre of these fair +gardens stood a cabaret, or house of entertainment, where repasts were +served at exceeding high prices, and much good wine was drunk. Here it +was Captain Howard received my Lady Shrewsbury and a goodly company, +spread a delicate banquet for them, and for their better diversion +provided some excellent music played upon the bagpipes, by a soldier +noted for his execution on that instrument. + +Jermyn hearing of the great preparations Captain Howard made, resolved +to be present on the occasion; and accordingly, before the hour +appointed for dinner, betook himself to the garden, and as if he had +arrived there by accident, strolled leisurely down the broad pleasant +paths, bordered by pinks and fragrant roses clustering in the hedgerows. +And presently drawing nigh the cabaret, he tarried there until the +countess, rich in physical graces, with sunny smiles upon her lips, and +amorous light in her eyes, stepped forth upon the balcony and greeted +him. Whereon his heart took fire: and entering the house, he joined her +where she stood, and held pleasant converse with her. Inflated by his +success, he resolved on making himself disagreeable to the host, and +therefore ventured to criticize the entertainment, and ridicule the +music, which he voted barbarous to civilized ears. And to such an extent +did he outrage Thomas Howard, that the gallant captain, being more of +a soldier than a courtier, and therefore preferring passages at arms to +those of wit, could scarce refrain from drawing his sword and demanding +the satisfaction due to him. + +However, he subdued his wrath till the day was spent, and early next +morning sent a challenge to his rival. Accordingly they met with fierce +intent, and the duel which followed ended almost fatally for Jermyn, +who was carried from the scene of encounter bleeding from three wounds +caused by his antagonist's sword. + +The unfortunate issue of this fight deprived Lady Shrewsbury of two +lovers; for Howard, having rendered Jermyn unable to perform the part +of a gallant, was obliged to fly from the country and remain abroad some +time. + +In their stead the countess sought consolation in the companionship of +Thomas Killigrew, a handsome man and a notable courtier. She therefore +had no regrets for the past: and he was entirely happy in the present, +so that he boasted of his felicities to all acquaintance, in general, +and to his friend the Duke of Buckingham in particular. It was +Killigrew's constant habit to sup with his grace, on which occasions his +conversation invariably turned on her ladyship, when, his imagination +being heated by wine, he freely endowed her with the perfections of a +goddess. To such descriptions the duke could not listen unmoved; and +therefore resolved to judge for himself if indeed the countess was such +a model of loveliness as Killigrew represented. Accordingly, at the +first opportunity which presented itself, the duke made love to her, +and she, nothing averse to his attentions, encouraged his affections. +Killigrew was much aggrieved at this unexpected turn of affairs, +and bitterly reproached the countess; but she, being mistress of the +situation, boldly denied all knowledge of him. + +This was more than he expected or could endure, and he consequently +abused her roundly in all companies, characterizing the charms of which +he once boasted as faults he could not endure; ridiculing her airs, and +denouncing her conduct. Reports of his comments and discourses speedily +reached Lady Shrewsbury's ears; and he was privately warned that if +he did not desist means would be taken to silence him effectually. Not +being wise enough to accept this hint he continued to vilify her. The +result was, one night when returning from the Duke of York's apartments +he was suddenly waylaid in St. James's Park, and three passes of a +sword made at him through his chair, one of which pierced his arm. Not +doubting they had despatched him to a better world, His assailants made +their escape; and my Lady Shrewsbury, who singularly enough happened +to be passing at the time in her coach, and had stopped to witness the +proceedings, drove off as speedily as six horses could carry her. + +Knowing it would be impossible to trace the villainy which had prompted +this deed to its source, Killigrew said not a word concerning the +murderous attempt, and henceforth held his peace regarding his late +mistress's imperfections. For some time she continued her intrigue with +the Duke of Buckingham without interference. But in an evil hour +it happened the Earl of Shrewsbury, who had long entertained a +philosophical indifference towards her previous amours, now undertook to +defend his honour, which it was clear his Grace of Buckingham had sadly +injured. + +Accordingly he challenged the duke to combat, and in due time they met +face to face in a field by Barnes Elms. His grace had as seconds Sir +Robert Holmes and Captain William Jenkins; the earl being supported by +Sir John Talbot and Bernard Howard, son of my Lord Arundel. The fight +was brief and bloody; Lord Shrewsbury, being run through the body, was +carried from the field in an insensible condition. The duke received but +a slight wound, but his friend Captain Jenkins was killed upon the spot. +The while swords clashed, blood flowed, and lives hung in a balance, the +woman who wrought this evil stood close by, disguised as a page, holding +the bridle of her lover's horse, as Lord Orford mentions. + +In consequence of this duel the Duke of Buckingham absented himself +from the capital; but two months after its occurrence King Charles +was pleased, "in contemplation of the services heretofore done to his +majesty by most of the persons engaged in the late duel or rencontre, to +graciously pardon the said offence." Three months after the day on which +he fought, Lord Shrewsbury died from effects of his wounds, when the +duke boldly carried the widow to his home. The poor duchess, who had +patiently borne many wrongs, could not stand this grievous and public +insult, and declared she would not live under the same roof with so +shameless a woman. "So I thought, madam," rejoined her profligate lord, +"and have therefore ordered your coach to convey you to your father." + +The countess continued to live with her paramour; nor was the court +scandalized. The queen, it is true, openly espoused the cause of the +outraged duchess, and sought to enlist sympathy on her behalf; but so +low was the tone of public morality that her words were unheeded, and no +voice was raised in protest against this glaring infamy. Nay, the duke +went further still in his efforts towards injuring the wife to whom he +owed so much, and who loved him over-well; as he caused his chaplain, +the Rev. Thomas Sprat, to marry him to my Lady Shrewsbury; and +subsequently conferred on the son to which she gave birth, and for whom +the king stood godfather, his second title of Earl of Coventry. His wife +was henceforth styled by the courtiers Dowager Duchess of Buckingham. +It is worthy of mention that the Rev. Thomas Sprat in good time became +Bishop of Rochester, and, it is written, "an ornament to the church +among those of the highest order." + +One of the most extraordinary characters which figured in this reign was +Thomas Blood, sometimes styled colonel. He was remarkable for his great +strength, high courage, and love of adventure. The son of an Irish +blacksmith, he had, on the outbreak of civil warfare in his native +country, joined Cromwell's army; and for the bravery he evinced was +raised to the rank of lieutenant, rewarded by a substantial grant of +land, and finally made a justice of the peace. At the restoration he was +deprived of this honour, as he was likewise of the property he called +his, which was returned to its rightful owner, an honest royalist. +Wholly dissatisfied with a government which dealt him such hardships, +he organised a plot to raise an insurrection in Ireland, storm Dublin +Castle, and seize the Duke of Ormond, then lord lieutenant. This +dark scheme was discovered by his grace; the chief conspirators were +accordingly seized, with the exception of Blood, who succeeded in making +his escape to Holland. His fellow traitors were tried and duly executed. + +From Holland, Blood journeyed into England, where, becoming acquainted +with some republicans, he entered into projects with them calculated to +disturb the nation's peace; which fact becoming known, he was obliged to +seek refuge in Scotland. Here he found fresh employment for his restless +energies, and in the year 1666 succeeded in stirring up some malcontents +to rebellion. The revolt being quelled, he escaped to Ireland; and after +a short stay in that country returned once more to England, where he +sought security in disguise. + +He lived here in peace until 1670, when he made an attempt no less +remarkable for its ingenuity than notable for its villainy. Towards the +end of that year the Prince of Orange, being in London, was invited by +the lord mayor to a civic banquet. Thither the Duke of Ormond attended +him, and subsequently accompanied him to St. James's, where the prince +then stayed. A short distance from the palace gates stood Clarendon +House, where the duke then resided, and towards which he immediately +drove, on taking leave of his royal highness. Scarce had he proceeded a +dozen yards up St. James's Street, when his coach was suddenly stopped +by a band of armed and mounted men, who, hurriedly surrounding his +grace, dragged him from the carriage and mounted him on a horse behind a +stalwart rider. Word of command being then given, the gang started at a +brisk pace down Piccadilly. Prompted by enemies of the duke, as well as +urged by his own desires to avenge his loss of property and the death of +his fellow-conspirators, Blood resolved to hang him upon the gallows +at Tyburn. That he might accomplish this end with greater speed and +security, he, leaving his victim securely buckled and tied to the fellow +behind whom he had been mounted, galloped forward in advance to adjust +the rope to the gallows, and make other necessary preparations. + +No sooner did the echo of his horse's hoofs die away, than the duke, +recovering the stupor this sudden attack had caused, became aware +that now was his opportunity to effect escape, if, indeed, such were +possible. He to whom his grace was secured was a burly man possessed of +great strength; the which Lord Ormond, being now past his sixtieth +year, had not. However, life was dear to him, and therefore he began +struggling with the fellow; and finally getting his foot under the +villain's, he unhorsed him, when both fell heavily to the ground. +Meanwhile his grace's coach having driven to Clarendon House, the +footmen had given an account of the daring manner in which his abduction +had been effected. On this an alarm was immediately raised, and the +porter, servants, and others hastened down Piccadilly in search of their +master, fast as good horses could carry them. + +They had proceeded as far as the village of Knightsbridge, when reports +of muskets, cries for help, and sounds of a scuffle they could not see +for darkness, fell upon their ears, and filled them with alarm. The +whole neighbourhood seemed startled, lights flashed, dogs barked, and +many persons rushed towards the scene of encounter. Aware of this, the +miscreants who had carried off the duke discharged their pistols at him, +and leaving him, as they supposed, for dead, fled to avoid capture, and +were seen or heard of no more. His grace was carried in an insensible +condition to a neighbouring house, but not having received serious hurt, +recovered in a few days. The court and town were strangely alarmed by +this outrage; nor as time passed was there any clue obtained to its +perpetrators, though the king offered a thousand pounds reward for their +discovery. + +The duke and his family, however, had little doubt his grace of +Buckingham was instigator of the deed; and Lord Ossory was resolved the +latter should be made aware of their conviction. Therefore, entering the +royal drawing-room one day, he saw the duke standing beside his majesty, +and going forward addressed him. "My lord," said he in a bold tone, +whilst he looked him full in the face, "I know well that you are at the +bottom of this late attempt upon my father; and I give you fair warning, +if my father comes to a violent end by sword or pistol, or if he dies by +the hand of a ruffian, or by the more secret way of poison, I shall not +be at a loss to know the first author of it: I shall consider you as +the assassin; I shall treat you as such; and wherever I meet you I shall +pistol you, though you stood behind the king's chair; and I tell you it +in his majesty's presence, that you may be sure I shall keep my word." +No further attempt was made upon the Duke of Ormond's life. + +Scarce six months elapsed from date of the essayed abduction, before +Blood endeavoured to steal the regalia and royal jewels preserved in the +Tower. The courage which prompted the design is not more remarkable than +the skill which sought to effect it; both were worthy a man of genius. +In the month of April, 1671, Blood, attired in the cassock, cloak, +and canonical girdle of a clergyman, together with a lady, whom he +represented as his wife, visited the Tower on purpose to see the crown. +With their desire Mr. Edwards, the keeper, an elderly man and a worthy, +readily complied. It chanced they were no sooner in the room where +the regalia was kept, than the lady found herself taken suddenly and +unaccountably ill, and indeed feared she must die; before bidding adieu +to life, she begged for a little whisky. This was promptly brought her, +and Mrs. Edwards, who now appeared upon the scene, invited the poor +gentlewoman to rest upon her bed. Whilst she complied with this +kind request, the clergyman and Edwards had time to improve their +acquaintance, which indeed bade fair towards speedily ripening into +friendship. + +And presently the lady recovering, she and her spouse took their leave +with many expressions of gratitude and respect. Four days later, the +good parson called on Mrs. Edwards, in order to present her with +four pairs of fine new gloves, which she was pleased to receive. This +gracious act paved the way to further friendship, which at last found +its climax in a proposal of marriage made by the parson on behalf of +his nephew, for the hand of young Mistress Edwards. "You have a pretty +gentlewoman for your daughter," said the clergyman, "and I have a young +nephew, who has two or three hundred pounds a year in land, and is at my +disposal; if your daughter be free, and you approve of it, I will bring +him hither to see her, and we will endeavour to make a match of it." + +To this project Edwards readily consented, and invited the clergyman and +the young man to spend a day with him when they could discourse on the +subject with greater leisure and more satisfaction. This was cordially +agreed to by the parson, who, with the bridegroom elect and two of his +friends, presented themselves on the appointed date, as early as seven +of the clock in the morning. Edwards was up betimes; but the good +clergyman, apologizing for the untimely hour of their arrival, which he +attributed to his nephew's eagerness for sight of his mistress, declared +he would not enter the keeper's apartments until Mrs. Edwards was ready +to receive them. However, in order to pass the time, he begged his host +might show the jewels to their young friends. + +With this petition Edwards complied readily enough. One of the men, +protesting he did not care to see the treasures, waited at the door; the +other three entered with the keeper, who was no sooner inside the room +than a cloak was thrown over his head, a gag, constructed of wood with +a hole in it by which he might breathe, clapped into his mouth, and +the more effectually to prevent him making a noise, an iron ring was +fastened to his nose. He was told if he attempted an alarm he would be +instantly killed, but if he remained quiet his life should be spared. +Blood and his two accomplices then seized upon the crown, orb, and +sceptre, seeing which, Edwards made as much noise as he possibly could +by stamping on the floor, whereon the robbers struck him with a mallet +on the head, stabbed him with a short sword in the side, and left him, +as they thought, for dead. Blood then secured the regalia under his +cloak, one of his companions put the orb into his breeches pocket, +whilst the other proceeded to file the sceptre that it might be more +conveniently carried. + +Now, at this moment it happened the keeper's son, who had been absent in +Flanders, returned to his father's home. He who stood sentinel asked him +with whom he would speak, whereon young Edwards said he belonged to the +house, and so passed to the apartments where his family resided. The +other giving notice of his arrival, the robbers hastened to depart, +leaving the sceptre behind them. No sooner had they gone, than the old +man struggled to his feet, dragged the gag from his mouth, and cried +out in fright: "Treason--murder--murder--treason!" On this his daughter +rushed down, and seeing the condition of her father, and noting the +absence of the regalia, continued his cry, adding, "The crown is +stolen--thieves--thieves!" + +Young Edwards and another who heard her, Captain Beekman, now gave +pursuit to the robbers, who had already got beyond the main guard. +Word was instantly shouted to the warder of the drawbridge to stop the +villains, but Blood was equal to this emergency; coolly advancing, he +discharged his pistol at the man, who instantly fell. The thieves then +crossed the bridge, passed through the outward gate, and made for the +street close by, where their horses awaited them, crying the while, +"Stop thief! stop thief!" Before they advanced far, Captain Beekman came +up with Blood, who, turning quickly round, fired his second pistol at +the head of his pursuer; but Beekman, suddenly stooping, escaped injury, +and sprang at the throat of his intended assassin. A struggle then +ensued. Blood was a man of powerful physique, but Beekman was lithe and +vigorous, and succeeded in holding the rogue until help arrived. In +the contest, the regalia fell to the ground, when a fair diamond and a +priceless pearl were lost; they were, however, eventually recovered. +The other thieves were likewise captured, and all of them secured in the +Tower. + +Certain death now faced Blood; but the wonderful luck which had +befriended him during life did not desert him now. At this time the Duke +of Buckingham was high in favour with the king, and desirous of saving +one who had secretly served him; or fearing exposure if Blood made a +full confession, his grace impressed Charles with a desire to see +the man who had perpetrated so daring a deed, saying he must be one +possessed of extraordinary spirit. Giving ready ear to his words, +the monarch consented to have an interview with the robber, for which +purpose he gave orders Blood should be brought to Whitehall. + +Those who heard of the king's resolution felt satisfied Blood need not +despair of life; "for surely," said Sir Robert Southwell, on becoming +aware of his majesty's design, "no king should wish to see a malefactor +but with intentions to pardon him." Now Blood, being a man of genius, +resolved to play his part during the audience in a manner which would +favourably impress the king. Therefore when Charles asked him how he had +dared attempt so bold a robbery, Blood made answer he had lost a fine +property by the crown, and was resolved to recover it with the crown. +Diverted by his audacity his majesty questioned him further, when Blood +confessed to his attempted abduction of the Duke of Ormond, but refused +to name his accomplices. Nay, he narrated various other adventures, +showing them in a romantic light; and finally concluded by telling +the king he had once entered into a design to take his sacred life by +rushing upon him with a carbine from out of the reeds by the Thames +side, above Battersea, when he went to swim there; but he was so awed by +majesty his heart misgave him, and he not only relented, but persuaded +the remainder of his associates from such an intention. + +This strange interview resulted in Charles pardoning Blood his many +crimes. The Duke of Ormond, at his majesty's request, likewise forgave +him. Nor did the king's interest in the villain end here; for he gave +him a pension of five hundred pounds a year, and admitted him to his +private friendship. Blood was therefore constantly at court, and made +one of that strange assembly of wits and profligates which surrounded +the throne. "No man," says Carte the historian, "was more assiduous +than he. If anyone had a business at court that stuck, he made his +application to Blood as the most industrious and successful solicitor; +and many gentlemen courted his acquaintance, as the Indians pray to +the devil, that he may not hurt them. He was perpetually in the royal +apartments, and affected particularly to be in the same room where the +Duke of Ormond was, to the indignation of all others, though neglected +and overlooked by his grace." + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + Terror falls upon the people.--Rumours of a plague.--A sign in the + heavens.--Flight from the capital.--Preparations against the dreaded + enemy.--Dr. Boghurst's testimony.--God's terrible voice in the + city.--Rules made by the lord mayor.--Massacre of animals.--O, dire + death!--Spread of the distemper.--Horrible sights.--State of the + deserted capital.--"Bring out your dead."--ashes to ashes.--Fires are + lighted.--Relief of the poor.--The mortality bills. + +It came to pass during the fifth month of the year 1665, that a great +terror fell upon the city of London; even as a sombre cloud darkens the +midday sky. For it was whispered abroad a plague had come amongst the +people, fears of which had been entertained, and signs of which had been +obvious for some time. During the previous November a few persons had +fallen victims to this dreaded pestilence, but the weather being cold +and the atmosphere clear, it had made no progress till April. In that +month two men had died of this most foul disease; and in the first week +of May its victims numbered nine; and yet another fortnight and it had +hurried seventeen citizens to the grave. + +Now the memory of their wickedness rising before them, dread took up its +abode in all men's hearts; for none knew but his day of reckoning was at +hand. And their consternation was greater when it was remembered that +in the third year of this century thirty-six thousand citizens of London +had died of the plague, while twenty-five years later it had swept away +thirty-five thousand; and eleven years after full ten thousand persons +perished of this same pestilence. Moreover, but two years previous, +a like scourge had been rife in Holland; and in Amsterdam alone +twenty-four thousand citizens had died from its effects. + +And the terror of the citizens of London was yet more forcibly increased +by the appearance in April of a blazing star or comet, bearing a tail +apparently six yards in length, which rose betimes in a lurid sky, and +passed with ominous movement from west to east. [It is worthy of +notice that Lilly in his "Astrological Predictions," published in 1648, +declared the year 1656 would be "ominous to London, unto her merchants +at sea, to her traffique at land, to her poor, to her rich, to all sorts +of people inhabiting in her or her Liberties, by reason of sundry fires +and a consuming plague."] The king with his queen and court, prompted by +curiosity, stayed up one night to watch this blazing star pass above +the silent city; the Royal Society in behalf of science embodied many +learned comments regarding it in their "Philosophical Transactions;" but +the great body of the people regarded it as a visible signal of God's +certain wrath. They were more confirmed in this opinion, as some amongst +them, whose judgments were distorted by fears, declared the comet had +at times before their eyes assumed the appearance of a fiery sword +threatening the sinful city. It was also noted in the spring of this +year that birds and wild fowls had left their accustomed places, and few +swallows were seen. But in the previous summer there had been "such a +multitude of flies that they lined the insides of houses; and if any +threads of strings did hang down in any place, they were presently +thick-set with flies like ropes of onions; and swarms of ants covered +the highways that you might have taken up a handful at a time, both +winged and creeping ants; and such a multitude of croaking frogs in +ditches that you might have heard them before you saw them," as is +set down by one William Boghurst, apothecary at the White Hart in St. +Giles-in-the-Fields, who wrote a learned "Treatis on the Plague" +in 1666, he being the only man who up to that time had done so from +experience and observation. [This quaint and curious production, which +has never been printed, and which furnishes the following pages +with some strange details, is preserved in the Sloane Collection of +Manuscripts in the British Museum.] And from such signs, as likewise +from knowledge that the pestilence daily increased, all felt a season of +bitter tribulation was at hand. + +According to "Some Observations of the Plague," written by Dr. Hedges +for use of a peer of the realm, the dread malady was communicated to +London from the Netherlands "by way of contagion." It first made its +appearance in the parishes of St. Giles and St. Martin's, Westminster, +from which directions it gradually spread to Holborn, Fleet Street, +the Strand, and the city, finally reaching to the east, bringing death +invariably in its train. + +The distemper was not only fatal in its termination, but loathsome +in its progress; for the blood of those affected being poisoned by +atmospheric contagion, bred venom in the body, which burst forth into +nauseous sores and uncleanness; or otherwise preyed with more rapid +fatality internally, in some cases causing death before its victims were +assured of disease. Nor did it spare the young and robust any more than +those weak of frame or ripe with years, but attacking stealthily, killed +speedily. It was indeed the "pestilence that walketh in darkness, and +the destruction that wasteth in the noonday." In the month of May, when +it was yet uncertain if the city would be spared even in part, persons +of position and wealth, and indeed those endowed with sufficient means +to support themselves elsewhere, resolved to fly from the capital; +whilst such as had neither home, friends, nor expectation of employment +in other places, remained behind. Accordingly great preparations were +made by those who determined on flight; and all day long vast crowds +gathered round my lord mayor's house in St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, +seeking certificates of health, so that for some weeks it was difficult +to reach his door for the throng that gathered there, as is stated by +John Noorthouck. Such official testimonies to the good health of +those leaving London had now become necessary; for the inhabitants of +provincial towns, catching the general alarm, refused to shelter in +their houses, or even let pass through their streets, the residents of +the plague-stricken city, unless officially assured they were free +from the dreaded distemper. Nay, even with such certificates in +their possession, many were refused admittance to inns, or houses of +entertainment, and were therefore obliged to sleep in fields by night, +and beg food by day, and not a few deaths were caused by want and +exposure. + +And now were the thoroughfares of the capital crowded all day long with +coaches conveying those who sought safety in flight, and with waggons +and carts containing their household goods and belongings, until it +seemed as if the city mould be left without a soul. Many merchants and +shipowners together with their families betook themselves to vessels, +which they caused to be towed down the river towards Greenwich, and in +which they resided for months; whilst others sought refuge in smacks and +fishing-boats, using them as shelters by day, and lodging on the banks +by night. Some few families remaining in the capital laid in stores +of provisions, and shutting themselves up securely in their houses, +permitted none to enter or leave, by which means some of them escaped +contagion and death. The court tarried until the 29th of June, and then +left for Hampton, none too soon, for the pestilence had reached almost +to the palace gates. The queen mother likewise departed, retiring into +France; from which country she never returned. + +All through the latter part of May, and the whole of the following +month, this flight from the dread enemy of mankind continued; presenting +a melancholy spectacle to those who remained, until at last the capital +seemed veritably a city of the dead. But for the credit of humanity be +it stated, that not all possessed of health and wealth abandoned the +town. Prominent amongst those who remained were the Duke of Albemarle, +Lord Craven, the lord mayor, Sir John Laurence, some of his aldermen, +and a goodly number of physicians, chirurgeons, and apothecaries, all of +whom by their skill or exertions sought to check the hungry ravages of +death. The offices which medical men voluntarily performed during +this period of dire affliction were loathsome to a terrible degree. "I +commonly dressed forty sores in a day," says Dr. Boghurst, whose +simple words convey a forcible idea of his nobility; "held the pulse of +patients sweating in their beds half a quarter of an hour together; let +blood; administered clysters to the sick; held them up in their beds to +keep them from strangling and choking, half an hour together commonly, +and suffered their breathing in my face several times when they were +dying; eat and drank with them, especially those that had sores; sat +down by their bedsides and upon their beds, discoursing with them an +hour together. If I had time I stayed by them to see them die. Then if +people had nobody to help them (for help was scarce at such time and +place) I helped to lay them forth out of the bed, and afterwards into +the coffin; and last of all, accompanied them to the ground." + +Of the physicians remaining in the city, nine fell a sacrifice to duty. +Amongst those who survived was the learned Dr. Nathaniel Hodges, who +was spared to meet a philanthropist's fate in penury and neglect. [Dr. +Hodges subsequently wrote a work entitled "Loimologia; or, an Historical +Account of the Plague of London," first published in 1672; of which, +together with a collection of the bills of mortality for 1665, entitled +"London's Dreadful Visitation," and a pamphlet by the Rev. Thomas +Vincent, "God's Terrible Voice in the City," printed in 1667, De Foe +largely availed himself in writing his vivid but unreliable "Journal of +the Plague Year," which first saw the light in 1722.] The king had, +on outbreak of the distemper, shown solicitude for his citizens by +summoning a privy council, when a committee of peers was formed for +"Prevention and Spreading of the Infection." Under their orders the +College of Physicians drew up "Certain necessary Directions for the +Prevention and Cure of the Plague, with Divers remedies for small +Change," which were printed in pamphlet form, and widely distributed +amongst the people. [We learn that at this time the College was stored +with "men of learning, virtue, and probity, nothing acquainted with +the little arts of getting a name by plotting against the honesty and +credulity of the people." The prescriptions given by this worthy body +were consequently received with a simple faith which later and more +sceptical generations might deny them. Perhaps the most remarkable of +these directions, given under the heading of "Medicines External," was +the following: "Pull off the feathers from the tails of living cocks, +hens, pigeons, or chickens, and holding their bills, hold them hard to +the botch or swelling, and so keep them at that part until they die, and +by that means draw out the poison. It is good to apply a cupping glass, +or embers in a dish, with a handful of sorrel upon the embers."] + +The lord mayor, having likewise the welfare of the people at heart, +"conceived and published" rules to be observed, and orders to be obeyed, +by them during this visitation. These directed the appointment of two +examiners for every parish, who were bound to discover those who were +sick, and inquire into the nature of their illness: and finding +persons afflicted by plague, they, with the members of their family +and domestics, were to be confined in their houses. These were to be +securely locked outside, and guarded day and night by watchmen, +whose duty it should be to prevent persons entering or leaving those +habitations; as likewise to perform such offices as were required, such +as conveying medicines and food. And all houses visited by the distemper +were to be forthwith marked on the door by a red cross a foot long, with +the words LORD HAVE MERCY UPON US set close over the same sacred sign. +Female searchers, "such as are of honest reputation, and of the best +sort as can be got of the kind," were selected that they might report +of what disease people died; such women not being permitted during this +visitation to use any public work or employment, or keep shop or stall, +or wash linen for the people. Nurses to attend the afflicted deserted +by their friends were also appointed. And inasmuch as multitudes of idle +rogues and wandering beggars swarming the city were a great means +of spreading disease, the constables had orders not to suffer their +presence in the streets. And dogs and cats, being domestic animals, apt +to run from house to house, and carry infection in their fur and hair, +an order was made that they should be killed, and an officer nominated +to see it carried into execution. It was computed that, in accordance +with this edict, forty thousand dogs, and five times that number of +cats, were massacred. + +All plays bear-baitings, exhibitions, and games were forbidden; as were +likewise "all public feasting, and particularly by the companies of +the city, and dinners at taverns, alehouses, and other places of common +entertainment; and the money thereby spared, be employed for the benefit +and relief of the poor visited with the infection." Pest-houses were +opened at Tothill Fields, Westminster, and at Bunhill Fields, near Old +Street, for reception of the sick: and indeed every possible remedy +calculated to check the disease was adopted. Some of these, though +considered necessary to the well-being of the community, were by many +citizens regarded as hardships, more especially the rule which related +to closing of infected houses. + +The misery endured by those in health suffering such confinement, was +scarcely less than that realized by the afflicted. And fear making way +for disease, it frequently occurred a whole family, when confined +with one infected member, speedily became stricken by plague, and +consequently overtaken by death. It therefore happened that many +attempts were made by those in health to escape incarceration. In some +cases they bribed, and in others ill-treated the watchmen: one of whom +was actually blown up by gunpowder in Coleman Street, that those he +guarded might flee unmolested. Again, it chanced that strong men, +rendered desperate when brought face to face with loathsome death, +lowered themselves from windows of their houses in sight of the watch, +whom they threatened with instant death if they cried out or stirred. + +The apprehension of the sick, who were in most cases deserted by their +friends, was increased tenfold by the practices of public nurses: +for being hardened to affliction by nature of their employment, and +incapable of remorse for crime by reason of their vileness, they were +guilty of many barbarous usages. "These wretches," says Dr. Hodges, "out +of greediness to plunder the dead, would strangle their patients, and +charge it to the distemper in their throats. Others would secretly +convey the pestilential taint from sores of the infected to those who +were well; and nothing indeed deterred these abandoned miscreants from +prosecuting their avaricious purposes by all methods their wickedness +could invent; who, although they were without witnesses to accuse them, +yet it is not doubted but divine vengeance will overtake such wicked +barbarities with due punishment. Nay, some were remarkably struck from +heaven in the perpetration of their crimes; and one particularly amongst +many, as she was leaving the house of a family, all dead, loaded with +her robberies, fell down lifeless under her burden in the street. And +the case of a worthy citizen was very remarkable, who, being suspected +dying by his nurse, was beforehand stripped by her; but recovering +again, he came a second time into the world naked." + +But notwithstanding all precautions and care taken by the Duke of +Albemarle and the worthy lord mayor, the dreadful pestilence spread with +alarming rapidity; as may be judged from the fact that the number who +died in the first week of June amounted to forty-three, whilst during +the last week of that month two hundred and sixty-seven persons were +carried to their graves. From the 4th of July to the 11th, seven hundred +and fifty-five deaths were chronicled; the following eight days the +death rate rose to one thousand and eighty-two; whilst the ensuing week +this high figure was increased by over eight hundred. For the month of +August, the mortality bill recorded seventeen thousand and thirty-six +deaths; and during September, twenty-six thousand two hundred and thirty +persons perished in the city. + +The whole British nation was stricken with consternation at the fate of +the capital. "In some houses," says Dr. Hodges, speaking from personal +experience, "carcases lay waiting for burial, and in others were persons +in their last agonies. In one room might be heard dying groans, in an +other the ravings of delirium, and not far off relations and friends +bewailing both their loss and the dismal prospect of their own sudden +departure. Death was the sure midwife to all children, and infants +passed immediately from the womb to the grave. Some of the infected run +about staggering like drunken men, and fall and expire in the streets; +whilst others lie half dead and comatose, but never to be waked but by +the last trumpet." The plague had indeed encompassed the walls of the +city, and poured in upon it without mercy. A heavy stifling atmosphere, +vapours by day and blotting out all traces of stars and sky by night, +hovered like a palpable shape of dire vengeance above the doomed city. +During many weeks "there was a general calm and serenity, as if both +wind and rain had been expelled the kingdom, so that there was not so +much as to move a flame." The oppressive silence of brooding death, +unbroken now even by the passing bell, weighed stupor-like upon the +wretched survivors. The thoroughfares were deserted, grass sprang +green upon side-paths and steps of dwellings; and the broad street in +Whitechapel became like unto a field. Most houses bore upon their doors +the dread sign of the red cross, with the supplication for mercy written +above. Some of the streets were barricaded at both ends, the inhabitants +either having fled into the country or been carried to their graves; +and it was estimated in all that over seven thousand dwellings were +deserted. All commerce, save that dealing with the necessaries of life, +was abandoned; the parks forsaken and locked, the Inns of Court closed, +and the public marts abandoned. A few of the church doors were opened, +and some gathered within that they might humbly beseech pardon for the +past, and ask mercy in the present. But as the violence of the distemper +increased, even the houses of God were forsaken; and those who +ventured abroad walked in the centre of the street, avoiding contact or +conversation with friend or neighbour; each man dreading and avoiding +his fellow, lest he should be to him the harbinger of death. And all +carried rue and wormwood in their hands, and myrrh and zedoary in their +mouths, as protection against infection. Now were the faces of all pale +with apprehension, none knowing when the fatal malady might carry them +hence; and moreover sad, as became those who stand in the presence of +death. + +And such sights were to be witnessed day after day as made the heart +sick. "It would be endless," says the Rev. Thomas Vincent, "to speak +what we have seen and heard; of some, in their frenzy, rising out of +their beds and leaping about their rooms; others crying and roaring +at their windows; some coming forth almost naked and running into the +streets; strange things have others spoken and done when the disease was +upon them: but it was very sad to hear of one, who being sick alone, +and it is like frantic, burnt himself in his bed. And amongst other +sad spectacles methought two were very affecting: one of a woman coming +alone and weeping by the door where I lived, with a little coffin under +her arm, carrying it to the new churchyard. I did judge that it was the +mother of the child, and that all the family besides was dead, and she +was forced to coffin up and bury with her own hands this her last dead +child. Another was of a man at the corner of the Artillery Wall, that +as I judge, through the dizziness of his head with the disease, which +seized upon him there, had dashed his face against the wall; and when I +came by he lay hanging with his bloody face over the rails, and bleeding +upon the ground; within half an hour he died in that place." + +And as the pestilence increased, it was found impossible to provide +coffins or even separate graves for those who perished. And therefore, +in order to bury the deceased, great carts passed through the streets +after sunset, attended by linkmen and preceded by a bellman crying in +weird and solemn tones, "Bring out your dead." At the intimation of the +watchmen stationed before houses bearing red crosses upon their +doors, the sad procession would tarry, When coffinless, and oftentimes +shroudless, rigid, loathsome, and malodorous bodies were hustled into +the carts with all possible speed. Then once more the melancholy cortege +took its way adown the dark, deserted street, the yellow glare of links +falling on the ghastly burden they accompanied, the dirge-like call of +the bellman sounding on the ears of the living like a summons from +the dead. And so, receiving additional freight upon its way, the cart +proceeded to one of the great pits dug in the parish churchyards of +Aldgate and Whitechapel, or in Finsbury Fields close by the Artillery +Ground. These, measuring about forty feet in length, eighteen in +breadth, and twenty in depth, were destined to receive scores of bodies +irrespective of creed or class. The carts being brought to these dark +and weirdsome gulphs, looking all the blacker from the flickering lights +of candles and garish gleams of lanterns placed beside them, the bodies, +without rite or ceremony, were shot into them, and speedily covered with +clay. For the accomplishment of this sad work night was found too brief. +And what lent additional horror to the circumstances of these burials +was, that those engaged in this duty would occasionally drop lifeless +during their labour. So that it sometimes happened the dead-carts were +found without driver, linkman, or bell-man. And it was estimated that +the parish of Stepney alone lost one hundred and sixteen gravediggers +and sextons within that year. + +During the month of September, the pestilence raged with increased fury; +and it now seemed as if the merciless distemper would never cease whilst +a single inhabitant remained in the city. The lord mayor, having found +all remedies to stay its progress utterly fail, by advice of the +medical faculty, ordered that great fires should be kindled in certain +districts, by way of purifying the air, Accordingly, two hundred +chaldrons of coal, at four pounds a chaldron, were devoted to this +purpose. At first the fires were with great difficulty made to burn, +through the scarcity, it was believed, of oxygen in the atmosphere; but +once kindled, they continued blazing for three days and three nights, +when a heavy downpour of rain falling they were extinguished. The +following night death carried off four thousand souls, and the +experiment of these cleansing fires was discontinued. All through this +month fear and tribulation continued; the death rate, from the 5th of +September to the 3rd of October, amounting to twenty-four thousand one +hundred and seventy-one. + +During October, the weather being cool and dry, the pestilence gave +promise of rapid decrease. Hope came to the people, and was received +with eager greeting. Once more windows were unshuttered, doors were +opened, and the more venturous walked abroad. The great crisis had +passed. In the middle of the month Mr. Pepys travelled on foot to the +Tower, and records his impressions. "Lord," he says, "how empty the +streets are and melancholy, so many poor sick people in the streets full +of sores; and so many sad stories overheard as I walk, everybody talking +of this dead, and that man sick, and so many in this place, and so many +in that. And they tell me that in Westminster there is never a physician +and but one apothecary left, all being dead; but that there are great +hopes of a decrease this week. God send it." + +The while, trade being discontinued, those who had lived by commerce +or labour were supported by charity. To this good purpose the king +contributed a thousand pounds per week, and Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of +Canterbury--who remained at Lambeth during the whole time--by letters +to his bishops, caused great sums to be collected throughout the country +and remitted to him for this laudable purpose. Nor did those of position +or wealth fail in responding to calls made upon them at this time; +their contributions being substantial enough to permit the lord mayor +to distribute upwards of one hundred thousand pounds a week amongst the +poor and afflicted for several months. + +In October the death rate fell to nine thousand four hundred and +forty-four; in November to three thousand four hundred and forty-nine; +and in December to less than one thousand. Therefore, after a period of +unprecedented suffering, the people took courage once more, for life +is dear to all men. And those who had fled the plague-stricken city +returned to find a scene of desolation, greater in its misery than words +can describe. But the tide of human existence having once turned, the +capital gradually resumed its former appearance. Shops which had been +closed were opened afresh; houses whose inmates had been carried to the +grave became again centres of activity; the sound of traffic was heard +in streets long silent; church bells called the citizens to prayer; +marts were crowded; and people wore an air of cheerfulness becoming the +survivors of a calamity. And so all things went on as before. + +The mortality bills computed the number of burials which took place in +London during this year at ninety-seven thousand three hundred and +six, of which sixty-eight thousand five hundred find ninety-six were +attributed to the plague. This estimate has been considered by all +historians as erroneous. For on the first appearance of the distemper, +the number of deaths set down was far below that which truth warranted, +in order that the citizens might not be affrighted; and when it was at +its height no exact account of those shifted from the dead-carts into +the pits was taken. Moreover, many were buried by their friends in +fields and gardens. Lord Clarendon, an excellent authority, states +that though the weekly bills reckoned the number of deaths at about one +hundred thousand, yet "many who could compute very well, concluded that +there were in truth double that number who died; and that in one week, +when the bill mentioned only six thousand, there had in truth fourteen +thousand died." + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + A cry of fire by night.--Fright and confusion.--The lord mayor is + unmanned.--Spread of the flames.--Condition of the streets.--Distressful + scenes.--Destruction of the Royal Exchange.--Efforts of the king and + Duke of York.--Strange rumours and alarms.--St. Paul's is doomed.--The + flames checked.--A ruined city as seen by day and night.--Wretched state + of the people.--Investigation into the origin of the fire.--A new city + arises. + +Scarcely had the city of London recovered from the dire effects of +the plague, ere a vast fire laid it waste. It happened on the 2nd of +September, 1666, that at two o'clock in the morning, the day being +Sunday, smoke and flames were seen issuing from the shop of a baker +named Faryner, residing in Pudding Lane, close by Fish Street, in the +lower part of the city. The house being built of wood, and coated with +pitch, as were likewise those surrounding it, and moreover containing +faggots, dried logs, and other combustible materials, the fire spread +with great rapidity: so that in a short time not only the baker's +premises, but the homesteads which stood next it on either side were in +flames. + +Accordingly, the watchman's lusty cry of "Fire, fire, fire!" which had +roused the baker and his family in good time to save their lives, was +now shouted down the streets with consternation, startling sleepers from +their dreams, and awaking them to a sense of peril. Thereon they rose +promptly from their beds, and hastily throwing on some clothes, rushed +out to rescue their neighbours' property from destruction, and subdue +the threatening conflagration. + +And speedily was heard the tramp of many feet hurrying to the scene, and +the shouting of anxious voices crying for help; and presently the +bells of St. Margaret's church close by, ringing with wild uneven peals +through the darkness, aroused all far and near to knowledge of the +disaster. For already the flames, fanned by a high easterly wind, and +fed by the dry timber of the picturesque old dwellings huddled close +together, had spread in four directions. + +One of these being Thames Street, the consequence was terrible, for +the shops and warehouses of this thoroughfare containing inflammable +materials, required for the shipping trade, such as oil, pitch, tar, and +rosin, the houses at one side the street were immediately wrapped, from +basement to garret, in sheets of angry flame. And now flaunting its +yellow light skywards, as if exulting in its strength, and triumphing +in its mastery over men's efforts, the fire rushed to the church of St. +Magnus, a dark solid edifice standing at the foot of London Bridge. The +frightened citizens concluded the conflagration must surely end here; or +at least that whilst it endeavoured to consume a dense structure such +as this, they might succeed in subduing its force; but their hopes were +vain. At first the flames shot upwards to the tower of the building, +but not gaining hold, retreated as if to obtain fresh strength for new +efforts; and presently darting forward again, they seized the woodwork +of the belfry windows. A few minutes later the church blazed at every +point, and was in itself a colossal conflagration. + +From this the fire darted to the bridge, burning the wooden houses built +upon it, and the water machines underneath, and likewise creeping up +Thames Street, on that side which was yet undemolished. By this time +the bells of many churches rang out in sudden fright, as if appealing to +heaven for mercy on behalf of the people; and the whole east end of +the town rose up in alarm. The entire city seemed threatened with +destruction, for the weather having long been dry and warm, prepared the +homesteads for their fate; and it was noted some of them, when scorched +by the approaching fire, ignited before the flames had time to reach +them. + +Sir Thomas Bludworth, the lord mayor, now arrived in great haste, but so +amazed was he at the sight he beheld, and so bewildered by importunities +of those who surrounded him, that he was powerless to act. Indeed, his +incapacity to direct, and inability to command, as well as his lack of +moral courage, have been heavily and frequently blamed. Bring a weak +man, fearful of outstepping his authority, he at first forebore pulling +down houses standing in the pathway of the flames, as suggested to him, +a means that would assuredly have prevented their progress; but when +urged to this measure would reply, he "durst not, without the consent of +the owners." And when at last, after great destruction had taken place, +word was brought him from the king to "spare no house, but pull them +down everywhere before the fire," he cried out "like a fainting woman," +as Pepys recounts, "Lord! what can I do? I am spent; people will not +obey me." + +Meanwhile, great bodies of the citizens of all classes had been at work; +some upon the cumbrous engines, others carrying water, others levelling +houses, but all their endeavours seemed powerless to quell the raging +flames. And it was notable when first the pipes in the streets were +opened, no water could be found, whereon a messenger was sent to the +works at Islington, in order to turn on the cocks, so that much time was +lost in this manner. All through Sunday morning the flames extended far +and wide, and in a few hours three hundred houses were reduced to ashes. +Not at midday, nor yet at night, did they give promise of abatement. The +strong easterly wind continuing to blow, the conflagration worked its +way to Cannon Street, from thence gradually encompassing the dwellings +which lay between that thoroughfare and the Thames, till the whole +seemed one vast plain of raging fire. + +The streets now presented a scene of the uttermost confusion and +distress. The affrighted citizens, whose dwellings were momentarily +threatened with destruction, hurried to and fro, striving to save those +of their families who by reason of infancy, age or illness were unable +to help themselves. Women on the eve of child-birth were carried from +their beds; mothers with infants clinging to their naked breasts fled +from homes which would shelter them no more; the decrepit were borne +away on the shoulders of the strong. The narrow thoroughfares were +moreover obstructed by furniture dragged from houses, or lowered from +windows with a reckless speed that oftentimes destroyed what it sought +to preserve. Carts, drays, and horses laden with merchandise jostled +each other in their hurried way towards the fields outside the city +walls. Men young and vigorous crushed forward with beds or trunks upon +their backs; children laboured under the weight of bundles, or rolled +barrels of oil, wine, or spirits before them. And the air, rendered +suffocating by smoke and flame, was moreover confused by the crackling +of consuming timber, the thunder of falling walls, the crushing of +glass, the shrieks of women, and the imprecations of men. + +And those who lived near the waterside, or in houses on the bridges, +hurried their goods and chattels into boats, barges, and lighters, +in which they likewise took refuge. For the destruction of wharfs and +warehouses, containing stores of most inflammable nature, was brief and +desperate. The Thames, now blood-red from reflection of the fierce sky, +was covered with craft of all imaginable shape and size. Showers of +sparks blown by the high wind fell into the water with hissing sounds, +or on the clothes and faces of the people with disastrous and painful +effects; and the smoke and heat were hard to bear. And it was remarked +that flocks of pigeons, which for generations had found shelter in the +eaves and roofs of wooden houses by the riverside, were loath to leave +their habitations; and probably fearing to venture afar by reason of +the unwonted aspect of the angry sky, lingered on the balconies and +abutments of deserted houses, until in some cases, the flames enwrapping +them, they fell dead into the waters below. + +On Sunday evening Gracechurch Street was on fire; and the flames spread +onwards till they reached, and in their fury consumed, the Three Cranes +in the Vintry. Night came, but darkness had fled from the city; and +for forty miles round all was luminous. And there were many who in the +crimson hue of the heavens, beheld an evidence of God's wrath at the +sins of the nation, which it was now acknowledged were many and great. + +Throughout Sunday night the fire grew apace, and those who, in the +morning had carried their belongings to parts of the city which they +believed would by distance ensure safety, were now obliged to move +them afresh, the devastation extending for miles. Therefore many were +compelled to renew their labours, thereby suffering further fatigue; and +they now trusted to no protection for their property save that which +the open fields afforded. Monday morning came and found the flames yet +raging. Not only Gracechurch Street, but Lombard Street, and part of +Fenchurch street, were on fire. Stately mansions, comfortable homes, +warehouses of great name, banks of vast wealth, were reduced to charred +and blackened walls or heaps of smoking ruins. Buildings had been pulled +down, but now too late to render service; for the insatiable fire, yet +fed by a high wind, had everywhere marched over the dried woodwork and +mortar as it lay upon the ground, and communicated itself to the next +block of buildings; so that its circumvention was regarded as almost an +impossibility. + +During Monday the flames attacked Cornhill, and then commenced to +demolish the Royal Exchange. Having once made an entrance in this +stately building it revelled in triumph; climbing up the walls, roaring +along the courts and galleries, and sending through the broken windows +volleys of smoke and showers of sparks, which threatened to suffocate +and consume those who approached. Then the roof fell with a mighty +crash, which seemed for a time to subdue the powerful conflagration; the +walls cracked, parted, and fell; statues of kings and queens were flung +from their niches; and in a couple of hours this building, which had +been the pride and glory of British Merchants, was a blackened ruin. + +The citizens were now in a state of despair. Upwards of ten thousand +houses were in a blaze, the fire extending, according to Evelyn, two +miles in length and one in breadth, and the smoke reaching near fifty +miles in length. Mansions, churches, hospitals, halls, and schools +crumbled into dust as if at blighting touch of some most potent and +diabolical magician. Quite hopeless now of quenching the flames, +bewildered by loss, and overcome by terror, the citizens, abandoning +themselves to despair, made no further effort to conquer this +inappeasable fire; but crying aloud in their distraction, behaved as +those who had lost their wits. The king and the Duke of York, who on +Sunday had viewed the conflagration from the Thames, now alarmed at +prospect of the whole capital being laid waste, rode into the city, +and by their presence, coolness and example roused the people to fresh +exertions. Accordingly, citizens and soldiers worked with renewed energy +and courage; whilst his majesty and his brother, the courtiers and the +lord mayor, mixed freely with the crowd, commanding and directing them +in their labours. + +But now a new terror rose up amongst the citizens, for news spread that +the Dutch and French--with whom England was then at war--and moreover +the papists, whom the people then abhorred, had conspired to destroy +the capital. And the suddenness with which the flames had appeared in +various places, and the rapidity with which they spread, leading the +distracted inhabitants to favour this report, a strong desire for +immediate revenge took possession of their hearts. + +Accordingly all foreigners were laid hold of, kicked, beaten, and abused +by infuriated mobs, from which they were rescued only to be flung into +prison. And this conduct was speedily extended to the catholics, even +when such were known to be faithful and well-approved good citizens. +For though at first it spread as a rumour, it was now received as a +certainty that they, in obedience to the wily and most wicked Jesuits, +had determined to lay waste an heretical city. Nor were there wanting +many ready to bear witness they had seen these dreaded papists fling +fire-balls into houses of honest citizens, and depart triumphing in +their fiendish deeds. So that when they ventured abroad they were beset +by great multitudes, and their lives were imperilled. And news of this +distraction, which so forcibly swayed the people, reaching the king, he +speedily despatched the members of his privy council to several quarters +of the city, that in person they might guard such of his subjects as +stood in danger. + +Lord Hollis and Lord Ashley were assigned Newgate Market and the streets +that lie around, as parts where they were to station themselves. And +it happened that riding near the former place they saw a vast number of +people gathered together, shouting with great violence, and badly using +one who stood in their midst. Whereon they hastened towards the spot and +found the ill-treated man to be of foreign aspect. Neither had he hat, +cloak, nor sword; his face was covered with blood, his jerkin was torn +in pieces, and his person was bedaubed by mud. And on examination it +was found he was unable to speak the English tongue; but Lord Hollis, +entering into conversation with him in the French language, ascertained +that he was a servant of the Portuguese ambassador, and knew not of what +he was accused, or why he had been maltreated. + +Hereon a citizen of good standing pressed forward and alleged he had +truly seen this man put his hand in his pocket and throw a fire-ball +into a shop, upon which the house immediately took flame; whereon, being +on the other side of the street, he called aloud that the people might +stop this abominable villain. Then the citizens had seized upon him, +taking away his sword, and used him according to their will. My Lord +Hollis explaining this to the foreigner, he was overcome by amazement +at the charge; and when asked what he had thrown into the house, made +answer he had not flung anything. But he remembered well, whilst walking +in the street, he saw a piece of bread upon the ground, which he, as was +the custom in his country took up. Afterwards he laid it upon a shelf in +a neighbouring house, which being close by, my Lords Hollis and Ashley, +followed by a dense crowd, conducted him thither, and found the bread +laid upon a board as he had stated. It was noted the next house but one +was on fire, and on inquiry it was ascertained that the worthy citizen, +seeing a foreigner place something inside a shop without tarrying, and +immediately after perceiving a dwelling in flames, which in his haste he +took to be the same, he had charged the man with commission of this +foul deed. But even though many were convinced of his innocence, my Lord +Hollis concluded the stranger's life would be in safer keeping if he +were committed to prison, which was accordingly done. + +Meanwhile the fire continued; and on Monday night and Tuesday raged with +increasing violence. The very heart of the city was now eaten into by +this insatiable monster: Soper Lane, Bread Street, Friday Street, Old +Change, and Cheapside being in one blaze. It was indeed a spectacle to +fill all beholding it with consternation; but that which followed +was yet more terrible, for already St. Paul's Cathedral was doomed to +destruction. + +Threatened on one side by the flames devastating Cheapside, and on the +other from those creeping steadily up from Blackfriars to this great +centre, it was now impossible to save the venerable church, which Evelyn +terms "one of the most ancient pieces of early Christian piety in the +world." Seen by this fierce light, and overhung by a crimson sky, every +curve of its dark outline, every stone of its pillars and abutments, +every column of its incomparable portico, stood clearly defined, so that +never had it looked so stately and magnificent, so vast and majestic, as +now when beheld for the last time. + +Too speedily the fire advanced, watched by sorrowful eyes; but even +before it had reached the scaffolding now surrounding the building, +the vaulted roof, ignited by showers of sparks, burst into flames. Then +followed a scene unspeakably grand, yet melancholy beyond all telling. +In a few moments a pale yellow light had crept along the parapets, +sending faint clouds of smoke upwards, as if more forcibly marking the +course of destruction. Then came the crackling, hissing sounds of timber +yielding to the fire, and soon a great sheet of lead which covered the +roof, and was said to measure six acres, melting by degrees, down came +on every side a terrible rain of liquid fire that seamed and burned the +ground, and carried destruction with it in its swift course towards the +Thames. + +And now, by reason of the fearful heat, great projections of Portland +stone, cornices, and capitals of columns, flew off before the fire had +time to reach them. Windows melted in their frames, pillars fell to the +ground, ironwork bent as wax; nay, the very pavements around glowed +so that neither man nor horse dared tread upon them. And the flames, +gradually gaining ground, danced fantastically up and down the +scaffolding, and covered the edifice as with one blaze; whilst inside +transom beams were snapped asunder, rafters fell with destruction, and +the fire roaring through chapels and aisles as in a great furnace, could +be heard afar. And that which had been a Christian shrine was now, a +smoking ruin. + +Raging onward in their fierce career, the flames darted towards such +buildings in the neighbourhood as had been previously untouched, so that +Paternoster Row, Newgate Street, the Old Bailey and Ludgate Hill +were soon in course of destruction. And from the latter spot the +conflagration, urged by the wind, rapidly rushed onwards towards Fleet +Street. On the other hand, it extended from Cheapside to Ironmongers' +Lane, Old Jewry, Lawrence Lane, Milk Street, Wood Street, Gutter Lane, +and Foster Lane; and again spreading from Newgate Street, it surrounded +and destroyed Christ Church, burned through St. Martin's-le-Grand +towards Aldgate, and threatened to continue its triumphant march to the +suburbs. + +For several miles nothing but raging fire and smoking ruins was visible, +for desolation had descended on the city. It was now feared the flames +would reach the Palace of Whitehall, and extend towards Westminster +Abbey, a consideration which caused much alarm to his majesty, who +prized the sacred fane exceedingly. And now the king was determined the +orders he had already issued should be obeyed, and that houses standing +in direct path of the fire should be demolished by gunpowder; so that, +a greater gap being effected than any previously made by pulling them +down, the conflagration might have no further material wherewith to +strengthen and feed its further progress. + +This plan, Evelyn states, had been proposed by some stout seamen early +enough to have saved nearly the whole city; "but this some tenacious and +avaricious men, aldermen, etc., would not permit, because their houses +would have been the first." Now, however, this remedy was tried, and +with greater despatch, because the fire threatened the Tower and the +powder magazine it contained. And if the flames once reached this, +London Bridge would assuredly be destroyed, the vessels in the river +torn and sunk, and incalculable damage to life and property effected. + +Accordingly Tower Street, which had already become ignited, was, under +supervision of the king, blown up in part, and the fire happily brought +to an end by this means in that part of the town. Moreover, on Wednesday +morning the east wind, which had continued high from Sunday night, now +subsided, so that the flames lost much of their vehemence, and by means +of explosions were more easily mastered at Leadenhall and in Holborn, +and likewise at the Temple, to which places they had spread during +Wednesday and Thursday. + +During these latter days, the king and the Duke of York betrayed great +vigilance, and laboured with vast activity; the latter especially, +riding from post to post, by his example inciting those whose courage +had deserted them, and by his determination overcoming destruction. On +Thursday the dread conflagration, after raging for five consecutive days +and nights, was at length conquered. + +On Friday morning the sun rose like a ball of crimson fire above a scene +of blackness, ruin, and desolation. Whole streets were levelled to the +ground, piles of charred stones marked where stately churches had stood, +smoke rose in clouds from smouldering embers. With sorrowful hearts +many citizens traversed the scene of desolation that day; amongst others +Pepys and Evelyn. The latter recounts that "the ground and air, smoke +and fiery vapour, continu'd so intense, that my haire was almost sing'd, +and my feete unsuffurably surbated. The people who now walk'd about ye +ruines appear'd like men in some dismal desert, or rather in some greate +citty laid waste by a cruel enemy; to which was added that stench that +came from some poore creatures' bodies, beds, and other combustible +goods." + +It would have been impossible to trace the original course of the +streets, but that some gable, pinnacle, or portion of walls, of +churches, halls, or mansions, indicated where they had stood. The +narrower thoroughfares were completely blocked by rubbish; massive +iron chains, then used to prevent traffic at night in the streets, were +melted, as were likewise iron gates of prisons, and the hinges of +strong doors. Goods stored away in cellars and subterranean passages of +warehouses yet smouldered, emitting foul odours; wells were completely +choked, fountains were dried at their sources. The statues of monarchs +which had adorned the Exchange, were smashed; that of its founder, Sir +Thomas Gresham, alone remaining entire. The ruins of St. Paul's, with +its walls standing black and cheerless, presented in itself a most +melancholy spectacle. Its pillars were embedded in ashes, its cornices +irretrievably destroyed, its great bell reduced to a shapeless mass of +metal; whilst its general air of desolation was heightened by the fact +that a few monuments, which had escaped destruction, rose abruptly from +amidst the charred DEBRIS. + +But if the ruins of the capital looked sad by day, their appearance was +more appalling when seen by light of the moon, which rose nightly during +the week following this great calamity. From the city gates, standing +gaunt, black, and now unguarded, to the Temple, the level waste seemed +sombre as a funeral pall; whilst the Thames, stripped of wharves and +warehouses, quaintly gabled homes, and comfortable inns--wont to cast +pleasant lights and shadows on its surface--now swept past the blackened +ruins a melancholy river of white waters. + +In St. George's Fields, Moorfields, and far as Highgate for several +miles, citizens of all degrees, to the number of two hundred thousand, +had gathered: sleeping in the open fields, or under canvas tents, or in +wooden sheds which they hurriedly erected. Some there were amongst them +who had been used to comfort and luxury, but who were now without bed or +board, or aught to cover them save the clothes in which they had hastily +dressed when fleeing from the fire. And to many it seemed as if they had +only been saved from one calamity to die by another: for they had +nought wherewith to satisfy their hunger, yet had too much pride to seek +relief. + +And whilst yet wildly distracted by their miserable situation, weary +from exhaustion, and nervous from lack of repose, a panic arose in their +midst which added much to their distress. For suddenly news was spread +that the French, Dutch and English papists were marching on them, +prepared to cut their throats. At which, broken-spirited as they were, +they rose up, and leaving such goods that they had saved, rushed towards +Westminster to seek protection from their imaginary foes. On this, +the king sought to prove the falsity of their alarm, and with infinite +difficulty persuaded them to return to the fields: whence he despatched +troops of soldiers, whose presence helped to calm their fears. + +And the king having, moreover, tender compassion for their wants, +speedily sought to supply them. He therefore summoned a council that +it might devise means of relief; and as a result, it published a +proclamation ordering that bread and all other provisions, such as could +be furnished, should be daily and constantly brought, not only to the +markets formerly in use, but also to Clerkenwell, Islington, Finsbury +Fields, Mile End Green, and Ratcliffe, for greater convenience of +the citizens. For those who were unable to buy provisions, the king +commanded the victualler of his navy to send bread into Moorfields, and +distribute it amongst them. And as divers distressed people had saved +some of their goods, of which they knew not where to dispose, he ordered +that churches, chapels, schools, and such like places in and around +Westminster, should be free and open to receive and protect them. +He likewise directed that all cities and towns should, without +contradiction or opposition, receive the citizens and permit them +free exercise of their manual labours: he promising, when the present +exigency had passed away, to take care the said persons should be no +burden to such towns as received them. + +The people were therefore speedily relieved. Many of them found refuge +with their friends and relatives in the country, and others sought homes +in the districts of Westminster and Southwark: so that in four days from +the termination of the fire, there was scarce a person remaining in the +fields, where such numbers had taken refuge. + +The first hardships consequent to the calamity having passed away, +people were anxious to trace the cause of their sufferings, which they +were unwilling to consider accidental. A rumour therefore sprang up, +that the great fire resulted from a wicked plot, hatched by Jesuits, +for the destruction of an heretical city. At this the king was sorely +troubled; for though there was no evidence which led him to place faith +in the report, yet a great body of the citizens and many members of +his council held it true. Therefore, in order to appease such doubts as +arose in his mind, and likewise to satisfy the people, he appointed his +privy council to sit morning and evening to inquire into the matter, and +examine evidences set forth against those who had been charged with the +outrage and cast into prison during the conflagration. + +And in order that the investigation might be conducted with greater +rigour he sent into the country for the lord chief justice, who was +dreaded by all for his unflinching severity. The lord chancellor, in his +account of these transactions, assures us many of the witnesses who gave +evidence against those indicted with firing the capital "were produced +as if their testimony would remove all doubts, but made such senseless +relations of what they had been told, without knowing the condition of +the persons who told them, or where to find them, that it was a hard +matter to forbear smiling at their declarations." Amongst those examined +was one Roger Hubert, who accused himself of having deliberately set +the city on fire. This man, then in his twenty-fifth year, was son of a +watchmaker residing in Rouen. Hubert had practised the same trade both +in that town and in London, and was believed by his fellow workmen to +be demented. When brought before the chief justice and privy council, +Hubert with great coolness stated he had set the first house on fire: +for which act he had been paid a year previously in Paris. When asked +who had hired him to accomplish this evil deed, he replied he did not +know, for he had never seen the man before: and when further questioned +regarding the sum he had received, he declared it was but one pistole, +but he had been promised five pistoles more when he should have done +his work. These ridiculous answers, together with some contradictory +statements he made, inclined many persons, amongst whom was the chief +justice, to doubt his confession. Later on in his examinations, he was +asked if he knew where the house had stood which he set on fire, to +which he replied in the affirmative, and on being taken into the city, +pointed out the spot correctly. + +In the eyes of many this was regarded as proof of his guilt; though +others stated that, having lived in the city, he must necessarily become +acquainted with the position of the baker's shop. Opinion was therefore +somewhat divided regarding him. The chief justice told the king "that +all his discourse was so disjointed that he did not believe him guilty." +Yet having voluntarily accused himself of a monstrous deed, and being +determined as it seemed to rid himself of life, he was condemned to +death and speedily executed. + +Lord Clarendon says: "Neither the judges nor any present at the trial +did believe him guilty; but that he was a poor distracted wretch, weary +of his life, and chose to part with it in this way. Certain it is that +upon the strictest examination that could be afterwards made by the +king's command, and then by the diligence of the House, that upon +the jealousy and rumour made a committee, that was very diligent and +solicitous to make that discovery, there was never any probable evidence +(that poor creature's only excepted) that there was any other cause of +that woful fire than the displeasure of God Almighty: the first accident +of the beginning in a baker's house, where there was so great a stock of +faggots, and the neighbourhood of such combustible matter, of pitch and +rosin, and the like, led it in an instant from house to house, through +Thames Street, with the agitation of so terrible a wind to scatter and +disperse it." + +But belief that the dreaded papists had set fire to the city, lingered +in the minds of many citizens. When the city was rebuilt, this opinion +found expression in an inscription cut over the doorway of a house +opposite the spot where the fire began, which ran as follows: + +"Here, by the permission of heaven, hell broke loose on this protestant +city from the malicious hearts of barbarous papists, by the hand of +their agent Hubert, who confessed, and on the ruins of this place +declared the fact, for which he was hanged. Erected in the mayoralty of +Sir Patience Ward, Knight." + +The loss caused by this dreadful conflagration was estimated at ten +million sterling. According to a certificate of Jonas Moore and Ralph +Gatrix, surveyors appointed to examine the ruins, the fire overrun +373 acres within the walls, burning 13,200 houses, 89 parish churches, +numerous chapels, the Royal Exchange, Custom House, Guildhall, Blackwell +Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral, Bridewell, fifty-two halls of the city +companies, and three city gates. + +As speedily as might be, the king and his parliament then sitting at +Oxford, sought to restore the city on a scale vastly superior to its +former condition. And the better to effect this object, an act of +parliament was passed that public buildings should be rebuilt with +public money, raised by a tax on coals; that the churches and the +cathedral of St. Paul's should be reconstructed from their foundations; +that bridges, gates and prisons should be built anew; the streets made +straight and regular, such as were steep made level, such as were narrow +made wide; and, moreover, that every house should be built with party +walls, such being of stone or brick, and all houses raised to equal +height in front. + +And these rules being observed, a stately and magnificent city rose +phoenix-like from ruins of the old; so that there was naught to remind +the inhabitants of their great calamity save the Monument. This, +designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and built at a cost of fourteen +thousand five hundred pounds, was erected near where the fire broke out, +the better to perpetuate a memory of this catastrophe in the minds of +future generations, which purpose it fulfils unto this day. + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + The court repairs to Oxford.--Lady Castlemaine's son.--Their majesties + return to Whitehall.--The king quarrels with his mistress.--Miss Stuart + contemplates marriage.--Lady Castlemaine attempts revenge.--Charles + makes an unpleasant discovery.--The maid of honour elopes.--His majesty + rows down the Thames.--Lady Castlemaine's intrigues.--Fresh quarrels at + court.--The king on his knees. + +The while such calamities befell the citizens, the king continued to +divert himself in his usual fashion. On the 29th of June, 1665, whilst +death strode apace through the capital, reaping full harvests as he +went, their majesties left Whitehall for Hampton Court, From here they +repaired to Salisbury, and subsequently to Oxford, where Charles took up +his residence in Christchurch, and the queen at Merton College. + +Removed from harrowing scenes of ghastliness and distress, the court +made merry. Joined by fair women and gallant men, their majesties played +at bowls and tennis in the grassy meads of the college grounds; rode +abroad in great hawking parties; sailed through summer days upon the +smooth waters of the river Isis; and by night held revelry in the +massive-beamed oak-panelled halls, from which scarce five-score candles +served to chase all gloom. + +It happened whilst life thus happily passed, at pleasant full-tide flow, +my Lady Castlemaine, who resided in the same college with her majesty, +gave birth on the 28th of December to another son, duly baptized George +Fitzroy, and subsequently created Duke of Northumberland. By this time, +the plague having subsided in the capital, and all danger of infection +passed away, his majesty was anxious to reach London, yet loth to leave +his mistress, whom he visited every morning, and to whom he exhibited +the uttermost tenderness. And his tardiness to return becoming +displeasing to the citizens, and they being aware of its cause, it was +whispered in taverns and cried in the streets, "The king cannot go away +till my Lady Castlemaine be ready to come along with him," which truth +was found offensive on reaching the royal ears. + +Towards the end of January, 1666, he returned to Whitehall, and a month +later the queen, who had been detained by illness, joined him. Once more +the thread of life was taken up by the court at the point where it +had been broken, and woven into the motley web of its strange history. +Unwearied by time, unsatiated by familiarity, the king continued his +intrigue with the imperious Castlemaine, and with great longing likewise +made love to the beautiful Stuart. But yet his pursuit of pleasure +was not always attended by happiness; inasmuch as he found himself +continually involved in quarrels with the countess, which in turn +covered him with ridicule in the eyes of his courtiers, and earned him +contempt in the opinions of his subjects. + +One of these disturbances, which occurred soon after his return from +Oxford, began at a royal drawing-room, in presence of the poor slighted +queen and ladies of the court. It happened in the course of conversation +her majesty remarked to the countess she feared the king had taken cold +by staying so late at her lodgings; to which speech my Lady Castlemaine +with some show of temper answered aloud, "he did not stay so late abroad +with her, for he went betimes thence, though he do not before one, two, +or three in the morning, but must stay somewhere else." The king, who +had entered the apartment whilst she was speaking, came up to her, and +displeased with the insinuations she expressed, declared she was a bold, +impertinent woman, and bade her begone from the court, and not return +until he sent for her. Accordingly she whisked from the drawing-room, +and drove at once to Pall Mall, where she hired apartments. + +Her indignation at being addressed by Charles in such a manner before +the court, was sufficiently great to beget strong desires for revenge; +when she swore she would be even with him and print his letters to her +for public sport. In cooler moments, however, she abandoned this idea; +and in course of two or three days, not hearing from his majesty, +she despatched a message to him, not entreating pardon, but asking +permission to send for her furniture and belongings. To this the +monarch, who had begun to miss her presence and long for her return, +replied she must first come and view them; and then impatient for +reconciliation, he sought her, and they became friends once more. And by +way of sealing the bond of pacification, the king soon after agreed to +pay her debts, amounting to the sum of thirty thousand pounds, which had +been largely incurred by presents bestowed by her upon her lovers. + +His majesty was not only rendered miserable by the constant caprices and +violent temper of the countess, but likewise by the virtue and coldness +Miss Stuart betrayed since her return from Oxford. The monarch was +sorely troubled to account for her bearing, and attributing it to +jealousy, sought to soothe her supposed uneasiness by increasing his +chivalrous attentions. Her change of behaviour, however, proceeded from +another cause. The fair Stuart, though childlike in manner, was shrewd +at heart; and was moreover guided invariably by her mother, a lady +who reaped wisdom from familiarity with courts. Therefore the maid of +honour, seeing she had given the world occasion to think she had lost +her virtue, declared she was ready to "marry any gentleman of fifteen +hundred a year that would have her in honour." + +This determination she was obliged to keep-secret from the king, lest +his anger should fall upon such as sought her, and so interfere with her +matrimonial prospects. Now with such intentions in her mind she pondered +well on an event which had happened to her, such as no woman who has +had like experience ever forgets; namely, that amongst the many who +professed to love her, one had proposed to marry her. This was Charles +Stuart, fourth Duke of Richmond, a man possessed of neither physical +gifts nor mental abilities; who was, moreover, a widower, and a sot. + +However, the position which her union with him would ensure was all she +could desire, and he renewing his suit at this time, she consequently +consented to marry him. Now though it was probable she could keep her +design from knowledge of her royal lover, it was scarcely possible she +could hide it from observation of his mistress. And the latter, knowing +the extent to which fair Frances Stuart shared his majesty's heart, and +being likewise aware of the coldness with which his protestations +were by her received, scorned the king and detested the maid. Lady +Castlemaine therefore resolved to use her knowledge of Miss Stuart's +contemplated marriage, for purpose of enraging the jealousy of the one, +and destroying the influence of the other. In order to accomplish such +desirable ends she quietly awaited her opportunity. This came in due +time. + +It happened one evening when his majesty had been visiting Frances +Stuart in her apartments, and had returned to his own in a condition of +ill-humour and disappointment, the countess, who had been some days out +of favour, suddenly presented herself before him, and in a bantering +tone, accompanied by ironical smiles, addressed him. + +"I hope," said she, "I may be allowed to pay you my homage, although the +angelic Stuart has forbidden you to see me at my own house. I will not +make use of reproaches and expostulations which would disgrace myself; +still less will I endeavour to excuse frailties which nothing can +justify, since your constancy for me deprives me of all defence, +considering I am the only person you have honoured with your tenderness, +who has made herself unworthy of it by ill-conduct. I come now, +therefore, with no other intent than to comfort and condole with you +upon the affliction and grief into which the coldness or new-fashioned +chastity of the inhuman Stuart has reduced your majesty." + +Having delivered herself of this speech she laughed loud and heartily, +as if vastly amused at the tenour of her words; and then before the +impatient monarch had time to reply, continued in the same tone, with +quickening breath and flashing eyes, "Be not offended that I take the +liberty of laughing at the gross manner in which you are imposed upon; +I cannot bear to see that such particular affection should make you +the jest of your own court, and that you should be ridiculed with +such impunity. I know that the affected Stuart has sent you away under +pretence of some indisposition, or perhaps some scruple of conscience; +and I come to acquaint you that the Duke of Richmond will soon be with +her, if he is not there already. I do not desire you to believe what I +say, since it might be suggested either through resentment or envy. Only +follow me to her apartment, either that, no longer trusting calumny +and malice you may honour her with a just preference, if I accuse her +falsely; or, if my information be true, you may no longer be the dupe +of a pretended prude, who makes you act so unbecoming and ridiculous a +part." + +The king, overwhelmed with astonishment, was irresolute in action; but +Lady Castlemaine, determined on not being deprived of her anticipated +triumph, took him by the hand and forcibly pulled him towards Miss +Stuart's apartments. The maid of honour's servants, surprised at +his majesty's return, were unable to warn their mistress without his +knowledge; whilst one of them, in pay of the countess, found means of +secretly intimating to her that the Duke of Richmond was already in Miss +Stuart's chamber. Lady Castlemaine, having with an air of exultation led +the king down the gallery from his apartments to the threshold of Miss +Stuart's door, made him a low courtesy savouring more of irony than +homage, bade him good-night, and with a subtle smile promptly retired. + +The scene which followed is best painted by Hamilton's pen. "It was near +midnight; the king on his way met the chambermaids, who respectfully +opposed his entrance, and, in a very low voice, whispered his majesty +that Miss Stuart had been very ill since he left her; but that being +gone to bed, she was, God be thanked, in a very fine sleep. 'That I must +see,' said the king, pushing her back, who had posted herself in his +way. He found Miss Stuart in bed, indeed, but far from being asleep; the +Duke of Richmond was seated at her pillow, and in all probability was +less inclined to sleep than herself. The perplexity of the one party, +and the rage of the other, were such as may easily be imagined upon +such a surprise. The king, who of all men was one of the most mild and +gentle, testified his resentment to the Duke of Richmond in such +terms as he had never before used. The duke was speechless and almost +petrified; he saw his master and his king justly irritated. The first +transports which rage inspires on such occasions are dangerous. Miss +Stuart's window was very convenient for a sudden revenge, the Thames +flowing close beneath it; he cast his eyes upon it, and seeing those of +the king more incensed than fired with indignation than he thought his +nature capable of, he made a profound bow, and retired without replying +a single word to the vast torrent of threats and menaces that were +poured upon him. + +"Miss Stuart having a little recovered from her first surprise, instead +of justifying herself, began to talk in the most extravagant manner, and +said everything that was most capable to inflame the king's passion and +resentment: that if she were not allowed to receive visits from a man +of the Duke of Richmond's rank, who came with honourable intentions, she +was a slave in a free country; that she knew of no engagement that +could prevent her from disposing of her hand as she thought proper; but, +however, if this were not permitted her in his dominions, she did not +believe that there was any power on earth that could hinder her from +going over to France, and throwing herself into a Convent, to enjoy +there that tranquillity which was denied her in his court. The king, +sometimes furious with anger, sometimes relenting at her tears, and +sometimes terrified at her menaces, was so greatly agitated that he knew +not how to answer either the nicety of a creature who wanted to act the +part of Lucretia under his own eye, or the assurance with which she +had the effrontery to reproach him. In this suspense love had almost +entirely vanquished all his resentments, and had nearly induced him to +throw himself upon his knees, and entreat pardon for the injury he had +done her, when she desired him to retire, and leave her in repose, at +least for the remainder of that night, without offending those who had +either accompanied him, or conducted him to her apartments, by a longer +visit. This impertinent request provoked and irritated him to the +highest degree: he went out abruptly, vowing never to see her more, and +passed the most restless and uneasy night he had ever experienced since +his restoration." + +Next morning, his majesty sent orders to the Duke of Richmond to quit +the court, and never appear again in his presence. His grace, however, +stayed not to receive this message, having betaken himself with all +possible speed into the country. Miss Stuart, who likewise feared the +king's resentment, hastened to the queen, and throwing herself at her +majesty's feet, entreated forgiveness for the pain and uneasiness she +had caused her in the past, and besought her care and protection in the +future. + +She then laid bare her intentions of marrying the Duke of Richmond, +who had loved her long, and was anxious to wed her soon; but since +the discovery of his addresses had caused his banishment, and created +disturbances prejudicial to her good name, she begged the queen would +obtain his majesty's consent to her retiring from the vexations of a +court to the tranquillity of a convent. The queen raised her up, mingled +her tears with those of the troubled maid, and promised to use her +endeavours towards averting the king's displeasure. + +On consideration, however, the fair Stuart did not wait to hear his +majesty's reproaches, or receive his entreaties; for the duke, being +impatient to gain his promised bride, quietly returned to town, and +secretly communicated with her. It was therefore agreed between them she +should steal away from the palace, meet him at the "Bear at the Bridge +Foot," situated on the Southwark side of the river, where he would have +a coach awaiting her, in order they might ride away to his residence at +Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, and then be legally and happily united in +the holy bonds of matrimony. And all fell out as had been arranged: the +time being the month of March, 1667. + +Now when the king discovered her flight, his anger knew no bounds, +though it sought relief in uttering many violent threats against the +duke, and in sending word to the duchess he would see her no more. In +answer to this message, she, with some show of spirit, returned him +the jewels he had given her, principal amongst which were a necklace of +pearls, valued at over a thousand pounds, and a pair of diamond pendants +of rare lustre. + +Neither she nor her husband paid much heed to the royal menaces, for +before a year elapsed they both returned to town, and took up their +residence at Somerset House. Here, as Pepys records, she kept a great +court, "she being visited for her beauty's sake by people, as the queen +is at nights: and they say also she is likely to go to court again and +there put my Lady Castlemaine's nose out of joint. God knows that would +make a great turn." But to such proposals as were made regarding her +return to Whitehall, her husband would not pay heed, and she therefore +remained a stranger to its drawing-rooms for some time longer. And when +two years later she appeared there, her beauty had lost much of its +famed lustre, for meantime she was overtaken by smallpox, a scourge ever +prevalent in the capital. During her illness the king paid her several +visits, and was sorely grieved that the loveliness he so much prized +should be marred by foul disease. But on her recovery, the disfigurement +she suffered scarce lessened his admiration, and by no means abated his +love; which seemed to have gained fresh force from the fact of its being +interrupted awhile. + +This soon became perceptible to all, and rumour whispered that the young +duchess would shortly return to Whitehall in a position which she had +declined before marriage. And amongst other stories concerning the +king's love for her, it was common talk that one fair evening in May, +when he had ordered his coach to be ready that he might take an airing +in the park, he, on a sudden impulse, ran down the broad steps leading +from his palace gardens to the riverside. Here, entering a boat alone, +he rowed himself adown the placid river now crossed by early shadows, +until he came to Somerset House, where his lady-love dwelt; and finding +the garden-door locked, he, in his impatience to be with her, clambered +over the wall and sought her. Two months after the occurrence of this +incident, the young duchess was appointed a lady of the bedchamber to +the queen, and therefore had apartments at Whitehall. There was little +doubt now entertained she any longer rejected his majesty's love; and in +order to remove all uncertainties on the point which might arise in her +husband's mind, the king one night, when he had taken over much wine, +boasted to the duke of her complaisancy. Lord Dartmouth, who tells this +story, says this happened "at Lord Townshend's, in Norfolk, as my uncle +told me, who was present." Soon after his grace accepted an honourable +exile as ambassador to Denmark, in which country he died. + +During the absence of the Duchess of Richmond, my Lady Castlemaine, then +in the uninterrupted possession of power, led his majesty a sorry life. +Her influence, indeed, seemed to increase with time, until her victim +became a laughing-stock to the heartless, and an object of pity to +the wise. Mr. Povy, whose office as a member of the Tangier Commission +brought him into continual contact with the court, and whose love of +gossip made him observant of all that passed around him, in telling of +"the horrid effeminacy of the king," said that "upon any falling out +between my Lady Castlemaine's nurse and her woman, my lady hath often +said she would make the king make them friends, and they would be +friends and be quiet--which the king had been fain to do." Nor did such +condescension on his majesty's part incline his mistress to treat him +with more respect; for in the quarrels which now became frequent betwixt +them she was wont to term him a fool, in reply to the kingly assertion +that she was a jade. + +The disturbances which troubled the court were principally caused by her +infidelities to him, and his subsequent jealousies of her. Chief among +those who shared her intrigues at this time was Harry Jermyn, with whom +she renewed her intimacy from time to time, without the knowledge of his +majesty. The risks she frequently encountered in pursuit of her amours +abounded in comedy. Speaking of Harry Jermyn, Pepys tells us the king +"had like to have taken him abed with her, but that he was fain to creep +under the bed into the closet." It being now rumoured that Jermyn was +about to wed my Lady Falmouth, the countess's love for one whom she +might for ever lose received a fresh impulse, which made her reckless +of concealment. The knowledge of her passion, therefore, coming to +Charles's ears, a bitter feud sprang up between them, during which +violent threats and abusive language were freely exchanged. + +At this time my lady was far gone with child, a fact that soon came +bubbling up to the angry surface of their discourse; for the king avowed +he would not own it as his offspring. On hearing this, her passion +became violent beyond all decent bounds. "God damn me, but you shall own +it!" said she, her cheeks all crimson and her eyes afire; and moreover +she added, "she should have it christened in the Chapel Royal, and owned +as his, or otherwise she would bring it to the gallery in Whitehall, and +dash its brains out before his face." + +After she had hectored him almost out of his wits, she fled in a +state of wild excitement from the palace, and took up her abode at the +residence of Sir Daniel Harvey, the ranger of Richmond Park. News +of this scene spread rapidly through the court, and was subsequently +discussed in the coffee-houses and taverns all over the town, where +great freedom was made with the lady's name, and great sport of the +king's passion. And now it was said the monarch had parted with his +mistress for ever, concerning which there was much rejoicement and some +doubt. For notwithstanding the king had passed his word to this effect, +yet it was known though his spirit was willing his flesh was weak. +Indeed, three days had scarcely passed when, mindful of her temper, he +began to think his words had been harsh, and, conscious of her power, he +concluded his vows had been rash. He therefore sought her once more, but +found she was not inclined to relent, until, as Pepys was assured, this +monarch of most feeble spirit, this lover of most ardent temper, "sought +her forgiveness upon his knees, and promised to offend her no more." + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + The kingdom in peril.--The chancellor falls under his majesty's + displeasure.--The Duke of Buckingham's mimicry.--Lady Castlemaine's + malice.--Lord Clarendon's fall.--The Duke of Ormond offends the royal + favourite.--She covers him with abuse.--Plots against the Duke of + York.--Schemes for a royal divorce.--Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn.--The + king and the comedian.--Lady Castlemaine abandons herself to great + disorders.--Young Jack Spencer.--The countess intrigues with an + acrobat.--Talk of the town.--The mistress created a duchess. + +At this time the kingdom stood in uttermost danger, being brought to +that condition by his majesty's negligence towards its concerns. +The peril was, moreover, heightened from the fact of the king being +impatient to rid himself of those who had the nation's credit at heart, +and sought to uphold its interests. To this end he was led in part by +his own inclinations, and furthermore by his friends' solicitations. +Foremost amongst those with whose services he was anxious to dispense, +were the chancellor, my Lord Clarendon, and the lord lieutenant of +Ireland, his grace the Duke of Ormond. + +The king's displeasure against these men, who had served his father +loyally, himself faithfully, and their country honestly, was instigated +through hatred borne them by my Lady Castlemaine. From the first both +had bewailed the monarch's connection with her, and the evil influence +she exercised over him. Accordingly, after the pattern of honest men, +they had set their faces against her. + +Not only, as has already been stated, would the chancellor refuse to +let any document bearing her name pass the great seal, but he had often +prevailed with the king to alter resolutions she had persuaded him to +form. And moreover had his lordship sinned in her eyes by forbidding +his wife to visit or hold intercourse with her. These were sufficient +reasons to arouse the hatred and procure the revenge of this malicious +woman, who was now virtually at the head of the kingdom. For awhile, +however, Charles, mindful of the services the chancellor had rendered +him, was unwilling to thrust him from his high place. But as time +sped, and the machinations of a clique of courtiers in league with the +countess were added to her influence, the chancellor's power wavered. +And finally, when he was suspected of stepping between his majesty and +his unlawful pleasures--concerning which more shall be said anon--he +fell. + +At the head and front of the body which plotted against Lord Clarendon, +pandered to Lady Castlemaine, and, for its own purposes--politically +and socially--sought to control the king, was his grace the Duke of +Buckingham. This witty courtier and his friends, when assembled round +the pleasant supper table spread in the countess's apartments, and +honoured almost nightly by the presence of the king, delighted to +vent the force of their humour upon the chancellor, and criticize his +influence over the monarch until Charles smarted from their words. +In the height of their mirth, if his majesty declared he would go a +journey, walk in a certain direction, or perform some trivial action +next day, those around him would lay a wager he would not fulfil his +intentions; and when asked why they had arrived at such conclusions, +they would reply, because the chancellor would not permit him. On this +another would remark with mock gravity, he thought there were no +grounds for such an imputation, though, indeed, he could not deny it was +universally believed abroad his majesty was implicitly governed by Lord +Clarendon. The king, being keenly sensitive to remarks doubting his +authority, and most desirous of appearing his own master, would +exclaim on such occasions that the chancellor "had served him long, +and understood his business, in which he trusted him; but in any other +matter than his business, he had no more credit with him than any other +man." And presently the Duke of Buckingham--who possessed talents of +mimicry to a surpassing degree--would arise, and, screwing his face into +ridiculous contortions, and shaking his wig in a manner that burlesqued +wisdom to perfection, deliver some ludicrous speech brimming with +mirth and indecencies, assuming the grave air and stately manner of the +chancellor the while. And finally, to make the caricature perfect, Tom +Killigrew, hanging a pair of bellows before him by way of purse, and +preceded by a friend carrying a fireshovel to represent a mace, would +walk round the room with the slow determined tread peculiar to Lord +Clarendon. At these performances the king, his mistress, and his +courtiers would laugh loud and long in chorus, with which was mingled +sounds of chinking glasses and flowing wine. ["Came my lord chancellor +(the Earl of Clarendon) and his lady, his purse and mace borne before +him, to visit me"--Evelyn's "Diary."] + +In this manner was the old man's power undermined; but a circumstance +which hastened his fall occurred in the early part of 1667. In that year +Lady Castlemaine had, for a valuable consideration, disposed of a place +at court, which ensured the purchaser a goodly salary. However, before +the bargain could finally be ratified, it was necessary the appointment +should pass the great seal. This the chancellor would not permit, and +accompanied his refusal by remarking, "he thought this woman would sell +every thing shortly." His speech being repeated to her, she, in great +rage, sent him word she "had disposed of this place, and had no doubt in +a little time to dispose of his." And so great was the malice she bore +him, that she railed against him openly and in all places; nor did +she scruple to declare in the queen's chamber, in the presence of much +company, "that she hoped to see his head upon a stake, to keep company +with those of the regicides on Westminster Hall." + +And some political movements now arising, the history of which lies not +within the province of this work, the king seized upon them as an excuse +for parting with his chancellor. The monarch complained that my Lord +Clarendon "was so imperious that he would endure no contradiction; that +he had a faction in the House of Commons that opposed everything that +concerned his majesty's service, if it were not recommended to them +by him; and that he had given him very ill advice concerning the +parliament, which offended him most." + +Therefore there were rumours in the air that the chancellor's fall was +imminent; nor were the efforts of his son-in-law, the Duke of York, able +to protect him, for the friends of my Lady Castlemaine openly told his +majesty "it would not consist with his majesty's honour to be hectored +out of his determination to dismiss the chancellor by his brother, who +was wrought upon by his wife's crying." It therefore happened on the +26th of August, 1667, as early as ten o'clock in the morning, Lord +Clarendon waited at Whitehall on the king, who presently, accompanied by +his brother, received him with characteristic graciousness. Whereon the +old man, acknowledging the monarch's courtesy, said he "had no suit to +make to him, nor the least thought to dispute with him, or to divert him +from the resolution he had taken; but only to receive his determination +from himself, and most humbly to beseech him to let him know what +fault he had committed, that had drawn this severity upon him from his +majesty." + +In answer to this Charles said he must always acknowledge "he had served +him honestly and faithfully, and that he did believe never king had +a better servant; that he had taken this resolution for his good and +preservation, as well as for his own convenience and security; that he +was sorry the business had taken so much air, and was so publicly spoken +of, that he knew not how to change his purpose." To these words of +fair seeming the troubled chancellor replied by doubting if the sudden +dismissal of an old servant who had served the crown full thirty years, +without any suggestion of crime, but rather with a declaration of +innocence, would not call his majesty's justice and good nature into +question. He added that men would not know how to serve him, when they +should see it was in the power of three or four persons who had never +done him any notable service to dispose him to ungracious acts. And +finally, he made bold to cast some reflections upon my Lady Castlemaine, +and give his majesty certain warnings regarding her influence. + +At this the king, not being well pleased, rose up, and the interview, +which had lasted two hours, terminated. Lord Clarendon tells us so much +concerning his memorable visit, to which Pepys adds a vivid vignette +picture of his departure. When my lord passed from his majesty's +presence into the privy garden, my Lady Castlemaine, who up to that +time had been in bed, "ran out in her smock into her aviary looking into +Whitehall--and thither her woman brought her nightgown--and stood joying +herself at the old man's going away; and several of the gallants of +Whitehall, of which there were many staying to see the chancellor +return, did talk to her in her birdcage--among others Blaneford, telling +her she was the bird of paradise." + +A few days after this occurrence the king sent Secretary Morrice to the +chancellor's house, with a warrant under a sign manual to require and +receive the great seal. This Lord Clarendon at once delivered him with +many expressions of duty which he bade the messenger likewise convey his +majesty. And no sooner had Morrice handed the seals to the king, +than Baptist May, keeper of the privy purse, and friend of my Lady +Castlemaine, sought the monarch, and falling upon his knees, kissed his +hand and congratulated him on his riddance of the chancellor. "For now." +said he, availing himself of the liberty Charles permitted his friends, +"you will be king--what you have never been before." Finally, the +chancellor was, through influence of his enemies, impeached in the House +of Commons; and to such length did they pursue him, that he was banished +the kingdom by act of parliament. + +His grace the Duke of Ormond was the next minister whom my Lady +Castlemaine, in the strength of her evil influence, sought to undermine. +By reason of an integrity rendering him too loyal to the king to pander +to his majesty's mistress, he incurred her displeasure in many ways; +but especially by refusing to gratify her cupidity. It happened she +had obtained from his majesty a warrant granting her the Phoenix Park, +Dublin, and the mansion situated therein, which had always been placed +at service of the lords lieutenants, and was the only summer residence +at their disposal. The duke, therefore, boldly refusing to pass the +warrant, stopped the grant. [According to O'Connor's "Bibliotheca +Stowensis," Lady Castlemaine soon after received a grant of a thousand +pounds per annum in compensation for her loss of Phoenix Park.] This +so enraged the countess, that soon after, when his grace returned to +England, she, on meeting him in one of the apartments in Whitehall, +greeted him with a torrent of abusive language and bitter reproaches, +such as the rancour of her heart could suggest, or the license of her +tongue utter, and concluded by hoping she might live to see him hanged. +The duke heard her with the uttermost calmness, and when she had +exhausted her abusive vocabulary quietly replied, "Madam, I am not in so +much haste to put an end to your days; for all I wish with regard to you +is, that I may live to see you grow old." And, bowing low, the fine old +soldier left her presence. It may be added, though the duke was deprived +of the lord lieutenancy, the countess's pious wish regarding him was +never fulfilled. + +It now occurred to those who had relentlessly persecuted the chancellor, +that though they were safe as long as Charles reigned, his death would +certainly place them in peril. For they sufficiently knew the Duke +of York's character to be aware when he ascended the throne he would +certainly avenge the wrongs suffered by his father-in-law. Accordingly +these men, prominent amongst whom were the Duke of Buckingham, Sir +Thomas Clifford, Lords Arlington, Lauderdale, and Ashley, and Baptist +May, resolved to devise means which would prevent the Duke of York ever +attaining the power of sovereignty. Therefore scarce a year had gone by +since Lord Clarendon's downfall, ere rumours were spread abroad that his +majesty was about to put away the queen, This was to be effected, it +was said, by the king's acknowledgment of a previous marriage with Lucy +Walters, mother of the Duke of Monmouth, or by obtaining a divorce on +ground of her majesty's barrenness. + +The Duke of Buckingham, who was prime mover in this plot, aware of the +king's pride in, and fondness for the Duke of Monmouth, favoured the +scheme of his majesty's admission of a marriage previous to that +which united him with Catherine of Braganza. And according to Burnet, +Buckingham undertook to procure witnesses who would swear they had +been present at the ceremony which united him with the abandoned Lucy +Walters. Moreover, the Earl of Carlisle, who likewise favoured the +contrivance, offered to bring this subject before the House of Lords. +However, the king would not consent to trifle with the succession in +this vile manner, and the idea was promptly abandoned. But though the +project was unsuccessful, it was subsequently the cause of many evils; +for the chances of sovereignty, flashing before the eyes of the Duke +of Monmouth, dazzled him with hopes, in striving to realize which, he, +during the succeeding reign, steeped the country in civil warfare, and +lost his head. + +The king's friends, ever active for evil, now sought other methods +by which he might rid himself of the woman who loved him well, and +therefore be enabled to marry again, when, it was trusted, he would have +heirs to the crown. It was suggested his union might, through lack of +some formality, be proved illegal; but as this could not be effected +without open violation of truth and justice, it was likewise forsaken. +The Duke of Buckingham now besought his majesty that he would order a +bill to divorce himself from the queen to be brought into the House of +Commons. The king gave his consent to the suggestion, and the affair +proceeded so far that a date was fixed upon for the motion. However, +three days previous, Charles called Baptist May aside, and told him the +matter must be discontinued. + +But even yet my Lord Buckingham did not despair of gaining his wishes. +And, being qualified by his character for the commission of abominable +deeds, and fitted by his experience for undertaking adventurous schemes, +he proposed to his majesty, as Burnet states, that he would give +him leave to abduct the queen, and send her out of the kingdom to a +plantation, where she should be well and carefully looked to, but never +heard of more. Then it could be given out she had deserted him, upon +which grounds he might readily obtain a divorce. But the king, though he +permitted such a proposal to be made him, contemplated it with horror, +declaring "it was a wicked thing to make a poor lady miserable only +because she was his wife and had no children by him, which was no fault +of hers." + +Ultimately these various schemes resolved themselves into a proposition +which Charles sanctioned. This was that the queen's confessor should +persuade her to leave the world, and embrace a religious life. Whether +this suggestion was ever made to her majesty is unknown, for the +Countess of Castlemaine, hearing of these schemes, and foreseeing she +would be the first sacrificed to a new queen's jealousy, opposed them +with such vigour that they fell to the ground and were heard of no more. +The fact was, the king took no active part in these designs, not being +anxious, now the Duchess of Richmond had accepted his love, to unite +himself with another wife. Whilst her grace had been unmarried, the idea +had indeed occurred to him of seeking a divorce that he might be free to +lay his crown at the feet of the maid of honour. And with such a view +in mind he had consulted Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, as +to whether the Church of England "would allow of a divorce, when both +parties were consenting, and one of them lay under a natural incapacity +of having children." Before answering a question on which so much +depended, the archbishop requested time for consideration, which, +with many injunctions to secrecy, was allowed him. "But," says Lord +Dartmouth, who vouches for truth of this statement, "the Duke of +Richmond's clandestine marriage, before he had given an answer, made +the king suspect he had revealed the secret to Clarendon, whose creature +Sheldon was known to be; and this was the true secret of Clarendon's +disgrace." For the king, believing the chancellor had aided the duke in +his secret marriage, in order to prevent his majesty's union with Miss +Stuart, and the presumable exclusion of the Duke and Duchess of York and +their children from the throne, never forgave him. + +Though the subject of the royal divorce was no longer mentioned, the +disturbances springing from it were far from ended; for the Duke +of Buckingham, incensed at Lady Castlemaine's interference, openly +quarrelled with her, abused her roundly, and swore he would remove the +king from her power. To this end he therefore employed his talents, and +with such tact and assiduity that he ultimately fulfilled his menaces. +The first step he took towards accomplishing his desires, was to +introduce two players to his majesty, named respectively Moll Davis and +Nell Gwynn. + +The former, a member of the Duke of York's troupe of performers, could +boast of goodly lineage, though not of legitimate birth, her father +being Thomas Howard, first Earl of Berkshire. She had, early in the year +1667, made her first appearance at the playhouse, and had by her comely +face and shapely figure challenged the admiration of the town. Her +winsome ways, pleasant voice, and graceful dancing soon made her a +favourite with the courtiers, who voted her an excellent wench; though +some of her own sex, judging harshly of her, as is their wont towards +each other, declared her "the most impertinent slut in the world." + +Now the Duke of Buckingham knowing her well, it seemed to him no woman +was more suited to fulfil his purpose of thwarting the countess; for +if he succeeded in awaking the king's passion for the comedian, such a +proceeding would not only arouse my lady's jealousy, but likewise humble +her pride. Therefore, when this court Mephistopheles accompanied his +majesty to the playhouse, he was careful to dwell on Moll Davis's +various charms, the excellency of her figure, the beauty of her face, +the piquancy of her manner. So impressed was the monarch by Buckingham's +descriptions, that he soon became susceptible to her fascinations. +The amour once begun was speedily pursued; and she was soon enabled to +boast, in presence of the players, that the king--whose generosity was +great to fallen women--had given her a ring valued at seven hundred +pounds, and was about to take, and furnish most richly, a house in +Suffolk Street for her benefit and abode. Pepys heard this news in +the first month of the year 1668; and soon afterwards a further rumour +reached him that she was veritably the king's mistress, "even to the +scorn of the world." + +This intrigue affected Lady Castlemaine in a manner which the Duke +of Buckingham had not expected. Whilst sitting beside Charles in the +playhouse, she noticed his attention was riveted upon her rival, when +she became melancholy and out of humour, in which condition she remained +some days. But presently rallying her spirits, she soon found means to +divert her mind and avenge her wrongs, of which more shall be recorded +hereafter. Meanwhile, the poor queen, whose feelings neither the king +nor his courtiers took into consideration, bore this fresh insult with +such patience as she could summon to her aid, on one occasion only +protesting against her husband's connection with the player. This +happened when the Duke of York's troupe performed in Whitehall the +tragedy of "Horace," "written by the virtuous Mrs. Phillips." The +courtiers assembled on this occasion presented a brilliant and goodly +sight. Evelyn tells us "the excessive gallantry of the ladies was +infinite, those jewels especially on Lady Castlemaine esteemed at forty +thousand pounds and more, far outshining ye queene." Between each act of +the tradgedy a masque and antique dance was performed. When Moll +Davis appeared, her majesty, turning pale from sickness of heart, and +trembling from indignation at the glaring insult thrust upon her, arose +and left the apartment boisterous with revelry, where she had sat a +solitary sad figure in its midst. As a result of her intimacy with +the king, Moll Davis bore him a daughter, who subsequently became +Lady Derwentwater. But the Duke of Buckingham's revenge upon my Lady +Castlemaine was yet but half complete; and therefore whilst the monarch +carried on his intrigue with Moll Davis, his grace, enlarging upon the +wit and excellency of Nell Gwynn, besought his majesty to send for +her. This request the king complied with readily enough, and she was +accordingly soon added to the list of his mistresses. Nell Gwynn, who +was at this period in her eighteenth year, had joined the company of +players at the king's house, about the same time as Moll Davis had +united her fortunes with the Duke of York's comedians. Her time upon +the stage was, however, but of brief duration; for my Lord Buckhurst, +afterwards Earl of Dorset, a witty and licentious man, falling in love +with her, induced her to become his mistress, quit the theatre, and +forsake the society of her lover, Charles Hart, a famous actor and +great-nephew of William Shakespeare. And she complying with his desires +in these matters, he made her an allowance of one hundred pounds a year, +on which she returned her parts to the manager, and declared she would +act no more. + +Accordingly in the month of July, 1667, she was living at Epsom with +my Lord Buckhurst and his witty friend Sir Charles Sedley, and a right +merry house they kept for a time. But alas, ere the summer had died +there came a day when charming Nell and his fickle lordship were +friends no more, and parting from him, she was obliged to revert to the +playhouse again. + +Now Nell Gwynn being not only a pretty woman, but moreover an excellent +actress, her return was welcomed by the town. Her achievements in light +comedy were especially excellent, and declared entertaining to a rare +degree. Pepys, who witnessed her acting "a comical part," in the "Maiden +Queen," a play by Dryden, says he could "never hope to see the like +done again by man or woman. So great performance of a comical part," he +continues, "was never, I believe, in the world before as Nell do this, +both as a mad girle, then most and best of all when she comes in like +a young gallant; and hath the motions and carriage of a spark the most +that ever I saw any man have. It makes me, I confess, admire her." +In the part of Valeria, in "Tyrannic Love," she was also pronounced +inimitable; especially in her delivery of the epilogue. The vein of +comedy with which she delivered the opening lines, addressed to those +about to bear her dead body from the stage, was merry beyond belief. +"Hold!" she cried out to one of them, as she suddenly started to life-- + + "Hold! are you mad? you damned confounded dog! + I am to rise and speak the epilogue." + +Before the year 1667 ended, she had several times visited his majesty +at Whitehall. The king was now no less assured of her charms as a woman, +than he had previously been convinced of her excellence as an actress. +In due time, her intimacy with the monarch resulted in the birth of two +sons; the elder of which was created Duke of St. Albans, from whom is +descended the family now bearing that title: the second died young and +unmarried. + +Through influence of these women, my Lady Castlemaine's power over the +king rapidly diminished, and at last ceased to exist; seeing which, as +Burnet says, "She abandoned herself to great disorders; one of which +by the artifice of the Duke of Buckingham was discovered by the king in +person, the party concerned leaping out of the window." The gallant to +whom the worthy bishop refers was John Churchill, afterwards the great +Duke of Marlborough, at this time a handsome stripling of eighteen +summers. In his office as page to the Duke of York, he frequently came +under notice of her ladyship, who, pleased with the charms of his +boyish face and graceful figure, intimated his love would not prove +unacceptable to her. Accordingly he promptly made love to the countess, +who, in the first fervour of her affection, presented him with five +thousand pounds. With this sum he purchased a life annuity of five +hundred pounds, which, as Lord Chesterfield writes, "became the +foundation of his subsequent fortune." Nor did her generosity end here: +at a cost of six thousand crowns she obtained for him the post of +groom of the bedchamber to the Duke of York, and was instrumental in +subsequently forwarding his advancements in the army. + +My Lady Castlemaine was by no means inclined to spend her days in misery +because the royal favour was no longer vouchsafed her; and therefore, by +way of satisfying her desires for revenge, conducted intrigues not only +with John Churchill and Harry Jermyn, but likewise with one Jacob Hall, +a noted acrobat. This man was not only gifted with strength and agility, +but likewise with grace and beauty: so that, as Granger tells us, "The +ladies regarded him as a due composition of Hercules and Adonis." His +dancing on the tight rope at Bartholomew Fair was "a thing worth seeing +and mightily followed;" whilst his deeds of daring at Southwark Fair +were no less subjects of admiration and wonder. The countess was so +charmed by the performance of this athlete in public, that she became +desirous of conversation with him in private; and he was accordingly +introduced to her by Beck Marshall, the player. The countess found his +society so entertaining that she frequently visited him, a compliment +he courteously returned. Moreover, she allowed him a yearly salary, and +openly showed her admiration for him by having their portraits painted +in one picture: in which she is represented playing a fiddle, whilst he +leans over her, touching the strings of a guitar. + +Her amours in general, and her intimacy with the rope-dancer in +particular, becoming common talk of the town, his majesty became +incensed; and it grieved him the more that one who dwelt in his palace, +and was yet under his protection, should divide her favours between a +king and a mountebank. Accordingly bitter feuds arose between her and +the monarch, when words of hatred, scorn, and defiance were freely +exchanged. His majesty upbraiding her with a love for the rope-dancer, +she replied with much spirit, "it very ill became him to throw out such +reproaches against her: that he had never ceased quarrelling unjustly +with her, ever since he had betrayed his own mean low inclinations: that +to gratify such a depraved taste as his, he wanted the pitiful strolling +actresses whom he had lately introduced into their society." Then came +fresh threats from the lips of the fury, followed by passionate storms +of tears. + +The king, who loved ease greatly, and valued peace exceedingly, became +desirous of avoiding such harrowing scenes. Accordingly, he resolved to +enter into a treaty with his late mistress, by which he would consent +to grant her such concessions as she desired, providing she promised to +discontinue her intrigues with objectionable persons, and leave him to +pursue his ways without reproach. By mutual consent, his majesty and +the countess selected the Chevalier de Grammont to conduct this delicate +business; he being one in whose tact and judgment they had implicit +confidence. After various consultations and due consideration, it was +agreed the countess should abandon her amours with Henry Jermyn and +Jacob Hall, rail no more against Moll Davis or Nell Gwynn, or any other +of his majesty's favourites, in consideration for which Charles would +create her a duchess, and give her an additional pension in order to +support her fresh honours with becoming dignity. + +And as the king found her residence in Whitehall no longer necessary +to his happiness, Berkshire House was purchased for her as a suitable +dwelling This great mansion, situated at the south-west corner of St. +James's Street, facing St. James's Palace, was surrounded by pleasant +gardens devised in the Dutch style, and was in every way a habitation +suited for a prince. This handsome gift was followed by a grant of the +revenues of the Post Office, amounting to four thousand seven hundred +pounds a year, which was at first paid her in weekly instalments. On +the 3rd of August, 1670, Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine, was created +Baroness Nonsuch, of Nonsuch Park, Surrey; Countess of Southampton; and +Duchess of Cleveland in the peerage of England. The reasons for +crowding these honours thick upon her were, as the patent stated, "in +consideration of her noble descent, her father's death in the service of +the crown, and by reason of her personal virtues." + +Nor did his majesty's extravagant favours to her end here. She was now, +as Mr. Povy told his friend Pepys, "in a higher command over the king +than ever--not as a mistress, for she scorns him, but as a tyrant, to +command him." In consequence of this power, she was, two months after +her creation as duchess, presented by the monarch with the favourite +hunting seat of Henry VIII., the magnificent palace and great park of +Nonsuch, in the parishes of Cheam and Malden, in the county of Surrey. +And yet a year later, she received fresh proofs of his royal munificence +by the gift of "the manor, hundred, and advowson of Woking, county +Surrey; the manor and advowson of Chobham, the hundred of Blackheath and +Wootton, the manor of Bagshot (except the park, site of the manor and +manor-house, and the Bailiwick, and the office of the Bailiwick, called +Surrey Bailiwick, otherwise Bagshot Bailiwick), and the advowson of +Bisley, all in the same county." + +Her wealth, the more notable at a time when the king was in debt, and +the nation impoverished from expenditure necessary to warfare, was +enormous. Andrew Marvell, writing in August, 1671, states: "Lord St. +John, Sir R. Howard, Sir John Bennet, and Sir W. Bicknell, the brewer, +have farmed the customs. They have signed and sealed ten thousand pounds +a year more to the Duchess of Cleveland; who has likewise near ten +thousand pounds a year out of the new farm of the country excise of Beer +and Ale; five thousand pounds a year out of the Post Office; and they +say, the reversion of all the King's Leases, the reversion of places all +in the Custom House, the green wax, and indeed what not? All promotions +spiritual and temporal pass under her cognizance." + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + Louise de Querouaille.--The Triple Alliance.--Louise is created Duchess + of Portsmouth.--Her grace and the impudent comedian.--Madam Ellen moves + in society.--The young Duke of St. Albans.--Strange story of the + Duchess of Mazarine.--Entertaining the wits at Chelsea.--Luxurious + suppers.--Profligacy and wit. + +The Duchess of Cleveland having shared the fate common to court +favourites, her place in the royal affections was speedily filled by +a mistress whose influence was even more baneful to the king, and more +pernicious to the nation. This woman was Louise de Querouaille, the +descendant of a noble family in Lower Brittany. At an early age she had +been appointed maid of honour to Henrietta, youngest sister of Charles +II., soon after the marriage of that princess, in 1661, with the Duke +of Orleans, brother to Louis XIV. Fate decreed that Mademoiselle de +Querouaille should be brought into England by means of a political +movement; love ordained she should reign mistress of the king's +affections. + +It happened in January, 1668, that a Triple Alliance had been signed at +the Hague, which engaged England, Sweden, and the United Provinces to +join in defending Spain against the power of France. A secret treaty +in this agreement furthermore bound the allies to check the ambition of +Louis XIV., and, if possible, reduce his encroaching sway. That Charles +II. should enter into such an alliance was galling to the French +monarch, who resolved to detach his kinsman from the compact, and bind +him to the interests of France. To effect this desired purpose, which +he knew would prove objectionable to the British nation, Louis employed +Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans, to visit England on pretext of pleasure +and affection, and secretly persuade and bribe her brother to the +measures required. + +The young duchess, though an English princess, had at heart the +interests of the country in which she had been reared, and which on her +marriage she had adopted as her own. She therefore gladly undertook this +mission, confident of her success from the fact that of all his family +she had ever been the most tenderly beloved by Charles. Therefore she +set out from France, and in the month of May, 1670, arrived at Dover, +to which port the king, Queen, and court hastened, that they might greet +and entertain her. For full ten days in this merry month, high revelry +was held at Dover, during which time Henrietta skilfully and secretly +effected the object of her visit. And her delight was now the greater, +inasmuch as one item which this agreement entrusted her to make, engaged +that Charles would, as soon as he could with safety, follow the example +of his brother the Duke of York, and become a Catholic. In carrying out +this purpose Louis promised him substantial aid and sure protection. +Likewise, it may be mentioned, did the French king engrage to grant him +a subsidy equal to a million a year, if Charles joined him in an attack +on Holland. + +The prospect of his sister's return filled the king with sorrow, which +increased as the term of her visit drew to an end. "He wept when he +parted with her," wrote Monsieur Colbert, the French ambassador, who +significantly adds, "whatever favour she asked of him was granted." + +Now Louis knowing the weakness of the English monarch's character, +and aware of his susceptibility to female loveliness, had despatched +Mademoiselle de Querouaille in the train of Henrietta. Satisfied that +Charles could not resist her charms, the French monarch had instructed +this accomplished woman, who was trusted in his councils, to accept the +royal love, which it was surmised would be proffered her; so that by the +influence which she would consequently obtain, she might hold him to the +promises he might make the Duchess of Orleans. + +As had been anticipated, the king became enamoured of this charming +woman, who, before departing with the princess, faithfully promised to +return and become his mistress. In his desire to possess her the merry +monarch was upheld by his grace of Buckingham, who, continuing in +enmity with the Duchess of Cleveland, resolved to prevent her regaining +influence over the king by adding the beautiful Frenchwoman to the +number of his mistresses. He therefore told Charles, in the sarcastic +manner it was occasionally his wont to use, "it was a decent piece of +tenderness for his sister to take care of some of her servants;" whilst +on being sent into France, he assured Louis "he could never reckon +himself sure of the king, but by giving him a mistress that should be +true to his interests." But neither king required urging to a resolution +on which both had separately determined; and soon Mademoiselle +Querouaille was ready for her journey to England. A yacht was therefore +sent to Dieppe to convey her, and presently she was received at +Whitehall by the lord treasurer, and her arrival celebrated in verse by +Dryden. Moreover, that she might have apartments in the palace, the king +at once appointed her a maid of honour to her majesty, this being the +first of a series of favours she was subsequently to receive. Evelyn, +writing in the following October, says it was universally reported a +ceremonious espousal, devoid of the religious rite, had taken place +between his majesty and Mademoiselle Querouaille at Lord Arlington's +house at Euston. "I acknowledge," says this trustworthy chronicler +"she was for the most part in her undresse all day, and that there was +fondnesse and toying with that young wanton; nay, 'twas said I was at +the former ceremony, but 'tis utterly false; I neither saw nor heard of +any such thing whilst I was there, tho' I had ben in her chamber, +and all over that apartment late enough, and was myself observing all +passages with much curiosity." + +She now became a central figure in the brilliant court of the merry +monarch, being loved by the king, flattered by the wits, and tolerated +by the queen, to whom--unlike the Duchess of Cleveland--she generally +paid the greatest respect. Her card tables were thronged by courtiers +eager to squander large sums for the honour of playing with the reigning +sultana; her suppers were attended by wits and gallants as merry and +amorous as those who had once crowded round my Lady Castlemaine in the +zenith of her power. No expense was too great for his majesty to lavish +upon her; no honour too high with which to reward her affection. +The authority just mentioned says her apartments at Whitehall were +luxuriously furnished "with ten times the richnesse and glory beyond +the Queene's; such massy pieces of plate, whole tables and stands of +incredible value." After a residence of little more than three years +at court she was raised by King Charles to the peerage as Baroness of +Petersfield, Countess of Farnham, and Duchess of Portsmouth; whilst the +French king, as a mark of appreciation for the services she rendered +France, conferred upon her the Duchy of Aubigny, in the province of +Berri in France, to which he added the title and dignity of Duchess and +Peeress of France, with the revenues of the territory of Aubigny. And +two years later King Charles, prodigal of the honours he conferred upon +her, ennobled the son she had borne him in 1672. The titles of the Duke +of Richmond and Lennox having lately reverted to the crown by the death +of Frances Stuart's husband, who was last of his line, the bastard son +of the French mistress was created Duke of Richmond and Earl of March +in England, and Duke of Lennox and Earl of Darnley in Scotland. To +these proud titles the present head of the noble house of Richmond and +Lennox--by virtue of the grant made by Louis XIV. to his ancestress +likewise adds that of Duc d'Aubigny in the peerage of France. + +But though honoured by the king, and flattered by the court, the Duchess +of Portsmouth was far from enjoying uninterrupted happiness; inasmuch as +her peace was frequently disturbed by jealousy. The principal cause of +her uneasiness during the first five years of her reign was the king's +continued infatuation for Nell Gwynn; now, by reason of the elevated +position she enjoyed, styled Madam Ellen. This "impudent comedian," as +Evelyn calls her, was treated by his majesty with, extreme indulgence +and royal liberality. In proof of the latter statement, it may be +mentioned that in less than four years from the date of her first +becoming his mistress, he had wantonly lavished sixty thousand pounds +upon her, as Burnet affirms. Moreover, he had purchased as a town +mansion for her "the first good house on the left-hand side of St. +James's Square, entering Pall Mall," now the site of the Army and Navy +Club; had given her likewise a residence situated close by the Castle +at Windsor; and a summer villa located in what was then the charming +village of Chelsea. To such substantial gifts as these he added the +honour of an appointment at court: when the merry player was made one +of the ladies of the privy chamber to the queen. Samuel Pegg states this +fact, not generally known, and assures us he discovered it "from the +book in the lord chamberlain's office." + +From her position as the king's mistress, Madam Ellen moved on terms of +perfect equality with the Duchess of Portsmouth's friends--supping +with my Lady Orrery, visiting my Lord Cavendish, and establishing a +friendship with the gay Duchess of Norfolk. This was a source of deep +vexation to the haughty Frenchwoman; but Nell Gwynn's familiarity with +the king was a cause of even greater mortification. Sir George Etherege +records in verse when the monarch was "dumpish" Nell would "chuck the +royal chin;" and it is stated that, mindful of her former conquests over +Charles Hart and Charles Lord Buckley, it was her habit to playfully +style his majesty "Charles the Third." Her wilfulness, wit, and beauty +enabled her to maintain such a strong hold upon the king's heart, that +he shared his time equally between her and the Duchess of Portsmouth. +Indignant that a woman from the playhouse should receive such evidences +of the royal affection, her grace lost no opportunity of insulting Nell, +who responded by mimicry and grimaces, which threw those who witnessed +the comedy into fits of laughter, and covered the wrathful duchess with +confusion. + +But though the light-hearted actress frequently treated disdain with +ridicule, she could occasionally analyze the respective positions held +by herself and the duchess with seriousness, Madame de Sevigne tells us, +Nell would reason in this manner: "This duchess pretends to be a person +of quality: she affirms she is related to the best families in France, +and when any person of distinction dies she puts herself in mourning. +If she be a lady of such quality, why does she demean herself to be a +courtesan? She ought to die with shame. As for me, it is my profession. +I do not pretend to anything better. The king entertains me, and I am +constant to him at present. He has a son by me; I contend that he ought +to acknowledge him--and I am well assured that he will, for he loves me +as well as the duchess." + +To have her son ennobled, and by this means raise him to an equality +with the offspring of her grace, became the desire of Nell Gwynn's life. +To her request that this favour might be granted, the king had promised +compliance from time to time, but had as frequently postponed the +fulfilment of his word. At last, weary of beseeching him, she devised +a speech which she trusted might have the desired effect. Accordingly, +when the monarch came to see her one day, he found her in a pensive +mood, playing with her pretty boy; and the lad, being presently set upon +his feet, he promptly tottered down the room, whereon she cried out to +him, "Come here, you little bastard!" Hearing this word of evil import +applied to his son, the monarch begged she would not use the expression, +"I am sorry," said she regretfully, "but, alas, I have no other name +to give him!" His majesty took the hint, and soon after bestowed on him +that of Charles Beauclerk, and created him Baron of Heddington, in Oxon, +and Earl of Burford in the same county; and finally, when he had reached +the age of ten years, raised him to the dignity of Duke of St. Albans. + +After a reign of five years in the court of the merry monarch, her Grace +of Portsmouth was destined to encounter a far more formidable rival than +Nell Gwynn, in the person of the Duchess of Mazarine. This lady, on +her arrival in England in 1675, possessed most of the charms which had +rendered her notable in youth. To the attraction they lent was added an +interest arising from her personal history, in which King Charles had +once figured, and to which fate had subsequently added many pages of +romance. + +Hortensia Mancini, afterwards Duchess of Mazarine, was descendant of a +noble Roman family, and niece of the great Julius Mazarine, cardinal of +the church, and prime minister of France. Her parents dying whilst she, +her sister and brother were young, they had been reared under the care +of his eminence. According to the memoirs of the duchess, the cardinal's +peace must have frequently been put to flight by his charges, whose +conduct, he declared, exhibited neither piety nor honour. Mindful of +this, he placed his nieces under the immediate supervision of Madame de +Venelle, who was directed to have the closest guard over them. A story +related by the duchess shows in what manner this lady's duty was carried +out, and what unexpected results attended it on one occasion. + +When the court visited Lyons, in the year 1658, the cardinal's nieces +and their governess lodged in a commodious mansion in one of the public +squares. "Our chamber windows, which opened towards the market-place," +writes Hortensia, "were low enough for one to get in with ease. Madame +de Venelle was so used to her trade of watching us, that she rose even +in her sleep to see what we were doing. One night, as my sister lay +asleep with her mouth open, Madame de Venelle, after her accustomed +manner, coming, asleep as she was, to grope in the dark, happened to +thrust her finger into her mouth so far that my sister, starting out +of her sleep, made her teeth almost meet in her finger. Judge you the +amazement they both were in to find themselves in this posture when they +were thoroughly awake. My sister was in a grievous fret. The story +was told the king the next day, and the court had the divertisement of +laughing at it." + +Whilst the great minister's nieces were yet extremely young, Louis XIV. +fell passionately in love with the elder, Maria, and his marriage with +her was frustrated only by the united endeavours of the queen mother and +the cardinal. A proposal to raise Hortensia to the nominal dignity of +queen was soon after made on behalf of Charles II., who sought her as +his bride. But he being at the time an exile, banished from his kingdom, +and with little hope of regaining his throne, the offer was rejected by +Cardinal Mazarine as unworthy of his favourite niece. + +His eminence was, however, anxious to see her married, and accordingly +sought amongst the nobility of France a husband suitable to her merits +and equal to her condition, she being not only a beautiful woman but, +through his bounty, the richest heiress in Christendom. It happened +the cardinal's choice settled upon one who had fallen in love with +Hortensia, and who had declared, with amorous enthusiasm, that if he had +but the happiness of being married to her, it would not grieve him to +die three months afterwards. + +The young noble was Armand Charles de la Porte, Duke de Meilleraye, who +had the sole recommendation of being one of the richest peers of France. +On condition that he and his heirs should assume the name of Mazarine +and arms of that house, the cardinal consented to his becoming the +husband of his niece. And the great minister's days rapidly approaching +their end, the ceremony was performed which made Hortensia, then at +the age of thirteen, Duchess of Mazarine. A few months later the great +cardinal expired, leaving her the sum of one million six hundred and +twenty-five thousand pounds sterling. Alas that she should have died in +poverty, and that her body should have been seized for debt! + +Scarce had the first weeks of her married life passed away, when the +young wife found herself mated to one wholly unsuited to her character. +She was beautiful, witty, and frivolous; he jealous, dull, and morose. +The incompatibility of their dispositions became as discernible to him, +as they had become intolerable to her; and, as if to avenge the fate +which had united them, he lost no opportunity of thwarting her desires, +by such means striving to bend her lissom quality to the gnarled shape +of his unhappy nature. + +With such a purpose in view no opportunity was neglected to curb her +pleasures or oppose her inclinations. He continually forced her to leave +Paris, and even when her condition required rest and care, compelled +her to accompany him on long and weary journeys, undertaken by him in +consequence of his diplomatic missions. If she received two successive +visits from one man, he was instantly forbidden the house. If she called +her carriage, the coachman received orders not to obey. If she betrayed +a preference for one maid more than another, the favourite was instantly +dismissed, moreover, the duchess was surrounded by spies, her movements +being rigorously watched, and invariably reported. Nor would the duke +vouchsafe an explanation to his young wife regarding the cause of this +severe treatment, but continued the even course of such conduct without +intermission or abatement. + +After displaying these eccentricities for some years, they suddenly +associated themselves with religion, when he became a fanatic. Her +condition was now less endurable than before; his whims more ludicrous +and exasperating. With solemnity he declared no one could in conscience +visit the theatre; that it was a sin to play blind man's buff, and +a heinous crime to retire to bed late. And presently, his fanaticism +increasing, he prohibited the woman who nursed his infant to suckle it +on Fridays or Saturdays; that instead of imbibing milk, it might, in +its earliest life, become accustomed to fasting and mortification of the +flesh. + +The young duchess grew hopeless of peace. All day her ears were beset +by harangues setting forth her wickedness, by exortations calling her to +repentance, and by descriptions of visions vouchsafed him. By night her +condition was rendered scarcely less miserable. "No sooner," says St. +Evremond, "were her eyes closed, than Monsieur Mazarine (who had the +devil always present in his black imagination) wakes his best beloved, +to make her partaker--you will never be able to guess of what--to make +her partaker of his nocturnal visions. Flambeaux are lighted, and search +is made everywhere; but no spectre does Madame Mazarine find, except +that which lay by her in the bed." + +The distresses to which she was subjected were increased by the +knowledge that her husband was squandering her vast fortune. In +what manner the money was spent she does not state. "If" she writes, +"Monsieur Mazarine had only taken delight in overwhelming me with +sadness and grief, and in exposing my health and my life to his most +unreasonable caprice, and in making me pass the best of my days in +an unparalleled slavery, since heaven had been pleased to make him my +master, I should have endeavoured to allay and qualify my misfortunes by +my sighs and tears. But when I saw that by his incredible dilapidations +and profuseness, my son, who might have been the richest gentleman in +France, was in danger of being the poorest, there was no resisting +the force of nature; and motherly love carried it over all other +considerations of duty, or the moderation I proposed to myself. I saw +every day vast sums go away: moveables of inestimable prices, offices, +and all the rich remains of my uncle's fortune, the fruits of his +labours, and the rewards of his services. I saw as much sold as came to +three millions, before I took any public notice of it; and I had hardly +anything left me of value but my jewels, when Monsieur Mazarine took +occasion to seize upon them." + +She therefore sought the king's interference, but as the duke had +interest at court, she received but little satisfaction. Then commenced +disputes, which, after months of wrangling, ended by the duchess +escaping in male attire out of France, in company with a gay young +cavalier, Monsieur de Rohan. After various wanderings through Italy and +many adventures in Savoy, she determined on journeying to England. +That her visit was not without a political motive, we gather from +St. Evremond; who, referring to the ascendancy which the Duchess of +Portsmouth had gained over his majesty, and the uses she made of her +power for the interests of France, tells us, "The advocates for liberty, +being excluded from posts and the management of affairs, contrived +several ways to free their country from that infamous commerce; but +finding them ineffectual, they at last concluded that there was no other +course to take than to work the Duchess of Portsmouth out of the +king's favour, by setting up against her a rival who should be in +their interest. The Duchess of Mazarine was thought very fit for their +purpose, for she outshined the other, both in wit and beauty." + +Charles de St. Denis, Seigneur de St. Evremond, was a soldier, +philosopher, and courtier, who had distinguished himself by his bravery, +learning, and politeness. Having fallen under the displeasure of the +French court, he had, in the year 1662, sought refuge in England, where +he had been welcomed with the courtesy due to his rank, and the esteem +which befitted his merits. Settling in the capital, he mixed freely in +the companionship of wits, gallants, and courtiers who constituted its +society; and delighted with London as a residence, he determined on +making England his country by adoption. An old friend and fervent +admirer of the Duchess of Mazarine, he had received the news of her +visit with joy, and celebrated her arrival in verse. + +The reputation of her loveliness and the history of her life having +preceded her, the court became anxious to behold her; the king, mindful +of the relationship he had once sought; with the duchess, grew impatient +to welcome her. After a few days' rest, necessary to remedy the fatigue +of her journey, she appeared at Whitehall. By reason of her beauty, now +ripened rather than impaired by time, and those graces which attracted +the more from the fascination they had formerly exercised, she at once +gained the susceptible heart of the monarch. St. Evremond tells us her +person "contained nothing that was not too lovely." In the "Character +of the Duchess of Mazarine," which he drew soon after her arrival in +London, he has presented a portrait of her worth examining not only +for sake of the object it paints, but for the quaint workmanship it +contains. "An ill-natured curiosity," he writes, "makes me scrutinize +every feature in her face, with a design either to meet there some +shocking irregularity, or some disgusting disagreeableness. But how +unluckily do I succeed in my design. Every feature about her has a +particular beauty, that does not in the least yield to that of her eyes, +which, by the consent of all the world, are the finest in the universe. +One thing there is that entirely confounds me: her teeth, her lips, her +mouth, and all the graces that attend it, are lost amongst the great +variety of beauties in her face and what is but indifferent in her, will +not suffer us to consider what is most remarkable in others. The malice +of my curiosity does not stop here. I proceed to spy out some defect in +her shape; and I find I know not what graces of nature so happily and so +liberally scattered in her person, that the genteelness of others only +seems to be constraint and affectation." + +The king--to whom the presence of a beautiful woman was as sunshine to +the earth--at once offered her his affections, the gallants tendered +their homage, the ladies of the court volunteered the flattery embodied +in imitation. And by way of practically proving his admiration, his +majesty graciously allotted her a pension of four thousand pounds a +year, with apartments in St. James's Palace. + +The sovereignty which the Duchess of Portsmouth had held for five years +over the monarch's heart was now in danger of downfall; and probably +would have ended, but for Madame Mazarine's indiscretions. It happened a +few months after her arrival in London, the Prince of Monaco visited +the capital. Young in years, handsome in person, and extravagant in +expenditure, he dazzled the fairest women at court; none of whom had +so much power to please him in all as the Duchess of Mazarine. +Notwithstanding the king's generosity, she accepted the prince's +admiration; and resolved to risk the influence she had gained, that she +might freely love where she pleased. Her entertainment of a passion, as +sudden in development as fervid in intensity, enraged the king; but his +fury served only to increase her infatuation, seeing which, his majesty +suspended payment of her pension. + +The gay Prince of Monaco in due time ending his visit to London, +and leaving the Duchess of Mazarine behind him, she, through the +interposition of her friends, obtained his majesty's pardon, was +received into favour, and again allowed her pension. + +She now ruled, not only mistress of the king's heart, but queen of a +brilliant circle of wits and men of parts, whose delight it became to +heed the epigrams and eccentricities which fell from her lips. Her rooms +at St. James's, and her house in Chelsea, became the rendezvous of the +most polite and brilliant society in England. In the afternoons, +seated amongst her monkeys, dogs, parrots, and pets, she discoursed on +philosophy, love, religion, politics, and plays; whilst at night her +saloons were thrown open to such as delighted in gambling. Then the +duchess, seated at the head of the table, her dark eyes flashing with +excitement, her red lips parted in expectation, followed the fortunes +of the night with anxiety: all compliments being suspended and all fine +speeches withheld the while, nought being heard but the rustle of cards +and the chink of gold. + +Dainty and luxurious suppers followed, when rare wines flowed, and wit +long suppressed found joyous vent. Here sat Charles beside his beautiful +mistress, happy in the enjoyment of the present, careless of the needs +of his people; and close beside him my Lord of Buckingham, watchful +of his majesty's face, hatching dark plots whilst he turned deft +compliments. There likewise were my Lord Dorset, the easiest and +wittiest man living; Sir Charles Sedley, one learned in intrigue; +Baptist May, the monarch's favourite; Tom Killigrew who jested on life's +follies whilst he enjoyed them; the Countess of Shrewsbury, beautiful +and amorous; and Madam Ellen, who was ready to mimic or sing, dance or +act, for his majesty's diversion. + +And so, whilst a new day stole upon the world without, tapers burned low +within the duchess's apartments; and the king, his mistress, and a brave +and gallant company ate, drank, and made merry. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + A storm threatens the kingdom.--The Duke of York is touched in his + conscience.--His interview with Father Simons.--The king declares his + mind.--The Duchess of York becomes a catholic.--The circumstances of her + death.--The Test Act introduced.--Agitation of the nation.--The Duke + of York marries again.--Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.--The Duke of + Monmouth.--William of Orange and the Princess Mary.--Their marriage and + departure from England. + +Whilst the surface life of the merry monarch sped onward in its careless +course, watchful eyes took heed of potent signs boding storms and +strife. The storm which shook the kingdom to its centre came anon; the +strife which dethroned a monarch was reserved for the succeeding +reign. These were not effected by the king's profligacy, indolence, or +extravagance, but because of a change in the religious belief of the +heir-apparent to the crown. + +The cloud, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently spread and +overcast the political horizon, was first observed towards the beginning +of the year 1669. The Rev. J. S. Clarke, historiographer to George III., +chaplain to the royal household, and librarian to the Prince Regent, in +his "Life of James II., collected out of Memoirs writ of his own hand," +tells us that about this time the Duke of York "was sensibly touched +in his conscience, and began to think seriously of his salvation." +Accordingly, the historian states, "he sent for one Father Simons, a +Jesuit, who had the reputation of a very learned man, to discourse with +him upon that subject; and when he came, he told him the good intentions +he had of being a catholic, and treated with him concerning his being +reconciled to the church. After much discourse about the matter, the +Jesuit very sincerely told him, that unless he would quit the communion +of the Church of England, he could not be received into the Catholic +Church. The duke then said he thought it might be done by a dispensation +from the pope, alleging the singularity of his case, and the advantage +it might bring to the catholic religion in general, and in particular to +those of it in England, if he might have such dispensation for outwardly +appearing a protestant, at least till he could own himself publicly to +be a catholic, with more security to his own person and advantage to +them. But the father insisted that even the pope himself had not the +power to grant it, for it was an unalterable doctrine of the Catholic +Church, not to do ill that good might follow. What this Jesuit thus said +was afterwards confirmed to the duke by the pope himself, to whom he +wrote upon the same subject. Till this time his royal highness believed +(as it is commonly believed, or at least said by the Church of England +doctors) that dispensations in any such cases are by the pope easily +granted; but Father Simons's words, and the letter of his holiness, made +the duke think it high time to use all the endeavours he could, to be at +liberty to declare himself, and not to live in so unsafe and so uneasy a +condition." + +Inasmuch as what immediately followed touches a point of great delicacy +and vast importance, the words of the historian, mainly taken from the +"Stuart Papers," are best given here, "His royal highness well-knowing +that the king was of the same mind, and that his majesty had opened +himself upon it to Lord Arundel of Wardour, Lord Arlington, and Sir +Thomas Clifford, took an occasion to discourse with him upon that +subject about the same time, and found him resolved as to his being +a catholic, and that he intended to have a private meeting with those +persons above named at the duke's closet, to advise with them about the +ways and methods fit to be taken for advancing the catholic religion in +his dominions, being resolved not to live any longer in the constraint +he was under. The meeting was on the 25th of January. When they were met +according to the king's appointment, he declared his mind to them on the +matter of religion, and said how uneasy it was to him not to profess the +faith he believed; and that he had called them together to have their +advice about the ways and methods fittest to be taken for the settling +of the catholic religion in his kingdoms, and to consider of the time +most proper to declare himself, telling them withal that no time +ought to be lost; that he was to expect to meet with many and great +difficulties in bringing it about, and that he chose rather to undertake +it now, when he and his brother were in their full strength and able +to undergo any fatigue, than to delay it till they were grown older and +less fit to go through with so great a design. This he spoke with great +earnestness, and even with tears in his eyes; and added, that they +were to go about it as wise men and good catholics ought to do. The +consultation lasted long, and the result was, that there was no better +way for doing this work than to do it in conjunction with France, and +with the assistance of his Most Christian majesty." Accordingly the +secret treaty with France was entered into, as already mentioned. + +No further movement towards professing the catholic religion was made +by the king or his brother for some time. The tendencies of the latter +becoming suspected, his actions were observed with vigilance, when it +was noted, that although he attended service as usual with the king, he +no longer received the sacrament. It was also remarked the Duchess +of York, whose custom it had been to communicate once a month, soon +followed his example. Her neglect of this duty was considered the more +conspicuous as she had been bred a staunch protestant, and ever appeared +zealous in her support of that religion. Moreover, it was noted that, +from the beginning of the year 1670, she was wont to defend the catholic +faith from such errors as it had been charged withal. + +These matters becoming subjects of conversation at court soon reached +the ears of Bishop Morley, who had acted as her confessor since her +twelfth year, confession being then much practised in the English +Church. Thereon he hastened to her, and spoke at length of the +inferences which were drawn from her neglect of receiving the sacrament, +in answer to which she pleaded business and ill-health as sufficient +excuses. But he, suspecting other causes, gave her advice, and requested +she would send for him in case doubts arose in her mind concerning the +faith she professed. Being now free from all uncertainties, she readily +promised compliance with his desire, and added, "No priest had ever +taken the confidence to speak to her on those matters." + +The fact that she no longer communicated becoming more noticed as time +passed, the king spoke to his brother concerning the omission, when the +duke told him she had become a catholic. Hearing this, Charles requested +him to keep her change of faith a secret, which was accordingly done, +none being aware of the act but Father Hunt, a Franciscan friar, Lady +Cranmer, one of her women of the bedchamber, and Mr. Dupuy, servant +to the duke. In a paper she drew up relative to her adoption of the +catholic religion, preserved in the fifth volume of the "Harleian +Miscellany," she professes being one of the greatest enemies that faith +ever had. She likewise declares no man or woman had said anything, or +used the least persuasion to make her change her religion. That had +been effected, she adds, by a perusal of Dr. Heylin's "History of the +Reformation;" after which she spoke severally to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop +of Canterbury and Dr. Blandford, Bishop of Worcester, who told her +"there were many things in the Roman Church which it was very much to +be wished they had kept--as confession, which was no doubt commanded by +God; and praying for the dead, which was one of the ancient things in +Christianity--that for their parts they did it daily, though they would +not own to it." + +The duchess pondered over what she had read and heard, and being a woman +accustomed to judge for herself, and act upon her decisions, she, in the +month of August, 1670 became a member of the Catholic Church, in which +communion she died seven months later. For fifteen months previous to +her demise she had been suffering from a complication of diseases, +with which the medical skill of that day was unable to cope, and these +accumulating, in March, 1671, ended her days. The "Stuart Papers" +furnish an interesting account of her death. Seeing the hour was at hand +which would sever her from all earthly ties, she besought her husband +not to leave her whilst life remained. She likewise requested that in +case Dr. Blandford or any other of the bishops should come to visit her, +he would tell them she had become a member of the Catholic Church; +but if they insisted on seeing her she was satisfied to admit them, +providing they would not distress her by arguments or controversy. + +Soon after she had expressed these desires, Bishop Blandford arrived, +and begged permission to see her, hearing which the duke went into the +drawing-room, where his lordship waited, and delivered the message with +which the duchess had charged him. Thereon the bishop said, "he made no +doubt but that she would do well since she was fully convinced, and had +not changed out of any worldly end." He then went into the room, and +having made "a short Christian exhortation suitable to the condition +she was in," took his departure. Presently the queen came and sat by the +dying woman, with whom she had borne many wrongs in common; and later +on, the Franciscan friar being admitted, the duchess "received all the +last sacraments of the Catholick Church, and dyed with great devotion +and resignation." + +Though no mystery was now made concerning the faith in which she died, +the duke, from motives of prudence, continued to preserve the secret +of his having embraced the same religion. He still publicly attended +service on Sundays with the king, but continued to absent himself from +communion. At last, the Christmastide of the year 1672 being at hand, +his majesty besought Lord Arundel and Sir Thomas (now Lord) Clifford to +persuade the duke to take the sacrament with him, "and make him sensible +of the prejudice it would do to both of them should he forbear so to do, +by giving the world so much reason to believe he was a catholick." To +this request these honest gentlemen replied it would be difficult to +move the duke to his majesty's desires; but even if they succeeded, it +would fail to convince the world his royal highness was not a catholic. +With these answers Charles seemed satisfied; but again on Christmas Eve +he urged Lord Clifford to advise the duke to publicly communicate on +the morrow. His royal highness, not being so unscrupulous as the king, +refused compliance with his wishes. + +The following Easter he likewise refrained from communicating. Evelyn +tells us that "a most crowded auditorie" had assembled in the Chapel +Royal on this Sunday; possibly it had been drawn there to hear the +eloquence of Dr. Sparrow, Bishop of Exeter--probably to observe the +movements of the king's brother. "I staied to see," writes Evelyn, +"whether, according to costome, the Duke of York received the communion +with the king; but he did not, to the amazement of everybody. This being +the second year he had forborn and put it off, and within a day of the +parliament sitting, who had lately made so severe an act against ye +increase of poperie, gave exceeding griefe and scandal to the whole +nation, that the heyre of it, and ye sonn of a martyr for ye Protestant +religion, should apostatize. What the consequence of this will be God +only knows, and wise men dread." + +That the nation might no longer remain in uncertainty concerning the +change the duke was suspected to have made, a bill, commonly called the +"Test Act," was, at the instigation of Lord Shaftesbury, introduced into +the House of Commons, on its reassembling. In substance this set forth, +that all persons holding office, or place of trust, or profit, should +take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance in a public court; receive +the sacrament according to the Church of England in some parish church +on the Lord's Day; and deliver a certificate of having so received +communion, signed by the respective ministers and church-wardens, and +proved by two credible witnesses on oath. After prolonged debates upon +this singular bill, it was passed through both houses of parliament, and +received a reluctant consent from the king. [This act continued in force +until the reign of George IV.] + +A great commotion followed the passing of this Act. Immediately the Duke +of York resigned his post of lord high admiral of England. Suspicion now +became certainty; he was truly a papist. His enemies were elated with +triumph, his friends dejected by regret. Before public feeling had time +to subside, it was thoroughly startled by the news that Lord Clifford, +who was supposed to be a staunch protestant, had delivered up his +staff of office as lord treasurer; and Lord Bellasis and Sir Thomas +Strickland, papists both, "though otherwise men of quality and ability," +had relinquished their places at court. The king was perplexed, the +parliament divided into factions, the nation disturbed. No man knew +who might next proclaim himself a papist. As days passed, excitement +increased; for hundreds who held positions in the army, or under the +crown--many of whom had fought for the king and his father--by tendering +their resignations, now proved themselves slaves of what a vigorous +writer calls the "Romish yoke: such a thing," he adds, "as cannot, but +for want of a name to express it, be called a religion." + +Public agitation steadily rose. Evelyn tells us, "he dare not write +all the strange talk of the town." Distrust of the king, fear of his +brother, hatred of popery and papists, filled men's minds and blinded +their reason with prejudice. That the city had seven years ago been +destroyed by fire, in accordance with a scheme of the wicked Jesuits, +was a belief which once more revived: the story of the gunpowder plot +was again detailed. Fearful suspicions sprang up and held possession +of the vulgar mind, that the prosecutions suffered by protestants under +Queen Mary might be repeated in the reign of the present monarch, or of +his brother. That heaven might defend the country from being overrun +by popery, the House of Commons besought his majesty to order a day +of fasting and humiliation. And by way of adding fury to the gathering +tempest, the bishops, Burnet states, "charged the clergy to preach +against popery, which alarmed the court as well as the city, and the +whole nation." + +The king therefore complained to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, +that the discourse heard in every pulpit throughout the capital and the +kingdom was "calculated to inflame the people, and alienate them from +him and his government." Upon which Dr. Sheldon called the bishops +together, that he might consult with them as to what answer he had best +make. Whereon these wise men declared "since the king himself professed +the protestant religion, it would be a thing without a precedent that +he should forbid his clergy to preach in defence of a religion, while +he himself said he was of it." The next action which served to inflame +public prejudice against catholicism, was the marriage of the Duke of +York to a princess professing that faith. + +Soon after the death of his wife, it was considered wise and well his +royal highness should marry again. Of the four sons and four daughters +the duchess had borne him, three sons and one daughter had died before +their mother, and the surviving son and another daughter quickly +followed her to the tomb; therefore, out of eight children but two +survived, Mary and Anne, at this time respectively aged nine and seven. +It being desirable there should be a male heir-presumptive to the crown, +the king was anxious his brother should take unto himself a second wife. +And that a lady might be found worthy of the exalted station to +which such a union would raise her, the Earl of Peterborough was sent +incognito to report on the manners and appearance of the princesses of +the courts of Neuburg and of Modena. Not being impressed by the merits +of those belonging to the former, he betook himself to the latter, +where, seeing the young Princess d'Este, then in her fifteenth year, he +came to the conclusion no better choice could be made on behalf of the +duke than this fair lady. On communicating this opinion to his royal +highness and to his majesty, the king commissioned him to demand the +hand of the princess in marriage for his brother. + +Difficulties regarding this desired union now arose. The young lady, +having been bred in great simplicity and ignorance, had never heard of +such a country as England, or such a person as the Duke of York; and +therefore had no mind to adventure herself in a distant land, or wed a +man of whom she knew nought. Moreover, she had betrayed an inclination +to spend her days in the seclusion of a convent, and had no thought of +marriage. Her mother, the Duchess of Modena, then regent, by reason +of her husband's death and her son's minority, was anxious for so +advantageous an alliance. And being unable to gain her daughter's +consent, she sought the interference of the pope, who wrote to the young +princess, that compliance with her mother's request would "most conduce +to the service of God and the public good." On this, Mary Beatrice +Eleonora, Princess d'Este, daughter of the fourth Duke of Modena, +consented to become Duchess of York. Whereon the Earl of Peterborough +made a public entry into Modena, as ambassador extraordinary of Charles +II.; and having agreed to all the articles of marriage, wedded her by +proxy for the royal duke. + +Meanwhile, news that the heir to the crown was about to wed a papist +spread with rapidity throughout the kingdom, carrying alarm in its +course. If sons were born of the union, they would, it was believed, +undoubtedly be reared in the religion of their parents, and England in +time became subject to a catholic king. The possibility of such a fate +was to the public mind fraught with horror; and the House of Commons, +after some angry debates on the subject, presented an address to the +king, requesting he would abandon this proposed marriage. To this he +was not inclined to listen, his honour being so far involved in the +business; but notwithstanding his unwillingness, his councillors urged +him to this step, and prayed he would stop the princess, then journeying +through France on her way to England. This so incensed him that he +immediately prorogued parliament, and freed himself from further +interference on the subject. + +On the 21st of November, 1673, the future duchess landed at Dover, +where the duke awaited her, attended by a scant retinue. For the recent +protestations, made in the House of Commons against the marriage, having +the effect of scaring the courtiers, few of the nobility, and but one of +the bishops, Dr. Crew of Oxford, ventured to accompany him, or greet his +bride. On the day of her arrival the marriage was celebrated, "according +to the usual form in cases of the like nature." The "Stuart Papers" give +a brief account of the ceremony. "The Duke and Duchess of York, with +the Duchess of Modena her mother, being together in a room where all the +company was present, as also my Lord Peterborough, the bishop asked the +Duchess of Modena and the Earl of Peterborough whether the said earl +had married the Duchess of York as proxy of the duke? which they both +affirming, the bishop then declared it was a lawful marriage." + +This unpopular union served to strengthen the gathering storm; Protests +against popery were universally heard; an article in the marriage +settlement, which guaranteed the duchess a public chapel, was broken; +and the duke was advised by Lord Berkshire to retire into the country, +"where he might hunt and pray without offence to any or disquiet to +himself." This counsel he refused to heed. Until his majesty should +command him to the contrary, he said, he would always attend upon him, +and do such service as he thought his duty and the king's security +required of him. His enemies became more wrathful at this reply, more +suspicious of popery, and more fearful of his influence with the king, +They therefore sought to have him removed from his majesty's councils +and presence by act of parliament. + +Consequently, when both Houses assembled on the 7th of January, +1674, the lords presented an address to the monarch, praying he would +graciously issue a proclamation, requiring all papists, or reputed +papists, within five miles of London, Westminster, or Southwark, to +depart ten miles from these respective cities, and not return during +this session of Parliament. A few days afterwards an act was introduced +into the House of Commons proposing a second test, impossible for +catholics to accept, the refusal of which would not only render them +incapable of holding any office, civil or military, or of sitting in +either House of Parliament, but "of coming within five miles of the +court." This unjust bill, to which, if it passed both houses, Charles +dared not refuse assent, threw the court and country into a state of +renewed excitement. Knowing it was a blow levelled at the duke, his +friends gathered round him, determined to oppose it by might and main; +and after great exertions caused a clause to be inserted excepting his +royal highness from the test. This was ultimately carried by a majority +of two votes, which, says Clarke, "put the little Earl of Shaftesbury +so out of humour, that he said he did not care what became of the bill, +having that proviso in it." + +This noble earl, who was chief among the royal duke's enemies, was a +prominent figure in the political history of the time. Mr. Burnet tells +us his lordship's strength lay in the knowledge of England, and of all +considerable men. "He understood," says the bishop, "the size of their +understandings and their tempers; and he knew how to apply himself to +them so dexterously, that though by his changing sides so often it was +very visible how little he was to be depended on, yet he was to the last +much trusted by all the discontented party. He had no regard to truth +or justice." As rich in resources as he was poor in honour, he renewed a +plan for depriving the Duke of York from succession to the crown; which, +though it had failed when formerly attempted, he trusted might now +succeed. This was to declare the Duke of Monmouth the king's legitimate +son and heir to the throne of England, a scheme which the ambitious son +of Lucy Walters was eager to forward. + +His majesty's affection for him had strengthened with time, and his +favours had been multiplied by years. On the death of the Duke of +Albemarle, Captain General of the Forces, Monmouth had been appointed +to that high office; and some time later had been made General of +the Kingdom of Scotland, posts of greatest importance. Relying on the +monarch's love and the people's admiration for this illegitimate scion +of royalty, Lord Shaftesbury hoped to place him on the throne. As the +first step necessary in this direction was to gain his majesty's avowal +of a union with Lucy Walters, he ventured on broaching the subject to +the king; at which Charles was so enraged that he declared, "much as he +loved the Duke of Monmouth, he had rather see him hanged at Tyburn than +own him as his legitimate son." There was, however, another man engaged +in a like design to the noble earl, who, if not less scrupulous, was +more daring. + +This was one Ross, a Scotsman, who had been made governor of the young +duke on his first coming into England, and who had since acted as his +friend and confidant. Now Ross, who had not failed to whisper ambitious +thoughts into his pupil's head, at this time sought Dr. Cosin, Bishop +of Durham, and according to the "Stuart Papers," told him "he might do +a great piece of service to the Church of England in keeping out popery, +if he would but sign a certificate of the king's marriage to the Duke of +Monmouth's mother, with whom that bishop was acquainted in Paris. Ross +also told the bishop, to make the thing more easy to him, that during +his life the certificate should not be produced or made use of." The +same papers state that, as a bishop's certificate is a legal proof of +marriage, Dr. Cosin's compliance would have been invaluable to the duke +and his friends. His lordship, however, rejected the proposition, and +laid the matter before the king, who expelled Ross from court. + +Horror of popery and fear of a papist sovereign increased with time, +care having been taken by my Lord Shaftesbury and his party that the +public mind, once inflamed, should be kept ignited. For this purpose he +spread reports abroad that the Irish were about to rise in rebellion, +backed by the French; and that the papists in London had entered into a +vile conspiracy to put their fellow citizens to the sword on the first +favourable opportunity. To give this latter statement a flavour of +reality he, assuming an air of fright, betook himself one night to the +city, and sought refuge in the house of a fanatic, in order, he said, +that he might escape the catholics, who had planned to cut his throat. + +A tempest, dark and dangerous, was gathering fast, which the court felt +powerless to subdue. The king's assurance to parliament that "he would +endeavour to satisfy the world of his steadfastness for the security of +the protestant religion," had little avail in soothing the people. Many +of them suspected him to be a catholic at heart; others knew he had +accepted the bounty of a country feared and detested by the nation. +Deeds, not words, could alone dispel the clouds of prejudice which +came between him and his subjects; and accordingly he set about the +performance of such acts as might bring reconciliation in their train. + +The first of these was the confirmation, according to the Protestant +Church, of the Lady Mary, eldest daughter of the Duke of York, and after +him heir presumptive to the crown; the second and more important was the +marriage of that princess to William of Orange. This prince was son of +the king's eldest sister, and therefore grandson of Charles I. As a hero +who, by virtue of his statesmanship and indomitable courage, had rescued +Holland from the hateful power of France, he was regarded not only +as the saviour of his country, but as the protector of protestantism. +Already a large section of the English nation turned their eyes towards +him as one whom they might elect some day to weald the sceptre of +Great Britain. Subtle, ambitious, and determined, a silent student of +humanity, a grave observer of politics, a sagacious leader in warfare, +he had likewise begun to look forward towards the chances of succeeding +his uncle in the government of England--in hopes of which he had been +strengthened by the private overtures made him by Shaftesbury, and +sustained by the public prejudices exhibited against the Duke of York. + +The proposed union between him and the heiress presumptive to the crown +was regarded by the nation with satisfaction, and by the prince as an +act strongly favouring the realization of his desires for sovereignty. +Cold and grave in temperament, sickly and repulsive in appearance, blunt +and graceless in manner, he was by no means an ideal bridegroom for a +fair princess; but neither she nor her father had any choice given them +in a concern so important to the pacification of the nation. She, it +was whispered at court, had previously given her heart to a brave young +Scottish laird; and her father, it was known, had already taken an +instinctive dislike to the man destined to usurp his throne. In October, +1677, the Prince of Orange came to England, ostensibly to consult with +King Charles regarding the establishment of peace between France and +the Confederates; but the chief motive of his visit was to promote +his marriage, which had some time before been proposed, and owing to +political causes had been coolly received by him. Now, however, his +anxiety for the union was made plain to the king, who quickly agreed to +his desires. "Nephew," said he to the sturdy Dutchman, "it is not good +for man to be alone, and I will give you a help meet for you; and so," +continues Burnet, "he told him he would bestow his niece on him." + +The same afternoon the monarch informed his council that "the Prince of +Orange, desiring a more strict alliance with England by marriage with +the Lady Mary, he had consented to it, as a thing he looked on as very +proper to unite the family, and which he believed would be agreeable to +his people, and show them the care he had of religion, for which reason +he thought it the best alliance he could make." When his majesty had +concluded this speech, the Duke of York stepped forward, and declared +his consent to the marriage. He hoped "he had now given a sufficient +testimony of his right intentions for the public good, and that people +would no more say he designed altering the government in church or +state; for whatever his opinion on religion might be, all that he +desired was, that men might not be molested merely for conscience' +sake." + +The duke then dined at Whitehall with, the king, the Prince of Orange, +and a noble company; after which he returned to St. James's, where he +then resided. Dr. Edward Luke, at this time tutor to the Lady Mary, and +subsequently Archdeacon of Exeter, in his interesting manuscript diary, +informs us that on reaching the palace, the duke, with great tenderness +and fatherly affection, took his daughter aside, "and told her of the +marriage designed between her and the Prince of Orange; whereupon her +highness wept all that afternoon and the following day." Her tears +had not ceased to flow when, two days after the announcement of her +marriage, Lord Chancellor Finch, on behalf of the council, came to +congratulate her; and Lord Chief Justice Rainsford, on the part of the +judges, complimented her in extravagant terms. + +This union, which the bride regarded with so much repugnance, was +appointed to take place on the 4th of November, that date being the +bridegroom's birthday, as likewise the anniversary of his mother's +nativity. Dr. Luke gives a quaint account of the ceremony. "At nine +o'clock at night," he writes, "the marriage was solemnized in her +highness's bedchamber. The king; who gave her away, was very pleasant +all the while; for he desired that the Bishop of London would make haste +lest his sister [the Duchess of York] should be delivered of a son, and +so the marriage be disappointed. And when the prince endowed her with +all his worldly goods [laying gold and silver on the book], he willed to +put all up in her pockett, for 'twas clear gains. At eleven o'clock they +went to bed, when his majesty came and drew the curtains, saying, 'Hey! +St. George for England!'" + +For a time both court and town seemed to forget the trouble and strife +which beset them. Bonfires blazed in the streets, bells rang from church +towers, the populace cheered lustily; whilst at Whitehall there were +many brilliant entertainments. These terminated with a magnificent ball, +held on the 15th instant, the queen's birthday; at the conclusion of +this festivity the bride and bridegroom were to embark in their yacht, +which was to set sail next morning for Holland. For this ball the +princess had "attired herself very richly with all her jewels;" but +her whole appearance betrayed a sadness she could not suppress in the +present, and which the future did not promise to dispel. For already the +bridegroom, whom the maids of honour had dubbed the "Dutch monster" and +"Caliban," had commenced to reveal glimpses of his unhandsome character; +"and the court began to whisper of his sullennesse or clownishnesse, +that he took no notice of his princess at the playe and balle, nor came +to see her at St. James', the day preceding that designed for their +departure." + +The wind being easterly, they were detained in England until the 19th, +when, accompanied by the king, the Duke of York, and several persons of +quality, they went in barges from Whitehall to Greenwich. The princess +was sorely grieved, and wept unceasingly. When her tutor "kneeled down +and kissed her gown" at parting, she could not find words to speak, but +turned her back that she might hide her tears; and, later on, when +the queen "would have comforted her with the consideration of her own +condition when she came into England, and had never till then seen the +king, her highness replied, 'But, madam, you came into England; but I am +going out of England.'" + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + The threatened storm bursts.--History of Titus Oates and Dr. Tonge.--A + dark scheme concocted.--The king is warned of danger.--The narrative of + a horrid plot laid before the treasurer.--Forged letters.--Titus Oates + before the council.--His blunders.--A mysterious murder.--Terror of the + citizens.--Lord Shaftesbury's schemes.--Papists are banished from the + capital.--Catholic peers committed to the Tower.--Oates is encouraged. + +The marriage of the Lady Mary, though agreeable to the public mind, by +no means served to distract it from the turmoil by which it was beset. +Hatred of catholicism, fear of the Duke of York, and distrust of the +king, disturbed the nation to its core. Rumours were now noised abroad, +which were not without foundation, that the monarch and his brother had +renewed the treaty with France, by which Louis engaged to send troops +into England to support Charles, when the latter saw fit to lay aside +duplicity, and proclaim himself a catholic. And, notwithstanding the +rigorous Test Acts, it was believed many high positions at court were +held by those who were papists at heart. Occasion was therefore ripe +for the invention of a monstrous fraud, the history of which has been +transmitted under the title of the Popish Plot. + +The chief contrivers of this imposture were Titus Oates and Dr. Tonge. +The first of these was son of a ribbon-weaver, who, catching the +fanatical spirit of the Cromwellian period, had ranted as an Anabaptist +preacher. Dissent, however, losing favour under the restoration, Oates, +floating with the current of the times, resolved to become a clergyman +of the Church of England, He therefore took orders at Cambridge, +officiated as curate in various parishes, and served as chaplain on +board a man-of-war. The time he laboured as spiritual shepherd to +his respective flocks was necessarily brief; for his grossly immoral +practices becoming notable, he was in every case ousted from his charge. +The odium attached to his name was moreover increased by the fact, +that his evidence in two cases of malicious prosecution had been proved +false; for which he had been tried as a perjurer. Deprived of his +chaplaincy for a revolting act of profligacy, driven from congregations +he had scandalized, homeless and destitute, he in an evil hour betook +himself to Dr. Ezrael Tonge, to whom he had long been known, and +besought compassion and relief. + +The Rev, Dr. Tonge, rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, was a +confirmed fanatic and political alarmist. For some years previous to +this time, he had published quarterly treatises dealing with such wicked +designs of the Jesuits as his heated brain devised. These he had printed +and freely circulated, in order, as he acknowledged, "to arouse and +awaken his majesty and the parliament" to a sense of danger. He had +begun life as a gardener, but left that honest occupation that he might +cultivate flowers of rhetoric for the benefit of Cromwell's soldiers. +Like Titus Oates, he had become suddenly converted to orthodox +principles on return of the king, and had, through interest, obtained +the rectorship of St. Michael's. Bishop Burnet considered him "a very +mean divine, (who) seemed credulous and simple, and was full of projects +and notions." + +Another historian who lived in those days, the Rev. Laurence Eachard, +Archdeacon of Stowe, states Dr. Tonge was "a man of letters, and had a +prolific head filled with all the Romish plots and conspiracies since +the reformation." According to this author, Tonge took Oates into his +house, provided him with lodging, diet, and clothes; and when the latter +complained he knew not where to get bread, the rector told him "he would +put him in a way." After this, finding Oates a man of great ingenuity +and cunning, "he persuaded him," says Archdeacon Eachard, "to insinuate +himself among the papists, and get particular acquaintance with them; +which being effected, he let him understand that there had been several +plots in England to bring in popery, and that if he would go beyond +sea among the Jesuits, and strictly observe their ways, it was possible +there might be one at present; and if he could make that out, it would +be his preferment for ever; but, however, if he could get their names, +and some information from the papists, it would be very easy to rouse +people with the fears of popery." + +Hungering for gold, and thirsting for notoriety, Oates quickly agreed to +the scheme laid before him. Accordingly he became acquainted with, and +was received into the Catholic Church by, Father Berry, a Jesuit, and in +May, 1677, was sent by the Jesuits to study in one of their seminaries, +situated in Valladolid, in Spain. Oates, however, though he had proved +himself an excellent actor, could not overcome his evil propensities, +and before seven months had passed, he was expelled from the monastery. + +Returning to England, he sought out Dr. Tonge, to whom he was unable +to recount the secret of a single plot. Confident, however, that wicked +schemes against the lives and properties of innocent protestants were +being concocted by wily Jesuits, the fanatical divine urged Oates to +present himself once more before them, bewail his misconduct, promise +amendment, and seek readmission to their midst. Following his advice, +Oates was again received by the Jesuits, and sent to their famous +seminary at St. Omer's; where, though he had reached the age of thirty +years, he was entered among the junior students. For six months he +remained here, until his vices becoming noted, he was turned away in +disgrace. Again he presented himself before the rector of St. Michael's, +knowing as little of popish plots as he did on his previous return. But +Tonge, though disappointed, was not disheartened; if no scheme existed, +he would invent one which should startle the public, and save the +nation. Such proposals as he made towards the accomplishment of this +end were readily assented to by Oates, in whose breast wounded pride +and bitter hate rankled deep. Therefore, after many consultations they +resolved to draw up a "Narrative of a Horrid Plot." This was repeatedly +changed and enlarged, until eventually it assumed the definite shape of +a deposition, consisting of forty-three distinct articles, written +with great formality and care, and embodying many shocking and criminal +charges. + +The narrative declared that in April, 1677, the deponent was employed +to carry letters from the Jesuits in London to members of their order in +Spain; these he broke open on the journey, and discovered that certain +Jesuits had been sent into Scotland to encourage the presbyterians +to rebel. Arrived in Valladolid, he heard one Armstrong, in a +sermon delivered to students, charge his majesty with most foul and +black-mouthed scandals, and use such irreverent, base expressions as no +good subjects could repeat without horror. He then returned to England, +and was soon after sent to St. Omer with fresh letters, in which was +mentioned a design to stab or poison his majesty--Pere la Chaise, +the French king's confessor, having placed ten thousand pounds at the +disposal of the Jesuits that they might, by laying out such a sum, the +more successfully accomplish this deed. While abroad the deponent +had read many letters, relating to the execution of Charles II., the +subverting of the present government, and the establishment of the +Romish religion. Returning again to England, he became privy to a treaty +with Sir George Wakeham, the queen's physician, to poison the king; and +likewise with an agreement to shoot him, made between the Jesuits and +two men, named Honest William and Pickering. He had heard a Jesuit +preach a sermon to twelve persons of quality in disguise, in which he +asserted "that protestants and other heretical princes were IPSO FACTO +deposed because such; and that it was as lawful to destroy them as +Oliver Cromwell or any other usurper." He also became aware that +the dreadful fire had been managed by Strange, the provincial of the +Jesuits, who employed eighty-six men in distributing seven hundred +fire-balls to destroy the city; and that notwithstanding his vast +expenses, he gained fourteen thousand pounds by plunder carried on +during the general confusion, a box of jewels, consisting of a thousand +carat weight of diamonds, being included in the robbery. + +The document containing these remarkable statements was finished in +August, 1678. It now remained to have it brought before the king or +the council. Tonge was resolved this should be done in a manner best +calculated to heighten the effect of their narrative; at the same time +he was careful to guard the fact that he and Oates had an intimate +knowledge of each other. Not knowing any one of interest at court, he +sought out Christopher Kirby, a man employed in the king's laboratory, +of whom he had some slight knowledge, and, pledging him to the strictest +secrecy, showed him the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and besought +his help in bringing it under the notice of his majesty in as private a +manner as possible. + +This aid was freely promised; and next day, the date being the 13th of +August, when the monarch was about to take his usual airing in the park, +Kirby drew near, and in a mysterious tone bade his majesty take care, +for his enemies had a design against his life, which might be put into +execution at any moment. Startled by such words, the king asked him +in what manner was it intended his life should be taken; to which he +replied, "It might be by pistol; but that to give a more particular +account of the matter, required greater privacy." The monarch, who +quickly recovered his first surprise, resolved to take his usual +exercise; and, subduing his curiosity, he bade Kirby attend him on his +return from the park, and tell him what he knew of the subject. + +When the time arrived, Kirby saw his majesty alone, and related to him +in brief that two men waited but an opportunity to shoot him; and Sir +George Wakeham had been hired to poison him; which news, he concluded, +had been imparted to him by a worthy man living close at hand, who would +attend his majesty's pleasure when that was manifested. + +Bewildered by such intelligence, yet suspicious of its veracity, +the king ordered Kirby to summon his informant that evening by eight +o'clock. When that hour came his majesty repaired to the Red Room, and +there met Dr. Tonge, who delivered his narrative into his hands. The +rector was convinced the great moment he had so long awaited, in which +he would behold the monarch aroused to a sense of his danger, had +arrived. He was doomed to bitter disappointment. His majesty coolly took +the narrative, and without opening it, said it should be examined into. +On this Tonge begged it might be kept safe and secret, "lest the full +discovery should otherwise be prevented and his life endangered." The +monarch replied that, before starting with the court to-morrow for +Windsor, he would place it in the hands of one he could trust, and +who would answer for its safety. He then bade him attend on the Lord +Treasurer Danby next morning. + +In obedience to this command, Tonge waited on his lordship at the +appointed time, and by the character of his replies helped to develop +his story of the plot. When asked if the document he had given his +majesty was the original of the deponent, Tonge admitted it was in +his own handwriting. On this, Lord Danby expressed a desire to see +the original, and likewise become acquainted with its author. Nothing +abashed, the rector replied the manuscript was in his house, and +accounted for its possession by stating that, singularly enough, it had +been thrust under his door--he did not know by whom, but fancied it must +be by one who, some time before, had discussed with him on the subject +of this conspiracy. Whereon his lordship asked him if he knew the man, +and was answered he did not, but he had seen him lately two or three +times in the streets, and it was likely he should see him soon again. + +Being next questioned as to whether he had any knowledge of Honest +William, or Pickering, the villains who sought the king's life, he +answered he had not. Immediately, however, he remembered it was their +habit to walk in St. James's Park, and said, if any man was appointed to +keep him company, he was almost certain he would have opportunities of +letting that person see these abominable wretches. Finally, Lord Danby +asked him if he knew where they dwelt, for it was his duty to have them +arrested at once; but of their abode Tonge was completely ignorant, +though he was hopeful he should speedily be able to obtain the required +information. + +He was therefore dismissed, somewhat to his satisfaction, being +unprepared for such particular examination; but in a couple of days he +returned to the charge, determined his tale should not be discredited +for lack of effrontery, On this occasion he said he had met the man he +suspected of being author of the document, who owned himself as such, +and stated that his name was Titus Oates, but requested Tonge would keep +it a strict secret, "because the papists would murder him if they knew +what he was doing." Moreover, Oates had given him a second paper full of +fresh horrors concerning this most foul plot. Taking this with him, +the lord treasurer hastened to Windsor, that he might consult the king, +having first left a servant with Tonge, in hopes the latter might catch +sight of Honest William and Pickering in their daily walk through the +park, and have them arrested. On Danby recounting Tonge's statements to +the king, his majesty was more convinced than before the narrative was +wholly without foundation, and refused to make it known to his council +or the Duke of York. Therefore the lord-treasurer, on conclusion of +a brief visit, left Windsor for his country residence, situated at +Wimbledon. + +For some days no fresh disclosure was made concerning this horrid plot, +until late one night, when Dr. Tonge arrived in great haste at Lord +Danby's house, and informed him some of the intended regicides +had resolved on journeying to Windsor next morning, determined to +assassinate the king. He added, it was in his power to arrange that +the earl's servant should ride with them in their coach, or at least +accompany them on horseback, and so give due notice of their arrival, in +order that they might be timely arrested. Alarmed by this intelligence, +Danby at once hastened to Windsor, and informed the king of what had +come to his knowledge. Both endured great suspense that night, and next +day their excitement was raised to an inordinate pitch by seeing the +earl's servant ride towards the castle with all possible speed. When, +however, the man was brought into his majesty's presence, he merely +delivered a message from Dr. Tonge, stating the villains "had been +prevented from taking their intended journey that day, but they proposed +riding to Windsor next day, or within two days at farthest." Before +that time had arrived, another message came to say, "one of their horses +being slipped in the shoulder, their trip to Windsor was postponed." + +Taking these foolish excuses, as well as Dr. Tonge's prevaricating +answers and mysterious statements, into consideration, the king was now +convinced the "Narrative of a Horrid Plot" was an invention of a fanatic +or a rogue. He was, therefore; desirous of letting the subject drop into +obscurity; but Lord Danby, foreseeing in the sensation which its avowal +would create, a welcome cloud to screen the defects of his policy, which +parliament intended to denounce, urged his majesty to lay the matter +before his privy council. This advice the king refused to accept, +saying, "he should alarm all England, and put thoughts of killing +him into people's heads, who had no such ideas before." Somewhat +disappointed, the lord treasurer returned once more to Wimbledon, the +king remaining at Windsor, and no further news of the plot disturbed the +even tenour of their lives for three days. + +At the end of that time Dr. Tonge, now conscious of the false steps +he had taken, conceived a fresh scheme by which his story might obtain +credence, and he gain wealth and fame. Accordingly he wrote to Danby, +informing him a packet of letters, written by the Jesuits and concerning +the plot, would, on a certain date, be sent to Mr. Bedingfield, chaplain +to the Duchess of York. Such information was most acceptable to Danby +at the moment; he at once started for Windsor, and laid this fresh +information before the king. To his lordship's intense surprise, his +majesty handed him the letters. These, five in number, containing +treasonable expressions and references to the plot, had been some hours +before handed by Mr. Bedingfield to the Duke of York, saying, he "feared +some ill was intended him by the same packet, because the letters +therein seemed to be of a dangerous nature, and that he was sure they +were not the handwriting of the persons whose names were subscribed +to the letters." On examination, they were proved to be most flagrant +forgeries. Written in a feigned hand, and signed by different names, +they were evidently the production of one man; the same want of +punctuation, style of expression, and peculiarities of spelling being +notable in all. The Duke of York, foreseeing malice was meant by them, +forcibly persuaded the king to place the epistles before the privy +council. Accordingly, they were handed to Sir William Jones, attorney +general, and Sir Robert Southwell, who stated, upon comparing them with +Dr. Tonge's narrative, they were convinced both were written by the same +hand. + +Meanwhile, Tonge and Oates, aware of the coldness and doubt with +which his majesty had received the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and +ignorant of the fact he had placed the letters before his privy council, +resolved to make their story public to the world. It therefore happened +on the 6th of September they presented themselves before Sir Edmondbury +Godfrey, a justice of the peace, in the parish of St. Martin's, who, not +without considerable persuasion, consented to receive a sworn testimony +from Titus Oates regarding the truth of his narrative, which had now +grown from forty-three to eighty-one articles. This action prevented +further secrecy concerning the so-called plot. + +A few days later the court returned to town for the winter, when the +Duke of York besought the privy council to investigate the strange +charges made in the declaration. Accordingly, on the 28th of the month, +Tonge and Oates were summoned before it, when the latter, making many +additions to his narrative, solemnly affirmed its truth. Aghast at +so horrible a relation, the council knew not what to credit. The evil +reputation Oates had borne, the baseness of character he revealed in +detailing his actions as a spy, the mysterious manner in which the +fanatical Tonge accounted for his possession of the document, tended +to make many doubt; whilst others, believing no man would have the +hardihood to bring forward such charges without being able to sustain +them by proof, contended it was their duty to sift them to the end. +Believing if he had been entrusted with secret letters and documents of +importance, he would naturally retain some of them in order to prove his +intended charges, the council asked Oates to produce them; but of these +he had not one to show. Nor, he confessed, could he then furnish proof +of his words, but promised if he were provided with a guard, and given +officers and warrants, he would arrest certain persons concerned in the +plot, and seize secret documents such as none could dispute. These being +granted him, he immediately caused eight Jesuits to be apprehended and +imprisoned. Then he commenced a search for treasonable letters, not only +in their houses, but in the homes of such catholics as were noted for +their zeal. His investigations were awaited with impatience; nor were +they without furnishing some pretext for his accusations. + +One of the first dwellings which Titus Oates investigated was that of +Edward Coleman. This gentleman, the son of an English divine, had +early in life embraced catholicity, for the propagation of which he +thenceforth became most zealous. Coming under notice of the court, he +became the confidant of the Duke of York, and by him was made secretary +to the duchess. A man of great mental activity, religious fervour, and +considerable ambition, he had, about four years previous to this time, +entered into a correspondence with the confessor of the French king +and other Jesuits, regarding the hopes he entertained of Charles II. +professing catholicity. Knowing him to be bold in his designs and +incautious in his actions, the duke had discharged him from his post as +secretary to the duchess, but had retained him in his dependence. This +latter circumstance, together with a suspicion of the confidence which +had existed between him and his royal highness, prompted Oates to have +him arrested, and his house searched. Coleman, having received notice +of this design, fled from his home, incautiously leaving behind him some +old letters and copies of communications which had passed between him +and the Jesuits. These were at once seized, and though not containing +one expression which could be construed as treasonable, were, from +expectations they set forth of seeing catholicity re-established in +England, considered by undiscerning judges, proofs of the statements +made by Oates. + +On the strength of his discovery, Oates hastened to Sir Edmondbury +Godfrey, and swore false informations; becoming aware of which, Coleman, +conscious of his innocence, delivered himself up, in hopes of meeting a +justice never vouchsafed him. + +The Privy council now sat morning and evening, in order to examine +Oates, whose evidence proved untrustworthy and contradictory to a +bewildering degree. When it was pointed out to him the five letters, +supposed to come from men of education, contained ill-spelling, bad +grammar, and other faults, he, with much effrontery, declared it was a +common artifice among the Jesuits to write in that manner, in order +to avoid recognition; but inasmuch as real names were attached to the +epistles, that argument was not considered just. The subject was +not mentioned again. When an agent for these wicked men in Spain, he +related, he had been admitted into the presence of Don John, and had +seen him counting out large sums of money, with which he intended to +reward Sir George Wakeham when he had poisoned the king. Hearing this, +his majesty inquired what kind of person Don John was. Oates said he was +tall, lean, and black; whereas the monarch knew him to be small, stout, +and fair. And on another occasion, when asked where he had heard the +French king's confessor hire an assassin to shoot Charles, he replied, +"At the Jesuits' monastery close by the Louvre;" at which the king, +losing patience with the impostor, cried out, "Tush, man! the Jesuits +have no house within a mile of the Louvre!" Presently Oates named two +catholic peers, Lord Arundel of Wardour and Lord Bellasis, as being +concerned in the plot, when the king again spoke to him, saying these +lords had served his father faithfully, and fought his wars bravely, and +unless proof were clear against them, he would not credit they sought +him ill. Then Oates, seeing he had gone too far, said they did not know +of the conspiracy, but it had been intended to acquaint them with it in +good time. Later on he swore falsely against them. + +Meanwhile the wildest sensation was caused by the revelations of this +"hellish plot and attempt to murder the king." The public mind, long +filled with hatred of papacy, was now inflamed to a degree of fury which +could only be quenched by the blood of many victims. To the general +sensation which obtained, a new terror was promptly added by the +occurrence of a supposed horrible and mysterious murder. + +On the evening of Saturday, the 12th of October, Sir Edmondbury Godfrey +was missing from his home in the parish of St. Martin's. The worthy +magistrate was an easy going bachelor of portly appearance, much given +to quote legal opinions in his discourse, and to assert the majesty of +the law as represented in his person. He was alike respected for his +zeal by the protestants, and esteemed for his lenity by the catholics. +Bishop Burnet records the worthy knight "was not apt to search for +priests or mass-houses;" and Archdeacon Eachard affirms "he was well +known to be a favourer rather than a prosecutor of the papists." +Accordingly, his disappearance at first begot no evil suspicions; but as +he did not return on Monday, his servants became alarmed at the absence +of a master whose regularity was proverbial. His brothers were of +opinion he was in debt, and sought escape from his creditors; whilst his +friends, after their kind, were ready to name certain houses of doubtful +repute in which they were certain he had taken temporary lodgings. On +his papers being examined, it was found he had set his affairs in +order, paid all his debts, and destroyed a quantity of his letters and +documents. It was then remembered he had been occasionally susceptible +to melancholia--a disease he inherited from his father, who had perished +by his own hand. It was noted some days before that on which he was +missed, he had appeared listless and depressed. It was known the +imprisonment of his friend Coleman had weighed heavily on his spirits. +A terrible fear now taking possession of his relatives and friends, +thorough search was made for him, which proved vain until the Thursday +following his disappearance, when he was accidentally discovered lying +in a ditch, a cloth knotted round his neck, and a sword passed through +his body, "at or near a place called Primrose Hill, in the midway +between London and Hampstead." + +If he had been murdered, no motive appeared to account for the deed; +neither robbery nor revenge could have prompted it. His rings and money, +gloves and cane, were found on and near his body; and it was known he +had lived in peace with all men. Nor did an inquest lasting two days +throw any light upon the mystery. If it were proved he had died by his +own hand, the law of that day would not permit his brothers to inherit +his property, which was found to be considerable. It was therefore their +interest to ignore the fact that strangulation pointed to FELO DE SE, +and to assume he had been murdered. Accordingly they prohibited +the surgeons from opening the body, lest examination should falsify +conclusions at which they desired to arrive. A verdict was ultimately +returned "that he was murdered by certain persons unknown to the jurors, +and that his death proceeded from suffocation and strangling by a +certain piece of linen cloth of no value." + +Occurring at such a moment, his death was at once attributed to the +papists, who, it was said, being incensed that the magistrate had +received the sworn testimonies of Oates, had sought this bloody revenge. +Fear now succeeded bewilderment; desires of vengeance sprang from depths +of horror. For two days the mangled remains of the poor knight were +exposed to public view, "and all that saw them went away inflamed." They +were then interred with all the pomp and state befitting one who had +fallen a victim to catholicism, a martyr to protestantism. The funeral +procession, which took its sad way through the principal thoroughfares +from Bridewell to St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, numbered seventy-two +divines, and over twelve hundred persons of quality and consideration. +Arriving at the church, Dr. Lloyd, a clergyman remarkable for his fine +abhorrence of papists, ascended the pulpit, where, protected by two men +of great height and strength, he delivered a discourse, pointing to +the conclusion that Sir Edmondbury Godfrey had been sacrificed to the +catholic conspiracy, and instigating his hearers to seek revenge. Sir +Roger North tells us the crowd in and about the church was prodigious, +"and so heated, that anything called papist, were it cat or dog, had +probably gone to pieces in a moment. The catholics all kept close in +their houses and lodgings, thinking it a good composition to be safe +there." + +The whole city was terror-stricken. "Men's spirits were so sharpened," +says Burnet, "that it was looked on as a very great happiness that the +people did not vent their fury upon the papists about the town." Tonge +and Oates went abroad protected by body guards, arresting hundreds of +catholics; cannon were mounted around Whitehall and St. James's; patrols +paraded the streets by day and night; the trained bands were ready to +fall in at a moment's notice; preparations were made for barricading +the principal thoroughfares; the city gates were kept closed so that +admission could be only had through the wickets; and the Houses of +Parliament demanded a guard should keep watch on the vaults over which +they sat, lest imitators of Guy Fawkes might blow them to pieces. +Moreover, it was not alone the safety of the multitude, but the +protection of the individual which was sought to be secured. In the +dark confusion which general terror produced, each man felt he might be +singled out as the next victim of this diabolical plot, and therefore +devised means to guard his life from the hands of murderous papists. +North, in his "Examen," speaking of this period, tells us: "There was +much recommendation of silk armour, and the prudence of being provided +with it against the time the Protestants were to be massacred. And, +accordingly, there were abundance of those silken back, breast, and +headpots made and sold, that were pretended to be pistol proof; in which +any man dressed up was as safe as in a house, for it was impossible +anyone could go to strike him for laughing; so ridiculous was the +figure, as they say, of hogs in armour. This was the armour of defence; +but our sparks were not altogether so tame as to carry their provision +no further, for truly they intended to be assailants upon fair occasion, +and had for that end recommended also to them a certain pocket weapon, +which for its design and efficacy had the honour to be called a +protestant flail. It was for street and crowd work; and the engine +lurking perdue in a coat pocket, might readily sally out to execution, +and so, by clearing a great hall, or piazza or so, carry an election +by a choice of polling called knocking down. The handle resembled a +farrier's blood stick, and the fall was joined to the end by a strong +nervous ligature, that in its swing fell just short of the hand, and was +made of LIGNUM VITAE, or rather, as the poet termed it, MORTIS." + +One day, whilst the town was in this state of consternation, Tonge sent +for Dr. Burnet, who hastened to visit him in the apartments allotted him +and Oates at Whitehall. The historian says he found Tonge "so lifted up +that he seemed to have lost the little sense he had. Oates came in," he +continues, "and made me a compliment that I was one that was marked out +to be killed. He had before said the same to Stillingfleet of him. But +he had made that honour which he did us too cheap, when he said Tonge +was to be served in the same manner, because he had translated 'The +Jesuits' Morals' into English. He broke out into great fury against the +Jesuits, and said he would have their blood. But I, to divert him from +that strain, asked him what were the arguments that prevailed on him to +change his religion and to go over to the Church of Rome? He upon that +stood up, and laid his hands on his breast, and said, 'God and His holy +angels knew that he had never changed, but that he had gone among them +on purpose to betray them.' This gave me such a character of him, that I +could have no regard to anything he said or swore after that." + +The agitation now besetting the public mind had been adroitly fanned +into flame by the evil genius of Lord Shaftesbury. Eachard states that +if he was not the original contriver of this disturbance, "he was at +least the grand refiner and improver of all the materials. And so much +he seemed to acknowledge to a nobleman of his acquaintance, when he +said, 'I will not say who started the game, but I am sure I had the full +hunting of it.'" In the general consternation which spread over the land +he beheld a means that might help the fulfilment of his strong desires. +Chief among these were the exclusion of the Duke of York from the +throne, and the realization of his own inordinate ambition. A deist in +belief, he abhorred catholicism; a worshipper of self, he longed for +power. He had boasted Cromwell had wanted to crown him king, and he +narrated to Burnet that a Dutch astrologer had predicted he would yet +fill a lofty position. He had long schemed and dreamed, and now it +seemed the result of the one and fulfilment of the other were at +hand. The pretended discovery of this plot threatened to upheave the +established form of government, for the king was one at heart with those +about to be brought to trial and death. A quarter of a century had not +passed since a bold and determined man had risen up and governed Great +Britain. Why should not history repeat itself in this respect? the +prospect was alluring. Possessing strong influence, great vanity, and an +unscrupulous character, Shaftesbury resolved to stir the nation to its +centre, at the expense of peace, honour, and bloodshed. + +On the 21st of October, Parliament assembled, when Lord Danby, much +against his majesty's inclination, brought the subject of the plot +before the Commons. This was a movement much appreciated by the House, +which, fired by the general indignation, resolved to deal out vengeance +with a strong hand. As befitted such intention, they began by requesting +his majesty would order a day of general fasting and prayer, to implore +the mercy of Almighty God. The king complying with this desire, they +next, "in consideration of the bloody and traitorous designs," besought +him to issue a proclamation "commanding all persons being popish +recusants, or so reputed," to depart ten miles from the city. +Accordingly, upwards of thirty thousand citizens left London before +the 7th of the following month, "with great lamentations leaving +their trades and habitations." Many of them in a little while secretly +returned again. A few days before this latest petition was presented +to the monarch, Oates had been examined before the House for over six +hours; and so delighted was he by the unprejudiced manner in which his +statements were received, that he added several items to them. These +were not only interesting in themselves, but implicated peers and +persons of quality to the number of twenty-six. The former, including +Lords Stafford, Powis, Petre, Bellasis, and Arundel of Wardour, were +committed to the Tower, the latter to Newgate prison. + +At the end of his examination he was several times asked if he knew more +of the plot, or of those concerned with it, to which he emphatically +replied he did not. Three days later he remembered a further incident +which involved many persons not previously mentioned by him. + +Both Houses now sat in the forenoon and afternoon of each day; +excitement was not allowed to flag. Oates seldom appeared before the +Commons without having fresh revelations to make; but the fertility of +his imagination by no means weakened the strength of his evidence in +the opinions of his hearers. "Oates was encouraged," writes John Evelyn, +"and everything he affirmed taken for gospel." Indignation against the +papists daily increasing in height, the decrees issued regarding them +became more rigorous in severity. + +On the 2nd of November the king, in obedience to his Parliament, offered +a reward of twenty pounds for the discovery of any officer or soldier +who, since the passing of the Test Act, "hath been perverted to the +Romish religion, or hears mass." Two days later a bill was framed +"for more effectually preserving the king's person and government, by +disabling papists from sitting in either House of Parliament." As it was +feared a clause would be inserted in this, excluding the Duke of York, +the enemies of his royal highness more plainly avowed their object by +moving that an address be presented to the king, praying his brother +should "withdraw himself from his majesty's person and counsels." This +was the first step towards the Bill of Exclusion from Succession which +they hoped subsequently to obtain. The monarch, however, determined to +check such designs whilst there was yet time; and accordingly made a +speech to the peers, in which he said to them, "Whatever reasonable +bills you shall present to be passed into laws, to make you safe in +the reign of my successor, so they tend not to impeach the right of +succession, nor the descent of the crown in the true line, shall find +from me a ready concurrence." + +The intended address was therefore abandoned for the present; but the +bill for disabling catholics from sitting in either House of Parliament, +having a clause which excepted the Duke of York from that indignity, +passed on the 30th of November. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Reward for the discovery of murderers.--Bedlow's character + and evidence.--His strange story.--Development of the "horrid + plot."--William Staley is made a victim.--Three Jesuits hung.--Titus + Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.--Striving to ruin the + queen.--Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.--The king protects + her majesty.--Five Jesuits executed.--Fresh rumours concerning + the papists.--Bill to exclude the Duke of York.--Lord Stafford is + tried.--Scene at Tower Hill.--Fate of the conspirators. + +Before the remains of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey were laid to rest, a +proclamation was issued by the king, offering a reward of five hundred +pounds for discovery of the murderers. If one of the assassins betrayed +those who helped him in the deed, he should receive, not only the sum +mentioned, but likewise a free pardon, and such protection for his +security as he could in reason propose. Two days after this had been +made public, a man named William Bedlow put himself in communication +with Sir William Coventry, Secretary of State, declaring he had a +certain knowledge of the murder in question. + +Archdeacon Eachard tells us this man "was one of a base birth and worse +manners, who from a poor foot-boy and runner of errands, for a while +got into a livery in the Lord Bellasis's family; and having for his +villainies suffered hardships and want in many prisons in England, he +afterwards turned a kind of post or letter carrier for those who thought +fit to employ him beyond sea. By these means he got the names and +habitations of men of quality, their relations, correspondents, +and interests; and upon this bottom, with a daring boldness, and a +dexterous turn of fancy and address, he put himself into the world. He +was skilful in all the arts and methods of cheating; but his masterpiece +was his personating men of quality, getting credit for watches, coats, +and horses; borrowing money, bilking vintners and tradesmen, lying and +romancing to the degree of imposing upon any man of good nature. He +lived like a wild Arab upon prey, and whether he was in Flanders, +France, Spain, or England, he never failed in leaving the name of a +notorious cheat and impostor behind him." + +On the 7th of November, Bedlow was brought before the king, and examined +by two Secretaries of State. Here he made the extraordinary declaration +that he had seen the body of the murdered magistrate lying at Somerset +House--then the residence of the queen; that two Jesuits, named La Faire +and Walsh, told him they, with the assistance of an attendant in +the queen's chapel, had smothered Sir Edmondbury Godfrey between two +pillows; that he had been offered two thousand guineas if he would +safely remove the body, which on his refusal was carried away, a couple +of nights after the murder, by three persons unknown to him, who were +servants of the queen's household. Hearing this statement, Sir William +Coventry asked him if he knew anything of the popish plot, when he +affirmed on oath he was entirely ignorant regarding it; he likewise +swore he knew no such man as Titus Oates. + +That night he was lodged in Whitehall, in company with Tonge and Oates; +and next morning appeared before the House of Lords, when it was evident +his memory had wonderfully improved since the previous day. His story +now assumed a more concise form. In the beginning of October, he stated, +he had been offered the sum of four thousand pounds, to be paid by Lord +Bellasis, provided he murdered a man whose name was withheld from him, +This he refused. He was then asked to make the acquaintance and watch +the movements of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. With this he complied. Soon +after dusk on the 12th of October, the magistrate had been dragged into +the court of Somerset House by the Jesuits, and asked if he would send +for the documents to which Oates had sworn. On his refusal he had been +smothered with a piece of linen cloth; the story of suffocation by +pillows, being at variance with the medical evidence, was now abandoned. +One of the Jesuits, La Faire, had asked Bedlow to call at Somerset House +that night at nine o'clock; and on presenting himself, he was conducted +through a gloomy passage into a spacious and sombre room, where a group +of figures stood round a body lying on the floor. Advancing to these, +La Faire turned the light of a lantern he carried on the face of the +prostrate man, when Bedlow recognised Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. He was +then offered two thousand guineas if he would remove the body, which was +allowed to remain there three days. This he promised to accomplish, +but afterwards, his conscience reproving him, he resolved to avoid the +assassins; and rather than accept the sum proffered, he had preferred +discovering the villainy to the Government. + +This improbable story obtained no credit with the king, nor indeed with +those whose minds were free from prejudice. "His majesty," writes Sir +John Reresby, "told me Bedlow was a rogue, and that he was satisfied +he had given false evidence concerning the death of Sir Edmondbury +Godfrey." Many circumstances regarding the narrator and his story showed +the viciousness of the one and the falsity of the other. The authority +just mentioned states, when Bedlow "was taxed with having cheated a +great many merchants abroad, and gentlemen at home, by personating my +Lord Gerard and other men of quality, and by divers other cheats, he +made it an argument to be more credited in this matter, saying nobody +but a rogue could be employed in such designs." Concerning the murder, +it chanced the king had been at Somerset House visiting the queen, at +the time when, according to Bedlow, the deed had been committed. His +majesty had been attended by a company of guards, and sentries had been +placed at every door; yet not one of them had witnessed a scuffle, or +heard a noise. Moreover, on the king sending Bedlow to Somerset House, +that he might indicate the apartment in which the magistrate's remains +had lain three days, he pointed out a room where the footman waited, and +through which the queen's meals were daily carried. + +But the dishonesty of his character and falsity of his statements by +no means prevented the majority of his hearers from believing, or +pretending to believe, his statements; and therefore, encouraged by +the ready reception they met, he ventured to make fresh and startling +revelations. Heedless of the oath he had taken on the first day of his +examination, regarding his ignorance of the popish plot, he now asserted +he was well acquainted with all its details. For some four years he +had been in the secret employment of the wicked Jesuits, and knew +they intended to stab and poison his majesty, establish catholicity +in England, and make the pope king. So far, indeed, had their evil +machinations been planned, that several popish peers already held +commissions for posts they expected to fill in the future. Lord Bellasis +and Lord Powis were appointed commanders of the forces in the north +and south; whilst Lord Arundel of Wardour had permission to grant such +positions as he pleased. Then the Dukes of Buckingham, Ormond, and +Monmouth, with Lords Shaftesbury and Ossory, together with many others, +were to be murdered by forty thousand papists, who were ready to rise up +all over the country at a moment's notice. "Nor was there," he added, +"a Roman Catholic of any quality or credit but was acquainted with these +designs and had received the sacrament from their father confessors to +be secret in carrying it out." + +It by no means pleased Oates that Bedlow should surpass him in his +knowledge of this hellish plot. Therefore, that he might not lose +in repute as an informer, he now declared he was also aware of the +commissions held by popish peers. He, however, assigned them in a +different order. Arundel was to be made chancellor; Powis, treasurer; +Bellasis general of the army; Petre, lieutenant-general; Ratcliffe, +major-general; Stafford, paymaster-general; and Langhorn, +advocate-general. Nay, his information far outstripped Bedlow's, for +he swore that to his knowledge Coleman had given four ruffians eighty +guineas to stab the king, and Sir George Wakeham had undertaken to +poison his majesty for ten thousand pounds. When, however, he was +brought face to face with these men, he was unable to recognise them, +a fact he accounted for by stating he was exhausted by prolonged +examination. + +All England was scared by revelations so horrible; "the business of +life," writes Macpherson, "was interrupted by confusion, panic, clamour, +and dreadful rumours." In London, two thousand catholics were cast into +prison; houses were daily searched for arms and treasonable documents; +and in good time merciless executions filled up the sum of bitter +persecutions. + +One of the first victims of this so-called plot was William Staley, +a catholic banker of fair renown. The manner in which his life was +sacrificed will serve as an example of the injustice meted to those +accused. One day, William Staley happened to enter a pastrycook's shop +in Covent Garden, opposite his bank, where there chanced to stand at +the time a fellow named Carstairs; one of the infamous creatures who, +envious of the honours and riches heaped on Oates and Bedlow, resolved +to make new discoveries and enjoy like rewards. At this time he was, as +Bishop Burnet states, "looking about where he could find a lucky piece +of villainy." Unfortunately the banker came under his notice, and Bedlow +and an associate pretended to have heard Staley say the king was a rogue +and a persecutor of the people whom he would stab if no other man was +found to do the deed. These words Carstairs wrote down, and next morning +called on the banker, showed him the treasonable sentence, and said +he would swear it had been uttered by him, unless he, Staley, would +purchase his silence. Though fully aware of his danger, he refused to +do this; whereon Carstairs had him instantly arrested and committed for +trial. Hearing of his situation, and knowing the infamous character of +his accusers, Dr. Burnet thought it his duty to let the lord chancellor +and the attorney-general know "What profligate wretches these +witnesses were." His interference was received with hostility. The +attorney-general took it ill that he should disparage the king's +evidence; Lord Shaftesbury avowed those who sought to undermine the +credit of witnesses were to be looked on as public enemies; whilst the +Duke of Lauderdale said Burnet desired to save Staley because of the +regard he had for anyone who would murder his majesty. Frightened by +such remarks at a time when no man's life or credit was safe, Burnet +shrank from further action; but rumour of his interference having got +noised abroad, it was resented by the public to such an extent, that he +was advised not to stir abroad for fear of public affronts. + +Within five days of his arrest, William Staley was condemned to death. +In vain he protested his innocence, pointed out the improbability of his +using such words in a public room, and referred to his character as +a loyal man and worthy citizen. He was condemned and executed as a +traitor. + +The next victim was Coleman. He denied having hired assassins to murder +his majesty, or entertained desires for his death; but honestly stated +he had striven to advance his religion, not by bloodshed, but by +tolerance. Whilst lying in chains at Newgate prison under sentence of +death members of both Houses of Parliament visited him, and offered him +pardon if he confessed a knowledge of the plot; but, in answer to all +persuasions and promises, he avowed his innocence; protesting which, he +died at Tyburn. + +A little later, three Jesuits, named Ireland, Whitehead, and Fenwick, +and two attendants of the queen's chapel, named Grove and Pickering, +were executed on a charge of conspiracy to kill the king. Oates and +Bedlow swore these Jesuits had promised Grove fifteen hundred pounds +as price of the murder; Pickering chose as his reward to have thirty +thousand masses, at a shilling a mass, said for him. Three times they +had attempted this deed with a pistol; but once the flint was loose, +another time there was no powder in the pan, and again the pistol was +charged only with bullets. These five men died denying their guilt to +the last. + +Meanwhile, Dr. Tonge, the ingenious inventor of the plot, had sunk into +insignificance by comparison with his audacious pupil. Not only did the +latter have apartments at Whitehall allotted him, and receive a pension +of twelve hundred a year, but he was lauded as the saviour of his +country, complimented with the title of doctor of divinity, honoured in +public, and entertained in private. Eachard mentions "a great supper +in the city," given in compliment to Oates by "twenty eminent +rich citizens;" and Sir John Reresby writes of meeting him at the +dinner-table of Dr. Gunning, Bishop of Ely. Nothing could exceed the +insolence and arrogance of the impostor. He appeared in a silk gown and +cassock, a long scarf, a broad hat with satin band and rose, and called +himself a doctor of divinity. No man dared contradict or oppose him, +lest he should be denounced as a conniver of the plot, and arrested as a +traitor. "Whoever he pointed at was taken up and committed," says North. +"So that many people got out of his way as from a blast, and glad they +could prove their last two years' conversation. The very breath of him +was pestilential, and if it brought not imprisonment, it surely poisoned +reputation." Sir John, speaking of him at the bishop's dinner-table, +says "he was blown up with the hopes of running down the Duke of York, +and spoke of him and his family after a manner which showed himself both +a fool and a knave. He reflected not only on him personally, but upon +her majesty; nobody daring to contradict him, for fear of being made a +party to the plot. I at least did not undertake to do it, when he left +the room in some heat. The bishop told me this was his usual discourse, +and that he had checked him formerly for taking so indecent a liberty, +but he found it was to no purpose." + +The impostor's conversation on this occasion furnishes the key-note of +a vile plot now contrived to intercept the lawful succession, either by +effectually removing the queen, and thereby enabling the king to marry +again; or otherwise excluding the Duke of York by act of parliament from +lawful right to the crown. Though Shaftesbury's hand was not plainly +seen, there can be no doubt it was busily employed in working out his +favourite design. + +The blow was first aimed at her majesty by Bedlow, who, on the 25th of +November, accused her of conspiring to kill her husband. About eighteen +months previously, he said, there had been a consultation in the chapel +gallery at Somerset House, which had been attended by Lord Bellasis, Mr. +Coleman, La Faire, Pritchard, Latham, and Sheldon, four Jesuits, and two +Frenchmen whom he took to be abbots, two persons of quality whose +faces he did not see, and lastly by her majesty. The Jesuits afterwards +confided in him as a person of trust, that the queen wept at a proposal +to murder the king which had been made, but subsequently yielding to +arguments of the French abbots, had consented to the design. Indeed, +Bedlow, who was in the sacristy when her majesty passed through at the +termination of this meeting, noticed her face had much changed. Here +his story ended; but, as was now usual, it was taken up and concluded by +Oates. + +Appearing at the Bar of the House of Commons, this vile impostor cried +out, "Aye, Taitus Oates, accause Caatharine, Quean of England, of haigh +traison." Then followed his audacious evidence. In the previous July, +Sir George Wakeham, in writing to a Jesuit named Ashby, stated her +majesty would aid in poisoning the king. A few days afterwards, Harcourt +and four other Jesuits having been sent for, attended the queen at +Somerset House. On that occasion Oates waited on them; they went into +a chamber, he stayed without. Whilst there he heard a woman's voice +say she would endure her wrongs no longer, but should assist Sir +George Wakeham in poisoning the king. He was afterwards admitted to the +chamber, and saw no woman there but her majesty; and he heard the same +voice ask Harcourt, whilst he was within, if he had received the last +ten thousand pounds. + +The appetite of public credulity seeming to increase by that on which it +fed, this avowal was readily believed. That the accusation had not been +previously made; that Oates had months before sworn he knew no others +implicated in the plot beyond those he named; that the queen had never +interfered in religious matters; that she loved her husband exceeding +well, were facts completely overlooked in the general agitation. +Parliament "was in a rage and flame;" and next day the Commons drew up +an address to the king, stating that "having received information of +a most desperate and traitorous design against the life of his sacred +majesty, wherein the queen is particularly charged and accused" they +besought him that "she and all her family, and all papists and reputed +papists, be forthwith removed from his court." Furthermore, the House +sent a message to the Peers, desiring their concurrence in this request; +but the Lords made answer, before doing so they would examine the +witnesses against her majesty. This resolution was loudly and indecently +protested against by Lord Shaftesbury and two of his friends. + +The king had discredited the story of the plot from the first; but +remembering the unhappy consequences which had resulted upon the +disagreement of the monarch and his parliament in the previous reign, he +weakly resolved to let himself be carried away by the storm, other than +offer it resistance. On the condemnation of the Jesuits, he had appeared +unhappy and dissatisfied; "but," says Lord Romney, "after he had had +a little advice he kept his displeasure to himself." The Duke of York +states, in the Stuart Papers, that "the seeming necessity of his affairs +made his majesty think he could not be safe but by consenting every day +to the execution of those he knew in his heart to be most innocent." +Now, however, when foul charges were made against the queen, calculated +not merely to ruin her honour but destroy her life, he resolved to +interfere. He therefore requested she would return to Whitehall, where +she should be safe under his protection; and feeling assured Oates had +received instructions from others more villainous than their tool, +he ordered a strict guard to be kept upon him. This he was, however, +obliged to remove next day at request of the Commons. + +On the examination before the House of Lords of Oates and Bedlow, their +evidence proved so vague and contradictory that it was rejected even by +the most credulous. When Bedlow was asked "why he had not disclosed such +a perilous matter in conjunction with his previous information touching +the murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey," he coolly replied, "it had +escaped his memory." On Oates being sent to point out the apartment in +which he had seen her majesty and the Jesuits, he first selected the +guard-room, and afterwards the privy chamber, places in which it would +have been impossible to have held secret consultation. Aware that the +king was resolved to protect her majesty, and conscious the evidence of +her accusers was more wildly improbable than usual, the Lords refused to +second the address of the Commons, when the charge against this hapless +woman was abandoned, to the great vexation of my Lord Shaftesbury. + +Though the queen happily escaped the toils of her enemies, the reign of +terror was by no means at an end. At request of the king, the Duke +of York left England and took refuge in Brussels; the catholic peers +imprisoned in the Tower were impeached with high treason; Hill, Green, +and Berry, servants of her majesty, charged with the murder of Sir +Edmondbury Godfrey, were, without a shadow of evidence, hurried to the +scaffold, as were soon after Whitebread, Fenwick, Harcourt, Gavan and +Turner, Jesuits all, and Langhorn, a catholic lawyer, for conspiring +to murder the king. On the morning when these unfortunate men stood +ignominiously bound to the gallows at Tyburn, the instruments of death +before their eyes, the angry murmurs of the surging mob ringing in their +ears, suddenly the sound of a voice crying aloud, "A pardon! a pardon!" +was heard afar off, and presently a horseman appeared riding at full +speed. The soldiers with some difficulty making way for him through a +line of excited people, he advanced to the foot of the scaffold, and +handed a roll of paper bearing the king's seal to the sheriff, who, +opening it, read a promise of pardon to those now standing face to face +with death, provided "they should acknowledge the conspiracy, and lay +open what they knew thereof." To this they replied they knew of no plot, +and had never desired harm to the king; and, praying for those who had +sought their lives, they died. + +The firmness and patience with which the victims of judicial murder had +one and all met death, refusing bribes, and resisting persuasions to +own themselves guilty, could not fail in producing some effect upon the +public mind; and towards the middle of the year 1679 the first signs of +reaction became visible, when three Benedictine monks and the queen's +physician were tried for conspiracy "to poison the king, subvert the +government, and introduce popery." During the examination, Evelyn tells +us, "the bench was crowded with the judges, lord mayor, justices, and +innumerable spectators." After a tedious trial of nine hours, the jury +brought the prisoners in not guilty, "without," says Evelyn, "sufficient +disadvantage and reflection on witnesses, especially on Oates and +Bedlow." + +As my Lord Shaftesbury had not yet succeeded in his desired project of +excluding the Duke of York from succession, the symptoms of change in +public opinion were thoroughly distasteful to him. He therefore resolved +to check them immediately, and stimulate the agitation and fear that +had for many months reigned paramount through out the nation. For this +purpose he had recourse to his former method of circulating wild and +baseless reports. Accordingly a rumour was soon brought before the House +of Commons of a horrible plot hatched by the papists to burn London to +the ground. This, it was alleged, would be effected by a servant-maid +setting a clothes-press on fire in the house of her master, situated in +Fetter Lane. Two vile Irishmen were to feed the flames, and meanwhile +the catholics would rise in rebellion, and, assisted by an army of sixty +thousand French soldiers, kill the king, and put all protestants to the +sword. Though this tale was in due time discredited, yet it served its +purpose in the present. The violent alarm it caused had not subsided +when another terrible story, started on the excellent authority of Lord +Shaftesbury's cook, added a new terror. This stated the Duke of York +had placed himself at the head of the French troops, with intention +of landing in England, murdering the king and forcing papacy on his +subjects. The scare was sufficiently effectual to cause Parliament to +petition his majesty that he might revoke all licenses recently granted +catholic householders to reside in the capital; and order the execution +of all priests who administered sacraments or celebrated mass within the +kingdom. Soon after this address, Lord Russell was sent by the Commons +to the Peers, requesting their concurrence in the statement that "the +Duke of York's being a papist, the hope of his coming to the crown had +given the greatest countenance and encouragement to the conspiracies and +designs of the papists." And now, in May, 1679, the condition of popular +feeling promising well for its success, the Bill of Exclusion was +introduced, ordaining that "James, Duke of York should be incapable of +inheriting the crowns of England and Ireland; that on the demise of his +majesty without heirs of his body, his dominions should devolve, as if +the Duke of York were also dead, on that person next in succession who +had always professed the protestant religion established by law." This +passed the House of Commons by a majority of seventy-nine votes. + +Alarmed by this bill, Charles resolved to show signs of resentment, and +at the same time check the increasing power of the Commons, by a sudden +and decisive movement. Therefore, without previously hinting at his +intentions, he prorogued parliament before the bill was sent to +the House of Lords. This was a keen surprise to all, and a bitter +disappointment to Shaftesbury, who vowed those who advised the king to +this measure should answer for it with their heads. Owing to various +delays, the Bill of Exclusion was not brought before the Peers until +eighteen months later. Its introduction was followed by a debate lasting +six hours, in which Shaftesbury distinguished himself by his force and +bitterness. At nine o'clock at night the House divided, when the measure +was rejected by a majority of thirty-three votes, amongst which were +those of the fourteen bishops present. + +Mortified by this unexpected decision, the violent passions of the +defeated party hurried them on to seek the blood of those peers lodged +in the Tower. Of the five, William Howard, Viscount Stafford--youngest +son of the Earl of Arran, and nephew of the Duke of Norfolk--was +selected to be first put upon his trial; inasmuch as, being over sixty +years, and a sufferer from many infirmities, it was judged he would be +the least capable of making a vigorous defence. Three perjured +witnesses swore he had plotted against the king's life, but no proof +was forthcoming to support their evidence. Notwithstanding this was +"bespattered and falsified in almost every point," it was received as +authentic by the judges, who made a national cause of his prosecution, +and considered no punishment too severe for a papist. After a trial of +five days sentence of death was pronounced upon him, and on the 29th of +December, 1680, he was beheaded on Tower Hill. + +Like those who had suffered from similar charges, he protested his +innocence to the last; but his words met with a reception different from +theirs. Their dying speeches had been greeted by groans, hisses, and +signs of insatiable fury; but his declarations fell upon silent and +sympathizing hearts. When he had made denial of the crimes of which he +was accused, a great cry rose from the mob, "We believe you--we believe +you, my lord;" and then a single voice calling out "God bless you!" +the words were taken up and repeated by a vast throng, so that the last +sounds he heard on earth were those of prayer. He died with a +firmness worthy of his caste. Having laid his head upon the block, the +executioner brandished his axe in the air, and then set it quietly +down at his feet. Raising his head, Lord Stafford inquired the cause of +delay; the executioner replied he awaited a sign. "Take your time," said +he who stood at the verge of eternity; "I shall make no sign." He who +held the axe in his hand hesitated a second, and then said in a low and +troubled voice, "Do you forgive me, sir?" To which Lord Stafford made +brief answer, "I do." Then he laid his head again upon the blood-stained +block. Once more the glitter of steel flashed through the air, a groan +arose from the crowd, and Lord Stafford's head was severed from his +body. + +A reaction now set in, and gained strength daily. The remaining peers +were in due time liberated; the blood of innocent victims was no longer +shed; and the Duke of York was recalled. Such was the end of the popish +plot, which, says Archdeacon Eachard, "after the strictest and coolest +examinations, and after a full length of time, the government could find +very little foundation to support so vast a fabrick, besides downright +swearing and assurance; not a gun, sword, nor dagger, not a flask of +powder or dark lanthorn, to effect this strange villainy, and with the +exception of Coleman's writings, not one slip of an original letter of +commission among those great numbers alledged to uphold the reputation +of the discoveries." + +Concerning those through whose malice such disturbance was wrought, and +so much blood shed, a few words may be added. Within twelve months of +Lord Stafford's execution, Shaftesbury was charged with high treason, +but escaping condemnation, fled from further molestation to Holland, +where, after a residence of six weeks, he died. Tonge departed this life +in 1680, unbenefited by the monstrous plot he had so skilfully devised; +and in the same year Bedlow was carried to the grave after an illness of +four days. Oates survived to meet a share of the ignominy and punishment +due to his crimes. After a residence of three years in Whitehall, he was +driven out of the palace on account of "certain misdemeanors laid to his +charge," and deprived of his salary. Two years later, in May, 1683, he +was accused of calling the Duke of York a traitor, and using scandalous +words towards his royal highness. Upon hearing of the case the jury +fined him one hundred thousand pounds. Unable to pay the sum, he was +cast into prison, where he remained six years, until liberated in the +reign of William and Mary, His punishment was not, however, at an +end. At the Michaelmas term of 1684 he was accused of having wilfully +perjured himself at the late trials. As he pleaded not guilty, his case +was appointed to be heard at the King's Bench Court. His trial did not +take place until May, 1685, on which occasion the lord chief justice, in +summing up the evidence, declared, "There does not remain the slightest +doubt that Oates is the blackest and most perjured villain on the face +of the earth." + +After a quarter of an hour's absence from court, the jury returned +a verdict of guilty, and sentence was pronounced against him. He was +stripped of his canonical habit; forced to walk through all the courts +of Westminster Hall proclaiming his crimes; to stand an hour on the +pillory opposite Westminster Hall gate on Monday; an hour on the pillory +at the Royal Exchange on Tuesday; and on Wednesday he was tied to a cart +and whipt at the hands of the common hangman from Aldgate to Newgate, in +the presence, says Eachard, "of innumerable spectators, who had a more +than ordinary curiosity to see the sight." + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + London under Charles II.--Condition and appearance of the + thoroughfares.--Coffee is first drunk in the capital.--Taverns and + their frequenters.--The city by night.--Wicked people do creep + about.--Companies of young gentlemen.--The Duke of Monmouth kills + a beadle.--Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.--Stately houses of the + nobility.--St. James's Park.--Amusement of the town.--At Bartholomew + Fair.--Bull, bear, and dog fights.--Some quaint sports. + +During the first six years of the merry monarch's reign, London town, +east of Temple Bar, consisted of narrow and tortuous streets of quaintly +gabled houses, pitched roofed and plaster fronted. Scarce four years had +passed after the devastating fire which laid this portion of the capital +in ashes, when a new and stately city rose upon the ruins of the old. +Thoroughfares lying close by the Thames, which were wont to suffer from +inundations, were raised; those which from limited breadth had caused +inconvenience and bred pestilence were made wide; warehouses and +dwellings of solid brick and carved stone, with doors, window-frames, +and breastsummers of stout oak, replaced irregular though not +unpicturesque habitations; whilst the halls of companies, eminent +taverns, and abodes of great merchants, were now built "with fair +courtyards before them, and pleasant gardens behind them, and fair +spacious rooms and galleries in them, little inferior to some princes' +palaces." Moreover, churches designed by the genius of Christopher Wren, +adorned with spires, steeples, and minarets, intersected the capital at +all points. + +This new, handsome, and populous city presented an animated, ever +changing, and merry scene. From "the high street which is called the +Strand," far eastwards, great painted signs, emblazoned with heraldic +arms, or ornamented with pictures of grotesque birds and animals, +swung above shop-doors and taverns. Stalls laden with wares of every +description, "set out with decorations as valuable as those of the +stage," extended into the thoroughfares. In the new Exchange, built by +the worshipful company of mercers at a cost of eight thousand pounds, +and adorned by a fair statue of King Charles II. in the habit of a Roman +emperor, were galleries containing rows of very rich shops, displaying +manufactures and ornaments of rare description, served by young men +known as apprentices, and likewise by comely wenches. + +At corners and nooks of streets, under eaves of churches and great +buildings, and other places of shelter, sat followers of various trades +and vendors of divers commodities, each in the place which had become +his from daily association and long habit. These good people, together +with keepers of stalls and shops, extolled their wares in deafening +shouts; snatches of song, shouts of laughter, and the clang of pewter +vessels came in bursts of discord from open tavern doors; women +discoursed with or abused each other, according to their temper and +inclination as they leaned from the jutting small-paned windows and open +balconies of their homesteads; hackney coaches or "hell carts," as they +drove by, cast filth and refuse lying in kennels upon the clothes of +passengers; the carriers of sedan-chairs deposited their burthens to +fight for right of way in narrow passages and round crowded corners. + +Through the busy concourse flowing up and down the thoroughfares from +dawn to dusk, street-criers took their way, bearing wares upon their +heads in wicker baskets, before them on broad trays, or slung upon their +backs in goodly packs. And as they passed, their voices rose above the +general din, calling "Fair lemons and oranges, oranges and citrons!" +"Cherries, sweet cherries, ripe and red!" "New flounders and great +plaice; buy my dish of great eels!" "Rosemary and sweet briar; who'll +buy my lavender?" "Fresh cheese and cream!" "Lily-white vinegar!" +"Dainty sausages!" which calls, being frequently intoned to staves +of melody, fell with pleasant sounds upon the ear. [These hawkers so +seriously interfered with legitimate traders, that in 1694 they were +forbidden to sell any goods or merchandise in any public place within +the city or liberties, except in open markets and fairs, on penalty of +forty shillings for each offence, both to buyers and sellers.] Moreover, +to these divers sights and sounds were added ballad singers, who piped +ditties upon topics of the day; quacks who sold nostrums and magic +potions; dancers who performed on tight-ropes; wandering musicians; +fire-eaters of great renown; exhibitors of dancing dolls, and such like +itinerants "as make show of motions and strange sights," all of whom +were obliged to have and to hold "a license in red and black letters, +under the hand and seal of Thomas Killigrew, Esq., master of the revels +to his sacred majesty Charles II." + +Adown the Strand, Fleet Street, and in that part of the city adjoining +the Exchange, coffee-houses abounded in great numbers. Coffee, which +in this reign became a favourite beverage, was introduced into London +a couple of years before the restoration. It had, however, been brought +into England at a much earlier period. John Evelyn, in the year 1638, +speaks of it being drunk at Oxford, where there came to his college +"one Nathaniel Conoposis out of Greece, from Cyrill the patriarch of +Constantinople, who, returning many years after, was made Bishop of +Smyrna." Twelve good years later, a coffee-house was opened at Oxford +by one Jacobs, a Jew, where this beverage was imbibed "by some +who delighted in novelty." It was, however, according to Oldys the +antiquarian, untasted in the capital till a Turkey merchant named +Edwards brought to London a Ragusan youth named Pasqua Rosee, who +prepared this drink for him daily. The eagerness to taste the strange +beverage drawing too much company to his board, Edwards allowed the lad, +together with a servant of his son-in-law, to sell it publicly; whence +coffee was first sold in St. Michael's Alley in Cornhill by Pasqua +Rosee, "at the sign of his own head," about the year 1658. + +Though coffee-drinkers first met with much ridicule from wits about +town, and writers of broadsheet ballads, the beverage became gradually +popular, and houses for its sale quickly multiplied. Famous amongst +these, in the reign of the merry monarch, besides that already +mentioned, was Garraway's in Exchange Alley; the Rainbow, by the Inner +Temple Gate; Dick's, situated at No. 8, Fleet Street; Jacobs', the +proprietor of which moved in 1671 from Oxford to Southampton Buildings, +Holborn; the Grecian in the Strand, "conducted without ostentation +or noise;" the Westminster, noted as a resort of peers and members +of parliament; and Will's, in Russell Street, frequented by the poet +Dryden. + +These houses, the forerunners of clubs, were, according to their +situation and convenience, frequented by noblemen and men of quality, +courtiers, foreign ministers, politicians, members of learned +professions, wits, citizens of various grades, and all who loved to +exchange greetings and gossip with their neighbours and friends. Within +these low-ceilinged comfortable coffee-house rooms, fitted with strong +benches and oak chairs, where the black beverage was drunk from handless +wide brimmed cups, Pepys passed many cheerful hours, hearing much of the +news he so happily narrates, and holding pleasant discourse with many +notable men. It was in a coffee-house he encountered Major Waters, "a +deaf and most amorous melancholy gentleman, who is under a despayer in +love, which makes him bad company, though a most good-natured man." +And in such a place he listened to "some simple discourse about quakers +being charmed by a string about their wrists;" and saw a certain +merchant named Hill "that is a master of most sorts of musique and other +things, the universal character, art of memory, counterfeiting of hands, +and other most excellent discourses." + +In days before newspapers came into universal circulation, and general +meetings were known, coffee-houses became recognised centres for +exchange of thought and advocacy of political action. Aware of this, the +government, under leadership of Danby, not desiring to have its motives +too freely canvassed, in 1675 issued an order that such "places of +resort for idle and disaffected persons" should be closed. Alarmed by +this command, the keepers of such houses petitioned for its withdrawal, +at the same time faithfully promising libels should not be read under +their roofs. They were therefore permitted to carry on their business by +license. + +Next in point of interest to coffee-houses were taverns where men came +to make merry, in an age when simplicity and good fellowship largely +obtained. As in coffee-houses, gossip was the order of the day in +such places, each tavern being in itself "a broacher of more news than +hogsheads, and more jests than news." Those of good standing and fair +renown could boast rows of bright flagons ranged on shelves round +panelled walls; of hosts, rotund in person and genial in manner; and +of civil drawers, who could claim good breeding. The Bear, at the +bridge-foot, situated at the Southwark side, was well known to men of +gallantry and women of pleasure; and was, moreover, famous as the spot +where the Duke of Richmond awaited Mistress Stuart on her escape from +Whitehall. The Boar's Head, in Eastcheap, which gained pleasant mention +in the plays of William Shakespeare, when rebuilt, after the great fire, +became a famous resort. The Three Cranes, in the Vintry, was sacred to +the shade of rare Ben Jonson. The White Bear's Head, in Abchurch Lane, +where French dinners were served from five shillings a head "to a +guinea, or what sum you pleased," was the resort of cavaliers, The Rose +Tavern, in the Poultry, was famous for its excellent ale, and no less +for its mighty pretty hostess, to whom the king had kissed hands as he +rode by on his entry. The Rummer was likewise of some note, inasmuch as +it was kept by one Samuel Prior, uncle to Matthew Prior, the ingenious +poet. On the balcony of the Cock, near Covent Garden, Sir Charles +Sedley had stood naked in a drunken frolic; and at the King's Head, over +against the Inner Temple Gate, Shaftesbury and his friends laid their +plots, coming out afterwards on the double balcony in front, as North +describes them, "with hats and no peruques, pipes in their mouths, +merry faces and dilated throats, for vocal encouragement of the canaglia +below." + +All day long the streets were crowded by those whom business or +diversion carried abroad; but when night fell apace, the keepers of +stalls and shops speedily secured their wares and fastened their doors, +whilst the honest citizen and his family kept within house. For the +streets being unlighted, darkness fell upon them, relieved only as some +person of wealth rode homewards from visiting a friend, or a band of +late revellers returned from a feast, when the glare of flambeaux, +carried by their attendants, for a moment brought the outlines of houses +into relief, or flashed red light upon their diamond panes, leaving all +in profound gloom on disappearing. + +The condition of the thoroughfares favouring the inclination of many +loose persons, they wandered at large, dealing mischief to those whose +duty took them abroad. From the year 1556, in the reign of Queen Mary, +"fit persons with suitable strength" had been appointed to walk the +streets and watch the city by night; to protect those in danger, arrest +suspected persons, warn householders of danger by fire and candle, +help the poor, pray for the dead, and preserve the peace. These burly +individuals were known as watch or bell men; one was appointed for each +ward, whose duty it was to pass through the district he guarded ringing +his bell, "and when that ceaseth," says Stow, "he salutes his masters +and mistresses with his rhymes, suitable to the seasons and festivals of +the year, and bids them look to their lights." + +In the third year of the reign of King Charles II., whilst Sir John +Robinson was mayor of London town, divers good orders were made by him +and his common council for the better service of these watches. The +principal of these set forth that each should be accompanied by a +constable and a beadle selected from the inhabitants of their respective +wards, who should be required in turn to render voluntary service in +guarding the city, from nine of the clock at night till seven in the +morning, from Michaelmas to the 1st of April; and from that date until +the 31st of March, from ten at night till five in the morning. + +These rules were not, however, vigorously carried out; the volunteers +were frequently unwilling to do duty, or when, fearful of fine, they +went abroad, they usually spent their time in tippling in ale-houses, +so that, as Delaune remarks, "a great many wicked persons capable of the +blackest villainies do creep about, as daily and sad experience shows." +It was not only those who, with drawn swords, darted from some deep +porch or sheltering buttress, in hopes of enriching themselves at their +neighbour's expense, that were to be dreaded. It was a fashion of the +time for companies of young gentlemen to saunter forth in numbers after +route or supper, when, being merry with wine and eager for adventure, +they were brave enough to waylay the honest citizen and abduct his +wife, beat the watch and smash his lantern, bedaub signboards and +wrench knockers, overturn a sedan-chair and vanquish the carriers, sing +roystering songs under the casements of peaceful sleepers, and play +strange pranks to which they were prompted by young blood and high +spirits. + +Among those who made prominent figures in such unholy sports was the +king's eldest son, my Lord Duke of Monmouth. He and his young grace +of Albemarle--son to that gallant soldier now deceased, who was +instrumental in restoring his majesty--together with some seven or eight +young gentlemen, whilst on their rounds one Sunday morning encountered +a beadle, whose quaint and ponderous figure presented itself to +their blithe minds as a fit object for diversion in lieu of better. +Accordingly they accosted him with rough words and unceremonious usage, +the which he resenting, they came to boisterous threats and many blows, +that ended only when the poor fellow lay with outstretched limbs stark +dead upon the pavement. Sir Charles Sedley and Lord Brockhurst were also +notable as having been engaged in another piece of what has been called +"frolick and debauchery," when "they ran up and down all night almost +naked through the streets, at last fighting and being beaten by the +watch, and clapped up all night." + +It was not until the last years of the merry monarch's reign that there +was introduced "an ingenious and useful invention for the good of this +great city, calculated to secure one's goods, estates, and person; to +prevent fires, robberies and housebreakings, and several accidents and +casualties by falls to which man is liable by walking in the dark" This +was a scheme for lighting the streets, by placing an oil-lamp in +front of every tenth house on each side of the way, from Michaelmas to +Lady-day, every night from six of the clock till twelve, beginning the +third night after every full moon, and ending on the sixth night after +every new moon; one hundred and twenty nights in all. The originator of +this plan was one Edward Hemming, of London, gentleman. His project was +at first ridiculed and opposed by "narrow-souled and self-interested +people," who were no doubt children of darkness and doers of evil deeds; +but was eventually hailed with delight by all honest men, one of whom, +gifted with considerable imagination, declared these poor oil-lamps +"seemed but one great solar light that turned nocturnal shades to +noonday." + +In this reign the city proper was confined eastward of Temple Bar; to +the west lay the palaces of Somerset House and Whitehall, the stately +parks, and great houses of the nobility surrounded by wide gardens and +wooded grounds. Monsieur Sorbiere, who in this reign made a journey +into England, an account of which he subsequently published "to divert +a person of quality who loved him extremely," resided close by Covent +Garden during his stay. It was usual, he writes, for people in the +district to say, "I go to London," for "indeed 'tis a journey for those +who live near Westminster. 'Tis true," he adds, "they may sometimes get +thither in a quarter of an hour by water, which they cannot do in +less than two hours by land, for I am persuaded no less time will be +necessary to go from one end of its suburb to the other." For a crown +a week this ingenious and travelled gentleman had lodgings in Covent +Garden, not far removed from Salisbury House, a vicinity which he avows +was "certainly the finest place in the suburbs." Covent Garden itself +has been described by John Strype, native of the city of London, as "a +curious large and airy square enclosed by rails, between which railes +and houses runs a fair street." The square, or, as it was commonly +called, garden, was well gravelled for greater accommodation of those +who wished to take the air; and that its surface might more quickly dry +after rain, it was raised by an easy ascent to the centre, where stood a +sundial fixed on a black marble pillar, at the base of which were stone +steps, "whereon the weary' might rest." + +The west side of the square was flanked by the handsome portico of St. +Paul's Church, erected at the expense of Francis, Earl of Bedford, from +designs by Mr. Inigo Jones; the south side opened to Bedford Gardens, +"where there is a small grotto of trees, most pleasant in the summer +season." Here, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a market was held, +well stocked with roots, fruits, herbs, and flowers. On the north and +east sides stood large and stately houses of persons of quality and +consideration, the fronts of which, being supported by strong pillars, +afforded broad walks, known as the Piazza, and found convenient in wet +and sultry weather. + +Here amongst other houses was that of my Lord Brouncker, where Mr. Pepys +enjoyed a most noble French dinner and much good discourse, in return +for which he gave much satisfaction by the singing of a new ballad, to +wit, Lord Dorset's famous song, "To all ye ladies now on land." Not far +distant, its face turned to the Strand, was the stately residence of the +Duke of Bedford, a large dark building, fronted by a great courtyard, +and backed by spacious gardens enclosed by red-brick walls. Likewise in +the Strand stood Arundel House, the residence of Henry Frederick Howard, +Earl of Arundel and Surrey, and Earl Marshal of England; Hatfield House, +built by Thomas Hatfield, Bishop of Durham, as a town residence for +himself and his heirs lawfully begotten; York House, richly adorned with +the arms of Villiers and Manners--one gloomy chamber of which was shown +as that wherein its late noble owner, George, first Duke of Buckingham, +was stabbed by Felton; Worcester House, at one time occupied by Lord +Chancellor Clarendon; and Essex House, situated near St. Clement Danes, +the town residence of Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex, "a sober, wise, +judicious, and pondering person, not illiterate beyond the rate of most +noblemen of this age." + +There were also many other noble mansions lying westward, amongst them +being those of the Dukes of Ormond and Norfolk in St. James's Square, +which was built at this time; Berkeley House, which stood on the site +now occupied by Berkeley Square, a magnificent structure containing +a staircase of cedar wood, and great suites of lofty rooms; Leicester +House, situated in Leicester Fields, subsequently known as Leicester +Square, behind which stretched a goodly common; Goring House, "a very +pretty villa furnished with silver jars, vases, cabinets, and other +rich furniture, even to wantonnesse and profusion," on the site of which +Burlington Street now stands; Clarendon House, a princely residence, +combining "state, use, solidity, and beauty," surrounded by fair +gardens, that presently gave place to Bond Street; Southampton House, +standing, as Evelyn says, in "a noble piazza--a little town," now known +as Bloomsbury Square, whose pleasant grounds commanded a full view of +the rising hills of Hampstead and Highgate; and Montagu House, described +as a palace built in the French fashion, standing on the ground now +occupied by the British Museum, which in this reign was backed by lonely +fields, the dread scenes of "robbery, murder, and every species of +depravity and wickedness of which the heart can think." + +Besides the grounds and gardens surrounding these stately mansions, a +further aspect of space and freshness was added to the capital by +public parks. Foremost amongst these was St. James's, to which the merry +monarch added several fields, and for its greater advantage employed +Monsieur La Notre, the famous French landscape-gardener. Amongst the +improvements this ingenious man effected were planting trees of stately +height, contriving a canal one hundred feet broad and two hundred and +eighty feet long, with a decoy and duck island, [The goodnatured Charles +made Monsieur St. Evremond governor of Duck Island, to which position he +attached a salary much appreciated by the exile. The island was removed +in 1790 to make room for fresh improvements.] and making a pleasant +pathway bordered by an aviary on either side, usually called Bird Cage +Walk. An enclosure for deer was formed in the centre of the park; not +far removed was the famous Physic Garden, where oranges were first seen +in England; and at the western end, where Buckingham Palace has been +erected, stood Arlington House, described as "a most neat box, and +sweetly seated amongst gardens, enjoying the prospect of the park and +the adjoining fields." + +The great attraction of St. James's Park was the Mall, which Monsieur +Sorbiere tells us was a walk "eight hundred and fifty paces in length, +beset with rows of large trees, and near a small wood, from whence you +may see a fine mead, a long canal, Westminster Abbey, and the suburbs, +which afford an admirable prospect." This path was skirted by a wooded +border, and at the extreme end was set with iron hoops, "for the purpose +of playing a game with a ball called the mall." ["Our Pall Mall is, +I believe, derived from paille maille, a game somewhat analogous to +cricket, and imported from France in the reign of the second Charles. +It was formerly played in St. James's Park, and in the exercise of the +sport a small hammer or mallet was used to strike the ball. I think it +worth noting that the Malhe crest is a mailed arm and hand, the latter +grasping a mallet."--NOTES AND QUERIES, 1st series, vol. iii. p. 351.] + +In St. James's Park Samuel Pepys first saw the Duke of York playing +at "pelemele"; and likewise in 1662 witnessed with astonishment people +skate upon the ice there, skates having been just introduced from +Holland; on another occasion he enjoyed the spectacle of Lords +Castlehaven and Arran running down and killing a stout buck for a wager +before the king. And one sultry July day, meeting an acquaintance here, +the merry soul took him to the farther end, where, seating himself under +a tree in a corner, he sung him some blithesome songs. It was likewise +in St. James's Park the Duke of York, meeting John Milton one day, asked +him if his blindness was not to be regarded as a just punishment from +heaven, due to his having written against the martyred king. "If so, +sir," replied the great poet and staunch republican, "what must we think +of his majesty's execution upon a scaffold?" To which question his royal +highness vouchsafed no reply. + +It was a favourite custom of his majesty, who invariably rose betimes, +to saunter in the park whilst the day was young and pass an hour or two +in stroking the heads of his feathered favourites in the aviary, feeding +the fowls in the pond with biscuits, and playing with the crowd of +spaniels ever attending his walks. For his greater amusement he had +brought together in the park a rare and valuable collection of birds +and beasts; amongst which were, according to a quaint authority, "an +onocratylus, or pelican, a fowl between a stork and a swan--a melancholy +water-fowl brought from Astracan by the Russian ambassador." This writer +tells us, "It was diverting to see how the pelican would toss up and +turn a flat fish, plaice or flounder, to get it right into its gullet +at its lower beak, which being filmy stretches to a prodigious wideness +when it devours a great fish. Here was also a small water-fowl, not +bigger than a more-hen, that went almost quite erect like the penguin +of America. It would eate as much fish as its whole body weighed, yet ye +body did not appear to swell the bigger. The Solan geese here are also +great devourers, and are said soon to exhaust all ye fish in a pond. +Here was a curious sort of poultry not much exceeding the size of a tame +pidgeon, with legs so short as their crops seemed to touch ye earth; a +milk-white raven; a stork which was a rarity at this season, seeing +he was loose and could fly loftily; two Balearian cranes, one of which +having had one of his leggs broken, and cut off above the knee, had a +wooden or boxen leg and thigh, with a joint so accurately made that ye +creature could walke and use it as well as if it had ben natural; it +was made by a souldier. The park was at this time stored with numerous +flocks of severall sorts of ordinary and extraordinary wild fowle +breeding about the decoy, which, looking neere so greate a citty, +and among such a concourse of souldiers and people, is a singular and +diverting thing. There are also deere of several countries, white, +spotted like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deere, roebucks, staggs, +Guinea goates, Arabian sheepe, etc. There are withy-potts or nests for +the wild fowle to lay their eggs in, a little above ye surface of ye +water." + +Hyde Park, lying close by, likewise afforded a pleasant and convenient +spot for recreation. Here, in a large circle railed off and known as the +Ring, the world of quality and fashion took the air in coaches. The +king and queen, surrounded by a goodly throng of maids of honour and +gentlemen in waiting, were wont to ride here on summer evenings, whilst +courtiers and citizens looked on the brilliant cavalcade with loyal +delight. Horse and foot races were occasionally held in the park, as +were reviews likewise, Cosmo, Grand Duke of Tuscany, "a very jolly and +good comely man," whilst visiting England in 1669, was entertained by +his majesty with a military parade held here one Sunday in May. + +On arriving at Hyde Park, he found a great concourse of people and +carriages waiting the coming of his majesty, who presently appeared +with the Duke of York and many lords and gentlemen of the court. Having +acknowledged an enthusiastic greeting, Charles retired under shade of +some trees, in order to protect himself from the sun, and then gave +orders for the troops to march past. "The whole corps," says the Grand +Duke, "consisted of two regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, and +of three companies of the body-guard, which was granted to the king by +parliament since his return, and was formed of six hundred horsemen, +each armed with carabines and pistols, all well mounted and dressed, +which are uniform in every thing but colour. When they had marched by, +without firing either a volley or a salve, his majesty dismounted from +his horse, and entering his carriage, retired to Whitehall." + +Besides such diversions as were enjoyed in the parks, the people had +various other sources of public amusement; amongst these puppet-shows, +exhibitions of strength and agility, bear-baiting, cock-fighting, and +dancing obtained. Until the restoration, puppet-shows had not been seen +for years; for these droll dolls, being regarded as direct agents of +Satan, were discountenanced by the puritans. With the coming of his +majesty they returned in vast numbers, and were hailed with great +delight by the people. One of these exhibitions which found special +favour with the town, and speedily drew great audiences of gallants and +ladies of quality, was situated within the rails of Covent Garden. And +so perfect were the marionettes of this booth in the performance of +divers sad tragedies and gay comedies, that they had the honour of +receiving a royal command to play before their majesties at Whitehall. +Amongst the most famous tumblers, or, as they were then styled, +posturemakers, of this reign were Jacob Hall the friend of my Lady +Castlemaine, and Joseph Clarke, beloved by the citizens. Though the +latter was "a well-made man and rather gross than thin," we are told he +"exhibited in the most natural manner almost every species of deformity +and dislocation; he could dislocate his vertebrae so as to render +himself a shocking spectacle; he could also assume all the uncouth faces +he had seen at a quaker's meeting, at the theatre, or any public place. +He was likewise the plague of all the tailors about town. He would send +for one of them to take measure of him, but would so contrive it as to +have a most immoderate rising in one of his shoulders; when his clothes +were brought home and tried upon him, the deformity was removed into the +other shoulder, upon which the tailor begged pardon for the mistake, +and mended it as fast as he could; but on another trial found him as +straight-shouldered a man as one would desire to see, but a little +unfortunate in a hump back. In fact, this wandering tumour puzzled +all the workmen about town, who found it impossible to accommodate so +changeable a customer." + +Florian Marchand, "the water-spouter," was another performer who +enjoyed considerable fame. Such was the dexterity of this conjurer that, +"drinking only fountaine-water, he rendered out of his mouth in severall +glasses all sorts of wine and sweete waters." A Turk, who walked up an +almost perpendicular line by means of his toes, danced blindfold on a +tight rope with a boy dangling from his feet, and stood on his head on +the top of a high mast, shared an equal popularity with Barbara Vanbeck, +the bearded woman, and "a monstrous beast, called a dromedary." These +wondrous sights, together with various others of a like kind, which were +scattered throughout the town and suburbs during the greater part of +the year, assembled in full strength at the fairs of St. Margaret, +Southwark, and St. Bartholomew, in Smithfield. These gatherings, which +usually lasted a fortnight, were looked forward to with considerable +pleasure, and frequented not only by citizens bent on sport, but by +courtiers in search of adventure. + +Nay, even her majesty was tempted on one occasion to go a-fairing, as we +gather from a letter addressed to Sir Robert Paston, contained in Ives's +select papers. "Last week," says the writer thereof, "the queen, the +Duchess of Richmond, and the Duchess of Buckingham had a frolick +to disguise themselves like country lasses, in red petticoates, +waistcoates, etc., and so goe see the faire. Sir Bernard Gascoign, on a +cart jade, rode before the queen; another stranger before the Duchess of +Buckingham, and Mr. Roper before Richmond. They had all so overdone it +in their disguise, and look'd so much more like antiques than country +volk, that as soon as they came to the faire, the people began to goe +after them; but the queen going to a booth to buy a pair of yellow +stockins for her sweethart, and Sir Bernard asking for a pair of gloves, +sticht with blew, for his sweethart, they were soon, by their gebrish, +found to be strangers, which drew a bigger flock about them. One amongst +them [who] had seen the queen at dinner, knew her, and was proud of her +knowledge. This soon brought all the faire into a crowd to stare at the +queen. Being thus discovered, they as soon as they could got to their +horses; but as many of the faire as had horses, got up with their wives, +children, sweetharts, or neighbours behind them, to get as much gape as +they could till they brought them to the court gate. Thus by ill conduct +was a merry frolick turned into a penance." + +On another occasion my Lady Castlemaine went to Bartholomew fair to see +the puppets play "Patient Grissel;" and there was the street "full of +people expecting her coming out," who, when she appeared, "suffered her +with great respect to take the coach." Not only the king's mistress, but +likewise the whole court went to St. Margaret's fair to see "an Italian +wench daunce and performe all the tricks on the high rope to admiration; +and monkies and apes do other feates of activity." "They," says a +quaint author, "were gallantly clad A LA MODE, went upright, saluted the +company, bowing and pulling off their hats, with as good a grace as +if instructed by a dancing master. They turned heels over head with +a basket having eggs in it, without breaking any; also with lighted +candles on their heads, without extinguishing them; and with vessells of +water without spilling a drop." + +The cruel sport of bull and bear baiting was also commonly practised. +Seated round an amphitheatre, the people witnessed these unfortunate +animals being torn to pieces by dogs, the owners of which frequently +jumped into the arena to urge them to their sanguinary work, on the +result of which great wagers depended. Indignation arising against those +who witnessed such sights may be somewhat appeased by the knowledge that +infuriated bulls occasionally tossed the torn and bleeding carcases of +their tormentors into the faces and laps of spectators. Pepys frequently +speaks of dense crowds which assembled to witness this form of cruelty, +which he designates as good sport; and Evelyn speaks of a gallant steed +that, under the pretence that he had killed a man, was baited by dogs, +but fought so hard for his life "the fiercest of them could not fasten +on him till he was run through with swords." Not only bull and bear +baiting, cock and dog fighting were encouraged, but prize combats +between man and man were regarded as sources of great diversion. Pepys +gives a vivid picture of a furious encounter he, in common with a great +and excited crowd, witnessed at the bear-garden stairs, at Bankside, +between a butcher and a waterman. "The former," says he, "had the better +all along, till by-and-by the latter dropped his sword out of his hand; +and the butcher, whether not seeing his sword dropped I know not, but +did give him a cut over the wrist, so as he was disabled to fight any +longer. But Lord! to see how in a minute the whole stage was full of +watermen to revenge the foul play, and the butchers to defend their +fellow, though most blamed him; and then they all fell to it to knocking +down and cutting many on each side. It was pleasant to see, but that I +stood in the pit, and feared that in the tumult I might get some hurt." + +Among the more healthy sports which obtained during the reign were +horse-racing, tennis, and bowling. The monarch had, at vast expense, +built a house and stables at Newmarket, where he and his court regularly +repaired, to witness racing. Here likewise the king and "ye jolly blades +enjoyed dauncing, feasting, and revelling, more resembling a luxurious +and abandoned route than a Christian court." He had likewise a +tennis-court and bowling green at Whitehall, where at noonday and +towards eve, blithe lords, and ladies in brave apparel, might be seen +at play. Bowling was a game to which the people were much devoted, +every suburban tavern having its green, where good friends and honest +neighbours challenged each other's strength and skill. And amongst other +pleasant sports and customs were those practised on May-day, when +maids rose betimes to bathe their faces in dew, that they might become +sweet-complexioned to men's sight; and milk-maids with garlands of +spring flowers upon their pails, and posies in their breasts, danced to +the merry music of fiddles adown the streets. + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.--Dining in public.--The + Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.--Entertainment of guests by + mountebanks.--Gaming at court.--Lady Castlemaine's losses.--A fatal + duel.--Dress of the period.--Riding-habits first seen.--His majesty + invents a national costume.--Introduction of the penny post.--Divorce + suits are known.--Society of Antiquaries.--Lord Worcester's + inventions.--The Duchess of Newcastle. + +Few courts have been more brilliant than that of the merry monarch. All +the beauty of fair women, the gallantry of brave men, and the gaiety of +well-approved wits could compass, perpetually surrounded his majesty, +making the royal palace a lordly pleasure house. Noble banquets, +magnificent balls, and brilliant suppers followed each other in quick +succession. Three times a week--on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays--the +king and queen dined publicly in ancient state, whilst rare music was +discoursed, and many ceremonies observed, amongst these being that each +servitor of the royal table should eat some bread dipped in sauce of the +dish he bore. On these occasions meats for the king's table were brought +from the kitchen by yeomen of the guard, or beef-eaters. These men, +selected as being amongst the handsomest, strongest, and tallest in +England, were dressed in liveries of red cloth, faced with black velvet, +having the king's cipher on the back, and on the breast the emblems of +the Houses of York and Lancaster. By them the dishes were handed to the +gentlemen in waiting, who served royalty upon their knees. "You see," +said Charles one day to the Chevalier de Grammont, "how I am waited on." +"I thank your majesty for the explanation," said the saucy Frenchman; +"I thought they were begging pardon for offering you so bad a dinner." +[This mode of serving the sovereign continued unto the coming of George +I.] + +The costliness and splendour of some royal entertainments require the +description of an eye-witness to be fully realized. Evelyn, speaking of +a great feast given to the Knights of the Garter in the banqueting-hall, +tells us "the king sat on an elevated throne, at the upper end of the +table alone, the knights at a table on the right hand, reaching all the +length of the roome; over against them a cupboard of rich gilded plate; +at the lower end the musick; on the balusters above, wind musick, +trumpets, and kettle-drums. The king was served by the lords and +pensioners who brought up the dishes. About the middle of the dinner the +knights drank the king's health, then the king theirs, when the trumpets +and musick plaid and sounded, the guns going off at the Tower. At the +banquet came in the queene and stood by the king's left hand hand, +but did not sit. Then was the banquetting stuff flung about the roome +profusely. In truth the crowd was so great that I now staied no +longer than this sport began for fear of disorder. The cheere was +extraordinary, each knight having forty dishes to his messe, piled up +five or six high." + +Concerning the habit mentioned by Evelyn, of mobs rushing into +banquet-halls, in order to possess themselves of all on which they could +lay hands, many instances are mentioned. The Duke of Tuscany, amongst +other authorities, narrates the inconvenience it caused at a supper he +gave the king. When his majesty drove to the duke's residence he was +preceded by trumpeters and torch-bearers, attended by the horse-guards +and a retinue of courtiers, and accompanied by a vast crowd. On +alighting from the coach the Duke of Tuscany, together with the noblemen +and gentlemen of his household, received and conducted him through +passages lighted by torches to the banquet-hall. From the ceiling of +this saloon was suspended a chandelier of rock crystal, blazing with +tapers; beneath it stood a circular table, at the upper end of which was +placed a chair of state for the king. The whole entertainment was costly +and magnificent. As many as eighty dishes were set upon the table; +foreign wines, famous for great age and delicate flavour, sparkled in +goblets of chased gold; and finally, a dessert of Italian fruits and +Portuguese sweetmeats was served. But scarce had this been laid upon the +board, when the impatient crowd which had gathered round the house and +forced its way inside to witness the banquet, now violently burst +into the saloon and carried away all that lay before them. Neither the +presence of the king nor the appearance of his soldiers guarding the +entrance with carbines was sufficient to prevent entrance or hinder +pillage. Charles, used to such scenes, left the table and retired into +the duke's private apartments. + +A quaint and curious account of a less ceremonious and more convivial +feast, also graced by the king's presence, was narrated by Sir Hugh +Cholmely to a friend and gossip. This supper was given by Sir George +Carteret, a man of pleasant humour, and moreover treasurer of the navy. +By the time the meats were removed, the king and his courtiers waxed +exceedingly merry, when Sir William Armorer, equerry to his majesty, +came to him and swore, "'By God, sir,' says he, 'you are not so kind +to the Duke of York of late as you used to be.' 'Not I?' says the king. +'Why so?' 'Why,' says he, 'if you are, let us drink his health.' 'Why, +let us,' says the king. Then he fell on his knees and drank it; and +having done, the king began to drink it. 'Nay, sir,' says Armorer; 'by +God, you must do it on your knees!' So he did, and then all the company; +and having done it, all fell acrying for joy, being all maudlin and +kissing one another, the king the Duke of York, the Duke of York the +king; and in such a maudlin pickle as never people were." + +Throughout this reign the uttermost hospitality and good-fellowship +abounded. Scarce a day passed that some noble house did not throw open +its doors to a brilliant throng of guests; few nights grew to dawn that +the vicinities of St. James's and Covent Garden were not made brilliant +by the torches of those accompanying revellers to their homes. The +fashionable hour for dinner was three of the clock, and for greater +satisfaction of guests it now became the mode to entertain them after +that meal with performances of mountebanks and musicians, Various +diaries inform us of this custom. When my Lord Arlington had bidden his +friends to a feast, he subsequently diverted them by the tricks of a +fellow who swallowed a knife in a horn sheath, together with several +pebbles, which he made rattle in his stomach, and produced again, to the +wonder and amusement of all who beheld him. [At a great dinner given by +this nobleman, Evelyn, who was present, tells us that Lord Stafford, the +unfortunate nobleman afterwards executed on Tower Hill, "rose from the +table in some disorder, because there were roses stuck about the fruite +when the descert was set on the table; such an antipathie it seems he +had to them, as once Lady St. Leger also had, and to that degree, that, +as Sirr Kenelm Digby tell us, laying but a rose upon her cheeke when she +was asleepe, it raised a blister; but Sir Kenelm was a teller of strange +things."] The master of the mint, worthy Mr. Slingsby, a man of finer +taste, delighted his guests with the performances of renowned good +masters of music, one of whom, a German, played to great perfection on +an instrument with five wire strings called the VOIL D'AMORE; whilst +my Lord Sunderland treated his visitors to a sight of Richardson, the +renowned fire eater, who was wont to devour brimstone on glowing coals; +melt a beer-glass and eat it up; take a live coal on his tongue, on +which he put a raw oyster, and let it remain there till it gaped and was +quite broiled; take wax, pitch and sulphur, and drink them down flaming; +hold a fiery hot iron between his teeth, and throw it about like a stone +from hand to hand, and perform various other prodigious feats. + +Other means of indoor amusement were practised in those days, which +seem wholly incompatible with the gravity of the nation in these latter +times. Pepys tells us that going to the court one day he found the Duke +and Duchess of York, with all the great ladies, sitting upon a carpet on +the ground playing "I love my love with an A, because he is so-and-so; +and I hate him with an A, because of this and that;" and some of the +ladies were mighty witty, and all of them very merry. Grown persons +likewise indulged in games of blind man's buff, and amusements of a +like character; whilst at one time, the king, queen, and the whole court +falling into much extravagance, as Burnet says, "went about masked, and +came into houses unknown, and danced there with a great deal of wild +frolic. In all this they were so disguised, that without being in the +secret, none could distinguish them. They were carried about in hackney +chairs. Once the queen's chairmen, not knowing who she was, went from +her; so she was alone and was much disturbed, and came to Whitehall in a +hackney coach; some say it was in a cart." + +Dancing was also a favourite and common amusement amongst all classes. +Scarce a week went by that Whitehall was not lighted up for a ball, +at which the king, queen, and courtiers danced bransles, corants, and +French figures; [The bransle, or brawl, had all the characteristics of +a country-dance; several persons taking part in it, and all at various +times joining hands. The corant was a swift lively dance, in which two +persons only took part, and was not unlike our modern galop.] and no +night passed but such entertainments were likewise held in the city. +Billiards and chess were also played, whilst gambling became a ruling +passion. The queen, Duchess of York, and Duchess of Cleveland had +each her card-table, around which courtiers thronged to win and lose +prodigious sums. The latter being a thorough rake at heart, delighted +in the excitement which hazard afforded; and the sums changing owners +at her hoard were sometimes enormous. Occasionally she played for a +thousand, or fifteen hundred pounds at a cast, and in a single night +lost as much as twenty-five hundred guineas. It is related that once +when playing basset she lost all her money; but, being unwilling to +retire, and hopeful of regaining her losses, she asked young Churchill, +on whom she had bestowed many favours, to lend her twenty pieces. Though +the wily youth had a thousand before him on the table, he coolly refused +her request, on the plea that the bank--which he was then keeping--never +lent. "Not a person in the place," says the narrator of this anecdote, +"but blamed him; as to the duchess, her resentment burst out into a +bleeding at her nose, and breaking of her lace, without which aid it is +believed her vexation had killed her on the spot." + +The courtly Evelyn speaks of a certain Twelfth-night, when the king +opened the revels in his privy chamber by throwing dice, and losing +one hundred pounds; and Pepys describes the groom-porters' rooms where +gambling greatly obtained, and "where persons of the best quality do sit +down with people of any, though meaner." Cursing and swearing, grumbling +and rejoicing, were heard here to an accompanying rattle of guineas; the +whole causing dense confusion. And amongst the figures crouching round +the tables of this hell, that of my Lord St. Albans was conspicuous. So +great, indeed, was his passion for gambling, that when approaching his +eightieth year, and quite blind, he was unable to renounce his love for +cards, but with the help of a servant who named them to him, indulged +himself in this way as of yore. + +As may be expected, disputes, frequently ending in duels, continually +arose betwixt those who gambled. Although the king had, on his +restoration, issued a proclamation against this common practice, +threatening such as engaged in it with displeasure, declaring them +incapable of holding any office in his service, and forbidding them to +appear at court, yet but little attention was paid his words, and duels +continually took place, Though most frequently resorted to as a means +of avenging outraged honour, they were occasionally the result of +misunderstanding. A pathetic story is told of a fatal encounter, caused +by a trifle light as air, which took place in the year 1667 at Covent +Garden, between Sir Henry Bellasis and Tom Porter--the same witty soul +who wrote a play called "The Villain," which was performed at the Duke's +Theatre, and described as "a pleasant tragedy." + +These worthy gentlemen and loyal friends loved each other exceedingly. +One fatal day, both were bidden to dine with Sir Robert Carr, at whose +table it was known all men drank freely; and having feasted, they two +talked apart, when bluff Sir Henry, giving words of counsel to honest +Tom, from force of earnestness spoke louder than his wont. Marvelling +at this, some of those standing apart said to each other, "Are they +quarrelling, that they talk so high?" overhearing which the baronet +replied in a merry tone, "No, I would have you know I never quarrel but +I strike; and take that as a rule of mine." At these words Tom Porter, +being anxious, after the manner of those who have drunk deep, to +apprehend offence in speech of friend or foe, cried out he would like to +see the man in England that durst give him a blow. Accepting this as +a challenge, Sir Henry dealt him a stroke on the ear, which the other +would have returned in anger but that they were speedily parted. + +And presently Tom Porter, leaving the house full of resentment for the +injury he had received, and of resolution to avenge it, met Mr. Dryden +the poet, to whom he recounted the story. He concluded by requesting he +might have his boy to bring him word which way Sir Henry Bellasis would +drive, for fight he would that night, otherwise he felt sure they should +be friends in the morning, and the blow would rest upon him. Dryden +complying with his request, Tom Porter, still inflamed by fury, went +to a neighbouring coffee-house, when presently word arrived Sir Harry's +coach was coming that way. On this Tom Porter rushed out, stopped the +horses, and bade the baronet alight. "Why," said the man, who but an +hour before had been his best friend, "you will not hurt me in coming +out, will you?" "No," answered the other shortly. Sir Henry then +descended, and both drew their swords. Tom Porter asked him if he were +ready, and hearing he was, they fought desperately, till of a sudden +a sharp cry was heard; Sir Henry's weapon fell upon the ground, and +he placed one hand to his side, from which blood flowed freely. Then +calling his opponent to him, he looked in his face reproachfully, kissed +him lovingly, and bade him seek safety. "For, Tom," said he, struggling +hard to speak, "thou hast hurt me; but I will make shift to stand upon +my legs till thou mayest withdraw, and the world not take notice of +you, for," continued he, with much tenderness, "I would not have thee +troubled for what thou hast done." And the little crowd who had gathered +around carried him to his coach and twenty days later they followed him +to his grave. + +Throughout this merry reign, many fantastic changes took place in the +costumes of courtiers and their followers. At the restoration, the +dress most common to women of all ranks consisted of a gown with a laced +stomacher and starched neckerchief, a sad-coloured cloak with a French +hood, and a high-crowned hat. Such habiliments, admitting of little +variety and less ornament, found no favour in the eyes of those who +returned from foreign courts with the king, and therefore a change was +gradually effected. The simple gown of wool and cotton gave place to +loose and flowing draperies of silk and satin; the stiff neckerchief was +removed to display fair shoulders and voluptuous breasts; the hat was +bedecked by feathers of rare plumage and rich colour; the cloaks changed +hues from sad to gay; the hoods being of "yellow bird's eye," and other +bright tints. Indeed, the prodigal manner in which ladies of quality now +exposed their bosoms, though pleasing to the court, became a matter of +grave censure to worthy men. One of these in a pamphlet, entitled +"A Just and Seasonable Reprehension of Naked Breasts and Shoulders," +charges women of fashion with "overlacing their gown bodies, and +so thrusting up their breasts in order that they might show them +half-naked." It was not only at balls and in chambers of entertainment, +he avowed, they appeared in this manner, but likewise at church, +where their dress was "not only immodest, but sometimes impudent and +lascivious;" for they braved all dangers to have the satisfaction of +being seen, and the consolation of giving pleasure. + +The riding-habit, first introduced in 1664 caused considerable notice, +and no small amount of mirth. The garb, as it was called, consisted of +a doublet buttoned up the breast, a coat with long skirts, a periwig and +tall hat, so that women clad in this fashion might be mistaken for men, +if it were not for the petticoat which dragged under the coat. At the +commencement of the reign, ladies of the court wore their hair after the +French fashion, cut short in front and frizzed upon the forehead. +When the queen arrived, her hair was arranged A LA NEGLIGENCE, a mode +declared mighty pretty; but presently a fashion came in vogue of wearing +"false locks set on wyres to make them stand at a distance from the +head; as fardingales made the clothes stand out in Queen Elizabeth's +reign." Painting the face, which had been practised during the +Commonwealth, became fashionable; as did likewise the use of patches +and vizards or masks; which from the convenience they afforded wearers +whilst witnessing an immoral play, or conducting a delicate intrigue, +came greatly into use. + +According to Randal Holmes's notes on dress, in the Harleian Library, +the male costume at the restoration consisted of "a short-waisted +doublet, and petticoat breeches--the lining, being lower than the +breeches, is tied above the knees. The breeches are ornamented with +ribands up to the pocket, and half their breadth upon the thigh; the +waistband is set about with ribands, and the shirt hanging out over +them." This dress gradually increased in richness and ornamentation: the +doublet and breeches being changed from cloth to velvet and satin, the +hat trimmed with plumes of gay feathers, and the neck adorned with bands +of cambric, trimmed with Flanders and Brussels lace. The perfection and +costliness to which the costume eventually reached is best shown by a +description of Sir Richard Fanshaw ambassador of the king, as presented +in the diary of his spouse. "Sir Richard was dressed," she writes, "in +a very rich suit of clothes of a dark FILLEMONTE brocade, laced with +silver and gold lace--nine laces--every one as broad as my hand, and +a little silver and gold lace laid between them, both of very curious +workmanship; his suit was trimmed with scarlet taffety ribbon; his +stockings of white silk upon long scarlet silk ones; his shoes black, +with scarlet shoestrings and gaiters; his linen very fine, laced with +rich Flanders lace; a black beaver buttoned on the left side with a +jewel of twelve hundred pounds' value, a rich curious wrought gold +chain, made in the Indies at which hung the king his master's picture, +richly set with diamonds; on his fingers he wore two rich rings; his +gloves trimmed with the same ribbon as his clothes." + +The uttermost extravagance and luxury in dress now obtained; indeed, +to such a passion and pride did it reach that the monarch resolved on +giving it some check by inventing a suit of plainer pretensions, which +should become the national costume, and admit no change. + +This determination he solemnly declared to his council in October, 1666, +and on the 14th of the month appeared clad in a long vest slashed with +white silk, reaching the knee, having the sword girt over it, a loose +coat, straight Spanish breeches ruffled with black ribbons, and buskins +instead of shoes and stockings. Though the habit was pronounced decent +and becoming to his majesty, and was quickly adopted by the courtiers, +there were those amongst his friends who offered him a wager he would +not persist in wearing it long. At this the king stated his resolution +afresh of never changing; but before the month was out he had made an +alteration, for inasmuch as the vest being slashed with white, was said +by a wag to make the wearers look like magpies, his majesty changed the +colour of the silk to black. This "manly and comely habit" might +have become permanently the fashion, if the King of France, by way of +ridiculing the merry monarch, had not caused his footmen to be clad in +like manner. Therefore, in less than two years, this mode gave place +to others more fantastical. The vest was retained, but the shape and +material were altered; the surcoat of cloth was discarded for velvet and +rich plush, adorned with buckles of precious stones and chains of gold; +the Spanish leather boots were laid aside for high-heeled shoes with +rosettes and silver buckles. Towards the close of the reign the costume +became much plainer. Through all these varying fashions the periwig, +introduced in 1663, held its own, increasing in length and luxuriance +with time. On its first coming into general use, the clergy had cried +out against it as ministering to the vanity and extravagance of the age; +but in a while many of them adopted its use, for, as Granger remarks, +"it was observed that a periwig procured many persons a respect and even +veneration which they mere strangers to before, and to which they had +not the least claim from their personal merit." + +Amongst other strange innovations and various improvements known in +this reign, the introduction of a penny post may be considered the +most useful. King James I., of happy memory, had, in imitation of like +regulations in other countries, established a general post for foreign +parts; King Charles I. had given orders to Thomas Witherings, Esquire, +his postmaster-general, to settle "a running post or two, to run night +and day between Edinburgh, in Scotland, and the city of London, to go +thither and back in six days;" but the organization of a penny post, +for the conveyance of letters and parcels throughout the capital +and suburbs, was reserved for the reign of the merry monarch. This +beneficial scheme was originated by an upholsterer named Murray, who +communicated it to one William Dockwra, a man who for over ten years had +laboured with fidelity in the Custom House. Uniting their efforts, they, +with great labour and vast expense, carried the plan into execution in +the year 1680. + +The principal office was stationed at the residence of William Dockwra, +in Lime Street; seven sorting-houses and as many as four hundred +receiving-houses were speedily established in the cities of London, +Westminster, and the suburbs; and a great number of clerks and +messengers were employed to collect, enter, and deliver parcels and +letters not exceeding one pound in weight nor ten pounds in value. +Stamps were used as an acknowledgment that postage was paid, and +likewise to mark the hours when letters were sent out from the offices, +by which, in case of delay, its cause might be traced to the messengers; +and deliveries took place ten times in the vicinity of the Exchange and +Inns of Court, and four times in the suburbs daily. All persons were +requested to post their communications before six o'clock in the winter, +and seven in the summer, on Saturday nights, "that the many poor men +employed may have a little time to provide for their families against +the Lord's Day." And it was moreover intimated that upon three days at +Christmas, and two at Easter and Whitsuntide, as likewise upon the 30th +of January, the post would not be delivered. + +From the first this scheme promised success, the manner in which it was +carried out being wholly admirable; yet there were many who raised their +voices against it persistently. Porters and messengers declared it +took away their means of subsistence; whilst those of higher grade were +confident it was a contrivance of the papists, which enabled them +to carry out their wicked schemes with greater security. But these +illusions vanished with time; and the penny post became such a success +that Government laid claim to it as a branch of the General Post Office, +and annexed its revenues to the Crown. [In the year 1703 Queen Anne +bestowed a grant on Elizabeth, Dowager countess of Thanet, to erect a +penny post-office in Dublin, similar to that in existence in London.] + +Another innovation in this interesting reign were stage-coaches, +described as affording "admirable commodiousness both for men and women +of better rank, to travel from London and to almost all the villages +near this great city, that the like hath not been known in the world, +wherein one may be transported to any place, sheltered from foul weather +and foul ways, free from endamaging one's health or body by hard jogging +or over-violent emotion, and this not only at a low price, as about a +shilling for every five miles in a day; for the stage-coaches called +flying coaches make forty or fifty miles in a day, as from London to +Cambridge or Oxford, and that in the space of twelve hours, not counting +the time for dining, setting forth not too early, nor coming in too +late." + +Likewise were divorce suits introduced whilst Charles II. sat upon the +throne for the first time--if the case of Henry VIII. be excepted--when +my Lord Rosse, in consequence of the misconduct of his lady, had a bill +brought into the House of Lords for dissolving his marriage and enabling +him to wed again. There being at this period, 1669, a project for +divorcing the king from the queen, it was considered Lord Rosse's suit, +if successful, would facilitate a like bill in favour of his majesty. +After many and stormy debates his lordship gained his case by a majority +of two votes. It is worth noting that two of the lords spiritual, Dr. +Cosin, Bishop of Durham, and Dr. Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, voted in +favour of the bill. + +The social history of this remarkable reign would be incomplete without +mention of the grace and patronage which Charles II. extended towards +the Society of Antiquaries. This learned body, according to Stow, had +been in existence since the days of Elizabeth; but for lack of royal +acknowledgment of its worth and lore, was permitted to languish in +neglect and finally become extinct. However, under the commonwealth the +society had revived, from the fact that numbers of the nobility being +unemployed in affairs of state, and having no court to attend, applied +themselves whilst in retirement to the study of chemistry, mathematics, +mechanism, and natural philosophy. The Duke of Devonshire, Marquis of +Worcester, Viscount Brouncker, Honourable Robert Boyle, and Sir Robert +Murray, built laboratories, made machines, opened mines, and perfected +inventions. When the temper of the times permitted, these men, with +various others of like tastes, drew together, held weekly meetings at +Gresham College in Bishopsgate Street, discoursed on abstruse subjects, +and heard erudite lectures, from Dr. Petty on chemistry, from Dr. Wren +on astronomy, from Mr. Laurence Rooke on geometry; so that the Society +of Antiquaries may be said to have been founded in the last years of the +republic. + +Now Charles II., having some knowledge of chemistry and science, looked +upon the society with favourable eyes; and in the first year of his +restoration desired to become one of its members; expressed satisfaction +it had been placed upon a proper basis in his reign; represented +the difficulty of its labours; suggested certain investigations, and +declared his interest in all its movements. Moreover, in the year 1662 +he bestowed on the society a charter in which he styled himself its +founder and patron; presented it with a silver mace to be borne before +the president on meeting days; and gave it the use of the royal arms +for a seal. Nor did his concern for its welfare cease here. He was +frequently present at its meetings, and occasionally witnessed, and +assisted "with his own hands," in the performance of experiments. Some +of these were of a singularly interesting character; amongst which may +be mentioned infusion of the blood of an animal into the veins of a man. +This took place in the year 1667, the subject being one Arthur Coga, +a minister poor in worldly substance, who, in exchange for a guinea, +consented to have the operation performed on him. Accordingly two +surgeons of great skill and learning, named Lower and King, on a certain +day injected twelve ounces of sheep's blood into his veins. After which +he smoked an honest pipe in peace, drank a glass of good canary with +relish, and found himself no worse in mind or body. And in two days more +fourteen ounces of sheep's blood were substituted for eight of his own +without loss of virility to him. + +Nor were experiments in vivisection unknown to the Royal Society, as it +was called, for the "Philosophical Transactions" speak of a dog being +tied through the back above the spinal artery, thereby depriving him of +motion until the artery was loosened, when he recovered; and again, it +is recorded that Dr. Charleton cut the spleen out of a living dog with +good success. + +The weighty discourses of the learned men who constituted the society +frequently delighted his majesty; though it must be confessed he +sometimes laughed at them, and once sorely puzzled them by asking +the following question. "Supposing," said Charles, assuming a serious +expression, and speaking in a solemn tone, "two pails of water were +placed in two different scales and weighed alike, and that a live bream +or small fish was put into one, now why should not the pail in which it +was placed weigh heavier than the other?" Most members were troubled to +find the king a fitting reply, and many strange theories were advanced +by way of explaining why the pail should not be found heavier, none of +them being thought satisfactory. But at last a man sitting far down +the table was heard to express an opinion, when those surrounding him +laughed; hearing which the king, who had not caught his words, asked him +to repeat them. "Why, your majesty," said he boldly, "I do believe the +pail would weigh heavier." "Odds-fish!" cried Charles, bursting out into +laughter, "you are right, my honest fellow!" and so the merriment became +general. + +The Royal Society was composed of men of quality with a genius for +investigation, and men of learning eager for further knowledge. Persons +of all nationalities, religions, and professions were admitted members; +and it was continually enriched by the addition of curiosities, amongst +which in particular were an herb which grew in the stomach of a thrush; +the skin of a Moor tanned, with the beard and hair white; a clock, +having movements directed by loadstone; an ostrich, whose young had been +born alive; mummies; strange fish; and the hearts and livers of vipers. +Likewise was the society endowed with gifts, amongst the most notable +being the valuable library of Henry Howard, afterwards Duke of Norfolk. + +Fostered by this society, science received its first impulse towards the +astounding progress it has since achieved. Nay, in this reign the +germs of some inventions were sown, which, subsequently springing into +existence, have startled the world by their novelty, utility, and +power, Monsieur Sorbiere, when in England, was shown a journal kept by +Montconis, concerning the transactions of the Royal Society, in which +several new devices, "which scarce can be believed unless seen," were +described. Amongst these were an instrument for showing alterations +in the weather, whether from heat, cold, wind, or rain; a method for +blowing up ships; a process for purifying salt water, so that it could +be drunk; and an instrument by which those ignorant of drawing could +sketch and design any object. He also states Dr. Wallis had taught one +born deaf and dumb to read. + +In 1663, "the right honourable (and deservedly to be praised and +admired) Edward Somerset, Marquis of Worcester," published a quaint +volume entitled "A Century of the Names and Scantlings of such +Inventions as at present I can call to mind to have tried and perfected, +which (my former notes being lost) I have, at the instance of a powerful +friend, endeavoured to set down in such a way as may sufficiently +instruct me to put any of them in practice." Amongst these are +enumerated false decks, such as in a moment should kill and take +prisoners as many as should board the ship, without blowing her up, and +in a quarter of an hour's time should recover their former shape without +discovering the secret; a portable fortification, able to contain five +hundred men, which in the space of six hours might be set up, and made +cannon-proof; a dexterous tinder-box which served as a pistol, and +was yet capable of lighting a fire or candle at any hour of the night +without giving its possessor the trouble of stretching his hand from +bed; a lock, the ways of opening which might be varied ten millions of +times, but which on a stranger touching it would cause an alarm that +could not be stopped, and would register what moneys had been taken from +its keeping; a boat which would work against wind and tide; with various +other discoveries to the number of one hundred, all arrived at from +mathematical studies. + +The means of propelling a boat against such disadvantages, to which the +Marquis of Worcester alludes, was in all probability by steam-power. +This he described as "an admirable and most forcible way to drive +up water by fire," the secret of which he is believed to have first +discovered. [Before the century was concluded, Captain Savery contrived +a steam-engine which was certainly the first put to practical uses. It +has been stated that he owed the knowledge of this invention to hints +conveyed in Lord Worcester's little volume.] In the preface to his +little book, the marquis states he had sacrificed from six to +seven hundred thousand pounds in bringing his various inventions to +perfection; after which it is satisfactory to find he derived +some profit from one of them, conceived, as he says, "by heavenly +inspiration." This was a water-engine for drying marsh-lands and mines, +requiring neither pump, suckers, barrels, bellows, nor external nor +additional help, save that afforded from its own operations. This engine +Sorbiere describes as one of the most curious things he had a mind to +see, and says one man by the help of this machine raised four large +buckets full of water in an instant forty feet high, through a pipe +eight inches long. An act of parliament was passed enabling the marquis +to reap the benefit and profit from this invention, subject to a tenth +part which was reserved for the king and his heirs. + +The Royal Society soon became one of the foremost objects of interest +in the city. Foreigners of distinction were conducted to its rooms that +they might behold the visible signs of knowledge it could proudly boast; +and women of culture were admitted to hear the lectures its members +delivered. + +Amongst these latter may be mentioned the eccentric Duchess of +Newcastle; a lady who dressed her footmen in velvet coats, habited +herself in antique gowns, wrote volumes of plays and poetry, desired the +reputation of learning, and indulged in circumstances of pomp and state. +Having expressed her desire to be present at one of the meetings of +the Royal Society, the council prepared to receive her, not, it must be +admitted, without some fear her extravagance would expose them to the +ridicule of the town, and place them fit the mercy of ballad-mongers. +So it happened one fair May-day, in the year 1667 a vast concourse of +people had assembled to witness her arrival at Arundel House in the +Strand, where the society held its meetings for some years after +the burning of Gresham College. And she in good time reaching there, +surrounded by her maids of honour, gentlemen in waiting, and lackeys, +was met by the president, Viscount Brouncker, having his mace carried +before him, and was conducted to the great room. When the meeting was +over, various experiments were tried for her satisfaction; amongst +others a piece of roasted mutton was turned into pure blood. The while +she witnessed these sights, crowds of gallants gathered round her that +they might catch and retain such fine things as fell from her lips; but +she only cried out her wonder and admiration at all she saw; and at the +end of her visit was conducted in state to her coach by several noble +lords, notable amongst whom was a vastly pretty young man, Francis +Seymour, fifth Duke of Somerset. + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + A period rich in literature.--John Milton's early life.--Writing + "Paradise Lost."--Its publication and success.--His later works and + death.--John Dryden gossips with wits and players.--Lord Rochester's + revenge.--Elkanah Settle.--John Crowne.--Thomas Otway rich in + miseries.--Dryden assailed by villains.--The ingenious Abraham + Cowley.--The author of "Hudibras."--Young Will Wycherley and Lady + Castlemaine--The story of his marriage.--Andrew Marvell, poet and + politician.--John Bunyan. + +The men of genius who lived in the days of the merry monarch have +rendered his reign, like that of Elizabeth, illustrious in the annals +of literature. The fact of "Paradise Lost," the "Pilgrim's Progress," +"Hudibras," and "Alexander's Feast" being given to the world whilst +Charles II. occupied the throne, would have sufficiently marked the +epoch as one exceeding in intellectual brilliancy; but besides these +works, an abundance of plays, poems, satires, treatises, and histories +added fresh lustre to this remarkable age. + +At the period of the restoration, John Milton had reached his +fifty-second year. He had studied in the University of Cambridge; +published the "Masque of Comus;" likewise a treatise against the +Established Church; taught school at Aldersgate Street; married a wife +and advocated divorce; printed a pamphlet to compose the minds of +those disturbed by the murder of Charles I.; as also a defence of his +murderers, justifying the monarch's execution, for which the author was +awarded a thousand pounds; had become secretary to Cromwell, whom he +stooped to flatter; and had even, on the advent of his majesty's +return, written and set forth "A Ready and Easy Way to establish a Free +Commonwealth." ["To your virtue," writes John Milton to Oliver Cromwell, +"overpowering and resistless, every man gives way, except some who, +without equal qualifications, aspire to equal honours, who envy the +distinctions of merit greater than their own, and who have yet to learn +that, in the coalition of human society, nothing is more pleasing to +God, or more agreeable to reason, than that the highest mind should have +the sovereign power. Such, sir, are you, by general confession: such +are the things achieved by you, the greatest and most glorious of +our countrymen, the director of our public councils, the leader of +unconquered armies the father of your country; for by that title does +every good man hail you with sincere and voluntary praise."] + +On the landing of Charles II. Milton withdrew to the privacy afforded +by a residence in Bartholomew Close, near West Smithfield. For a time he +was apprehensive of punishment. His pamphlet justifying the late king's +execution was, with others of a like kind, burned by the common hangman; +but though parliament ordered the attorney-general would prosecute the +authors of these works, Milton was neither seized nor brought to trial. +Soon after his arrival, Charles published an act of grace promising free +pardon to those instrumental in overthrowing his father's government, +with the exception of such as had contrived his death; and inasmuch as +Milton had but justified that monstrous act after it had taken place, +he escaped condemnation. Moreover, he received a special pardon, which +passed the privy seal in December, 1660. His escape has been attributed +to his friend Davenant. This loyal soldier had, when taken by Cromwell's +troopers in the civil war, been condemned to speedy death; from which, +by Milton's intercession, he escaped; an act of mercy Davenant +now repaid in kind, by appealing to his friends in behalf of the +republican's safety. + +Having secured his freedom, Milton lived in peace and obscurity in Jewin +Street, near Aldersgate Street. During the commonwealth his first wife, +the mother of his three children, had died; on which he sought solace +and companionship in a union with Catherine Woodcock, who survived her +marriage but twelve months; and being left free once more, he, in the +year of grace 1661, entered into the bonds of holy matrimony for a third +time, with Elizabeth Minshul, a lady of excellent family and shrewish +temper, who rendered his daughters miserable in their father's lifetime, +and defrauded them after his death. + +In order to support his family he continued to keep a school, and +likewise employed himself in writing "Paradise Lost" the composition of +which he had begun five years previously. From his youth upwards he +had been ambitious to furnish the world with some important work; and +prevision of resulting fame had given him strength and fortitude in +periods of difficulty and depression. And now the time had arrived for +realization of his dream, though stricken by blindness, harassed by an +unquiet wife, and threatened by poverty, he laboured sore for fame. The +more fully to enjoy quiet necessary to his mental condition, he removed +to a house in Artillery Walk, Bunhill Fields. His life was one of +simplicity. He rose as early as four o'clock in summer and five in +winter, and being "smit with the love of sacred song," had a chapter of +the Bible read to him; studied until twelve, dined frugally at one, and +afterwards held discourse with such friends as came to visit him. + +One of these was Thomas Elwood, a quaker much esteemed amongst good +men, who, in order that he might enjoy the advantages of the poet's +conversation, read Latin to him every afternoon save Sunday. The whilst +his voice rose and fell in regular monotony, the blind man drank his +words with thirsty ears; and so acute were the senses remaining to him, +that when Elwood read what he did not understand, Milton perceived it by +the inflection of his voice, and stopped him to explain the passage. In +fair weather the poet wandered abroad, enjoying the fragrance of sweet +pasture land, and the warmth of glad sunlight he might not behold. And +anon, seated in a high-backed chair without his door, his straight pale +face full of repose and dignity, his light brown hair falling in curls +upon his shoulders, his large grey eyes, "clear to outward view of +blemish or of spot," fixed on vacancy, his figure clad in coarse +cloth--he received those who sought his society. + +In their absence the poet spent solitary hours conning over as many +lines of the great poem as his memory could store, until one of his +friends arrived, and relieved him by taking the staazas down. Frequently +his nephew, Edward Philips, performed this task for him. To him Milton +was in the habit of showing his work as it advanced, and Philips +states he found it frequently required correction in orthography and +punctuation, by reason of the various hands which had written it. As +summer advanced, he was no longer favoured by a sight of the poem; +inquiring the reason of which, Milton told him "his vein never happily +flowed but from the autumnal equinox to the vernal; and that whatever +he attempted at other times was never to his satisfaction, though he +courted his fancy never so much." + +In the year 1665 "Paradise Lost" was completed, but no steps were taken +towards its publication, as the author, in company with his neighbours, +fled from the dreaded plague. The following year the citizens were +harassed by losses sustained from the great fire, so that Milton did not +seek to dispose of his poem until 1667; when, on the 27th of April, it +was sold to Samuel Simmons, a publisher residing in Aldersgate Street. +The agreement entered into stated Milton should receive an immediate +payment of five pounds, with the stipulation that he should be given an +equal sum on sale of thirteen hundred copies of the first edition, and +five pounds on disposal of the same number of the second edition, and +yet five pounds more after another such sale of the third edition. +Each edition was to number fifteen hundred books. Two years after the +publication of "Paradise Lost," its author received the second payment +of five pounds; five years later a third payment was made him; before +the fourth fell due his life had been set free from care. + +From the first his poem had come in contact with a few receptive minds, +and borne the blessed fruit of appreciation. Richardson recounts that +Sir John Denham, a poet and man of culture, one morning brought a +sheet of the great epic fresh from the press to his friend Sir George +Hungerford. "Why, what have you there?" asked the latter. "Part of the +noblest poem that was ever written in any, language or in any age," said +Sir John, as he laid the pages before him. And a few weeks later my Lord +Dorset, looking over a bookstall in Little Britain, found a copy of this +work, which he opened carelessly at first, until he met some passages +which struck him with surprise and filled him with admiration: observing +which the honest bookseller besought him to speak in favour of the poem, +for it lay upon his hands like so much waste-paper. My lord bought a +copy, carried it home, read and sent it to Dryden, who, in due time +returning the volume, expressed his opinion of its merits in flattering +terms. "The author," said he, "cuts us all out--aye, even the ancients +too." + +Such instances as these were, however, few in number. That the work did +not meet with wider appreciation and quicker sale is not surprising +when it is called to mind that from 1623 to 1664 but two editions of +Shakespeare's works, comprising in all about one thousand copies, had +been printed. In an age when learning was by no means universal, and +polite reading uncommon, it was indeed a scource of congratulation, +rather than a topic for commiseration, that the work of a republican had +in two years reached a sale of thirteen hundred copies. + +Before a third edition was required his fame had spread. The house in +which he had been born, in Bread Street, was shown with pride to foreign +visitors; parents sent their sons to read to him, that they might reap +the benefit of his remarks. The latter testimony to his genius was a +tribute the blind poet appreciated. But it happened there were times +and seasons when these obliging youths were not at hand, or when it was +inconvenient for him to receive them. On such occasions he demanded that +his daughters should read him the books he required, though these +were frequently written in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, and +Spanish--languages of which they were wholly ignorant. The torment this +inflicted on those striving to pronounce unaccustomed words which had +no meaning to their ears, and the torture endured by him, may readily be +conceived. Expressions of complaint on the one side, and of pain on +the other, continually interrupted the readings, which were eventually +wholly abandoned; the poet sending his children, whose education was +so limited that they were unable to write, to learn "ingenious sorts +of manufacture proper for women, particularly embroideries in gold and +Silver." + +When in 1665 Milton had shown his poem to Elwood, the good quaker +observed, "Thou hast said a great deal upon Paradise Lost: what hast +thou to say upon Paradise Found?" This question resting in the poet's +mind, in due time produced fruit; for no sooner had his first poem been +published than he set about composing the latter, which, under the name +of "Paradise Regained," was given to the world in 1670 "This," said he +to Elwood, "is owing to you; for you put it into my head by the question +which you put to me, which otherwise I had not thought of." This poem, +he believed, had merits far superior to those of "Paradise Lost," which +he could not bear to hear praised in preference to "Paradise Regained." +In the same year he published "Samson Agonistes," and two years later +a treatise on "Logic," and another on "True Religion, Heresy, Schism, +Toleration, and the Best Methods to Prevent the Growth of Popery." In +this, the mind which had soared to heaven and descended to hell in its +boundless flight, argues that catholics should not be allowed the +right of public or private worship. In the last year of his life he +republished his "Juvenile Poems," together with "Familiar Epistles in +Latin." + +He had now reached his sixty-sixth year. His life had been saddened by +blindness, his health enfeebled by illness, his domesticity troubled by +his first marriage and his last, his desires disappointed by the result +of political events. So that when, on the 10th of November, 1674, death +summoned him, he departed without regret. + +Amongst those who visited Milton was John Dryden, whom the author of +"Paradise Lost" regarded as "a good rhymester, but no poet," an opinion +with which posterity has not held. At the restoration, John Dryden was +in his twenty-ninth year. The son of Sir Erasmus Dryden, Baronet, of +Canons Ashby, he enjoyed an income of two hundred pounds a year, a sum +then considered sufficient to defray the expenses of a young man of good +breeding. He had passed through Westminster School, taken a degree at +Cambridge, written a eulogistic stanza on the death of Cromwell, and a +joyous poem on the happy restoration of the merry monarch. + +Three years after the arrival of his majesty, Dryden's comedy entitled +"The Wild Gallant" was produced, this being the first of twenty-eight +plays which followed. In the year 1668 he had the honour to succeed Sir +William Davenant as poet laureate, the salary attached to which office +was one hundred pounds a year and a tierce of wine. His dignity was +moreover enhanced, though his happiness was by no means increased, by +his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Earl of +Berkshire. For my lady's temper sorely marred the poet's peace, and +left such impressions upon his mind, that to the end of his days his +invectives against the bonds of matrimony were bitter and deep. In +justice it must be mentioned the Lady Elizabeth's mental condition +was supposed to be unsettled; a conjecture which was proved true by a +madness which befell her, subsequent to her husband's death. + +Dryden was now a well known figure in town, consorting with men of +the highest quality and parts, and gossiping with wits and players +who frequented Will's coffee-house. Here, indeed, a special chair was +appropriated to his use; which being placed by the fire in winter, and +on the balcony in summer, he was pleased to designate as his winter and +his summer seat. At Will's he was wont to hold forth on the ingenuity of +his plays, the perfection of his poems, and the truth of astrology. It +was whilst leaving this coffee house one night a memorable occurrence +befell the poet, of which more anon. + +It happened at one time the brilliant, poetical, and mercurial Earl of +Rochester extended his favour and friendship towards Dryden, gratified +by which, the poet had, after the manner of those days, dedicated a play +to him, "Marriage a la Mode." This favour his lordship received with +graciousness, and no doubt repaid with liberality. After a while, +Dryden, led by choice or interest, sought a new patron in the person of +the Earl of Mulgrave. For this nobleman Rochester had long entertained +a bitter animosity, which had arisen from rivalry, and had been +intensified from the fact that Rochester, refusing to fight him, had +been branded as a coward. Not daring to attack the peer, Rochester +resolved to avenge himself upon the poet. In order to effect his +humiliation, the earl at once bestowed his favour on Elkanah Settle, a +playwright and poet of mean abilities. He had originally been master +of a puppet-show, had written verses to order for city pageants, and +produced a tragedy in heroic verse, entitled "Cambyses, King of Persia." + +His patron being at this time in favour with the king, introduced Settle +to the notice of the court, and induced the courtiers to play his second +tragedy, "The Empress of Morocco," at Whitehall, before their majesties. +This honour, which Dryden, though poet laureate, had never received, +gave Elkanah Settle unmerited notoriety; the benefit of which was +apparent by the applause his tragedy received when subsequently produced +at the Duke's Theatre in Dorset Gardens. Nor did the honour and profit +which "The Empress of Morocco" brought him end here; it was published by +William Cademan, and had the distinction of being the first English play +ever illustrated, or sold for the price of two shillings. It was scarce +to be expected, in an age when men ventilated their merest grievances by +the publication of pamphlets, Dryden could refrain from pointing out to +the public the mistake into which they had fallen by honouring this man. +Nor was he singular in his feelings of animosity. The poets Shadwell and +Crowne, believing themselves ignored and neglected, whilst their rival +was enriched and exalted, joined Dryden in writing a merciless criticism +upon Settle's tragedy. This was entitled "The Empress of Morocco, +or some few erratas to be printed instead of the sculptures +[Illustrations.], with the second edition of the play." In this Settle +was described as "an animal of a most deplored intellect, without +reading and understanding;" whilst his play was characterized as "a tale +told by an idiot, full of noise and fury signifying nothing." To these +remarks and others of like quality, Settle replied in the same strain, +so that the quarrel diverted the town and even disturbed the quiet of +the universities. Time did ample justice to both men; lowering Settle +to play the part of a dragon in a booth at Bartholomew Fair, and +consecrating Dryden to immortality. + +Before the clamour resulting from this dispute had ended, Rochester, +fickle and eccentric, grew weary of his PROTEGE and consequently +abandoned him. He had not, however, tired of humiliating the laureate, +and to mortify him the more, introduced a new poet at court, This +was John Crowne, a man then little known to the town, and now best +remembered as author of "Sir Courtly Nice," a comedy of wit and +entertainment. So well did he succeed in obtaining favour at court, +through Rochester's influence, that the queen ordered him to write a +masque. This command he immediately obeyed, producing "Calisto, or the +Chaste Nymph," which was acted at Whitehall by the Duke of York's fair +daughters, the Princesses Mary and Anne, together with many gracious +ladies and noble lords. Dryden, probably the better to hide the +mortification he felt at seeing his office as laureate unceremoniously +usurped, offered to write an epilogue for the occasion; but this service +was, through Rochester's interference, rejected. The masque proved a +brilliant success; "the dancing, singing, and music, which were all in +the highest perfection, and the graceful action, incomparable beauty, +and splendid habits of those ladies who accompanied them, afforded the +spectators extraordinary delight." "Calisto" was therefore performed +thirty times. + +The author's gratitude for his lordship's patronage was only equalled +by his disappointment upon its hasty withdrawal. Growing weary of him, +Rochester found a more worthy object for his favour in Thomas Otway, a +poet rich in all the miseries which afflicted genius in those days. Son +of the rector of Woolbeding, pupil at Winchester School, and commoner +of Christchurch, Cambridge, he had on his arrival in town vainly sought +employment as an actor, and barely earned bread as a play-writer. Before +he became a PROTEGE of my Lord Rochester he had written "Alcibiades," a +tragedy, he being then, in 1665, in his twenty-fifth year. His next play +was "Don Carlos, Prince of Spain," which, through the earl's influence, +gained great success. In the preface to this tragedy he acknowledges his +unspeakable obligations to my lord, who he says made it his business to +establish "Don Carlos" in the good opinion of the king and of his royal +highness the Duke of York. Unwarned by the fate of his predecessors, +and heedless of the fickleness of his patron, he basked in hope in the +present, mercifully unconscious of the cruel death by starvation which +awaited him in the future. Alas! Rochester not only forsook him, but +loaded him with satire in a poem entitled "Session of the Poets." + +In verses which he wrote soon after, entitled "An Allusion to the Tenth +Satire," Rochester likewise attacked Dryden; who, in the preface of his +"All for Love," replied in like manner. Then there appeared an "Essay on +Satire," which ridiculed the king, dealt severely with his mistresses, +said uncivil things of the courtiers in general, and of my Lord +Rochester in particular. The noble earl was indeed described as being +"lewd in every limb," affected in his wit, mean in his actions, and +cowardly in his disposition. Now, though this was conceived and brought +forth by my Lord Mulgrave, Rochester suspected Dryden of its authorship, +and resolved to punish him forthwith. Accordingly on the night of the +18th of December, 1679, when Dryden was passing through Rose Street, +Covent Garden, on his homeward way from Will's Coffee House, he was +waylaid by some ruffians, and, before he could draw his sword, promptly +surrounded and severely beaten. + +This occurrence caused considerable sensation throughout the town, and +though surmises arose in many minds as to who had hired the bravoes, it +was found impossible to prove them. In hope of gaining some clue to the +instigator of the attack, Dryden caused the following advertisement to +be inserted in the LONDON GAZETTE AND DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE for three +consecutive days: "Whereas John Dryden, Esq., was on Monday, the 18th +instant, at night, barbarously assaulted and wounded in Rose Street, in +Covent Garden, by divers men unknown; if any person shall make discovery +of the said offenders to the said Mr. Dryden, or to any justice of the +peace, he shall not only receive fifty pounds, which is deposited in the +hands of Mr. Blanchard Goldsmith, next door to Temple Bar, for the said +purpose; but if he be a principal or an accessory in the said fact, his +majesty is graciously pleased to promise him his pardon for the same." + +Dryden sought no opportunity for revenge; for which restraint, outliving +Rochester, and having a noble mind and generous disposition, he was no +doubt glad at heart. Not only did he survive the earl, but likewise the +king. To the company and conversation of that gracious sovereign the +poet was frequently admitted, a privilege which resulted in satisfaction +and pleasure to both. One pleasant day towards the end of his majesty's +reign, whilst they walked in the Mall, Charles said to him, "If I were +a poet, and indeed I think I am poor enough to be one, I would write a +satire on sedition." Taking this hint, Dryden speedily set himself to +work, and brought a poem on such a subject to his royal master, who +rewarded him with a hundred broad pieces. + +Amongst Dryden's friends was the excellent and ingenious Abraham Cowley, +whose youth had given the promise of distinction his manhood fulfilled. +It is related that when quite a lad, he found in the window recess of +his mother's apartment a copy of Spencer's "Faerie Queene." Opening the +book, he read it with delight, and his receptive mind reflecting the +poet's fire, he resolved likewise to exercise the art of poesy. In 1628, +when at the age of ten, he wrote "The Tragic History of Pyramus and +Thisbe;" five years later he published a volume of poems; and whilst yet +a schoolboy wrote his pastoral comedy, "Love's Riddle." + +When at St. John's College, Oxford, he gave proof of his loyalty by +writing a poem entitled the "Puritan and the Papist," which gained him +the friendship of courtiers. On the Queen of Charles I. taking refuge in +France, he soon followed her, and becoming secretary to the Earl of St. +Albans, conducted the correspondence between her majesty and the king, +ciphering and deciphering their letters, and such as were sent or +received by those immediately concerned in the cause of royalty. In this +situation he remained until four years previous to the restoration, when +he was sent into England for the purpose of observing the condition of +the nation, and reporting the same. Scarce had he set foot in London +when he was seized, examined, and only liberated on a friend offering +bail for him to the amount of one thousand pounds. + +The better to disguise the object of his visit, and lull suspicions of +republicans, he took out the degree of Doctor of Physic at Oxford; after +which he retired into Kent, where he devoted a great portion of his +time to the study of botany and the composition of poetry. On Cromwell's +death he hastened to France, and remained there until the king's return; +which he celebrated by a song of triumph. Like hundreds of others who +had served Charles in his exile, he looked forward to gratitude and +reward, but met disappointment and neglect. Amongst the numerous places +and employments the change of government opened in court and state, not +one was offered the loyal poet. + +Nay, his hardships did not end here; for having, in 1663, produced his +merry comedy, "Cutter of Coleman Street," it was treated with severity +as a censure upon the king. Feeling over-nervous to witness the +result of its first representation, the poet absented himself from the +playhouse; but thither his friends Dryden and Sprat sped, hoping they +might be able to bear him tidings of its triumph. When they returned to +him at night and told him of its fate, "he received the news of its +ill success," says Sprat, "not with so much firmness as might have been +expected from so great a man." Of all intent to satirize the king he was +entirely innocent--a fact he set before the public in the preface to his +play on its publication. Having, he argues, followed the fallen fortunes +of the royal family so long, it was unlikely he would select the time of +their restoration to quarrel with them. + +Feeling his grievances acutely, he now published a poem called "The +Complaint," which met with but little success; whereon, depressed by +ill-fortune and disgusted by ingratitude, he sought consolation in the +peace of a country life. Through the influence of his old friend, Lord +St. Albans, and the Duke of Buckingham, he obtained a lease of the +queen's lands at Chertsey, which produced him an income of about three +hundred pounds a year--a sum sufficient for his few wants and moderate +desires. He resided here but two years, when he died, on the 28th of +July, 1667. Milton, on hearing of his death, was troubled. The three +greatest English poets, he declared, were Spenser, Shakespeare, and +Cowley. + +The ungrateful neglect with which he was treated in life was sought to +be atoned for by useless honours paid him after death. His remains were +first conveyed to Wallingford House, then a residence of the Duke +of Buckingham, from whence they were carried in a coach drawn by six +horses, and followed by all the men of letters and wits of the town, +divers stately bishops, courtiers, and men of quality, whose carriages +exceeded one hundred in number, to Westminster Abbey. Here the Poet was +laid at rest beside Geoffrey Chaucer, and not far removed from gentle +Spenser, whose words had first inspired his happy muse. + +The literary wealth of this reign was furthermore enhanced by the genius +of Butler, the inimitable author of "Hudibras," concerning whom little +is known, save that he was born in 1612, and spent his life in poverty. +He passed some years as clerk to a justice of the peace; he also served +a great man's steward, and acted as secretary to Sir Samuel Luke, one +of Cromwell's officers. With those of the commonwealth he held no part; +that he was a royalist at heart his great satire indicates. The first +part of this was published in the third year of the restoration, and was +introduced to the notice of his majesty by my Lord Dorset. So delighted +was the monarch by its wit that its lines were continually on his lips, +an example speedily followed by the courtiers. It was considered +certain a man possessing such brilliant genius and loyal nature would be +rewarded with place or pension; but neither boon was bestowed upon him. +Resting his hopes on future achievements, the second part of "Hudibras" +appeared in 1664; but again his recompense was delayed. Clarendon made +him promises of valuable employments, which were never fulfilled; and to +soothe his disappointment the king sent him a present of three hundred +guineas. + +Indignant at the neglect from which he suffered, his friend Wycherley +spoke to the Duke of Buckingham on his behalf, saying it was a shame to +the court a man of Butler's parts should be allowed to suffer want. With +this his grace readily agreed, and promised to use his influence towards +remedying the poet's ill-fortune; but time went by, and his condition +remained unaltered. Whereon Wycherley conceived the idea of bringing +Butler and the duke together, that the latter might the more certainly +remember him. He therefore succeeded in making his grace name an +hour and place in which they might meet. So it came to pass they were +together one day at the Roebuck Tavern; but scarce had Buckingham opened +his lips when a pimp of his acquaintance--"the creature was likewise +a knight"--passed by with a couple of ladies. To a man of Buckingham's +character the temptation was too seductive to be neglected; accordingly, +he darted after those who allured him, leaving the needy poet, whom he +saw no more. Butler lived until 1680, dying in poverty. Longueville, +having in vain solicited a subscription to defray the expenses of the +poet's burial in Westminster Abbey, laid him to rest in the churchyard +of Covent Garden. + +Wycherley, the friend of Butler, though a child of the Muses, was +superior to poverty. He was born in the year of grace 1640, and early +in life sent for his better education into France. Returning to England +soon after the king had come unto his own, young Wycherley entered +Queen's College, Oxford, from whence he departed without obtaining a +degree. He then betook himself to town, and became a law student. The +Temple, however, had less attraction for him than the playhouse. Indeed, +before leaving Oxford he had, written a couple of comedies--to wit, +"Love in a Wood," and "The Gentleman Dancing Master," a fact +entitling him to be considered a man of parts. Not satisfied with this +distinction, he soon developed tastes for pleasures of the town, and +became a man of fashion. His wit illuminated choice gatherings of +congenial spirits at coffee-houses; his epigrams were repeated by boon +companions in the precincts of the court. + +In the year 1672 his comedy "Love in a Wood" was produced. It +immediately gained universal favour, and, moreover, speedily attracted +the attention of his majesty's mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland. +Wycherley was a man well to look upon: her grace was a lady eager +for adventure. Desiring his acquaintance, and impatient of delay, she +introduced herself to his notice in a manner eminently characteristic +of the age. It happened when driving one day through Pall Mall, she +encountered Wycherley riding in his coach in an opposite direction. +Thrusting her head out of the window of her vehicle, she saluted the +author with a title unknown to the conversations of polite society in +the present day. + +The fashionable playwright understanding the motive which prompted her +remark, hastily ordered his coach to follow hers; and, overtaking her, +uncovered and began a speech becoming so ardent a gallant. + +"Madam," said he, "you have been pleased to bestow a title on me +which belongs only to the fortunate. Will your ladyship be at the play +to-night?" + +"Well," replied her grace, well pleased at this beginning, "what if I am +there?" + +"Why, then," answered he, "I will be there to wait on your ladyship, +though I disappoint a fine woman who has made me an assignation." + +"So," said this frail daughter of Eve, greedily swallowing his flattery, +"you are sure to disappoint a woman who has favoured you for one who has +not?" + +"Yes," quoth he, readily enough, "if the one who has not favoured me is +the finer woman of the two. But he who can be constant to your ladyship +till he can find a finer, is sure to die your captive." + +That night her grace sat in the front row of the king's box at Drury +Lane playhouse, and sure enough there was handsome Will Wycherley +sitting in the pit underneath. The gentleman cast his eyes upwards +and sighed; the lady looked down and played with her fan; after which +preliminaries they fell into conversation which both found far more +interesting than the comedy then being enacted before their eyes. This +was the beginning of an intimacy concerning which the court made merry, +and of which the town spoke scandal. My lady disguised herself as a +country wench, and visited his chambers, Mr. Wycherley dedicated his +play, "Love in a Wood," to her in elegant phraseology, He was of opinion +that she stood as little in need of flattery as her beauty did of art; +he was anxious to let the world know he was the greatest admirer she +had; and he was desirous of returning her his grateful acknowledgment +for the favours he had received from her. + +The interest of this romance was presently intensified by the +introduction of a rival in the person of the Duke of Buckingham. +Probably from fear an intrigue with such a prominent figure would, if +indulged in, quickly become known to the king, she refused to encourage +Buckingham's love. His grace was not only a passionate lover, but +likewise a revengeful man; accordingly, he resolved to punish my lady +for her lack of good taste. It therefore became his habit to speak of +her intrigues before the court, and to name the individuals who received +her favours. Now Wycherley, being amongst these, grew fearful his amour +with the duchess should become known to the king, from whom at this time +he expected an appointment. Accordingly, he besought his good friends, +Lord Rochester and Sir Charles Sedley, to remonstrate on his behalf with +the duke. These gentlemen undertook that kindly office, and in order +to make the rivals acquainted, besought his grace to sup with the +playwright. The duke complying with their request, met Wycherley in a +friendly spirit, and soon professed himself delighted with his wit; nay, +before the feast was over he drank his health in a bumper of red wine, +and declared himself Mr. Wycherley's very good friend and faithful +servant henceforth. + +Moreover, he was as good as his word; for, being master of the horse, he +soon after appointed Wycherley an equerry, and subsequently gave him a +commission as captain of a regiment of which he was colonel. Nor did the +duke's services to the dramatist end here; for when occasion offered he +introduced him to the merry monarch, and so pleased was the king +with the author's conversational powers that he admitted him to his +friendship. His majesty's regard for Wycherley gradually ripened, and +once when he lay ill of fever at his lodgings in Bow Street, Covent +Garden, the merry monarch visited him, cheered him with words of +kindness, and promised he would send him to Montpelier when he was well +enough to travel. For this good purpose Charles sent him five hundred +pounds, and Wycherley spent the winter of 1679 abroad. + +Previous to this date he had written, besides his first comedy, three +others which had been received with great favour by the town, viz., "The +Gentleman Dancing Master," "The Country Wife," and "The Plain Dealer." +Soon after his return to England the crisis of his life arrived, and he +married. His introduction to the lady whom fate ordained to become his +wife is not the least singular episode in a remarkable biography. Being +at Tunbridge Wells, then a place of fashion and liberty, he was one +day walking with a friend named Fairbeard. And it happened as they were +passing a book-stall they overheard a gentlewoman inquire for the "Plain +Dealer." + +"Madam," says Mr. Fairbeard, uncovering, "since you are for the 'Plain +Dealer,' there he is for you;" whereon he led Wycherley towards her. + +"This lady," says that gentleman, making her a profound bow, "can bear +plain speaking; for she appears to be so accomplished, that what would +be compliment said to others, spoken to her would be plain dealing." + +"No truly, sir," replied the lady; "I am not without my faults, like +the rest of my sex; and yet, notwithstanding all my faults, I love +plain dealing, and never am more fond of it than when it points out my +errors." + +"Then, madam," said Mr. Fairbeard, "you and the plain dealer seem +designed by heaven for each other." + +These pretty speeches having been delivered and received with every mark +of civility, Mr. Wycherley made his exit with the lady, who was none +other than the Countess of Drogheda, a young widow gifted with beauty +and endowed by fortune. Day by day he waited on her at her lodging, +accompanied her in her walks, and attended her to the assemblies. +Finally, when she returned to town he married her. It is sad yet true +the union did not result in perfect happiness. Mr. Wycherley had a +reputation for gallantry, the Countess of Drogheda was the victim of +suspicion. Knowing jealousy is beget by love, and mindful of sacrifices +she had made in marrying him, Wycherley behaved towards her with much +kindness. In compliance with her wishes he desisted visiting the court, +a place she probably knew from experience was rife with temptation; and +moreover when he cracked a bottle of wine with convivial friends at the +Cock Tavern, opposite his lodgings in Bow Street, he, for the greater +satisfaction of his wife, would leave the windows open of the room in +which he sat, that she might from the vantage ground of her home see +there were no hussies in the company. + +As proof of her love, she, when dying, settled her fortune upon him; but +unhappily his just right was disputed by her family. The case therefore +went into litigation, for the expenses of which, together with other +debts, Wycherley was cast into prison. Here the brilliant wit, clever +writer, and boon companion, was allowed to remain seven long years. When +released from this vile bondage, another king than the merry monarch +occupied the English throne. + +The name of Andrew Marvel is inseparably connected with this period. He +was born in the year 1620 in the town of Kingston-upon-Hull; his +father being a clever school-master, worthy minister, and "an excellent +preacher, who never broached what he had never brewed, but that which he +had studied some compitent time before." At the age of fifteen, Andrew +Marvell was sent to Trinity College, Cambridge. But he had not long been +there when he withdrew himself, lured, as some authorities state, by +wiles of the wicked Jesuits; repulsed, as others say, by severities of +the head of his college. Leaving the university, he set out for London, +where his father, who hastened thither in search of him, found him +examining some old volumes on a book-stall. He was prevailed to return +to his college, where, in 1638, he took his degree as bachelor of arts. + +On the completion of his studies and death of his father, he travelled +through Holland, France, and Italy. Whilst abroad he began to produce +those satirical verses such as were destined to render him famous. +One of his earliest efforts in this direction was aimed at the Abbe de +Maniban, a learned ecclesiastic, whose chief fault in Marvell's eyes lay +in the fact of his professing to judge characters from handwriting. + +Whilst in Italy, Andrew Marvell met John Milton, and they having many +tastes and convictions in common, became fast friends. In 1653, the +former returned to England, and for some time acted as tutor to Mistress +Fairfax; he being an excellent scholar, and a great master of the Latin +tongue. He now led a peaceful and obscure life until 1657. In that +year, Milton, "laying aside," as he wrote, "those jealousies, and that +emulation which mine own condition might suggest to me," introduced him +to Bradshaw; soon after which he was made assistant-secretary to Milton, +who was then in the service of Cromwell. + +He had not been long engaged in this capacity, when the usurper died; +and Marvell's occupation being gone, the goodly burgesses of the town +of Hull, who loved him well, elected him as their representative in +parliament, for which service, in accordance with a custom of the time, +he was paid. The salary, it is true, was not large, amounting to two +shillings a day for borough members; yet when kindly feeling and honest +satisfaction mutually existed between elector and representative, as in +Marvell's case, the wage was at times supplemented by such acceptable +additions as home-cured pork and home-brewed ale, "We must first give +you thanks," wrote Marvell on one occasion to his constituents, on the +receipt of a cask of beer, "for the kind present you have pleased to +send us, which will give occasion to us to remember you often; but the +quantity is so great, that it might make sober men forgetful." + +He now, in the warfare of political life, made free use of his keen wit +and bitter sarcasm as serviceable weapons. These were chiefly employed +in exposing measures he considered calculated to ruin the country, +though they might gratify the king. However, he had no hatred of +monarchy, but would occasionally divert Charles by the sharpness of his +satire and brilliancy of his wit. Considering how valuable these would +be if employed in service of the court, Charles resolved to tempt +Marvell's integrity. For this purpose the Lord Treasurer Danby sought +and found him in his chamber, situated in the second floor of a mean +house standing in a court off the Strand. Groping his way up the dark +and narrow staircase of the domicile, the great minister stumbled, and +falling against a door, was precipitated into Marvell's apartment, head +foremost. Surprised at his appearance, the satirist asked my Lord Danby +if he had not mistaken his way. "No," said the courtier with a bow, "not +since I have found Mr. Marvell." He then proceeded to tell him that the +king, being impressed by a high sense of his abilities, was desirous of +serving him. Apprehending what services were expected in return, Marvell +answered that he who accepted favours from the court was bound to vote +in its interests. "Nay," said my lord, "his majesty but desires to +know if there is any place at court you would accept." On which Marvell +replied he could receive nothing with honour, for either he must treat +the king with ingratitude by refusing compliance with court measures, +or be a traitor to his country by yielding to them. The only favour he +therefore begged was, that his majesty would esteem him a loyal subject; +the truer to his interests in refusing his offers than he would be +by accepting them. It is stated that Lord Danby, surprised at so much +purity in an age of corruption, furthermore tempted him with a bag of +gold, which Marvell obstinately refused to accept. + +He died suddenly in the year 1678, leaving behind him a reputation for +humour and satire which has rarely been excelled. + +Besides these poets and dramatists, there were other great men, who +as prose writers, helped to render the literary history of the period +remarkable for its brilliancy. Amongst these were Lord Clarendon, High +Chancellor of England, concerning whom much has already been said; and +Thomas Hobbs of Malmesbury, better known as author of "The History +of the Causes of the Civil War," and of "Human Nature," than as a +translator of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Dr. Gilbert Burnet, author of +"The History of his Own Times;" and Dr. Ralph Cudworth, author of "The +True Intellectual System of the Universe," were likewise men of note. +But one whose name is far more familiar than any writer of his time is +John Bunyan, author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." + +He was the son of a tinker, and was born within a mile of Bedford town +in the year 1628. He imbibed at an early age the spirit of Puritanism, +fought in the civil wars, took to himself a wife, and turned preacher. +Six months after the merry monarch landed, Bunyan was flung into Bedford +gaol, where, rather than refrain from puritanical discourses, in the +utterance of which he believed himself divinely inspired, he remained, +with some short intervals of liberty, for twelve years. When offered +freedom at the price of silence, he replied, "If you let me out to-day, +I will preach to-morrow." Nay, even in his confinement he delivered +sermons to his fellow-prisoners; and presently he commenced to write. +His convictions leading him to attack the liturgy of the Church of +England, and the religion of the Quakers, his productions became popular +amongst dissenters. At length, by an act annulling the penal statutes +against Protestant Nonconformists and Roman Catholics, passed in 1671, +he was liberated. When he left prison he carried with him a portion of +his "Pilgrim's Progress," which was soon after completed and published, +though at what date remains uncertain. In 1678 a second edition was +printed, and such was the growth of its popularity, that six editions +were issued within the following four years. + +Now he became famous, his lot was far different from what it had been; +his sermons were heard by eager audiences, his counsel was sought +by those in trouble, his prayers were regarded as the utterances of +inspiration. Once a year he rode, attended by vast crowds, from Bedford +Town to London City, that he might preach to those burdened by sin; and +from the capital he made a circuit of the country, where he was hailed +as a prophet. His life extended beyond the reign of King Charles; his +influence lasted till his death. + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.--The Rye House + conspiracy.--Profligacy of the court.--The three duchesses.--The king + is taken ill.--The capital in consternation.--Dr. Ken questions his + majesty.--A Benedictine monk sent for.--Charles professes catholicity + and receives the Sacraments.--Farewell to all.--His last night on + earth.--Daybreak and death.--He rests in peace. + +His majesty's habits changed but little with the flight of time, To the +end of his reign the court continued brilliant and profligate. Wits, +courtezans, and adventurers crowded the royal drawing-rooms, and +conversed without restraint; the monarch pursued his pleasures with +unsatiated zest, taking to himself two new mistresses, Lady Shannon +and Catherine Peg, who respectively bore him a daughter and a son, duly +created Countess of Yarmouth and Earl of Plymouth. For a while, indeed, +a shadow fell upon the life of the merry monarch, when, in 1683, he was +roused to a sense of danger by discovery of the Rye House conspiracy. + +This foul plot, entered into by the Whigs on failure of the Exclusion +Bill, had for its object the murder of his majesty and of the Duke of +York. Before arriving at maturity its existence and intentions were +revealed by one of the conspirators, when William Lord Russell, the Earl +of Essex, and Algernon Sidney, second son of the Earl of Leicester, were +arrested and charged with high treason. My Lord Essex died in the Tower +by his own hand; Lord Russell was condemned on testimony of one witness, +and duly executed; as was likewise Algernon Sidney, whose writings on +Republicanism were used as evidence against him. On the revelation +of this wicked scheme the country became wildly excited, and the king +grievously afflicted. A melancholy seized upon his majesty, who stirred +not abroad without double guards; and the private doors of Whitehall and +avenues of the park were closed. + +From this condition, however, he gradually recovered, and resumed his +usual habits. Accordingly, we find him engaged in "luxurious dalliance +and prophaneness" with the Duchess of Mazarine, and visiting the Duchess +of Portsmouth betimes in her chamber, where that bold and voluptuous +woman, fresh risen from bed, sat in loose garments talking to the king +and his gallants, the while her maids combed her beautiful hair. + +"I can never forget," says John Evelyn, writing on the 4th of February, +1685, "the inexpressible luxury and prophaneness, gaming, and all +dissoluteness, and as it were total forgetfullnesse of God (it being +Sunday evening), which this day se'nnight I was witnesse of, the king +sitting and toying with his concubines, Portsmouth, Cleveland, and +Mazarine, etc., a French boy singing love songs in that glorious +gallery, whilst about twenty of the greate courtiers and other dissolute +persons were at basset round a large table, a bank of at least two +thousand in gold before them, upon which two gentlemen who were with me +made reflexions with astonishment. Six days after was all in the dust." + +For now the end of all things had come for Charles Stuart. It happened +on the morning of the 2nd of February, 1685, the day being Monday, the +king whilst in his bedroom was seized by an apoplectic fit, when crying +out, he fell back in his chair, and lay as one dead. Wildly alarmed, his +attendants summoned Dr. King, the physician in waiting, who immediately +bled him, and had him carried to bed. Then tidings spread throughout the +palace, that his majesty hovered betwixt life and death; which should +claim him no man might say. Whereon the Duke of York hastened to his +bedside, as did likewise the queen, her face blanched, her eyes wild +with terror. His majesty after some time recovering consciousness, +slowly realized his sad condition. Then he conceived a fear, the +stronger as begotten by conviction, that the sands of his life had run +their course. Throughout that day and the next he fainted frequently, +and showed symptoms of epilepsy. On Wednesday he was cupped and bled +in both jugulars; but on Thursday he was pronounced better, when the +physicians, anxious to welcome hope, spoke of his probable recovery. + +But, alas, the same evening he grew restless, and signs of fever became +apparent. Jesuits' powders, then of great repute, were given him, but +with no good result. Complaining of a pain in his side, the doctors drew +twelve ounces more of blood from him. Exhaustion then set in; all hope +of life was over. + +Meanwhile, the capital was in a state of consternation. Prayers for his +majesty's recovery were offered up in all churches throughout the city; +likewise in the royal chapels, where the clergy relieved each other +every quarter of an hour. Crowds gathered by day and night without the +palace gates, eager to learn the latest change in the king's condition +from those who passed to and fro. Inside Whitehall all was confusion. +Members of the Privy Council assembled in the room adjoining that where +the monarch lay; politicians and ambassadors conversed in whispers in +the disordered apartments; courtiers of all degrees flocked through the +corridors bearing signs of deep concern upon their countenances. + +And amongst others who sought his majesty's presence was the Archbishop +of Canterbury, together with the Bishops of London, Durham, Ely, and +Bath and Wells; all being anxious to render spiritual services to the +king. Of these good men, Charles liked best Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and +Wells, having most faith in his honesty. For, when his lordship was a +prebend of Winchester, it had happened Charles passed through that city, +accompanied by Nell Gwynn, when Dr. Ken refused to receive her beneath +his roof even at the king's request. This proof of integrity so pleased +his majesty, that he gave him the next vacant bishopric by way of +reward. And now, his lordship being at hand, he read prayers for the +Sick from out the Common Prayer Book for his benefit, until coming to +that part where the dying are exhorted to make confession of their sins, +when the bishop paused and said such was not obligatory. He then asked +his majesty if he were sorry for the iniquities of his life? when the +sick man, whose heart was exceeding heavy, replied he was; whereon the +bishop pronounced absolution, and asked him if he would receive the +Sacrament. To this Charles made no reply, until the same question had +been repeated several times, when his majesty answered he would think of +it. + +The Duke of York, who stood by the while, noting the king's answer, and +aware of his tendencies towards Catholicism, bade those who had gathered +round stand aside; and then, bending over him, asked in a low tone if +he might send for a priest. A look of unspeakable relief came into the +king's face, and he answered, "For God's sake do, brother, and lose no +time." Then another thought flashing across his mind, he said, "But will +not this expose you to much danger?" James made answer, "Though it cost +me my life I will bring you a priest." He then hurried into the next +room, where, among all the courtiers, he could find no man he could +trust, save a foreigner, one Count Castelmachlor. Calling him aside, he +secretly despatched him in search of a priest. + +Between seven and eight o'clock that evening, Father Huddleston, the +Benedictine friar who had aided the king's escape after the battle of +Worcester, awaited at the queen's back stairs the signal to appear in +his majesty's presence. The duke being made aware of the fact, announced +it to the king, who thereon ordered all in his room to withdraw; but +James, mindful that slander might afterwards charge him with killing +his brother, begged the Earl of Bath, the lord of the bedchamber then +in waiting, and the Earl of Feversham, captain of the guard, might +stay--saying to the king it was not fitting he should be unattended in +his weak condition. These gentlemen therefore remained. And no sooner +had all others departed than the monk was admitted by a private entrance +to the chamber. The king received him with great joy and satisfaction, +stating he was anxious to die in the communion of the catholic church, +and declaring he was sorry for the wrongs of his past life, which he yet +hoped might be pardoned through the merits of Christ. + +He then, as we read in the Stuart Papers, "with exceeding compunction +and tenderness of heart," made an exact confession of his sins, after +which he repeated an act of contrition, and received absolution. He +next desired to have the other Sacraments of the church proper to his +condition administered to him: on which the Benedictine asked if he +desired to receive the Eucharist; eagerly he replied, "If I am worthy +pray fail not to let me have it." Then Father Huddleston, after some +exhortation, prepared to give him the Sacrament; when the dying man, +struggling to raise himself, exclaimed, "Let me meet my heavenly Lord in +a better posture than lying in bed." But the priest begged he would not +move, and then gave him the Communion, which he received with every sign +of fervour. And for some time he prayed earnestly, the monk and the duke +kneeling by the while, silence obtaining in the room. This was presently +broken by the sad and solemn tones of the priest's voice, reading +a commendation of the soul to its Maker: the which being ended, the +Benedictine, with tears in his eyes, took leave of his majesty. "Ah," +said Charles, "you once saved my body; you have now saved my soul." Then +the monk gave him his benediction, and departed as quietly as he had +come. + +Then those waiting without were once more admitted to the room, when +Charles nerved himself to take a sad farewell of those around him. He +first publicly thanked his brother for the services and affection he +had ever rendered him through life, and extolled his obedience and +submission to his commands. Giving him his keys, he said he had left +him all he possessed, and prayed God would bless him with a happy and +prosperous reign. Finally, he recommended all his children to him by +name, excepting only the Duke of Monmouth then in Holland, and suffering +from the king's displeasure; and besought him to extend his kindness +towards the Duchesses of Portsmouth and Cleveland; "and do not," said +he, "let poor Nelly starve." Whilst these commands were addressed him, +the duke had flung himself on his knees by the bedside, and, bursting +into tears, kissed his brother's hand. + +The queen, who had scarce left his majesty since the beginning of his +illness, was at this time absent, her love and grief not permitting her +to endure this afflicting scene. He spoke most tenderly of her; and +when presently she sent a message praying he would pardon her absence in +regard to her excessive grief, and forgive her withal if at any time she +had offended him, he replied, "Alas, poor woman! She beg my pardon?--I +beg hers, with all my heart." He next summoned his children to him, one +by one, and addressing them with words of advice, embraced them heartily +and blessed them fervently. And he being the Lord's anointed, the +bishops present besought he would give them his benediction likewise, +and all that were present, and in them the whole body of his subjects; +in compliance with which request he, with some difficulty, raised +himself, and all falling on their knees, he blessed them fervently. Then +they arose and departed. + +Silence fell upon the palace; night wore slowly away. Charles tossed +upon his bed racked with pain, but no complaint escaped his lips. Those +who watched him in the semi-darkened room heard him ask God to accept +his sufferings in atonement for his sins. Then, speaking aloud, he +declared himself weary of life, and hoped soon to reach a better +world. Courteous to the last, he begged pardon for the trouble he gave, +inasmuch as he was long in dying. And anon he slumbered, and quickly +woke again in agony and prayed with zeal. Never had time moved with +slower passage for him; not hours, but weeks, seemed to elapse between +each stroke of the clock; and yet around him was darkness and tardy +night. But after much weary waiting, morning was at hand, the time-piece +struck six. "Draw the curtains," said the dying man, "that I may once +more see day." The grey light of a February dawn, scarce brightened +to eastward a cheerless sky; but he hailed this herald of sunrise with +infinite relief and terrible regret; relief that he had lived to see +another day; regret that no more morns should break for him. + +His soul tore itself from his body with fierce struggles and bitter +pain. It was hard for him to die, but he composed himself to enter +eternity "with the piety becoming a Christian, and the resolution +becoming a king;" as his brother narrates. About ten o'clock on Friday +morning, February 6th, 1685, he found relief in unconsciousness; before +midday chimed he was dead. He had reached the fifty-fifth year of his +life, and the twenty-fifth year of his reign. + +His illegitimate progeny was numerous, numbering fifteen, besides those +who died in infancy. These were the Duke of Monmouth and a daughter +married to William Sarsfield, children of Lucy Walters; the Dukes of +Southampton, Grafton, and Northumberland, the Countesses of Litchfield +and of Sussex, and a daughter Barbara, who became a nun, children of +the Duchess of Cleveland; the Duke of Richmond, son of the Duchess of +Portsmouth; the Duke of St. Albans, and a son James, children of Nell +Gwynn; Lady Derwentwater, daughter of Moll Davis; the Countess of +Yarmouth, daughter of Lady Shannon; and the Earl of Plymouth, son of +Catherine Peg. + +For seven days the remains of the late king lay in state; on the eighth +they were placed in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was of necessity +conducted in a semi-private manner for by reason of his majesty dying +in the Catholic religion, his brother considered it desirable the +ceremonies prescribed for the occasion by the English church should be +dispensed with. Therefore, in order to avoid disputes or scandal, the +king was laid in the tomb without ostentation. At night his remains were +carried from the painted chamber in Westminster sanctuary to the abbey. +The procession, headed by the servants of the nobility, of James II., +and his queen, of the dowager queen, and of the late king, was followed +by the barons, bishops, and, peers according to their rank; the officers +of the household, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Then came all +that was mortal of his late majesty, borne under a canopy of velvet, +supported by six gentlemen of the privy chamber, the pall being held +by six earls. Prince George of Denmark--subsequently husband of Queen +Anne--acted as chief mourner, attended by the Dukes of Somerset and +Beaufort, and sixteen earls. One of the kings of Arms carried the crown +and cushion, the train being closed by the king's band of gentlemen +pensioners, and the yeomen of the guard. + +At the abbey entrance the dean and prebendaries, attended by torch +bearers, and followed by a surpliced choir, met the remains, and joined +the procession, the slow pacing figures of which seemed spectral in this +hour and place; then the sad cortege passed solemnly through the grey +old abbey, the choir chanting sorrowfully the while, the yellow flare +of torches marking the prevailing gloom. And being come to the chapel of +Henry VII., the body of the merry monarch was suffered there to rest in +peace. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Royalty Restored, by J. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +* + +Note: Footnotes have been inserted into this etext in square + brackets ("[]") close to the place where they were + indicated by a suffix in the original text. + + The pound sterling symbol has been written as 'L'. + + Text in italics has been written in capital letters. + + + + + +ROYALTY RESTORED + +OR + +LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + +by + +J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY + + +* + + +TO THOMAS HARDY, ESQ. + +DEAR MR. HARDY, + +In common with all readers of the English language, I owe you a +debt of gratitude, the which I rejoice to acknowledge, even in so +poor a manner as by dedicating this work to you. + +Believe me, + +Faithfully yours always, J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. + + +* + + +PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. + +No social history of the court of Charles II. has heretofore been +written. The Grammont Memoirs, devoid of date and detail, and +addressed "to those who read only for amusement," present but +brief imperfect sketches of the wits and beauties who thronged +the court of the merry monarch whilst the brilliant Frenchman +sojourned in England. Pepys, during the first nine years of the +Restoration, narrates such gossip as reached him regarding +Whitehall and the practices that obtained there. Evelyn records +some trifling actions of the king and his courtiers, with a view +of pointing a moral, rather than from a desire of adorning a +tale. + +To supply this want in our literature, I have endeavoured to +present a picture of the domestic life of a king, whose name +recalls pages of the brightest romance and strangest gallantry in +our chronicles. To this I have added a study of London during +his reign, taken as far as possible from rare, and invariably +from authentic sources. It will readily be seen this work, +embracing such subjects, could alone have resulted from careful +study and untiring consultation of diaries, records, memoirs, +letters, pamphlets, tracts, and papers left by contemporaries +familiar with the court and capital. The accomplishment of such +a task necessitated an expenditure of time, and devotion to +labour, such as in these fretful and impatient days is seldom +bestowed on work. + +As in previous volumes I have writ no fact is set down without +authority, so likewise the same rule is pursued in these; and for +such as desire to test the accuracy thereof, or follow at further +length statements necessarily abbreviated, a list is appended of +the principal literature consulted. And inasmuch as I have found +pleasure in this work, so may my gentle readers derive profit +therefrom; and as I have laboured, so may they enjoy. Expressing +which fair wishes, and moreover commending myself unto their love +and service, I humbly take my leave. + +J. FITZGERALD MOLLOY. + + +* + + +LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, TRACTS, AND NEWSPAPERS, +CONSULTED IN WRITING THIS VOLUME. + +"Elenchus Motuum Nuperorum." Heath's "Flagellum; or, the Life +and Death of Oliver Cromwell." Banks' "Life of Cromwell." +"Review of the Political Life of Cromwell." "A Modest +Vindication of Oliver Cromwell." "The Machivilian Cromwellist." +Kimber's "Life of Cromwell." "The World Mistaken in Oliver +Cromwell"(1668). "A Letter of Comfort to Richard Cromwell." +"Letters from Fairfax to Cromwell." "Cromwell's Letters and +Speeches." "A Collection of Several Passages concerning Cromwell +in his Sickness." "The Protector's Declaration against the Royal +Family of the Stuarts." "Memoirs of Cromwell and his Children, +supposed to be written by himself." "Narrative of the +Proceedings of the English Army in Scotland." "An Account of the +Last Houres of the late renowned Oliver, Lord Protector" (1659). +"Sedition Scourged." Heath's "Chronicles of the late Intestine +War." Welwood's "Memoirs of Transactions in England." "Memoirs +of Edmund Ludlow, M.P., in the year 1640." Forster's "Statesmen +of the Commonwealth." "Killing No Murther." Thurloe's "State +Papers." Lord Clarendon's "State Papers." Tatham's "Aqua +Triumphalis." "The Public Intelligencer." "Mercurius +Politicus." "The Parliamentary Intelligencer. Lyon's "Personal +History of Charles II." "The Boscobel Tracts, relating to the +Escape of Charles II." "An Exact Narrative of his Majesty's +Escape from Worcester. "Several Passages relating to the +Declared King of Scots both by Sea and Land." "Charles II.'s +Declaration to his Loving Subjects in the Kingdom of England." +"England's Joy; or, a Relation of the most Remarkable Passages +from his Majesty's Arrival at Dover to his Entrance at +Whitehall." "Copies of Two Papers written by the King." "His +Majesty's Gracious Message to General Monk." "King Charles, His +Starre." "A Speech spoken by a Blew-Coat of Christ's Hospital to +his Sacred Majesty." "Monarchy Revived." "The History of Charles +II., by a Person of Quality." Lady Fanshawe's "Memoirs." "The +Character of Charles II., written by an Impartial Hand and +exposed to Public View." "Sports and Pastimes of the English +People." "A History of Domestic Manners and Sentiments in +England." Wright's "Homes of Other Days." Idalcomb's "Anecdotes +of Manners and Customs of London." Pepys' "Diary." Evelyn's +"Diary." Grammont's "Memoirs." Lord Romney's "Diary of the Times +of Charles II." "The Life and Adventures of Colonel Blood." +"Diary of Dr. Edward Lake, Court Chaplain." Bishop Burnet's +"History of His Own Times." Oldmixon's "Court Tales." Madame +Dunois' "Memoirs of the English Court." Heath's "Glories and +Triumphs of Charles II." "Continuation of the Life of Edward, +Earl of Clarendon." "Original Correspondence of Lord Clarendon." +"The Memoirs of Sir John Reresby." Lister's "Life of Clarendon. +Brain Fairfax's "Memoirs of the Duke of Buckingham." "Letters of +Philip, Second Earl of Chesterfield." Aubrey's "Memoirs." "The +Life of Mr. Anthony a Wood, written by Himself." Elias Ashmole's +"Memoirs of his Life." Luttrell's "Diary." "The Althorp Memoirs" +(privately printed). Lord Broghill's "Memoirs." "Memoir of +Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland" (privately printed). Aubrey's +"Lives of Eminent Men." Count Magalotti's "Travels in England." +"The Secret History of Whitehall: consisting of Secret Memoirs +which have hitherto lain conceal'd as not being discoverable by +any other hand." "Athenae Oxonienses." Lord Rochester's Works. +Brown's "Miscellanea Aulica." The Works of Andrew Marvell. +"State Tracts, relating to the Government from the year 1660 to +1689." "Antiquities of the Crown and State of Old England." +"Narrative of the Families exposed to the Great Plague of London." +"Loimologia; or, an Historical Account of the Plague in 1665." +"A Collection of very Valuable and Scarce Pieces relating to the +Last Plague in 1665." "London's Dreadful Visitation." "Letter +of Dr, Hedges to a Person of Quality." "God's Terrible Voice in +the City: a Narrative of the late Dreadful Judgments by Plague +and Fire." "Pestis; a Collection of Scarce Papers relating to +the Plague." "An Account of the Fire of London, published by +authority." Lord Clarendon's "Account of the Great Fire." "A +Voyage into England, containing many things relating to the State +of Learning, Religion, and other Curiosities of that Kingdom," by +Mons. Sorbiere. Carte's "Life of James, Duke of Ormond." +Carte's "History of England." Lord Somers' "Collection of Scarce +and Valuable Tracts." "Memoirs of the Duchess of Mazarine." +"Secret History of the Duchess of Portsmouth." St. Evremond's +"Memoirs." "Curialia; or, an Historical Account of some Branches +of the Royal Household." "Parliamentary History." Oldmixon's +"History of the Stuarts." Ellis's "Original Letters." Charles +James Fox's "History of James II." Sir George L'Estrange's +"Brief History of the Times." Lord Romney's "Diary of the Times +of Charles II." Clarke's "Life of James II." "Vindication of +the English Catholics." "The Tryals, Conviction and Sentence of +Titus Oates." "A Modest Vindication of Oates." "Tracts on the +Popish Plot." Macpherson's "Original Papers." A. Marvell's +"Account of Popery." "An Exact Discovery of the Mystery of +Iniquity as Practised among the Jesuits." Smith's "Streets of +London." "London Cries." Seymour's "Survey of the Cities of +London and Westminster." Stow's "Survey of London and +Westminster." "Angliae Metropolis." Dr. Laune's "Present State +of London, 1681." Sir Roger North's "Examn." "The Character of +a Coffee House." Stow's "Chronicles of Fashion." Fairholt's +"Costume in England." "A Just and Seasonable Reprehension of +Naked Breasts and Shoulders." Sir William Petty's "Observations +of the City of London." John Ogilvy's "London Surveyed." R. +Burton's "Historical Remarks." Dr. Birch's "History of the Royal +Society of London." "A Century of Inventions." Wild's "History +of the Royal Society." "The Philosophical Transactions of the +Royal Society." Richardson's "Life of Milton." Philip's "Life +of Milton." Johnson's "Lives of the Poets." Aubrey's +"Collections for the Life of Milton." Langbaine's "Lives and +Characters of the English Dramatic Poets." "Some Remarkable +Passages in the Life of Mr. Wycherley." "Some Account of what +Occurred at the King's Death," by Richard Huddlestone, O.S.B. "A +True Narrative of the late King's Death." + + +* + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. + +Cromwell is sick unto death.--Fears and suspicions.--Killing no +Murder.--A memorable storm.--The end of all.--Richard Cromwell +made Protector,--He refuses to shed blood. Disturbance and +dissatisfaction.--Downfall of Richard.--Charles Stuart proclaimed +king.--Rejoicement of the nation.--The king comes into his own.-- +Entry into London.--Public joy and festivity. + +CHAPTER II. + +The story of the king's escape.--He accepts the Covenant, and +lands in Scotland.--Crowned at Scone.--Proclaimed king at +Carlisle.--The battle of Worcester,--Bravery of Charles.-- +Disloyalty of the Scottish cavalry.--The Royalists defeated.-- +The king's flight.--Seeks refuge in Boscobel Wood. The faithful +Pendrells.--Striving to cross the Severn.--Hiding in an oak +tree.--Sheltered by Master Lane. Sets out with Mistress Lane.-- +Perilous escapes.--On the road.--The king is recognised.-- +Strange adventures.--His last night in England. + +CHAPTER III. + +Celebration of the king's return. Those who flocked to +Whitehall.--My Lord Cleveland's gentlemen.--Sir Thomas Allen's +supper.--Touching for king's evil.--That none might lose their +labour--The man with the fungus nose.--The memory of the +regicides.--Cromwell's effigy.--Ghastly scene at Tyburn.--The +king's clemency.--The Coronation procession.--Sights and scenes +by the way.--His majesty is crowned + +CHAPTER IV. + +The king's character.--His proverbial grace.--He tells a story +well.--"A warmth and sweetness of the blood."--Beautiful Barbara +Palmer.--Her intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.--James, Duke of +York. His early days.--Escape from St. James's.--Fights in the +service of France.--Marriage with Anne Hyde.--Sensation at +Court.--The Duke of Gloucester's death.--The Princess of Orange. +--Schemes against the Duke of York's peace.--The "lewd informer." +--Anne Hyde is acknowledged Duchess of York. + +CHAPTER V. + +Morality of the restoration.--Puritan piety.--Cromwell's +intrigues.--Conduct of women under the Republic.--Some notable +courtiers.--The Duke of Ormond and his family.--Lord St. Albans +and Henry Jermyn.--His Grace of Buckingham and Mistress Fairfax. +--Lord Rochester.--Delights all hearts.--The king's projected +marriage.--Catherine of Braganza.--His majesty's speech.--A royal +love-letter.--The new queen sets sail. + +CHAPTER VI. + +The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.--The queen arrives at +Portsmouth.--Visited by the Duke of York.--The king leaves town. +--First interview with his bride.--His letter to the lord +chancellor.--Royal marriage and festivities.--Arrival at Hampton +Court Palace.--Prospects of a happy union.--Lady Castlemaine +gives birth to a second child.--The king's infatuation.--Mistress +and wife.--The queen's misery.--The king's cruelty.--Lord +Clarendon's messages.--His majesty resolves to break the queen's +spirit.--End of the domestic quarrel. + +CHAPTER VII. + +Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.--My Lady Castlemaine a +spectator.--Young Mr. Crofts.--New arrivals at court.--The +Hamilton family.--The Chevalier de Grammont.--Mrs. Middleton and +Miss Kirke.--At the queen's ball.--La belle Hamilton.--The queen +mother at Somerset House.--The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.--Fair +Frances Stuart.--Those who court her favour.--The king's passion. + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Duke of York's intrigues.--My Lady Chesterfield and his royal +highness.--The story of Lady Southesk's love,--Lord Arran plays +the guitar.--Lord Chesterfield is jealous.--The countess is taken +from court.--Mistress Margaret Brooks and the king.--Lady Denham +and the duke.--Sir John goes mad.--My lady is poisoned. + +CHAPTER IX. + +Court life under the merry monarch.--Riding in Hyde Park.-- +Sailing on the Thames.--Ball at Whitehall.--Petit soupers.--What +happened at Lady Gerrard's.--Lady Castlemaine quarrels with the +king.--Flight to Richmond.--The queen falls ill.--The king's +grief and remorse.--Her majesty speaks.--Her secret sorrow finds +voice in delirium.--Frances Stuart has hopes.--The queen +recovers. + +CHAPTER X. + +Notorious courtiers.--My Lord Rochester's satires.--Places a +watch on certain ladies of quality.--His majesty becomes +indignant.--Rochester retires to the country.--Dons a disguise +and returns to town.--Practises astrology.--Two maids of honour +seek adventure.--Mishaps which befell them.--Rochester forgiven. +--The Duke of Buckingham.--Lady Shrewsbury and her victims.-- +Captain Howard's duel.--Lord Shrewsbury avenges his honour.--A +strange story.--Colonel Blood attempts an abduction.--Endeavours +to steal the regalia.--The king converses with him. + +CHAPTER XI. + +Terror falls upon the people.--Rumours of a plague.--A sign in +the heavens.--Flight from the capital.--Preparations against the +dreaded enemy.--Dr. Boghurst's testimony.--God's terrible voice +in the city.--Rules made by the lord mayor.--Massacre of +animals.--O, dire death!--Spread of the distemper.--Horrible +sights.--State of the deserted capital.--"Bring out your dead." +--Ashes to ashes.--Fires are lighted.--Relief of the poor.--The +mortality bills. + +CHAPTER XII + +A cry of fire by night.--Fright and confusion.--The lord mayor is +unmanned.--Spread of the flames.--Condition of the streets.-- +Distressful scenes.--Destruction of the Royal Exchange.--Efforts +of the king and the Duke of York.--Strange rumours and alarms, +St. Paul's is doomed.--The flames checked.--A ruined city as seen +by day and night.--Wretched state of the people.--Investigation +into the origin of the fire.--A new city arises. + +CHAPTER XIII. + +The court repairs to Oxford--Lady Castlemaine's son.--Their +majesties return to Whitehall.--The king quarrels with his +mistress.--Miss Stuart contemplates marriage.--Lady Castlemaine +attempts revenge.--Charles makes an unpleasant discovery.--The +maid of honour elopes.--His majesty rows down the Thames.--Lady +Castlemaine's intrigues.--Fresh quarrels at court.--The king on +his knees. + +CHAPTER XIV. + +The kingdom in peril.--The chancellor falls under his majesty's +displeasure.--The Duke of Buckingham's mimicry.--Lady +Castlemaine's malice.--Lord Clarendon's fall.--The Duke of Ormond +offends the king's mistress.--She covers him with abuse.--Plots +against the Duke of York.--Schemes for a royal divorce.--Moll +Davis and Nell Gwynn.--The king and the comedian.--Lady +Castlemaine abandons herself to great disorders.--Young Jack +Spencer.--The countess intrigues with an acrobat.--Talk of the +town.--The mistress created a duchess. + +CHAPTER XV. + +Louise de Querouaille.--The Triple Alliance.--Louise is created +Duchess of Portsmouth,--Her grace and the impudent comedian.-- +Madam Ellen moves in society. The young Duke of St. Albans.-- +Strange story of the Duchess of Mazarine.--Entertaining the wits +at Chelsea.--Luxurious suppers.--profligacy and wit. + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A storm threatens the kingdom--The Duke of York is touched in his +conscience.--His interview with Father Simons.--The king declares +his mind.--The Duchess of York becomes a catholic.--The +circumstances of her death.--The Test Act introduced.--Agitation +of the nation.--The Duke of York marries again.--Lord +Shaftesbury's schemes.--The Duke of Monmouth.--William of Orange +and the Princess Mary.--Their marriage and departure from +England. + +CHAPTER XVII. + +The threatened storm bursts.--History of Titus Oates and Dr. +Tonge.--A dark scheme concocted.--The king is warned of danger. +--The narrative of a horrid plot laid before the treasurer.-- +Forged letters.--Titus Oates before the council.--His blunders. +--A mysterious murder.--Terror of the citizens.--Lord +Shaftesbury's schemes.--Papists are banished from the capital.-- +Catholic peers committed to the Tower.--Oates is encouraged. + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Reward for the discovery of murderers.--Bedlow's character and +evidence.--His strange story.--Development of the "horrid plot." +--William Staley is made a victim.--Three Jesuits hung.--Titus +Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.--Striving to ruin +the queen.--Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.--The king +protects her majesty.--Five Jesuits executed.--Fresh rumours +concerning the papists.--Bill to exclude the Duke of York.--Lord +Stafford is tried.--Scene at Tower Hill.--Fate of the +conspirators. + +CHAPTER XIX. + +London under Charles II.--Condition and appearance of the +thoroughfares.--Coffee is first drunk in the capital.--Taverns +and their frequenters.--The city by night.--Wicked people do +creep about.--Companies of young gentlemen.--The Duke of Monmouth +kills a beadle.--Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.--Stately houses of +the nobility.--St. James's Park.--Amusement of the town.--At +Bartholomew Fair.--Bull, bear, and dog fights.--Some quaint +sports. + +CHAPTER XX. + +Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.--Dining in +public.--The Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.-- +Entertainment of guests by mountebanks.--Gaming at court.--Lady +Castlemaine's losses.--A fatal duel.--Dress of the period.-- +Riding-habits first seen.--His majesty invents a national +costume.--Introduction of the penny post.--Divorce suits are +known.--Society of Antiquaries.--Lord Worcester's inventions.-- +The Duchess of Newcastle. + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A period rich in literature.--John Milton's early life.--Writing +"Paradise Lost."--Its publication and success.--His later works +and death.--John Dryden gossips with wits and players.--Lord +Rochester's revenge.--Elkanah Settle.--John Crowne.--Thomas Otway +rich in miseries.--Dryden assailed by villains.--The ingenious +Abraham Cowley.--The author of "Hudibras."--Young Will Wycherley +and Lady Castlemaine. The story of his marriage.--Andrew +Marvell, poet and politician.--John Bunyan. + +CHAPTER XXII. + +Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.--The Rye House +conspiracy.--Profligacy of the court.--The three duchesses.--The +king is taken ill.--The capital in consternation.--Dr. Ken +questions his majesty.--A Benedictine monk is sent for.--Charles +professes catholicity and receives the Sacraments.--Farewell to +all.--His last night on earth.--Daybreak and death.--He rests in +peace. + + +* + + +ROYALTY RESTORED + +OR, + +LONDON UNDER CHARLES II. + + +CHAPTER I. + +Cromwell is sick unto death.--Fears and suspicions.--Killing no +Murder.--A memorable storm.--The end of all.--Richard Cromwell +made Protector.--He refuses to shed blood.--Disturbance and +dissatisfaction.--Downfall of Richard.--Charles Stuart proclaimed +king.--Rejoicement of the nation.--The king comes into his own. +--Entry into London.--Public joy and satisfaction. + +On the 30th of January, 1649, Charles I. was beheaded. In the +last days of August in the year of grace 1658, Oliver Cromwell +lay sick unto death at the Palace of Whitehall. On the 27th day +of June in the previous year, he had, in the Presence of the +Judges of the land, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City, and +Members of Parliament assembled at Westminster Hall, seated +himself on the coronation chair of the Stuarts, assumed the title +of Lord Protector, donned a robe of violet velvet, girt his loins +with a sword of state, and grasped the sceptre, symbolic of +kingly power. From that hour distrust beset his days, his nights +were fraught with fear. All his keen and subtle foresight, his +strong and restless energies, had since then been exerted in +suppressing plots against his power, and detecting schemes +against his life, concocted by the Republicans whose liberty he +had betrayed, and by the Royalists whose king he had beheaded. + +Soon after he had assumed the title of Lord High Protector, a +most daring pamphlet, openly advocating his assassination, was +circulated in vast numbers throughout the kingdom. It was +entitled "Killing no Murder," and was dedicated in language +outrageously bold to His Highness Oliver Cromwell. "To your +Highness justly belongs the honour of dying for the people," it +stated, "and it cannot but be an unspeakable consolation to you, +in the last moments of your life, to consider with how much +benefit to the world you are likely to leave it. It is then +only, my lord, the titles you now usurp will be truly yours; you +will then be, indeed, the deliverer of your country, and free it +from a bondage little inferior to that from which Moses delivered +his, you will then be that true reformer which you would now be +thought; religion shall then be restored, liberty asserted, and +Parliaments have those privileges they have sought for. All this +we hope from your Highness's happy expiration. To hasten this +great good is the chief end of my writing this paper; and if it +have the effects I hope it will, your Highness will quickly be +out of the reach of men's malice, and your enemies will only be +able to wound you in your memory, which strokes you will not +feel." + +The possession of life becomes dearest when its forfeiture is +threatened, and therefore Cromwell took all possible means to +guard against treachery--the only foe he feared, and feared +exceedingly. "His sleeps were disturbed with the apprehensions +of those dangers the day presented unto him in the approaches of +any strange face, whose motion he would most fixedly attend," +writes James Heath, gentleman, in his "Chronicles," published in +1675. "Above all, he very carefully observed such whose mind or +aspect were featured with any chearful and debonair lineaments; +for such he boded were they that would despatch him; to that +purpose he always went secretly armed, both offensive and +defensive; and never stirred without a great guard. In his usual +journey between Whitehall and Hampton Court, by several roads, he +drove full speed in the summer time, making such a dust with his +life-guard, part before and part behinde, at a convenient +distance, for fear of choaking him with it, that one could hardly +see for a quarter of an hour together, and always came in some +private way or other." The same authority, in his "Life of +Cromwell," states of him, "It was his constant custom to shift +and change his lodging, to which he passed through twenty several +locks, and out of which he had four or five ways to avoid +pursuit." Welwood, in his "Memoirs," adds the Protector wore a +coat of mail beneath his dress, and carried a poniard under his +cloak. + +Nor was this all. According to the "Chronicle of the late +Intestine War," Cromwell "would sometimes pretend to be merry, +and invite persons, of whom he had some suspicion, to his cups, +and then drill out of their open hearts such secrets as he wisht +for. He had freaks also to divert the vexations of his misgiving +thoughts, calling on by the beat of drum his footguards, like a +kennel of hounds to snatch away the scraps and reliques of his +table. He said every man's hand was against him, and that he ran +daily into further perplexities, out of which it was impossible +to extricate, or secure himself therein, without running into +further danger; so that he began to alter much in the tenour of +his former converse, and to run and transform into the manners of +the ancient tyrants, thinking to please and mitigate his own +tortures with the sufferings of others." + +But now the fate his vigilance had hitherto combated at last +overtook him in a manner impossible to evade. He was attacked by +divers infirmities, but for some time made no outward sign of his +suffering, until one day five physicians came and waited on him, +as Dr. George Bate states in his ELENCHUS MOTUUM NUPERORUM. And +one of them, feeling his pulse, declared his Highness suffered +from an intermittent fever; hearing which "he looked pale, fell +into a cold sweat, almost fainted away, and orders himself to be +carried to bed." His fright, however, was but momentary. He was +resolved to live. He had succeeded in raising himself to a +position of vast power, but had failed in attaining the great +object of his ambition--the crowned sovereignty of the nation he +had stirred to its centre, and conquered to its furthest limits. +Brought face to face with death, his indomitable will, which had +shaped untoward circumstances to his accord with a force like +unto fate itself, now determined to conquer his shadowy enemy +which alone intercepted his path to the throne. Therefore as he +lay in bed he said to those around him with that sanctity of +speech which had cloaked his cruellest deeds and dissembled his +most ambitious designs, "I would be willing to live to be further +serviceable to God and his people." + +As desires of waking hours are answered in sleep, so in response +to his nervous craving for life he had delusive assurances of +health through the special bounty of Providence. He was +therefore presently able to announce he "had very great +discoveries of the Lord to him in his sickness, and hath some +certainty of being restored;" as Fleetwood, his son-in-law, wrote +on the 24th of August in this same year. + +Accordingly, when one of the physicians came to him next morning, +the High Protector said, "Why do you look sad?" To which the man +of lore replied evasively, "So it becomes anyone who had the +weighty care of his life and health upon him." Then Cromwell to +this purpose spoke: "You think I shall die; I tell you I shall +not die this bout; I am sure on't. Don't think I am mad. I +speak the words of truth upon surer grounds than Galen or your +Hippocrates furnish you with. God Almighty himself hath given +that answer, not to my prayers alone, but also to the prayers of +those who entertain a stricter commerce and greater intimacy with +him. Ye may have skill in the nature of things, yet nature can +do more than all physicians put together, and God is far above +nature." The doctor besought him to rest, and left the room. +Outside he met one of his colleagues, to whom he gave it as his +opinion their patient had grown light-headed, and he repeated the +words which Cromwell had spoken. "Then," said his brother- +physician, "you are certainly a stranger in this house; don't you +know what was done last night? The chaplain and all their +friends being dispersed into several parts of the palace have +prayed to God for his health, and they all heard the voice of God +saying, 'He will recover,' and so they are all certain of it." + +"Never, indeed, was there a greater stock of prayers going on for +any man," as Thurlow, his secretary, writes. So sure were those +around him that Providence must hearken to and grant the +fulfilment of such desires as they thought well to express, that, +as Thomas Goodwin, one of Cromwell's chaplains, said, "We asked +not for the Protector's life, for we were assured He had too +great things for this man to do, to remove him yet; but we prayed +for his speedy recovery, because his life and presence were so +necessary to divers things then of great moment to be +despatched." When this Puritanical fanatic was presently +disappointed, Bishop Burnet narrates "he had the impudence to say +to God, 'Thou hast deceived us.'" + +Meanwhile the Protector lay writhing in pain and terror. His +mind was sorely troubled at remembrance of the last words spoken +by his daughter Elizabeth, who had threatened judgments upon him +because of his refusal to save the King; whilst his body was +grievously racked with a tertian fever, and a foul humour which, +beginning in his foot, worked its way steadily to his heart. +Moreover, some insight regarding his future seemed given to him +in his last days, for he appeared, as Ludlow, his contemporary, +states, "above all concerned for the reproaches he saw men would +cast upon his name, in tramping upon his ashes when dead." + +On the 30th of August his danger became evident even to himself, +and all hope of life left him. For hours after the certain +approach of death became undeniably certain, he remained quiet +and speechless, seemingly heedless of the exhortation and prayers +of his chaplains, till suddenly turning to one of them, he +whispered, "Tell me, is it possible to fall from grace?" The +preacher had a soothing reply ready: "It is not," he answered. +"Then," exclaimed this unhappy man, whose soul was red with the +blood of thousands of his countrymen, "I am safe, for I know I +was once in grace." Anon he cries out, whilst tossing wildly on +his bed, "Lord, although I am a miserable and a wretched +creature, I am in covenant with Thee through grace, and I may and +will come to Thee for Thy people. Pardon such as desire to +trample upon the dust of a poor worm. And give us a good night +if it be Thy pleasure. Amen." + +It was now the 2nd of September. As the evening of that day +approached he fell into a stupor, and those who watched him +thought the end had come. + +Within the darkened chamber in Whitehall all was silence and +gloom; without all was tumult and fear. Before the gates of the +palace a turbulent crowd of soldiers and citizens had gathered in +impatient anxiety. Those he had raised to power, those whose +fortunes depended on his life, were steeped in gloom; those whose +principles he had outraged by his usurpation, those whose +position he had crushed by his sway, rejoiced at heart. Not only +the capital, but the whole nation, was divided into factions +which one strong hand alone had been able to control; and terror, +begotten by dire remembrances of civil war and bloodshed, abode +with all lovers of peace. + +As evening closed in, the elements appeared in unison with the +distracted condition of the kingdom. Dark clouds, seeming of +ominous import to men's minds, gathered in the heavens, to be +presently torn asunder and hurried in wild flight by tempestuous +winds across the troubled sky. As night deepened, the gale +steadily increased, until it raged in boundless fury above the +whole island and the seas that rolled around its shores. In town +houses rocked on their foundations, turrets and steeples were +flung from their places; in the country great trees were +uprooted, corn-stacks levelled to the ground, and winter fruits +destroyed; whilst at sea ships sank to rise no more. This +memorable storm lasted all night, and continued until three +o'clock next afternoon, when Cromwell expired. + +His body was immediately embalmed, but was of necessity interred +in great haste. Westminster Abbey, the last home of kings and +princes, was selected as the fittest resting-place for the +regicide. Though it was impossible to honour his remains by +stately ceremonials, his followers were not content to let the +occasion of his death pass with-out commemoration. They +therefore had a waxen image of him made, which they resolved to +surround with all the pomp and circumstances of royalty. For +this purpose they carried it to Somerset House--one of the late +King's palaces--and placed it on a couch of crimson velvet +beneath a canopy of state. Upon its shoulders they hung a purple +mantle, in its right hand they placed a golden sceptre, and by +its side they laid an imperial crown, probably the same which, +according to Welwood, the Protector had secretly caused to be +made and conveyed to Whitehall with a view to his coronation. +The walls and ceiling of the room in which the effigy lay were +covered by sable velvet; the passages leading to it crowded with +soldiery. After a few weeks the town grew tired of this sight, +when the waxen image was taken to another apartment, hung with +rich velvets and golden tissue, and otherwise adorned to +symbolize heaven, when it was placed upon a throne, clad "in a +shirt of fine Holland lace, doublet and breeches of Spanish +fashion with great skirts, silk stockings, shoe-strings and +gaiters suitable, and black Spanish leather shoes." Over this +attire was flung a cloak of purple velvet, and on his head was +placed a crown with many precious stones. The room was then lit, +as Ludlow narrates, "by four or five hundred candles set in flat +shining candlesticks, so placed round near the roof that the +light they gave seemed like the rays of the sun, by all which he +was represented to be now in a state of glory." Lest, indeed, +there should be any doubt as to the place where his soul abode, +Sterry, the Puritan preacher, imparted the information to all, +that the Protector "now sat with Christ at the right hand of the +Father." + +But this pomp and state in no may overawed the people, who, by +pelting with mire Cromwell's escutcheon placed above the great +gate of Somerset House gave evidence of the contempt in which +they held his memory. After a lapse of over two months from the +day of his death, the effigy was carried to Westminster Abbey +with more than regal ceremony, the expenses of his lying-in-state +and of his funeral procession amounting, as stated by Walker and +Noble, to upwards of L29,000. "It was the joyfullest funeral I +ever saw," writes Evelyn, "for there were none that cried but +dogs, which the soldiers hooted away with a barbarous noise, +drinking and taking tobacco as they went." + +A little while before his death Cromwell had named his eldest +surviving son, Richard, as his successor, and he was accordingly +declared Protector, with the apparent consent of the council, +soldiers, and citizens. Nor did the declaration cause any +excitement, "There is not a dog who wags his tongue, so profound +is the calm which we are in," writes Thurlow to Oliver's second +son, Henry, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. But if the nation +in its dejection made no signs of resistance, neither did it give +any indications of satisfaction, and Richard was proclaimed "with +as few expressions of joy as had ever been observed on a like +occasion." For a brief while a stupor seemed to lull the +factious party spirit which was shortly to plunge the country +into fresh difficulties. The Cromwellians and Republicans +foresaw resistless strife, and the Royalists quietly and +hopefully abided results. + +Nor had they long to wait. In the new Parliament assembled in +January, 1659, the Republicans showed themselves numerous and +bold beyond measure, and hesitated to recognise Richard Cromwell +as successor to the Protectorate. However, on the 14th of the +following month the Cromwellians gained the upper hand, when +Richard was confirmed in his title of "Lord Protector, and First +Magistrate of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with all the +territories depending thereon." Further discussion quickly +followed. "One party thinks the Protectorate cannot last; the +other that the Republican cannot raise itself again; the +indifferent hope that both will be right. It is easy to foretell +the upshot," writes Hyde. The disunion spread rapidly and +widely; not only was the Parliament divided against itself, but +so likewise was the army; and the new Protector had neither the +courage nor the ability to put down strife with a strong hand. +Richard Cromwell was a man of peaceful disposition, gentle +manners and unambitious mind, whom fate had forced into a +position for which he was in no way fitted. By one of those +strange contradictions which nature sometimes produces, he +differed in all things from his father; for not only was he +pleasure-loving, joyous, and humane, but he was, moreover, a +Royalist at heart, and continued in friendship with the Cavaliers +up to the period of his proclamation as Protector. It has been +stated that, falling on his knees, he entreated his father to +spare the life of Charles I.; it is certain he remained inactive +whilst the civil wars devastated the land; and there is evidence +to show that, during the seven months and twenty-eight days of +his Protectorship, he shrank from the perpetration of cruelty and +crime. Accordingly, when those who had at first supported his +authority eventually conspired against him, he refrained from +using his power to crush them. At this his friends were wrath. +"It is time to look about you," said Lord Howard, speaking with +the bluntness of a friend. "Empire and command are not now the +question. Your person, your life are in peril. You are the son +of Cromwell; show yourself worthy to be his son. This business +requires a bold stroke, and must be supported by a good head. Do +not suffer yourself to be daunted. I will rid you of your +enemies: do you stand by me, and only back my zeal for your +honour with your name; my head shall answer for the +consequences." + +Colonel Ingoldsby seconded the advice Lord Howard gave, but +Richard Cromwell hearkened to neither. "I have never done +anybody any harm, and never will," said he. "will not have a +drop of blood spilt for the preservation of my greatness, which +is a burden to me." At this Lord Howard was indignant. "Do you +think," he asked, "this moderation of yours will repair the wrong +your family has committed by its elevation? Everybody knows that +by violence your father procured the death of the late king, and +kept his sons in banishment: mercy in the present state of +affairs is unreasonable. Lay aside this pussillanimity; every +moment is precious; your enemies spend the time in acting which +we waste in consulting." "Talk no more of it," answered the +Protector. "I am thankful for your friendship, but violent +counsels suit not with me." + +The climax was at hand; his fall was but a question of time. "A +wonderfull and suddaine change in ye face of ye publiq," writes +Evelyn, on the 25th of April, 1659. "Ye new Protector Richard +slighted; several pretenders and parties strove for the +Government; all anarchy and confusion. Lord have mercy on us!" + +Before the month of May had expired, the House of Commons +commissioned two of its members to bid Richard Cromwell leave the +palace of Whitehall, and obtain his signature to a deed wherein +he acknowledged complete submission to Parliament. His brief +inglorious reign was therefore at an end. "As with other men," +he wrote to the House of Commons, "I expect protection from the +present Government: I do hold myself obliged to demean myself +with all the peaceableness under it, and to procure, to the +utmost of my power, that all in whom I have any interest to do +the same." He retired into Hampshire, where he dwelt as a +private gentleman. His brother Henry resigned his position as +Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and settled in Cambridgeshire. From +this time the name of Cromwell was no longer a power in the land. + +During two years subsequent to the death of Oliver the government +of England underwent various changes, and the kingdom suffered +many disorders; until, being heartily sick of anarchy, the people +desired a king might once more reign over them. accordingly, +they turned their eyes towards the son of him whom "the boldest +villany that ever any nation saw" had sent to the block. And the +time being ripe, Charles Stuart, then an exile in Breda, +despatched Sir John Grenville with royal letters to both Houses +of Parliament, likewise to the Lord Mayor of London and members +of the Common Council, to Monk, commander of the forces, and +Montagu, admiral of the fleet. These letters were received with +so universal a joy and applause, that Parliament forthwith +ordained Charles Stuart should be proclaimed "the most potent, +mighty, and undoubted King of England, Scotland and Ireland." +Moreover, both Houses agreed that an honourable body of +Commissioners, all men of great quality and birth, should be sent +to the king with letters, humbly begging his majesty would be +pleased to hasten his long-desired return into England. And +because they knew full well the royal exchequer was empty, +Parliament ordered these noble gentlemen to carry with them a +present of fifty thousand pieces of gold to the king, together +with ten thousand to his brother of York, and five thousand to +his brother of Gloucester. Nor was the City of London backwards +in sending expressions of loyalty and tokens of homage and +devotion; to evince which twenty valiant men and worthy citizens +were despatched with messages of goodwill towards him, and +presents in gold to the amount of twelve thousand pounds. + +And presently Admiral Montagu arriving with his fleet upon the +coast of Holland, awaited his majesty near Scheveling; and all +things being in readiness the king with his royal brothers and a +most noble train set sail for England. + +It came to pass that on the 25th day of May, 1660, a vast +concourse of nobility, gentry, and citizens had assembled at +Dover to meet and greet their sovereign king, Charles II., on his +landing. On the fair morning of that day a sound of cannon +thundering from the castle announced that the fleet, consisting +of "near forty sail of great men-of-war," which conveyed his +majesty to his own, was in sight; whereon an innumerable crowd +betook its joyful way to the shore. The sun was most gloriously +bright, the sky cloudless, the sea calm. Far out upon the blue +horizon white-winged ships could be clearly discerned. By three +o'clock in the afternoon they had reached the harbour, when the +king, embarking in a galley most richly adorned, was rowed to +shore. Then cannon roared once more from the castle, and were +answered from the beach; bells rang from church towers, and a +mighty shout went up from the hearts of the people. + +In the midst of these rejoicings Charles II. landed, and the +gallant General Monk, who had been mainly instrumental in +bringing his royal master to the throne without loss of blood, +now fell upon his knees to greet his majesty. The king raised +the general from the ground, embraced and kissed him. Then the +nobility hastened to pay their duty likewise, and the Mayor and +Aldermen of Dover presented him with a most loyal address. And +presently, with the roar of cannon, the clangour of bells, the +sound of music, and the shouts of a great multitude ringing in +his ears, the king advanced on his way towards Canterbury. At +the gates of this ancient city he was met by the mayor and +aldermen, and was presented by them with a golden tankard, Here +he spent the following day, which being Sunday, he went with a +great train to the cathedral, where service according to the +Church of England, long disused by the Puritans, was restored, to +the satisfaction of many. + +Setting out from Canterbury on Monday, the 29th of May--which +was, moreover, the anniversary of his birth--he journeyed to +Blackheath, where he reviewed the forces drawn up with great pomp +and military splendour to greet him, and bestowed many gracious +expressions on them. Then, having received assurances of their +loyal homage through their commander, Colonel Knight, he turned +towards London town. And the nearer he approached, the more +dense became crowds thronging to meet him; the fields on either +side the long white road being filled with persons of all +conditions, who cheered him lustily. As he passed they flung +leaves of trees and sweet May flowers beneath his horse's feet, +and waved green boughs on high, And when he came to St. George's +Fields, there was my lord mayor in his robes of new velvet, +wearing his collar of wrought gold, and attended by his aldermen +in brave apparel likewise. Going down on his knees my lord mayor +presented the king with the city sword, which his majesty with +some happy expressions of confidence gave back into his good +keeping, having first struck him with it upon the shoulder and +bade him rise up Sir Thomas Allen. Whereon that worthy man rose +to his feet and conducted the king to a large and richly adorned +pavilion, and entertained him at a splendid collation, it being +then one of the clock. And being refreshed his majesty set forth +again, and entered the city, which had never before shown so +brave and goodly an appearance as on this May day, when all the +world seemed mad with joy. + +From London Bridge even to Whitehall Palace the way was lined on +one side by the train-bands of the city, and on the other by the +city companies in their rich livery gowns; to which were added a +number of gentlemen volunteers, all in white doublets, commanded +by Sir John Stanel. Across the streets hung garlands of spring +flowers that made the air most sweet, and at the corners thereof +were arches of white hawthorn in full bloom, bedecked with +streamers of gay colours. From wooden railed balconies, jutting +windows, and quaint gables hung fair tapestries, rich silks, and +stuffs of brilliant hues; and from the high red chimneys, grey +turrets, and lofty spires, floated flags bearing the royal arms +of England, and banners inscribed with such mottoes as loyalty +and affection could suggest. The windows and galleries were +filled with ladies of quality in bright dresses; the roofs and +scaffolding, with citizens of all classes, who awaited with eager +and joyous faces to salute their lord and king. + +And presently, far down the line of streets, a sound was heard of +innumerable voices cheering most lustily, which every minute +became nearer and louder, till at last a blare of trumpets was +distinguished, followed by martial music, and the tramp and +confusion of a rushing crowd which suddenly parted on all sides. +Then there burst on view the first sight of that brave and +glorious cavalcade to the number of twenty thousand, which +ushered the king back unto his own. First came a troop of young +and comely gentlemen, three hundred in all, representing the +pride and valour of the kingdom, wearing cloth of silver doublets +and brandishing naked swords which flashed in the sunlight. Then +another company, less by a hundred in number, habited in rich +velvet coats, their footmen clad in purple liveries; and next a +goodly troop under the command of Sir John Robinson, all dressed +in buff coats with cloth of silver sleeves, and green scarves +most handsome to behold. These were followed by a brave troop in +blue doublets adorned with silver lace, carrying banners of red +silk fringed with gold. Then came trumpets, and seven footmen in +sea-green and silver liveries, bearing banners of blue silk, +followed by a troop in grey and blue to the number of two hundred +and twenty, and led by the most noble the Earl of Northampton. +After various other companies, all brave in apparel, came two +trumpets bearing his majesty's arms, followed by the sheriffs' +men in red cloaks and silver lace, and by a great body of +gentlemen in black velvet coats with gold chains. Next rode six +hundred brave citizens, twelve ministers, the king's life guards, +led by Sir Gilbert Gerrard, the city marshals with eight footmen, +the city waits and officers, the sheriffs and aldermen in scarlet +gowns, the maces and heralds in great splendour, the lord mayor +carrying a naked sword in his strong right hand, the Duke of +Buckingham, and General Monk, soon to be created Duke of +Albermarle. + +Now other heralds sound their trumpets with blasts that make all +hearts beat quicker; church bells ring far louder than before; +voices are raised to their highest pitch, excitement reaches its +zenith, for here, mounted on a stately horse caparisoned in royal +purple and adorned with gold, rides King Charles himself; on his +right hand his brother of York, on his left his brother of +Gloucester. Handkerchiefs are waved, flowers are flung before +his way, words of welcome fall upon his ear, in answer to which +he bows with stately grace, smiles most pleasantly, and gives +such signs of delight as "cheared the hearts of all loyal +subjects even to extasie and transportation." Last of all came +five regiments of cavalry, with back, breast, and head piece, +which "diversified the show with delight and terrour." John +Evelyn stood in the Strand and watched the procession pass, when +that worthy man thanked God the king had been restored without +bloodshed, and by the very army that had rebelled against him. +"For such a restauration was never mention'd in any history +ancient or modern, since the returne of the Jews from the +Babylonish captivity; nor so joyfull a day and so bright ever +seene in this nation, this hapning when to expect or effect it +was past all human policy." + +For full seven hours this "most pompous show that ever was" wound +its way through the city, until at nine of the clock in the +evening it brought his majesty to the palace of Whitehall, where +the late king had "laid down his sacred head to be struck off +upon a block," almost twelve years before. Then the lord mayor +and his aldermen took their goodly leave, and the king entered +into the banquet hall, where the lords and commons awaited him, +and where an address was made to him by the Earl of Manchester, +Speaker to the House of Peers, congratulating him on his +miraculous preservation and happy restoration to his crown and +dignity after so long and so severe a suppression of his just +right and title. Likewise his lordship besought his majesty to +be the upright assertor of the laws and maintainer of the +liberties of his subjects. "So," said the noble earl, "shall +judgment run down like a river, and justice like a mighty stream, +and God, the God of your mercy, who hath so miraculously +preserved you, will establish your throne in righteousness and +peace." Then the king made a just and brief reply, and retired +to supper and to rest. + +The worthy citizens, however, were not satisfied that their +rejoicements should end here, and "as soon as night came," says +Dr. Bate, "an artificial day was begun again, the whole city +seeming to be one great light, as, indeed, properly it was a +luminary of loyalty, the bonfires continuing till daybreak, fed +by a constant supply of wood, and maintained with an equal excess +of gladness and fewel." Wine flowed from public fountains, +volleys of shot were discharged from houses of the nobility, +drums and other musical instruments played in the streets, +citizens danced most joyfully in open places, and the effigy of +Cromwell was burned, together with the arms of the Commonwealth +with expressions of great delight. + + + +CHAPTER II. + +The story of the king's escape.--He accepts the Covenant and +lands in Scotland.--Crowned at Scone.--Proclaimed king at +Carlisle.--The battle of Worcester.--Bravery of Charles.-- +Disloyalty of the Scottish cavalry.--The Royalists defeated. +--The King's flight.--Seeks refuge in Boscobel Wood.--The +faithful Pendrells.--Striving to cross the Severn.--Hiding in an +oak tree.--Sheltered by Master Lane.--Sets out with Mistress +Lane.--Perilous escapes.--On the road.--The king is recognised. +--Strange adventures.--His last night in England. + +That King Charles had been miraculously preserved, as my Lord +Manchester set forth, there can be no doubt. His courageous +efforts to regain the Crown at the battle of Worcester and his +subsequent escapes from the vigilant pursuits of the Cromwellian +soldiers, would, if set down in justice and with detail, present +a story more entertaining than any romance ever written. Here +they must of necessity be mentioned with brevity. + +In the year 1645, Charles I., having suffered the loss of many +great battles, became fearful of the danger which threatened his +family and himself. He therefore ordered his son Charles, who +had already retired into the west, to seek refuge in the Scilly +Isles. The prince complied with his desires, and went from +thence to Paris, where his mother, Henrietta Maria, had already +taken shelter, and, after a short stay with her, travelled to the +Hague. Soon after the king was beheaded, the Scots, who regarded +that foul act with great abhorrence, invited Charles to come into +their kingdom, provided he accepted certain hard conditions, +which left the government of all civil business in the hands of +Parliament, and the regulation of all religious matters in charge +of the Presbyterians. No other prospect of regaining his rights, +and of enabling him to fight for his throne presenting itself, he +accepted what was known as the Covenant, and landed in Scotland +in 1650. He was received with the respect due to a monarch, but +placed under the surveillance forced on a prisoner. The +fanatical Presbyterians, jealous of that potent influence which +his blithe ways exercised over all with whom he associated, +neither permitted him to attend the council nor command the army; +they, however, preached to him incessantly, admonished him of his +sins and those of his parents, guarded him as a captive, and +treated him as a puppet. Meanwhile Cromwell, being made aware of +his presence in the kingdom, advanced at the head of a powerful +body into Scotland, fought and won the battle of Dunbar, stormed +and captured Leith, and took his triumphal way towards Edinburgh +town. Charles was at this time in Perth, and being impatient at +his enforced inaction whilst battles were fought in his name, and +lives lost in his cause, made his escape from the Covenanters, +with the determination of arousing the Royalists who lay in the +north. But the Scots soon overtook and recaptured him. However, +this decisive action awoke them to a better understanding of the +deference due to his position, and therefore they crowned him at +Scone on the first day of the year 1651, with much solemnity, and +subsequently made him commander of the army. + +After spending some months in reorganizing the troops, he boldly +declared his intention of marching into England, and fighting the +rebel force. Accordingly, on the 31st of July, 1651, he set out +from Sterling with an army of between eleven and twelve thousand +men. At Carlisle he was proclaimed king, and a declaration was +published in his name, granting free grace and pardon to all his +subjects in England, of whatever nature or cause their offences, +saving Cromwell, Bradshaw and Cooke. He then marched to +Lancashire, and on the 23rd of August unfurled the Royal standard +at Worcester, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of his troops +and the loyal demonstrations of the citizens. Weary of civil +strife, depressed with fear of Cromwell's severities, and +distrustful of the Presbyterians, who chiefly composed the young +king's army, the Royalists had not gathered to his standard in +such numbers as he had anticipated. His troops, since leaving +Scotland, had been reinforced merely by two thousand men; but +Charles had hopes that fresh recruits would join him when news of +the rising got noised abroad. + +The Republicans were filled with dismay at the king's determined +action, but were prompt to make a counter-move, Accordingly, +additional troops were levied, London was left to be defended by +volunteers, and Cromwell, heading an army of thirty-four thousand +men, marched against the Royalists. On the 28th of August, they +drew near Worcester, and on the 3rd of September the battle was +fought which will remain for ever famous in the annals of civil +war. On the morning of that day, the king, ascending the +cathedral tower, saw the enemy's forces advancing towards +Worcester: before reaching the city, it was necessary they +should cross the Severn, and, in order to prevent this if +possible, Charles hurried down and directed that some of his +troops, under the command of Montgomery, should defend Powick +Bridge; whilst he stationed others under Colonel Pitscottie lower +down, at a point of the river towards which the Republicans were +marching with pontoons, by means of which they intended to cross. +The young king, hopeful of victory and full of enthusiasm, rode +speedily out at the head of his troops and placed them at their +various stations. Scarcely had he done so, when he became aware +that the main body of the enemy had opened an artillery fire on +Fort Royal, which guarded the city on the south-east side. He +therefore galloped back in hot haste to headquarters, and +reconnoitred the advanced posts eastward of the city, in full +front of the enemy's fire. Meanwhile Montgomery, having +exhausted his ammunition, was obliged to retreat in disorder from +Powick Bridge, followed by the Cromwellians. The king now +courageously resolved to attack the enemy's camp at Perry Wood, +which lay south-east of Worcester. Accordingly he marched out +with the flower of his Highland infantry and the English +cavaliers, led by the Dukes of Hamilton and Buckingham. +Cromwell, seeing this, hastened to intercept the king's march, +whereon a fierce battle was bravely fought on either side. +Nothing could be more valiant than the conduct of the young king, +who showed himself wholly regardless of his life in the fierce +struggle for his rights. Twice was his horse shot under him; but +increasing danger seemed but to animate him to greater daring. +So bravely did his army fight likewise, that the Republicans at +first gave way before them. For upwards of four hours the +engagement raged with great fierceness. Cromwell subsequently +declared it was "as stiff a contest as he had ever seen," and +his experience was great. Success seemed now to crown the +Royalists, anon to favour the Roundheads. The great crisis of +the day at length arrived: the Cromwellians began to waver and +give way just as the Royalist cavalry had expended their +ammunition; the king had still three thousand Scotch cavalry in +the rear under the command of Leslie, who had not yet been called +into action. He therefore ordered them to advance; but, to his +horror, not one of these men, who had looked on as passive +spectators, made a movement. In this hour, when victory or +defeat hung upon a thread the Scots ignominiously failed their +king. Charles instantly saw he was undone. The English cavalry +continued to fight bravely, in their desperation using the butt +ends of their muskets; but they were gradually compelled to give +way before the enemy, who, seeing their condition, had renewed +the attack. The Royalists therefore fell back into the city. +When the king re-entered Worcester he saw before him a scene of +the most disastrous confusion. Royalists and Republicans +encountered and fought each other in every thoroughfare; the air +was filled with the report of muskets, the imprecations of +soldiers, the groans of wounded men, and the shrieks of women. +The streets ran red with blood. At such a sight his heart sank +within him, but, manning himself for fresh efforts, he called his +troops together and sought to incite them with courage to make a +final charge. "I would rather," he cried out, "you would shoot +me than keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal +day." Those who heard him were disheartened: it was too late to +retrieve their heavy losses: most of them refused to heed him; +many sought safety in flight. Then the young king's friends, +gathering round, besought him to make good his escape; and +accordingly, with a sad heart, he rode out of St. Martin's Gate +humbled and defeated. In order to cover his retreat from the +enemy now advancing, my Lord Cleveland, Sir James Hamilton, +Colonel Careless, and some other worthy gentlemen defended +Sudbury Gate, towards which the main body of the Republicans +approached. They held this position a sufficient time to gain +the end for which it was undertaken. But at length the +Republicans, forcing open the gate, marched upon the fort, +defended by fifteen hundred soldiers under Colonel Drummond. +This loyal man refusing to surrender, the fort was speedily +stormed; and he and those of his men who survived the attack were +mercilessly put to the sword. + +Dr. George Bate gives a quaint and striking picture of what +followed. "Deplorable and sad was the countenance of the town +after that," writes he; "the victorious soldiers on the one hand +killing, breaking into houses, plundering, sacking, roaring, and +threatening; on the other hand, the subdued flying, turning their +backs to be cut and slashed, and with outstretched hands begging +quarter; some, in vain resisting, sold their lives as dear as +they could, whilst the citizens to no purpose prayed, lamented, +and bewailed. All the streets are strewed with dead and mangled +bodies. Here were to be seen some that begged relief, and then +again others weltering in their own gore, who desired that at +once an end might be put to their lives and miseries. The dead +bodies lay unburied for the space of three days or more, which +was a loathsome spectacle that increased the horror of the +action." + +Concerning his subsequent dangers and narrow escapes, the king, +in his days of peace and prosperity, was wont to discourse at +length, for they had left impressions on his mind which lasted +through life. Edward Hyde, Lord Clarendon, his Lord High +Chancellor, Dr. George Bate, his learned physician, and Samuel +Pepys, Esquire, sometime Surveyor-General to the Victualling +Office, have preserved the records of that time of peril, as told +by his majesty. True, their various stories differ in minor +details, but they agree in principal facts. The king had not +ridden many miles from Worcester when he found himself surrounded +by about four thousand of his army, including the Scots under the +command of Leslie. Though they would not fight for him, they +were ready enough to fly with him. At first he thought of +betaking himself to Scotland; but having had sad proof of the +untrustworthy character of those with whom he travelled, he +feared they would further betray him if pursued by the enemy. He +therefore resolved to reach London before the news of his defeat +arrived thither, and make his escape from thence; but this scheme +presented many difficulties. Amongst the persons of quality who +accompanied him were my Lord Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of +Derby and Lauderdale, and the Lords Wilmot and Talbot. During +their journey it fell from my Lord Derby's lips, that when he had +been defeated at Wigan, one Pendrell, an honest labourer and a +Papist, had sheltered him in Boscobel House, not far distant from +where they then rode. Hearing this, the king resolved to trust +this same faithful fellow, and for the present seek such refuge +as Pendrell could afford. It was not easy, however, for his +majesty to escape the Scots; but when night came, he and his +gentlemen slipped away from the high road, which the others +continued to pursue, and made for Boscobel Wood, led by Charles +Giffard, a loyal gentleman and true. The house they sought was +situated between Tong Castle and Brewood, in a woody place most +fitting for retreat; it was, moreover, six and twenty miles from +Worcester, and stood in Shropshire, on the borders of +Staffordshire. + +In order to gain this haven of rest, it was necessary for them to +pass through Stourbridge, where a troop of the Republican army +lay quartered. Midnight had fallen ere they reached the town, +which was now wrapt in darkness, and was, moreover, perfectly +still. The king and his friends, dismounting, led their horses +through the echoing streets as softly as possible, being filled +the while with dire apprehensions. Safely leaving it, they rode +into the wood until they came to the old convent of Whiteladies, +once the home of Cistercian nuns, who had long since been driven +from their peaceful retreat. The house was now the habitation of +the Giffard family, with whom George Pendrell lived as servant. +On being aroused, he came forth with a lantern, and admitted +them, when Charles Giffard made known to him in whose presence he +stood, and acquainted him with their situation. Thereupon the +honest fellow promised to serve the king faithfully, and sent +immediately for his brothers four: William, who took charge of +Boscobel House, not far removed; Humphrey, who was miller at +Whiteladies; Richard, who lived at Hobbal Grange; and John, who +was a woodman, and dwelt hard by. When they had all arrived, +Lord Derby showed them the king's majesty, and besought them for +God's sake, for their loyalty's sake, and as they valued all that +was high and sacred, to keep him safe, and forthwith seek some +place of decent shelter where he might securely lurk. This they +readily swore to compass, though they risked their lives in the +attempt. + +It being considered that greater safety lay in the king being +unattended, his loyal friends departed from him with many prayers +and hopes for a joyful reunion: all of them save my Lords Wilmot +and Buckingham set out to join Leslie's company, that they might +proceed together towards Scotland; but they had not marched six +miles in company with the Scots when these three thousand men and +more were overtaken and were routed by a single troop of the +enemy's horse, and my Lord Derby, being taken, was condemned and +executed. Lords Wilmot and Buckingham set out for London, to +which place it was agreed the king should follow them. + +When his majesty's friends had departed, the Pendrells undertook +to disguise him; towards which end one of them cut the long locks +reaching his shoulders, another rubbed his hands and face with +dust, and a third brought him a suit of clothes. "The habit of +the king," says Pepys, "was a very greasy old grey steeple- +crowned hat, with the brims turned up, without lining or hatband, +the sweat appearing two inches deep through it round the band +place; a green cloth jump-coat, threadbare, even to the threads +being worn white, and breeches of the same, with long knees down +to the garter; with an old sweaty leathern doublet, a pair of +white flannel stockings next to his legs, and upon them a pair of +old green yarn stockings, all worn and darned at the knees, with +their feet cut off: his shoes were old, all slashed for the ease +of his feet, with little rolls of paper between his toes to keep +them from galling; and an old coarse shirt, patched both at the +neck and hands, of that very coarse sort which go by the name of +nogging shirts." + +When Charles was attired in this fashion, Richard Pendrell opened +a back door and led him out into the wood; not a moment too soon, +for within half an hour Colonel Ashenhurst, with a company of +Cromwell's soldiers, rode up to Whiteladies, rushed into the +house, searched every chamber and secret place, pulled down the +wainscoting, and otherwise devastated the mansion in the search +for the king. A damp cold September morning now lengthened to a +day of gloom and depression. Rain fell in heavy torrents, +dripped from the leafless branches of trees, and saturated the +thick undergrowth and shrubs where his majesty lay hidden. Owing +to the condition of the weather, the soldiers neglected to search +Boscobel Wood; and, after uttering many threats and imprecations, +withdrew from Whiteladies. When he considered himself quite +alone, Richard Pendrell ventured forth, taking with him a +billhook, that if observed he might seem engaged in trimming +hedges; and drawing near the spot where his majesty lay, assured +him of his safety. Later on he besought an old woman, his +neighbour, to take victuals into the wood to a labourer she would +find there. Without hesitation the good woman carried some eggs, +bread, butter, and milk towards the spot indicated to her. On +seeing her the king was much alarmed fearing recognition and +dreading her garrulity; wherefore he said to her: "Can you be +true to anyone who hath served the king?" Upon which she readily +made answer: "Yes, sir; I'd die sooner than betray you." Being +reassured at this, he ate heartily. + +When night fell, Richard brought him into the house again, and +the king, now abandoning his intention of proceeding to London, +expressed his anxiety to reach Wales where he had many friends, +and which afforded him ready opportunities of escaping from the +kingdom. Pendrell expressed himself willing to conduct him +thither. Accordingly, about nine of the clock, they set out with +the determination of crossing the Severn, intending to pass over +a ferry between Bridgenorth and Shrewsbury. When they had walked +some hours they drew near a water-mill. "We could see the +miller," said the king in relating the story, "as I believe, +sitting at the mill-door, he being in white clothes, it being a +very dark night. He called out sturdily, 'Who goes there?' Upon +which Richard Pendrell answered, 'Neighbours going home,' or +suchlike words. Whereupon the miller cried out: 'If you be +neighbours, stand, or I will knock you down.' Upon which, we +believing there was company in the house, Richard bade me follow +him close, and he ran to a gate that went up a dirty lane up a +hill. The miller cried out: 'Rogues--rogues!' And thereupon +some men came out of the mill after us, which I believe were +soldiers; so we fell a-running, both of us up the lane as long as +we could run, it being very deep and very dirty, till at last I +bade him leap over a hedge, and lie still to hear if anybody +followed us--which we did, and continued lying down upon the +ground about half an hour, when, hearing nobody come, we +continued our way." + +This led to the house of an honest gentleman named Woolfe, living +at Madeley, who was a Catholic, and loyal to his king, and as +such was known to the Pendrells. When they drew near to his +house, Richard, leaving his majesty in a field, went forward and +asked this worthy man if he would shelter one who had taken part +in the battle of Worcester; whereon he made answer he would not +venture his neck for any man unless it were the king himself, +upon which Pendrell made known to him it was his majesty who +sought refuge from him. Mr. Woolfe came out immediately and +carried the king by a back way into a barn, where he hid him for +the day, it being considered unsafe for him to stay a longer +period there, as two companies of militia were at that time +stationed in the town, and were very likely to search the house +at any minute. Moreover he advised his majesty by no means to +adventure crossing the Severn, as the strictest guard was then +kept at the ferries to prevent any Royalist fugitives from +escaping into Wales. The king was therefore obliged to retrace +his steps, and now sought Boscobel House, not far distant from +his first resting-place of Whiteladies. Arriving there, he +remained secreted in the wood, whilst Richard went to see if +soldiers were in occupation of the dwelling. There was no one +there, however, but Colonel Careless, the same good man and true +who had helped to keep Sudbury Gate whilst Charles made his +escape. + +The Colonel had been hiding in the forest, and, being sore +pressed by hunger, had come to beg a little bread. Being +informed where the king was, he came forth with great joy, and, +the house not being considered a safe refuge, they both climbed +into the branches of a leafy oak, situated in an open part of the +wood, from whence they could see all round them. They carried +with them some bread and cheese and small beer, and stayed there +that day. "While we were in the tree," says the king, "we saw +soldiers going up and down in the thicket of the wood, searching +for persons escaped, we seeing them now and then peeping out of +the wood." When this danger had passed away, the king, worn out +by his sore fatigues, laid his head on his friend's breast and +slept in his arms. At night they descended, and going to +Boscobel House, were shown a secret hiding-place, such as were +then to be found in the mansions of all Catholic families, called +the priests' hole a little confined closet built between two +walls, in the principal stack of chimneys, and having a couple of +exits for the better escape of those compelled to seek its +shelter. Here the king rested in peace for a day and a night. + +Meanwhile Humphrey Pendrell went into Shifnal to pay his taxes; +and it being known he had come from Whiteladies, he was +questioned closely as to whether he knew aught of Charles Stuart. +On stoutly denying all knowledge of him, he was told that any man +who discovered him would gain a thousand pounds, but he that +sheltered him would suffer death without mercy; these being the +terms of a proclamation just issued. This the honest miller on +his return narrated to the king, swearing roundly he would run +all risks for his sake. It chanced at this time one of the +Pendrells heard that my Lord Wilmot who had not been able to make +his way to London, was hiding in a very secure place, at the +house of a gentleman named Whitegrave, above seven miles distant. +This coming to the king's knowledge, he became anxious to see his +faithful friend and hold communication with him. Accordingly one +of the Pendrells was despatched to request Lord Wilmot to meet +his majesty that night, in a field close by Mr. Whitegrave's +house. And the time of night being come, the king was impatient +of delay; but his feet were sore from the rough shoes he had worn +on his journey, so that he was scarce able to walk; therefore he +was mounted on Humphrey's mill-horse, and, the four loyal +brothers forming a guard, they directed their way towards +Moseley. The king's eagerness to see Wilmot being great, he +complained of the horse's slow pace. "Can you blame him, my +liege," said Humphrey, who loved a jest, "that he goes heavily, +having the weight of three kingdoms on his back?" + +When they had travelled with him a great part of the journey it +was thought safer three of them should withdraw themselves. They +therefore turned away; but scarcely had they gone when the king, +who, being lost in thought, had remained unconscious of their +departure, suddenly stopped, and caused John, who remained, to +speedily summon them back. When they returned he gave them his +hand to kiss, and, with that charm of manner which never failed +in winning friends, said to them sadly, "My sorrows make me +forget myself. I earnestly thank you all." + +They kissed his hand heartily, and prayed God to save him. In +the days of his prosperity he remembered their kindness and +rewarded their loyalty. + +Arriving at the trysting place the king found Mr. Whitegrave, a +Benedictine monk named Father Huddlestone, Sir John Preston, and +his brother awaiting him. It may be mentioned here this monk was +destined, many years later, to play an important part in the +closing scene of his majesty's life. Mr. Whitegrave conducted +Charles with great show of respect to his house, where the king +spoke with my Lord Wilmot, feasted well, and rested safe that +night. Next morning the worthy host had private notice given +that a company of soldiers were on their way to arrest him as one +who had served in the king's army. He, being innocent of this +charge, did not avoid them, but received them boldly at his door, +spoke confidently in his own defence, and referred them to the +testimony of his neighbours, whereon they departed quietly. + +It was feared, however, the house was no longer safe, and that +another refuge had best be sought for his majesty. Therefore, +Father Huddlestone informed the king of an honest gentleman, the +owner of a fair estate some six miles removed, who was generous +and exceedingly beloved, and the eldest justice of peace in the +county of Stafford. This gentleman was named Lane, "a very +zealous Protestant, yet he lived with so much civility and +candour towards the Catholics, that they would all trust him as +much as they would any of their own profession." The king, +however, not being willing to surprise this worthy man, +immediately despatched the Benedictine to make certain of his +welcome; receiving due assurances of which he and Lord Willmot +set out by night for Master Lane's mansion, where they were +heartily received, and where Charles rested some days in blessed +security. Knowing, however, in what risk he placed those who +sheltered him, and how vigilant the pursuit after him, he became +most anxious for his safe delivery out of the kingdom. To this +end it was desirable he should draw near the west coast, and +await an opportunity of sailing from thence for France. + +The members of Master Lane's family then living with him +consisted of a son and a daughter: the former a man of fearless +courage and integrity, the latter a gentlewoman of good wit and +discretion, as will be seen hereafter. Consulting, amongst +themselves as to the best means of compassing the king's escape, +it was resolved Mistress Lane should visit a kinswoman of hers +with whom she had been bred, that had married one Norton, and was +now residing within five miles of Bristol. It was likewise +decided she should ride on her journey thence behind the king, he +being habited in her father's livery, and acting as her servant; +and for greater safety her sister and her sister's husband were +to accompany them on the road. Mistress Jane Lane then procured +from a colonel of the rebel army a passport for herself and her +servant, her sister and her brother-in-law, to travel without +molestation to her cousin Mistress Norton, who was ready to lie +in. With this security Jane set out, her brother bearing them +company part of the way, with a hawk upon his fist and two or +three spaniels at his heels, which warranted him keeping the king +and his friends in sight without seeming to be of their company. + +The first day's journey was not accomplished without an exciting +incident. The horse ridden by Mistress Lane and the king--now +bearing the name of William Jackson--lost a shoe; and being come +to Bromsgrove, he must dismount and lead the animal to the +village blacksmith. + +"As I was holding my horse's foot," said his majesty, when +narrating the story to Mr. Pepys, "I asked the smith what news. +He told me that there was no news that he knew of, since the good +news of the beating the rogues of the Scots. I asked him whether +there was none of the English taken that joined with the Scots, +He answered he did not hear if that rogue, Charles Stuart, were +taken; but some of the others, he said, were taken. I told him +that if that rogue were taken, he deserved to be hanged more than +all the rest, for bringing in the Scots. Upon which he said I +spoke like an honest man; and so we parted." + +At the end of the first day's journey they were met by Lord +Wilmot at the inn; and he continued to join them wherever they +rested at night, without appearing to travel with them by day. +Mistress Lane took all possible care to guard the king against +recognition, stating at every house of accommodation where they +tarried he was "a neighbour's son whom her father had lent her to +ride before her in hope that he would the sooner recover from a +quartan ague with which he had been miserably afflicted, and was +not yet free. "Which story served as sufficient excuse for his +going to bed betimes, and so avoiding the company of servants. +At the end of three days they arrived at their destination. Jane +Lane was warmly received by her cousin, and the whole party made +heartily welcome. Jane, however, did not entrust her secret to +Mistress Norton's keeping, but repeated her tale of the good +youth being newly recovered from ague, and desired a chamber +might be provided for him, and a good fire made that he might +retire early to bed. Her desires being obeyed, the king +withdrew, and was served with an excellent good supper by the +butler, a worthy fellow named Pope, who had been a trooper in the +army of Charles I., of blessed memory. + +"The next morning" said the king continuing his strange story, "I +arose pretty early, having a very good stomach, and went to the +buttery-hatch to get my breakfast, where I found Pope and two or +three other men in the room, and we all fell to eating bread and +butter, to which he gave us very good ale and sack. And as I was +sitting there, there was one that looked like a country fellow +sat just by me, who, talking, gave so particular an account of +the battle of Worcester to the rest of the company that I +concluded he must be one of Cromwell's soldiers. But I, asking +how he came to give so good an account of that battle, he told me +he was in the King's regiment, by which I thought he meant one +Colonel King's regiment. But questioning him further, I +perceived he had been in my regiment of Guards, in Major +Broughton's company--that was my Major in the battle. I asked +him what kind of man I was; to which he answered by describing +exactly both my clothes and my horse, and then, looking upon me, +he told me that the king was at least three fingers taller than +I. Upon which I made what haste I could out of the buttery, for +fear he should indeed know me, as being more afraid when I knew +he was one of our own soldiers than when I took him for one of +the enemy's. So Pope and I went into the hall, and just as we +came into it Mistress Norton was coming by through it; upon which +I, plucking off my hat and standing with it in my hand as she +passed by, Pope looked very earnestly in my face. But I took no +notice of it, but put on my hat again and went away, walking out +of the house into the field." + +When he returned, however, the butler followed him into a private +room, and going down on his stiff knees, said, with tears in his +old eyes, he was rejoiced to see his majesty in safety. The king +affected to laugh at him, and asked him what he meant; but Pope +told him he knew him well, for before he was a trooper in his +father's service he had been falconer to Sir Thomas Jermyn, groom +of the bedchamber to the king when he was a boy. Charles saw it +was useless longer to deny himself, and therefore said he +believed him to be a very honest man, and besought he would not +reveal what he knew to anyone. This the old man readily +promised, and faithfully kept his word. Having spent a couple of +days at Norton's, the king, by advice of Lord Wilmot, went to the +house of a true friend and loyal man, one Colonel Windham, who +lived at Trent. This town was notable as a very hotbed of +republicanism; a proof of which was afforded his majesty on the +very day of his entrance. As he rode into the principal street, +still disguised as a waiting man to Mistress Lane, he heard a +great ringing of bells, and the tumult of many voices, and saw a +vast concourse of people gathered in the churchyard close by. On +asking the cause he was informed one of Cromwell's troopers was +telling the people he had killed Charles Stuart, whose buff coat +he then wore; whereon the rebels rang the church bells, and were +about to make a great bonfire for joy. + +Having brought him to Trent, Mistress Lane returned home, +carrying with her the king's friendship and gratitude, of which +he gave her ample proof when he came unto the throne. Charles +stayed at Colonel Windham's over a week, whilst that gallant man +was secretly striving to hire a ship for his majesty's safe +transportation into France. Presently succeeding in this object, +the king, yet wearing his livery, and now riding before Mistress +Judith Coningsby, cousin of Colonel Windham, started with high +hopes for Lyme; but at the last moment the captain of the vessel +failed him, and he was again left in a state of painful +uncertainty and danger. Lord Wilmot was sent to ascertain the +cause of this disappointment, and for greater safety the king +rode on to Burport with his friends. Being come to the outskirts +of the town, they were alarmed at finding the streets in a state +of confusion, and full of Cromwell's soldiers, fifteen hundred of +whom were about to embark for Jersey. His majesty's coolness and +presence of mind did not fail him; he resolved to ride boldly +into the town, and hire a chamber at the best inn. The yard of +the hostelry was likewise crowded with troopers; but this did not +dismay his majesty. + +"I alighted," said he, "and taking the horses, thought it the +best way to go blundering in among them, and lead them through +the middle of the soldiers into the stable; which I did, and they +were very angry with me for my rudeness. As soon as I came into +the stable I took the bridle off the horses, and called the +ostler to me to help me, and to give the horses some oats. And +as the hostler was helping me to feed the horses, 'Sure, sir,' +says he, 'I know your face?' which was no very pleasant question +to me. But I thought the best way was to ask him where he had +lived, or whether he had always lived there or no. He told me +that he was but newly come thither; that he was born in Exeter, +and had been ostler in an inn there, hard by one Mr. Potter's, a +merchant in whose house I had lain in the time of the war. So I +thought it best to give the fellow no further occasion of +thinking where he had seen me, for fear he should guess right at +last; therefore I told him, 'Friend, certainly you have seen me +then at Mr. Potter's, for I served him a good while above a +year.' 'Oh,' says he, 'then I remember you a boy there;' and with +that was put off from thinking any more on it, but desired that +we might drink a pot of beer together, which I excused by saying +that I must go wait on my master, and get his dinner ready for +him; but told him that my master was going to London, and would +return about three weeks hence, when he would be there, and I +would not fail to drink a pot with him." + +The king and his friends, having dined at the inn, got word that +the master of the ship, suspecting that it was some dangerous +employment he had been hired for, absolutely refused to fulfil +his contract. Therefore they, being sad at heart and fearful, +retraced their steps to Trent, and presently his majesty went +further into Sussex, and abode with a staunch Royalist, one +Colonel Gunter, who resided within four miles of Salisbury. This +excellent man at last succeeded in hiring a ship to carry away +the king, and so Charles made another journey to Brighthelmstone, +where he met the captain of the vessel and the merchant that had +hired her on behalf of Colonel Gunter, both of whom had been kept +in ignorance of their future passenger's identity. Arriving at +Brighthelmstone, they entered an inn and ordered supper, during +which the captain more than once looked hard at the king. And +the meal being ended, the captain called the merchant aside and +said he was not dealt with fairly, inasmuch as he had not been +told the king was the person to be conveyed from thence. The +merchant, not being so wise as the master, denied such was the +case; but the honest fellow told him not to be troubled. "For I +think," said he, "I do God and my country good service in +preserving the king: and by the grace of God I will venture my +life and all for him, and set him safely on shore, if I can, in +France." + +Nor was this the last of his majesty's numerous risks, for being +presently left alone, he stood thoughtful and somewhat melancholy +by the fire, resting one hand on a chair; and the landlord, +coming in and seeing him engaged in this manner, softly advanced, +suddenly kissed the king's hand, and said, "God bless you, +wherever you go." Charles started, and would have denied +himself; but the landlord cried out, "'Fore God, your majesty may +trust me; and," he added, "I have no doubt, before I die, to be a +lord, and my wife a lady." + +That night, the last his majesty was to spend in England for many +years, he was sad and depressed. The scenes of bloodshed he had +witnessed, the imminent dangers he had escaped, were vividly +present to his mind. The past was fraught with horror; the +future held no hope. Though a king, he was about to become an +outcast from his realm. Surmising his thoughts, his companions +sought to cheer him. Now the long-desired moment of escape was +at hand, no one thought of repose. The little vessel in which he +intended sailing lay dry upon the shore, the tide being at low +water. The king and his friends, the merchant, the captain, and +the landlord, sat in the well-lighted cosy parlour of the seaport +inn, smoking, playing cards, telling stories and drinking good +ale. + +With all such diversions the hours wore heavily away. Their +noisy joviality had an undercurrent of sadness; jokes failed to +amuse; laughter seemed forced; words, mirthful in leaving the +lips, sounded ominous on reaching the ear. At four o'clock the +captain rose to survey his ship, and presently returned saying +the tide had risen. Thereon the king and his friends prepared to +depart. A damp, chilly November fog hung over the sea, hiding +its wide expanse without deadening its monotonous moan. A +procession of black figures leaving the inn sped noiselessly +through darkness. Arriving at the shore, those who were not to +accompany his majesty, knelt and kissed his hand. Then he, with +Lord Wilmot and the captain, climbed on board the vessel and +entered the cabin. The fog had turned to rain. Four hours +later, the tide being favourable, the ship sailed out of port, +and in due time the king was safely landed in France. + + + +CHAPTER III. + +Celebration of the Kings return.--Those who flocked to Whitehall +My Lord Cleveland's gentlemen.--Sir Thomas Allen's supper.-- +Touching for King's evil.--That none might lose their labour.-- +The man with the fungus nose.--The memory of the regicides.-- +Cromwell's effigy.--Ghastly scene at Tyburn.--The King's +clemency.--The Coronation procession.--Sights and scenes by the +way.--His Majesty is crowned. + +The return of the king and his court was a signal for universal +joy throughout the nation in general and the capital in +particular. For weeks and months subsequent to his majesty's +triumphal entry, the town did not subside from its condition of +excitement and revelry to its customary quietude and sobriety. +Feasts by day were succeeded by entertainments at night; "and +under colour of drinking the king's health," says Bishop Burnet, +"there were great disorder and much riot." + +It seemed as if the people could not sufficiently express their +delight at the presence of the young king amongst them, or +satisfy their desire of seeing him. When clad in rich velvets +and costly lace, adorned with many jewels and waving feathers, he +walked in Hyde Park attended by an "abundance of gallantry," or +went to Whitehall Chapel, where "the organs and singing-men in +surplices" were first heard by Mr. Pepys, a vast crowd of loyal +subjects attended him on his way. Likewise, when, preceded by +heralds, he journeyed by water in his barge to open Parliament, +the river was crowded with innumerable boats, and the banks lined +with a great concourse anxious for sight of him. Nor were his +subjects satisfied by the glimpses obtained of him on such +occasions; they must needs behold their king surrounded by the +insignia of royalty in the palace of his ancestors, and flocked +thither in numbers. "The eagerness of men, women, and children +to see his majesty, and kisse his hands was so greate," says +Evelyn, "that he had scarce leisure to eate for some dayes, +coming as they did from all parts of the nation: and the king +being as willing to give them that satisfaction, would have none +kept out, but gave free access to all sorts of people." Indeed +his loyal subjects were no less pleased with him than he with +them; and in faith he was sorry, he declared, in that delicate +strain of irony that ran like a bright thread throughout the +whole pattern of his speech, he had not come over before, for +every man he encountered was glad to see him. + +Day after day, week after week, the Palace of Whitehall presented +a scene of ceaseless bustle. Courtiers, ambassadors, +politicians, soldiers, and citizens crowded the antechambers, +flocked through the galleries, and tarried in the courtyards. +Deputations from all the shires and chief towns in the three +kingdoms, bearing messages of congratulation and loyalty, were +presented to the king. First of all came the worshipful lord +mayor, aldermen and council of the city of London, in great pomp +and state; when the common-sergeant made a speech to his majesty +respecting the affection of the city towards him, and the lord +mayor, on hospitable thoughts intent, besought the honour of his +company to dinner, the which Charles promised him most readily. +And the same day the commissioners from Ireland presented +themselves, headed by Sir James Barry, who delivered himself of a +fine address regarding the love his majesty's Irish subjects bore +him; as proof of which he presented the monarch with a bill for +twenty thousand pounds, that had been duly accepted by Alderman +Thomas Viner, a right wealthy man and true. Likewise came the +deputy steward and burgesses of the city of Westminster, arrayed +in the glory of new scarlet gowns; and the French, Italian, and +Dutch ministers, when Monsieur Stoope pronounced an harangue with +great eloquence. Also the vice-chancellor of the University of +Oxford, with divers doctors, bachelors of divinity, proctors, and +masters of arts of the same learned university, who, having first +met at the Temple Church, went by two and two, according to their +seniority, to Essex House, that they might wait on the most noble +the Marquis of Hertford, then chancellor. Accompanied by him, +and preceded by eight esquires and yeomen beadles, having their +staves, and three of them wearing gold chains, they presented +themselves before the king, and spoke him words of loyalty and +greeting. The heads of the colleges and halls of Cambridge, with +some masters of arts, in like manner journeyed to Whitehall, when +Dr. Love delivered a learned Latin oration, expressive of their +devotion to royalty in the person of their most illustrious +monarch. + +Amongst others came, one day, my Lord Cleveland at the head of a +hundred gentlemen, many of them being officers who had formerly +served under him, and other gentlemen who had ridden to meet the +king when coming unto his own; and having arrived at Whitehall, +they knelt down in the matted gallery, when his majesty "was +pleased to walk along," says MERCURIUS PUBLICUS, "and give +everyone of them the honour to kiss his hand, which favour was so +highly received by them, that they could no longer stifle their +joy, but as his majesty was walking out (a thing thought unusual +at court) they brake out into a loud shouting." + +Then the nobility entertained the king and his royal brothers +with much magnificence, his Excellency Lord General Monk first +giving at his residence in the Cockpit, a great supper, after +which "he entertained his majesty with several sorts of musick;" +Next Earl Pembroke gave a rare banquet; also the Duke of +Buckingham, my Lord Lumley, and many others. Nor was my lord +mayor, Sir Thomas Allen, behindhand in extending hospitality to +the king, whom he invited to sup with him. This feast, having no +connection with the civic entertainments, was held at good Sir +Thomas's house. The royal brothers of York and Gloucester were +likewise bidden, together with several of the nobility and gentry +of high degree. Previous to supper being served, the lord mayor +brought his majesty a napkin dipped in rose-water, and offered it +kneeling; when his majesty had wiped his hands, he sat down at a +table raised by an ascent, the Duke of York on his right hand, +and the Duke of Gloucester on his left. They were served with +three several courses, at each of which the tablecloth was +shifted, and at every dish which his majesty or the dukes tasted, +the napkins were moreover changed. At another table in the same +room sat his Excellency the Lord General, the Duke of Buckingham, +the Marquis of Ormond, the Earl of Oxford, Earl of Norwich, Earl +of St. Albans, Lords De la Ware, Sands, Berkeley, and several +other of the nobility, with knights and gentlemen of great +quality. Sir John Robinson, alderman of London, proposed his +majesty's health, which was pledged standing by all present. His +majesty was the while entertained with a variety of rare music. +This supper was given on the 16th of June; and a couple of weeks +later, on the 5th of July, the king went "with as much pompe and +splendour as any earthly prince could do to the greate Citty +feast, the first they had invited him to since his returne." + +But whilst entertainments were given, and diversions occupied the +town, Charles was called upon to touch for the evil, an +affliction then most prevalent throughout the kingdom. According +to a time-honoured belief which obtained until the coming of +George I., when faith in the divinity of kings was no longer +possible to the most ignorant, the monarch's touch was credited +with healing this most grievous disease. Majesty in those days +was sacred, and superstition rife. Accordingly we read in +MERCURIUS PUBLICUS that, "The kingdom having for a long time, by +reason of his majesty's absence, been troubled with the evil, +great numbers flocked for cure. Saturday being appointed by his +majesty to touch such as were so troubled, a great company of +poor afflicted creatures were met together, many brought in +chairs and baskets; and being appointed by his majesty to repair +to the banqueting house, the king sat in a chair of state, where +he stroked all that were brought to him, and then put about each +of their necks a white ribbon with an angel of gold on it. In +this manner his majesty stroked above six hundred; and such was +his princely patience and tenderness to the poor afflicted +creatures, that though it took up a long time, the king, being +never weary of well doing, was pleased to make inquiry whether +there were any more that had not been touched. After prayers +were ended the Duke of Buckingham brought a towel, and the Earl +of Pembroke a basin and ewer, who, after they had made their +obeysance to his majesty, kneeled down till his majesty had +washed." + +This was on the 23rd of June, a few days earlier than the date +fixed by Evelyn as that on which the king first began "touch for +ye evil." A week later we find he stroked as many as two hundred +and fifty persons. Friday was then appointed as the day for +those suffering from this disease to come before the king; it was +moreover decided that only two hundred persons should be +presented each week and these were first to repair to Mr. Knight, +his majesty's surgeon, living at the Cross Guns, in Russell +Street, Covent Garden, over against the Rose tavern, for tickets +of admission. "That none might lose their labour." the same Mr. +Knight made it known to the public he would be at home on +Wednesdays and Thursdays, from two till six of the clock; and if +any person of quality should send for him he would wait upon them +at their lodgings. The disease must indeed have been rife: week +after week those afflicted continued to present themselves, and +we read that, towards the end of July, "notwithstanding all +discouragements by the hot weather and the multitude of sick and +infirm people, his majesty abated not one of his accustomed +number, but touched full two hundred: an high conviction of all +such physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries that pretend self- +preservation when the languishing patient requires their +assistance." Indeed, there were some who placed boundless faith +in the king's power of healing by touch; amongst whom was one +Avis Evans, whom Aubrey, in his "Miscellanies," records "had a +fungus nose, and said it was revealed to him that the king's hand +would cure him. And at the first coming of King Charles II. into +St. James's Park, he kissed the king's hand, and rubbed his nose +with it, which disturbed the king, but cured him." + +The universal joy which filled the nation at the restoration of +his majesty was accompanied, as might be expected, by bitter +hatred towards the leaders of Republicanism, especially towards +such as had condemned the late king to death. The chief objects +of popular horror now, however, lay in their graves; but the +sanctity of death was neither permitted to save their memories +from vituperation nor their remains from moltestation. +Accordingly, through many days in June the effigy of Cromwell, +which had been crowned with a royal diadem, draped with a purple +mantle, in Somerset House, and afterwards borne with all +imaginable pomp to Westminster Abbey, was now exposed at one of +the windows at Whitehall with a rope fixed round its neck, by way +of hinting at the death which the original deserved. But this +mark of execration was not sufficient to satisfy the public mind, +and seven months later, on the 30th of January, 1661, the +anniversary of the murder of Charles I., the bodies of Oliver +Cromwell, Henry Ireton, and John Bradshaw were taken from their +resting places in Westminster Abbey, and drawn on hurdles to +Tyburn, the well-known site of public executions. "All the way +the universal outcry and curses of the people went along with +them," says MERCURIUS PUBLICUS. "When these three carcasses +arrived at Tyburn, they were pulled out of their coffins, and +hanged at the several angles of that triple tree, where they hung +till the sun was set; after which they were taken down, their +heads cut off; and their loathsome trunks thrown into a deep hole +under the gallows. The heads of those three notorious regicides, +Oliver Cromwell, John Bradshaw, and Ireton are set upon poles on +the top of Westminster Hall by the common hangman. Bradshaw +placed in the middle (over that part where the monstrous high +court of justice sat), Cromwell and his son-in-law Ireton on +either side of Bradshaw." + +Before this ghastly execution took place, Parliament had brought +to justice such offenders against the late king's government and +life as were in its power. According to the declaration made by +the king at Breda, a full and general pardon was extended to all +rebellious subjects, excepting such persons as should be +hereafter excepted by Parliament. By reason of this clause, some +who had been most violent in their persecution of royalty were +committed to the Tower before the arrival of his majesty, others +fled from the country, but had, on another proclamation summoning +them to surrender themselves, returned in hope of obtaining +pardon. Thirty in all were tried at the Old Bailey before the +Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer and a special jury of knights +and gentlemen of quality in the county of Middlesex. Twenty-nine +of these were condemned to death. The king was singularly free +from desires of revenge; but many of his council were strangers +to clemency, and, under the guise of loyalty to the crown, sought +satisfaction for private wrongs by urging severest measures. The +monarch, however, shrank from staining the commencement of his +reign with bloodshed and advocated mercy. In a speech delivered +to the House of Lords he insisted that, as a point of honour, he +was bound to make good the assurances given in his proclamation +of Breda, "which if I had not made," he continued, "I am +persuaded that neither I nor you had now been here. I pray, +therefore, let us not deceive those who brought or permitted us +to come together; and I earnestly desire you to depart from all +particular animosities and revenge or memory of past +provocations." Accordingly, but ten of those on whom sentence of +death had been passed were executed, the remainder being +committed to the Tower. That they were not also hung was, +according to the mild and merciful Dr. Reeves, Dean of +Westminster, "a main cause of God's punishing the land" in the +future time. For those destined to suffer, a gibbet was erected +at Charing Cross, that the traitors might in their last moments +see the spot where the late king had been executed. Having been +half hung, they were taken down, when their heads were severed +from their trunks and set up on poles at the south-east end of +Westminster Hall, whilst their bodies were quartered and exposed +upon the city gates. + +Burnet tells us that "the regicides being odious beyond all +expression, the trials and executions of the first who suffered +were run to by crowds, and all the people seemed pleased with the +sight;" yet by degrees these cruel and ghastly spectacles became +distasteful and disgusting. "I saw not their executions," says +Evelyn, speaking of four of the traitors who had suffered death +on the 17th of October, "but met their quarters mangled and cutt +and reeking as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on +the hurdle. Oh the miraculous providence of God!" + +Seven months later, the people were diverted by the more cheerful +pageant of the king's coronation, which was conducted with great +magnificence. "Two days," as Heath narrates, "were allotted to +the consummation of this great and most celebrated action, the +wonder, admiration and delight of all persons, both foreign and +domestick." Early on the morning of the 22nd of May, the day +being Monday, the king left Whitehall, by water, for the Tower, +in order that he might, according to ancient custom, proceed +through the city to Westminster Abbey. It was noticed that it +had previously rained for a month together, but on this and the +next day "it pleased God that not one drop fell on the king's +triumph." At ten o'clock the roaring of cannon announced the +procession had left the Tower on its way to Whitehall, where his +majesty was to rest the night. The splendour of the pageant was +such as had never before been witnessed. The procession was +headed by the king's council at law, the masters of chancery and +judges, who were followed by the lords according to their rank, +so numerous in all, that those who rode first reached Fleet +Street, whilst the king was yet in the Tower. + +No expense was spared by those who formed part of that wonderful +cavalcade, towards rendering their appearance magnificent. Heath +tells us it was incredible to think "what costly cloathes were +worn that day. The cloaks could hardly be seen what silk or +satin they were made of, for the gold and silver laces and +embroidery that was laid upon them; the like also was seen on +their foot-cloathes. Besides the inestimable value and treasures +of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels worn upon their backs and +in their hats, not to mention the sumptuous and rich liveries of +their pages and footmen, some suits of liveries amounting to +fifteen hundred pounds." Nor had the city hesitated in lavishing +vast sums towards decorating the streets through which the king +was to pass. Four triumphal arches were erected, that were left +standing for a year in memory of this joyful day. These were +"composed" by John Ogilby, Esquire; and were respectively +erected in Leadenhall Street, the Exchange on Cornhill, Wood +Street, and Fleet Street. + +The thoroughfares were newly gravelled, railed all the way on +both sides, and lined with the city companies and trained bands. +The "relation of his majesty's entertainment passing through the +City of London," as narrated by John Ogilby, and by the papers of +the day, is extremely quaint and interesting, but too long for +detailed description. During the monarch's progress through +"Crouched Friers," he was diverted with music discoursed by a +band of eight waits, placed upon a stage. At Aldgate, and at +several other stages of his journey, he was received in like +manner. Arriving at the great arch in Leadenhall Street, his +ears were greeted by sounds of trumpets and drums playing +marches; when they had finishes, a short scene was enacted on a +balcony of the arch, by figures representing Monarchy, Rebellion, +and Loyalty. Then the great procession wended its way to the +East India House, situate in the same street, when the East India +Company took occasion to express their dutiful affections, in a +manner "wholly designed by person of quality." As the king +advanced, a youth in an Indian habit, attended by two +blackamoors, knelt down before his majesty's horse, and delivered +himself of some execrable verse, which he had no sooner ended +than another youth in an Indian vest, mounted on a camel, was led +forwards and delivered some lines praying his majesty's subjects +might never see the sun set on his crown or dignity. The camel, +it my be noticed, bore panniers filled with pearls, spices, and +silks, destined to be scattered among the spectators. At +Cornhill was a conduit, surmounted by eight wenches representing +nymphs--a sight which must have rejoiced the king's heart; and on +the tower of this same fountain sounded "a noise of seven +trumpets." Another fountain flowed with wine and water; and on +his way the king heard several speeches delivered by various +symbolic figures. One of these, who made a particularly fine +harangue, represented the River Thames, as a gentleman whose +"garment loose and flowing, coloured blue and white, waved like +water, flags and ozier-like long hair falling o'er his shoulders; +his beard long, sea-green, and white." And so by slow degrees +the king came to Temple Bar, where he was entertained by "a view +of a delightful boscage, full of several beasts, both tame and +savage, as also several living figures and music of eight waits." +And having passed through Temple Bar into his ancient and native +city of Westminster, the head bailiff in a scarlet robe and the +high constable, likewise in scarlet, on behalf of the dean, +chapter, city, and liberty, received his majesty with great +expressions of joy. + +Never had there been so goodly a show so grand a procession; the +citizens, still delighted with their young king, had certainly +excelled in doing him honour, and some foreigners, Heaton says, +"acknowledged themselves never to have seen among all the great +magnificences of the world any to come near or equal this: even +the vaunting French confessed their pomps of the late marriage +with the Infanta of Spain, at their majesties' entrance into +Paris, to be inferior in its state, gallantry, and riches unto +this most illustrious cavalcade." Amongst those who witnessed +the procession was Mr. Pepys, who has left us a realistic +description, without which this picture would be incomplete. He +tells us he arose early on this day; and the vain fellow says he +made himself as fine as could be, putting on his velvet coat for +the first time, though he had it made half a year before. "And +being ready," he continues, "Sir W. Batten, my lady, and his two +daughters, and his son and wife, and Sir W. Pen and his son and +I, went to Mr. Young's, the flag-maker, in Corne-hill; and there +we had a good room to ourselves, with wine and good cake, and saw +the show very well. In which it is impossible to relate the +glory of this day, expressed in the clothes of them that rid, and +their horses and horses' clothes; among others, my Lord +Sandwich's embroidery and diamonds were ordinary among them. The +Knights of the Bath was a brave sight of itself. Remarquable +were the two men that represent the two Dukes of Normandy and +Aquitane. My Lord Monk rode bare after the king, and led in his +hand a spare horse, as being Master of the Horse. The king, in a +most rich embroidered suit and cloak, looked most noble. Wadlow, +the vintner, at the Devil, in Fleet Street, did lead a fine +company of soldiers, all young comely men in white doublets. +There followed the Vice-Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, and a +company of men all like Turkes. The streets all gravelled, and +the houses hung with carpets before them, made brave show; and +the ladies out of the windows, one of which over against us, I +took much notice of, and spoke of her, which made good sport +among us. So glorious was the show with gold and silver, that we +were not able to look at it, our eyes at last being so much +overcome with it. Both the king and the Duke of York took notice +of us as they saw us at the window. The show being ended, Mr. +Young did give us a dinner, at which we were very merry and +pleased above imagination at what we have seen." + +The next day, being the feast of St. George, patron of England, +the king went in procession from Whitehall to Westminster Abbey, +where he was solemnly crowned in the presence of a vast number of +peers and bishops. After which, surrounded by the same brilliant +company, he passed from the Abbey to Westminster Hall, the way +being covered with blue cloth, and lined with spectators to the +number of ten thousand. Here his majesty and the lords, +spiritual and temporal, dined sumptuously, whilst many fine +ceremonies were observed, music of all sorts was played, and a +great crowd of pretty ladies looked down from the galleries. And +when the banquet was over, and a general pardon had been read by +the lord chancellor, and the champion had drank out of the king's +gold cup, Charles betook himself to Whitehall. Then, after two +days of fair weather, it suddenly "fell a-raining, and thundering +and lightning," says Pepys, "as I have not seen it do for some +years; which people did take great notice of." + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The King's character.--His proverbial grace.--He tells a story +well.--"A warmth and sweetness of the blood."--Beautiful Barbara +Palmer.--Her intrigue with my Lord Chesterfield.--James, Duke of +York.--His early days.--Escape from St. James's.--Fights in the +service of France.--Marriage with Anne Hyde.--Sensation at +Court.--The Duke of Gloucester's death.--The Princess of Orange. +--Schemes against the Duke of York's peace.--The "lewd +informer."--Anne Hyde is acknowledged Duchess of York. + +Whilst the kingdom was absorbed by movements consequent on its +change of government, the court was no less engrossed by +incidents relative to the career it had begun. In the annals of +court life there are no pages more interesting than those dealing +with Charles II, and his friends; in the history of kings there +is no more remarkable figure than that of the merry monarch +himself. + +Returning to rule over a nation which, during his absence, had +been distracted by civil strife, King Charles, young in years, +brave in deeds, and surrounded by that halo of romance which +misfortune lends its victims, entirely. gained the hearts of his +subjects. Nature had endowed him with gifts adapted to display +qualities that fascinated, and fitted to hide blemishes which +repelled. On the one hand his expressive features and shapely +figure went far towards creating a charm which his personal grace +and courtesy of manner completed; on the other, his delicate tact +screened the heartlessness of his sensualism, whilst his surface +sympathies hid the barrenness of his cynicism. + +With the coolness and courage he had shown in danger, the +shrewdness and wit he continually evinced, and the varied +capacities he certainly possessed, Charles II. might have made +his reign illustrious, had not his love of ease and detestation +of business rendered him indifferent to all things so long as he +was free to follow his desires. But these faults, which became +grievous in the eyes of his subjects, commended him to the hearts +of his courtiers, the common purpose of whose lives was pursuit +of pleasure. Never was sovereign more gracious to those who came +in contact with him, or less ceremonious with his friends; whilst +abroad he had lived with his little band of courtiers more as a +companion than a king. The bond of exile had drawn them close +together; an equal fortune had gone far towards obliterating +distinctions of royalty; and custom had so fitted the monarch and +his friends to familiarity, that on his return to England neither +he nor they laid aside a mutual freedom of treatment which by +degrees extended itself throughout the court. For all that, "he +was master," as Welwood says, "of something in his person and +aspect that commanded both love and admiration at once." + +Among his many gifts was that of telling a story well--a rare one +'tis true in all ages. Never was he better pleased than when, +surrounded by a group of gossips, he narrated some anecdote of +which he was the hero; and, though his tales were more than twice +told, they were far from tedious; inasmuch as, being set forth +with brighter flashes of wit and keener touches of irony, they +were ever pleasant to hear. His conversation was of a like +complexion to his tales, pointed, shrewd, and humorous; +frequently--as became the manner of the times--straying far +afield of propriety, and taking liberties of expression of which +nice judgments could not approve. But indeed his majesty's +speech was not more free than his conduct was licentious. He +could not think, he gravely told Bishop Burnet, "God would make a +man miserable for taking a little pleasure out of the way." +Accordingly he followed the free bent of his desires, and his +whole life was soon devoted to voluptuousness; a vice which an +ingenious courtier obligingly describes as a "warmth and +sweetness of the blood that would not be confined in the +communicating itself--an overflowing of good nature, of which he +had such a stream that it would not be restrained within the +banks of a crabbed and unsociable virtue." + +The ease and freedom of his continental life had no doubt +fostered this lamentable depravity; for his misfortunes as an +exiled king by no means prevented him following his inclinations +as an ardent lover. Accordingly, his intrigues at that time were +numerous, as may be judged from the fact of Lady Byron being +described as "his seventeenth mistress abroad." The offspring of +one of his continental mistresses was destined to plunge the +English nation into civil warfare, and to suffer a traitor's +death on Tower Hill in the succeeding reign. + +"The profligacy which Charles practised abroad not being +discontinued at home, he resumed in England an intrigue commenced +at Brussels a short time before the restoration. The object of +this amour was the beautiful Barbara Palmer, afterwards, by +reason of her lack of virtue, raised to the peerage under the +titles of Countess of Castlemaine, and Duchess of Cleveland. +This lady, who became a most prominent figure in the court of the +merry monarch, was daughter of William, second Viscount +Grandison, a brave gentleman and a loyal, who had early in life +fallen in the civil war whilst fighting for his king. He is +described as having, among other gifts, "a faultless person," a +boon, which descended to his only child, the bewitching Barbara. +In the earliest dawn of her womanhood she encountered her first +lover in the person of Philip Stanhope, second Earl of +Chesterfield. My lord was at this time a youthful widower, and +is described as having "a very agreeable face, a fine head of +hair, an indifferent shape, and a pleasant wit. He was, +moreover, an elegant beau and a dissolute man--testimony of which +latter fact may be gathered from a letter written to him in 1658, +by his sister-in-law, Lady Essex, to prevent the "ruin of his +soule." Writes her ladyship: "You treate all the mad drinking +lords, you sweare, you game, and commit all the extravagances +that are insident to untamed youths, to such a degree that you +make yourselfe the talke of all places, and the wonder of those +who thought otherwise of you, and of all sober people." + +When Barbara was sixteen, my lord, then in his twenty-third year, +inherited the title and estates of his grandfather: he therefore +became master of his own fortune and could bestow his hand where +he pleased. That he was in love with Barbara is, indeed, most +true; but that his passion was dishonourable is likewise certain: +for though he wrote her letters full of tenderness, and kept +assignations with her at Butler's shop, on Ludgate Hill, he was +the while negotiating a marriage with one Mrs. Fairfax, to whom +he was not, however, united. His intrigue with Barbara continued +for upwards of three years, when it was temporarily suspended by +her marriage to one Roger Palmer, a student of the Inner Temple, +the son of a Middlesex knight, and, moreover, a man of the most +obliging temper, as will hereafter be seen. Barbara's loyalty to +her husband was but of short duration. Before she had been nine +months a wife, we find her writing to her old lover she is "ready +and willing to goe all over the world" with him--a sacrifice he +declined to accept! though eager to take advantage of the +affection which prompted it. A little while later he was obliged +to quit England; for it happened in the first month of the year +1660 he quarrelled with and killed one Francis Woolley, a student +at law, to avoid the consequences of which act he speedily fled +the country. + +Arriving at Calais, he wrote to King Charles, who was then +preparing to return, throwing himself on his mercy, and +beseeching his pardon; which the king granting, Lord Chesterfield +sought his majesty at Brussels. Soon afterwards Barbara Palmer +and her complaisant husband, a right loyal man, joined the king's +court abroad, when the intrigue begun which was continued on the +night of the monarch's arrival in London. True the loyal +PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCER stated "his majesty was diverted from +his pious intention of going to Westminster to offer up his +devotions of prayer and praise in publick according to the +appointment of his Majesty, and made his oblations unto God in +the presence-chamber;" but it is, alas, equally certain, +according to Oldmixon, Lord Dartmouth, and other reliable +authorities, he spent the first night of his return in the +company of Barbara Palmer. From that time this abandoned woman +exercised an influence over the king which wholly disgraced his +court, and almost ruined his kingdom. + +Another prominent figure, whose history is inseparable from the +king's, was that of his majesty's brother, James, Duke of York--a +man of greater ambition and lesser talents than the merry +monarch, but one whose amorous disposition equalled the monarch's +withal. At an early period of his life the Duke of York was +witness of the strife which divided his unhappy father's kingdom. +When only eight years old he was sent for by Charles I. to York, +but was forbidden by the Parliament to leave St. James's Palace. +Despite its commands he was, however, carried to the king by the +gallant Marquis of Hereford. That same year the boy witnessed +the refusal of Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull, to admit his +majesty within the gates; and James was subsequently present at +the siege of Bristol, and the famous battle of Edgehill, when his +life at one period of the engagement was in imminent peril. + +Until 1646 he continued under the guardianship of his father, +when, on the entrance of Fairfax into Oxford, the young duke was +found among the prisoners, and by Cromwell's orders committed to +the charge of Sir George Ratcliffe. A few months later he was +removed to St. James's Palace, when in company with his brother, +the Duke of Gloucester, and his sister, the Princess Elizabeth, +he was placed under the care of Lord Northumberland, who had +joined the Republican cause. + +Though by no means treated with unkindness, the young duke, +unhappy at the surveillance placed upon his actions and fearful +of the troubles quickly gathering over the kingdom, twice sought +escape. This was a serious offence in the eyes of Cromwell's +Parliament; a committee was accordingly sent to examine him, and +he was threatened with imprisonment in the Tower. Though only in +his fourteenth year he already possessed both determination and +courage, by reason of which he resolved to risk all danger, and +make a third effort for freedom. Accordingly he laid his plans +with much ingenuity, selecting two men from those around him to +aid his undertaking. These were George Howard and Colonel +Bamfield. The latter had once served in the king's army, but +when the fortunes of war had gone against his royal master, had +professed himself friendly to the Republicans. No doubt the +young duke saw the gallant colonel was still true at heart to the +Royalist cause, and therefore trusted him at this critical +juncture. + +Now for a fortnight previous to the night on which he designed to +escape, James made it his habit to play at hide-and-seek every +evening after supper with his brother and sister, and the +children of the officers then located in the palace; and in such +secure places did he secrete himself that his companions +frequently searched for over half an hour without discovering +him. This of course accustomed the household to miss him, and +was cunningly practised for the purpose of gaining time on his +pursuers when he came to be sought for in good earnest. + +At last the eventful night fixed for his escape arrived; and +after supper a pleasant group of merry children prepared to +divert themselves in the long dark halls and narrow winding +passages of the grim old palace. James, as usual, proposed +concealing himself, and leaving his companions for the purpose, +disappeared behind some arras; but, instead of hiding, he +hastened to his sister's chamber, where he locked up a favourite +dog that was in the habit of following his footsteps wherever he +went, and then noiselessly slipped down a back stairs which led +to an inner garden. Having taken care to provide himself with a +key fitting the garden door, he quickly slipped into the park. +Here he found Colonel Bamfield waiting, who, giving him a cloak +and a wig for his better disguise, hurried him into a hackney +coach, which drove them as far as Salisbury House in the Strand. +From thence they went through Spring Garden, and down Ivy Lane, +when, taking boat, they landed close by London Bridge. Here +entering the house of a surgeon friendly to their adventure, they +found a woman named Murray awaiting them, who immediately +provided a suit of woman's wearing apparel for the young duke, in +which she helped to attire him. Dressed in this costume he, +attended by the faithful Bamfield, hastened to Lion Quay, where +they entered a barge hired for their conveyance to a Dutch +frigate stationed beyond Gravesend. + +Meanwhile, the children not being able to discover their +playfellow in the palace, their elders became suspicious of the +duke's escape, and began to aid the search. Before an hour +elapsed they were convinced he had fled, and St. James's was +thrown into a state of the utmost excitement and confusion. +Notice of his flight was at once despatched to General Fairfax at +Whitehall, who immediately gave orders have all the roads from +London guarded, especially those leading to the north; for it was +surmised he would in the first instance seek to escape into +Wales. The duke, however, had taken a safer course, but one +which was not unattended by danger. He had not sailed far in the +barge when its master became suspicious that he was aiding the +escape of some persons of consequence, and became frightened lest +he should get into trouble by rendering them his services. And +presently his surmise was converted into certainty; for looking +through a cranny of the barge-room door, he saw the young woman +fling her leg on the table and pull up her stocking in a most +unmaidenly manner. He therefore at once peremptorily declared to +Colonel Bamfield they must land at Gravesend, and procure another +boat to carry them to the ship; for it would be impossible for +the barge to pass the block-house lower down without being +observed, and consequently inspected, as was the custom at this +troubled time. On hearing which Colonel Bamfield was filled with +dismay; but, knowing that at heart the people were loyal towards +the Stuarts, he confided the identity of his passenger, and +begged him not to betray them in this hour of peril. To give his +appeal further weight, he promised the fellow a considerable sum +if they safely reached the frigate; for human nature is weak, and +greed of gold is strong. On this, the bargee, who was a loyal +man, promised he would help them to the best of his powers; the +lights were therefore extinguished, the oars drawn in, and, the +tide fortunately answering, the barge glided noiselessly down +under cover of night, and passed the block-house unobserved. In +good time they reached the frigate, which, the duke and Colonel +Bamfield boarding, at once set sail, and in a few days landed +them at Middleburgh. James proceeded to the court of his sister, +the Princess of Orange, and later on joined his mother in France. + +At the age of twenty he served in the French army, under Turenne, +against the Spanish forces in Flanders, and subsequently in +several campaigns, where he invariably showed himself so brave +and valiant that the Prince de Conde declared that if ever there +was a man without fear, it was James, Duke of York. Now it +happened that in 1658 the Princess of Orange went to Paris in +order to visit the queen mother, as the widow of Charles I. was +called. The Duke of York was in the gay capital at this time, +and it soon became noticed that he fixed his attention overmuch +on one of his sister's maids of honour, Anne Hyde. This +gentlewoman, then in her twenty-first year, was the possessor of +a comely countenance, excellent shape, and much wit. Anne was +daughter of Edward Hyde, a worthy man, who had been bred to the +law, and proved himself so faithful a servant to Charles I., that +his majesty had made him Privy Councillor and Chancellor of the +Exchequer. After the king's execution, in 1649, the chancellor +thought it wise for himself and his family to seek refuge in +exile, and accordingly joined Charles II., with whom he lived in +the closest friendship, and for whose return he subsequently +negotiated with General Monk. + +Now James, after his fashion, made love to Mistress Hyde, who +encouraged his advances until they reached a certain stage, +beyond which the judicious maiden forbade them to proceed unless +blessed by the sanction of holy church. The Duke, impatient to +secure his happiness, was therefore secretly united to Mistress +Hyde in the bonds of matrimony on the 24th of November, in the +year of grace 1659, at Breda, to which place the Princess of +Orange had returned. In a little while, the restoration being +effected, the duke returned to England with the king, leaving his +bride behind. And Chancellor Hyde being presently re-established +in his offices, and settled in his residence at Worcester House +in the Strand, sent for his wife and children; the more speedily +as he had received an overture from a noble family, on behalf of +"a hopeful, well-bred young gentleman," who expressed himself +anxious to wed with Mistress Anne. + +The same young lady had not long returned, when she informed her +husband she was about to become a mother; whereon the duke, +seeking the king, fell upon his knees before him, laid bare his +secret, and besought him to sanction his union, "that he might +publicly marry in such a manner as his majesty thought necessary +for the consequence thereof;" adding that, if consent were +refused, he would "immediately take leave of the kingdom and +spend his life in foreign parts." King Charles was astonished +and perplexed by this confession. James was heir, and as such it +behoved him to wed with one suited, by reason of her lineage, to +support the dignity of the crown, and calculated by her relation +towards foreign powers to strengthen the influence of the throne. +The duke was fully aware of this, and, moreover, knew he could +without much difficulty have his marriage annulled; but that he +did not adopt this course was an honourable trait in his +character; and, indeed, his conduct and that of the king was most +creditable throughout the transactions which followed; an account +of which is set forth with great minuteness in the "Continuation +of Edward Hyde, Lord Clarendon's Life." + +Without the advice of his council, the king could give no +satisfactory reply to his brother. He therefore summoned two of +his trusty friends, the Marquis of Ormond and the Earl of +Southampton, whom he informed of the duke's marriage, requesting +them to communicate the same to the chancellor, and return with +him for private consultation. The good man's surprise at this +news concerning his daughter was, according to his own account, +exceeding great, and was only equalled by his vast indignation. +His loyalty towards the royal family was so fervent that it +overlooked his affection to his child. He therefore fell into a +violent passion, protested against her wicked presumption, and +advised that the king "should immediately cause the woman to be +sent to the Tower, and to be cast into a dungeon, under so strict +a guard that no person should be admitted to come to her; and +then that an act of parliament should be immediately passed for +the cutting off her head, to which he would not only give his +consent, but would very willingly be the first man that should +propose it." All this he presently repeated to the king, and +moreover, assured him an example of the highest severity, in a +case so nearly concerning himself, would serve as a warning that +others might take heed of offences committed against his regal +dignity. + +News of this marriage spread throughout the court with rapidity, +and caused the utmost excitement; which in a little while was +somewhat abated by the announcement that the king's youngest +brother, Henry, Duke of Gloucester, was taken ill of small-pox. +This young prince, who is described as "a pretty boy," possessed +parts which bade fair to surpass his brothers. He was indeed +associated by his family with their tenderest memories, inasmuch +as he had been with his father on the sad day previous to his +execution. On that melancholy occasion, Charles I. had taken him +upon his knee, and said to him very tenderly, "Sweetheart, they +will cut off thy father's head," at which the boy shuddered and +turned pale. "Mark, child, what I say," continued the unhappy +king, "they will cut off my head, and, perhaps, make thee a king; +but mark what I say, you must not be made king as long as your +brothers Charles and James are alive, for they will cut off thy +brothers' heads when they catch them, and cut off thy head at +last; and therefore I charge you not to be made a king by them." +To which the lad replied very earnestly) "I will be torn in +pieces first." Sometime after the death of his father he was +allowed to join his family in France, and, like his brother +James, entered the army of that country. On the restoration, he +had returned with the king, and, three months later, this "prince +of very extraordinary hopes" died, grievously lamented by the +court, and especially by his majesty, who declared he felt this +loss more than any other which had previously fallen upon him. + +Scarcely had he been laid to rest in the vault containing the +dust of Mary Queen of Scots and Lady Arabella Stuart, when the +Princess of Orange arrived in England to pay the king a visit of +ceremony. No sooner was she settled at court, than rumour of her +brother's marriage reached her; on which she became outrageous; +but her wrath was far exceeded by that of the queen mother, who, +on hearing the news, wrote to the duke expressing her indignation +"that he should have such low thoughts as to marry such a woman." +The epistle containing this sentence was at once shown by James +to his wife, whom he continually saw and spent much time with, +unknown to her father, who had given orders she should keep her +chamber. Parliament now sat, but no mention was made of the +duke's marriage by either House; and, inasmuch as the union so +nearly concerned the nation, this silence caused considerable +surprise. It was surmised the delay was made in deference to the +feelings of the queen mother, who at this juncture set out for +England, to prevent what she was pleased to term "so great a +stain and dishonour to the crown." The king regarded his +brother's alliance in a lenient spirit, and not only spoke of it +frequently before the court, but expressed his desire of bringing +the indiscretion to a, happy conclusion by a public +acknowledgment. + +The queen mother, being an ambitious woman, had cherished certain +schemes for extending the power of her family by the respective +marriages of her sons, which the duke's union was, of course, +calculated to curtail. She therefore regarded his wife with the +bitterest disdain. Whenever that woman should be brought into +Whitehall by one door, her majesty declared she would leave it by +another and never enter it again. The marriage was rendered all +the more disagreeable to the queen, because the object of her +son's choice was daughter of the lord chancellor, whose influence +over Charles II. had frequently opposed her plans in the past, +and threatened to prevent their realization in the future. The +monarch, however, paid little attention to his mother's +indignation. He was resolved no disgrace which he could hinder +should fall upon the family of one who had served him with +disinterested loyalty; and, by way of proving his friendship +towards the chancellor on the present occasion, he, before +setting out to meet his mother on her arrival at Dover, presented +him with twenty thousand pounds, and left a signed warrant for +creating him a baron, which he desired the attorney-general to +have ready to pass the seals at his return. + +In the meantime a wicked plot, for the purpose of lessening +James's affection for his wife, and ultimately preventing the +acknowledgment of his marriage, was promoted by the chancellor's +enemies and the duke's friends, principal amongst whom were the +Princess of Orange and Sir Charles Berkley, "a fellow of great +wickedness," Sir Charles was his royal highness's most trusted +friend, and was, moreover, devoted to the service of the princess +and her mother. He therefore determined to hinder the duke from +taking a step which he was of opinion would injure him +irretrievably. Accordingly, when James spoke in confidence +concerning his marriage, Sir Charles told him it was wholly +invalid, inasmuch as it had taken place without the king's +consent; and that a union with the daughter of an insignificant +lawyer was not to be thought of by the heir to the crown. +Moreover, he hinted he could a tale unfold regarding her +behaviour. At this the duke became impatient to hear what his +good friend had to say; whereon that valiant gentleman boasted, +with an air of bravery and truth, of certain gallantries which +had passed between him and the lady. On hearing this, James, +being credulous was sorely depressed. He ceased to visit his +wife, withdrew from general company; and so well did Sir +Charles's scheme succeed, that before the queen's arrival, the +duke had decided on denying his marriage with one who had brought +him dishonour. The king, however, put no faith in these +aspersions; he felt sure "there was a wicked conspiracy set on +foot by villains." + +It therefore happened the queen was spared the trouble she had +anticipated with her son; indeed, he humbly begged her pardon for +"having placed his affections so unequally, of which he was sure +there was now an end"--a confession most gratifying to her +majesty. The duke's bitter depression continued, and was soon +increased by the death of his sister, the Princess of Orange, +which was occasioned by smallpox on the 23rd of December, 1660. +In her last agonies Lord Clarendon says "she expressed a dislike +of the proceedings in that affair, to which she had contributed +too much." This fact, together with his royal highness's +unhappiness, had due weight on Sir Charles Berkley, who began to +repent of the calumnies he had spoken. Accordingly, the "lewd +informer" went to the duke, and sought to repair the evil he had +wrought. Believing, he said, such a marriage would be the +absolute ruin of his royal highness, he had made the accusation +which he now confessed to be false, and without the least ground; +for he was very confident of the lady's honour and virtue. He +then begged pardon on his knees for a fault committed out of pure +devotion, and trusted the duke would "not suffer him to be ruined +by the power of those whom he had so unworthily provoked, and of +which he had so much shame that he had not confidence to look +upon them." + +James was so much relieved by what he heard that he not only +forgave Sir Charles, but embraced him, and promised him +protection. Nor did his royal highness longer withhold the +reparation due to his wife, who, with the approval of the king +and the reluctant consent of the queen, was received at court as +Duchess of York. Such was the romance connected with the +marriage of her who became mother of two English queens--Mary, +wife of William of Orange, and Anne, of pious memory. + + + +CHAPTER V. + +Morality of the Restoration.--Puritan piety.--Conduct of women +under the Republic.--Some notable courtiers.--The Duke of Ormond +and his family.--Lord St. Albans and Henry Jermyn.--His Grace of +Buckingham and Mistress Fairfax.--Lord Rochester.--Beautiful +Barbara Palmer.--The King's Projected marriage.--Catherine of +Braganza.--His Majesty's speech.--A Royal love-letter.--The new +Queen sets sail. + +A general idea obtains that the libertine example set forth by +Charles II. and his courtiers is wholly to blame for the spirit +of depravity which marked his reign. That it was in part +answerable for the spread of immorality is true, inasmuch as the +royalists, considering sufficient aversion could not be shown to +the loathsome hypocrisy of the puritans, therefore fell into an +opposite extreme of ostentatious profligacy. But that the court +was entirely responsible for the vice tainting all classes of +society whilst the merry monarch occupied the throne, is false. + +Other causes had long been tending to produce this unhappy +effect. The reign of the Commonwealth had not been, remarkable +for its virtue, though it had been notable for its pharisaism. +With the puritan, words of piety took place of deeds of grace; +the basest passions were often hidden under sanctimonious +exteriors. Even Cromwell, "a man of long and dark discourses, +sermons, and prayers," was not above reproach. Bishop Burnet, +who has no harsh words for him, and few gentle ones for Charles, +states the Protector's intrigue with Lady Dysart was "not a +little taken notice of;" on which, the godly man "broke it off." +He therefore, Heath records, began an amour with a lady of lesser +note--Mrs. Lambert, the wife of a puritan, herself a lady devoted +to psalm singing and audible prayer when, not otherwise +pleasantly engaged. + +The general character of many news-sheets of the day proves that +morality under the Republic was at a low ebb. Anarchy in a +kingdom invariably favours dissoluteness in a people, inasmuch as +the disturbance of civil order tends to unsettle moral law. +Homes being divided amongst themselves by political strife, +paternal care was suspended, and filial respect ignored. In the +general confusion which obtained, the distinction of social codes +was overlooked. Lord Clarendon states that; during this unhappy +period, young people of either sex were "educated in all the +liberty of vice, without reprehension or restraint." He adds, +"The young women conversed without any circumspection or modesty, +and frequently met at taverns and common eating-houses." An +additional description of the ways and manners of young maidens +under the Republic is given in a rare and curious pamphlet +entitled "A Character of England as it was lately presented in a +Letter to a Nobleman of France"; printed in the year 1659, for +Jo. Crooke, and sold at the Ship in St. Paul's Yard. Having +spoken of taverns where "fury and intemperance" reign, and where, +"that nothing may be wanting to the height of luxury and impiety, +organs have been translated out of the churches for the purpose +of chanting their dithyrambics and bestiall bacchanalias to the +tune of those instruments which were wont to assist them in the +celebration of God's praises," the writer continues: "Your +lordship will scarce believe me that the ladies of greatest +quality suffer themselves to be treated in one of those taverns, +where a curtezan in other cities would scarcely vouchsafe to be +entertained; but you will be more astonish't when I shall assure +you that they drink their crowned cups roundly, strain healths +through their smocks, daunce after the fiddle, kiss freely, and +tearm it an honourable treat." He furthermore says they were to +be found until midnight in company with their lovers at Spring +Garden, which seemed to be "contrived to all the advantages of +gallantry." From which evidences it may be gathered, that London +under the Commonwealth was little less vicious than under the +merry monarch. + +The court Charles speedily gathered round him on his restoration +was the most brilliant the nation had ever witnessed. Those of +birth and distinction who had sought refuge abroad during the +late troubles, now joyfully returned: whilst the juvenile +branches of noble families living in retirement in England, to +whom royalty had been a stranger, no less eagerly flocked to the +presence of the gay young king. The wit and politeness of the +men, the grace and beauty of the women, who surrounded Charles +II. have become proverbial; whilst the gallantries of the one, +and the frailties of the other, savour more of romance than +reality. + +That the condition of the court on its establishment may be +realized, it is necessary, at this stage of its history, to +introduce briefly some of the chief personages who surrounded his +majesty, and occupied prominent attention in the annals of his +reign. Notably amongst them were the gallant Duke of Ormond and +his family. His grace, now in his fiftieth year, was +distinguished for his commanding appearance, gracious manner, and +excellent wit. During the troubles of the civil war, he had +proved himself a most loyal subject, inasmuch as he had vested +his fortune and ventured his person in service of the late king. +Subsequently refusing liberal offers made him by Cromwell, on +condition of living in peaceful retirement, he, after the +execution of Charles I., betook himself to France, and shared +exile with the young king until the restoration. In consequence +of his proven fealty, honours were then deservingly showered upon +him: he was made grand steward of the household, first lord of +the bedchamber, and subsequently lord lieutenant of Ireland. The +duchess, who had participated in her husband's misfortunes with a +courage equal to his own, was a high-minded and most virtuous +lady, who had brought up her family with great care. Scarcely +less distinguished in mien and manner than the duke, were his two +sons, Thomas, Earl of Ossory, and Lord Richard Butler, afterwards +Earl of Arran. My lord of Ossory was no less remarkable for his +beauty than famous for his accomplishments: he rode and played +tennis to perfection, performed upon the lute to entrancement, +and danced to the admiration of the court; he was moreover a good +historian, and well versed in chronicles of romance. No less was +the Earl of Arran proficient in qualifications befitting his +birth, and gifted with attributes aiding his gallantry. + +A third member of this noble family played a more remarkable part +in the history of the court during her brief career than either +of her brothers. This was the Lady Elizabeth Butler, eldest +daughter of the duke, who, unfortunately for her own happiness, +married my Lord Chesterfield at the Hague, when, a few months +before the restoration, that nobleman fled to the continent to +escape the consequences of Francis Woolley's murder. In Lely's +picture of the young Countess of Chesterfield, her piquancy +attracts at a glance, whilst her beauty charms on examination. +Her cousin, Anthony Hamilton, describes her as having large blue +eyes, very tempting and alluring, a complexion extremely fair, +and a heart "ever open to tender sentiments," by reason of which +her troubles arose, as shall be set down in proper sequence. + +Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, and his nephew, "the little +Jermyn," were also notable as figuring in court intrigues. The +earl was member of the privy council to his majesty, and moreover +held a still closer connection to the queen mother; for, +according to Sir John Reresby, Madame Buviere, and others, her +majesty had privately married his lordship abroad--an act of +condescension he repaid with inhumanity. Madame Buviere says he +never gave the queen a good word; and when she spoke to him he +used to say, "Que me veut cette femme?" The same authority adds, +he treated her majesty in an extremely ill manner, "so that +whilst she had not a faggot to warm herself, he had in his +apartments a good fire and a sumptuous table." [This testimony +concerning the queen's poverty is borne out by Cardinal de Retz. +In his interesting Memoirs he tells of a visit he paid the queen +mother, then an exile in Paris. He found her with her youngest +daughter, Henrietta, in the chamber of the latter. "At my coming +in," says the Cardinal, "she (the queen) said, 'You see, I am come +to keep Henrietta company; the poor child could not rise to-day +for want of a fire.' The truth is, that the Cardinal (Mazarin) +for six months together had not ordered her any money towards her +pension; that no tradespeople would trust her for anything and +there was not at her lodgings a single billet. You will do me +the justice to think that the princess of England did not keep +her bed the next day for want of a faggot. . . Posterity will +hardly believe that a princess of England, grand-daughter to +Henry the Great, hath wanted a faggot in the month of January, in +the Louvre, and in the eyes of the French court."] Pepys records +that the marriage of her majesty to the earl was commonly talked +of at the restoration; and he likewise mentions it was rumoured +"that they had a daughter between them in France. How true," says +this gossip, "God knows." + +The earl's nephew, Henry Jermyn, is described as having a big +head and little legs, an affected carriage, and a wit consisting +"in expressions learned by rote, which he occasionally employed +either in raillery or love." For all that, he being a man of +amorous disposition, the number of his intrigues was no less +remarkable than the rank of those who shared them. Most notable +amongst his conquests was the king's eldest sister, widow of the +Prince of Orange--a lady possessing in no small degree natural +affections for which her illustrious family were notorious. +During the exile of Charles II., Henry Jermyn had made a +considerable figure at her court in Holland by reason of the +splendour of his equipage, entirely supported by his uncle's +wealth; he had likewise made a forcible impression on her heart +by virtue of the ardour of his addresses, wholly sustained by his +own effrontery. The effect of his presence on the princess soon +became visible to the court. Rumour whispered that as Lord St. +Albans had already made an alliance with royalty, his nephew had +likewise followed his example; but scandal declared that young +Jermyn and the princess had omitted the ceremony which should +have sanctioned their happiness. The reputation of such an amour +gained him the immediate attention of many women, whose interest +in his character increased with the knowledge of his abilities, +and helped to associate him in their memories with tenderest +emotions. + +Another figure prominent in this gay and goodly assembly was +George Villiers, second Duke of Buckingham. The faultless beauty +of his face, and graceful symmetry of his figure, would have +rendered him distinguished in a court less sensuously +impressionable to physical perfection, even if his talents had +not dazzled, and his wit amused. On the death of the first Duke +of Buckingham, "styled the handsomest bodied man in England," the +late king of pious memory undertook the charge of the young duke, +and had him educated with his own sons. Subsequently he was sent +to Cambridge, and then travelled into France, the better to +acquire that polish of manner and grace of bearing for which he +became distinguished. But, whilst abroad, word was brought him +of the distress of his master, the king; on which the young duke +hastened back into England, became a cavalier, and fought his +majesty's battles with great gallantry. Soon after Charles I. +had been beheaded, his faithful servitor went abroad; but being +loyal to the Stuart cause, he journeyed with Charles II. to +Scotland, and afterwards fought beside him in the bloody battle +of Worcester. Whilst the monarch was hiding in Boscobel Wood, +the duke betook himself to London, where, donning a wizard's +mask, a jack-pudding coat, a hat adorned with a fox's tail and +cock's feathers, he masqueraded as a mountebank, and discoursed +diverting nonsense from a stage erected at Charing Cross. After +running several risks, he escaped to France. But alas for the +duke, who was born as Madame Dunois avows, doubtless from +experience--"for gallantry and magnificence," he was now +penniless, his great estates being confiscated by Cromwell. +However, conceiving a scheme that might secure him part of his +fortune, he hastened to put it into execution. + +It happened that my Lord Fairfax, one of Cromwell's great +generals, had allotted to him by the Protector a portion of the +Buckingham estates that returned five thousand pounds a year. +The general was, moreover, placed in possession of York House, +which had likewise belonged to his grace. + +Now it happened Lord Fairfax, a generous-tempered man and brave +soldier, had an only child, a daughter destined to become his +heiress; aware of which the duke resolved to marry her, that he +might in this manner recover portion of his estate. The fact of +the lady never having seen him did not interfere with his plans; +that she would reject his suit seemed an impossibility; that she +would succumb to the fascination he invariably exercised over +woman was a certainty. Nor did it matter that Mistress Fairfax +was no beauty; for the duke, being grateful for past favours +liberally bestowed by the opposite sex, had no intention of +becoming under any circumstances churlish enough to limit his +devotion to one lady, though she were his wife. + +Carefully disguising himself, he journeyed to London, where he +was met by a faithful friend, who promised he would aid him in +winning Mistress Fairfax, towards which end he promptly +introduced the duke to that estimable gentlewoman. Having once +obtained speech of her, the remainder of his scheme was +comparatively easy of accomplishment. She loved the gay and +graceful gallant at first sight, and through years of bitter +wrong and cruel neglect continued his faithful and devoted slave. + +Though she had become clandestinely acquainted with him, she was +too good a daughter to wed without her father's consent. But +this she had not much difficulty in obtaining. Though Lord +Fairfax had fought against his king, he was not sufficiently +republican to scorn alliance with nobility, nor so thoroughly +puritan as to disdain connection with the ungodly. Accordingly +he gave his sanction to the union, which was celebrated at his +mansion at Nun Appleton, within six miles of York. Now, my Lord +Fairfax had not consulted Cromwell's goodwill concerning this +alliance, the news of which reaching the Protector in due time, +made him exceedingly wroth. For he had daughters to marry, and, +that he might strengthen his power, was desirous of wedding them +to scions of nobility; Buckingham being one of those whom he had +mentally selected to become a member of his family. His anger +was therefore at once directed against Fairfax and his grace. +The former he could not molest, but the latter he committed to +the Tower; and if the great Protector had not been soon after +seized by fatal illness, the duke would have made his last +journey from thence to Tower Hill. As it fell out he remained a +prisoner until within a year of the coming of Charles, whom he +welcomed with exceeding joy. Being bred with the merry monarch, +he had from boyhood been a favourite of his majesty, with whom he +shared a common love for diversion. He was, therefore, from the +first a prominent figure at Whitehall; his handsome person and +extravagant dress adorned the court; his brilliant wit and +poignant satire amused the royal circle. + +His grace, however, had a rival, the vivacity of whose temper and +piquancy of whose humour went far to eclipse Buckingham's talent +in these directions. This was the young Earl of Rochester, son +of my Lord Wilmot, who had so successfully aided the king's +escape after the battle of Worcester, for which service he had +been created Earl of Rochester by Charles in Paris. That worthy +man dying just a year previous to the restoration, his son +succeeded to his titles, and likewise to an estate which had been +preserved for him by the prudence of his mother. Even in his +young days Lord Rochester gave evidence of possessing a lively +wit and remarkable genius, which were cultivated by his studies +at Oxford and his travels abroad. So that at the age of +eighteen, when he returned to England and presented himself at +Whitehall, his sprightly parts won him the admiration of +courtiers and secured him the favour of royalty. Nor was the +young earl less distinguished by his wit and learning than by his +face and figure; the delicate beauty of his features and natural +grace of his person won him the love of many women, whom the +tenderness of his heart and generosity of his youth did not +permit him to leave unrequited. + +Soon surfeited by his conquests in the drawing-room, he was +anxious to extend his triumphs in another direction; and, +selecting the sea as a scene of action, he volunteered to sail +under my Lord Sandwich in quest of the Dutch East Indian fleet. +At the engagements to which this led he exhibited a dauntless +courage that earned him renown abroad, and covered him with +honour on his return to court. From that time he, for many +years, surrendered himself to a career of dissipation, often +abandoning the paths of decency and decorum, pursuing vice in its +most daring and eccentric fashion, employing his genius in the +composition of lampoons which spared not even the king, and in +the writing of ribald verses, the very names of which are not +proper to indite. Lord Orford speaks of him as a man "whom the +muses were fond to inspire, and ashamed to avow; and who +practised, without the least reserve, that secret which can make +verses more read for their defects than for their merits." More +of my Lord Rochester and his poems anon. + +Thomas Killigrew, another courtier, was a poet, dramatist, and +man of excellent wit. He had been page in the service of his +late majesty, and had shared exile with the present monarch, to +whose pleasures abroad and at home he was ever ready to pander. +At the restoration he was appointed a groom of the bedchamber, +and, moreover, was made master of the revels--an office eminently +suited to his tastes, and well fitted to exercise his capacities. +His ready wit amused the king so much, that he was occasionally +led to freedoms of speech which taxed his majesty's good-nature. +His escapades diverted the court to such an extent, that he +frequently took the liberty of affording it entertainment at the +expense of its reputation. The "beau Sidney," a man "of sweet +and caressing temper," handsome appearance, and amorous +disposition; Sir George Etherege, a wit and a playwright; and +Charles Sackville, Earl of Dorset, a poet and man of sprightly +speech, were likewise courtiers of note. + +Among such congenial companions the merry monarch abandoned +himself wholly to the pursuit of pleasure, and openly carried on +his intrigue with Barbara Palmer. According to the testimony of +her contemporaries, she was a woman of surpassing loveliness and +violent passions. Gilbert Burnet, whilst admitting her beauty, +proclaims her defects. She was, he relates, "most enormously +vicious and ravenous, foolish but imperious, very uneasy to the +king, and always carrying on intrigues with other men, while she +yet pretended she was jealous of him." Pepys testifies likewise +to her physical attractions so long as she reigned paramount in +the king's affections; but when another woman, no less fair, came +betwixt my lady and his majesty's favour, Mr. Pepys, being a +loyal man and a frail, found greater beauty in the new love, +whose charms he avowed surpassed the old. To his most +interesting diary posterity is indebted for glimpses of the +manner in which the merry monarch and his mistress behaved +themselves during the first months of the restoration. Now he +tells of "great doings of musique," which were going on at Madame +Palmer's house, situated in the Strand, next Earl Sandwich's, and +of the king and the duke being with that lady: again, in the +Chapel Royal, Whitehall, he observed, whilst Dr. Herbert Croft +prayed and preached,"how the Duke of York and Mrs. Palmer did +talk to one another very wantonly through the hangings that part +the king's closet and the closet where the ladies sit." And +later on, when he witnessed "The Humorous Lieutenant" performed +before the court, he noted the royal favourite was likewise +present, "with whom the king do discover a great deal of +familiarity." + +Presently, in February, 1661, exactly nine months after his +majesty's return, Mrs. Palmer gave birth to a daughter. To the +vast amusement of the court, no less than three men claimed the +privilege of being considered father of this infant. One of +these was my Lord Chesterfield, whom the child grew to resemble +in face and person; the second was Roger Palmer, who left her his +estate; the third was King Charles, who had her baptized Anne +Palmer Fitzroy, adopted her as his daughter, and eventually +married her to the Earl of Sussex. + +Soon after the restoration the subject of his majesty's marriage +was mooted by his councillors, who trusted a happy union would +redeem him from vice, and, by bringing him heirs, help to +establish him more firmly in the affections of his people. The +king lending a willing ear to this advice, the sole difficulty in +carrying it into execution rested in the selection of a bride +congenial to his taste and equal to his sovereignty. King Louis +of France had no sisters, and his nieces had not commended +themselves to the merry monarch's favour during his stay abroad. +Spain had two infantas, but one was wedded to the King of France, +and the other betrothed to the heir of the royal house of +Austria. Germany, of course, had princesses in vast numbers, who +awaited disposal; but when they were proposed to King Charles, +"he put off the discourse with raillery," as Lord Halifax +narrates. "Odd's fish," he would say, shrugging his shoulders +and making a grimace, "I could not marry one of them: they are +all dull and foggy!" + +Catherine of Braganza, daughter of Don Juan IV. of Portugal, was +unwedded, and to her Charles ultimately addressed himself. +Alliance with her commended itself to the nation from the fact +that the late king, before the troubled times began, had entered +into a negotiation with Portugal concerning the marriage of this +same infanta and his present majesty; and such was the esteem in +which the memory of Charles I. was now held, that compliance with +his desires was regarded as a sacred obligation. The Portuguese +ambassador assured the merry monarch that the princess, by reason +of her beauty, person, and age, was most suited to him. To +convince him of this, he showed his majesty a portrait of the +lady, which the king examining, declared "that person could not +be unhandsome." The ambassador, who was of a certainty most +anxious for this union, then said it was true the princess was a +catholic, and would never change her faith; but she was free from +"meddling activity;" that she had been reared by a wise mother, +and would only look to the freedom of practising her own religion +without interfering with that of others. Finally, he added that +the princess would have a dowry befitting her high station, of no +less a sum than five hundred thousand pounds sterling in ready +money. + +Moreover, by way of addition to this already handsome portion, +the Queen of Portugal was ready to assign over and annex to the +English crown, the Island of Bombay, in the East Indies, and +Tangier on the African coast--a place of strength and importance, +which would be of great benefit and security to British commerce. +Nor was this all. Portugal was likewise willing to grant England +free trade in Brazil and the East Indies, a privilege heretofore +denied all other countries. This was indeed a dower which none +of the "dull and foggy" German princesses could bring the crown. +The prospect of obtaining so much ready money especially +commended the alliance to the extravagant taste of his majesty, +who had this year complained to Parliament of his poverty, by +reason of which he "was so much grieved to see many of his +friends come to him at Whitehall, and to think they were obliged +to go somewhere else for a dinner." + +The merry monarch was therefore well pleased at the prospect of +his union, as were likewise the chancellor and four or five +"competent considerers of such an affair" whom he consulted. +These worthy counsellors and men of sage repute, who included in +their number the Duke of Ormond and Sir Edward Nicholas, +Secretary of State, the Earl of Manchester, and the Earl of +Southampton, after regretting it was not agreeable to his majesty +to select a queen who professed the protestant religion, gave it +as their opinion there was no catholic princess in Europe whom +he, with so much reason and advantage, could marry as the infanta +of Portugal. They, moreover, added that the sum promised as part +of her portion, setting aside the places, "was much greater-- +almost double to what any king had ever received in money by any +marriage." The council, therefore, without a dissenting voice, +advised him to the marriage. + +On the 8th of May, 1661, his majesty, being clad in robes of +state, and wearing the crown, rode in great pomp to open +Parliament, which he addressed from the throne. In the course of +his speech, he announced his approaching marriage in a singularly +characteristic address. "I will not conclude without telling you +some news," he said, "news that I think will be very acceptable +to you, and therefore I should think myself unkind, and ill- +natured if I did not impart it to you. I have been put in mind +by my friends that it was now time to marry, and I have thought +so myself ever since I came into England. But there appeared +difficulties enough in the choice, though many overtures have +been made to me; and if I should never marry until I could make +such a choice against which there could be no foresight of any +inconvenience that may ensue, you would live to see me an old +bachelor, which I think you do not desire to do. I can now tell +you, not only that I am resolved to marry, but with whom I am +resolved to marry. If God please, it is with the daughter of +Portugal. And I will make all the haste I can to fetch you a +queen hither, who, I doubt not, will bring great blessings with +her to me and you." + +Next day addresses of congratulation were presented to his +majesty by both Houses. This gratifying news was made known to +the Portuguese ambassador, Count da Ponte, by the lord high +chancellor, who visited his excellency for the purpose, attended +by state befitting such a great and joyful occasion; two +gentlemen preceded him, bearing respectively a gilded mace and a +crimson velvet purse embroidered with the arms of Great Britain, +and many others following him to the ambassador's residence. A +month later, the marriage articles were signed; the new queen +being guaranteed the free exercise of her faith, and the sum of +thirty thousand a year during life; whilst the king was assured +possession of her great dowry, together with the territories +already mentioned, one of which, Bombay, ultimately became of +such vast importance to the crown. + +Charles then despatched the Portuguese ambassador to Catherine-- +from this time styled queen--in order to make arrangements for +her journey into England. Likewise he wrote a letter, remarkable +for the fervour of its sentiments and elegance of its diction, +which da Ponte was commissioned to convey her. This courtly +epistle, addressed by Charles to "The Queen of Great Britain, my +wife and lady, whom God preserve," is dated July 2nd, 1661, and +runs as follows: + +"MY LADY AND WIFE, + "Already, at my request, the good Count da Ponte has set off +for Lisbon; for me the signing of the marriage act has been great +happiness; and there is about to be despatched at this time after +him one of my servants, charged with what would appear necessary, +whereby may be declared, on my part, the inexpressible joy of +this felicitous conclusion, which, when received, will hasten the +coming of your majesty. + +"I am going to make a short progress into some of my provinces; +in the meantime, whilst I go from my most sovereign good, yet I +do not complain as to whither I go, seeking in vain tranquillity +in my restlessness; hoping to see the beloved person of your +majesty in these kingdoms already your own, and that with the +same anxiety with which, after my long banishment, I desired to +see myself within them, and my subjects, desiring also to behold +me amongst them, having manifested their most ardent wishes for +my return, well known to the world. The presence of your +serenity is only wanting to unite us, under the protection of +God, in the health and content I desire. I have recommended to +the queen, our lady and mother, the business of the Count da +Ponte, who, I must here avow, has served me in what I regard as +the greatest good in this world, which cannot be mine less than +it is that of your majesty; likewise not forgetting the good +Richard Russell, who laboured on his part to the same end. +[Richard Russell was Bishop of Portalegre, in Portugal, and +Almoner to Catherine of Braganza.] + +"The very faithful husband of your majesty, whose hand he kisses, + "CHARLES REX." +London, 2nd of July, 1661. + +During many succeeding months preparations were made in England +to receive the young Queen. The "Royal Charles," a stately ship +capable of carrying eighty cannon and six hundred men, was +suitably fitted to convey her to England. + +The state room and apartments destined for use of the future +bride were furnished and ornamented in most luxuriant manner, +being upholstered in crimson velvet, handsomely carpeted, and +hung with embroideries and taffeties. Lord Sandwich was made +commander of the gallant fleet which in due time accompanied the +"Royal Charles." He was likewise appointed ambassador +extraordinary, and charged with safely conducting the bride unto +her bridegroom. + +In due time, my lord, in high spirits, set sail with his gallant +fleet, and on arriving at Portugal was received with every remark +of profound respect, and every sign of extravagant joy. Stately +ceremonies at court and brilliant rejoicings in public made time +speed with breathless rapidity. But at length there came a day +when my Lord Sandwich encountered a difficulty he had not +foreseen. According to instructions, he had taken possession of +Tangier before proceeding for the queen; and he had likewise been +directed to see her dowry put on board one of his ships, before +receiving her on the "Royal Charles." + +Now the Queen of Portugal, who acted as regent since the death of +her husband, being strongly desirous of seeing her daughter the +consort of a great sovereign, and of protecting her country from +the tyranny of Spain by an alliance with England, had gathered +the infanta's marriage portion with infinite trouble; which had +necessitated the selling of her majesty's jewels and much of her +plate, and the borrowing of both plate and jewels from churches +and monasteries all over the land. The sums accumulated in this +manner she had carefully stowed away in great sacks; but, alas, +between the date on which the marriage treaty had been signed, +and arrival of the English ambassador to claim the bride, Spain +had made war upon Portugal, and the dowry had to be expended in +arming the country for defence. Therefore, when my Lord Sandwich +mentioned the dowry, her majesty, with keen regrets and infinite +apologies, informed him so great were the straits of poverty to +which her kingdom was reduced, that she could pay only half the +stipulated sum at present, but promised the remaining portion +should be made up the following year. Moreover, the part which +she then asked him to accept was made up of jewels, sugars, +spices and other commodities which she promised to have converted +by arrangement into solid gold in London. + +The ambassador was therefore sorely perplexed, and knew not +whether he should return to England without the bride, or take +her and the merchandise which represented half her dowry on board +his ship. He decided on the latter course, and the queen, with +her court and retinue, set sail for merry England on the 23rd of +April, 1662. + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.--The queen arrives at +Portsmouth.--Visited by the Duke of York.--The king leaves town, +--First interview with his bride.--His letter to the lord +chancellor.--Royal marriage and festivities.--Arrival at Hampton +Court Palace.--Prospects of a happy union.--Lady Castlemaine +gives birth to a second child.--The king's infatuation.--Mistress +and wife.--The queen's misery.--The king's cruelty.--Lord +Clarendon's messages.--His majesty resolves to break the queen's +spirit.--End of the domestic quarrel. + +Whilst the king conducted the negotiations of his marriage with +Catherine of Braganza, he likewise continued the pursuit of his +intrigue with Barbara Palmer. The unhappy fascination which this +vile woman exercised over his majesty increased with time; and +though his ministers declared a suitable marriage would reform +his ways, his courtiers concluded he had no intention of +abandoning his mistress in favour of his wife. For Barbara +Palmer, dreading the loss of her royal lover and the forfeiture +of wealth accruing from this connection, had firmly bound him in +her toils. Moreover, in order that he might continually abide +under her influence, she conceived a scheme which would of +necessity bring her into constant intercourse with him and the +young queen. She therefore demanded he would appoint her one of +the ladies of the bedchamber to her majesty, to which he, +heedless of the insult this would fix upon his wife, readily +consented. + +In order to qualify Barbara Palmer for such a position, it was +necessary she should be raised to the peerage. This could only +be accomplished by ennobling her husband, unless public decency +were wholly ignored, and she was created a peeress in her own +right, whilst he remained a commoner. After some faint show of +hesitation, Roger Palmer accepted the honours thrust upon him by +reason of his wife's infamy. On the 11th of December, 1661, he +was created Earl of Castlemaine, and Baron Limerick in the +peerage of Ireland, when the royal favourite became a countess. + +And now the merry month of May being arrived, the queen was +speedily expected; and on the night of the 13th joyful tidings +reached London that the "Royal Charles," accompanied by the +fleet, was in sight of Portsmouth. At which news there was great +rejoicing throughout the town, church bells ringing merrily, and +bonfires blazing brightly; but before the Countess of +Castlemaine's house, where the king, according to his custom was +at supper, there was no fire, though such signs of joy burned "at +all the rest of the doors almost in the streets, which was much +observed." + +Next day the fleet arrived in the harbour of Portsmouth, about +four in the afternoon. Heath says the people gathered to receive +the bride with all possible demonstrations of honour, "the +nobility and gentry and multitudes of Londoners, in most rich +apparel and in great numbers, waiting on the shore for her +landing; and the mayor and aldermen and principal persons of that +corporation being in their gowns, and with a present and a speech +ready to entertain her; the cannon and small shot, both from +round that town and the whole fleet echoing to one another the +loud proclamations of their joy." These good people were, +however, destined to disappointment; for though the bride was +impatient to land, because suffering from prostration consequent +on a rough voyage and severe illness, she was not, in observance +of court etiquette, permitted to leave the ship until the king +arrived. This did not take place until six days later, Charles +being detained in town by reason of some important bills then +passing in Parliament, which it was necessary for him to sign. +He had, however, despatched his royal brother of York, then Lord +High Admiral of England, to meet her at sea, and give her +greeting in his name. Accordingly the duke had encountered the +fleet at the Isle of Wight, and gone on board the queen's ship, +when she received him in her cabin seated under a canopy on a +chair of state. His royal highness expressed his joy at her +arrival, presented "his majesty's high respects and his exceeding +affection for her," and paid her many compliments. Lord +Chesterfield, who had been appointed chamberlain to the queen, +tells us: "Although James, in consequence of his near connection +with the sovereign, might have saluted the royal bride, he did +not avail himself of this privilege, out of a delicate regard to +his majesty's feelings, that he might be the first man to offer +that compliment to his queen; she coming out of a country where +it was not the fashion." The Duke of York presented some +noblemen who had accompanied him; after which she introduced the +members of her suite. The queen and her brother-in-law then held +a conversation in the Spanish language, when James assured her of +his affection, and besought her to accept his services. To these +compliments she replied in like manner, when he arose to depart. +The queen advanced three paces with him, not withstanding that he +protested against such courtesy, bidding her remember her rank. +At this she smiled, and answered with much sweetness, "She wished +to do that out of affection, which she was not obliged to do"--a +reply which made a favourable impression on his mind. Whilst she +continued on board, the duke and his suite visited her daily, +entering freely into conversation with her, and finding her "a +most agreeable lady." Probably at the desire of the king, she +left the ship before his arrival, and was conveyed to his +majesty's house at Portsmouth, where she was received by the +Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the bedchamber, and four other +ladies who had been appointed members of her household. One of +her first requests to these was--as may be learned from a letter +of Lord Sandwich, preserved in the Bodleian library--"that they +would put her in that habit they thought would be most pleasing +to the king." Before leaving the "Royal Charles" she spoke to +all the officers of the ship, thanked them for their services, +and permitted them to kiss her hand. She then presented a collar +of gold to the captain, and gave money to be distributed among +the crew. + +When at length the parliamentary business was concluded, the king +found himself in readiness to depart. The last words he +addressed to his faithful commons before starting are worth +recording: "The mention of my wife's arrival," said he, in the +pleasant familiar tone it was his wont to use, "puts me in mind +to desire you to put that compliment upon her, that her entrance +into this town may be made with more decency than the ways will +now suffer it to be; and to that purpose I pray you would quickly +pass such laws as are before you, in order to the mending those +ways, that she may not find Whitehall surrounded with water." + +At nine o'clock on the night of the 19th of May, his majesty left +London in Lord Northumberland's carriage, on his way to +Portsmouth. Arriving at Kingston an hour later, he entered Lord +Chesterfield's coach, which awaited him there by appointment, and +drove to Guildford, at which town he slept the night. In the +morning he was up betimes, and posted to Portsmouth, where he +arrived at noon. The queen, being ill of a slight fever, was yet +in bed: but the king, all impatient to see the bride which +heaven had sent him, sought admittance to her chamber. The poor +princess evidently did not look to advantage; for his majesty +told Colonel Legg he thought at first glance "they had brought +him a bat instead of a woman." On further acquaintance, however, +she seemed to have afforded more pleasure to the king's sight, +for the next day he expressed the satisfaction he felt concerning +her, in a letter addressed to the lord chancellor, which is +preserved in the library of the British Museum, and runs as +follows: + +"PORTSMOUTH, 21st May +(Eight in the Morning). + +"I arrived here yesterday about two in the afternoon, and, as +soon as I had shifted myself, I went into, my wife's chamber, +whom I found in bed, by reason of a little cough and some +inclination to a fever: but I believe she will find herself very +well in the morning when she wakes. I can now only give you an +account of what I have seen abed, which, in short, is, her face +is not so exact as to be called a beauty, though her eyes are +excellent good, and not anything in her face that in the least +degree can shock one: on the contrary, she hath as much +agreeableness in her looks altogether as ever I saw; and if I +have any skill in physiognomy, which I think I have, she must be +as good a woman as ever was born. Her conversation, as much as I +can perceive, is very good, for she has wit enough, and a most +agreeable voice. You would wonder to see how well acquainted we +are already. In a word, I think myself very happy; for I am +confident our two humours will agree very well together. I have +no more to say: my Lord Lieutenant will give you an account of +the rest." + +The king was attended by Lord Sandwich during this interview, and +his lordship, in a letter addressed to the lord chancellor, +informed him the meeting between his majesty and the infanta. +"hath been with much contentment on both sides, and that we are +like to be very happy in their conjunction." Next morning the +Countess of Suffolk, and other ladies appointed to wait upon the +bride, dressed her according to the English fashion, in "a habit +they thought would be most pleasing to the king," in which she +was married. The ceremony was first performed according to the +rites of the Catholic Church, by the Rev. Lord Aubigny, brother +to the Duke of Richmond, in the queen's bedchamber; that +apartment being selected for the purpose, as affording a privacy +necessary to be maintained, by reason of the prejudice then +existing towards Catholicism. There were present the Duke of +York, Philip, afterwards Cardinal Howard, and five Portuguese, +all of whom were bound over to keep the strictest secrecy +concerning what they witnessed. Later in the day, Dr. Sheldon, +Bishop of London, married their majesties according to the form +prescribed by the Church of England. The latter ceremony took +place in the presence chamber. A rail divided the apartment, at +the upper part of which the king and queen, the bishops, the +Spanish Ambassador, and Sir Richard Fanshaw stood; the lower +portion being crowded by the court. When Dr. Sheldon had +declared their majesties married, the Countess of Suffolk, +according to a custom of the time, detached the ribbons from the +bride's dress, and, cutting them in pieces, distributed them +amongst those present. + +Feasting, balls, and diversions of all kinds followed the +celebration of the royal nuptials, and for a time the king was +delighted with his bride. Four days after the marriage he writes +again to the lord chancellor in most cheerful tone: + +"My brother will tell you of all that passes here, which I hope +will be to your satisfaction. I am sure 'tis so much to mine +that I cannot easily tell you how happy I think myself, and must +be the worst man living (which I hope I am not) if I be not a +good husband. I am confident never two humours were better +fitted together than ours are. We cannot stir from hence till +Tuesday, by reason that there is not carts to be had to-morrow to +transport all our GUARDE INFANTAS, without which there is no +stirring: so you are not to expect me till Thursday night at +Hampton Court." + +They did not reach the palace until the 29th of May, that being +the king's birthday, and, moreover, the anniversary of his +entrance into London; a date which the Queen's arrival now caused +to be celebrated with triple magnificence and joy. When the +coach that conveyed their majesties drew near, the whole palace +seemed astir with happy excitement. Double lines of soldiers, +both horse and foot, lined the way from the gates to the +entrance. In the great hall the lord chancellor, foreign +ambassadors, judges, and councillors of state awaited to pay +homage to their majesties; whilst in various apartments were the +nobility and men of quality, with their ladies, ranged according +to their rank, being all eager to kiss the new queen's hand. +Sure never was such show of gladness. Bells rang people cheered, +bonfires blazed. + +In the evening news was brought that the Duchess of York was +being rowed to Hampton from town; hearing which, the king, with a +blithe heart, betook his way to meet her through the garden, now +bright with spring flowers and fragrant with sweet scents, till +he arrived at the gate by which the silver streak of the pleasant +Thames flowed past. And presently on this calm May eve the sound +of oars splashing in the tide was heard, and anon a barge came in +sight, hung with silken curtains and emblazoned with the arms of +royalty. From this the Duchess of York disembarked, aided by the +king. When she had offered her congratulations to him, he, +taking her hand, led her to his bride, that such fair speeches +might be repeated to her majesty. And coming into the queen's +presence the duchess would have gone upon her knees and kissed +her majesty's hand; but Catherine raised her in her arms, and +kissed her on the cheek. Then amidst much joy the happy evening +waned to night. + +The royal palace of Hampton Court, in which Charles had decided +on spending his honeymoon, had been raised by the magnificent +Wolsey in the plenitude of his power as a place of recreation. +Since his downfall it had been used by royalty as a summer +residence, it being in truth a stately pleasure house. The great +pile contained upwards of four hundred rooms. The principal +apartments had cedar or gilded and frescoed ceilings, and walls +hung with rare tapestries and curtains heavy with gold. +Moreover, these rooms contained furniture of most skilful design +and costly manufacture, and were adorned by the choice works of +such masters of their art as Holbein, Bellini, Vansomer, Rubens, +and Raphael; and withal enriched with Indian cabinets, such as +never were seen in England before, which the queen had brought +with her from Portugal. + +The great hall had been the scene of many sumptuous banquets. +The chapel was rich in carved designs. Her majesty's bedroom, +with its curtains of crimson silk, its vast mirror and toilet of +beaten and massive gold, was a splendid apartment--the more so +from its state bed, which Evelyn says was "an embroidery of +silver on crimson velvet, and cost L8,000, being a present made +by the States of Holland, when his majesty returned, and had +formerly been given by them to our king's sister, ye Princess of +Orange, and being bought of her againe, was now presented to ye +king." Around this noble residence, where the court was wont to +tarry in summer months, stretched broad and flowerful gardens, +with wide parterres, noble statues, sparkling fountains, and +marble vases; and beyond lay the park, planted "with swete rows +of lime-trees." + +And here all day long, in the fair summer time of this year, +pleasure held boundless sway. Sauntering in balmy gardens, or +seeking shelter from sun-rays in green glades and leafy groves, +their majesties, surrounded by their brilliant court, chased +bright hours away in frolic and pleasantry from noon till night. +Then revelry, gaining new life, began once more, when courtly +figures danced graceful measures to sounds of mirthful strains, +under the lustre of innumerable lights. + +For a while it seemed as if a brave prospect of happiness was in +store for the young queen. Her love for her husband, her delight +in his affection, her pride in his accomplishments, together with +her simplicity, innocence, and naivete, completely won his heart. +These claims to his affection were, moreover, strengthened by the +charms of her person. Lord Chesterfield, a man whom experience +of the sex had made critical, writes that she "was exactly +shaped, has lovely hands, excellent eyes, a good countenance, a +pleasing voice, fine hair, and, in a word, what an understanding +man would wish for in a wife." Notwithstanding the attractions +of her majesty's person which he enumerates, he adds his fears +that "all these will hardly make things run in the right channel; +but, if it should, our court will require a new modelling." In +this note of alarm he forebodes danger to come. A man of his +majesty's character, witty and careless, weak and voluptuous, was +not likely to reconstruct his court, or reclaim it from ways he +loved. Nor was his union calculated to exercise a lasting +impression on him. The affection he bore his wife in the first +weeks of their married life was due to the novelty he found in +her society, together with the absence of temptation in the shape +of his mistress. Constancy to the marriage vow was scarcely to +be expected from a man whose morals had never been shackled by +restraint; yet faithlessness to a bride was scarcely to be +anticipated ere the honeymoon had waned. This was, however, the +unhappy fate which awaited Catherine of Braganza. + +It happened early in the month of June, whilst the court was at +Hampton, my Lady Castlemaine, who had remained in town through +illness, gave birth to a second child. The infant was baptized +Charles Palmer, adopted by the king as his own, and as such +subsequently created Duke of Southampton. This event seemed to +renew all his majesty's tenderness towards her. Wearied by the +charm of innocence in the person of his wife, his weak nature +yielded to the attraction of vice in that of his mistress. He, +therefore, frequently left Hampton Court that he might ride to +London, visit the countess, and fritter away some hours in her +presence; being heedless alike of the insult he dealt the queen, +and the scandal he gave the nation. + +The while my Lord Castlemaine lived with the lady who shared his +title, and whom he called his wife; but their continuance to +abide in harmony and goodwill was, soon after the birth of this +child, interrupted for ever. My lord was certainly a loyal +subject, but he was likewise a religious man, as may be judged, +not by that which has been recorded, but from the narration which +follows. Having been bred a Catholic, he was anxious his wife's +son should be enrolled a member of the same community. To this +end he had him baptized by a priest, a proceeding of which the +king wholly disapproved; not because his majesty was attached to +any religion in particular, but rather that he resented +interference with the infant whom he rested satisfied was his own +child. Accordingly, by the king's command, Lady Castlemaine's +son was rebaptized by the rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster, +in the presence of his majesty, the Earl of Oxford, and the +Countess of Suffolk, first lady of the bedchamber to the queen +and aunt to the king's mistress. + +This exasperated my Lord Castlemaine to such a degree that high +words passed between him and his lady: on which he resolved to +part from her for ever. However, she was more prompt to act in +the matter than he; for, taking advantage of his absence one day, +she packed up her jewels, plate, and household treasures, and +departed to the residence of her uncle, Colonel Edward Villiers, +at Richmond. This step was probably taken, if not by his +majesty's suggestion, at least with his full approval; for the +house she selected brought her within an easy distance of Hampton +Court, into which the king designed promptly to introduce her. + +Now rumour of the king's liason had spread beyond the English +nation, and had been whispered even at the secluded court of +Portugal, into the ears of the bride elect. And the queen +regent, dreading the trouble this might draw upon her daughter, +had counselled her never to admit his majesty's mistress into her +presence. This advice the young queen determined to act upon; +and accordingly when Charles, a couple of days after their +marriage, presented her with a list of those appointed to her +household--amongst whom was my Lady Castlemaine--her majesty drew +a pen across the name of the dreaded favourite. The king, if +surprised or indignant, made no remark at the time, but none the +less held to the resolution he had taken of appointing the +countess a lady of the bedchamber. No further attempt of +intruding his mistress's presence upon his wife was made until +Lady Castlemaine came to Richmond. + +It happened on the afternoon of the day on which the favourite +arrived her majesty sat in the great drawing-room, surrounded by +a brilliant throng of noble and beautiful women and gay and +gallant men. The windows of the apartment stood open; outside +fountains splashed in the sun; music played in a distant glade: +and all the world seemed glad. And as the queen listened to +pleasant sounds of wit and gossip, murmuring around her, the +courtiers, at sound of a well-known footstep, suddenly ceasing +their discourse, fell back on either side adown the room. At +that moment the king entered, leading a lady apparelled in +magnificent attire, the contour of whose face and outline of +whose figure distinguished her as a woman of supreme and sensuous +loveliness. + +His majesty, suceedingly rich in waving feathers, glittering +satins, and fluttering ribbons, returned the gracious bows of his +courtiers to right and left; and, unconscious of the curious and +perplexed looks they interchanged, advanced to where his wife +sat, and introduced my Lady Castlemaine. Her majesty bowed and +extended her hand, which the countess, having first courtesyed +profoundly, raised to her lips. The queen either had not caught +the name, or had disassociated it from that of her husband's +mistress; but in an instant the character of the woman presented, +and the insult the king had inflicted, flashed upon her mind. +Coming so suddenly, it was more than she could bear; all colour +fled from her face, tears rushed to her eyes, blood gushed from +her nostrils, and she fell senseless to the floor. + +Such strong evidence of the degree in which his young wife felt +the indignity forced upon her, by no means softened his majesty's +heart towards her, but rather roused his indignation at what he +considered public defiance of his authority. But as his nature +was remote from roughness, and his disposition inclined to ease, +he at first tried to gain his desire by persuasion, and therefore +besought the queen she would suffer his mistress to become a lady +of the bedchamber. But whenever the subject was mentioned to her +majesty, she burst into tears, and would not give heed to his +words. Charles therefore, incensed on his side, deserted her +company, and sought the society of those ever ready to entertain +him. And as the greater number of his courtiers were fully as +licentious as himself, they had no desire he should become +subject to his wife, or alter the evil tenor of his ways. + +Therefore in their conversation they cited to him the example of +his grandfather, King James I., of glorious memory, who had not +dissembled his passions, nor suffered the same to become a +reproach to those who returned his love; but had obliged his +queen to bear with their company, and treat them with grace and +favour; and had, moreover, raised his natural children to the +degree of princes of the blood. They told Charles he had +inherited the disposition of his grandsire, and they were sure he +would treat the objects of his affection in like manner as that +king had done. Lady Castlemaine, her friends moreover argued, +had, by reason of her love for his majesty, parted from her +husband; and now that she had been so publicly made an object of +the queen's indignation, she would, if abandoned by him, meet +with rude contempt from the world. To such discourses as these +the king lent a willing ear, the more as they encouraged him to +act according to his desires. He was therefore fully determined +to support his mistress; and firmly resolved to subdue his wife. + +Meanwhile, all joyousness vanished from the court; the queen +seemed thoroughly dejected, the king bitterly disappointed, and +the courtiers grievously disturbed. Moreover, rumours of the +trouble which had risen between their majesties became noised +abroad, and gave the people occasion of speaking indifferently of +their lord the king. Now Charles in his unhappiness betook +himself to the chancellor, who was not only his sage adviser and +trusted friend, but who had already gained the esteem and +confidence of the queen. My lord, by reason of his services to +the late king, and his friendship towards his present majesty, +took to himself the privilege of speaking with freedom and +boldness whenever his advice was asked by the monarch. As Burnet +tells us, the worthy chancellor would never make any application +to the king's mistress, nor allow anything to pass the seal in +which she was named; nor would he ever consent to visit her, +which the bishop considered "was maintaining the decencies of +virtue in a very solemn manner." The king knowing my lord was +the only one of all the strangers surrounding the queen whom she +believed devoted to her service, and to whose advice she would +hearken with trust, therefore bade him represent to her the +advisability of obedience. + +Whereon the chancellor boldly pointed out to him "the hard- +heartedness and cruelty of laying such a command upon the queen, +which flesh and blood could not comply with." He also begged to +remind the monarch of what he had heard him say upon the occasion +of a like indignity being offered by a neighbouring king to his +queen, inasmuch as he had compelled her to endure the presence of +his mistress at court. On hearing which King Charles avowed it +was "a piece of ill-nature that he could never be guilty of; and +if ever he should be guilty of having a mistress after he had a +wife, which he hoped he should never be, she should never come +where his wife was; he would never add that to the vexation, of +which she would have enough without it." Finally my lord added +that pursuit of the course his majesty had resolved on, was a +most certain way to lose the respect and affections of his +people; that the excesses he had already fallen into had in some +degree lost him ground in their good esteem, but that his +continuance of them would "break the hearts of all his friends, +and be grateful only to those who desired the destruction of +monarchy." + +Charles heard him with some impatience, but in his reply betrayed +that graciousness of manner which, never forsaking him, went far +in securing the favour of those with whom he conversed. He +commenced by telling the chancellor he felt assured his words +were prompted by the affection in which he held him; and then +having by a pathway of courteous speeches found his way to the +old man's heart, his majesty broached the subject uppermost in +his mind. His conscience and his honour, he said, for he laid +claim to both, led him to repair the ruin he had caused Lady +Castlemaine's reputation by promoting her to the position of a +lady of the bedchamber; and his gratitude prompted him to avow a +friendship for her, "which he owed as well to the memory of her +father as to her own person," and therefore he would not be +restrained from her company and her conversation. + +Moreover, he had proceeded so far in the business, that if not +successful Lady Castlemaine would be subjected to all imaginable +contempt, and be exposed to universal ridicule. If, he added, +the queen conformed to his wishes in this regard, it would be the +only hard thing he should ever require of her; and, indeed, she +might make it very easy, for my lady must behave with all +possible respect in her presence, otherwise she should never see +his face again. Then he begged the chancellor to wait upon her +majesty, lay bare his arguments, and urge her to receive the +countess with some show of favour. The chancellor, though not +pleased with his mission, yet in hope of healing private discord +and averting public scandal, undertook to counsel the queen to +obedience, and accordingly waited on her in her private +apartments. + +Now her majesty's education had been such as kept her in complete +ignorance of the world's ways. The greater part of her life had +been spent in the peaceful retirement of a convent, which she +left for her mother's country palace, a home scarcely less +secluded. Maynard, in a letter preserved in the State Paper +Office, written from Lisbon when the royal marriage was proposed, +says the infanta, "as sweete a disposition princess as everr was +borne," was "bred hugely retired. She hath," he continues, +"hardly been tenn tymes out of the palace in her life. In five +years tyme she was not out of doores, untill she hurde of his +majestie's intentions to make her queen of Ingland, since which +she hath been to visit two saintes in the city; and very shortly +shee intends to pay her devotion to some saintes in the country." + +From a life of innocence she was brought for the first time face +to face with vice, by one who should have been foremost in +shielding her from its contact. All her training taught her to +avoid the contamination sought to be forced upon her; all her +new-born love for her husband prompted her to loathe the mistress +who shared his affections. A stranger in a strange land, a +slighted queen, a neglected wife, an outraged woman, her +sufferings were bitter, Her wrongs were hard to bear. Therefore +when my lord chancellor came and made known the object of his +visit, she broke into a passion of tears, and could not speak +from force of sobs that seemed to rend her heart, and wholly +choked her utterance. + +The chancellor then retired with some dismay, but waited on her +again next day, when he found her more calm. She begged he would +excuse the outburst of feeling he had witnessed, but added very +pitifully that when she thought of her misfortunes "she sometimes +gave vent to that passion which was ready to break her heart." +The advice, or, as he terms it, "the evidence of his devotion," +which the chancellor gave was worthy of a courtier and a +philosopher. He told the young queen he doubted "she was little +beholden to her education, that had given her no better +information of the follies and iniquities of mankind; of which he +presumed the climate from whence she came could have given more +instances than this cold region would afford." Had she been +properly instructed, he furthermore hinted, she would never have +thought herself so miserable, or her condition so insupportable; +and indeed he could not comprehend the reason of her loud +complaint. + +At this she could no longer suppress the tears which came into +her dark eyes, and cried out she did not expect to find her +husband in love with another woman. Then my lord besought her +submission to the king; but she remained unshaken in the +resolution she had formed. She was ready to ask his majesty's +pardon for tiny passion or peevishness she had been guilty of, +but added, "the fire appearing in her eyes where the water was," +she would never endure the presence of his mistress; and rather +than submit to such insult she would "put herself on board any +little vessel" and return to Lisbon. + +Back went the chancellor, with a heavy heart and a troubled face, +to the king. He softened the queen's words as much as possible, +and assured his majesty her resistance to his will proceeded +"from the great passion of love she had for him, which +transported her beyond the limits of reason." But this excuse, +which should have rejoiced a husband's heart, only irritated his +majesty's temper. That night a violent quarrel took place +between the husband and wife, yet scarce more than bride and +bridegroom. When they had retired, the king--being inflamed with +the words of his courtiers, who assured him the dispute had now +resolved itself into a question of who should govern--reproached +the queen with stubbornness and want of duty; upon which she +answered by charging him with tyranny and lack of affection. One +word borrowed another, till, in his anger, he used threats when +she declared she would leave the kingdom. "The passion and noise +of the night reached too many ears to be a secret the next day," +says the chancellor, "and the whole court was full of that which +ought to have been known to nobody." + +When the royal pair met next morning, they neither looked at nor +spoke to each other. Days passed full of depression and gloom +for the young wife, who spent most of her time in seclusion, +whilst the king sought distraction in the society of his +courtiers. The chancellor, after his second interview with the +queen, absented himself from court, not wishing to be furthermore +drawn into a quarrel which he saw himself powerless to heal. +During his absence the king wrote him a letter which evinced +determination to carry out his design. This epistle, preserved +in the library of the British Museum, runs as follows: + +"HAMPTON COURT, THURSDAY MORNING. + +"I forgot when you were here last to desire you to give Broderich +good council not to meddle any more with what concerns my Lady +Castlemaine, and to let him have a care how he is the author of +any scandalous reports; for if I find him guilty of any such +thing, I will make him repent it to the last moment of his life. + +"And now I am entered on this matter, I think it very necessary +to give you a little good council in it, lest you may think that +by making a farther stir in the business you may divert me from +my resolution, which all the world shall never do; and I wish I +may be unhappy in this world and in the world to come, if I fail +in the least degree of what I have resolved, which is of making +my Lady Castlemaine of my wife's bedchamber. And whosoever I +find in any endeavours to hinder this resolution of mine (except +it be only to myself), I will be his enemy to the last moment of +my life. You know how true a friend I have been to you; if you +will oblige me eternally, make this business as easy to me as you +can, of what opinion soever you are of; for I am resolved to go +through with this matter, let what will come on it, which again I +solemnly swear before Almighty God. + +"Therefore, if you desire to have the continuance of my +friendship, meddle no more with this business except it be to +bear down all false and scandalous reports, and to facilitate +what I am sure my honour is so much concerned in. And whosoever +I find is to be my Lady Castlemaine's enemy in this matter, I do +promise, upon my word, to be his enemy as long as I live. You +may show this letter to my lord lieutenant, and if you have both +a mind to oblige me, carry yourselves like friends to me in this +matter." + +The chancellor was, soon after the receipt of this letter, +summoned to Hampton Court, when his majesty, with some passion, +declared the quarrel was spoken of everywhere, and wholly to his +disadvantage. He was therefore anxious to end it at once, and +commanded my lord to wait again upon the queen, and persuade her +to his wishes. The chancellor informed the king he "had much +rather spend his pains in endeavouring to convert his majesty +from pursuing his resolution, which he did in his conscience +believe to be unjust, than in persuading her majesty to comply +with it, which yet he would very heartily do." Saying which, he +departed on his errand; to which the queen answered, her +conscience would not allow her to consent that the king's +mistress should be one of her attendants. Then the chancellor +besought his royal master, saying he hoped he might be no more +consulted with, nor employed concerning an affair, in which he +had been so unsuccessful. + +By reason of this opposition the king was now more resolved than +ever to honour his mistress and humble his wife; and, with a +cruelty unusual to his nature, determined to break her majesty's +spirit, and force her into obedience. + +On coming to England the young bride had brought in her train +some Portuguese gentlewomen and nobles, whom she was anxious to +employ in various offices about her person, that she might not +feel quite in the midst of strangers. These his majesty believed +were in some measure answerable for the queen's resistance to his +desires, and therefore decided on sending them back to their own +country; knowing moreover, this was an act which would sorely +grieve her majesty. Therefore, without first deigning to inform, +the Queen of Portugal, he named a day for them to embark. This +was a sad blow to the hopes of the Portuguese, who had +entertained high expectations of being placed in advantageous +circumstances about the court; nor did the king by any show of +liberality help to lessen their disappointment. The queen was +indeed afflicted at the prospect of their loss; and her +mortification was the greater because, having received no money +since she came into the kingdom, it was out of her power to make +them compensation for their services. + +The thought of being deprived of her people in her present +unhappy condition rendered her so miserable, that she besought +the king to allow some of them to remain; and, likewise, she +employed others to make the same petition on her behalf. +Therefore one of her ladies, the Countess of Penalva, who had +been her attendant since childhood, and who now, because of +weakness of sight and other infirmities, scarce ever left her +apartments, was allowed to stay, as were likewise "those +necessary to her religion," and some servants employed in her +kitchen. + +But these were not the only means the king took to thwart her +majesty and all connected with her. He upbraided the Portuguese +ambassador for not having instructed the queen "enough to make +her unconcerned in what had been before her time, and in which +she could not reasonably be concerned." Moreover he reproached +him with the fact of the queen regent having sent only half the +marriage portion; and so harassed was the ambassador by royal +wrath, that he took to his bed, "and sustained such a fever as +brought him to the brink of the grave." Regarding that part of +the dowry which had arrived, Charles behaved in an equally +ungracious and undignified manner. He instructed the officers of +the revenue to use all strictness in its valuation, and not make +any allowances. And because Diego de Silva--whom the queen had +designed for her treasurer, and who on that account had +undertaken to see the money paid in London--did not make +sufficient haste in the settlement of his accounts, he was by the +king's command cast into prison. + +These various affronts grievously afflicted her majesty, but the +insults she had to endure before the whole court wounded her far +more. For meanwhile the king lodged his mistress in the royal +household, and every day she was present in the drawing-room, +when his majesty entered into pleasant conversation with her, +while his wife sat patiently by, as wholly unheeded as if unseen. +When the queen occasionally rose and indignantly left the +apartment to relieve her anguish by a storm of tears, it may be +one or two of the courtiers followed her, but the vast number of +the brilliant throng remained; and Lord Clarendon adds, "they, +too, often said those things aloud which nobody ought to have +whispered." + +Charles no longer appeared with the grave and troubled expression +his face had worn at the commencement of the quarrel, but seemed +full of pleasantry and eager for enjoyment. Those surrounding +him took their tone from the monarch, and followed his example +the more because he "did shew no countenance to any that belong +to the queen." Her majesty, on the contrary, took her misery to +heart, and showed dejection by the sadness of her face and +listlessness of her gait. There was universal diversion in all +company but hers; sounds of laughter rang all day and far into +the night in every apartment of the palace but those appropriated +to her use. Charles steadily avoided her, and the attendants who +replaced her countrywomen showed more deference to the king's +mistress than to his queen. The solitary condition to which the +helpless foreigner and forsaken wife was reduced increased day by +day, her gloom deepened hour by hour, until, worn out by the +unequal conflict, her spirit broke. "At last," says Lord +Clarendon, "when it was least expected or suspected, the queen on +a sudden let herself fall, first to conversation, and then to +familiarity, and even, in the same instant, to a confidence with +the lady; was merry with her in public, talked kindly of her, and +in private used no lady more friendly." + +From that hour her majesty never interfered with the king's +amours, and never again did a quarrel rise between them even to +the day of his death. + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +Their majesties arrive at Whitehall.--My Lady Castlemaine a +spectator.--Young Mr. Crofts.--New arrivals at court.--The +Hamilton family.--The Chevalier de Grammont.--Mrs. Middleton and +Miss Kirke.--At the queen's ball--La belle Hamilton.--The queen +mother at Somerset House.--The Duke of Monmouth's marriage.--Fair +Frances Stuart.--Those who court her favour.--The king's passion. + +On the 23rd of August, 1662, their majesties journeyed from +Hampton Court to the palace of Whitehall by water. The gay and +goodly procession formed on that occasion has been described as +"the most magnificent triumph that ever floated on, the Thames." +First came barges belonging to city companies, beginning with the +mercers and grocers, most of them being attended with a pageant, +and all of them richly adorned as became their affection and +loyalty. Then followed barges of statesmen, nobility, and +courtiers, with their retinues, brave in numbers, gay in colours, +and attended by bands of music. And finally came the king and +queen, seated side by side in a galley of antique shape, all +draped with crimson damask, bearing a canopy of cloth of gold, +supported by Corinthian pillars, wreathed with ribbons, and +festooned with garlands of fragrant flowers. + +The whole city was abroad, watchful of their approach; the Thames +was covered with boats to the number of ten thousand; and the +banks were crowded with spectators beyond reckoning. On this +fair August day the sky had not a single cloud to mar its +universal blue; the sun shone gloriously bright, turning the +river to sheets of gleaming gold: whilst the air was filled with +roaring of cannon, strains of music, and hearty shouts of a loyal +multitude. + +Mr. Samuel Pepys, though he offered as much as eight shillings +for a boat to attend him that day, could not obtain one, and was +therefore obliged to view this gallant procession from the roof +of the royal banqueting hall, which commanded a glorious view of +the Thames. But what pleased his erratic fancy best on this +occasion was, not the great spectacle he had taken such trouble +to survey, but a sight of my Lady Castlemaine, who stood over +against him "upon a piece of Whitehall." The worthy clerk of the +Admiralty "glutted" himself with looking on her; "but methought +it was strange," says he, "to see her lord and her upon the same +place walking up and down without taking notice of one another, +only at first entry he put off his hat, and she made him a very +civil salute, but afterwards took no notice of one another; but +both of them now and then would take their child, which the nurse +held in her arms, and dandle it. One thing more: there happened +a scaffold below to fall, and we feared some hurt, but there was +none; but she of all the great ladies only ran down among the +common rabble to see what hurt was done, and did take care of a +child that received some little hurt, which methought was so +noble. Anon there came one there booted and spurred,that she +talked long with. And by-and-by, she being in her haire, she put +on her hat, which was but an ordinary one, to keep the wind off. +But methinks it became her mightily, as everything else do." + +It was notable the countess did not accompany her majesty in the +procession to Whitehall, as one of her attendants; but in fact +she had not obtained the position sought for, though she enjoyed +all the privileges pertaining to such an appointment. "Everybody +takes her to be of the bedchamber," the lord chancellor writes to +the Duke of Ormond, "for she is always there, and goes abrode in +the coach. But the queen tells me that the king promised her, on +condition she would use her as she doth others, that she should +never live in court; yet lodgings I hear she hath." Lodgings the +countess certainly had provided for her in that block of the +palace of Whitehall, separated from the main buildings by the old +roadway running between Westminster and the city. + +A few days after their majesties' arrival at Whitehall, the queen +mother returned to town, and established her court at Somerset +House, which had been prepared for her future abode. She had +arrived in England before the king and queen left Hampton Court, +and had taken up her residence at Greenwich Palace. The avowed +object of her visit was to congratulate them upon their marriage. +Charles and his bride therefore took barge to Greenwich, one +bright July day, followed by a brilliant and illustrious train, +that they might wait upon her majesty. And she, being made aware +of their approach, met them at the portal of the palace. There +Catherine would have gone down upon her knees to this gracious +lady--the survivor of great sorrows--but she took the young queen +in her arms, and calling her beloved daughter, kissed her many +times. Then she greeted her sons Charles and James, likewise the +Duchess of York, and led them to the presence-chamber, followed +by the whole court. And presently when Catherine would, through +her interpreter, have expressed her gratitude and affection, the +elder queen besought her to lay aside all ceremony, for she +"should never have come to England again except for the pleasure +of seeing her, to love her as her daughter, and serve her as her +queen." At these sweet words the young wife, now in the first +days of her grief, was almost overcome by a sense of +thankfulness, and could scarce restrain her tears; but she +answered bravely, "Believe me, madam, that in love and obedience +neither the king nor any of your children shall exceed me." + +The court of the merry monarch and that of the queen mother being +now settled in town, a period of vast brilliancy ensued, during +which great festivity and much scandal obtained, by reason of +intrigues in which the king and his friends indulged. Whitehall, +the scene of so much gaiety and gallantry, was a palace by no +means befitting the luxurious Charles. It consisted of a series +of irregular houses built for different purposes at various +periods; these contained upwards of two thousand rooms, most of +which were small, and many of which were without doors. The +buildings were intersected by grassy squares, where fountains +played, statues were grouped, and dials shadowed the passing +hour. At hand stood St. James's Park, with its fair meadows and +leafy trees; close by flowed the placid Thames, bearing heavily +laden lighters and innumerable barges. Attached to these +dwellings, and forming part of the palace, stood the great +banquet hall, erected from designs by Inigo Jones for James I. +Here audiences to ambassadors, state balls, and great banquets +were held. The ceiling was painted by Rubens, and was, moreover, +handsomely moulded and richly gilt. Above the entrance-door +stood a statue of Charles I.,"whose majestic mien delighted the +spectator;" Whilst close by one of the windows were the +ineradicable stains of blood, marking the spot near which he had +been beheaded. + +Now in the train of the queen mother there had travelled from +France "a most pretty sparke of about fourteen years," whom Mr. +Pepys plainly terms "the king's bastard," but who was known to +the court as young Mr. Crofts. This little gentleman was son of +Lucy Walters, "a brown, beautiful, bold creature," who had the +distinction of being first mistress to the merry monarch. That +he was his offspring the king entertained no doubt, though others +did; inasmuch as young Mr. Crofts grew to resemble, "even to the +wart on his face," Colonel Robert Sidney, whose paramour Lucy +Walters had been a brief while before his majesty began an +intrigue with her. Soon after the boy's birth that beautiful +woman abandoned herself to pleasures, in which the king had no +participation. He therefore parted from her; had her son placed +under the guardianship of Lord Crofts, whose name he bore, and +educated by the Peres de l'Oratoire at Paris. The while he was +continually at the court of the queen mother, who regarded him as +her grandson, and who, by the king's command, now brought him +into England. The beauty of his face and grace of his figure +could not be exceeded, whilst his manner was as winning as his +air was noble. Moreover, his accomplishments were numerous; he +danced to perfection, sang with sweetness, rode with skill; and +so gallant was his nature that he became at this early age, as +Hamilton affirms, "the universal terror of husbands and lovers." + +The king betrayed the greatest affection for him, and took +exceeding pride in being father of such a brave and comely youth, +at which my Lady Castlemaine was both wrathful and jealous, +fearing he would avert the royal favour from her own offspring; +but these feelings she afterwards overcame, as will be duly +shown. His majesty speedily showered honours upon him, allotted +him a suite of apartments in the royal palace of Whitehall, +appointed him a retinue befitting the heir apparent, created him +Duke of Orkney and of Monmouth, and installed him a knight of the +garter. + +But, before this had been accomplished, there arrived in town +some personages whose names it will be necessary to mention here, +the figure they made at court being considerable. These were Sir +George Hamilton and his family, and Philibert, Chevalier de +Grammont. Sir George was fourth son of James, Earl of Abercorn, +and of Mary, sister to James, first Duke of Ormond. Sir George +had proved himself a loyal man and a brave during the late civil +war, and had on the murder of his royal master sought safety in +France, from which country he, in the second year of the +restoration, returned, accompanied by a large family; the women +of which were fair, the men fearless. The Hamiltons being close +kin to the Ormond great intimacy existed between them; to +facilitate which they lived not far apart--the duke residing in +Ormond Yard, St. James's Square, and the Hamiltons occupying a +spacious residence in King Street. James Hamilton, Sir George's +eldest son, was remarkable for the symmetry of his figure, +elegance of his manner, and costliness of his dress. Moreover, +he possessed a taste shaped to pleasure, and a disposition +inclined to gallantry, which commended him so strongly to the +king's favour, that he was made groom of the bedchamber and +colonel of a regiment. + +His brother George was scarcely less handsome in appearance or +less agreeable in manner. Another brother, Anthony, best +remembered as the writer of Grammont's memoirs, was likewise +liberally endowed by nature. Elizabeth, commonly called "la +belle Hamilton," shared in the largest degree the hereditary +gifts of grace and beauty pertaining to this distinguished +family. At her introduction to the court of Charles II. she was +in the bloom of youth and zenith of loveliness. The portrait of +her which her brother Anthony has set before the world for its +admiration is delicate in its colours, and finished in its +details. "Her forehead," he writes, "was open, white, and +smooth; her hair was well set, and fell with ease into that +natural order which it is so difficult to imitate. Her +complexion was possessed of a certain freshness, not to be +equalled by borrowed colours; her eyes were not large, but they +were lovely, and capable of expressing whatever she pleased; her +mouth was full of graces, and her contour uncommonly perfect; nor +was her nose, which was small, delicate, and turned up, the least +ornament of so lovely a face. She had the finest shape, the +loveliest neck, and most beautiful arms in the world; she was +majestic and graceful in all her movements; and she was the +original after which all the ladies copied in their taste and air +of dress." + +Now, about the same time the Hamiltons arrived at court, there +likewise appeared at Whitehall one whose fame as a wit, and whose +reputation as a gallant, had preceded him. This was the +celebrated Chevalier de Grammont, whose father was supposed to be +son of Henry the Great of France. The chevalier had been +destined by his mother for the church, the good soul being +anxious he should lead the life of a saint; but the youth was +desirous of joining the army, and following the career of a +soldier. Being remarkable for ingenuity, he conceived a plan by +which he might gratify his mother's wishes and satisfy his own +desires at the same time. He therefore accepted the abbacy his +brother procured for him; but on appearing at court to return +thanks for his preferment, comported himself with a military air. +Furthermore, his dress was combined of the habit and bands +pertaining to an ecclesiastic, and the buskins and spurs +belonging to a soldier. Such an amalgamation had never before +been witnessed, and caused general attention; the court was +amazed at his daring, but Richelieu was amused by his boldness. +His brother regarded his appearance in the dual character of +priest and soldier as a freak, and on his return home asked him +gravely to which profession he meant to attach himself. The +youth answered he was resolved "to renounce the church for the +salvation of his soul," upon condition that he retained his +beneficed abbacy. It may be added, he kept this resolution. + +A soldier he therefore became, and subsequently a courtier. His +valour in war and luck in gambling won him the admiration of the +camp; whilst his ardour in love and genius for intrigue gained +him the esteem of the court, but finally lost him the favour of +his king. For attaching himself to one of the maids of honour, +Mademoiselle La Motte Houdancourt, whom his most Christian +Majesty Louis XIV. had already honoured with his regard, +Grammont was banished from the French court. + +Accordingly, in the second year of the merry monarch's reign he +presented himself at Whitehall, and was received by Charles with +a graciousness that served to obliterate the memory of his late +misfortune. Nor were the courtiers less warm in their greetings +than his majesty. The men hailed him as an agreeable companion; +the ladies intimated he need not wholly abandon those tender +diversions for which he had shown such natural talent and +received such high reputation at the court of Louis XIV. He +therefore promptly attached himself to the king, whose parties he +invariably attended, and whose pleasures he continually devised; +made friends with the most distinguished nobles, whom he charmed +by the grace of his manner and extravagance of his +entertainments; and took early opportunities of proving to the +satisfaction of many of the fairer sex that his character as a +gallant had by no means been exaggerated by report. + +Amongst those to whom he paid especial attention were Mrs. +Middleton, a woman of fashion, and Miss Kirk, a maid of honour, +to whom Hamilton, in his memoirs of Grammont, gives the +fictitious name of Warmestre. The former was at this time in her +seventeenth summer, and had been two years a wife. Her +exquisitely fair complexion, light auburn hair, and dark hazel +eyes constituted her a remarkably beautiful woman. Miss Kirk was +of a different type of loveliness, inasmuch as her skin was +brown, her eyes dark, and her complexion brilliant. As Mrs. +Middleton was at this time but little known at court, Grammont +found some difficulty in obtaining an introduction to her as +promptly as he desired; but feeling anxious to make her +acquaintance, and being no laggard in love, he without hesitation +applied to her porter for admittance, and took one of her lovers +into his confidence. This latter gallant rejoiced in the name of +Jones, and subsequently became Earl of Ranelagh. In the fulness +of his heart towards one who experienced a fellow feeling, he +resolved to aid Grammont in gaining the lady's favours. This +generosity being prompted by the fact that the chevalier would +rid him of a rival whom he feared, and at the same time relieve +him of an expense he could ill afford, the lady having certain +notions of magnificence which her husband's income was unable to +sustain. + +Mrs. Middleton received the chevalier with good grace; but he +found her more ready to receive the presents he offered, than to +grant the privileges he required. Miss Kirk, on the other hand, +was not only flattered by his attentions, but was willing to use +every means in her power to preserve a continuance of his +friendship; Therefore out of gratitude for graces received from +one of the ladies, and in expectation of favours desired from the +other, Grammont made them the handsomest presents. Perfumed +gloves, pocket looking-glasses, apricot paste, came every week +from Paris for their benefit; whilst more substantial offerings +in the shape of jewellery, diamonds, and guineas were procured +for them in London, all of which they made no hesitation to +accept. + +It happened one night, whilst Grammont was yet in pursuit of Mrs. +Middleton, that the queen gave a ball. In hope of winning her +husband's affection, by studying his pleasures and suiting +herself to his ways, her majesty had become a changed woman. She +now professed a passion for dancing, wore decollete costumes, and +strove to surpass those surrounding her in her desire for gaiety. +Accordingly her balls were the most brilliant spectacles the +court had yet witnessed; she taking care to assemble the fairest +women of the day, and the most distinguished men. Now amongst +the latter was the Chevalier de Grammont; and amidst the former, +Mrs. Middleton and Miss Hamilton. + +Of all the court beauties, "la belle Hamilton" was one of whom +Grammont had seen least and heard most; but that which had been +told him of her charms seemed, now that he beheld her, wholly +inadequate to express her loveliness. Therefore, his eyes +followed her alone, as her graceful figure glided in the dance +adown the ball-room, lighted with a thousand tapers, and +brilliant with every type of beauty. And when presently she +rested, it was with an unusual flutter at his heart that this +gallant, heretofore so daring in love, sought her company, +addressed her, and listened with strange pleasure to the music of +her voice. From that night he courted Mrs. Middleton no more, +but devoted himself to "la belle Hamilton," who subsequently +became his wife. + +Meanwhile, the merry monarch behaved as if he had no higher +purpose in life than that of following his pleasures. "The king +is as decomposed [dissipated] as ever," the lord chancellor +writes to the Duke of Ormond, in a letter preserved in the +Bodleian library, "and looks as little after his business; which +breaks my heart, and makes me and other of your friends weary of +our lives. He seeks for his satisfaction and delight in other +company, which do not love him so well as you and I do." His days +were spent in pursuing love, feasting sumptuously, interchanging +wit, and enjoying all that seemed good to the senses. Pepys, who +never fails to make mention of the court when actual experience +or friendly gossip enables him, throws many pleasant lights upon +the ways of the monarch and his courtiers. + +For instance, he tells us that one Lord's day--the same on which +this excellent man had been to Whitehall chapel, and heard a +sermon by the Dean of Ely on returning to the old ways, and, +moreover, a most tuneful anthem sung by Captain Cooke, with +symphonies between--whom should he meet but the great chirurgeon, +Mr. Pierce, who carried him to Somerset House, and into the queen +mother's presence-chamber. And there, on the left hand of +Henrietta Maria, sat the young queen, whom Mr. Pepys had never +seen before, and now thought that "though she be not very +charming, yet she hath a good, modest, and innocent look, which +is pleasing." Here, likewise, he saw the king's mistress, and the +young Duke of Monmouth, "who, I perceive," Pepys continues, "do +hang much upon my Lady Castlemaine, and is always with her; and I +hear the queenes, both of them, are mighty kind to him. By-and- +by in comes the king, and anon the duke and his duchesse; so +that, they being all together, was such a sight as I never could +almost have happened to see with so much ease and leisure. They +staid till it was dark, and then went away; the king and his +queene, and my Lady Castlemaine and young Crofts, in one coach, +and the rest in other coaches. Here were great stores of great +ladies. The king and queen were very merry; and he would have +made the queene mother believe that the queene was with child, +and said that she said so. And the young queene answered, 'You +lye,' which was the first English word that I ever heard her say, +which made the king good sport." + +Others besides Mr. Pepys had begun to notice that the young Duke +of Monmouth hung much upon the Countess of Castlemaine, and that +her ladyship lavished caresses upon him. Whether this was to +provoke the uneasiness of his majesty, who she hoped might find +employment for the lad elsewhere, or to express her genuine +affection for him, it is impossible to say. However, the duke +being come to an age when the endearments of such a woman might +have undesired effects upon him, the king resolved to remove him +from her influence, and at the same time secure his fortune by +marriage. + +He therefore selected a bride for him, in the person of Lady Anne +Scott, a young gentlewoman of virtue and excellence, who was only +child of Francis, Earl of Buccleugh, and the greatest heiress in +Great Britain. Their nuptials were celebrated on the 20th of +April, 1663, the bridegroom at this time not having reached his +fifteenth birthday, whilst the bride was younger by a year. The +duke on his marriage assumed his wife's family name, Scott; and +some years later--in 1673--both were created Duke and Duchess of +Buccleugh. From this union the family now bearing that title has +descended. A great supper was given at Whitehall on the +marriage-night, and for many days there were stately festivities +held to celebrate the event with becoming magnificence. + +Now at one of the court balls held at this time, the woman of all +others who attracted most attention and gained universal +admiration was Frances Stuart, maid of honour to Queen Catherine. +She was only daughter of a gallant gentleman, one Walter Stuart, +and grand-daughter of Lord Blantyre. Her family had suffered +sore loss in the cause of Charles I., by reason of which, like +many others, it sought refuge in France. This young gentlewoman +was therefore bred in that country, and was, moreover, attached +to the court of the queen mother, in whose suite she travelled +into England. Her beauty was sufficient to attract the attention +of Louis XIV., who, loath to lose so fair an ornament from his +court, requested her mother would permit her to remain, saying, +he "loved her not as a mistress, but as one that would marry as +well as any lady in France." + +No doubt Mrs. Stuart understood the motives of his majesty's +interested kindness, of which, however, she declined availing +herself, and therefore departed with her daughter for England. +At the time of her appearance at Whitehall, Frances Stuart was in +her fifteenth year. Even in a court distinguished by the beauty +of women, her loveliness was declared unsurpassed. Her features +were regular and refined, her complexion fair as alabaster, her +hair bright and luxuriant, her eyes of violet hue; moreover, her +figure being tall, straight, and shapely, her movements possessed +an air of exquisite grace. An exact idea of her lineaments may +be gained unto this day, from the fact that Philip Rotier, the +medallist, who loved her true, represented her likeness in the +face of Britannia on the reverse of coins; and so faithful was +the likeness, we are assured, that no one who had ever seen her +could mistake who had sat as model of the figure. + +Soon after her arrival in England, she was appointed one of the +maids of honour to Queen Catherine, and as such was present at +all festivities of the court. Now, at one of the great balls +given in honour of the Duke of Monmouth's nuptials, the fair +Frances Stuart appeared in the full lustre of her charms. Her +beauty, her grace, and her youth completely eclipsed the more +showy gifts of my Lady Castlemaine, who on this occasion looked +pale and thin, she being in the commencement of another +pregnancy, "which the king was pleased to place to his own +account." The merry monarch had before this time been attracted +by the fair maid of honour, but now it was evident his heart had +found a new object of admiration in her surpassing beauty. +Henceforth he boldly made love to her. The countess was not much +disturbed by this, for she possessed great faith in her own +charms and implicit belief in her power over the king. Besides, +she had sufficient knowledge of mankind to comprehend that to +offer opposition in pursuit of love is the most certain method to +foster its growth. She therefore resolved to seek Miss Stuart's +society, cultivate her friendship, and constantly bring her into +contact with his majesty. This would not only prove to the +satisfaction of the court she had no fear of losing her +sovereignty over the monarch, but, by keeping him engaged with +the maid of honour, would likewise divert his attention from an +intrigue the countess was then carrying on with Henry Jermyn. +Accordingly, she made overtures of friendship to Miss Stuart, +invited her to private parties, and appeared continually with her +in public. + +Concerning these ladies and the merry monarch, Pepys narrates a +strange story which Captain Ferrers told him as they "walked +finely" in the park. This was, that at an entertainment given by +my Lady Castlemaine, towards the end of which his majesty played +at being married with fair Frances Stuart, "with ring and all +other ceremonies of Church service, and ribbands, and a sack +posset [A drink composed of milk, wine, and spices.] in bed, and +flinging the stocking. My Lady Castlemaine looked on the while, +evincing neither anger nor jealousy, but entering into the +diversion with great spirit." Nor was this the only indiscretion +of which she was culpable, for, in the full confidence of her +charms, she frequently kept Miss Stuart to stay with her. "The +king," says Hamilton, "who seldom neglected to visit the countess +before she rose, seldom failed likewise to find Miss Stuart with +her. The most indifferent objects have charms in a new +attachment; however, the imprudent countess was not jealous of +this rival's appearing with her, in such a situation, being +confident that, whenever she thought fit, she could triumph over +all the advantages which these opportunities could afford Miss +Stuart." + +No doubt Lady Castlemaine's imprudences arose from knowledge that +Miss Stuart was devoid of tact, and incapable of turning +opportunities to her own advantage in the king's regard. For +though the maid of honour was richly endowed with beauty, she was +wholly devoid of wit. She was not only a child in years, but +likewise in behaviour. She laughed at every remark made her, +delighted in playing blind man's buff, and was never more happy +than when building castles of cards. At this latter amusement +she continually employed herself whilst the deepest play was +taking place in her apartments; being always attended by groups +of courtiers, who were either attracted by the charm of her +beauty, or were eager to make court through her favour. As she +sat upon the floor, intent on her favourite occupation, they on +their knees handed her cards, traced out designs for her, or +built elaborate structures rivalling her own. + +Amongst those who attended her in this manner was the gay, +graceful, and profligate Duke of Buckingham, who became enamoured +of her loveliness. Not only did he raise the most wonderful of +card mansions for her delight, but having a good voice, and she +possessing a passion for music, he invented songs and sung them +to pleasure her. Moreover, he told her the wittiest stories, +turned the courtiers into the greatest ridicule for her +entertainment, and made her acquainted with the most diverting +scandals. Finally, he professed his ardent love for her; but at +this the fair Stuart either felt, or feigned, intense +astonishment, and so repulsed him that he abandoned the pursuit +of an amour over which he had wasted so much time, and +thenceforth deprived himself of her company. + +His attentions were, however, soon replaced by those of the Earl +of Arlington, a lord of the bedchamber, and a man of grave +address and great ambition. Owing to this latter trait his +lordship was desirous of winning the good graces of Miss Stuart +in the present, in hopes of governing his majesty in the future, +when she became the king's mistress. But these sage and +provident intentions of his were speedily overturned, for early +in the course of their acquaintance, when he had commenced to +tell her a story, his manner so forcibly reminded her of +Buckingham's mimicry of him, that she burst out laughing in the +earl's face. This being utterly uncalled for by the +circumstances of his tale, and still less by the manner of its +narration, Lord Arlington, who was serious, punctilious, and +proud, became enraged, abruptly left her presence, and abandoned +his schemes of governing the king through so frivolous a medium. + +A man who had better chances of success in winning this beautiful +girl was George Hamilton, whose name has been already mentioned. +It was not, however, his graceful person, or elegant manner, but +his performance of a trick which gained her attention. It +happened one night that an Irish peer, old Lord Carlingford, was +diverting her by showing how she might hold a burning candle in +her mouth a considerable time without its being extinguished. +This was a source of uncommon delight to her; seeing which, +George Hamilton thought he would give her still further +entertainment. For being furnished by nature with a wide mouth, +he placed within it two lighted candles, and walked three times +round the room without extinguishing them, whilst the fair Stuart +clapped her pretty hands in delight, and shouted aloud with +laughter. + +A man who could accomplish such a feat was worthy of becoming a +favourite. She at once admitted him to terms of familiarity; and +he had a hundred chances of paying her the attentions he greatly +desired, and which she freely accepted. Grammont, foreseeing +that Hamilton would incur the royal displeasure if his love for +Miss Stuart became known to the king, besought him to abandon his +addresses; but this advice did not at first sound pleasant to the +lover's ears. "Since the court has been in the country," said +he, "I have had a hundred opportunities of seeing her, which I +had not before. You know that the dishabille of the bath is a +great convenience for those ladies, who, strictly adhering to all +the rules of decorum, are yet desirous to display all their +charms and attractions. Miss Stuart is so fully acquainted with +the advantages she possesses over all other women, that it is +hardly possible to praise any lady at court for a well-turned +arm, and a fine leg but she is ever ready to dispute the point by +demonstration; and I really believe that, with a little address, +it would not be difficult to induce her to strip naked, without +ever reflecting upon what she was doing. After all, a man must +be very insensible to remain unconcerned and unmoved on such +happy occasions." + +Hamilton was therefore not willing to renounce Miss Stuart, but +upon Grammont showing that attentions paid the lady would +certainly provoke the king's anger, he resolved on sacrificing +love to interest, and abandoning the company of the fair maid of +honour for evermore. The truth was, his majesty loved her +exceedingly, as was indeed evident, for he constantly sought her +presence, talked to her at the drawing-rooms as if no one else +were by, and kissed her "to the observation of all the world." +But though she allowed Charles such liberties, she refused to +become his mistress, notwithstanding the splendid settlements and +high titles with which the monarch engaged to reward the +sacrifice of her virtue. And so, though a king, it was not given +him to be obeyed in all. And though generally loved for his easy +ways and gracious manners, he was continually harassed by his +mistresses, reproved by his chancellor, and ridiculed by his +courtiers. Indeed, they now spoke of him in his absence as "Old +Rowley;" the reason of which is given by Richardson. "There was +an old goat," writes he, "in the privy garden, that they had +given this name to; a rank lecherous devil, that everybody knew +and used to stroke, because he was good-humoured and familiar; +and so they applied this name to the king." + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +The Duke of York's intrigues.--My Lady Chesterfield and his royal +highness--The story of Lady Southesk's love.--Lord Arran plays +the guitar.--Lord Chesterfield is jealous.--The countess is taken +from court.--Mistress Margaret Brooke and the king.--Lady Denham +and the duke.--Sir John goes mad.--My lady is poisoned. + +The while his majesty devoted himself to pleasure and intrigue, +neglectful of affairs of state, and heedless of public scandal, +his brother of York, whose disposition was not less amorous, +likewise followed the bent of his inclinations. Soon after her +appearance at court he professed himself in love with the +beautiful Elizabeth Hamilton, whom to behold was to admire. But +the duke being a married man, and she a virtuous woman, he dared +not address her on the subject of his affection, and was +therefore obliged to confine the expression of his feelings to +glances. These she refused to interpret; and he, becoming weary +of a pursuit which promised no happy results, turned his +attentions to the Countess of Chesterfield, who seemed in no way +loath to receive them. + +This charming woman had married my Lord Chesterfield in +compliance with a family arrangement; and discovered too soon she +had no place in the heart of him whose life she shared. His +coldness to her was only equalled by his ardour for Lady +Castlemaine, whose lover he continued to remain after his +marriage. The affection his wife had offered and he had +repulsed, in the dawn of their wedded life, changed by degrees to +disdain and hatred. + +Now as chamberlain to the queen my Lord Chesterfield had, +apartments in the palace, by reason of which the countess became +an habituee of the court. The moral atmosphere of Whitehall was +not calculated to strengthen her conjugal virtue, but its +perpetual gaiety was destined to dissipate her sense of neglect. +It was not possible for a woman endowed with so much beauty, and +possessed of such engaging manners, to be disregarded, in a court +entirely devoted to love and gallantry; and accordingly she soon +became an object of general admiration. This was by no means +pleasing to my Lord Chesterfield, who, though he had wilfully +repulsed her affections, was selfishly opposed to their bestowal +upon others. Accordingly he became watchful of her conduct, and +jealous of her admirers. + +Prominent amongst these were James Hamilton and the Duke of York. +The former was her cousin, and her husband's confidant, in +consequence of which my lord failed to associate him with the +suspicion he entertained towards all other men who approached +her: the latter he regarded with the uttermost distrust. His +royal highness had before now disturbed the happy confidence +which husbands had placed in their wives, as my Lord Carnegy +could testify. + +The story which hangs thereby had, a little while before the duke +fell in love with Lady Chesterfield, afforded vast amusement to +the court, and was yet fresh in the recollection of many. It +happened that his royal highness became enamoured of my Lady +Carnegy, daughter of the gallant Duke of Hamilton, and friend of +the gay Lady Castlemaine. Lady Carnegy loved pleasure mightily, +painted her face "devilishly," and drove in the park flauntingly. +She was endowed with considerable beauty of form and great +tenderness of heart, as many gallants acknowledged with +gratitude. Now when the Duke of York made advances to her, she +received them with all the satisfaction he could desire; an +intimacy therefore followed, which she was the better able to +entertain on account of her husband's absence in Scotland. +Whilst my Lord Carnegy was in that country, his father, the Earl +of Southesk, died, and he succeeded to the title and estates. In +due time the new earl returned to London and his wife, and was +greeted by rumours of the friendship which in his absence had +sprung up between my lady and the duke. These, as became a good +husband, he refused to believe, until such time as he was enabled +to prove their veracity. Now, though his royal highness did not +cease to honour my lady with his visits on her husband's return, +yet out of respect to decorum, and in order to silence scandalous +tongues, he from that time invariably called on her accompanied +by a friend. + +It therefore came to pass that one day he requested an honest, +foolish Irishman, Dick Talbot, afterwards Duke of Tyrconnel, to +attend him in his visit to the lady. He could scarcely have +selected a man more unfitted to the occasion, inasmuch as Talbot +was wholly devoid of tact, and possessed a mind apt to wander at +large at critical moments. He had but recently returned from +Portugal, and was not aware my Lord Carnegy had in the meantime +become Earl of Southesk, nor had he ever met the lady who shared +that title until introduced to her by the duke. When that +ceremony had been duly performed and a few sentences interchanged +between them, Talbot, acting on instructions previously received, +retired into an ante-room and took his post at a window that he +might divert himself by viewing the street, and observing those +who approached the house. + +Here he remained for some time, but the study of mankind which +the view admitted did not afford sufficient interest to prevent +him becoming absorbed in his own thoughts, and indifferent to all +objects surrounding him. From this mental condition he was +presently aroused by seeing a carriage draw up to the door, and +its occupant descend and quickly enter the house. Talbot was so +forgetful of his duty that he omitted apprising the duke of this +fact or making any movement until the door of the ante-room +opened, when he turned round to face the intruder. Then he +started forward and cried out, "Welcome, Carnegy!" for it was +no other than he. "Welcome my good fellow! Where the devil have +you been, that I have never been able to set eyes on you since we +were at Brussels! What business brought you here?" he continued +in the same breath; and then added in a tone of banter, "Do you +likewise wish to see Lady Southesk; if this is your intention, my +poor friend, you may go away again; for I must inform you the +Duke of York is in love with her, and I will tell you in +confidence that at this very time he is in her chamber." + +My Lord Southesk was overwhelmed with shame and confusion, and +not knowing how to act, immediately returned to his coach, Talbot +attending him to the door as his friend, and advising him to seek +a mistress elsewhere. He then went back to his post, and with +some impatience awaited the Duke's return, that he might tell him +what had happened. And in due time, when he had narrated the +story, he was much surprised that neither his royal highness nor +the countess saw any humour in the fact of Lord Carnegy's +discomfiture. It served, however, to make the duke break off his +connection with the lady, and likewise to amuse the town. + +Remembering this incident, my Lord Chesterfield kept a watchful +eye upon the duke, who he observed made advances towards the +countess, which she, in her generosity, had not the heart to +repulse. But, as his royal highness could see her only in +presence of the court, my lord derived some satisfaction from +knowing he was witness to such civilities as had yet passed +between them. The duke was, however, anxious to have a more +particular occasion of conversing with my lady, and in +accomplishing this desire her brother Lord Arran was willing to +aid him. + +It happened about this time an Italian, named Francisco Corbeta, +who played with great perfection on the guitar, arrived at court. +His performances excited the wonder and delight of all who heard +him, and the instrument which produced such melody speedily +became fashionable at court, to such an extent, that a universal +strumming was heard by day and by night: throughout the palace +of Whitehall. The Duke of York, being devoted to music, was +amongst those who strove to rival Signor Francisco's performance; +whilst my Lord Arran, by the delicacy of his execution, almost +equalled the great musician. The while Francisco's popularity +increased, his fame reaching its zenith when he composed a +saraband, to learn which became the ambition of all delighting in +the guitar. + +Now one day the duke, not thinking himself perfect in this piece, +requested Lord Arran to play it over for him. My lord being a +courteous man, was anxious to oblige his royal highness, and in +order that the saraband might be heard to greatest advantage, was +desirous of performing it upon the best instrument at court, +which it was unhesitatingly acknowledged belonged to my Lady +Chesterfield. Accordingly, Lord Arran led the duke to his +sister's apartments. Here they found not only the guitar and my +lady, but likewise my lord, who was no less astonished than +disturbed by their visit. Then my Lord Arran commenced the +famous saraband, whilst the duke commenced to ogle my lady, and +she to return his glances in kind, as if both were unconscious of +her husband's presence. So delightful did they find the +saraband, that Lord Arran was obliged to repeat it at least +twenty times, to the great mortification of the earl, who could +scarcely contain his violent rage and jealousy. His torture was +presently increased to an immeasurable degree, by a summons he +received from the queen to attend her in his capacity of lord +chamberlain, during an audience she was about, to give the +Muscovite ambassador. + +He had from the first suspected the visit, with which he was +honoured, to have been preconcerted by his wife and the duke; and +he now began to think her majesty was likewise connected with a +plot destined to rob him of his peace and blight his honour. +However, he was obliged to obey the queen's summons and depart. +Nor had he been many minutes absent when Lord Arran entered the +presence-chamber where the audience was being held, unaccompanied +by the duke, at which Lord Chesterfield's jealous fears were +strengthened a thousandfold. Before night came he was satisfied +he held sufficient proof of his wife's infidelity. + +This conviction caused him intense anxiety and pain; he walked +about his apartments abstracted and brooding on the wrongs from +which he suffered; avoided all who came in his way; and +maintained strict silence as to that which disturbed his peace, +until next day, when he met James Hamilton. To him he confided +an account of the troubles which beset him. After speaking of +the visit paid by his royal highness, and the part enacted by my +Lord Arran, whom he described as "one of the silliest creatures +in England, with his guitar, and his other whims and follies," he +went on to say that when Hamilton had heard him out, he would be +enabled to judge whether the visit ended in perfect innocence or +not. "Lady Chesterfield is amiable, it must be acknowledged," +said he, "but she is far from being such a miracle of beauty as +she supposes herself: you know she has ugly feet; but perhaps +you are not acquainted that she has still worse legs. They are +short and thick, and to remedy these defects as much as possible, +she seldom wears any other than green stockings. I went +yesterday to Miss Stuart's after the audience of those damned +Muscovites: the king arrived there just before me; and as if the +duke had sworn to pursue me wherever I went that day, he came in +just after me. The conversation turned upon the extraordinary +appearance of the ambassadors. I know not where that fool Crofts +had heard that all these Muscovites had handsome wives; and that +all their wives had handsome legs. Upon this the king +maintained, that no woman ever had such handsome legs as Miss +Stuart; and she to prove the truth of his majesty's assertion, +with the greatest imaginable ease, immediately showed her leg +above the knee. Some were ready to prostrate themselves in order +to adore its beauty, for indeed none can be handsomer; but the +duke alone began to criticize upon it. He contended that it was +too slender, and that as for himself he would give nothing for a +leg that was not thicker and shorter, and concluded by saying +that no leg was worth anything without green stockings; now this +in my opinion was a sufficient demonstration that he had just +seen green stockings, and had them fresh in his remembrance." + +At hearing this story, Hamilton, being deeply in love with Lady +Chesterfield, was scarcely less agitated or less jealous than her +lord; but he was obliged to conceal his feelings. Therefore, +assuming the tone of an impartial hearer, he shrugged his +shoulders, declared appearances were often deceitful, and +maintained that even if she had given herself airs to encourage +the duke, there were no grounds to show she had been culpable of +improprieties. My lord expressed himself much obliged to his +friend for the interest he had shown in his troubles, and after +exchanging a few compliments they parted. Hamilton, full of +wrath, returned home, and wrote a letter replete with violent +expostulations and tender reproaches to the woman he loved. This +he delivered to her secretly at the next opportunity. She +received it from him with a smile, which scared all doubts of her +frailty from his mind, and with a pressure of his hand which +awoke the tenderest feelings in his heart. + +He was now convinced her husband had allowed jealousy to blind +him, and had magnified his unworthy suspicions to assurances of +guilt. Is this view Hamilton was fully confirmed by a letter he +received from her the following day in answer to his own. "Are +you not," said she, "ashamed to give any credit to the visions of +a jealous fellow, who brought nothing else with him from Italy? +Is it possible that the story of the green stockings, upon which +he has founded his suspicions, should have imposed upon you, +accompanied as it is with such pitiful circumstances? Since he +has made you his confidant, why did not he boast of breaking in +pieces my poor harmless guitar? This exploit, perhaps, might +have convinced you more than all the rest; recollect yourself, +and if you are really in love with me, thank fortune for a +groundless jealousy, which diverts to another quarter the +attention he might pay to my attachment for the most amiable and +the most dangerous man at court." + +Anointed by this flattering unction, such wounds as Hamilton had +experienced were quickly healed; alas, only to bleed afresh at +the certain knowledge that this charming woman had been making +him her dupe! For soon after, in a moment of indiscretion, and +whilst the whole court, including her majesty, was assembled in +the card-room, my lady there permitted the duke a liberty which +confirmed her husband in his suspicions of their intimacy. +Hamilton at hearing this was wild with fury, and advised Lord +Chesterfield to carry her away from the allurements of the court, +and seclude her in one of his country mansions. This was an +advice to which the earl listened with complaisance, and carried +out with despatch, to her intense mortification. + +The whole court was amused by the story, but dismayed at the +punishment my lord inflicted upon his lady. Anthony Hamilton +declares that in England "they looked with astonishment upon a +man who could be so uncivil as to be jealous of his wife; and in +the city of London it was a prodigy, till that time unknown, to +see a husband have recourse to violent means to prevent what +jealousy fears, and what it always deserves." He adds, they +endeavoured to excuse my lord by laying all the blame on his bad +education, which made "all the mothers vow to God that none of +their sons should ever set a foot in Italy, lest they should +bring back with them that infamous custom of laying restraint +upon their wives." + +By the departure of Lady Chesterfield the court lost one of its +most brilliant ornaments forever, for the unhappy countess never +again returned to the gay scene of her adventures. For three +long years she endured banishment at Bretby in Derbyshire, and +then died, it was believed, from the effects of poison. For my +lord, never having his suspicions of her intrigue cleared, +insisted on her taking the sacrament by way of pledging her +innocence; on which occasion he, in league with his chaplain, +mixed poison in the sacred wine, as result of which she died. +This shocking story gained credence not only with the public, but +with members of his own family; inasmuch as his daughter-in-law, +Lady Gertrude Stanhope, after she had quarrelled with him, would, +when she sat at his table, drink only of such wine and water as a +trusty servant of hers procured. + +This intrigue of the duke had given much uneasiness to his +duchess, who had complained to the king and to her father, and +had, moreover, set a watch upon the movements of his royal +highness. But such measures did not avail to make him a faithful +husband, and no sooner was Lady Chesterfield removed from his +sight, than Lady Denham took her place in his affections. This +latter mentioned gentlewoman was daughter of a valiant baronet, +Sir William Brooke, and niece to a worthless peer, the Earl of +Bristol. The earl had, on the king's restoration, cherished +ambitious schemes to obtain the merry monarch's favour; for which +purpose he sought to commend himself by ministering to the royal +pleasures. + +Accordingly he entertained the king as became a loyal gentleman, +giving him luxurious banquets and agreeable suppers, to which, by +way of adding to his majesty's greater satisfaction, the noble +host invited his nieces, Mistress Brooke and her sister. The +wily earl had, indeed, conceived a plan the better to forward his +interests with the king, and was desirous one of these +gentlewomen should subdue his majesty's heart, and become his +mistress. Margaret Brooke, the elder of the maidens, was at this +time in her eighteenth year, and was in the full flower of such +loveliness as was presented by a fair complexion, light brown +hair, and dark grey eyes. The merry monarch's susceptible heart +was soon won by her beauty; the charming lady's amorous +disposition was speedily conquered by his gallantry, and nothing +prevented her becoming his mistress save Lady Castlemaine's +jealousy. + +This, however, proved an insurmountable obstacle; for the +countess, hearing rumours of the pleasures which were enjoyed at +my Lord Bristol's table, insisted on attending the king thither, +and soon gave his gracious majesty an intimation he dared not +disregard--that she would not suffer Miss Brooke as a rival. +Margaret Brooke was grievously disappointed; but the Duke of York +beginning his attentions at the point where his majesty +discontinued them, she was soon consoled for loss of the +monarch's affection by the ardour of his brother's love. But a +short time after, probably foreseeing the ambiguous position in +which she stood, she forsook her lover, and accepted a husband in +the person of Sir John Denham. + +This worthy knight was a man of parts; inasmuch as he was a +soldier, a poet, and a gamester. At the time of his marriage he +had passed his fiftieth year; moreover, he limped painfully and +carried a crutch. His appearance, indeed, was far from imposing. +According to Aubrey, he was tall, had long legs, and was +"incurvelting at his shoulders; his hair was but thin and flaxen, +with a moist curl; his gait slow and rather astalking; his eye +was a kind of light goose-grey, not big, but it had a strange +piercingness, not as to shining and glory, but when he conversed +he looked into your very thoughts." His personal defects, +however, were to a great degree compensated for by his great +wealth. Moreover he was surveyor-general of his majesty's works, +had a town house in Scotland Yard, and a country residence at +Waltham Cross in Essex. But there are some deficiencies for +which wealth does not atone, as no doubt Lady Denham promptly +discovered; for, before a year of her married life had passed, +she renewed her intrigue with the Duke of York. His love for her +seemed to have increased a thousandfold since fate had given her +to the possession of another. At royal drawing-rooms he took +her aside and talked to her "in the sight of all the world," and +whenever she moved away from him he followed her like a dog. + +Indeed, he made no effort to screen his passion, for not only did +he make love to her in presence of the court, but he visited her +at noonday, attended by his gentlemen, before all the town. Nor +did Lady Denham desire to conceal the honour with which, she +considered, this amour covered her, but openly declared she would +"not be his mistress, as Mrs. Price, to go up and down the privy +stairs, but will be owned publicly;" and in this respect she +obtained her desire. Meanwhile Sir John was rendered miserable; +and, indeed, his desperation soon overthrew his reason, and +rendered him a lunatic. This affection first appeared during a +journey he made to the famous free-stone quarries near Portland +in Dorset. When he came within a mile of his destination, he +suddenly turned back, and proceeded to Hounslow, where he +demanded rents for lands he had disposed of years before; and +then hastening to town sought out the king and informed him he +was the Holy Ghost. + +This madness lasted but a short time; and the first use he made +of his recovered senses was to plot vengeance on his wife. Now +there was one honour which she coveted above all others, that of +being appointed a lady of the bedchamber to the Duchess of York. +This her royal lover, following the example of his majesty, +sought to obtain for her; but the duchess, who had already +suffered many indignities by reason of her husband's +improprieties, refused him this request, which would render her +liable to continual insult in her own court. The duke, however, +had a strong will, and the duchess was on the point of yielding +to his demand, when rumour announced that Lady Denham had been +taken suddenly ill, and scandal declared she had been poisoned. +The wildest sensation followed. His royal highness, stricken +with remorse and terror, hastened to Scotland Yard and sought his +beloved mistress, who told him she believed herself poisoned, and +felt she was now dying. The most eminent physicians were +speedily summoned, but their skill proved of no avail, for she +gradually became worse, and finally died, leaving instructions +that her body should be opened after death, in order that search +might be made for the fatal drug. + +The surgeons followed these directions, as we learn from the +Orrery state papers, but no trace of poison was discovered. For +all that the public had no doubt her husband had destroyed her +life, and Hamilton tells us the populace "had a design of tearing +Sir John in pieces as soon as he should come abroad; but he shut +himself up to bewail her death, until their fury was appeased by +a magnificent funeral, at which he distributed four times more +burnt wine than had ever been drunk at any burial in England." + +As for the duke, he was sorely troubled for her loss, and +declared he should never have a public mistress again. + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +Court life under the merry monarch.--Riding in Hyde Park. +--Sailing on the Thames.--Ball at Whitehall.--Petit soupers. +--What happened at Lady Gerrard's.--Lady Castlemaine quarrels +with the king.--Flight to Richmond.--The queen falls ill.--The +king's grief and remorse.--Her majesty speaks.--Her secret sorrow +finds voice in delirium.--Frances Stuart has hopes.--The queen +recovers. + +Views of court life during the first years of the merry monarch's +reign, obtainable from works of his contemporaries, present a +series of brilliant, changeful, and interesting pictures. Scarce +a day passed that their majesties, attended by a goodly throng of +courtiers, went not abroad, to the vast delight of the town: and +rarely a night sped by unmarked by some magnificent +entertainment, to the great satisfaction of the court. At noon +it was a custom of the king and queen, surrounded by maids of +honour and gentlemen in waiting, the whole forming a gladsome and +gallant crowd, to ride in coaches or on horseback in Hyde Park: +which place has been described as "a field near the town, used by +the king and nobility for the freshness of the air, and goodly +prospect." + +Here in a railed-off circle, known as the ring, and situated in +the northern half of the park, the whole world of fashion and +beauty diverted itself. Noble gallants wearing broad-brimmed +hats and waving plumes, doublets of velvet, and ruffles of rich +lace; and fair women with flowing locks and dainty patches, +attired in satin gowns, and cloaks wrought with embroidery, drove +round and round, exchanging salutations and smiles as they +passed. Here it was good Mr. Pepys saw the Countess of +Castlemaine, among many fine ladies, lying "impudently upon her +back in her coach asleep, with her mouth wide open." And on +another occasion the same ingenious gentleman observed the king +and my lady pass and repass in their respective coaches, they +greeting one another at every turn. + +But Mr. Pepys gives us another picture, in which he shows us the +king riding right gallantly beside his queen, and therefore +presents him to better advantage. This excellent gossip, +sauntering down Pall Mall one bright summer day, it being the +middle of July, in the year 1663, met the queen mother walking +there, led by her supposed husband, the Earl of St. Albans. And, +hearing the king and queen rode abroad with the ladies of honour +to the park, and seeing a great crowd of gallants awaiting their +return, he also stayed, walking up and down the while. "By-and- +by," says he, "the king and queene, who looked in this dress (a +white laced waistcoate and a crimson short pettycoate, and her +hair dressed A LA NEGLIGENCE) mighty pretty; and the king rode +hand in hand with her. Here was also my Lady Castlemaine riding +amongst the rest of the ladies; but the king took, methought, no +notice of her; nor when they light did anybody press (as she +seemed to expect, and staid for it) to take her down, but was +taken down by her own gentlemen. She looked mighty out of +humour, and had a yellow plume in her hat (which all took notice +of), and yet is very handsome. I followed them up into +Whitehall, and into the queene's presence, where all the ladies +walked, talking and fiddling with their hats and feathers, and +changing and trying one another's by one another's heads, and +laughing. But it was the finest sight to me, considering their +great beautys and dress, that ever I did see in my life. But, +above all, Mrs. Stuart in this dresse with her hat cocked and a +red plume, with her sweet eye, little Roman nose, and excellent +taille, is now the greatest beauty I ever saw, I think, in my +life; and, if ever woman can, do exceed my Lady Castlemaine, at +least in this dresse: nor do I wonder if the king changes, which +I verily believe is the reason of his coldness to my Lady +Castlemaine." + +Having returned from the park, dined at noon, walked in the +palace gardens, or played cards till evening came, their +majesties, surrounded by a brilliant and joyous court, would in +summer time descend the broad steps leading from Whitehall to the +Thames, and embark upon the water for greater diversion. Never +was there so goodly a sight, seldom so merry a company. The +barges in which they sailed were draped to the water's edge with +bright fabrics, hung with curtains of rich silk, and further +adorned with gay pennants. And, as the long procession of boats, +filled with fair women and gallant men, followed their majesties +adown the placid Thames towards pleasant Richmond, my Lord Arran +would delight the ears of all by his performance on the guitar; +the fair Stuart would sing French songs in her sweet childlike +voice; or a concert of music would suddenly resound from the +banks, being placed there to surprise by some ingenious courtier. + +And presently landing on grassy meads, delightful to sight by +freshness of their colour, and sweet to scent from odour of their +herbs, the court would sup right heartily; laugh, drink, and make +love most merrily, until early shadows stole across the summer +sky, and night-dews fell upon the thirsty earth. Then king, +queen, and courtiers once more embarking, would sail slowly back, +whilst the moon rose betimes in the heavens, and the barges +streaked the waters with silver lines. + +At other times magnificent entertainments filled the nights with +light and revelry. Pepys tells us of a great ball he witnessed +in the last month of the year 1662 at the palace of Whitehall. +He was carried thither by Mr. Povy, a member of the Tangier +Commission, and taken at first to the Duke of York's chambers, +where his royal highness and the duchess were at supper; and from +thence "into a room where the ball was to be, crammed with fine +ladies, the greatest of the court. By-and-by comes the king and +queene, the duke and duchess, and all the great ones; and, after +seating themselves, the king takes out the Duchess of York; and +the duke the Duchess of Buckingham; the Duke of Monmouth my Lady +Castlemaine; and so other lords other ladies; and they danced the +bransle. After that, the king led a lady a single coranto; and +then the rest of the lords, one after another, other ladies: +very noble it was, and great pleasure to see. Then to country +dances: the king leading the first. Of the ladies that danced, +the Duke of Monmouth's lady, and my Lady Castlemaine, and a +daughter of Sir Harry de Vicke's were the best. The manner was, +when the king dances, all the ladies in the room, and his queene +herself, stand up: and indeed he dances rarely, and much better +than the Duke of York." + +PETIT SOUPERS were another form of entertainments, greatly +enjoyed by Charles, and accordingly much in vogue with his +courtiers. The Chevalier de Grammont had principally helped to +make them fashionable, his suppers being served With the greatest +elegance, attended by the choicest wits, and occasionally +favoured with the presence of majesty itself. Nor were Lady +Gerrard's PETIT SOUPERS less brilliant, or her company less +distinguished. Her ladyship boasted of French parentage and +understood the art of pleasing to perfection; and accordingly at +her board wine flowed, wit sparkled, and love obtained in the +happiest manner. Now it happened one of her delightful +entertainments was destined to gain a notoriety she by no means +coveted, and concerning which the French ambassador, Count de +Comminges, wrote pleasantly enough to the Marquis de Lionne. + +It came to pass that Lady Gerrard, who loved the queen, requested +the honour of their majesties to sup with her. She, moreover, +invited some of the courtiers, amongst whom she did not include +my Lady Castlemaine. On the appointed night the king and queen +duly arrived; the other guests had already assembled; and the +hour gave fair promise of entertainment. But presently, when +supper was announced, his majesty was missing, and on inquiry it +was discovered he had left the house for Lady Castlemaine's +lodgings, where he spent the evening. Such an insult as this so +openly dealt the queen, and such an indignity put upon the +hostess, caused the greatest agitation to all present; and +subsequently afforded subject for scandalous gossip to the town. +It moreover showed that the monarch was yet an abject slave of +his mistress, whose charms entangled him irresistibly. At least +four times a week he supped with her, returning at early morning +from her lodgings, in a stealthy way, through the privy gardens, +a proceeding of which the sentries took much notice, joked +unbecomingly, and gossiped freely. + +Now in order to avoid further observation at such times, and +silence rumours which consequently obtained, his majesty removed +the countess from her lodgings in that part of the palace divided +by the road leading to Westminster from the chief block, and +furnished her with apartments next his own chamber. The poor +queen, who had sought by every means in her power to win his +affection, was sorely grieved at this action, and moreover +depressed by the neglect to which she was continually subjected. +Sometimes four months were allowed to pass without his deigning +to sup with her, though the whole court was aware he constantly +paid that honour to her infamous rival. But knowing how +unavailing reproach would be, she held her peace; and feeling +how obtrusive her sorrow would seem, she hid her tears. Now and +again, however, a look would flash in her eyes, and an answer +rise to her lips, which showed how deeply she felt her bitter +wrongs. "I wonder your majesty has the patience to sit so long +adressing," said my Lady Castlemaine to her one morning when she +found her yet in the dresser's hands. "I have so much reason to +use patience," answered the neglected wife, "that I can very well +bear with it." + +And so the countess continued to reign paramount in his majesty's +favour until the middle of July, 1663, when a rumour spread +through the town that she had quarrelled with the king, and had +consequently fallen from her high estate. The cause of +disagreement between the monarch and his mistress is narrated by +the French ambassador in a letter to Louis XIV. + +By this time the fair Stuart had so increased in his majesty's +favour, that my Lady Castlemaine began to see the indiscretion of +which she had been guilty in bringing her so constantly into his +presence, and moreover to fear her influence over his fickle +heart. Accordingly she refused to invite the maid of honour to +her apartments, or entertain her at her assemblies. At this the +king became exceedingly wrathful, and told my lady he would not +enter her rooms again unless Miss Stuart was there. Thereon the +charming countess flew into a violent passion, roundly abused his +majesty, called her carriage, and protesting she would never +again enter the palace of Whitehall, drove off in a rage to the +residence of her uncle at Richmond. The monarch had not expected +his words would cause such fury, nor did he desire her departure; +and no sooner had she gone than he began to regret her absence +and long for her return. + +Therefore next morning he made pretence of hunting, and turning +his horse's head in the direction of Richmond, called on his +mistress, when he apologized to and made friends with her. She +therefore returned and exercised her old ascendancy over him once +more. It is probable his majesty was the more anxious to pacify +her, from the fact that she was now far advanced in her third +pregnancy; for two months later she gave birth to her second son, +who was baptized Henry Fitzroy, and subsequently created Duke of +Grafton. + +And it happened about this time, that the queen, falling ill, +drew near unto death. On Friday, the 14th October, 1663, a fever +took possession of her, when the doctors were summoned, her head +shaven, and pigeons put to her feet. Her illness, however, +rapidly increased, and believing she was about to leave a world +in which her young life had known so much sorrow, she made her +will, put her affairs in order, and received extreme unction. +Upon this the king, mindful of grievous injuries he had done +her, was sorely troubled in his heart, and going to her chamber, +flung himself at the foot of her bed and burst into tears; as the +French ambassador narrates. + +It is said women love best men who treat them worst. If this be +so, God, alone who made them knows wherefore; for it is given no +man to understand them in all. Now her majesty proved no +exception to this rule regarding the unreasonableness of her sex +in placing their affections most on those who regard them least; +for she was devoted to the king. Therefore the evidence of his +grief at prospect of her loss touched her deeper than all words +can say, and with much sweetness she sought to soothe and console +him. + +She told him she had no desire to live, and no sorrow to die, +save, indeed, that caused by parting from him. She hoped he +would soon wed a consort more worthy of his love than she had +been; one who would contribute more to his happiness and the +satisfaction of the nation than she had. And now they were about +to part, she had two requests to make: that he would never +separate his interests from those of the king her brother, or +cease to protect her distressed nation; and that her body might +be sent back to Portugal and laid in the tomb of her ancestors. +At this the king, yet on his knees beside her, interrupted her +only by his sobs, hearing which she wept likewise; and so +overcome was he by grief that he was obliged to be led from her +room, + +The court was saddened by her majesty's illness, for she had won +the goodwill of all by the kindness of her disposition and +gentleness of her manner; the city was likewise afflicted, for +the people thought so good a queen could not fail in time to +reclaim even so erratic a husband; and trade became suddenly +depressed. Crowds gathered by night and by day outside the +palace to learn the most recent change in her majesty's condition +many thinking her death inevitable, because the doctors had +pronounced her recovery impossible. And for days her soul +hovered betwixt two worlds. + +On the night of the 19th, a fierce storm raged over England; and +Mr. Pepys, being waked by the roaring of mighty winds, turned to +his wife and said: "I pray God I hear not of the death of any +great person, this wind is so high." And fearing the queen might +have departed, he rose betimes, and took coach to the palace that +he might make inquiries concerning her, but found her majesty was +still living. She was now, however, unconscious; and gave free +voice to the secret sorrow which underlay her life, because she +had not borne children to the king. Had she given him heirs, she +felt assured he would certainly love her as well as he loved his +mistresses; and would feel as proud of her offspring as of those +borne him by other women. But though she had proved capable of +becoming a mother on more than one occasion, it pleased heaven to +leave her childless, to her great grief. Therefore in her +delirium, desires shaped themselves to realities, and she +believed she had given birth to three children, two boys and a +girl. The latter she fancied much resembled the king, but she +was troubled that one of the boys was plain featured. And seeing +her grief at this, his majesty, who stood by, sought in pity to +console her, saying the boy was indeed pretty; at which she +brightened visibly, and answering him said: "Nay, if it be like +you, it is a fine boy indeed, and I would be very well pleased +with it." This delusion continued through her illness, and so +strongly did it force itself upon her mind, that one morning when +she was on her way to recovery, on waking suddenly and seeing the +doctor bending over her, she exclaimed, "How do the children?" + +Now all this time, whilst the shadow of death lay upon the +palace, and laughter and music were no longer heard within its +walls, there was one of its inmates who pondered much upon the +great fortune which the future might have in keeping for her. +This was fair Frances Stuart, who, not having yielded to the +king's request by becoming his mistress, now entertained high +hopes of being made his wife. In this dream she was, moreover, +flattered by an unusual deference and high respect paid her by +the court since the beginning of her majesty's illness. The king +continued his attentions to her; for though he had proved himself +"fondly disconsolate" and wept sorely for her majesty, he never +during her sickness omitted an opportunity of conversing with +Miss Stuart, or neglected supping with Lady Castlemaine. But the +hopes entertained by the maid of honour were speedily overthrown, +for contrary to all expectation the queen recovered, and was so +well on the 10th November as to "bespeak herself a new gowne" + +And so the court remained unchanged, and life went on as before; +the queen growing gradually stronger, the king making love to +Miss Stuart by day, and visiting Lady Castlemaine by night. And +it happened one evening when he went to sup with the latter there +was a chine of beef to roast, and no fire to cook it because the +Thames had flooded the kitchen. Hearing which, the countess +called out to the cook, "Zounds, you must set the house on fire +but it shall he roasted!" And roasted it was. + + + +CHAPTER X. + +Notorious courtiers.--My Lord Rochester's satires.--Places a +watch on certain ladies of quality.--His majesty becomes +indignant.--Rochester retires to the country.--Dons a disguise +and returns to town.--Practises astrology.--Two maids of honour +seek adventure.--Mishaps which befell them.--Rochester forgiven. +--The Duke of Buckingham.--Lady Shrewsbury and her victims.-- +Captain Howard's duel.--Lord Shrewsbury avenges his honour.--A +strange story.--Colonel Blood attempts an abduction.--Endeavours +to steal the regalia.--The king converses with him. + +Prominent among the courtiers, and foremost amid the friends of +his majesty, were two noblemen distinguished alike for their +physical grace, exceeding wit, and notable eccentricity. These +were the Earl of Rochester, and his Grace of Buckingham; gallants +both, whose respective careers were so intimately connected with +the court as to make further chronicle of them necessary in these +pages. + +My Lord Rochester, though younger in years than the duke, was +superior to him in wit, comeliness, and attraction. Nor was +there a more conspicuous figure observable in the palace of +Whitehall than this same earl, who was ever foremost in pursuit +of such pleasures as wine begets and love appeases. His mirth +was the most buoyant, his conversation the most agreeable, his +manner the most engaging in the world; whence he became "the +delight and wonder of men, the love and dotage of women." A +courtier possessed of so happy a disposition, and endowed with +such brilliant talents, could not fail in pleasing the king; who +vastly enjoyed his society, but was occasionally obliged to +banish his person from court, when his eccentric conduct rendered +him intolerable, or his bitter satire aimed at royalty. For it +was given no other man in his age to blend merry wit and caustic +ridicule so happily together; therefore those who read his lines +were forced to laugh at his fancy, even whilst hurt by his irony. + +Now in order to keep this talent in constant practice, he was +wont to celebrate in inimitable verse such events, be they +private or public, as happened at court, or befell the courtiers; +and inasmuch as his subjects were frequently of a licentious +nature, his lines were generally of a scandalous character. He +therefore became the public censor of court folly; and so +unerringly did his barbed shafts hit the weaknesses at which they +aimed, that his productions were equally the terror of those he +victimized, and the delight of those he spared. + +This liberal use of satire he was wont to excuse on the plea +there were some who could not be kept in order, or admonished, by +other means. Therefore, having the virtue of his friends keenly +at heart, an ingenious plan occurred to him by which he might +secretly discover their vices, and publicly reprove them. In +order that he might fulfil this purpose to his greater +satisfaction, he promptly sought and found a footman, who, by +virtue of his employment, was well acquainted with the courtiers. +This man the "noble and beautiful earl" furnished with a red coat +and a musket, that he might pass as a sentinel, and then placed +him every night throughout one winter at the doors of certain +ladies of quality whom he suspected of carrying on intrigues. + +In this disguise the footman readily passed as a soldier +stationed at his post by command of his officer, and was thus +enabled to note what gentlemen called on the suspected ladies at +unreasonable but not unfashionable hours. Accordingly, my lord +made many surprising discoveries, and when he had gained +sufficient information on such delicate points, he quietly +retired into the country, that he might with greater ease devote +himself to the composition of those lively verses which he +subsequently circulated through the court, to the wonder and +dismay of many, and the delight and profit of few. + +To these lampoons no name was attached, and my lord took +precautions that their authorship should not be satisfactorily +proved, no matter how sagely suspected. Moreover, in his +conversation he was judicious enough to keep the weapon of his +satire in reserve; sheathing its fatal keenness in a bewitching +softness of civility until occasion required its use; when forth +it flashed all the brighter for its covering, all the sharper for +its rest. And satire being absent from his speech, humour ever +waited on his words; and never was he more extravagantly gay than +when assisting at the pleasant suppers given by the merry monarch +to his choicest friends. + +Here, whilst drinking deep of ruddy wine from goblets of old +gold, he narrated his strange experiences, and illustrated them +with flashes of his wit. for it was the habit of this eccentric +earl, when refinements of the court began to pall upon him, or +his absence from Whitehall became a necessity, to seek fresh +adventure and intrigue disguised as a porter, a beggar, or a +ballad-monger. And so carefully did he hide his identity in the +character he assumed, that his most intimate friends failed to +recognise his personality. + +No doubt the follies in which he indulged were in some measure +due to the eccentricity ever attendant upon genius; but they were +probably likewise occasioned by craving for excitement begotten +of drink. For my lord loved wine exceedingly; and when he drew +near unto death in the dawn of his manhood, confessed to Bishop +Burnet that for five years he was continually drunk: "Not that +he was all the while under the visible effects of it, but his +blood was so inflamed, that he was not in all that time cool +enough to be perfectly master of himself." Charles delighted in +the society of this gay courtier, because of his erratic +adventures, and his love of wine. Moreover, the licentious +verses which it was the earl's good pleasure to compose, the +names of some of which no decent lips would whisper in this age +of happy innocence, afforded the monarch extravagant enjoyment. +Withal his majesty's satisfaction in Lord Rochester's wit was not +always to be counted upon, as it proved. For it came to pass one +night at the close of a royal supper, during which the earl had +drunk deep, that with great goodwill to afford the king +diversion, he handed his majesty what he believed was a satire on +a courtier, more remarkable for its humour than its decency. +Whereon Charles, with anticipation of much delight, opened the +folded page, when he was surprised to see, not a copy of verses, +but an unflattering description of himself, which ran as follows: + +"Here lies our mutton-eating king, + Whose word no man relies on; + Who never said a foolish thing, + And never did a wise one." + +Now the king, though the best tempered of men and most lenient of +masters, was naturally wrathful at this verbal character: the +more so because recognising its faithfulness at a glance. He +therefore upbraided Rochester with ingratitude, and banished him +from the court. + +Nothing dismayed, my lord retired into the country; but in a +short time, growing weary of pastoral solitude which gave him an +appetite for adventure it could not wholly supply, he returned +privately to town, and assuming a disguise, took up his residence +in the city. Here exercising his characteristic tact, and great +capacity for pleasing, he speedily made friends with wealthy +merchants and worthy aldermen, who subsequently invited him to +their hospitable tables, and introduced him to their gracious +ladies. + +And as his conversation had not failed to delight the husbands, +neither were his charms unsuccessful in affording satisfaction to +their wives. To the one he railed against the impotence of the +king's ministers, to the other he declaimed upon the wickedness +of his majesty's mistresses; and to both his denunciations were +equally sincere and acceptable. But his bitterest words were +reserved for such courtiers as Rochester, Buckingham, and +Killigrew, whose dissipated lives were the scandal of all honest +men, the terror of all virtuous women: insolent fellows, +moreover, who had the impudence to boast that city ladies were +not so faithful to their husbands as was generally supposed, and, +moreover, the boldness to assert that they painted. Indeed, he +marvelled much, that since such men were frequenters of +Whitehall, sacred fire from heaven had not long since descended +and consumed the royal palace to ashes. Such virtuous sentiments +as these, expressed by so gallant a man, made him acceptable in +many homes: and the result was he speedily became surfeited by +banquets, suppers, and other hospitalities, to which the +excellent but credulous citizens bade him heartily welcome. + +He therefore disappeared from their midst one day as suddenly and +unaccountably as he had come amongst them. He did not, however, +take himself afar, but donning a new disguise, retreated to a +more distant part of the city: for an idea had occurred to him +which he determined speedily to put in practice. This was to +assume the character and bearing of a sage astrologer and learned +physician, at once capable of reading the past, and laying bare +the future of all who consulted him; also of healing diseases of +and preventing mishaps to such as visited him. Accordingly, +having taken lodgings in Tower Street, at a goldsmith's house, +situated next the Black Swan, he prepared himself for practice, +adopted the title of doctor, the name of Alexander Bendo, and +issued bills headed by the royal arms, containing the most +remarkable and impudent manifesto perhaps ever set forth by any +impostor. + +Copies of this may yet be seen in early editions of his works. +It was addressed to all gentlemen, ladies, and others, whether of +the city, town, or country, to whom Alexander Bendo wished health +and prosperity. He had come amongst them because the great +metropolis of England had ever been infested by numerous quacks, +whose arrogant confidence, backed by their ignorance, had enabled +them to impose on the public; either by premeditated cheats in +physic, chymical and galenic, in astrology, physiognomy, +palmistry, mathematics, alchymy, and even government itself. Of +which latter he did not propose to discourse, or meddle with, +since it in no way belonged to his trade or vocation, which he +thanked God he found much more safe, equally honest, and more +profitable. But he, Alexander Bendo, had with unswerving +faithfulness and untiring assiduity for years courted the arts +and sciences, and had learned dark secrets and received signal +favours from them. He was therefore prepared to take part +against unlearned wretches, and arrant quacks, whose impudent +addresses and saucy pretences had brought scandal upon sage and +learned men. + +However, in a wicked world like this, where virtue was so exactly +counterfeited, and hypocrisy was generally successful, it would +be hard for him, a stranger, to escape censure. But indeed he +would submit to be considered a mountebank if he were discovered +to be one. Having made which statement, he proceeded to draw an +ingenious comparison between a mountebank and a politician, +suitable to all ages and dimes, but especially to this century +and country. Both, he intimated, are fain to supply the lack of +higher abilities to which they pretend, with craft; and attract +attention by undertaking strange things which can never be +performed. By both the people are pleased and deluded; the +expectation of good in the future drawing their eyes from the +certainty of evil in the present. + +The sage Alexander Bendo then discoursed of miraculous cures +which he could effect, but he would set down no word in his bill +which bore an unclean sound. It was enough that he made himself +understood, but indeed he had seen physicians' bills containing +things of which no man who walked warily before God could +approve. Concerning astrological predictions, physiognomy, +divination by dreams, and otherwise, he would say, if it did not +look like ostentation, he had seldom failed, but had often been +of service; and to those who came to him he would guarantee +satisfaction. Nor would he be ashamed to avow his willingness to +practise rare secrets, for the help, conservation, and +augmentation of beauty and comeliness; an endowment granted for +the better establishment of mutual love between man and woman, +and as such highly valuable to both. The knowledge of secrets +like this he had gathered during journeys through France and +Italy, in which countries he had spent his life since he was +fifteen years old. Those who had travelled in the latter country +knew what a miracle art there performs in behalf of beauty; how +women of forty bear the same countenance as those of fifteen, +ages being in no way distinguished by appearances; whereas in +England, by looking at a horse in the mouth and a woman in the +face, it was possible to tell the number of their years. He +could, therefore, give such remedies as would render those who +came to him perfectly fair; clearing and preserving them from all +spots, freckles, pimples, marks of small-pox, or traces of +accidents. He would, moreover, cure the teeth, clear the breath, +take away fatness, and add flesh. + +A man who vouched to perform such wonders was not long without +patients. At first these were drawn from his immediate +neighbourhood, but soon his fame reached the heart of the city. +Accordingly, many ladies of whose hospitality he had partaken, +and of whose secrets he had become possessed, hurried to consult +him; and the marvellous insight he betrayed regarding their past, +and strange predictions he pronounced concerning their future, +filled them with amazement, and occasionally with alarm. And +they, proclaiming the marvels of his wisdom, widened the circle +of his reputation, until his name was spoken within the precincts +of Whitehall. + +Curiosity concerning so remarkable a man at once beset the minds +of certain ladies at court, who either feared or expected much +from the future, and were anxious to peer into such secrets as it +held concerning themselves. But dreading the notoriety their +presence would naturally cause in the vicinity of Tower Street, a +spot to them unknown, they, acting with a prudence not invariably +characteristic of their conduct, sent their maids to ascertain +from personal experience if the astrologer's wisdom was in truth +as marvellous as reported. Now, when these appeared in fear and +trembling before the great Alexander Bendo, the knowledge he +revealed concerning themselves, and their mistresses likewise, +was so wonderful that it exceeded all expectation. Accordingly, +the maids returned to court with such testimonies concerning the +lore of this star-reader, as fired afresh their mistresses' +desires to see and converse with him in their proper persons. + +It therefore came to pass that Miss Price and Miss Jennings, +maids of honour both--the one to the queen, the other to the +Duchess of York--boldly resolved to visit Doctor Bendo, and learn +what the future held for them. Miss Price was a lady who +delighted in adventure; Miss Jennings was a gentlewoman of +spirit; both looked forward to their visit with excitement and +interest. It happened one night, when the court had gone to the +playhouse, these ladies, who had excused themselves from +attending the queen and the duchess, dressed as orange girls, and +taking baskets of fruit under their arms, quickly crossed the +park, and entered a hackney-coach at Whitehall Gate. Bidding the +driver convey them to Tower Street, they rattled merrily enough +over the uneven streets until they came close to the theatre, +when, being in high spirits and feeling anxious to test the value +of their disguise, they resolved to alight from their conveyance, +enter the playhouse, and offer their wares for sale in presence +of the court. + +Accordingly, paying the driver, they descended from the coach, +and running between the lines of chairs gathered round the +theatre, gained the door. Now, who should arrive at that moment +but the beau Sidney, attired in the bravery of waving feathers, +fluttering ribbons, and rich-hued velvets. And as he paused to +adjust his curls to his greater satisfaction before entering the +playhouse, Miss Price went boldly forward and asked him to buy +her fine oranges; but so engaged was he in his occupation, that +he did not deign to make reply, but passed into the theatre +without turning his glance upon her. Miss Jennings, however, +fared somewhat differently; and with less satisfaction to +herself; for, perceiving another courtier, none other than Tom +Killigrew, a rare wit and lover of pleasure, she went up to him +and offered her fruit for sale. These he declined to buy; but +chucking her under the chin, and glancing at her with an air of +familiarity, invited her to bring her oranges to his lodgings +next morning. On this Miss Jennings, who was as virtuous as +lovely, pushed him away with violence, and forgetting the +character she assumed, commenced rebuking his insolence, much to +the amusement and surprise of the bystanders. Fearing detection +of their identity, Miss Price pulled her forcibly away from the +crowd. + +Miss Jennings was after this incident anxious to forego her visit +to the astrologer, and return to Whitehall, but her companion +declaring this would be a shameful want of spirit, they once more +entered a hackney-coach, and requested they might be driven to +the lodgings of the learned Doctor Bendo. Their adventures for +the evening were unfortunately not yet at an end; for just as +they entered Tower Street they saw Henry Brinker, one of the +gentlemen of the bedchamber to the Duke of York. Now it happened +this courtier had been dining with a citizen of worth and wealth, +whose house he was about to leave the moment the maids of honour +drove by. They, knowing him to be a man remarkable for his +gallantries, were anxious to avoid his observation, and therefore +directed the driver to proceed a few doors beyond their +destination; but he, having caught sight of two pretty orange +wenches, followed the coach and promptly stepping up as they +alighted, made some bold observations to them. On this both +turned away their heads that they might avoid his gaze, a +proceeding which caused him to observe them with closer scrutiny, +when he immediately recognised them, without however intimating +his knowledge. He therefore fell to teasing them, and finally +left them with no very pleasant remarks ringing in their ears, +concerning the virtue which obtained among maids of honour, for +he did not doubt their disguise was assumed for purposes of +intrigue. + +Overwhelmed with confusion, they walked towards the goldsmith's +shop, over which the oracle delivered wisdom; but being no longer +in a humour to heed his words, they presently resolved on driving +back to Whitehall with all possible speed. But alas! on turning +round they beheld their driver waging war with a crowd which had +gathered about his vehicle; for having left their oranges in the +coach, some boys had essayed to help themselves, whereon the man +fell foul of them. But he, being one against many, was like to +fare badly at their hands; seeing which, the maids of honour +persuaded him to let the crowd take the fruit and drive them back +at once. This conduct had not the effect of appeasing those who +profited by its generosity; for the gentlewomen were greeted with +most foul abuse, and many unworthy charges were laid to their +account in language more vigorous than polished. And having at +last arrived in safety at Whitehall, they resolved never to sally +forth in search of adventure again. + +After various strange experiences in his character as doctor of +medicine and teller of fortunes, of the weakness of human nature +and strength of common credulity, the learned Alexander Bendo +vanished from the city; and about the same time the gallant Earl +of Rochester appeared at court, where he sought for and obtained +the merry monarch's pardon. The wonderful stories he was enabled +to relate, piquant in detail, and sparkling with wit, rendered it +delightful to the king, in whose favour he soon regained his +former supremacy. Nay, Charles even determined to enrich and +reward him, not indeed from the resources of his privy purse, his +majesty's income being all too little for his mistresses' +rapacity, but by uniting him to a charming woman and an heiress. + +The lady whom his majesty selected for this purpose was Elizabeth +Mallett, daughter of Lord Hawley of Donamore. Now this +gentlewoman had a fortune of two thousand five hundred a year, a +considerable sum in those days, and one which gained her many +suitors; amongst whom Lord Hinchingbrook was commended by her +family, and Lord Rochester by the king. Now the latter nobleman, +having but a poor estate, was anxious to obtain her wealth, and +fearful of losing his suit: and being uncertain as to whether he +could gain her consent to marry him by fair means, he resolved to +obtain it by execution of a daring scheme. + +This was to carry her off by force, an action which highly +commended itself to his adventurous spirit. Accordingly he +selected a night on which the heiress supped at Whitehall with +her friend Miss Stuart, for conducting his enterprise. It +therefore happened that as Elizabeth Mallett was returning home +from the palace in company with her grandfather, their coach was +suddenly stopped at Charing Cross. Apprehending some danger, +Lord Hawley looked out, and by the red light of a score of +torches flashing through darkness, saw he was surrounded by a +band of armed men, both afoot and on horse. Their action was +prompt and decisive, for before either my lord or his +granddaughter was aware of their intention, the latter was +seized, forcibly lifted from the coach, and transferred to +another which awaited close at hand. This was driven by six +horses, and occupied by two women, who received the heiress with +all possible respect. No sooner had she been placed in the coach +than the horses were set to a gallop, and away she sped, +surrounded by a company of horsemen. + +Lord Hawley was cast into the uttermost grief and passion by this +outrage; but his condition did not prevent him speedily gathering +a number of friends and retainers, in company with whom he gave +chase to those who had abducted his granddaughter; and so fast +did they ride that Mistress Mallett was overtaken at Uxbridge, +and carried back in safety to town. For this outrageous attempt, +my Lord Rochester was by the king's command committed to the +Tower, there to await his majesty's good pleasure. It seemed now +as if the earl's chance of gaining the heiress had passed away +for ever; inasmuch as Charles regarded the attempted abduction +with vast displeasure, and my Lord Hawley with terrible +indignation. + +But the ways of women being inexplicable, it happened in a brief +while Mistress Mallett was inclined to regret my Lord Rochester's +imprisonment, and therefore moved to have him released; and, +moreover, she was subsequently pleased to regard his suit and +accept him as her wedded lord. It speaks favourably for his +character that with all his faults she loved him well: nor did +Rochester, though occasionally unfaithful, ever treat her with +unkindness. At times the old spirit of restlessness and passion +for adventure would master him, when he would withdraw himself +from her society for weeks and months. But she, though sadly +afflicted by such conduct, did not resent it. "If I could have +been troubled at anything, when I had the happiness of receiving +a letter from you," she writes to him on one occasion when he had +absented himself from her for long, "I should be so because you +did not name a time when I might hope to see you, the uncertainty +of which very much afflicts me." And again the poor patient wife +tells him, "Lay your commands upon me, what I am to do, and +though it be to forget my children, and the long hope I have +lived in of seeing you, yet I will endeavour to obey you; or in +memory only torment myself, without giving you the trouble of +putting you in mind that there lives such a creature as your +faithful humble servant." At length dissipation undermined his +naturally strong constitution; and for months this once most gay +and gallant man, this "noble and beautiful earl," lay dying of +that cruel disease consumption. The while such thoughts as come +to those who reason of life's vanities beset him; and as he +descended into the valley of shadows, the folly of this world's +ways was made clear to him. And repenting of his sins, he died +in peace with God and man at the age of three-and-thirty. + +George Villiers second Duke of Buckingham, was not less notable +than my Lord Rochester. By turns he played such diverse parts in +life's strange comedy as that of a spendthrift and a miser, a +profligate and a philosopher, a statesman who sought the ruin of +his country, and a courtier who pandered to the pleasures of his +king. But inasmuch as this history is concerned with the social +rather than the political life of those mentioned in its pages, +place must be given to such adventures as were connected with the +court and courtiers. Buckingham's were chiefly concerned with +his intrigues, which, alas! were many and strange; for though +his wife was loving and virtuous, she was likewise lean and +brown, and wholly incapable of controlling his erring fancies. +Perhaps it was knowledge of her lack of comeliness which helped +her to bear the burden of his follies; for according to Madame +Dunois, though the duchess knew he was continually engaged in +amours, she, by virtue of a patience uncommon to her sex, forbore +mentioning the subject to him, and "had complaisance enough to +entertain his mistresses, and even lodge them in her house, all +which she suffered because she loved him." + +The most remarkable of his intrigues was that which connected his +name with the Countess of Shrewsbury. Her ladyship, was daughter +of the second Earl of Cardigan, and wife of the eleventh Earl of +Shrewsbury. She was married a year previous to the restoration, +and upon the establishment of the court at Whitehall had become +one of its most distinguished beauties. Nor was she less famed +for the loveliness of her person than for the generosity of her +disposition; inasmuch as none who professed themselves desirous +of her affection were ever allowed to languish in despair. She +therefore had many admirers, some of whom were destined to suffer +for the distinction her friendship conferred. + +Now one of the first to gain her attachment was the young Earl of +Arran, the grace of whose bearing and ardour of whose character +were alike notable to the court. The verses he sung her to an +accompaniment of his guitar, and the glances he gave her +indicative of his passion, might have melted a heart less cold +than hers. Accordingly they gained him a friendship which, by +reason of her vast benevolence, many were subsequently destined +to share. Now it chanced that the little Jermyn, who had already +succeeded in winning the affections of such notable women as the +poor Princess of Orange and my Lady Castlemaine, and had besides +conducted a series of minor intrigues with various ladies +connected with the court, was somewhat piqued that Lady +Shrewsbury had accepted my Lord Arran's attentions without +encouraging his. For Henry Jermyn, by virtue of the fascinations +he exercised and the consequent reputation he enjoyed, expected +to be wooed by such women as desired his love. + +But when, later on, Lord Arran's devotion to the lady was +succeeded by that of Thomas Howard, brother to the Earl of +Carlisle, and captain of the guards, Jermyn was thoroughly +incensed, and resolved to make an exception in favour of the +countess by beginning those civilities which act as preludes to +intrigue. My lady, who was not judicious enough to be off with +the old love before she was on with the new, accepted Jermyn's +advances with an eagerness that gave promise of further favours. +This was highly displeasing to Howard, a brave and generous man, +who under an exterior of passive calmness concealed a spirit of +fearless courage. Though not desirous of picking a quarrel with +his rival, he was unwilling to suffer his impertinent +interference. Jermyn, on the other hand, not being aware of +Howard's real character, sought an early opportunity of insulting +him. Such being their dispositions, a quarrel speedily ensued, +which happened in this manner. + +One fair summer day Captain Howard gave an entertainment at +Spring Gardens, in honour of the countess. These gardens were +situated close by Charing Cross, and opened into the spacious +walks of St. James's Park. Bounded on one side by a grove, and +containing leafy arbours and numerous thickets, the gardens were +"contrived to all the advantages of gallantry." The scene of +many an intrigue, they were constantly frequented by denizens of +the court and dwellers in the city, to whom they afforded +recreation and pleasure. In the centre of these fair gardens +stood a cabaret, or house of entertainment, where repasts were +served at exceeding high prices, and much good wine was drunk. +Here it was Captain Howard received my Lady Shrewsbury and a +goodly company, spread a delicate banquet for them, and for their +better diversion provided some excellent music played upon the +bagpipes, by a soldier noted for his execution on that +instrument. + +Jermyn hearing of the great preparations Captain Howard made, +resolved to be present on the occasion; and accordingly, before +the hour appointed for dinner, betook himself to the garden, and +as if he had arrived there by accident, strolled leisurely down +the broad pleasant paths, bordered by pinks and fragrant roses +clustering in the hedgerows. And presently drawing nigh the +cabaret, he tarried there until the countess, rich in physical +graces, with sunny smiles upon her lips, and amorous light in her +eyes, stepped forth upon the balcony and greeted him. Whereon +his heart took fire: and entering the house, he joined her where +she stood, and held pleasant converse with her. Inflated by his +success, he resolved on making himself disagreeable to the host, +and therefore ventured to criticize the entertainment, and +ridicule the music, which he voted barbarous to civilized ears. +And to such an extent did he outrage Thomas Howard, that the +gallant captain, being more of a soldier than a courtier, and +therefore preferring passages at arms to those of wit, could +scarce refrain from drawing his sword and demanding the +satisfaction due to him. + +However, he subdued his wrath till the day was spent, and early +next morning sent a challenge to his rival. Accordingly they met +with fierce intent, and the duel which followed ended almost +fatally for Jermyn, who was carried from the scene of encounter +bleeding from three wounds caused by his antagonist's sword. + +The unfortunate issue of this fight deprived Lady Shrewsbury of +two lovers; for Howard, having rendered Jermyn unable to perform +the part of a gallant, was obliged to fly from the country and +remain abroad some time. + +In their stead the countess sought consolation in the +companionship of Thomas Killigrew, a handsome man and a notable +courtier. She therefore had no regrets for the past: and he was +entirely happy in the present, so that he boasted of his +felicities to all acquaintance, in general, and to his friend the +Duke of Buckingham in particular. It was Killigrew's constant +habit to sup with his grace, on which occasions his conversation +invariably turned on her ladyship, when, his imagination being +heated by wine, he freely endowed her with the perfections of a +goddess. To such descriptions the duke could not listen unmoved; +and therefore resolved to judge for himself if indeed the +countess was such a model of loveliness as Killigrew represented. +Accordingly, at the first opportunity which presented itself, the +duke made love to her, and she, nothing averse to his attentions, +encouraged his affections. Killigrew was much aggrieved at this +unexpected turn of affairs, and bitterly reproached the countess; +but she, being mistress of the situation, boldly denied all +knowledge of him. + +This was more than he expected or could endure, and he +consequently abused her roundly in all companies, characterizing +the charms of which he once boasted as faults he could not +endure; ridiculing her airs, and denouncing her conduct. Reports +of his comments and discourses speedily reached Lady Shrewsbury's +ears; and he was privately warned that if he did not desist means +would be taken to silence him effectually. Not being wise enough +to accept this hint he continued to vilify her. The result was, +one night when returning from the Duke of York's apartments he +was suddenly waylaid in St. James's Park, and three passes of a +sword made at him through his chair, one of which pierced his +arm. Not doubting they had despatched him to a better world, His +assailants made their escape; and my Lady Shrewsbury, who +singularly enough happened to be passing at the time in her +coach, and had stopped to witness the proceedings, drove off as +speedily as six horses could carry her. + +Knowing it would be impossible to trace the villainy which had +prompted this deed to its source, Killigrew said not a word +concerning the murderous attempt, and henceforth held his peace +regarding his late mistress's imperfections. For some time she +continued her intrigue with the Duke of Buckingham without +interference. But in an evil hour it happened the Earl of +Shrewsbury, who had long entertained a philosophical indifference +towards her previous amours, now undertook to defend his honour, +which it was clear his Grace of Buckingham had sadly injured. + +Accordingly he challenged the duke to combat, and in due time +they met face to face in a field by Barnes Elms. His grace had +as seconds Sir Robert Holmes and Captain William Jenkins; the +earl being supported by Sir John Talbot and Bernard Howard, son +of my Lord Arundel. The fight was brief and bloody; Lord +Shrewsbury, being run through the body, was carried from the +field in an insensible condition. The duke received but a slight +wound, but his friend Captain Jenkins was killed upon the spot. +The while swords clashed, blood flowed, and lives hung in a +balance, the woman who wrought this evil stood close by, +disguised as a page, holding the bridle of her lover's horse, as +Lord Orford mentions. + +In consequence of this duel the Duke of Buckingham absented +himself from the capital; but two months after its occurrence +King Charles was pleased, "in contemplation of the services +heretofore done to his majesty by most of the persons engaged in +the late duel or rencontre, to graciously pardon the said +offence." Three months after the day on which he fought, Lord +Shrewsbury died from effects of his wounds, when the duke boldly +carried the widow to his home. The poor duchess, who had +patiently borne many wrongs, could not stand this grievous and +public insult, and declared she would not live under the same +roof with so shameless a woman. "So I thought, madam," rejoined +her profligate lord, "and have therefore ordered your coach to +convey you to your father." + +The countess continued to live with her paramour; nor was the +court scandalized. The queen, it is true, openly espoused the +cause of the outraged duchess, and sought to enlist sympathy on +her behalf; but so low was the tone of public morality that her +words were unheeded, and no voice was raised in protest against +this glaring infamy. Nay, the duke went further still in his +efforts towards injuring the wife to whom he owed so much, and +who loved him over-well; as he caused his chaplain, the Rev. +Thomas Sprat, to marry him to my Lady Shrewsbury; and +subsequently conferred on the son to which she gave birth, and +for whom the king stood godfather, his second title of Earl of +Coventry. His wife was henceforth styled by the courtiers +Dowager Duchess of Buckingham. It is worthy of mention that the +Rev. Thomas Sprat in good time became Bishop of Rochester, and, +it is written, "an ornament to the church among those of the +highest order." + +One of the most extraordinary characters which figured in this +reign was Thomas Blood, sometimes styled colonel. He was +remarkable for his great strength, high courage, and love of +adventure. The son of an Irish blacksmith, he had, on the +outbreak of civil warfare in his native country, joined +Cromwell's army; and for the bravery he evinced was raised to the +rank of lieutenant, rewarded by a substantial grant of land, and +finally made a justice of the peace. At the restoration he was +deprived of this honour, as he was likewise of the property he +called his, which was returned to its rightful owner, an honest +royalist. Wholly dissatisfied with a government which dealt him +such hardships, he organised a plot to raise an insurrection in +Ireland, storm Dublin Castle, and seize the Duke of Ormond, then +lord lieutenant. This dark scheme was discovered by his grace; +the chief conspirators were accordingly seized, with the +exception of Blood, who succeeded in making his escape to +Holland. His fellow traitors were tried and duly executed. + +From Holland, Blood journeyed into England, where, becoming +acquainted with some republicans, he entered into projects with +them calculated to disturb the nation's peace; which fact +becoming known, he was obliged to seek refuge in Scotland. Here +he found fresh employment for his restless energies, and in the +year 1666 succeeded in stirring up some malcontents to rebellion. +The revolt being quelled, he escaped to Ireland; and after a +short stay in that country returned once more to England, where +he sought security in disguise. + +He lived here in peace until 1670, when he made an attempt no +less remarkable for its ingenuity than notable for its villainy. +Towards the end of that year the Prince of Orange, being in +London, was invited by the lord mayor to a civic banquet. +Thither the Duke of Ormond attended him, and subsequently +accompanied him to St. James's, where the prince then stayed. A +short distance from the palace gates stood Clarendon House, where +the duke then resided, and towards which he immediately drove, on +taking leave of his royal highness. Scarce had he proceeded a +dozen yards up St. James's Street, when his coach was suddenly +stopped by a band of armed and mounted men, who, hurriedly +surrounding his grace, dragged him from the carriage and mounted +him on a horse behind a stalwart rider. Word of command being +then given, the gang started at a brisk pace down Piccadilly. +Prompted by enemies of the duke, as well as urged by his own +desires to avenge his loss of property and the death of his +fellow-conspirators, Blood resolved to hang him upon the gallows +at Tyburn. That he might accomplish this end with greater speed +and security, he, leaving his victim securely buckled and tied to +the fellow behind whom he had been mounted, galloped forward in +advance to adjust the rope to the gallows, and make other +necessary preparations. + +No sooner did the echo of his horse's hoofs die away, than the +duke, recovering the stupor this sudden attack had caused, became +aware that now was his opportunity to effect escape, if, indeed, +such were possible. He to whom his grace was secured was a burly +man possessed of great strength; the which Lord Ormond, being now +past his sixtieth year, had not. However, life was dear to him, +and therefore he began struggling with the fellow; and finally +getting his foot under the villain's, he unhorsed him, when both +fell heavily to the ground. Meanwhile his grace's coach having +driven to Clarendon House, the footmen had given an account of +the daring manner in which his abduction had been effected. On +this an alarm was immediately raised, and the porter, servants, +and others hastened down Piccadilly in search of their master, +fast as good horses could carry them. + +They had proceeded as far as the village of Knightsbridge, when +reports of muskets, cries for help, and sounds of a scuffle they +could not see for darkness, fell upon their ears, and filled them +with alarm. The whole neighbourhood seemed startled, lights +flashed, dogs barked, and many persons rushed towards the scene +of encounter. Aware of this, the miscreants who had carried off +the duke discharged their pistols at him, and leaving him, as +they supposed, for dead, fled to avoid capture, and were seen or +heard of no more. His grace was carried in an insensible +condition to a neighbouring house, but not having received +serious hurt, recovered in a few days. The court and town were +strangely alarmed by this outrage; nor as time passed was there +any clue obtained to its perpetrators, though the king offered a +thousand pounds reward for their discovery. + +The duke and his family, however, had little doubt his grace of +Buckingham was instigator of the deed; and Lord Ossory was +resolved the latter should be made aware of their conviction. +Therefore, entering the royal drawing-room one day, he saw the +duke standing beside his majesty, and going forward addressed +him. "My lord," said he in a bold tone, whilst he looked him +full in the face, "I know well that you are at the bottom of this +late attempt upon my father; and I give you fair warning, if my +father comes to a violent end by sword or pistol, or if he dies +by the hand of a ruffian, or by the more secret way of poison, I +shall not be at a loss to know the first author of it: I shall +consider you as the assassin; I shall treat you as such; and +wherever I meet you I shall pistol you, though you stood behind +the king's chair; and I tell you it in his majesty's presence, +that you may be sure I shall keep my word." No further attempt +was made upon the Duke of Ormond's life. + +Scarce six months elapsed from date of the essayed abduction, +before Blood endeavoured to steal the regalia and royal jewels +preserved in the Tower. The courage which prompted the design is +not more remarkable than the skill which sought to effect it; +both were worthy a man of genius. In the month of April, 1671, +Blood, attired in the cassock, cloak, and canonical girdle of a +clergyman, together with a lady, whom he represented as his wife, +visited the Tower on purpose to see the crown. With their desire +Mr. Edwards, the keeper, an elderly man and a worthy, readily +complied. It chanced they were no sooner in the room where the +regalia was kept, than the lady found herself taken suddenly and +unaccountably ill, and indeed feared she must die; before bidding +adieu to life, she begged for a little whisky. This was promptly +brought her, and Mrs. Edwards, who now appeared upon the scene, +invited the poor gentlewoman to rest upon her bed. Whilst she +complied with this kind request, the clergyman and Edwards had +time to improve their acquaintance, which indeed bade fair +towards speedily ripening into friendship. + +And presently the lady recovering, she and her spouse took their +leave with many expressions of gratitude and respect. Four days +later, the good parson called on Mrs. Edwards, in order to +present her with four pairs of fine new gloves, which she was +pleased to receive. This gracious act paved the way to further +friendship, which at last found its climax in a proposal of +marriage made by the parson on behalf of his nephew, for the hand +of young Mistress Edwards. "You have a pretty gentlewoman for +your daughter," said the clergyman, "and I have a young nephew, +who has two or three hundred pounds a year in land, and is at my +disposal; if your daughter be free, and you approve of it, I will +bring him hither to see her, and we will endeavour to make a +match of it." + +To this project Edwards readily consented, and invited the +clergyman and the young man to spend a day with him when they +could discourse on the subject with greater leisure and more +satisfaction. This was cordially agreed to by the parson, who, +with the bridegroom elect and two of his friends, presented +themselves on the appointed date, as early as seven of the clock +in the morning. Edwards was up betimes; but the good clergyman, +apologizing for the untimely hour of their arrival, which he +attributed to his nephew's eagerness for sight of his mistress, +declared he would not enter the keeper's apartments until Mrs. +Edwards was ready to receive them. However, in order to pass the +time, he begged his host might show the jewels to their young +friends. + +With this petition Edwards complied readily enough. One of the +men, protesting he did not care to see the treasures, waited at +the door; the other three entered with the keeper, who was no +sooner inside the room than a cloak was thrown over his head, a +gag, constructed of wood with a hole in it by which he might +breathe, clapped into his mouth, and the more effectually to +prevent him making a noise, an iron ring was fastened to his +nose. He was told if he attempted an alarm he would be instantly +killed, but if he remained quiet his life should be spared. +Blood and his two accomplices then seized upon the crown, orb, +and sceptre, seeing which, Edwards made as much noise as he +possibly could by stamping on the floor, whereon the robbers +struck him with a mallet on the head, stabbed him with a short +sword in the side, and left him, as they thought, for dead. +Blood then secured the regalia under his cloak, one of his +companions put the orb into his breeches pocket, whilst the other +proceeded to file the sceptre that it might be more conveniently +carried. + +Now, at this moment it happened the keeper's son, who had been +absent in Flanders, returned to his father's home. He who stood +sentinel asked him with whom he would speak, whereon young +Edwards said he belonged to the house, and so passed to the +apartments where his family resided. The other giving notice of +his arrival, the robbers hastened to depart, leaving the sceptre +behind them. No sooner had they gone, than the old man struggled +to his feet, dragged the gag from his mouth, and cried out in +fright: "Treason--murder--murder--treason!" On this his +daughter rushed down, and seeing the condition of her father, and +noting the absence of the regalia, continued his cry, adding, +"The crown is stolen--thieves--thieves!" + +Young Edwards and another who heard her, Captain Beekman, now +gave pursuit to the robbers, who had already got beyond the main +guard. Word was instantly shouted to the warder of the +drawbridge to stop the villains, but Blood was equal to this +emergency; coolly advancing, he discharged his pistol at the man, +who instantly fell. The thieves then crossed the bridge, passed +through the outward gate, and made for the street close by, where +their horses awaited them, crying the while, "Stop thief! stop +thief!" Before they advanced far, Captain Beekman came up with +Blood, who, turning quickly round, fired his second pistol at the +head of his pursuer; but Beekman, suddenly stooping, escaped +injury, and sprang at the throat of his intended assassin. A +struggle then ensued. Blood was a man of powerful physique, but +Beekman was lithe and vigorous, and succeeded in holding the +rogue until help arrived. In the contest, the regalia fell to +the ground, when a fair diamond and a priceless pearl were lost; +they were, however, eventually recovered. The other thieves were +likewise captured, and all of them secured in the Tower. + +Certain death now faced Blood; but the wonderful luck which had +befriended him during life did not desert him now. At this time +the Duke of Buckingham was high in favour with the king, and +desirous of saving one who had secretly served him; or fearing +exposure if Blood made a full confession, his grace impressed +Charles with a desire to see the man who had perpetrated so +daring a deed, saying he must be one possessed of extraordinary +spirit. Giving ready ear to his words, the monarch consented to +have an interview with the robber, for which purpose he gave +orders Blood should be brought to Whitehall. + +Those who heard of the king's resolution felt satisfied Blood +need not despair of life; "for surely," said Sir Robert +Southwell, on becoming aware of his majesty's design, "no king +should wish to see a malefactor but with intentions to pardon +him." Now Blood, being a man of genius, resolved to play his +part during the audience in a manner which would favourably +impress the king. Therefore when Charles asked him how he had +dared attempt so bold a robbery, Blood made answer he had lost a +fine property by the crown, and was resolved to recover it with +the crown. Diverted by his audacity his majesty questioned him +further, when Blood confessed to his attempted abduction of the +Duke of Ormond, but refused to name his accomplices. Nay, he +narrated various other adventures, showing them in a romantic +light; and finally concluded by telling the king he had once +entered into a design to take his sacred life by rushing upon him +with a carbine from out of the reeds by the Thames side, above +Battersea, when he went to swim there; but he was so awed by +majesty his heart misgave him, and he not only relented, but +persuaded the remainder of his associates from such an intention. + +This strange interview resulted in Charles pardoning Blood his +many crimes. The Duke of Ormond, at his majesty's request, +likewise forgave him. Nor did the king's interest in the villain +end here; for he gave him a pension of five hundred pounds a +year, and admitted him to his private friendship. Blood was +therefore constantly at court, and made one of that strange +assembly of wits and profligates which surrounded the throne. +"No man," says Carte the historian, "was more assiduous than he. +If anyone had a business at court that stuck, he made his +application to Blood as the most industrious and successful +solicitor; and many gentlemen courted his acquaintance, as the +Indians pray to the devil, that he may not hurt them. He was +perpetually in the royal apartments, and affected particularly to +be in the same room where the Duke of Ormond was, to the +indignation of all others, though neglected and overlooked by his +grace." + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +Terror falls upon the people.--Rumours of a plague.--A sign in +the heavens.--Flight from the capital.--Preparations against the +dreaded enemy.--Dr. Boghurst's testimony.--God's terrible voice +in the city.--Rules made by the lord mayor.--Massacre of +animals.--O, dire death!--Spread of the distemper.--Horrible +sights.--State of the deserted capital.--"Bring out your dead." +--ashes to ashes.--Fires are lighted.--Relief of the poor.--The +mortality bills. + +It came to pass during the fifth month of the year 1665, that a +great terror fell upon the city of London; even as a sombre cloud +darkens the midday sky. For it was whispered abroad a plague had +come amongst the people, fears of which had been entertained, and +signs of which had been obvious for some time. During the +previous November a few persons had fallen victims to this +dreaded pestilence, but the weather being cold and the atmosphere +clear, it had made no progress till April. In that month two men +had died of this most foul disease; and in the first week of May +its victims numbered nine; and yet another fortnight and it had +hurried seventeen citizens to the grave. + +Now the memory of their wickedness rising before them, dread took +up its abode in all men's hearts; for none knew but his day of +reckoning was at hand. And their consternation was greater when +it was remembered that in the third year of this century thirty- +six thousand citizens of London had died of the plague, while +twenty-five years later it had swept away thirty-five thousand; +and eleven years after full ten thousand persons perished of this +same pestilence. Moreover, but two years previous, a like +scourge had been rife in Holland; and in Amsterdam alone twenty- +four thousand citizens had died from its effects. + +And the terror of the citizens of London was yet more forcibly +increased by the appearance in April of a blazing star or comet, +bearing a tail apparently six yards in length, which rose betimes +in a lurid sky, and passed with ominous movement from west to +east. [It is worthy of notice that Lilly in his "Astrological +Predictions," published in 1648, declared the year 1656 would be +"ominous to London, unto her merchants at sea, to her traffique +at land, to her poor, to her rich, to all sorts of people +inhabiting in her or her Liberties, by reason of sundry fires and +a consuming plague."] The king with his queen and court, +prompted by curiosity, stayed up one night to watch this blazing +star pass above the silent city; the Royal Society in behalf of +science embodied many learned comments regarding it in their +"Philosophical Transactions;" but the great body of the people +regarded it as a visible signal of God's certain wrath. They +were more confirmed in this opinion, as some amongst them, whose +judgments were distorted by fears, declared the comet had at +times before their eyes assumed the appearance of a fiery sword +threatening the sinful city. It was also noted in the spring of +this year that birds and wild fowls had left their accustomed +places, and few swallows were seen. But in the previous summer +there had been "such a multitude of flies that they lined the +insides of houses; and if any threads of strings did hang down in +any place, they were presently thick-set with flies like ropes of +onions; and swarms of ants covered the highways that you might +have taken up a handful at a time, both winged and creeping ants; +and such a multitude of croaking frogs in ditches that you might +have heard them before you saw them," as is set down by one +William Boghurst, apothecary at the White Hart in St. Giles-in- +the-Fields, who wrote a learned "Treatis on the Plague" in 1666, +he being the only man who up to that time had done so from +experience and observation. [This quaint and curious production, +which has never been printed, and which furnishes the following +pages with some strange details, is preserved in the Sloane +Collection of Manuscripts in the British Museum.] And from such +signs, as likewise from knowledge that the pestilence daily +increased, all felt a season of bitter tribulation was at hand. + +According to "Some Observations of the Plague," written by Dr. +Hedges for use of a peer of the realm, the dread malady was +communicated to London from the Netherlands "by way of +contagion." It first made its appearance in the parishes of St. +Giles and St. Martin's, Westminster, from which directions it +gradually spread to Holborn, Fleet Street, the Strand, and the +city, finally reaching to the east, bringing death invariably in +its train. + +The distemper was not only fatal in its termination, but +loathsome in its progress; for the blood of those affected being +poisoned by atmospheric contagion, bred venom in the body, which +burst forth into nauseous sores and uncleanness; or otherwise +preyed with more rapid fatality internally, in some cases causing +death before its victims were assured of disease. Nor did it +spare the young and robust any more than those weak of frame or +ripe with years, but attacking stealthily, killed speedily. It +was indeed the "pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the +destruction that wasteth in the noonday." In the month of May, +when it was yet uncertain if the city would be spared even in +part, persons of position and wealth, and indeed those endowed +with sufficient means to support themselves elsewhere, resolved +to fly from the capital; whilst such as had neither home, +friends, nor expectation of employment in other places, remained +behind. Accordingly great preparations were made by those who +determined on flight; and all day long vast crowds gathered round +my lord mayor's house in St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, seeking +certificates of health, so that for some weeks it was difficult +to reach his door for the throng that gathered there, as is +stated by John Noorthouck. Such official testimonies to the good +health of those leaving London had now become necessary; for the +inhabitants of provincial towns, catching the general alarm, +refused to shelter in their houses, or even let pass through +their streets, the residents of the plague-stricken city, unless +officially assured they were free from the dreaded distemper. +Nay, even with such certificates in their possession, many were +refused admittance to inns, or houses of entertainment, and were +therefore obliged to sleep in fields by night, and beg food by +day, and not a few deaths were caused by want and exposure. + +And now were the thoroughfares of the capital crowded all day +long with coaches conveying those who sought safety in flight, +and with waggons and carts containing their household goods and +belongings, until it seemed as if the city mould be left without +a soul. Many merchants and shipowners together with their +families betook themselves to vessels, which they caused to be +towed down the river towards Greenwich, and in which they resided +for months; whilst others sought refuge in smacks and fishing- +boats, using them as shelters by day, and lodging on the banks by +night. Some few families remaining in the capital laid in stores +of provisions, and shutting themselves up securely in their +houses, permitted none to enter or leave, by which means some of +them escaped contagion and death. The court tarried until the +29th of June, and then left for Hampton, none too soon, for the +pestilence had reached almost to the palace gates. The queen +mother likewise departed, retiring into France; from which +country she never returned. + +All through the latter part of May, and the whole of the +following month, this flight from the dread enemy of mankind +continued; presenting a melancholy spectacle to those who +remained, until at last the capital seemed veritably a city of +the dead. But for the credit of humanity be it stated, that not +all possessed of health and wealth abandoned the town. Prominent +amongst those who remained were the Duke of Albemarle, Lord +Craven, the lord mayor, Sir John Laurence, some of his aldermen, +and a goodly number of physicians, chirurgeons, and apothecaries, +all of whom by their skill or exertions sought to check the +hungry ravages of death. The offices which medical men +voluntarily performed during this period of dire affliction were +loathsome to a terrible degree. "I commonly dressed forty sores +in a day," says Dr. Boghurst, whose simple words convey a +forcible idea of his nobility; "held the pulse of patients +sweating in their beds half a quarter of an hour together; let +blood; administered clysters to the sick; held them up in their +beds to keep them from strangling and choking, half an hour +together commonly, and suffered their breathing in my face +several times when they were dying; eat and drank with them, +especially those that had sores; sat down by their bedsides and +upon their beds, discoursing with them an hour together. If I +had time I stayed by them to see them die. Then if people had +nobody to help them (for help was scarce at such time and place) +I helped to lay them forth out of the bed, and afterwards into +the coffin; and last of all, accompanied them to the ground." + +Of the physicians remaining in the city, nine fell a sacrifice to +duty. Amongst those who survived was the learned Dr. Nathaniel +Hodges, who was spared to meet a philanthropist's fate in penury +and neglect. [Dr. Hodges subsequently wrote a work entitled +"Loimologia; or, an Historical Account of the Plague of London," +first published in 1672; of which, together with a collection of +the bills of mortality for 1665, entitled "London's Dreadful +Visitation," and a pamphlet by the Rev. Thomas Vincent, "God's +Terrible Voice in the City," printed in 1667, De Foe largely +availed himself in writing his vivid but unreliable "Journal of +the Plague Year," which first saw the light in 1722.] The king +had, on outbreak of the distemper, shown solicitude for his +citizens by summoning a privy council, when a committee of peers +was formed for "Prevention and Spreading of the Infection." +Under their orders the College of Physicians drew up "Certain +necessary Directions for the Prevention and Cure of the Plague, +with Divers remedies for small Change," which were printed in +pamphlet form, and widely distributed amongst the people. [We +learn that at this time the College was stored with "men of +learning, virtue, and probity, nothing acquainted with the little +arts of getting a name by plotting against the honesty and +credulity of the people." The prescriptions given by this worthy +body were consequently received with a simple faith which later +and more sceptical generations might deny them. Perhaps the most +remarkable of these directions, given under the heading of +"Medicines External," was the following: "Pull off the feathers +from the tails of living cocks, hens, pigeons, or chickens, and +holding their bills, hold them hard to the botch or swelling, and +so keep them at that part until they die, and by that means draw +out the poison. It is good to apply a cupping glass, or embers +in a dish, with a handful of sorrel upon the embers."] + +The lord mayor, having likewise the welfare of the people at +heart, "conceived and published" rules to be observed, and orders +to be obeyed, by them during this visitation. These directed the +appointment of two examiners for every parish, who were bound to +discover those who were sick, and inquire into the nature of +their illness: and finding persons afflicted by plague, they, +with the members of their family and domestics, were to be +confined in their houses. These were to be securely locked +outside, and guarded day and night by watchmen, whose duty it +should be to prevent persons entering or leaving those +habitations; as likewise to perform such offices as were +required, such as conveying medicines and food. And all houses +visited by the distemper were to be forthwith marked on the door +by a red cross a foot long, with the words LORD HAVE MERCY UPON +US set close over the same sacred sign. Female searchers, "such +as are of honest reputation, and of the best sort as can be got +of the kind," were selected that they might report of what +disease people died; such women not being permitted during this +visitation to use any public work or employment, or keep shop or +stall, or wash linen for the people. Nurses to attend the +afflicted deserted by their friends were also appointed. And +inasmuch as multitudes of idle rogues and wandering beggars +swarming the city were a great means of spreading disease, the +constables had orders not to suffer their presence in the +streets. And dogs and cats, being domestic animals, apt to run +from house to house, and carry infection in their fur and hair, +an order was made that they should be killed, and an officer +nominated to see it carried into execution. It was computed +that, in accordance with this edict, forty thousand dogs, and +five times that number of cats, were massacred. + +All plays bear-baitings, exhibitions, and games were forbidden; +as were likewise "all public feasting, and particularly by the +companies of the city, and dinners at taverns, alehouses, and +other places of common entertainment; and the money thereby +spared, be employed for the benefit and relief of the poor +visited with the infection." Pest-houses were opened at Tothill +Fields, Westminster, and at Bunhill Fields, near Old Street, for +reception of the sick: and indeed every possible remedy +calculated to check the disease was adopted. Some of these, +though considered necessary to the well-being of the community, +were by many citizens regarded as hardships, more especially the +rule which related to closing of infected houses. + +The misery endured by those in health suffering such confinement, +was scarcely less than that realized by the afflicted. And fear +making way for disease, it frequently occurred a whole family, +when confined with one infected member, speedily became stricken +by plague, and consequently overtaken by death. It therefore +happened that many attempts were made by those in health to +escape incarceration. In some cases they bribed, and in others +ill-treated the watchmen: one of whom was actually blown up by +gunpowder in Coleman Street, that those he guarded might flee +unmolested. Again, it chanced that strong men, rendered +desperate when brought face to face with loathsome death, lowered +themselves from windows of their houses in sight of the watch, +whom they threatened with instant death if they cried out or +stirred. + +The apprehension of the sick, who were in most cases deserted by +their friends, was increased tenfold by the practices of public +nurses: for being hardened to affliction by nature of their +employment, and incapable of remorse for crime by reason of their +vileness, they were guilty of many barbarous usages. "These +wretches," says Dr. Hodges, "out of greediness to plunder the +dead, would strangle their patients, and charge it to the +distemper in their throats. Others would secretly convey the +pestilential taint from sores of the infected to those who were +well; and nothing indeed deterred these abandoned miscreants from +prosecuting their avaricious purposes by all methods their +wickedness could invent; who, although they were without +witnesses to accuse them, yet it is not doubted but divine +vengeance will overtake such wicked barbarities with due +punishment. Nay, some were remarkably struck from heaven in the +perpetration of their crimes; and one particularly amongst many, +as she was leaving the house of a family, all dead, loaded with +her robberies, fell down lifeless under her burden in the street. +And the case of a worthy citizen was very remarkable, who, being +suspected dying by his nurse, was beforehand stripped by her; but +recovering again, he came a second time into the world naked." + +But notwithstanding all precautions and care taken by the Duke of +Albemarle and the worthy lord mayor, the dreadful pestilence +spread with alarming rapidity; as may be judged from the fact +that the number who died in the first week of June amounted to +forty-three, whilst during the last week of that month two +hundred and sixty-seven persons were carried to their graves. +From the 4th of July to the 11th, seven hundred and fifty-five +deaths were chronicled; the following eight days the death rate +rose to one thousand and eighty-two; whilst the ensuing week this +high figure was increased by over eight hundred. For the month +of August, the mortality bill recorded seventeen thousand and +thirty-six deaths; and during September, twenty-six thousand two +hundred and thirty persons perished in the city. + +The whole British nation was stricken with consternation at the +fate of the capital. "In some houses," says Dr. Hodges, speaking +from personal experience, "carcases lay waiting for burial, and +in others were persons in their last agonies. In one room might +be heard dying groans, in an other the ravings of delirium, and +not far off relations and friends bewailing both their loss and +the dismal prospect of their own sudden departure. Death was the +sure midwife to all children, and infants passed immediately from +the womb to the grave. Some of the infected run about staggering +like drunken men, and fall and expire in the streets; whilst +others lie half dead and comatose, but never to be waked but by +the last trumpet." The plague had indeed encompassed the walls +of the city, and poured in upon it without mercy. A heavy +stifling atmosphere, vapours by day and blotting out all traces +of stars and sky by night, hovered like a palpable shape of dire +vengeance above the doomed city. During many weeks "there was a +general calm and serenity, as if both wind and rain had been +expelled the kingdom, so that there was not so much as to move a +flame." The oppressive silence of brooding death, unbroken now +even by the passing bell, weighed stupor-like upon the wretched +survivors. The thoroughfares were deserted, grass sprang green +upon side-paths and steps of dwellings; and the broad street in +Whitechapel became like unto a field. Most houses bore upon +their doors the dread sign of the red cross, with the +supplication for mercy written above. Some of the streets were +barricaded at both ends, the inhabitants either having fled into +the country or been carried to their graves; and it was estimated +in all that over seven thousand dwellings were deserted. All +commerce, save that dealing with the necessaries of life, was +abandoned; the parks forsaken and locked, the Inns of Court +closed, and the public marts abandoned. A few of the church +doors were opened, and some gathered within that they might +humbly beseech pardon for the past, and ask mercy in the present. +But as the violence of the distemper increased, even the houses +of God were forsaken; and those who ventured abroad walked in the +centre of the street, avoiding contact or conversation with +friend or neighbour; each man dreading and avoiding his fellow, +lest he should be to him the harbinger of death. And all +carried rue and wormwood in their hands, and myrrh and zedoary in +their mouths, as protection against infection. Now were the +faces of all pale with apprehension, none knowing when the fatal +malady might carry them hence; and moreover sad, as became those +who stand in the presence of death. + +And such sights were to be witnessed day after day as made the +heart sick. "It would be endless," says the Rev. Thomas Vincent, +"to speak what we have seen and heard; of some, in their frenzy, +rising out of their beds and leaping about their rooms; others +crying and roaring at their windows; some coming forth almost +naked and running into the streets; strange things have others +spoken and done when the disease was upon them: but it was very +sad to hear of one, who being sick alone, and it is like frantic, +burnt himself in his bed. And amongst other sad spectacles +methought two were very affecting: one of a woman coming alone +and weeping by the door where I lived, with a little coffin under +her arm, carrying it to the new churchyard. I did judge that it +was the mother of the child, and that all the family besides was +dead, and she was forced to coffin up and bury with her own hands +this her last dead child. Another was of a man at the corner of +the Artillery Wall, that as I judge, through the dizziness of his +head with the disease, which seized upon him there, had dashed +his face against the wall; and when I came by he lay hanging with +his bloody face over the rails, and bleeding upon the ground; +within half an hour he died in that place." + +And as the pestilence increased, it was found impossible to +provide coffins or even separate graves for those who perished. +And therefore, in order to bury the deceased, great carts passed +through the streets after sunset, attended by linkmen and +preceded by a bellman crying in weird and solemn tones, "Bring +out your dead." At the intimation of the watchmen stationed +before houses bearing red crosses upon their doors, the sad +procession would tarry, When coffinless, and oftentimes +shroudless, rigid, loathsome, and malodorous bodies were hustled +into the carts with all possible speed. Then once more the +melancholy cortege took its way adown the dark, deserted street, +the yellow glare of links falling on the ghastly burden they +accompanied, the dirge-like call of the bellman sounding on the +ears of the living like a summons from the dead. And so, +receiving additional freight upon its way, the cart proceeded to +one of the great pits dug in the parish churchyards of Aldgate +and Whitechapel, or in Finsbury Fields close by the Artillery +Ground. These, measuring about forty feet in length, eighteen in +breadth, and twenty in depth, were destined to receive scores of +bodies irrespective of creed or class. The carts being brought +to these dark and weirdsome gulphs, looking all the blacker from +the flickering lights of candles and garish gleams of lanterns +placed beside them, the bodies, without rite or ceremony, were +shot into them, and speedily covered with clay. For the +accomplishment of this sad work night was found too brief. And +what lent additional horror to the circumstances of these burials +was, that those engaged in this duty would occasionally drop +lifeless during their labour. So that it sometimes happened the +dead-carts were found without driver, linkman, or bell-man. And +it was estimated that the parish of Stepney alone lost one +hundred and sixteen gravediggers and sextons within that year. + +During the month of September, the pestilence raged with +increased fury; and it now seemed as if the merciless distemper +would never cease whilst a single inhabitant remained in the +city. The lord mayor, having found all remedies to stay its +progress utterly fail, by advice of the medical faculty, ordered +that great fires should be kindled in certain districts, by way +of purifying the air, Accordingly, two hundred chaldrons of coal, +at four pounds a chaldron, were devoted to this purpose. At +first the fires were with great difficulty made to burn, through +the scarcity, it was believed, of oxygen in the atmosphere; but +once kindled, they continued blazing for three days and three +nights, when a heavy downpour of rain falling they were +extinguished. The following night death carried off four +thousand souls, and the experiment of these cleansing fires was +discontinued. All through this month fear and tribulation +continued; the death rate, from the 5th of September to the 3rd +of October, amounting to twenty-four thousand one hundred and +seventy-one. + +During October, the weather being cool and dry, the pestilence +gave promise of rapid decrease. Hope came to the people, and was +received with eager greeting. Once more windows were +unshuttered, doors were opened, and the more venturous walked +abroad. The great crisis had passed. In the middle of the month +Mr. Pepys travelled on foot to the Tower, and records his +impressions. "Lord," he says, "how empty the streets are and +melancholy, so many poor sick people in the streets full of +sores; and so many sad stories overheard as I walk, everybody +talking of this dead, and that man sick, and so many in this +place, and so many in that. And they tell me that in Westminster +there is never a physician and but one apothecary left, all being +dead; but that there are great hopes of a decrease this week. +God send it." + +The while, trade being discontinued, those who had lived by +commerce or labour were supported by charity. To this good +purpose the king contributed a thousand pounds per week, and Dr. +Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury--who remained at Lambeth during +the whole time--by letters to his bishops, caused great sums to +be collected throughout the country and remitted to him for this +laudable purpose. Nor did those of position or wealth fail in +responding to calls made upon them at this time; their +contributions being substantial enough to permit the lord mayor +to distribute upwards of one hundred thousand pounds a week +amongst the poor and afflicted for several months. + +In October the death rate fell to nine thousand four hundred and +forty-four; in November to three thousand four hundred and forty- +nine; and in December to less than one thousand. Therefore, +after a period of unprecedented suffering, the people took +courage once more, for life is dear to all men. And those who +had fled the plague-stricken city returned to find a scene of +desolation, greater in its misery than words can describe. But +the tide of human existence having once turned, the capital +gradually resumed its former appearance. Shops which had been +closed were opened afresh; houses whose inmates had been carried +to the grave became again centres of activity; the sound of +traffic was heard in streets long silent; church bells called the +citizens to prayer; marts were crowded; and people wore an air of +cheerfulness becoming the survivors of a calamity. And so all +things went on as before. + +The mortality bills computed the number of burials which took +place in London during this year at ninety-seven thousand three +hundred and six, of which sixty-eight thousand five hundred find +ninety-six were attributed to the plague. This estimate has been +considered by all historians as erroneous. For on the first +appearance of the distemper, the number of deaths set down was +far below that which truth warranted, in order that the citizens +might not be affrighted; and when it was at its height no exact +account of those shifted from the dead-carts into the pits was +taken. Moreover, many were buried by their friends in fields and +gardens. Lord Clarendon, an excellent authority, states that +though the weekly bills reckoned the number of deaths at about +one hundred thousand, yet "many who could compute very well, +concluded that there were in truth double that number who died; +and that in one week, when the bill mentioned only six thousand, +there had in truth fourteen thousand died." + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +A cry of fire by night.--Fright and confusion.--The lord mayor is +unmanned.--Spread of the flames.--Condition of the streets.-- +Distressful scenes.--Destruction of the Royal Exchange.--Efforts +of the king and Duke of York.--Strange rumours and alarms.--St. +Paul's is doomed.--The flames checked.--A ruined city as seen by +day and night.--Wretched state of the people.--Investigation into +the origin of the fire.--A new city arises. + +Scarcely had the city of London recovered from the dire effects +of the plague, ere a vast fire laid it waste. It happened on the +2nd of September, 1666, that at two o'clock in the morning, the +day being Sunday, smoke and flames were seen issuing from the +shop of a baker named Faryner, residing in Pudding Lane, close by +Fish Street, in the lower part of the city. The house being +built of wood, and coated with pitch, as were likewise those +surrounding it, and moreover containing faggots, dried logs, and +other combustible materials, the fire spread with great rapidity: +so that in a short time not only the baker's premises, but the +homesteads which stood next it on either side were in flames. + +Accordingly, the watchman's lusty cry of "Fire, fire, fire!" +which had roused the baker and his family in good time to save +their lives, was now shouted down the streets with consternation, +startling sleepers from their dreams, and awaking them to a sense +of peril. Thereon they rose promptly from their beds, and +hastily throwing on some clothes, rushed out to rescue their +neighbours' property from destruction, and subdue the threatening +conflagration. + +And speedily was heard the tramp of many feet hurrying to the +scene, and the shouting of anxious voices crying for help; and +presently the bells of St. Margaret's church close by, ringing +with wild uneven peals through the darkness, aroused all far and +near to knowledge of the disaster. For already the flames, +fanned by a high easterly wind, and fed by the dry timber of the +picturesque old dwellings huddled close together, had spread in +four directions. + +One of these being Thames Street, the consequence was terrible, +for the shops and warehouses of this thoroughfare containing +inflammable materials, required for the shipping trade, such as +oil, pitch, tar, and rosin, the houses at one side the street +were immediately wrapped, from basement to garret, in sheets of +angry flame. And now flaunting its yellow light skywards, as if +exulting in its strength, and triumphing in its mastery over +men's efforts, the fire rushed to the church of St. Magnus, a +dark solid edifice standing at the foot of London Bridge. The +frightened citizens concluded the conflagration must surely end +here; or at least that whilst it endeavoured to consume a dense +structure such as this, they might succeed in subduing its force; +but their hopes were vain. At first the flames shot upwards to +the tower of the building, but not gaining hold, retreated as if +to obtain fresh strength for new efforts; and presently darting +forward again, they seized the woodwork of the belfry windows. A +few minutes later the church blazed at every point, and was in +itself a colossal conflagration. + +From this the fire darted to the bridge, burning the wooden +houses built upon it, and the water machines underneath, and +likewise creeping up Thames Street, on that side which was yet +undemolished. By this time the bells of many churches rang out +in sudden fright, as if appealing to heaven for mercy on behalf +of the people; and the whole east end of the town rose up in +alarm. The entire city seemed threatened with destruction, for +the weather having long been dry and warm, prepared the +homesteads for their fate; and it was noted some of them, when +scorched by the approaching fire, ignited before the flames had +time to reach them. + +Sir Thomas Bludworth, the lord mayor, now arrived in great haste, +but so amazed was he at the sight he beheld, and so bewildered by +importunities of those who surrounded him, that he was powerless +to act. Indeed, his incapacity to direct, and inability to +command, as well as his lack of moral courage, have been heavily +and frequently blamed. Bring a weak man, fearful of outstepping +his authority, he at first forebore pulling down houses standing +in the pathway of the flames, as suggested to him, a means that +would assuredly have prevented their progress; but when urged to +this measure would reply, he "durst not, without the consent of +the owners." And when at last, after great destruction had taken +place, word was brought him from the king to "spare no house, but +pull them down everywhere before the fire," he cried out "like a +fainting woman," as Pepys recounts, "Lord! what can I do? I am +spent; people will not obey me." + +Meanwhile, great bodies of the citizens of all classes had been +at work; some upon the cumbrous engines, others carrying water, +others levelling houses, but all their endeavours seemed +powerless to quell the raging flames. And it was notable when +first the pipes in the streets were opened, no water could be +found, whereon a messenger was sent to the works at Islington, in +order to turn on the cocks, so that much time was lost in this +manner. All through Sunday morning the flames extended far and +wide, and in a few hours three hundred houses were reduced to +ashes. Not at midday, nor yet at night, did they give promise of +abatement. The strong easterly wind continuing to blow, the +conflagration worked its way to Cannon Street, from thence +gradually encompassing the dwellings which lay between that +thoroughfare and the Thames, till the whole seemed one vast plain +of raging fire. + +The streets now presented a scene of the uttermost confusion and +distress. The affrighted citizens, whose dwellings were +momentarily threatened with destruction, hurried to and fro, +striving to save those of their families who by reason of +infancy, age or illness were unable to help themselves. Women on +the eve of child-birth were carried from their beds; mothers with +infants clinging to their naked breasts fled from homes which +would shelter them no more; the decrepit were borne away on the +shoulders of the strong. The narrow thoroughfares were moreover +obstructed by furniture dragged from houses, or lowered from +windows with a reckless speed that oftentimes destroyed what it +sought to preserve. Carts, drays, and horses laden with +merchandise jostled each other in their hurried way towards the +fields outside the city walls. Men young and vigorous crushed +forward with beds or trunks upon their backs; children laboured +under the weight of bundles, or rolled barrels of oil, wine, or +spirits before them. And the air, rendered suffocating by smoke +and flame, was moreover confused by the crackling of consuming +timber, the thunder of falling walls, the crushing of glass, the +shrieks of women, and the imprecations of men. + +And those who lived near the waterside, or in houses on the +bridges, hurried their goods and chattels into boats, barges, and +lighters, in which they likewise took refuge. For the +destruction of wharfs and warehouses, containing stores of most +inflammable nature, was brief and desperate. The Thames, now +blood-red from reflection of the fierce sky, was covered with +craft of all imaginable shape and size. Showers of sparks blown +by the high wind fell into the water with hissing sounds, or on +the clothes and faces of the people with disastrous and painful +effects; and the smoke and heat were hard to bear. And it was +remarked that flocks of pigeons, which for generations had found +shelter in the eaves and roofs of wooden houses by the riverside, +were loath to leave their habitations; and probably fearing to +venture afar by reason of the unwonted aspect of the angry sky, +lingered on the balconies and abutments of deserted houses, until +in some cases, the flames enwrapping them, they fell dead into +the waters below. + +On Sunday evening Gracechurch Street was on fire; and the flames +spread onwards till they reached, and in their fury consumed, the +Three Cranes in the Vintry. Night came, but darkness had fled +from the city; and for forty miles round all was luminous. And +there were many who in the crimson hue of the heavens, beheld an +evidence of God's wrath at the sins of the nation, which it was +now acknowledged were many and great. + +Throughout Sunday night the fire grew apace, and those who, in +the morning had carried their belongings to parts of the city +which they believed would by distance ensure safety, were now +obliged to move them afresh, the devastation extending for miles. +Therefore many were compelled to renew their labours, thereby +suffering further fatigue; and they now trusted to no protection +for their property save that which the open fields afforded. +Monday morning came and found the flames yet raging. Not only +Gracechurch Street, but Lombard Street, and part of Fenchurch +street, were on fire. Stately mansions, comfortable homes, +warehouses of great name, banks of vast wealth, were reduced to +charred and blackened walls or heaps of smoking ruins. Buildings +had been pulled down, but now too late to render service; for the +insatiable fire, yet fed by a high wind, had everywhere marched +over the dried woodwork and mortar as it lay upon the ground, and +communicated itself to the next block of buildings; so that its +circumvention was regarded as almost an impossibility. + +During Monday the flames attacked Cornhill, and then commenced to +demolish the Royal Exchange. Having once made an entrance in +this stately building it revelled in triumph; climbing up the +walls, roaring along the courts and galleries, and sending +through the broken windows volleys of smoke and showers of +sparks, which threatened to suffocate and consume those who +approached. Then the roof fell with a mighty crash, which seemed +for a time to subdue the powerful conflagration; the walls +cracked, parted, and fell; statues of kings and queens were flung +from their niches; and in a couple of hours this building, which +had been the pride and glory of British Merchants, was a +blackened ruin. + +The citizens were now in a state of despair. Upwards of ten +thousand houses were in a blaze, the fire extending, according to +Evelyn, two miles in length and one in breadth, and the smoke +reaching near fifty miles in length. Mansions, churches, +hospitals, halls, and schools crumbled into dust as if at +blighting touch of some most potent and diabolical magician. +Quite hopeless now of quenching the flames, bewildered by loss, +and overcome by terror, the citizens, abandoning themselves to +despair, made no further effort to conquer this inappeasable +fire; but crying aloud in their distraction, behaved as those who +had lost their wits. The king and the Duke of York, who on +Sunday had viewed the conflagration from the Thames, now alarmed +at prospect of the whole capital being laid waste, rode into the +city, and by their presence, coolness and example roused the +people to fresh exertions. Accordingly, citizens and soldiers +worked with renewed energy and courage; whilst his majesty and +his brother, the courtiers and the lord mayor, mixed freely with +the crowd, commanding and directing them in their labours. + +But now a new terror rose up amongst the citizens, for news +spread that the Dutch and French--with whom England was then at +war--and moreover the papists, whom the people then abhorred, had +conspired to destroy the capital. And the suddenness with which +the flames had appeared in various places, and the rapidity with +which they spread, leading the distracted inhabitants to favour +this report, a strong desire for immediate revenge took +possession of their hearts. + +Accordingly all foreigners were laid hold of, kicked, beaten, and +abused by infuriated mobs, from which they were rescued only to +be flung into prison. And this conduct was speedily extended to +the catholics, even when such were known to be faithful and well- +approved good citizens. For though at first it spread as a +rumour, it was now received as a certainty that they, in +obedience to the wily and most wicked Jesuits, had determined to +lay waste an heretical city. Nor were there wanting many ready +to bear witness they had seen these dreaded papists fling fire- +balls into houses of honest citizens, and depart triumphing in +their fiendish deeds. So that when they ventured abroad they +were beset by great multitudes, and their lives were imperilled. +And news of this distraction, which so forcibly swayed the +people, reaching the king, he speedily despatched the members of +his privy council to several quarters of the city, that in person +they might guard such of his subjects as stood in danger. + +Lord Hollis and Lord Ashley were assigned Newgate Market and the +streets that lie around, as parts where they were to station +themselves. And it happened that riding near the former place +they saw a vast number of people gathered together, shouting with +great violence, and badly using one who stood in their midst. +Whereon they hastened towards the spot and found the ill-treated +man to be of foreign aspect. Neither had he hat, cloak, nor +sword; his face was covered with blood, his jerkin was torn in +pieces, and his person was bedaubed by mud. And on examination +it was found he was unable to speak the English tongue; but Lord +Hollis, entering into conversation with him in the French +language, ascertained that he was a servant of the Portuguese +ambassador, and knew not of what he was accused, or why he had +been maltreated. + +Hereon a citizen of good standing pressed forward and alleged he +had truly seen this man put his hand in his pocket and throw a +fire-ball into a shop, upon which the house immediately took +flame; whereon, being on the other side of the street, he called +aloud that the people might stop this abominable villain. Then +the citizens had seized upon him, taking away his sword, and used +him according to their will. My Lord Hollis explaining this to +the foreigner, he was overcome by amazement at the charge; and +when asked what he had thrown into the house, made answer he had +not flung anything. But he remembered well, whilst walking in +the street, he saw a piece of bread upon the ground, which he, as +was the custom in his country took up. Afterwards he laid it +upon a shelf in a neighbouring house, which being close by, my +Lords Hollis and Ashley, followed by a dense crowd, conducted +him thither, and found the bread laid upon a board as he had +stated. It was noted the next house but one was on fire, and on +inquiry it was ascertained that the worthy citizen, seeing a +foreigner place something inside a shop without tarrying, and +immediately after perceiving a dwelling in flames, which in his +haste he took to be the same, he had charged the man with +commission of this foul deed. But even though many were +convinced of his innocence, my Lord Hollis concluded the +stranger's life would be in safer keeping if he were committed to +prison, which was accordingly done. + +Meanwhile the fire continued; and on Monday night and Tuesday +raged with increasing violence. The very heart of the city was +now eaten into by this insatiable monster: Soper Lane, Bread +Street, Friday Street, Old Change, and Cheapside being in one +blaze. It was indeed a spectacle to fill all beholding it with +consternation; but that which followed was yet more terrible, for +already St. Paul's Cathedral was doomed to destruction. + +Threatened on one side by the flames devastating Cheapside, and +on the other from those creeping steadily up from Blackfriars to +this great centre, it was now impossible to save the venerable +church, which Evelyn terms "one of the most ancient pieces of +early Christian piety in the world." Seen by this fierce light, +and overhung by a crimson sky, every curve of its dark outline, +every stone of its pillars and abutments, every column of its +incomparable portico, stood clearly defined, so that never had it +looked so stately and magnificent, so vast and majestic, as now +when beheld for the last time. + +Too speedily the fire advanced, watched by sorrowful eyes; but +even before it had reached the scaffolding now surrounding the +building, the vaulted roof, ignited by showers of sparks, burst +into flames. Then followed a scene unspeakably grand, yet +melancholy beyond all telling. In a few moments a pale yellow +light had crept along the parapets, sending faint clouds of smoke +upwards, as if more forcibly marking the course of destruction. +Then came the crackling, hissing sounds of timber yielding to the +fire, and soon a great sheet of lead which covered the roof, and +was said to measure six acres, melting by degrees, down came on +every side a terrible rain of liquid fire that seamed and burned +the ground, and carried destruction with it in its swift course +towards the Thames. + +And now, by reason of the fearful heat, great projections of +Portland stone, cornices, and capitals of columns, flew off +before the fire had time to reach them. Windows melted in their +frames, pillars fell to the ground, ironwork bent as wax; nay, +the very pavements around glowed so that neither man nor horse +dared tread upon them. And the flames, gradually gaining ground, +danced fantastically up and down the scaffolding, and covered the +edifice as with one blaze; whilst inside transom beams were +snapped asunder, rafters fell with destruction, and the fire +roaring through chapels and aisles as in a great furnace, could +be heard afar. And that which had been a Christian shrine was +now, a smoking ruin. + +Raging onward in their fierce career, the flames darted towards +such buildings in the neighbourhood as had been previously +untouched, so that Paternoster Row, Newgate Street, the Old +Bailey and Ludgate Hill were soon in course of destruction. And +from the latter spot the conflagration, urged by the wind, +rapidly rushed onwards towards Fleet Street. On the other hand, +it extended from Cheapside to Ironmongers' Lane, Old Jewry, +Lawrence Lane, Milk Street, Wood Street, Gutter Lane, and Foster +Lane; and again spreading from Newgate Street, it surrounded and +destroyed Christ Church, burned through St. Martin's-le-Grand +towards Aldgate, and threatened to continue its triumphant march +to the suburbs. + +For several miles nothing but raging fire and smoking ruins was +visible, for desolation had descended on the city. It was now +feared the flames would reach the Palace of Whitehall, and extend +towards Westminster Abbey, a consideration which caused much +alarm to his majesty, who prized the sacred fane exceedingly. +And now the king was determined the orders he had already issued +should be obeyed, and that houses standing in direct path of the +fire should be demolished by gunpowder; so that, a greater gap +being effected than any previously made by pulling them down, the +conflagration might have no further material wherewith to +strengthen and feed its further progress. + +This plan, Evelyn states, had been proposed by some stout seamen +early enough to have saved nearly the whole city; "but this some +tenacious and avaricious men, aldermen, etc., would not permit, +because their houses would have been the first." Now, however, +this remedy was tried, and with greater despatch, because the +fire threatened the Tower and the powder magazine it contained. +And if the flames once reached this, London Bridge would +assuredly be destroyed, the vessels in the river torn and sunk, +and incalculable damage to life and property effected. + +Accordingly Tower Street, which had already become ignited, was, +under supervision of the king, blown up in part, and the fire +happily brought to an end by this means in that part of the town. +Moreover, on Wednesday morning the east wind, which had continued +high from Sunday night, now subsided, so that the flames lost +much of their vehemence, and by means of explosions were more +easily mastered at Leadenhall and in Holborn, and likewise at the +Temple, to which places they had spread during Wednesday and +Thursday. + +During these latter days, the king and the Duke of York betrayed +great vigilance, and laboured with vast activity; the latter +especially, riding from post to post, by his example inciting +those whose courage had deserted them, and by his determination +overcoming destruction. On Thursday the dread conflagration, +after raging for five consecutive days and nights, was at length +conquered. + +On Friday morning the sun rose like a ball of crimson fire above +a scene of blackness, ruin, and desolation. Whole streets were +levelled to the ground, piles of charred stones marked where +stately churches had stood, smoke rose in clouds from smouldering +embers. With sorrowful hearts many citizens traversed the scene +of desolation that day; amongst others Pepys and Evelyn. The +latter recounts that "the ground and air, smoke and fiery vapour, +continu'd so intense, that my haire was almost sing'd, and my +feete unsuffurably surbated. The people who now walk'd about ye +ruines appear'd like men in some dismal desert, or rather in some +greate citty laid waste by a cruel enemy; to which was added that +stench that came from some poore creatures' bodies, beds, and +other combustible goods." + +It would have been impossible to trace the original course of the +streets, but that some gable, pinnacle, or portion of walls, of +churches, halls, or mansions, indicated where they had stood. +The narrower thoroughfares were completely blocked by rubbish; +massive iron chains, then used to prevent traffic at night in the +streets, were melted, as were likewise iron gates of prisons, and +the hinges of strong doors. Goods stored away in cellars and +subterranean passages of warehouses yet smouldered, emitting foul +odours; wells were completely choked, fountains were dried at +their sources. The statues of monarchs which had adorned the +Exchange, were smashed; that of its founder, Sir Thomas Gresham, +alone remaining entire. The ruins of St. Paul's, with its walls +standing black and cheerless, presented in itself a most +melancholy spectacle. Its pillars were embedded in ashes, its +cornices irretrievably destroyed, its great bell reduced to a +shapeless mass of metal; whilst its general air of desolation was +heightened by the fact that a few monuments, which had escaped +destruction, rose abruptly from amidst the charred DEBRIS. + +But if the ruins of the capital looked sad by day, their +appearance was more appalling when seen by light of the moon, +which rose nightly during the week following this great calamity. +From the city gates, standing gaunt, black, and now unguarded, to +the Temple, the level waste seemed sombre as a funeral pall; +whilst the Thames, stripped of wharves and warehouses, quaintly +gabled homes, and comfortable inns--wont to cast pleasant lights +and shadows on its surface--now swept past the blackened ruins a +melancholy river of white waters. + +In St. George's Fields, Moorfields, and far as Highgate for +several miles, citizens of all degrees, to the number of two +hundred thousand, had gathered: sleeping in the open fields, or +under canvas tents, or in wooden sheds which they hurriedly +erected. Some there were amongst them who had been used to +comfort and luxury, but who were now without bed or board, or +aught to cover them save the clothes in which they had hastily +dressed when fleeing from the fire. And to many it seemed as if +they had only been saved from one calamity to die by another: +for they had nought wherewith to satisfy their hunger, yet had +too much pride to seek relief. + +And whilst yet wildly distracted by their miserable situation, +weary from exhaustion, and nervous from lack of repose, a panic +arose in their midst which added much to their distress. For +suddenly news was spread that the French, Dutch and English +papists were marching on them, prepared to cut their throats. At +which, broken-spirited as they were, they rose up, and leaving +such goods that they had saved, rushed towards Westminster to +seek protection from their imaginary foes. On this, the king +sought to prove the falsity of their alarm, and with infinite +difficulty persuaded them to return to the fields: whence he +despatched troops of soldiers, whose presence helped to calm +their fears. + +And the king having, moreover, tender compassion for their wants, +speedily sought to supply them. He therefore summoned a council +that it might devise means of relief; and as a result, it +published a proclamation ordering that bread and all other +provisions, such as could be furnished, should be daily and +constantly brought, not only to the markets formerly in use, but +also to Clerkenwell, Islington, Finsbury Fields, Mile End Green, +and Ratcliffe, for greater convenience of the citizens. For +those who were unable to buy provisions, the king commanded the +victualler of his navy to send bread into Moorfields, and +distribute it amongst them. And as divers distressed people had +saved some of their goods, of which they knew not where to +dispose, he ordered that churches, chapels, schools, and such +like places in and around Westminster, should be free and open to +receive and protect them. He likewise directed that all cities +and towns should, without contradiction or opposition, receive +the citizens and permit them free exercise of their manual +labours: he promising, when the present exigency had passed +away, to take care the said persons should be no burden to such +towns as received them. + +The people were therefore speedily relieved. Many of them found +refuge with their friends and relatives in the country, and +others sought homes in the districts of Westminster and +Southwark: so that in four days from the termination of the +fire, there was scarce a person remaining in the fields, where +such numbers had taken refuge. + +The first hardships consequent to the calamity having passed +away, people were anxious to trace the cause of their sufferings, +which they were unwilling to consider accidental. A rumour +therefore sprang up, that the great fire resulted from a wicked +plot, hatched by Jesuits, for the destruction of an heretical +city. At this the king was sorely troubled; for though there was +no evidence which led him to place faith in the report, yet a +great body of the citizens and many members of his council held +it true. Therefore, in order to appease such doubts as arose in +his mind, and likewise to satisfy the people, he appointed his +privy council to sit morning and evening to inquire into the +matter, and examine evidences set forth against those who had +been charged with the outrage and cast into prison during the +conflagration. + +And in order that the investigation might be conducted with +greater rigour he sent into the country for the lord chief +justice, who was dreaded by all for his unflinching severity. +The lord chancellor, in his account of these transactions, +assures us many of the witnesses who gave evidence against those +indicted with firing the capital "were produced as if their +testimony would remove all doubts, but made such senseless +relations of what they had been told, without knowing the +condition of the persons who told them, or where to find them, +that it was a hard matter to forbear smiling at their +declarations." Amongst those examined was one Roger Hubert, who +accused himself of having deliberately set the city on fire. +This man, then in his twenty-fifth year, was son of a watchmaker +residing in Rouen. Hubert had practised the same trade both in +that town and in London, and was believed by his fellow workmen +to be demented. When brought before the chief justice and privy +council, Hubert with great coolness stated he had set the first +house on fire: for which act he had been paid a year previously +in Paris. When asked who had hired him to accomplish this evil +deed, he replied he did not know, for he had never seen the man +before: and when further questioned regarding the sum he had +received, he declared it was but one pistole, but he had been +promised five pistoles more when he should have done his work. +These ridiculous answers, together with some contradictory +statements he made, inclined many persons, amongst whom was the +chief justice, to doubt his confession. Later on in his +examinations, he was asked if he knew where the house had stood +which he set on fire, to which he replied in the affirmative, and +on being taken into the city, pointed out the spot correctly. + +In the eyes of many this was regarded as proof of his guilt; +though others stated that, having lived in the city, he must +necessarily become acquainted with the position of the baker's +shop. Opinion was therefore somewhat divided regarding him. The +chief justice told the king "that all his discourse was so +disjointed that he did not believe him guilty." Yet having +voluntarily accused himself of a monstrous deed, and being +determined as it seemed to rid himself of life, he was +condemned to death and speedily executed. + +Lord Clarendon says: "Neither the judges nor any present at the +trial did believe him guilty; but that he was a poor distracted +wretch, weary of his life, and chose to part with it in this way. +Certain it is that upon the strictest examination that could be +afterwards made by the king's command, and then by the diligence +of the House, that upon the jealousy and rumour made a committee, +that was very diligent and solicitous to make that discovery, +there was never any probable evidence (that poor creature's only +excepted) that there was any other cause of that woful fire than +the displeasure of God Almighty: the first accident of the +beginning in a baker's house, where there was so great a stock of +faggots, and the neighbourhood of such combustible matter, of +pitch and rosin, and the like, led it in an instant from house to +house, through Thames Street, with the agitation of so terrible a +wind to scatter and disperse it." + +But belief that the dreaded papists had set fire to the city, +lingered in the minds of many citizens. When the city was +rebuilt, this opinion found expression in an inscription cut over +the doorway of a house opposite the spot where the fire began, +which ran as follows: + +"Here, by the permission of heaven, hell broke loose on this +protestant city from the malicious hearts of barbarous papists, +by the hand of their agent Hubert, who confessed, and on the +ruins of this place declared the fact, for which he was hanged. +Erected in the mayoralty of Sir Patience Ward, Knight." + +The loss caused by this dreadful conflagration was estimated at +ten million sterling. According to a certificate of Jonas Moore +and Ralph Gatrix, surveyors appointed to examine the ruins, the +fire overrun 373 acres within the walls, burning 13,200 houses, +89 parish churches, numerous chapels, the Royal Exchange, Custom +House, Guildhall, Blackwell Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral, +Bridewell, fifty-two halls of the city companies, and three city +gates. + +As speedily as might be, the king and his parliament then sitting +at Oxford, sought to restore the city on a scale vastly superior +to its former condition. And the better to effect this object, +an act of parliament was passed that public buildings should be +rebuilt with public money, raised by a tax on coals; that the +churches and the cathedral of St. Paul's should be reconstructed +from their foundations; that bridges, gates and prisons should be +built anew; the streets made straight and regular, such as were +steep made level, such as were narrow made wide; and, moreover, +that every house should be built with party walls, such being of +stone or brick, and all houses raised to equal height in front. + +And these rules being observed, a stately and magnificent city +rose phoenix-like from ruins of the old; so that there was naught +to remind the inhabitants of their great calamity save the +Monument. This, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and built at a +cost of fourteen thousand five hundred pounds, was erected near +where the fire broke out, the better to perpetuate a memory of +this catastrophe in the minds of future generations, which +purpose it fulfils unto this day. + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +The court repairs to Oxford.--Lady Castlemaine's son.--Their +majesties return to Whitehall.--The king quarrels with his +mistress.--Miss Stuart contemplates marriage.--Lady Castlemaine +attempts revenge.--Charles makes an unpleasant discovery.--The +maid of honour elopes.--His majesty rows down the Thames.--Lady +Castlemaine's intrigues.--Fresh quarrels at court.--The king on +his knees. + +The while such calamities befell the citizens, the king continued +to divert himself in his usual fashion. On the 29th of June, +1665, whilst death strode apace through the capital, reaping full +harvests as he went, their majesties left Whitehall for Hampton +Court, From here they repaired to Salisbury, and subsequently to +Oxford, where Charles took up his residence in Christchurch, and +the queen at Merton College. + +Removed from harrowing scenes of ghastliness and distress, the +court made merry. Joined by fair women and gallant men, their +majesties played at bowls and tennis in the grassy meads of the +college grounds; rode abroad in great hawking parties; sailed +through summer days upon the smooth waters of the river Isis; and +by night held revelry in the massive-beamed oak-panelled halls, +from which scarce five-score candles served to chase all gloom. + +It happened whilst life thus happily passed, at pleasant full- +tide flow, my Lady Castlemaine, who resided in the same college +with her majesty, gave birth on the 28th of December to another +son, duly baptized George Fitzroy, and subsequently created Duke +of Northumberland. By this time, the plague having subsided in +the capital, and all danger of infection passed away, his majesty +was anxious to reach London, yet loth to leave his mistress, whom +he visited every morning, and to whom he exhibited the uttermost +tenderness. And his tardiness to return becoming displeasing to +the citizens, and they being aware of its cause, it was whispered +in taverns and cried in the streets, "The king cannot go away +till my Lady Castlemaine be ready to come along with him," which +truth was found offensive on reaching the royal ears. + +Towards the end of January, 1666, he returned to Whitehall, and a +month later the queen, who had been detained by illness, joined +him. Once more the thread of life was taken up by the court at +the point where it had been broken, and woven into the motley web +of its strange history. Unwearied by time, unsatiated by +familiarity, the king continued his intrigue with the imperious +Castlemaine, and with great longing likewise made love to the +beautiful Stuart. But yet his pursuit of pleasure was not always +attended by happiness; inasmuch as he found himself continually +involved in quarrels with the countess, which in turn covered him +with ridicule in the eyes of his courtiers, and earned him +contempt in the opinions of his subjects. + +One of these disturbances, which occurred soon after his return +from Oxford, began at a royal drawing-room, in presence of the +poor slighted queen and ladies of the court. It happened in the +course of conversation her majesty remarked to the countess she +feared the king had taken cold by staying so late at her +lodgings; to which speech my Lady Castlemaine with some show of +temper answered aloud, "he did not stay so late abroad with her, +for he went betimes thence, though he do not before one, two, or +three in the morning, but must stay somewhere else." The king, +who had entered the apartment whilst she was speaking, came up to +her, and displeased with the insinuations she expressed, declared +she was a bold, impertinent woman, and bade her begone from the +court, and not return until he sent for her. Accordingly she +whisked from the drawing-room, and drove at once to Pall Mall, +where she hired apartments. + +Her indignation at being addressed by Charles in such a manner +before the court, was sufficiently great to beget strong desires +for revenge; when she swore she would be even with him and print +his letters to her for public sport. In cooler moments, however, +she abandoned this idea; and in course of two or three days, not +hearing from his majesty, she despatched a message to him, not +entreating pardon, but asking permission to send for her +furniture and belongings. To this the monarch, who had begun to +miss her presence and long for her return, replied she must first +come and view them; and then impatient for reconciliation, he +sought her, and they became friends once more. And by way of +sealing the bond of pacification, the king soon after agreed to +pay her debts, amounting to the sum of thirty thousand pounds, +which had been largely incurred by presents bestowed by her upon +her lovers. + +His majesty was not only rendered miserable by the constant +caprices and violent temper of the countess, but likewise by the +virtue and coldness Miss Stuart betrayed since her return from +Oxford. The monarch was sorely troubled to account for her +bearing, and attributing it to jealousy, sought to soothe her +supposed uneasiness by increasing his chivalrous attentions. Her +change of behaviour, however, proceeded from another cause. The +fair Stuart, though childlike in manner, was shrewd at heart; and +was moreover guided invariably by her mother, a lady who reaped +wisdom from familiarity with courts. Therefore the maid of +honour, seeing she had given the world occasion to think she had +lost her virtue, declared she was ready to "marry any gentleman +of fifteen hundred a year that would have her in honour." + +This determination she was obliged to keep-secret from the king, +lest his anger should fall upon such as sought her, and so +interfere with her matrimonial prospects. Now with such +intentions in her mind she pondered well on an event which had +happened to her, such as no woman who has had like experience +ever forgets; namely, that amongst the many who professed to love +her, one had proposed to marry her. This was Charles Stuart, +fourth Duke of Richmond, a man possessed of neither physical +gifts nor mental abilities; who was, moreover, a widower, and a +sot. + +However, the position which her union with him would ensure was +all she could desire, and he renewing his suit at this time, she +consequently consented to marry him. Now though it was probable +she could keep her design from knowledge of her royal lover, it +was scarcely possible she could hide it from observation of his +mistress. And the latter, knowing the extent to which fair +Frances Stuart shared his majesty's heart, and being likewise +aware of the coldness with which his protestations were by her +received, scorned the king and detested the maid. Lady +Castlemaine therefore resolved to use her knowledge of Miss +Stuart's contemplated marriage, for purpose of enraging the +jealousy of the one, and destroying the influence of the other. +In order to accomplish such desirable ends she quietly awaited +her opportunity. This came in due time. + +It happened one evening when his majesty had been visiting +Frances Stuart in her apartments, and had returned to his own in +a condition of ill-humour and disappointment, the countess, who +had been some days out of favour, suddenly presented herself +before him, and in a bantering tone, accompanied by ironical +smiles, addressed him. + +"I hope," said she, "I may be allowed to pay you my homage, +although the angelic Stuart has forbidden you to see me at my own +house. I will not make use of reproaches and expostulations +which would disgrace myself; still less will I endeavour to +excuse frailties which nothing can justify, since your constancy +for me deprives me of all defence, considering I am the only +person you have honoured with your tenderness, who has made +herself unworthy of it by ill-conduct. I come now, therefore, +with no other intent than to comfort and condole with you upon +the affliction and grief into which the coldness or new-fashioned +chastity of the inhuman Stuart has reduced your majesty." + +Having delivered herself of this speech she laughed loud and +heartily, as if vastly amused at the tenour of her words; and +then before the impatient monarch had time to reply, continued in +the same tone, with quickening breath and flashing eyes, "Be not +offended that I take the liberty of laughing at the gross manner +in which you are imposed upon; I cannot bear to see that such +particular affection should make you the jest of your own court, +and that you should be ridiculed with such impunity. I know that +the affected Stuart has sent you away under pretence of some +indisposition, or perhaps some scruple of conscience; and I come +to acquaint you that the Duke of Richmond will soon be with her, +if he is not there already. I do not desire you to believe what +I say, since it might be suggested either through resentment or +envy. Only follow me to her apartment, either that, no longer +trusting calumny and malice you may honour her with a just +preference, if I accuse her falsely; or, if my information be +true, you may no longer be the dupe of a pretended prude, who +makes you act so unbecoming and ridiculous a part." + +The king, overwhelmed with astonishment, was irresolute in +action; but Lady Castlemaine, determined on not being deprived of +her anticipated triumph, took him by the hand and forcibly pulled +him towards Miss Stuart's apartments. The maid of honour's +servants, surprised at his majesty's return, were unable to warn +their mistress without his knowledge; whilst one of them, in pay +of the countess, found means of secretly intimating to her that +the Duke of Richmond was already in Miss Stuart's chamber. Lady +Castlemaine, having with an air of exultation led the king down +the gallery from his apartments to the threshold of Miss Stuart's +door, made him a low courtesy savouring more of irony than +homage, bade him good-night, and with a subtle smile promptly +retired. + +The scene which followed is best painted by Hamilton's pen. "It +was near midnight; the king on his way met the chambermaids, who +respectfully opposed his entrance, and, in a very low voice, +whispered his majesty that Miss Stuart had been very ill since he +left her; but that being gone to bed, she was, God be thanked, in +a very fine sleep. 'That I must see,' said the king, pushing her +back, who had posted herself in his way. He found Miss Stuart in +bed, indeed, but far from being asleep; the Duke of Richmond was +seated at her pillow, and in all probability was less inclined to +sleep than herself. The perplexity of the one party, and the +rage of the other, were such as may easily be imagined upon such +a surprise. The king, who of all men was one of the most mild +and gentle, testified his resentment to the Duke of Richmond in +such terms as he had never before used. The duke was speechless +and almost petrified; he saw his master and his king justly +irritated. The first transports which rage inspires on such +occasions are dangerous. Miss Stuart's window was very +convenient for a sudden revenge, the Thames flowing close beneath +it; he cast his eyes upon it, and seeing those of the king more +incensed than fired with indignation than he thought his nature +capable of, he made a profound bow, and retired without replying +a single word to the vast torrent of threats and menaces that +were poured upon him. + +"Miss Stuart having a little recovered from her first surprise, +instead of justifying herself, began to talk in the most +extravagant manner, and said everything that was most capable to +inflame the king's passion and resentment: that if she were not +allowed to receive visits from a man of the Duke of Richmond's +rank, who came with honourable intentions, she was a slave in a +free country; that she knew of no engagement that could prevent +her from disposing of her hand as she thought proper; but, +however, if this were not permitted her in his dominions, she did +not believe that there was any power on earth that could hinder +her from going over to France, and throwing herself into a +Convent, to enjoy there that tranquillity which was denied her in +his court. The king, sometimes furious with anger, sometimes +relenting at her tears, and sometimes terrified at her menaces, +was so greatly agitated that he knew not how to answer either the +nicety of a creature who wanted to act the part of Lucretia under +his own eye, or the assurance with which she had the effrontery +to reproach him. In this suspense love had almost entirely +vanquished all his resentments, and had nearly induced him to +throw himself upon his knees, and entreat pardon for the injury +he had done her, when she desired him to retire, and leave her in +repose, at least for the remainder of that night, without +offending those who had either accompanied him, or conducted him +to her apartments, by a longer visit. This impertinent request +provoked and irritated him to the highest degree: he went out +abruptly, vowing never to see her more, and passed the most +restless and uneasy night he had ever experienced since his +restoration." + +Next morning, his majesty sent orders to the Duke of Richmond to +quit the court, and never appear again in his presence. His +grace, however, stayed not to receive this message, having +betaken himself with all possible speed into the country. Miss +Stuart, who likewise feared the king's resentment, hastened to +the queen, and throwing herself at her majesty's feet, entreated +forgiveness for the pain and uneasiness she had caused her in the +past, and besought her care and protection in the future. + +She then laid bare her intentions of marrying the Duke of +Richmond, who had loved her long, and was anxious to wed her +soon; but since the discovery of his addresses had caused his +banishment, and created disturbances prejudicial to her good +name, she begged the queen would obtain his majesty's consent to +her retiring from the vexations of a court to the tranquillity of +a convent. The queen raised her up, mingled her tears with those +of the troubled maid, and promised to use her endeavours towards +averting the king's displeasure. + +On consideration, however, the fair Stuart did not wait to hear +his majesty's reproaches, or receive his entreaties; for the +duke, being impatient to gain his promised bride, quietly +returned to town, and secretly communicated with her. It was +therefore agreed between them she should steal away from the +palace, meet him at the "Bear at the Bridge Foot," situated on +the Southwark side of the river, where he would have a coach +awaiting her, in order they might ride away to his residence at +Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, and then be legally and happily +united in the holy bonds of matrimony. And all fell out as had +been arranged: the time being the month of March, 1667. + +Now when the king discovered her flight, his anger knew no +bounds, though it sought relief in uttering many violent threats +against the duke, and in sending word to the duchess he would see +her no more. In answer to this message, she, with some show of +spirit, returned him the jewels he had given her, principal +amongst which were a necklace of pearls, valued at over a +thousand pounds, and a pair of diamond pendants of rare lustre. + +Neither she nor her husband paid much heed to the royal menaces, +for before a year elapsed they both returned to town, and took up +their residence at Somerset House. Here, as Pepys records, she +kept a great court, "she being visited for her beauty's sake by +people, as the queen is at nights: and they say also she is +likely to go to court again and there put my Lady Castlemaine's +nose out of joint. God knows that would make a great turn." But +to such proposals as were made regarding her return to Whitehall, +her husband would not pay heed, and she therefore remained a +stranger to its drawing-rooms for some time longer. And when two +years later she appeared there, her beauty had lost much of its +famed lustre, for meantime she was overtaken by smallpox, a +scourge ever prevalent in the capital. During her illness the +king paid her several visits, and was sorely grieved that the +loveliness he so much prized should be marred by foul disease. +But on her recovery, the disfigurement she suffered scarce +lessened his admiration, and by no means abated his love; which +seemed to have gained fresh force from the fact of its being +interrupted awhile. + +This soon became perceptible to all, and rumour whispered that +the young duchess would shortly return to Whitehall in a position +which she had declined before marriage. And amongst other +stories concerning the king's love for her, it was common talk +that one fair evening in May, when he had ordered his coach to be +ready that he might take an airing in the park, he, on a sudden +impulse, ran down the broad steps leading from his palace gardens +to the riverside. Here, entering a boat alone, he rowed himself +adown the placid river now crossed by early shadows, until he +came to Somerset House, where his lady-love dwelt; and finding +the garden-door locked, he, in his impatience to be with her, +clambered over the wall and sought her. Two months after the +occurrence of this incident, the young duchess was appointed a +lady of the bedchamber to the queen, and therefore had apartments +at Whitehall. There was little doubt now entertained she any +longer rejected his majesty's love; and in order to remove all +uncertainties on the point which might arise in her husband's +mind, the king one night, when he had taken over much wine, +boasted to the duke of her complaisancy. Lord Dartmouth, who +tells this story, says this happened "at Lord Townshend's, in +Norfolk, as my uncle told me, who was present." Soon after his +grace accepted an honourable exile as ambassador to Denmark, in +which country he died. + +During the absence of the Duchess of Richmond, my Lady +Castlemaine, then in the uninterrupted possession of power, led +his majesty a sorry life. Her influence, indeed, seemed to +increase with time, until her victim became a laughing-stock to +the heartless, and an object of pity to the wise. Mr. Povy, +whose office as a member of the Tangier Commission brought him +into continual contact with the court, and whose love of gossip +made him observant of all that passed around him, in telling of +"the horrid effeminacy of the king," said that "upon any falling +out between my Lady Castlemaine's nurse and her woman, my lady +hath often said she would make the king make them friends, and +they would be friends and be quiet--which the king had been fain +to do." Nor did such condescension on his majesty's part incline +his mistress to treat him with more respect; for in the quarrels +which now became frequent betwixt them she was wont to term him a +fool, in reply to the kingly assertion that she was a jade. + +The disturbances which troubled the court were principally caused +by her infidelities to him, and his subsequent jealousies of her. +Chief among those who shared her intrigues at this time was Harry +Jermyn, with whom she renewed her intimacy from time to time, +without the knowledge of his majesty. The risks she frequently +encountered in pursuit of her amours abounded in comedy. +Speaking of Harry Jermyn, Pepys tells us the king "had like to +have taken him abed with her, but that he was fain to creep under +the bed into the closet." It being now rumoured that Jermyn was +about to wed my Lady Falmouth, the countess's love for one whom +she might for ever lose received a fresh impulse, which made her +reckless of concealment. The knowledge of her passion, +therefore, coming to Charles's ears, a bitter feud sprang up +between them, during which violent threats and abusive language +were freely exchanged. + +At this time my lady was far gone with child, a fact that soon +came bubbling up to the angry surface of their discourse; for the +king avowed he would not own it as his offspring. On hearing +this, her passion became violent beyond all decent bounds. "God +damn me, but you shall own it!" said she, her cheeks all crimson +and her eyes afire; and moreover she added, "she should have it +christened in the Chapel Royal, and owned as his, or otherwise +she would bring it to the gallery in Whitehall, and dash its +brains out before his face." + +After she had hectored him almost out of his wits, she fled in a +state of wild excitement from the palace, and took up her abode +at the residence of Sir Daniel Harvey, the ranger of Richmond +Park. News of this scene spread rapidly through the court, and +was subsequently discussed in the coffee-houses and taverns all +over the town, where great freedom was made with the lady's name, +and great sport of the king's passion. And now it was said the +monarch had parted with his mistress for ever, concerning which +there was much rejoicement and some doubt. For notwithstanding +the king had passed his word to this effect, yet it was known +though his spirit was willing his flesh was weak. Indeed, three +days had scarcely passed when, mindful of her temper, he began to +think his words had been harsh, and, conscious of her power, he +concluded his vows had been rash. He therefore sought her once +more, but found she was not inclined to relent, until, as Pepys +was assured, this monarch of most feeble spirit, this lover of +most ardent temper, "sought her forgiveness upon his knees, and +promised to offend her no more." + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +The kingdom in peril.--The chancellor falls under his majesty's +displeasure.--The Duke of Buckingham's mimicry.--Lady +Castlemaine's malice.--Lord Clarendon's fall.--The Duke of Ormond +offends the royal favourite.--She covers him with abuse.--Plots +against the Duke of York.--Schemes for a royal divorce.--Moll +Davis and Nell Gwynn.--The king and the comedian.--Lady +Castlemaine abandons herself to great disorders.--Young Jack +Spencer.--The countess intrigues with an acrobat.--Talk of the +town.--The mistress created a duchess. + +At this time the kingdom stood in uttermost danger, being brought +to that condition by his majesty's negligence towards its +concerns. The peril was, moreover, heightened from the fact of +the king being impatient to rid himself of those who had the +nation's credit at heart, and sought to uphold its interests. To +this end he was led in part by his own inclinations, and +furthermore by his friends' solicitations. Foremost amongst +those with whose services he was anxious to dispense, were the +chancellor, my Lord Clarendon, and the lord lieutenant of +Ireland, his grace the Duke of Ormond. + +The king's displeasure against these men, who had served his +father loyally, himself faithfully, and their country honestly, +was instigated through hatred borne them by my Lady Castlemaine. +From the first both had bewailed the monarch's connection with +her, and the evil influence she exercised over him. Accordingly, +after the pattern of honest men, they had set their faces +against her. + +Not only, as has already been stated, would the chancellor refuse +to let any document bearing her name pass the great seal, but he +had often prevailed with the king to alter resolutions she had +persuaded him to form. And moreover had his lordship sinned in +her eyes by forbidding his wife to visit or hold intercourse with +her. These were sufficient reasons to arouse the hatred and +procure the revenge of this malicious woman, who was now +virtually at the head of the kingdom. For awhile, however, +Charles, mindful of the services the chancellor had rendered him, +was unwilling to thrust him from his high place. But as time +sped, and the machinations of a clique of courtiers in league +with the countess were added to her influence, the chancellor's +power wavered. And finally, when he was suspected of stepping +between his majesty and his unlawful pleasures--concerning which +more shall be said anon--he fell. + +At the head and front of the body which plotted against Lord +Clarendon, pandered to Lady Castlemaine, and, for its own +purposes--politically and socially--sought to control the king, +was his grace the Duke of Buckingham. This witty courtier and +his friends, when assembled round the pleasant supper table +spread in the countess's apartments, and honoured almost nightly +by the presence of the king, delighted to vent the force of their +humour upon the chancellor, and criticize his influence over the +monarch until Charles smarted from their words. In the height of +their mirth, if his majesty declared he would go a journey, walk +in a certain direction, or perform some trivial action next day, +those around him would lay a wager he would not fulfil his +intentions; and when asked why they had arrived at such +conclusions, they would reply, because the chancellor would not +permit him. On this another would remark with mock gravity, he +thought there were no grounds for such an imputation, though, +indeed, he could not deny it was universally believed abroad his +majesty was implicitly governed by Lord Clarendon. The king, +being keenly sensitive to remarks doubting his authority, and +most desirous of appearing his own master, would exclaim on such +occasions that the chancellor "had served him long, and +understood his business, in which he trusted him; but in any +other matter than his business, he had no more credit with him +than any other man." And presently the Duke of Buckingham--who +possessed talents of mimicry to a surpassing degree--would arise, +and, screwing his face into ridiculous contortions, and shaking +his wig in a manner that burlesqued wisdom to perfection, deliver +some ludicrous speech brimming with mirth and indecencies, +assuming the grave air and stately manner of the chancellor the +while. And finally, to make the caricature perfect, Tom +Killigrew, hanging a pair of bellows before him by way of purse, +and preceded by a friend carrying a fireshovel to represent a +mace, would walk round the room with the slow determined tread +peculiar to Lord Clarendon. At these performances the king, his +mistress, and his courtiers would laugh loud and long in chorus, +with which was mingled sounds of chinking glasses and flowing +wine. ["Came my lord chancellor (the Earl of Clarendon) and his +lady, his purse and mace borne before him, to visit me"-- +Evelyn's "Diary."] + +In this manner was the old man's power undermined; but a +circumstance which hastened his fall occurred in the early part +of 1667. In that year Lady Castlemaine had, for a valuable +consideration, disposed of a place at court, which ensured the +purchaser a goodly salary. However, before the bargain could +finally be ratified, it was necessary the appointment should pass +the great seal. This the chancellor would not permit, and +accompanied his refusal by remarking, "he thought this woman +would sell every thing shortly." His speech being repeated to +her, she, in great rage, sent him word she "had disposed of this +place, and had no doubt in a little time to dispose of his." And +so great was the malice she bore him, that she railed against him +openly and in all places; nor did she scruple to declare in the +queen's chamber, in the presence of much company, "that she hoped +to see his head upon a stake, to keep company with those of the +regicides on Westminster Hall." + +And some political movements now arising, the history of which +lies not within the province of this work, the king seized upon +them as an excuse for parting with his chancellor. The monarch +complained that my Lord Clarendon "was so imperious that he would +endure no contradiction; that he had a faction in the House of +Commons that opposed everything that concerned his majesty's +service, if it were not recommended to them by him; and that he +had given him very ill advice concerning the parliament, which +offended him most." + +Therefore there were rumours in the air that the chancellor's +fall was imminent; nor were the efforts of his son-in-law, the +Duke of York, able to protect him, for the friends of my Lady +Castlemaine openly told his majesty "it would not consist with +his majesty's honour to be hectored out of his determination to +dismiss the chancellor by his brother, who was wrought upon by +his wife's crying." It therefore happened on the 26th of August, +1667, as early as ten o'clock in the morning, Lord Clarendon +waited at Whitehall on the king, who presently, accompanied by +his brother, received him with characteristic graciousness. +Whereon the old man, acknowledging the monarch's courtesy, said +he "had no suit to make to him, nor the least thought to dispute +with him, or to divert him from the resolution he had taken; but +only to receive his determination from himself, and most humbly +to beseech him to let him know what fault he had committed, that +had drawn this severity upon him from his majesty." + +In answer to this Charles said he must always acknowledge "he had +served him honestly and faithfully, and that he did believe never +king had a better servant; that he had taken this resolution for +his good and preservation, as well as for his own convenience and +security; that he was sorry the business had taken so much air, +and was so publicly spoken of, that he knew not how to change his +purpose." To these words of fair seeming the troubled chancellor +replied by doubting if the sudden dismissal of an old servant who +had served the crown full thirty years, without any suggestion of +crime, but rather with a declaration of innocence, would not call +his majesty's justice and good nature into question. He added +that men would not know how to serve him, when they should see it +was in the power of three or four persons who had never done him +any notable service to dispose him to ungracious acts. And +finally, he made bold to cast some reflections upon my Lady +Castlemaine, and give his majesty certain warnings regarding her +influence. + +At this the king, not being well pleased, rose up, and the +interview, which had lasted two hours, terminated. Lord +Clarendon tells us so much concerning his memorable visit, to +which Pepys adds a vivid vignette picture of his departure. When +my lord passed from his majesty's presence into the privy garden, +my Lady Castlemaine, who up to that time had been in bed, "ran +out in her smock into her aviary looking into Whitehall--and +thither her woman brought her nightgown--and stood joying herself +at the old man's going away; and several of the gallants of +Whitehall, of which there were many staying to see the chancellor +return, did talk to her in her birdcage--among others Blaneford, +telling her she was the bird of paradise." + +A few days after this occurrence the king sent Secretary Morrice +to the chancellor's house, with a warrant under a sign manual to +require and receive the great seal. This Lord Clarendon at once +delivered him with many expressions of duty which he bade the +messenger likewise convey his majesty. And no sooner had Morrice +handed the seals to the king, than Baptist May, keeper of the +privy purse, and friend of my Lady Castlemaine, sought the +monarch, and falling upon his knees, kissed his hand and +congratulated him on his riddance of the chancellor. "For now." +said he, availing himself of the liberty Charles permitted his +friends, "you will be king--what you have never been before." +Finally, the chancellor was, through influence of his enemies, +impeached in the House of Commons; and to such length did they +pursue him, that he was banished the kingdom by act of +parliament. + +His grace the Duke of Ormond was the next minister whom my Lady +Castlemaine, in the strength of her evil influence, sought to +undermine. By reason of an integrity rendering him too loyal to +the king to pander to his majesty's mistress, he incurred her +displeasure in many ways; but especially by refusing to gratify +her cupidity. It happened she had obtained from his majesty a +warrant granting her the Phoenix Park, Dublin, and the mansion +situated therein, which had always been placed at service of the +lords lieutenants, and was the only summer residence at their +disposal. The duke, therefore, boldly refusing to pass the +warrant, stopped the grant. [According to O'Connor's +"Bibliotheca Stowensis," Lady Castlemaine soon after received a +grant of a thousand pounds per annum in compensation for her loss +of Phoenix Park.] This so enraged the countess, that soon after, +when his grace returned to England, she, on meeting him in one of +the apartments in Whitehall, greeted him with a torrent of +abusive language and bitter reproaches, such as the rancour of +her heart could suggest, or the license of her tongue utter, and +concluded by hoping she might live to see him hanged. The duke +heard her with the uttermost calmness, and when she had exhausted +her abusive vocabulary quietly replied, "Madam, I am not in so +much haste to put an end to your days; for all I wish with regard +to you is, that I may live to see you grow old." And, bowing +low, the fine old soldier left her presence. It may be added, +though the duke was deprived of the lord lieutenancy, the +countess's pious wish regarding him was never fulfilled. + +It now occurred to those who had relentlessly persecuted the +chancellor, that though they were safe as long as Charles +reigned, his death would certainly place them in peril. For they +sufficiently knew the Duke of York's character to be aware when +he ascended the throne he would certainly avenge the wrongs +suffered by his father-in-law. Accordingly these men, prominent +amongst whom were the Duke of Buckingham, Sir Thomas Clifford, +Lords Arlington, Lauderdale, and Ashley, and Baptist May, +resolved to devise means which would prevent the Duke of York +ever attaining the power of sovereignty. Therefore scarce a year +had gone by since Lord Clarendon's downfall, ere rumours were +spread abroad that his majesty was about to put away the queen, +This was to be effected, it was said, by the king's +acknowledgment of a previous marriage with Lucy Walters, mother +of the Duke of Monmouth, or by obtaining a divorce on ground of +her majesty's barrenness. + +The Duke of Buckingham, who was prime mover in this plot, aware +of the king's pride in, and fondness for the Duke of Monmouth, +favoured the scheme of his majesty's admission of a marriage +previous to that which united him with Catherine of Braganza. +And according to Burnet, Buckingham undertook to procure +witnesses who would swear they had been present at the ceremony +which united him with the abandoned Lucy Walters. Moreover, the +Earl of Carlisle, who likewise favoured the contrivance, offered +to bring this subject before the House of Lords. However, the +king would not consent to trifle with the succession in this vile +manner, and the idea was promptly abandoned. But though the +project was unsuccessful, it was subsequently the cause of many +evils; for the chances of sovereignty, flashing before the eyes +of the Duke of Monmouth, dazzled him with hopes, in striving to +realize which, he, during the succeeding reign, steeped the +country in civil warfare, and lost his head. + +The king's friends, ever active for evil, now sought other +methods by which he might rid himself of the woman who loved him +well, and therefore be enabled to marry again, when, it was +trusted, he would have heirs to the crown. It was suggested his +union might, through lack of some formality, be proved illegal; +but as this could not be effected without open violation of truth +and justice, it was likewise forsaken. The Duke of Buckingham +now besought his majesty that he would order a bill to divorce +himself from the queen to be brought into the House of Commons. +The king gave his consent to the suggestion, and the affair +proceeded so far that a date was fixed upon for the motion. +However, three days previous, Charles called Baptist May aside, +and told him the matter must be discontinued. + +But even yet my Lord Buckingham did not despair of gaining his +wishes. And, being qualified by his character for the commission +of abominable deeds, and fitted by his experience for undertaking +adventurous schemes, he proposed to his majesty, as Burnet +states, that he would give him leave to abduct the queen, and +send her out of the kingdom to a plantation, where she should be +well and carefully looked to, but never heard of more. Then it +could be given out she had deserted him, upon which grounds he +might readily obtain a divorce. But the king, though he +permitted such a proposal to be made him, contemplated it with +horror, declaring "it was a wicked thing to make a poor lady +miserable only because she was his wife and had no children by +him, which was no fault of hers." + +Ultimately these various schemes resolved themselves into a +proposition which Charles sanctioned. This was that the queen's +confessor should persuade her to leave the world, and embrace a +religious life. Whether this suggestion was ever made to her +majesty is unknown, for the Countess of Castlemaine, hearing of +these schemes, and foreseeing she would be the first sacrificed +to a new queen's jealousy, opposed them with such vigour that +they fell to the ground and were heard of no more. The fact was, +the king took no active part in these designs, not being anxious, +now the Duchess of Richmond had accepted his love, to unite +himself with another wife. Whilst her grace had been unmarried, +the idea had indeed occurred to him of seeking a divorce that he +might be free to lay his crown at the feet of the maid of honour. +And with such a view in mind he had consulted Dr. Sheldon, +Archbishop of Canterbury, as to whether the Church of England +"would allow of a divorce, when both parties were consenting, and +one of them lay under a natural incapacity of having children." +Before answering a question on which so much depended, the +archbishop requested time for consideration, which, with many +injunctions to secrecy, was allowed him. "But," says Lord +Dartmouth, who vouches for truth of this statement, "the Duke of +Richmond's clandestine marriage, before he had given an answer, +made the king suspect he had revealed the secret to Clarendon, +whose creature Sheldon was known to be; and this was the true +secret of Clarendon's disgrace." For the king, believing the +chancellor had aided the duke in his secret marriage, in order to +prevent his majesty's union with Miss Stuart, and the presumable +exclusion of the Duke and Duchess of York and their children from +the throne, never forgave him. + +Though the subject of the royal divorce was no longer mentioned, +the disturbances springing from it were far from ended; for the +Duke of Buckingham, incensed at Lady Castlemaine's interference, +openly quarrelled with her, abused her roundly, and swore he +would remove the king from her power. To this end he therefore +employed his talents, and with such tact and assiduity that he +ultimately fulfilled his menaces. The first step he took towards +accomplishing his desires, was to introduce two players to his +majesty, named respectively Moll Davis and Nell Gwynn. + +The former, a member of the Duke of York's troupe of performers, +could boast of goodly lineage, though not of legitimate birth, +her father being Thomas Howard, first Earl of Berkshire. She +had, early in the year 1667, made her first appearance at the +playhouse, and had by her comely face and shapely figure +challenged the admiration of the town. Her winsome ways, +pleasant voice, and graceful dancing soon made her a favourite +with the courtiers, who voted her an excellent wench; though some +of her own sex, judging harshly of her, as is their wont towards +each other, declared her "the most impertinent slut in the +world." + +Now the Duke of Buckingham knowing her well, it seemed to him no +woman was more suited to fulfil his purpose of thwarting the +countess; for if he succeeded in awaking the king's passion for +the comedian, such a proceeding would not only arouse my lady's +jealousy, but likewise humble her pride. Therefore, when this +court Mephistopheles accompanied his majesty to the playhouse, he +was careful to dwell on Moll Davis's various charms, the +excellency of her figure, the beauty of her face, the piquancy of +her manner. So impressed was the monarch by Buckingham's +descriptions, that he soon became susceptible to her +fascinations. The amour once begun was speedily pursued; and she +was soon enabled to boast, in presence of the players, that the +king--whose generosity was great to fallen women--had given her a +ring valued at seven hundred pounds, and was about to take, and +furnish most richly, a house in Suffolk Street for her benefit +and abode. Pepys heard this news in the first month of the year +1668; and soon afterwards a further rumour reached him that she +was veritably the king's mistress, "even to the scorn of the +world." + +This intrigue affected Lady Castlemaine in a manner which the +Duke of Buckingham had not expected. Whilst sitting beside +Charles in the playhouse, she noticed his attention was riveted +upon her rival, when she became melancholy and out of humour, in +which condition she remained some days. But presently rallying +her spirits, she soon found means to divert her mind and avenge +her wrongs, of which more shall be recorded hereafter. +Meanwhile, the poor queen, whose feelings neither the king nor +his courtiers took into consideration, bore this fresh insult +with such patience as she could summon to her aid, on one +occasion only protesting against her husband's connection with +the player. This happened when the Duke of York's troupe +performed in Whitehall the tragedy of "Horace," "written by the +virtuous Mrs. Phillips." The courtiers assembled on this +occasion presented a brilliant and goodly sight. Evelyn tells us +"the excessive gallantry of the ladies was infinite, those jewels +especially on Lady Castlemaine esteemed at forty thousand pounds +and more, far outshining ye queene." Between each act of the +tradgedy a masque and antique dance was performed. When Moll +Davis appeared, her majesty, turning pale from sickness of heart, +and trembling from indignation at the glaring insult thrust upon +her, arose and left the apartment boisterous with revelry, where +she had sat a solitary sad figure in its midst. As a result of +her intimacy with the king, Moll Davis bore him a daughter, who +subsequently became Lady Derwentwater. But the Duke of +Buckingham's revenge upon my Lady Castlemaine was yet but half +complete; and therefore whilst the monarch carried on his +intrigue with Moll Davis, his grace, enlarging upon the wit and +excellency of Nell Gwynn, besought his majesty to send for her. +This request the king complied with readily enough, and she was +accordingly soon added to the list of his mistresses. Nell +Gwynn, who was at this period in her eighteenth year, had joined +the company of players at the king's house, about the same time +as Moll Davis had united her fortunes with the Duke of York's +comedians. Her time upon the stage was, however, but of brief +duration; for my Lord Buckhurst, afterwards Earl of Dorset, a +witty and licentious man, falling in love with her, induced her +to become his mistress, quit the theatre, and forsake the society +of her lover, Charles Hart, a famous actor and great-nephew of +William Shakespeare. And she complying with his desires in these +matters, he made her an allowance of one hundred pounds a year, +on which she returned her parts to the manager, and declared she +would act no more. + +Accordingly in the month of July, 1667, she was living at Epsom +with my Lord Buckhurst and his witty friend Sir Charles Sedley, +and a right merry house they kept for a time. But alas, ere the +summer had died there came a day when charming Nell and his +fickle lordship were friends no more, and parting from him, she +was obliged to revert to the playhouse again. + +Now Nell Gwynn being not only a pretty woman, but moreover an +excellent actress, her return was welcomed by the town. Her +achievements in light comedy were especially excellent, and +declared entertaining to a rare degree. Pepys, who witnessed her +acting "a comical part," in the "Maiden Queen," a play by Dryden, +says he could "never hope to see the like done again by man or +woman. So great performance of a comical part," he continues, +"was never, I believe, in the world before as Nell do this, both +as a mad girle, then most and best of all when she comes in like +a young gallant; and hath the motions and carriage of a spark the +most that ever I saw any man have. It makes me, I confess, +admire her." In the part of Valeria, in "Tyrannic Love," she was +also pronounced inimitable; especially in her delivery of the +epilogue. The vein of comedy with which she delivered the +opening lines, addressed to those about to bear her dead body +from the stage, was merry beyond belief. "Hold!" she cried out +to one of them, as she suddenly started to life-- + + "Hold! are you mad? you damned confounded dog! + I am to rise and speak the epilogue." + +Before the year 1667 ended, she had several times visited his +majesty at Whitehall. The king was now no less assured of her +charms as a woman, than he had previously been convinced of her +excellence as an actress. In due time, her intimacy with the +monarch resulted in the birth of two sons; the elder of which was +created Duke of St. Albans, from whom is descended the family now +bearing that title: the second died young and unmarried. + +Through influence of these women, my Lady Castlemaine's power +over the king rapidly diminished, and at last ceased to exist; +seeing which, as Burnet says, "She abandoned herself to great +disorders; one of which by the artifice of the Duke of Buckingham +was discovered by the king in person, the party concerned leaping +out of the window." The gallant to whom the worthy bishop refers +was John Churchill, afterwards the great Duke of Marlborough, at +this time a handsome stripling of eighteen summers. In his +office as page to the Duke of York, he frequently came under +notice of her ladyship, who, pleased with the charms of his +boyish face and graceful figure, intimated his love would not +prove unacceptable to her. Accordingly he promptly made love to +the countess, who, in the first fervour of her affection, +presented him with five thousand pounds. With this sum he +purchased a life annuity of five hundred pounds, which, as Lord +Chesterfield writes, "became the foundation of his subsequent +fortune." Nor did her generosity end here: at a cost of six +thousand crowns she obtained for him the post of groom of the +bedchamber to the Duke of York, and was instrumental in +subsequently forwarding his advancements in the army. + +My Lady Castlemaine was by no means inclined to spend her days in +misery because the royal favour was no longer vouchsafed her; and +therefore, by way of satisfying her desires for revenge, +conducted intrigues not only with John Churchill and Harry +Jermyn, but likewise with one Jacob Hall, a noted acrobat. This +man was not only gifted with strength and agility, but likewise +with grace and beauty: so that, as Granger tells us, "The ladies +regarded him as a due composition of Hercules and Adonis." His +dancing on the tight rope at Bartholomew Fair was "a thing worth +seeing and mightily followed;" whilst his deeds of daring at +Southwark Fair were no less subjects of admiration and wonder. +The countess was so charmed by the performance of this athlete in +public, that she became desirous of conversation with him in +private; and he was accordingly introduced to her by Beck +Marshall, the player. The countess found his society so +entertaining that she frequently visited him, a compliment he +courteously returned. Moreover, she allowed him a yearly salary, +and openly showed her admiration for him by having their +portraits painted in one picture: in which she is represented +playing a fiddle, whilst he leans over her, touching the strings +of a guitar. + +Her amours in general, and her intimacy with the rope-dancer in +particular, becoming common talk of the town, his majesty became +incensed; and it grieved him the more that one who dwelt in his +palace, and was yet under his protection, should divide her +favours between a king and a mountebank. Accordingly bitter +feuds arose between her and the monarch, when words of hatred, +scorn, and defiance were freely exchanged. His majesty +upbraiding her with a love for the rope-dancer, she replied with +much spirit, "it very ill became him to throw out such reproaches +against her: that he had never ceased quarrelling unjustly with +her, ever since he had betrayed his own mean low inclinations: +that to gratify such a depraved taste as his, he wanted the +pitiful strolling actresses whom he had lately introduced into +their society." Then came fresh threats from the lips of the +fury, followed by passionate storms of tears. + +The king, who loved ease greatly, and valued peace exceedingly, +became desirous of avoiding such harrowing scenes. Accordingly, +he resolved to enter into a treaty with his late mistress, by +which he would consent to grant her such concessions as she +desired, providing she promised to discontinue her intrigues with +objectionable persons, and leave him to pursue his ways without +reproach. By mutual consent, his majesty and the countess +selected the Chevalier de Grammont to conduct this delicate +business; he being one in whose tact and judgment they had +implicit confidence. After various consultations and due +consideration, it was agreed the countess should abandon her +amours with Henry Jermyn and Jacob Hall, rail no more against +Moll Davis or Nell Gwynn, or any other of his majesty's +favourites, in consideration for which Charles would create her a +duchess, and give her an additional pension in order to support +her fresh honours with becoming dignity. + +And as the king found her residence in Whitehall no longer +necessary to his happiness, Berkshire House was purchased for her +as a suitable dwelling This great mansion, situated at the south- +west corner of St. James's Street, facing St. James's Palace, was +surrounded by pleasant gardens devised in the Dutch style, and +was in every way a habitation suited for a prince. This handsome +gift was followed by a grant of the revenues of the Post Office, +amounting to four thousand seven hundred pounds a year, which was +at first paid her in weekly instalments. On the 3rd of August, +1670, Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine, was created Baroness +Nonsuch, of Nonsuch Park, Surrey; Countess of Southampton; and +Duchess of Cleveland in the peerage of England. The reasons for +crowding these honours thick upon her were, as the patent stated, +"in consideration of her noble descent, her father's death in the +service of the crown, and by reason of her personal virtues." + +Nor did his majesty's extravagant favours to her end here. She +was now, as Mr. Povy told his friend Pepys, "in a higher command +over the king than ever--not as a mistress, for she scorns him, +but as a tyrant, to command him." In consequence of this power, +she was, two months after her creation as duchess, presented by +the monarch with the favourite hunting seat of Henry VIII., the +magnificent palace and great park of Nonsuch, in the parishes of +Cheam and Malden, in the county of Surrey. And yet a year later, +she received fresh proofs of his royal munificence by the gift of +"the manor, hundred, and advowson of Woking, county Surrey; the +manor and advowson of Chobham, the hundred of Blackheath and +Wootton, the manor of Bagshot (except the park, site of the manor +and manor-house, and the Bailiwick, and the office of the +Bailiwick, called Surrey Bailiwick, otherwise Bagshot Bailiwick), +and the advowson of Bisley, all in the same county." + +Her wealth, the more notable at a time when the king was in debt, +and the nation impoverished from expenditure necessary to +warfare, was enormous. Andrew Marvell, writing in August, 1671, +states: "Lord St. John, Sir R. Howard, Sir John Bennet, and Sir +W. Bicknell, the brewer, have farmed the customs. They have +signed and sealed ten thousand pounds a year more to the Duchess +of Cleveland; who has likewise near ten thousand pounds a year +out of the new farm of the country excise of Beer and Ale; five +thousand pounds a year out of the Post Office; and they say, the +reversion of all the King's Leases, the reversion of places all +in the Custom House, the green wax, and indeed what not? All +promotions spiritual and temporal pass under her cognizance." + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +Louise de Querouaille.--The Triple Alliance.--Louise is created +Duchess of Portsmouth.--Her grace and the impudent comedian.-- +Madam Ellen moves in society.--The young Duke of St. Albans.-- +Strange story of the Duchess of Mazarine.--Entertaining the wits +at Chelsea.--Luxurious suppers.--Profligacy and wit. + +The Duchess of Cleveland having shared the fate common to court +favourites, her place in the royal affections was speedily filled +by a mistress whose influence was even more baneful to the king, +and more pernicious to the nation. This woman was Louise de +Querouaille, the descendant of a noble family in Lower Brittany. +At an early age she had been appointed maid of honour to +Henrietta, youngest sister of Charles II., soon after the +marriage of that princess, in 1661, with the Duke of Orleans, +brother to Louis XIV. Fate decreed that Mademoiselle de +Querouaille should be brought into England by means of a +political movement; love ordained she should reign mistress of +the king's affections. + +It happened in January, 1668, that a Triple Alliance had been +signed at the Hague, which engaged England, Sweden, and the +United Provinces to join in defending Spain against the power of +France. A secret treaty in this agreement furthermore bound the +allies to check the ambition of Louis XIV., and, if possible, +reduce his encroaching sway. That Charles II. should enter into +such an alliance was galling to the French monarch, who resolved +to detach his kinsman from the compact, and bind him to the +interests of France. To effect this desired purpose, which he +knew would prove objectionable to the British nation, Louis +employed Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans, to visit England on +pretext of pleasure and affection, and secretly persuade and +bribe her brother to the measures required. + +The young duchess, though an English princess, had at heart the +interests of the country in which she had been reared, and which +on her marriage she had adopted as her own. She therefore gladly +undertook this mission, confident of her success from the fact +that of all his family she had ever been the most tenderly +beloved by Charles. Therefore she set out from France, and in +the month of May, 1670, arrived at Dover, to which port the king, +Queen, and court hastened, that they might greet and entertain +her. For full ten days in this merry month, high revelry was +held at Dover, during which time Henrietta skilfully and secretly +effected the object of her visit. And her delight was now the +greater, inasmuch as one item which this agreement entrusted her +to make, engaged that Charles would, as soon as he could with +safety, follow the example of his brother the Duke of York, and +become a Catholic. In carrying out this purpose Louis promised +him substantial aid and sure protection. Likewise, it may be +mentioned, did the French king engrage to grant him a subsidy +equal to a million a year, if Charles joined him in an attack on +Holland. + +The prospect of his sister's return filled the king with sorrow, +which increased as the term of her visit drew to an end. "He +wept when he parted with her," wrote Monsieur Colbert, the French +ambassador, who significantly adds, "whatever favour she asked of +him was granted." + +Now Louis knowing the weakness of the English monarch's +character, and aware of his susceptibility to female loveliness, +had despatched Mademoiselle de Querouaille in the train of +Henrietta. Satisfied that Charles could not resist her charms, +the French monarch had instructed this accomplished woman, who +was trusted in his councils, to accept the royal love, which it +was surmised would be proffered her; so that by the influence +which she would consequently obtain, she might hold him to the +promises he might make the Duchess of Orleans. + +As had been anticipated, the king became enamoured of this +charming woman, who, before departing with the princess, +faithfully promised to return and become his mistress. In his +desire to possess her the merry monarch was upheld by his grace +of Buckingham, who, continuing in enmity with the Duchess of +Cleveland, resolved to prevent her regaining influence over the +king by adding the beautiful Frenchwoman to the number of his +mistresses. He therefore told Charles, in the sarcastic manner +it was occasionally his wont to use, "it was a decent piece of +tenderness for his sister to take care of some of her servants;" +whilst on being sent into France, he assured Louis "he could +never reckon himself sure of the king, but by giving him a +mistress that should be true to his interests." But neither king +required urging to a resolution on which both had separately +determined; and soon Mademoiselle Querouaille was ready for her +journey to England. A yacht was therefore sent to Dieppe to +convey her, and presently she was received at Whitehall by the +lord treasurer, and her arrival celebrated in verse by Dryden. +Moreover, that she might have apartments in the palace, the king +at once appointed her a maid of honour to her majesty, this being +the first of a series of favours she was subsequently to receive. +Evelyn, writing in the following October, says it was universally +reported a ceremonious espousal, devoid of the religious rite, +had taken place between his majesty and Mademoiselle Querouaille +at Lord Arlington's house at Euston. "I acknowledge," says this +trustworthy chronicler "she was for the most part in her undresse +all day, and that there was fondnesse and toying with that young +wanton; nay, 'twas said I was at the former ceremony, but 'tis +utterly false; I neither saw nor heard of any such thing whilst I +was there, tho' I had ben in her chamber, and all over that +apartment late enough, and was myself observing all passages with +much curiosity." + +She now became a central figure in the brilliant court of the +merry monarch, being loved by the king, flattered by the wits, +and tolerated by the queen, to whom--unlike the Duchess of +Cleveland--she generally paid the greatest respect. Her card +tables were thronged by courtiers eager to squander large sums +for the honour of playing with the reigning sultana; her suppers +were attended by wits and gallants as merry and amorous as those +who had once crowded round my Lady Castlemaine in the zenith of +her power. No expense was too great for his majesty to lavish +upon her; no honour too high with which to reward her affection. +The authority just mentioned says her apartments at Whitehall +were luxuriously furnished "with ten times the richnesse and +glory beyond the Queene's; such massy pieces of plate, whole +tables and stands of incredible value." After a residence of +little more than three years at court she was raised by King +Charles to the peerage as Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of +Farnham, and Duchess of Portsmouth; whilst the French king, as a +mark of appreciation for the services she rendered France, +conferred upon her the Duchy of Aubigny, in the province of Berri +in France, to which he added the title and dignity of Duchess and +Peeress of France, with the revenues of the territory of Aubigny. +And two years later King Charles, prodigal of the honours he +conferred upon her, ennobled the son she had borne him in 1672. +The titles of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox having lately +reverted to the crown by the death of Frances Stuart's husband, +who was last of his line, the bastard son of the French mistress +was created Duke of Richmond and Earl of March in England, and +Duke of Lennox and Earl of Darnley in Scotland. To these proud +titles the present head of the noble house of Richmond and +Lennox--by virtue of the grant made by Louis XIV. to his +ancestress likewise adds that of Duc d'Aubigny in the peerage of +France. + +But though honoured by the king, and flattered by the court, the +Duchess of Portsmouth was far from enjoying uninterrupted +happiness; inasmuch as her peace was frequently disturbed by +jealousy. The principal cause of her uneasiness during the first +five years of her reign was the king's continued infatuation for +Nell Gwynn; now, by reason of the elevated position she enjoyed, +styled Madam Ellen. This "impudent comedian," as Evelyn calls +her, was treated by his majesty with, extreme indulgence and +royal liberality. In proof of the latter statement, it may be +mentioned that in less than four years from the date of her first +becoming his mistress, he had wantonly lavished sixty thousand +pounds upon her, as Burnet affirms. Moreover, he had purchased +as a town mansion for her "the first good house on the left-hand +side of St. James's Square, entering Pall Mall," now the site of +the Army and Navy Club; had given her likewise a residence +situated close by the Castle at Windsor; and a summer villa +located in what was then the charming village of Chelsea. To +such substantial gifts as these he added the honour of an +appointment at court: when the merry player was made one of the +ladies of the privy chamber to the queen. Samuel Pegg states +this fact, not generally known, and assures us he discovered it +"from the book in the lord chamberlain's office." + +From her position as the king's mistress, Madam Ellen moved on +terms of perfect equality with the Duchess of Portsmouth's +friends--supping with my Lady Orrery, visiting my Lord Cavendish, +and establishing a friendship with the gay Duchess of Norfolk. +This was a source of deep vexation to the haughty Frenchwoman; +but Nell Gwynn's familiarity with the king was a cause of even +greater mortification. Sir George Etherege records in verse when +the monarch was "dumpish" Nell would "chuck the royal chin;" and +it is stated that, mindful of her former conquests over Charles +Hart and Charles Lord Buckley, it was her habit to playfully +style his majesty "Charles the Third." Her wilfulness, wit, and +beauty enabled her to maintain such a strong hold upon the king's +heart, that he shared his time equally between her and the +Duchess of Portsmouth. Indignant that a woman from the playhouse +should receive such evidences of the royal affection, her grace +lost no opportunity of insulting Nell, who responded by mimicry +and grimaces, which threw those who witnessed the comedy into +fits of laughter, and covered the wrathful duchess with +confusion. + +But though the light-hearted actress frequently treated disdain +with ridicule, she could occasionally analyze the respective +positions held by herself and the duchess with seriousness, +Madame de Sevigne tells us, Nell would reason in this manner: +"This duchess pretends to be a person of quality: she affirms +she is related to the best families in France, and when any +person of distinction dies she puts herself in mourning. If she +be a lady of such quality, why does she demean herself to be a +courtesan? She ought to die with shame. As for me, it is my +profession. I do not pretend to anything better. The king +entertains me, and I am constant to him at present. He has a son +by me; I contend that he ought to acknowledge him--and I am well +assured that he will, for he loves me as well as the duchess." + +To have her son ennobled, and by this means raise him to an +equality with the offspring of her grace, became the desire of +Nell Gwynn's life. To her request that this favour might be +granted, the king had promised compliance from time to time, but +had as frequently postponed the fulfilment of his word. At last, +weary of beseeching him, she devised a speech which she trusted +might have the desired effect. Accordingly, when the monarch +came to see her one day, he found her in a pensive mood, playing +with her pretty boy; and the lad, being presently set upon his +feet, he promptly tottered down the room, whereon she cried out +to him, "Come here, you little bastard!" Hearing this word of +evil import applied to his son, the monarch begged she would not +use the expression, "I am sorry," said she regretfully, "but, +alas, I have no other name to give him! "His majesty took the +hint, and soon after bestowed on him that of Charles Beauclerk, +and created him Baron of Heddington, in Oxon, and Earl of Burford +in the same county; and finally, when he had reached the age of +ten years, raised him to the dignity of Duke of St. Albans. + +After a reign of five years in the court of the merry monarch, +her Grace of Portsmouth was destined to encounter a far more +formidable rival than Nell Gwynn, in the person of the Duchess of +Mazarine. This lady, on her arrival in England in 1675, +possessed most of the charms which had rendered her notable in +youth. To the attraction they lent was added an interest arising +from her personal history, in which King Charles had once +figured, and to which fate had subsequently added many pages of +romance. + +Hortensia Mancini, afterwards Duchess of Mazarine, was descendant +of a noble Roman family, and niece of the great Julius Mazarine, +cardinal of the church, and prime minister of France. Her +parents dying whilst she, her sister and brother were young, they +had been reared under the care of his eminence. According to the +memoirs of the duchess, the cardinal's peace must have frequently +been put to flight by his charges, whose conduct, he declared, +exhibited neither piety nor honour. Mindful of this, he placed +his nieces under the immediate supervision of Madame de Venelle, +who was directed to have the closest guard over them. A story +related by the duchess shows in what manner this lady's duty was +carried out, and what unexpected results attended it on one +occasion. + +When the court visited Lyons, in the year 1658, the cardinal's +nieces and their governess lodged in a commodious mansion in one +of the public squares. "Our chamber windows, which opened +towards the market-place," writes Hortensia, "were low enough for +one to get in with ease. Madame de Venelle was so used to her +trade of watching us, that she rose even in her sleep to see what +we were doing. One night, as my sister lay asleep with her mouth +open, Madame de Venelle, after her accustomed manner, coming, +asleep as she was, to grope in the dark, happened to thrust her +finger into her mouth so far that my sister, starting out of her +sleep, made her teeth almost meet in her finger. Judge you the +amazement they both were in to find themselves in this posture +when they were thoroughly awake. My sister was in a grievous +fret. The story was told the king the next day, and the court +had the divertisement of laughing at it." + +Whilst the great minister's nieces were yet extremely young, +Louis XIV. fell passionately in love with the elder, Maria, and +his marriage with her was frustrated only by the united +endeavours of the queen mother and the cardinal. A proposal to +raise Hortensia to the nominal dignity of queen was soon after +made on behalf of Charles II., who sought her as his bride. But +he being at the time an exile, banished from his kingdom, and +with little hope of regaining his throne, the offer was rejected +by Cardinal Mazarine as unworthy of his favourite niece. + +His eminence was, however, anxious to see her married, and +accordingly sought amongst the nobility of France a husband +suitable to her merits and equal to her condition, she being not +only a beautiful woman but, through his bounty, the richest +heiress in Christendom. It happened the cardinal's choice +settled upon one who had fallen in love with Hortensia, and who +had declared, with amorous enthusiasm, that if he had but the +happiness of being married to her, it would not grieve him to die +three months afterwards. + +The young noble was Armand Charles de la Porte, Duke de +Meilleraye, who had the sole recommendation of being one of the +richest peers of France. On condition that he and his heirs +should assume the name of Mazarine and arms of that house, the +cardinal consented to his becoming the husband of his niece. And +the great minister's days rapidly approaching their end, the +ceremony was performed which made Hortensia, then at the age of +thirteen, Duchess of Mazarine. A few months later the great +cardinal expired, leaving her the sum of one million six hundred +and twenty-five thousand pounds sterling. Alas that she should +have died in poverty, and that her body should have been seized +for debt! + +Scarce had the first weeks of her married life passed away, when +the young wife found herself mated to one wholly unsuited to her +character. She was beautiful, witty, and frivolous; he jealous, +dull, and morose. The incompatibility of their dispositions +became as discernible to him, as they had become intolerable to +her; and, as if to avenge the fate which had united them, he lost +no opportunity of thwarting her desires, by such means striving +to bend her lissom quality to the gnarled shape of his unhappy +nature. + +With such a purpose in view no opportunity was neglected to curb +her pleasures or oppose her inclinations. He continually forced +her to leave Paris, and even when her condition required rest and +care, compelled her to accompany him on long and weary journeys, +undertaken by him in consequence of his diplomatic missions. If +she received two successive visits from one man, he was instantly +forbidden the house. If she called her carriage, the coachman +received orders not to obey. If she betrayed a preference for +one maid more than another, the favourite was instantly +dismissed, moreover, the duchess was surrounded by spies, her +movements being rigorously watched, and invariably reported. Nor +would the duke vouchsafe an explanation to his young wife +regarding the cause of this severe treatment, but continued the +even course of such conduct without intermission or abatement. + +After displaying these eccentricities for some years, they +suddenly associated themselves with religion, when he became a +fanatic. Her condition was now less endurable than before; his +whims more ludicrous and exasperating. With solemnity he +declared no one could in conscience visit the theatre; that it +was a sin to play blind man's buff, and a heinous crime to retire +to bed late. And presently, his fanaticism increasing, he +prohibited the woman who nursed his infant to suckle it on +Fridays or Saturdays; that instead of imbibing milk, it might, in +its earliest life, become accustomed to fasting and mortification +of the flesh. + +The young duchess grew hopeless of peace. All day her ears were +beset by harangues setting forth her wickedness, by exortations +calling her to repentance, and by descriptions of visions +vouchsafed him. By night her condition was rendered scarcely +less miserable. "No sooner," says St. Evremond, "were her eyes +closed, than Monsieur Mazarine (who had the devil always present +in his black imagination) wakes his best beloved, to make her +partaker--you will never be able to guess of what--to make her +partaker of his nocturnal visions. Flambeaux are lighted, and +search is made everywhere; but no spectre does Madame Mazarine +find, except that which lay by her in the bed." + +The distresses to which she was subjected were increased by the +knowledge that her husband was squandering her vast fortune. In +what manner the money was spent she does not state. "If" she +writes, "Monsieur Mazarine had only taken delight in overwhelming +me with sadness and grief, and in exposing my health and my life +to his most unreasonable caprice, and in making me pass the best +of my days in an unparalleled slavery, since heaven had been +pleased to make him my master, I should have endeavoured to allay +and qualify my misfortunes by my sighs and tears. But when I saw +that by his incredible dilapidations and profuseness, my son, who +might have been the richest gentleman in France, was in danger of +being the poorest, there was no resisting the force of nature; +and motherly love carried it over all other considerations of +duty, or the moderation I proposed to myself. I saw every day +vast sums go away: moveables of inestimable prices, offices, and +all the rich remains of my uncle's fortune, the fruits of his +labours, and the rewards of his services. I saw as much sold as +came to three millions, before I took any public notice of it; +and I had hardly anything left me of value but my jewels, when +Monsieur Mazarine took occasion to seize upon them." + +She therefore sought the king's interference, but as the duke had +interest at court, she received but little satisfaction. Then +commenced disputes, which, after months of wrangling, ended by +the duchess escaping in male attire out of France, in company +with a gay young cavalier, Monsieur de Rohan. After various +wanderings through Italy and many adventures in Savoy, she +determined on journeying to England. That her visit was not +without a political motive, we gather from St. Evremond; who, +referring to the ascendancy which the Duchess of Portsmouth had +gained over his majesty, and the uses she made of her power for +the interests of France, tells us, "The advocates for liberty, +being excluded from posts and the management of affairs, +contrived several ways to free their country from that infamous +commerce; but finding them ineffectual, they at last concluded +that there was no other course to take than to work the Duchess +of Portsmouth out of the king's favour, by setting up against her +a rival who should be in their interest. The Duchess of Mazarine +was thought very fit for their purpose, for she outshined the +other, both in wit and beauty." + +Charles de St. Denis, Seigneur de St. Evremond, was a soldier, +philosopher, and courtier, who had distinguished himself by his +bravery, learning, and politeness. Having fallen under the +displeasure of the French court, he had, in the year 1662, sought +refuge in England, where he had been welcomed with the courtesy +due to his rank, and the esteem which befitted his merits. +Settling in the capital, he mixed freely in the companionship of +wits, gallants, and courtiers who constituted its society; and +delighted with London as a residence, he determined on making +England his country by adoption. An old friend and fervent +admirer of the Duchess of Mazarine, he had received the news of +her visit with joy, and celebrated her arrival in verse. + +The reputation of her loveliness and the history of her life +having preceded her, the court became anxious to behold her; the +king, mindful of the relationship he had once sought; with the +duchess, grew impatient to welcome her. After a few days' rest, +necessary to remedy the fatigue of her journey, she appeared at +Whitehall. By reason of her beauty, now ripened rather than +impaired by time, and those graces which attracted the more from +the fascination they had formerly exercised, she at once gained +the susceptible heart of the monarch. St. Evremond tells us her +person "contained nothing that was not too lovely." In the +"Character of the Duchess of Mazarine," which he drew soon after +her arrival in London, he has presented a portrait of her worth +examining not only for sake of the object it paints, but for the +quaint workmanship it contains. "An ill-natured curiosity," he +writes, "makes me scrutinize every feature in her face, with a +design either to meet there some shocking irregularity, or some +disgusting disagreeableness. But how unluckily do I succeed in +my design. Every feature about her has a particular beauty, that +does not in the least yield to that of her eyes, which, by the +consent of all the world, are the finest in the universe. One +thing there is that entirely confounds me: her teeth, her lips, +her mouth, and all the graces that attend it, are lost amongst +the great variety of beauties in her face and what is but +indifferent in her, will not suffer us to consider what is most +remarkable in others. The malice of my curiosity does not stop +here. I proceed to spy out some defect in her shape; and I find +I know not what graces of nature so happily and so liberally +scattered in her person, that the genteelness of others only +seems to be constraint and affectation." + +The king--to whom the presence of a beautiful woman was as +sunshine to the earth--at once offered her his affections, the +gallants tendered their homage, the ladies of the court +volunteered the flattery embodied in imitation. And by way of +practically proving his admiration, his majesty graciously +allotted her a pension of four thousand pounds a year, with +apartments in St. James's Palace. + +The sovereignty which the Duchess of Portsmouth had held for five +years over the monarch's heart was now in danger of downfall; and +probably would have ended, but for Madame Mazarine's +indiscretions. It happened a few months after her arrival in +London, the Prince of Monaco visited the capital. Young in +years, handsome in person, and extravagant in expenditure, he +dazzled the fairest women at court; none of whom had so much +power to please him in all as the Duchess of Mazarine. +Notwithstanding the king's generosity, she accepted the prince's +admiration; and resolved to risk the influence she had gained, +that she might freely love where she pleased. Her entertainment +of a passion, as sudden in development as fervid in intensity, +enraged the king; but his fury served only to increase her +infatuation, seeing which, his majesty suspended payment of her +pension. + +The gay Prince of Monaco in due time ending his visit to London, +and leaving the Duchess of Mazarine behind him, she, through the +interposition of her friends, obtained his majesty's pardon, was +received into favour, and again allowed her pension. + +She now ruled, not only mistress of the king's heart, but queen +of a brilliant circle of wits and men of parts, whose delight it +became to heed the epigrams and eccentricities which fell from +her lips. Her rooms at St. James's, and her house in Chelsea, +became the rendezvous of the most polite and brilliant society in +England. In the afternoons, seated amongst her monkeys, dogs, +parrots, and pets, she discoursed on philosophy, love, religion, +politics, and plays; whilst at night her saloons were thrown open +to such as delighted in gambling. Then the duchess, seated at +the head of the table, her dark eyes flashing with excitement, +her red lips parted in expectation, followed the fortunes of the +night with anxiety: all compliments being suspended and all fine +speeches withheld the while, nought being heard but the rustle of +cards and the chink of gold. + +Dainty and luxurious suppers followed, when rare wines flowed, +and wit long suppressed found joyous vent. Here sat Charles +beside his beautiful mistress, happy in the enjoyment of the +present, careless of the needs of his people; and close beside +him my Lord of Buckingham, watchful of his majesty's face, +hatching dark plots whilst he turned deft compliments. There +likewise were my Lord Dorset, the easiest and wittiest man +living; Sir Charles Sedley, one learned in intrigue; Baptist May, +the monarch's favourite; Tom Killigrew who jested on life's +follies whilst he enjoyed them; the Countess of Shrewsbury, +beautiful and amorous; and Madam Ellen, who was ready to mimic or +sing, dance or act, for his majesty's diversion. + +And so, whilst a new day stole upon the world without, tapers +burned low within the duchess's apartments; and the king, his +mistress, and a brave and gallant company ate, drank, and made +merry. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A storm threatens the kingdom.--The Duke of York is touched in +his conscience.--His interview with Father Simons.--The king +declares his mind.--The Duchess of York becomes a catholic.--The +circumstances of her death.--The Test Act introduced.--Agitation +of the nation.--The Duke of York marries again.--Lord +Shaftesbury's schemes.--The Duke of Monmouth.--William of Orange +and the Princess Mary.--Their marriage and departure from +England. + +Whilst the surface life of the merry monarch sped onward in its +careless course, watchful eyes took heed of potent signs boding +storms and strife. The storm which shook the kingdom to its +centre came anon; the strife which dethroned a monarch was +reserved for the succeeding reign. These were not effected by +the king's profligacy, indolence, or extravagance, but because of +a change in the religious belief of the heir-apparent to the +crown. + +The cloud, no bigger than a man's hand, which presently spread +and overcast the political horizon, was first observed towards +the beginning of the year 1669. The Rev. J. S. Clarke, +historiographer to George III., chaplain to the royal household, +and librarian to the Prince Regent, in his "Life of James II., +collected out of Memoirs writ of his own hand," tells us that +about this time the Duke of York "was sensibly touched in his +conscience, and began to think seriously of his salvation." +Accordingly, the historian states, "he sent for one Father +Simons, a Jesuit, who had the reputation of a very learned man, +to discourse with him upon that subject; and when he came, he +told him the good intentions he had of being a catholic, and +treated with him concerning his being reconciled to the church. +After much discourse about the matter, the Jesuit very sincerely +told him, that unless he would quit the communion of the Church +of England, he could not be received into the Catholic Church. +The duke then said he thought it might be done by a dispensation +from the pope, alleging the singularity of his case, and the +advantage it might bring to the catholic religion in general, and +in particular to those of it in England, if he might have such +dispensation for outwardly appearing a protestant, at least till +he could own himself publicly to be a catholic, with more +security to his own person and advantage to them. But the father +insisted that even the pope himself had not the power to grant +it, for it was an unalterable doctrine of the Catholic Church, +not to do ill that good might follow. What this Jesuit thus said +was afterwards confirmed to the duke by the pope himself, to whom +he wrote upon the same subject. Till this time his royal +highness believed (as it is commonly believed, or at least said +by the Church of England doctors) that dispensations in any such +cases are by the pope easily granted; but Father Simons's words, +and the letter of his holiness, made the duke think it high time +to use all the endeavours he could, to be at liberty to declare +himself, and not to live in so unsafe and so uneasy a condition. + +Inasmuch as what immediately followed touches a point of great +delicacy and vast importance, the words of the historian, mainly +taken from the "Stuart Papers," are best given here, "His royal +highness well-knowing that the king was of the same mind, and +that his majesty had opened himself upon it to Lord Arundel of +Wardour, Lord Arlington, and Sir Thomas Clifford, took an +occasion to discourse with him upon that subject about the same +time, and found him resolved as to his being a catholic, and that +he intended to have a private meeting with those persons above +named at the duke's closet, to advise with them about the ways +and methods fit to he taken for advancing the catholic religion +in his dominions, being resolved not to live any longer in the +constraint he was under. The meeting was on the 25th of January. +When they were met according to the king's appointment, he +declared his mind to them on the matter of religion, and said how +uneasy it was to him not to profess the faith he believed; and +that he had called them together to have their advice about the +ways and methods fittest to be taken for the settling of the +catholic religion in his kingdoms, and to consider of the time +most proper to declare himself, telling them withal that no time +ought to be lost; that he was to expect to meet with many and +great difficulties in bringing it about, and that he chose rather +to undertake it now, when he and his brother were in their full +strength and able to undergo any fatigue, than to delay it till +they were grown older and less fit to go through with so great a +design. This he spoke with great earnestness, and even with +tears in his eyes; and added, that they were to go about it as +wise men and good catholics ought to do. The consultation lasted +long, and the result was, that there was no better way for doing +this work than to do it in conjunction with France, and with the +assistance of his Most Christian majesty." Accordingly the +secret treaty with France was entered into, as already mentioned. + +No further movement towards professing the catholic religion was +made by the king or his brother for some time. The tendencies of +the latter becoming suspected, his actions were observed with +vigilance, when it was noted, that although he attended service +as usual with the king, he no longer received the sacrament. It +was also remarked the Duchess of York, whose custom it had been +to communicate once a month, soon followed his example. Her +neglect of this duty was considered the more conspicuous as she +had been bred a staunch protestant, and ever appeared zealous in +her support of that religion. Moreover, it was noted that, from +the beginning of the year 1670, she was wont to defend the +catholic faith from such errors as it had been charged withal. + +These matters becoming subjects of conversation at court soon +reached the ears of Bishop Morley, who had acted as her confessor +since her twelfth year, confession being then much practised in +the English Church. Thereon he hastened to her, and spoke at +length of the inferences which were drawn from her neglect of +receiving the sacrament, in answer to which she pleaded business +and ill-health as sufficient excuses. But he, suspecting other +causes, gave her advice, and requested she would send for him in +case doubts arose in her mind concerning the faith she professed. +Being now free from all uncertainties, she readily promised +compliance with his desire, and added, "No priest had ever taken +the confidence to speak to her on those matters." + +The fact that she no longer communicated becoming more noticed as +time passed, the king spoke to his brother concerning the +omission, when the duke told him she had become a catholic. +Hearing this, Charles requested him to keep her change of faith a +secret, which was accordingly done, none being aware of the act +but Father Hunt, a Franciscan friar, Lady Cranmer, one of her +women of the bedchamber, and Mr. Dupuy, servant to the duke. In +a paper she drew up relative to her adoption of the catholic +religion, preserved in the fifth volume of the "Harleian +Miscellany," she professes being one of the greatest enemies that +faith ever had. She likewise declares no man or woman had said +anything, or used the least persuasion to make her change her +religion. That had been effected, she adds, by a perusal of Dr. +Heylin's "History of the Reformation;" after which she spoke +severally to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury and Dr. +Blandford, Bishop of Worcester, who told her "there were many +things in the Roman Church which it was very much to be wished +they had kept--as confession, which was no doubt commanded by +God; and praying for the dead, which was one of the ancient +things in Christianity--that for their parts they did it daily, +though they would not own to it." + +The duchess pondered over what she had read and heard, and being +a woman accustomed to judge for herself, and act upon her +decisions, she, in the month of August, 1670 became a member of +the Catholic Church, in which communion she died seven months +later. For fifteen months previous to her demise she had been +suffering from a complication of diseases, with which the medical +skill of that day was unable to cope, and these accumulating, in +March, 1671, ended her days. The "Stuart Papers" furnish an +interesting account of her death. Seeing the hour was at hand +which would sever her from all earthly ties, she besought her +husband not to leave her whilst life remained. She likewise +requested that in case Dr. Blandford or any other of the bishops +should come to visit her, he would tell them she had become a +member of the Catholic Church; but if they insisted on seeing her +she was satisfied to admit them, providing they would not +distress her by arguments or controversy. + +Soon after she had expressed these desires, Bishop Blandford +arrived, and begged permission to see her, hearing which the duke +went into the drawing-room, where his lordship waited, and +delivered the message with which the duchess had charged him. +Thereon the bishop said, "he made no doubt but that she would do +well since she was fully convinced, and had not changed out of +any worldly end." He then went into the room, and having made "a +short Christian exhortation suitable to the condition she was +in," took his departure. Presently the queen came and sat by the +dying woman, with whom she had borne many wrongs in common; and +later on, the Franciscan friar being admitted, the duchess +"received all the last sacraments of the Catholick Church, and +dyed with great devotion and resignation." + +Though no mystery was now made concerning the faith in which she +died, the duke, from motives of prudence, continued to preserve +the secret of his having embraced the same religion. He still +publicly attended service on Sundays with the king, but continued +to absent himself from communion. At last, the Christmastide of +the year 1672 being at hand, his majesty besought Lord Arundel +and Sir Thomas (now Lord) Clifford to persuade the duke to take +the sacrament with him, "and make him sensible of the prejudice +it would do to both of them should he forbear so to do, by giving +the world so much reason to believe he was a catholick." To this +request these honest gentlemen replied it would be difficult to +move the duke to his majesty's desires; but even if they +succeeded, it would fail to convince the world his royal highness +was not a catholic. With these answers Charles seemed satisfied; +but again on Christmas Eve he urged Lord Clifford to advise the +duke to publicly communicate on the morrow. His royal highness, +not being so unscrupulous as the king, refused compliance with +his wishes. + +The following Easter he likewise refrained from communicating. +Evelyn tells us that "a most crowded auditorie" had assembled in +the Chapel Royal on this Sunday; possibly it had been drawn there +to hear the eloquence of Dr. Sparrow, Bishop of Exeter--probably +to observe the movements of the king's brother. "I staied to +see," writes Evelyn, "whether, according to costome, the Duke of +York received the communion with the king; but he did not, to the +amazement of everybody. This being the second year he had +forborn and put it off, and within a day of the parliament +sitting, who had lately made so severe an act against ye increase +of poperie, gave exceeding griefe and scandal to the whole +nation, that the heyre of it, and ye sonn of a martyr for ye +Protestant religion, should apostatize. What the consequence of +this will be God only knows, and wise men dread." + +That the nation might no longer remain in uncertainty concerning +the change the duke was suspected to have made, a bill, commonly +called the "Test Act," was, at the instigation of Lord +Shaftesbury, introduced into the House of Commons, on its +reassembling. In substance this set forth, that all persons +holding office, or place of trust, or profit, should take the +oaths of supremacy and allegiance in a public court; receive the +sacrament according to the Church of England in some parish +church on the Lord's Day; and deliver a certificate of having so +received communion, signed by the respective ministers and +church-wardens, and proved by two credible witnesses on oath. +After prolonged debates upon this singular bill, it was passed +through both houses of parliament, and received a reluctant +consent from the king. [This act continued in force until the +reign of George IV.] + +A great commotion followed the passing of this Act. Immediately +the Duke of York resigned his post of lord high admiral of +England. Suspicion now became certainty; he was truly a papist. +His enemies were elated with triumph, his friends dejected by +regret. Before public feeling had time to subside, it was +thoroughly startled by the news that Lord Clifford, who was +supposed to be a staunch protestant, had delivered up his staff +of office as lord treasurer; and Lord Bellasis and Sir Thomas +Strickland, papists both, "though otherwise men of quality and +ability," had relinquished their places at court. The king was +perplexed, the parliament divided into factions, the nation +disturbed. No man knew who might next proclaim himself a papist. +As days passed, excitement increased; for hundreds who held +positions in the army, or under the crown--many of whom had +fought for the king and his father--by tendering their +resignations, now proved themselves slaves of what a vigorous +writer calls the "Romish yoke: such a thing," he adds, "as +cannot, but for want of a name to express it, be called a +religion." + +Public agitation steadily rose. Evelyn tells us, "he dare not +write all the strange talk of the town." Distrust of the king, +fear of his brother, hatred of popery and papists, filled men's +minds and blinded their reason with prejudice. That the city had +seven years ago been destroyed by fire, in accordance with a +scheme of the wicked Jesuits, was a belief which once more +revived: the story of the gunpowder plot was again detailed. +Fearful suspicions sprang up and held possession of the vulgar +mind, that the prosecutions suffered by protestants under Queen +Mary might be repeated in the reign of the present monarch, or of +his brother. That heaven might defend the country from being +overrun by popery, the House of Commons besought his majesty to +order a day of fasting and humiliation. And by way of adding +fury to the gathering tempest, the bishops, Burnet states, +"charged the clergy to preach against popery, which alarmed the +court as well as the city, and the whole nation." + +The king therefore complained to Dr. Sheldon, Archbishop of +Canterbury, that the discourse heard in every pulpit throughout +the capital and the kingdom was "calculated to inflame the +people, and alienate them from him and his government. "Upon +which Dr. Sheldon called the bishops together, that he might +consult with them as to what answer he had best make. Whereon +these wise men declared "since the king himself professed the +protestant religion, it would be a thing without a precedent that +he should forbid his clergy to preach in defence of a religion, +while he himself said he was of it." The next action which +served to inflame public prejudice against catholicism, was the +marriage of the Duke of York to a princess professing that faith. + +Soon after the death of his wife, it was considered wise and well +his royal highness should marry again. Of the four sons and four +daughters the duchess had borne him, three sons and one daughter +had died before their mother, and the surviving son and another +daughter quickly followed her to the tomb; therefore, out of +eight children but two survived, Mary and Anne, at this time +respectively aged nine and seven. It being desirable there +should be a male heir-presumptive to the crown, the king was +anxious his brother should take unto himself a second wife. And +that a lady might be found worthy of the exalted station to which +such a union would raise her, the Earl of Peterborough was sent +incognito to report on the manners and appearance of the +princesses of the courts of Neuburg and of Modena. Not being +impressed by the merits of those belonging to the former, he +betook himself to the latter, where, seeing the young Princess +d'Este, then in her fifteenth year, he came to the conclusion no +better choice could be made on behalf of the duke than this fair +lady. On communicating this opinion to his royal highness and to +his majesty, the king commissioned him to demand the hand of the +princess in marriage for his brother. + +Difficulties regarding this desired union now arose. The young +lady, having been bred in great simplicity and ignorance, had +never heard of such a country as England, or such a person as the +Duke of York; and therefore had no mind to adventure herself in a +distant land, or wed a man of whom she knew nought. Moreover, +she had betrayed an inclination to spend her days in the +seclusion of a convent, and had no thought of marriage. Her +mother, the Duchess of Modena, then regent, by reason of her +husband's death and her son's minority, was anxious for so +advantageous an alliance. And being unable to gain her +daughter's consent, she sought the interference of the pope, who +wrote to the young princess, that compliance with her mother's +request would "most conduce to the service of God and the public +good." On this, Mary Beatrice Eleonora, Princess d'Este, +daughter of the fourth Duke of Modena, consented to become +Duchess of York. Whereon the Earl of Peterborough made a public +entry into Modena, as ambassador extraordinary of Charles II.; +and having agreed to all the articles of marriage, wedded her by +proxy for the royal duke. + +Meanwhile, news that the heir to the crown was about to wed a +papist spread with rapidity throughout the kingdom, carrying +alarm in its course. If sons were born of the union, they would, +it was believed, undoubtedly be reared in the religion of their +parents, and England in time became subject to a catholic king. +The possibility of such a fate was to the public mind fraught +with horror; and the House of Commons, after some angry debates +on the subject, presented an address to the king, requesting he +would abandon this proposed marriage. To this he was not +inclined to listen, his honour being so far involved in the +business; but notwithstanding his unwillingness, his councillors +urged him to this step, and prayed he would stop the princess, +then journeying through France on her way to England. This so +incensed him that he immediately prorogued parliament, and freed +himself from further interference on the subject. + +On the 21st of November, 1673, the future duchess landed at +Dover, where the duke awaited her, attended by a scant retinue. +For the recent protestations, made in the House of Commons +against the marriage, having the effect of scaring the courtiers, +few of the nobility, and but one of the bishops, Dr. Crew of +Oxford, ventured to accompany him, or greet his bride. On the +day of her arrival the marriage was celebrated, "according to the +usual form in cases of the like nature." The "Stuart Papers" +give a brief account of the ceremony. "The Duke and Duchess of +York, with the Duchess of Modena her mother, being together in a +room where all the company was present, as also my Lord +Peterborough, the bishop asked the Duchess of Modena and the Earl +of Peterborough whether the said earl had married the Duchess of +York as proxy of the duke? which they both affirming, the bishop +then declared it was a lawful marriage." + +This unpopular union served to strengthen the gathering storm; +Protests against popery were universally heard; an article in the +marriage settlement, which guaranteed the duchess a public +chapel, was broken; and the duke was advised by Lord Berkshire to +retire into the country, "where he might hunt and pray without +offence to any or disquiet to himself." This counsel he refused +to heed. Until his majesty should command him to the contrary, +he said, he would always attend upon him, and do such service as +he thought his duty and the king's security required of him. His +enemies became more wrathful at this reply, more suspicious of +popery, and more fearful of his influence with the king, They +therefore sought to have him removed from his majesty's councils +and presence by act of parliament. + +Consequently, when both Houses assembled on the 7th of January, +1674, the lords presented an address to the monarch, praying he +would graciously issue a proclamation, requiring all papists, or +reputed papists, within five miles of London, Westminster, or +Southwark, to depart ten miles from these respective cities, and +not return during this session of Parliament. A few days +afterwards an act was introduced into the House of Commons +proposing a second test, impossible for catholics to accept, the +refusal of which would not only render them incapable of holding +any office, civil or military, or of sitting in either House of +Parliament, but "of coming within five miles of the court." This +unjust bill, to which, if it passed both houses, Charles dared +not refuse assent, threw the court and country into a state of +renewed excitement. Knowing it was a blow levelled at the duke, +his friends gathered round him, determined to oppose it by might +and main; and after great exertions caused a clause to be +inserted excepting his royal highness from the test. This was +ultimately carried by a majority of two votes, which, says +Clarke, "put the little Earl of Shaftesbury so out of humour, +that he said he did not care what became of the bill, having that +proviso in it." + +This noble earl, who was chief among the royal duke's enemies, +was a prominent figure in the political history of the time. Mr. +Burnet tells us his lordship's strength lay in the knowledge of +England, and of all considerable men. "He understood," says the +bishop, "the size of their understandings and their tempers; and +he knew how to apply himself to them so dexterously, that though +by his changing sides so often it was very visible how little he +was to be depended on, yet he was to the last much trusted by all +the discontented party. He had no regard to truth or justice." +As rich in resources as he was poor in honour, he renewed a plan +for depriving the Duke of York from succession to the crown; +which, though it had failed when formerly attempted, he trusted +might now succeed. This was to declare the Duke of Monmouth the +king's legitimate son and heir to the throne of England, a scheme +which the ambitious son of Lucy Walters was eager to forward. + +His majesty's affection for him had strengthened with time, and +his favours had been multiplied by years. On the death of the +Duke of Albemarle, Captain General of the Forces, Monmouth had +been appointed to that high office; and some time later had been +made General of the Kingdom of Scotland, posts of greatest +importance. Relying on the monarch's love and the people's +admiration for this illegitimate scion of royalty, Lord +Shaftesbury hoped to place him on the throne. As the first step +necessary in this direction was to gain his majesty's avowal of a +union with Lucy Walters, he ventured on broaching the subject to +the king; at which Charles was so enraged that he declared, "much +as he loved the Duke of Monmouth, he had rather see him hanged at +Tyburn than own him as his legitimate son." There was, however, +another man engaged in a like design to the noble earl, who, if +not less scrupulous, was more daring. + +This was one Ross, a Scotsman, who had been made governor of the +young duke on his first coming into England, and who had since +acted as his friend and confidant. Now Ross, who had not failed +to whisper ambitious thoughts into his pupil's head, at this time +sought Dr. Cosin, Bishop of Durham, and according to the "Stuart +Papers," told him "he might do a great piece of service to the +Church of England in keeping out popery, if he would but sign a +certificate of the king's marriage to the Duke of Monmouth's +mother, with whom that bishop was acquainted in Paris. Ross also +told the bishop, to make the thing more easy to him, that during +his life the certificate should not be produced or made use of." +The same papers state that, as a bishop's certificate is a legal +proof of marriage, Dr. Cosin's compliance would have been +invaluable to the duke and his friends. His lordship, however, +rejected the proposition, and laid the matter before the king, +who expelled Ross from court. + +Horror of popery and fear of a papist sovereign increased with +time, care having been taken by my Lord Shaftesbury and his party +that the public mind, once inflamed, should be kept ignited. For +this purpose he spread reports abroad that the Irish were about +to rise in rebellion, backed by the French; and that the papists +in London had entered into a vile conspiracy to put their fellow +citizens to the sword on the first favourable opportunity. To +give this latter statement a flavour of reality he, assuming an +air of fright, betook himself one night to the city, and sought +refuge in the house of a fanatic, in order, he said, that he +might escape the catholics, who had planned to cut his throat. + +A tempest, dark and dangerous, was gathering fast, which the +court felt powerless to subdue. The king's assurance to +parliament that "he would endeavour to satisfy the world of his +steadfastness for the security of the protestant religion," had +little avail in soothing the people. Many of them suspected him +to be a catholic at heart; others knew he had accepted the bounty +of a country feared and detested by the nation. Deeds, not +words, could alone dispel the clouds of prejudice which came +between him and his subjects; and accordingly he set about the +performance of such acts as might bring reconciliation in their +train. + +The first of these was the confirmation, according to the +Protestant Church, of the Lady Mary, eldest daughter of the Duke +of York, and after him heir presumptive to the crown; the second +and more important was the marriage of that princess to William +of Orange. This prince was son of the king's eldest sister, and +therefore grandson of Charles I. As a hero who, by virtue of his +statesmanship and indomitable courage, had rescued Holland from +the hateful power of France, he was regarded not only as the +saviour of his country, but as the protector of protestantism. +Already a large section of the English nation turned their eyes +towards him as one whom they might elect some day to weald the +sceptre of Great Britain. Subtle, ambitious, and determined, a +silent student of humanity, a grave observer of politics, a +sagacious leader in warfare, he had likewise begun to look +forward towards the chances of succeeding his uncle in the +government of England--in hopes of which he had been strengthened +by the private overtures made him by Shaftesbury, and sustained +by the public prejudices exhibited against the Duke of York. + +The proposed union between him and the heiress presumptive to the +crown was regarded by the nation with satisfaction, and by the +prince as an act strongly favouring the realization of his +desires for sovereignty. Cold and grave in temperament, sickly +and repulsive in appearance, blunt and graceless in manner, he +was by no means an ideal bridegroom for a fair princess; but +neither she nor her father had any choice given them in a concern +so important to the pacification of the nation. She, it was +whispered at court, had previously given her heart to a brave +young Scottish laird; and her father, it was known, had already +taken an instinctive dislike to the man destined to usurp his +throne. In October, 1677, the Prince of Orange came to England, +ostensibly to consult with King Charles regarding the +establishment of peace between France and the Confederates; but +the chief motive of his visit was to promote his marriage, which +had some time before been proposed, and owing to political causes +had been coolly received by him. Now, however, his anxiety for +the union was made plain to the king, who quickly agreed to his +desires. "Nephew," said he to the sturdy Dutchman, "it is not +good for man to be alone, and I will give you a help meet for +you; and so," continues Burnet, "he told him he would bestow his +niece on him." + +The same afternoon the monarch informed his council that "the +Prince of Orange, desiring a more strict alliance with England by +marriage with the Lady Mary, he had consented to it, as a thing +he looked on as very proper to unite the family, and which he +believed would be agreeable to his people, and show them the care +he had of religion, for which reason he thought it the best +alliance he could make." When his majesty had concluded this +speech, the Duke of York stepped forward, and declared his +consent to the marriage. He hoped "he had now given a sufficient +testimony of his right intentions for the public good, and that +people would no more say he designed altering the government in +church or state; for whatever his opinion on religion might be, +all that he desired was, that men might not be molested merely +for conscience' sake." + +The duke then dined at Whitehall with, the king, the Prince of +Orange, and a noble company; after which he returned to St. +James's, where he then resided. Dr. Edward Luke, at this time +tutor to the Lady Mary, and subsequently Archdeacon of Exeter, in +his interesting manuscript diary, informs us that on reaching the +palace, the duke, with great tenderness and fatherly affection, +took his daughter aside, "and told her of the marriage designed +between her and the Prince of Orange; whereupon her highness wept +all that afternoon and the following day." Her tears had not +ceased to flow when, two days after the announcement of her +marriage, Lord Chancellor Finch, on behalf of the council, came +to congratulate her; and Lord Chief Justice Rainsford, on the +part of the judges, complimented her in extravagant terms. + +This union, which the bride regarded with so much repugnance, was +appointed to take place on the 4th of November, that date being +the bridegroom's birthday, as likewise the anniversary of his +mother's nativity. Dr. Luke gives a quaint account of the +ceremony. "At nine o'clock at night," he writes, "the marriage +was solemnized in her highness's bedchamber. The king; who gave +her away, was very pleasant all the while; for he desired that +the Bishop of London would make haste lest his sister [the +Duchess of York] should be delivered of a son, and so the +marriage be disappointed. And when the prince endowed her with +all his worldly goods [laying gold and silver on the book], he +willed to put all up in her pockett, for 'twas clear gains. At +eleven o'clock they went to bed, when his majesty came and drew +the curtains, saying, 'Hey! St. George for England!'" + +For a time both court and town seemed to forget the trouble and +strife which beset them. Bonfires blazed in the streets, bells +rang from church towers, the populace cheered lustily; whilst at +Whitehall there were many brilliant entertainments. These +terminated with a magnificent ball, held on the 15th instant, the +queen's birthday; at the conclusion of this festivity the bride +and bridegroom were to embark in their yacht, which was to set +sail next morning for Holland. For this ball the princess had +"attired herself very richly with all her jewels;" but her whole +appearance betrayed a sadness she could not suppress in the +present, and which the future did not promise to dispel. For +already the bridegroom, whom the maids of honour had dubbed the +"Dutch monster" and "Caliban," had commenced to reveal glimpses +of his unhandsome character; "and the court began to whisper of +his sullennesse or clownishnesse, that he took no notice of his +princess at the playe and balle, nor came to see her at St. +James', the day preceding that designed for their departure." + +The wind being easterly, they were detained in England until the +19th, when, accompanied by the king, the Duke of York, and +several persons of quality, they went in barges from Whitehall to +Greenwich. The princess was sorely grieved, and wept +unceasingly. When her tutor "kneeled down and kissed her gown" +at parting, she could not find words to speak, but turned her +back that she might hide her tears; and, later on, when the queen +"would have comforted her with the consideration of her own +condition when she came into England, and had never till then +seen the king, her highness replied, 'But, madam, you came into +England; but I am going out of England.'" + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +The threatened storm bursts.--History of Titus Oates and Dr. +Tonge.--A dark scheme concocted.--The king is warned of danger. +--The narrative of a horrid plot laid before the treasurer.-- +Forged letters.--Titus Oates before the council.--His blunders.-- +A mysterious murder.--Terror of the citizens.--Lord Shaftesbury's +schemes.--Papists are banished from the capital.--Catholic peers +committed to the Tower.--Oates is encouraged. + +The marriage of the Lady Mary, though agreeable to the public +mind, by no means served to distract it from the turmoil by which +it was beset. Hatred of catholicism, fear of the Duke of York, +and distrust of the king, disturbed the nation to its core. +Rumours were now noised abroad, which were not without +foundation, that the monarch and his brother had renewed the +treaty with France, by which Louis engaged to send troops into +England to support Charles, when the latter saw fit to lay aside +duplicity, and proclaim himself a catholic. And, notwithstanding +the rigorous Test Acts, it was believed many high positions at +court were held by those who were papists at heart. Occasion was +therefore ripe for the invention of a monstrous fraud, the +history of which has been transmitted under the title of the +Popish Plot. + +The chief contrivers of this imposture were Titus Oates and Dr. +Tonge. The first of these was son of a ribbon-weaver, who, +catching the fanatical spirit of the Cromwellian period, had +ranted as an Anabaptist preacher. Dissent, however, losing +favour under the restoration, Oates, floating with the current of +the times, resolved to become a clergyman of the Church of +England, He therefore took orders at Cambridge, officiated as +curate in various parishes, and served as chaplain on board a +man-of-war. The time he laboured as spiritual shepherd to his +respective flocks was necessarily brief; for his grossly immoral +practices becoming notable, he was in every case ousted from his +charge. The odium attached to his name was moreover increased by +the fact, that his evidence in two cases of malicious prosecution +had been proved false; for which he had been tried as a perjurer. +Deprived of his chaplaincy for a revolting act of profligacy, +driven from congregations he had scandalized, homeless and +destitute, he in an evil hour betook himself to Dr. Ezrael Tonge, +to whom he had long been known, and besought compassion and +relief. + +The Rev, Dr. Tonge, rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, was a +confirmed fanatic and political alarmist. For some years +previous to this time, he had published quarterly treatises +dealing with such wicked designs of the Jesuits as his heated +brain devised. These he had printed and freely circulated, in +order, as he acknowledged, "to arouse and awaken his majesty and +the parliament" to a sense of danger. He had begun life as a +gardener, but left that honest occupation that he might cultivate +flowers of rhetoric for the benefit of Cromwell's soldiers. Like +Titus Oates, he had become suddenly converted to orthodox +principles on return of the king, and had, through interest, +obtained the rectorship of St. Michael's. Bishop Burnet +considered him "a very mean divine, (who) seemed credulous and +simple, and was full of projects and notions." + +Another historian who lived in those days, the Rev. Laurence +Eachard, Archdeacon of Stowe, states Dr. Tonge was "a man of +letters, and had a prolific head filled with all the Romish plots +and conspiracies since the reformation." According to this +author, Tonge took Oates into his house, provided him with +lodging, diet, and clothes; and when the latter complained he +knew not where to get bread, the rector told him "he would put +him in a way." After this, finding Oates a man of great +ingenuity and cunning, "he persuaded him," says Archdeacon +Eachard, "to insinuate himself among the papists, and get +particular acquaintance with them; which being effected, he let +him understand that there had been several plots in England to +bring in popery, and that if he would go beyond sea among the +Jesuits, and strictly observe their ways, it was possible there +might be one at present; and if he could make that out, it would +be his preferment for ever; but, however, if he could get their +names, and some information from the papists, it would be very +easy to rouse people with the fears of popery." + +Hungering for gold, and thirsting for notoriety, Oates quickly +agreed to the scheme laid before him. Accordingly he became +acquainted with, and was received into the Catholic Church by, +Father Berry, a Jesuit, and in May, 1677, was sent by the Jesuits +to study in one of their seminaries, situated in Valladolid, in +Spain. Oates, however, though he had proved himself an excellent +actor, could not overcome his evil propensities, and before seven +months had passed, he was expelled from the monastery. + +Returning to England, he sought out Dr. Tonge, to whom he was +unable to recount the secret of a single plot. Confident, +however, that wicked schemes against the lives and properties of +innocent protestants were being concocted by wily Jesuits, the +fanatical divine urged Oates to present himself once more before +them, bewail his misconduct, promise amendment, and seek +readmission to their midst. Following his advice, Oates was +again received by the Jesuits, and sent to their famous seminary +at St. Omer's; where, though he had reached the age of thirty +years, he was entered among the junior students. For six months +he remained here, until his vices becoming noted, he was turned +away in disgrace. Again he presented himself before the rector +of St. Michael's, knowing as little of popish plots as he did on +his previous return. But Tonge, though disappointed, was not +disheartened; if no scheme existed, he would invent one which +should startle the public, and save the nation. Such proposals +as he made towards the accomplishment of this end were readily +assented to by Oates, in whose breast wounded pride and bitter +hate rankled deep. Therefore, after many consultations they +resolved to draw up a "Narrative of a Horrid Plot." This was +repeatedly changed and enlarged, until eventually it assumed the +definite shape of a deposition, consisting of forty-three +distinct articles, written with great formality and care, and +embodying many shocking and criminal charges. + +The narrative declared that in April, 1677, the deponent was +employed to carry letters from the Jesuits in London to members +of their order in Spain; these he broke open on the journey, and +discovered that certain Jesuits had been sent into Scotland to +encourage the presbyterians to rebel. Arrived in Valladolid, he +heard one Armstrong, in a sermon delivered to students, charge +his majesty with most foul and black-mouthed scandals, and use +such irreverent, base expressions as no good subjects could +repeat without horror. He then returned to England, and was soon +after sent to St. Omer with fresh letters, in which was mentioned +a design to stab or poison his majesty--Pere la Chaise, the +French king's confessor, having placed ten thousand pounds at the +disposal of the Jesuits that they might, by laying out such a +sum, the more successfully accomplish this deed. While abroad +the deponent had read many letters, relating to the execution of +Charles II., the subverting of the present government, and the +establishment of the Romish religion. Returning again to +England, he became privy to a treaty with Sir George Wakeham, the +queen's physician, to poison the king; and likewise with an +agreement to shoot him, made between the Jesuits and two men, +named Honest William and Pickering. He had heard a Jesuit preach +a sermon to twelve persons of quality in disguise, in which he +asserted "that protestants and other heretical princes were IPSO +FACTO deposed because such; and that it was as lawful to destroy +them as Oliver Cromwell or any other usurper." He also became +aware that the dreadful fire had been managed by Strange, the +provincial of the Jesuits, who employed eighty-six men in +distributing seven hundred fire-balls to destroy the city; and +that notwithstanding his vast expenses, he gained fourteen +thousand pounds by plunder carried on during the general +confusion, a box of jewels, consisting of a thousand carat weight +of diamonds, being included in the robbery. + +The document containing these remarkable statements was finished +in August, 1678. It now remained to have it brought before the +king or the council. Tonge was resolved this should he done in a +manner best calculated to heighten the effect of their narrative; +at the same time he was careful to guard the fact that he and +Oates had an intimate knowledge of each other. Not knowing any +one of interest at court, he sought out Christopher Kirby, a man +employed in the king's laboratory, of whom he had some slight +knowledge, and, pledging him to the strictest secrecy, showed him +the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and besought his help in +bringing it under the notice of his majesty in as private a +manner as possible. + +This aid was freely promised; and next day, the date being the +13th of August, when the monarch was about to take his usual +airing in the park, Kirby drew near, and in a mysterious tone +bade his majesty take care, for his enemies had a design against +his life, which might be put into execution at any moment. +Startled by such words, the king asked him in what manner was it +intended his life should be taken; to which he replied, "It might +be by pistol; but that to give a more particular account of the +matter, required greater privacy." The monarch, who quickly +recovered his first surprise, resolved to take his usual +exercise; and, subduing his curiosity, he bade Kirby attend him +on his return from the park, and tell him what he knew of the +subject. + +When the time arrived, Kirby saw his majesty alone, and related +to him in brief that two men waited but an opportunity to shoot +him; and Sir George Wakeham had been hired to poison him; which +news, he concluded, had been imparted to him by a worthy man +living close at hand, who would attend his majesty's pleasure +when that was manifested. + +Bewildered by such intelligence, yet suspicious of its veracity, +the king ordered Kirby to summon his informant that evening by +eight o'clock. When that hour came his majesty repaired to the +Red Room, and there met Dr. Tonge, who delivered his narrative +into his hands. The rector was convinced the great moment he had +so long awaited, in which he would behold the monarch aroused to +a sense of his danger, had arrived. He was doomed to bitter +disappointment. His majesty coolly took the narrative, and +without opening it, said it should be examined into. On this +Tonge begged it might be kept safe and secret, "lest the full +discovery should otherwise be prevented and his life endangered." +The monarch replied that, before starting with the court to- +morrow for Windsor, he would place it in the hands of one he +could trust, and who would answer for its safety. He then bade +him attend on the Lord Treasurer Danby next morning. + +In obedience to this command, Tonge waited on his lordship at the +appointed time, and by the character of his replies helped to +develop his story of the plot. When asked if the document he had +given his majesty was the original of the deponent, Tonge +admitted it was in his own handwriting. On this, Lord Danby +expressed a desire to see the original, and likewise become +acquainted with its author. Nothing abashed, the rector replied +the manuscript was in his house, and accounted for its possession +by stating that, singularly enough, it had been thrust under his +door--he did not know by whom, but fancied it must be by one who, +some time before, had discussed with him on the subject of this +conspiracy. Whereon his lordship asked him if he knew the man, +and was answered he did not, but he had seen him lately two or +three times in the streets, and it was likely he should see him +soon again. + +Being next questioned as to whether he had any knowledge of +Honest William, or Pickering, the villains who sought the king's +life, he answered he had not. Immediately, however, he +remembered it was their habit to walk in St. James's Park, and +said, if any man was appointed to keep him company, he was almost +certain he would have opportunities of letting that person see +these abominable wretches. Finally, Lord Danby asked him if he +knew where they dwelt, for it was his duty to have them arrested +at once; but of their abode Tonge was completely ignorant, though +he was hopeful he should speedily be able to obtain the required +information. + +He was therefore dismissed, somewhat to his satisfaction, being +unprepared for such particular examination; but in a couple of +days he returned to the charge, determined his tale should not be +discredited for lack of effrontery, On this occasion he said he +had met the man he suspected of being author of the document, who +owned himself as such, and stated that his name was Titus Oates, +but requested Tonge would keep it a strict secret, "because the +papists would murder him if they knew what he was doing." +Moreover, Oates had given him a second paper full of fresh +horrors concerning this most foul plot. Taking this with him, +the lord treasurer hastened to Windsor, that he might consult the +king, having first left a servant with Tonge, in hopes the latter +might catch sight of Honest William and Pickering in their daily +walk through the park, and have them arrested. On Danby +recounting Tonge's statements to the king, his majesty was more +convinced than before the narrative was wholly without +foundation, and refused to make it known to his council or the +Duke of York. Therefore the lord-treasurer, on conclusion of a +brief visit, left Windsor for his country residence, situated at +Wimbledon. + +For some days no fresh disclosure was made concerning this horrid +plot, until late one night, when Dr. Tonge arrived in great haste +at Lord Danby's house, and informed him some of the intended +regicides had resolved on journeying to Windsor next morning, +determined to assassinate the king. He added, it was in his +power to arrange that the earl's servant should ride with them in +their coach, or at least accompany them on horseback, and so give +due notice of their arrival, in order that they might be timely +arrested. Alarmed by this intelligence, Danby at once hastened +to Windsor, and informed the king of what had come to his +knowledge. Both endured great suspense that night, and next day +their excitement was raised to an inordinate pitch by seeing the +earl's servant ride towards the castle with all possible speed. +When, however, the man was brought into his majesty's presence, +he merely delivered a message from Dr. Tonge, stating the +villains "had been prevented from taking their intended journey +that day, but they proposed riding to Windsor next day, or within +two days at farthest." Before that time had arrived, another +message came to say, "one of their horses being slipped in the +shoulder, their trip to Windsor was postponed." + +Taking these foolish excuses, as well as Dr. Tonge's +prevaricating answers and mysterious statements, into +consideration, the king was now convinced the "Narrative of a +Horrid Plot" was an invention of a fanatic or a rogue. He was, +therefore; desirous of letting the subject drop into obscurity; +but Lord Danby, foreseeing in the sensation which its avowal +would create, a welcome cloud to screen the defects of his +policy, which parliament intended to denounce, urged his majesty +to lay the matter before his privy council. This advice the king +refused to accept, saying, "he should alarm all England, and put +thoughts of killing him into people's heads, who had no such +ideas before." Somewhat disappointed, the lord treasurer +returned once more to Wimbledon, the king remaining at Windsor, +and no further news of the plot disturbed the even tenour of +their lives for three days. + +At the end of that time Dr. Tonge, now conscious of the false +steps he had taken, conceived a fresh scheme by which his story +might obtain credence, and he gain wealth and fame. Accordingly +he wrote to Danby, informing him a packet of letters, written by +the Jesuits and concerning the plot, would, on a certain date, be +sent to Mr. Bedingfield, chaplain to the Duchess of York. Such +information was most acceptable to Danby at the moment; he at +once started for Windsor, and laid this fresh information before +the king. To his lordship's intense surprise, his majesty handed +him the letters. These, five in number, containing treasonable +expressions and references to the plot, had been some hours +before handed by Mr. Bedingfield to the Duke of York, saying, he +"feared some ill was intended him by the same packet, because the +letters therein seemed to be of a dangerous nature, and that he +was sure they were not the handwriting of the persons whose names +were subscribed to the letters." On examination, they were +proved to be most flagrant forgeries. Written in a feigned hand, +and signed by different names, they were evidently the production +of one man; the same want of punctuation, style of expression, +and peculiarities of spelling being notable in all. The Duke of +York, foreseeing malice was meant by them, forcibly persuaded the +king to place the epistles before the privy council. +Accordingly, they were handed to Sir William Jones, attorney +general, and Sir Robert Southwell, who stated, upon comparing +them with Dr. Tonge's narrative, they were convinced both were +written by the same hand. + +Meanwhile, Tonge and Oates, aware of the coldness and doubt with +which his majesty had received the "Narrative of the Horrid +Plot," and ignorant of the fact he had placed the letters before +his privy council, resolved to make their story public to the +world. It therefore happened on the 6th of September they +presented themselves before Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, a justice of +the peace, in the parish of St. Martin's, who, not without +considerable persuasion, consented to receive a sworn testimony +from Titus Oates regarding the truth of his narrative, which had +now grown from forty-three to eighty-one articles. This action +prevented further secrecy concerning the so-called plot. + +A few days later the court returned to town for the winter, when +the Duke of York besought the privy council to investigate the +strange charges made in the declaration. Accordingly, on the +28th of the month, Tonge and Oates were summoned before it, when +the latter, making many additions to his narrative, solemnly +affirmed its truth. Aghast at so horrible a relation, the +council knew not what to credit. The evil reputation Oates had +borne, the baseness of character he revealed in detailing his +actions as a spy, the mysterious manner in which the fanatical +Tonge accounted for his possession of the document, tended to +make many doubt; whilst others, believing no man would have the +hardihood to bring forward such charges without being able to +sustain them by proof, contended it was their duty to sift them +to the end. Believing if he had been entrusted with secret +letters and documents of importance, he would naturally retain +some of them in order to prove his intended charges, the council +asked Oates to produce them; but of these he had not one to show. +Nor, he confessed, could he then furnish proof of his words, but +promised if he were provided with a guard, and given officers and +warrants, he would arrest certain persons concerned in the plot, +and seize secret documents such as none could dispute. These +being granted him, he immediately caused eight Jesuits to be +apprehended and imprisoned. Then he commenced a search for +treasonable letters, not only in their houses, but in the homes +of such catholics as were noted for their zeal. His +investigations were awaited with impatience; nor were they +without furnishing some pretext for his accusations. + +One of the first dwellings which Titus Oates investigated was +that of Edward Coleman. This gentleman, the son of an English +divine, had early in life embraced catholicity, for the +propagation of which he thenceforth became most zealous. Coming +under notice of the court, he became the confidant of the Duke of +York, and by him was made secretary to the duchess. A man of +great mental activity, religious fervour, and considerable +ambition, he had, about four years previous to this time, entered +into a correspondence with the confessor of the French king and +other Jesuits, regarding the hopes he entertained of Charles II. +professing catholicity. Knowing him to be bold in his designs +and incautious in his actions, the duke had discharged him from +his post as secretary to the duchess, but had retained him in his +dependence. This latter circumstance, together with a suspicion +of the confidence which had existed between him and his royal +highness, prompted Oates to have him arrested, and his house +searched. Coleman, having received notice of this design, fled +from his home, incautiously leaving behind him some old letters +and copies of communications which had passed between him and the +Jesuits. These were at once seized, and though not containing +one expression which could be construed as treasonable, were, +from expectations they set forth of seeing catholicity re- +established in England, considered by undiscerning judges, proofs +of the statements made by Oates. + +On the strength of his discovery, Oates hastened to Sir +Edmondbury Godfrey, and swore false informations; becoming aware +of which, Coleman, conscious of his innocence, delivered himself +up, in hopes of meeting a justice never vouchsafed him. + +The Privy council now sat morning and evening, in order to +examine Oates, whose evidence proved untrustworthy and +contradictory to a bewildering degree. When it was pointed out +to him the five letters, supposed to come from men of education, +contained ill-spelling, bad grammar, and other faults, he, with +much effrontery, declared it was a common artifice among the +Jesuits to write in that manner, in order to avoid recognition; +but inasmuch as real names were attached to the epistles, that +argument was not considered just. The subject was not mentioned +again. When an agent for these wicked men in Spain, he related, +he had been admitted into the presence of Don John, and had seen +him counting out large sums of money, with which he intended to +reward Sir George Wakeham when he had poisoned the king. Hearing +this, his majesty inquired what kind of person Don John was. +Oates said he was tall, lean, and black; whereas the monarch knew +him to be small, stout, and fair. And on another occasion, when +asked where he had heard the French king's confessor hire an +assassin to shoot Charles, he replied, "At the Jesuits' monastery +close by the Louvre;" at which the king, losing patience with the +impostor, cried out, "Tush, man! the Jesuits have no house +within a mile of the Louvre!" Presently Oates named two catholic +peers, Lord Arundel of Wardour and Lord Bellasis, as being +concerned in the plot, when the king again spoke to him, saying +these lords had served his father faithfully, and fought his wars +bravely, and unless proof were clear against them, he would not +credit they sought him ill. Then Oates, seeing he had gone too +far, said they did not know of the conspiracy, but it had been +intended to acquaint them with it in good time. Later on he +swore falsely against them. + +Meanwhile the wildest sensation was caused by the revelations of +this "hellish plot and attempt to murder the king." The public +mind, long filled with hatred of papacy, was now inflamed to a +degree of fury which could only be quenched by the blood of many +victims. To the general sensation which obtained, a new terror +was promptly added by the occurrence of a supposed horrible and +mysterious murder. + +On the evening of Saturday, the 12th of October, Sir Edmondbury +Godfrey was missing from his home in the parish of St. Martin's. +The worthy magistrate was an easy going bachelor of portly +appearance, much given to quote legal opinions in his discourse, +and to assert the majesty of the law as represented in his +person. He was alike respected for his zeal by the protestants, +and esteemed for his lenity by the catholics. Bishop Burnet +records the worthy knight "was not apt to search for priests or +mass-houses;" and Archdeacon Eachard affirms "he was well known +to be a favourer rather than a prosecutor of the papists." +Accordingly, his disappearance at first begot no evil suspicions; +but as he did not return on Monday, his servants became alarmed +at the absence of a master whose regularity was proverbial. His +brothers were of opinion he was in debt, and sought escape from +his creditors; whilst his friends, after their kind, were ready +to name certain houses of doubtful repute in which they were +certain he had taken temporary lodgings. On his papers being +examined, it was found he had set his affairs in order, paid all +his debts, and destroyed a quantity of his letters and documents. +It was then remembered he had been occasionally susceptible to +melancholia--a disease he inherited from his father, who had +perished by his own hand. It was noted some days before that on +which he was missed, he had appeared listless and depressed. It +was known the imprisonment of his friend Coleman had weighed +heavily on his spirits. A terrible fear now taking possession of +his relatives and friends, thorough search was made for him, +which proved vain until the Thursday following his disappearance, +when he was accidentally discovered lying in a ditch, a cloth +knotted round his neck, and a sword passed through his body, "at +or near a place called Primrose Hill, in the midway between +London and Hampstead." + +If he had been murdered, no motive appeared to account for the +deed; neither robbery nor revenge could have prompted it. His +rings and money, gloves and cane, were found on and near his +body; and it was known he had lived in peace with all men. Nor +did an inquest lasting two days throw any light upon the mystery. +If it were proved he had died by his own hand, the law of that +day would not permit his brothers to inherit his property, which +was found to be considerable. It was therefore their interest to +ignore the fact that strangulation pointed to FELO DE SE, and to +assume he had been murdered. Accordingly they prohibited the +surgeons from opening the body, lest examination should falsify +conclusions at which they desired to arrive. A verdict was +ultimately returned "that he was murdered by certain persons +unknown to the jurors, and that his death proceeded from +suffocation and strangling by a certain piece of linen cloth of +no value." + +Occurring at such a moment, his death was at once attributed to +the papists, who, it was said, being incensed that the magistrate +had received the sworn testimonies of Oates, had sought this +bloody revenge. Fear now succeeded bewilderment; desires of +vengeance sprang from depths of horror. For two days the mangled +remains of the poor knight were exposed to public view, "and all +that saw them went away inflamed." They were then interred with +all the pomp and state befitting one who had fallen a victim to +catholicism, a martyr to protestantism. The funeral procession, +which took its sad way through the principal thoroughfares from +Bridewell to St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, numbered seventy-two +divines, and over twelve hundred persons of quality and +consideration. Arriving at the church, Dr. Lloyd, a clergyman +remarkable for his fine abhorrence of papists, ascended the +pulpit, where, protected by two men of great height and strength, +he delivered a, discourse, pointing to the conclusion that Sir +Edmondbury Godfrey had been sacrificed to the catholic +conspiracy, and instigating his hearers to seek revenge. Sir +Roger North tells us the crowd in and about the church was +prodigious, "and so heated, that anything called papist, were it +cat or dog, had probably gone to pieces in a moment. The +catholics all kept close in their houses and lodgings, thinking +it a good composition to be safe there." + +The whole city was terror-stricken. "Men's spirits were so +sharpened," says Burnet, "that it was looked on as a very great +happiness that the people did not vent their fury upon the +papists about the town." Tonge and Oates went abroad protected +by body guards, arresting hundreds of catholics; cannon were +mounted around Whitehall and St. James's; patrols paraded the +streets by day and night; the trained bands were ready to fall in +at a moment's notice; preparations were made for barricading the +principal thoroughfares; the city gates were kept closed so that +admission could be only had through the wickets; and the Houses +of Parliament demanded a guard should keep watch on the vaults +over which they sat, lest imitators of Guy Fawkes might blow them +to pieces. Moreover, it was not alone the safety of the +multitude, but the protection of the individual which was sought +to be secured. In the dark confusion which general terror +produced, each man felt he might be singled out as the next +victim of this diabolical plot, and therefore devised means to +guard his life from the hands of murderous papists. North, in +his "Examen," speaking of this period, tells us: "There was much +recommendation of silk armour, and the prudence of being provided +with it against the time the Protestants were to be massacred. +And, accordingly, there were abundance of those silken back, +breast, and headpots made and sold, that were pretended to be +pistol proof; in which any man dressed up was as safe as in a +house, for it was impossible anyone could go to strike him for +laughing; so ridiculous was the figure, as they say, of hogs in +armour. This was the armour of defence; but our sparks were not +altogether so tame as to carry their provision no further, for +truly they intended to be assailants upon fair occasion, and had +for that end recommended also to them a certain pocket weapon, +which for its design and efficacy had the honour to be called a +protestant flail. It was for street and crowd work; and the +engine lurking perdue in a coat pocket, might readily sally out +to execution, and so, by clearing a great hall, or piazza or so, +carry an election by a choice of polling called knocking down. +The handle resembled a farrier's blood stick, and the fall was +joined to the end by a strong nervous ligature, that in its swing +fell just short of the hand, and was made of LIGNUM VITAE, or +rather, as the poet termed it, MORTIS." + +One day, whilst the town was in this state of consternation, +Tonge sent for Dr. Burnet, who hastened to visit him in the +apartments allotted him and Oates at Whitehall. The historian +says he found Tonge "so lifted up that he seemed to have lost the +little sense he had. Oates came in," he continues, "and made me +a compliment that I was one that was marked out to be killed. He +had before said the same to Stillingfleet of him. But he had +made that honour which he did us too cheap, when he said Tonge +was to be served in the same manner, because he had translated +'The Jesuits' Morals' into English. He broke out into great fury +against the Jesuits, and said he would have their blood. But I, +to divert him from that strain, asked him what were the arguments +that prevailed on him to change his religion and to go over to +the Church of Rome? He upon that stood up, and laid his hands on +his breast, and said, 'God and His holy angels knew that he had +never changed, but that he had gone among them on purpose to +betray them.' This gave me such a character of him, that I could +have no regard to anything he said or swore after that." + +The agitation now besetting the public mind had been adroitly +fanned into flame by the evil genius of Lord Shaftesbury. +Eachard states that if he was not the original contriver of this +disturbance, "he was at least the grand refiner and improver of +all the materials. And so much he seemed to acknowledge to a +nobleman of his acquaintance, when he said, 'I will not say who +started the game, but I am sure I had the full hunting of it.'" +In the general consternation which spread over the land he beheld +a means that might help the fulfilment of his strong desires. +Chief among these were the exclusion of the Duke of York from the +throne, and the realization of his own inordinate ambition. A +deist in belief, he abhorred catholicism; a worshipper of self, +he longed for power. He had boasted Cromwell had wanted to crown +him king, and he narrated to Burnet that a Dutch astrologer had +predicted he would yet fill a lofty position. He had long +schemed and dreamed, and now it seemed the result of the one and +fulfilment of the other were at hand. The pretended discovery of +this plot threatened to upheave the established form of +government, for the king was one at heart with those about to be +brought to trial and death. A quarter of a century had not +passed since a bold and determined man had risen up and governed +Great Britain. Why should not history repeat itself in this +respect? the prospect was alluring. Possessing strong +influence, great vanity, and an unscrupulous character, +Shaftesbury resolved to stir the nation to its centre, at the +expense of peace, honour, and bloodshed. + +On the 21st of October, Parliament assembled, when Lord Danby, +much against his majesty's inclination, brought the subject of +the plot before the Commons. This was a movement much +appreciated by the House, which, fired by the general +indignation, resolved to deal out vengeance with a strong hand. +As befitted such intention, they began by requesting his majesty +would order a day of general fasting and prayer, to implore the +mercy of Almighty God. The king complying with this desire, they +next, "in consideration of the bloody and traitorous designs," +besought him to issue a proclamation "commanding all persons +being popish recusants, or so reputed," to depart ten miles from +the city. Accordingly, upwards of thirty thousand citizens left +London before the 7th of the following month, "with great +lamentations leaving their trades and habitations." Many of them +in a little while secretly returned again. A few days before +this latest petition was presented to the monarch, Oates had been +examined before the House for over six hours; and so delighted +was he by the unprejudiced manner in which his statements were +received, that he added several items to them. These were not +only interesting in themselves, but implicated peers and persons +of quality to the number of twenty-six. The former, including +Lords Stafford, Powis, Petre, Bellasis, and Arundel of Wardour, +were committed to the Tower, the latter to Newgate prison. + +At the end of his examination he was several times asked if he +knew more of the plot, or of those concerned with it, to which he +emphatically replied he did not. Three days later he remembered +a further incident which involved many persons not previously +mentioned by him. + +Both Houses now sat in the forenoon and afternoon of each day; +excitement was not allowed to flag. Oates seldom appeared before +the Commons without having fresh revelations to make; but the +fertility of his imagination by no means weakened the strength of +his evidence in the opinions of his hearers. "Oates was +encouraged," writes John Evelyn, "and everything he affirmed +taken for gospel." Indignation against the papists daily +increasing in height, the decrees issued regarding them became +more rigorous in severity. + +On the 2nd of November the king, in obedience to his Parliament, +offered a reward of twenty pounds for the discovery of any +officer or soldier who, since the passing of the Test Act, "hath +been perverted to the Romish religion, or hears mass." Two days +later a bill was framed "for more effectually preserving the +king's person and government, by disabling papists from sitting +in either House of Parliament." As it was feared a clause would +be inserted in this, excluding the Duke of York, the enemies of +his royal highness more plainly avowed their object by moving +that an address be presented to the king, praying his brother +should "withdraw himself from his majesty's person and counsels." +This was the first step towards the Bill of Exclusion from +Succession which they hoped subsequently to obtain. The monarch, +however, determined to check such designs whilst there was yet +time; and accordingly made a speech to the peers, in which he +said to them, "Whatever reasonable bills you shall present to be +passed into laws, to make you safe in the reign of my successor, +so they tend not to impeach the right of succession, nor the +descent of the crown in the true line, shall find from me a ready +concurrence." + +The intended address was therefore abandoned for the present; but +the bill for disabling catholics from sitting in either House of +Parliament, having a clause which excepted the Duke of York from +that indignity, passed on the 30th of November. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Reward for the discovery of murderers.--Bedlow's character and +evidence.--His strange story.--Development of the "horrid plot." +--William Staley is made a victim.--Three Jesuits hung.--Titus +Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.--Striving to ruin +the queen.--Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.--The king +protects her majesty.--Five Jesuits executed.--Fresh rumours +concerning the papists.--Bill to exclude the Duke of York.--Lord +Stafford is tried.--Scene at Tower Hill.--Fate of the +conspirators. + +Before the remains of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey were laid to rest, a +proclamation was issued by the king, offering a reward of five +hundred pounds for discovery of the murderers. If one of the +assassins betrayed those who helped him in the deed, he should +receive, not only the sum mentioned, but likewise a free pardon, +and such protection for his security as he could in reason +propose. Two days after this had been made public, a man named +William Bedlow put himself in communication with Sir William +Coventry, Secretary of State, declaring he had a certain +knowledge of the murder in question. + +Archdeacon Eachard tells us this man "was one of a base birth and +worse manners, who from a poor foot-boy and runner of errands, +for a while got into a livery in the Lord Bellasis's family; and +having for his villainies suffered hardships and want in many +prisons in England, he afterwards turned a kind of post or letter +carrier for those who thought fit to employ him beyond sea. By +these means he got the names and habitations of men of quality, +their relations, correspondents, and interests; and upon this +bottom, with a daring boldness, and a, dexterous turn of fancy +and address, he put himself into the world. He was skilful in +all the arts and methods of cheating; but his masterpiece was his +personating men of quality, getting credit for watches, coats, +and horses; borrowing money, bilking vintners and tradesmen, +lying and romancing to the degree of imposing upon any man of +good nature. He lived like a wild Arab upon prey, and whether he +was in Flanders, France, Spain, or England, he never failed in +leaving the name of a notorious cheat and impostor behind him." + +On the 7th of November, Bedlow was brought before the king, and +examined by two Secretaries of State. Here he made the +extraordinary declaration that he had seen the body of the +murdered magistrate lying at Somerset House--then the residence +of the queen; that two Jesuits, named La Faire and Walsh, told +him they, with the assistance of an attendant in the queen's +chapel, had smothered Sir Edmondbury Godfrey between two pillows; +that he had been offered two thousand guineas if he would safely +remove the body, which on his refusal was carried away, a couple +of nights after the murder, by three persons unknown to him, who +were servants of the queen's household. Hearing this statement, +Sir William Coventry asked him if he knew anything of the popish +plot, when he affirmed on oath he was entirely ignorant regarding +it; he likewise swore he knew no such man as Titus Oates. + +That night he was lodged in Whitehall, in company with Tonge and +Oates; and next morning appeared before the House of Lords, when +it was evident his memory had wonderfully improved since the +previous day. His story now assumed a more concise form. In the +beginning of October, he stated, he had been offered the sum of +four thousand pounds, to be paid by Lord Bellasis, provided he +murdered a man whose name was withheld from him, This he refused. +He was then asked to make the acquaintance and watch the +movements of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. With this he complied. +Soon after dusk on the 12th of October, the magistrate had been +dragged into the court of Somerset House by the Jesuits, and +asked if he would send for the documents to which Oates had +sworn. On his refusal he had been smothered with a piece of +linen cloth; the story of suffocation by pillows, being at +variance with the medical evidence, was now abandoned. One of +the Jesuits, La Faire, had asked Bedlow to call at Somerset House +that night at nine o'clock; and on presenting himself, he was +conducted through a gloomy passage into a spacious and sombre +room, where a group of figures stood round a body lying on the +floor. Advancing to these, La Faire turned the light of a +lantern he carried on the face of the prostrate man, when Bedlow +recognised Sir Edmondbury Godfrey. He was then offered two +thousand guineas if he would remove the body, which was allowed +to remain there three days. This he promised to accomplish, but +afterwards, his conscience reproving him, he resolved to avoid +the assassins; and rather than accept the sum proffered, he had +preferred discovering the villainy to the Government. + +This improbable story obtained no credit with the king, nor +indeed with those whose minds were free from prejudice. "His +majesty," writes Sir John Reresby, "told me Bedlow was a rogue, +and that he was satisfied he had given false evidence concerning +the death of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey." Many circumstances +regarding the narrator and his story showed the viciousness of +the one and the falsity of the other. The authority just +mentioned states, when Bedlow "was taxed with having cheated a +great many merchants abroad, and gentlemen at home, by +personating my Lord Gerard and other men of quality, and by +divers other cheats, he made it an argument to be more credited +in this matter, saying nobody but a rogue could be employed in +such designs." Concerning the murder, it chanced the king had +been at Somerset House visiting the queen, at the time when, +according to Bedlow, the deed had been committed. His majesty +had been attended by a company of guards, and sentries had been +placed at every door; yet not one of them had witnessed a +scuffle, or heard a noise. Moreover, on the king sending Bedlow +to Somerset House, that he might indicate the apartment in which +the magistrate's remains had lain three days, he pointed out a +room where the footman waited, and through which the queen's +meals were daily carried. + +But the dishonesty of his character and falsity of his statements +by no means prevented the majority of his hearers from believing, +or pretending to believe, his statements; and therefore, +encouraged by the ready reception they met, he ventured to make +fresh and startling revelations. Heedless of the oath he had +taken on the first day of his examination, regarding his +ignorance of the popish plot, he now asserted he was well +acquainted with all its details. For some four years he had been +in the secret employment of the wicked Jesuits, and knew they +intended to stab and poison his majesty, establish catholicity in +England, and make the pope king. So far, indeed, had their evil +machinations been planned, that several popish peers already held +commissions for posts they expected to fill in the future. Lord +Bellasis and Lord Powis were appointed commanders of the forces +in the north and south; whilst Lord Arundel of Wardour had +permission to grant such positions as he pleased. Then the Dukes +of Buckingham, Ormond, and Monmouth, with Lords Shaftesbury and +Ossory, together with many others, were to be murdered by forty +thousand papists, who were ready to rise up all over the country +at a moment's notice. "Nor was there," he added, "a Roman +Catholic of any quality or credit but was acquainted with these +designs and had received the sacrament from their father +confessors to be secret in carrying it out." + +It by no means pleased Oates that Bedlow should surpass him in +his knowledge of this hellish plot. Therefore, that he might not +lose in repute as an informer, he now declared he was also aware +of the commissions held by popish peers. He, however, assigned +them in a different order. Arundel was to be made chancellor; +Powis, treasurer; Bellasis general of the army; Petre, +lieutenant-general; Ratcliffe, major-general; Stafford, +paymaster-general; and Langhorn, advocate-general. Nay, his +information far outstripped Bedlow's, for he swore that to his +knowledge Coleman had given four ruffians eighty guineas to stab +the king, and Sir George Wakeham had undertaken to poison his +majesty for ten thousand pounds. When, however, he was brought +face to face with these men, he was unable to recognise them, a +fact he accounted for by stating he was exhausted by prolonged +examination, + +All England was scared by revelations so horrible; "the business +of life," writes Macpherson, "was interrupted by confusion, +panic, clamour, and dreadful rumours." In London, two thousand +catholics were cast into prison; houses were daily searched for +arms and treasonable documents; and in good time merciless +executions filled up the sum of bitter persecutions. + +One of the first victims of this so-called plot was William +Staley, a catholic banker of fair renown. The manner in which +his life was sacrificed will serve as an example of the injustice +meted to those accused. One day, William Staley happened to +enter a pastrycook's shop in Covent Garden, opposite his bank, +where there chanced to stand at the time a fellow named +Carstairs; one of the infamous creatures who, envious of the +honours and riches heaped on Oates and Bedlow, resolved to make +new discoveries and enjoy like rewards. At this time he was, as +Bishop Burnet states, "looking about where he could find a lucky +piece of villainy." Unfortunately the banker came under his +notice, and Bedlow and an associate pretended to have heard +Staley say the king was a rogue and a persecutor of the people +whom he would stab if no other man was found to do the deed. +These words Carstairs wrote down, and next morning called on the +banker, showed him the treasonable sentence, and said he would +swear it had been uttered by him, unless he, Staley, would +purchase his silence. Though fully aware of his danger, he +refused to do this; whereon Carstairs had him instantly arrested +and committed for trial. Hearing of his situation, and knowing +the infamous character of his accusers, Dr. Burnet thought it his +duty to let the lord chancellor and the attorney-general know +"What profligate wretches these witnesses were." His +interference was received with hostility. The attorney-general +took it ill that he should disparage the king's evidence; Lord +Shaftesbury avowed those who sought to undermine the credit of +witnesses were to be looked on as public enemies; whilst the Duke +of Lauderdale said Burnet desired to save Staley because of the +regard he had for anyone who would murder his majesty. +Frightened by such remarks at a time when no man's life or credit +was safe, Burnet shrank from further action; but rumour of his +interference having got noised abroad, it was resented by the +public to such an extent, that he was advised not to stir abroad +for fear of public affronts. + +Within five days of his arrest, William Staley was condemned to +death. In vain he protested his innocence, pointed out the +improbability of his using such words in a public room, and +referred to his character as a loyal man and worthy citizen. He +was condemned and executed as a traitor. + +The next victim was Coleman. He denied having hired assassins to +murder his majesty, or entertained desires for his death; but +honestly stated he had striven to advance his religion, not by +bloodshed, but by tolerance. Whilst lying in chains at Newgate +prison under sentence of death members of both Houses of +Parliament visited him, and offered him pardon if he confessed a +knowledge of the plot; but, in answer to all persuasions and +promises, he avowed his innocence; protesting which, he died at +Tyburn. + +A little later, three Jesuits, named Ireland, Whitehead, and +Fenwick, and two attendants of the queen's chapel, named Grove +and Pickering, were executed on a charge of conspiracy to kill +the king. Oates and Bedlow swore these Jesuits had promised +Grove fifteen hundred pounds as price of the murder; Pickering +chose as his reward to have thirty thousand masses, at a shilling +a mass, said for him. Three times they had attempted this deed +with a pistol; but once the flint was loose, another time there +was no powder in the pan, and again the pistol was charged only +with bullets. These five men died denying their guilt to the +last. + +Meanwhile, Dr. Tonge, the ingenious inventor of the plot, had +sunk into insignificance by comparison with his audacious pupil. +Not only did the latter have apartments at Whitehall allotted +him, and receive a pension of twelve hundred a year, but he was +lauded as the saviour of his country, complimented with the title +of doctor of divinity, honoured in public, and entertained in +private. Eachard mentions "a great supper in the city," given in +compliment to Oates by "twenty eminent rich citizens;" and Sir +John Reresby writes of meeting him at the dinner-table of Dr. +Gunning, Bishop of Ely. Nothing could exceed the insolence and +arrogance of the impostor. He appeared in a silk gown and +cassock, a long scarf, a broad hat with satin band and rose, and +called himself a doctor of divinity. No man dared contradict or +oppose him, lest he should be denounced as a conniver of the +plot, and arrested as a traitor. "Whoever he pointed at was +taken up and committed," says North. "So that many people got +out of his way as from a blast, and glad they could prove their +last two years' conversation. The very breath of him was +pestilential, and if it brought not imprisonment, it surely +poisoned reputation." Sir John, speaking of him at the bishop's +dinner-table, says "he was blown up with the hopes of running +down the Duke of York, and spoke of him and his family after a +manner which showed himself both a fool and a knave. He +reflected not only on him personally, but upon her majesty; +nobody daring to contradict him, for fear of being made a party +to the plot. I at least did not undertake to do it, when he left +the room in some heat. The bishop told me this was his usual +discourse, and that he had checked him formerly for taking so +indecent a liberty, but he found it was to no purpose." + +The impostor's conversation on this occasion furnishes the key- +note of a vile plot now contrived to intercept the lawful +succession, either by effectually removing the queen, and thereby +enabling the king to marry again; or otherwise excluding the Duke +of York by act of parliament from lawful right to the crown. +Though Shaftesbury's hand was not plainly seen, there can be no +doubt it was busily employed in working out his favourite design. + +The blow was first aimed at her majesty by Bedlow, who, on the +25th of November, accused her of conspiring to kill her husband. +About eighteen months previously, he said, there had been a +consultation in the chapel gallery at Somerset House, which had +been attended by Lord Bellasis, Mr. Coleman, La Faire, Pritchard, +Latham, and Sheldon, four Jesuits, and two Frenchmen whom he took +to be abbots, two persons of quality whose faces he did not see, +and lastly by her majesty. The Jesuits afterwards confided in +him as a person of trust, that the queen wept at a proposal to +murder the king which had been made, but subsequently yielding to +arguments of the French abbots, had consented to the design. +Indeed, Bedlow, who was in the sacristy when her majesty passed +through at the termination of this meeting, noticed her face had +much changed. Here his story ended; but, as was now usual, it +was taken up and concluded by Oates. + +Appearing at the Bar of the House of Commons, this vile impostor +cried out, "Aye, Taitus Oates, accause Caatharine, Quean of +England, of haigh traison." Then followed his audacious +evidence. In the previous July, Sir George Wakeham, in writing +to a Jesuit named Ashby, stated her majesty would aid in +poisoning the king. A few days afterwards, Harcourt and four +other Jesuits having been sent for, attended the queen at +Somerset House. On that occasion Oates waited on them; they went +into a chamber, he stayed without. Whilst there he heard a +woman's voice say she would endure her wrongs no longer, but +should assist Sir George Wakeham in poisoning the king. He was +afterwards admitted to the chamber, and saw no woman there but +her majesty; and he heard the same voice ask Harcourt, whilst be +was within, if he had received the last ten thousand pounds. + +The appetite of public credulity seeming to increase by that on +which it fed, this avowal was readily believed. That the +accusation had not been previously made; that Oates had months +before sworn he knew no others implicated in the plot beyond +those he named; that the queen had never interfered in religious +matters; that she loved her husband exceeding well, were facts +completely overlooked in the general agitation. Parliament "was +in a rage and flame;" and next day the Commons drew up an address +to the king, stating that "having received information of a most +desperate and traitorous design against the life of his sacred +majesty, wherein the queen is particularly charged and accused" +they besought him that "she and all her family, and all papists +and reputed papists, be forthwith removed from his court." +Furthermore, the House sent a message to the Peers, desiring +their concurrence in this request; but the Lords made answer, +before doing so they would examine the witnesses against her +majesty. This resolution was loudly and indecently protested +against by Lord Shaftesbury and two of his friends. + +The king had discredited the story of the plot from the first; +but remembering the unhappy consequences which had resulted upon +the disagreement of the monarch and his parliament in the +previous reign, he weakly resolved to let himself be carried away +by the storm, other than offer it resistance. On the +condemnation of the Jesuits, he had appeared unhappy and +dissatisfied; "but," says Lord Romney, "after he had had a little +advice he kept his displeasure to himself." The Duke of York +states, in the Stuart Papers, that "the seeming necessity of his +affairs made his majesty think he could not be safe but by +consenting every day to the execution of those he knew in his +heart to be most innocent." Now, however, when foul charges were +made against the queen, calculated not merely to ruin her honour +but destroy her life, he resolved to interfere. He therefore +requested she would return to Whitehall, where she should be safe +under his protection; and feeling assured Oates had received +instructions from others more villainous than their tool, he +ordered a strict guard to be kept upon him. This he was, +however, obliged to remove next day at request of the Commons. + +On the examination before the House of Lords of Oates and Bedlow, +their evidence proved so vague and contradictory that it was +rejected even by the most credulous. When Bedlow was asked "why +be had not disclosed such a perilous matter in conjunction with +his previous information touching the murder of Sir Edmondbury +Godfrey," he coolly replied, "it had escaped his memory." On +Oates being sent to point out the apartment in which he had seen +her majesty and the Jesuits, he first selected the guard-room, +and afterwards the privy chamber, places in which it would have +been impossible to have held secret consultation. Aware that the +king was resolved to protect her majesty, and conscious the +evidence of her accusers was more wildly improbable than usual, +the Lords refused to second the address of the Commons, when the +charge against this hapless woman was abandoned, to the great +vexation of my Lord Shaftesbury. + +Though the queen happily escaped the toils of her enemies, the +reign of terror was by no means at an end. At request of the +king, the Duke of York left England and took refuge in Brussels; +the catholic peers imprisoned in the Tower were impeached with +high treason; Hill, Green, and Berry, servants of her majesty, +charged with the murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, were, without +a shadow of evidence, hurried to the scaffold, as were soon after +Whitebread, Fenwick, Harcourt, Gavan and Turner, Jesuits all, and +Langhorn, a catholic lawyer, for conspiring to murder the king. +On the morning when these unfortunate men stood ignominiously +bound to the gallows at Tyburn, the instruments of death before +their eyes, the angry murmurs of the surging mob ringing in their +ears, suddenly the sound of a voice crying aloud, "A pardon! a +pardon!" was heard afar off, and presently a horseman appeared +riding at full speed. The soldiers with some difficulty making +way for him through a line of excited people, he advanced to the +foot of the scaffold, and handed a roll of paper bearing the +king's seal to the sheriff, who, opening it, read a promise of +pardon to those now standing face to face with death, provided +"they should acknowledge the conspiracy, and lay open what they +knew thereof." To this they replied they knew of no plot, and +had never desired harm to the king; and, praying for those who +had sought their lives, they died. + +The firmness and patience with which the victims of judicial +murder had one and all met death, refusing bribes, and resisting +persuasions to own themselves guilty, could not fail in producing +some effect upon the public mind; and towards the middle of the +year 1679 the first signs of reaction became visible, when three +Benedictine monks and the queen's physician were tried for +conspiracy "to poison the king, subvert the government, and +introduce popery." During the examination, Evelyn tells us, "the +bench was crowded with the judges, lord mayor, justices, and +innumerable spectators." After a tedious trial of nine hours, +the jury brought the prisoners in not guilty, "without," says +Evelyn, "sufficient disadvantage and reflection on witnesses, +especially on Oates and Bedlow." + +As my Lord Shaftesbury had not yet succeeded in his desired +project of excluding the Duke of York from succession, the +symptoms of change in public opinion were thoroughly distasteful +to him. He therefore resolved to check them immediately, and +stimulate the agitation and fear that had for many months reigned +paramount through out the nation. For this purpose he had +recourse to his former method of circulating wild and baseless +reports. Accordingly a rumour was soon brought before the House +of Commons of a horrible plot hatched by the papists to burn +London to the ground. This, it was alleged, would be effected by +a servant-maid setting a clothes-press on fire in the house of +her master, situated in Fetter Lane. Two vile Irishmen were to +feed the flames, and meanwhile the catholics would rise in +rebellion, and, assisted by an army of sixty thousand French +soldiers, kill the king, and put all protestants to the sword. +Though this tale was in due time discredited, yet it served its +purpose in the present. The violent alarm it caused had not +subsided when another terrible story, started on the excellent +authority of Lord Shaftesbury's cook, added a new terror. This +stated the Duke of York had placed himself at the head of the +French troops, with intention of landing in England, murdering +the king and forcing papacy on his subjects. The scare was +sufficiently effectual to cause Parliament to petition his +majesty that he might revoke all licenses recently granted +catholic householders to reside in the capital; and order the +execution of all priests who administered sacraments or +celebrated mass within the kingdom. Soon after this address, +Lord Russell was sent by the Commons to the Peers, requesting +their concurrence in the statement that "the Duke of York's being +a papist, the hope of his coming to the crown had given the +greatest countenance and encouragement to the conspiracies and +designs of the papists." And now, in May, 1679, the condition of +popular feeling promising well for its success. the Bill of +Exclusion was introduced, ordaining that "James, Duke of York +should be incapable of inheriting the crowns of England and +Ireland; that on the demise of his majesty without heirs of his +body, his dominions should devolve, as if the Duke of York were +also dead, on that person next in succession who had always +professed the protestant religion established by law." This +passed the House of Commons by a majority of seventy-nine votes. + +Alarmed by this bill, Charles resolved to show signs of +resentment, and at the same time check the increasing power of +the Commons, by a sudden and decisive movement. Therefore, +without previously hinting at his intentions, he prorogued +parliament before the bill was sent to the House of Lords. This +was a keen surprise to all, and a bitter disappointment to +Shaftesbury, who vowed those who advised the king to this measure +should answer for it with their heads. Owing to various delays, +the Bill of Exclusion was not brought before the Peers until +eighteen months later. Its introduction was followed by a debate +lasting six hours, in which Shaftesbury distinguished himself by +his force and bitterness. At nine o'clock at night the House +divided, when the measure was rejected by a majority of thirty- +three votes, amongst which were those of the fourteen bishops +present. + +Mortified by this unexpected decision, the violent passions of +the defeated party hurried them on to seek the blood of those +peers lodged in the Tower. Of the five, William Howard, Viscount +Stafford--youngest son of the Earl of Arran, and nephew of the +Duke of Norfolk--was selected to be first put upon his trial; +inasmuch as, being over sixty years, and a sufferer from many +infirmities, it was judged he would be the least capable of +making a vigorous defence. Three perjured witnesses swore he had +plotted against the king's life, but no proof was forthcoming to +support their evidence. Notwithstanding this was "bespattered +and falsified in almost every point," it was received as +authentic by the judges, who made a national cause of his +prosecution, and considered no punishment too severe for a +papist. After a trial of five days sentence of death was +pronounced upon him, and on the 29th of December, 1680, he was +beheaded on Tower Hill. + +Like those who had suffered from similar charges, he protested +his innocence to the last; but his words met with a reception +different from theirs. Their dying speeches had been greeted by +groans, hisses, and signs of insatiable fury; but his +declarations fell upon silent and sympathizing hearts. When he +had made denial of the crimes of which he was accused, a great +cry rose from the mob, "We believe you--we believe you, my lord;" +and then a single voice calling out "God bless you!" the words +were taken up and repeated by a vast throng, so that the last +sounds he heard on earth were those of prayer. He died with a +firmness worthy of his caste. Having laid his head upon the +block, the executioner brandished his axe in the air, and then +set it quietly down at his feet. Raising his head, Lord Stafford +inquired the cause of delay; the executioner replied he awaited a +sign. "Take your time," said he who stood at the verge of +eternity; "I shall make no sign." He who held the axe in his +hand hesitated a second, and then said in a low and troubled +voice, "Do you forgive me, sir?" To which Lord Stafford made +brief answer, "I do." Then he laid his head again upon the +blood-stained block. Once more the glitter of steel flashed +through the air, a groan arose from the crowd, and Lord +Stafford's head was severed from his body. + +A reaction now set in, and gained strength daily. The remaining +peers were in due time liberated; the blood of innocent victims +was no longer shed; and the Duke of York was recalled. Such was +the end of the popish plot, which, says Archdeacon Eachard, +"after the strictest and coolest examinations, and after a full +length of time, the government could find very little foundation +to support so vast a fabrick, besides downright swearing and +assurance; not a gun, sword, nor dagger, not a flask of powder or +dark lanthorn, to effect this strange villainy, and with the +exception of Coleman's writings, not one slip of an original +letter of commission among those great numbers alledged to uphold +the reputation of the discoveries." + +Concerning those through whose malice such disturbance was +wrought, and so much blood shed, a few words may be added. +Within twelve months of Lord Stafford's execution, Shaftesbury +was charged with high treason, but escaping condemnation, fled +from further molestation to Holland, where, after a residence of +six weeks, he died. Tonge departed this life in 1680, +unbenefited by the monstrous plot he had so skilfully devised; +and in the same year Bedlow was carried to the grave after an +illness of four days. Oates survived to meet a share of the +ignominy and punishment due to his crimes. After a residence of +three years in Whitehall, he was driven out of the palace on +account of "certain misdemeanors laid to his charge," and +deprived of his salary. Two years later, in May, 1683, he was +accused of calling the Duke of York a traitor, and using +scandalous words towards his royal highness. Upon hearing of the +case the jury fined him one hundred thousand pounds. Unable to +pay the sum, he was cast into prison, where he remained six +years, until liberated in the reign of William and Mary, His +punishment was not, however, at an end. At the Michaelmas term +of 1684 he was accused of having wilfully perjured himself at the +late trials. As he pleaded not guilty, his case was appointed to +be heard at the King's Bench Court. His trial did not take place +until May, 1685, on which occasion the lord chief justice, in +summing up the evidence, declared, "There does not remain the +slightest doubt that Oates is the blackest and most perjured +villain on the face of the earth." + +After a quarter of an hour's absence from court, the jury +returned a verdict of guilty, and sentence was pronounced against +him. He was stripped of his canonical habit; forced to walk +through all the courts of Westminster Hall proclaiming his +crimes; to stand an hour on the pillory opposite Westminster Hall +gate on Monday; an hour on the pillory at the Royal Exchange on +Tuesday; and on Wednesday he was tied to a cart and whipt at the +hands of the common hangman from Aldgate to Newgate, in the +presence, says Eachard, "of innumerable spectators, who had a +more than ordinary curiosity to see the sight." + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +London under Charles II.--Condition and appearance of the +thoroughfares.--Coffee is first drunk in the capital.--Taverns +and their frequenters.--The city by night.--Wicked people do +creep about.--Companies of young gentlemen.--The Duke of Monmouth +kills a beadle.--Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.--Stately houses of +the nobility.--St. James's Park.--Amusement of the town.--At +Bartholomew Fair.--Bull, bear, and dog fights.--Some quaint +sports. + +During the first six years of the merry monarch's reign, London +town, east of Temple Bar, consisted of narrow and tortuous +streets of quaintly gabled houses, pitched roofed and plaster +fronted. Scarce four years had passed after the devastating fire +which laid this portion of the capital in ashes, when a new and +stately city rose upon the ruins of the old. Thoroughfares lying +close by the Thames, which were wont to suffer from inundations, +were raised; those which from limited breadth had caused +inconvenience and bred pestilence were made wide; warehouses and +dwellings of solid brick and carved stone, with doors, window- +frames, and breastsummers of stout oak, replaced irregular though +not unpicturesque habitations; whilst the halls of companies, +eminent taverns, and abodes of great merchants, were now built +"with fair courtyards before them, and pleasant gardens behind +them, and fair spacious rooms and galleries in them, little +inferior to some princes' palaces." Moreover, churches designed +by the genius of Christopher Wren, adorned with spires, steeples, +and minarets, intersected the capital at all points. + +This new, handsome, and populous city presented an animated, ever +changing, and merry scene. From "the high street which is called +the Strand," far eastwards, great painted signs, emblazoned with +heraldic arms, or ornamented with pictures of grotesque birds and +animals, swung above shop-doors and taverns. Stalls laden with +wares of every description, "set out with decorations as valuable +as those of the stage," extended into the thoroughfares. In the +new Exchange, built by the worshipful company of mercers at a +cost of eight thousand pounds, and adorned by a fair statue of +King Charles II. in the habit of a Roman emperor, were galleries +containing rows of very rich shops, displaying manufactures and +ornaments of rare description, served by young men known as +apprentices, and likewise by comely wenches. + +At corners and nooks of streets, under eaves of churches and +great buildings, and other places of shelter, sat followers of +various trades and vendors of divers commodities, each in the +place which had become his from daily association and long habit. +These good people, together with keepers of stalls and shops, +extolled their wares in deafening shouts; snatches of song, +shouts of laughter, and the clang of pewter vessels came in +bursts of discord from open tavern doors; women discoursed with +or abused each other, according to their temper and inclination +as they leaned from the jutting small-paned windows and open +balconies of their homesteads; hackney coaches or "hell carts," +as they drove by, cast filth and refuse lying in kennels upon the +clothes of passengers; the carriers of sedan-chairs deposited +their burthens to fight for right of way in narrow passages and +round crowded corners. + +Through the busy concourse flowing up and down the thoroughfares +from dawn to dusk, street-criers took their way, bearing wares +upon their heads in wicker baskets, before them on broad trays, +or slung upon their backs in goodly packs. And as they passed, +their voices rose above the general din, calling "Fair lemons and +oranges, oranges and citrons!" "Cherries, sweet cherries, ripe +and red!" "New flounders and great plaice; buy my dish of great +eels!" "Rosemary and sweet briar; who'll buy my lavender?" +"Fresh cheese and cream!" "Lily-white vinegar!" "Dainty +sausages!" which calls, being frequently intoned to staves of +melody, fell with pleasant sounds upon the ear. [These hawkers +so seriously interfered with legitimate traders, that in 1694 +they were forbidden to sell any goods or merchandise in any +public place within the city or liberties, except in open markets +and fairs, on penalty of forty shillings for each offence, both +to buyers and sellers.] Moreover, to these divers sights and +sounds were added ballad singers, who piped ditties upon topics +of the day; quacks who sold nostrums and magic potions; dancers +who performed on tight-ropes; wandering musicians; fire-eaters of +great renown; exhibitors of dancing dolls, and such like +itinerants "as make show of motions and strange sights," all of +whom were obliged to have and to hold "a license in red and black +letters, under the hand and seal of Thomas Killigrew, Esq., +master of the revels to his sacred majesty Charles II." + +Adown the Strand, Fleet Street, and in that part of the city +adjoining the Exchange, coffee-houses abounded in great numbers. +Coffee, which in this reign became a favourite beverage, was +introduced into London a couple of years before the restoration. +It had, however, been brought into England at a much earlier +period. John Evelyn, in the year 1638, speaks of it being drunk +at Oxford, where there came to his college "one Nathaniel +Conoposis out of Greece, from Cyrill the patriarch of +Constantinople, who, returning many years after, was made Bishop +of Smyrna." Twelve good years later, a coffee-house was opened +at Oxford by one Jacobs, a Jew, where this beverage was imbibed +"by some who delighted in novelty." It was, however, according +to Oldys the antiquarian, untasted in the capital till a Turkey +merchant named Edwards brought to London a Ragusan youth named +Pasqua Rosee, who prepared this drink for him daily. The +eagerness to taste the strange beverage drawing too much company +to his board, Edwards allowed the lad, together with a servant of +his son-in-law, to sell it publicly; whence coffee was first sold +in St. Michael's Alley in Cornhill by Pasqua Rosee, "at the sign +of his own head," about the year 1658. + +Though coffee-drinkers first met with much ridicule from wits +about town, and writers of broadsheet ballads, the beverage +became gradually popular, and houses for its sale quickly +multiplied. Famous amongst these, in the reign of the merry +monarch, besides that already mentioned, was Garraway's in +Exchange Alley; the Rainbow, by the Inner Temple Gate; Dick's, +situated at No. 8, Fleet Street; Jacobs', the proprietor of which +moved in 1671 from Oxford to Southampton Buildings, Holborn; the +Grecian in the Strand, "conducted without ostentation or noise;" +the Westminster, noted as a resort of peers and members of +parliament; and Will's, in Russell Street, frequented by the poet +Dryden. + +These houses, the forerunners of clubs, were, according to their +situation and convenience, frequented by noblemen and men of +quality, courtiers, foreign ministers, politicians, members of +learned professions, wits, citizens of various grades, and all +who loved to exchange greetings and gossip with their neighbours +and friends. Within these low-ceilinged comfortable coffee-house +rooms, fitted with strong benches and oak chairs, where the black +beverage was drunk from handless wide brimmed cups, Pepys passed +many cheerful hours, hearing much of the news he so happily +narrates, and holding pleasant discourse with many notable men. +It was in a coffee-house he encountered Major Waters, "a deaf and +most amorous melancholy gentleman, who is under a despayer in +love, which makes him bad company, though a most good-natured +man." And in such a place he listened to "some simple discourse +about quakers being charmed by a string about their wrists;" and +saw a certain merchant named Hill "that is a master of most sorts +of musique and other things, the universal character, art of +memory, counterfeiting of hands, and other most excellent +discourses." + +In days before newspapers came into universal circulation, and +general meetings were known, coffee-houses became recognised +centres for exchange of thought and advocacy of political action. +Aware of this, the government, under leadership of Danby, not +desiring to have its motives too freely canvassed, in 1675 issued +an order that such "places of resort for idle and disaffected +persons" should be closed. Alarmed by this command, the keepers +of such houses petitioned for its withdrawal, at the same time +faithfully promising libels should not be read under their roofs. +They were therefore permitted to carry on their business by +license. + +Next in point of interest to coffee-houses were taverns where men +came to make merry, in an age when simplicity and good fellowship +largely obtained. As in coffee-houses, gossip was the order of +the day in such places, each tavern being in itself "a broacher +of more news than hogsheads, and more jests than news." Those of +good standing and fair renown could boast rows of bright flagons +ranged on shelves round panelled walls; of hosts, rotund in +person and genial in manner; and of civil drawers, who could +claim good breeding. The Bear, at the bridge-foot, situated at +the Southwark side, was well known to men of gallantry and women +of pleasure; and was, moreover, famous as the spot where the Duke +of Richmond awaited Mistress Stuart on her escape from Whitehall. +The Boar's Head, in Eastcheap, which gained pleasant mention in +the plays of William Shakespeare, when rebuilt, after the great +fire, became a famous resort. The Three Cranes, in the Vintry, +was sacred to the shade of rare Ben Jonson. The White Bear's +Head, in Abchurch Lane, where French dinners were served from +five shillings a head "to a guinea, or what sum you pleased," was +the resort of cavaliers, The Rose Tavern, in the Poultry, was +famous for its excellent ale, and no less for its mighty pretty +hostess, to whom the king had kissed hands as he rode by on his +entry. The Rummer was likewise of some note, inasmuch as it was +kept by one Samuel Prior, uncle to Matthew Prior, the ingenious +poet. On the balcony of the Cock, near Covent Garden, Sir +Charles Sedley had stood naked in a drunken frolic; and at the +King's Head, over against the Inner Temple Gate, Shaftesbury and +his friends laid their plots, coming out afterwards on the double +balcony in front, as North describes them, "with hats and no +peruques, pipes in their mouths, merry faces and dilated throats, +for vocal encouragement of the canaglia below." + +All day long the streets were crowded by those whom business or +diversion carried abroad; but when night fell apace, the keepers +of stalls and shops speedily secured their wares and fastened +their doors, whilst the honest citizen and his family kept within +house. For the streets being unlighted, darkness fell upon them, +relieved only as some person of wealth rode homewards from +visiting a friend, or a band of late revellers returned from a +feast, when the glare of flambeaux, carried by their attendants, +for a moment brought the outlines of houses into relief, or +flashed red light upon their diamond panes, leaving all in +profound gloom on disappearing. + +The condition of the thoroughfares favouring the inclination of +many loose persons, they wandered at large, dealing mischief to +those whose duty took them abroad. From the year 1556, in the +reign of Queen Mary, "fit persons with suitable strength" had +been appointed to walk the streets and watch the city by night; +to protect those in danger, arrest suspected persons, warn +householders of danger by fire and candle, help the poor, pray +for the dead, and preserve the peace. These burly individuals +were known as watch or bell men; one was appointed for each ward, +whose duty it was to pass through the district he guarded ringing +his bell, "and when that ceaseth," says Stow, "he salutes his +masters and mistresses with his rhymes, suitable to the seasons +and festivals of the year, and bids them look to their lights." + +In the third year of the reign of King Charles II., whilst Sir +John Robinson was mayor of London town, divers good orders were +made by him and his common council for the better service of +these watches. The principal of these set forth that each should +be accompanied by a constable and a beadle selected from the +inhabitants of their respective wards, who should be required in +turn to render voluntary service in guarding the city, from nine +of the clock at night till seven in the morning, from Michaelmas +to the 1st of April; and from that date until the 31st of March, +from ten at night till five in the morning. + +These rules were not, however, vigorously carried out; the +volunteers were frequently unwilling to do duty, or when, fearful +of fine, they went abroad, they usually spent their time in +tippling in ale-houses, so that, as Delaune remarks, "a great +many wicked persons capable of the blackest villainies do creep +about, as daily and sad experience shows." It was not only those +who, with drawn swords, darted from some deep porch or sheltering +buttress, in hopes of enriching themselves at their neighbour's +expense, that were to be dreaded. It was a fashion of the time +for companies of young gentlemen to saunter forth in numbers +after route or supper, when, being merry with wine and eager for +adventure, they were brave enough to waylay the honest citizen +and abduct his wife, beat the watch and smash his lantern, bedaub +signboards and wrench knockers, overturn a sedan-chair and +vanquish the carriers, sing roystering songs under the casements +of peaceful sleepers, and play strange pranks to which they were +prompted by young blood and high spirits. + +Among those who made prominent figures in such unholy sports was +the king's eldest son, my Lord Duke of Monmouth. He and his +young grace of Albemarle--son to that gallant soldier now +deceased, who was instrumental in restoring his majesty--together +with some seven or eight young gentlemen, whilst on their rounds +one Sunday morning encountered a beadle, whose quaint and +ponderous figure presented itself to their blithe minds as a fit +object for diversion in lieu of better. Accordingly they +accosted him with rough words and unceremonious usage, the which +he resenting, they came to boisterous threats and many blows, +that ended only when the poor fellow lay with outstretched limbs +stark dead upon the pavement. Sir Charles Sedley and Lord +Brockhurst were also notable as having been engaged in another +piece of what has been called "frolick and debauchery," when +"they ran up and down all night almost naked through the streets, +at last fighting and being beaten by the watch, and clapped up +all night." + +It was not until the last years of the merry monarch's reign that +there was introduced "an ingenious and useful invention for the +good of this great city, calculated to secure one's goods, +estates, and person; to prevent fires, robberies and +housebreakings, and several accidents and casualties by falls to +which man is liable by walking in the dark" This was a scheme for +lighting the streets, by placing an oil-lamp in front of every +tenth house on each side of the way, from Michaelmas to Lady-day, +every night from six of the clock till twelve, beginning the +third night after every full moon, and ending on the sixth night +after every new moon; one hundred and twenty nights in all. The +originator of this plan was one Edward Hemming, of London, +gentleman. His project was at first ridiculed and opposed by +"narrow-souled and self-interested people," who were no doubt +children of darkness and doers of evil deeds; but was eventually +hailed with delight by all honest men, one of whom, gifted with +considerable imagination, declared these poor oil-lamps "seemed +but one great solar light that turned nocturnal shades to +noonday." + +In this reign the city proper was confined eastward of Temple +Bar; to the west lay the palaces of Somerset House and Whitehall, +the stately parks, and great houses of the nobility surrounded by +wide gardens and wooded grounds. Monsieur Sorbiere, who in this +reign made a journey into England, an account of which he +subsequently published "to divert a person of quality who loved +him extremely," resided close by Covent Garden during his stay. +It was usual, he writes, for people in the district to say, "I go +to London," for "indeed 'tis a journey for those who live near +Westminster. 'Tis true," he adds, "they may sometimes get +thither in a quarter of an hour by water, which they cannot do in +less than two hours by land, for I am persuaded no less time will +be necessary to go from one end of its suburb to the other." For +a crown a week this ingenious and travelled gentleman had +lodgings in Covent Garden, not far removed from Salisbury House, +a vicinity which he avows was "certainly the finest place in the +suburbs." Covent Garden itself has been described by John +Strype, native of the city of London, as "a curious large and +airy square enclosed by rails, between which railes and houses +runs a fair street." The square, or, as it was commonly called, +garden, was well gravelled for greater accommodation of those who +wished to take the air; and that its surface might more quickly +dry after rain, it was raised by an easy ascent to the centre, +where stood a sundial fixed on a black marble pillar, at the base +of which were stone steps, "whereon the weary' might rest." + +The west side of the square was flanked by the handsome portico +of St. Paul's Church, erected at the expense of Francis, Earl of +Bedford, from designs by Mr. Inigo Jones; the south side opened +to Bedford Gardens, "where there is a small grotto of trees, most +pleasant in the summer season. Here, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and +Saturdays, a market was held, well stocked with roots, fruits, +herbs, and flowers. On the north and east sides stood large and +stately houses of persons of quality and consideration, the +fronts of which, being supported by strong pillars, afforded +broad walks, known as the Piazza, and found convenient in wet and +sultry weather. + +Here amongst other houses was that of my Lord Brouncker, where +Mr. Pepys enjoyed a most noble French dinner and much good +discourse, in return for which he gave much satisfaction by the +singing of a new ballad, to wit, Lord Dorset's famous song, "To +all ye ladies now on land." Not far distant, its face turned to +the Strand, was the stately residence of the Duke of Bedford, a +large dark building, fronted by a great courtyard, and backed by +spacious gardens enclosed by red-brick walls. Likewise in the +Strand stood Arundel House, the residence of Henry Frederick +Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, and Earl Marshal of England; +Hatfield House, built by Thomas Hatfield, Bishop of Durham, as a +town residence for himself and his heirs lawfully begotten; York +House, richly adorned with the arms of Villiers and Manners--one +gloomy chamber of which was shown as that wherein its late noble +owner, George, first Duke of Buckingham, was stabbed by Felton; +Worcester House, at one time occupied by Lord Chancellor +Clarendon; and Essex House, situated near St. Clement Danes, the +town residence of Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex, "a sober, wise, +judicious, and pondering person, not illiterate beyond the rate +of most noblemen of this age." + +There were also many other noble mansions lying westward, amongst +them being those of the Dukes of Ormond and Norfolk in St. +James's Square, which was built at this time; Berkeley House, +which stood on the site now occupied by Berkeley Square, a +magnificent structure containing a staircase of cedar wood, and +great suites of lofty rooms; Leicester House, situated in +Leicester Fields, subsequently known as Leicester Square, behind +which stretched a goodly common; Goring House, "a very pretty +villa furnished with silver jars, vases, cabinets, and other rich +furniture, even to wantonnesse and profusion," on the site of +which Burlington Street now stands; Clarendon House, a princely +residence, combining "state, use, solidity, and beauty," +surrounded by fair gardens, that presently gave place to Bond +Street; Southampton House, standing, as Evelyn says, in "a noble +piazza--a little town," now known as Bloomsbury Square, whose +pleasant grounds commanded a full view of the rising hills of +Hampstead and Highgate; and Montagu House, described as a palace +built in the French fashion, standing on the ground now occupied +by the British Museum, which in this reign was backed by lonely +fields, the dread scenes of "robbery, murder, and every species +of depravity and wickedness of which the heart can think." + +Besides the grounds and gardens surrounding these stately +mansions, a further aspect of space and freshness was added to +the capital by public parks. Foremost amongst these was St. +James's, to which the merry monarch added several fields, and for +its greater advantage employed Monsieur La Notre, the famous +French landscape-gardener. Amongst the improvements this +ingenious man effected were planting trees of stately height, +contriving a canal one hundred feet broad and two hundred and +eighty feet long, with a decoy and duck island, [The goodnatured +Charles made Monsieur St. Evremond governor of Duck Island, to +which position he attached a salary much appreciated by the +exile. The island was removed in 1790 to make room for fresh +improvements.] and making a pleasant pathway bordered by an +aviary on either side, usually called Bird Cage Walk. An +enclosure for deer was formed in the centre of the park; not far +removed was the famous Physic Garden, where oranges were first +seen in England; and at the western end, where Buckingham Palace +has been erected, stood Arlington House, described as "a most +neat box, and sweetly seated amongst gardens, enjoying the +prospect of the park and the adjoining fields." + +The great attraction of St. James's Park was the Mall, which +Monsieur Sorbiere tells us was a walk "eight hundred and fifty +paces in length, beset with rows of large trees, and near a small +wood, from whence you may see a fine mead, a long canal, +Westminster Abbey, and the suburbs, which afford an admirable +prospect." This path was skirted by a wooded border, and at the +extreme end was set with iron hoops, "for the purpose of playing +a game with a ball called the mall." ["Our Pall Mall is, I +believe, derived from paille maille, a game somewhat analogous to +cricket, and imported from France in the reign of the second +Charles. It was formerly played in St. James's Park, and in the +exercise of the sport a small hammer or mallet was used to strike +the ball. I think it worth noting that the Malhe crest is a +mailed arm and hand, the latter grasping a mallet."--NOTES AND +QUERIES, 1st series, vol. iii. p. 351.] + +In St. James's Park Samuel Pepys first saw the Duke of York +playing at "pelemele"; and likewise in 1662 witnessed with +astonishment people skate upon the ice there, skates having been +just introduced from Holland; on another occasion he enjoyed the +spectacle of Lords Castlehaven and Arran running down and killing +a stout buck for a wager before the king. And one sultry July +day, meeting an acquaintance here, the merry soul took him to the +farther end, where, seating himself under a tree in a corner, he +sung him some blithesome songs. It was likewise in St. James's +Park the Duke of York, meeting John Milton one day, asked him if +his blindness was not to be regarded as a just punishment from +heaven, due to his having written against the martyred king. "If +so, sir," replied the great poet and staunch republican, "what +must we think of his majesty's execution upon a scaffold?" To +which question his royal highness vouchsafed no reply. + +It was a favourite custom of his majesty, who invariably rose +betimes, to saunter in the park whilst the day was young and pass +an hour or two in stroking the heads of his feathered favourites +in the aviary, feeding the fowls in the pond with biscuits, and +playing with the crowd of spaniels ever attending his walks. For +his greater amusement he had brought together in the park a rare +and valuable collection of birds and beasts; amongst which were, +according to a quaint authority, "an onocratylus, or pelican, a +fowl between a stork and a swan--a melancholy water-fowl brought +from Astracan by the Russian ambassador." This writer tells us, +"It was diverting to see how the pelican would toss up and turn a +flat fish, plaice or flounder, to get it right into its gullet at +its lower beak, which being filmy stretches to a prodigious +wideness when it devours a great fish. Here was also a small +water-fowl, not bigger than a more-hen, that went almost quite +erect like the penguin of America. It would eate as much fish as +its whole body weighed, yet ye body did not appear to swell the +bigger. The Solan geese here are also great devourers, and are +said soon to exhaust all ye fish in a pond. Here was a curious +sort of poultry not much exceeding the size of a tame pidgeon, +with legs so short as their crops seemed to touch ye earth; a +milk-white raven; a stork which was a rarity at this season, +seeing he was loose and could fly loftily; two Balearian cranes, +one of which having had one of his leggs broken, and cut off +above the knee, had a wooden or boxen leg and thigh, with a +joint so accurately made that ye creature could walke and use it +as well as if it had ben natural; it was made by a souldier. The +park was at this time stored with numerous flocks of severall +sorts of ordinary and extraordinary wild fowle breeding about the +decoy, which, looking neere so greate a citty, and among such a +concourse of souldiers and people, is a singular and diverting +thing. There are also deere of several countries, white, spotted +like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deere, roebucks, staggs, +Guinea goates, Arabian sheepe, etc. There are withy-potts or +nests for the wild fowle to lay their eggs in, a little above ye +surface of ye water." + +Hyde Park, lying close by, likewise afforded a pleasant and +convenient spot for recreation. Here, in a large circle railed +off and known as the Ring, the world of quality and fashion took +the air in coaches. The king and queen, surrounded by a goodly +throng of maids of honour and gentlemen in waiting, were wont to +ride here on summer evenings, whilst courtiers and citizens +looked on the brilliant cavalcade with loyal delight. Horse and +foot races were occasionally held in the park, as were reviews +likewise, Cosmo, Grand Duke of Tuscany, "a very jolly and good +comely man," whilst visiting England in 1669, was entertained by +his majesty with a military parade held here one Sunday in May. + +On arriving at Hyde Park, he found a great concourse of people +and carriages waiting the coming of his majesty, who presently +appeared with the Duke of York and many lords and gentlemen of +the court. Having acknowledged an enthusiastic greeting, Charles +retired under shade of some trees, in order to protect himself +from the sun, and then gave orders for the troops to march past. +"The whole corps," says the Grand Duke, "consisted of two +regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, and of three companies +of the body-guard, which was granted to the king by parliament +since his return, and was formed of six hundred horsemen, each +armed with carabines and pistols, all well mounted and dressed, +which are uniform in every; thing but colour. When they had +marched by, without firing either a volley or a salve, his +majesty dismounted from his horse, and entering his carriage, +retired to Whitehall." + +Besides such diversions as were enjoyed in the parks, the people +had various other sources of public amusement; amongst these +puppet-shows, exhibitions of strength and agility, bear-baiting, +cock-fighting, and dancing obtained. Until the restoration, +puppet-shows had not been seen for years; for these droll dolls, +being regarded as direct agents of Satan, were discountenanced by +the puritans. With the coming of his majesty they returned in +vast numbers, and were hailed with great delight by the people. +One of these exhibitions which found special favour with the +town, and speedily drew great audiences of gallants and ladies of +quality, was situated within the rails of Covent Garden. And so +perfect were the marionettes of this booth in the performance of +divers sad tragedies and gay comedies, that they had the honour +of receiving a royal command to play before their majesties at +Whitehall. Amongst the most famous tumblers, or, as they were +then styled, posturemakers, of this reign were Jacob Hall the +friend of my Lady Castlemaine, and Joseph Clarke, beloved by the +citizens. Though the latter was "a well-made man and rather +gross than thin," we are told he "exhibited in the most natural +manner almost every species of deformity and dislocation; he +could dislocate his vertebrae so as to render himself a shocking +spectacle; he could also assume all the uncouth faces he had seen +at a quaker's meeting, at the theatre, or any public place. He +was likewise the plague of all the tailors about town. He would +send for one of them to take measure of him, but would so +contrive it as to have a most immoderate rising in one of his +shoulders; when his clothes were brought home and tried upon him, +the deformity was removed into the other shoulder, upon which the +tailor begged pardon for the mistake, and mended it as fast as he +could; but on another trial found him as straight-shouldered a +man as one would desire to see, but a little unfortunate in a +hump back. In fact, this wandering tumour puzzled all the +workmen about town, who found it impossible to accommodate so +changeable a customer." + +Florian Marchand, "the water-spouter," was another performer who +enjoyed considerable fame. Such was the dexterity of this +conjurer that, "drinking only fountaine-water, he rendered out of +his mouth in severall glasses all sorts of wine and sweete +waters." A Turk, who walked up an almost perpendicular line by +means of his toes, danced blindfold on a tight rope with a boy +dangling from his feet, and stood on his head on the top of a +high mast, shared an equal popularity with Barbara Vanbeck, the +bearded woman, and "a monstrous beast, called a dromedary." +These wondrous sights, together with various others of a like +kind, which were scattered throughout the town and suburbs during +the greater part of the year, assembled in full strength at the +fairs of St. Margaret, Southwark, and St. Bartholomew, in +Smithfield. These gatherings, which usually lasted a fortnight, +were looked forward to with considerable pleasure, and frequented +not only by citizens bent on sport, but by courtiers in search of +adventure. + +Nay, even her majesty was tempted on one occasion to go a- +fairing, as we gather from a letter addressed to Sir Robert +Paston, contained in Ives's select papers. "Last week," says the +writer thereof, "the queen, the Duchess of Richmond, and the +Duchess of Buckingham had a frolick to disguise themselves like +country lasses, in red petticoates, waistcoates, etc., and so goe +see the faire. Sir Bernard Gascoign, on a cart jade, rode before +the queen; another stranger before the Duchess of Buckingham, and +Mr. Roper before Richmond. They had all so overdone it in their +disguise, and look'd so much more like antiques than country +volk, that as soon as they came to the faire, the people began to +goe after them; but the queen going to a booth to buy a pair of +yellow stockins for her sweethart, and Sir Bernard asking for a +pair of gloves, sticht with blew, for his sweethart, they were +soon, by their gebrish, found to be strangers, which drew a +bigger flock about them. One amongst them [who] had seen the +queen at dinner, knew her, and was proud of her knowledge. This +soon brought all the faire into a crowd to stare at the queen. +Being thus discovered, they as soon as they could got to their +horses; but as many of the faire as had horses, got up with their +wives, children, sweetharts, or neighbours behind them, to get as +much gape as they could till they brought them to the court gate. +Thus by ill conduct was a merry frolick turned into a penance." + +On another occasion my Lady Castlemaine went to Bartholomew fair +to see the puppets play "Patient Grissel;" and there was the +street "full of people expecting her coming out," who, when she +appeared, "suffered her with great respect to take the coach." +Not only the king's mistress, but likewise the whole court went +to St. Margaret's fair to see "an Italian wench daunce and +performe all the tricks on the high rope to admiration; and +monkies and apes do other feates of activity." "They," says a +quaint author, "were gallantly clad A LA MODE, went upright, +saluted the company, bowing and pulling off their hats, with as +good a grace as if instructed by a dancing master. They turned +heels over head with a basket having eggs in it, without breaking +any; also with lighted candles on their heads, without +extinguishing them; and with vessells of water without spilling a +drop." + +The cruel sport of bull and bear baiting was also commonly +practised. Seated round an amphitheatre, the people witnessed +these unfortunate animals being torn to pieces by dogs, the +owners of which frequently jumped into the arena to urge them to +their sanguinary work, on the result of which great wagers +depended. Indignation arising against those who witnessed such +sights may be somewhat appeased by the knowledge that infuriated +bulls occasionally tossed the torn and bleeding carcases of their +tormentors into the faces and laps of spectators. Pepys +frequently speaks of dense crowds which assembled to witness this +form of cruelty, which he designates as good sport; and Evelyn +speaks of a gallant steed that, under the pretence that he had +killed a man, was baited by dogs, but fought so hard for his life +"the fiercest of them could not fasten on him till he was run +through with swords." Not only bull and bear baiting, cock and +dog fighting were encouraged, but prize combats between man and +man were regarded as sources of great diversion. Pepys gives a +vivid picture of a furious encounter he, in common with a great +and excited crowd, witnessed at the bear-garden stairs, at +Bankside, between a butcher and a waterman. "The former," says +he, "had the better all along, till by-and-by the latter dropped +his sword out of his hand; and the butcher, whether not seeing +his sword dropped I know not, but did give him a cut over the +wrist, so as he was disabled to fight any longer. But Lord! to +see how in a minute the whole stage was full of watermen to +revenge the foul play, and the butchers to defend their fellow, +though most blamed him; and then they all fell to it to knocking +down and cutting many on each side. It was pleasant to see, but +that I stood in the pit, and feared that in the tumult I might +get some hurt." + +Among the more healthy sports which obtained during the reign +were horse-racing, tennis, and bowling. The monarch had, at vast +expense, built a house and stables at Newmarket, where he and his +court regularly repaired, to witness racing. Here likewise the +king and "ye jolly blades enjoyed dauncing, feasting, and +revelling, more resembling a luxurious and abandoned route than a +Christian court." He had likewise a tennis-court and bowling +green at Whitehall, where at noonday and towards eve, blithe +lords, and ladies in brave apparel, might be seen at play. +Bowling was a game to which the people were much devoted, every +suburban tavern having its green, where good friends and honest +neighbours challenged each other's strength and skill. And +amongst other pleasant sports and customs were those practised on +May-day, when maids rose betimes to bathe their faces in dew, +that they might become sweet-complexioned to men's sight; and +milk-maids with garlands of spring flowers upon their pails, and +posies in their breasts, danced to the merry music of fiddles +adown the streets. + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.--Dining in +public.--The Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.-- +Entertainment of guests by mountebanks.--Gaming at court.--Lady +Castlemaine's losses.--A fatal duel.--Dress of the period.-- +Riding-habits first seen.--His majesty invents a national +costume.--Introduction of the penny post.--Divorce suits are +known.--Society of Antiquaries.--Lord Worcester's inventions. +--The Duchess of Newcastle. + +Few courts have been more brilliant than that of the merry +monarch. All the beauty of fair women, the gallantry of brave +men, and the gaiety of well-approved wits could compass, +perpetually surrounded his majesty, making the royal palace a +lordly pleasure house. Noble banquets, magnificent balls, and +brilliant suppers followed each other in quick succession. Three +times a week--on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays--the king and +queen dined publicly in ancient state, whilst rare music was +discoursed, and many ceremonies observed, amongst these being +that each servitor of the royal table should eat some bread +dipped in sauce of the dish he bore. On these occasions meats +for the king's table were brought from the kitchen by yeomen of +the guard, or beef-eaters. These men, selected as being amongst +the handsomest, strongest, and tallest in England, were dressed +in liveries of red cloth, faced with black velvet, having the +king's cipher on the back, and on the breast the emblems of the +Houses of York and Lancaster. By them the dishes were handed to +the gentlemen in waiting, who served royalty upon their knees. +"You see," said Charles one day to the Chevalier de Grammont, +"how I am waited on." "I thank your majesty for the +explanation," said the saucy Frenchman; "I thought they were +begging pardon for offering you so bad a dinner." [This mode of +serving the sovereign continued unto the coming of George I.] + +The costliness and splendour of some royal entertainments require +the description of an eye-witness to be fully realized. Evelyn, +speaking of a great feast given to the Knights of the Garter in +the banqueting-hall, tells us "the king sat on an elevated +throne, at the upper end of the table alone, the knights at a +table on the right hand, reaching all the length of the roome; +over against them a cupboard of rich gilded plate; at the lower +end the musick; on the balusters above, wind musick, trumpets, +and kettle-drums. The king was served by the lords and +pensioners who brought up the dishes. About the middle of the +dinner the knights drank the king's health, then the king theirs, +when the trumpets and musick plaid and sounded, the guns going +off at the Tower. At the banquet came in the queene and stood by +the king's left hand hand, but did not sit. Then was the +banquetting stuff flung about the roome profusely. In truth the +crowd was so great that I now staied no longer than this sport +began for fear of disorder. The cheere was extraordinary, each +knight having forty dishes to his messe, piled up five or six +high." + +Concerning the habit mentioned by Evelyn, of mobs rushing into +banquet-halls, in order to possess themselves of all on which +they could lay hands, many instances are mentioned. The Duke of +Tuscany, amongst other authorities, narrates the inconvenience it +caused at a supper he gave the king. When his majesty drove to +the duke's residence he was preceded by trumpeters and torch- +bearers, attended by the horse-guards and a retinue of courtiers, +and accompanied by a vast crowd. On alighting from the coach the +Duke of Tuscany, together with the noblemen and gentlemen of his +household, received and conducted him through passages lighted by +torches to the banquet-hall. From the ceiling of this saloon was +suspended a chandelier of rock crystal, blazing with tapers; +beneath it stood a circular table, at the upper end of which was +placed a chair of state for the king. The whole entertainment +was costly and magnificent. As many as eighty dishes were set +upon the table; foreign wines, famous for great age and delicate +flavour, sparkled in goblets of chased gold; and finally, a +dessert of Italian fruits and Portuguese sweetmeats was served. +But scarce had this been laid upon the board, when the impatient +crowd which had gathered round the house and forced its way +inside to witness the banquet, now violently burst into the +saloon and carried away all that lay before them. Neither the +presence of the king nor the appearance of his soldiers guarding +the entrance with carbines was sufficient to prevent entrance or +hinder pillage. Charles, used to such scenes, left the table and +retired into the duke's private apartments. + +A quaint and curious account of a less ceremonious and more +convivial feast, also graced by the king's presence, was narrated +by Sir Hugh Cholmely to a friend and gossip. This supper was +given by Sir George Carteret, a man of pleasant humour, and +moreover treasurer of the navy. By the time the meats were +removed, the king and his courtiers waxed exceedingly merry, when +Sir William Armorer, equerry to his majesty, came to him and +swore, "'By God, sir,' says he, 'you are not so kind to the Duke +of York of late as you used to be.' 'Not I?' says the king. +'Why so?' 'Why,' says he, 'if you are, let us drink his health.' +'Why, let us,' says the king. Then he fell on his knees and +drank it; and having done, the king began to drink it. 'Nay, +sir,' says Armorer; 'by God, you must do it on your knees!' So +he did, and then all the company; and having done it, all fell +acrying for joy, being all maudlin and kissing one another, the +king the Duke of York, the Duke of York the king; and in such a +maudlin pickle as never people were." + +Throughout this reign the uttermost hospitality and +good-fellowship abounded. Scarce a day passed that some noble +house did not throw open its doors to a brilliant throng of +guests; few nights grew to dawn that the vicinities of St. +James's and Covent Garden were not made brilliant by the torches +of those accompanying revellers to their homes. The fashionable +hour for dinner was three of the clock, and for greater +satisfaction of guests it now became the mode to entertain them +after that meal with performances of mountebanks and musicians, +Various diaries inform us of this custom. When my Lord Arlington +had bidden his friends to a feast, he subsequently diverted them +by the tricks of a fellow who swallowed a knife in a horn sheath, +together with several pebbles, which he made rattle in his +stomach, and produced again, to the wonder and amusement of all +who beheld him. [At a great dinner given by this nobleman, +Evelyn, who was present, tells us that Lord Stafford, the +unfortunate nobleman afterwards executed on Tower Hill, "rose +from the table in some disorder, because there were roses stuck +about the fruite when the descert was set on the table; such an +antipathie it seems he had to them, as once Lady St. Leger also +had, and to that degree, that, as Sirr Kenelm Digby tell us, +laying but a rose upon her cheeke when she was asleepe, it raised +a blister; but Sir Kenelm was a teller of strange things."] The +master of the mint, worthy Mr. Slingsby, a man of finer taste, +delighted his guests with the performances of renowned good +masters of music, one of whom, a German, played to great +perfection on an instrument with five wire strings called the +VOIL D'AMORE; whilst my Lord Sunderland treated his visitors to a +sight of Richardson, the renowned fire eater, who was wont to +devour brimstone on glowing coals; melt a beer-glass and eat it +up; take a live coal on his tongue, on which he put a raw oyster, +and let it remain there till it gaped and was quite broiled; take +wax, pitch and sulphur, and drink them down flaming; hold a fiery +hot iron between his teeth, and throw it about like a stone from +hand to hand, and perform various other prodigious feats. + +Other means of indoor amusement were practised in those +days, which seem wholly incompatible with the gravity of the +nation in these latter times. Pepys tells us that going to the +court one day he found the Duke and Duchess of York, with all the +great ladies, sitting upon a carpet on the ground playing "I love +my love with an A, because he is so-and-so; and I hate him with +an A, because of this and that;" and some of the ladies were +mighty witty, and all of them very merry. Grown persons likewise +indulged in games of blind man's buff, and amusements of a like +character; whilst at one time, the king, queen, and the whole +court falling into much extravagance, as Burnet says, "went about +masked, and came into houses unknown, and danced there with a +great deal of wild frolic. In all this they were so disguised, +that without being in the secret, none could distinguish them. +They were carried about in hackney chairs. Once the queen's +chairmen, not knowing who she was, went from her; so she was +alone and was much disturbed, and came to Whitehall in a hackney +coach; some say it was in a cart." + +Dancing was also a favourite and common amusement amongst all +classes. Scarce a week went by that Whitehall was not lighted up +for a ball, at which the king, queen, and courtiers danced +bransles, corants, and French figures; [The bransle, or brawl, +had all the characteristics of a country-dance; several persons +taking part in it, and all at various times joining hands. The +corant was a swift lively dance, in which two persons only took +part, and was not unlike our modern galop.] and no night passed +but such entertainments were likewise held in the city. +Billiards and chess were also played, whilst gambling became a +ruling passion. The queen, Duchess of York, and Duchess of +Cleveland had each her card-table, around which courtiers +thronged to win and lose prodigious sums. The latter being a +thorough rake at heart, delighted in the excitement which hazard +afforded; and the sums changing owners at her hoard were +sometimes enormous. Occasionally she played for a thousand, or +fifteen hundred pounds at a cast, and in a single night lost as +much as twenty-five hundred guineas. It is related that once +when playing basset she lost all her money; but, being unwilling +to retire, and hopeful of regaining her losses, she asked young +Churchill, on whom she had bestowed many favours, to lend her +twenty pieces. Though the wily youth had a thousand before him +on the table, he coolly refused her request, on the plea that the +bank-- which he was then keeping--never lent. "Not a person in +the place," says the narrator of this anecdote, "but blamed him; +as to the duchess, her resentment burst out into a bleeding at +her nose, and breaking of her lace, without which aid it is +believed her vexation had killed her on the spot." + +The courtly Evelyn speaks of a certain Twelfth-night, when the +king opened the revels in his privy chamber by throwing dice, and +losing one hundred pounds; and Pepys describes the groom-porters' +rooms where gambling greatly obtained, and "where persons of the +best quality do sit down with people of any, though meaner." +Cursing and swearing, grumbling and rejoicing, were heard here to +an accompanying rattle of guineas; the whole causing dense +confusion. And amongst the figures crouching round the tables of +this hell, that of my Lord St. Albans was conspicuous. So great, +indeed, was his passion for gambling, that when approaching his +eightieth year, and quite blind, he was unable to renounce his +love for cards, but with the help of a servant who named them to +him, indulged himself in this way as of yore. + +As may be expected, disputes, frequently ending in duels, +continually arose betwixt those who gambled. Although the king +had, on his restoration, issued a proclamation against this +common practice, threatening such as engaged in it with +displeasure, declaring them incapable of holding any office in +his service, and forbidding them to appear at court, yet but +little attention was paid his words, and duels continually took +place, Though most frequently resorted to as a means of avenging +outraged honour, they were occasionally the result of +misunderstanding. A pathetic story is told of a fatal encounter, +caused by a trifle light as air, which took place in the year +1667 at Covent Garden, between Sir Henry Bellasis and Tom Porter +--the same witty soul who wrote a play called "The Villain," which +was performed at the Duke's Theatre, and described as "a pleasant +tragedy." + +These worthy gentlemen and loyal friends loved each other +exceedingly. One fatal day, both were bidden to dine with Sir +Robert Carr, at whose table it was known all men drank freely; +and having feasted, they two talked apart, when bluff Sir Henry, +giving words of counsel to honest Tom, from force of earnestness +spoke louder than his wont. Marvelling at this, some of those +standing apart said to each other, "Are they quarrelling, that +they talk so high?" overhearing which the baronet replied in a +merry tone, "No, I would have you know I never quarrel but I +strike; and take that as a rule of mine." At these words Tom +Porter, being anxious, after the manner of those who have drunk +deep, to apprehend offence in speech of friend or foe, cried out +he would like to see the man in England that durst give him a +blow. Accepting this as a challenge, Sir Henry dealt him a +stroke on the ear, which the other would have returned in anger +but that they were speedily parted. + +And presently Tom Porter, leaving the house full of resentment +for the injury he had received, and of resolution to avenge it, +met Mr. Dryden the poet, to whom he recounted the story. He +concluded by requesting he might have his boy to bring him word +which way Sir Henry Bellasis would drive, for fight he would that +night, otherwise he felt sure they should be friends in the +morning, and the blow would rest upon him. Dryden complying with +his request, Tom Porter, still inflamed by fury, went to a +neighbouring coffee-house, when presently word arrived Sir +Harry's coach was coming that way. On this Tom Porter rushed +out, stopped the horses, and bade the baronet alight. "Why," +said the man, who but an hour before had been his best friend, +"you will not hurt me in coming out, will you?" "No," answered +the other shortly. Sir Henry then descended, and both drew their +swords. Tom Porter asked him if he were ready, and hearing he +was, they fought desperately, till of a sudden a sharp cry was +heard; Sir Henry's weapon fell upon the ground, and he placed one +hand to his side, from which blood flowed freely. Then calling +his opponent to him, he looked in his face reproachfully, kissed +him lovingly, and bade him seek safety. "For, Tom," said he, +struggling hard to speak, "thou hast hurt me; but I will make +shift to stand upon my legs till thou mayest withdraw, and the +world not take notice of you, for," continued he, with much +tenderness, "I would not have thee troubled for what thou hast +done." And the little crowd who had gathered around carried him +to his coach and twenty days later they followed him to his +grave. + +Throughout this merry reign, many fantastic changes took place in +the costumes of courtiers and their followers. At the +restoration, the dress most common to women of all ranks +consisted of a gown with a laced stomacher and starched +neckerchief, a sad-coloured cloak with a French hood, and a high- +crowned hat. Such habiliments, admitting of little variety and +less ornament, found no favour in the eyes of those who returned +from foreign courts with the king, and therefore a change was +gradually effected. The simple gown of wool and cotton gave +place to loose and flowing draperies of silk and satin; the stiff +neckerchief was removed to display fair shoulders and voluptuous +breasts; the hat was bedecked by feathers of rare plumage and +rich colour; the cloaks changed hues from sad to gay; the hoods +being of "yellow bird's eye," and other bright tints. Indeed, +the prodigal manner in which ladies of quality now exposed their +bosoms, though pleasing to the court, became a matter of grave +censure to worthy men. One of these in a pamphlet, entitled "A +Just and Seasonable Reprehension of Naked Breasts and Shoulders," +charges women of fashion with "overlacing their gown bodies, and +so thrusting up their breasts in order that they might show them +half-naked." It was not only at balls and in chambers of +entertainment, he avowed, they appeared in this manner, but +likewise at church, where their dress was "not only immodest, but +sometimes impudent and lascivious;" for they braved all dangers +to have the satisfaction of being seen, and the consolation of +giving pleasure. + +The riding-habit, first introduced in 1664 caused considerable +notice, and no small amount of mirth. The garb, as it was +called, consisted of a doublet buttoned up the breast, a coat +with long skirts, a periwig and tall hat, so that women clad in +this fashion might be mistaken for men, if it were not for the +petticoat which dragged under the coat. At the commencement of +the reign, ladies of the court wore their hair after the French +fashion, cut short in front and frizzed upon the forehead. When +the queen arrived, her hair was arranged A LA NEGLIGENCE, a mode +declared mighty pretty; but presently a fashion came in vogue of +wearing "false locks set on wyres to make them stand at a +distance from the head; as fardingales made the clothes stand out +in Queen Elizabeth's reign." Painting the face, which had been +practised during the Commonwealth, became fashionable; as did +likewise the use of patches and vizards or masks; which from the +convenience they afforded wearers whilst witnessing an immoral +play, or conducting a delicate intrigue, came greatly into use. + +According to Randal Holmes's notes on dress, in the Harleian +Library, the male costume at the restoration consisted of "a +short-waisted doublet, and petticoat breeches--the lining, being +lower than the breeches, is tied above the knees. The breeches +are ornamented with ribands up to the pocket, and half their +breadth upon the thigh; the waistband is set about with ribands, +and the shirt hanging out over them." This dress gradually +increased in richness and ornamentation: the doublet and +breeches being changed from cloth to velvet and satin, the hat +trimmed with plumes of gay feathers, and the neck adorned with +bands of cambric, trimmed with Flanders and Brussels lace. The +perfection and costliness to which the costume eventually reached +is best shown by a description of Sir Richard Fanshaw ambassador +of the king, as presented in the diary of his spouse. "Sir +Richard was dressed," she writes, "in a very rich suit of clothes +of a dark FILLEMONTE brocade, laced with silver and gold lace-- +nine laces--every one as broad as my hand, and a little silver +and gold lace laid between them, both of very curious +workmanship; his suit was trimmed with scarlet taffety ribbon; +his stockings of white silk upon long scarlet silk ones; his +shoes black, with scarlet shoestrings and gaiters; his linen very +fine, laced with rich Flanders lace; a black beaver buttoned on +the left side with a jewel of twelve hundred pounds' value, a +rich curious wrought gold chain, made in the Indies at which hung +the king his master's picture, richly set with diamonds; on his +fingers he wore two rich rings; his gloves trimmed with the same +ribbon as his clothes." + +The uttermost extravagance and luxury in dress now obtained; +indeed, to such a passion and pride did it reach that the monarch +resolved on giving it some check by inventing a suit of plainer +pretensions, which should become the national costume, and admit +no change. + +This determination he solemnly declared to his council in +October, 1666, and on the 14th of the month appeared clad in a +long vest slashed with white silk, reaching the knee, having the +sword girt over it, a loose coat, straight Spanish breeches +ruffled with black ribbons, and buskins instead of shoes and +stockings. Though the habit was pronounced decent and becoming +to his majesty, and was quickly adopted by the courtiers, there +were those amongst his friends who offered him a wager he would +not persist in wearing it long. At this the king stated his +resolution afresh of never changing; but before the month was out +he had made an alteration, for inasmuch as the vest being slashed +with white, was said by a wag to make the wearers look like +magpies, his majesty changed the colour of the silk to black. +This "manly and comely habit" might have become permanently the +fashion, if the King of France, by way of ridiculing the merry +monarch, had not caused his footmen to be clad in like manner. +Therefore, in less than two years, this mode gave place to others +more fantastical. The vest was retained, but the shape and +material were altered; the surcoat of cloth was discarded for +velvet and rich plush, adorned with buckles of precious stones +and chains of gold; the Spanish leather boots were laid aside for +high-heeled shoes with rosettes and silver buckles. Towards the +close of the reign the costume became much plainer. Through all +these varying fashions the periwig, introduced in 1663, held its +own, increasing in length and luxuriance with time. On its first +coming into general use, the clergy had cried out against it as +ministering to the vanity and extravagance of the age; but in a +while many of them adopted its use, for, as Granger remarks, "it +was observed that a periwig procured many persons a respect and +even veneration which they mere strangers to before, and to which +they had not the least claim from their personal merit." + +Amongst other strange innovations and various improvements known +in this reign, the introduction of a penny post may be considered +the most useful. King James I., of happy memory, had, in +imitation of like regulations in other countries, established a +general post for foreign parts; King Charles I. had given orders +to Thomas Witherings, Esquire, his postmaster-general, to settle +"a running post or two, to run night and day between Edinburgh, +in Scotland, and the city of London, to go thither and back in +six days;" but the organization of a penny post, for the +conveyance of letters and parcels throughout the capital and +suburbs, was reserved for the reign of the merry monarch. This +beneficial scheme was originated by an upholsterer named Murray, +who communicated it to one William Dockwra, a man who for over +ten years had laboured with fidelity in the Custom House. +Uniting their efforts, they, with great labour and vast expense, +carried the plan into execution in the year 1680, + +The principal office was stationed at the residence of William +Dockwra, in Lime Street; seven sorting-houses and as many as four +hundred receiving-houses were speedily established in the cities +of London, Westminster, and the suburbs; and a great number of +clerks and messengers were employed to collect, enter, and +deliver parcels and letters not exceeding one pound in weight nor +ten pounds in value. Stamps were used as an acknowledgment that +postage was paid, and likewise to mark the hours when letters +were sent out from the offices, by which, in case of delay, its +cause might be traced to the messengers; and deliveries took +place ten times in the vicinity of the Exchange and Inns of +Court, and four times in the suburbs daily. All persons were +requested to post their communications before six o'clock in the +winter, and seven in the summer, on Saturday nights, "that the +many poor men employed may have a little time to provide for +their families against the Lord's Day." And it was moreover +intimated that upon three days at Christmas, and two at Easter +and Whitsuntide, as likewise upon the 30th of January, the post +would not be delivered. + +From the first this scheme promised success, the manner in which +it was carried out being wholly admirable; yet there were many +who raised their voices against it persistently. Porters and +messengers declared it took away their means of subsistence; +whilst those of higher grade were confident it was a contrivance +of the papists, which enabled them to carry out their wicked +schemes with greater security. But these illusions vanished with +time; and the penny post became such a success that Government +laid claim to it as a branch of the General Post Office, and +annexed its revenues to the Crown. [In the year 1703 Queen Anne +bestowed a grant on Elizabeth, Dowager countess of Thanet, to +erect a penny post-office in Dublin, similar to that in existence +in London.] + +Another innovation in this interesting reign were stage-coaches, +described as affording "admirable commodiousness both for men and +women of better rank, to travel from London and to almost all the +villages near this great city, that the like hath not been known +in the world, wherein one may be transported to any place, +sheltered from foul weather and foul ways, free from endamaging +one's health or body by hard jogging or over-violent emotion, and +this not only at a low price, as about a shilling for every five +miles in a day; for the stage-coaches called flying coaches make +forty or fifty miles in a day, as from London to Cambridge or +Oxford, and that in the space of twelve hours, not counting the +time for dining, setting forth not too early, nor coming in too +late." + +Likewise were divorce suits introduced whilst Charles II. sat +upon the throne for the first time--if the case of Henry VIII. be +excepted--when my Lord Rosse, in consequence of the misconduct of +his lady, had a bill brought into the House of Lords for +dissolving his marriage and enabling him to wed again. There +being at this period, 1669, a project for divorcing the king from +the queen, it was considered Lord Rosse's suit, if successful, +would facilitate a like bill in favour of his majesty. After +many and stormy debates his lordship gained his case by a +majority of two votes. It is worth noting that two of the lords +spiritual, Dr. Cosin, Bishop of Durham, and Dr. Wilkins, Bishop +of Chester, voted in favour of the bill. + +The social history of this remarkable reign would be incomplete +without mention of the grace and patronage which Charles II. +extended towards the Society of Antiquaries. This learned body, +according to Stow, had been in existence since the days of +Elizabeth; but for lack of royal acknowledgment of its worth and +lore, was permitted to languish in neglect and finally become +extinct. However, under the commonwealth the society had +revived, from the fact that numbers of the nobility being +unemployed in affairs of state, and having no court to attend, +applied themselves whilst in retirement to the study of +chemistry, mathematics, mechanism, and natural philosophy. The +Duke of Devonshire, Marquis of Worcester, Viscount Brouncker, +Honourable Robert Boyle, and Sir Robert Murray, built +laboratories, made machines, opened mines, and perfected +inventions. When the temper of the times permitted, these men, +with various others of like tastes, drew together, held weekly +meetings at Gresham College in Bishopsgate Street, discoursed on +abstruse subjects, and heard erudite lectures, from Dr. Petty on +chemistry, from Dr. Wren on astronomy, from Mr. Laurence Rooke on +geometry; so that the Society of Antiquaries may be said to have +been founded in the last years of the republic. + +Now Charles II., having some knowledge of chemistry and science, +looked upon the society with favourable eyes; and in the first +year of his restoration desired to become one of its members; +expressed satisfaction it had been placed upon a proper basis in +his reign; represented the difficulty of its labours; suggested +certain investigations, and declared his interest in all its +movements. Moreover, in the year 1662 he bestowed on the society +a charter in which he styled himself its founder and patron; +presented it with a silver mace to be borne before the president +on meeting days; and gave it the use of the royal arms for a +seal. Nor did his concern for its welfare cease here. He was +frequently present at its meetings, and occasionally witnessed, +and assisted "with his own hands," in the performance of +experiments. Some of these were of a singularly interesting +character; amongst which may be mentioned infusion of the blood +of an animal into the veins of a man. This took place in the +year 1667, the subject being one Arthur Coga, a minister poor in +worldly substance, who, in exchange for a guinea, consented to +have the operation performed on him. Accordingly two surgeons of +great skill and learning, named Lower and King, on a certain day +injected twelve ounces of sheep's blood into his veins. After +which he smoked an honest pipe in peace, drank a glass of good +canary with relish, and found himself no worse in mind or body. +And in two days more fourteen ounces of sheep's blood were +substituted for eight of his own without loss of virility to him. + +Nor were experiments in vivisection unknown to the Royal Society, +as it was called, for the "Philosophical Transactions" speak of a +dog being tied through the back above the spinal artery, thereby +depriving him of motion until the artery was loosened, when he +recovered; and again, it is recorded that Dr. Charleton cut the +spleen out of a living dog with good success. + +The weighty discourses of the learned men who constituted the +society frequently delighted his majesty; though it must be +confessed he sometimes laughed at them, and once sorely puzzled +them by asking the following question. "Supposing," said +Charles, assuming a serious expression, and speaking in a solemn +tone, "two pails of water were placed in two different scales and +weighed alike, and that a live bream or small fish was put into +one, now why should not the pail in which it was placed weigh +heavier than the other?" Most members were troubled to find the +king a fitting reply, and many strange theories were advanced by +way of explaining why the pail should not be found heavier, none +of them being thought satisfactory. But at last a man sitting +far down the table was heard to express an opinion, when those +surrounding him laughed; hearing which the king, who had not +caught his words, asked him to repeat them. "Why, your +majesty," said he boldly, "I do believe the pail would weigh +heavier." "Odds-fish!" cried Charles, bursting out into +laughter, "you are right, my honest fellow!" and so the +merriment became general. + +The Royal Society was composed of men of quality with a genius +for investigation, and men of learning eager for further +knowledge. Persons of all nationalities, religions, and +professions were admitted members; and it was continually +enriched by the addition of curiosities, amongst which in +particular were an herb which grew in the stomach of a thrush; +the skin of a Moor tanned, with the beard and hair white; a +clock, having movements directed by loadstone; an ostrich, whose +young had been born alive; mummies; strange fish; and the hearts +and livers of vipers. Likewise was the society endowed with +gifts, amongst the most notable being the valuable library of +Henry Howard, afterwards Duke of Norfolk. + +Fostered by this society, science received its first impulse +towards the astounding progress it has since achieved. Nay, in +this reign the germs of some inventions were sown, which, +subsequently springing into existence, have startled the world by +their novelty, utility, and power, Monsieur Sorbiere, when in +England, was shown a journal kept by Montconis, concerning the +transactions of the Royal Society, in which several new devices, +"which scarce can be believed unless seen," were described. +Amongst these were an instrument for showing alterations in the +weather, whether from heat, cold, wind, or rain; a method for +blowing up ships; a process for purifying salt water, so that it +could be drunk; and an instrument by which those ignorant of +drawing could sketch and design any object. He also states Dr. +Wallis had taught one born deaf and dumb to read. + +In 1663, "the right honourable (and deservedly to be praised and +admired) Edward Somerset, Marquis of Worcester," published a +quaint volume entitled "A Century of the Names and Scantlings of +such Inventions as at present I can call to mind to have tried +and perfected, which (my former notes being lost) I have, at the +instance of a powerful friend, endeavoured to set down in such a +way as may sufficiently instruct me to put any of them in +practice." Amongst these are enumerated false decks, such as in +a moment should kill and take prisoners as many as should board +the ship, without blowing her up, and in a quarter of an hour's +time should recover their former shape without discovering the +secret; a portable fortification, able to contain five hundred +men, which in the space of six hours might be set up, and made +cannon-proof; a dexterous tinder-box which served as a pistol, +and was yet capable of lighting a fire or candle at any hour of +the night without giving its possessor the trouble of stretching +his hand from bed; a lock, the ways of opening which might be +varied ten millions of times, but which on a stranger touching it +would cause an alarm that could not be stopped, and would +register what moneys had been taken from its keeping; a boat +which would work against wind and tide; with various other +discoveries to the number of one hundred, all arrived at from +mathematical studies. + +The means of propelling a boat against such disadvantages, to +which the Marquis of Worcester alludes, was in all probability by +steam-power. This he described as "an admirable and most +forcible way to drive up water by fire," the secret of which he +is believed to have first discovered. [Before the century was +concluded, Captain Savery contrived a steam-engine which was +certainly the first put to practical uses. It has been stated +that he owed the knowledge of this invention to hints conveyed in +Lord Worcester's little volume.] In the preface to his little +book, the marquis states he had sacrificed from six to seven +hundred thousand pounds in bringing his various inventions to +perfection; after which it is satisfactory to find he derived +some profit from one of them, conceived, as he says, "by heavenly +inspiration." This was a water-engine for drying marsh-lands and +mines, requiring neither pump, suckers, barrels, bellows, nor +external nor additional help, save that afforded from its own +operations. This engine Sorbiere describes as one of the most +curious things he had a mind to see, and says one man by the help +of this machine raised four large buckets full of water in an +instant forty feet high, through a pipe eight inches long. An +act of parliament was passed enabling the marquis to reap the +benefit and profit from this invention, subject to a tenth part +which was reserved for the king and his heirs. + +The Royal Society soon became one of the foremost objects of +interest in the city. Foreigners of distinction were conducted +to its rooms that they might behold the visible signs of +knowledge it could proudly boast; and women of culture were +admitted to hear the lectures its members delivered. + +Amongst these latter may be mentioned the eccentric Duchess of +Newcastle; a lady who dressed her footmen in velvet coats, +habited herself in antique gowns, wrote volumes of plays and +poetry, desired the reputation of learning, and indulged in +circumstances of pomp and state. Having expressed her desire to +be present at one of the meetings of the Royal Society, the +council prepared to receive her, not, it must be admitted, +without some fear her extravagance would expose them to the +ridicule of the town, and place them fit the mercy of ballad- +mongers. So it happened one fair May-day, in the year 1667 a +vast concourse of people had assembled to witness her arrival at +Arundel House in the Strand, where the society held its meetings +for some years after the burning of Gresham College. And she in +good time reaching there, surrounded by her maids of honour, +gentlemen in waiting, and lackeys, was met by the president, +Viscount Brouncker, having his mace carried before him, and was +conducted to the great room. When the meeting was over, various +experiments were tried for her satisfaction; amongst others a +piece of roasted mutton was turned into pure blood. The while +she witnessed these sights, crowds of gallants gathered round her +that they might catch and retain such fine things as fell from +her lips; but she only cried out her wonder and admiration at all +she saw; and at the end of her visit was conducted in state to +her coach by several noble lords, notable amongst whom was a +vastly pretty young man, Francis Seymour, fifth Duke of Somerset. + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A period rich in literature.--John Milton's early life.--Writing +"Paradise Lost."--Its publication and success.--His later works +and death.--John Dryden gossips with wits and players.--Lord +Rochester's revenge.--Elkanah Settle.--John Crowne.--Thomas Otway +rich in miseries.--Dryden assailed by villains.--The ingenious +Abraham Cowley.--The author of "Hudibras."--Young Will Wycherley +and Lady Castlemaine--The story of his marriage.--Andrew Marvell, +poet and politician.--John Bunyan. + +The men of genius who lived in the days of the merry monarch have +rendered his reign, like that of Elizabeth, illustrious in the +annals of literature. The fact of "Paradise Lost," the +"Pilgrim's Progress," "Hudibras," and "Alexander's Feast" being +given to the world whilst Charles II. occupied the throne, would +have sufficiently marked the epoch as one exceeding in +intellectual brilliancy; but besides these works, an abundance of +plays, poems, satires, treatises, and histories added fresh +lustre to this remarkable age. + +At the period of the restoration, John Milton had reached his +fifty-second year. He had studied in the University of +Cambridge; published the "Masque of Comus;" likewise a treatise +against the Established Church; taught school at Aldersgate +Street; married a wife and advocated divorce; printed a pamphlet +to compose the minds of those disturbed by the murder of Charles +I.; as also a defence of his murderers, justifying the monarch's +execution, for which the author was awarded a thousand pounds; +had become secretary to Cromwell, whom he stooped to flatter; and +had even, on the advent of his majesty's return, written and set +forth "A Ready and Easy Way to establish a Free Commonwealth." +["To your virtue," writes John Milton to Oliver Cromwell, +"overpowering and resistless, every man gives way, except some +who, without equal qualifications, aspire to equal honours, who +envy the distinctions of merit greater than their own, and who +have yet to learn that, in the coalition of human society, +nothing is more pleasing to God, or more agreeable to reason, +than that the highest mind should have the sovereign power. +Such, sir, are you, by general confession: such are the things +achieved by you, the greatest and most glorious of our +countrymen, the director of our public councils, the leader of +unconquered armies the father of your country; for by that title +does every good man hail you with sincere and voluntary praise."] + +On the landing of Charles II. Milton withdrew to the privacy +afforded by a residence in Bartholomew Close, near West +Smithfield. For a time he was apprehensive of punishment. His +pamphlet justifying the late king's execution was, with others of +a like kind, burned by the common hangman; but though parliament +ordered the attorney-general would prosecute the authors of these +works, Milton was neither seized nor brought to trial. Soon +after his arrival, Charles published an act of grace promising +free pardon to those instrumental in overthrowing his father's +government, with the exception of such as had contrived his +death; and inasmuch as Milton had but justified that monstrous +act after it had taken place, he escaped condemnation. Moreover, +he received a special pardon, which passed the privy seal in +December, 1660. His escape has been attributed to his friend +Davenant. This loyal soldier had, when taken by Cromwell's +troopers in the civil war, been condemned to speedy death; from +which, by Milton's intercession, he escaped; an act of mercy +Davenant now repaid in kind, by appealing to his friends in +behalf of the republican's safety. + +Having secured his freedom, Milton lived in peace and obscurity +in Jewin Street, near Aldersgate Street. During the commonwealth +his first wife, the mother of his three children, had died; on +which he sought solace and companionship in a union with +Catherine Woodcock, who survived her marriage but twelve months; +and being left free once more, he, in the year of grace 1661, +entered into the bonds of holy matrimony for a third time, with +Elizabeth Minshul, a lady of excellent family and shrewish +temper, who rendered his daughters miserable in their father's +lifetime, and defrauded them after his death. + +In order to support his family he continued to keep a school, and +likewise employed himself in writing "Paradise Lost" the +composition of which he had begun five years previously. From +his youth upwards he had been ambitious to furnish the world with +some important work; and prevision of resulting fame had given +him strength and fortitude in periods of difficulty and +depression. And now the time had arrived for realization of his +dream, though stricken by blindness, harassed by an unquiet wife, +and threatened by poverty, he laboured sore for fame. The more +fully to enjoy quiet necessary to his mental condition, he +removed to a house in Artillery Walk, Bunhill Fields. His life +was one of simplicity. He rose as early as four o'clock in +summer and five in winter, and being "smit with the love of +sacred song," had a chapter of the Bible read to him; studied +until twelve, dined frugally at one, and afterwards held +discourse with such friends as came to visit him. + +One of these was Thomas Elwood, a quaker much esteemed amongst +good men, who, in order that he might enjoy the advantages of the +poet's conversation, read Latin to him every afternoon save +Sunday. The whilst his voice rose and fell in regular monotony, +the blind man drank his words with thirsty ears; and so acute +were the senses remaining to him, that when Elwood read what he +did not understand, Milton perceived it by the inflection of his +voice, and stopped him to explain the passage. In fair weather +the poet wandered abroad, enjoying the fragrance of sweet pasture +land, and the warmth of glad sunlight he might not behold. And +anon, seated in a high-backed chair without his door, his +straight pale face full of repose and dignity, his light brown +hair falling in curls upon his shoulders, his large grey eyes, +"clear to outward view of blemish or of spot," fixed on vacancy, +his figure clad in coarse cloth--he received those who sought his +society. + +In their absence the poet spent solitary hours conning over as +many lines of the great poem as his memory could store, until one +of his friends arrived, and relieved him by taking the staazas +down. Frequently his nephew, Edward Philips, performed this task +for him. To him Milton was in the habit of showing his work as +it advanced, and Philips states he found it frequently required +correction in orthography and punctuation, by reason of the +various hands which had written it. As summer advanced, he was +no longer favoured by a sight of the poem; inquiring the reason +of which, Milton told him "his vein never happily flowed but from +the autumnal equinox to the vernal; and that whatever he +attempted at other times was never to his satisfaction, though he +courted his fancy never so much." + +In the year 1665 "Paradise Lost" was completed, but no steps +were taken towards its publication, as the author, in company +with his neighbours, fled from the dreaded plague. The following +year the citizens were harassed by losses sustained from the +great fire, so that Milton did not seek to dispose of his poem +until 1667; when, on the 27th of April, it was sold to Samuel +Simmons, a publisher residing in Aldersgate Street. The +agreement entered into stated Milton should receive an immediate +payment of five pounds, with the stipulation that he should be +given an equal sum on sale of thirteen hundred copies of the +first edition, and five pounds on disposal of the same number of +the second edition, and yet five pounds more after another such +sale of the third edition. Each edition was to number fifteen +hundred books. Two years after the publication of "Paradise +Lost," its author received the second payment of five pounds; +five years later a third payment was made him; before the fourth +fell due his life had been set free from care. + +From the first his poem had come in contact with a few receptive +minds, and borne the blessed fruit of appreciation. Richardson +recounts that Sir John Denham, a poet and man of culture, one +morning brought a sheet of the great epic fresh from the press to +his friend Sir George Hungerford. "Why, what have you there?" +asked the latter. "Part of the noblest poem that was ever +written in any, language or in any age," said Sir John, as he +laid the pages before him. And a few weeks later my Lord +Dorset, looking over a bookstall in Little Britain, found a copy +of this work, which he opened carelessly at first, until he met +some passages which struck him with surprise and filled him with +admiration: observing which the honest bookseller besought him +to speak in favour of the poem, for it lay upon his hands like so +much waste-paper. My lord bought a copy, carried it home, read +and sent it to Dryden, who, in due time returning the volume, +expressed his opinion of its merits in flattering terms. "The +author," said he, "cuts us all out--aye, even the ancients too." + +Such instances as these were, however, few in number. That the +work did not meet with wider appreciation and quicker sale is not +surprising when it is called to mind that from 1623 to 1664 but +two editions of Shakespeare's works, comprising in all about one +thousand copies, had been printed. In an age when learning was +by no means universal, and polite reading uncommon, it was indeed +a scource of congratulation, rather than a topic for +commiseration, that the work of a republican had in two years +reached a sale of thirteen hundred copies. + +Before a third edition was required his fame had spread. The +house in which he had been born, in Bread Street, was shown with +pride to foreign visitors; parents sent their sons to read to +him, that they might reap the benefit of his remarks. The latter +testimony to his genius was a tribute the blind poet appreciated. +But it happened there were times and seasons when these obliging +youths were not at hand, or when it was inconvenient for him to +receive them. On such occasions he demanded that his daughters +should read him the books he required, though these were +frequently written in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, and Spanish +--languages of which they were wholly ignorant. The torment this +inflicted on those striving to pronounce unaccustomed words which +had no meaning to their ears, and the torture endured by him, may +readily be conceived. Expressions of complaint on the one side, +and of pain on the other, continually interrupted the readings, +which were eventually wholly abandoned; the poet sending his +children, whose education was so limited that they were unable to +write, to learn "ingenious sorts of manufacture proper for women, +particularly embroideries in gold and Silver." + +When in 1665 Milton had shown his poem to Elwood, the good quaker +observed, "Thou hast said a great deal upon Paradise Lost: what +hast thou to say upon Paradise Found?" This question resting in +the poet's mind, in due time produced fruit; for no sooner had +his first poem been published than he set about composing the +latter, which, under the name of "Paradise Regained," was given +to the world in 1670 "This," said he to Elwood, "is owing to +you; for you put it into my head by the question which you put to +me, which otherwise I had not thought of." This poem, he +believed, had merits far superior to those of "Paradise Lost," +which he could not bear to hear praised in preference to +"Paradise Regained." In the same year he published "Samson +Agonistes," and two years later a treatise on "Logic," and +another on "True Religion, Heresy, Schism, Toleration, and the +Best Methods to Prevent the Growth of Popery." In this, the mind +which had soared to heaven and descended to hell in its boundless +flight, argues that catholics should not be allowed the right of +public or private worship. In the last year of his life he +republished his "Juvenile Poems," together with "Familiar +Epistles in Latin." + +He had now reached his sixty-sixth year. His life had been +saddened by blindness, his health enfeebled by illness, his +domesticity troubled by his first marriage and his last, his +desires disappointed by the result of political events. So that +when, on the 10th of November, 1674, death summoned him, he +departed without regret. + +Amongst those who visited Milton was John Dryden, whom the author +of "Paradise Lost" regarded as "a good rhymester, but no poet," +an opinion with which posterity has not held. At the +restoration, John Dryden was in his twenty-ninth year. The son +of Sir Erasmus Dryden, Baronet, of Canons Ashby, he enjoyed an +income of two hundred pounds a year, a sum then considered +sufficient to defray the expenses of a young man of good +breeding. He had passed through Westminster School, taken a +degree at Cambridge, written a eulogistic stanza on the death of +Cromwell, and a joyous poem on the happy restoration of the merry +monarch. + +Three years after the arrival of his majesty, Dryden's comedy +entitled "The Wild Gallant" was produced, this being the first of +twenty-eight plays which followed. In the year 1668 he had the +honour to succeed Sir William Davenant as poet laureate, the +salary attached to which office was one hundred pounds a year and +a tierce of wine. His dignity was moreover enhanced, though his +happiness was by no means increased, by his marriage with the +Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Earl of Berkshire. For my +lady's temper sorely marred the poet's peace, and left such +impressions upon his mind, that to the end of his days his +invectives against the bonds of matrimony were bitter and deep. +In justice it must be mentioned the Lady Elizabeth's mental +condition was supposed to be unsettled; a conjecture which was +proved true by a madness which befell her, subsequent to her +husband's death. + +Dryden was now a well known figure in town, consorting with men +of the highest quality and parts, and gossiping with wits and +players who frequented Will's coffee-house. Here, indeed, a +special chair was appropriated to his use; which being placed by +the fire in winter, and on the balcony in summer, he was pleased +to designate as his winter and his summer seat. At Will's he was +wont to hold forth on the ingenuity of his plays, the perfection +of his poems, and the truth of astrology. It was whilst leaving +this coffee house one night a memorable occurrence befell the +poet, of which more anon. + +It happened at one time the brilliant, poetical, and mercurial +Earl of Rochester extended his favour and friendship towards +Dryden, gratified by which, the poet had, after the manner of +those days, dedicated a play to him, "Marriage a la Mode." This +favour his lordship received with graciousness, and no doubt +repaid with liberality. After a while, Dryden, led by choice or +interest, sought a new patron in the person of the Earl of +Mulgrave. For this nobleman Rochester had long entertained a +bitter animosity, which had arisen from rivalry, and had been +intensified from the fact that Rochester, refusing to fight him, +had been branded as a coward. Not daring to attack the peer, +Rochester resolved to avenge himself upon the poet. In order to +effect his humiliation, the earl at once bestowed his favour on +Elkanah Settle, a playwright and poet of mean abilities. He had +originally been master of a puppet-show, had written verses to +order for city pageants, and produced a tragedy in heroic verse, +entitled "Cambyses, King of Persia." + +His patron being at this time in favour with the king, introduced +Settle to the notice of the court, and induced the courtiers to +play his second tragedy, "The Empress of Morocco," at Whitehall, +before their majesties. This honour, which Dryden, though poet +laureate, had never received, gave Elkanah Settle unmerited +notoriety; the benefit of which was apparent by the applause his +tragedy received when subsequently produced at the Duke's Theatre +in Dorset Gardens. Nor did the honour and profit which "The +Empress of Morocco" brought him end here; it was published by +William Cademan, and had the distinction of being the first +English play ever illustrated, or sold for the price of two +shillings. It was scarce to be expected, in an age when men +ventilated their merest grievances by the publication of +pamphlets, Dryden could refrain from pointing out to the public +the mistake into which they had fallen by honouring this man. +Nor was he singular in his feelings of animosity. The poets +Shadwell and Crowne, believing themselves ignored and neglected, +whilst their rival was enriched and exalted, joined Dryden in +writing a merciless criticism upon Settle's tragedy. This was +entitled "The Empress of Morocco, or some few erratas to be +printed instead of the sculptures [Illustrations.], with the +second edition of the play." In this Settle was described as "an +animal of a most deplored intellect, without reading and +understanding;" whilst his play was characterized as "a tale told +by an idiot, full of noise and fury signifying nothing." To +these remarks and others of like quality, Settle replied in the +same strain, so that the quarrel diverted the town and even +disturbed the quiet of the universities. Time did ample justice +to both men; lowering Settle to play the part of a dragon in a +booth at Bartholomew Fair, and consecrating Dryden to +immortality. + +Before the clamour resulting from this dispute had ended, +Rochester, fickle and eccentric, grew weary of his PROTEGE and +consequently abandoned him. He had not, however, tired of +humiliating the laureate, and to mortify him the more, introduced +a new poet at court, This was John Crowne, a man then little +known to the town, and now best remembered as author of "Sir +Courtly Nice," a comedy of wit and entertainment. So well did he +succeed in obtaining favour at court, through Rochester's +influence, that the queen ordered him to write a masque. This +command he immediately obeyed, producing "Calisto, or the Chaste +Nymph," which was acted at Whitehall by the Duke of York's fair +daughters, the Princesses Mary and Anne, together with many +gracious ladies and noble lords. Dryden, probably the better to +hide the mortification he felt at seeing his office as laureate +unceremoniously usurped, offered to write an epilogue for the +occasion; but this service was, through Rochester's interference, +rejected. The masque proved a brilliant success; "the dancing, +singing, and music, which were all in the highest perfection, and +the graceful action, incomparable beauty, and splendid habits of +those ladies who accompanied them, afforded the spectators +extraordinary delight." "Calisto" was therefore performed thirty +times. + +The author's gratitude for his lordship's patronage was only +equalled by his disappointment upon its hasty withdrawal. +Growing weary of him, Rochester found a more worthy object for +his favour in Thomas Otway, a poet rich in all the miseries which +afflicted genius in those days. Son of the rector of Woolbeding, +pupil at Winchester School, and commoner of Christchurch, +Cambridge, he had on his arrival in town vainly sought employment +as an actor, and barely earned bread as a play-writer. Before he +became a PROTEGE of my Lord Rochester he had written +"Alcibiades," a tragedy, he being then, in 1665, in his twenty- +fifth year. His next play was "Don Carlos, Prince of Spain," +which, through the earl's influence, gained great success. In +the preface to this tragedy he acknowledges his unspeakable +obligations to my lord, who he says made it his business to +establish "Don Carlos" in the good opinion of the king and of his +royal highness the Duke of York. Unwarned by the fate of his +predecessors, and heedless of the fickleness of his patron, he +basked in hope in the present, mercifully unconscious of the +cruel death by starvation which awaited him in the future. Alas! +Rochester not only forsook him, but loaded him with satire in a +poem entitled "Session of the Poets." + +In verses which he wrote soon after, entitled "An Allusion to the +Tenth Satire," Rochester likewise attacked Dryden; who, in the +preface of his "All for Love," replied in like manner. Then +there appeared an "Essay on Satire," which ridiculed the king, +dealt severely with his mistresses, said uncivil things of the +courtiers in general, and of my Lord Rochester in particular. +The noble earl was indeed described as being "lewd in every +limb," affected in his wit, mean in his actions, and cowardly in +his disposition. Now, though this was conceived and brought +forth by my Lord Mulgrave, Rochester suspected Dryden of its +authorship, and resolved to punish him forthwith. Accordingly on +the night of the 18th of December, 1679, when Dryden was passing +through Rose Street, Covent Garden, on his homeward way from +Will's Coffee House, he was waylaid by some ruffians, and, before +he could draw his sword, promptly surrounded and severely beaten. + +This occurrence caused considerable sensation throughout the +town, and though surmises arose in many minds as to who had hired +the bravoes, it was found impossible to prove them. In hope of +gaining some clue to the instigator of the attack, Dryden caused +the following advertisement to be inserted in the LONDON GAZETTE +AND DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE for three consecutive days: "Whereas +John Dryden, Esq., was on Monday, the 18th instant, at night, +barbarously assaulted and wounded in Rose Street, in Covent +Garden, by divers men unknown; if any person shall make discovery +of the said offenders to the said Mr. Dryden, or to any justice +of the peace, he shall not only receive fifty pounds, which is +deposited in the hands of Mr. Blanchard Goldsmith, next door to +Temple Bar, for the said purpose; but if he be a principal or an +accessory in the said fact, his majesty is graciously pleased to +promise him his pardon for the same." + +Dryden sought no opportunity for revenge; for which restraint, +outliving Rochester, and having a noble mind and generous +disposition, he was no doubt glad at heart. Not only did he +survive the earl, but likewise the king. To the company and +conversation of that gracious sovereign the poet was frequently +admitted, a privilege which resulted in satisfaction and pleasure +to both. One pleasant day towards the end of his majesty's +reign, whilst they walked in the Mall, Charles said to him, "If I +were a poet, and indeed I think I am poor enough to be one, I +would write a satire on sedition." Taking this hint, Dryden +speedily set himself to work, and brought a poem on such a +subject to his royal master, who rewarded him with a hundred +broad pieces. + +Amongst Dryden's friends was the excellent and ingenious Abraham +Cowley, whose youth had given the promise of distinction his +manhood fulfilled. It is related that when quite a lad, he found +in the window recess of his mother's apartment a copy of +Spencer's "Faerie Queene." Opening the book, he read it with +delight, and his receptive mind reflecting the poet's fire, he +resolved likewise to exercise the art of poesy. In 1628, when at +the age of ten, he wrote "The Tragic History of Pyramus and +Thisbe;" five years later he published a volume of poems; and +whilst yet a schoolboy wrote his pastoral comedy, "Love's +Riddle." + +When at St. John's College, Oxford, he gave proof of his loyalty +by writing a poem entitled the "Puritan and the Papist," which +gained him the friendship of courtiers. On the Queen of Charles +I. taking refuge in France, he soon followed her, and becoming +secretary to the Earl of St. Albans, conducted the correspondence +between her majesty and the king, ciphering and deciphering their +letters, and such as were sent or received by those immediately +concerned in the cause of royalty. In this situation he remained +until four years previous to the restoration, when he was sent +into England for the purpose of observing the condition of the +nation, and reporting the same. Scarce had he set foot in London +when he was seized, examined, and only liberated on a friend +offering bail for him to the amount of one thousand pounds. + +The better to disguise the object of his visit, and lull +suspicions of republicans, he took out the degree of Doctor of +Physic at Oxford; after which he retired into Kent, where he +devoted a great portion of his time to the study of botany and +the composition of poetry. On Cromwell's death he hastened to +France, and remained there until the king's return; which he +celebrated by a song of triumph. Like hundreds of others who had +served Charles in his exile, he looked forward to gratitude and +reward, but met disappointment and neglect. Amongst the numerous +places and employments the change of government opened in court +and state, not one was offered the loyal poet. + +Nay, his hardships did not end here; for having, in 1663, +produced his merry comedy, "Cutter of Coleman Street," it was +treated with severity as a censure upon the king. Feeling over- +nervous to witness the result of its first representation, the +poet absented himself from the playhouse; but thither his friends +Dryden and Sprat sped, hoping they might be able to bear him +tidings of its triumph. When they returned to him at night and +told him of its fate, "he received the news of its ill success," +says Sprat, "not with so much firmness as might have been +expected from so great a man." Of all intent to satirize the +king he was entirely innocent--a fact he set before the public in +the preface to his play on its publication. Having, he argues, +followed the fallen fortunes of the royal family so long, it was +unlikely he would select the time of their restoration to quarrel +with them. + +Feeling his grievances acutely, he now published a poem called +"The Complaint," which met with but little success; whereon, +depressed by ill-fortune and disgusted by ingratitude, he sought +consolation in the peace of a country life. Through the +influence of his old friend, Lord St. Albans, and the Duke of +Buckingham, he obtained a lease of the queen's lands at Chertsey, +which produced him an income of about three hundred pounds a +year--a sum sufficient for his few wants and moderate desires. +He resided here but two years, when he died, on the 28th of July, +1667. Milton, on hearing of his death, was troubled. The three +greatest English poets, he declared, were Spenser, Shakespeare, +and Cowley. + +The ungrateful neglect with which he was treated in life was +sought to be atoned for by useless honours paid him after death. +His remains were first conveyed to Wallingford House, then a +residence of the Duke of Buckingham, from whence they were +carried in a coach drawn by six horses, and followed by all the +men of letters and wits of the town, divers stately bishops, +courtiers, and men of quality, whose carriages exceeded one +hundred in number, to Westminster Abbey. Here the Poet was laid +at rest beside Geoffrey Chaucer, and not far removed from gentle +Spenser, whose words had first inspired his happy muse. + +The literary wealth of this reign was furthermore enhanced by the +genius of Butler, the inimitable author of "Hudibras," concerning +whom little is known, save that he was born in 1612, and spent +his life in poverty. He passed some years as clerk to a justice +of the peace; he also served a great man's steward, and acted as +secretary to Sir Samuel Luke, one of Cromwell's officers. With +those of the commonwealth he held no part; that he was a royalist +at heart his great satire indicates. The first part of this was +published in the third year of the restoration, and was +introduced to the notice of his majesty by my Lord Dorset. So +delighted was the monarch by its wit that its lines were +continually on his lips, an example speedily followed by the +courtiers. It was considered certain a man possessing such +brilliant genius and loyal nature would be rewarded with place or +pension; but neither boon was bestowed upon him. Resting his +hopes on future achievements, the second part of "Hudibras" +appeared in 1664; but again his recompense was delayed. +Clarendon made him promises of valuable employments, which were +never fulfilled; and to soothe his disappointment the king sent +him a present of three hundred guineas. + +Indignant at the neglect from which he suffered, his friend +Wycherley spoke to the Duke of Buckingham on his behalf, saying +it was a shame to the court a man of Butler's parts should be +allowed to suffer want. With this his grace readily agreed, and +promised to use his influence towards remedying the poet's ill- +fortune; but time went by, and his condition remained unaltered. +Whereon Wycherley conceived the idea of bringing Butler and the +duke together, that the latter might the more certainly remember +him. He therefore succeeded in making his grace name an hour and +place in which they might meet. So it came to pass they were +together one day at the Roebuck Tavern; but scarce had Buckingham +opened his lips when a pimp of his acquaintance--"the creature +was likewise a knight"--passed by with a couple of ladies. To a +man of Buckingham's character the temptation was too seductive to +be neglected; accordingly, he darted after those who allured him, +leaving the needy poet, whom he saw no more. Butler lived until +1680, dying in poverty. Longueville, having in vain solicited a +subscription to defray the expenses of the poet's burial in +Westminster Abbey, laid him to rest in the churchyard of Covent +Garden. + +Wycherley, the friend of Butler, though a child of the Muses, was +superior to poverty. He was born in the year of grace 1640, and +early in life sent for his better education into France. +Returning to England soon after the king had come unto his own, +young Wycherley entered Queen's College, Oxford, from whence he +departed without obtaining a degree. He then betook himself to +town, and became a law student. The Temple, however, had less +attraction for him than the playhouse. Indeed, before leaving +Oxford he had, written a couple of comedies--to wit, "Love in a +Wood," and "The Gentleman Dancing Master," a fact entitling him +to be considered a man of parts. Not satisfied with this +distinction, he soon developed tastes for pleasures of the town, +and became a man of fashion. His wit illuminated choice +gatherings of congenial spirits at coffee-houses; his epigrams +were repeated by boon companions in the precincts of the court. + +In the year 1672 his comedy "Love in a Wood" was produced. It +immediately gained universal favour, and, moreover, speedily +attracted the attention of his majesty's mistress, the Duchess of +Cleveland. Wycherley was a man well to look upon: her grace was +a lady eager for adventure. Desiring his acquaintance, and +impatient of delay, she introduced herself to his notice in a +manner eminently characteristic of the age. It happened when +driving one day through Pall Mall, she encountered Wycherley +riding in his coach in an opposite direction. Thrusting her head +out of the window of her vehicle, she saluted the author with a +title unknown to the conversations of polite society in the +present day. + +The fashionable playwright understanding the motive which +prompted her remark, hastily ordered his coach to follow hers; +and, overtaking her, uncovered and began a speech becoming so +ardent a gallant. + +"Madam," said he, "you have been pleased to bestow a title on me +which belongs only to the fortunate. Will your ladyship be at +the play to-night?" + +"Well," replied her grace, well pleased at this beginning, "what +if I am there?" + +"Why, then," answered he, "I will be there to wait on your +ladyship, though I disappoint a fine woman who has made me an +assignation." + +"So," said this frail daughter of Eve, greedily swallowing his +flattery, "you are sure to disappoint a woman who has favoured +you for one who has not?" + +"Yes," quoth he, readily enough, "if the one who has not favoured +me is the finer woman of the two. But he who can be constant to +your ladyship till he can find a finer, is sure to die your +captive." + +That night her grace sat in the front row of the king's box at +Drury Lane playhouse, and sure enough there was handsome Will +Wycherley sitting in the pit underneath. The gentleman cast his +eyes upwards and sighed; the lady looked down and played with her +fan; after which preliminaries they fell into conversation which +both found far more interesting than the comedy then being +enacted before their eyes. This was the beginning of an intimacy +concerning which the court made merry, and of which the town +spoke scandal. My lady disguised herself as a country wench, and +visited his chambers, Mr. Wycherley dedicated his play, "Love in +a Wood," to her in elegant phraseology, He was of opinion that +she stood as little in need of flattery as her beauty did of art; +he was anxious to let the world know he was the greatest admirer +she had; and he was desirous of returning her his grateful +acknowledgment for the favours he had received from her. + +The interest of this romance was presently intensified by the +introduction of a rival in the person of the Duke of Buckingham. +Probably from fear an intrigue with such a prominent figure +would, if indulged in, quickly become known to the king, she +refused to encourage Buckingham's love. His grace was not only a +passionate lover, but likewise a revengeful man; accordingly, he +resolved to punish my lady for her lack of good taste. It +therefore became his habit to speak of her intrigues before the +court, and to name the individuals who received her favours. Now +Wycherley, being amongst these, grew fearful his amour with the +duchess should become known to the king, from whom at this time +he expected an appointment. Accordingly, he besought his good +friends, Lord Rochester and Sir Charles Sedley, to remonstrate on +his behalf with the duke. These gentlemen undertook that kindly +office, and in order to make the rivals acquainted, besought his +grace to sup with the playwright. The duke complying with their +request, met Wycherley in a friendly spirit, and soon professed +himself delighted with his wit; nay, before the feast was over he +drank his health in a bumper of red wine, and declared himself +Mr. Wycherley's very good friend and faithful servant henceforth. + +Moreover, he was as good as his word; for, being master of the +horse, he soon after appointed Wycherley an equerry, and +subsequently gave him a commission as captain of a regiment of +which he was colonel. Nor did the duke's services to the +dramatist end here; for when occasion offered he introduced him +to the merry monarch, and so pleased was the king with the +author's conversational powers that he admitted him to his +friendship. His majesty's regard for Wycherley gradually +ripened, and once when he lay ill of fever at his lodgings in Bow +Street, Covent Garden, the merry monarch visited him, cheered him +with words of kindness, and promised he would send him to +Montpelier when he was well enough to travel. For this good +purpose Charles sent him five hundred pounds, and Wycherley spent +the winter of 1679 abroad. + +Previous to this date he had written, besides his first comedy, +three others which had been received with great favour by the +town, viz., "The Gentleman Dancing Master," "The Country Wife," +and "The Plain Dealer." Soon after his return to England the +crisis of his life arrived, and he married. His introduction to +the lady whom fate ordained to become his wife is not the least +singular episode in a remarkable biography. Being at Tunbridge +Wells, then a place of fashion and liberty, he was one day +walking with a friend named Fairbeard. And it happened as they +were passing a book-stall they overheard a gentlewoman inquire +for the "Plain Dealer." + +"Madam," says Mr. Fairbeard, uncovering, "since you are for the +'Plain Dealer,' there he is for you;" whereon he led Wycherley +towards her. + +"This lady," says that gentleman, making her a profound bow, "can +bear plain speaking; for she appears to be so accomplished, that +what would be compliment said to others, spoken to her would be +plain dealing." + +"No truly, sir," replied the lady; "I am not without my faults, +like the rest of my sex; and yet, notwithstanding all my faults, +I love plain dealing, and never am more fond of it than when it +points out my errors." + +"Then, madam," said Mr. Fairbeard, "you and the plain dealer seem +designed by heaven for each other." + +These pretty speeches having been delivered and received with +every mark of civility, Mr. Wycherley made his exit with the +lady, who was none other than the Countess of Drogheda, a young +widow gifted with beauty and endowed by fortune. Day by day he +waited on her at her lodging, accompanied her in her walks, and +attended her to the assemblies. Finally, when she returned to +town he married her. It is sad yet true the union did not result +in perfect happiness. Mr. Wycherley had a reputation for +gallantry, the Countess of Drogheda was the victim of suspicion. +Knowing jealousy is beget by love, and mindful of sacrifices she +had made in marrying him, Wycherley behaved towards her with much +kindness. In compliance with her wishes he desisted visiting the +court, a place she probably knew from experience was rife with +temptation; and moreover when he cracked a bottle of wine with +convivial friends at the Cock Tavern, opposite his lodgings in +Bow Street, he, for the greater satisfaction of his wife, would +leave the windows open of the room in which he sat, that she +might from the vantage ground of her home see there were no +hussies in the company. + +As proof of her love, she, when dying, settled her fortune upon +him; but unhappily his just right was disputed by her family. +The case therefore went into litigation, for the expenses of +which, together with other debts, Wycherley was cast into prison. +Here the brilliant wit, clever writer, and boon companion, was +allowed to remain seven long years. When released from this vile +bondage, another king than the merry monarch occupied the English +throne. + +The name of Andrew Marvel is inseparably connected with this +period. He was born in the year 1620 in the town of Kingston- +upon-Hull; his father being a clever school-master, worthy +minister, and "an excellent preacher, who never broached what he +had never brewed, but that which he had studied some compitent +time before." At the age of fifteen, Andrew Marvell was sent to +Trinity College, Cambridge. But he had not long been there when +he withdrew himself, lured, as some authorities state, by wiles +of the wicked Jesuits; repulsed, as others say, by severities of +the head of his college. Leaving the university, he set out for +London, where his father, who hastened thither in search of him, +found him examining some old volumes on a book-stall. He was +prevailed to return to his college, where, in 1638, he took his +degree as bachelor of arts. + +On the completion of his studies and death of his father, he +travelled through Holland, France, and Italy. Whilst abroad he +began to produce those satirical verses such as were destined to +render him famous. One of his earliest efforts in this direction +was aimed at the Abbe de Maniban, a learned ecclesiastic, whose +chief fault in Marvell's eyes lay in the fact of his professing +to judge characters from handwriting. + +Whilst in Italy, Andrew Marvell met John Milton, and they having +many tastes and convictions in common, became fast friends. In +1653, the former returned to England, and for some time acted as +tutor to Mistress Fairfax; he being an excellent scholar, and a +great master of the Latin tongue. He now led a peaceful and +obscure life until 1657. In that year, Milton, "laying aside," +as he wrote, "those jealousies, and that emulation which mine own +condition might suggest to me," introduced him to Bradshaw; soon +after which he was made assistant-secretary to Milton, who was +then in the service of Cromwell. + +He had not been long engaged in this capacity, when the usurper +died; and Marvell's occupation being gone, the goodly burgesses +of the town of Hull, who loved him well, elected him as their +representative in parliament, for which service, in accordance +with a custom of the time, he was paid. The salary, it is true, +was not large, amounting to two shillings a day for borough +members; yet when kindly feeling and honest satisfaction mutually +existed between elector and representative, as in Marvell's case, +the wage was at times supplemented by such acceptable additions +as home-cured pork and home-brewed ale, "We must first give you +thanks," wrote Marvell on one occasion to his constituents, on +the receipt of a cask of beer, "for the kind present you have +pleased to send us, which will give occasion to us to remember +you often; but the quantity is so great, that it might make sober +men forgetful." + +He now, in the warfare of political life, made free use of his +keen wit and bitter sarcasm as serviceable weapons. These were +chiefly employed in exposing measures he considered calculated to +ruin the country, though they might gratify the king. However, +he had no hatred of monarchy, but would occasionally divert +Charles by the sharpness of his satire and brilliancy of his wit. +Considering how valuable these would be if employed in service of +the court, Charles resolved to tempt Marvell's integrity. For +this purpose the Lord Treasurer Danby sought and found him in his +chamber, situated in the second floor of a mean house standing in +a court off the Strand. Groping his way up the dark and narrow +staircase of the domicile, the great minister stumbled, and +falling against a door, was precipitated into Marvell's +apartment, head foremost. Surprised at his appearance, the +satirist asked my Lord Danby if he had not mistaken his way. +"No," said the courtier with a bow, "not since I have found Mr. +Marvell." He then proceeded to tell him that the king, being +impressed by a high sense of his abilities, was desirous of +serving him. Apprehending what services were expected in return, +Marvell answered that he who accepted favours from the court was +bound to vote in its interests. "Nay," said my lord, "his +majesty but desires to know if there is any place at court you +would accept." On which Marvell replied he could receive nothing +with honour, for either he must treat the king with ingratitude +by refusing compliance with court measures, or be a traitor to +his country by yielding to them. The only favour he therefore +begged was, that his majesty would esteem him a loyal subject; +the truer to his interests in refusing his offers than he would +be by accepting them. It is stated that Lord Danby, surprised at +so much purity in an age of corruption, furthermore tempted him +with a bag of gold, which Marvell obstinately refused to accept. + +He died suddenly in the year 1678, leaving behind him a +reputation for humour and satire which has rarely been excelled. + +Besides these poets and dramatists, there were other great men, +who as prose writers, helped to render the literary history of +the period remarkable for its brilliancy. Amongst these were +Lord Clarendon, High Chancellor of England, concerning whom much +has already been said; and Thomas Hobbs of Malmesbury, better +known as author of "The History of the Causes of the Civil War," +and of "Human Nature," than as a translator of the Iliad and the +Odyssey. Dr. Gilbert Burnet, author of "The History of his Own +Times;" and Dr. Ralph Cudworth, author of "The True Intellectual +System of the Universe," were likewise men of note. But one +whose name is far more familiar than any writer of his time is +John Bunyan, author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." + +He was the son of a tinker, and was born within a mile of Bedford +town in the year 1628. He imbibed at an early age the spirit of +Puritanism, fought in the civil wars, took to himself a wife, and +turned preacher. Six months after the merry monarch landed, +Bunyan was flung into Bedford gaol, where, rather than refrain +from puritanical discourses, in the utterance of which he +believed himself divinely inspired, he remained, with some short +intervals of liberty, for twelve years. When offered freedom at +the price of silence, he replied, "If you let me out to-day, I +will preach to-morrow." Nay, even in his confinement he +delivered sermons to his fellow-prisoners; and presently he +commenced to write. His convictions leading him to attack the +liturgy of the Church of England, and the religion of the +Quakers, his productions became popular amongst dissenters. At +length, by an act annulling the penal statutes against Protestant +Nonconformists and Roman Catholics, passed in 1671, he was +liberated. When he left prison he carried with him a portion of +his "Pilgrim's Progress," which was soon after completed and +published, though at what date remains uncertain. In 1678 a +second edition was printed, and such was the growth of its +popularity, that six editions were issued within the following +four years. + +Now he became famous, his lot was far different from what it had +been; his sermons were heard by eager audiences, his counsel was +sought by those in trouble, his prayers were regarded as the +utterances of inspiration. Once a year he rode, attended by vast +crowds, from Bedford Town to London City, that he might preach to +those burdened by sin; and from the capital he made a circuit of +the country, where he was hailed as a prophet. His life extended +beyond the reign of King Charles; his influence lasted till his +death. + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +Time's flight leaves the king unchanged.--The Rye House +conspiracy.--Profligacy of the court.--The three duchesses.--The +king is taken ill.--The capital in consternation.--Dr. Ken +questions his majesty.--A Benedictine monk sent for.--Charles +professes catholicity and receives the Sacraments.--Farewell to +all.--His last night on earth.--Daybreak and death.--He rests in +peace. + +His majesty's habits changed but little with the flight of time, +To the end of his reign the court continued brilliant and +profligate. Wits, courtezans, and adventurers crowded the royal +drawing-rooms, and conversed without restraint; the monarch +pursued his pleasures with unsatiated zest, taking to himself two +new mistresses, Lady Shannon and Catherine Peg, who respectively +bore him a daughter and a son, duly created Countess of Yarmouth +and Earl of Plymouth. For a while, indeed, a shadow fell upon +the life of the merry monarch, when, in 1683, he was roused to a +sense of danger by discovery of the Rye House conspiracy. + +This foul plot, entered into by the Whigs on failure of the +Exclusion Bill, had for its object the murder of his majesty and +of the Duke of York. Before arriving at maturity its existence +and intentions were revealed by one of the conspirators, when +William Lord Russell, the Earl of Essex, and Algernon Sidney, +second son of the Earl of Leicester, were arrested and charged +with high treason. My Lord Essex died in the Tower by his own +hand; Lord Russell was condemned on testimony of one witness, and +duly executed; as was likewise Algernon Sidney, whose writings on +Republicanism were used as evidence against him. On the +revelation of this wicked scheme the country became wildly +excited, and the king grievously afflicted. A melancholy seized +upon his majesty, who stirred not abroad without double guards; +and the private doors of Whitehall and avenues of the park were +closed. + +From this condition, however, he gradually recovered, and resumed +his usual habits. Accordingly, we find him engaged in "luxurious +dalliance and prophaneness" with the Duchess of Mazarine, and +visiting the Duchess of Portsmouth betimes in her chamber, where +that bold and voluptuous woman, fresh risen from bed, sat in +loose garments talking to the king and his gallants, the while +her maids combed her beautiful hair. + +"I can never forget," says John Evelyn, writing on the 4th of +February, 1685, "the inexpressible luxury and prophaneness, +gaming, and all dissoluteness, and as it were total +forgetfullnesse of God (it being Sunday evening), which this day +se'nnight I was witnesse of, the king sitting and toying with his +concubines, Portsmouth, Cleveland, and Mazarine, etc., a French +boy singing love songs in that glorious gallery, whilst about +twenty of the greate courtiers and other dissolute persons were +at basset round a large table, a bank of at least two thousand in +gold before them, upon which two gentlemen who were with me made +reflexions with astonishment. Six days after was all in the +dust." + +For now the end of all things had come for Charles Stuart. It +happened on the morning of the 2nd of February, 1685, the day +being Monday, the king whilst in his bedroom was seized by an +apoplectic fit, when crying out, he fell back in his chair, and +lay as one dead. Wildly alarmed, his attendants summoned Dr. +King, the physician in waiting, who immediately bled him, and had +him carried to bed. Then tidings spread throughout the palace, +that his majesty hovered betwixt life and death; which should +claim him no man might say. Whereon the Duke of York hastened to +his bedside, as did likewise the queen, her face blanched, her +eyes wild with terror. His majesty after some time recovering +consciousness, slowly realized his sad condition. Then he +conceived a fear, the stronger as begotten by conviction, that +the sands of his life had run their course. Throughout that day +and the next he fainted frequently, and showed symptoms of +epilepsy. On Wednesday he was cupped and bled in both jugulars; +but on Thursday he was pronounced better, when the physicians, +anxious to welcome hope, spoke of his probable recovery. + +But, alas, the same evening he grew restless, and signs of fever +became apparent. Jesuits' powders, then of great repute, were +given him, but with no good result. Complaining of a pain in his +side, the doctors drew twelve ounces more of blood from him. +Exhaustion then set in; all hope of life was over. + +Meanwhile, the capital was in a state of consternation. Prayers +for his majesty's recovery were offered up in all churches +throughout the city; likewise in the royal chapels, where the +clergy relieved each other every quarter of an hour. Crowds +gathered by day and night without the palace gates, eager to +learn the latest change in the king's condition from those who +passed to and fro. Inside Whitehall all was confusion. Members +of the Privy Council assembled in the room adjoining that where +the monarch lay; politicians and ambassadors conversed in +whispers in the disordered apartments; courtiers of all degrees +flocked through the corridors bearing signs of deep concern upon +their countenances. + +And amongst others who sought his majesty's presence was the +Archbishop of Canterbury, together with the Bishops of London, +Durham, Ely, and Bath and Wells; all being anxious to render +spiritual services to the king. Of these good men, Charles liked +best Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, having most faith in his +honesty. For, when his lordship was a prebend of Winchester, it +had happened Charles passed through that city, accompanied by +Nell Gwynn, when Dr. Ken refused to receive her beneath his roof +even at the king's request. This proof of integrity so pleased +his majesty, that he gave him the next vacant bishopric by way of +reward. And now, his lordship being at hand, he read prayers for +the Sick from out the Common Prayer Book for his benefit, until +coming to that part where the dying are exhorted to make +confession of their sins, when the bishop paused and said such +was not obligatory. He then asked his majesty if he were sorry +for the iniquities of his life? when the sick man, whose heart +was exceeding heavy, replied he was; whereon the bishop +pronounced absolution, and asked him if he would receive the +Sacrament. To this Charles made no reply, until the same +question had been repeated several times, when his majesty +answered he would think of it. + +The Duke of York, who stood by the while, noting the king's +answer, and aware of his tendencies towards Catholicism, bade +those who had gathered round stand aside; and then, bending over +him, asked in a low tone if he might send for a priest. A look +of unspeakable relief came into the king's face, and he answered, +"For God's sake do, brother, and lose no time." Then another +thought flashing across his mind, he said, "But will not this +expose you to much danger?" James made answer, "Though it cost +me my life I will bring you a priest." He then hurried into the +next room, where, among all the courtiers, he could find no man +he could trust, save a foreigner, one Count Castelmachlor. +Calling him aside, he secretly despatched him in search of a +priest. + +Between seven and eight o'clock that evening, Father Huddleston, +the Benedictine friar who had aided the king's escape after the +battle of Worcester, awaited at the queen's back stairs the +signal to appear in his majesty's presence. The duke being made +aware of the fact, announced it to the king, who thereon ordered +all in his room to withdraw; but James, mindful that slander +might afterwards charge him with killing his brother, begged the +Earl of Bath, the lord of the bedchamber then in waiting, and the +Earl of Feversham, captain of the guard, might stay--saying to +the king it was not fitting he should be unattended in his weak +condition. These gentlemen therefore remained. And no sooner +had all others departed than the monk was admitted by a private +entrance to the chamber. The king received him with great joy +and satisfaction, stating he was anxious to die in the communion +of the catholic church, and declaring he was sorry for the wrongs +of his past life, which he yet hoped might be pardoned through +the merits of Christ. + +He then, as we read in the Stuart Papers, "with exceeding +compunction and tenderness of heart," made an exact confession of +his sins, after which he repeated an act of contrition, and +received absolution. He next desired to have the other +Sacraments of the church proper to his condition administered to +him: on which the Benedictine asked if he desired to receive the +Eucharist; eagerly he replied, "If I am worthy pray fail not to +let me have it." Then Father Huddleston, after some exhortation, +prepared to give him the Sacrament; when the dying man, +struggling to raise himself, exclaimed, "Let me meet my heavenly +Lord in a better posture than lying in bed." But the priest +begged he would not move, and then gave him the Communion, which +he received with every sign of fervour. And for some time he +prayed earnestly, the monk and the duke kneeling by the while, +silence obtaining in the room. This was presently broken by the +sad and solemn tones of the priest's voice, reading a +commendation of the soul to its Maker: the which being ended, +the Benedictine, with tears in his eyes, took leave of his +majesty. "Ah," said Charles, "you once saved my body; you have +now saved my soul." Then the monk gave him his benediction, and +departed as quietly as he had come. + +Then those waiting without were once more admitted to the room, +when Charles nerved himself to take a sad farewell of those +around him. He first publicly thanked his brother for the +services and affection he had ever rendered him through life, and +extolled his obedience and submission to his commands. Giving +him his keys, he said he had left him all he possessed, and +prayed God would bless him with a happy and prosperous reign. +Finally, he recommended all his children to him by name, +excepting only the Duke of Monmouth then in Holland, and +suffering from the king's displeasure; and besought him to extend +his kindness towards the Duchesses of Portsmouth and Cleveland; +"and do not," said he, "let poor Nelly starve." Whilst these +commands were addressed him, the duke had flung himself on his +knees by the bedside, and, bursting into tears, kissed his +brother's hand. + +The queen, who had scarce left his majesty since the beginning of +his illness, was at this time absent, her love and grief not +permitting her to endure this afflicting scene. He spoke most +tenderly of her; and when presently she sent a message praying he +would pardon her absence in regard to her excessive grief, and +forgive her withal if at any time she had offended him, he +replied, "Alas, poor woman! She beg my pardon?--I beg hers, with +all my heart." He next summoned his children to him, one by one, +and addressing them with words of advice, embraced them heartily +and blessed them fervently. And he being the Lord's anointed, +the bishops present besought he would give them his benediction +likewise, and all that were present, and in them the whole body +of his subjects; in compliance with which request he, with some +difficulty, raised himself, and all falling on their knees, he +blessed them fervently. Then they arose and departed. + +Silence fell upon the palace; night wore slowly away. Charles +tossed upon his bed racked with pain, but no complaint escaped +his lips. Those who watched him in the semi-darkened room heard +him ask God to accept his sufferings in atonement for his sins. +Then, speaking aloud, he declared himself weary of life, and +hoped soon to reach a better world. Courteous to the last, he +begged pardon for the trouble he gave, inasmuch as he was long in +dying. And anon he slumbered, and quickly woke again in agony +and prayed with zeal. Never had time moved with slower passage +for him; not hours, but weeks, seemed to elapse between each +stroke of the clock; and yet around him was darkness and tardy +night. But after much weary waiting, morning was at hand, the +time-piece struck six. "Draw the curtains," said the dying man, +"that I may once more see day." The grey light of a February +dawn, scarce brightened to eastward a cheerless sky; but he +hailed this herald of sunrise with infinite relief and terrible +regret; relief that he had lived to see another day; regret that +no more morns should break for him. + +His soul tore itself from his body with fierce struggles and +bitter pain. It was hard for him to die, but he composed himself +to enter eternity "with the piety becoming a Christian, and the +resolution becoming a king;" as his brother narrates. About ten +o'clock on Friday morning, February 6th, 1685, he found relief in +unconsciousness; before midday chimed he was dead. He had +reached the fifty-fifth year of his life, and the twenty-fifth +year of his reign. + +His illegitimate progeny was numerous, numbering fifteen, besides +those who died in infancy. These were the Duke of Monmouth and a +daughter married to William Sarsfield, children of Lucy Walters; +the Dukes of Southampton, Grafton, and Northumberland, the +Countesses of Litchfield and of Sussex, and a daughter Barbara. +who became a nun, children of the Duchess of Cleveland; the Duke +of Richmond, son of the Duchess of Portsmouth; the Duke of St. +Albans, and a son James, children of Nell Gwynn; Lady +Derwentwater, daughter of Moll Davis; the Countess of Yarmouth, +daughter of Lady Shannon; and the Earl of Plymouth, son of +Catherine Peg. + +For seven days the remains of the late king lay in state; on the +eighth they were placed in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was +of necessity conducted in a semi-private manner for by reason of +his majesty dying in the Catholic religion, his brother +considered it desirable the ceremonies prescribed for the +occasion by the English church should be dispensed with. +Therefore, in order to avoid disputes or scandal, the king was +laid in the tomb without ostentation. At night his remains were +carried from the painted chamber in Westminster sanctuary to the +abbey. The procession, headed by the servants of the nobility, +of James II., and his queen, of the dowager queen, and of the +late king, was followed by the barons, bishops, and, peers +according to their rank; the officers of the household, and the +Archbishop of Canterbury. Then came all that was mortal of his +late majesty, borne under a canopy of velvet, supported by six +gentlemen of the privy chamber, the pall being held by six earls. +Prince George of Denmark--subsequently husband of Queen Anne-- +acted as chief mourner, attended by the Dukes of Somerset and +Beaufort, and sixteen earls. One of the kings of Arms carried +the crown and cushion, the train being closed by the king's band +of gentlemen pensioners, and the yeomen of the guard. + +At the abbey entrance the dean and prebendaries, attended by +torch bearers, and followed by a surpliced choir, met the +remains, and joined the procession, the slow pacing figures of +which seemed spectral in this hour and place; then the sad +cortege passed solemnly through the grey old abbey, the choir +chanting sorrowfully the while, the yellow flare of torches +marking the prevailing gloom. And being come to the chapel of +Henry VII., the body of the merry monarch was suffered there to +rest in peace. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg Etext Royalty Restored/London Under Charles II + diff --git a/old/rruc210.zip b/old/rruc210.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..19104ac --- /dev/null +++ b/old/rruc210.zip |