Foxes Martyrology not any who had the least appearance of Noblenesse and worth but suffered by death or sequestration whilest his own Mushrom'd Gentility sprung up in a Night of Rebellion were the simple nothings then adored His spies of whom he had many were very usefull to him the charges of whom amounted to no lesse then two hundred Thousand pounds per annum These were not onely distributed about all places of England but very conversant in the Courts of most Christian Princes by this silver hook he gained intelligence from most places and seldome are any secrets so close lock't up that a golden key will not open Then for Souldiers he took such a course that he had always enough of them having brought the Commons so low by want of Trade that they must either take up Armes or starve nor would he want occasion to keep up an Army on foot for when he had no cause he could soon create one witness the war he made with Spain Englands fast friend in all the late troubles by which the Trade of England hath been more detrimented then by all the wars we have had since 1638. Having thus tyrannized over England the space of five years he at last made his exit in a most horrible tempest we may well say that God was not in that winde though we have cause to praise his blessed and holy name for that wind-fall As he lived unbeloved so he died unlamented breathing out his soul with the sin of perjury for at his being chosen Protector he called God to witness he was against Englands government being made Hereditary abusing to that purpose the saying of Solomon Ecclesiastes 2.19 Who knoweth whether his son shall be a wise man or a fool Yet at his death he endeavoured all he could to settle it in his posterity leaving his Son Richard Protector of England and his Son Henry Lord Lieutenant of Ireland And though at his death the Common-wealth was indebted some millions of pounds yet never was any King of England buried in that state as was this grand Tyrant the charges of his funerall amounting to no lesse then sixty thousand pounds besides that he was presumptuously interred among His Majesties Ancestors at Westminster in that very place where His Majesty had intended for His own rest as if he had resolved not only to detain Him from His right when He was alive but when He was dead also The Protector being interred among the Kings and Queens at Westminster at a vaster charge then had been used before in the richest times his Son Richard an honest private gentleman well beloved in Hampshire ascended the throne by the invitation and encouragement of Fleotwood Desborough Sydenham the two Jones's Thurlow and others the relations and confidents of his father and by the contrivance of the Court received congratulations prepared at Whitehall from most of the Counties and Cities of England and from the Armies of England Scotland and Ireland with engagements to live and dye with him with addresses from the Independent Churches brought by Goodwin and Nye their Metropolitans This introduction being made to transferre the Government from the line of the Stuarts to the line of the Cromwells it was conceived by some who had proceeded thus far that a Parliament chosen by influences from Court would easily swallow what was so well prepared to their hands Accordingly it was resolved by the Protectors Juncto that a Parliament should be called who being met at the time and place appointed they first declare Richard Cromwell Lord Protector and chief Magistrate of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland Then they vote after 14. days opposition from the honest party in the house to transact with the new House of Lords Other things they did not so pleasing to the Protector and his party For they order a Committee to look after the accompts of the Nation in order to retrenching and lessening the charge of the Common-wealth They had also by a saving vote asserted their interest in the fleet and had under consideration an act for taking away all Laws Statutes and Ordinances concerning Excise and Tunnage and Poundage after three years Proceeding thus successfully with much satisfaction to the Nation the Protector and the Officers of the Army who before were jealous of one another grew now jealous of the House of Commons and therefore they thought it seasonable to contend for the power before the People should recover it from them both In order hereunto the Officers of the Army keep their Councels at Wallingford-House and the Protector with his party countermin'd them at Whitehall The result of the Officers debates was a Canting Representation written in such an equivocating language that the sting was easily visible through the Honey Hereupon the Protector begins to think of securing himself and forbids their meetings but in vain Wherefore both sides keep guards one against another day and night In this divided posture affairs continued till Friday the 22. of Aprill 59. on which morning early the Protectors brother Fleetwood Disborough his Unkle carrying the greater part of the Army with them and the Protectors party flinching the conquest was obtain'd without one drop of blood and the Protector forc'd to consent to the dissolving of the Parliament contrary to the best advice his own interest and promises Far different was the courage of this young Protector from that of our magnificent Hero Henry the 5. who having hastily taken the Crown from the pillow of his not yet deceased father and being by him with a sad sigh told that God knew how unjustly he had gotten it replyed That since his father had by his sword attained it and being now at his death by Gods Providence devolved on him that therefore his sword should maintain it as his Right against all opposers But our pittifull Protector wanted both his wit and valour for having by fortune gotten a Crown without the effusion of either bloud or treasure yet was loth to do so much as to draw a sword for its preservation thus according to the English Proverb Lightly come lightly go men seldome prizing that which they never sweat for The fathers servants being now grown the Sons Masters allow him some thousands of pounds and order him to retire into the Country but the turning out Richard was not all they had to do his Brother Henry was still possessed of Ireland who was looked upon as a man of a more couragious spirit and doubtless they had found him so would the Officers of the Army have stuck close to him as at first they promised but they according to the course of the world left him when he had most need of them and so made him incapable either of assisting himself or restoring his Brother The Protector being thus devested of all power and authority Lambert comes again upon the stage a person of so large a spirit and undaunted courage that Oliver fearfull of his great endownments had
should return to our Royall Soveraign without some Testimony of their respects to your self They have therefore ordered and appointed that 500 l. shall be delivered unto you to buy a Jewell as a Badge of that Honour which is due to a person whom the King hath Honoured to be the messenger of so Gracious a Message and I am commanded in the name of the House to return you their very hearty thanks And as at land such was the affections of the Seamen where Generall Mountague having received two Letters the one from His Ma esty the other from the most Illustrious Duke of Yorke as also those others sent to the House of Commons and his Excellency together with His Majesties Gracious Declaration he immediately caused a great gun to be shot off the usuall summons to call his Officers together who coming aboard he communicated His Majesties Letters unto them which being read with anunamimous consent they declared themselves for His Majesty professing their exact Loyalty to live and die in his defence deâ—â—ring the Generalls of the Fleet humbly to present the lame to His Majesty But no sooner did the under Sea-men hear thereof but their over-joy'd hearts burst forth into loud acclamations of joy this news was more welcome to them then had they taken the wealth of the West Indies for prize And now to expresse their Loyalty the Generall himself fired a great Gun crying God blesse His Majesty Then might you see the Fleet in her pride with Pendants loose Guns roaring Caps flying and loud Vive le Roys ecchoed from one ships Company to another which were answered with the great Guns from Deal and Sandwich Castles The Noble Generall gave two pipes of Canary to the Commanders and Gentlemen in his ship And as at sea so in Ireland was seen the same complyance for the Convention there hearing what was done in England send a Declaration hither wherein they first expresse their disclaime of the sinfull and exemplary force put upon the House iâ— 1648. and whereas also the said persons did presume to erect a high Court of Justice and by an ugly and execrable sentence condemn the King to death they do declare their detestation of the fact and protest against those inhuman unparallell'd and barbaâ—ous actions as being the foulest and highest assassination that ever prot hane or sacred History ever recorded May the 8. 1660. His Majesty was solemnly Proclaimed by the Loâ—ds and Commons the Lord Mayor c. in the Cities of London and Westminster with an universall testification of Loyalty from all degrees of people The manner whereof being so remarkable each â—erson in his proper Sphear contending to out-vy each other in expressions of obedience to His Sacred Majesty take as followeth Between one and two of the Clock the Lords met in the Painted Chamber where they continued till they were placed in order the Earl of Manchester Speaker first then the Duke of Buckingham the Earl of Oxford c. Thus they walked all along with the Heralds before them through the Court of Requests and Westminster-Hall to the Pallace where they staid befoâ—e the Hall gate whither also presently after came the House of Commons Being placed in order both Lords and Coâ—mons stood bare whilest Mr. Bish dictated and Mr. Râ—ley king at Armes with a loud voice Proclaimed Charles the second in these words The Proclamation Although it can no may be doubted but that His Majesties Right and Title to His Crown and Kingâ—omes is and was eâ—ery way compleated by the death of his most Royall father of glorious memory without the Ceremony or solemnity of a Proclamation yet since Proclamations in such cases have been always used to the end that all good subjects might upon this occasion testify their duty and respect And since the armed violence and other the Calamities of many years last past have hitherto deprived us of any such opportunity whereby we might express our Loyalty and allegiance to His Majesty We therefore the Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament together with the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London and other freemen of this kingdome now present do according to our Duty and Allegiance heartily joyfully and unaminously acknowledge and proclaime That immediately upon the decease of our late Soveraign Lord King Charles the Imperial Crown of the Realme of England and of all the Kingdomes Dominions and Rights belonging to the same did by inherent Birth right and lawfull undoubted succession descend and come to His most Excellent Majesty Charles the second as being lineally justly and lawfully next Heir of the Bloud Royal of this Realme and that by the goodness and providence of Almighty God He is of England Scotland France and Ireland the most potent mighty and undoubted King And thereunto we most Humbly and Faithfully do submit and obliege our selves our Heires and Posterity for ever God save the King The Proclamation being ended the Lords and Commons took their Coaches proceeding to the further solemnity of proclaiming His Sacred Majesty as followeth First the Head Bayliffe of Westminster and his Servants riding with White staves to prepare the way then followed a gallant Troop of Officers of the Army and other Gentlemen with Trumpets before them then the Life-guard very stately mounted and richly clothed after them a Class of six Trumpets and three Heralds then a Herald between the Serjeant to the Commons and the Mace of the Council next Mr. Ryley king at Armes in his rich coat of the Kings Armes between Serjeant Norfolk and Serjeant Middleton after whom came the Usher of the Black Rod and Mr. Bish together These ushering the way in the next place came the Earl of Manchester Speaker to the House of Lords in his Coach and six Horses then the Speaker of the House of Commons in his then his Excellency the Lord Generall in his after which followed both Houses of Lords and Commons in their Coaches and last of all a Troop of Horse In this manner they came to White-hall where they Proclaim'd His Majesty a second time and then in like order proceeded Being come to Arundell-House they made a stand where Mr. Ryley king at Armes taking one of the Heralds and six Trumpets with him advanced forward toward Temple-Bar which according tâ— agreement being shut he came to the gate knocked â—nd demanded entrance being asked who it was that knocked he replyed that if my Lord Mayor would come to the gate he would deliver his Message to him who accordingly coming the Trumpets sounded after which silence being made it was demanded of the king of Armes Who he was and what was his message to which he answered We are the Heralds at Armes Appointed and Commanded by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled to demand entrance into the famous City of London to proclaime Charles the second King of England Scotland and Ireland and we expect your speedy answer to this demand to this they answered
death of King Charles the First to the re-establishment of His Son King Charles the Second wherein the Reader may see in the fall of the House of Cromwells that Greatnesse built upon perjury is of short continuance and that what ever aspiring Phaetons pretend None but Apollo is able to guide the Chariot of the Sun Charles the First of Glorious Memory being by a part of the Parliament who had usurped to themselves the power of the whole or more sentenced to death by the mouth of that audacious Traytor Bradshaw was the 30. of January 1648. in pursuance of their designes most execrably murthered before His Pallace at White-Hall by severing His head from His body A Prince whose vertues far exceeded any Eulogy we can bestow upon Him His own pencill best pourtraies Him the greatness of His worth being best expressed in the many miseries sustained by His losse But the end of their malice rested not here it reached also to His posterity whom by Proclamation they deprive of all Right in the Government of these three Kingdomes and vote the Kingly Office quite down contrary both to the Word of God and the Fundamental Laws of the Nation Yet though they cast a fair glosse on the matter every ones Comment did not agree with their Text and first Ireland saving onely Dublin and London Derry shew their dislike by revolt for the Marquesse of Ormond and the Lord Inchiquine having made a peace with the Quondam Rebels with a joynt consent Proclaime His Eldest Son King by the name of Charles the second solemnly inviting Him to come over to them being then in France with His Mother But the King though against the advice of His Mother as plausibly as he might waves this invitation because he was unwilling to distaste His better friends in England and Scotland by seeming to countenance those with His presence whom they suppos'd he had already too much countenanced with His commission And indeed it fell out much for the best considering the sudden ill successe of His friends there For their numerous Army amounting to no lesse then twenty two thousand men with which they were then beleaguering Dublin either by the carelesness of the Commanders or security of the Souldiers was beat from before it by the besieged and utterly routed by the third part of their number Soon after Cromwell also arrived there with an Army sent out of England to perfect their work of deformation who soon made the Conquest compleat putting many of the Irish to death especially at Tredagh where he continued Killing in cold blood for four days together pretending they were Rebels quite forgetting what himself and his masters were In the year 1649. a part of the Army falsly and undeservedly by Cromwell and his Faction called Levellers make a defection from the rest for they observing the exorbitant Counsels of Cromwell and his Council of State were resolved not to be instruments of bâ—inging the kingdome into further slavery but rather to assert their own and the Nations liberty and it is thought to joyn with the King whom they had fought against rather then lose their enterprise Whether such were their intentions or no I shall not debate but sure it is that those differences did not make ill for the Royall party who seeing the opportunity were not idle so that in a short time their designes were render'd so probable that His Majesty was resolved to transport himself into Jersey then in the safe hands of the Earl of Yarmouth to attend the success Whence if occasion serv'd he might with more ease waft himself into the West of England which part it is said that upon notice of the Southern disorders he was to have fallen While His Majesty stayd in Gersey he summons Guernsey but in vain and because that seemed not to be misfortune enough he received the news of the Levellers being utterly quell'd through the treachery of Aeres and Reynolds for which piece of service Cromwell was not ungratefull the forces of Cromwell falling upon them while they were in treatie suspecting nothing lâ—ss then force of Armes Upon this the King retired again into France though he were the sooner forc'd to doe it because he had certain intelligence that the Enemy was sending a fleet of ships to take from him that small remnant of His large dominions that yet remain'd unreduced But from Scotland far greater dangers threatned the Parliamentary Juncto for though the Scots had sold their King before yet feigning an abhorrency of the English proceedings and that the world might take notice they were innocent of His murther they likewise Proclaime Prince Charles King of Great Brittain France and Ireland and thereupon send Mr. Windram Laird of Libberton to treat with His Majesty about sundry articles before His reception to the Crown who having received his dispatches hasts unto Him being then in the Isle of Jersey The summe of their desires was to this effect 1. That His Majesty would graciously be pleased himself to signe the solemne League and Covenant and that he would passe an Act in Part that every person in that kingdome might take it 2. That He would passe divers Acts of the Parliament of Scotland which was concluded on the two last Sessions 1. For approving of their disclaiming Duke Hamiltons last return for receiving severall Acts made by the English for the Militia 2. That the Kings of Scotland may have no Negative voice 3 That His Majesty would recall the late Commissions given to Montrosse 4. That He would put away all Papists from about Him 5. That He would appoint some place about Holland to treate with their Commissioners An Honorable company of the most noble Lords in Scotland being to be appointed to attend His Majesty to whom likewise they send a sufficient provision to maintain Him a traine suitable to His birth and deserved greatnesse 6. That He would be graciously pleased to give a speedy answer to their desires By these proâ—ositions the Reader may perceive that notwithstanding their pretensions they intended Him a King onely conditionally and indeed those bitter pills they afterwards made him swallow may give the world just cause to think that their self ends bore greater sway with them then Love and Loyalty to His Majesty However nowithstanding the Lord Cleaveland and others alledged their Treachery unto His Father that they were Scots still and might doe the same unto Him That the Marquesse of Montrosse who had lately received Commissions to assault the North of Scotland was raising forces in Holland of whose valour and fidelity he need not to doubt of the Majority of voices carrying it for a Treaty it was resolved on and this answer returned to their Propositions That as to what was acted in the two last Sessions of Parliament He was content a generall Act of Oblivion should be passed but could not approve it That neither those of Montrosses nor Duke Hamiltons party in his last engagement should bear Office
the mean time Sir John Brown Governour of Sterling with 4000. Horse and Foot marches against that party of Cromwells already landed in Fife Lambert and Okey having intelligence thereof with two Regiments oâ— Horse and two of Foot waft over to reinforce their party with which additionall aid they routed Sir John Brown took him prisoner with near 1200. more and killed 2000. upon the place Crownwell flesht with these beginnings pursues his advantages and transports his Army over Fife marches to S. Johnstons and takes it almost upon the first summons His Majesty not able to force them back resolves with all speed to advance into England well hoping the justnesse of His cause would have incited the English to have joyned with Him as experienc'd also of the Scots valour exprest better in other Countries then the own Cromwell hereupon re-crosses Frith and sends Lambert with a select party of Horse and Dragoones to fall upon their Rear himself following quickly after By the way of Carlile the Royal Army enters England marching with that Civility and Obedience to military discipline that 't was thought the Country was not endamaged six pence by them but whether it was that their former villanies had left such a deep impression in the hearts of the people or that they were now dulled and besotted with slavery content with Issachers asse to couch under their burthens or rather being over-awed by an armed power few or none came in to their assistance saving onely the Lord Howards Sonne of Estwick with a Troope of Horse notwithstanding His Majesties earnest invitations The Juncto at Westwinster hearing of the Kings march raised all the Counties against Him and made it high Treason to aid Him with either men or monies But the Loyall though unfortunate Earl of Darby not fearing their Bug-bear brought Him a supply of 250. Foot and 60. Horse out of the Isle of Man and having raised a considerable force in Lancashire set upon Col. Lilburn intending to have hindered him from joyning with a Regiment of Cromwells which was sent for that purpose towards Manchester but was by him unfortunately defeated the Lord Witherington Sir Thomas Tilsley Sir William Throgmorton Col. Boynton and sundry others taken prisoners At Worcester the Royall army made a stand resolving to abide all opposition Cromwell having joyned himself with the Country forces was quickly at their heels his army consisting of 50. or 60. Thousand the Scots not 10000. at most yet adding courage to their small number resolved to fight it out to the uttermost the King though of a Lambe-like disposition yet here acted the part of a Lyon encouraging his Souldiers both by precept and example after severall sallies and much courage shown on both sides September 3. an unfortunate day for the Scots it came to a field fight wherein though the Royalists valour exceeded even to admiration yet multitude overmatching courage they were overthrown The King whose Horse was twice that day shot under Him could not be induced to quit the field untill He saw all the field almost cleared The battle being thus absolutely lost toward three of the Clock Thursday Morning the 4. of September the King in Company with the said Earl of Derby Earl of Shrewsbury Earl of Cleaveland Duke of Buckingham my Lord Wilmot and others to the Number of fourscore came to the place called White-ladies in the parish of Tong in the Confines of Stafford and Shropshire being 25. Miles distant or thereabouts from Worcester which space of ground he had Rid that Night This White-ladies was a house belonging to one Fitsherbert where George Penderil the youngest brother of five who were all severally instrumentall in the Conducting and Preserving His Majesty hearing some body Knocking at the Gate so early opening the window and Espying there the aforesaid Francis Yates who was his brother in law together with Mr. Giffard the first thing he asked of his brother Yates was what News from Worcester who answered that the King was defeared and the Enemy in pursuit of Him therefore bid him to make hast and put on his cloaths but ere he could doe that the King with most of His Lords had entred the house and were come into the hall where after a very short debate the Earl of Derby called for William Penderil the Eldest brother for my Lord of Derby had taken this place for his Shelter after the defeat given him by Col. Lilburn near Wigan in Lancashire and was acquainted there was by them conducted to Worcester to the King it had also been a Sanctuary for several other Gentlemen who being come George was sent to Tong within Five miles of Wolverhampton to one Robert Beard a very honest person to enquire of him whether there were any scattered Troops of the Kings thereabouts or if any of the Enemies appeared thereabouts who returned and brought word that there were no parties at all to be seen return-in he met with his brother Richard Richard being come in Mr. Giffard called for him and bad him bring his best cloathes which were a jerkin and breeches of course green cloth and a Doe-skin Leather doublet they borrowed an old Gray hat of Humphry Penderill the Miller the course he open shirt was had of one Edward Martin with George Penderils band and shoes of one William Creswell which His Majesty unstripping Himself of His own cloaths nimbly put on His buff-coat and linnen doublet and gray Breeches which were the cloath that He put off He gave into the brothers hands who immediately buried them under ground where they lay five weeks before they durst take them up again the Jewels of His Arme He gave to one of the Lords who was then going away Then Richard brought a paire of shears and founded the Kings hair which my Lord Wilmot had Notched before with a Knife and the King was pleased to take notice of Richards good workmanship so as to preferre it before my Lord Wilmots and now His Majesty was esteemed to be the compleat wood-man Hereupon William Penderil was presented to His Majesty by the Earl of Derby and the care of His most Sacred Majesty committed to his charge and the rest of his brothers After this all that were present took their leaves and departed every one shifting for himself only my Lord Wilmot was carried by John Penderil to the house of one Thomas Whitgreaves as they were going along seeing some men coming behind them which proved to be friends though my Lord suspected the Country to rise upon them they hid themselves in a dry pit where they stayed till Evening and then arrived safely at Mr. Whitgreaves The Company being all gone a wood-bill was brought to the King and so He and Richard went out into the wood William went home and Richard and George went out to scout and lay hovering in the wood to hear or see if any one approached that way the King had not been above an hour in that wood but a troop
deprived him of all command in the Army onely making him a member of his pageant house of Lords during whose Protectorship he lived as 't were retired knowing it in vain to struggle against one who had got so setled a power but he being dead and an opportunity given him to present himself again upon the Theatre his ambitious spirit would not let him lie still but attempts to make himself Commander of these three kingdomes as Oliver by his means had done before which design of his in the sequell ruined him and discovered those grand cheates and abuses which that party had put upon the Nation endeavouring to enslave them to their own Arbitrary power whilest they pretended to weare those glorious yet strangely wrested names of Religion and Liberty But to proceed having pulled down one Government they are inforc'd to set up another well knowing the people would not be contented to be ruled by the sword of all Governments the most unjust and arbitrary and since they must have one they resolve to have one like themselves even those men that murthered the King and had for some years enslaved their Native Country This Rump or fag end of a Parliament do they pitch upon So these Tyrants cement and knit together again like a Snakes tail and for colour called themselves the Revivers of the good old case and were as busy as if they had another King and three kingdomes to destroy Thus by Gods permission that old rotten Government which was the fâ—râ—t cause of Englands ruine is new vampt and set up again to bring the people into a far worse then Egyptian bondage and slavery Two things are to be wondered at in this transaction First how the Rump durst credit or give any trust to the army having formerly turned them out of doores and likewise so lately deserted their young Protector And secondly how the Army durst trust them whom they had so grossely abused with a full power over them to place and displace whom they pleased Certainly the Rumpes intention was no lesse then to serve the Army as they had formerly served them but the Army were as cunning as they were crafty and having knowledge of their design inhibited their usurped sitting as you shall hear anon Upon notice of the sitting of the Rump those members who had been secluded by the Army in 1648. for refusing to dip their hands in the bloud of their Prince now demand an equall interest with the others to sit and Vote but as they had formerly been violently thrust out so are they now forcibly kept out by the Officers of the Army This affront is highly resented by them Mr. Pryn one of those secluded members writing strongly against them proving them by several reasons to be no Parliament but onely a tyrannicall and illegall authority they being first dissolved by the death of the King who summoned them he being Principium causa finis Parliamenti Secondly they not being the fourth part of that number which ought to constitute a Parliament the rest of their fellow-members being at severall times turned out of the house according to the pleasure of the factious army so that most Shires and Corporations in England being unjustly deprived of their Burgesses had no power nor interest in the government of the Nation Thirdly their power being again devolved into the people who having by their Votes chosen another did disannul the autherity of this Representative But it was in vain to talk of Law to those who would be ruled by none However for the security of themselves they proceed vigorously to change the Officers of the Army causing them to take commissions from Lenthall whom they made Generall making all the hast they can to settle themselves under the notion of the Good old cause In the mean time the secluded party of the House joyning with the Presbyterian party who were now kept under by the predominant faction of Anabaptists and Independents they combine together and seek to gain by force what by fair means they could not attain and this their design they make almost generall over England that as the ruine threatned the whole Nation so was the whole Nation concerned in the redresse August the first the day appointed by the Rump for the banishing the Cavaliers out of London was the time set for them to rise But by the treachery of some of the Confederates most places of their randevous were discovered and so the design for the most part disappointed Yet Sir George Booth with divers other Gentlemen in Cheshire and Lancashire raised a considerable force and having secured Westchester and some other places declared for a free Parliament and to maintain the rights and priviledges of the people the whole Nation saving onely the Sectaries and such who had raised themselves by the ruines both of Church and State praying for their successe but few or none stirring to their assistance It is a thing to be taken notice of even to admiration that those very people who made their lawfull Soveraignes raising a little ship-money which nevertheless was expended for the benefit and security of the Nation without authority of Parliament one of the chief pleas for their raising wars against him yet could now be contented with such unparalleld impositions and tyrannies as no History can acquaint us with the like The Sicilian Tyrants being but meer shadows to these whom we may justly call the very quintessence of all tyranny and oppression But to return to our purpose the Rump had soon notice of this rising and immediately send out forces to oppose them making Lambert head of the party which gave him as fair an opportunity to put in execution his ambitious designes as possibly could be He in ten dayes marches to them faces fights and overcomes them re-takes those holds which they had possest and so returns again victorious Sir George Booth soon after was taken in a womans apparell at Newport Pagnel and committed prisoner to the Tower of London The Rump in token of their gratitude to Lambert for his good service order him a Thousand pound to buy him a Jewell which he as frankly bestows amongst his Souldiers intending they should require him at a dead lift this lesson he had cond of his Master Oliver to lay an Obligation upon the Souldiery who now were grown altogether mercenary This act of his disâ—leased the Rump who now began to find out his design but were not able to hinder it Whilest Lambert was thus acting in the North the Rump were as busy in consulting all ways for their own secuâ—ity as well from being supplanted by the Army as to suppress the peoples insurrection to this purpose they setle the Trained Bands in London with six Troops of Horse and began to raise the Militia in the Counties appointing such Commanders over them as were fanaticall yet assertors of their interest Those Governours of Garrisons who held for the Army they put out placing others in
restoring of the rightfull Heir of whom since his miraculous escape from Worcester we will in the next place undertake to discourse His Majesty after his arrival in France lived there for some while a retired life during which time hapâ—ened that notable debate betwixt the Prince of Conde and Cardinall Mazarine the occasion whereof was the Cardinalls great â—ower and abuse thereof not only miserably oppressing thâ— people but also depriving the Princes of the Bloud of their Right whereupon they charge him with severall miscarriages of State to which the Cardinall makes a defensive answer The King also by the instigation of the Queen his Mother during whose Regency Mazarine arrived to that height enclines to his side alledging That he had approved himself both a faithfull servant and an able Minister of State But the Princes were so exasperated against him that nothing but his banishment will serve their turn which finding the King averse unto they resolve to accomplish their desires by force and to strengthen their faction desire assistance of the Duke of Larraign then in service of the Spaniard with ten thousand men These differences arriving to such a height caused His Sacred Majesty of England to use his utmost endeavour to cement the breach and bring them again to a reconciliation but all his undertakings proved fruitless and in stead of producing a pacification contracted an unjust odium upon himself both the Princes and the Cardinall surmizing he counselled the King against them This false aspersion coming to the ears of the vulgar who were great adorers of the Princes as those whom they imagined stood for their Liberties so incensed them against the English Princes as to the threatning violence against their persons whereupon His Majesty knowing the madness of popular commotions to avoid their fury retires himself for a while to Saint Germanes But the Cardinalls malice was more then the peoples though he hid it under a politick veil as the deepest waters carrie the smoothest brow which he afterward found opportunity to expresse perswading the King of France to make a peace with Cromwell and most unworthily to dissert his royal kinsman But what is affinity or former courtesies in competition with self interest the thrice valiant Duke of Yorke who under the Marshall of Turine had performed such eminent services against the Spaniard as hath made his name deservedly famous yet was by them ungratefully expelled with a Complemental Apology for his departure This Magnaminous Prince who at eighteen years of age had done Acts answerable to the ancient Hero's whose valour and prudence were in high esteem with the most Renowned Princes throughout all Christendome nowithstanding his many Remarkable services yet was by this his near kinsman who styleth himself The most Christian King most unchristianly deserted to ingratiate himself with an usurping Tyrant The most illustrious Duke of Glocester who had a long time been detained by the Juncto in the I le of Wight and was at last perâ—itted by them to go to his Sister the Princess Royal in Holland being now likewise come thither for succour and relief was also forced out of France This pious Prince whom neither the perswasions of great men temptations of Riches and Honor nor the severe commands of his own Mother of never seeing her face again could alter nor move from the Protestant profession could find no Harbor there in his distresse Cromwells interest out weighing Majesty valour piety and consanguinity These afflicted Princes being thus unworthily forsaken by the French King His Sacred Majesty took his journey into Germany where the Lord Wilmot had long been Ambassador for him to sollicite aid and assistance The Duke of Glocester followed him not long after accompanied with his Royal Sister the Princesse of Orange whom they found at Collen Having staid there a while these three Princes together with the Marquess of Ormond the Earl of Norwich the Lord Newburg and severall Ladies and persons of quality went in progresse to the Faire at Franckford being complemented in all Princes Countries thorough which they passed by their chief Ministers of State and saluted with their great guns from their Towns and Castles During His Majesties aboad at Frankford Christina Queen of Sweden who had some time before voluntarily resigned her kingdome into the hands of Carolus Gustavus her kinsman was passâ—ng that way in her intended journey to Italy of which His Majesty having notice there being some siâ—pathy in their fortunes onely with this distinction the one a voluntary exile the other forced from his kingdome by tyranny he with the Duke of Glocester and a gallant Traine gave her an interview at a Village called Conningstein not farre from Franckford where betwixt these two Potentates passed many Ceremonious Complements each thinking themselves obliged to the other for so grand a favour After some short stay at Franckford His Majesty returned again to Colen being by the way most sumptuously entertained by the Elector of Mentz During his stay at Colen was found out the Treason of one Captain Manning who under pretence of waiting on His Majesty discovered all his designes and councels to Cromwell This unhappy wretch confessed his sallary from the Protector was a hundred pound a month by which one may guesse the vast profusion of Treasure spent upon these Villaines His Treachery being discovered he was by His Majesties command sent to a strong Castle adjacent to Colen there to be keâ—t close prisoner But his perfidiousness was so highly resented at Court that one of His Majesties servants though contrary to order pistol'd him as he was lighting out of the Coach at the Castle-gate which though it came far short of his desert yet was not so well done in sending the Devill his due before his time and wronging the Hangman of his labour Not long after upon the Breach betwixt Cromwell and the King of Spain Don John de Austria Governour Royal of the Low-countries for his Catholike Majesty sent the Count de Fuensaldagne his Ambassadour to our King solemnly inviting him into Flanders assuring him in the name of His Royal Master all possible service and assistance which invitation His Majesty kindly accepted and leaving Colen came to Bruges the place appointed for his reception where for the most part he remained till such time he was treated by the English for his return finding the Spaniard of a generous Nature and far more constant then the fickle French Hither not long after came his Brother the Duke of Yorke who in regard of the great command which he had in the French Army had staid there till the conclusion of the League with Cromwell but then was warned to depart with all his retinue consisting of a gallant number of young English Gentlemen bred up under his valour and conduct having but a short time respited for their stay Cromwells hatred to the Royal family never ceasing time nor place for their persecution during which time he was visited by the
Gresham Colledge which two places they had made Guards of converting the house of prayer to a Den of Thieves Thus was the City design'd for fire sword and pillage had not God by a timely period prevented their designs Thus while these mens miscarriages doe invest His Maâ—esty with the love of his people he lives retiredly at Bruges expecting either what his loyall subjects might or what the successe might be of that treaty which was then in agitation between France and Spain His Majesty having some hopes to believe that those two Crowns united might joyn to his relief In order to this treaty the two grand favorites of both Crowns being met upon the frontiers His Majesty was also invited thither by Don Lewis de Haro His Majesty received this invitation at Dieppe in Normandy whither he had withdrawn himself to attend the successe of Sir George Booths businesse his friends in England having given no small encouragement to his hopes But seeing the ill success of affairs in England he hasts to the Frontiers being come to Roan he takes post accompani'd with the Marquess of Ormond and the Lord Digby and being at length arrived near the end of their journey he sends to give Don Lewis notice of his approach who presently with a noble traine came forth to meet him When they came near Don Lewis alighted from his horse and kneeling down though in a place by reason of the dirt somewhat inconvenient for that purpose he clapt his hands about His Majesties knees and with a great deal of humility and affection kissed them From this place Don Lewis accompanied His Majesty to the place provided for his accommodation riding bare-headed before him where he was all the while of his stay nobly and sumptuously entertained Many propositions are made by His Majesty to Don Lewis as to the giving him aid and assistance for the regaining of his right to all which Don Lewis returns civill and pleasing answers behaving himself with that respect to His Majesty as if he had been his Master himself His Majesty having spent some time here returns to Paris where he staid with his Mother some few days and so returns to his retirement at Brussels what the successe of His Majesties private and personall negotiation we make no question that time would have discovered not a little to his advantage had not his long drooping affaires received new life from an unexpected alteration of the scene For as his enemies were busy in their endeavours for the destruction of the Nation so was Generall Monke the Governour of Scotland as sâ—udious how to save it The peoples eyes were all fixed upon him as their Moses to deliver them from this iron yoke of Egyptian bondage He having received intelligence of the Armies proceedings weighing the miseries attending such Anarchicall confusions resolves with himself by the divine assistance to put a period to these unhappy distractions by setling the government on its right Basis or Foundation To this purpose having first declared his dissent from their proceedings he secures divers strong holds of that Nation as also those Officers of his own that concurred not with him in his resolutions Having done this he sends a letter to the Officers of the Army at London importing something of dissatisfaction in himself and some Officers of the Army in Scotland in reference to the things newly done in Englang The Council of Officers having received this Alarum had a nocturnal consultation the result whereof was that the regiments should forthwith march Northwards and that Lambert should goe to command them but knowing too well the person with whom they had to deal or whether it were that the souldiers would not fight one with another Lambert and the rest thought it their wisest course to see whether they could undermine him by the pretence of a treaty and a few fair pâ—oposalls Hereupon Whaley and Goffe and Carill and Backer are sent away to remonstrate to Monck the State of Affaires in England and thereupon to mediate with him under the fair pretence of avoiding the effusion of more blood The Officers also wrote unto him and his Officers to expostulate with him touching a necessity of a brotherly Union Morgan also takes a journey out of Yorkeshire into Scotland to see if he could bring the Generall to a Composure But during these overtures the thoughts of action were not at all laid aside wherefore Lambert follows his commanders beginning his journey on the third of November and quartering at Ware that night Generall Monk also begins to look about him He removes those Officers which he had secured in Tintallon Castle unto the Cross Hand draws his forces together secures Barwick and sends Major knight with a Party of 500. Horse into England as far as Morpeth as it is supposed to see what parties there were in that Country to joyn with them which is the rather conjectured because they retreated so suddainly without making any further attempt not was it safe for them to stay there in regard that Lamberts more numerous forces were gathering together about New-castle However to amuse his adversaries he sends three Commissioners to London viz. Col. Clobery Col. Weekes and Major Knight to treate with the same number of persons on their side They arrive enter into a treaty and too hastily conclude upon these particulars following That the title of Charles Stuart be renounced That the three nations shall be governed by a free State and not by a single person That a learned and godly Ministry be maintained That the Universities be reformed and countenanced That the Officers and Souldiers be indempnified for what is past That the armies retire and be dispos'd of into their respective quarters most advantageously against the Coâ—mon Enemy That Whitlock Vane Ludlow Saleway Berry be chosen for England That Saint John Wareston Harington Scot and Thomson together with the Generalle three commanders be chosen for Scotland That Steel Barrow and Dobson be elected for Ireland to give their assistance in determining the qualifications of such persons as are to be members of succeeding Parliaments That two field officers of the regiments in the three Nations and ten on the behalf of the sea officers shall meet on the sixt of December as a generall councill to advise touching the model of civil government that should be then ready to be presented to them These were the chief heads of the agreement signed by the Commissioners on both sides sent immediately away likewise unto Scotland for the Generalls consent But Generall Monck instead of consenting summons a Convention to meet at Edenburgh and sends away a letter to the City yet so contrived that both the character and the speech seem'd suspicious which was delivered by Col. Markham and Col. Askin in behalf of the Long Parliament not seeing the depth of the designe To the Convention he proposes three things That having received a call from God to march into England for resetling the Parliament
they would during his absence which would not be long preserve the peace of the Nation That if any troubles should arise they would assist him in the suppressing thereof That they would raise him some money To which the convention answer'd that for the raising of money they were ready to doe it As to the other two demands they reply'd that they were in no condition to perform his desires being that they wanted armes However that they would endeavour it Preparations therefore for warre still goe on and the Horse after some endeavours wherein Major Generall Morgan was very active were perswaded to sign the Engagement which was offer'd to them by Generall Monck Some weeks had pass'd when Generall Monck thinking it now necessary to return some kind of answer to what his Commanders at London required from him as to his consent to those articles which they had among themselves agreed upon wrote a letter to Fleetwood bearing date from Edinburgh Novemb. 14. wherein he signified that he was very glad to find his Lordship and the Officers of the Army of so complying a spirit and so tender of the publick peace but because he was desirous that the agreement should be full and firme and because he did conceive that some things did remaine untreated of and unagreed upon that therefore 't was the resolution of himself and the rest of the Officers there to adde two more to those that were already commissionated to treate with the same number of such as should be appointed by his Lordship for the putting a finall end to this unhappy business and that the place if his Lordship would permit should be at Newcastle which being granted Generall Monck managed the occasion of delaying them so prudently that while they were eager to entrap him they never perceived the advantages which the other gain'd upon themselves While they are debating at Newcastle the Committee of Safety and the Council of Officers have many debates at home They labour much to satisfie the City Whitlock to his praise be it spoken together with Fleetwood and Desborough being very industrious to that purpose but the Citizens having with much strugling chosen an honest and resolute Common-council at length disown'd them and desire though it were a sound most ungratefull to the men at Wallingford-house that they may have a Free-parliament which animosity of theirs was much augmented by Husons insolence and the murders which he committed in the midst of their City on the 5. of December The second thing they so much endeavour'd was to bring forth the form of government of which they had so long been in travel and at length they conclude upon seven unalterable principles or fundamentalls as they name them which were First That no kingship should be exercised in the nations Second That they will have no single person to be chief Magistrate Third That an army be continued and maintained and conducted so as to secure the peace of the Nations and not be disbanded nor the conduct altered but by consent of the Conservators Fourth That no imposition be upon the Consciences of them that fear God Fifth That there be no House of Peers Sixth That the Legislative and Executive powers be distinct and not in the same hands Seventh That both the assemblies of the Parliament shall be elected by the people of this Common-wealth duly qualified But neither this piece of confusion nor Husons regiment could appease the City so that by meer necessity constrained the Council of Officers most graciously condescend to the calling of a Parliament and the Committee of Safety order the issuing out of wri s accordingly thinking to stop the breach which they had so over-hastily made The Rump seeing these confusions were not idle for themselves They knew that of the two Generall Monck enclin'd to their side then Lamberts and that in Lamberts army they had also many friends if they could but shew themselves The first Alarum which the Committee of Safety the Officers received was from Portsmouth where Harslerig Walton and Morley had made sure of the Garrison and so dealt with Viceadmirall Lawson who gave the second Alarum which rung like a knell in the then more amazed ears of these people for he sent them a declaration in his own and the name of severall of the sea-commanders insisting upon severall reasons why they conceiv'd it necessary that the long Parliament should sit again Hereupon Vane Saloway and Salmon were sent down to conferre with him but Scot being there with two bolsters one for each elbow kept him so steady that 't was impossible for them to hale him on one side So that at length he positively declares for the Long-Parliament the Souldiers also which were sent to block up Portsmouth submit to Harslerig and Morley declaring positively for the Rumps re-sitting Desboroughs regiment which was by the Committee of Safety sent for to strengthen their party being come as far as Saint Albans when they heard how things went make a halt and pause upon 't Hereupon Harslerig with what forces he had marches for the City and those regiments which were about the town being rendevouz'd by Okey and Alured declare their resolutions to live and dye with the Parliament which being done the Speaker Lenthall takes charge of the Tower and delivers it to the Care of Col. Fitch The Rump being now absolute masters of the field give the conduct of the Army to Popham Thomson Scot Okey Sir Ant. Ashley Cooper Alured and Markhnm and the custody of the Tower to Sir Ant. Ashley Cooper Weever Scot and Barners They also order Lamberts forces to repair to their quarters and send Letters of thanks and acknowledgment to Generall Monck for his fidelity and good service Ireland also submits and Lockhart courts them in a Letter from Dunkirk but at length comes the welcome news of the submission of Lamberts forces who seeing their Generall either so baffled or disappointed forsake him and he thereupon sends a letter of submission to the Parliament Generall Monck also humbly congratulates the recovery of their power These fair gales blowing so briskly in their poop they think they have the world in a string and therefore having spoke their friends fair they begin to think of talking with their enemies In order to which they ordaine an act for the publick sale of Sir George Boothes Estate They also discharge Sir Harry Vane from being a member of the House and order Lambert Disborough Ashfield Berry Kelsey Packer Cobbet and Creed to repair to their most remote habitations from London during their pleasure but finding them to stay in town give order to the Council of State to secure them Generall Monck they desire to come as speedily as he can to London for else they saw he was resolved to come without bidding whereupon he advances into England and at Morpeth the sword-bearer of the City meets him with a letter from the Lord Major and Common Council whom he speedily
security to all interests to perswade a re-admission of the Lord Richard to his Protectorship which was well answered by a stout Officer telling them their onely end in that was to set up one again whom they themselves had already learn'd to pull down that they were under command and knew it their duty not to dispute but to submit to what orders they received from their superiours which they likewise wished them to doe The dispute being ended they prepare for action but Col. Alureds Troop deserting them Lambert seeing himself forsaken seeks to fly but providence had so ordered it that notwithstanding he was mounted on a Barbery which might have hastned him in his flight yet being on ploughed land his Horse was of little advantage to him And now he who before had gained the name of stout and valiant in many battles when he saw Col. Ingoldsby ride up to him and demand him prisoner was presently taken without drawing his sword and driven to that pittyfull shift to cry out Pray my Lord let me Escape Pray my Lord let me Escape There were taken with him Colonel Cobbet Major Creed Lieutenant Colonel Young Captain Timothy Clare Captain Gregory and Captain Spinage and some other private souldiers Colonel Okey Colonel Axtel and Captain Cleer Okeys son in law escaped though pursued four miles April the 24. the day before the Parliament sitting they were brought up prisoners to the Council who after examination committed Lambert Cobbet and Creed close prisoners to the Tower The same day the Militia forces of the City Trained Bands and Auxiliaries according to an Order of the Council marched into Hide Park the Mayor in his Coller of S's with the Mace Sword and Cap of Maintenance the Aldermen in Scarlet and the Commissioners of the Militia in handsome equipage going before them to a place erected for their entertainment Each Col. had his Tent and their Regiments very full severall of the Nobility and Gentry of great quality going as Voluntiers in Alderman Robinsons Regiment were 250. in the rest very many The Regiments were all so gallantly accountered as did sufficiently speak both the riches and strength of the City there being little visible difference betwixt the Trained Bands and Auxiliaries but onely in their age This certainly was an happy Omen of our future settlement that the day before the sitting of the Parliament there should not onely appear so gallant a Body of able Citizens to defend them but the Chief of that faction that endeavoured the disturbance of the Nation should be delivered into their hands and the rest of his Accomplices timely discovered and dispersed April 25. both Houses of Parliament met at Saint Margarets Church in Westminster where Doctor Reynolds preached before them taking his Text out of Mal. 4. ver 2. The Sermon ended they repaired to their Houses The Lords made choice of the Earl of Manchester for their Speaker the House of Commons of Sir Harbotle Grimstone This was a great joy to the whole Nation to see our Grand Council restored again to their former priveledges a large step to our ancient freedome yet not comparable to what the first of May produced when both Houses of Parliament and Generall Monck received each of them a Letter from his most Sacred Majesty King Charles the second with a gracious Declaration to all his Loving Subjects brought by Sir John Greenvil since made Earl of Bath His Letters speake his piety and unwearied care for his Subjects prosperity desiring rather to prepare and improve the affections of his Subjects at home for his restauration then to procure assistance from abroad though then propounded to him to invade either of his kingdomes Our intended brevity will not permit us to give you the exact draught of his Letters though deserving to be Registred in Letters of Gold take a view of his gracious expressions of piety goodness and love to the Nation in this his following Declaration CHARLES R. CHARLES by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To all our Loving Subjects of what degree or quality soever greeting If the generall distraction and confusion which is spread over the whole kingdome doth not awaken all men to a desire and longing that those wounds which have so many years together been kept bleeding may be bound up all we can say will be to no purpose However after this long silence We have thought it Our duty to declare how much We desire to contribute thereunto And that as We can never give over the hope in good time to obtain the possession of that Right which God and Nature hath made our due so we doe make it our daily suit to the Divine Providence that he will in compassion to Us and Our Subjects after so long misery and suffering remit and put Us into a quiet and peaceable possession of that Our right with as little blood and damage to Our people as is possible Nor doe we desire more to enjoy what is Ours then that all Our Subjects may enjoy what by Law is theirs by a full and entire Administration of Justice throughout the Land and by extending Our mercy where it is wanted and deserved And to the end that the fear of punishment may not engage any Conscious to themselves of what is passed to a perseverance in guilt for the future by opposing the quiet and happinesse of their Country in the restauration both of King Peers and People to their Just Ancient and Fundamentall Rights We do by these presents declare That We doe grant a free and generall pardon which We are ready upon demand to passe under Our Great Seal of England to all Our Subjects of what degree or quality soever who within fourty days after the publishing hereof shall lay hold upon this Our grace and favour and shall by any publick Act declare their doing so And that they return to the Loyalty and Obedience of good Subjects excepting onely such persons as shall hereafter be excepted by Parliament Those only excepted let all Our Loving Subjects how faulty soever relie upon the word of a King solemnly given by this present Declaration That no Crime whatsoever committed against Us or Our Royall Father before the Publication of this shall ever rise in Judgment or be brought in Question against any of them to the least endamagement of them either in their Lives Liberties or Estates or as far forth as lies in Our power so much as to the prejudice of their Reâ—utations by any Reproach or term of distinction from the rest of Our best Subjects We Desiring and Ordaining that hence forward all Notes of Discord separation and difference of parties be utterly abolished among all Our Subjects whom We invite and conjure to a perfect Union among themselves under Our Protection for the Re-settlement of Our Just Rights and theirs in a free Parliament By which upon the word of a King We will be advised And
because the passion and uncharitableness of the times have produced severall opinions in Religion by which men are engaged in parties and animosities against each other which when they shall hereafter unite in a freedome of Conversation will be compossed or better understood We doe Declare a liberty to tender Consciences and that no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences of opinion in matter of Religion which do not disturbe the Peace of the Kingdome And that We shall be ready to consent to such an Act of Parliament as upon Mature Deliberation shall be offered to Us for the full granting that Indulgence And because in the continued distractions of so many years and so many and great Revolutions many Grants and Purchases of Estates have been made to and by many Officers Souldiers and others who are now possessed of the same and who may be liable to Actions at Law uâ—on severall Titles We are likewise willing that all such differences and all things relating to such Grants Sales and Purchases shall be determined in Parliament which can best provide for the just satisfaction of all men who are concerned And We do further declare that We will be ready to consent to any Act or Acts of Parliament to the purposes aforesaid and for the full satisfaction of all Arrears due to the Officers and Souldiers of the Army under the Command of Generall Monck and that they shall be received into Our service upon as good Pay and Condions as they now injoy Given under Our sign Manual and privy Sgnet At Our Court at Breda this 4 14 day of April 1660. In the twelfth year of Our Reign Never was Letter from absent Lover received with more unfeigned affection then these never was message entertain'd with a more generall consent nor did the House ever more truely appear the peoples full Representatives then at this present The Letters being read with that accustomed Ceremony and Reverence due to Majesty produced these Resolves Nemine contradicente Resolved by the House of Lords That they doe own and declare that according to the Ancient and Fundamentall Laws of this Kingdome the Government is and ought to be by King Lords and Commons Resolved that a Committee of eight Lords do joyn with a Committee of the House of Commons to consider of an answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter and Declaration Resolved by the House of Commons That a Committee be appointed to prepare an answer to His Majesties Letter expressing the great and joyfull sence of this House of His gracious offers and their Humble and Hearty Thanks to His Majesty for the same and with professions of their Loyalty and Duty to His Majesty and that this House will give a speedy answer to His Majesties gracious Proposalls Resolved that the summe of 50000 l. be presented to His Majesty from this House Ordered that the Letter from His Majesty to the House and His Declcration be entred at large in the Journall Book as also that to the Generall to be kept amongst the Records of this House for His Honour This compliance of the Parliament with His Sacred Majesty surcharged the Citizens hearts with joy those beams of Majesty which enliven Trading having been long absent from the City the presence of the Prince being one principall cause of a Cities greatness The Bells and Bonfires made outward expression of those indelible Characters of Loyalty written in their hearts the great guns from the Tower thundred forth Vive le Roys whilst each County in England strived to out-vie one another in expressions of Loyalty The Souldiery who had hitherto made Clubs trump resolve now to enthrone the King of Hearts in their affection expressing their Loyalty to His Sacred Majesty in this following addresse presented to his Excellency the Lord Generall Monck Although we cannot doubt of your Excellencies confidence in our affections and our faithfulness to your Excellency and that discipline which by your good and prudent conduct hath been exercised over us whereby we are instructed to an entire obedience to your Excellency and that Authority which the Lord shall place over us which we hope we have manifested in our last actings under your Excellency against all persons whatsoever in any ways disturbing the peace and settlement of the Nation although some of thom have been our Brethren formerly engaged in the same cause with us as also in our last Remonstrance and addresse to your Excellency wherein as it becomes us in daty we have solemnly declar'd to acquiesce in what the Lord shall bring forth from the consultations of this present Parliament Yet in regard your Excellency hath been pleased to communicate a Letter and a Leclaration from the Kings Majesty full of Gracious expressions we cannot but acknowledge that the matter of it gives a great measure of quiet to our minds and more then ordinary expectations of the enjoyment of much tranquility and happiness under His Majesties government The free and generall Indemnity offered by His Majesty with a liberty to tender Consciences satisfaction of Arrears and his readiness to consent to a confirmation of Sales and other Grants and Purchases of Estates to all persons now in possession of the same is that of which as we cannot doubt of the reall performance being left by His Majesty to the Parliaments determination so we be-believe it is the most probable way to bring the Nations to their desired settlement And we hope to evince to His Majesty and all the world that we and all those that have been engaged in the Parliaments cause are His Majesties best and most reall Subjects and that your Excellency and the Armies under your Command have comply'd with the obligations for which they were first raised for the preservation of the true Protestant Religion the Honour and Dignity of the King the priviledges of Parliament the liberty and property of the Subject and the fundamentall Laws of the Land Sir John Greenvile who brought His Majesties Letters had the thanks of both Houses given him for the same and 500 l. given him as a testimony of their respects to him the Speaker of the House of Commons delivering himself in these pathericall expressions Sir John Greenvile I need not tell you with what gratefull and thankfull hearts the Commons now assembled in Parliament have received His Majesties Gracious Letter Res ipsa loquitur you your self have been Auricularis ocularis testis de rei veritaâ—e Our Bells and our Bonfires have already begun the Proclamation of His Majesties goodnesse and of our joys We have told the people that our King the glory of England is coming home again and they have resounded it back again in our ears that they are ready and their hearts are open to receive him both Parliament and people have cryed aâ—oud in their prayers to the King of Kings Long live King CHARLES the second I am likewise to tell you that the House doth not think fit that you
consisting of about 220. their colors sky f inged with silver Another of gray Liveries 6. Trumpets colors sky and silver of about 105. Gentlemen Another Troop of 70. Gentlemen 5. Trumpets colors sky and silver Another Troop led by the Lord Cleveland of about 300. Noblemen and Gentlemen colors blew fringed with gold Then another Troop of about 100. having black colors fringed with gold After them another Troop of about 300. After these came two Trumpets with His Majesties Armes the Sheriffs men in red cloakes and silver lace with half pikes 79. in number then followed the several Companies of London with their several Streamers all in black velvet coats with gold chains every Company having their footmen of their several Liveries some red and white some pink and white some blew and yellow c. Three Trumpets in Liveries richly laced and cloth of silversleeves went before the Company of the Mercers After all these came a kettle-drum 5. Trumpets and 3. streamers having very rich red Liveries with silver lace The number of the Citizens were about 600. After these 12. ministers another kettle-drum 4. Trumpets then His Majesties Life-guard led by the Lord Gerard another party led by Sir Gilbert Gerard and Major Rosecarron and the third division by Colonel Pragurs Then 3. Trumpets in rich coats and sattin doublets The City Marshall with 8. footmen in French-green trimed with crimson and white the City waites the City Officers in order Then Dr. Warmstry the two Sheriffs and all the Aldermen of London in their scarlet gowns and rich trappings with footmen in Liveries red coats laced with silver and cloth of gold The Heralds and Maces in their rich coats The Lord Mayor bare carrying the sword his Excellency and the Duke of Buckingham bare Then the glory of all His Sacred Majesty rode between the Dukes of York and Glocester afterwards followed a Troop bare with white colors then the Generalls Life-guard after which another company of Gentry having sky colors fringed with gold after which 5. Regiments of the Army-Horse led by Col. Knight viz. His Excellencies Regiment Col. Knights Col. Cloberrâ—â—s Lord Fauconbergs Lord Howards Last of all came two Troops of Nobility and Gentlemen with red colors fringed with gold Never did Hiperion the worlds bright eye behold a more gallant sight of Nobility and Gentlemen then marched then brandishing their swords all along Soon after His Majesty was passed all the musquetires that had lined the streets gave many volleys of shot Thus was His Majesty conducted to his Royal Pallace at White-hall where after the Lord Mayor had taken his leave His Majesty went unto the Lords to whom the Earl of Manchester their Speaker addressed himself in these words That this day may prove happy to Your Majesty is the hope and Expectation and the earnest desire of my Lords the Peeres whose Commands are upon me to make this humble tender to Your Majesty of their Loyall joy for Your Majesties safe Return to Your Native Kingdome and for this happy Restoration of Your Majesty to Your Crown and Dignity after so long and so severe a suppression of Your just Right and Title I shall not reflect upon Your Majesties sufferings which have been Your peoples miseries yet I cannot omit to say That as the Nation in generall so the Peeres with a more personall and particular sense have felt the stroke that cut the Gordian knot which fastned Your Majesty to Your kingdome and Your kingdome to Your Majesty For since those strange and various fluctuations and Discomposures in Government since those horrid and unparallel'd Violations of all Order and Justice Strangers have ruled over us even with a Rod of Iron But now with satisfaction of Heart we own and see Your Majesty our Native King a son of the wise a son of the ancient kings whose hands hold forth a golden Scepter Great King Give me leave to speake the Confidence as well as the desires of the Peers of England Be you the powerfull defender of the true Protestant faith the just assertor and maintainer of the Laws and Liberties of Your Subjects so shall Judgement run down like a River and Justice like a mighty streame and God the God of Your Mercy who hath so miraculously preserved You will establish Your Throne in Righteousness and in Peace Dread Soveraign I offer no flattering Titles but speak the words of truth you are the desire of Three kingdomes the strength and the stay of the Tribes of the people for the moderating of Extremities the reconciling of Differences the satisfying of all Interests and for the Restoring of the collapsed Honour of these Nations Their Eyes are toward Your Majesty their Tongues with loud Acclamations of Joy speak the thoughts and Loyall intentions of their Hearts their Hands are lift up to Heaven with Prayers and Praises and what Oral Triumph can equall this Your Pomp and Glory Long may Your Majesty live and raign a support to Your Friends a terror to Enemies and Honour to the Nation and an Example to Kings of Piety Justice Prudence and Power that this Prophetick Expression may be verified in Your Majesty King CHARLES the second shall be greater then ever was the greatest of that name His Majesty having returned a gracious answer to the Lords went from thence unto the Banqueting House where Sir Harbotle Grimston Speaker to the House of Commons delivered himself in this speech to His Majesty the Members of that House being there present Most gracious and dread Soveraign If all the Reason and Eloquence that is dispersed in so many severall heads and tongues as are in the whole world were conveyed into my Braine and united in my tongue yet I should want sufficiency to discharge that great task I am now enjoyned The restitution of Your Majesty to the exercise of Your just and most indubitable Native Right of Soveraignty and the deliverance of Your people from bondage and slavery hath been wrought out and brought to passe by a miraculous way of Divine Providence beyond and above the reach and comprehension of our understandings and therefore to be admired impossible to be expressed God hath been pleased to train Your Majesty up in the School of affliction where You have learned that excellent lesson of patience so well and improved it so much for the good of the people that we have all just cause for ever to Bless God for it and we doubt not but Your Name is Registred in the Records of Heaven to have a place in the highest from amongst those glorious Martyrs of whom it is reported that through faith in Christ and patience in their sufferings they converted their very Tormentors and conquered those Barbarous bloody Tyrants under whom they then suffered insomuch as they themselves were many times inforced to confesse and cry out Sat est vicisti Galilaeus they had their vicisti and that deservedly but Your Majesty must have a treble vicisti for with the same weapon Faith
Waller Mr. Meir Col. Waite Col. Temple Tichborn Fleetwood Col. John Temple and some few others Nor could His Majesty want employment having enough to doe to receive all these addresses which were made to him from all the Shires and Towns of England which though they throng'd in so fast yet His Majesty was still ready to entertain them with so much grace and favour that he gave satisfaction to all Nor was this joy confin'd within the limits of England other Countries partaking thereof and making themselves concern'd in our great alterations particularly at Heidelburgh Frankendale Wormes and Herldbron in all which places was a day of publick prayers and thanksgiving for the restoration of His Sacred Majesty of Great Brittain The King of Portugall also when he heard the news thereof presently gave order that the same night all the great guns of the Castle and Forts of the Town and Harbour should be fired The whole City was adorn'd with lights and in every window of the Kings Palace were set two great Torches of white wax besides Bonfires and Fireworks in the streets the King and Queen next morning with the Infanta and Nobility went forth in solemn manner to the Church of St. Anthony's of the Capuchins all the bells in the Town ringing the while By which it was plainlyseen with what reall joy and satisfaction the people of this Court and Nation receiv'd the welcome tydings of so happy a change And now we are beyond sea it may not be from the purpose to relate something of the great Marriage between the King of France and the Infanta of Spaine which happened much about this time especially the King of France being a Prince so nearly related to the Crown of England The King of Spaine being now after a tedious journey arrived at Fintarabia the Ceremonies of the Marriage being the same with the Ceremonies of ordinary marriages but more pompous were celebrated and performed by the Bishop of Pamplona with the assistance of the Patriarch of the Indies in the Church of said Town Before the performance the Infanta kneel'd twice before the King her Father first to ask him blessing and secondly before she gave her consent to the Marriage The Ceremony being ended the King of Spaine gave her all the respect due to so great a Queen giving her the right hand both in his going out of the Church and as they rode together in the Coach He likewise gave her his own lodgings and took hers where though she had not been seen before she then did ride in publick within a day or two after the two Kings had an interview where both Kings were uncovered that the grandees of Spaine might not take an occasion to be cover'd Then the King of Spaine having deliver'd his daughter into the hands of the King of France the Queen Mother took her away in her Coach which done the two Kings parted with all demonstration of amity and affection Afterwards the young Queen was presented with severall presents from her Father and Monsieur the Kings Brother and Cardinall which were so rich and so magnificent that never were more Royall presents seen In the mean time the Parliament to shew the value of that pardon from the benefit of which they were excepting so many persons came to His Majesty and in the name of themselves and the Commons of England laid hold on His Majesties gracious pardon mentioned in his Declaration from Breda wherefore on Munday being the 25. of June His Majesty publish'd a Proclamation in pursuance of his former Declaration declaring that His Majesty did graciously accept of the address of the House of Commons After this the House proceed upon the Act of Indempnity and having resolved that those persons before mentioned should be excepted from life they agree upon 20. more which though yet excluded from death should suffer all penalties and forfeitures excepting life concerning which business after they had had many debates they conclude at last upon these persons following William Lenthall Sir Hen. Vane Sir Arthur Haslerig Col. Sydenham Col. Disborough Ald. Ireton Col. Axtell Mr. Keeble Capt. Blackwell Major Creed Charles Fleetwood Alderman Pack Col. Pine Col. Cobbet Capt. Dean Oliver St. John Will. Nye Ministers John Goodwin Ministers But as the King saw them quick in their justice so he thought them too slow in their mercy and therefore having often press'd them to perfect the Act of Indempnity and nothing yet finish'd he goes himself to the House to hasten them telling them with what impatience he did expect that Act to be presented to him for his assent as the most reasonable and solid foundation of peace and security That he thought the House of Commons too long about it thanking God that he had the same intentions and resolutions which he had at Breda and then reading what he had then writ to them he added afterwards that if they did not then joyn with him in extinguishing the fear which keeps the hearts of men awake and apprehensive of safety and security they would keep him from performing his promise He then thank'd them for their justice to those who had been the immediate murderers of his Father and assured them he never thought of excepting any other and at length conjur'd them that setting all animosities aside to pass that Act without further delay His Majesty having thus put them in mind of their clemency was not forgetfull himself of that gratitude which he thought due to those who had serv'd him with a meritorious loyalty and there casting an eye of grace upon his Excellency the Lord Generall Monck for his faithfull service he was graciously pleas'd to create him Duke of Albemarly Earl of Finington Baron of Potheridge Beaucham and Teyes Captain Generall and Commander in chief of all His Majesties forces both in England Scotland and Ireland Master of His Majesties Horse Knight of the most noble order of the Garter and one of His Majesties most honourable privy Councill Whereupon accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham and other personages of high quality he took his leave of the House of Commons and went to take his place in the House of Peers Gen. Mountague also created Earl of Sandwich Viscount Hinchimbrook Baron of St. Needs Master of the Wardrobe one of the Commanders of the treasurie and Knight of the Garter not long after took his place in the House of Peers Sir John Greenvile who adventur'd first to bring His Majesties Letters over to the Houses and the Lord Generall His Majesty was pleas'd to create Earl of Bath Nor was His Majesty unmindfull of Col. Carles to whom with a small alteration of his name he gave a new coat of Armes which will always be a significant record of that service wherein his Loyalty was so usefull Nor did the Penderils His Majesties faithfull servants in his shelter at Boscobel goe unrewarded of one of whom named William it is reported that being in the Park of St. James's and
sit for government did invite the Parliament to give His Majesty a cheerfull accompt of their proceedings Then he reckon'd up those bills that did already attend for His Majesties Royall Assent The first was an Act for the confirmation of Judicatory proceedings The second was an Act to prevent the taking of excessive usury The third was an Act for a perpetuall Anniversary thanksgiving to be observed and kept upon the twenty ninth of May. The fourth was an Act for a speedy provision of Money to pay off and disband all the forces of this kingdome by sea and land The last was an Act of free and generall pardon Indemnity and Oblivion In the conclusion of his speech they made known to His Majesty that they had nothing more to ask or offer at that time but that as soon as His Majesties occasions would permit them to adjourn and goe into their own Countries where they should make His Majesties Subjects sensible of the Happiness they had in having such a King to Rule and Govern over them His Majesty having given His Royal assent to all these Bills and pass'd them made a short Speech to the House Wherein he told them that no man had more impatiently long'd to have those Bills pass'd then he had done to pass them as the foundation of much security and happiness to the Nation That he did very willingly pardon all that was pardon'd in the Act of Indempnity But for the time to come the same discretion and Conscience which had disposed Him to the Clemency which he then express'd which was most agreeable to his nature would oblige him to all rigour and severity how contrary soever to His nature toward those who should not now acquiesce but continue to manifest their sedition and dislike of the Government That never any King valu'd more the affections of His people then he did nor did He know any way to make Himself sure of His peoples affections then by being just and kind to all He thank'd them for the Pole-Bill not that it came into His Coffers but for the other grand intent of disbanding the Army and discharging the Navy which above all things he earnestly pray'd them to dispatch He hinted to them the unestablishment of His Revenue yet told them that that was not the thing which did trouble him and therefore bid them but take care of the publick and for what was necessary for the good and quiet of the Kingdom and take their own time for His own particular which he was sure they would provide for with as much affection and Franckness as he could desire The chief heads of the act of Oblivion were as follow That His Majesty taking into consideration the long and great Troubles Discords and Warrs which had been for many yeares in this Kingdom and that for that reason divers of His Subjects had incurr'd severall penalties and being piously dispos'd to put an end to all Controversies which by reason of these late troubles might happen between His Subjects and to the intent that no crime committed against His Majesty or His Father may rise in juâ—gment for the time to come against any of the offenders to endammage them either in their Lives Liberties Estates or Reputation by any reproach or term of distinction and to bury too for the time to come all the seeds of divisions that they may be obliterated both in His own breast and in the breast of every one of His Subjects And for the fulfilling His Royal Word given in His Letters and Declaration sent to the two Houses of Parliament His Majesty with the advice and consent of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament doth declare that all sorts of Treasons concealment of Treasons Murders Felonies Offences Crimes Miscarriages Misprisions Commanded Counselled Executed or Committed since the first of January 1637. by any person before the fourth of June 1660. except the persons hereafter excepted by name by vertue or under colour of the Authority of the deceased King or of His Majesty now Raigning or of the two Houses of Parliament of any Convention calling it self a Parliament of any calling themselves Keepers of the liberty of England of any one calling himself Protector of the Re-publick of England or Magistrate in chief shall be pardon'd acquitted discharged and be forever forgotten and all the said Persons their Heirs and Executors are discharg'd from all paines of death and other Penalties Accusations Convictions judgments c. which are annull'd by these presents and the said Persons are establish'd in their possessions inheritances and goods forfeited to His Majesty for the said offences That no arrerages of Rents of any Lands or Tenements receiv'd paid or dispos'd of during the said Troubles under the said Authorities or pretended Authorities except those of the Farmers of the Customs and Excise and others afterwards excepted be demanded back again That the Act shall be as availeable to all in generall as if it took notice of every mans name and crime in particular That those who shall molest any person for any of the Offences already pardon'd in the Act shall be oblig'd to pay the Plaintiff treble dammages and the charges of the suit and shall pay to His Majesty 10. l. ster for every such false actions and all the proceedings upon such suit shall be made null and void That all Murders Papacies Sodomie Rapes Stealing and Marrying young women without consent of their Parents marriage of two wives or having two husbands invocations of spirits conjurations witchcrafts enchantments and charmes shall be excepted out of this present act as also those that are accountable for subsidie-mony Customs Taxes Excise Sequestrations or for any of the rents of the King Queen Prince or for the goods of the Church or of Papists Recusants after the year 1642. yet shall not their Heires or Executors be charged at all unless there be any summes of money yet remaining in their hands unpaid after the stating of the account That no man shall be charg'd for money receiv'd by way of Salary though under an illegall Authority That the acquittances of the Exchequer shall be of force from the year 1642. That perjuries subordinations of witnesses detentions of any of the Kings Queens or Princes goods excepting the Ships and Magazines shall be excepted out of this act of pardon as also offences committed by Priests Jesuits and Seminaries against the Statute of 27. Eliz. That the Act shall not extend to discharge any obligation not yet received That all acts of hostility shall be pardon'd and all names of distinction utterly abolish'd upon the penalty of ten pound to every one that shall use them That the persons guilty of the Rebellion in Ireland shall be excepted as also those who have receiv'd any money upon the act for Decimation of which they shall give an account that those who have been employ'd by His Majesty and have prov'd traitors and corresponded with His enemies shall be excepted being convicted
return'd with an answer The Parliament for all their complements being not well satisfy'd in the intentions of Generall Monck send Scot and Robinson under pretence of congratulating with him for the good success God had given to his endeavours to prie into his actions and to make discovery of his proceedings And to curry favour with the Nation in generall they put forth a Declaration wherein they promise to this effect first they declare their resolutions to perfect what they had begun for setling the government of these Nations and the people thereof in the way of a Common-wealth and free State That all proceedings touching the Lives Liberties and Estates of the free people of this Common-wealth should be according to the laws of the Land That they would make effectual provision for countenancing an honest godly ministry and that impropriations and augmentations should be continued That they would uphold all the Schooles and Universities in the land and continue their privileges That they would apply themselves with all speed to such Counsels and means as should be found most proper for the speedy increasing of trade Lastly as to the present burthens that they were very sensible thereof and that it was one of their greatest cares to give the people ease But the people were now grown too wise to believe those who had so oft before deluded them now seeing them fall to their old tyrannies afresh under pretence of restoring them their long enthralled liberties begin to rouse up themselves and to shew their generall hatred towards them To Generall Monck therefore as a person whom they saw to be of a free and ancient English spirit they resolve to make their applications laying before him the infidelity treachery and tyranny of the Rump beseeching him to assert their libertieâ— and promising him to stick by him in the maintenance of their freedome The Devonshire men as being his own Countrimen began the substance of whose addresse and the Generalls answer we shall insert being indeed the full scope of what all demanded and of the answer which all received The substance of the addresse was this That they found their Countrymen groaning under high oppressions and a defect of trade that though there was an alteration in the State affaires by the reassembling of the Long Parliament yet that they found themselves but in part redress'd and that therefore the chief expedient would be to recall those members that were secluded in 48. that they may fill up the vacant places and not be oblig'd to oaths before their sitting for which things they should defend him against all opposers with life and fortunes To this the Generall answers That the government was monarchicall before the warre that since there have been severall interests that these interests are interwoven by marriages and purchases and all engag'd against the King as to Civils and therefore that no government can be good that doth not rationally comprehend the preservation of all the said interests That Monarchy cannot be admitted because its support was taken away and besides that it is exclusive of all the Civil and Spirituall interests now in being which premises being granted to admit of the secluded members as being monarchicall and such as would abolish the laws made since their seclusion would engage the Nation in a new warre upon the account of self-preservation that therefore he thought 't was better to submit to the present Parliament Such doubtfull answers as this as they pleas'd the Rump so they did not dissatisfy the other party but gave cause to both parties to think well of him At Northampton he receiv'd another address from the hands of Sir John Norrice to whom he replies that he was but a servant of the Parliaments with whom he ought not to interpose in matters of Highest concernment On the 28. of January at Night the Generall arrived at Saint Albanes where he had severall addresses made to him from Norfolke Suffolke Buckingham and Leicester being come thither he sends to the Parliament to send their forces out of town and quarter them according to the lists which he had sent them which they readily order'd the Commanders of the army to see performed accordingly Generall Monck being now not far from London those forces quartered in the City were ordered to march from thence to make Room for his Excellencies Souldiers but they having learned of their Masters to be Rebellious refused to goe and having cast off their Officers a considerable party of them engarrisoned themselves at Somerset-house That night also the Apprentices drew themselves into a party in the City intending no doubt to have joyned with the discontented Red-coates which had they done they might have given a shrewd Alarum to the Rump but before their joyning they were dissipated by a part of the Army-horse The Mutiners upon a false Alarum were got out of the Town and having their mouths stopt with a little pay were commanded away leaving the Town quiet and in condition to entertain honester Guests February 3. His Excellency marched in the head of his Army to his Quarters at White-hall On the 6. of the same Month he was by Scot and Robinson Squires of the Rump conducted to that Image of Authority assembled in the House where the Parliament usually sits where he was by their pretended Speaker complemented with a fawning speech candied over with Scripture-phrases to make it the more plausible To which His Excellency returned a more pertinent answer informing them of the severall applications and numerous subscriptions he received from most Counties in his March from Scotland the chiefest Heads of their desires being for a free and full Parliament a Gospell-Ministry incouragement of Learning and Universities admittance of the Members secluded before 1648. and that they would determine their sitting c. But these were matters they loved not to hear of much lesse resolved to practise yet seeing the peoples earnestness was such and that it was in a manner the agreement of the whole Nation they at last most graciously condescended to promise a full Representative but no secluded Members to be admitted nor in effect any other then Phanatiques The supreme Trifle was now come to a forced put monies must be raised to pay the Souldier and the pride of the stubborn Citizens taken down that would not let the Rump to ride them or the Good Old Cause would be totally ruined in order to both out comes a Tax of 100000 l. per mensem this being debated in Common-council they agreed in the Negative which so incensed the Back-side that they adjudged the affront intollerable and immediately poured out their indignation upon the City in these following Resolves Thursday February 9. The House received a report from the Council of State of some Resolutions taken by the Council in relation to the City of London Resolved That the Parliament doth approve of what the Council of State hath done in Ordering that the Commissioners for Government of
Sir if it please you to have a little patience we shall speedily give you an answer to your message After some little conference between the Lord Mayor and Aldermen the Gates were opened and the king at Armes entred with Trumpets sounding before him and was joyfully received by the Lord Mayor in his Crimson Velvet Gown and Hood the Aldermen and Sheriffs in Scarlet and the Officers of the Militia gallantly accoutred on Horse-back Both sides of the streets were guarded by the Mililia forces of London from Temple-Bar to the Old Exchange and stood all with their swords drawn as also the Officers and severall spectators in windows The City Horse fell in next the Life-guard then the Lord Mayor and Aldermen after whom the Herald and the rest as formerly When they came to Chancery-lane end they proclaimed His Majesty a third time where at the word Charles the second in the Proclamation the king at Armes lifting himself up with more then ordinary cheerfulness and expressing it with a very audible voice the people presently took it and on a suddon carried it to the Old Exchange which was pu sued with such shouts that is was near a quarter of an hour before silence could be made to read the rest of the Proclamation After this they went to Cheapside where His Majesty was proclaimed a fourth time the shouts of the people then being so great that though Bow-bells were then ringing yet could not the sound of them be heard Thence they went to the Old Exchange where His Majesty was again proclaimed with the loud shouts and acclamations of the people and so the solemnity ended But to recount the numberless number of Bonfires the ringing of Bells shooting off Guns and the joyfull expressions of the people that attended this gallant and well ordered procession would wear a pen of steel to the stumps and tire the hand of the most unwearied writer But this joy was not confined within the walls of the City the whole Kingdome participating of the benefit so did they also share in the triumph Our Chronicles make mention even to admiration of the solemnities at the Coronation of Richard the first but no History can shew a president of such transcendent joy as was at the proclaiming of Charles the second Take a view of their solemnities at Sherborn in Dorsetshire by which you may give a guesse at the rest On Munday May 14. the Kings Majesty after solemne prayers praises and a seasonable premonition at the Church by Mr. Bampfield to prevent exorbitancie was with high expressions of joy proclaimed by Mr. Birstal Master of the kings School there to whom Sir John Strangways High Steward of Sherborn-Castle did read the Proclamation himself not being able by reason of his age to utter it with so loud and audible voice as was requisite The performance was attended by divers persons of quality viz. Mr. George Digby second Son to the Earl of Bristoll Esquire Fulford Esquire Rogers one of Judge Mallets sons and many other Esquires and Gentlemen who brought with them as many Horse and Foot well armed as together with the Town Forces made up between five and six thousand Besides the melody of divers Consorts of Loud Musick there were the Martiall Noises of many Drums and Trumpets innumerable Volleys of shot the continuall ringing of Bells and loud acclamations of many Thousands of Men Women and Children had that thwack'd the streets so full that thousands of people as well in Armes as others were constrained to stay in the fields for want of room to receive them The very Earth did seem to quake and the Aire to tremble at the mighty rending shouts that were at that irerated On the top of the Tower of the Ancient Cathedrall were four large white flags with red crosses in them displayed on high poles The Conduit that day and the next ran with Claret besides many Hogsheads of March-bear and large Baskets of white loaves set out in the street for the Poor In the close of the day some of the witty wags of the Town did very formally represent an High Court of Justice at the Sessions Bench whither by a formidable guard was brought a grim Judge or Lord President in a Bloud-red Robe and a tire for his Head of the same Hue who being gravely set down in the Chair of Judicature with sundry asseslours the Cryer in the Name of the Supreme Keeper of the Liberties of England did command silence After the appointing of an Attorney Generall a Solliciter Generall and other Officers for the due constituting of so High a Court and the empanneling of a Jury John Bradshaw and Oliver Caomwell whose Effigies were artificially prepared and brought thither by a Guard of Souldiers were indicted of High Treason and murthering of the King commanded to hold up their bloudy-hands which for the purpose were besmeared with bloud They were asked Whether they did own the Authority of the Court which being silent the whole multitude present cryed out Justice my Lord Justice on these bloody Traytors and Murtherers They were asked again whether they owned the Authority of the Court and upon refusall sentence was passed upon them to be dragg'd to the place of Execution to be there hang'd upon two Gibbets forty foot high on both sides the States Armes which had lately been erected by Captain Chasee one of Lamberts Champions which sentence was accordingly executed The Honest Officers that dragg'd them to Execution from the lower part of the Town to the upper had many a blow with Fists Swords Halberts and Pikes which were aimed at the execrable Malefactors As they hung upon the Gibbets they were so hack'd and hew'd so gored and shot through that in a short time little remained besides Cromwells Buffe-coat and Bloudy scarfe that was worth the burning yet would nor the people be satisfied till they had made a fire between the Gibbets and burnt all they could get of their garbage or garments and at last tore down the States Armes to help make up their funerall pile At night besides the multitude of Bonfires there were three huge piles of faggots fired on the brows of three of the Highest Hills about a mile distant from the Town which were visible over all the Marshes of Sommerset-shire in part of Wales and the greatest part of Black-moor This extraordinary joy of the people of this Town might perhaps proceed from the native Genius of the place which having enjoyed formerly the residence of many a King and Bishop and the felicities that attend those Governments in Church and State did cause them to be even transported with joy at the restitution of the one and fair hopes of restauration of the other to these so long harrased Kingdomes and Churches And now the Parliament and City like the men of Israel and Judah when David was forced from Jerusalem by Absalon strive who shall be forwardest to bring the King home The Parliament ordered 50000l to be presented to His