by the carelessness of the Commanders or security of the Souldiers I am loath to judge this mighty Army then beleaguring Dublin was beat from before it by the besieged and utterly routed by the third part of it's Number This overthrow the repulse of Sir Robert Stuart and Col. Mervin from London-Derry by Sir Charles Coot and Cromwell's suddain landing in Ireland whose motion now there was no field Army either to attend or oppose made his Majesties affairs grow almost as desperate in Ireland as they were before in England But the Scots Kirk who had sold their King into the hands of the Independent English Army after they heard that they had condemned him to death repent them of their Wicednesse wash their hands from any guilt in his bloud Expostulate with the English sitting in Parliament about their so severe proceedings and protest against having any hand in his Murder and to make the world believe they had yet some touch of loyalty within them they had just after his death proclaimed Charles Prince of VVales eldest Son to the late murthered King Charles the first and his lawfull and undoubted Heir King of Great Britain France and Ireland and had immediately resolved in the Committee of Estates then sitting to send some sitting persons to treat with his Majestie about sundry Articles before his reception to the Crown but long Debates and demurrs there were in the businesse before they could resolve what and whom to send For some there were in this Grand Committee of Estates who fee'd or seduced by the Sectaries in England impeaded to the utmost of their power and endeavours all proceedings in the businesse so that once instead of debating what or whom they should send to his Majestie it came to be a debate whether they should send or no but at length a letter and propositions was by the prevailing part concluded on and Mr. Windram Laird of Libberton appointed to be the Messenger who on the 25. of September 1649. received his dispatches and some time after arrived before his Majestie at Iersey The chief of their desires was to this effect 1. That his Majesty would graciously be pleased himself to sign the solemn League and Covenant and that he would passe an Act in Parliament 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 Hamilton's last return 2. For receiving severall Acts made by English for the Militia 3. That the Kings of Scotland may have no negative voice 3. That his Majestie 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 treat with their Commissioners An honour able Company of the most noble Lords in Scotland being to be appointed to attend his Majesty to whom likewise they would send a sufficient provision to maintain him a train suitable to his birth and deserved Greatnesse 6. That he would be graciously pleased to give a speedy answer to their desires These Propositions were very stifly debated Pro and Con some were so fierce that they would have his Majesty utterly reject the Scâ—â—s Propositions as dishonourable and disadvantageous to his affairs Others were of opinion that it would more conduce to the Kings Interest to accept of such Conditions as he could agree with the Scotch Commissioners which would be a readier way to attain the Crown then by Montrosses his designs who had lately received Commissions from the King to assault the North of Scotland with what force he could raise however the businesse was still demurred and delayed and no answer for a good while given to the Lord Libberton who earnestly prest it till such time as answer could come from Montrosse then in Holland and out of France touching their opinions concerning these Propositions concerning which Montrosse teturned answer to his Majesty desiring him to hear ken to the Scots Commissioners whilst they would propose and agree to any thing which might stand with his Majesties honour for the restoring him to his Rights and Dignities That for himself he should rather be content to endure banishment from his Highnesse sight and person then in the least prejudice his affairs Thus this faithfull and loyall servant courted Banishment as the late famous Earle of Strafford had done death for his Master 's good and service but too generous was he and had too great a sense of goodness and gratitude to grant his request but returned him this answer That he had so high a sense of his fidelity and loyalty all along and that he had performed so many signall services both for his father and himself that he could not in honour leave him and therefore desired him to presse him no farther The Queen Mother likewise earnestly presses her son to the acceptance of the Scotch Propositions for a Treaty as the onely and readiest way for the establishing of him in his Kingdomes These resolves of his Mother and the Marquess of Montrosse wrought strongly with his Majesty yet not withstanding they are as stoutly opposed by the Lord Cleveland Byron Gerard and others whose chief opposition proceeded from the alledged Treachery of the Scots to his father That they were Scots still and might practice the same upon him But the majority of voices carrying it for a Treaty it was resolved on yet in regard it would require some time to frame an answer Sir William Flemming was sent Agent to the Committee of Estates in Scotland till such time as the Laird Libberton could be dispatch't Short time after Mr. Windram returned into Scotland with a Letter instructions by word of mouth whereby he gave the Committee of Estates who having long expected were therefore more desirous to hear what he now brought an account how much he found his Majesty compliant to their Propositions viz. That as to what acted in the two last Sessions of Parliament he was content a General Act of Oblivion should be passed but could not approve it That neither those of Montrosses nor Duke Hamilton's party in his last engagement should bear Office in State without consent of Parliament That he had appointed Breda in Holland for the place of a solemn Treaty for the making of a full accommodation and agreement between him and his loving Subjects of Scotland The Contents of his Letter were as followeth For the Committee of Estates of Scotland CHARLES R. WE have received your Letters lately presented to us by Mr. Windram of Libberton and we accept graciously all the expressions of affection and fidelity therein contained towards us with your tender resentment of our present Condition and the just indignation which you professe to have against the execrable Murther of our Father And we believe that your intentions are full of Candor towards us as we are and alwayes really have been
represented his Majesty no otherwise then any loyal person for this age requires that distinction that hath either heard of or known him will confesse him to be but if they will not let them be convinced by that saying of a worthy Gentleman long time an attendant upon his Majesty who having given me a large account of his virtues at length concluded That Tully himself if now alive could not sufficiently expresse his praise Gentlemen it is to you in General that I present this History that you may see and be sensible to whom you have been loyal and then I believe that you will judge that your loyalty hath found it's just reward in being loyal to so just a Prince and if any of you have suffered for him read but his sufferings you cannot value your own Yet I intend not this at all to his pretended Tavern friends which I believe whilest they are so are so onely there and indeed I cannot look upon these as faithfull Subjects for how can that man be loyal to his Prince who hath not the power to be true unto himself Drunken subjects though never so loyal will prove the ruine both of themselves and their Soveraign Gentlemen let those that are truly loyal joyn their prayers with mine for the happinesse of his most SACRED MAIESTY since in his we must necessarily include our own and more then ours our COVNTRIES To the Readers in general Courteous Readers IF in this History I have displeased any person they cannot be so much displeased as I am sorry I have endeavoured to please all nor have I more then Iustice enforced me to favoured any I have laboured as I professed to write impartially where I have not done so I am confident there will not want Carpers If in some particulars affection hath swayed me though I confesse it a fault yet it brings it's excuse What loyal Subject can relate his Soveraigns sufferings without a passion what Free born English man's heart begins not to rise within him when he does but think of those Tyrannies and Oppressions his Native Countrey hath of late groaned under where I have been bitter it has been with reason where sweet with a great deal of Iustice Yet one thing I shall desire the Reader to take notice of that when I speak of the Presbyterians I mean not those moderate people who are as truly loyal as they are godly but some amongst them like wolves in sheeps clothing such as Straughan and Kerry in Scotland who only pretend themselves to be Presbyterians but are in their proof found Sectaries these are the Flea-bitten Clergy the Sowers of strife and sedition and a scandal to those to whom they pretend to be Brethren To conclude that all the Subjects of this Land may with one heart and voice agree together for the Restauration of our afflicted Sovereign but of our more afflicted selves to just Rights and Priviledges is the earnest prayer of A Hearty well-wisher to his Countrey THE HISTORY OF CHARLES the II. Third MONARCH of Great Britain c. THe Histories of Englands late oppreessours have already cloy'd and overladed the exuberant Presse whole Volumes daily coming forth either of the Actions of the late long Parliament or the Life of their aspiring Generall Cromwell which though adorn'd with all those flatteries that could possibly proceed from the most beneficed pens yet cannot in the least justifie their actions to the more sober sort of people for though their memories may here smell sweet to some who have rather tasted of their favour then suffered under their oppression yet do they but render them to the sufferers more infamous and to the Neuter ridiculous like the extolling of Don Quixot's Chivalry And though there have been some who have adventured to set them out to the life and paint them in their own colours yet have many of these as far exceeded the bounds of Truth as the others came short of it rather exasperated by their own or to please their fellow-sufferers into so great extremes have either side been lead out of fear or flattery anger or passion Moderation and Impartiality are the chiefest virtues of an Historian and therefore he who writes an History should chuse such a subject to write on where neither fear nor gain can induce him to flatter anger or passion to too much bitternesse Most of our modern Historians have proposed to themselves either profit advantage or employment by their Works which hath made them run into their so many grosse errours and flatteries whilst had they only endeavoured to represent things persons and actions impartially they had gained to themselves farre greater honour of true Writing I have chosen a subject to write of which I conceive may lead me to a mediocrity the Persons afflictions may induce me to pity him but they will in most mens judgements restrain me from flattery Nor need I out of fear I being now though unwillingly out of his reach mince the truth of his if any bad actions I confesse the Task I undertake is highly adventurous my pen may slip times may change however my heart shall guide me to an impartiality Charles the II. Heir apparent to the Crown of Great Britain and Ireland and crowned King of Scots whose History I intend to treat of was born on the 29. of May 1630. to the great joy of the King Queen and indeed the whole Nation for never yet had England a Prince born of so noble an extract and grand Alliance his father by lineal right and descent King of Great Britain and Ireland his mother daughter to that thrice Illustrious Prince Henry the Fourth King of France and worthily sirnamed the Great and Maria de Medicis By his Grand-mothers side was he near allied to the Kings of Denmark by the marriage of his Aunt the noble Princesse Elizabeth to the Elector Palatine of Rhene and King of Bohemia and afterwards by the marriage of his Royall Sister the Princesse Mary to the Prince of Orange Thus was he allied to most of the most Potent Princes in Christendome And happy might this Nation have been under his Government if we may believe the vogue of that wisest of men Solomon who pronounces that Kingdome blessed whose Prince is the son of Nobles He was some years after his birth according to the ancient Customes of England for the Kings Eldest son invested Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester and was in his minority brought up under the care of the Earle of Neweastle till in the year 1646. the Lord Hopton's Army in which he was being near inclosed by Sir Thomas Fairfax Generall of all the Parliaments Forces in the Devizes of Cornwall and the King his Fathers affairs being in a desperate condition all over England he was by the serious advice of his best friends perswaded to taâ—e shipping and depart for the Scillies from whence he was by the Parliament invited to return to London but he thought
losse he had saved himself by escaping out of the Field and had afterwards to disguise himself changed his habit with a Highlander yet all could not prevail to his Escape for the whole Countrey was raised up in armes in search after him and a price set upon his head by the States but especially the Presbyterian Ministers exhorted the people to endeavour his attachment as a thing necessary to their Salvation At length the whole Countrey being up in armes about him and no way left for this distressed Marquess to escape he thought it better to throw himself upon the Lord Aston formerly a friend of his and now out in the search with some of his Tenants then fall into the hands of his more inveterate and implacable enemies But this Lord notwithstanding he had formerly been Montrosse's follower either out of fear or covetousness durst not conceal him but sent him with a strong Guard to David Lesley by whom he was directly sent to Edenburgh and shortly after brought to his Tryal before the Parliament of Scotland where all the while notwithstanding those many ignominious affronts and disgraces thrown upon him as his being in triumphant manner brought through Edenburgh bound in a Cart yet he carried himself with so much Magnanimity and Courage That those of his Enemies who did not pity him yet were almost ashamed of their villanies towards him The Parliament of Scotland upon the first newes of this Noble Marquess being made a prisoner met and resolved to passe a sentence upon him before either he was come up or had at all answered for himself though when they allowed him to speak somewhat for himself which he pronounced with gravity void of Passion yet he had as good have held his peace for the sentence being agreed upon it was pass't to this effect That he should be carried to the place from whence he came and from thence tomorrow being the 21. day of May 1650. be carried to the high Crosse in Edenburgh and be hanged upon a Gibbet thirty foot high and there hang for the space of three hours in the sight and view of all people with his History and Declaration hanging about his Neck after which he should be taken down beheaded and quartered his head to be placed upon the Talbooth or Prison house in Edenburgh and his leggs and arms over the gates of the Cities of Sterling Glascow S. Iohns town and Aberdeen And in case he repented by which means his sentence of Excommunication might be taken off by the Kirk the bulk of his body might be buried in Grayfriers if not to be buried in the Common burying place for thieves and robbers Thus far did their unparallel'd hatred and malice extend even to his dead Corps This Sentence being aggravated by the Chancellor in the utmost terms of horrour that his spleen could invent was yet mildly and unpassionately received by this Illustrious Marquess who answered nothing to it But That he took it for a greater honour to have his head stand on the prison gate for this quarrel then to have his picture in the Kings Bed-chamber And least his loyalty should be forgotten they had highly honoured him in designing lasting Monuments to four of the chiefest Cities to bear up his memorial to all posterity wishing he had flesh enough to have sent a piece to every city in Christendome to witness his loyalty to his King and Countrey The next day being the day appointed for his Execution richly habited in a scarlet cloak laced with gold but his Soul adorned with constant Loyalty the far richer Ornament of the two he marched along the street with so composed a Courage and Gravity that most of his Enemies either pityed or admired him being come to the place of Execution he was some time detained with many frivolous questions of that flea bitten Clergy being ready to mount up the ladder he said it was Iacob's ladder by which he should mount to Heaven His Speech to the people was short and that much to this effect That he was sorry if his end should be scandalous to any good Christian but that it often happened to the righteous according to the wayes of the wicked that they who knew him should not disesteem him for this ignominious death That he confessed it was the judgement of God upon him for his private sins but as for his condemners they were but instruments That they had perverted judgement and justice and oppressed the poor yet he desired God to forgive them for he heartily forgave them That what he did in that Kingdome he did it in obedience to the just commands of his Sovereign to assist him against those which rose up against him That it was not his fault that he lay under the censure of the Church since 't was only for doing his duty That for what was said of him that he should blame the King he said 't was most false for saies he the late King lived a Saint and died a Martyr That if ever he should wish his soul in any mans place it should be in his That for the King now living he was a Prince under whom any people might live most happily his commands were righteous his promises faithfull and his dealings just Finally that he commended his soul to God his service to his Prince his good will to his friends and his name and charity to all good people This was the summe of his Speech on the ladder which and some private prayers being finished he mounted up to the top of that prodigious Gibbet where his History and Declaration being tied about his neck and his hands bound by the Executioner he turned about and gave him some gold asking If they had any more dishonour as they conceived it to put upon him he was ready to accept it and then with a great deal of magnanimity bidding the Executioner turn him off when he should hold up his hands it was accordingly performed Thus nobly lived and thus ignominiously and yet nobly died the truest of friends the loyallest of Subjects the faithfullest of servants the best of Masters and the valiantest of Captains Iames Graham Marquesse of Montrosse Earl of Rincardin Lord of Groam and Baron of Montdieu whose death was not only lamented as a private but rather as a publick loss most of the Princes in Europe deploring the unfortunate fall of so Noble and Heroick a person For he was endowed with such winning graces that wherever he came he was both honoured and esteemed and where-ever he Comâ—â—nded both feared and loved His enemies Malice though he was dead kept still alive for after they had beheaded him and cut off his quarters they would not permit that Bulk of his body which remained to be buried in any other place then the Borough Moor But this noble Marquess suffered not alone for soon after Col. Hurrie notwithstanding he pleaded the benefit of Quarter young Spotswood of Daersie a most compleat Gentleman Sir Francis
Hay Col. Sibbalds two most accomplished persons though they had all the favour to be beheaded There was like wise one Captain Charters who being put in hopes of life by the perfidious Kirk upon his recantation made a long Speech upon the Scaffold acknowledging his Apostacy from the Covenant and desiring to be reconciled to the Kirk but had notwithstanding his head struck off This was the fatal and Tragical Event of his Majesties affairs in Scotland under Montrosse's Conduct let us now turn to see how the Treaty at Breda went on in the mean time But before I proceed any farther give me leave to speak a word or two concerning the Magnanimous Col. VVil Sibbalds who say some confessed himself guilty of the Murder of D. Dorislaus the English Agent at the Hague which I must ingeniously confesse I believe upon good grounds to be only a Calumnie and Scannal raised from the so far extended Malice of his Enemies for I can find nothing either in his Speech at death or in any Records of credit tending to such a Confession though much against any likelyhood of it nor can I imagine that any man could with so much resolution as he dyed with part from this World and have so great a load and blot upon Conscience But to proceed Great debates there were in the mean time between his Majesty and the Scotch Commissioners concerning the Treaty and great demurres there were upon it for besides the striving of some Lords who had a kind of a serious Antipathy to the Scots perfidiousnesse and endeavoured to perswade his Majesty not to trust them who had betrayed his Father The King himself stuck highly as he had reason about the business of Taking the Covenant For 1. There was no reason why he should be enforced to relinquish the Religion of his Fathers and whilest he permitted to his Subjects Liberty of Conscience it would be very inconsistent with their so earnestly pretended desires of a peace and agreement to deny him the same priviledge which he gave them 2. That Covenant tendred and so earnestly prest upon him by them was an Obligatory Covenant to bind the Subjects to him and not for him to swear to and therefore he judged it sufficiently satisfactory to passe an Act for the peoples taking it Whilest these demurres and delayes were in the Treaty the Scotch Commissioners give a visit to the Illustrious Prince of Orange whom they intreat to be a Mediator between them and their King His Majesty like wise withdraw's himself for some time from Breda to the Hague there to advise with his Aunt the Queen of Bohemia the Prince of Orange and other friends about what he were best to resolve on or determine But the Estates of Scotland though their proposed Conditions were already unreasonable yet resolve to adde more weight to the Scale the Earl of Carnwarth and Mr. Murrey are sent over to the Commissioners at Breda with new instructions and propositions as 1. That his Majesty should confirm all Acts done in some late Sessions of Parliament without any exception 2. That neither Montross nor any of his Adherents be admitted to come into the Kingdome of Scotland But notwithstanding the harshnesse of the Conditions the King is earnestly pressed to come to a full Conclusion with the Scots Though many Lords of the contrary faction pleaded for an utter rejectment of their propositions alledging to his Majesty That the Covenanters horrid perfidiousnesse to his Father might be a sufficient motive and inducement for him not to trust them That the more willing he was to condescend to their propositions the more impudent they were still in proposing things most unreasonable That should he accept of their Conditions they would so tye up his hands that he would be then but a King onely in Title which he was without them On the other side the Earl of Lauderdale the Lords Wilmot Piercy and others of his Majesties Council who stood for an accommodation with the Scots urged That his Majesties affairs both in Ireland under the Marquess of Montross and in the Navy under Prince Rupert were in so weak and tottering a Condition that no help could be expected from them That all the Princes in Europe were so imbroyled in warrs of their own that it was in vain to crave any foreign aid And that therefore there was no way left for his Majesty to regain his lost Rights and Kingdomes but by complying with his Subjects of Scotland and though it were upon such Conditions as would at first seem harsh those Curbs might in time possession once got be thrown off by degrees these reasons swayed with his Majesty and the Treaty went on with a clearer face then formerly But now there happens a strong demurre or as most supposed a businesse that would wholly break off the Treaty for the newes of Montrosse's ignominious death being come to Breda extremely incensed the whole Court and those who were against the Treaty bestirred themselves strongly still endeavouring to avert the King wholly from it by telling him That they had by thus Murdering his Lieutenant Demonstrated to the World what they would do to him if they had him in their power That it was an act of rashnesse and desperation to trust them or to have any more to do with such a perfidious generation That they only cunningly and subtilly endeavoured to entrap him that they might destroy him But not withstanding their heat his Majesty conceals his anger which doubtless could not but be great for the death and the so ignominious death of so good and loyal a Subject and Servant and that too in his quarrel and for obeying his just commands only he expresses his resentment of their so strange proceedings to the Committee of Estates by a Message sent by Mr. Murrey to this effect That it could not but grieve and perplex him to hear that whilst they pretended to conclude a peace they proceeded in the way of War and that whilst they treated of an Accord with him they shed the bloud of his best Subjects and that in such a manner that if true as reported they could not imagine but it must extremely incense him he therefore desired them to give him an account of their businesse To this they return Answer That their affections were still reall to him and that it rejoyced their very soules to hear that he would be willing to concurre with them in a peace and agreement That as for the Death of Montross They desired it might be no obstacle in the way for that they did nothing in it but with a reall intention to promote his interest Thus they endeavoured to excuse themselves but it was not their excuse nor their so many reiterated Protestations of fidelity but the necessity of the Kings affaires which drew him not long after to conclude the Treaty at Breda notwithstanding the violent opposers of it by condescending to most of their desires The conclusion of the
under the Command of Huntley Atholl Seaforth c. who declared purely for the Kingly Authority disclaiming and disowning all power or order of the Kirk Parliament or Committee of Estates These having gotten together a considerable party it was supposed by the Committee of Estates that his Majesty was gon to them whereupon to quiet and allay them if possible an Act of Indemnity was passed by Parliament for what they had done but they sleighted it fell upon Sir Iohn Brown's Regiment slew and took prisoners many of his men Whereupon Lieu. General David Lesley was sent against but the whole businesse after the King's return to S. Iohnstonâ—s ended in a Treatie The third and greatest party were the Parliament and Committee of Estates Kirk who were equally for King and Kirk these were highly perplexed and discontented at the King's going away from S. Iohnston's and the more because they feared he was gon to the Atholmen many controversies and consultations were had about it some were so rigid as to propose that since he had diserted them they should look no more after him but let him take his own wayes Others were more mild and would yet have him understand their resentment for his leaving them nor wanted there some sticklers for his Majesty at length it was concluded that Major General Montgomery should speedily march after him and earnestly intreat him to return to S. Iohnston's Montgomery according to his order went and having had secret information that his Majesty was at the Lord Dedup's house in the North confines of Fife he first surrounds the house and then sends in a Messenger to acquaint the King with the earnest desires of the Committee of Estates that he would graciously be pleased to return with him to Saint Iohnston's but his Majesty at first absolutely refused as scorning to endure that slavery which they had subjected him to he was in the mean time earnestly solicited by Huntley and the Gordons to adhere solely to them which he so much seemed to incline to that he had almost made the breach implacable between that party and the Kirk but at length upon several propositions granted him he returned with Montgomery to S. Iohnston's The King being thus returned and Huntley's party come in by admitting those with him to bear publick Offices a general Meeting was resolved on to be held at Saint Iohnston's which should consist of King Lords Barons Burgesses and the Assembly of Ministers whereupon the Committee of the Kirk are summoned to meet but stand off alledging that Sterling was the more convenient place to meet in To which the States answered that they esteemed S. Iohnston's the fitter that if they would not meet they should consult for their own securities but at length they consent The grand Assembly meets and all parties seem now agreed Several Lords formerly in disfavour with the Kirk are received into Command in the Army or have liberty to sit in Parliament such as Hamilton Lauderdale Leith Bucheim Dedup and Crawford Major General Massey of the Englâ—sh was admitted to a Command in the Army Thus did their divisions begin to be Cemented which else must necessarily have hastened their Ruine About this time the King received the sad newes of the Death of the thrice Illustrious Prince of Orange Brother-in-law to his Majesty and who had demonstrated himself a true and faithfull friend to him in his necessities his Lady the Royal Princesse Mary was by him left great with Child and soon after his death delivered of a Posthume son And now on the first of Ianuary the day appointed by the grand Convention at S. Iohnston's the solemnity having been removed to Scone the usual place for the Coronation of the Kings of Scotland First his Majesty in a Princes Robe was conducted from his Bed-chamber by the Constable and Marshal to the Chamber of presence where he was by the Lord Angus Chamberlain placed in a chair under a cloth of Estate Then the Nobles and Commissioners of Barons and Burroughs entred the Room and having shown themselves to his Majesty the Chancellor spake to this effect Sir your good Subjects desire you may be crowned as righteous and lawfull heir of the Crown of this Kingdome that you would maintain the present professed Religion the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant That you would graciously be pleased to receive them under your protection to govern them according to law to defend them in their rights and priviledges by your Royal power they offering themselves in humble manner to your Majesty with their vowes to bestow land life and what else is in their power for the maintenance of Religion for the safety of your Majesties sacred person and maintenance of your Crown which they entreat your Majesty to accept and pray Almighty God that for many years you may enioy the same The King to this made Answer I do esteem the affections of my good people more then the Crowns of many kingdoms and shall be ready by Gods assistance to bestow my life in their defence wishing to live no longer then I may see Religion and the kingdom flourish in all happiness This ceremony performed the Nobles and Commissioners of Barons and Burroughs accompanied his Maiesty to the church of Scoone the spurres being carried before him by the Earl of Eglinton the sword by the Earl Rothes the sceptet by the Earls of Craford and Lindsay the Crown by the Marquess of Argyle â—mmediately before the Kings Maâ—esty who followed supported by the Constable and Marshal his train â—orn up by the Lords Montgomory Ereskine Newbottle and Machelene under a Canopy of crimson velvet supported by the Lords Drummond Garnegie Ramsey Iohnston Brechin and Yâ—ter which six were supported by six Noblemen's sons Thus they went to the Church which being fitted for the purpose the Honors were laid upon a Table provided for them and his Majesty ascâ—nded on a stage 24. foot square and seated himself in a chair to hear the sermon upon this stage there was another smaller stage erected wheron the Throne stood His Majesty being seated on the Chair a sermon was preached by Robert Douglas Moderator of the Commission of the General Assembly Sermon being ended the National Covenant of Scotland the solemn League and Covenant were distinctly read which done the Oath was ministred in these words I Charles King of great Britain France and Ireland do assure and declare by my solemn Oath in the presence of Almight God the searcher of all hearts my allowance and approbation of the National Covenant of the solemn League and Covenant and faithfully oblige my self to prosecute the ends thereof in my station and calling and that I for my self and successors shall consent and agree to all Acts of Parliament enjoyning the National Covenant and the solemne League and Covenant and fully establish Presbyterian Government the Directory of Worship Confession of Faith and Catechisms in the Kingdome of Scotland as they
are approved by the general Assemblies of this Kirk Parliament of this Kingdome and that I shall give my Royal assent to Acts and Ordinances of this Parliament passed or to be passed injoining the same in my other Dominions And that I shall observe these in mine own practice and Family and shall never make opposition to any of those or endeavour any change thereof The King having thus solemnly sworn the National covenant the solemn League and Covenant with the Oath subjoined was by him underwritten in the presence of them all which done the King ascended the other Stage and sate down in the Throne Then the Lords great Constable and marshal went to the four corners of the Stage Lyon king at Arms going before them who spoke these words to the people Sirs I do present unto you the King CHARLES the Rightful and undoubted heir of the Crown and Dignity of this Realm this day is by the Parliament of this Kingdom appointed for his Coronation And are you not willing to have him for your King and become subject to his commandments At this action the king stood up and shewed himself to the people round about who expressed their consent by their joiful acclamations crying God save King CHARLES the Second Then his majesty descended from his Throne into the chaire where he sate to hear the Sermon of whom the minister accompanied with som others of his Tribe demanded if he were willing to take the Cornonation Oath according as it was contained in the eighth Act of the first Parliament of King James the VI his Royal grandfather The King answered he was most willing Then was the oath read aloud by the Lyon King at Arms in these words Because that the encrease of Virtue and suppressing Idolatry craveth that the Prince and People be of one perfect Religion which of God's mercy is now presently professed within this Realm Therefore it is statuted and ordained by our Soveraigne Lord my Lord Regent and three Estates of this present Parliament That all Kings Princes and Magistrates whatsoever holding their place which hereafter at any time shall happen to reigne and beare rule over this Realm at the time of their Coronation and receit of their Princely Authority make their faithful promise in the presence of the Eternal God That enduring the whole course of their lives they shall serve the same Eternal God to the uttermost of their power according as he hath required in his most holy Word revealed and contained in the New and Old Testaments and according to the same words shall maintaine the true Religion of Christ Jesus the preaching of his holy Word and the due and right ministration of the sacraments now received preached within this Realm and shall abolish and gain-stand all false Religions contrary to the same shall rule the people committed to their charge according to the will and command of God revealed in his foresaid Word and according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received in this Realm no waies repugnant to the said Word of the Eternal God and shall procure to the utmost of their power to the Kirk of God and whole christian people true and perfect peace in time coming The rights and rents with all just priviledges of the crown of Scotland to pre serve and keep inviolated neither shall they transfer or alienate the same They shall forbid and repress all in all Estates and Degrees Leases Oppression and all kinde of Wrong in all Judgement They shall command and procure that Justice and Equity be kept to all creatures without exception as the Lord and Father of mercies be merciful unto them And out of their Lands and Empire they shall be careful to root out all Hereticks and enemies to the true Worship of God that shall be convict by the true Kirk of God of the aforesaid crimes and that he shall faithfully affirm the things above written by the solemn Oath The Oath thus read the Minister tendered it to the King who kneeling and holding up his right hand sware thus By the Eternal Almighty GOD who liveth reigneth for ever I shall observe and keep all that is contained in this Oath Then was the King disrobed by the Lord Chamberlain of the Princely Robe with which he entred the church and vested with his Royal Robes so supported as before he removed to the chair placed on the North side of the Kirk whither the sword was first brought from the table by Sir William Cockburn of Langtown Gentleman usher who delivers it to the great Chamberlain and he making a short speech delivers it to his Majesty by whom it was given into the great Constable's hands and by him girt to the King's side Then his Majesty sitting down in the Chair the spurs are put on him by the Earlâ—marshal After which Archibald Marquesse of Argyle takes the Crown into his hands and after a short Prayer made by the minister puts it upon his Majesties head Which done the Lion King of Arms the great Constable standing by him called the Nobility one by one who came all and kneeling and touching the Crown upon the King's head with their right hand swore thus By the Eternal and Almighty God who liveth and reigneth for ever I shall support thee to the uttermost The obligatory Oath was likewise read to the people they holding up their hands Lastly after the Earls of Craford and Lindesay had delivered his majesty the Scepter he returned again to the Stage where he was installed in the Throne by the Marquess of Argyle and after a short exhortation of Master Robert Douglasses returned to his Pallace with the Crown upon his head in the same manner as he came This is a full relation of the ceremonies performed at his Majesties Coâ—â—â—â—â—ion at Scoone on the first of January 1650. which I the rather fully insert because the World may take notice of those hard Covenant Pills which the Kirkmen made him swallow Presently after the coronation the King and Nobles returned in a most solemn manner to S. Johns town the Kings Majesty having a guard to attend him consisting of most Lords and Gentlemen's sons and the Lord Lorne son to the Marquess of Argyle was made Captain of it And now his majesty intends with all possible speed the raising of an Army for the Scots having had all this while no Army on the other side the Fife to oppose the English proceedings they had reduc'd all places there under their force even Edenburgh Castle it self to which effect he orders his Standard to be set up at Aberdeen himself nobly resolving to be Generalissimâ—â—â—â— his Army the other general commands were now given as well to the Royalists as Presbyterians for Duke Hamilton was made Liev. General of the Army and Middleton Lieu. General of the Horse The levies came in apace to the general Rendezvouse which was appointed on the East part of Fife whither his Majesty in person went
under But let him that shall look upon the several passages of his read them over and over consider the several difficulties he passed the many dangers he was in to be betrayed the countrey being up round about the summe of money set upon his head for which many hundreds out of covetousness made it their business to search for him and they wil confess ingenuously that God was never so merciful to any people as to us in delivering his sacred Majesty so wonderfully out of the hands of his Enemies who breathed out no thing but his death and destruction that we may yet have hopes to be a happy Nation But let us now return to give a ful account of this dismal loss at Worcester in which most of his Maiesty's foot were either made a prise or a sacrifice to their enemies swords of the horse there escaped 3000. out of the field but were most afterwards either taken or knockt on the head by the Countrey in their flight three thousand were judged flain in the Field and about seven thousand taken prisoners whereof the chiefe were the Earls Derby Lauderdale Cleaveland Shrewsburgh and the Lord Wentworth and many other noble persons taken in the pursuit And the chief of those taken in the battel were the Earls of Carnwarth and Kelly the Lord Synclare Sir Iohn Packington the Maior Generals Montgomery and Piscotty and the Virgil of this Age that thrice worthy Mr. Richard Fanshaw Translatour of the renowned Pastor Fido and Secretary to his Majesty As for the thrice noble Duke Hamilton he was taken but not overcome over-powred but not vanquish't For after having made a most Heroick resistance he was reduced under his enemies power more for want of strength then valour but death entring in at those wounds which he so gallantly received in defence of his Soveraign soon after released him Major General Massey though he escaped the field yet his wounds being desperate he was forced to surrender himself to the Countesse of Stamford and was by her son the Lord Grey of Groby after the recovery of his wounds sent up prisoner to the Parliament and by them committed to the Tower from whence he not long after escaped and went to his Majesty beyond sea This strange and wonderful Victory as the Juncto at Westminster gave it out to be though they had six to one in the field made that sectarian party cock-a-hoop and to make it the greater publick days of Thanks-giving are appointed to make God the patronizer of their villanies murders tyrannies and treasons and now they boast in all their discourses how clearly it might appear that God owned their cause and disowned their adversaries I think a modern Writer hath sufficiently confuted that commonly received tenent of Polititians * That success denotes actions to be either just or unjust I shall therefore leave the sober Reader here to satisfie himself and refer it to him whether such do not justly deserve Ovid's wish Careat succèssibus opto Quisquis ab eventu facta notanda putat Let him for ever in success be poor That thinks it justifies his cause the more But this Nation is so highly sensible of the injustice put upon them by those who pretend so much right in their Cause that there 's no Loyal Subject but will think according to reason that it was not the justice of their cause but our own and the Nation's sinnes which caused God to raise up these men as scourges both to Prince and people and to the Prince onely for the Peoples sake Some I have heard which out of a spirit which I cannot well define have endeavoured to brand his Royal Majesty with Cowardize in this battel which from whence it could proceed unlesse from their own coward nature which would insimulate another in that of which themselves are guilty I cannot imagine since Cromwell the greatest of his Enemies because the most desirous of his Kingdoms yet had so much of truth in him as to give a high and noble Character of his Valour But to proceed We have now said enough of this fatal battel the seeming ruine of the Royal Interest in England unless God of his mercy be pleased to restore it for the good peace and quiet of these Nations since without it we cannot hope to enjoy any His sacred Majesty being landed in France near Havre de Grace from thence with a Noble Lord in his Company posted directly for Roan where they stayed to alter their disguises and furnish them with habits answerable to their Qualities his Majesty from thence having dispatch't Letters to the French Court to acquaint his friends there of his safe arrival which doubtlesse caused no little joy in those who were real to him and almost despaired ever again to have seen him The Duke of Orleans sends his own Coach to fetch him several persons of quality go to meet him by whom he was attended to Paris and there received with all possible expressions of joy lodgings and attendants being forthwith provided for him in the Lâ—uure where at his first arrival he was visited by the Queen his Mother the Duke of Orleans who of all persons in the Kingdome exprest himself the most ready to do him service and the next day visits him again accompanied with his Daughter Madamoiselle He is likewise courted by the Dukes of Beaufort Longueville Guize the Marshal Thurine and many other Peers and Nobles of France who all congratulate his safe deliverance And now his Majesty having lost all hopes of any further means of attaining his Dominions by force leads here a retired life yet living in regard of his high alliance extraction in great esteem with all the French Nobility Insomuch that notwithstanding his present low condition there was very great talk of a match to be made up between him and the Madamoiselle de Orleans the richest Princes in Christendom yet by some means or other it came to no effect though the Queen of England his Mother was an earnest promoter of it and also of the Duke of York to Longneville's daughter Whilest these things were transacting hapned that lately reconciled Fracture between the Prince of Conde Cardinal Mazarine most of the Princes of the Blood siding with the first the King of France who was newly declared of age to sway the Scepter himself with the last The cause of the quarrel was that extravagant power which Mazarine a stranger had usurped in the government of the Kingdome both depriving the Princes of the Blood of their Right and oppressing the people whose daily murmurings more encouraged the Princes against him This power he had got into his hands in the Regency of the Queen Mother whose grand favourite he only was The Princes therefore though they could not during her Regency who so much loved him yet hoped they might effect something now the King himself is come to govern to which intent they charge him with several miscarriages
of State which the Cardinal defends and the King also enclines to his side by the instigation of the Queen his Mother yet nothing but the Cardinal's banishment will satisfie the Princes who join the Duke of Lorain to them then in the service of the Spaniard with an Army of ten thousand men so that they intend with his assistance if they could not obtain their desires by fair means to have forc't it Thus these differences were arrived at such a height that nothing but a Civil War was like to ensue which made his Sacred Majesty of England use his utmost endeavours to compose and stay this breach before it came to an utter overflow to which effect he daylie went to and fro betwixt the King the Princes endeavouring to bring them to a reconciliation urging by his own example the miseries and calamities that must necessarily fall upon every man's head by a Civil War telling the King that the late Example of his Royal Father of happy memory might be an inducement to him to be at peace with his Subjects rather then embroil his Kingdoms in a bloody War by which though he might for the present gain the better yet in the end he would still be sure to have the worse Yet these Arguments and his Majesty's earnest endeavours for peace and reconciliation produced nothing but only contract an unjust odium upon him from both parties for his good will the Princes believing that he counselled the King against them and the Cardinal again him So that he lost the love of both by endeavouring to make them love one another yet notwithstanding the ill successe he had this Noble Prince stil pursues his pacifick intentions til such time as he gains a conference between the King Cardinal and Princes but this proves ineffectual for the Princes heightened with the aid they expected from the Duke of Lorain instead of coming to an accord onely exasperate differences Yet his sacred Majesty ceases not but indeavours to bring them yet to a peaceable compliance and in order thereunto procures another conference where he himself would be Moderatour but this proves as ineffectual as the former For the Prince of Conde was above all others outragious and would come to no agreement except Mazarine were first banished France and the French King as violently persisted in his resolution against it alledging That he had approved himself both a faithfull servant and an able Minister of State So instead of agreement both sides prepare for Warre yet are both sides equally angry and exasperated against his sacred Majesty for his good will towards them and the nation the one and other party imagining that both he and his Mother had given counsels opposite to their designs But that which above all exasperated the Princes against his Majesty of England was the sudden luke-warmness of the Duke of Lorain in the businesse For though he had drawn off his Army as though he had complied with their resolutions to come to a battel yet being sent for by the Princes to advance towards Paris he refused to come which made the Princes believe there had been some underhand-dealing with him and that which most of all increased their jealousies that King Charles had a hand in it was this The Duke of Beaufort coming to the Camp of Lorain to desire him in the name of the Princes to come up and fight found there his Mâ—jesty his Brother the Duke of York in private conference with Lorain who withdrawing when Beaufort appeared Beaufort finding the Duke's aversness to the enterprize confirmed him and he confirmed the Princes of the King of England's endeavours whereby he had withdrawn Lorain from their party This coming to the peoples ears who were absolute favourers of the Princes and invetrate enemies to Mazarine so extremely incensed them against the English Princes that they threaten violence and indignities to their persons and are not afraid to affront the Queen their Mother in her Coach which made his Majesty to avoid the popular fury retire himself from the Lovure to St. Germane Nor is the Cardinal less incensed though under a more politick vail For though both Princes People might imagine and believe that his Majesty had counsel'd things opposite to their intentions yet the Cardinal very wel knew that he had advised the King as the best course to consent to his departure out of the Kingdom and that if he had endeavoured to draw Lorain from their party 't was only out of a desire he had to expedite their agreement he therefore resolves to thwart him in all his designs And so he did to the utmost of his endeavours For his Majesty though suspected by the Princes in his several conferences with Lorain to have endeavoured to divert him from them was onely transfacting with him for the recovery of his Kingdome of Ireland out of the hands of the English Republick to which effect several Articles were drawn up between the Duke of Lorain and the Lord Taaf two of which were 1. That the Duke of Loraine should transport an Army of 10000. men at his own charges into Ireland there to join with such as should be found Loyal for the Recovery of his Majesties Rights in that Kingdom 2. That the Duke of Lorain should by his Majesty be invested with the Power and Title of Protector Royal of Ireland These Articles though drawn up never came to be signed the cause of which some have imagined to be the disability of the Duke to perform the Enterprize without the Aid of some other Prince but we may in more reason guesse it proceeded from the strenuous endeavours of Mazarine his Majesty 's so lately made-enemy to divert the Duke's Army then from any other cause Many in England upon hearing of these Propositions made to the Duke of Lorain which I must confess some believe to have never proceeded any farther then Discourse of the Dukes feared his Majesties too great inclination to the Romish Religion which fear his after-retirement at St. Germain's convinced there was no need of For here he spent his time wholly in Piety and Devotions according to the best Worship of the Church of England never forgetting to pray for those his Enemies who were not only content to have deprived him of his Kingdomes but continually belched forth both slanders and maledictions against him His Majesty having staid at S. Germaines till such time as the heat of the popular fury was over which decreased still towards him as they found Mazarine more averse to him returned again to the Lovure where during his abode his brother the Duke of Glocester who had a long time been detained by the Iuncte of England in the Isle of Wight and was lately permitted by them to go to his Sister the Princess Royall in Holland came to him accompanied from the Hague by Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir Richard Greenvile he was at his arrivall at Paris honourably received by the
King of France and Queen Mother and courted according to his birth by the rest of the Grandees and Peers of the Kingdome Likewise during his Majesties abode here arrived his Quondam Preserver Mrs. Iane Lane who after she had taken leave of his Majesty at Bristow returned home and lived for some space in a great deal of security not doubting she could be betrayed Yet at length by what means I know not though indeed I have heard of many relations that I dare not relate any it came to light yet she had some timely notice of it whereupon she who had formerly disguised his Majesty in a Serving-mans habit now disguises her self in that of a Country wench and that trots on foot to save her life which she was like to loose for having formerly saved his sacred Majesties quite crosse the Countrey to Zarmouth where she found shipping which convey'd her safe into France great search after her departure there was made for her but in vain which so incensed the Souldiers that they burnt down to the ground that poor Cottage where his Majesty first took shelter after his Escape from Worcester She being arrived in France sends a Letter to the Court whereupon his Majesty almost overjoyed at her Escape who had been the cause of his immediately sends some persons of quality in Coaches to conduct her to Paris whither being near come himself with the Queen his Mother the Duke of York Glocester went out to meet this Preserver of the life of their Son Sovereign and Brother the Coaches meeting and she being descended from her Coach his Majesty likewise descends and taking her by the hand salutes her with this gratefull expression Welcome my life and so putting her into his own Coach conducts her to Paris where she was entertained with the applause wonder of the whole Court she could indeed deserve no less for I believe neither past or future ages can or will ever parallell so great a pattern of female Loyalty and Generosity Whilst his Majesty was thus passing away his time in France more in contemplation then action Oliver Cromwel made General of all the Iuncto's forces in England Scotland and Ireland finding now a fit opportunity to put his long-laid ambitious designs in execution had dissolved that Iuncto which had usurped the Kingly power or more over England and taken upon himself though not the title yet the Royall power authority over these Nations which the people though unwilling yet were forced to submit to and though he had not at first any basis whereon to ground his new usurped Regality yet in stead of one Iuncto he pluckt down he easily sets up another which I may the more justly call so in regard there was not one of them chosen by the free Votes of the people but by his own Arbitray Election those such persons who knew well enough what they had to doe before they met these after a short time of sitting without doing any thing besides the making of some impertinent laws which were forceably imposed on the people surrender their power as dying men do their souls to God into his hands that gave it who by the help of the Officers of the army Lamberts instrument makes himself immediatly King of England Scotland Irelaand which government he had often swore against though under the title of Protector This I must needs say Noble Tyrant having got the Dominion of three such Kingdomes into his possession made it now as much his study to preserve himself safe in his Estate and Grandezza as he did before to acquire it to which purpose he thought it most suitable to that design to make some remarkable disturbance amongst the neighbouring Princes then to contine that War begun by the Iuncto of Parliament with the Dutch to which purpose several motions of a Treaty passed His sacred Majesty though he had sundry times before solicited the assistance of those United Provinces for the regaining of his Right in his Kingdomes now more earnestly upon secret intelligence of the first motions of this Treaty sends the Lord Gerard his Embassadour to the United States more earnestly intreating them to own his Interest then before proffering that if they would vest out a squadron of good Ships under his Flag he would command them himself in person His Sister the Princess of Orange and other of his friends in the Low Countries addicted to his Interest earnestly prosecutes his desires and use their utmost influence on the States of the United Provinces for the performance of his propositions Nor are there five of these Provinces nor Van Trump himself their Admiral unwiling to comply with him Only the Province of Holland the most potent at sea stands out chiefly out of the disgust they had lately taken to the family of Orange whose Interest and command they were fearfull might be restored should his Majesty who was Uncle to the young Prince be invested in his Territories His Majesty likewise to advance his hopes of their assistance when Monsieur Bortell came from those United States to negotiate a League with the King of France used his utmost Interest to promote the Treaty and in fine brought it to a desired period notwithstanding the United States sent no other answer to his Embassy then a cold Letter of Complements His designs thus failing him here he directed himself to a more hopefull course by interposing himself a Mediator with the Pope other Catholick Princes for an accord and peace between the two mighty Crowns of France and Spain And indeed two such potent Monarchs had been in better capacity with their joynt forces to have assisted him had the peace went forward as there was great hopes then the United States of the Netherlands but Cardinall Mazarine by a piece of secret State-policy endeavoured to obstruct all proceedings which might tend to a Treaty or accord Nor was this Cardinal's Spleen to his Royall Majesty yet allayed for his supposed Council against him in the forementioned difference between the King and Princes but farther to prejudice him his affairs he endeavours the promotion of a peace betwixt the Protector of England the French King his Master which though opposed by all the force Interest that either himself or the Queen his Mother had in the French Court yet was by the Cardinal whose will was a law all other government in that Kingdome being but a meer shadow vigorously carried on and an Ambassadour sent over to treat of an accord where having been sometime in England his Majesty was by secret intelligence informed that the chief Article insisted upon in the Treaty by the Protector of England was the excluding himself relations and followers out of the Kingdome of France and it 's Territories wherefore least the treaty should be suddenly concluded upon those terms and he ceremoniously excluded he thought it more honourable himself to leave that Kingdome of his on accord and having
taken his leave of the King of France the rest of the Nobility accompanied with his Cousin Prince Rupert he departed for Germany where the Lord Wilmot had long been Ambassador for him to solicite aid and assistance Yet notwithstanding his Brothers the Duke of York and Glocester staid still in France The first having under the Command of the Marshal of Turine against the Spaniards performed such Eminent services as had made him deservedly esteemed a most valorous and prudent Prince insomuch that notwithstanding his Youth he was made Lieu. Generall of the French Army and thought so well worthy that Command that when Turine the most esteemed Generall the French have for a long time had lay desperately sick and it was expected that he should breath his last he was by the King of France sent to to desire him that seeing there were so little hopes of this life he would nominate such a General of his Army as he might judge fit to succeed him To which Turine answered that if his Majesty would have his affairs prosper he should make choice of a Noble valorous and fortunate Generall which if he did he could make of choice of no fitter person then the thrice Heroick Duke of York As for his Brother the Duke of Glocester he remained at the Pallace Royall in Paris with the Queen his Mother who shortly after the Departure of his Royall Majesty endeavoured by all the bonds of filial obedience and the most prevailing Arguments could be used to perswade him to become Roman Catholick noâ— did she alone but the Queen Mother of France and the prime Nobility of that Kingdom attempted the same when the Rhetorique of the Court could not prevail the most eminent for learning set upon him with that depth of reason as long acquired study and their own interest could oblige them to use or furnish them withall nor were Arguments and Reaonly used but the highest temptatiâ—ns this world could present to a Prince in Adversity such were a Cardinals Hat and a Revenue suitable to his Dignity when these could not prevail the indignâ—tion of a Royall Mother was poured forth upon him which brought him the deprivation of his Tutor his Servants and all Comforters in these temptations But that Noble Prince was so far indowed during this affliction with the Principles of the Religion of the Church of England besides that naturall piety and constancy flowing from his most religious Father of blessed Memory that by the depth of Truth and Reason he defended himself against these attempts After this he is committed to the care of one Mr. Walter Mountague Abbot of Nantueil living at Pontoise who keeps him in very closely and works and persists still in endeâ—â—ouring to pervert him using the Argument of Duty and obedience to his Mothers commands which she did injoyn him to doe or never more to see her face which from that day to this he hath not seen This Noble soul replyed with a sorrowful heart That as the Queens Majeâ—ty was his Mother he ought her duty but as his Brother was his King and Sovereign he ought him Duty and Allegiance which he could not dispute Whilst he is at Pontoise the most noble and religious Lord 〈◊〉 takes occasion to go wait upon the Dukâ— according to private instructions received from his Majesty who to his great sorrow had advised of these particulars he is admitted with much trouble to the presence of the Duke who imbraced him as his Deliverer with some difficulty urging the commands of his Majesty and his own arguments he is delivered to his care who conducts him with a speciall respect and diligence to his house in Paris where he is entertained divers daies with all honour confirmed with all diligence by that learned Lord in his so well imbued Principles untill the arrivall of the Marquesse of Ormond who by the Kings Command receives and conducts him to his Majesties Court His Majesty in his journy towards Germany came first to Chatillon a Castle belonging to the Prince of Conde whither he was accompanied by his Brother the Duke of Yorkâ— and his Cousins Prince Rupert and Edward Palatines here Prince Edward and the Duke of York left them the one going to Bourbon the other returning to the Army where he continued a good while after his Majesty and Prince Rupert continuâ—d for some few daies their journy together 'till the Prince parted from him to go visit his Brother Frederick at Hidelberg his Majesty passing through Cambray and Leige to the Spaw where he took up the first place of his Residence in Germany whither his Sister the Royall Princess of Orange came to visit him and they no doubt during the time of their being there were as merry as two such afflicted Princes could But let us a little leave his Majesty at the Spaw and look into his Kingdomes where Cromwell that he might secure himself in his ill-gotten Estate endeavours by all means possible either to take away the lives or wholly impoverish and disable his Majesties loyal Subjects who are continually charged with something which he by his usurped power takes hold of to destroy them several persons are apprehended and charged with a design to have seized on the Tower and proclaimed his Majesty King of those Kingdoms which by right were his for tryall of which persons a High Court of Justice a thing we now in England know very well was erected for the tryall of those persons and Col. Iohn Gerard Mr. Peter Vowel and Sommerset Fox were condemned to be hanged drawn and quartered for no lesse then High Treason forsooth though there were then no Act in being making it Treason to conspire against the Power then in being in England But somewhat of the sentence was remitted and Col. Gerard was beheaded and Mr. Vowel only hanged Mr. Fox reprieved I have always observed that in all the tryals made by those High courts of Justice for plots as they call them there hath still been some one person who though brought to tryall have either not been condemned though look't upon by the people as eminent in the businesse as any and though Condemned yet have been reprieved what others guesse of it I will not determine I know what I do The truth is that his Majesty had alwaies the ill fortune to have such false servants about him as have for the Lucre of money either betrayed any enterprize of his for the gaining of his right the Protector especially being very prodigal in such expences his intelligence as most affirm standing him in no less then two hundred thousand pounds per annum or else those persons engaged for him being many of them deboist fellows and who often ran upon designes uncommissioned have in a Tavern both layd and betrai'd their own undertakings or else some here in England who have undertaken in such businesses have either for fear or gain betrayed both their Prince friends and Countrey Thus much for
the peoples hatred to an Usurper doth alwayes produce their love to a lawfull Prince nor had they before 'till deluded by those Tyrannizers any time to consider the miseries of their lawful Soveraign which now they begin to compassionate and seeing him the only person whom these men endevour by all means possible to keep down hatred to their tyrannies makes the people naturally desire his restauration and him whom before they thought justly expulsed they think it both Justice and Charity to reinstate as much considering it to be their own as his interest experience having taught them the difference between the Government by one gentle Prince and many Rusticks Thus far did these mens divisions invest his sacred Majesty with the love of his people who in the mean time lives retiredly at Bruges expecting either what the good will of his subjects might do for the restoring him to his Right or what the successe might be of that Treaty which was then the grand action of Europe in agitation between those two potent Monarchs France and Spain from whose joynt-forces he might expect so great a supply as might have reinstated him in his Dominions by force a course most of all opposite to his Majestie's nature who even in private things never attempts any thing by violence which he can obtain by intreaty Yet great hopes had the Royallists both in England abroad that this Treaty would produce some good effects yet it went on very slowly and after a great deal of tediousness came to a cessation and from that to an interview between the two grand Officers of State Don Lewis de Haro Count De Olivares chief favourite to his Catholick Majesty Cardinall Mazarine chief Minister of State to the most Christian King these being met upon the Frontier his sacred Majesty of great Brittain was invited thither by Don Lewis de Haro His Majesty received this invitation at Diepe in Normandy whither he had privately withdrawn himself as likewise had his Brother the Duke of York to Calice that they might be in a readinesse to have come over into England upon any fit opportunity they having received many invitations from their friends here about that time when Sir George Booth was up in Cheshire all England in a manner gaping for him But Sir George being as I said before overcome his Majesti's and the whole Nations hopes fail'd and the fanatick power still continued Paramount His Majesty therefore from Deipe begins his journey towards the frontiers of Spain which journey he intended to make privately and being first come to Roan he was there nobly entertained and feasted by Mr. Scot an English Merchant who accompanied his Majesty to the Protestant Church about three miles from the City where with a great deal of Devotion and attention he heard a Sermon From Roan his Majesty accompanied with the Marquess of Ormond the Lord Digby Mr. Oneen took Post steering their course directly for Bayonne near which the two great Officers of state were to meet not staying in any place but endeavouring by all means possible to travel undiscovered as was before resolved Being come near to the end of his Journey advice was sent to Don Lewis de Haro of his Majesties approach who immediately accompanied with a very gallant Train came forth to meet him and being come near unto him Don Lewis alighted from his horse and notwithstanding the place where they met was very dirty kneeling down he clapt his hands about his Majesties Knees and with a great deal of Humility kissed them His Majesty was from hence conducted with becoming Ceremonies to the place appointed for his accomodation Don Lewis riding all the way bareheaded by him where he was entertained with all possible splendor and gallantry Many overtures and propositions there passed between his Majesty and Don Lewis de Haro touching what aid and assistance might be granted him by his Catholick Majesty for the regaining of his rights and Kingdoms his Majesty endeavouring by all means possible to promote and further the present Treaty between France and Spain and to bring it to a happy conclusion by the Marriage of the King of France to the Spanish Infanta it tending so much to his Interest that till the conclusion of it nothing could be effected by those Princes which might any way promote his Right or possession To all his desires or propositions the noble count De Olivares returned pleasing answers and carried himself with so much respect towards him that he could not have been more submissive to the Catholick Majesty of Spain his Master His Majesty having some time been treated here returned back again through France being accompanied some part of his way by Don Lewis and repassing the rest privately by Post as he had formerly passed it till he came to Charinton Paris where his Mother was with whom he staid some few dayes though he was not now Courted and caressed by the French Nobility as formerly and then returned to his residence at Brussels His Majesties private departure from Brussels and his privacy during his whole journey made it certainly believed that both he and his Brother the Duke of York who lay at Calais were come over into England and that they lay here concealed expecting according to the event of things either to discover or secure themselves nay so certain was the belief even those in power had of it who had not so good intelligence as Oliver Cromwell that many persons were apprehended for them and particularly one Mr. Colt was taken for the Duke of York and kept in prison for him till such time as certain news arrived in England of the Dukes return to Brussels Several other persons likewise suffered imprisonment for being pressed to be like either his Majesty or his Brother His Majesty living retired at Brussels the continuance of the differences in England among those who had usurped his power doth still highly promote his interest For though Lambert had routed Sir George Booth and by it declared absolutely against a Free Parliament for which as the undoubted right of the Nation Sir George Booth and his Party took up Arms yet the people could not be content but now once put in the way they began violently to hanker after their long lost Liberty Nor could the turning out of the Rump for so had the people out of Disgrace termed the Iuncto which then sate whom then inveterately hated any whit now sweeten them in their slavery but they continually murmured out agravated their oppressions one to another and though they came to no violence yet 't is suspected it was more out of the hope they had that Generall George Monck who was then marching with his Army out of Scotland should assert their Liberties which somewhat allayed the popular fury then out of any fear or Cowardise But in the mean time their expections seem'd utterly to fail them for the Rump had by their industry so inveigled most
of the Army from Lambert that by their help they return take their seats in the House and dissolve his Committee of Safety command the Soldiers of his Army to repair to their appointed Quarters and Order Generall Monck to bring up his Army to London in all which they are punctually obeyed Lambert's Souldiers deserting him and Generall Monck according to their orders marching up his Army quite through England Yet the Nation had so great hopes of the Noble General that in all his passage through England â—he is courted with addresses from the Gentry of every County remonstrating the distractions they long had and were still like to lye under and inteating that they would be as they hoped hee 'd prove the Deliverer and saver of his Countrey that to settle them in some way of Government a Parliament might be called by the free Votes of the people that they might no longer be Governed by such Wolves as onely made a Prey of them nor their Governours be subjected to the awe and force of an exorbitant Army To all these desires he returned answers promising such things as might be for the good of the Nation But being come to London where he was received with a great deal of joy he put the people almost quite out of hopes of him nay rather into a fear that instead of proving their deliverer he would be the means to enslave them for by the commandment of the Rump he enters the City with his whole Army imprisons many of their Common Council digs up their Posts and breakes down their Gates whilst the stupifi'd Citizens having now fear added to their slavery durst hardly murmur at but with sighs and nods bid adieu to their Liberty Yet notwithstanding this violence the Noble Generall revives their hopes and retiring himself into the City refusing to be subject to the Iuncto's command Shortly after he admits those Members of the House of Commons which were in 1648. forceably excluded by the Army for having given their Votes that the Rings Concessions at the Isle of Wight Treaty were sufficient grounds for a peace and settlement who having taken their places in the House we had now got a step towards our ancient happinesse one of the three Estates of the Kingdom viz. the House of Commons being permitted to sit freely a thing not known so us in twelve precedent years God of Heaven of his mercy to these Nations grant that the other two may in his due time admitted to the discharge of their power and trust that these Nations once so famous under that Government may no longer continue to be the scorn and derision of foreign Countries And great hopes there is now that these Kingdomes may again return to be happy since disloyalty the first cause of their miseries and distractions begins blessed be God every day to be depressed and loyalty to flourish many of those who formely with a zealous fury broak their oath of Allegiance to their King wishing now that they had a King to shew allegiance to perceiving that all innovations of Government are not whatsome would have themseem to be viz. ways to liberty freedom but meer baits of ambitions self-minded men to hook in the people to slavery But to return to his Majesty in Flanders of whose itenary life we have already given you a particular account it will not be impertiment to say somewhat of his sedentary and retired living that by his oeconomy we may judge of his Monarchy and of the government of those few subjects in his Family of that of his three Kingdoms His Majesty hath spent most of his time wherein he hath been out of his Dominions in Flanders under the protection of the Catholique King of Spaine nor had he ever anywhere else so setled a Court and habitation as here where his chiefe attendants are the Lord Chancellor Hide the Marquis of Ormond the Earle of Norwich the Lord Wentworth the Lord Digby and many others Nobles and Gentlemen whose loyalty to his sacred Majesty and his Royall Father hath made exiles to their Country a particular number of which he makes use of for his Councell doing nothing without serious and mature advice and yet being of so stagacious a judgement that whatever he sayes is seldome contradicted by the most judicious of his Councellors not out of feare or flattery but out of a reall assent to and concurrence with his judgement And indeed those great opportunities which he hath had by his so long being abroad of diving into the great Councels of Forrein Princes and States must necessarily make him a person of a very perspicuous understanding endow him with all those qualities which may deservedly attain the name of Great and render him as well an able Statist as a King he having during his expulsion travelled through and lived in the Countries of three the most potent Princes in Christendome viz. the Emperour 's of Germany and the Kings of Spaine and France and so to the Germain resolution added the Spaniards prudence and the Frenchmans expedition To these extraordinary helps which never a Prince in Christendome can boast of we may yet adde those more then ordinary gifts wherewith nature hath been pleased to endow him which being so extreamly improved we can hardly now discern but that it may be known what they were take the character of an Honourable Lord upon his death bed who speaking of him when about fifteen or sixteen yeers of age hath these words Truly I never saw greater hopes of vertue in any young person then in him Great judgement great understanding strong apprehension much of honour in his nature and a very perfect Englishman in his inclinations So that both nature and industry have seemed to use their utmost endeavours to make him a perfect Prince his very affliction turning in this to his benefit and making him in knowledge and sufferings the Refiner of knowledge unparraleld Some forreign Princes as well envying as pittying hiâ— expulsion This perfect knowledge of his he hath indeed had but small occasion to practice except a little in Scotland where I think hee demonstrated himselfe a person so prudent and carefull in his affairs that it is beyond my pens expression His Subjects good was his only care nor did he ever act any thing but what might tend more to theirs then his own interest still consulting whether it might benefit them not himself His Letter to Col. Mackworth Governour of Shrewsbury sufficiently demonstrates his affection to his very enemies he would win not conquer the hearts of those who though they have broke their Allegiance to him yet hee would esteem still his Subjects He would not conquer with blood lest he should be thought a Tyrant He endeavours by faire means to attain the love of his Subjects that what ever his very enemies think of him he may approve himself to be a just Prince And did fortune give him power yet would he rather attempt
that when a word is once gone out of his Mouth he will rather suffer by it then break it To conclude he is the pattern of Patience and Piety the most Righteous and Justest of Kings The most knowing and experienced of Princes The Holiest and the best of Men The severest punisher of Vice The strictest rewarder of Virtue The constantest perseverer in Religion And the truest lover of his Subjects This a short Character of his illustrious Majesty which I fear those that know him will rather think to come short of then reach his due praise so sweetly vertuous is he in all his Carriages so affable in his discourse so void of passion and anger that he was never yet heard or seen in Chollor the utmost extent of any passion that ever was discerned in him being towards one of his Menial Servants who justifying himself in what he had done amiss his Majesty with some motion told him that he was an insolent Fellow Yet this is that Prince whose vertues we have given leave to Forraign Nations to admire whilst we our selves have rested as well ignorant of his deserts as destitute of our own Liberty whilst either infatuated or blinded by those who have Tyrannically usurped governments over us we have been contented to sit still and see him expulsed and exiled from his due Rights and Royalties and our selves from our Freedome and Priviledges Nor hath God alone been merciful to us in endowing his sacred Majesty with such Heroick virtues but he hath given us a stock of noble Princes who seeme to emulate Virtue in one another and grow up like Royal Oaks to maintain the Honour and Glory of this Nation but are yet and have a long time been the disgrace of it all the Nations in Europe laughing at the English folly who slight that happinesse which they might enjoy As for the illustrious Duke of York his Fame is spread so farr over the World that my self have heard the very Turks commend and applaude his Vallour which was so esteemed of among the French that before he arrived at twenty one years of Age he was by that King thought worthy the command of Liev. General of his Army's which he managed with such care and prudence that seldome any affair he took in hand produced not its desired success and since his being in requital of his services complemented out of that Kingdome of France though he hath not had such eminent commands conferr'd on him by the Spaniard yet have they alwaies thought him worth the Highest imployment and respect As for the Duke of Glocester he is esteemed by most to be fitter for a Counsellour then a Souldier His Carriage is grave and somewhat severe of a Sagace Genious and understanding very much prying into State Affairs which have made most judge him the fitter for a Council board These three Princes are like three Diamonds or Pearls which we have ignorantly cast away not come to know the worth of them till we come to want them Their vertues having made them resplendent throughout all the World and rendred them if we justly consider it the only means whereby we can attain to happinesse for what Nation can be more blessed then that which hath for her Prince a just King to Govern a Valiant Duke to Defend and a Wise Counsellour to Advise May the God of Heaven then open our Eyes and let us at length see our Errour and heartily repent of it by calling our Native Soveraign to the possession of his due Rights Which the Divine Majesty I hope will be Graciously pleased to grant FINIS On his Majesties Picture Anno 1659. BOth Good and Just though forc'd by Tyrants powers Hard Fate denies thee to be Great or ours Illustrious CHARLES more loss to us then we Three wretched Nations can be gain to thee Yet Thou 'lt reigne since though Traitors force denies Angels will bring the Scepters from the skies * See Modern Policy