第17章

Insomeoftheirproceedings,thisfamousParliamentpassedtheboundsofpreviouslawandcustom,yieldedtoandfavouredriotousassemblagesofthepeople,andactedtyrannicallyinimprisoningsomewhodifferedfromthepopularleaders.Butagain,youarealwaystorememberthatthetwelveyearsduringwhichtheKinghadhadhisownwilfulway,hadgonebefore;andthatnothingcouldmakethetimeswhattheymight,could,would,orshouldhavebeen,ifthosetwelveyearshadneverrolledaway.

THIRDPART

ISHALLnottrytorelatetheparticularsofthegreatcivilwarbetweenKingCharlestheFirstandtheLongParliament,whichlastednearlyfouryears,andafullaccountofwhichwouldfillmanylargebooks.ItwasasadthingthatEnglishmenshouldoncemorebefightingagainstEnglishmenonEnglishground;but,itissomeconsolationtoknowthatonbothsidestherewasgreathumanity,forbearance,andhonour.ThesoldiersoftheParliamentwerefarmoreremarkableforthesegoodqualitiesthanthesoldiersoftheKing(manyofwhomfoughtformerepaywithoutmuchcaringforthecause);butthoseofthenobilityandgentrywhowereontheKing"ssideweresobrave,andsofaithfultohim,thattheirconductcannotbutcommandourhighestadmiration.AmongthemweregreatnumbersofCatholics,whotooktheroyalsidebecausetheQueenwassostronglyoftheirpersuasion.

TheKingmighthavedistinguishedsomeofthesegallantspirits,ifhehadbeenasgenerousaspirithimself,bygivingthemthecommandofhisarmy.Insteadofthat,however,truetohisoldhighnotionsofroyalty,heentrustedittohistwonephews,PRINCE

RUPERTandPRINCEMAURICE,whowereofroyalbloodandcameoverfromabroadtohelphim.Itmighthavebeenbetterforhimiftheyhadstayedaway;sincePrinceRupertwasanimpetuous,hot-headedfellow,whoseonlyideawastodashintobattleatalltimesandseasons,andlayabouthim.

Thegeneral-in-chiefoftheParliamentaryarmywastheEarlofEssex,agentlemanofhonourandanexcellentsoldier.Alittlewhilebeforethewarbrokeout,therehadbeensomeriotingatWestminsterbetweencertainofficiouslawstudentsandnoisysoldiers,andtheshopkeepersandtheirapprentices,andthegeneralpeopleinthestreets.AtthattimetheKing"sfriendscalledthecrowd,Roundheads,becausetheapprenticesworeshorthair;thecrowd,inreturn,calledtheiropponentsCavaliers,meaningthattheywereablusteringset,whopretendedtobeverymilitary.Thesetwowordsnowbegantobeusedtodistinguishthetwosidesinthecivilwar.TheRoyalistsalsocalledtheParliamentarymenRebelsandRogues,whiletheParliamentarymencalledTHEMMalignants,andspokeofthemselvesastheGodly,theHonest,andsoforth.

ThewarbrokeoutatPortsmouth,wherethatdoubletraitorGoringhadagaingoneovertotheKingandwasbesiegedbytheParliamentarytroops.Uponthis,theKingproclaimedtheEarlofEssexandtheofficersservingunderhim,traitors,andcalleduponhisloyalsubjectstomeethiminarmsatNottinghamonthetwenty-

fifthofAugust.Buthisloyalsubjectscameabouthiminscantynumbers,anditwasawindy,gloomyday,andtheRoyalStandardgotblowndown,andthewholeaffairwasverymelancholy.Thechiefengagementsafterthis,tookplaceinthevaleoftheRedHorsenearBanbury,atBrentford,atDevizes,atChalgraveField(whereMr.Hampdenwassosorelywoundedwhilefightingattheheadofhismen,thathediedwithinaweek),atNewbury(inwhichbattleLORD

FALKLAND,oneofthebestnoblemenontheKing"sside,waskilled),atLeicester,atNaseby,atWinchester,atMarstonMoornearYork,atNewcastle,andinmanyotherpartsofEnglandandScotland.

Thesebattleswereattendedwithvarioussuccesses.Atonetime,theKingwasvictorious;atanothertime,theParliament.ButalmostallthegreatandbusytownswereagainsttheKing;andwhenitwasconsiderednecessarytofortifyLondon,allranksofpeople,fromlabouringmenandwomen,uptolordsandladies,workedhardtogetherwithheartinessandgoodwill.ThemostdistinguishedleadersontheParliamentarysidewereHAMPDEN,SIRTHOMASFAIRFAX,and,aboveall,OLIVERCROMWELL,andhisson-in-lawIRETON.

Duringthewholeofthiswar,thepeople,towhomitwasveryexpensiveandirksome,andtowhomitwasmadethemoredistressingbyalmosteveryfamilybeingdivided-someofitsmembersattachingthemselvestoonesideandsometotheother-wereoverandoveragainmostanxiousforpeace.Soweresomeofthebestmenineachcause.Accordingly,treatiesofpeacewerediscussedbetweencommissionersfromtheParliamentandtheKing;atYork,atOxford(wheretheKingheldalittleParliamentofhisown),andatUxbridge.Buttheycametonothing.Inallthesenegotiations,andinallhisdifficulties,theKingshowedhimselfathisbest.

Hewascourageous,cool,self-possessed,andclever;but,theoldtaintofhischaracterwasalwaysinhim,andhewasneverforonesinglemomenttobetrusted.LordClarendon,thehistorian,oneofhishighestadmirers,supposesthathehadunhappilypromisedtheQueennevertomakepeacewithoutherconsent,andthatthismustoftenbetakenashisexcuse.Heneverkepthiswordfromnighttomorning.Hesignedacessationofhostilitieswiththeblood-

stainedIrishrebelsforasumofmoney,andinvitedtheIrishregimentsover,tohelphimagainsttheParliament.InthebattleofNaseby,hiscabinetwasseizedandwasfoundtocontainacorrespondencewiththeQueen,inwhichheexpresslytoldherthathehaddeceivedtheParliament-amongrelParliament,hecalleditnow,asanimprovementonhisoldtermofvipers-inpretendingtorecogniseitandtotreatwithit;andfromwhichitfurtherappearedthathehadlongbeeninsecrettreatywiththeDukeofLorraineforaforeignarmyoftenthousandmen.Disappointedinthis,hesentamostdevotedfriendofhis,theEARLOFGLAMORGAN,toIreland,toconcludeasecrettreatywiththeCatholicpowers,tosendhimanIrisharmyoftenthousandmen;inreturnforwhichhewastobestowgreatfavoursontheCatholicreligion.And,whenthistreatywasdiscoveredinthecarriageofafightingIrishArchbishopwhowaskilledinoneofthemanyskirmishesofthosedays,hebaselydeniedanddesertedhisattachedfriend,theEarl,onhisbeingchargedwithhightreason;and-evenworsethanthis-hadleftblanksinthesecretinstructionshegavehimwithhisownkinglyhand,expresslythathemightthussavehimself.

Atlast,onthetwenty-seventhdayofApril,onethousandsixhundredandforty-six,theKingfoundhimselfinthecityofOxford,sosurroundedbytheParliamentaryarmywhowereclosinginuponhimonallsidesthathefeltthatifhewouldescapehemustdelaynolonger.So,thatnight,havingalteredthecutofhishairandbeard,hewasdressedupasaservantandputuponahorsewithacloakstrappedbehindhim,androdeoutofthetownbehindoneofhisownfaithfulfollowers,withaclergymanofthatcountrywhoknewtheroadwell,foraguide.HerodetowardsLondonasfarasHarrow,andthenalteredhisplansandresolved,itwouldseem,togototheScottishcamp.TheScottishmenhadbeeninvitedovertohelptheParliamentaryarmy,andhadalargeforcetheninEngland.TheKingwassodesperatelyintriguingineverythinghedid,thatitisdoubtfulwhatheexactlymeantbythisstep.Hetookit,anyhow,anddeliveredhimselfuptotheEARLOFLEVEN,theScottishgeneral-in-chief,whotreatedhimasanhonourableprisoner.NegotiationsbetweentheParliamentontheonehandandtheScottishauthoritiesontheother,astowhatshouldbedonewithhim,lasteduntilthefollowingFebruary.Then,whentheKinghadrefusedtotheParliamenttheconcessionofthatoldmilitiapointfortwentyyears,andhadrefusedtoScotlandtherecognitionofitsSolemnLeagueandCovenant,Scotlandgotahandsomesumforitsarmyanditshelp,andtheKingintothebargain.Hewastaken,bycertainParliamentarycommissionersappointedtoreceivehim,tooneofhisownhouses,calledHolmbyHouse,nearAlthorpe,inNorthamptonshire.

WhiletheCivilWarwasstillinprogress,JohnPymdied,andwasburiedwithgreathonourinWestminsterAbbey-notwithgreaterhonourthanhedeserved,forthelibertiesofEnglishmenoweamightydebttoPymandHampden.ThewarwasbutnewlyoverwhentheEarlofEssexdied,ofanillnessbroughtonbyhishavingoverheatedhimselfinastaghuntinWindsorForest.He,too,wasburiedinWestminsterAbbey,withgreatstate.IwishitwerenotnecessarytoaddthatArchbishopLauddieduponthescaffoldwhenthewarwasnotyetdone.Histriallastedinallnearlyayear,and,itbeingdoubtfuleventhenwhetherthechargesbroughtagainsthimamountedtotreason,theodiousoldcontrivanceoftheworstkingswasresortedto,andabillofattainderwasbroughtinagainsthim.Hewasaviolentlyprejudicedandmischievousperson;

hadhadstrongear-croppingandnose-splittingpropensities,asyouknow;andhaddoneaworldofharm.Buthediedpeaceably,andlikeabraveoldman.

FOURTHPART

WHENtheParliamenthadgottheKingintotheirhands,theybecameveryanxioustogetridoftheirarmy,inwhichOliverCromwellhadbeguntoacquiregreatpower;notonlybecauseofhiscourageandhighabilities,butbecauseheprofessedtobeverysincereintheScottishsortofPuritanreligionthatwasthenexceedinglypopularamongthesoldiers.TheywereasmuchopposedtotheBishopsastothePopehimself;andtheveryprivates,drummers,andtrumpeters,hadsuchaninconvenienthabitofstartingupandpreachinglong-

windeddiscourses,thatIwouldnothavebelongedtothatarmyonanyaccount.

So,theParliament,beingfarfromsurebutthatthearmymightbegintopreachandfightagainstthemnowithadnothingelsetodo,proposedtodisbandthegreaterpartofit,tosendanotherparttoserveinIrelandagainsttherebels,andtokeeponlyasmallforceinEngland.But,thearmywouldnotconsenttobebrokenup,exceptuponitsownconditions;and,whentheParliamentshowedanintentionofcompellingit,itactedforitselfinanunexpectedmanner.Acertaincornet,ofthenameofJOICE,arrivedatHolmbyHouseonenight,attendedbyfourhundredhorsemen,wentintotheKing"sroomwithhishatinonehandandapistolintheother,andtoldtheKingthathehadcometotakehimaway.TheKingwaswillingenoughtogo,andonlystipulatedthatheshouldbepubliclyrequiredtodosonextmorning.Nextmorning,accordingly,heappearedonthetopofthestepsofthehouse,andaskedCometJoicebeforehismenandtheguardsettherebytheParliament,whatauthorityhehadfortakinghimaway?TothisCornetJoicereplied,"Theauthorityofthearmy.""Haveyouawrittencommission?"saidtheKing.Joice,pointingtohisfourhundredmenonhorseback,replied,"Thatismycommission."

"Well,"saidtheKing,smiling,asifhewerepleased,"Ineverbeforereadsuchacommission;butitiswritteninfairandlegiblecharacters.ThisisacompanyofashandsomepropergentlemenasIhaveseenalongwhile."Hewasaskedwherehewouldliketolive,andhesaidatNewmarket.So,toNewmarketheandCornetJoiceandthefourhundredhorsemenrode;theKingremarking,inthesamesmilingway,thathecouldrideasfarataspellasCornetJoice,oranymanthere.

TheKingquitebelieved,Ithink,thatthearmywerehisfriends.

HesaidasmuchtoFairfaxwhenthatgeneral,OliverCromwell,andIreton,wenttopersuadehimtoreturntothecustodyoftheParliament.Hepreferredtoremainashewas,andresolvedtoremainashewas.AndwhenthearmymovednearerandnearerLondontofrightentheParliamentintoyieldingtotheirdemands,theytooktheKingwiththem.ItwasadeplorablethingthatEnglandshouldbeatthemercyofagreatbodyofsoldierswitharmsintheirhands;buttheKingcertainlyfavouredthematthisimportanttimeofhislife,ascomparedwiththemorelawfulpowerthattriedtocontrolhim.Itmustbeadded,however,thattheytreatedhim,asyet,morerespectfullyandkindlythantheParliamenthaddone.

Theyallowedhimtobeattendedbyhisownservants,tobesplendidlyentertainedatvarioushouses,andtoseehischildren-

atCaveshamHouse,nearReading-fortwodays.Whereas,theParliamenthadbeenratherhardwithhim,andhadonlyallowedhimtorideoutandplayatbowls.

ItismuchtobebelievedthatiftheKingcouldhavebeentrusted,evenatthistime,hemighthavebeensaved.EvenOliverCromwellexpresslysaidthathedidbelievethatnomancouldenjoyhispossessionsinpeace,unlesstheKinghadhisrights.HewasnotunfriendlytowardstheKing;hehadbeenpresentwhenhereceivedhischildren,andhadbeenmuchaffectedbythepitiablenatureofthescene;hesawtheKingoften;hefrequentlywalkedandtalkedwithhiminthelonggalleriesandpleasantgardensofthePalaceatHamptonCourt,whitherhewasnowremoved;andinallthisriskedsomethingofhisinfluencewiththearmy.But,theKingwasinsecrethopesofhelpfromtheScottishpeople;andthemomenthewasencouragedtojointhemhebegantobecooltohisnewfriends,thearmy,andtotelltheofficersthattheycouldnotpossiblydowithouthim.Attheverytime,too,whenhewaspromisingtomakeCromwellandIretonnoblemen,iftheywouldhelphimuptohisoldheight,hewaswritingtotheQueenthathemeanttohangthem.

Theybothafterwardsdeclaredthattheyhadbeenprivatelyinformedthatsuchaletterwouldbefound,onacertainevening,sewedupinasaddlewhichwouldbetakentotheBlueBoarinHolborntobesenttoDover;andthattheywentthere,disguisedascommonsoldiers,andsatdrinkingintheinn-yarduntilamancamewiththesaddle,whichtheyrippedupwiththeirknives,andthereinfoundtheletter.Iseelittlereasontodoubtthestory.ItiscertainthatOliverCromwelltoldoneoftheKing"smostfaithfulfollowersthattheKingcouldnotbetrusted,andthathewouldnotbeanswerableifanythingamissweretohappentohim.Still,evenafterthat,hekeptapromisehehadmadetotheKing,bylettinghimknowthattherewasaplotwithacertainportionofthearmytoseizehim.Ibelievethat,infact,hesincerelywantedtheKingtoescapeabroad,andsotobegotridofwithoutmoretroubleordanger.ThatOliverhimselfhadworkenoughwiththearmyisprettyplain;forsomeofthetroopsweresomutinousagainsthim,andagainstthosewhoactedwithhimatthistime,thathefounditnecessarytohaveonemanshotattheheadofhisregimenttooverawetherest.

TheKing,whenhereceivedOliver"swarning,madehisescapefromHamptonCourt;aftersomeindecisionanduncertainty,hewenttoCarisbrookeCastleintheIsleofWight.Atfirst,hewasprettyfreethere;but,eventhere,hecarriedonapretendedtreatywiththeParliament,whilehewasreallytreatingwithcommissionersfromScotlandtosendanarmyintoEnglandtotakehispart.WhenhebrokeoffthistreatywiththeParliament(havingsettledwithScotland)andwastreatedasaprisoner,histreatmentwasnotchangedtoosoon,forhehadplottedtoescapethatverynighttoashipsentbytheQueen,whichwaslyingofftheisland.

HewasdoomedtobedisappointedinhishopesfromScotland.TheagreementhehadmadewiththeScottishCommissionerswasnotfavourableenoughtothereligionofthatcountrytopleasetheScottishclergy;andtheypreachedagainstit.Theconsequencewas,thatthearmyraisedinScotlandandsentover,wastoosmalltodomuch;andthat,althoughitwashelpedbyarisingoftheRoyalistsinEnglandandbygoodsoldiersfromIreland,itcouldmakenoheadagainsttheParliamentaryarmyundersuchmenasCromwellandFairfax.TheKing"seldestson,thePrinceofWales,cameoverfromHollandwithnineteenships(apartoftheEnglishfleethavinggoneovertohim)tohelphisfather;butnothingcameofhisvoyage,andhewasfaintoreturn.ThemostremarkableeventofthissecondcivilwarwasthecruelexecutionbytheParliamentaryGeneral,ofSIRCHARLESLUCASandSIRGEORGELISLE,twograndRoyalistgenerals,whohadbravelydefendedColchesterundereverydisadvantageoffamineanddistressfornearlythreemonths.WhenSirCharlesLucaswasshot,SirGeorgeLislekissedhisbody,andsaidtothesoldierswhoweretoshoothim,"Comenearer,andmakesureofme.""Iwarrantyou,SirGeorge,"saidoneofthesoldiers,"weshallhityou.""AY?"hereturnedwithasmile,"butIhavebeennearertoyou,myfriends,manyatime,andyouhavemissedme."

TheParliament,afterbeingfearfullybulliedbythearmy-whodemandedtohavesevenmemberswhomtheydislikedgivenuptothem-hadvotedthattheywouldhavenothingmoretodowiththeKing.

Ontheconclusion,however,ofthissecondcivilwar(whichdidnotlastmorethansixmonths),theyappointedcommissionerstotreatwithhim.TheKing,thensofarreleasedagainastobeallowedtoliveinaprivatehouseatNewportintheIsleofWight,managedhisownpartofthenegotiationwithasensethatwasadmiredbyallwhosawhim,andgaveup,intheend,allthatwasaskedofhim-evenyielding(whichhehadsteadilyrefused,sofar)tothetemporaryabolitionofthebishops,andthetransferoftheirchurchlandtotheCrown.Still,withhisoldfatalviceuponhim,whenhisbestfriendsjoinedthecommissionersinbeseechinghimtoyieldallthosepointsastheonlymeansofsavinghimselffromthearmy,hewasplottingtoescapefromtheisland;hewasholdingcorrespondencewithhisfriendsandtheCatholicsinIreland,thoughdeclaringthathewasnot;andhewaswriting,withhisownhand,thatinwhatheyieldedhemeantnothingbuttogettimetoescape.

Matterswereatthispasswhenthearmy,resolvedtodefytheParliament,marcheduptoLondon.TheParliament,notafraidofthemnow,andboldlyledbyHollis,votedthattheKing"sconcessionsweresufficientgroundforsettlingthepeaceofthekingdom.Uponthat,COLONELRICHandCOLONELPRIDEwentdowntotheHouseofCommonswitharegimentofhorsesoldiersandaregimentoffoot;andColonelPride,standinginthelobbywithalistofthememberswhowereobnoxioustothearmyinhishand,hadthempointedouttohimastheycamethrough,andtookthemallintocustody.Thisproceedingwasafterwardscalledbythepeople,forajoke,PRIDE"SPURGE.CromwellwasintheNorth,attheheadofhismen,atthetime,butwhenhecamehome,approvedofwhathadbeendone.

Whatwithimprisoningsomemembersandcausingotherstostayaway,thearmyhadnowreducedtheHouseofCommonstosomefiftyorso.

Thesesoonvotedthatitwastreasoninakingtomakewaragainsthisparliamentandhispeople,andsentanordinanceuptotheHouseofLordsfortheKing"sbeingtriedasatraitor.TheHouseofLords,thensixteeninnumber,toamanrejectedit.Thereupon,theCommonsmadeanordinanceoftheirown,thattheywerethesupremegovernmentofthecountry,andwouldbringtheKingtotrial.

TheKinghadbeentakenforsecuritytoaplacecalledHurstCastle:alonelyhouseonarockinthesea,connectedwiththecoastofHampshirebyaroughroadtwomileslongatlowwater.

Thence,hewasorderedtoberemovedtoWindsor;thence,afterbeingbutrudelyusedthere,andhavingnonebutsoldierstowaituponhimattable,hewasbroughtuptoSt.James"sPalaceinLondon,andtoldthathistrialwasappointedfornextday.

OnSaturday,thetwentiethofJanuary,onethousandsixhundredandforty-nine,thismemorabletrialbegan.TheHouseofCommonshadsettledthatonehundredandthirty-fivepersonsshouldformtheCourt,andtheseweretakenfromtheHouseitself,fromamongtheofficersofthearmy,andfromamongthelawyersandcitizens.

JOHNBRADSHAW,serjeant-at-law,wasappointedpresident.TheplacewasWestminsterHall.Attheupperend,inaredvelvetchair,satthepresident,withhishat(linedwithplatesofironforhisprotection)onhishead.TherestoftheCourtsatonsidebenches,alsowearingtheirhats.TheKing"sseatwascoveredwithvelvet,likethatofthepresident,andwasoppositetoit.HewasbroughtfromSt.James"stoWhitehall,andfromWhitehallhecamebywatertohistrial.

Whenhecamein,helookedroundverysteadilyontheCourt,andonthegreatnumberofspectators,andthensatdown:presentlyhegotupandlookedroundagain.Ontheindictment"againstCharlesStuart,forhightreason,"beingread,hesmiledseveraltimes,andhedeniedtheauthorityoftheCourt,sayingthattherecouldbenoparliamentwithoutaHouseofLords,andthathesawnoHouseofLordsthere.Also,thattheKingoughttobethere,andthathesawnoKingintheKing"srightplace.Bradshawreplied,thattheCourtwassatisfiedwithitsauthority,andthatitsauthoritywasGod"sauthorityandthekingdom"s.HethenadjournedtheCourttothefollowingMonday.Onthatday,thetrialwasresumed,andwentonalltheweek.WhentheSaturdaycame,astheKingpassedforwardtohisplaceintheHall,somesoldiersandotherscriedfor"justice!"andexecutiononhim.Thatday,too,Bradshaw,likeanangrySultan,worearedrobe,insteadoftheblackrobehehadwornbefore.TheKingwassentencedtodeaththatday.Ashewentout,onesolitarysoldiersaid,"Godblessyou,Sir!"Forthis,hisofficerstruckhim.TheKingsaidhethoughtthepunishmentexceededtheoffence.Thesilverheadofhiswalking-stickhadfallenoffwhileheleaneduponit,atonetimeofthetrial.Theaccidentseemedtodisturbhim,asifhethoughtitominousofthefallingofhisownhead;andheadmittedasmuch,nowitwasallover.

BeingtakenbacktoWhitehall,hesenttotheHouseofCommons,sayingthatasthetimeofhisexecutionmightbenigh,hewishedhemightbeallowedtoseehisdarlingchildren.Itwasgranted.

OntheMondayhewastakenbacktoSt.James"s;andhistwochildrentheninEngland,thePRINCESSELIZABETHthirteenyearsold,andtheDUKEOFGLOUCESTERnineyearsold,werebroughttotakeleaveofhim,fromSionHouse,nearBrentford.Itwasasadandtouchingscene,whenhekissedandfondledthosepoorchildren,andmadealittlepresentoftwodiamondsealstothePrincess,andgavethemtendermessagestotheirmother(wholittledeservedthem,forshehadaloverofherownwhomshemarriedsoonafterwards),andtoldthemthathedied"forthelawsandlibertiesoftheland."IamboundtosaythatIdon"tthinkhedid,butI

daresayhebelievedso.

TherewereambassadorsfromHollandthatday,tointercedefortheunhappyKing,whomyouandIbothwishtheParliamenthadspared;

buttheygotnoanswer.TheScottishCommissionersintercededtoo;

sodidthePrinceofWales,byaletterinwhichheofferedasthenextheirtothethrone,toacceptanyconditionsfromtheParliament;sodidtheQueen,byletterlikewise.

Notwithstandingall,thewarrantfortheexecutionwasthisdaysigned.ThereisastorythatasOliverCromwellwenttothetablewiththepeninhishandtoputhissignaturetoit,hedrewhispenacrossthefaceofoneofthecommissioners,whowasstandingnear,andmarkeditwithink.Thatcommissionerhadnotsignedhisownnameyet,andthestoryaddsthatwhenhecametodoithemarkedCromwell"sfacewithinkinthesameway.

TheKingsleptwell,untroubledbytheknowledgethatitwashislastnightonearth,androseonthethirtiethofJanuary,twohoursbeforeday,anddressedhimselfcarefully.Heputontwoshirtslestheshouldtremblewiththecold,andhadhishairverycarefullycombed.Thewarranthadbeendirectedtothreeofficersofthearmy,COLONELHACKER,COLONELHUNKS,andCOLONELPHAYER.Atteno"clock,thefirstofthesecametothedoorandsaiditwastimetogotoWhitehall.TheKing,whohadalwaysbeenaquickwalker,walkedathisusualspeedthroughthePark,andcalledouttotheguard,withhisaccustomedvoiceofcommand,"Marchonapace!"WhenhecametoWhitehall,hewastakentohisownbedroom,whereabreakfastwassetforth.AshehadtakentheSacrament,hewouldeatnothingmore;but,ataboutthetimewhenthechurchbellsstrucktwelveatnoon(forhehadtowait,throughthescaffoldnotbeingready),hetooktheadviceofthegoodBISHOPJUXONwhowaswithhim,andatealittlebreadanddrankaglassofclaret.Soonafterhehadtakenthisrefreshment,ColonelHackercametothechamberwiththewarrantinhishand,andcalledforCharlesStuart.

Andthen,throughthelonggalleryofWhitehallPalace,whichhehadoftenseenlightandgayandmerryandcrowded,inverydifferenttimes,thefallenKingpassedalong,untilhecametothecentrewindowoftheBanquetingHouse,throughwhichheemergeduponthescaffold,whichwashungwithblack.Helookedatthetwoexecutioners,whoweredressedinblackandmasked;helookedatthetroopsofsoldiersonhorsebackandonfoot,andalllookedupathiminsilence;helookedatthevastarrayofspectators,fillinguptheviewbeyond,andturningalltheirfacesuponhim;

helookedathisoldPalaceofSt.James"s;andhelookedattheblock.Heseemedalittletroubledtofindthatitwassolow,andasked,"iftherewerenoplacehigher?"Then,tothoseuponthescaffold,hesaid,"thatitwastheParliamentwhohadbegunthewar,andnothe;buthehopedtheymightbeguiltlesstoo,asillinstrumentshadgonebetweenthem.Inonerespect,"hesaid,"hesufferedjustly;andthatwasbecausehehadpermittedanunjustsentencetobeexecutedonanother."InthishereferredtotheEarlofStrafford.

Hewasnotatallafraidtodie;buthewasanxioustodieeasily.

Whensomeonetouchedtheaxewhilehewasspeaking,hebrokeoffandcalledout,"Takeheedoftheaxe!takeheedoftheaxe!"HealsosaidtoColonelHacker,"Takecarethattheydonotputmetopain."Hetoldtheexecutioner,"Ishallsaybutveryshortprayers,andthenthrustoutmyhands"-asthesigntostrike.

Heputhishairup,underawhitesatincapwhichthebishophadcarried,andsaid,"IhaveagoodcauseandagraciousGodonmyside."Thebishoptoldhimthathehadbutonestagemoretotravelinthiswearyworld,andthat,thoughitwasaturbulentandtroublesomestage,itwasashortone,andwouldcarryhimagreatway-allthewayfromearthtoHeaven.TheKing"slastword,ashegavehiscloakandtheGeorge-thedecorationfromhisbreast-

tothebishop,was,"Remember!"Hethenkneeleddown,laidhisheadontheblock,spreadouthishands,andwasinstantlykilled.

Oneuniversalgroanbrokefromthecrowd;andthesoldiers,whohadsatontheirhorsesandstoodintheirranksimmovableasstatues,wereofasuddenallinmotion,clearingthestreets.

Thus,intheforty-ninthyearofhisage,fallingatthesametimeofhiscareerasStraffordhadfalleninhis,perishedCharlestheFirst.Withallmysorrowforhim,Icannotagreewithhimthathedied"themartyrofthepeople;"forthepeoplehadbeenmartyrstohim,andtohisideasofaKing"srights,longbefore.Indeed,I

amafraidthathewasbutabadjudgeofmartyrs;forhehadcalledthatinfamousDukeofBuckingham"theMartyrofhisSovereign."

CHAPTERXXXIV-ENGLANDUNDEROLIVERCROMWELL

BEFOREsunsetonthememorabledayonwhichKingCharlestheFirstwasexecuted,theHouseofCommonspassedanactdeclaringittreasoninanyonetoproclaimthePrinceofWales-oranybodyelse-KingofEngland.Soonafterwards,itdeclaredthattheHouseofLordswasuselessanddangerous,andoughttobeabolished;anddirectedthatthelateKing"sstatueshouldbetakendownfromtheRoyalExchangeintheCityandotherpublicplaces.

HavinglaidholdofsomefamousRoyalistswhohadescapedfromprison,andhavingbeheadedtheDUKEOFHAMILTON,LORDHOLLAND,andLORDCAPEL,inPalaceYard(allofwhomdiedverycourageously),theythenappointedaCouncilofStatetogovernthecountry.Itconsistedofforty-onemembers,ofwhomfivewerepeers.Bradshawwasmadepresident.TheHouseofCommonsalsore-admittedmemberswhohadopposedtheKing"sdeath,andmadeupitsnumberstoaboutahundredandfifty.

But,itstillhadanarmyofmorethanfortythousandmentodealwith,andaveryhardtaskitwastomanagethem.BeforetheKing"sexecution,thearmyhadappointedsomeofitsofficerstoremonstratebetweenthemandtheParliament;andnowthecommonsoldiersbegantotakethatofficeuponthemselves.TheregimentsunderordersforIrelandmutinied;onetroopofhorseinthecityofLondonseizedtheirownflag,andrefusedtoobeyorders.Forthis,theringleaderwasshot:whichdidnotmendthematter,for,bothhiscomradesandthepeoplemadeapublicfuneralforhim,andaccompaniedthebodytothegravewithsoundoftrumpetsandwithagloomyprocessionofpersonscarryingbundlesofrosemarysteepedinblood.Oliverwastheonlymantodealwithsuchdifficultiesasthese,andhesooncutthemshortbyburstingatmidnightintothetownofBurford,nearSalisbury,wherethemutineersweresheltered,takingfourhundredofthemprisoners,andshootinganumberofthembysentenceofcourt-martial.Thesoldierssoonfound,asallmendid,thatOliverwasnotamantobetrifledwith.Andtherewasanendofthemutiny.

TheScottishParliamentdidnotknowOliveryet;so,onhearingoftheKing"sexecution,itproclaimedthePrinceofWalesKingCharlestheSecond,onconditionofhisrespectingtheSolemnLeagueandCovenant.Charleswasabroadatthattime,andsowasMontrose,fromwhosehelphehadhopesenoughtokeephimholdingonandoffwithcommissionersfromScotland,justashisfathermighthavedone.Thesehopesweresoonatanend;for,Montrose,havingraisedafewhundredexilesinGermany,andlandedwiththeminScotland,foundthatthepeoplethere,insteadofjoininghim,desertedthecountryathisapproach.HewassoontakenprisonerandcarriedtoEdinburgh.Therehewasreceivedwitheverypossibleinsult,andcarriedtoprisoninacart,hisofficersgoingtwoandtwobeforehim.HewassentencedbytheParliamenttobehangedonagallowsthirtyfeethigh,tohavehisheadsetonaspikeinEdinburgh,andhislimbsdistributedinotherplaces,accordingtotheoldbarbarousmanner.HesaidhehadalwaysactedundertheRoyalorders,andonlywishedhehadlimbsenoughtobedistributedthroughChristendom,thatitmightbethemorewidelyknownhowloyalhehadbeen.Hewenttothescaffoldinabrightandbrilliantdress,andmadeaboldendatthirty-eightyearsofage.ThebreathwasscarcelyoutofhisbodywhenCharlesabandonedhismemory,anddeniedthathehadevergivenhimorderstoriseinhisbehalf.OthefamilyfailingwasstronginthatCharlesthen!

OliverhadbeenappointedbytheParliamenttocommandthearmyinIreland,wherehetookaterriblevengeanceforthesanguinaryrebellion,andmadetremendoushavoc,particularlyinthesiegeofDrogheda,wherenoquarterwasgiven,andwherehefoundatleastathousandoftheinhabitantsshutuptogetherinthegreatchurch:

everyoneofwhomwaskilledbyhissoldiers,usuallyknownasOLIVER"SIRONSIDES.Therewerenumbersoffriarsandpriestsamongthem,andOlivergrufflywrotehomeinhisdespatchthatthesewere"knockedonthehead"liketherest.

But,CharleshavinggotovertoScotlandwherethemenoftheSolemnLeagueandCovenantledhimaprodigiouslydulllifeandmadehimverywearywithlongsermonsandgrimSundays,theParliamentcalledtheredoubtableOliverhometoknocktheScottishmenontheheadforsettingupthatPrince.Oliverlefthisson-

in-law,Ireton,asgeneralinIrelandinhisstead(hediedthereafterwards),andheimitatedtheexampleofhisfather-in-lawwithsuchgoodwillthathebroughtthecountrytosubjection,andlaiditatthefeetoftheParliament.Intheend,theypassedanactforthesettlementofIreland,generallypardoningallthecommonpeople,butexemptingfromthisgracesuchofthewealthiersortashadbeenconcernedintherebellion,orinanykillingofProtestants,orwhorefusedtolaydowntheirarms.GreatnumbersofIrishweregotoutofthecountrytoserveunderCatholicpowersabroad,andaquantityoflandwasdeclaredtohavebeenforfeitedbypastoffences,andwasgiventopeoplewhohadlentmoneytotheParliamentearlyinthewar.Theseweresweepingmeasures;but,ifOliverCromwellhadhadhisownwayfully,andhadstayedinIreland,hewouldhavedonemoreyet.

However,asIhavesaid,theParliamentwantedOliverforScotland;

so,homeOlivercame,andwasmadeCommanderofalltheForcesoftheCommonwealthofEngland,andinthreedaysawayhewentwithsixteenthousandsoldierstofighttheScottishmen.Now,theScottishmen,beingthen-asyouwillgenerallyfindthemnow-

mightycautious,reflectedthatthetroopstheyhadwerenotusedtowarliketheIronsides,andwouldbebeateninanopenfight.

Thereforetheysaid,"IfwelivequietinourtrenchesinEdinburghhere,andifallthefarmerscomeintothetownanddesertthecountry,theIronsideswillbedrivenoutbyironhungerandbeforcedtogoaway."Thiswas,nodoubt,thewisestplan;butastheScottishclergyWOULDinterferewithwhattheyknewnothingabout,andwouldperpetuallypreachlongsermonsexhortingthesoldierstocomeoutandfight,thesoldiersgotitintheirheadsthattheyabsolutelymustcomeoutandfight.Accordingly,inanevilhourforthemselves,theycameoutoftheirsafeposition.

Oliverfellupontheminstantly,andkilledthreethousand,andtooktenthousandprisoners.

TogratifytheScottishParliament,andpreservetheirfavour,Charleshadsignedadeclarationtheylaidbeforehim,reproachingthememoryofhisfatherandmother,andrepresentinghimselfasamostreligiousPrince,towhomtheSolemnLeagueandCovenantwasasdearaslife.Hemeantnosortoftruthinthis,andsoonafterwardsgallopedawayonhorsebacktojoinsometiresomeHighlandfriends,whowerealwaysflourishingdirksandbroadswords.Hewasovertakenandinducedtoreturn;butthisattempt,whichwascalled"TheStart,"didhimjustsomuchservice,thattheydidnotpreachquitesuchlongsermonsathimafterwardsastheyhaddonebefore.

OnthefirstofJanuary,onethousandsixhundredandfifty-one,theScottishpeoplecrownedhimatScone.Heimmediatelytookthechiefcommandofanarmyoftwentythousandmen,andmarchedtoStirling.Hishopeswereheightened,Idaresay,bytheredoubtableOliverbeingillofanague;butOliverscrambledoutofbedinnotime,andwenttoworkwithsuchenergythathegotbehindtheRoyalistarmyandcutitofffromallcommunicationwithScotland.Therewasnothingforitthen,buttogoontoEngland;

soitwentonasfarasWorcester,wherethemayorandsomeofthegentryproclaimedKingCharlestheSecondstraightway.Hisproclamation,however,wasoflittleusetohim,forveryfewRoyalistsappeared;and,ontheverysameday,twopeoplewerepubliclybeheadedonTowerHillforespousinghiscause.UpcameOlivertoWorcestertoo,atdoublequickspeed,andheandhisIronsidessolaidabouttheminthegreatbattlewhichwasfoughtthere,thattheycompletelybeattheScottishmen,anddestroyedtheRoyalistarmy;thoughtheScottishmenfoughtsogallantlythatittookfivehourstodo.

TheescapeofCharlesafterthisbattleofWorcesterdidhimgoodservicelongafterwards,foritinducedmanyofthegenerousEnglishpeopletotakearomanticinterestinhim,andtothinkmuchbetterofhimthanheeverdeserved.Hefledinthenight,withnotmorethansixtyfollowers,tothehouseofaCatholicladyinStaffordshire.There,forhisgreatersafety,thewholesixtylefthim.Hecroppedhishair,stainedhisfaceandhandsbrownasiftheyweresunburnt,putontheclothesofalabouringcountryman,andwentoutinthemorningwithhisaxeinhishand,accompaniedbyfourwood-cutterswhowerebrothers,andanothermanwhowastheirbrother-in-law.Thesegoodfellowsmadeabedforhimunderatree,astheweatherwasverybad;andthewifeofoneofthembroughthimfoodtoeat;andtheoldmotherofthefourbrotherscameandfelldownonherkneesbeforehiminthewood,andthankedGodthathersonswereengagedinsavinghislife.Atnight,hecameoutoftheforestandwentontoanotherhousewhichwasneartheriverSevern,withtheintentionofpassingintoWales;buttheplaceswarmedwithsoldiers,andthebridgeswereguarded,andalltheboatsweremadefast.So,afterlyinginahayloftcoveredoverwithhay,forsometime,hecameoutofhisplace,attendedbyCOLONELCARELESS,aCatholicgentlemanwhohadmethimthere,andwithwhomhelayhid,allnextday,upintheshadybranchesofafineoldoak.ItwasluckyfortheKingthatitwasSeptember-time,andthattheleaveshadnotbeguntofall,sinceheandtheColonel,perchedupinthistree,couldcatchglimpsesofthesoldiersridingaboutbelow,andcouldhearthecrashinthewoodastheywentaboutbeatingtheboughs.

Afterthis,hewalkedandwalkeduntilhisfeetwereallblistered;

and,havingbeenconcealedallonedayinahousewhichwassearchedbythetrooperswhilehewasthere,wentwithLORDWILMOT,anotherofhisgoodfriends,toaplacecalledBentley,whereoneMISSLANE,aProtestantlady,hadobtainedapasstobeallowedtoridethroughtheguardstoseearelationofhersnearBristol.

Disguisedasaservant,herodeinthesaddlebeforethisyoungladytothehouseofSIRJOHNWINTER,whileLordWilmotrodethereboldly,likeaplaincountrygentleman,withdogsathisheels.IthappenedthatSirJohnWinter"sbutlerhadbeenservantinRichmondPalace,andknewCharlesthemomentheseteyesuponhim;but,thebutlerwasfaithfulandkeptthesecret.Asnoshipcouldbefoundtocarryhimabroad,itwasplannedthatheshouldgo-stilltravellingwithMissLaneasherservant-toanotherhouse,atTrentnearSherborneinDorsetshire;andthenMissLaneandhercousin,MR.LASCELLES,whohadgoneonhorsebackbesideheralltheway,wenthome.IhopeMissLanewasgoingtomarrythatcousin,forIamsureshemusthavebeenabrave,kindgirl.IfIhadbeenthatcousin,IshouldcertainlyhavelovedMissLane.

WhenCharles,lonelyforthelossofMissLane,wassafeatTrent,ashipwashiredatLyme,themasterofwhichengagedtotaketwogentlementoFrance.Intheeveningofthesameday,theKing-

nowridingasservantbeforeanotheryounglady-setoffforapublic-houseataplacecalledCharmouth,wherethecaptainofthevesselwastotakehimonboard.But,thecaptain"swife,beingafraidofherhusbandgettingintotrouble,lockedhimupandwouldnotlethimsail.ThentheywentawaytoBridport;and,comingtotheinnthere,foundthestable-yardfullofsoldierswhowereonthelook-outforCharles,andwhotalkedabouthimwhiletheydrank.Hehadsuchpresenceofmind,thatheledthehorsesofhispartythroughtheyardasanyotherservantmighthavedone,andsaid,"Comeoutoftheway,yousoldiers;letushaveroomtopasshere!"Ashewentalong,hemetahalf-tipsyostler,whorubbedhiseyesandsaidtohim,"Why,IwasformerlyservanttoMr.

PotteratExeter,andsurelyIhavesometimesseenyouthere,youngman?"Hecertainlyhad,forCharleshadlodgedthere.Hisreadyanswerwas,"Ah,Ididlivewithhimonce;butIhavenotimetotalknow.We"llhaveapotofbeertogetherwhenIcomeback."

FromthisdangerousplacehereturnedtoTrent,andlaythereconcealedseveraldays.ThenheescapedtoHeale,nearSalisbury;

where,inthehouseofawidowlady,hewashiddenfivedays,untilthemasterofacollierlyingoffShorehaminSussex,undertooktoconveya"gentleman"toFrance.OnthenightofthefifteenthofOctober,accompaniedbytwocolonelsandamerchant,theKingrodetoBrighton,thenalittlefishingvillage,togivethecaptainoftheshipasupperbeforegoingonboard;but,somanypeopleknewhim,thatthiscaptainknewhimtoo,andnotonlyhe,butthelandlordandlandladyalso.Beforehewentaway,thelandlordcamebehindhischair,kissedhishand,andsaidhehopedtolivetobealordandtoseehiswifealady;atwhichCharleslaughed.Theyhadhadagoodsupperbythistime,andplentyofsmokinganddrinking,atwhichtheKingwasafirst-ratehand;so,thecaptainassuredhimthathewouldstandbyhim,andhedid.ItwasagreedthatthecaptainshouldpretendtosailtoDeal,andthatCharlesshouldaddressthesailorsandsayhewasagentlemanindebtwhowasrunningawayfromhiscreditors,andthathehopedtheywouldjoinhiminpersuadingthecaptaintoputhimashoreinFrance.AstheKingactedhispartverywellindeed,andgavethesailorstwentyshillingstodrink,theybeggedthecaptaintodowhatsuchaworthygentlemanasked.Hepretendedtoyieldtotheirentreaties,andtheKinggotsafetoNormandy.

Irelandbeingnowsubdued,andScotlandkeptquietbyplentyoffortsandsoldiersputtherebyOliver,theParliamentwouldhavegoneonquietlyenough,asfarasfightingwithanyforeignenemywent,butforgettingintotroublewiththeDutch,whointhespringoftheyearonethousandsixhundredandfifty-onesentafleetintotheDownsundertheirADMIRALVANTROMP,tocallupontheboldEnglishADMIRALBLAKE(whowastherewithhalfasmanyshipsastheDutch)tostrikehisflag.Blakefiredaragingbroadsideinstead,andbeatoffVanTromp;who,intheautumn,camebackagainwithseventyships,andchallengedtheboldBlake-whostillwasonlyhalfasstrong-tofighthim.Blakefoughthimallday;but,findingthattheDutchweretoomanyforhim,gotquietlyoffatnight.WhatdoesVanTrompuponthis,butgoescruisingandboastingabouttheChannel,betweentheNorthForelandandtheIsleofWight,withagreatDutchbroomtiedtohismasthead,asasignthathecouldandwouldsweeptheEnglishofthesea!Withinthreemonths,Blakeloweredhistonethough,andhisbroomtoo;for,heandtwootherboldcommanders,DEANandMONK,foughthimthreewholedays,tooktwenty-threeofhisships,shiveredhisbroomtopieces,andsettledhisbusiness.

Thingswerenosoonerquietagain,thanthearmybegantocomplaintotheParliamentthattheywerenotgoverningthenationproperly,andtohintthattheythoughttheycoulddoitbetterthemselves.

Oliver,whohadnowmadeuphismindtobetheheadofthestate,ornothingatall,supportedtheminthis,andcalledameetingofofficersandhisownParliamentaryfriends,athislodgingsinWhitehall,toconsiderthebestwayofgettingridoftheParliament.IthadnowlastedjustasmanyyearsastheKing"sunbridledpowerhadlasted,beforeitcameintoexistence.Theendofthedeliberationwas,thatOliverwentdowntotheHouseinhisusualplainblackdress,withhisusualgreyworstedstockings,butwithanunusualpartyofsoldiersbehindhim.Theselastheleftinthelobby,andthenwentinandsatdown.Presentlyhegotup,madetheParliamentaspeech,toldthemthattheLordhaddonewiththem,stampedhisfootandsaid,"YouarenoParliament.Bringthemin!Bringthemin!"Atthissignalthedoorflewopen,andthesoldiersappeared."Thisisnothonest,"saidSirHarryVane,oneofthemembers."SirHarryVane!"criedCromwell;"O,SirHarryVane!TheLorddelivermefromSirHarryVane!"Thenhepointedoutmembersonebyone,andsaidthismanwasadrunkard,andthatmanadissipatedfellow,andthatmanaliar,andsoon.

ThenhecausedtheSpeakertobewalkedoutofhischair,toldtheguardtocleartheHouse,calledthemaceuponthetable-whichisasignthattheHouseissitting-"afool"sbauble,"andsaid,"here,carryitaway!"Beingobeyedinalltheseorders,hequietlylockedthedoor,putthekeyinhispocket,walkedbacktoWhitehallagain,andtoldhisfriends,whowerestillassembledthere,whathehaddone.

TheyformedanewCouncilofStateafterthisextraordinaryproceeding,andgotanewParliamenttogetherintheirownway:

whichOliverhimselfopenedinasortofsermon,andwhichhesaidwasthebeginningofaperfectheavenuponearth.InthisParliamenttheresatawell-knownleather-seller,whohadtakenthesingularnameofPraiseGodBarebones,andfromwhomitwascalled,forajoke,Barebones"sParliament,thoughitsgeneralnamewastheLittleParliament.AsitsoonappearedthatitwasnotgoingtoputOliverinthefirstplace,itturnedouttobenotatalllikethebeginningofheavenuponearth,andOliversaiditreallywasnottobebornewith.SoheclearedoffthatParliamentinmuchthesamewayashehaddisposedoftheother;andthenthecouncilofofficersdecidedthathemustbemadethesupremeauthorityofthekingdom,underthetitleoftheLordProtectoroftheCommonwealth.

So,onthesixteenthofDecember,onethousandsixhundredandfifty-three,agreatprocessionwasformedatOliver"sdoor,andhecameoutinablackvelvetsuitandabigpairofboots,andgotintohiscoachandwentdowntoWestminster,attendedbythejudges,andthelordmayor,andthealdermen,andalltheothergreatandwonderfulpersonagesofthecountry.There,intheCourtofChancery,hepubliclyacceptedtheofficeofLordProtector.

Thenhewassworn,andtheCityswordwashandedtohim,andthesealwashandedtohim,andalltheotherthingswerehandedtohimwhichareusuallyhandedtoKingsandQueensonstateoccasions.

WhenOliverhadhandedthemallback,hewasquitemadeandcompletelyfinishedoffasLordProtector;andseveraloftheIronsidespreachedaboutitatgreatlength,alltheevening.

SECONDPART

OLIVERCROMWELL-whomthepeoplelongcalledOLDNOLL-inacceptingtheofficeofProtector,hadboundhimselfbyacertainpaperwhichwashandedtohim,called"theInstrument,"tosummonaParliament,consistingofbetweenfourandfivehundredmembers,intheelectionofwhichneithertheRoyalistsnortheCatholicsweretohaveanyshare.HehadalsopledgedhimselfthatthisParliamentshouldnotbedissolvedwithoutitsownconsentuntilithadsatfivemonths.

WhenthisParliamentmet,Olivermadeaspeechtothemofthreehourslong,verywiselyadvisingthemwhattodoforthecreditandhappinessofthecountry.Tokeepdownthemoreviolentmembers,herequiredthemtosignarecognitionofwhattheywereforbiddenby"theInstrument"todo;whichwas,chiefly,totakethepowerfromonesinglepersonattheheadofthestateortocommandthearmy.Thenhedismissedthemtogotowork.Withhisusualvigourandresolutionhewenttoworkhimselfwithsomefranticpreachers-whowereratheroverdoingtheirsermonsincallinghimavillainandatyrant-byshuttinguptheirchapels,andsendingafewofthemofftoprison.

Therewasnotatthattime,inEnglandoranywhereelse,amansoabletogovernthecountryasOliverCromwell.Althoughheruledwithastronghand,andleviedaveryheavytaxontheRoyalists(butnotuntiltheyhadplottedagainsthislife),heruledwisely,andasthetimesrequired.HecausedEnglandtobesorespectedabroad,thatIwishsomelordsandgentlemenwhohavegoverneditunderkingsandqueensinlaterdayswouldhavetakenaleafoutofOliverCromwell"sbook.HesentboldAdmiralBlaketotheMediterraneanSea,tomaketheDukeofTuscanypaysixtythousandpoundsforinjurieshehaddonetoBritishsubjects,andspoliationhehadcommittedonEnglishmerchants.HefurtherdespatchedhimandhisfleettoAlgiers,Tunis,andTripoli,tohaveeveryEnglishshipandeveryEnglishmandelivereduptohimthathadbeentakenbypiratesinthoseparts.Allthiswasgloriouslydone;anditbegantobethoroughlywellknown,allovertheworld,thatEnglandwasgovernedbyamaninearnest,whowouldnotallowtheEnglishnametobeinsultedorslightedanywhere.

Thesewerenotallhisforeigntriumphs.HesentafleettoseaagainsttheDutch;andthetwopowers,eachwithonehundredshipsuponitsside,metintheEnglishChannelofftheNorthForeland,wherethefightlastedalldaylong.Deanwaskilledinthisfight;butMonk,whocommandedinthesameshipwithhim,threwhiscloakoverhisbody,thatthesailorsmightnotknowofhisdeath,andbedisheartened.Norwerethey.TheEnglishbroadsidessoexceedinglyastonishedtheDutchthattheysheeredoffatlast,thoughtheredoubtableVanTrompfireduponthemwithhisowngunsfordesertingtheirflag.Soonafterwards,thetwofleetsengagedagain,offthecoastofHolland.There,thevaliantVanTrompwasshotthroughtheheart,andtheDutchgavein,andpeacewasmade.

Furtherthanthis,OliverresolvednottobearthedomineeringandbigotedconductofSpain,whichcountrynotonlyclaimedarighttoallthegoldandsilverthatcouldbefoundinSouthAmerica,andtreatedtheshipsofallothercountrieswhovisitedthoseregions,aspirates,butputEnglishsubjectsintothehorribleSpanishprisonsoftheInquisition.So,OlivertoldtheSpanishambassadorthatEnglishshipsmustbefreetogowherevertheywould,andthatEnglishmerchantsmustnotbethrownintothosesamedungeons,no,notforthepleasureofallthepriestsinSpain.Tothis,theSpanishambassadorrepliedthatthegoldandsilvercountry,andtheHolyInquisition,werehisKing"stwoeyes,neitherofwhichhecouldsubmittohaveputout.Verywell,saidOliver,thenhewasafraidhe(Oliver)mustdamagethosetwoeyesdirectly.

So,anotherfleetwasdespatchedundertwocommanders,PENNandVENABLES,forHispaniola;where,however,theSpaniardsgotthebetterofthefight.Consequently,thefleetcamehomeagain,aftertakingJamaicaontheway.Oliver,indignantwiththetwocommanderswhohadnotdonewhatboldAdmiralBlakewouldhavedone,clappedthembothintoprison,declaredwaragainstSpain,andmadeatreatywithFrance,invirtueofwhichitwastosheltertheKingandhisbrothertheDukeofYorknolonger.Then,hesentafleetabroadunderboldAdmiralBlake,whichbroughttheKingofPortugaltohissenses-justtokeepitshandin-andthenengagedaSpanishfleet,sunkfourgreatships,andtooktwomore,ladenwithsilvertothevalueoftwomillionsofpounds:whichdazzlingprizewasbroughtfromPortsmouthtoLondoninwaggons,withthepopulaceofallthetownsandvillagesthroughwhichthewaggonspassed,shoutingwithalltheirmight.Afterthisvictory,boldAdmiralBlakesailedawaytotheportofSantaCruztocutofftheSpanishtreasure-shipscomingfromMexico.There,hefoundthem,teninnumber,withsevenotherstotakecareofthem,andabigcastle,andsevenbatteries,allroaringandblazingawayathimwithgreatguns.Blakecarednomoreforgreatgunsthanforpop-guns-nomorefortheirhotironballsthanforsnow-balls.

Hedashedintotheharbour,capturedandburnteveryoneoftheships,andcamesailingoutagaintriumphantly,withthevictoriousEnglishflagflyingathismasthead.Thiswasthelasttriumphofthisgreatcommander,whohadsailedandfoughtuntilhewasquitewornout.Hedied,ashissuccessfulshipwascomingintoPlymouthHarbouramidstthejoyfulacclamationsofthepeople,andwasburiedinstateinWestminsterAbbey.Nottoliethere,long.

Overandaboveallthis,OliverfoundthattheVAUDOIS,orProtestantpeopleofthevalleysofLucerne,wereinsolentlytreatedbytheCatholicpowers,andwereevenputtodeathfortheirreligion,inanaudaciousandbloodymanner.Instantly,heinformedthosepowersthatthiswasathingwhichProtestantEnglandwouldnotallow;andhespeedilycarriedhispoint,throughthemightofhisgreatname,andestablishedtheirrighttoworshipGodinpeaceaftertheirownharmlessmanner.

Lastly,hisEnglisharmywonsuchadmirationinfightingwiththeFrenchagainsttheSpaniards,that,aftertheyhadassaultedthetownofDunkirktogether,theFrenchKinginpersongaveituptotheEnglish,thatitmightbeatokentothemoftheirmightandvalour.

TherewereplotsenoughagainstOliveramongthefranticreligionists(whocalledthemselvesFifthMonarchyMen),andamongthedisappointedRepublicans.Hehadadifficultgametoplay,fortheRoyalistswerealwaysreadytosidewitheitherpartyagainsthim.The"Kingoverthewater,"too,asCharleswascalled,hadnoscruplesaboutplottingwithanyoneagainsthislife;althoughthereisreasontosupposethathewouldwillinglyhavemarriedoneofhisdaughters,ifOliverwouldhavehadsuchason-in-law.

TherewasacertainCOLONELSAXBYofthearmy,onceagreatsupporterofOliver"sbutnowturnedagainsthim,whowasagrievoustroubletohimthroughallthispartofhiscareer;andwhocameandwentbetweenthediscontentedinEnglandandSpain,andCharleswhoputhimselfinalliancewithSpainonbeingthrownoffbyFrance.Thismandiedinprisonatlast;butnotuntiltherehadbeenveryseriousplotsbetweentheRoyalistsandRepublicans,andanactualrisingoftheminEngland,whentheyburstintothecityofSalisbury,onaSundaynight,seizedthejudgeswhoweregoingtoholdtheassizestherenextday,andwouldhavehangedthembutforthemercifulobjectionsofthemoretemperateoftheirnumber.Oliverwassovigorousandshrewdthathesoonputthisrevoltdown,ashedidmostotherconspiracies;

anditwaswellforoneofitschiefmanagers-thatsameLordWilmotwhohadassistedinCharles"sflight,andwasnowEARLOF

ROCHESTER-thathemadehisescape.Oliverseemedtohaveeyesandearseverywhere,andsecuredsuchsourcesofinformationashisenemieslittledreamedof.Therewasachosenbodyofsixpersons,calledtheSealedKnot,whowereintheclosestandmostsecretconfidenceofCharles.Oneoftheforemostoftheseverymen,aSIRRICHARDWILLIS,reportedtoOlivereverythingthatpassedamongthem,andhadtwohundredayearforit.

MILESSYNDARCOMB,alsooftheoldarmy,wasanotherconspiratoragainsttheProtector.HeandamannamedCECIL,bribedoneofhisLifeGuardstoletthemhavegoodnoticewhenhewasgoingout-

intendingtoshoothimfromawindow.But,owingeithertohiscautionorhisgoodfortune,theycouldnevergetanaimathim.

Disappointedinthisdesign,theygotintothechapelinWhitehall,withabasketfulofcombustibles,whichweretoexplodebymeansofaslowmatchinsixhours;then,inthenoiseandconfusionofthefire,theyhopedtokillOliver.But,theLifeGuardsmanhimselfdisclosedthisplot;andtheywereseized,andMilesdied(orkilledhimselfinprison)alittlewhilebeforehewasorderedforexecution.AfewsuchplottersOlivercausedtobebeheaded,afewmoretobehanged,andmanymore,includingthosewhoroseinarmsagainsthim,tobesentasslavestotheWestIndies.Ifhewererigid,hewasimpartialtoo,inassertingthelawsofEngland.

WhenaPortuguesenobleman,thebrotherofthePortugueseambassador,killedaLondoncitizeninmistakeforanothermanwithwhomhehadhadaquarrel,OlivercausedhimtobetriedbeforeajuryofEnglishmenandforeigners,andhadhimexecutedinspiteoftheentreatiesofalltheambassadorsinLondon.

OneofOliver"sownfriends,theDUKEOFOLDENBURGH,insendinghimapresentofsixfinecoach-horses,wasveryneardoingmoretopleasetheRoyaliststhanalltheplottersputtogether.Oneday,Oliverwentwithhiscoach,drawnbythesesixhorses,intoHydePark,todinewithhissecretaryandsomeofhisothergentlemenunderthetreesthere.Afterdinner,beingmerry,hetookitintohisheadtoputhisfriendsinsideandtodrivethemhome:apostillionridingoneoftheforemosthorses,asthecustomwas.

OnaccountofOliver"sbeingtoofreewiththewhip,thesixfinehorseswentoffatagallop,thepostilliongotthrown,andOliverfelluponthecoach-poleandnarrowlyescapedbeingshotbyhisownpistol,whichgotentangledwithhisclothesintheharness,andwentoff.Hewasdraggedsomedistancebythefoot,untilhisfootcameoutoftheshoe,andthenhecamesafelytothegroundunderthebroadbodyofthecoach,andwasverylittletheworse.Thegentlemeninsidewereonlybruised,andthediscontentedpeopleofallpartiesweremuchdisappointed.

TherestofthehistoryoftheProtectorateofOliverCromwellisahistoryofhisParliaments.Hisfirstonenotpleasinghimatall,hewaiteduntilthefivemonthswereout,andthendissolvedit.

Thenextwasbettersuitedtohisviews;andfromthathedesiredtoget-ifhecouldwithsafetytohimself-thetitleofKing.