Truth drawn out of a Saw-pit.
VICE hath an ugly Visage, and is so conscious thereof unto it selfe, that it alwaies keepes in the darke; and will never appeare in its own colours unto the World: Nay, the more transcendent it is, the more it hardneth its brow with impudence to outbrave all Testimony and conceale it selfe. Wee have of late a cleere instance of this truth in those persons who were of the Councell or did conceale the resolution to murther his Majesty.
The fact is so horrid that the Law of this Kingdome hath made all fences against it possible; The Lawyers doe account in the Notion of the law: That the least attempt or endeavor which doth but look that way, is interpreted as if the wickednesse were accomplished, because the persons which would be so wicked as to begin, could never thinke themselves secure, but by the perfection of that villanie; as the Lord chiefe Justice Popham, and the rest of the Judges in the case of Robt. Earle of Essex in the reign of Queen Eliz. nay in other Kingdoms where Princes have beene jealous, the verie dreame of it hath beene made Capitall, and the reason given of it; that they would never have Dreamt of it in their sleepe, if sometimes they had not thought of it when they were awake.
And though a worke of such darknesse very seldome nath had more light (being testified by the oath of one witnesse, if not more, and confirmed by varietie of circumstances and as strong presumptions as such a case can afford:) Yet wee see with what a brow of Brasse Cap. Rolfe durst present himselfe to the house, how confidently Col. Hammond writes on his behalfe, how boldly the Lo. Wharton dares anticipate the world and himselfe: first publish the letters which were sent unto him and the house of Lords with a delusive answer. All of them decry the fact (if you will take their words,) as boldly as the whore in the Proverbs, who wiped her mouth, and said what evill have I done: [Page 2] Therefore that wee may take off the maske, and expose the businesse and Persons to the world to bee Judged of; wee shall.
1. Set down the Letters.
2. Give you a Character of the persons mentioned in them.
3. A Narrative of the matter of Fact, and the proceedings thereupon.
4. Answer the Lord Whartons Vindication.
5. And lastly, draw some necessarie Inferences or Corollaries, which we shall confirme by further evidences; In all which wee promise so much Candor and Integrity as not to swerve a tittle from the truth, so farre as our Information (which I have severely endeavered to bottome well) shall hold out.
The Letter to the Lord Wharton June the first.
THOUGH I cannot but imagine I stand so highly condemned in your Lordshippes and many persons thoughts, that any thing of vindication from me must come with all the disadvantage and perjudice that may be; yet (my Lord) being conscious of my owne integrity, and confident that I shall be judged by your Lordshippe by no other Rules but those of justice and reason, I cannot doubt but when I have discovered the grounds and reasons of my Actions, that it will appeare to your Lordshippe, that what I have done hath been agreeable to the severall duties I stand ingaged in, as I am supposed to have acted contrary before I am heard.
Not to detaine your Lordship in circumstances, I shall make this Protestation, that as no other thing but the danger of the Kings life could in reason excuse such attempt. So I doe protest that no inferiour consideration did or could have moved to such an action: But my Lord having had such particular and well grounded information, that so horrid a designe was intended and moved from those that could when they pleased have had the power to put it in execution; I hope I shall not be censured for having post posed all other considerations to that Loyalty which cannot be questioned but I owe to the King.
But not to leave your Lordshippe unsatisfied with this generall account, the intelligence I speak of, concerning this designe, I received [Page 3] from Captaine Rolfe, a person very intimate with the Governour, privy to all Counsells and one that is very high in the esteem of the Army; he my Lord, informed me that to his knowledge the Governor had received severall Letters from the Army, intimating they desired the King might by any meanes be removed out of the way, either by poyson or otherwise; And that another time the same person perswaded me to joyne with him in a designe to remove the King out of that Castle to a place of more secresie proffering to take an Oath with me, and to doe it without the Governours privity, who he sayd would not consent for losing the allowance of the House; his pretence to this attempt was, That the King was in too publique a place, from whence hee might bee rescued: But if hee might bee conveyed into some place of secresie hee said wee might dispose of his person, upon all occasions, as wee thought fit; and this hee was confident wee could effect without the Governours privity. My Lord considering all these pregnant circumstances I thinke it will appeare that there were, if there are no, such intentions concerning his Majesties person, as may well justifie my indeavours that have been made for his remove from so much danger: & for my own part my Lord, I must be so plain as to declare concerning my own actings in relation to this businesse, that had I not done this (having such grounds) I must belive I had then verified all these aspersions of disloyalty and breach of Trust, which I am contented to suffer from those whose interest is perchance opposed to my indeavours to prevent such damnable designes
My Lord, I have spoken nothing heere but what I shall be ready to testifie upon Oath when ever I shall be called to it, with promise of Freedome and security, till then I must be content to support all censures and satisfie my selfe with the vindication I receive from my owne conscience.
The Letter to the Earle of Manchester.
I Did by a Letter of the first of June acquaint my Lord Wharton with what I send here inclosed, expecting it would before this have been communicated to both Houses: what should be the reason of concealing a businesse af this nature I know not, except it be to give those time that are concerned in it better to thinke of some stratagem to evade this discovery.
I humbly desire your Lordship upon sight of this relation, to cōmunicate it to the House of Peeres; which I shall be ready to attest upon Oath on every particular, when ever their Lordships shall please to allow me that freedome and security which ought to be afforded to any Gentleman, and Christian, in witnessing a truth.
An account of the Persons who are named
- Rolfe.
- Captaine Rolfe (or rather Major Rolfe) is one of no great head-piece, but of a turbulent and busie spirit, who for his zeale to new light, and activitie to promote that way; hath beene advanced from an obscure condition (having beene bred but a poore shooe-maker, and as wee are informed, not yet out of his Apprentiship) to bee an Officer of the Army by the Lieut. Generall, and is imployed as a Councellor with, and a spie upon Col. Hammond, by the same person; for you must know that it is the custome of Cromwell never to send a Whale without a Pilot Fish, nor preferre any Commander in Chiefe to a place of Eminencie and Trust, but he pinneth one or two more peteets upon his sleeve, who are to infuse the fence of the Lieu. Gen. with the Junto into the Commander: keepe them in some awe and informe if they find any tendencie towards the disadvantage [Page 5] of thir private cause. And of this nature was Major Rolfe at the Isle of Wight, who being a Cap. in Col. Hammonds Regiment when his Majestie was Jugled into that place, was sent thither with his Company to bee a guard unto the King, and hath beene ever since at the governors elbow; and in a manner Deputy governor there.
- Mr. Osborne.
Master Osborne is of a good familie. Eldest sonne to a Gentleman of good repute and estate, who hath beene a friend to the Parliament through this whole contestation.
This young man hath beene in Armes also in their quarell, never observed guiltie of any personall vice; long known to the Lord Wharton, and was preferred unto the charge about his Majestie, by that Lords power and interest.
- Hammond
- The Governor, or Col. Hammond, is a younger brother, but hath some expectation from his Mother a widdowe, and a furious enemie unto his Majestie which drove him out at the beginning of these Warres into the service, where untill the new Modell of this Army hee could ascend to no higher pitch then a Major, hee hath had his hands in Murther already, and of one of his own party, for which being in Glocester likely to suffer, was helped off by Col. Massey whom hee hath requited well; But being afterwards taken notice of to bee stout enough, and pliable also, was taken into favor by the Lieut. Generall preferred to bee a Colonell, and when the designe was on foote to conveigh the King to the Isle of Wight, by his power and interest, premised thither for his Majesties entertainment.
- Lord Whartons Character.
- The Lord Wharton is known well enough through all the Kingdome to have runne high in, and beene one of the prime heads of the Independents Juncto. Of a most inveterate malice unto his Majestie and that against the bonds of gratitude; one that had a good minde to have done this Act with his own hand if the King had fallen into the Saw-pit where his Lordship hid himselfe; but his Lordship finding that course dangerous, and being frighted at the First sight, quickly left it, and betooke himselfe, to act in a safer way.
The Narrative of matter of Fact and proceedings in this.
How long Rolfe had beene hatching this Villanie, who drew him in, or who hee had drawn into the designe; is known only to God and there consciences. It was not many moneths after his first acquaintance with Osborne, but hee threw out his lure: insinuates the merit of the action, the meanes whereby it might bee done, and the Authoritie of the Armie which would protect the Instrument, and invited him to bee one. But Osborne being startled with the horror of the Fact; imparts it to some better acquaintance of his in the Isle, consults with them what course is best to bee taken. It is resolved to acquaint his Majestie therewith and take his advice, where it is concluded: To discover it to any persons in Command about the King, were to hale on the mischife sooner, and involve themselves in the danger; there could bee no way so safe to the Kings person nor more honourable for themselves, then to deliver him from such bloody hands; whereupon they provide horses and Boates; deale with some Sentinells to winke at his passing, prepare his way by fretting an Iron barre with Aqua fortis in his windowe, to passe out by, and were readie to put it in execution. But one of the Sentinells discovering the designe, Osborne flieth out of the Isle, and so soone as hee can cleare himselfe of the danger, writes first unto the Lord Wharton as you see; but after his Lordship had stifled this information longer then a fortnight, to discharge a good Conscience towards God, performe his Allegiance to his Majestie, and duty to the Kingdome, he writes a letter to the Speaker of either house. That to the House of Lords you may reade, that to the House of Commons was the same upon the matter: These being delivered on Saturday June 18. in the house of Commons, the speaker takes an advantage of a thinne house, and which consisted of most that inclined his way, communicates these letters, where after a little debate Major Gen. Skipon riseth up and desireth that Whereas this seemed to bee but an idle paper, it might not hinder their more serious affaires, which were before them, but bee laid aside. Whereupon it was accordingly voted, and laid up in Lavender, with an intention to call [Page 7] upon it at doomes day. Upon Monday the Lords (who in businesse of this consequence give the house of Commons leave to make them a president) tooke the Letter into debate also, where the Lord Say struck in presently with Major Skipons motion. That it might bee laid aside there too, and had neere obteined the same effect, but some Lords that had some sparkes of honour left within them, tooke so much courage as to presse the horror of the villanie, the duty of their places, and how much it would reflect upon their house if they should neglect to make enquire after it. This wrought so much, the businesse being foule upon the Lord Wharton. hee escaped imprisonment with some difficultie, the house of Commons are acquainted therewith, by which meanes the businesse is resumed into new debate in that house, many messages passe betweene the houses: at last there is an Order concluded upon, for Osburne to appeare and make good his accusation at any time within fourtie daies, and this is commanded to bee published by the Sheriffe with as much pompe and shew of zeale, as little intention in the most, either to inquire into the Fact, punish the Authors, or Rescue his Majestie from the like danger.
The Lord Wharton finding these trans-actions would see the Sun now, and having had experience that Copies would multiply if they were bought up too fast (as he went once about to do by a Pamphlet which discovered another ignoble Action of his) steeres another course in the Compasse, and causeth the Letters to bee published himselfe; but with an answere, whereby he might anticipate the credulity of the People, and make his own Defence among them. Not long after, Master Osborne discovers himselfe; enters his Appearance; makes affidavit of his discovery, and confirmes it by such pregnant circumstances, that most men are convinced of the truth: Rolfe, being by this time acquainted with the Passages, comes up unto the House, presents himselfe with a a Letter from the Governour, dated June 21. (which pleades his Case, denies the Designe (chargeth Osborne with Treachery, and very much extolleth his owne care of his Duty and tender Usage of his Majesty, for which hee citeth his owne Testimony; not withstanding, the Lords finde cause to commit Rolfe to safe custody, where hee remaines untill he be [Page 8] forgotten, or by the policy and strength of his Partie quitted from the Charge, or released out of Prison.
The Lord Whartons Answere examined.
His Lordships whole Answere may bee reduced unto foure heads, which shall bee brought unto the Test in their Order.
The first is, That Osborne is a Traytor by the Lawe of the Land because hee entertained communication, divers times, with one that intended to take away the Kings life, by Poyson, about that Action and concealed it: whence hee would inferre That Osborne is to have no credit given to his Testimony.
To this is Replyed.
First, That if the Letter of the Lawe were truly urged, yet it cannot reach Osborne, because first it is supposed the Lawe is in force and can take place where this Communication is had: Secondly, The Persons who are possessed of the Authority or Power, in that place, bee not guilty, nor accessary to the Treason.
Thirdly, That the witnesse can with safety of his owne life and the Kings, make his addresse to those persons: But let all England judge whether Lawe bee in force in that place where the King is kept in prison, which is Treason in it selfe by the Lawe, and by Lawyers is interpreted a Designe against his Life: Where Souldiers (one of which once answered a Statesman; What doe you talke to us of your Lawe that weare our Swords by our sides?) rule all the Rost.
The persons in most power there, were eyther Principalls or Accessories (in the most favourable construction to be suspected of it) In the Designe Rolfe was in command there, and Principall. The Governour in command of the Island in chiefe, and at least likely to bee of the Councell. Rolfe suggested that hee had received Letters from the Army to that purpose, that hee was unwilling to concurre (not out of horror of the wickednesse) but feare of his pay. Master Osborne could not choose but understand by their familiarity that their interest was all [Page 9] one, that such Actions are never owned by all that are of the conspiracy: Often times great men, who are the first movers, can stand behinde a Curtaine during execution of their owne Designes (and as the Ape that thrust the Catts paw into the fire to take the Chesnut out for his owne Palat) put an inferiour Instrument to act the disgracefull or dangerous part of their contrivance. The suspicion may bee great against the Governor, since hee pleades in his defence, and did himselfe suppresse the Letter which Osborne wrote to the Lord Wharton, which his Lordship tells his friends, and did tell the House upon his Honour, That hee sent immediatly to Hammond, yet hee suppressed for above ten daies without securing Rolfe or acquainting the houses therewith. Now let all the world Judge whether it had beene best for Osborne in relation to the Kings safety, or his own, to complaine unto these men, or by holding them in suspence for a while, in the meane time endeavour the prevention.
2. Master Osborne did reveale this, the hazard considered, as soone as hee could unto the Lord Wharton.
3. Hee did reveale it to his Majesty and some other who might assist him in the prevention thereof.
4. Graunt that Osborne were as guiltie as the Lord Wharton doth suggest, hee might as well be allowed for a competent witnesse, as Master Edward Waller was against his brother Tomkins and others.
The second head is.
That Osborne did this not out of any intent of good or love unto the King, but to free himself from his perfidiousnesse to the trust reposed in him by the Parliament, in his attempt to carry away the King (God knows whether) to the danger of his person, & to procure for himselfe libertie and fredome from Justice, which he fled from.
To the Negative part hereof it is answered.
1. That is spoken Gratis, and upon his Lordships own presumption,
2. Against common reason; can any man thinke the Gentleman [Page 10] should run that hazzard, endure so much reproach; loose so great friends, for one he wished noe good, bare no affection unto?
3. Gaunt this for true, it agrues the conscience of his Allegiance, and sence of so great a sinne to bee the more, in that hee would endure so much for to avoid it.
To the first part of the affiirmative wee Answer.
1. That every man ought to bee sensible of, and desire to vindicate his honour from an unjust aspersion, wee wish the Lord Wharton as able to doe that, as willing to quit himselfe of the true charge.
2. That surely the matter of trust which the Parliament and Generall reposed in the Kings attendants, was not (I know not what it is in his Lordshipps constructions) to assist in the Murther of his Majestie, nor stand by spectators thereof, without his rescue; but to use all meanes for preservation thereof, which was done by him.
3. That all superior trust doth null and invalidate a subordinate ingagement when they are incompatible. Now whether a trust which a man is oblieged to by expresse Oath (as that of Allegiance to omit all other bonds doth or should cause all Subjects to preserve the life of there Prince) to a Supream Governor of the Kingdome, enjoyned by law, bee not first to bee satisfied, before a verball promise (or perhaps but an implicit trust) to fellow subjects, in a questionable if not unlawfull Action (as the imprisonment of the King is) let all wise men Judge.
4. That the intention of his Majestie might bee to come, and these Gentlemen to bring him up unto his Parliament for all is yet known: Hee hath often desired that of late, and surely the Kingdome is convinced where the impediment is, as wee may guesse by their petitions.
5. That the Kings person could not possibly be at so much danger in the power of the grim Tartar or Turkish pirates, as in those hands hee hath beene trusted, and it is easie for to prove it.
To the second part of the affiirmative wee answer.
1. That if it bee meant by his Lordships freedome and libertie to come into the face of Justice to make good his charge; that is granted, and we know not why it should wring his Lordship so much unlesse there bee some sore thereabout.
2. That if it be generall libertie and freedom which his Lordship meanes, that cannot bee so; for in both his letters he limits his desires of either, but to testifie that which hee had writ, and according to law bee admitted unto his Oath.
3. Hee fled not from the face of Justice, but violence and oppression, so soone as that was but pretended unto; hee presents himselfe, unto it wee have had many examples of discouragement, imprisonment, and plundring of such as have formerly offered their testimonies to truth of like nature, and hee could not bee blamed to fortifie himselfe against the like.
The third is That Osborne doth personate Rolfe onely as guiltie of the Act, and brings no other witnesse. To which is Answered.
That this was a worke of darkenesse, there are few admited into such Councells; for the most part one man is made the instrument: And when the villanie is done, hee dispatched also that hee may tell no tales: Therefore in the Civill Law; Presumptio fortis in delictis secretis sufficit pro probatione; In Crimes which are committed in secresie, a strong presumption is a good proofe: But in this case heere is not the affirmation, but the oath and all other concurrence of circumstances imaginable as shall heereafter bee fullie cleared.
The fourth is that Osborne was guiltie of that Action, of which hee accuseth Rolfe, to carry away the King when as the Governor and Rolfe were active in the prevention thereof. To this is Answered.
That hee would have done part of that Action; rescue his Majestie from the place, but not the villanie: Rolfe his designe was to Murther; where there might bee no noise, noe [Page 12] helpe presse in to the rescue. Osborne to deliver the King from that danger. It is no wonder that the Governor or Rolfe should hinder it; that were to keepe the prey in their tallons still, and the King in their own power and disposition.
Whereas his Lordship writes that Rolfe offered an oath of secresie, but tooke it not; the Sentinells did notwithstanding an oath discover it: I know not to what purpose that is inserted, Cromwell the Sultan of the Faction, hath given testimony to all the world of how little obligation such pettie to yes are, who is observed to make most fervent promises lard them deepest with imprecations and oathes, when hee meanes the contrarie, and is neerest the execution thereof; and others have observed that they are allowed to take the Sacrament with you, make any oathes unto you, which they never intend to keepe, for the advantage of their cause; it was no wonder then, he neither accepted it from Rolfe, or found the Sentinell noe better principles.
The Letter of the Governor is not worth an answer noe man could expect but hee must deny the Fact, if hee had beene Principall, or can thinke his cause the better, for either that his defending of Rolfe, or bitternesse against Osborne, how hee hath dealt with his Majestie, after times will declare; there are witnesses enough of his barbarous incivilities towards Him.
If the King doe acquit him (as hee boasteth) truely the greater is his goodnesse; Their whole gang will not afford a Paralell.
The Corollaries or Inferences are.
1. That there was and is a desigue in the Army to murther His Majesty, if it bee not prevented by providence: And that there is so, is not only to be inferred from the suggestion of Rolfe, but multitudes of other people, of very many I shall present a few, and shall bee ready to make proofe of these and more if I may obtaine that Libertie which is afforded Osborne.
At the same time (to goe no higher) that the Armie pretended to right his Majesty in their printed Proposalls, wherein they pressed his Majesties person, his Queene and Royall Issue may bee restored to a condition of freedome honour and safety in this Kingdome without diminution to there personall rights.
There were many in the Army that urged his Majestie might bee decolled by them, and that there never could bee Peace in the Kingdome untill that were done: Their Grandees did daily discourse of the convenience, the advantage, and disadvantage that might come to their cause thereby.
In their march towards London. They give it out that if the King did declare against them they would quickly cut Him short, that if they must perish, they would upon him. A little after a member of the Army, Major Scot, did at Caversham house in the presence of the King speake openly: That things could never be well untill that man (meaning his Majesty) were shorter by the head, without punishment or reprose of any of his Company; some Agitators were a while after that, taken by the watch, as they came late from supper and Councell, and being searched; Papers were found about them, wherein it was concluded to make away his Majesty: And though these were delivered to Alderman Wollaston, yet the men were dismissed and never further questioned. Rainsborough made no bones to presse this in Councells of war and publique meetings. The Lieut. Generall himselfe writ to Col. Whaley (as he confessed to some Comissioners) that he heard that there was a design against his life suddainly to be executed upon him. Their Apostle Mr. Peters hath often belched out this Venome: That the King was the only grievance now left, that it was of noe difficultie to remove him, hee was but a dead dogg already. The Lieutenant Generall hath divers times himselfe spoken words to that purpose, once Are the People so mad upon a King, they shall have a May-pole for their King, as soone as him again. At his first accesse to the King, coming down Sir John Cutts his staires neere Cambridge, shaking his head hee said; This Man is not fit to reigne: This was more then King Henry the fourth did speake to encourage Tyrrell to assassine King Rich. the second
Nay the Generall himselfe cannot be excused from some concurrence, his Lordship being taxed by some Ministers, that there was such Indulgence shewed to the King and Malignants, answered, Oh they need not joy in that, if they knew what measure is intended them. In Sept. 2. from Putny 1647. hee writ letters of intercession to the Parliament, for such men as by the Law were cast into prison for such words as imported as much as [Page 14] His Murther, as in particular of one Symball who had said hee hoped to see the Kings head upon the Tower block; and Robt. White, who said if hee meet the King hee would kill Him as soone as another man. In the late March of the Armie through Southwarke into Kent, when the People cried out bring home the King, bring home the King, I will bring his head upon my Pike said one, upon my swords point said another, and while a woman presuming upon her sex ventured to call him villain, shee hardly got off with her braines in her scull: Of late it hath beene so frequent in the mouthes of the Parliament men, Members of the Army, that hardly any Member of the House hath heene a stranger thereto; Are you so earnest for your King, you may have Him to bury, you may have Him shorter by the head, and many more words unto this purpose. Doe but add the placing of Joy and such principled men at Portsmouth and other places, neere the Kings residence, commending Rainsborough to the Navie, discharging all the Kings old servants which hee knew, or any new, in whome hee seemd to have any contentment (perhaps rather such as they found not for their turne) and setling such a retinue about him, every one of which in probabilitie would not scruple to bee his assassinate, so it might bee done in private.
I know that this is aswered by the pretence of safe custodie; but let any one consider 1. The strength & fastnes of the Castle. 2. The scituation of the Isle in which it stands. 3. The guards by land, perpetually attendant, and Sentinells. 4. The guard by Sea and other advantages, and hee shall finde that there needed not this superaddition of care but for some other purpose, and that neither King Ed. 2. was under a safer custody either at Kenelworth or Barkely, nor Richard the second at Pomfract: God divert the Omen.
2. That the Lord Wharton is a Traitor by his own Rule, for the Concealement if hee bee not of the Con-spiracie in this wicked intendment.
It is cleere that his Lordship was informed of this fact in writing, and that hee conceald this for above a fortnight after from the houses of Parliament, though hee had oportunity and daily resorted thereunto, and that hee did not so much as give [Page 15] intimation thereof, in any Court of Justice, or to any person of power to inquire thereinto.
His Lordship answered upon his honour (a great obligation) in the house, that hee sent this Letter immediatly to Hammond; for prevention of the fact, if there was any such danger. But this excuseth not his silence, only involves Hammond in the guilt also, and may well bee interpreted not to bee intended for prevention, but either to speede the businesse, or give the Conspirators time and warning to evade the accusation. Why did not his Lordship write to the King, or send a Letter to him or desire the Governor to shew it to his Majesty.
And if hee would have the world beleeve him to be innocent; let him declare the contents of the Letter he writ to Hammond, or with what hast, or post, he sent it? or by whome? hee might have remembred that 'tis adjudged Treason to hinder any that are going to aid the King.
That Sir Nicholas Seagrave A [...] 33. Ed. 1. was in Parliament condemned to loose his life, but for wiithdrawing himselfe from the Kings Host, and from the Kings Aid by going to the Court of Paris in France about a discord and contention which hee had moved against John de Crumblewell, & leaving the King amongst his Enimies.
Whosoever will add unto this that exact correspondence which his Lordship holdeth with Cromwell, and that Juncto; the malice which his Lordship expresseth upon all occasions against his Majestie: his Cowardize which all the Kindome talketh of, and is allwaies coupled with crueltie even in the highest degree, where it can obteine an oportunity; his ingratitude which seldome makes a stop untill it ascend the highest Pinacle of guilt; they may suspect that this young Gentleman was sent into such Company, as fit wex to take their impression, and become assistant in that intended, and horrid villany.
3. That a great party in either house are conscious of, and readie to promote that wickednesse.
For how else durst any one bee so impudent as Skippon was, to move that this information might bee laid aside, and denie to his Majestie that common Justice which was due to every [Page 16] Lacquy, or fellow in New-gate, how could it bee carried in the House of Commons to that purpose? or admit so long a debate in the house of Peeres whether it should bee considered? how could the Lord Wharton escape imprisonment? and bee suffered to revell it up and downe, and solicit all waies to make his evasion from the Charge, whosoever will but reflect upon former passages shall bee convinced, as in particular.
One Hall being a suitor for a ship in the late fleete, was informed against as one under accusation, in the Committe for the Admirallty. It was asked what that was? answer being made that hee had said; that the Paerliament were fooles that they hired not some bold man to have killed the King when hee was in the hands of the Scotts. But Sir Henry Mildmay replied, Oh if you have noe more against him, let him goe to choose! Yet Sir Henry Mildmay was never so much as reprehended for this; but Hall although for the present upon a farther accusation; that hee was a mutineere and denied obedience to his superior officer, for that time was suspended, but within a little while the Command of a better Ship was given him.
Divers Indictments have beene put in at the Sessions in the Old-Bailie to the number of 17. or 18. of men for Traiterous speeches within these 7. last yeares; amongst which against one Pym an Inn-keeper in Bishops-gate-streete; who said hee hoped to wash his hands in the blood of the King, were withdrawn by a power from thence, and the men dismissed without any punishment.
Cole the Speakers Secretarie hath beene heard more then once to say that rather than the King should want one to hang Him, he would bee His Executioner: And though the Speaker had intimation thereof yet this man was harbored in his bosome to his death, but that was no wonder, when
The Speaker and his Independent brother the Tradesman have divers times declared: The King was not fit, and should not bee trusted to sit upon the throne again.
Mr. Lilburne and divers other Agitators being surprized upon the information of Mr. Masterson at Shore-ditch did a little while after declare unto the house of Commons the causes of their meetings and passages thereupon, petitioning for a discharge, in which they doe expresse that a member of the house [Page 17] of Commons urged that the King was to bee made away, and rather then hee should not, hee offered himselfe a Felton for that fact, yet this man never so much as inquired after.
The frequent expressions to that effect of many of the Members. Especially the Lord Denby, Coll. Edw. Popham, Ludlow, Martin, Morley, Sir Hen. Mildmay, Sir G. Norton, &c. (To passe by the impudente of their Ladies, & wives) even publiquely in the houses themselves every day.
And the Declaration of Mr. Abraham Dowcet who also attended upon the Kings Person. Delivered under his hand, the third day of this instant July 1648, in the house of Peeres. That the said Major Rolfe came unto him whilst hee was a prisoner in Carisbrooke Castle, touching the Kings intended escape, and in a jearing manner asked him why the King came not down according to his appointment; and afterwards in great indignation and fury said hee had waited three houres under the new platforme with a good Pistoll ready charged to have received him if hee had come, one sufficient to manifest their most ungodly purposes.
That base and scandalous Libell or Declaration of lyes, which by their authorities was published in all Churches, and since with all diligence in Dutch and French; what was it but an antidated sentence before his Majestie was heard one word? and what conclusion can bee parralell therewith, but execution as preposterous? what could it presage, but an assault upon his Person, after the murther of his honour.
That unworthie usage, and those vile affronts they have continually offered unto him, will make any considerate man conclude, they never dare looke him in the face again, whom they have so provoked. The Speaker of the House of Commons dreamt, (and told it himselfe) That His Majesty came to the House of Commons doore, and knocking thereat, all the Members ran away, and hid themselves, at which hee awaked, and was verie glad, for hee was heartilie affraid also. Dreames are the revolutions of the daies thoughts; if hee were affrighted, at a vision of the night, how would hee bee appaled at the Reality and Performance? A Lord in the debate of a petition for a Treatie in their house, was not ashamed to say They had as good petition we should hang our selves. There are very few men that can bee spoken withall, but thinke they doe intend to cover their shame in his blood, and intercept that feare by the height of this farther guilt.
4. That notwithstanding all pretences to the contrarie there is like to be but a sleight search of this Villanie, and a lesse punishment of the Authors.
How can any man expect other measure at their hands? the world hath experience how closse they stick one to another, how hard it is to have Justice against any one of the fraternity, in what cause soever, how one man may interrupt by captious and pusling interposures, the proceedings of any Committee, nay of the whole House; what straines of art, and finenesse of wit must wee looke for in this case, where so many of the tribe are concerned? their cause lies at stake. For my part I give up the poore Gentleman who makes the affidavit as a Victim, and foresee bayes provided for the head of the assassinate, according to former practises and events in the like case. At least the businesse shall bee huffled in a silent forgetfullnesse untill the sence of the People is worne out, and this tempest blown over, at which time they may securely dismisse their associate, and revenge themselves by some advantage upon their adversaries.
5. That wee their fellow Subjects (or rather Vassalls) can expect but poore Justice at their hands when wee have occasion.
If it fare thus with the Ceder, how shall it with the shrub? If they doe thus by their King, how shall the Subjects speede? Take but the paines to turne over their Journalls, to examine their Committees, to tread upon their heeles in their eccentricall actings in their severall Countries. I doubt it will bee a hard matter to finde one Act of Justice which hath beene done this whole seaven yeares, unlesse a Member or an entire friend have had the right, and selfe interest beene the spurre unto it: It must needs bee a question, when a confident of their own, even Mr. Lilburne hath proclaimed it in print, and many more of their friends; nay their Members when they are out of the walls, and in an impartiall fit doe daily confesse and for injustice and oppression you shall see such Mountaines, that it may be boldly averred. That all the Courts of Justice, all the persons in judicature, since the Conquest did never cōmit so many, (if they were mustred together) by the one halfe: If these men do behave themselves thus whiles they are but probationers & candidates of Soveraignty, we must expect that our Judgments must be unrighteous, our Justice turned into Gall and Wormewood. Their finger shall bee heavier then their Loynes, and [Page 19] whips turned into Scorpions, when their Empire is setled over us, our hands are tied and our mouthes choaked up.
6. That the King is a rare example of Wisdome, Patience Fortitude and other Vertues.
Although most vertues bee strongly concenter'd in his Majestie, yet these are the more eminent, because they had the greatest objects; because his Majestie hath beene clothed with the contrarie vices by his enemies and exposed into that deformitie to the world by them; as the Christians, in former times were covered with the Skinnes of Beares and Woolves, that Doggs might bee the better invited to teare and worry them.
For his Wisdome. Marke, without prejudice his Messages, his Answers his Declarations; even as they print them in their own books. Read his Letters which were writ in private, even as they are exposed in as bad scraps as they could break them, and joyn'd with a distorting Comment, and you shall be convinced of what one of their own Members said; That one Lyne of his was more worth then a Volume of their owne.
Consider those Transactions of his since they bought him of the Scotts, and you shall confesse, That in so little, you never read more.
Take notice of his equall Deportment in all his Conditions, and how he hath won upon most persons, even his deadly enemies, who have conversed with him. Cromwell said that hee employed Huntington as the Man about him, yet hee is so bewitched with the King, that I am afraid of him.
Col. Whaley was under jealousie also, for the expressions he many times let fall. The very Governor of the Isle of Wight hath given him a large Character, for all Honor and Accomplishment, unto very many.
Master Carill their Chaplain worte home to his wife from New-Castle, That he found him another Solomon.
Master Hinderson found this in his last discourses and disputes with his Majesty, and therefore at his poenitentiall expiring, Declared him to bee a most Pious and a Learned Prince, and was sorie hee had beene so farre injured.
Their Tub-Preachers Master Kiffen and others, upon their little acquaintance. have done him that right; and for that been so enamored with him; Nay the Houses have no other Reason, nor none so great, for their feare to Treat in Person with him, suffering him to come into play, then that he is too wise. If you did on the other side surveigh their Actions and Councells (which somtimes you could not thinke but they had their rise in Bedlam) it would render his Worth the more conspicuous, and [Page 20] you must confesse, That my Lord the King is even as an Angell of God.
For Patience. Though Satan and his Instruments have winnowed him almost as much as Job; Though he have passed through the furnace of sorrow: Though so many indignities and affronts have beene offered him by his Vassals. such as have beene fed with his bread, such as would have been glad to have fed with the dogs of his Flock: Yet he indured all like a Lamb, and never, that I could heare, so much as offended with his Lips, in impatient expression, when the whole house of Commons is many times in great distemper (to use their own expressions) upon the wagging of a Straw, as it were, and the smallest occasions.
His Fortitude Is almost above a Miracle Hee was never observed to breake one nights rest, though his chamber were beset with Armed and spitefull enemies; Never to discover any feare, when their confused noises might suggest just matter to the best resolution.
Witnesse those passages at that time of night when Joyce offered that violence upon his person at Holmby, and they all confessed, did neither daunt, nor put him out of the carriage of a King. Hee never baulked one dish of meate if hee liked it, though it were Cooked by the hands of a mortall enemie, and passed through the hands of many more.
When on the otherside, the whole house of Commons startled at the falling of a little Seeling, and were likely to stifle one another, for feare, least the skie should fall. Many of them lately at St. Martins did the like nay broake through the windowes upon the fall of a board, Nay their Goliah Sir Tho. Fairfax with his other Champions were readie to die for feare of being poysoned: Because it hath some mirth in it you shall have the storie at length. A Pragmaticall Cooke which had formerly served the Lady Crisp in her prosperitie, hearing the Generall wanted one of his Trade, presumes to invite him with some other Officers in his Ladies name to her house in Hamersmith; where hee might shew his Skill at his owne Charges, and what a feast hee could make for fourtie shillings: The Generall and his company after they had eaten, and discovered that the invitation was not from the Lady, fell into a great fright, some of them fell verie sick and into vomitings, purging for all the Cordialls they could take; claps up the poore Cooke by the heeles, for his requitall, and keepes him there untill many weekes had made it evident there was no danger.
His Devotions Are more fervent and frequent then those of their best Saints amongst them.
His Temperance So signall, that themselves acknowledge it.
His Clemencie So great, that his finger was never dipt in the blood of [Page 21] his worst enemies (more then they drew upon themselves in the field) nay when they have beene at his mercy hee hath shewed them favour. But this Subject would fill a Volume, wee must bee short. If his Majestie were a stranger, and had not such an undoubted right and inheritance in these Kingdomes, and that they were Elective, his wisdome and profound virtue would represent him like Saul (in that point) higher by the head then the rest of the People; and most worthie to bee chosen their King.
7. That His Majesty ought to bee pittied above all men, and deserves to bee rescued from this danger by His Subjects.
It is Treason by law to imprison the person of the worst King. But so good a Prince, in so barbarous a way, to be in so much hazard of His life; is an Act of unparalelld wickednesse in those that doe, or allow of it. The Oath of Allegiance (which was by the Law of the Land before the Conquest, to bee taken by every male above 12. yeares old in the Kingdome, and hath beene actually by most of us) obliegeth us to it. Wherein wee sweare.
That wee will beare faith and true allegiance to the Kings highnesse his Heires and lawfull Successors, and to our power shall assist and defend all jurisdictions, priviledges, preheminences and authorities graunted or belonging to His Majestie, His heires and successors, or united and anexed to the imperiall Crown of this Relme.
In the Protestation wee Promise, Vow, and Protest to maintaine and defend as farre as Lawfully wee may, with our lives powers and Estates according to the duty of our Allegiance, His Majesties Royall Person, Honour and Estate.
In the Solem League and Covenant wee sweare, sincerely really and constantly; through the grace of God, in our severall vocations to endeavour with our Estates and lives to defend and preserve the Kings Majesties person and authoritie &c. and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish His Majesties just Power and greatnesse.
The Protestation which these verie men contrived, took, and enjoyned others to take; Engageth us.
The Vow and Covenant exacteth as much from us too.
And yet wee know in the debate upon the framing thereof, the obligation to the King was minced upon these reasons: That there were other ties of dutie towards Him and others, for the performance & that makeing so many and full expressions thereof might harden him against any just complyance.
History tells us of Subjects, nay Slaves, that have thrust themselves betwixt the stroake of death and their Princes and Masters (who have not beene of eminent desert) Nay, of bruite Creatures, which have, at the same cost, defended their Owners; and shall wee the People of England, who are oblieged by duty, by so many Oathes and engagements to preserve the person of the King, suffer his Life to bee engaged every day by such men, who by his Murther would make way to set their feet upon our owne necks; and, at their Pleasure, prey upon our Liberties, our Lives and estates.
Could loyall Uriah say, Shall I goe home to my Wife and take my rest or comfort, when my Lord Joab, the Captaine of the Kings-Host and the Kings-Army are in the sield. And shall not every man, rather, say as much or more, Now that my Lord the King is undone and put out of all hee hath: Now that my Lord the King is kept from his Wife and Children, and scorned and reviled, and more Ballads made of him, and abuses put upon him, then ever King David had. Now that my Lord the King is a Prisoner.
Now that my Lord the King neither sleepes, nor wakes, nor eates, nor drinkes in any manner of safety. And now that my Lord the King is in danger every hour to be murthered or poysoned; shall wee now give our eye lidds any rest? And shall wee not now helpe to save the King? Curse yee Meroz; nay, now Mr Marshall doe you better expound (that place of Scripture) curse her bitterly, for not helping him; and if we cannot afford to helpe him, for the Oathes wee have made unto him, and benefits wee have received from him; yet let us rescue our Lawes, Liberties and Estates; and our own soules which will otherwise altogether must certainly dye and perish with him.