Woodstock

lofty air was

ector of the c

ok with which h

members and mad

use of every k

t grieved his sou

COURTSHIP.

mpanion, who, before mounting at the George, did not fail to treat himself to hi

ss of their enemies, yet Wildrake, well-born and well-educated, and endowed with good natural parts, and a heart which even debauchery, and the wild life of a roaring cav

f fear. Always victorious wherever he fought, the remarkable person whom Wildrake was now approaching had acquired that influence over the minds of his enemies, which constant success is so apt to inspire - they dreaded while they hated him - and joined to these feelings, wa

cal after all," he said, "were it

r, too, whom Wildrake, experienced in his knowledge of landlords and hostelries, had remembered a dashing Mine Host of Queen Bess's school, had now sobered down to the temper of the times, shook his head when he spoke of the Parliament, wielded his spigot with the gravity of a priest conducting a sacrifice, wished England a happy issue out of all her difficulties,

; and that he might obtain access to him next morning, at eight o'clock, for the trouble of presenti

horror, rather than face the dark and daring man, to whom, amongst all the actors in that melancholy affair, its tragic conclusion was chiefly to be imputed. But he felt the necessity of subduing all sentiments of this nature, and compelled himself to proceed in a negotiation intrusted to his conduct by one to whom he was so much obliged as Colonel Everard. At the ascent, which passed by the Round Tower, he looked to the ensign-staff, from which the banner of England was wont to float. It was gone, with all its rich emblazonry, its gorgeous quarterings, and splendid embroidery; and i

way, and w

nswered Wildrake, "to the w

all the officer

might be read on his countenance, that he was one of those resolute enthusiasts to whom Oliver owed his conquests, whose religious zeal made them even more than a match for the high-spirited and high-born cavaliers, who exhausted their valou

he close investigation of this man had given him some unple

y?" replied the corporal. "Thy speech, my friend, savo

ut prudence kept guard, and permitted not the offensive w

ccordingly into the guard-house, which exhibited an interior characteristic of the t

thick mustaches. On a bench lay a soldier on his face: whether asleep, or in a fit of contemplation, it was impossible to decide. In the midst of the floor stood an officer, as he seemed by his embroidered shoulder-belt and scarf round his waist, otherwise very plainly attired, who was engaged in drilling a stout bumpkin, lately enlisted, to the manual, as it was then used. The motions and words of command were twenty at the very least; and until they were r

fellow, with an affected

besides

ter, where I have dwelt for seven years, serv

casting in thy lot with ours, doubt not that thou s

n turning round to the corporal, who stood two paces off, with the face of

said the corporal -"Surely my spirit doth not rejoice in

sence of the remarkable person to whom he was commissioned; an

and coarsely made, with harsh and severe features, indicative, however, of much natural sagacity and depth of thou

lightening their understanding, Cromwell was wont to invest his meaning, or that which seemed to be his meaning, in such a mist of words, surrounding it with so many exclusions and exceptions, and fortifying it with such a labyrinth of parentheses, that though one of the most shrewd men in England, he was, perhaps, the most unintelligible spea

ther. His demeanour was so blunt as sometimes might be termed clownish, yet there was in his language and manner a force and energy corresponding to his character, which impressed awe, if it did not impose respect; and there were even times when that dark and subtle spirit expanded itself, so as almost to conciliate affection. The turn for humour, which displayed itsel

uring his political career, when we certainly do him no injustice in charging him with a hypocritical affectation. We shall probably judge him, and others of the same age, most truly, if we suppose that their religious professions were partly influential in their own breasts, partly assumed in compliance with their own interest. And so ingenious is the human heart in deceiving itself as well

d, that he instinctively hitched forward his belt, so as to bring the handle of his tuck-sword within his reach. But yet, folding his arms in his c

t is, my lord,"- answered Wi

ing to take upon them that title, bear themselves somewhat short of wise men, and good men, and true men, with all

expletives; "formerly gentlemen were found in gentlemen's places, but now the world is so c

, that can bandy words so wantonly; - thou ring'st somewhat too loud to

e, "commended to your hands

for such, we doubt not, thou art. Sit thee down, and commune with thyself as thou may'st, until we have examined the contents of thy packet. Let him be looked to,

romwell, and the dangerous situation in which he might be placed by the least chance of detection, induced Wildrake to decline these hospitable offers, and stretching back in

t length was introduced into a small cabinet, or parlour, in which was much rich furniture, some bearing the royal cipher displayed, but all confused and disarrang

f which made a strong contrast with the plain, and even homely character of his apparel; although in look and action he seemed like one who felt that the seat which

n attendance, "wait in the gallery, but be within call." Pear

ng forth but now to Colonel Overton, and fo

e any corner in our dwelling where the hungry soul might not mee

nstruments to be broken asunder and cast away when the day of their service is over, but to be preserved, and held precious, and prized for their honourable and faithful labours, for which they hav

! I could say something - but not now. Begone, Pearson, to the gallery.

rd in his hand, looked again for a long while fixedly at Wild

nd by which it was very difficult for any one to understand his meaning, if, indeed, he knew himself. We sha

hyself. - Now, as concerning this good and worthy gentleman, Colonel Markham Everard, truly he hath played the man from the beginning of these unhappy buffetings, not turning to the right or to the left, but holding ever in his eye the mark at which he aimed. Ay, truly, a faithful, honourable gentleman, and one who may well call me friend; and truly I am pleased to think that he doth so. Nevertheless, in this vale of tears, we must be governed less by our private respects and partialities, than by those higher principles and points of duty, whereupon the good Colonel Markham Everard hath ever framed his purposes, as, truly, I have endeavoured to form mine, that we may all act as becometh good Englishmen and worthy patriots. Then, as for Woodstock, it is a great thing which the good Colonel asks, that it should be taken from the spoil of the godly and left in keeping of the men of Moab, and especially of the malignant, Henry Lee, whose hand hath been ever against us when he might find room to raise it; I say, he hath asked a great thing, both in respect of himself and me. For we of this poor but godly army of England, are holden, by those of t

us clauses of the harangue, that his brain was bewildered, like that of a country clown when he chances to get himself involved among a cr

coffers of the state - his own deep veneration for the authority of Parliament, and his no less deep sense of the injustice done to the army - how it was his wish and will that all matters should be settled in an amicable and friendly manner, without self-seeking, debate, or strife, betwixt those who had been the hands acting, and such as had been the heads governing

st the Parliamentary Commissioners. Internally he began to entertain hopes that the justice of Heaven, or the effects of remorse, had confounded the regicide's understanding. But no - he could see nothing but

sation - which led to no visible conclusion or termination, "If Noll were the devil himself, as he is the devil's darling, I will not be thus n

s apparently unable to express his own meaning. He was already beginning a third panegyric upon Colonel Everard, with sundry varied expres

r discourse, your own worthiness, and that of my master, Colonel Everard. But, to enab

d?" said

on of your discourse, touched on my unworthy self. What

that falling cause. I tell thee, friend, not all that the Parliament or the army could do would have pulled down the Stewarts out of their high places, saving that Heaven had a controversy with them. Well, it is a sweet and comely thing to buckle on one's armour in behalf of Heaven's cause; otherwise truly, for mine own part, these men might have remained upon the throne even unto this day. Neither do I blame any for aiding them, until these successive great judgments have overwhelmed them and their house. I am not a bloody man, having in me the fee

bent against those who have striven against us as malignants, as others may be. The parliament-men best know their own interest and their own pleasure; but, to my poor thinking, it is full time to close these jars, and to allow men of all kinds the means of

nfidence not without hesitation, proceeded to explain his views with a distinctness which he seldom used, yet not without his being a l

urish suspicion against me, unless it is because I will not deliver this poor innocent army, which has followed me in so many military actions, to be now pulled asunder, broken piecemeal and reduced, so that they who have protected the st

elp himself, I think

ing on me, and estimating me so little as they do, you must think that it would be a provocation in me towards the Council of State, as well as the Parliament, if, simply to gratify your worthy master, I were to act contrary to their purposes, or deny currency to the commission under their authority, which is as yet the highest in the State - and long may it be so for me! - to carry on the

"an it please you, that you cannot s

my purpose, and therefore I will partly unfold it to thee. - But take notice, that, should thy tongue betray my counsel, save in so

d carelessness of character was for the present time borne down

ee, whom they call Albert, a malignant like his father, and one who went up with the young Man

young gentleman as Alb

know something of the matter, that I may best judge how I am to serve him - Knowest thou not that thy master, Markh

aid Wildrake, "nor can I d

by sharp chase and pursuit compelled to separate himself from his followers, I know by sure intell

ing his expressions, considering in what presence they were to be uttered

said the General. "Is

except there is some mention of malignants and cavaliers in my hearing; a

ee to practise a profanity so horrible to the ears of ot

ed for a profession of regret for having given offence. The truth was, the discourse began to take a turn which rendered it more interesting than ever to Wildrake, who therefore determ

is Woodstock?" said

night's lodgings, having abundance of backstairs, also subterranean passages, and a

d Cromwell. "It is seldom that such ancient houses lack

ency," said Wildrake,

se two Worcester fugitives that thou wottest of be more likely to take shelter - and that they must be sheltered somewhere I well know - tha

his mind - "Truly, I should be of your honour's opinion, but that I think the company, who, by the commission of Parliament, have occupied Woodstock, are likely to fright the

es shall be aught but a terror to our enemies. But in this matter, if thou art an active plotter for th

ch the depth of your honoura

red, nay, would rather pray and entreat, that our name and fortunes were forgotten, than that the great work were in itself incomplete. Nevertheless, truly, placed as we now are, it concerns us more nearly than others - that is, if so poor creatures should at all speak of themselves as concerned, whether more or less, with these changes which have been wrought around - not, I say, by ourselves, or our own power, but by the destiny to which we were called, fulfill

ip's wisdom hath directed all things as they may best lead towards su

e no more than my own share in the good work. I would heartily do what poor kindness I can to your worthy master, and even to you in your degree - for such as I do not converse with ordinary men, that our

drake, "speaks like one

would desire to cast this golden ball into your master's lap. He hath served against this Charles Stewart and his father. But he is a kinsman near to the old knight Lee, and stands well affected towards his daughter. Thou also wilt keep

me opportunity of deserving, that I may show my gratitude by the event. But still, with reverence, your Excellency's scheme seems unlikely, while Woodstock remains in possessio

nd make experiments between their strength, and the powers of the commission granted by others, without pressing need, or at least great prospect of advantage. So, if thy Colonel will undertake, for his love of the Republic, to find the means of preventing its worst and nearest danger, which must needs occur from the escape of this young Man, and will do his endeavour to stay him,

werful warrant, I trust I might expel the commissioners, ev

ss, resume thy drinking, ruffianly, health-quaffing manners whenever thou hast a mind, he must discover where this Stewart hath ensconced himself. Either the young Lee will visit the old one in person, or he will write to him, or hold communication with him by letter. At all events, Markham Everard and thou must have an eye in every hair of your head." While he spoke, a flush passed over his brow, he rose from his chair, and paced the apartment in agitation. "Woe to you, if you suffer the young adventurer to escape me! - you had better be in the dee

ety of the General gave some confidence, "what is the f

hand, some time since." He turned round one of the portraits which stood with its face aga

in defiance of his own feelings, he was determined to gain a place from which to see it to advantage. It was well for Wildrake that his dangerous companion had not turned an eye on him, for his blood also kindled when he saw the portrait of his master in the hands of the chief

er looked on his dark and bold countenance, agitated by inward and indescribable feelings, he found his own violence of spirit die away and lose itself in fear and wonder. So true it is, that as greater lights swallow up and extinguish the display of th

strong internal feeling renders painful and disgustful to him, proceeded, in brief and interrupted expressions, but yet with a firm voice, to comment on the portrait of the late

es only roused the native courage of the stern Englishman. - Lay not on poor sinful man, whose breath is in, his nostrils, the blame that he falls, when Heaven never gave him strength of nerves to stand! The weak rider is thrown by his unruly horse, and trampled to death - the strongest man, the best cavalier, springs to the empty saddle, and uses bit and spur till the fiery steed knows its master. Who blames him, who, mounted aloft, rides triumphantly amongst the people, for ha

tendance, looked into the apartment; and observing his master, with his eyes kindling, his arm extended, his foot ad

, living or dead I challenge - to assert that I armed for a private cause, or as a means of enlarging my fortune

eatures were soft and feminine, might be immediately recognised as his daughter. She walked up to Cromwell, gently but firmly passed

was exercised over him. He yielded, however, to the affectionate impulse, and left the apartment, without again turning his head t