Thomas Herbert

son of Christop. Herbert, son of Thomas Herbert somtimes Alderman of the City of York, descended (being a younger brother) from Sir Rich. Herbert of Colebroke in Monmouthshire Knight, was born in Yorkshire, particularly, as I conceive, within the City of York, admitted Commoner of Jesus Coll. in 1621. under the tuition of Mr. Jenkyn Lloyd his kinsman; but before he took a degree, his Uncle called Dr. Ambr. Aikroyd fellow of Trin. Coll. in Cambr. brother to his mother Jane, (dau. of Jo. Aikroyd of Folkerthorpe in Yorkshire) invited him to that house, where his continuance being short, he went thence to London to wait upon that most noble Count William Earl of Pembroke, who owning him for his kinsman and intending his advancement, he sent him to travel in 1626, with allowance to defray his charges. So that spending some years in travelling into Africa and Asia the great, he did at his return wait on the said noble Count; who inviting him to dinner the next day at Baynards Castle in London, died suddenly that night, whereby his expectation of preferment from him being frustrated, he left England a second time and visited several parts of Europe. After his return he married, and setling in his native Country, delighted himself more with the converse of the Muses, than in the rude and brutish pleasures which most Gentlemen follow. In the time of the rebellion he adhered to the cause of the Parliament, and by the endeavours of Philip Earl of Pembroke, he became not only of the Commissioners of Parliament to reside in the Army of Sir Thomas Fairfax, but also a Commiss. to treat with those on the Kings side for the surrender of Oxford Garrison. Afterwards he attended the said Count, especially at that time (in Jan. 1646) when he, with other Commissioners were sent from the Parliament to the King at Newcastle to treat about peace, and bring him nearer to London. When his Majesty came thence and was setled at Holdenby in Northamptonshire, jealousies increased which begat fears; against which there was then no fence. The Commissioners persuant to instructions, addressed themselves altogether, on a certain time, unto the King, and acquainted him therewith, and humbly prayed his Majesty to dismiss such of his servants as were there, and had waited upon him at Oxon. This their application was in no wise pleasing to the King, he having had long experience of the loyalty and good affection of those his servants, as it appeared by his countenance, and the pause he made, ere he gave the Commissioners any answer. Howbeit, after some expostulation and deliberation, he condescended to what they proposed, they not opposing the continuance of Mr. Jam. Maxwell and Mr. Patr. Maule their attendance upon his royal person, as Grooms of his Majesties Bedchamber, in which place they had several years served the King. Next day his Majesties servants came, as at other times, into the presence Chamber, where all dinner time they waited; but after his Majesty rose from dinner, he acquainted them with what had passed ’twixt him and the Commissioners, and thereupon they all knelt and kissed his Majesties hand, and with great expressions of grief for their dismiss, they poured fourth their prayers for his Majesties freedom and preservation, and so left Holdenby. All that afternoon the King withdrew himself into his Bedchamber, having given order that none should interrupt him in his privacy. Soon after this, his Majesty purposing to send a message to the Parliament; he, after dinner called Philip Earl of Pembroke to him and told him that he would have Mr. Herbert come into his Chamber, which the Earl acquainting the Commissioners with, Mr. Tho. Herbert, our author, was brought into the Bedchamber by Mr. Maxwell, and upon his knees desired to know the Kings pleasure: He told him he would send a message to the Parliament, and having none there that he usually employed, and unwilling it should go under his own hand, called him in for that purpose. Mr. Herbert having writ as his Majesty dictated, was enjoyn’d secrecy, and not to communicate it to any, until made publick by both Houses, if by them held meet; which he carefully observed. This errand was, as I conceive, His Majesties message for Peace, dated from Holdenby 12. May 1647. About a week after, the King was pleased to tell the Commissioners, that seeing that Mr. Jam. Levingston, Hen. Moray, John Ashburnham and Will. Legge were for the present dismist, he had taken notice of Mr. Jam. Harrington and Mr. Tho. Herbert, who had followed the Court from Newcastle, and having received satisfaction concerning their sobriety and education, he was willing to receive them as Grooms of his Bedchamber, to wait upon his person with Mr. Maule and Mr. Maxwell; which the Commissioners approving, they were that night admitted, and by his Majesty instructed as to the duty and service he expected from them. So as they thenceforth attended his Royal Person, agreeable to that great trust, with due observance and loyalty, and were by Maule and Maxwel affectionately treated. Being thus setled in that honorable office and in good esteem with his Maj. Mr. Herb. continued with him, when all the rest of the Chamber were removed, till his Majesty was, to the horror of all the world, brought to the block. It was then that Mr. Herbert was fully satisfied that the King was not the Man that the Presbyterians, Independents, and other factious people (who obtained their ends by lies and slanders) made him to be. He clearly found that he was no Papist, no obstinate Person, no cruel or bloody Man, no false dealer, &c. but purely a man of God, which made him in an high manner lament his untimely death. His Majesty tho he found him to be Presbyterianly affected, yet withal he found him very observant and loving, and therefore entrusted him with many matters of moment, among which was his sending by him from the Isle of Wight his gracious Message to the Parliament, which in the evening he gave it sealed up to him, (directed to the Speaker of the Lords House) with a Letter to his Daughter the Princess Elizabeth, who was then at S. James’s with her Governess. The wind was then averse and much ado Mr. Herbert had to cross the Sea. But no delay was suffer’d in regard the King had commanded him to hasten away, that his Letters might be delivered next day before the Lords rose. When he was Landed at S. Hampton, he took post, and it may not be forgotten, that at one stage the Postmaster (a malevolent person) understanding from whom the pacquet came, and that it required extraordinary speed, he mounted him upon an horse that had neither good eyes or feet, so as usually he stumbled much, which, with deep ways and dark weather, would have abated his hast and endanger the Rider: Yet so it fell out by good providence, that the horse, albeit at full Gallop most of that 12 miles riding, neither stumbled nor fell, at which the People at the next stage admired. The Kings pacquet was within the time limited delivered to William Lord Grey of Werk, at that time Speaker. Which done Mr. Herbert waited on the young Princess at S. James’s. who gave him her hand to kiss, and was overjoyed with his Majesties kind Letter, to which her Highness the next day returned an answer by the said Mr. Herbert, who at his arrival at Carisbroke, had the Kings thanks for his diligence: And for a badge of the fair esteem that K. Ch. 2. had of him for faithfully serving his royal Father during the two last years of his life, he did, after his restauration, by Lett. Pat. dat. 3. July 1660 advance him to the dignity of a Baronet by the name of Thomas Herbert of Tinterne in Monmouthshire, because Little Tinterne about half a mile from Tinterne Abbey was his own estate and the seat of Tho. Herbert before mention’d. He hath written,

A relation of some years travels into Africa and the greater Asia, especially the territories of the Persian Monarchy, and some parts of the oriental Indies and Iles adjacent. Lond. 1634. 38. &c. 1677. which is the fourth impression, wherein many things are added, which were not in the former. All the impressions are in fol. and adorn’d with Cuts. He also, at the proposal of John de Laet his familiar friend, living at Leyden, did translate some books of his India occidentalis, but certain business interposing, the perfecting of them was hindred. He left behind him at his death an historical account of the two last years of the life of K. Ch. 1. the Martyr, which he entit.

Threnodia Carolina; written by him an. 1678. in qu. on this account. viz. that the Parliament a little before taking into their consideration of appointing 70 thousand pounds for the funeral of the said King, and for a monument to be erected over his grave, Sir Will. Dugdale then Garter, King of Armes, sent to our author Sir Thomas living at York, to know of him whether ever the said King spoke in his hearing, where he would have his body bestowed in burial; to which Sir Tho. returning a large answer, with many observations and things worthy of note concerning that King, Sir William thereupon being much taken with it, as containing many things which he never heard of before, did desire him by another Letter to write a Treatise of the actions and sayings of the said King from his first confinement to his death; which he did accordingly. About the same time, the author of this book, having occasion to write to Sir Thomas for information of certain persons then, or about that time, attending the King, he thereupon sent him several Letters in answer to his Queries, with divers other matters by way of digression: which Letters contain, as it seems, the chief contents of Thren. Car. and are several times quoted in this work. He also assisted the said Sir Will. Dugdale in his compiling the third vol. of Monast. Anglic. as I shall tell you when I come to speak of that Knight in the Fasti, an. 1642. At length this worthy person Sir Thomas Herbert, who was a great observer of men and things in his time, died in his house at York on the first day of March (S. Davids day) in sixteen hundred eighty and one, aged 76 years,1681/2. and was buried in the Church there, commonly called S. Crux or S. Cross, situated in the street called Fossegate. Over his grave was a monument soon after erected, by his Widow Elizabeth, Daughter of Sir Gervas Cutler of Stainborough in Yorksh. Knight, with a large inscription thereon. Wherein we are instructed that he took to his first Wife, Lucia Daughter of Sir Walt. Alexander Servant to K. Ch. 1, by whom he had issue Philip, Henry Heir to his Father, Montgomery, Thomas, William, &c. This Sir Thomas a little before his death gave several Mss. to the publick Library at Oxon, and others to that belonging to the Cathedral at York; and in the Ashmolean Musaeum there are certain collections of his, which he made from the registers of the Archbishops of York, given thereunto by Sir W. Dugdale Knight. I find one Tho. Herbert to be author of a poem entit. An Elegy upon the death of Thomas Earl of Strafford, &c. Printed in one sh. in qu. an. 1641. but him I take not to be the same, with our author Sir Thomas, nor to be the same with Sir Tho. Herbert Knight, Clerk of the Council at Dublin, of Hen. Cromwell L. Lieutenant of Ireland, an. 1657. 58.

With the said Letters which the author of these Athenae Oxon. received from Sir Tho. Herbert, he received from him an account of the last days of K. Ch. 1. of ever blessed memory, with an earnest desire, that if he should have any occasion to make mention of that most pious and good King, that he would by no means omit him for these reasons. (1) Because in the said account there are many things that have not been yet divulg’d. (2) That he was grown old and not in such a capacity as he could wish to publish it, and thirdly that if he should leave it to his Relations to do it, they, out of ignorance or partiality, may spoil it. Upon his desire, and these reasons given, he did then promise him to find some place to receive it in a work that he was then consulting, which is this of the Athenae Oxonienses: And this place under Tho. Herbert the author of that account being most proper, as I conceive, shall be here set down.

How therefore the said King was taken out of the Scots hands at Newcastle and thence carried to Holdenby in Northamptonshire, and thence hurried away to the Army and to Hampton Court, and thence frighted or jugled into the Isle of Wight, and thence hurried to Hurst Castle and afterwards to Windsore, I shall tell you hereafter in the Fasti following, in the history or characters of those men, (that I shall there mention) who were actors in those matters. When his Majesty was conveyed from Hurst Castle to that of Windsore and there for a time setled, just before Christmas day an. 1648, he seemed to take more delight than in any place he had been since his leaving Hampton Court: For there he had the liberty to walk when and where he pleased within the Castle, and on the large Tarras without, which looks towards the Coll. of Eaton, and hath a delightful view of the River Thames, of many pleasant hills and valleys, villages and fair houses far and near: so as no place in this Kingdom may compare with it, save the little Castle or Lodge in Greenwich Park, which has the sight of the great and noble City of London, the Thames, and Ships of great burden dayly under sail passing to and fro, with other things enumerated by John Barclay in his Argenis. The greatest part of the forenoon the K. spent in prayer and other exercises of piety; and part of the afternoon he appointed for health by recreating himself in walking, usually in the Tarras before mentioned, the Governour of the said Castle Coll. Chr. Whitchcot, as in other places, being for the most part in his company, (for want of others) to discourse with. None of the Nobility and but few of the Gentry, were suffered to come into the Castle to see the King, save only upon the Sundays to Sermons in S. Georges Chappel, where the Chaplain to the Governour and Garrison preached. Collonel Whitchcot behaved himself nevertheless very civilly towards the King, and his observance was taken notice of by his Majesty: The Soldiers also there gave no offence, either in language or behaviour towards, or any that serv’d, him. Whilst his Majesty continued at Windsore, little passed worth the taking notice of, only (1) That one night as the King was preparing to go to bed, he wound up both his watches as his custom was, one being gold, the other silver, and missing his diamond seal, a table that had the Kings armes cut with great curiosity, and fix’d to the gold watch by a gold chain, he could not imagine when, or where, he dropt it, yet thought he had it the day before when he looked upon his watch, as he walked in the long Tarras. At length after Mr. Herbert had made great search for it in the walks that his Majesty frequented, but in vain; his Majesty the next night discern’d it sparkling at one end of his Chamber by the help of the Charcole fire, and the wax-lights then burning in the said Chamber. (2) That on another night his Majesty appointed Mr. Herbert to come into his Bedchamber an hour sooner, than usual, the next morning, but so it hapned he overslept his time, and awakened not till the Kings silver bell hastned him in. Herbert (said the King) you have not observed the command I gave last night; and thereupon he acknowledged his fault. Well (said the K.) I will order you for the future, you shall have a gold alarum-watch, which as there may be cause, shall awake you: write to the Earl of Pembroke to send me such an one presently. He wrot, and the Earl immediatly sent to Edw. East his Watchmaker in Fleetstreet about it, of which more will be said at his Majesties coming to S. James’s. (3) That on a third night an accident hapned which might have proved of ill consequence, if God in his mercy had not prevented it. Mr. Herbert lodged in a little back room near his Majesties Bedchamber towards Eaton Coll. It had a back stair, which was at that time ramb’d up with earth to prevent any passage that way. In this room he had a pallet, which, for that the weather was very sharp, he laid somewhat too near the Chimney, near which were two baskets fill’d with Charcoal for the use of his Maj. Bedchamber. While Mr. Herbert was asleep a basket took fire, either from some sparkle from the charcoal in the Chimney, or some other way he knew not off, but the room was soon hot and the fire got to the Pallet-bed, which quickly rouzed Mr. Herbert out of his sleep; who thereupon ran to the Kings Bedchamber door, and in a frightful manner with that noise awakened the King. Those without, being Soldiers, hearing the Kings Chamber was on fire, desired entrance that they might help to quench it, but through the goodness of God, those within, without other assistance, did suppress it by stifling it with clothes, and confining it to the Chimney which was spacious. Mr. Herbert did humbly beg his Majesties pardon for the disturbance he gave, not knowing how to help it, the King said he did but his duty.

Soon after the Governour acquainted his Majesty that he was in few days to be removed thence to Whitehall. To which his Majesty made little or no reply, seeming nothing so delighted with his remove, as he was with the former, viz. from Hurst to Windsore Castles, and turning himself about said God is every where alike in wisdom. power and goodness. Some information he had received, how preposterously things went in both Houses of Parliament, and how that the Officers of the Army were hatching a thing called The agreement of the people, designing thereby an alteration of the government, and trial of his Person by some way that was extraordinary and unpresidented. So that immediatly he retired into his Bedchamber, and was a good while private in his addresses to God, ever having recourse to him by prayer and meditation, in what condition soever he was, as being the surest way to find comfort.

The day prefix’d being come, (which was about ((a))((a)) Iter Carolinum: Being a succinct relation of the necessitated Marches, retreats and sufferings of his Majesty Charles the l. from January 10. an. 1641 to the time of his death 1648. Lond. 1660. qu. Collected by a daily Attendant upon his sacred Majesty during all the said time. the 9. of January 1648) his Majesty took Coach near the Keep in Windsore Castle, at which time was a Guard all along of Musquets and Pikes; both Officers and Soldiers expressing civility as he passed by. At the great gate a party of Horse commanded by Major Tho. Harrison was drawn up into the Market place and Pescod street end in the Town of Windsore, who followed the Coach, which passed through Brainford, Hammersmith, and the direct way to his Majesties House at S. James within the liberty of Westminster. His Lodgings there were furnished by Mr. Clem. Kinnerslie his Majesties Servant in the Wardrobe, strict guards were placed and none suffer’d to attend in his Maj. Bedchamber only Mr. Thom. Herbert before mentioned. His usual diet was kept up, and the Gentlemen that formerly waited were permitted to perform their respective services in the presence, where a state was placed, and for a few days all things were with decency and honor observed. Sir Fulk Grevill was Cup-bearer, and gave it upon his knee: Mr. Anthony Mildmay was Carver: Captain Preston was sometimes Sewer and kept the Robes: Mr. Anstey was Gent. Usher: Capt. Burroughs, Mr. Firebrass, Mr. Muschamp had their places: Capt. John Joyner or Jeoner was Cook, Mr. Babington Barber, Mr. Reading Page of the Back-stairs, and some others also waited. The Kings dishes were brought up cover’d, the say was given, and all things were performed with satisfaction in that point. But to return a little, it is very well worth the observation, that so soon as the King came into his Bedchamber, before he either eat or drank, or discours’d with any, he went to prayer or to reading in the Bible.

Whilst he was in this sorrowful condition, none of his Nobility, Chaplains, or Counsellors, nor any of his old Attendants had the liberty to repair to him to converse about any matters; yet he had private notice that the H. of Commons in a resolve had declared that by the Laws of England it was treason in the King to levy War against the Parliament and Kingdom: which resolve, as he had farther been informed, they sent up unto the Lords for their concurrence, who, assoon as they had heard it read rejected it, and after some debate did pass two votes, &c. He had also information from private hands of the late proceedings in the House of Commons, and of their violent secluding and seizure of several members by force, by some eminent Army-officers, under a notion of purging the House, as also of their Votes passed concerning him. By which he was very apprehensive of their ill intentions towards him and his government, and did believe that his enemies aimed at his deposing, and confinement in the Tower, or some such like place, and that they would seat his Son the Prince of Wales in his Throne, if he would accept of it, but as to the taking away his life by trial in any Court of Justice or sub dio, in the face of the people, he could not believe, there being no such precedent, or mention in any of our Histories. ’Tis true his Grandmother Mary Queen of Scots suffer’d under Qu. Elizabeth, but in England she was no Sovereign, but a subject to Law. And indeed some Kings of England had been lamentably murdered by Ruffians in a clandestine way, as the Chronicles inform us, but the facts were neither owned, or approved of by any King. These were his Majesties imaginations till he came unto his trial in Westm. Hall, when then he alter’d his mind. Nevertheless his faith overcoming his fear, he continued his accustomed prudence and patience, (so as no outward perturbation could be discerned) with Christian fortitude, submitting to the good pleasure of the Almighty, sometimes sighing, but never breaking out into passion, or uttering a reproachful or revengeful word against any that were his Adversaries, only saying God forgive their impiety.

For about a fortnight after his Majesties coming to St. James’s House, he constantly dined in the presence-chamber, and at meals was served after the usual state, the Carver, Sewer, Cup-bearer, and Gent. Usher attending and doing their Offices respectively. His Cup was given upon the knee, as were his covered dishes, the say was given, and other accustomed Ceremonies of State observed, notwithstanding this his dolorous condition, and the King was well pleased with the observance afforded him. But soon after the case was alter’d, for the Officers of the Army being predominant, they gave order at a Council of War, that thenceforth all state, ceremony or accustomed respect unto his Majesty at meals should be forbourn, and his menial servants tho few in number, should be lest’ned. And accordingly the Kings meat was brought up by Soldiers, the dishes uncovered, no say, no cup upon the knee or other accustomed Court-state was then observed, which was an uncouth sight to the King, he then saying that the respect and honour denyed him, no Soveraign Prince ever wanted, nor yet Subjects of high degree according to antient practice, and adding, Is there any thing more contemptible than a despised Prince? So that seeing things were so ordered, the best expedient he had to reconcile them, was to contract his diet to a few dishes out of the bill of fare, and to eat in private. His eating was usually agreeable to his exercise, and his abstinence was in no wise displeasing. His temperance preserved his health, especially in the two last years of his life and reign, without any indisposition or recourse to Physick: So as in all probability, had not his thread of life been immaturely cut, he might have surpassed the age of any of his Royal Ancestors.

On Friday the 19 of Jan. his Majesty was removed from S. James to Whitehall and lodged in his Bedchamber. After which a Guard of Musquetiers were placed, and Centinels set at the door of his Chamber. Thenceforth Mr. Herbert (who constantly lay in the next room to the King, according to the duty of his place) was ordered to bring his pallet into his Majesties Bedchamber, to the end that he might be nearer to his royal Person, and so accordingly he did rest every night after, during his Maj. life, in the said Bedchamber near the royal bed.

The next day, Jan. 20. the King was removed in a Sedan or close chair from Whitehall to Sir Thom. Cottons House near the West end of Westm. hall Guards were placed on both sides of King-street, in the Pallace-yard and Westm. hall. As his Maj. was carried through the Garden door belonging to Whitehall (which is between the two gates leading to King-street) none but Mr. Herbert went bare by him, because no other of his Majesties Servants were permitted by the Soldiers. At Cotton house there was a Guard of Partizans, Collonel Francis Hacker sometimes, and Col. Hercules Hunks at other times, commanding them. His Majesty being summoned by Hacker to go to the Court then sitting in Westminst. Hall, where Serjeant John Bradshaw was President and seated in a chair, and about 72 persons, Members of the House of Commons, Officers of the Army, and Citizens of London sate upon benches some degrees above one another, as Judges; Hacker, I say, by order of the Court (which was erected in the same place where the Judges of the Kings-bench use to hear causes) brought his Majesty to a velvet chair opposite to the President, at which time John Cook the Sollicitor General was placed on the Kings right hand. I shall pretermit the Judges names, the formality of the Court and the proceedings there, by way of charge, as also his Majesties replies, in regard all those particulars have been published at large by several writers. Nor indeed was much to be observed, seeing his Majesty having heard the allegations against him, would sometimes smile, but not acknowledge their jurisdiction, or that by any known law they had any authority to proceed in that manner against the King, it being without example also: whereupon the Court made no farther proceedings on that day. Afterwards his Majesty was conveyed to Cotton house, where Sir Tho. Cotton the Master thereof and Mr. Kinnerslie of the Wardrobe did make the best accommodation they could in so short a time in the Kings Chamber. The Soldiers that were upon the Guard were in the very next Chamber to that of the King; which his Majesty perceiving he commanded Mr. Herbert to bring his pallet and place it on one side of the Kings bed, which he did and there slept.

Sunday the 21. of Jan. Dr. Will. Juxon the good Bishop of London had (as his Majesty desired) the Liberty to attend the King, which was much to his comfort, and (as he said) no small refreshing to his spirit, especially in that his uncomfortable condition. The most part of that day was spent in prayer and preaching to the King.

Munday 22. Jan. Col. Hacker brought his Majesty the second time before the Court then sitting, as formerly, in Westminster Hall. Now the more noble the person is, the more heavy is the spectacle and inclines generous hearts to a sympathy in his sufferings. Here it was otherwise, for assoon as his Majesty came into the Hall, some Soldiers made a hideous cry for justice, justice, some of the Officers joyning with them: At which noise the King seemed somewhat abashed, but overcame it with patience. Sure, to persecute a distressed soul, and to vex him that is already wounded at the heart, is the very pitch of wickedness, yea the utmost extremity malice can do or affliction suffer, as the learned Bishop of Winchester (Bilson) saith in one of his Sermons preached before Qu. Elizabeth upon Good Friday, which was here very applicable. As his Majesty returned from the Hall to Cotton house, a Soldier that was upon the Guard said aloud as the King passed by God bless you Sir: The King thank’d him, but an uncivil Officer struck him with his cane upon the head, which his Majesty observing said, The punishment exceeded the offence. Being come to his apartment in Cotton house, he immediatly fell upon his knees and went to prayer; which being done, he asked Mr. Herbert if he heard the cry of the Soldiers in Westminster hall for justice? he answer’d he did, and marvell’d much at it, So did not I (said the King) for I am well assur’d, the Soldiers bare no malice towards me, the cry was, no doubt, given by their Officers, for whom the Soldiers would do the like if there were occasion. His Majesty likewise demanded of him how many there were that sate in the Court and who they were? he replied there were upward of threescore, some of them members of the House of Commons, others Commanders in the Army and others Citizens of London, some of whom he knew, but not all. The King then said he viewed all of them, but knew not the faces of above eight, and those he named. The names, tho Mr. Herbert told me not, yet they were generally supposed to be Thomas Lord Grey of Grobie, William L. Monson, Sir Henry Mildmay, Sir John Danvers, Oliver Cromwell who had shew’d seeming civility to him at Childerlie, Newmarket and Hampton Court, Major Harrison, Lieut. Gen. Tho. Hammond, &c.

Tuesday 23. Jan. The King was the third time summoned, and, as formerly, guarded to the Court: where, as at other times, he persisted in his judgment, that they had no legal jurisdiction or authority to proceed against him. Upon which Cook the Solicitor began to offer some things to the President of the Court, but was gently interrupted by the King, laying his staff upon the Solicitors arme; the head of which being silver, hapned to fall off, which Mr. Herbert (who, as his Majesty appointed, waited near his Chair) stoop’d to take it up, but falling on the contrary side, to which he could not reach, the King took it up himself. This was by some looked upon as a bad Omen. But whereas Mr. Herbert puts this passage under the 22 of Jan. is a mistake for it hapned on the first day of the Trial when the charge was read against the King. The Court sate but a little time that day, the K. not varying from his principle. At his going back to Cotton house there were many men and women crouded into the passage behind the Soldiers, who, as his Majesty pass’d said aloud God almighty preserve your Majesty; for which the King returned them thanks.

Saturday 27. Jan. The President came into the Hall and seated himself in his Scarlet Gown: whereupon the K. having quick notice of it, he forthwith went, seated himself in his chair, and observing the President in his red Gown, did imagine by that sign that it would be the last day of their sitting, and therefore he earnestly press’d the Court, that altho he would not acknowledge their jurisdiction for those reasons he had given, yet nevertheless he desired that he might have a conference in the Painted Chamber with a Committee of Lords and Commons before the Court proceeded any farther: whereupon the President and Court arose and withdrew. In which interval the K. likewise retired to Cotton house, where he and Dr. Juxon were private near an hour, and then Colonel Hunks gave notice that the Court was sate. The King therefore going away, he seated himself in the Chair: The President told his Majesty that his motion for a conference with a Committee of Lords and Commons had been taken into consideration, but would not be granted by the Court in regard he would not own their jurisdiction, nor acknowledge them for a lawful assembly. Whereupon the King with vehemency insisted that his reasonable request might be granted that what he had to offer to a Committee of either House might be considered before they pronounced sentence. His Majesty had the former day mov’d the President that the grounds and reasons he had put in writing for his disavowing their authority might be publickly read by the Clerk, but neither would that desire be granted. The President then gave judgment against the King, who, at the Presidents pronouncing it, was observed to smile and lift up his Eyes to Heaven, as appealing to the Divine Majesty the most supreme Judge. The King at the rising of the Court was with a guard of Halberdiers returned to Whitehall in a close chair through King-street: Both sides whereof had a guard of Foot soldiers, who were silent as his Majesty passed, but shop-stalls and windows were full of People, many of which shed tears, and some of them with audible voices prayed for the King till he was carried through the Privy garden door to his Bedchamber; whence after two hours space he was removed to S. James’s. Nothing of the fear of death, or indignities offer’d, seem’d a terrour or provok’d him to impatience, nor uttered he a reproachful word reflecting upon any of his Judges, albeit he well knew that some of them were, or had been, his domestick servants; nor against any member of the House, or Officer of the Army, so wonderful was his patience, tho his spirit was great, and might otherwise have express’d his resentment upon several occasions. It was a true Christian fortitude to have the mastry of his passion, and submission to the will of God under such temptations. The same night, after which sentence was pronounced, Coll. Hacker, who then commanded the Guards at S. James’s about the King, would have placed two Musquetiers in the Kings Bedchamber; with which his Majesty being acquainted, he made no reply, only gave a sigh. Howbeit the good Bishop Dr. Juxon and Mr. Herbert apprehending the horrour of it, and disturbance it would give to the King in his meditations and preparation for his departure out of this uncomfortable world, they never left the Col. till he had reversed his order by withdrawing those men, representing it as the most barbarous thing in nature.

The King now bidding a farewel to the World, his whole business was a serious preparation for death, which opens the door unto eternity. In order thereunto he laid aside all other thoughts and spent the remainder of his time in prayer and other pious ejaculations and exercises of devotion, and in conference with that meek and learned Bishop before mentioned, who, under God was a great support and comfort to him in that his afflicted condition. And resolving to sequester himself, so as he might have no disturbance to his mind nor interruption to his meditations, he ordered Mr. Herbert to excuse it to any that might have the desire to visit him. I know (said the K.) my Nephew the Prince Elector will endeavour it and some other Lords that love me, which I would take in good part, but my time is short and precious, and I am desirous to improve it the best I may in preparation: I hope they will not take it ill, that they or any have not access unto me, only my Children: The best office they can do now, is to pray for me. What he had said, it fell out accordingly, for his Electoral Highness accompanied with James D. of Richmond, William Marq. of Hertford, Thomas Earl of Southampton, and Mountague E. of Lindsey with some others, having go leave, came to the Bedchamber door, where Mr. Herbert, persuant to the Kings command, acquainted his Highness and the said Noblemen with what the King gave him in charge, and thereupon they acquiesced, and presented their humble duty to his Majesty with their prayers: which done, they return’d with hearts full of sorrow as appeared by their faces. The Prince of Wales also, then in Holland, did by the States Embassadors interceed to the Parliament, and used all possible means to prevent, or at least to defer, his Majesties execution, and applyed themselves likewise to the Army.

At this time (Jan. 30. Mr. Herbert should have said) came to S. James’s Edm. Calamy, Rich. Vines, Jos. Caryl, Will. Dell, and some other London Ministers who presented their duty to the King, with their humble desires to pray with him, and perform other offices of service if his Majesty would please to accept of them. The King returned them thanks for their love to his Soul, hoping they and all other good Subjects would in their addresses to God be mindful of him, but in regard he had made choice of Dr. Juxon, whom for many years he had known to be a pious and learned Divine and able to administer ghostly comfort to his Soul, sutable to his present condition, he would have none other. The Ministers were no sooner gone, but John Goodwin Minister in Coleman street came likewise upon the same account to tender his service, whom the King also thanked and dismist with the like friendly answer.

Mr. Herbert about this time going to the Cockpit near Whitehall, where the Lodgings of Philip Earl of Pembroke were, he then, as at sundry times, enquired how his Majesty did and gave his humble duty to him, and withal asked if his Majesty had the gold Watch he sent for, and how he liked it. Mr. Herbert assured his Lordship the K. had not yet received it. The Earl fell presently into a passion, marvell’d thereat and was much troubled least his Majesty should think him careless in observing his commands, and told Mr. Herbert that at the Kings coming to S. James’s, he, as he was sitting under the great elm tree near Sir Ben. Rudyerds Lodge in the Park, seeing a considerable military Officer of the Army going towards S. James’s, he went to meet him, and demanding of him if he knew his Cosin Tom Herbert that waited on the King, the Officer said he did, and was going to S. James’s. The Earl then delivered to him the gold watch that had the Larme, desiring him to give it to Mr. Herbert to present it to the King. The Officer promised the Earl he would immediately do it. My Lord (said Mr. Herbert) I have sundry times seen and past by that Officer since, and do assure your Lordship he hath not delivered it to me according to your order and his promise, nor said any thing concerning it, nor has the King it I am certain. The Earl was very angry, and gave the Officer his due character and threatned to question him. But such was the severity of the times, that it was judged dangerous to reflect upon such a person, so as no notice was taken of it. Nevertheless Mr. Herbert at the Earls desire did acquaint his Majesty therewith, who gave the Earl thanks, and said, had he not told the Officer it was for me, he would probably have delivered it: he well knew how short a time I should enjoy it. This relation is in prosecution of what is formerly mentioned, concerning the Clock or Larm-watch which his Majesty would have to lay by Mr. Herbert’s Pallet to awaken him at the hour in the morning which his Majesty should appoint when he was at Windsore. The name of this Officer Mr. Herbert told me not, only that he was executed after the restauration of K. Ch. 2, and therefore I take him to be either Major Harrison or Col. Hacker.

That evening Mr. Hen. Seymour a Gent. belonging to the Bed-chamber of the Prince of Wales, came by Col. Hacker’s permission (who commanded the Guards at S. James’s) to his Majesties chamber door, desiring to speak with the King from the said Prince: and being admitted he presented to the King a letter from him, dated at the Hague 23 Jan. 1648; old stile. At Mr. Seymour’s entrance he fell into a passion, having seen his Majesty in a glorious, and now in a dolorous, state: and having kist the Kings hand, he clasp’d about his legs and mourned in a most lamentable condition. Hacker came in with this Gentleman, and beholding these things was very much abash’d. But so soon as his Maj. had read his sorrowing letter, and heard what his servant had to say, and he imparted to him what his Maj. thought fit to return, the Prince’s servant took his leave, and was no sooner gone but the King went to his devotion, Dr. Juxon praying with him, and reading some select Chapters out of the sacred Scripture. The same evening also the K. took a ring from his finger, having an emrold set therein between two diamonds, and gave it to Mr. Herbert, and commanded him, as late as ’twas, to go with it from S. James’s to a Lady living then in Canon row on the back-side of Kingstreet in Westminster, and to give it to her without saying any thing. The night was exceeding dark, and Guards were set in several places, (as at the Houses, in the Gardens, Park, at the gates near Whitehall, in Kingstreet and elsewhere) nevertheless getting the Word from Col. Math. Tomlinson (then there, and in all places wheresoever he was about the K. so civil both towards his Majesty and such as attended him, as gained him the Kings good opinion, and as an evidence thereof gave him his gold pick tooth case as he was one time walking in the Presence Chamber) Mr. Herbert pass’d currently, tho in all places where Sentinels were, he was bid stand till the Corporal had the Word from him. Being come to the Lady’s house he delivered her the Ring: Sir (said she) give me leave to shew you the way into the parlour; where being seated, she desired him to stay till she returned: In a little time after she came and put into his hands a little Cabinet closed with 3 seals, two of which were the Kings Arms, and the third was the figure of a Roman: which done, she desired him to deliver it to the same hand that sent the ring; which ring was left with her: and afterwards Mr. Herbert taking his leave, the Word served him in his return to the King, at which time he found that Dr. Juxon was newly gone to his Lodging in Sir Hen. Henns house near S. James’s gate. Mr. Herbert gave the Cabinet into the hands of his Majesty, who told him that he should see it opened next morning.

Morning being come, the Bishop was early with the King, and after Prayers his Majesty broke the seals and shew’d them what was contained in the Cabinet. There were Diamonds and Jewels, most part broken Georges and Garters. You see (said he) all the wealth now in my power to give to my Children. That day the Bishop preached before the King on Rom. 2.16. In the day when God shall judge, &c. inferring from thence, that “Altho Gods judgments be for some time deferred, he will nevertheless proceed to a strict examination of what is both said and done by every man. Yea the most hidden things and imaginations of men will most certainly be made to appear at the day of judgment, when the L. Jes. Ch. shall be upon his high tribunal, &c. ” It may not be forgotten that Sir Hen. Herbert Master of the Revells, and Gent, in ord. of his Maj. Privy Chamber, (one that cordially loved and honour’d the King, and during the War had suffer’d considerably in his estate by sequestration and otherwise) meeting Mr. Tho. Herbert his kinsman in S. James’s Park, first enquired how his Majesty did, and afterwards presenting his duty to him, with assurance that himself with many others of his Majesties Servants did frequently pray for him, desir’d that his Maj. would be pleased to read the second Chapter of Ecclesiasticus, for he should find comfort in it, aptly suting his present condition. Accordingly Mr. Herbert acquainted the King therewith, who thanked Sir Harry, and commended him for his excellent parts, being a good Scholar, Soldier, and an accomplish’d Courtier, and for his many years faithful service much valued by the King, who presently turned to that Chapter, and read it with much satisfaction.

Munday Jan. 29. the Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Glocester her brother came to take their sad farewell of the K. their father and to ask his blessing. The Princess being the elder was the most sensible of her royal fathers condition, as appeared by her sorrowful look and excessive weeping. Her little brother the Duke seeing his sister weep, he took the like impression, tho by reason of his tender age, he could not have the like apprehension. The K. raised them both from off their knees, he kist them, gave them his blessing, and setting them on his knees, admonish’d them concerning their duty and loyal observance to the Queen their mother, the Prince that was his successor, Love to the D. of York and his other relations. The K. then gave them all his Jewels save the George he wore, which was cut in an Onix with great curiosity, and set about with 21 fair Diamonds, and the reverse set with the like number: and then again kissing his children had such pretty and pertinent answers from them both, as drew tears of joy and love from his eyes. And then praying God almighty to bless them, he turned about, expressing a tender and fatherly affection. Most sorrowful was this parting, and the young Prince shedding tears and crying most lamentable, moved others to pity that formerly were hard-hearted: And at the opening the chamber door the K. returned hastily from the window, kissed them, blessed them and so parted. This demonstration of a pious affection exceedingly comforted the K. in this his affliction, so that in a grateful return, he went immediately to Prayer, the good Bishop and Mr. Herbert being only present. That day the K. eat and drank very sparingly, most of it being spent in Prayer and Meditation. It was some hours after night ere Dr. Juxon took leave of the King, who willed him to be early with him the next morning. After Dr. Juxon was gone to his Lodgings, the King continued reading and praying more than two hours after. The K. commanded Mr. Herbert to lye by his bed-side upon a Pallat, where he took small rest, that being the last night his gracious Soveraign and Master enjoyed. But nevertheless the King, for four hours or thereabouts, slept soundly, and awaking about two hours before day, he opened his curtain to call Mr. Herbert, (there being a great cake of wax set in a silver bason that then, as at all other times, burnt all night) and perceiving him to be disturb’d in his sleep, called again and bid him rise, for said his Maj. I will get up, having a great work to do this day, and then asking Herbert what troubled him, he told his Majesty he was dreaming: I would know your dream said the King, which being told, his Majesty said it was remarkable.

Jan. 30. Tuesday. Herbert (saith the K.) this is my second marriage day, I will be as trim to day as may be, for before night I hope to be espoused to my blessed Jesus. He then appointed what cloaths he would wear, Let me have a shirt more than ordinary (said the K.) by reason the season is so sharp, as probably may make me shake, which some observers will imagine proceeds from fear: I would have no such imputation, I fear not death, death is not terrible to me, I bless God I am prepared. Death indeed only sets men free from the misery of this world and breaks asunder the chains of bondage, &c. These, or words to the same effect, his Maj. spake to Mr. Herbert as he was making ready. Soon after came Dr. Juxon B. of London precisely at the time his Maj. the night before had appointed him. Mr. Herbert then falling upon his knees, he humbly beg’d his Majesties pardon if he had at any time been negligent in his duty while he had the honour to serve him. The King then gave him his hand to kiss, having the day before been graciously pleased under his royal hand to give him a certificate, expressing that the said Mr. Herbert was not imposed upon him, but by his Maj. made choice of to attend him in his Bed-chamber, and had served him with faithfulness and loyal affection. At the same time his Maj. delivered to him his Bible, in the margin whereof, he had, with his own hand, wrot many annotations and quotations, and charged him to give it to the Prince of Wales so soon as he returned, repeating what he had enjoyned the Princess Elizabeth his daughter, and that “He the Prince would be dutiful and indulgent to the Queen his mother, (to whom his Maj. wrot two days before by Mr. Seymour) affectionate to his brothers and sisters, who also were to be observant and dutiful to him, their Soveraigne: And forasmuch as from his heart he had forgiven his enemies, and in perfect charity with all men would leave this world, he advised the Prince his son to exceed in mercy, not in rigour, &c. And as to Episcopacy it was still his opinion that it is of apostolic institution, and in his Kingdom exercised from the primitive times, and therein, as in all other his affairs, he prayed God to vouchsafe, both in reference to the Church and State a pious and discerning Spirit, &c. and that it was his last and earnest request that the Prince would read the Bible, which in all the time of his affliction had been his best instructor and delight, and to meditate upon what he read, as also such other books as might improve his knowledge, &c. ” He likewise commanded Mr. Herbert to give his son the Duke of York his large Ring Sundial of silver, a Jewel his Maj. much valued: it was invented and made by Rich. Delamaine a very able Mathematician, who projected it, and in a little printed book did shew its excellent use in resolving many questions in Arithmetick and other rare operations to be wrought by it in the Mathematicks. To the Princess Elizabeth he gave the Sermons of Dr. Lanc. Andrews sometimes B. of Winchester and Prelate of the Garter, Archb. Laud’s Conference between him and Joh. Fisher the Jesuit, which book (the K. said) would ground her against Popery, and Mr. Hooker’s Ecclesiastical Politie. He also gave him a paper to be delivered to the said Princ. Elizabeth to be printed, in which his Maj. asserted Regal Government to have a divine right, with proofs out of sundry authors, civil and sacred. To the Duke of Gloc. he gave K. James’s Works and Dr. Hammonds Practical Catechisme. He gave also to Mountague E. of Lindsey L. High Chamberlain, Cassandra; and his gold Watch to Mary Duchess of Richmond: All which, as opportunity served, Mr. Herbert delivered. His Maj. then bid him withdraw, which being done, his Maj. with the Bishop were in private together about an hour; and then Mr. Herbert being call’d in, the Bishop went to Prayer, and reading the 27 chapt. of the Gospel of S. Mathew, which relates to the passion of our blessed Saviour, the K. after the Service was done, asked the Bishop If he had made choice of that Chapter, being so applicable to his present condition; the B. answered, May it please your Maj. it is the proper lesson for the day, as appears by the Kalendar. Whereupon his Maj. was much affected with it, as so aptly serving a seasonable preparation for his death that day. His Maj. abandoned all thoughts of earthly concerns, continued in prayer and meditation, and concluded with a cheerful submission to the will and pleasure of the Almighty, saying he was ready to resign himself into the hands of Christ Jesus, and with the Kingly Prophet, as ’tis expressed in the 31 Psal. ver. 5. Into thy hands, &c. Col. Franc. Hacker then knocked easily at the Kings door, but Mr. Herbert being within, would not stir to ask who it was that knock’d: At length the Col. knocking the second time a little louder, the K. bade him go to the door, he guess’d the business: So Mr. Herbert demanding wherefore he knock’d, the Col. said he would speak with the King, the K. said Let him come in: The Col. in a trembling manner came near and told his Majesty, Sir it is time to go to Whitehall where you may have some further time to rest. The K. bade him go forth and told him I will come presently. Some time his Maj. was private, and afterwards taking the good Bishop by the hand, looking upon him with a cheerful countenance, said Come let us go; and bidding Mr. Herbert take with him the silver clock that hung by his bed-side, said Open the door, Hacker has given us a second warning.

The K. passed thro the Garden into the Park, where making a stand, asked Mr. Herbert the hour of the day, and taking the clock into his hand, and looking upon it, gave it to him and said Keep this in memory of me, which Mr. Herbert kept to his dying day. The Park had several Companies of Foot drawn up, who made a guard on each side as the K. passed, and a guard of Halbertiers in company went, some before, and others followed, the King. The drums beat and the noise was so great, as one could hardly hear what another spoke. Upon the Kings right hand went the Bishop, and on the left Col. Mathew Tomlinson, with whom his Maj. had some discourse by the way: Mr. Herbert was next behind the K, and after him the Guards. In this manner went the K. thro the Park, and coming to the stairs leading into Whitehall, he passed along thro the Galleries to his Bed-chamber; where after a little repose, the Bishop went to Prayer: which being done, his Maj. bid Mr. Herbert bring him some bread and wine; which being brought the K. broke the manchet and eat a mouthful of it, and drank a small glass full of Claret, and then was sometime in private with the Bishop, expecting when Hacker would the third and last time give warning. In the mean time his Maj. told Mr. Herbert what sattin cap he would use; which being provided, Mr. Herbert, after prayer, addrest himself to the Bishop, and told him the K. had ordered him to have a white sattin night-cap ready, but he being not able to endure the sight of the violence that they would offer to the K. on the Scaffold, he could not be there to give it to the K. when he should call for it. The good Bishop bid him then give him the cap, and that he should wait at the end of the Banquetting house near to the Scaffold to take care of the Kings body, for (said he) that and his interment will be our last office. Colonel Hacker came soon after to the Bed-chamber door and gave his last signal: The Bishop and Mr. Herbert weeping, they both fell upon their knees: The K. thereupon gave them his hand to kiss, and help’d the Bishop up for he was aged. Col. Hacker attending still at the chamber door, the K. took notice of it, and said Open the door and bid Hacker go, he would follow him.

A Guard was made all along the Galleries, and the Banquetting house, but behind the Soldiers, abundance of men and women crowded in, tho with some peril to their persons, to behold the saddest sight that England ever saw: And as his Maj. passed by with a cheerful look he heard them pray for him: The Soldiers did not rebuke any of them, for by their silence and dejected faces they seemed rather afflicted than insulting. There was a passage broke thro the wall of the Banquetting house, by which the K. passed unto the Scaffold; where, after his Maj. had spoken and declared publickly that he died a Christian according to the profession of the Church of England (the Contents of which have been several times printed) the fatal stroke was given by a disguised person. Mr. Herbert during this time was at the door leading to the Scaffold much lamenting, and the Bishop coming from the Scaffold with the royal corps, which was immediately coffin’d and covered with a velvet Pall, he and Mr. Herbert went with it to the Back-stairs to have it embalm’d; and Mr. Herbert, after the body had been deposited, meeting with the Lord Fairfax the General, that person asked him how the King did? whereupon Herbert being something astonished at that question, told him the King was beheaded, at which he seemed much surpriz’d: See more in the said Gen. Fairfax in the Fasti following, among the Creations of Doctors of Civil Law, under the year 1649. The royal Corps being embalmed and well coffin’d, and all afterwards wrapt up in lead and covered with a new velvet Pall, it was removed to S. James’s where was great pressing by all sorts of people to see the King, a doleful spectacle, but few had leave to enter or behold it.

Where to bury the K. was the last duty remaining. By some Historians ’tis said the K. spoke something to the Bishop concerning his burial. Mr. Herbert both before, and after the Kings death, was frequently in the company with the Bishop, and affirmed that he never mentioned any thing to him of the Kings naming any place where he would be buried: Nor did Mr. Herbert (who constantly attended his Maj. and after his coming from Hurst Castle was the only person in his Bed-chamber) hear him at any time declare his mind concerning it. Nor was it in his life time a proper question for either of them to ask, notwithstanding they had oftentimes the opportunity, especially when his Maj. was bequeathing to his royal children and friends, what is formerly related. Nor did the Bishop declare any thing concerning the place to Mr. Herbert, which doubtless he would upon Mr. Herbert’s pious care about it: which being duly considered, they thought no place more fit to interr the Corps than in the Chappel of K. Hen. 7. at the end of the Church of Westm. Abbey; out of whose Loyns K. Ch. 1. was lineally extracted, &c. Whereupon Mr. Herbert made his application to such as were then in power for leave to bury the Kings body in the said Chap. among his Ancestors, but his request was denied for this reason that his burying there would attract infinite numbers of all sorts thither, to see where the K. was buried; which, as the times then were, was judged unsafe and inconvenient. Mr. Herbert acquainting the Bishop with this, they then resolved to bury the Kings body in the royal Chap. of S. George within the Castle of Windsore, both in regard that his Maj. was Soveraign of the most noble Order of the Garter, and that several Kings had been there inter’d, namely King Hen. 6. K. Ed. 4. and K. Hen. 8. &c. Upon which consideration Mr. Herbert made his second address to the Committee of Parliament, who, after some deliberation, gave him an Order bearing date 6 Feb. 1648, authorizing him and Mr. Anth. Mildmay to bury the Kings body there, which the Governour was to observe.

Accordingly the Corps was carried thither from S. James Feb. 7. in a Hearse covered with black Velvet, drawn by six Horses covered with black cloth, in which were about a dozen Gentlemen, most of them being such that had waited upon his Maj. at Carisbrook Castle and other places since his Majesties going from Newcastle. Mr. Herbert shew’d the Governour Col. Witchcot the Committees Order for permitting Mr. Herbert and Mr. Mildmay to bury him the late King in any place within Windsore Castle that they should think fit and meet. In the first place, in order thereunto they carried the Kings body into the Deans House, which was hung with black, and after to his usual Bed-chamber within the Pallace. After which they went to S. George’s Chap. to take a view thereof, and of the most fit and honorable place for the royal Corps to rest in. Having taken a view, they at first thought that the Tomb-house built by Card. Wolsey would be a fit place for his interment, but that place tho adjoyning, yet being not within the royal Chappel they waved it: For if K. Hen. 8. was buried there, (albeit to that day the particular place of his burial was unknown to any) yet in regard his Maj. K. Ch. 1. (who was a real Defender of the Faith, and as far from censuring any that might be) would upon occasional discourse express some dislike in K. Henry’s proceedings in misemploying those vast Revenews the suppressed. Abbeys, Monasteries and other religious Houses were endowed with, and by demolishing those many beautiful and stately Structures, which both express’d the greatness of their Founders and preserved the splendor of the Kingdom, which might at the reformation have in some measure been kept up and converted to sundry pious uses.

Upon consideration thereof, those Gent. declined it, and pitch’d upon the Vault where K. Ed. 4. had been inter’d, being on the north side of the Choire, near the Altar, that K. being one his late Maj. would oftentimes make honorable mention of, and from whom his Maj. was lineally propagated. That therefore induced Mr. Herbert to give order to N. Harrison and Hen. Jackson to have that Vault opened, partly covered with a fair large stone of Touch raised within the Arch adjoyning, having a range of iron bars gilt, curiously cut according to Church work, &c. But as they were about this work, some Noble-men came thither, namely the Duke of Richmond, the Marq. of Hertford, the Earl of Lindsey, and with them Dr. Juxon B. of London, who had license from the Parliament to attend the Kings body to his grave. Those Gent. therefore Herbert and Mildmay thinking fit to submit and leave the choice of the place of burial to those great persons, they in like manner viewed the Tomb-house and the Choir, and one of the Lords beating gently upon the Pa [•] ement with his staff, perceived a hollow sound, and thereupon ordering the stones and earth to be removed, they discovered a descent into a Vault where two Coffins were laid near one another, the one very large of an antique form, and the other little. These they supposed to be the bodies of K. Hen. 8. and Qu. Jane Seymour his third wife, as indeed they were. The Velvet Palls that covered their Coffins seemed fresh tho they had laid there above 100 years.

The Lords agreeing that the Kings body should be in the said Vault inter’d, being about the middle of the Choir, over against the eleventh stall upon the Soveraigns side, they gave order to have the Kings name and year he died cut in lead; which, whilst the Work-men were about, the Lords went out and gave Puddifant the Sexton order to lock the Chappel door, and not suffer any to stay therein till farther notice. The Sexton did his best to clear the Chappel, nevertheless Isaac the Sextons man said that a Foot Soldier had hid himself, so as he was not discern’d: and being greedy of prey, crept into the Vault, and cut so much of the Velvet Pall that covered the great body, as he judged would hardly be missed, and wimbled also a hole thro the said Coffin that was largest, probably fancying that there was something well worth his adventure. The Sexton at his opening the door espied the sacrilegious person, who being searched, a bone was found about him, with which he said he would ha [•] t a knife. The Governour being therefore informed of, he gave, him his reward; and the Lords and others present were convinc’d that a real body was in the said great Coffin, which some before had scrupled. The girdle or circumscription of capital letters of lead put about the Kings Coffin had only these words King Charles, 1648.

The Kings body was then brought from his Bed-chamber down into S. George’s Hall; whence, after a little stay, it was with a slow and solemn pace (much sorrow in most faces being then discernable) carried by Gentlemen of quality in mourning. The Noblemen in mouring also held up the Pall, and the Governour with several Gentlemen and Officers and Attendants came after. It was then observed that at such time as the Kings body was brought out from. S. George’s Hall, the sky was serene and clear, but presently it began to snow, and the snow fell so fast that by that time the corps came to the west end of the royal Chappel the black velvet Pall was all white, (the colour of innocency) being thick covered over with snow. The Body being by the Bearers set down near the place of burial, the Bishop of London stood ready with the Service book in his hands to have performed his last duty to the K. his Master, according to the order and form of burial of the Dead set forth in the book of Common Prayer; which the Lords likewise desired, but would not be suffer’d by Col. Whitchcot the Governour of the Castle, by reason of the Directory, to which (said he) he and others were to be conformable. Thus went the White King to his grave in the 48 year of his age and 22 year and 10 month of his Reign. To let pass Merlins Prophecy, which some allude to the White Sattin his Maj. wore when he was crowned in Westm. Abbey, former Kings having on purple Robes at their Coronation, I shall conclude this Narrative with the Kings own excellent expression running thus—Crownes and Kingdoms are not so valuable as my honor and reputation. Those must have a period with my life, but these survive to a glorious kind of immortality when I am dead and gone; a good name being the embalming of Princes and a sweet consecrating of them to an eternity of love and gratitude amongst posterity.