'Many ways were these professors warned, by word, by writing, and by signs; but they would believe none till it was too late. William Sympson was moved of the Lord to go at several times for 3 years naked and barefooted before them, as a sign to them, in markets, courts, towns, cities, to priests’ houses, and to great men’s houses, telling them, “So shall ye be stripped naked as I am stripped naked!” And sometimes he was moved to put on hair-sackcloth, and to besmear his face, and to tell them, “So will the Lord God besmear all your religion as I am besmeared.”
'Great sufferings did that poor man undergo, sore whippings with horse-whips and coach-whips on his bare body, grievous stoning and imprisonments, in 3 years’ time, before the King came in, that they might have taken warning; but they would not, and rewarded his love with cruel usage. Only the mayor of Cambridge did nobly to him, for he put his gown about him and took him into his house.
'Another Friend, Robert Huntingdon, was moved of the Lord to go into Carlisle steeple-house with a white sheet about him, amongst the great Presbyterians and Independents there, to show them that the surplice was coming up again; and he put an halter about his neck to show them that an halter was coming upon them; which was fulfilled upon some of our persecutors not long after.
'Another, Richard Sale, living near Westchester, being constable of the place where he lived, had sent to him with a pass a Friend whom those wicked professors had taken up for a vagabond, because he travelled up and down in the work of the ministry. This constable, being convinced by the Friend thus brought to him, gave him his pass and liberty, and was afterwards himself cast into prison.
'After this, on a lecture-day, Richard Sale was moved to go to the steeple-house in the time of their worship, and to carry those persecuting priests and people a lantern and candle, as a figure of their darkness. But they cruelly abused him, and like dark professors as they were put him into their prison called Little Ease, and so squeezed his body therein that not long after he died.167' 167 These Friends, in their use of signs and striking symbolisms, were undoubtedly following in the steps of the Hebrew prophets. Both William Sympson and diehard Sale revere squeezed in Little Ease, the latter, being very stout, came to his death as a result. “Little Ease” was a hole hewed out of a rock; the breadth across 17 inches; from the back to the inside of the great door at the top 7 inches; at the shoulders, 8 inches; at the breast, 9-1/2 inches; from the top to the bottom 1-1/2 yards, with a device to lessen the height for purposes of torture.
George Fox was confused when he wrote his biography: this story belongs to today. The rest of the excerpt tells of the bad treatment Quakers received during the Interregnum.
'Much blood was shed this year, many of the old King’s judges being hung, drawn and quartered. Amongst them that so suffered, Col. Hacker was one. He had sent me prisoner from Leicester to London in Oliver’s time, of which an account is given before. A sad day it was, and a repaying of blood with blood. For in the time of Oliver Cromwell, when several men were put to death by him, being hung, drawn and quartered for pretended treasons, I felt from the Lord God that their blood would be required; and I said as much then to several.
'And now, upon the King’s return, several that had been against him were put to death, as the others that were for him had been before by Oliver. This was sad work, destroying people; contrary to the nature of Christians, who have the nature of lambs and sheep. But there was a secret hand in bringing this day upon that hypocritical generation of professors, who, being got into power, grew proud, haughty, and cruel beyond others, and persecuted the people of God without pity.
'When Friends were under cruel persecutions and sufferings in the Commonwealth’s time, I was moved of the Lord to write to Friends to draw up accounts of their sufferings, and lay them before the justices at their sessions; and if they would not do justice, then to lay them before the judges at the assize; and if they would not do justice, then to lay them before the Parliament, the Protector and his Council, that they might all see what was done under their government; and if they would not do justice, then to lay it before the Lord, who would hear the cries of the oppressed, and of the widows and fatherless whom they had made so.
'For that for which we suffered, and for which our goods were spoiled, was our obedience to the Lord in His Power and His Spirit. He was able to help and to succour, and we had no helper in the earth but Him. And He heard the cries of His people, and brought an overflowing scourge over the heads of all our persecutors, which brought a dread and a fear amongst and on them all. So that those who had nicknamed us (who are the children of Light) and in scorn called us Quakers, the Lord made to quake; and many of them would have been glad to hide themselves amongst us; and some of them, through the distress that came upon them, did at length come to confess to the Truth.
This takes place during George Fox's journey under his own recognizance from Lancaster Prison to stand trial for plotting against Charles II at the King's Bench, Westminster Hall. https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Geo. Fox, &c.
The House being informed, that 2 Quakers (that is to say) George Fox, and Rob. Gressingham, have lately made a great Disturbance at Harwich; and that the said George Fox, who pretends to be a Preacher, did lately, in his preaching there, speak Words much reflecting on the Government and Ministry, to the near causing of a Mutiny, and is now committed by the Mayor and Magistrates there;
Ordered, That the said George Fox, and Robert Gressingham, be forthwith brought up in Custody: And that the Sheriff of the County of Essex do receive them, and give his Assistance for the conveying them up accordingly, and delivering them into the Charge of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House.
Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be given to the Mayor and Magistrates of Harwich, for their Care in this Business.
'House of Commons Journal Volume 8: 21 May 1660', in Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 8, 1660-1667 (London, 1802), pp. 38-40. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/…
'As yet they had not minded my hat, but now seeing it on, they said, “What, do you stand with your hat on!” I told them I did not so in any contempt of them. Then they commanded it to be taken off; and when they called for the marshal of the King’s Bench, they said to him, “You must take this man and secure him; but let him have a chamber, and not be put amongst the prisoners.”
“My lord,” said the marshal, “I have no chamber to put him into; my house is so full I cannot tell where to provide a room for him but amongst the prisoners.”
“Nay,” said the judge, “you must not put him amongst the prisoners.” But when the marshal still answered that he had no other place wherein to put me, Judge Foster said to me, “Will you appear to-morrow about 10 o’clock at the King’s Bench bar in Westminster-Hall?”
'I said, “Yes, if the Lord gives me strength.”
'Then said Judge Foster to the other judge, “If he says Yes, and promises it, you may take his word;” so I was dismissed.'
Meanwhile the bloodbath continues at Charing Cross:
John Evelyn doesn't get it entirely right: 17 October, 1660.
Scot, Scroop, Cook, and Jones, suffered for reward of their iniquities at Charing Cross, in sight of the place where they put to death their natural prince, and in the presence of the King his son, whom they also sought to kill.
I saw not their execution, but met their quarters, mangled, and cut, and reeking, as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on the hurdle.
There was another prisoner arriving in London that day -- albeit on his own recognizance -- what a welcome for George Fox!
'Then, travelling on, visiting Friends’ meetings, in about 3 weeks’ time from my coming out of [LANCASTER] prison I reached London, Richard Hubberthorn and Robert Withers being with me.
'When we came to Charing-Cross, multitudes of people were gathered together to see the burning of the bowels of some of the old King’s judges, who had been hanged, drawn and quartered.
'We went next morning to Judge Mallet’s chamber. He was putting on his red gown to sit in judgment upon some more of the King’s judges. He was then very peevish and froward, and said I might come another time.
'We went again to his chamber when there was with him Judge Foster, who was called the Lord Chief-Justice of England. With me was one called Esquire Marsh, who was one of the bedchamber to the King. When we had delivered to the judges the charge that was against me, and they had read to those words, “that I and my friends were embroiling the nation in blood,” etc., they struck their hands on the table. Whereupon I told them that I was the man whom that charge was against, but I was as innocent of any such thing as a new-born child, and had brought it up myself; and some of my friends came up with me, without any guard.
“By virtue of His Majesty’s writ, to me directed, and hereunto annexed, I certify that before the receipt of the said writ George Fox ... was committed to His Majesty’s jail at the Castle of Lancaster, in my custody, by a warrant from Henry Porter, Esq., one of His Majesty’s justices of peace within the county palatine aforesaid, bearing date the fifth of June now last past; for that he, ..., was generally suspected to be a common disturber of the peace of this nation, an enemy of our sovereign lord the King, and a chief upholder of the Quakers’ sect; and that he, together with others of his fanatic opinion, have of late endeavored to make insurrections in these parts of the country, and to embroil the whole kingdom in blood. And this is the cause of his taking and detaining. Nevertheless, the body of the said George Fox I have ready before Thomas Mallet, knight, one of His Majesty’s justices, assigned to hold pleas before His Majesty, at his chamber in Sergeants’ Inn, in Fleet Street, to do and receive those things which his Majesty’s said justice shall determine concerning him in this behalf, as by the aforesaid writ is required. “George Chetham, Esq., Sheriff”
'On perusal of this, and consideration of the whole matter, the King, being satisfied of my innocency, commanded his secretary to send an order to Judge Mallet for my release, which he did thus: “It is his Majesty’s pleasure that you give order for releasing, and setting at full liberty the person of George Fox, late a prisoner in Lancaster jail, and commanded hither by an habeas corpus. And this signification of his Majesty’s pleasure shall be your sufficient warrant. Dated at Whitehall, the 24th of October, 1660. Edward Nicholas. “For Sir Thomas Mallet, knight, one of the justices of the King’s Bench”
'When this order was delivered to Judge Mallet, he forthwith sent his warrant to the marshal of the King’s Bench for my release; which warrant was thus worded: “By virtue of a warrant which this morning I have received from the Right Honorable Sir Edward Nicholas, knight, one of his Majesty’s principal secretaries, for the releasing and setting at liberty of George Fox, late a prisoner in Lancaster jail, and thence brought hither by habeas corpus, and yesterday committed unto your custody; I do hereby require you accordingly to release and set the said prisoner George Fox at liberty: for which this shall be your warrant and discharge. Given under my hand the 25th day of October, in the year of our Lord God 1660. THOMAS MALLET” “To Sir John Lenthal, knight, marshal of the King’s Bench, or his deputy.”
'Thus, after I had been a prisoner somewhat more than 20 weeks, I was freely set at liberty by the King’s command, the Lord’s power having wonderfully wrought for the clearing of my innocency, and Porter, who committed me, not daring to appear to make good the charge he had falsely suggested against me.' https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
George Fox appeared before the King's Bench in November, 1660, accused of plotting against Charles II. This is his retelling of the experience:
'Next day I appeared at the King’s Bench bar at the hour appointed, Robert Widders, Richard Hubberthorn, and Esquire Marsh going with me. I was brought into the middle of the court; and as soon as I came in, was moved to look round, and, turning to the people, say, “Peace be among you.” The power of the Lord spread over the court.
'The charge against me was read openly. The people were moderate, and the judges cool and loving; and the Lord’s mercy was to them. But when they came to that part which said that I and my friends were embroiling the nation in blood, and raising a new war, and that I was an enemy to the King, etc., they lifted up their hands.
'Then, stretching out my arms, I said, “I am the man whom that charge is against; but I am as innocent as a child concerning the charge, and have never learned any war-postures. And,” said I, “do ye think that, if I and my friends had been such men as the charge declares, I would have brought it up myself against myself? Or that I should have been suffered to come up with only one or 2 of my friends with me? Had I been such a man as this charge sets forth, I had need to be guarded with a troop or 2 of horse. But the sheriff and magistrates of Lancashire thought fit to let me and my friends come up with it ourselves, nearly 200 miles, without any guard at all; which, ye may be sure, they would not have done, had they looked upon me to be such a man.”
'Then the Judge asked me whether it should be filed, or what I would do with it. I answered, “Ye are judges, and able, I hope, to judge in this matter; therefore, do with it what ye will; for I am the man these charges are against, and here ye see I have brought them up myself. Do ye what ye will with them; I leave it to you.” 'Then, Judge Twisden beginning to speak some angry words, I appealed to Judge Foster and Judge Mallet, who had heard me over-night. Thereupon they said they did not accuse me, for they had nothing against me. Then stood up Esquire Marsh, who was of the King’s bedchamber, and told the judges it was the King’s pleasure that I should be set at liberty, seeing no accuser came up against me. They asked me whether I would put it to the King and Council. I said, “Yes, with a good will.”
'Thereupon they sent the sheriff’s return, which he had made to the writ of habeas corpus, containing the matter charged against me in the mittimus, to the King, that he might see for what I was committed. The return of the sheriff of Lancaster was as follows:
Briefly: The historian "Reay concentrated on the period up to 1660, and his conclusion, that 'popular animosity was a mixture of xenophobia, class hatred, ignorance and a superstition that merged with the world of witchcraft', showed little empathy with the Quakers' enemies. He identified the Quakers as the rich or as 'middlemen and speculators', while depicting them as a threat to the social order. 'Ignorance was nurtured by the propaganda of gentry and ministers and the unthinking populace was given 'magistrate's licence' to use violence against Quakers. After 1660, the records of sufferings give a different picture: that persecution was the work of self-interested priests, officials and informers, and that the Quakers' sufferings distressed their fellow-citizens and neighbors, who did what they could to mitigate them."
In October 1660 George Fox was released on his own recognizance from jail in Lancaster, and travelled to London where he appeared at the King’s Bench before 3 judges, but was acquitted of being “an enemy to the King, etc.”. https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
In November 1660, George Fox presented this document to Charles II, who seems to have listened as he tried for 20 years to bring in legislation with relief specifically naming the Quakers.
"A DECLARATION FROM THE HARMLESS AND INNOCENT PEOPLE OF GOD, CALLED QUAKERS, AGAINST ALL SEDITION, PLOTTERS, AND FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD: FOR REMOVING THE GROUND OF JEALOUSY AND SUSPICION FROM MAGISTRATES AND PEOPLE CONCERNING WARS AND FIGHTINGS.
"George Fox and others.
"Presented to the King upon the 21st day of the 11th Month, 1660.
“I do require all officers and soldiers to forbear to disturb the peaceable meetings of the Quakers, they doing nothing prejudicial to the Parliament or Commonwealth of England. -- George Monck.”
CORRECTION: "On May 7, 1660 he disappeared from his Petty France home, and stayed in hiding for over a year."
NO: My own link says "Milton lay concealed for more than 3 months." So he emerged, I don't know where he went, in August, once his name was off the list, Sorry about that.
L&M Companion: It was "in a gallery [of the chapel]. ..."
This made it possible for members of the Royal Family to hear services every day, even when they were not well, which was considered very important.
In this case it moved a large segment of the congregation out of the body of the chapel, which was convenient for them on a rainy day, and made security easier -- not to mention adding space to accommodate more people like Pepys downstairs, who could then gawk at the upstairs people.
The now blind poet John Milton was on the list of Regicides from the start. On May 7, 1660 he disappeared from his Pettry France home, and stayed in hiding for over a year. However, his name had been removed from the list without any public comment by now. https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
In Henry B. Wheatley's book, "Samuel Pepys and the World He Lived In" he has this to say on the subject in Chapter V - Pepys's Books and Collections: "The [Pepysian] Library contains the collected editions, in 3 folio volumes, of Milton's Works, published in London by John Toland in 1698, but stated in the title page to have been printed in Amsterdam. "Pepys probably thought it wise to have nothing to do with any of the publications of such a dangerous man as Milton before the [Glorious] Revolution; and a curious letter from Daniel Skinner to Pepys in 1676 shows that a man may be injured in his public career by a rumor that he had the works of Milton in his possession. ... "When Sir Joseph Williamson, the Secretary of State, is informed of this [a plan to print in Amsterdam more original works of Milton] and was asked to give a license for the proposed authentic edition, he replied 'he could countenance nothing of that man's (Milton's) writings.' "Upon hearing this, Skinner gives up the scheme and lends the papers to Williamson, but gets shabby treatment in return, for on his arrival in Holland he finds that those likely to employ him have been warned against him as a dangerous character."
I'd never thought about that aspect of poaching, LKvM -- if you dragged even a small deer it would leave a trail of flattened grass and blood all the way to the poacher's house. If carried, it would take at least 2 strong people, and the blood would still be visible. How did they do it?
The night before Col. Adrian Scrope's death, a nephew came to him in his dungeon and requested him to repent of the part he acted in the King's death, and submit to the present King's mercy, to which he replied, "avoid Satan," and this same night he composed himself and "slept so sound he snored."
At the gallows Col. Adrian Scrope referred to "him through whose means I was brought here to suffer, I say no more, the Lord forgives him, I shall not name him," and in his last prayer, he asked for "strength to stand and endure the present hour of temptation," after which the executioner performed his bloody office. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/e…
At his Trial, held at Old Bailey, Oct. 12, 1660, Col. Scrope defended himself with dignity and moderation. He admitted, reluctantly, that he had signed the death warrant of King Charles. Pleaded that "he was not in the parliament, and that which was done in the high court of justice, it was done by a commission from the parliament, and it was that authority that was then accounted the supreme authority of the nation." Answering this plea, the presiding judge gave an exposition of the British Constitution, showed that the so-called Parliament which had appointed the High Court of Justice was not only unconstitutional but unrepresentative, for "there was but forty-six sat, whereas there were above two hundred and forty excluded," and said: "When men shall assume their acts by obeying them, it is an aggravation." Col. Scrope then pleaded: "If I have been misled, I am not a single person that has been misled, for I see a great many faces that were misled at that time as well as myself," and "I hope that an error of the judgement shall not be accounted an error of the will, for I never went to the work with a malicious heart," to which Lord Chief Barron replied: "If a man do an act of this nature, that may be some kind of excuse to God, but towards man you are to look to the fact." Col. Scrope then reminded the Court that he had surrendered himself on Charles II's proclamation, but Richard Browne, lord mayor elect of London, in whom "there was great meanness, if not worse," certainly a renegade, for he had been formerly a Major-General in the parliamentary army and a kind of a friend of Scrope's, now anxious to prove his loyalty to the new regime, swore that since the restoration, Scrope had used words apparently justifying the late King's execution and had not pronounced it murder, saying "some are of the opinion, and some of another," and this evidence, which also led to the abandonment of Scrope by the Commons, sealed his fate
Col. Adrian Scrope was executed at Charing Cross, London, England on Oct. 17, 1660, aged 58.
The Chief Justice, who treated Col. Adrian Scrope with great civility and was as just as could be expected at the time, stated: "Mr. Scrope to give him his due is not such a person as some of the rest, but he was unhappily engaged in this bloody business."
Noble in his "Lives of the Regicides," states: "It was a thousand pities that if so many were to die as public examples, some of the others were equally guilty of the King's death, and whose lives were a disgrace to any cause, were not substituted in his stead."
Ludlow, a contemporary, said: "His port and mean were noble, and the endowments of his mind every way answerable," and an account of his behavior in prison and at the gallows describes him as "a comely ancient gentleman," and dwells on his cheerfulness and courage.
Col. Adrian Scrope was a son of Sir Adrian Scrope of Hambleden, Bucks. He was born about 12 January, 1600/1. He was a direct descendant of the family of Buckinghamshire, the head of which was ennobled. He occupied the Scrope mansion at Wormsley, Oxfordshire, England.
Adrian Scrope married Mary Waller (born 1605; died 1660 in Charing Cross, London, England) on 29 November, 1624 in Southwark, Surrey, England. They had children: Edmund Scrope - born 1626 in Southwark, Surrey, England; died 1658 Robert Scrope - born 1628 in Southwark, Surrey, England Thomas Scrope - born 1630 in Southwark, Surrey, England; christened 11 September, 1630 in Bristol; died about 1658 Margaret - born 1632 in Southwark, Surrey Ann - born 1634 in Southwark, Surrey William Scrope - born 19 March, 1636 in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England; possible alias as a Throope who died 4 December, 1704 and was buried in East Burial Ground Cemetary, Bristol, Rhode Island Margaret - born 6 February, 1639 in Southwark, Surrey Mary - born 1640 in Southwark, Surrey Margaret - born 1642 in Southwark, Surrey Elizabeth - born 1644 in Southwark, Surrey Adrian Scrope - born 1646 in Southwark, Surrey
Adrian Scrope was the regicide, Col. Adrian Scrope, whose signature is on the death warrant of King Charles. Col. Adrian Scrope was prominent under Cromwell in the Great Rebellion; fought at Edgehill and other battles, He was Governor of Bristol Castle, a Commissioner to Scotland, and was appointed one of the High Court of Justice which condemned King Charles to be beheaded. Col. Adrian Scrope attended that Court with exemplary regularity, sat close to Bradshaw, the President, was 37th to sign the death warrant on Jan. 27, 1648.
During the political revolutions of 1659-60, Col. Adrian Scrope apparently remained neutral and had some prospect of escape at the Restoration of Charles II. He surrendered himself in obedience to the King's proclamation; the House of Commons voted he should have the benefit of the Act of Indemnity on payment of one year's rent, but the House of Lords ordered all the King's judges to be arrested and excepted Scrope absolutely from pardon.
Later, the Commons reiterated their vote in Col. Scrope's favor, but the Lords remained firm. Taken altogether, this was an inexcusable breach of faith, as Scrope had surrendered in reliance upon Charles II's proclamation.
With this arrives young Peach (whose wife lay in Within which bed Hugh-Peters with out sin Had hid himselfe) and being askt if he Such Gloves, or Cane, as those did ever see, I did quoth he, and testifie I can, They do belong unto that Gentelman, Pointing to Hugo: Hugo in a fume Denies it stoutly; but yet doth assume The pair of gloves, which on his hands he drawes, Those bloody hands worser then Tigers pawes, I'le not deny but these are mine quoth he Lyers ought t'have a present memorie, Which Hugo faild of: Hugo must away, The case is clear, he may not longer stay, Then take him, Derick, Gentelmen I pray Call me not Peters, least upon the way The incenst many hearing of my name Like Doctor Lamb should stone me for the same This granted Hugo, once again doth crave That he some privat conference, may have VVith Mirs. Mun, women are best pleas'd when They meet in private with strong dockt able men; But that deni'd, the stallion being dry After the sports and heats of venery, He calls for drink his spirits to revive, It seemes theyr thirsty who do often— Two quarts of rot-gut beer he swalowes up Desiring neither goblet horne or cup, Though I suppose hornes he might have had Haveing himselfe, made many run horne mad. Now to the Tower must poor Peters trudge, Patience good Hugo tis in vain to grudge Before the grave Lieutenent he is brought VVhat change is this? would ever man have thought, Cromwells Confessor should be forc't t'appeare, "Before a Royalist or Chavilier As a Delinquent; yet tis true, tis done Hee's under loyall Sir John Robinson VVhere we will leave him to repent, if he Be not too over grown in vilanie, Once her remembers he did make a preach, And in her sermon did false doctrine teach Saying, the VVelch were only good to be Made hanging Clappers for a wooden tree: But yet her cozen lives, and may in time Behold Hugh Peters mounting up, and clime The tritle tree, which stands by Hide parke pale, For if her judgment do not highly fail He hath deserv'd it: thus the Fox you see Is eartht; if you do ask how this can be, Go to the Tower and you shall finde it true Or else beleive me not, and when old Hugh From this frail world shall take his last farwel, I'le be his frend and ring his passing bell, Without a clapper not with out a roape For that will be his end as most do hope."
If by these signes you cannot finde him out Instead of Hu-bub I have sent a scout, Who now return'd, this narrative declares, The subtle Fox some times is catcht with snares, On friday twas, which some call venus day Because that Planet then doth bear the sway And is predominant, and hath a slight A pretty one whither't be day or night To couple loving things: the sent growes hot, And though our Hugo cunningly had got Him selfe into a Quakers house cald Broad The fitest hoste to harbour such a—: Murder will not lye hide, his haunt is found, And steps are tract, without the help of hound; Hugh hunts not counter yet the wily whelp Findes out a cunning shift himselfe to help; To bed he goes, where Mrs Peach lay in The woman being green I hope no sin Was there commited, (weighty things in hand Men upon coulo•rs do not often stand) The proverb saith, here lurking he lay still As safe as any theise lyes in a Mill Oft in the pulpet he was wont to say He envied much those little doges which lay In Ladies beds places far more fit For men of lusty courage and choice wit, He hath his wish; the officers forbear In modesty the child bed to draw near, And fall to search all the Roomes and places, As tis the common use in such like cases, The next house was John Dayes an upright Quaker Because a Cobler, and a great pertaker With Hugh's desines: whilst each one beats his brains To finde the fugitives, and spairs no pains Scowring each corner with a Zealous eye Werei't but as big where in a mouse might lye: Hugh takes his time, and whilst theyr all at gaze, Makes an escape and hyes unto the Maze; His rapiere with his bible, and his coat He leaves behinde, by which the searchers note Hugh cannot be far of, to Horse way down Where one Nathaniell Mun, a man well known— Had his aboad, a tape-maker by trade, Though it were fitter far he halters made, Peters conveyes himselfe; with open Cry The chase is followed, Law-now by and by They finde the horse, Mun's wife shee keeps the dore They thrust, shee holds; I cannot tell you more, But some do say shee had adown-right fall, Yet I'le not say shee play'd at up tailes all, Up staires with full careirs the serjant goes But at the dore he finds one to oppose, And stoutly too, by which he aimes and right Twas Hugh himselfe, with all his main and might, That strenth is reenforc't with new supplies For, Mr Arnold, Hobkins, Harris flyes Unto the battry, who with doubled force Compell proud Peter to retreat: Remorce Now seazeth on him, and he faints for fear All symptoms of a Quaker now appear, With Impudence and brasen face he cryes I am not Peters, who so calls me lies My name is Thomson; if that it be so Then Duplex nomen Duplex Nebulo: My action's good it'h law against you all Who thus abuse and wrongfully miscall An honest man, t'oth damage of his purss And infamy of him; which is far worss.
Comments
Third Reading
About Friday 19th October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
'Many ways were these professors warned, by word, by writing, and by signs; but they would believe none till it was too late.
William Sympson was moved of the Lord to go at several times for 3 years naked and barefooted before them, as a sign to them, in markets, courts, towns, cities, to priests’ houses, and to great men’s houses, telling them, “So shall ye be stripped naked as I am stripped naked!” And sometimes he was moved to put on hair-sackcloth, and to besmear his face, and to tell them, “So will the Lord God besmear all your religion as I am besmeared.”
'Great sufferings did that poor man undergo, sore whippings with horse-whips and coach-whips on his bare body, grievous stoning and imprisonments, in 3 years’ time, before the King came in, that they might have taken warning; but they would not, and rewarded his love with cruel usage. Only the mayor of Cambridge did nobly to him, for he put his gown about him and took him into his house.
'Another Friend, Robert Huntingdon, was moved of the Lord to go into Carlisle steeple-house with a white sheet about him, amongst the great Presbyterians and Independents there, to show them that the surplice was coming up again; and he put an halter about his neck to show them that an halter was coming upon them; which was fulfilled upon some of our persecutors not long after.
'Another, Richard Sale, living near Westchester, being constable of the place where he lived, had sent to him with a pass a Friend whom those wicked professors had taken up for a vagabond, because he travelled up and down in the work of the ministry. This constable, being convinced by the Friend thus brought to him, gave him his pass and liberty, and was afterwards himself cast into prison.
'After this, on a lecture-day, Richard Sale was moved to go to the steeple-house in the time of their worship, and to carry those persecuting priests and people a lantern and candle, as a figure of their darkness. But they cruelly abused him, and like dark professors as they were put him into their prison called Little Ease, and so squeezed his body therein that not long after he died.167'
167 These Friends, in their use of signs and striking symbolisms, were undoubtedly following in the steps of the Hebrew prophets. Both William Sympson and diehard Sale revere squeezed in Little Ease, the latter, being very stout, came to his death as a result.
“Little Ease” was a hole hewed out of a rock; the breadth across 17 inches; from the back to the inside of the great door at the top 7 inches; at the shoulders, 8 inches; at the breast, 9-1/2 inches; from the top to the bottom 1-1/2 yards, with a device to lessen the height for purposes of torture.
About Friday 19th October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
Taken from The Autobiography of George Fox
CHAPTER XIV.
Labors, Dangers and Sufferings. 1661-1662.
https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
George Fox was confused when he wrote his biography: this story belongs to today. The rest of the excerpt tells of the bad treatment Quakers received during the Interregnum.
'Much blood was shed this year, many of the old King’s judges being hung, drawn and quartered. Amongst them that so suffered, Col. Hacker was one. He had sent me prisoner from Leicester to London in Oliver’s time, of which an account is given before. A sad day it was, and a repaying of blood with blood. For in the time of Oliver Cromwell, when several men were put to death by him, being hung, drawn and quartered for pretended treasons, I felt from the Lord God that their blood would be required; and I said as much then to several.
'And now, upon the King’s return, several that had been against him were put to death, as the others that were for him had been before by Oliver. This was sad work, destroying people; contrary to the nature of Christians, who have the nature of lambs and sheep. But there was a secret hand in bringing this day upon that hypocritical generation of professors, who, being got into power, grew proud, haughty, and cruel beyond others, and persecuted the people of God without pity.
'When Friends were under cruel persecutions and sufferings in the Commonwealth’s time, I was moved of the Lord to write to Friends to draw up accounts of their sufferings, and lay them before the justices at their sessions; and if they would not do justice, then to lay them before the judges at the assize; and if they would not do justice, then to lay them before the Parliament, the Protector and his Council, that they might all see what was done under their government; and if they would not do justice, then to lay it before the Lord, who would hear the cries of the oppressed, and of the widows and fatherless whom they had made so.
'For that for which we suffered, and for which our goods were spoiled, was our obedience to the Lord in His Power and His Spirit. He was able to help and to succour, and we had no helper in the earth but Him. And He heard the cries of His people, and brought an overflowing scourge over the heads of all our persecutors, which brought a dread and a fear amongst and on them all. So that those who had nicknamed us (who are the children of Light) and in scorn called us Quakers, the Lord made to quake; and many of them would have been glad to hide themselves amongst us; and some of them, through the distress that came upon them, did at length come to confess to the Truth.
About Harwich, Essex
San Diego Sarah • Link
This takes place during George Fox's journey under his own recognizance from Lancaster Prison to stand trial for plotting against Charles II at the King's Bench, Westminster Hall.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Geo. Fox, &c.
The House being informed, that 2 Quakers (that is to say) George Fox, and Rob. Gressingham, have lately made a great Disturbance at Harwich; and that the said George Fox, who pretends to be a Preacher, did lately, in his preaching there, speak Words much reflecting on the Government and Ministry, to the near causing of a Mutiny, and is now committed by the Mayor and Magistrates there;
Ordered, That the said George Fox, and Robert Gressingham, be forthwith brought up in Custody: And that the Sheriff of the County of Essex do receive them, and give his Assistance for the conveying them up accordingly, and delivering them into the Charge of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House.
Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be given to the Mayor and Magistrates of Harwich, for their Care in this Business.
'House of Commons Journal Volume 8: 21 May 1660', in Journal of the House of Commons: Volume 8, 1660-1667 (London, 1802), pp. 38-40.
British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/…
About Wednesday 17 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
'As yet they had not minded my hat, but now seeing it on, they said, “What, do you stand with your hat on!” I told them I did not so in any contempt of them. Then they commanded it to be taken off; and when they called for the marshal of the King’s Bench, they said to him, “You must take this man and secure him; but let him have a chamber, and not be put amongst the prisoners.”
“My lord,” said the marshal, “I have no chamber to put him into; my house is so full I cannot tell where to provide a room for him but amongst the prisoners.”
“Nay,” said the judge, “you must not put him amongst the prisoners.”
But when the marshal still answered that he had no other place wherein to put me, Judge Foster said to me, “Will you appear to-morrow about 10 o’clock at the King’s Bench bar in Westminster-Hall?”
'I said, “Yes, if the Lord gives me strength.”
'Then said Judge Foster to the other judge, “If he says Yes, and promises it, you may take his word;” so I was dismissed.'
Forwhat happened next at the Court of the King's Bench, see
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Taken from The Autobiography of George Fox
CHAPTER XIII.
In the First Year of King Charles. 1660.
https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
About Wednesday 17 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
Meanwhile the bloodbath continues at Charing Cross:
John Evelyn doesn't get it entirely right:
17 October, 1660.
Scot, Scroop, Cook, and Jones, suffered for reward of their iniquities at Charing Cross, in sight of the place where they put to death their natural prince, and in the presence of the King his son, whom they also sought to kill.
I saw not their execution, but met their quarters, mangled, and cut, and reeking, as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on the hurdle.
Oh, the miraculous providence of God!
@@@
John Cook -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
He died on 16 October, 1660
Thomas Scot MP -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
He died 17 October 1660
Col. Adrian Scrope -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
He died on 17 October, 1660
Col. John Jones MP -- https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
He died on 17 October, 1660
@@@
There was another prisoner arriving in London that day -- albeit on his own recognizance -- what a welcome for George Fox!
'Then, travelling on, visiting Friends’ meetings, in about 3 weeks’ time from my coming out of [LANCASTER] prison I reached London, Richard Hubberthorn and Robert Withers being with me.
'When we came to Charing-Cross, multitudes of people were gathered together to see the burning of the bowels of some of the old King’s judges, who had been hanged, drawn and quartered.
'We went next morning to Judge Mallet’s chamber. He was putting on his red gown to sit in judgment upon some more of the King’s judges. He was then very peevish and froward, and said I might come another time.
'We went again to his chamber when there was with him Judge Foster, who was called the Lord Chief-Justice of England. With me was one called Esquire Marsh, who was one of the bedchamber to the King. When we had delivered to the judges the charge that was against me, and they had read to those words, “that I and my friends were embroiling the nation in blood,” etc., they struck their hands on the table. Whereupon I told them that I was the man whom that charge was against, but I was as innocent of any such thing as a new-born child, and had brought it up myself; and some of my friends came up with me, without any guard.
About King's Bench Court
San Diego Sarah • Link
My apologies, this story happened in October 1660, not November.
About Thursday 25 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
Today Charles II tells the judges of the King's Bench to let George Fox go free:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About King's Bench Court
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
“By virtue of His Majesty’s writ, to me directed, and hereunto annexed, I certify that before the receipt of the said writ George Fox ... was committed to His Majesty’s jail at the Castle of Lancaster, in my custody, by a warrant from Henry Porter, Esq., one of His Majesty’s justices of peace within the county palatine aforesaid, bearing date the fifth of June now last past; for that he, ..., was generally suspected to be a common disturber of the peace of this nation, an enemy of our sovereign lord the King, and a chief upholder of the Quakers’ sect; and that he, together with others of his fanatic opinion, have of late endeavored to make insurrections in these parts of the country, and to embroil the whole kingdom in blood. And this is the cause of his taking and detaining. Nevertheless, the body of the said George Fox I have ready before Thomas Mallet, knight, one of His Majesty’s justices, assigned to hold pleas before His Majesty, at his chamber in Sergeants’ Inn, in Fleet Street, to do and receive those things which his Majesty’s said justice shall determine concerning him in this behalf, as by the aforesaid writ is required.
“George Chetham, Esq., Sheriff”
'On perusal of this, and consideration of the whole matter, the King, being satisfied of my innocency, commanded his secretary to send an order to Judge Mallet for my release, which he did thus:
“It is his Majesty’s pleasure that you give order for releasing, and setting at full liberty the person of George Fox, late a prisoner in Lancaster jail, and commanded hither by an habeas corpus. And this signification of his Majesty’s pleasure shall be your sufficient warrant. Dated at Whitehall, the 24th of October, 1660.
Edward Nicholas.
“For Sir Thomas Mallet, knight,
one of the justices of the King’s Bench”
'When this order was delivered to Judge Mallet, he forthwith sent his warrant to the marshal of the King’s Bench for my release; which warrant was thus worded:
“By virtue of a warrant which this morning I have received from the Right Honorable Sir Edward Nicholas, knight, one of his Majesty’s principal secretaries, for the releasing and setting at liberty of George Fox, late a prisoner in Lancaster jail, and thence brought hither by habeas corpus, and yesterday committed unto your custody; I do hereby require you accordingly to release and set the said prisoner George Fox at liberty: for which this shall be your warrant and discharge. Given under my hand the 25th day of October, in the year of our Lord God 1660.
THOMAS MALLET”
“To Sir John Lenthal, knight,
marshal of the King’s Bench,
or his deputy.”
'Thus, after I had been a prisoner somewhat more than 20 weeks, I was freely set at liberty by the King’s command, the Lord’s power having wonderfully wrought for the clearing of my innocency, and Porter, who committed me, not daring to appear to make good the charge he had falsely suggested against me.'
https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
About King's Bench Court
San Diego Sarah • Link
George Fox appeared before the King's Bench in November, 1660, accused of plotting against Charles II. This is his retelling of the experience:
'Next day I appeared at the King’s Bench bar at the hour appointed, Robert Widders, Richard Hubberthorn, and Esquire Marsh going with me. I was brought into the middle of the court; and as soon as I came in, was moved to look round, and, turning to the people, say, “Peace be among you.” The power of the Lord spread over the court.
'The charge against me was read openly. The people were moderate, and the judges cool and loving; and the Lord’s mercy was to them. But when they came to that part which said that I and my friends were embroiling the nation in blood, and raising a new war, and that I was an enemy to the King, etc., they lifted up their hands.
'Then, stretching out my arms, I said, “I am the man whom that charge is against; but I am as innocent as a child concerning the charge, and have never learned any war-postures. And,” said I, “do ye think that, if I and my friends had been such men as the charge declares, I would have brought it up myself against myself? Or that I should have been suffered to come up with only one or 2 of my friends with me? Had I been such a man as this charge sets forth, I had need to be guarded with a troop or 2 of horse. But the sheriff and magistrates of Lancashire thought fit to let me and my friends come up with it ourselves, nearly 200 miles, without any guard at all; which, ye may be sure, they would not have done, had they looked upon me to be such a man.”
'Then the Judge asked me whether it should be filed, or what I would do with it. I answered, “Ye are judges, and able, I hope, to judge in this matter; therefore, do with it what ye will; for I am the man these charges are against, and here ye see I have brought them up myself. Do ye what ye will with them; I leave it to you.”
'Then, Judge Twisden beginning to speak some angry words, I appealed to Judge Foster and Judge Mallet, who had heard me over-night. Thereupon they said they did not accuse me, for they had nothing against me. Then stood up Esquire Marsh, who was of the King’s bedchamber, and told the judges it was the King’s pleasure that I should be set at liberty, seeing no accuser came up against me. They asked me whether I would put it to the King and Council. I said, “Yes, with a good will.”
'Thereupon they sent the sheriff’s return, which he had made to the writ of habeas corpus, containing the matter charged against me in the mittimus, to the King, that he might see for what I was committed. The return of the sheriff of Lancaster was as follows:
About Wednesday 21 November 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
At Whitehall today an extraordinary meeting was held:
For a background on the persecution of the Quakers and other non-conformists from 1650-1680, see https://muse.jhu.edu/article/1885…
Briefly: The historian "Reay concentrated on the period up to 1660, and his conclusion, that 'popular animosity was a mixture of xenophobia, class hatred, ignorance and a superstition that merged with the world of witchcraft', showed little empathy with the Quakers' enemies. He identified the Quakers as the rich or as 'middlemen and speculators', while depicting them as a threat to the social order. 'Ignorance was nurtured by the propaganda of gentry and ministers and the unthinking populace was given 'magistrate's licence' to use violence against Quakers.
After 1660, the records of sufferings give a different picture: that persecution was the work of self-interested priests, officials and informers, and that the Quakers' sufferings distressed their fellow-citizens and neighbors, who did what they could to mitigate them."
In October 1660 George Fox was released on his own recognizance from jail in Lancaster, and travelled to London where he appeared at the King’s Bench before 3 judges, but was acquitted of being “an enemy to the King, etc.”.
https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
In November 1660, George Fox presented this document to Charles II, who seems to have listened as he tried for 20 years to bring in legislation with relief specifically naming the Quakers.
"A DECLARATION FROM THE HARMLESS AND INNOCENT PEOPLE OF GOD, CALLED QUAKERS, AGAINST ALL SEDITION, PLOTTERS, AND FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD: FOR REMOVING THE GROUND OF JEALOUSY AND SUSPICION FROM MAGISTRATES AND PEOPLE CONCERNING WARS AND FIGHTINGS.
"George Fox and others.
"Presented to the King upon the 21st day of the 11th Month, 1660.
"This Document can be read in full on The Quaker Writings Home Page."
http://www.qhpress.org/quakerpage…
[Text from the 2 Volume 8th and Bicentenary Edition of Fox's Journal, London: Friends' Tract Association, 1891.]
About Saturday 3 March 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
One of Gen. Monck's first orders of business:
“St. James’s, the 9th of March, 1659.
“I do require all officers and soldiers to forbear to disturb the peaceable meetings of the Quakers, they doing nothing prejudicial to the Parliament or Commonwealth of England. -- George Monck.”
https://ccel.org/ccel/fox_g/autob…
About Saturday 13 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
CORRECTION: "On May 7, 1660 he disappeared from his Petty France home, and stayed in hiding for over a year."
NO: My own link says "Milton lay concealed for more than 3 months." So he emerged, I don't know where he went, in August, once his name was off the list,
Sorry about that.
About Sunday 14 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
L&M Companion: It was "in a gallery [of the chapel]. ..."
This made it possible for members of the Royal Family to hear services every day, even when they were not well, which was considered very important.
In this case it moved a large segment of the congregation out of the body of the chapel, which was convenient for them on a rainy day, and made security easier -- not to mention adding space to accommodate more people like Pepys downstairs, who could then gawk at the upstairs people.
About Saturday 13 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
The now blind poet John Milton was on the list of Regicides from the start. On May 7, 1660 he disappeared from his Pettry France home, and stayed in hiding for over a year. However, his name had been removed from the list without any public comment by now.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
In Henry B. Wheatley's book, "Samuel Pepys and the World He Lived In" he has this to say on the subject in Chapter V - Pepys's Books and Collections:
"The [Pepysian] Library contains the collected editions, in 3 folio volumes, of Milton's Works, published in London by John Toland in 1698, but stated in the title page to have been printed in Amsterdam.
"Pepys probably thought it wise to have nothing to do with any of the publications of such a dangerous man as Milton before the [Glorious] Revolution; and a curious letter from Daniel Skinner to Pepys in 1676 shows that a man may be injured in his public career by a rumor that he had the works of Milton in his possession. ...
"When Sir Joseph Williamson, the Secretary of State, is informed of this [a plan to print in Amsterdam more original works of Milton] and was asked to give a license for the proposed authentic edition, he replied 'he could countenance nothing of that man's (Milton's) writings.'
"Upon hearing this, Skinner gives up the scheme and lends the papers to Williamson, but gets shabby treatment in return, for on his arrival in Holland he finds that those likely to employ him have been warned against him as a dangerous character."
About Friday 12 October 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
I'd never thought about that aspect of poaching, LKvM -- if you dragged even a small deer it would leave a trail of flattened grass and blood all the way to the poacher's house. If carried, it would take at least 2 strong people, and the blood would still be visible. How did they do it?
About Col. Adrian Scroope
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 3
The night before Col. Adrian Scrope's death, a nephew came to him in his dungeon and requested him to repent of the part he acted in the King's death, and submit to the present King's mercy, to which he replied, "avoid Satan," and this same night he composed himself and "slept so sound he snored."
At the gallows Col. Adrian Scrope referred to "him through whose means I was brought here to suffer, I say no more, the Lord forgives him, I shall not name him," and in his last prayer, he asked for "strength to stand and endure the present hour of temptation," after which the executioner performed his bloody office.
https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/e…
About Col. Adrian Scroope
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
At his Trial, held at Old Bailey, Oct. 12, 1660, Col. Scrope defended himself with dignity and moderation. He admitted, reluctantly, that he had signed the death warrant of King Charles. Pleaded that "he was not in the parliament, and that which was done in the high court of justice, it was done by a commission from the parliament, and it was that authority that was then accounted the supreme authority of the nation."
Answering this plea, the presiding judge gave an exposition of the British Constitution, showed that the so-called Parliament which had appointed the High Court of Justice was not only unconstitutional but unrepresentative, for "there was but forty-six sat, whereas there were above two hundred and forty excluded," and said: "When men shall assume their acts by obeying them, it is an aggravation."
Col. Scrope then pleaded: "If I have been misled, I am not a single person that has been misled, for I see a great many faces that were misled at that time as well as myself," and "I hope that an error of the judgement shall not be accounted an error of the will, for I never went to the work with a malicious heart,"
to which Lord Chief Barron replied: "If a man do an act of this nature, that may be some kind of excuse to God, but towards man you are to look to the fact."
Col. Scrope then reminded the Court that he had surrendered himself on Charles II's proclamation, but Richard Browne, lord mayor elect of London, in whom "there was great meanness, if not worse," certainly a renegade, for he had been formerly a Major-General in the parliamentary army and a kind of a friend of Scrope's, now anxious to prove his loyalty to the new regime, swore that since the restoration, Scrope had used words apparently justifying the late King's execution and had not pronounced it murder, saying "some are of the opinion, and some of another," and this evidence, which also led to the abandonment of Scrope by the Commons, sealed his fate
Col. Adrian Scrope was executed at Charing Cross, London, England on Oct. 17, 1660, aged 58.
The Chief Justice, who treated Col. Adrian Scrope with great civility and was as just as could be expected at the time, stated: "Mr. Scrope to give him his due is not such a person as some of the rest, but he was unhappily engaged in this bloody business."
Noble in his "Lives of the Regicides," states: "It was a thousand pities that if so many were to die as public examples, some of the others were equally guilty of the King's death, and whose lives were a disgrace to any cause, were not substituted in his stead."
Ludlow, a contemporary, said: "His port and mean were noble, and the endowments of his mind every way answerable," and an account of his behavior in prison and at the gallows describes him as "a comely ancient gentleman," and dwells on his cheerfulness and courage.
About Col. Adrian Scroope
San Diego Sarah • Link
Col. Adrian Scrope was a son of Sir Adrian Scrope of Hambleden, Bucks. He was born about 12 January, 1600/1. He was a direct descendant of the family of Buckinghamshire, the head of which was ennobled. He occupied the Scrope mansion at Wormsley, Oxfordshire, England.
Adrian Scrope married Mary Waller (born 1605; died 1660 in Charing Cross, London, England) on 29 November, 1624 in Southwark, Surrey, England. They had children:
Edmund Scrope - born 1626 in Southwark, Surrey, England; died 1658
Robert Scrope - born 1628 in Southwark, Surrey, England
Thomas Scrope - born 1630 in Southwark, Surrey, England; christened 11 September, 1630 in Bristol; died about 1658
Margaret - born 1632 in Southwark, Surrey
Ann - born 1634 in Southwark, Surrey
William Scrope - born 19 March, 1636 in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England; possible alias as a Throope who died 4 December, 1704 and was buried in East Burial Ground Cemetary, Bristol, Rhode Island
Margaret - born 6 February, 1639 in Southwark, Surrey
Mary - born 1640 in Southwark, Surrey
Margaret - born 1642 in Southwark, Surrey
Elizabeth - born 1644 in Southwark, Surrey
Adrian Scrope - born 1646 in Southwark, Surrey
Adrian Scrope was the regicide, Col. Adrian Scrope, whose signature is on the death warrant of King Charles.
Col. Adrian Scrope was prominent under Cromwell in the Great Rebellion; fought at Edgehill and other battles, He was Governor of Bristol Castle, a Commissioner to Scotland, and was appointed one of the High Court of Justice which condemned King Charles to be beheaded.
Col. Adrian Scrope attended that Court with exemplary regularity, sat close to Bradshaw, the President, was 37th to sign the death warrant on Jan. 27, 1648.
During the political revolutions of 1659-60, Col. Adrian Scrope apparently remained neutral and had some prospect of escape at the Restoration of Charles II. He surrendered himself in obedience to the King's proclamation; the House of Commons voted he should have the benefit of the Act of Indemnity on payment of one year's rent, but the House of Lords ordered all the King's judges to be arrested and excepted Scrope absolutely from pardon.
Later, the Commons reiterated their vote in Col. Scrope's favor, but the Lords remained firm. Taken altogether, this was an inexcusable breach of faith, as Scrope had surrendered in reliance upon Charles II's proclamation.
About Hugh Peters
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 3
With this arrives young Peach (whose wife lay in
Within which bed Hugh-Peters with out sin
Had hid himselfe) and being askt if he
Such Gloves, or Cane, as those did ever see,
I did quoth he, and testifie I can,
They do belong unto that Gentelman,
Pointing to Hugo: Hugo in a fume
Denies it stoutly; but yet doth assume
The pair of gloves, which on his hands he drawes,
Those bloody hands worser then Tigers pawes,
I'le not deny but these are mine quoth he
Lyers ought t'have a present memorie,
Which Hugo faild of: Hugo must away,
The case is clear, he may not longer stay,
Then take him, Derick, Gentelmen I pray
Call me not Peters, least upon the way
The incenst many hearing of my name
Like Doctor Lamb should stone me for the same
This granted Hugo, once again doth crave
That he some privat conference, may have
VVith Mirs. Mun, women are best pleas'd when
They meet in private with strong dockt able men;
But that deni'd, the stallion being dry
After the sports and heats of venery,
He calls for drink his spirits to revive,
It seemes theyr thirsty who do often—
Two quarts of rot-gut beer he swalowes up
Desiring neither goblet horne or cup,
Though I suppose hornes he might have had
Haveing himselfe, made many run horne mad.
Now to the Tower must poor Peters trudge,
Patience good Hugo tis in vain to grudge
Before the grave Lieutenent he is brought
VVhat change is this? would ever man have thought,
Cromwells Confessor should be forc't t'appeare,
"Before a Royalist or Chavilier
As a Delinquent; yet tis true, tis done
Hee's under loyall Sir John Robinson
VVhere we will leave him to repent, if he
Be not too over grown in vilanie,
Once her remembers he did make a preach,
And in her sermon did false doctrine teach
Saying, the VVelch were only good to be
Made hanging Clappers for a wooden tree:
But yet her cozen lives, and may in time
Behold Hugh Peters mounting up, and clime
The tritle tree, which stands by Hide parke pale,
For if her judgment do not highly fail
He hath deserv'd it: thus the Fox you see
Is eartht; if you do ask how this can be,
Go to the Tower and you shall finde it true
Or else beleive me not, and when old Hugh
From this frail world shall take his last farwel,
I'le be his frend and ring his passing bell,
Without a clapper not with out a roape
For that will be his end as most do hope."
London, Printed by P. Lillicrap. 1660.
About Hugh Peters
San Diego Sarah • Link
part 2
If by these signes you cannot finde him out
Instead of Hu-bub I have sent a scout,
Who now return'd, this narrative declares,
The subtle Fox some times is catcht with snares,
On friday twas, which some call venus day
Because that Planet then doth bear the sway
And is predominant, and hath a slight
A pretty one whither't be day or night
To couple loving things: the sent growes hot,
And though our Hugo cunningly had got
Him selfe into a Quakers house cald Broad
The fitest hoste to harbour such a—:
Murder will not lye hide, his haunt is found,
And steps are tract, without the help of hound;
Hugh hunts not counter yet the wily whelp
Findes out a cunning shift himselfe to help;
To bed he goes, where Mrs Peach lay in
The woman being green I hope no sin
Was there commited, (weighty things in hand
Men upon coulo•rs do not often stand)
The proverb saith, here lurking he lay still
As safe as any theise lyes in a Mill
Oft in the pulpet he was wont to say
He envied much those little doges which lay
In Ladies beds places far more fit
For men of lusty courage and choice wit,
He hath his wish; the officers forbear
In modesty the child bed to draw near,
And fall to search all the Roomes and places,
As tis the common use in such like cases,
The next house was John Dayes an upright Quaker
Because a Cobler, and a great pertaker
With Hugh's desines: whilst each one beats his brains
To finde the fugitives, and spairs no pains
Scowring each corner with a Zealous eye
Werei't but as big where in a mouse might lye:
Hugh takes his time, and whilst theyr all at gaze,
Makes an escape and hyes unto the Maze;
His rapiere with his bible, and his coat
He leaves behinde, by which the searchers note
Hugh cannot be far of, to Horse way down
Where one Nathaniell Mun, a man well known—
Had his aboad, a tape-maker by trade,
Though it were fitter far he halters made,
Peters conveyes himselfe; with open Cry
The chase is followed, Law-now by and by
They finde the horse, Mun's wife shee keeps the dore
They thrust, shee holds; I cannot tell you more,
But some do say shee had adown-right fall,
Yet I'le not say shee play'd at up tailes all,
Up staires with full careirs the serjant goes
But at the dore he finds one to oppose,
And stoutly too, by which he aimes and right
Twas Hugh himselfe, with all his main and might,
That strenth is reenforc't with new supplies
For, Mr Arnold, Hobkins, Harris flyes
Unto the battry, who with doubled force
Compell proud Peter to retreat: Remorce
Now seazeth on him, and he faints for fear
All symptoms of a Quaker now appear,
With Impudence and brasen face he cryes
I am not Peters, who so calls me lies
My name is Thomson; if that it be so
Then Duplex nomen Duplex Nebulo:
My action's good it'h law against you all
Who thus abuse and wrongfully miscall
An honest man, t'oth damage of his purss
And infamy of him; which is far worss.