for to-morrow. _Clover_ was in a Heat, which one would have thoughte
he needed not to have beene, with carrying a Lady; but _Audrey_ is
heavie. She treats _Dick_ like a boy; and, indeede he is not much
more; but he is quite taken up with her. I find she lies in the blue
Chamber, which she says smells rarelie of Herbs. They returned not
till late, after sundrie Hints from Mr. _Agnew_.
_Oct. 27, 1644_.
Alas, alas, _Robin's_ Silence is too sorrowfullie explained! He hath
beene sent Home soe ill that he is like to die. This Report I have
from _Diggory_, just come over to fetch me, with whom I start, soe
soone as his Horse is bated. _Lord_, have Mercie on _Robin_.
The Children are alle sent away to keep the House quiete.
_At Robin's Bedside,
Saturday Night_.
Oh, woefulle Sight! I had not known that pale Face, had I met it
unawares. So thin and wan,--and he hath shot up into a tall Stripling
during the last few Months. These two Nights of Watching have tried me
sorelie, but I would not be witholden from sitting up with him yet
agayn--what and if this Night should be his last? how coulde I forgive
myself for sleeping on now and taking my Rest? The first Night, he
knew me not; yet it was bitter-sweet to hear him chiding at sweet
_Moll_ for not coming. Yesternight he knew me for a While, kissed me,
and _fell_ into an heavie Sleepe, with his Hand locked in mine. We
hoped the Crisis was come; but 'twas not soe. He raved much of a Man
alle in red, riding hard after him. I minded me of those Words, "The
Enemy sayd, I will overtake, I will pursue,"--and, noe one being by,
save the unconscious Sufferer, I kneeled down beside him, and most
earnestlie prayed for his Deliverance from all spirituall Adversaries.
When I lookt up, his Eyes, larger and darker than ever, were fixt on me
with a strange, wistfulle Stare, but he spake not. From that Moment he
was quiete.
The Doctor thought him rambling this Morning, though I knew he was not,
when he spake of an Angel in a long white Garment watching over him and
kneeling by him in the Night.
_Sunday Evening_.
Poor _Nell_ sitteth up with _Mother_ to-night--right thankfulle is she
to find that she can be of anie Use: she says it seems soe strange that
she should be able to make any Return for my Kindnesse. I must sleep
to-night, that I may watch to-morrow. The Servants are nigh spent, and
are besides foolishlie afrayd of Infection. I hope _Rose_
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