his Health, of his
Looks, of his Speech, and whether . . .
_Ralph_ shall be noe Messenger of mine.
_April 24, 1646_.
Talking of Money Matters this Morning, _Mother_ sayd Something that
brought Tears into mine Eyes. She observed, that though my Husband had
never beene a Favourite of hers, there was one Thing wherein she must
say he had behaved generously: he had never, to this Day, askt _Father_
for the 500 pounds which had brought him, in the first Instance, to
_Forest Hill_, (he having promised old Mr. _Milton_ to try to get the
Debt paid,) and the which, on his asking for my Hand, _Father_ tolde
him shoulde be made over sooner or later, in lieu of Dower.
Did _Rose_ know the Bitter-sweet she was imparting to me, when she gave
me, by Stealth as 'twere, the latelie publisht Volume of my Husband's
_English_ Versing? It hath beene my Companion ever since; for I had
perused the _Comus_ but by Snatches, under the Disadvantage of crabbed
Manuscript. This Morning, to use his owne deare Words:--
I sat me down to watch, upon a Bank,
With Ivy canopied, and interwove
With flaunting Honeysuckle, and beganne,
Wrapt in a pleasing Fit of Melancholic,
To meditate.
The Text of my Meditation was this, drawne from the same loved Source:--
This I hold firm:
Virtue may be assayled, but never hurt,
Surprised by unjust Force, but not enthralled:
Yea, even that which Mischief meant most Harm,
Shall, in the happy Trial, prove most Glory.
But who hath such Virtue? have I? hath he? No, we have both gone
astray, and done amiss, and wrought sinfullie; but I worst, I first,
therefore more neede that I humble myself, and pray for both.
There is one, more unhappie, perhaps, than either. The _King_, most
misfortunate Gentleman! who knoweth not which Way to turn, nor whom to
trust. Last Time I saw him, methought never was there a Face soe full
of Woe.
_May 6, 1646_.
The _King_ hath escaped! He gave Orders overnight at alle the Gates, for
three Persons to passe; and, accompanied onlie by Mr. _Ashburnham_, and
Mr. _Hurd_, rode forthe at Nightfalle, towards _London_. Sure, he will
not throw himselfe into the Hands of Parliament?
_Mother_ is affrighted beyond Measure at the near Neighbourhood of
_Fairfax's_ Army, and entreats _Father_ to leave alle behind, and flee
with us into the City. It may yet be done; and we alle share her Feares.
_Saturday Even_.
Packing up in great
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