e haste, after a confused Family Council, wherein some
fresh Accounts of the Rebels' Advances, broughte in by _Diggory_, made my
Father the sooner consent to a stolen Flight into _Oxford_, _Diggory_
being left behind in Charge. Time of Flight, to-morrow after Dark, the
_Puritans_ being busie at theire Sermons. The better the Day, the better
the Deede.--_Heaven_ make it soe!

_Tuesday_.

_Oxford_; in most most confined and unpleasant Lodgings; but noe Matter,
manie better and richer than ourselves fare worse, and our King hath not
where to lay his Head. 'Tis sayd he hath turned his Course towards
_Scotland_. There are Souldiers in this House, whose Noise distracts us.
Alsoe, a poor Widow Lady, whose Husband hath beene slayn in these Wars.
The Children have taken a feverish Complaynt, and require incessant
tending. Theire Beds are far from cleane, in too little Space, and ill
aired.

_May 20, 1646_.

The Widow Lady goes about visiting the Sick, and woulde faine have my
Companie. The Streets have displeased me, being soe fulle of Men;
however, in a close Hoode I have accompanied her sundrie Times. 'Tis a
good Soul, and full of pious Works and Alms-deedes.

_May 27, 1646_.

_Diggory_ hath found his Way to us, alle dismaied, and bringing Dismay
with him, for the Rebels have taken and ransacked our House, and turned
him forthe. "A Plague on these Wars!" as _Father_ says. What are we to
doe, or how live, despoyled of alle? _Father_ hath lost, one Way and
another, since the Civil War broke out, three thousand Pounds, and is now
nearlie beggared. _Mother_ weeps bitterlie, and _Father's_ Countenance
hath fallen more than ever I saw it before. "Nine Children!" he
exclaimed, just now; "and onlie one provided for!" His Eye fell upon me
for a Moment, with less Tendernesse than usuall, as though he wished me
in _Aldersgate Street_. I'm sure I wish I were there,--not because
_Father_ is in Misfortune; oh, no.

_June, 1646_.

The Parliament requireth our unfortunate King to issue Orders to this and
alle his other Garrisons, commanding theire Surrender; and _Father_,
finding this is likelie to take Place forthwith, is busied in having
himself comprised within the Articles of Surrender. 'Twill be hard
indeed, shoulde this be denied. His Estate lying in the King's Quarters,
howe coulde he doe less than adhere to his Majesty's Partie during this
unnaturall War? I am sure _Mother_ grudged the Royali