at the release of Lord Lovelace, a supporter of the
Prince of Orange, out of Gloucester prison, was effected by "a young
gentleman of that county," an ancestor of his, "who took up arms for the
Prince, and drove out all the Popish crew that were settled in that
city," and that the exploit has been handed down in the following rude
lines, sung by his haymakers at their harvest supper:--

"A health to Captain Pyrke, who in Little Dean was bred,
And of a thousand men he was the head;
He fought for the truth and the Protestant faith;
We drink his good health, and so do rejoice.

He down in the West King William did meet,
And to him he sent both oxen and sheep,
Till he had an order which from him did come,
And with honour to Gloucester he brought him along.

When he came to Gloucester he had but forty men,
The city of Gloucester all barred unto him;
The city was guarded with soldiers about,
But he brought Lord Lovelace from his prison quite out.

With sword in his hand he before them did go;
He was not ashamed his face for to show:
'They who have anything to say to Lord Lovelace,' said he,
'O then, if they have, let them speak it to me.'

Then up to the Mayor away he did get,
And his wooden god to pieces did beat;
And the big golden chair where King James sate
He threw in the fire, which made a brave heat.

Then up into Oxfordshire away he did ride,
To bring Lord Lovelace safe home;
He plundered the Papists along as he goes,
He could not endure to see us abused."

Two years later than the date of the above outrages, wood-fellings to the
extent of 6,186 short cords were made, pursuant to their Majesties'
letters of Privy Seal. They were sold, it is said, for six shillings a
cord, which was considered a good price for the county of Gloucester.

A period of about five years from the time that the last was held brings
us to the date of the _eighth_ record of the Mine Law Court, viz. the
17th of January, 1692. It was held at Clearwell, before the three
deputies of the Constable of St. Briavel's Castle, _i.e._ Tracy Catchmay,
John Higford, and George Bond, Esqrs.

The Court levied a further contribution of 12d. upon every miner,
with an additional 1s. on every mine horse, with which to clear off
certain charges incurred in a recent suit in the Court of Exchequer
at Westminster. It extended the protective