to read you perfectly delineated. I was once
resolved to have continued _Trithemius_ for some succeeding years, but
multiplicity of employment impeded me. The study required, in that kind
of learning, must be sedentary, of great reading, sound judgment, which
no man can accomplish except he wholly retire, use prayer, and accompany
himself with angelical consorts.

His Majesty Charles the First, having entrusted the Scots with his
person, was, for money, delivered into the hands of the English
Parliament, and, by several removals, was had to Hampton-Court, about
July or August 1647; for he was there, and at that time when my house
was visited with the plague. He was desirous to escape from the
soldiery, and to obscure himself for some time near London, the citizens
whereof began now to be unruly, and alienated in affection from the
Parliament, inclining wholly to his Majesty, and very averse to the
army. His Majesty was well informed of all this, and thought to make
good use hereof; besides, the army and Parliament were at some odds, who
should be masters. Upon the King's intention to escape, and with his
consent, Madam Whorewood (whom you knew very well, worthy Esquire) came
to receive my judgment, viz. In what quarter of this nation he might be
most safe, and not to be discovered until himself pleased.

When she came to my door, I told her I would not let her come into my
house for I buried a maid-servant of the plague very lately. 'I fear not
the plague, but the pox,' quoth she; so up we went. After erection of my
figure, I told her about twenty miles (or thereabouts) from London, and
in Essex, I was certain he might continue undiscovered. She liked my
judgment very well; and, being herself of a sharp judgment, remembered a
place in Essex about that distance, where was an excellent house, and
all conveniences for his reception. Away she went, early next morning,
unto Hampton-Court, to acquaint his Majesty; but see the misfortune: He,
either guided by his own approaching hard fate, or misguided by
Ashburnham,[17] went away in the night-time westward, and surrendered
himself to Hammond, in the Isle of Wight.

[Footnote 17: This Ashburnham was turned out of the House of
Commons the 3d of November, 1667, for taking a bribe of five
hundred pounds of the merchants. I was informed hereof 26th
November, 1667.]

Whilst his Majesty was at Hampton-Court Alderman Adams sent his Majesty
one thousand pounds in g