old, five hundred whereof he gave Madam
Whorewood. I believe I had twenty pieces of that very gold for my share.

I have something more to write of Charles the First's misfortunes,
wherein I was concerned; the matter happened in 1648, but I thought good
to insert it here, having after this no more occasion to mention him.

His Majesty being in Carisbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight, the Kentish
men, in great numbers, rose in arms, and joined with the Lord Goring; a
considerable number of the best ships revolted from the Parliament; the
citizens of London were forward to rise against the Parliament; his
Majesty laid his design to escape out of prison, by sawing the iron bars
of his chamber window; a small ship was provided, and anchored not far
from the castle to bring him into Sussex; horses were provided ready to
carry him through Sussex into Kent, so that he might be at the head of
the army in Kent, and from thence to march immediately to London, where
thousands then would have armed for him. The Lady Whorewood came to me,
acquaints me herewith. I got G. Farmer (who was a most ingenious
lock-smith, and dwelt in Bowlane) to make a saw to cut the iron bars in
sunder, I mean to saw them, and aqua fortis besides. His Majesty in a
small time did his work; the bars gave liberty for him to go out; he was
out with his body till he came to his breast; but then his heart
failing, he proceeded no farther: when this was discovered, as soon
after it was, he was narrowly looked after, and no opportunity after
that could be devised to enlarge him. About September the Parliament
sent their Commissioners with propositions unto him into the Isle of
Wight, the Lord William Sea being one; the Lady Whorewood comes again
unto me from him or by his consent, to be directed: After perusal of my
figure, I told her the Commissioners would be there such a day; I
elected a day and hour when to receive the Commissioners and
propositions; and as soon as the propositions were read, to sign them,
and make haste with all speed to come up with the Commissioners to
London. The army being then far distant from London, and the city
enraged stoutly against them, he promised he would do so. That night the
Commissioners came, and old Sea and his Majesty had private conference
till one in the morning: the King acquaints Sea with his intention, who
clearly dissuaded him from signing the propositions, telling him they
were not fit for him to sign; that he had m