Herbert II : The Door Unto Eternity
The President then gave Judgment against the King, who at the President’s pronouncing it, was observ’d to smile, and lift up his Eyes to Heaven ; as appealing to the Divine Majesty, the most supreme Judge.
The King, at the rising of the Court, was with a Guard of Halberdiers returned to White-Hall in a close Chair, through King-Street, both sides whereof had a Guard of Foot-Soldiers, who were silent as his Majesty pass’d. But Shop-Stalls and Windows were full of People, many of which shed Tears, and some of them with audible Voices pray’d for the King, who through the Privy-Garden was carried to his Bed-Chamber ; whence, after Two Hours space, he was removed to St. James‘s. Nothing of the Fear of Death, or Indignities offered, seem’d a Terror, or provok’d him to Impatience, nor utter’d he a reproachful Word reflecting upon any of his Judges ( albeit he well knew that some of them had been his Domestic Servants ) or against any Member of the House, or Officer of the Army ; so wonderful was his Patience, though his Spirit was great, and might otherwise have expressed his Resentments upon several occasions. It was a true Christian-Fortitude to have the Mastery of his Passion, and Submission to the Will of God under such Temptations.
The King now bidding farewel to the World, his whole business was a serious Preparation for Death, which opens the Door unto Eternity; in order thereunto, he laid aside all other Thoughts, and spent the remainder of his time in Prayer and other pious Exercises of Devotion, and in conference with that meek and learned Bishop Dr. Juxon, who under God, was a great Support to him in his afflicted condition.
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Mr. Herbert about this time going to the Cockpit near White-Hall, where the Earl of Pembroke‘s Lodgings were, he then, as at sundry other times, enquired how his Majesty did, and gave his humble Duty to him, and withal, ask’d him, If his Majesty had the Gold Watch he sent for, and how he liked it. Mr. Herbert assured his Lordship, the King had not yet received it. The Earl fell presently into a Passion, marvelling thereat; being the more troubled, lest his Majesty should think him careless, in observing his Commands ; and told Mr. Herbert, at the King’s coming to St. James‘s, as he was sitting under the great Elm-Tree, near Sir Benjamin Ruddier‘s Lodge in the Park, seeing a considerable Military-Officer of the Army pass towards St. James‘s, he went to meet him, and demanding of him, If he knew his Cousin Tom Herbert, that waited on the King ? The Officer said, He did, and was going to St. James‘s. The Earl then delivered to him the Gold Watch that had the Alarm, desiring him to give it Mr. Herbert, to present it to the King. The Officer promised the Earl he would immediately do it. My Lord ( said Mr. Herbert ) I have sundry times seen and pass’d by that Officer since, and do assure your Lordship he hath not deliver’d it me according to your Order and his Promise, nor said any thing to me concerning it, nor has the King it I am certain. The Earl was very angry; and gave the Officer his due Character, and threatened to question him. But such was the severity of the Times, that it was then judged dangerous to reflect upon such a Person, being a Favourite of the time, so as no notice was taken of it. Nevertheless, Mr. Herbert ( at the Earl’s desire ) acquainted his Majesty therewith, who gave the Earl his Thanks,and said, Ah ! Had he not told the Officer it was for me, it would probably have been delivered ; he well knew how short a time I could enjoy it. This Relation is in prosecution of what it formerly mention’d, concerning the Clock or Alarm-Watch his Majesty intended to dispose of, as is declared.
That Evening, Mr. Seamour ( a Gentleman then attending the Prince of Wales in his Bed-Chamber ) by Colonel Hacker‘s permission, came to his Majesty’s Bed-Chamber Door, desiring to speak with the King from the Prince of Wales; being admitted, he presented his Majesty with a Letter from his Highness the Prince of Wales, bearing date from the Hague the 23d day of January -48. ( Old Stile ). Mr. Seamour, at his Entrance, fell into a Passion, having formerly seen his Majesty in a glorious State, and now in a dolorous; and having kiss’d the King’s Hand, clasp’d about his Legs, lamentably mourning. Hacker came in with the Gentlemen and was abash’d.
Sir Thomas Herbert : Memoirs of the Two Last Years of the Reign of KING CHARLES I — 1839 4th edition.
