CHAPTER XVIII.

Effect of Vane's Death.- His Estates and Honors restored to his Family. - Duke of Cleveland. Concluding Reflections.

It is impossible for us to conceive of the moral effect produced, not merely upon the spectators, but upon the nation at large, by the manner of Sir Henry Vane's death. It almost shook the King from his throne. Burnet says, "that it was generally thought the government had lost more than it gained by his death." Pepys, who was a loyalist, conversant with the higher circles of society, and a courtier, witnessed the execution, and describes it with evident marks of admiration of the sufferer. He says that the people regarded it as a 66 miracle," and that it was a most impressive and effectual spectacle. He says further, that it was remarked, "that the King lost more by that man's death than he will get again for a good while;" and he himself expresses the opinion, that it gave the Bishops a blow from which they would never recover.

The republicans felt that new life was imparted to their cause, and looked upon Vane as a champion and martyr, who had filled the whole measure

of his and their glory. In his character, example, and principles, their own honor was safely reposited, and signally vindicated. Ludlow thus speaks of his deportment. "He behaved himself on these occasions, in such a manner, that he left it doubtful, whether his eloquence, soundness of judgment, and presence of mind, his gravity and magnanimity, his constant adherence to the cause of his country, and heroic carriage during the time of his confinement, and at the hour of death; or the malice of his enemies and their frivolous suggestions at his trial; the breach of the public faith in the usage he found; the incivility of the bench, and the savage rudeness of the sheriff, were more remarkable." The same writer thus speaks particularly of his trial. "Sir Henry Vane was long in his defence, but not tedious. He much perplexed both court and council, and has acquired eternal reputation by nobly pleading for the dying liberties of his country."

The following letter, written by "a person of quality, to a near relation of Sir Henry Vane, about a week after the execution," will show, in an interesting manner, the impression made by his death.

"MADAM,

"If I do, later than others, give you an account of the share I have in the loss of your generous

kinsman, it is because I would not rudely disturb the emotions of so just a sorrow; but I hope, that you are assured I have so real a concern in all that relates to you, that it was not necessary, by an early haste, to send you an information of it. I have, Madam, whilst I own a love to my country, a deep interest in the public loss, which so many worthy persons lament.

"The world is robbed of an unparalleled example of virtue and piety. His great abilities made his enemies persuade themselves, that all the revolutions in the last age were wrought by his influence, as if the world were only moved by his engine. In him they lodged all the dying hopes of his party. There was no opportunity, that he did not improve for the advantage of his country. And when he was in his last and much deplored scene, he strove to make the people in love with that freedom, they had so lavishly and foolishly thrown away.

In

"He was great in all his actions; but to me he seemed greatest in his sufferings, when his enemies seemed to fear, that he alone should acquaint them with a change of fortune. his lowest condition, you have seen him the terror of a great Prince strengthened by many potent confederates and armies. You have seen

him live in high estimation and honor, and certainly he died with it.

"Men arrive at honors by several ways. The martyrs, though they wanted the glittering crowns the Princes of those ages dispensed, have rich ones in every just man's esteem. Virtue, though unfortunate, shines in spite of all its enemies; nor is it in any power, to deface those lasting monuments your friend hath raised of his, in every heart, that either knew him, or held any intelligence with fame.

"But, Madam, I trespass too long upon your patience. This is a subject I am apt to dwell on, because I can never say enough of it. I shall now only desire you to make use of that fortitude and virtue, that raised your friend above the malice and power of his enemies; and do not, by an immoderate sorrow, destroy that which was so very dear to him, yourself; but live, the lively representative of his virtues, the exercise of which hath made you always the admiration of Your humble servant, &c."

The very curious letter, which I here subjoin to the preceding, will give an idea of the effect produced upon the enthusiastic portion of the nation by the death of Vane. It was written from the interior of the country to one who accompanied him to the scaffold.

"MY LOVING And worthy Friend, "Didst thou stand forth by my worthy friend, and bear him company? Did thy soul suffer with him and rejoice with him, riding in his chariot of triumph, to the block, to the axe, to the crown, to the banner, to the bed and ivory throne of the Lord God, thy Redeemer? Didst thou stand by to see all these put upon him in the day of his espousals, in his solemn nuptials? Was he not, my friend, most richly trimmed, adorned, decked with all manner of fine linen, curious embroideries? Did not the perfume of his garments give a good smell to all the room and company? Was he not like the Lord's, the Lamb's bride, made altogether ready? Was not his head richly crowned, and his neck like the tower of David? Didst thou see the chain about his neck, of one pearl, dazzling the beholders? Were not his eyes like the pure dove's, fixed above upon his mate, single and clear? Was not his breast-plate strong like steel? Did the arrows, the sharp trials and cruel mockeries, pierce it? Did not his shield cover him like the targets of Solomon?

Was

it not beaten gold? When it was tried, did it yield to the tempter? O precious faith! Tell me, my friend, how did he wield his glittering, flaming sword? Did not it behave itself valiantly, conquering, and turning every way, to