CHAPTER VIII.

Strafford's Impeachment. Mr. Pym. - Privy Counsellors first put upon Oath.- Testimony of the elder Vane. - Alienation between the Father and Son.-Strafford condemned.-His Character.

SIR HENRY VANE, the younger, first made himself particularly prominent in the movements of the party, which was gradually preparing to overthrow the monarchy, at the trial of the Earl of Strafford. As this trial involved him in an embarrassing and very disagreeable collision with his own father, as his conduct in relation to it has been much misrepresented by the historians, and especially as it is, in itself, one of the most curious and interesting passages of English history, it will be proper to relate it at considerable length.

The actual administration of the executive department of the British government was, in those days, conducted by what is called " His Majesty's Privy Council." In the recess of Parliament this body was intrusted with the whole burden of affairs. Whenever a person was admitted to the Council, before taking his seat, he was re

quired to make oath that he would " keep secret all matters committed and revealed” to him, that should be treated of in Council."

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Lord Strafford, by his haughtiness, violence of temper, arbitrary deportment, tyrannical proceedings, and high-toned principles of government, had made innumerable enemies; and the time was evidently nigh at hand when he was to experience the weight of their anger and vengeance. His impeachment and punishment were accordingly resolved on, and the necessary measures were taken to bring him to trial. The design was accomplished under the following circumstances.

The Long Parliament, as has already been stated, commenced its session on the 3d of November, 1640. On the very first day, when it was in order to proceed to such business, Mr. Pym, the most experienced member of the House, and one of the ablest men that ever held a seat in it, rose in his place, and entered into a particular enumeration of the troubles of the kingdom. His speech was constructed and arranged with consummate ability and art. After enlarging upon the public grievances, he carefully exonerated the King of the blame, and threw it upon his advisers, speaking of the acts of maladministration in the following words; "as done and contrived maliciously, and upon deliberation, to change the whole frame of the government, and

to deprive the nation of all the liberty and property, which is their birthright by the laws of the land, which are now no more considered, but subjected to the arbitrary power of the Privy Council, which governs the kingdom according to their will and pleasure; these calamities falling upon us. in the reign of a pious and virtuous king, who loves his people, and is a great lover of justice."

The attention of the House, it may well be supposed, was roused and fixed upon the orator. He proceeded, "We must inquire from what fountain these waters of bitterness have flowed; what persons they are, who have so far insinuated themselves into the royal affections, as to be able to pervert his Majesty's excellent judgment, to abuse his name, and wickedly apply his authority to countenance and support their own corrupt designs. Though, I doubt not, there would be found many of this classis, who have contributed their joint endeavors to bring this misery upon the nation, yet THERE IS ONE, more signal in that administration than the rest, a man of great parts and contrivance, and of great industry to bring what he designs to pass; a man, who, in the memory of many present, sat in this House an earnest vindicator of the laws, and a most zealous assertor and champion of the liberties of the people, but who has, long since, turned apostate from these good affections, and, according to the

custom and nature of apostates, become the greatest enemy to the liberties of his country, and the greatest promoter of tyranny, that any age has produced."

Mr. Pym then, after a pause, amidst the breathless silence of the House, pronounced the name of the "Earl of Strafford, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and Lord-President of the Council established in York, for the northern parts of the kingdom, who in both places, and in all other provinces, where his service has been used for the King, has raised ample monuments of his tyrannical nature;" and concluded by expressing his full belief, that, if the Commons "took a short survey of his actions and behavior, they would find him the principal author and promoter of all those counsels, which had exposed the kingdom to so much ruin."

After a free and full debate, the House of Commons voted unanimously, (thereby indicating in the most decisive manner how strong and conclusive was the evidence of his arbitrary misconduct and general guilt,) "That they would forthwith send up to the Lords, and accuse the Earl of Strafford of high treason, and other crimes and misdemeanors, and desire that he might be presently sequestered from Council, and committed to safe custody." Mr. Pym was directed to carry up the impeachment to the House of Lords.

Lord Strafford had not been able, on account of indisposition, to leave his lodgings that morning, and was entirely ignorant and unsuspicious of the proceedings against him. It was a most remarkable circumstance, that, while detained in his house, he conceived the purpose of procuring the impeachment of some of his opponents, and was so eager to carry it into effect, that, notwithstanding his unfit state of health, he actually left his sick chamber and proceeded towards the Parliament. Clarendon informs us that he reached the House of Peers, soon after three o'clock, just as the House of Commons, with Pym at its head, appeared at the bar; and great indeed was his amazement and consternation, when their message was communicated.

It was as unexpected to the Lords in general, as it was to Strafford himself. There was hardly any room for discussion. An impeachment sustained by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the nation, just assembled from the bosom of the people, left the Peers no alternative. After a brief debate, they voted to comply with the request of the House, and Lord Strafford was committed to the Tower.

The Commons then proceeded to appoint a committee, which, at their request, was joined by a committee of the Lords, to frame articles of impeachment and prepare the specifications of