But there were others, as it presently appeared, who were equally anxious to express their feelings of satisfaction. The arras curtain was drawn aside, and from the inner room issued a number of persons, who had been anxiously awaiting the result of Micklegift’s device, which, though successful as far as the king’s safety was concerned, had proved disastrous to himself. No one, however, troubled himself about the luckless Independent minister for the moment. He was left to lie where he had fallen. All the attention was directed towards the king. The party now flocking towards him, which consisted of Colonel Maunsel, Lord Wilmot, Colonel Philips, with Mr. Beard and his daughter, together with old Martin Geere, were enthusiastic in their demonstrations of joy. Concealment was no longer possible, neither was it attempted. Charles was now recognized by all as their sovereign. Bending the knee before the monarch, Colonel Maunsel took the hand which his Majesty graciously extended towards him, and gave utterance to his unbounded feelings of delight, while the rest, completely carried away by enthusiasm, made the roof echo with their loyal shouts of “God save King Charles!”
Much touched by this exhibition of their loyalty, Charles, as soon as he could obtain silence, thanked them for their zeal, in accents betraying the depth of his emotion, and attesting his sincerity.
But another matter now claimed the king’s attention. One of his enemies was gone to his account, but the more dangerous of the two was left, to expiate his offences with his life. Charles prepared to pass judgment upon him.
Disarmed, with his elbows tightly pinioned to his side by a sword-belt, having a guard on either hand ready to stab him or shoot him if he attempted resistance—which, indeed, in his present state, was wellnigh impossible—the Ironside captain, who refused to move at John Habergeon’s bidding, was forcibly dragged before the king.
Meanwhile, Charles having seated himself in a richly carved oak chair, high-backed, and provided with a cushion of Utrecht velvet, placed his foot on a stool covered with the same material, which was set before him with the most profound respect by old Martin Geere. At the same time the company stationed themselves on either side of the chair occupied by his Majesty, thus giving the group some slight resemblance to a gathering round the throne. On the right of the king, and close to the royal chair, stood Colonel Maunsel leaning on his drawn sword. On the same side were Lord Wilmot and Colonel Philips. On the left stood Clavering, with his rapier bared, and held with its point to the ground. Near to Clavering were Dulcia and Mr. Beard. At some little distance, near the inner room, was a group, consisting of Giles Moppett, Elias Crundy, and others of the household, together with Patty Whinchat and Temperance Stone. When Stelfax was brought before the king, John Habergeon would fain have compelled him to make an obeisance, but the stubborn Republican refused, and, drawing himself up, said, “I will not bow the head to the son of the tyrant.”
“Let him be,” said Charles. “It is too late to teach him manners. What hast thou to say, fellow,” he continued, addressing the prisoner, “why I should not order thee to instant execution?”
“Nothing,” replied Stelfax, resolutely. “I am prepared to die. A soldier of the Lord would scorn to ask life from the son of Rehoboam.”
“Thy life is justly forfeited,” said the king. “Thou hast compassed my destruction, and hast lifted thy sacrilegious hand against the Lord’s anointed; but it was not Heaven’s will that I should thus perish.”
“It may be thou art reserved to be a scourge to the land like thy father,” said Stelfax; “but if there are any left of my mind, thy reign will be short, and thy end bloody.”
“I pray your Majesty give no further hearing to the rebellious villain,” said John Habergeon. “Let us take him forth, and deal with him as his crimes deserve. We will first strike off the hand which he hath impiously raised against your sacred person.”
Ere Charles could give his consent to the solicitation, Dulcia stepped forward, and threw herself at his feet. In this supplicating posture she lifted up her hands, and said, in accents of the most earnest entreaty, “Beseech your Majesty, cut not off the man’s life thus suddenly. Give him time for repentance.”