CHARLES II.

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terrified from performing the part of a kindbrother, and faithful friend during this prosecu-tion , resolved not to desert him on account ofthe unmerited infamy, which was endeavouredto be thrown upon him. He came to his bro-ther’s prison, determined to accompany him tothe place of his exile. The signal was given tothe populace. They rose in arms: They brokeopen the doors of the prison; they pulled outthe two brothers; and a thousand hands viedwho should first be imbrued in their blood.Even their death did not satiate the brutal rageof the multitude. They exercised on the deadbodies of those virtuous citizens , indignities toostocking to be recited; and till tired with theirown fury, they permitted not the friends of thedeceased to approach, or to bestow on themthe honors of a funeral, silent and unattended.

The massacre of the de Wits put an end forthe time to the remains of their party; and allmen, from fear, inclination, or prudence , con-curred in expressing the most implicit obedienceto the prince of Orange. The republic, thoughhalf subdued by foreign force, and as yet dis-mayed by its misfortunes, was now firmly unitedunder one leader, and began to collect the re-mains of its pristine vigor. William, worthy ofthat heroic family from which he sprang, adopt-ed sentiments becoming the head of a brave andfree people. He bent all his efforts against thepublic enemy : He sought not against his countryany advantages , which might be dangerous to

: H A P.IXV.1672.

Massacre ofthe de Wits.

Good con-duct of theprince.