332 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

chat. by encouraging perjury, subornation, lies, im-lxvii. postures, and even by shedding innocent blood,l67y - to gratify their own furious ambition , and

subvert all legal authority. Roused from hislethargy by so eminent a peril , he began toexert that vigor of mind , of which, on greatoccasions, he was not destitute ; and withoutquitting in appearance his usual facility of temper,he collected an industry, firmness, and vigilance,of which he was believed altogether incapable.These qualities, joined to dexterity and prudence,conducted him happily through the many stioals,which surrounded him; and he was at last ableto make the storm fall on the heads of thosewho had blindly raised, or artfully conducted it.

One chief step, which the king took, towardsgratifying and appealing his people and parliament,was, desiring the duke to withdraw beyond sea ,that no farther suspicion might remain of theinfluence of popish counsels. The duke readilycomplied ; but first required an order for thatpurpose , signed by the king; lest his absentinghimself should be interpreted as a proof of fearor of guilt. He also desired, that his brothershould satisfy him, as well as the public, by adeclaration of the illegitimacy of the duke ofMonmouth.

Dnke of James duke of Monmouth was the king'sMonmouth. liatura i f on by Lucy Walters, and born aboutten years before the restoration. He possessed alltfte qualities , which could engage the affections