who calls England 'a republic disguised under the form of a monarchy,' and who finds the ruling principle in despotic governments is fear, in monarchies honour, and in republics virtue, would have reconciled this strange aberration from self-control with his definition, the Author knows not; but be thinks it his duty to give the names of those who revelled in 'loud misrule' at so novel a Saturnalia; and should it happen that their descendants or representatives possess any papers connected with a scene in
was common among them, but this motive he was aware of, and although of a sociable turn, felt disposed to repulse their advances. He had however a chosen set, with whom he was wont to pass the cheerful bottle round, and if, by much persuasion, he was induced to add another good fellow to his conclave, the new comer was always welcomed by having to pass through a special initiatory process. He came on an appointed day, and the glass having circulated till the party grew mellow, the ex Protector suddenly took the candles and followed by the company, ascended to a garret where no furniture appeared but an old trunk; the lid of which each in his turn pressed with the most ignoble part about him, and while so seated drank prosperity to the good people of Old England. After which, the trunk being opened, was found filled with addresses from a great number of towns, corporations, and sundry folks, all tendering their lives, fortunes, and, what not? with the most decorous and befitting promptitude to Richard, by the grace of——Successor to our Lord Protector Oliver, of blessed memory. A few choice specimens of these addresses[subnote 1] were then read, amidst peals of laughter, which closed the ceremony.
- ↑ It has been observed that the custom of presenting addresses to our Sovereigns on their accession took its origin from those spoken of.
