WILLIAM ASB MAEY.

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they said, to go off in a drunken fit than to be hacked by Ketch, chap.or torn limb from limb by the populace. ■

Once he was roused from a state of abject despondencyby an agreeable sensation, speedily followed by a mortifyingdisappointment. A parcel had been left for him at the Tower.

It appeared to be a barrel of Colchester oysters, his favouritedainties. He was greatly moved: for there are moments whenthose who least deserve affection are pleased to think that theyinspire it. “Thank God,” he exclaimed, “I have still somefriends left.” He opened the barrel; and from among a heapof shells out tumbled a stout halter.*

It does not appear that one of the flatterers or buffoonswhom he had enriched out of the plunder of his victims cameto comfort him in the day of trouble. But he was not left inutter solitude. John Tutchin, whom he had sentenced to beflogged every fortnight for seven years, made his way intothe Tower, and presented himself before the fallen oppressor.

Poor Jeffreys, humbled to the dust, behaved with abject civility,and called for wine. “I am glad, sir,” he said, “to see you.”

“And I am glad,” answered the resentful Whig, “to see YourLordship in this place.” “I served my master,” said Jeffreys:

“I was bound in conscience to do so.” “Where was your con-science,” said Tutchin, “when you passed that sentence onme at Dorchester?” “It was set down in my instructions,”answered J effreys, fawningly, “ that I was to show no mercy tomen like you, men of parts and courage. When I went backto court I was reprimanded for my lenity.”** Even Tutchin,acrimonious as was his nature, and great as were his wrongs,seems to have been a little mollified by the pitiable spectaclewhich he had at first contemplated with vindictive pleasure. He

• Life and Death of George Lord Jeffreys.

** Tutchin himself gives this narrative in the Bloody Assizes.

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