10

CHAP.

IV.

1685 .

HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

John Huddleston, happened to be at Whitehall. This manhad, with great risk to himself, saved the King’s life after thebattle of Worcester, and had, on that account, been, eversince the Restoration, a privileged person. In the sharpestproclamations which had been put forth against Popishpriests, when false witnesses had inflamed the nation to fury,Huddleston had been excepted by name.* He readily con-sented to put his life a second time in peril for his prince; butthere was still a difficulty. The honest monk was so illiteratethat he did not know what he ought to say on an occasionof such importance. He however obtained some hints,through the intervention of Castel Melhor, from a Portugueseecclesiastic, and, thus instructed, was brought up the backstairs by Chiffinch, a confidential servant, who, if the satiresof that age are to be credited, had often introduced visitorsof a very different description by the same entrance. TheDuke then, in the King’s name, commanded all who werepresent to quit the room, except Lewis Duras, Earl of Fe-versham, and John Granville, Earl of Bath. Both theseLords professed the Protestant religion; but James conceivedthat he could counton their fidelity. Feversliam, a French-man of noble birth, and nephew of the great Turenne, heldhigh rank in the English army, and was Chamberlain to theQueen. Bath was Groom of the Stole.

The Duke’s orders were obeyed, and even the physicianswithdrew.' The back door was then opened, and FatherHuddleston entered. A cloak had been thrown over his sacredvestments, and his shaven crown was concealed by a flowingwig. “Sir,” said the Duke, “this good man once saved yourlife. He now comes to save your soul.” Charles faintly an-swered, “He is welcome.” Huddleston went through his part

* See the London Gazette of Nov. 2L 1C18. Barillon and Burnet saythat Huddleston was excepted out of all the Acts of Parliament madeagainst priests; but this is a mistake.