320 
I do not intend to moralize on ‘the unhappy fate of Charles 
Radcliffe, the great-grandson of Sir Edward Radcliffe, who suffered 
so much in the cause of Charles I. that he was distinguished in his 
time as Sir Edward the Loyal—the grandson of Charles II., his 
mother being the Lady Mary Tudor—the first cousin of the 
Pretender—brought up in France, and in constant intercourse with 
the exiled Stuarts: it is not surprising that he should have espoused 
the Stuart cause with all the vehemence of his ardent and 
uncompromising spirit. His loyalty and his creed were dearer to 
him than life itself, Although invincible prejudice does not 
exonerate any man from the duty of exercising his reason, and 
investigating the grounds of his faith, yet it is not for us to presume 
to judge another: “To his own master he standeth or falleth.” 
Of him it may be truly said that he was an honest man, the very 
soul of honour, and a gentleman. 
Prudence led some families to take opposite sides in civil 
conflicts, and then, whatever the issue, the family in one or others 
of its members retained their titles and property. They probably 
bore in mind Sir John Harrington’s lines :— 
‘Treason doth never prosper, what’s the reason ? 
Why, when it prospers, none dare call it treason.” 
Not.so the two devoted Radcliffes of Derwentwater. They staked 
their all, and they lost all, but honour and integrity. 
It may be that many a thoughtful tourist will visit the ruins 
on Lord’s Island, and ponder with melancholy thoughts not 
devoid of thrilling interest, on the misfortunes of this ancient and 
honourable family. Had the lot of Charles Radcliffe fallen on 
happier times, his sterling character and good qualities might have 
left an enduring impression for good on his country. As it fell 
out, we may say of him and his noble and amiable brother, that— 
They ‘‘left a name at which the world grew pale, 
To point a moral, or adorn a tale.” 
