64 Records of the Rising in the West, A.J). 1655, 



On her return after the trial, she wrote him again a solemn 

 appeal : — 

 " For the Right Honourable the Lord Richard Cromwell. 



My Lord, 



Let this I beseeohe you put you in mind of every word I have spoken,* 

 and be pleased to remember with a pious imitation, whose sonne became a 

 Mediation to his father for his very enemyes. Goe you my Lord, and doe like- 

 wise. A single person is an inconsiderable object for such an intercessor as 

 your Lordshippe, but now when soe great a number are involved in misery even 

 to destruction : now to interpose for mercy for all, will be an act becomminge 

 your Quality, and relation alone, and meke you far more glorious then you 

 are great, and for ever to your selfe, and posterity, make a purchase of all those 

 hearts, over whose persons your father's sword has made a conquest, and who 

 knows whether (like flester)t you are called to your present dignity for such a 

 time as this or noe." 



And about the same time, robed in deep mourning, surrounded 

 perchance by her children and accompanied by Miss Duke and others, 

 she presented the following petition to the Protector : — * 



" To his Highnesse the Lord Protector of England Scotland and Ireland ^c. 



The humble petition of these miserable persons whose names are hereunto 

 annexed now prisoners in the Gaole of Exon condemned for Treason. 

 Humbly sheweth 



That haveinge the sentence of death passed upon us we cannot imagine 

 there should be any hope left us, but when we looke upon your Highnesse as 

 our Judge, and remember those Hon"'' pressinge intercessions of your Highnesse 

 alwaies for the performing of Articles wee then hope we may live by ours. 



My Lord he that knows how to overcome, knows how to forgive and a victorie 

 by mercie is a double triumph charm inge both soule and body by Pietie and 

 Hono' to the giveing and performinge any just obligation whatsoever that shall 

 be demanded of us. 



We dare not instruct, but we humbly set before your Highnesses eyes the 

 great preserver of mankind and Prince of Potentates in his remarkable provi- 

 dence over us that neither at South Molton nor any where else their lies the 

 satisfaction of any mans death upon us none of our brothers blood does cry for 

 ours soe that roome is left for mercie without pressinge of Attributes. 



If your Highnesse shall therefore be gratiously pleased to say to us again live 

 wee shall with all the justice and Honor of Humanity pay our perpetuall 

 acknowledgements, but if the Ignominious death which now threatens us must 

 be our portion we shall with all christanity suffer and dye, and in our very 

 deaths remember yo'. Highnesse in the prayers of 



• Suggests that she had had a personal interview with him. 

 + A doubtful compliment to Richard Cromwell from its very truth. 



*This is from the Compton MS. ; a portion of which taken from the Kings 

 Pamphlet MS. has been already given, as sent from Salisbury, Wilts Arch. Mag. 

 Tol. xiii., p. 182. 



