386 THE HISTORY OF NEWMARKET. [Book XIIT. 



be fully satisfied of so extraordinary an affair; and as soon 

 as he entered the room, he fell upon his knees, and with the 

 utmost respect presented the ring to his Majesty. The people 

 of the house, finding the extraordinary quality of their guest, 

 were confounded, and asked pardon in the most submissive 

 manner. The King with great good-humour forgave them, 

 and,' laughing, asked whether the ring would not bear another 

 bottle. Thus. ended this adventure, in which Charles was 

 taught hov\^ risky it was to go in disguise on such nocturnal 

 frolics. Rochester he never forgave, and would never see li^m 

 after this adventure. By constant indulgence in every kind 

 of licentiousness and irregularity, Rochester wore out an ex- 

 cellent constitution before he had completed his thirty-fourth 

 year. He expired on the 26th of July, 1680, at the lodge at 

 Woodstock Park, of which he was ranger, without any convul- 

 sion, or so much as a groan ; for, though he had not com- 

 pleted his thirty-fourth year, nature was so entirely exhausted 

 as to be unable to make the least effort. Thus died John 

 Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, who was truly, as the Rev. Mr. 

 Simpson says, " a great man every way ; a great wit, a great 

 scholar, a great poet, a great sinner, and a great penitent." 



END OF VOL. II. 



I-RINTED BV WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLKS. 



