He was habited with extraordinary exactness; his linen of the finest
quality, and his vest and doublet put on with an evident attention to
even minute appearance. His hands of transparent whiteness were clasped,
as if he were attending to some particular discourse; he was alone in
that vast chamber,--yet not alone, for God was with him--not in outward
form, but in inward spirit. It was the Sabbath-day, and ever observed
in the Protector's family with respect and reverence. The
morning-meeting was over, and Cromwell in his closet, "wrestling," as he
was wont to term it, "with sin." Silence reigned through all the
courts--that due and reverend silence which betokens thoughtfulness, and
attention to one of the Almighty's first commands--"Keep holy the
Sabbath-day," given when he ordained that man should rest from his
labours in commemoration that he himself set an example of repose after
calling the broad earth into existence and beauty. The poet sat but for
a little time in that wide silence; yet who would not give a large
portion of their every-day existence to have looked on him for those
brief moments, moments which for their full feeling might play the part
of years in our life's calendar? Blessed holy time!--when we can look on
genius, and catch the gems that fall from its lips! Yet Milton spoke
not--he only looked; and still his looks were heavenward--turned towards
that Heaven from whence they caught their inspiration. He heard the
sound of coming footsteps, and loving quiet on that holy day, withdrew
to his own chamber. How empty now appeared the tapestried hall! as when
some great eclipse shuts to the golden portals of the sun, and steeps
the earth in darkness!
Soon after Milton's departure, the Protector entered, in conversation
with his secretary, Thurloe; and although it was the Sabbath, there was
an air of anxiety and eagerness about him, which made his step more
hurried, more abrupt than usual. He suddenly stopped, and said,-"Pray God that Colonel Jones and the troop arrived in time! Lady
Frances, methinks, must have known something--seen something--however,
now all shall be investigated. Pray God they arrived in time!"
He then took from a large pocket-book a set of tablets, and having read
therein for a few minutes, suddenly turning to Thurloe, exclaimed,
"What! is this indeed the tenth?"
"Even so," replied the secretary.
"Then have I business which requires immediate attention," said his
Highness. "Behold! I had nearly forgotten both the promise and the
appointment; but spare nor haste nor trouble! Under the archway, at the
left-hand side of Gray's Inn, after you pass the house whose corners are
bound with white stones, the walls being of red brick--under that arch
you will see a man--now mark me--a man wearing a green cloak, the collar
being of velvet; and, to distinguish him the more perfectly, you will
perceive that his hat is banded by a small blue riband, of the narrowest
breadth: his left hand will be uncovered, and placed upon his breast,
and on its centre finger will be a broad hoop ring of jet. Be there
exactly as the clock of St. Paul's strikes three-quarters past four; and
speak thou no word, nor make sign, except to put this bill into his
hand, which, as thou seest, is for twenty thousand pounds, payable to
the bearer at Genoa."