In the mean time, Rolf and Osborne had each obtained a number of confederates, those of the former supposing that the plan was to assassinate the king, while those of the latter understood that the plan was to assist him in escaping from captivity. Certain expressions which were dropped by one of this latter class alarmed Rolf, and led him to suspect some treachery. He accordingly took the precaution to provide a number of armed men, and to have them ready at the window, so that he should be sure to be strong enough to secure the king immediately on his descent from the window. When the time came for the escape, the king, before getting out, looked below, and, seeing so many armed men, knew at once that Rolf had discovered their designs, and refused to descend. He quickly returned to his bed. The next day the bars were found filed in two, and the king was made a closer prisoner than ever. Some months after this, some commissioners from Parliament went to see the king, and they found him in a most wretched condition. His beard was grown, his dress was neglected, his health was gone, his hair was gray, and, though only forty-eight years of age, he appeared as decrepit and infirm as a man of seventy. In fact, he was in a state of misery and despair. Even the enemies who came to visit him, though usually stern and hard-hearted enough to withstand any impressions, were extremely affected at the sight. CHAPTER XI. TRIAL AND DEATH. 1648 The king removed to Hurst Castle.--Its extraordinary situation.--Another plan of escape.--Objections.--The king's perplexity.--He refuses to break his word.--Distress of the king's friends.--He is removed from Carisbrooke Castle.--Arrangements for the king's trial.--Arbitrary measures of the Commons.--The king brought to London.--Roll of commissioners.--The king brought into court.--His firmness.--The charge.--The king interrupts its reading.--The king objects to the jurisdiction of the court.--Sentence of death pronounced against the king.--Tumult.--The king grossly insulted.--The king's last requests.--They are granted.--Devotions of the king.--He declines seeing his friends.--The king's interview with his children.--Parting messages.--The warrant.--Warrant signed by the judges.--The king sleeps well.--Preparations.--Reading the service.--Summons.--The king carried to Whitehall.--Devotions.--Parting scenes.--The king's speech.--His composure.--Death.--The body taken to Windsor Castle.--The Commonwealth.--Government in the United States.--Ownership.--No stable governments result from violent revolutions.