The Earl of Strafford.--His early life.--Strafford's course in Parliament.--His opposition to the king.--The leaders removed.--The opposition still continues.--Wentworth imprisoned.--His return to Parliament.--Wentworth is courted.--He goes over to the king.--The king appoints Wentworth to office.--Wentworth is appointed President of the North.--Wentworth appointed to the government of Ireland.--Wentworth's arbitrary government.--He is made an earl.--Difficulties.--Laud's administration of his office.--Defense of Episcopacy.--Progress of non-conformity.--A Parliament called.--Strafford appointed commander-in-chief.--Meeting of Parliament.--The king's speech.--Address of the lord keeper.--Grievances.--Messages.--Parliament dissolved.--The Scots cross the borders and invade England.--March of the Scots.--The king goes to York.--Defeat of the English.--Perplexities and dangers.--The king calls a council of peers.--Message from the Scots.--The king compromises with the Scots.--Opposition of Strafford.--Strafford desires to return to Ireland.--The king's promised protection. During the time that the king had been engaged in the attempt to govern England without Parliaments, he had, besides Laud, a very efficient co-operator, known in English history by the name of the Earl of Strafford. This title of Earl of Strafford was conferred upon him by the king as a reward for his services. His father's name was Wentworth. He was born in London, and the Christian name given to him was Thomas. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, and was much distinguished for his talents and his personal accomplishments. After finishing his education, he traveled for some time on the Continent, visiting foreign cities and courts, and studying the languages, manners, and customs of other nations. He returned at length to England. He was made a knight. His father died when he was about twenty-one, and left him a large fortune. He was about seven years older than King Charles, so that all these circumstances took place before the commencement of Charles's reign. For many years after this he was very extensively known in England as a gentleman of large fortune and great abilities, by the name of Sir Thomas Wentworth.