It was a clear day as the packet put out from Dover; and, as I stood on
deck, watching the cliffs recede as we went, there came on me again that
same mood that had fallen on me as I went up the river so long ago from
Wapping. Once more it appeared to me as if I were in somewhat of a
dream. Those men I had left behind, awaiting trial and death; Mr.
Chiffinch; the King, the Court, even Dolly herself, appeared to have
something phantom-like about them. Once more the realities seemed to
close about me and envelop me--or rather that great Reality whom we name
God; and all else seemed but very little and trifling.
PART IV
CHAPTER I
Once more it was high summer, a year afterwards, as I rode in, still
with James, thank God! and three other men, over London Bridge.
* * * * *
My life abroad once more must remain undescribed. There is plenty of
reason against the telling of it; and nothing at all for it. One thing
only may I say, that I came last from Rome, having stayed over for the
Feast of the Apostles, and carried with me, though verbally only, some
very particular instructions for His Royal Highness the Duke of York
from personages whom he should respect, if he did not. And what those
counsels were will appear in the proper place. By those same personages
I had been complimented very considerably, and urged to yet greater
efforts. Briefly with regard to the two Royal Brothers, I was urged to
press on the one, and to restrain the other; for I heard in Rome that it
was said that they would listen to me, if I observed discretion.
As to what had passed in England, a very short account will suffice.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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