_Will_ tells me, that as they pushed off from the Stairs, _Father_ took him about the Neck and whispered, "I thank our LORD, the Field is won!" Sure, _Regulus_ ne'er went forthe with higher Self-devotion. Having declared his Inabilitie to take the Oath as it stoode, they bade him, _Will_ tells me, take a Turn in the Garden while they administered it to sundrie others, thus affording him Leisure for Re-consideration. But they might as well have bidden the Neap-tide turn before its Hour. When called in agayn, he was as firm as ever, so was given in Ward to the _Abbot_ of _Westminster_ till the _King's_ Grace was informed of the Matter. And now, the Fool's wise Saying of vindictive _Herodias_ came true, for 'twas the _King's_ Mind to have Mercy on his old Servant, and tender him a qualifyed Oath; but Queen _Anne_, by her importunate Clamours, did overrule his proper Will, and at four Days' End, the full Oath being agayn tendered and rejected, _Father_ was committed to the Tower. Oh, wicked Woman, how could you?... Sure, you never loved a Father.... [Illustration: The Stairs.] _May 22d._ In Answer to our incessant Applications throughout this last Month past, _Mother_ hath at length obtayned Access to dear _Father_. She returned, her Eyes nigh swollen to closing with weeping.... We crowded round about, burning for her Report, but 'twas some Time ere she coulde fetch Breath or Heart to give it us. At length _Daisy_, kissing her Hand once and agayn, draws forthe a disjoynted Tale, somewhat after this Fashion. "Come, give over weeping, dearest _Mother_, 'twill do neither him, you, nor us anie Goode.... What was your first Speech of him?" "Oh, my first Speech, Sweetheart, was, 'What, my Goodness, Mr. _More_! I marvell how that you, who were always counted a wise Man, should now soe play the Fool as to lie here in this close, filthy Prison, shut up with Mice and Rats, when you mighte be abroade and at your Liberty, with the Favour of King and Council, and return to your righte fayr House, your Books and Gallery, and your Wife, Children, and Household, if soe be you onlie woulde but do what the Bishops and best learned of the Realm have, without Scruple, done alreadie.'" "And what sayd he, _Mother_, to that?" ... "Why, then, Sweetheart, he chucks me under the Chin and sayeth, 'I prithee, good Mistress _Alice_, to tell me one Thing.' ... Soe then I say, 'What Thing?' Soe then he sayeth, 'Is not this House, Sweetheart, as nigh Heaven as mine own?' Soe then I jerk my Head away and say, 'Tilly-valley! Tilly-valley!'" Sayth _Bess_, "Sure, _Mother_, that was cold Comfort.... And what next?"