“Leicester Abbey, this Sunday, being the 24th of July, 1642.” Still later, and the House of Commons directs its attention to the disarming of the Earl, and the requiring of his son’s attendance.[G] “Die Sabbati, 20 Augusti, 1642. Post meridiem. “Message from the Lords by Sir Robt. Riche and Mr. Page; “That the Lords had sent them with Three Orders: 1. For the disarming of the Earl of Worcester, and all Papists; wherein they desire the concurrence of this House, &c. &c. “Answer returned by the same messenger (as to two of the Orders); And as to that of disarming the Earl of Worcester, will send an answer by messengers of their own.” And again on the following month:-- “Die Martis, 3º Septembris, 1642. “That Mr. Speaker shall write his letter to the Lord Herbert, son of the Earl of Worcester, to appear here, and attend the House. “Mr. Glyn to prepare this letter. “That the Lords be moved to send for the Earl of Worcester, to attend the Parliament.” In August, 1642, had commenced that series of national disasters, which divided shires and even families into either Cavaliers or Roundheads--Royalists or Parliamentarians--Protestants or Puritans, in short, Tories or Whigs. It was then, or perhaps somewhat earlier, previous to his elevation, that the Earl of Worcester garrisoned Raglan Castle, strengthening his position by the raising of extensive earthworks on its most approachable side, and maintained there 800 men entirely at his own expense. In September, 1642, Lord Herbert was in personal communication with his Majesty at Nottingham. He was then, although 41 years of age, a man singularly inexperienced in the ways either of commerce or of courts. His studies, pursuits, domestic habits, were not calculated to foster that spirit of intrigue which a deep designing mind alone knows best how to conjure up and apply with consummate art, and the exercise of which base quality his position would seem to have frequently demanded. We have now to peruse a minute report, drawn up by Lord Herbert, of what passed between himself and the King in regard to a further loan.[H] The cunning and artfulness of the royal negotiator is mirrored forth in this affair in most unmistakeable characters. But the whole document is a striking example of the arts by which Charles the First could practise on his unsuspecting victims. It is an engrossed copy--not signed--but has been endorsed on the back, “Lord Herbert’s Message from the King to be delivered to his father from Nottingham, Sept. 9th, 1642,” and runs as follows:-- “The effect of the message your Majesty desireth I should deliver to my father for your Majesty at Nottingham, the 9th of September, 1642.