Page:A short history of social life in England.djvu/232

212 A brewer's wife, the Puritan Ann Stagg, headed a procession of women to the House of Commons with a petition when war was imminent. "It may be thought strange and unbecoming to our sex to show ourselves here, bearing a petition to this honourable assembly; but Christ purchased us at as dear a rate as He did men, and therefore requireth the same obedience for the same mercy as of men; we are sharers in public calamities."

"Repair to your homes, we entreat," was the earnest answer, "and turn your petitions into prayers at home for us."

No less earnest were the wives of the Cavaliers, Lady Bankes in the defence of Corfe Castle and the Countess of Derby at Lathom House are instances of women's splendid achievements in the strife that was rending their hearts and taking from them husband and son. How their sufferings were intensified when these fought on opposite sides is shown in the case of Lady Denbigh: "O my deere son, that you would turn to the King. &hellip; I cannot forget what a son I had once. &hellip; I do more travell with soro for the grefe I suffer &hellip; than ever I did to breeng you into the world." And again after the death of her husband: "O my deere Jesus, put it into my