Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/105

Rh we are with all the cares and endeavours of our lives to avoid diseases in the body, perturbations in the mind, luxury in diet, factions in the house, and seditions in the state."

There are few instances in which the resolutions of public men to live in retirement for the remainder of their days are steadily adhered to, if the opportunity of escaping from it offers itself; but such was really the case with Temple. Until 1685, he lived entirely at Sheen, without ever visiting the Court or the town; he waited occasionally both on Charles and James at Richmond, where he was received by both sovereigns, but especially by James, with marked attention. In 1686, he removed to Moor Park, leaving his son, John Temple, in possession of his place at Sheen; and it was on his way there that he waited upon James for the last time, when he begged "his protection to one that would always live a good subject, but who, whatever happened, would never again enter into public employment; and he desired his majesty never to give credit to whatever he might hear to the contrary."

In the revolution of 1688,. it is certain that he took no part; but did it not rest upon the authority of his sister. Lady Giffard, it would be