Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/75

 50 HISTORICAL INCIDENT.

course. If the price demanded is in proportion to the liberal benefits received, that is but justice. Those who freely partake, should be willing to accord the remuneration. If they are not, they will be very likely to become so, after a taste of the discomforts and delays of continental travel.

In wandering about Kendal we found the ruins of a castle, which was distinguished as the birthplace of Catharine Parr, and also an old church, of which a curious incident is related, during the civil wars in the times of Charles First. An adherent to the royal cause, by the name of Philipson, was on a visit to his brother who resided on the principal island of Winan- dermere. He had not long enjoyed this rural resi dence, ere information of his locality was spread abroad, and the house besieged by Parliamentary troops, under the command of Colonel Briggs. The arrival of unexpected succor caused that officer to deem it expedient to raise the siege and retire. But the rescued guest, in the warlike spirit of those days, determined on retaliation. Taking command of a troop of horse, he pursued the retreating forces to Kendal. There he demanded Colonel Briggs, and was told he had gone to meeting. Not staying to dismount, he spurred his steed through the gateway, and into the church. Great was the consternation of the worship pers, to hear the clatter of horses feet upon their pave ment, and see the tall rider dash furiously through nave and chancel, sharply scrutinizing the face of every man, as he entered and returned. But this profana-

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