Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/293

 Struggle for Constitutional Government 255 enthusiasts, gave great advantages, as well as they furnished much matter, to the profane mockers at all true piety. 1 Two remarkable diaries of this period have been pre- served, — one by Samuel Pepys (1633-1703), a very active government official under Charles II ; the other by John Evelyn (1620- 1706), a gentleman fond of science, letters, and gardening. These diaries are the most delightful sources for the period they cover. The following entries give a picture of the barbarous habits of the time. October 13, 1660. I went out to Charing Cross to see Major-General Harrison 2 hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition. He was presently cut down, and his head and heart shown to the people, at which there was great shouts of joy. It is said that he said that he was sure to come shortly at the right hand of Christ to judge them that now judged him ; and that his wife do expect his coming again. Thus it was my chance to see the king beheaded at Whitehall, and to see the first blood shed in revenge for the king at Charing Cross. October 15, 1660. This morning Mr. Carew was hanged and quartered at Charing Cross ; but his quarters, by a great favor, are not to be hanged up. October 17, 1660. Scot, Scroope, Cook, and Jones suf- fered for the reward of their iniquities at Charing Cross, in sight of the place where they put to death their natural Prince, and in the presence of the King, his son, whom they also sought to kill. I saw not their execution, but met their quarters mangled and cutt and reeking as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on the hurdle. O the miraculous providence of God ! 1 This account of Burnet's is substantiated by the orders issued against drunkenness and rioting throughout the realm. 2 See above, pp. 247 sq. 325. Savage vengeance taken upon the leaders of the late rebellion. (From Pepys' Diary.) 326. Execu- tion of the regicides. (From Evelyn's Diary.)