Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/219

 The brothers then parted, and Edward walked about, turning over in his mind the events of the day, and very often finding his thoughts broken in upon by sudden visions of Patience Heatherstone—and certainly the remembrance of her was to him the most satisfactory and pleasing portion of the prospect in his offered situation.

"I shall live with her, and be continually in her company," thought he. "Well, I would take a less pleasing office if only for that. She requested me to accept it to oblige her, and I will do so. How hasty we are in our conclusions! When I first saw her father, what an aversion I felt for him! now, the more I know him the more I like him, nay, more—respect him. He said that the King wished to be absolute, and wrest the liberties from his subjects, and that they were justified in opposing him; I never heard that when at Arnwood.

"If so, was it lawful so to do?

"I think it was, but not to murder him; that I can never admit, nor does the Intendant, on the contrary; he holds his murderers in as great detestation as I do. Why, then, we do not think far apart from one another. At the commencement, the two parties were- those who supported him, not admitting that he was right, but too loyal to refuse to fight for their King—and those who opposed, hoping to force him to do right; the King for his supposed prerogatives, the people for their liberties. The King was obstinate, the people resolute, until virulent warfare inflamed both parties, and neither would listen to reason; and the people gained the upper hand, they wreaked their vengeance, instead of looking to the dictates of humanity and justice. How easy it had been to have deposed him, and have sent him beyond the seas! instead of which they detained him a prisoner and then murdered him. The punishment was greater than the offence, and dictated by malice and revenge; it was a diabolical act, and will soil the page of our nation's history." The Children of the New Forest.