Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/190

 in these weeks, very narrowly escapes death himself, on account of the ‘Waller Plot’;—makes an abject submission; pays 10,000l. fine; and goes upon his travels into foreign parts!—

meanwhile is a small noteworthy thing. Consider these ‘Young Men and Maids,’ and that little joint-stock company of theirs! Amiable young persons, may it prosper with you! Twelve-score pounds and so many stand of muskets,—well, this little too, in the great Cause, will help. For a pure preached Gospel, and the ancient liberties of England, who would not try to help? Fine new cloaks and fardingales are good; but a company of musketeers busy on the right side, how much better!—Colonel Cromwell, now home again, has received a Deputation on the matter; and suggests improvements. ‘Country’ which will take your muskets, means County. Three pounds, we perceive by calculation, will buy a war-saddle and pistols. Who the ‘Sir’ is, guessable as some Chairman of this ‘Young Men and Maids’ Society; and in what Town he sits, whether in Huntingdon itself or in another,—must remain forever uncertain. His Address, by negligence, has vanished; his affair wholly has vanished; the body of it gone all to air, and only the soul of it now surviving, and like to survive!

“Huntingdon,” 24 August 1643. Sir,—I understand by these Gentlemen the good affections of your Young Men and Maids; for which God is to be praised.

''I approve of the business: only I desire to advise you that your ‘foot company’ may be turned into a troop of horse; which indeed will by Gods blessing, far more advantage the Cause than two or three companies of foot; especially if your men be honest godly men, which by all means I desire. I thank God for stirring-up the youth to cast-in their mite, which''