, and five hundred fagots; all which they did at their
leisure, the parliament being prorogued to the 5th of November.

This being done, the conspirators next consulted how they should secure
the duke of York,[B] who was too young to be expected at the parliament
house, and his sister, the Princess Elizabeth, educated at Lord
Harrington's, in Warwickshire. It was resolved, that Percy and another
should enter into the duke's chamber, and a dozen more, properly
disposed at several doors, with two or three on horseback at the
court-gate to receive him, should carry him safe away as soon as the
parliament-house was blown up; or, if that could not be effected, that
they should kill him, and declare the princess Elizabeth queen, having
secured her, under pretence of a hunting-match, that day.

Several of the conspirators proposed obtaining foreign aid previous to
the execution of their design; but this was over-ruled, and it was
agreed only to apply to France, Spain, and other powers for assistance
after the plot had taken effect; they also resolved to proclaim the
princess Elizabeth queen, and to spread a report, after the blow was
given, that the puritans were the perpetrators of so inhuman an action.

All matters being now prepared by the conspirators, they, without the
least remorse of conscience, and with the utmost impatience, expected
the 5th of November. But all their counsels were blasted by a happy and
providential circumstance. One of the conspirators, having a desire to
save William Parker, Lord Monteagle, sent him the following letter:

"My Lord,

"Out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I
have a care for your preservation; therefore I
advise you, as you tender your life, to devise you
some excuse to shift off your attendance at this
parliament; for God and man have concurred to
punish the wickedness of this time: and think not
slightly of this advertisement, but retire yourself
into the country, where you may expect the event
with safety, for though there be no appearance of
any stir, yet I say they shall receive a terrible
blow, this parliament, and yet they shall not see
who hurts them. This counsel is not to be
contemned, because it may do you good, and can do
you no harm; for the danger is past so soon (or as
quickly) as you burn this letter; and I hope God
will give you the grace to make good use of it, to
whose ho