fy my friend: And another thing was, I received
some affront from Gualter Frost their Secretary, one that was a
principal minister belonging to the Council of State. Scott was ever my
enemy, the other knave died of a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.

In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in astrology, I
publickly read over the first part of my _Introduction_, wherein there
are many things contained, not easily to be understood.

And now we are entered into the year 1649: his Majesty being at St.
James's House, in January of that year, I begun its observations thus:

'I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame begins to
question offenders.

'The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at hand; God
elevates men contemptible.

'Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions very much
in London, more in the country.

'Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them valiant, and of
undaunted spirits, to go on with his decrees: upon a sudden, great
expectations arise, and men generally believe a quiet and calm time
draws nigh.'

In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters sent for
me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of my
Almanacks.--I did so; Peters and he read January's Observations.

'If we are not fools and knaves,' saith he, 'we shall do justice:' then
they whispered. I understood not their meaning till his Majesty was
beheaded. They applied what I wrote of justice, to be understood of his
Majesty, which was contrary to my intention; for Jupiter, the first day
of January, became direct; and Libra is a sign signifying Justice; I
implored for justice generally upon such as had cheated in their places,
being treasurers, and such like officers. I had not then heard the least
intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day
thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going to
Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at
White-hall I casually met Peters; 'Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear the
King tried?' 'When?' said I. 'Now, just now; go with me.' I did so, and
was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the King's-Bench.
Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges, presently his Majesty,
who spoke excellently well, and majestically, without impediment in the
least when he spoke. I saw the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall
to the ground,