So time went, till
at last, when he was sore pressed, Charles, knowing his great wealth
and influence, brought himself to write a letter to this Sir James,
appealing to him for support, and especially for money.

"'I hear,' said the King in his letter, 'that Sir James de la Molle,
who was aforetyme well affected to our person and more especially to
the late King, our sainted father, doth stand idle, watching the
growing of this bloody struggle and lifting no hand. Such was not the
way of the race from which he sprang, which, unless history doth
greatly lie, hath in the past been ever found at the side of their
kings striking for the right. It is told to me also, that Sir James de
la Molle doth thus place himself aside blowing neither hot nor cold,
because of some sharp words which we spake in heedless jest many a
year that's gone. We know not if this be true, doubting if a man's
memory be so long, but if so it be, then hereby do we crave his
pardon, and no more can we do. And now is our estate one of grievous
peril, and sorely do we need the aid of God and man. Therefore, if the
heart of our subject Sir James de la Molle be not rebellious against
us, as we cannot readily credit it to be, we do implore his present
aid in men and money, of which last it is said he hath large store,
this letter being proof of our urgent need.'

"These were, as nearly as I can remember, the very words of the
letter, which was written with the King's own hand, and show pretty
clearly how hardly he was pressed. It is said that when he read it,
Sir James, forgetting his grievance, was much affected, and, taking
paper, wrote hastily as follows, which indeed he certainly did, for I
have seen the letter in the Museum. 'My liege,--Of the past I will not
speak. It is past. But since it hath graciously pleased your Majesty
to ask mine aid against the rebels who would overthrow your throne,
rest assured that all I have is at your Majesty's command, till such
time as your enemies are discomfited. It hath pleased Providence to so
prosper my fortunes that I have stored away in a safe place, till
these times be past, a very great sum in gold, whereof I will at once
place ten thousand pieces at the disposal of your Majesty, so soon as
a safe means can be provided of conveying the same, seeing that I had
sooner die than that these great moneys should fall into the hands of
rebels to the furtherance of a wicked cause.'

"Then the letter went on to say th