ily
read: without one moment's delay, and without a contradictory vote, a
committee was appointed to prepare an answer: and in order to spread the
same satisfaction throughout the kingdom, it was voted that the letter
and declaration should immediately be published.

The people, freed from the state of suspense in which they had so long
been held, now changed their anxious hope for the unmixed effusions of
joy; and displayed a social triumph and exultation, which no private
prosperity, even the greatest, is ever able fully to inspire. Traditions
remain of men, particularly of Oughtred, the mathematician, who died of
pleasure, when informed of this happy and surprising event. The King's
declaration was well calculated to uphold the satisfaction inspired by
the prospect of public settlement. It offered a general amnesty to all
persons whatsoever: and that without any exceptions but such as should
afterwards be made by parliament: it promised liberty of conscience; and
a concurrence in any act of parliament which, upon mature deliberation,
should be offered, for insuring that indulgence: it submitted to
the arbitration of the same assembly, the inquiry into all grants,
purchases, and alienations; and it assured the soldiers of all their
arrears, and promised them, for the future, the same pay which they then
enjoyed.

The lords, perceiving the spirit by which the kingdom as well as the
commons was animated, hastened to reinstate themselves in their ancient
authority, and to take their share in the settlement of the nation. They
found the doors of their house open; and all were admitted, even such as
had formerly been excluded on account of their pretended delinquency.

The two houses attended; while the king was proclaimed, with great
solemnity, in Palace Yard, at Whitehall, and at Temple Bar. The commons
voted five hundred pounds to buy a jewel for Granville, who had brought
them the king's gracious messages: a present of fifty thousand pounds
was conferred on the king, ten thousand pounds on the duke of York,
five thousand pounds on the duke of Gloucester. A committee of lords
and commons was despatched to invite his majesty to return and take
possession of the government. The rapidity with which all these events
were conducted was marvellous, and discovered the passionate zeal and
entire unanimity of the nation. Such an impatience appeared, and such
an emulation, in lords, and commons, and city, who should make the mo