rity, and nourished by unbounded hopes and projects,
began to exert themselves, and be distinguished by the public. Then
was celebrated the sagacity of Pym, more fitted for use than ornament;
matured, not chilled, by his advanced age and long experience: then
was displayed the mighty ambition of Hambden, taught disguise, not
moderation, from former constraint; supported by courage, conducted by
prudence, embellished by modesty; but whether founded in a love of power
or zeal for liberty, is still, from his untimely end, left doubtful and
uncertain: then too were known the dark, ardent, and dangerous character
of St. John; the impetuous spirit of Hollis, violent and sincere, open
and entire in his enmities and in his friendships; the enthusiastic
genius of young Vane, extravagant in the ends which he pursued,
sagacious and profound in the means which he employed; incited by the
appearances of religion, negligent of the duties of morality.

So little apology would be received for past measures, so contagious
the general spirit of discontent, that even men of the most moderate
tempers, and the most attached to the church and monarchy, exerted
themselves with the utmost vigor in the redress of grievances, and in
prosecuting the authors of them. The lively and animated Digby displayed
his eloquence on this occasion; the firm and undaunted Capel, the modest
and candid Palmer. In this list too of patriot royalists are found the
virtuous names of Hyde and Falkland. Though in their ultimate views and
intentions these men differed widely from the former, in their present
actions and discourses an entire concurrence and unanimity was observed.

By the daily harangues and invectives against illegal usurpations, not
only the house of commons inflamed themselves with the highest animosity
against the court: the nation caught new fire from the popular leaders,
and seemed now to have made the first discovery of the many supposed
disorders in the government. While the law in several instances seemed
to be violated, they went no further than some secret and calm murmurs;
but mounted up into rage and fury as soon as the constitution was
thought to be restored to its former integrity and vigor. The capital
especially, being the seat of parliament, was highly animated with the
spirit of mutiny and disaffection. Tumults were daily raised; seditious
assemblies encouraged; and every man, neglecting his own business,
was wholly intent on the def