ity, and rendered the power of his enemies perpetual, as it
was already uncontrollable.[*] In comparison of the bill of attainder,
by which he deemed himself an accomplice in his friend's murder, this
concession made no figure in his eyes;[**] [7] a circumstance which, if
it lessen our idea of his resolution or penetration serves to prove the
integrity of his heart, and the goodness of his disposition. It is
indeed certain, that strong compunction for his consent to Strafford's
execution attended this unfortunate prince during the remainder of his
life; and even at his own fatal end, the memory of this guilt, with
great sorrow and remorse, recurred upon him. All men were so sensible of
the extreme violence which was done him, that he suffered the less, both
in character and interest, from this unhappy measure; and though he
abandoned his best friend, yet was he still able to preserve, in some
degree, the attachment of all his adherents.

Secretary Carleton was sent by the king to inform Strafford of the
final resolution which necessity had extorted from him. The earl seemed
surprised, and starting up, exclaimed, in the words of Scripture, "Put
not your trust in princes, nor in the sons of men, for in them there is
no salvation."[***] He was soon able, however, to collect his courage;
and he prepared himself to suffer the fatal sentence. Only three days'
interval was allowed him. The king, who made a new effort in his behalf,
and sent by the hands of the young prince a letter addressed to the
peers, in which he entreated them to confer with the commons about a
mitigation of Strafford's sentence, and begged at least for some delay,
was refused in both requests.[****]

Strafford, in passing from his apartment to Tower Hill, where the
scaffold was erected, stopped under Laud's windows, with whom he had
long lived in intimate friendship, and entreated the assistance of his
prayers in those awful moments which were approaching. The aged primate
dissolved in tears; and having pronounced, with a broken voice, a
tender blessing on his departing friend, sunk into the arms of his
attendants.[v] Stafford, still superior to his fate, moved on with an
elated countenance, and with an air even of greater dignity than what
usually attended him.

* Clarendon, vol. i. p. 261, 262. Rush. vol. v. p. 264.

** See note G, at the end of the volume

*** Whitlocke, p. 44.

**** Rush. vol. v. p. 265.

v Nalson, vo