moments, the glad tidings went flying past the Savoy and the Friars to
London Bridge, and to the forest of masts below. As the news spread,
streets and squares, market places and coffee-houses, broke forth into
acclamations. Yet were the acclamations less strange than the weeping.
For the feelings of men had been wound up to such a point that at
length the stern English nature, so little used to outward signs of
emotion, gave way, and thousands sobbed aloud for very joy. Meanwhile,
from the outskirts of the multitude, horsemen were spurring off to bear
along all the great roads intelligence of the victory of our Church and
nation. Yet not even that astounding explosion could awe the bitter
and intrepid spirit of the Solicitor. Striving to make himself heard
above the {133} din, he called on the Judges to commit those who had
violated, by clamour, the dignity of a court of justice. One of the
rejoicing populace was seized. But the tribunal felt that it would be
absurd to punish a single individual for an offence common to hundreds
of thousands, and dismissed him with a gentle reprimand.

It was vain to think of passing at that moment to any other business.
Indeed the roar of the multitude was such that, for half an hour,
scarcely a word could be heard in court. Williams got to his coach
amidst a tempest of hisses and curses. Cartwright, whose curiosity was
ungovernable, had been guilty of the folly and indecency of coming to
Westminster in order to hear the decision. He was recognised by his
sacerdotal garb and by his corpulent figure, and was hooted through the
hall. "Take care," said one, "of the wolf in sheep's clothing." "Make
room," cried another, "for the man with the Pope in his belly."

The acquitted prelates took refuge from the crowd which implored their
blessing in the nearest chapel where divine service was performing.
Many churches were open on that morning throughout the capital; and
many pious persons repaired thither. The bells of all the parishes of
the City and liberties were ringing. The jury meanwhile could scarcely
make their way out of the hall. They were forced to shake hands with
hundreds. "God bless you," cried the people; "God prosper your
families; you have done like honest good-natured gentlemen; you have
saved us all to-day." As the noblemen who had appeared to support the
good cause drove off, they flung from their carriage windows {134}
handfuls of money, and bade the cro