THE FAITHFUL HELPMATE. ranged on either side of the contracted, dirty, un- paved, yet picturesque lanes which were dignified with the title of streets. Above almost every door- way swung a rusty sign-board, emblazoned with most original delineations of lions, swans, dragons, or unicorns ; while the dim-paned, dark shops were very different from their superb successors of our own day, -the wares displayed in cases, overspread by canvas awnings after the fashion of stalls and booths at a country fair, and guarded by strutting Prentices, who urgently recommended each passer- by, with many a witticism or sage remark, to purchase. Such was London when Elizabeth Bunyan reached it, in the spring of 1661, her health in a very indifferent state, but her warm heart buoying her up. She carried with her the petition which she desired to present to the House of Lords, on behalf of her husband. At the Coronation-festival of the King, on the 22nd of April, many pardons had been granted, according to custom; but although. some thousands of felons and criminals had been released, John Bunyan had received no advantage from the amnesty, the only chance accorded being that he might "sue out a pardon," twelve months from the date of the coronation for that purpose. By some means Elizabeth gained access to one of the noble Members, -a certain Lord Barkwood,- who treated her with much kindness and compassion. He took her petition and presented it to the House, 19
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