284. Mr. NEAL'sIIdVOL of the Cooke, who were then withhim,) * ' The Qieflion ' was in this defperate Cafe, What was molt advise- o able to be done ? The Lords argued for the King's attempting an immediate Escape, for he would better bring about a perfonal Treaty with the Parliament (which he fo much coveted) when out of the reach of the Army, than when in their power; and this would certainly fecure the Safety ofhis Perlon, which elle might be very probably much in danger. But before they could proceed c to debate the Manner of this Escape, the King . prevented it, thus arguing againfl the Efcape it felf; first, arguing the Difficulty, if not Impoffi- bility of accomplifhing it ; next, the Confe- quences, that in cafe he fhould mifcarry in the Attempt, it would exasperate the Army, and dishearten his Friends ; and laflly, that if the Army should feize him, they mutt preferve him for their own fakes : for that no Party could fe- cure their own Interest, without joining his with it, his Son being now out of their reach. The Earl of Lindfey replied, `rake heed, Sir, left you fall into e such hands as will not fleer by fuck Rules of Policy ; ' remember Hampton- Court, where your Escape was your belt Security. The Duke ofRïchmond adding, that he thought it feafible enough; and rurning about to Colonel Cooke, ask'd how he p.ffed to and fro ? who anfwer'd, he had the Word. The Duke ask'd,whether he believed he could pats him too ? who anfwer'd, he made no queftion but he could ; at which the Duke took a longer Cloak without a Star, and made the Colonel go along with him through the Guards, and fo ce- * Certain Paf?'ages which happen'd at Newport, in the Hie of Yroht.. No.-ember 2.9, t64.8. relating io KtngCharles the Fir[., wrtt: n by En'wxrd Cooke of Highnam in Gloucefler/hire, fome- t:rn° a Coo-_i.1 of Regiment unier Oliver Cromwell. London, P: uiLeu I, Richhrcl Ckfirell, s jgo. p. 13, &c. Pales me. 3 turn'd
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