them in the doctrinal question of Church Government. Then, alas! the flood-gates were opened, and they showered on each other Greek and Hebrew texts, while their eyes kindled, their cheeks glowed, their hands became clenched, and they looked more like fierce polemics about to rend each other's eyes out, than Christian divines.

Roger Wildrake, by making himself an auditor of the debate, contrived to augment its violence. He took, of course, a most decided part in a question, the merits of which were totally unknown to him. Somewhat overawed by Holdenough's ready oratory and learning, the cavalier watched with a face of anxiety the countenance of Doctor Rochecliffe; but when he saw the proud eye and steady bearing of the Episcopal champion, and heard him answer Greek with Greek, and Hebrew with Hebrew, he backed his arguments as he closed them with a stout rap upon the bench, and an exulting laugh in the face of the antagonist. It was with some difficulty that Sir Henry and Colonel Everard, having at length and reluctantly interfered, prevailed on the two alienated friends to adjourn their dispute, removing at the same time to a distance, and regarding each other with looks, in which old friendship appeared to have totally given way to mutual animosity.

But while they sate lowering on each other,

and longing to renew a contest in which each claimed the victory, Pearson entered the prison, and, in a low and troubled voice, desired the persons whom it contained to prepare for instant death.

Sir Henry Lee received the doom with the stern composure which he had hitherto displayed. Colonel Everard attempted the interposition of a strong and resentful appeal to the Parliament, against the judgment of the court martial and the General. But Pearson declined to receive or transmit any such remonstrance, and with a dejected look and mien of melancholy presage, renewed his exhortation to them to prepare for the hour of noon, and withdrew from the prison.

The operation of this intelligence on the two clerical disputants was more remarkable. They gazed for a moment on each other with eyes in which repentant kindness and a feeling of generous shame quenched every lingering feeling of resentment, and joining in the mutual exclamation-« My brother-my brother, I have sinned, I have sinned, in offending thee!» they rushed into each other's arms, shed tears as they demanded each other's forgiveness, and like two warriors, who sacrifice a personal quarrel to discharge their duty against the common enemy, they recalled nobler ideas of their sacred character, and, as

suming the part which best became them on an occasion so melancholy, began to exhort those around them to meet the doom that had been announced, with the firmness and dignity which Christianity alone can give.

CHAPTER XIII.

Most gracious prince, good Cannyng cried,

Leave vengeance to our God,

And lay the iron rule aside,

Be thine the olive rod.

Ballad of Sir Charles Bawdin.

THE hour appointed for execution had been long past, and it was about five in the evening when the Protector summoned Pearson to his presence. He went with fear and reluctance, uncertain how he might be received. After remaining about a quarter of an hour, the aid-de-camp returned to Victor Lee's parlour, where he found the old soldier, Zerobabel Robins, in attendance for his return.

« How is Oliver?» said the old man, anxiously.

Why, well,» answered Pearson, «< and hath asked no questions of the execution, but many concerning the reports we have been able to make regarding the flight of the young man, and is much moved at thinking he must now be beyond pursuit. Also I gave him certain

papers belonging to the malignant Doctor Rochecliffe.»

« Then will I venture upon him,» said the adjutator; « so give me a napkin that I may look like a sewer, and fetch up the food which I directed should be in readiness.»

Two troopers attended accordingly with a ration of beef, such as was distributed to the private soldiers, and dressed after their fashion -a pewter pot of ale, a trencher with salt, black pepper, and a loaf of ammunition bread. « Come with me," he said to Pearson, « and fear not-Noll loves an innocent jest. >> He boldly entered the General's sleeping apartment, and said aloud, « Arise, thou that art called to be a Judge in Israel-let there be no more folding of the hands to sleep. Lo, I come as a sign to thee; wherefore arise, eat, drink, and let thy heart be glad within thee, for thou shalt eat with joy the food of him that laboureth in the trenches, seeing that since thou wert commander over the host, the poor sentinel hath had such provisions as I have now placed for thine own refresh

ment."

«Truly, brother Zerobabel,» said Cromwell, accustomed to such starts of enthusiasm among his followers, « we would wish that it were so; neither is it our desire to sleep soft, nor feed more highly than the meanest that ranks under our banners. Verily thou hast chosen well