The last days of Charles II / by Raymond Crawfurd.

  • Raymond Crawfurd
Date:
1909
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The last days of Charles II / by Raymond Crawfurd. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    53/98 (page 43)
    of which I present unto you this figure/ Then holding up a crucifix before the King’s eyes, he implored him,, * Lift up therefore the eyes of your soul, and represent to yourself your sweet Saviour here crucified, bowing down His head to kiss you: His arms stretched out to embrace you: His body and members all bloody and pale with death to redeem you. And as you see Him dead and fixed upon the Cross for your redemption, so have His remembrance fixed and fresh in your heart. Beseech Him with all humility, that His most precious blood may not be shed in vain for you; and that it will please Him, by the merits of His bitter death and passion to pardon and forgive you all your offences; and finally to receive your soul into His blessed hands; and when it shall please Him to take it out of this transitory world, to grant you a joyful resurrection, and an eternal crown of glory in the next. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.’ Hudleston having recommended His Majesty with all his powers of devotion to the divine mercy and pro¬ tection, withdrew from the bedchamber, and was no more seen. The whole ceremony had occupied about three-quarters of an hour. While it was in progress significant glances were exchanged among those waiting in the antechamber, but nothing was said except in whispers. The presence of the Earls of Bath and Feversham, both of whom were Protestants, did some¬ thing to allay the apprehension of the Bishops and others. But the surreptitious coming and going did not escape the notice of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting and of the priests, and human nature could ill bear the concealment of such a secret in its bosom. The ceremony over, the King seemed to rally his strength, and hopes were entertained that His Majesty 1 Chaillot MS. Barillon.