It was in this scene of strife and bloodshed that the incidents we shall attempt to relate occurred, during the third year of the war which
England and France last waged for the possession of a country that neither was destined to retain.
But the story would include a chain of events extending over the better part of two centuries, and, written out with reasonable amplitude, would fill a bigger folio volume, or a longer series of duodecimos, than could prudently be appropriated to the annals of all New
England during a similar period.
It was the recollection of those memorable words of his -- "I'll try, Sir" -- spoken on the very verge of a desperate and heroic enterprise, and breathing the soul and spirit of New
England hardihood, comprehending all perils, and encountering all.
As to the books and furniture of the schoolhouse, they belonged to the community, excepting Cotton Mather's History of Witchcraft, a New
England Almanac, and book of dreams and fortune-telling; in which last was a sheet of foolscap much scribbled and blotted in several fruitless attempts to make a copy of verses in honor of the heiress of Van Tassel.
uf and Richard de Malvoisin, and on the other was the pavilion of Hugh de Grantmesnil, a noble baron in the vicinity, whose ancestor had been Lord High Steward of
England in the time of the Conqueror, and his son William Rufus.
This battle won by me, the king will have no further resources in
England or in Scotland; and if he is not captured or killed, he will endeavor to pass over into France to recruit soldiers and to refurnish himself with arms and money.
At length a rumor reached our shores that the Prince of Orange had ventured on an enterprise, the success of which would be the triumph of civil and religious rights and the salvation of New
England.
These Puritans suffered so much persecuted in
England that, in 1607, many of them went over to Holland, and lived ten or twelve years at Amsterdam and Leyden.
In Switzerland I have done but little, learnt but little, and seen but little; my life there was in a circle; I walked the same round every day; I could not get out of it; had I rested--remained there even till my death, I should never have enlarged it, because I am poor and not skilful, I have not great acquirements; when I was quite tired of this round, I begged my aunt to go to Brussels; my existence is no larger here, because I am no richer or higher; I walk in as narrow a limit, but the scene is changed; it would change again if I went to
England.
The king of France colored, and drew his chair closer to that of the king of
England.
I have thought a great deal about that lovely
England since I left it, and all the famous historic scenes I visited; but I have come to the conclusion that it is not a country in which I should care to reside.
Henry the Sixth of
England, said of Henry the Seventh, when he was a lad, and gave him water, This is the lad that shall enjoy the crown, for which we strive.
