But the gross, thick, and palpable fabrications of conspiracy and murder, blood and fire--the imaginary armies--the intended massacres--form a collection of falsehoods, that one would have thought indigestible, even by the coarse appetite of the vulgar for the marvellous and horrible; but which are, nevertheless, received as truth by both Houses of Parliament, and questioned by no one who is desirous to escape the odious appellation of friend to the bloody Papists, and favourer of their infernal schemes of cruelty." "But what say those who are most likely to be affected by these wild reports ?" said Julian.

"What say the English Catholics themselves ?--a numerous and wealthy body, comprising so many noble names ?" "Their hearts are dead within them," said the Countess.

"They are like sheep penned up in the shambles, that the butcher may take his choice among them.

In the obscure and brief communications which I have had by a secure hand, they do but anticipate their own utter ruin, and ours--so general is the depression, so universal the despair." "But the King," said Peveril,--"the King and the Protestant Royalists--what say they to this growing tempest ?" "Charles," replied the Countess, "with his usual selfish prudence, truckles to the storm; and will let cord and axe do their work on the most innocent men in his dominions, rather than lose an hour of pleasure in attempting their rescue.

And, for the Royalists, either they have caught the general delirium which has seized on Protestants in general, or they stand aloof and neutral, afraid to show any interest in the unhappy Catholics, lest they be judged altogether such as themselves, and abettors of the fearful conspiracy in which they are alleged to be engaged.