It happened in the year 1664.

About which time appeared a fearful Blazing-Star.

Just at the Instant of the Rebellion, the Star was right over our heads.

And one thing I very much wondred, at, which was that whereas before this Rebellion, the Tail stood away toward the Westward from which side the Rebellion sprung, the very night after (for I very well observed it) the Tail was turned and stood away toward the Eastward.

And by degrees it diminished quite away.
[The intent of the Conspirators.] At this time, I say, the people of this land, having been long and sore oppressed by this Kings unreasonable and cruel Government, had contrived a Plot against him.