Burnet tells us that "the regicides being odious beyond all
expression, the trials and executions of the first who suffered
were run to by crowds, and all the people seemed pleased with the
sight;" yet by degrees these cruel and ghastly spectacles became
distasteful and disgusting. "I saw not their executions," says
Evelyn, speaking of four of the traitors who had suffered death
on the 17th of October, "but met their quarters mangled and cutt
and reeking as they were brought from the gallows in baskets on
the hurdle. Oh the miraculous providence of God!"
Seven months later, the people were diverted by the more cheerful
pageant of the king's coronation, which was conducted with great
magnificence. "Two days," as Heath narrates, "were allotted to
the consummation of this great and most celebrated action, the
wonder, admiration and delight of all persons, both foreign and
domestick." Early on the morning of the 22nd of May, the day
being Monday, the king left Whitehall, by water, for the Tower,
in order that he might, according to ancient custom, proceed
through the city to Westminster Abbey. It was noticed that it
had previously rained for a month together, but on this and the
next day "it pleased God that not one drop fell on the king's
triumph." At ten o'clock the roaring of cannon announced the
procession had left the Tower on its way to Whitehall, where his
majesty was to rest the night. The splendour of the pageant was
such as had never before been witnessed.
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