Those who heard of the king's resolution felt satisfied Blood
need not despair of life; "for surely," said Sir Robert
Southwell, on becoming aware of his majesty's design, "no king
should wish to see a malefactor but with intentions to pardon
him." Now Blood, being a man of genius, resolved to play his
part during the audience in a manner which would favourably
impress the king. Therefore when Charles asked him how he had
dared attempt so bold a robbery, Blood made answer he had lost a
fine property by the crown, and was resolved to recover it with
the crown. Diverted by his audacity his majesty questioned him
further, when Blood confessed to his attempted abduction of the
Duke of Ormond, but refused to name his accomplices. Nay, he
narrated various other adventures, showing them in a romantic
light; and finally concluded by telling the king he had once
entered into a design to take his sacred life by rushing upon him
with a carbine from out of the reeds by the Thames side, above
Battersea, when he went to swim there; but he was so awed by
majesty his heart misgave him, and he not only relented, but
persuaded the remainder of his associates from such an intention.
This strange interview resulted in Charles pardoning Blood his
many crimes. The Duke of Ormond, at his majesty's request,
likewise forgave him. Nor did the king's interest in the villain
end here; for he gave him a pension of five hundred pounds a
year, and admitted him to his private friendship.
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