Blood was
therefore constantly at court, and made one of that strange
assembly of wits and profligates which surrounded the throne.
"No man," says Carte the historian, "was more assiduous than he.
If anyone had a business at court that stuck, he made his
application to Blood as the most industrious and successful
solicitor; and many gentlemen courted his acquaintance, as the
Indians pray to the devil, that he may not hurt them. He was
perpetually in the royal apartments, and affected particularly to
be in the same room where the Duke of Ormond was, to the
indignation of all others, though neglected and overlooked by his
grace."
CHAPTER XI.
Terror falls upon the people.--Rumours of a plague.--A sign in
the heavens.--Flight from the capital.--Preparations against the
dreaded enemy.--Dr. Boghurst's testimony.--God's terrible voice
in the city.--Rules made by the lord mayor.--Massacre of
animals.--O, dire death!--Spread of the distemper.--Horrible
sights.--State of the deserted capital.--"Bring out your dead."
--ashes to ashes.--Fires are lighted.--Relief of the poor.--The
mortality bills.
It came to pass during the fifth month of the year 1665, that a
great terror fell upon the city of London; even as a sombre cloud
darkens the midday sky. For it was whispered abroad a plague had
come amongst the people, fears of which had been entertained, and
signs of which had been obvious for some time. During the
previous November a few persons had fallen victims to this
dreaded pestilence, but the weather being cold and the atmosphere
clear, it had made no progress till April.
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