And to many it seemed as if
they had only been saved from one calamity to die by another:
for they had nought wherewith to satisfy their hunger, yet had
too much pride to seek relief.
And whilst yet wildly distracted by their miserable situation,
weary from exhaustion, and nervous from lack of repose, a panic
arose in their midst which added much to their distress. For
suddenly news was spread that the French, Dutch and English
papists were marching on them, prepared to cut their throats. At
which, broken-spirited as they were, they rose up, and leaving
such goods that they had saved, rushed towards Westminster to
seek protection from their imaginary foes. On this, the king
sought to prove the falsity of their alarm, and with infinite
difficulty persuaded them to return to the fields: whence he
despatched troops of soldiers, whose presence helped to calm
their fears.
And the king having, moreover, tender compassion for their wants,
speedily sought to supply them. He therefore summoned a council
that it might devise means of relief; and as a result, it
published a proclamation ordering that bread and all other
provisions, such as could be furnished, should be daily and
constantly brought, not only to the markets formerly in use, but
also to Clerkenwell, Islington, Finsbury Fields, Mile End Green,
and Ratcliffe, for greater convenience of the citizens. For
those who were unable to buy provisions, the king commanded the
victualler of his navy to send bread into Moorfields, and
distribute it amongst them.
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