And these rules being observed, a stately and magnificent city
rose phoenix-like from ruins of the old; so that there was naught
to remind the inhabitants of their great calamity save the
Monument. This, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and built at a
cost of fourteen thousand five hundred pounds, was erected near
where the fire broke out, the better to perpetuate a memory of
this catastrophe in the minds of future generations, which
purpose it fulfils unto this day.
CHAPTER XIII.
The court repairs to Oxford.--Lady Castlemaine's son.--Their
majesties return to Whitehall.--The king quarrels with his
mistress.--Miss Stuart contemplates marriage.--Lady Castlemaine
attempts revenge.--Charles makes an unpleasant discovery.--The
maid of honour elopes.--His majesty rows down the Thames.--Lady
Castlemaine's intrigues.--Fresh quarrels at court.--The king on
his knees.
The while such calamities befell the citizens, the king continued
to divert himself in his usual fashion. On the 29th of June,
1665, whilst death strode apace through the capital, reaping full
harvests as he went, their majesties left Whitehall for Hampton
Court, From here they repaired to Salisbury, and subsequently to
Oxford, where Charles took up his residence in Christchurch, and
the queen at Merton College.
Removed from harrowing scenes of ghastliness and distress, the
court made merry. Joined by fair women and gallant men, their
majesties played at bowls and tennis in the grassy meads of the
college grounds; rode abroad in great hawking parties; sailed
through summer days upon the smooth waters of the river Isis; and
by night held revelry in the massive-beamed oak-panelled halls,
from which scarce five-score candles served to chase all gloom.
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