There was one person who was deeply and specially affected by this departure on her part.
On her father, the exiled Chancellor, the news of his daughter’s change of religion inflicted a crushing blow, stanch as he had always shown himself to be to the Anglican Church.[[255]] His recollections of the great civil strife in which he had been so deeply involved were inextricably bound up with loyalty and devotion to that Church, as well as to the master who had undoubtedly suffered for her, and thus by that sacrifice secured her continuity. To Hyde, as to many others of his time and circumstances, the scaffold at Whitehall stood as a witness to the faith, invested with the glory of that most sacred memory. And now from the hand that was best beloved to him, came the wound that must rankle till the end.
[255]. Burnet’s “History of His Own Time,” ed. 1766. “Her father was more troubled at her uncertainty than his own misfortunes.”
It is quite probable that the Chancellor had already suspicions of leanings towards Rome on the part of the Duke of York, and had to a great extent trusted in his daughter’s strength of character and influence as a deterrent; so that the unexpected defection on her part would be regarded by him as a disaster for the country no less than for herself.
At this unhappy juncture Clarendon therefore took up the pen, which in his hand was so trenchant a weapon, and addressed both husband and wife, separately, in words which deserve the strongest admiration and respect.
“Sr,—I have not p’sumed in any matter to approach yo’ Royall p’sence Since I have been marked with the Brand of Banishment, and I should still with the same awe forbear the p’sumption if I did not believe myselfe bound by all the Obligations of Duty to make this address to you. I have been acquainted to much with the p’sumption and impudence of the times in Raising false and scandalous Imputations and reproaches upon Innocent and worthy persons of all qualities to give any credit to those loud whispers which have been long scattered abroad concerning your Wives being shaken in her religion. But when those Whispers break out into noise most publick Persons begin to report that the Dutchess is become a Roman Catholick. When I heard that many worthy Persons of unquestionable Devotion to your Royall Highness, are not without some fear and apprehension of it, and many Reflections are made from them to the prejudice of your Royal Person, and even of the King’s Majesties, I hope it may not misbecome me at what distance soever to cast myself at your Feet, and beseech you to look to this matter, and to apply some Antidote to expel the Poyson of it. It is not possible your Royall Highness can be without zeal and Entire Devotion for that Church for the Purity and Preservation whereof your blessed Father made himself a Sacrifice and to the Restoration whereof You have contributed so much yourself, and which highly deserves the King’s Protection and Yours since there can be no possible defection in the hearts of the People whilst due Reverence is made to the Church. Your Wife is so generally believed to have so perfect Duty and Intire Resignation to the Will of your Highness, that any defection in Her from Her Religion will be imputed to want of Circumspection in you and not using your Authority, or to your connivance. I need not tell the ill consequences that such a mistake would be attended with, in reference to your Royale Highness, and even to the King himself whose greatest security (under God) is in the affection and Duty of his Protestant subjects, your Royall Highness well knows how far I have always been from wishing that the Roman Catholicks should be prosecuted with severity but I less wish it should ever be in their power to be able to prosecute those who differ from them since we well know how little moderation they would or could use. And if this which People so much talk of (I hope without ground) should fall out, it might very probably raise a greater storm against the Roman Catholicks in general than modest Men can wish, since after such a breach any Jealousies of their presumption would seem reasonable. I have written to the Dutchess with the freedom and affection of a troubled and perplexed Father. I do most humbly beseech your Royall Highness by your Authority to rescue Her from bringing a Mischief upon You and herself that can never be repaired; and to think it worthy your wisdom to remove and dispell those reproaches (how false soever) by better Evidence than Contempt, and hope you do believe that no severity I have or can undergo, shall in any degree lessen or diminish my most profound Duty to His Majesty or your Royall Highness, but that I do with all imaginable Obedience submit to your good Pleasure in all things.
“God preserve Your Royall Highness and keep me in your favour.
“Sir,
“Your R. H. most Humble and obedient Servant,
“Clarendon.”[[256]]