[134] Gazette, 2006.
[135] James’ Memoirs, by Clarke, ii. 4.
[136] Ibid., ii. 6.
[137] Dalrymple’s Memoirs, i. 109. I do not find that this circumstance is referred to by D’Oyley in his Life of Sancroft.
[138] As to the coronation, it is observed in a Diary amongst the Morice MSS. in Dr. Williams’ library, under date April 25, “Far above one-half of the nobility made excuses, for one reason or another, and were absent.” “The noblemen were rather more than the ladies.”
Amongst the Baker MSS., Cambridge University Library, marked 40–2, are notes concerning the Coronation Office by Archbishops Laud and Sancroft, with the Coronation Office at large, used by Archbishop Sancroft.
“During the coronation of James, the crown not being properly fitted to his head, tottered. Henry Sidney, Keeper of the Robes, afterwards so famous for the mischiefs he brought upon James, kept it once from falling off, and said, with pleasantry to him, ‘This is not the first time our family has supported the Crown.’ This trifle was much remarked and talked of at the time; a sure mark that the minds of the people were under unusual agitations.”—Dalrymple’s Memoirs, i. 112.
[139] Evelyn. 1685, May 10, 22.
[140] From a MS. in the University Library, Cambridge. See Appendix to this volume.
[141] It was proposed in Committee that the word Reformed religion should be inserted in the address, for the word Protestant was excepted against. Sir Thomas Meres said, “The word Protestant had been used in a good sense by well-meaning persons, but time and use change the nature of words. As knave formerly was an honourable title, but now signified a very ill man.”—Entring Book, June 4.—Morice MSS.