Edward Earl of CLARENDON, Lord High CHANCELLOR of Englan and Chancellor of thUniverfity of Oxford AnDni 1667 With the precedent Passages, and Actions, that contri- buted thereunto, and the happy End, and Conclusion Written by the Right Honourable the Reigns of King CHARLES the First and the SecondEXTIL PIBLTOS · Klõpua és ás. Thucyd. AUSANNE PATRIR VOLUME II. PART 1. iO X FORD, TYTT TO THE QUEEN. MADAM, O Your Majesty is most humbly Dedicated this Second Part of the History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars,written by Edward Earl of Clarendon. For to whom so naturally can the works of this Author, treating of the times of Your Royal Grandfather, be address'd, as to your self; now wearing, with Lustre and Glory, that Crown, which, in those unhappy days, was treated with so much con. tempt and barbarity, and laid low even to the Duft? This Second Part comes with the greater confidence into your presence, by the advantage of the favourable reception, the First haib met with in the World; since it is not to be doubted, but the same truth, fairness, and impartiality, that will be found throughout the whole thread of the History, will meet with the Same Candour from all equal Judges. Vol. II. Part I. 'Tis 'Tis true, Some few Persons, whose Ancestors are here found not to have had that part during their lives which would have been more agreeable to the wishes of their surviving posterity, have been offended at some particulars, mention'd in this History, concerning so near Relations, and would have them pass for mistaken Informations. But it is to be hoped, that such a concern of Kin. dred for their Families, though not blameable in them, will rather appear partial on I heir side ; since it cannot be doubted, but this Author must have had his materials from undeniable, and unexceptionable hands, and could have no temptation to insert any thing but the truth in a work of this nature, which was design’d to remain to Posterity, as a faithful record of Things and Persons in those times, and of his own unquestionable sincerity in the representation of them. In this assurance it is humbly hoped, it will not be un. profitable to Your Majesty to be here inform’d of the faial and undeserv'd inisfortunes of one of Your Ancefiors, with the particular and sad occasions of them; the better to direct Your Royal Person through the continual uncer. tainties of the Greatness of this world. And as Your Majesty cannot have a better Guide, throughout the whole Course of Your Reign, for the good Administration of Your Government, than History in general, so there cannot be a more useful one to Your Majesty than this of Tour own Kingdoms; and it is presum'd, without lying under the Imputation of misleading Your Majesty, it may be asserted that no Author could have been better instructed, and have known more of the Times and Matters of which he writes, than this whois here presented to You.. Tour Majesty may depend upon his Relations to be true in Fact ; and You will find bis Observations just ; his Reflections inade with judgement and weight; and bis Advices given upon wise and honest Principles ; not capable of being now interpreted as subservient to any Ambition or Interest of his own; and having now outliv'd the Prejudices and Partialities of the Times in which they were Written. And your Majesty thus Elevated, as by God's blessing You are, from whoin a great many |