BlackHat's Journal: It was Love, Peace & Truth Incorporated for all who seek

Quote:
The Colonel had been hiding in the forest, and, being sore pressed by hunger, had come to beg a little bread. Being informed where the king was, he came forth with great joy, and, the house not being considered a safe refuge, they both climbed into the branches of a leafy oak, situated in an open part of the wood, from whence they could see all round them.

They carried with them some bread and cheese and small beer, and stayed there that day. "While we were in the tree," says the king, "we saw soldiers going up and down in the thicket of the wood, searching for persons escaped, we seeing them now and then peeping out of the wood." When this danger had passed away, the king, worn out by his sore fatigues, laid his head on his friend's breast and slept in his arms.

At night they descended, and going to Boscobel House, were shown a secret hiding-place, such as were then to be found in the mansions of all Catholic families, called the priests' hole a little confined closet built between two walls, in the principal stack of chimneys, and having a couple of exits for the better escape of those compelled to seek its shelter. Here the king rested in peace for a day and a night.

Meanwhile Humphrey Pendrell went into Shifnal to pay his taxes; and it being known he had come from Whiteladies, he was questioned closely as to whether he knew aught of Charles Stuart. On stoutly denying all knowledge of him, he was told that any man who discovered him would gain a thousand pounds, but he that sheltered him would suffer death without mercy; these being the terms of a proclamation just issued. This the honest miller on his return narrated to the king, swearing roundly he would run all risks for his sake. It chanced at this time one of the Pendrells heard that my Lord Wilmot who had not been able to make his way to London, was hiding in a very secure place, at the house of a gentleman named Whitegrave, above seven miles distant. This coming to the king's knowledge, he became anxious to see his faithful friend and hold communication with him.

Accordingly one of the Pendrells was despatched to request Lord Wilmot to meet his majesty that night, in a field close by Mr. Whitegrave's house. And the time of night being come, the king was impatient of delay; but his feet were sore from the rough shoes he had worn on his journey, so that he was scarce able to walk; therefore he was mounted on Humphrey's mill-horse, and, the four loyal brothers forming a guard, they directed their way towards Moseley. The king's eagerness to see Wilmot being great, he complained of the horse's slow pace. "Can you blame him, my liege," said Humphrey, who loved a jest, "that he goes heavily, having the weight of three kingdoms on his back?"

When they had travelled with him a great part of the journey it was thought safer three of them should withdraw themselves. They therefore turned away; but scarcely had they gone when the king, who, being lost in thought, had remained unconscious of their departure, suddenly stopped, and caused John, who remained, to speedily summon them back. When they returned he gave them his hand to kiss, and, with that charm of manner which never failed in winning friends, said to them sadly, "My sorrows make me forget myself. I earnestly thank you all."

They kissed his hand heartily, and prayed God to save him. In the days of his prosperity he remembered their kindness and rewarded their loyalty.

Arriving at the trysting place the king found Mr. Whitegrave, a Benedictine monk named Father Huddlestone, Sir John Preston, and his brother awaiting him. It may be mentioned here this monk was destined, many years later, to play an important part in the closing scene of his majesty's life.

Mr. Whitegrave conducted Charles with great show of respect to his house, where the king spoke with my Lord Wilmot, feasted well, and rested safe that night. Next morning the worthy host had private notice given that a company of soldiers were on their way to arrest him as one who had served in the king's army. He, being innocent of this charge, did not avoid them, but received them boldly at his door, spoke confidently in his own defence, and referred them to the testimony of his neighbours, whereon they departed quietly.

It was feared, however, the house was no longer safe, and that another refuge had best be sought for his majesty.

Therefore, Father Huddlestone informed the king of an honest gentleman, the owner of a fair estate some six miles removed, who was generous and exceedingly beloved, and the eldest justice of peace in the county of Stafford. This gentleman was named Lane, "a very zealous Protestant, yet he lived with so much civility and candour towards the Catholics, that they would all trust him as much as they would any of their own profession."

The king, however, not being willing to surprise this worthy man, immediately despatched the Benedictine to make certain of his welcome; receiving due assurances of which he and Lord Willmot set out by night for Master Lane's mansion, where they were heartily received, and where Charles rested some days in blessed security. Knowing, however, in what risk he placed those who sheltered him, and how vigilant the pursuit after him, he became most anxious for his safe delivery out of the kingdom. To this end it was desirable he should draw near the west coast, and await an opportunity of sailing from thence for France. --Molloy

My comics thread went to hell in large part due to my wanting to make them[comics] rather than --read and digest-- for ya'll. In looking at 1650 England for examples in the thread I was drawn to Zelazny's use of some of those events as patterns both in CoLaD and the Amber books. So I just had to make a tribute to Roger's excellent Amber series. Start of the resulting 25 page LEGO Comic. I don't know if it advances any of the trends that I was attempting to highlight in the history of comics, but it may amuse you. More time to do these JE now and less fighting with the lousy Macro Focus of my Camera. Until then ... [toss coin] "Heads, advantage Barking Slugs!"

News fired out from a sling:
The Vicar and his mad scribe, Will "there's a way" Scarlet, spin for the flock. Opening the debate, Mr Blair announced that any future presentation of intelligence would separate the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) assessment and the government case. It would also "import any JIC caveats into it", he told a crowded and tense Commons, adding: "We accept those conclusions and will act upon them." However, he denied suggestions that by omitting the caveats in the government's dossier ahead of the conflict ministers had set out to deceive people. Mr Blair said the intelligence made it "absolutely clear" Britain was entitled to go back to the UN and insist Saddam posed a continuing threat. to anglo-american-saudi interests.

Break it and buy it? Not sure what the US's point is [in regards to Haiti]. About $40,000 and a easing of the agitprop would have bypassed the whole problem 8 months ago. Gigabuck now? Why?

China-Dome continues to make news. A US grand jury has demanded documents relating to contracts in Iran - subject to US sanctions - by a Halliburton subsidiary based in the Cayman Islands. The firm, which used to be run by US Vice-President Dick Cheney, said it was certain the deals were legal.

Irregular banking in Nigeria say it ain't so.

Greenspan still wearing the hypno-glasses. "Economic developments have generally been quite favourable in 2004, lending increasing support to the view that the expansion is self-sustaining." Translation: Those companies not listed on FuckedCo more than once may still be joining their peers there.

That nice Mr. Bimler assured me that it was all a dramatic reading for a play at the local drama league.

EUn-Wholly Roman Emperor Josep the First. Sure to be branded by Titty, Tubby and dirty Des as the Red Emperor.

IWTBF and so do many Maldy Digiratti.

Damn blogs!!! In the frequently damning report, the society says political blogging is still in its infancy. While it still has great potential to engage the electorate, the authors say, blogging forms a very minor part of public debate. The survey drew on reports by eight members of the public who were asked to monitor several of the best-known political weblogs for four weeks. None felt that their political awareness and participation had been stimulated by the blogs, and only one said they would bother to revisit any of them when the survey was over. The eight bloggers chosen for the study included ... [ no one of any importance what so ever ] The jurors were impressed by the "look and feel" of the blogs, and found some of their authors witty and insightful. However, they also complained the postings could be tedious, long-winded and opinionated. Most found that their own contributions were ignored. Ok, Am I being too fucking harsh? I could be wrong here, let's see ... Driving (yes driving) back from the hairdressers I am listening to LBC where David Priva and his co-host are discussing the trials and tribulations of the poor, down-trodden driver in London. They are going on and on about parking and how dreadful it is and how horrible wardens are etc and then start talking about what is done with the money raised. They say they wish someone who knows would ring in. So I do. ... ahhh Biff, you better start the sports segment early, I'm going to barf. [insert stock footage of townswomen clapping B&W ~4 seconds]

Texttoon:
Fumetti :Stock photo of Tony Blair with a microphone in his hand. Overlayed speech bubble has him singing; "Mother I'm tired/ come surrender my son/ time has ravaged on my soul/ no plans to leave/ but still I go/ fallin' with the leaves/ fallin' out of sleep/ to the last goodbyes/ who cares why?"