The Works of Thomas Carlyle/Volume 6/Letter 55
Here is Norton and the Marriage again. Here are news out of Scotland that the Malignant Party, the Duke of Hamilton’s Faction, are taking the lead there; and about getting-up an Army to attack us, and deliver the King from Sectaries:[1] Reverend Stephen Marshall reports the news. Let us read:
FOR MY NOBLE FRIEND COLONEL RICHARD NORTON: THESE
Dear Dick,—It had been a favour indeed to have met you here at Farnham. But I hear you are a man of great business; therefore I say no more:—if it be a favour to the House of Commons to enjoy you, what is it to me! But, in good earnest, when will you and your Brother Russel be a little honest, and attend your charge there? Surely some expect it; especially the good fellows who chose you!—
I have met with Mr. Mayor; we spent two or three hours together last night. I perceive the gentleman is very wise and honest; and indeed much to be valued. Some things of common fame[2] did a little stick: I gladly heard his doubts, and gave such answer as was next at hand,—I believe, to some satisfaction. Nevertheless I exceedingly liked the gentleman’s plainness and free dealing with me. I know God has been above all ill reports, and will in His own time vindicate me; I have no cause to complain. I see nothing but that this particular business between him and me may goon. The Lord’s will be done.
For news out of the North there is little; only the Malignant Party is prevailing in the Parliament of Scotland. They are earnest for a war; the Ministers[3] oppose as yet. Mr. Marshall is returned, who says so. And so do many of our Letters. Their great Committee of Danger have two Malignants for one right. It’s said they have voted an Army of 40,000 in Parliament; so say some of Yesterday’s Letters. But I account my news ill bestowed, because upon an idle person.
I shall take speedy course in the business concerning my Tenants; for which, thanks. My service to your Lady. I am really, your affectionate servant,
Had Cromwell come out to Farnham on military business? Kent is in a ticklish state; it broke out some weeks hence in open insurrection,[5]—as did many other places, when once the ‘Scotch Army of 40,000’ became a certainty.
‘The business concerning my Tenants’ will indicate that in Hampshire, within ken of Norton, in Fawley Park, in Itchin, Abbotston, or elsewhere, ‘my Tenants’ are felling wood, cutting copses, or otherwise not behaving to perfection: but they shall be looked to.
For the rest, Norton really ought to attend his duties in Parliament! In earnest ‘an idle fellow,’ as Oliver in sport calls him. Given to Presbyterian notions; was purged out by Pride; came back; dwindled ultimately into Royalism. ‘Brother Russel’ means only, brother Member. He is the Frank Russel of the Letter on Marston Moor. Now Sir Francis; and sits for Cambridgeshire. A comrade of Norton’s; seemingly now in his neighbourhood, possibly on a visit to him.
The attendance on the House in these months is extremely thin; the divisions range from 200 to as low as 70. Nothing going on but Delinquents’ fines, and abstruse negotiations with the Isle of Wight, languid Members prefer the country till some result arrive.