this manner his majesty stroked above six hundred; and such was
his princely patience and tenderness to the poor afflicted
creatures, that though it took up a long time, the king, being
never weary of well doing, was pleased to make inquiry whether
there were any more that had not been touched. After prayers
were ended the Duke of Buckingham brought a towel, and the Earl
of Pembroke a basin and ewer, who, after they had made their
obeysance to his majesty, kneeled down till his majesty had
washed."

This was on the 23rd of June, a few days earlier than the date
fixed by Evelyn as that on which the king first began "touch for
ye evil." A week later we find he stroked as many as two hundred
and fifty persons. Friday was then appointed as the day for
those suffering from this disease to come before the king; it was
moreover decided that only two hundred persons should be
presented each week and these were first to repair to Mr. Knight,
his majesty's surgeon, living at the Cross Guns, in Russell
Street, Covent Garden, over against the Rose tavern, for tickets
of admission. "That none might lose their labour." the same Mr.
Knight made it known to the public he would be at home on
Wednesdays and Thursdays, from two till six of the clock; and if
any person of quality should send for him he would wait upon them
at their lodgings. The disease must indeed have been rife: week
after week those afflicted continued to present themselves, and
we read that, towards the end of July, "notwithstanding all
discouragements by the hot weather and the multitude of sick and
infirm people, his majesty abated not one of his accustomed
number, but touched full two hundred: an high conviction of all
such physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries that pretend self-