birth and distinction who had sought refuge abroad during the
late troubles, now joyfully returned: whilst the juvenile
branches of noble families living in retirement in England, to
whom royalty had been a stranger, no less eagerly flocked to the
presence of the gay young king. The wit and politeness of the
men, the grace and beauty of the women, who surrounded Charles
II. have become proverbial; whilst the gallantries of the one,
and the frailties of the other, savour more of romance than
reality.

That the condition of the court on its establishment may be
realized, it is necessary, at this stage of its history, to
introduce briefly some of the chief personages who surrounded his
majesty, and occupied prominent attention in the annals of his
reign. Notably amongst them were the gallant Duke of Ormond and
his family. His grace, now in his fiftieth year, was
distinguished for his commanding appearance, gracious manner, and
excellent wit. During the troubles of the civil war, he had
proved himself a most loyal subject, inasmuch as he had vested
his fortune and ventured his person in service of the late king.
Subsequently refusing liberal offers made him by Cromwell, on
condition of living in peaceful retirement, he, after the
execution of Charles I., betook himself to France, and shared
exile with the young king until the restoration. In consequence
of his proven fealty, honours were then deservingly showered upon
him: he was made grand steward of the household, first lord of
the bedchamber, and subsequently lord lieutenant of Ireland. The
duchess, who had participated in her husband's misfortunes with a
courage equal to his own, was a high-minded and most virtuous
lady, who had brought up her family with great care. Scarcely