by his direction, it was dug up; and thus the rebels obtained, what
Clarendon confesses them to have had, the original copy.

It can raise no wonder that they formed one plot out of these two
designs, however remote from each other, when they saw the same
agent employed in both, and found the commission of array in the
hands of him who was employed in collecting the opinions and
affections of the people.

Of the plot, thus combined, they took care to make the most. They
sent Pym among the citizens, to tell them of their imminent danger
and happy escape; and inform them, that the design was, "to seize
the Lord Mayor and all the Committee of Militia, and would not spare
one of them." They drew up a vow and covenant, to be taken by every
member of either House, by which he declared his detestation of all
conspiracies against the Parliament, and his resolution to detect
and oppose them. They then appointed a day of thanksgiving for this
wonderful delivery; which shut out, says Clarendon, all doubts
whether there had been such a deliverance, and whether the plot was
real or fictitious.

On June 11, the Earl of Portland and Lord Conway were committed, one
to the custody of the mayor, and the other of the sheriff; but their
lands and goods were not seized.

Waller was still to immerse himself deeper in ignominy. The Earl of
Portland and Lord Conway denied the charge; and there was no
evidence against them but the confession of Waller, of which
undoubtedly many would be inclined to question the veracity. With
these doubts he was so much terrified, that he endeavoured to