A soft laugh, hoarse and deep in Shay’s throat, and somehow ominous. ‘And now it’s your time. With the end of the battles, the passions will ease a little, and the law-makers will become more important than the soldiers. Your time to make of this place what you can.’
The great chest heaved in a breath, and let it go. Thurloe’s melancholy eyes watched him.
‘I have no more duty in this life, and no more interest. But I’ve marked you, John Thurloe – Rachel marked you – for a man of heart as well as duty. I hope that you’ll oblige me with one courtesy. For an old soldier – one who never feared to look life or death in the face, and give his full measure.’
Epilogue
The Passing
The
WESTMINSTER GAZETTE
being an accurate record of all eſſential tranſactions of the State
PRINTED BY AUTHORITY
he pretender Charles Stuart is reported to have arrived in Paris, joining the reſidue of his family in their exile. Limerick in Ireland has ſurrendered to General Ireton. In the Iſle of Jerſey, Engliſh forces have ſecured a victory againſt the rebels there.
On the 28. of the month, Parliament declared the gathering of England and Scotland into one Commonwealth, for more dutiful government, better care of Chriſtian conſcience, and preſervation of peace, for all men in both places.
In Lincolnſhire, at an unnamed place on the ſea-coaſt, waſ executed by muſketeers the notorious rebel Sir Mortimer Shay. The tender mercy of his judges gave him a ſoldier’s death, recollecting the many exploits of his youth, yet he had been alſo active in the late rebellions and unreſts, which have ſo threatened the good order of the Commonwealth, and was known for a man of infamous habits and unreſtrained paſſions, bloody, licentious, and wild. For his many diſcreet and worthy ſervices, Maſter John Thurloe is appointed to the office of Comptroller-General for Scrutiny and Survey.
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