The history of England, from the accession of James the Second . ile tribe of which Oateswas the patriarch. During some weeks, indeed, the world was disposedto be unreasonably incredulous about plots. But in April there was areaction. The French and Irish were coming. There was but toomuch reason to believe that there were traitors in the island. Whoeverpretended that he could point out those traitors was sure to be heardwith attention ; and there was not wanting a false witness to availhimself of the golden opportunity. This false witness was named Robert Young. His history was inhis own life
The history of England, from the accession of James the Second . ile tribe of which Oateswas the patriarch. During some weeks, indeed, the world was disposedto be unreasonably incredulous about plots. But in April there was areaction. The French and Irish were coming. There was but toomuch reason to believe that there were traitors in the island. Whoeverpretended that he could point out those traitors was sure to be heardwith attention ; and there was not wanting a false witness to availhimself of the golden opportunity. This false witness was named Robert Young. His history was inhis own lifetime so fully investigated, and so much of his correspondenceYoungs has been preserved, that the whole man is before us. His^°^ character is indeed a curious study. His birthplace was a subject of dispute among three nations. The English pronounced himIrish. The Irish, not being ambitious of the honour of having him for acountryman, affirmed that he was born in Scotland. Wherever he may ^ Baden to the States General, June {j. 1692. -Narcissus Luttrells 2198 HISTORY Ol KNGLAND chap, xvnr have been born, it is iiniiossible to doiihl where he was bred: U>v liispliraseoloi^) is precisely th;it nl the Tea<^ues who were, in his time,favourite characters on our stayje. lie called himself a priest of theEstablished Chinch : hut he was in truth on))- a deacon ; and his deaconsorders he had obtained b) producin<^ forged certificates of his learning andmoral character. Long before the Revolution he held curacies in variousparts of Ireland ; but he did not remain many days in any spot. He wasdriven from one place by the scandal which was the effect of his lawlessamours. He rode away from another place on a borrowed horse, whichhe never returned. He settled in a third parish, and was taken up forbigamy. Some letters which he wrote on this occasion from the gaolof Cavan have been preserved. He assured each of his wives, with themost frightful imprecations, that she alone wa
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