One occasion why I deserted that employment was, because Scott, who had eight hundred pounds per Annum for intelligence, would not contribute any occasion to gratify my friend:  And another thing was, I received some affront from Gualter Frost their Secretary, one that was a principal minister belonging to the Council of State.  Scott was ever my enemy, the other knave died of a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.

In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in astrology, I publickly read over the first part of my Introduction, wherein there are many things contained, not easily to be understood.

And now we are entered into the year 1649:  his Majesty being at St. James’s House, in January of that year, I begun its observations thus: 

’I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame begins to question offenders.

’The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at hand; God elevates men contemptible.

’Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions very much in London, more in the country.

’Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them valiant, and of undaunted spirits, to go on with his decrees:  upon a sudden, great expectations arise, and men generally believe a quiet and calm time draws nigh.’

In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters sent for me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of my Almanacks.—­I did so; Peters and he read January’s Observations.

‘If we are not fools and knaves,’ saith he, ‘we shall do justice:’  then they whispered.  I understood not their meaning till his Majesty was beheaded.  They applied what I wrote of justice, to be understood of his Majesty, which was contrary to my intention; for Jupiter, the first day of January, became direct; and Libra is a sign signifying Justice; I implored for justice generally upon such as had cheated in their places, being treasurers, and such like officers.  I had not then heard the least intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going to Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at White-hall I casually met Peters; ’Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear the King tried?’ ‘When?’ said I.  ‘Now, just now; go with me.’  I did so, and was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the King’s-Bench.  Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges, presently his Majesty, who spoke excellently well, and majestically, without impediment in the least when he spoke.  I saw the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall to the ground, which was took up by Mr. Rushworth:  and then I heard Bradshaw the Judge say to his Majesty,

’Sir, instead of answering the court, you interrogate their power, which becomes not one in your condition’—­

These words pierced my heart and soul, to hear a subject thus audaciously to reprehend his Sovereign, who ever and anon replied with great magnanimity and prudence.