The younger part gathered round me to ask my advice; and those who had friends in London were anxious beyond the rest, to ascertain the present extent of disease in the metropolis.  I encouraged them with such thoughts of cheer as presented themselves.  I told them exceedingly few deaths had yet been occasioned by pestilence, and gave them hopes, as we were the last visited, so the calamity might have lost its most venomous power before it had reached us.  The cleanliness, habits of order, and the manner in which our cities were built, were all in our favour.  As it was an epidemic, its chief force was derived from pernicious qualities in the air, and it would probably do little harm where this was naturally salubrious.  At first, I had spoken only to those nearest me; but the whole assembly gathered about me, and I found that I was listened to by all.  “My friends,” I said, “our risk is common; our precautions and exertions shall be common also.  If manly courage and resistance can save us, we will be saved.  We will fight the enemy to the last.  Plague shall not find us a ready prey; we will dispute every inch of ground; and, by methodical and inflexible laws, pile invincible barriers to the progress of our foe.  Perhaps in no part of the world has she met with so systematic and determined an opposition.  Perhaps no country is naturally so well protected against our invader; nor has nature anywhere been so well assisted by the hand of man.  We will not despair.  We are neither cowards nor fatalists; but, believing that God has placed the means for our preservation in our own hands, we will use those means to our utmost.  Remember that cleanliness, sobriety, and even good-humour and benevolence, are our best medicines.”

There was little I could add to this general exhortation; for the plague, though in London, was not among us.  I dismissed the guests therefore; and they went thoughtful, more than sad, to await the events in store for them.

I now sought Adrian, anxious to hear the result of his discussion with Ryland.  He had in part prevailed; the Lord Protector consented to return to London for a few weeks; during which time things should be so arranged, as to occasion less consternation at his departure.  Adrian and Idris were together.  The sadness with which the former had first heard that the plague was in London had vanished; the energy of his purpose informed his body with strength, the solemn joy of enthusiasm and self-devotion illuminated his countenance; and the weakness of his physical nature seemed to pass from him, as the cloud of humanity did, in the ancient fable, from the divine lover of Semele.  He was endeavouring to encourage his sister, and to bring her to look on his intent in a less tragic light than she was prepared to do; and with passionate eloquence he unfolded his designs to her.

“Let me, at the first word,” he said, “relieve your mind from all fear on my account.  I will not task myself beyond my powers, nor will I needlessly seek danger.  I feel that I know what ought to be done, and as my presence is necessary for the accomplishment of my plans, I will take especial care to preserve my life.