XXXIX. WITHOUT BLOOD.

IT passeth for a general report of what was customary in former times, that the sheriff of the county used to present the judge with a pair of white gloves at those which we call maiden assizes, viz. when no malefactor is put to death therein; a great rarity (though usual in small) in large and populous countries.

England, a spacious country, is full of numerous factions in these distracted times. It is above belief, and will hardly find credit with posterity, that a general peace can be settled in our nation without effusion of blood.

But if we should be blessed with a dry peace, without one drop of blood therein, O let the white gloves of honour and glory be in the first place presented to the God of heaven, the principal giver; and a second white pair of gratitude be given to our general, the instrumental procurer thereof.