DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.51519#0181
NELL GWYNN.
1-55
courtiers. At the time that the King’s mistresses were every-
where execrated for their avarice and arrogance; it was remarked
that Nell Gwynn never asked anything for herself, never gave
herself unbecoming* airs; as if she deemed her unhappy situation
a subject of pride : there is not a single instance of her using* her
influence over Charles for any unworthy purpose j but, on the
contrary, the presents which the King’s love or bounty lavished
upon her, she gave and spent freely; and misfortune, deserved; or
undeserved; never approached her in vain. Once; as she was
driving* up Ludgate-Hill, she saw a poor clergyman in the hands
of the sheriff’s officers; and struck with compassion; she alighted
from her carriage; inquired into the circumstances of his arrest;
and paid his debt on the spot ; and finding; on application to the
vouchers he had named; that his character was as unexceptionable
as his misfortunes were real; she generously befriended him and his
family. The plan of that fine institution; Chelsea Hospital; would
probably never have been completed; at least in the reign of
Charles, but for the persevering and benevolent enthusiasm of
this woman; who never let the King rest till it was carried into
execution.
These; and many other instances of her kind nature; endeared
her to the populace. On one occasion; a superb service of plate,
which had been ordered for the Duchess of Portsmouth; was exhi-
bited in the shop of a certain goldsmith; and the common people
crowded round the window to gaze. On learning* for whom it was
intended; they broke out into execrations and abuse; wishing
the silver melted and poured down her throat; and loudly
exclaiming; that (i it had been much better bestowed upon
Madam Ellen.”
Strange as it may seem, Nell piqued herself upon her orthodox
principles and her reverence for the clergy; partly from a sincere
religious feeling* which had been early and unaccountably impressed
on her mind; and never left her; and partly; perhaps, out of oppo-
sition to the Papist favourite; the Duchess of Portsmouth. Madame
1-55
courtiers. At the time that the King’s mistresses were every-
where execrated for their avarice and arrogance; it was remarked
that Nell Gwynn never asked anything for herself, never gave
herself unbecoming* airs; as if she deemed her unhappy situation
a subject of pride : there is not a single instance of her using* her
influence over Charles for any unworthy purpose j but, on the
contrary, the presents which the King’s love or bounty lavished
upon her, she gave and spent freely; and misfortune, deserved; or
undeserved; never approached her in vain. Once; as she was
driving* up Ludgate-Hill, she saw a poor clergyman in the hands
of the sheriff’s officers; and struck with compassion; she alighted
from her carriage; inquired into the circumstances of his arrest;
and paid his debt on the spot ; and finding; on application to the
vouchers he had named; that his character was as unexceptionable
as his misfortunes were real; she generously befriended him and his
family. The plan of that fine institution; Chelsea Hospital; would
probably never have been completed; at least in the reign of
Charles, but for the persevering and benevolent enthusiasm of
this woman; who never let the King rest till it was carried into
execution.
These; and many other instances of her kind nature; endeared
her to the populace. On one occasion; a superb service of plate,
which had been ordered for the Duchess of Portsmouth; was exhi-
bited in the shop of a certain goldsmith; and the common people
crowded round the window to gaze. On learning* for whom it was
intended; they broke out into execrations and abuse; wishing
the silver melted and poured down her throat; and loudly
exclaiming; that (i it had been much better bestowed upon
Madam Ellen.”
Strange as it may seem, Nell piqued herself upon her orthodox
principles and her reverence for the clergy; partly from a sincere
religious feeling* which had been early and unaccountably impressed
on her mind; and never left her; and partly; perhaps, out of oppo-
sition to the Papist favourite; the Duchess of Portsmouth. Madame