Nothing could be done without the help of the prisoner; and with the prisoner it was impossible to communicate directly.  It was necessary to employ the intervention of more than one female agent.  The Duchess of Norfolk was a Mordaunt, and Monmouth’s first cousin.  Her gallantries were notorious; and her husband had, some years before, tried to induce his brother nobles to pass a bill for dissolving his marriage; but the attempt had been defeated, in consequence partly of the zeal with which Monmouth had fought the battle of his kinswoman.  The lady, though separated from her lord, lived in a style suitable to her rank, and associated with many women of fashion, among others, with Lady Mary Fenwick, and with a relation of Lady Mary, named Elizabeth Lawson.  By the instrumentality of the Duchess, Monmouth conveyed to the prisoner several papers containing suggestions framed with much art.  Let Sir John,—­such was the substance of these suggestions,—­boldly affirm that his confession is true, that he has brought accusations, on hearsay indeed, but not on common hearsay, that he has derived his knowledge of the facts which he has asserted from the highest quarters; and let him point out a mode in which his veracity may be easily brought to the test.  Let him pray that the Earls of Portland and Romney, who are well known to enjoy the royal confidence, may be called upon to declare whether they are not in possession of information agreeing with what he has related.  Let him pray that the King may be requested to lay before Parliament the evidence which caused the sudden disgrace of Lord Marlborough, and any letters which may have been intercepted while passing between Saint Germains and Lord Godolphin.  “Unless,” said Monmouth to his female agents, “Sir John is under a fate, unless he is out of his mind, he will take my counsel.  If he does, his life and honour are safe.  If he does not, he is a dead man.”  Then this strange intriguer, with his usual license of speech, reviled William for what was in truth one of William’s best titles to glory.  “He is the worst of men.  He has acted basely.  He pretends not to believe these charges against Shrewsbury, Russell, Marlborough, Godolphin.  And yet he knows,”—­and Monmouth confirmed the assertion by a tremendous oath,—­“he knows that every word of the charges is true.”

The papers written by Monmouth were delivered by Lady Mary to her husband.  If the advice which they contained had been followed, there can be little doubt that the object of the adviser would have been attained.  The King would have been bitterly mortified; there would have been a general panic among public men of every party; even Marlborough’s serene fortitude would have been severely tried; and Shrewsbury would probably have shot himself.  But that Fenwick would have put himself in a better situation is by no means clear.  Such was his own opinion.  He saw that the step which he was urged to take was hazardous.  He knew that he was urged to take that step, not because it was likely to save himself, but because it was certain to annoy others; and he was resolved not to be Monmouth’s tool.