I am this moment come from the conclusion of the greatest and most melancholy scene I ever yet saw! you will easily guess it was the trials of the rebel Lords.  As it was the most interesting sight, it was the most solemn and fine:  a coronation is a puppet-show, and all the splendour of it idle; but this sight at once feasted one’s eyes and engaged all one’s passions.  It began last Monday; three parts of Westminster-hall were inclosed with galleries, and hung with scarlet; and the whole ceremony was conducted with the most awful solemnity and decency, except in the one point of leaving the prisoners at the bar, amidst the idle curiosity of some crowd, and even with the witnesses who had sworn against them, while the Lords adjourned to their own House to consult.  No part of the royal family was there, which was a proper regard to the unhappy men, who were become their victims.  One hundred and thirty-nine lords were present, and made a noble sight on their benches, frequent and full.  The Chancellor(1234) was Lord High Steward; but though a most comely personage with a fine voice, his behaviour was mean, curiously searching for occasion to bow to the minister(1235) that is no peer, and consequently applying to the other ministers, in a manner for their orders; and not even ready at the ceremonial.  To the prisoners he was peevish; and instead of keeping up to the humane dignity of the law of England, whose character it is to point out favour to the criminal, he crossed them, and almost scolded at any offer they made towards defence.  I had armed myself with all the resolution I could, whit the thought of their crimes and of the danger past, and was assisted by the sight of the Marquis of Lothian(1236) in weepers for his son who fell at Culloden—­ but the first appearance of the prisoners shocked me! their behaviour melted me!  Lord Kilmarnock and Lord Cromartie are both past forty, but look younger.  Lord Kilmarnock is tall and slender, with an extreme fine person:  his behaviour a most just mixture between dignity and submission; if in any thing to be reprehended, a little affected, and his hair too exactly dressed for a man in his situation; but when I say this, it is not to find fault with him but to show how little fault there was to be found.  Lord Cromartie is an indifferent figure, appeared much dejected, and rather sullen:  he dropped a few tears the first day, and swooned as soon as he got back to his cell.  For Lord Balmerino, he is the most natural brave old fellow I ever saw:  the highest intrepidity, even to indifference,.  At the bar he behaved like a soldier and a man; in the intervals of form, with carelessness and humour.  He pressed extremely to have his wife, his pretty Peggy,(1237) with him in the tower.  Lady Cromartie only sees her husband through the grate, not choosing to be shut up with him, as she thinks she can serve him better by her intercession without:  she is big with child and very handsome; so are their daughters.  When