A tremulous enthusiasm seized upon the multitude . That stately form , combining the leader and the saint , so gray , so dimly seen , in such an ancient garb , could only belong to some old champion of the righteous cause whom the oppressor 's drum had summoned from his grave . They raised a shout of awe and exultation , and looked for the deliverance of New England . The governor and the gentlemen of his party , perceiving themselves brought to an unexpected stand , rode hastily forward , as if they would have pressed their snorting and affrighted horses right against the hoary apparition . He , however , blenched not a step , but , glancing his severe eye round the group , which half encompassed him , at last bent it sternly on Sir Edmund Andros . One would have thought that the dark old man was chief ruler there , and that the governor and council with soldiers at their back , representing the whole power and authority of the Crown , had no alternative but obedience . `` What does this old fellow here ? '' cried Edward Randolph , fiercely . -- `` On , Sir Edmund ! Bid the soldiers forward , and give the dotard the same choice that you give all his countrymen -- to stand aside or be trampled on . '' `` Nay , nay ! Let us show respect to the good grandsire , '' said Bullivant , laughing . `` See you not he is some old round-headed dignitary who hath lain asleep these thirty years and knows nothing of the change of times ? Doubtless he thinks to put us down with a proclamation in Old Noll 's name . '' `` Are you mad , old man ? '' demanded Sir Edmund Andros , in loud and harsh tones . `` How dare you stay the march of King James 's governor ? '' `` I have stayed the march of a king himself ere now , '' replied the gray figure , with stern composure . `` I am here , Sir Governor , because the cry of an oppressed people hath disturbed me in my secret place , and , beseeching this favor earnestly of the Lord , it was vouchsafed me to appear once again on earth in the good old cause of his saints . And what speak ye of James ?
There is no longer a popish tyrant on the throne of XXXXX , and by to-morrow noon his name shall be a by-word in this very street , where ye would make it a word of terror .
Bullivant Edmund England James Randolph dignitary grandsire oppressor right years