It was the portrait of Edward Randolph , the founder of this house , a person famous in the history of New England . '' `` Of that Edward Randolph , '' exclaimed Captain Lincoln , `` who obtained the repeal of the first provincial charter , under which our forefathers had enjoyed almost democratic privileges -- he that was styled the arch-enemy of New England , and whose memory is still held in detestation as the destroyer of our liberties ? '' `` It was the same Randolph , '' answered Hutchinson , moving uneasily in his chair . `` It was his lot to taste the bitterness of popular odium . '' `` Our annals tell us , '' continued the captain of Castle William , `` that the curse of the people followed this Randolph where he went and wrought evil in all the subsequent events of his life , and that its effect was seen , likewise , in the manner of his death . They say , too , that the inward misery of that curse worked itself outward and was visible on the wretched man 's countenance , making it too horrible to be looked upon . If so , and if this picture truly represented his aspect , it was in mercy that the cloud of blackness has gathered over it . '' `` These traditions are folly to one who has proved , as I have , how little of historic truth lies at the bottom , '' said the lieutenant-governor . `` As regards the life and character of Edward Randolph , too implicit credence has been given to Dr. Cotton Mather , who -- I must say it , though some of his blood runs in my veins -- has filled our early history with old women 's tales as fanciful and extravagant as those of Greece or Rome . '' `` And yet , '' whispered Alice Vane , `` may not such fables have a moral ? And methinks , if the visage of this portrait be so dreadful , it is not without a cause that it has hung so long in a chamber of the province-house . When the rulers feel themselves irresponsible , it were well that they should be reminded of the awful weight of a people 's curse . '' The lieutenant-governor started and gazed for a moment at his niece , as if her girlish fantasies had struck upon some feeling in his own breast which all his policy or principles could not entirely subdue . He knew , indeed , that Alice , in spite of her foreign education , retained the native sympathies of a New England girl . `` Peace , silly child ! '' cried he , at last , more harshly than he had ever before addressed the gentle Alice . `` The rebuke of a king ; is more to be dreaded than the clamor of a wild , misguided multitude . -- Captain Lincoln , it is decided : the fortress of Castle William must be occupied by the royal troops . The two remaining regiments shall be billeted in the town or encamped upon the Common . It is time , after years of tumult , and almost rebellion , that His Majesty 's government should have a wall of strength about it . ''
`` Trust , sir -- trust yet a while to the loyalty XXXXX the people , '' said Captain Lincoln , `` nor teach them that they can ever be on other terms with British soldiers than those of brotherhood , as when they fought side by side through the French war .
As at by for if of on that under upon