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diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..abecc17 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23504 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Kenilworth, by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Kenilworth, by Sir Walter Scott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Kenilworth + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: February 21, 2006 [EBook #1606] +Last Updated: July 25, 2014 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KENILWORTH *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + KENILWORTH. + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. + </h2> + +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0006m.jpg" alt="0006m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0006.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>KENILWORTH</b></big> </a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + A certain degree of success, real or supposed, in the delineation of Queen + Mary, naturally induced the author to attempt something similar respecting + "her sister and her foe," the celebrated Elizabeth. He will not, however, + pretend to have approached the task with the same feelings; for the candid + Robertson himself confesses having felt the prejudices with which a + Scottishman is tempted to regard the subject; and what so liberal a + historian avows, a poor romance-writer dares not disown. But he hopes the + influence of a prejudice, almost as natural to him as his native air, will + not be found to have greatly affected the sketch he has attempted of + England's Elizabeth. I have endeavoured to describe her as at once a + high-minded sovereign, and a female of passionate feelings, hesitating + betwixt the sense of her rank and the duty she owed her subjects on the + one hand, and on the other her attachment to a nobleman, who, in external + qualifications at least, amply merited her favour. The interest of the + story is thrown upon that period when the sudden death of the first + Countess of Leicester seemed to open to the ambition of her husband the + opportunity of sharing the crown of his sovereign. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that slander, which very seldom favours the memories of + persons in exalted stations, may have blackened the character of Leicester + with darker shades than really belonged to it. But the almost general + voice of the times attached the most foul suspicions to the death of the + unfortunate Countess, more especially as it took place so very opportunely + for the indulgence of her lover's ambition. If we can trust Ashmole's + Antiquities of Berkshire, there was but too much ground for the traditions + which charge Leicester with the murder of his wife. In the following + extract of the passage, the reader will find the authority I had for the + story of the romance:— + </p> + <p> + "At the west end of the church are the ruins of a manor, anciently + belonging (as a cell, or place of removal, as some report) to the monks of + Abington. At the Dissolution, the said manor, or lordship, was conveyed to + one—Owen (I believe), the possessor of Godstow then. + </p> + <p> + "In the hall, over the chimney, I find Abington arms cut in stone—namely, + a patonee between four martletts; and also another escutcheon—namely, + a lion rampant, and several mitres cut in stone about the house. There is + also in the said house a chamber called Dudley's chamber, where the Earl + of Leicester's wife was murdered, of which this is the story following:— + </p> + <p> + "Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, a very goodly personage, and singularly + well featured, being a great favourite to Queen Elizabeth, it was thought, + and commonly reported, that had he been a bachelor or widower, the Queen + would have made him her husband; to this end, to free himself of all + obstacles, he commands, or perhaps, with fair flattering entreaties, + desires his wife to repose herself here at his servant Anthony Forster's + house, who then lived in the aforesaid manor-house; and also prescribes to + Sir Richard Varney (a prompter to this design), at his coming hither, that + he should first attempt to poison her, and if that did not take effect, + then by any other way whatsoever to dispatch her. This, it seems, was + proved by the report of Dr. Walter Bayly, sometime fellow of New College, + then living in Oxford, and professor of physic in that university; whom, + because he would not consent to take away her life by poison, the Earl + endeavoured to displace him the court. This man, it seems, reported for + most certain that there was a practice in Cumnor among the conspirators, + to have poisoned this poor innocent lady, a little before she was killed, + which was attempted after this manner:—They seeing the good lady sad + and heavy (as one that well knew, by her other handling, that her death + was not far off), began to persuade her that her present disease was + abundance of melancholy and other humours, etc., and therefore would needs + counsel her to take some potion, which she absolutely refusing to do, as + still suspecting the worst; whereupon they sent a messenger on a day + (unawares to her) for Dr. Bayly, and entreated him to persuade her to take + some little potion by his direction, and they would fetch the same at + Oxford; meaning to have added something of their own for her comfort, as + the doctor upon just cause and consideration did suspect, seeing their + great importunity, and the small need the lady had of physic, and + therefore he peremptorily denied their request; misdoubting (as he + afterwards reported) lest, if they had poisoned her under the name of his + potion, he might after have been hanged for a colour of their sin, and the + doctor remained still well assured that this way taking no effect, she + would not long escape their violence, which afterwards happened thus. For + Sir Richard Varney abovesaid (the chief projector in this design), who, by + the Earl's order, remained that day of her death alone with her, with one + man only and Forster, who had that day forcibly sent away all her servants + from her to Abington market, about three miles distant from this place; + they (I say, whether first stifling her, or else strangling her) + afterwards flung her down a pair of stairs and broke her neck, using much + violence upon her; but, however, though it was vulgarly reported that she + by chance fell downstairs (but still without hurting her hood that was + upon her head), yet the inhabitants will tell you there that she was + conveyed from her usual chamber where she lay, to another where the bed's + head of the chamber stood close to a privy postern door, where they in the + night came and stifled her in her bed, bruised her head very much broke + her neck, and at length flung her down stairs, thereby believing the world + would have thought it a mischance, and so have blinded their villainy. But + behold the mercy and justice of God in revenging and discovering this + lady's murder; for one of the persons that was a coadjutor in this murder + was afterwards taken for a felony in the marches of Wales, and offering to + publish the manner of the aforesaid murder, was privately made away in the + prison by the Earl's appointment; and Sir Richard Varney the other, dying + about the same time in London, cried miserably, and blasphemed God, and + said to a person of note (who hath related the same to others since), not + long before his death, that all the devils in hell did tear him in pieces. + Forster, likewise, after this fact, being a man formerly addicted to + hospitality, company, mirth, and music, was afterwards observed to forsake + all this, and with much melancholy and pensiveness (some say with madness) + pined and drooped away. The wife also of Bald Butter, kinsman to the Earl, + gave out the whole fact a little before her death. Neither are these + following passages to be forgotten, that as soon as ever she was murdered, + they made great haste to bury her before the coroner had given in his + inquest (which the Earl himself condemned as not done advisedly), which + her father, or Sir John Robertsett (as I suppose), hearing of, came with + all speed hither, caused her corpse to be taken up, the coroner to sit + upon her, and further inquiry to be made concerning this business to the + full; but it was generally thought that the Earl stopped his mouth, and + made up the business betwixt them; and the good Earl, to make plain to the + world the great love he bare to her while alive, and what a grief the loss + of so virtuous a lady was to his tender heart, caused (though the thing, + by these and other means, was beaten into the heads of the principal men + of the University of Oxford) her body to be reburied in St, Mary's Church + in Oxford, with great pomp and solemnity. It is remarkable, when Dr. + Babington, the Earl's chaplain, did preach the funeral sermon, he tript + once or twice in his speech, by recommending to their memories that + virtuous lady so pitifully murdered, instead of saying pitifully slain. + This Earl, after all his murders and poisonings, was himself poisoned by + that which was prepared for others (some say by his wife at Cornbury Lodge + before mentioned), though Baker in his Chronicle would have it at + Killingworth; anno 1588." [Ashmole's Antiquities of Berkshire, vol.i., + p.149. The tradition as to Leicester's death was thus communicated by Ben + Jonson to Drummond of Hawthornden:—"The Earl of Leicester gave a + bottle of liquor to his Lady, which he willed her to use in any faintness, + which she, after his returne from court, not knowing it was poison, gave + him, and so he died."—BEN JONSON'S INFORMATION TO DRUMMOND OF + HAWTHORNDEN, MS., SIR ROBERT SIBBALD'S COPY.] + </p> + <p> + The same accusation has been adopted and circulated by the author of + Leicester's Commonwealth, a satire written directly against the Earl of + Leicester, which loaded him with the most horrid crimes, and, among the + rest, with the murder of his first wife. It was alluded to in the + Yorkshire Tragedy, a play erroneously ascribed to Shakespeare, where a + baker, who determines to destroy all his family, throws his wife + downstairs, with this allusion to the supposed murder of Leicester's lady,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The only way to charm a woman's tongue + Is, break her neck—a politician did it." +</pre> + <p> + The reader will find I have borrowed several incidents as well as names + from Ashmole, and the more early authorities; but my first acquaintance + with the history was through the more pleasing medium of verse. There is a + period in youth when the mere power of numbers has a more strong effect on + ear and imagination than in more advanced life. At this season of immature + taste, the author was greatly delighted with the poems of Mickle and + Langhorne, poets who, though by no means deficient in the higher branches + of their art, were eminent for their powers of verbal melody above most + who have practised this department of poetry. One of those pieces of + Mickle, which the author was particularly pleased with, is a ballad, or + rather a species of elegy, on the subject of Cumnor Hall, which, with + others by the same author, was to be found in Evans's Ancient Ballads + (vol. iv., page 130), to which work Mickle made liberal contributions. The + first stanza especially had a peculiar species of enchantment for the + youthful ear of the author, the force of which is not even now entirely + spent; some others are sufficiently prosaic. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CUMNOR HALL. + + The dews of summer night did fall; + The moon, sweet regent of the sky, + Silver'd the walls of Cumnor Hall, + And many an oak that grew thereby, + + Now nought was heard beneath the skies, + The sounds of busy life were still, + Save an unhappy lady's sighs, + That issued from that lonely pile. + + "Leicester," she cried, "is this thy love + That thou so oft hast sworn to me, + To leave me in this lonely grove, + Immured in shameful privity? + + "No more thou com'st with lover's speed, + Thy once beloved bride to see; + But be she alive, or be she dead, + I fear, stern Earl, 's the same to thee. + + "Not so the usage I received + When happy in my father's hall; + No faithless husband then me grieved, + No chilling fears did me appal. + + "I rose up with the cheerful morn, + No lark more blithe, no flower more gay; + And like the bird that haunts the thorn, + So merrily sung the livelong day. + + "If that my beauty is but small, + Among court ladies all despised, + Why didst thou rend it from that hall, + Where, scornful Earl, it well was prized? + + "And when you first to me made suit, + How fair I was you oft would say! + And proud of conquest, pluck'd the fruit, + Then left the blossom to decay. + + "Yes! now neglected and despised, + The rose is pale, the lily's dead; + But he that once their charms so prized, + Is sure the cause those charms are fled. + + "For know, when sick'ning grief doth prey, + And tender love's repaid with scorn, + The sweetest beauty will decay,— + What floweret can endure the storm? + + "At court, I'm told, is beauty's throne, + Where every lady's passing rare, + That Eastern flowers, that shame the sun, + Are not so glowing, not so fair. + + "Then, Earl, why didst thou leave the beds + Where roses and where lilies vie, + To seek a primrose, whose pale shades + Must sicken when those gauds are by? + + "'Mong rural beauties I was one, + Among the fields wild flowers are fair; + Some country swain might me have won, + And thought my beauty passing rare. + + "But, Leicester (or I much am wrong), + Or 'tis not beauty lures thy vows; + Rather ambition's gilded crown + Makes thee forget thy humble spouse. + + "Then, Leicester, why, again I plead + (The injured surely may repine)— + Why didst thou wed a country maid, + When some fair princess might be thine? + + "Why didst thou praise my hum'ble charms, + And, oh! then leave them to decay? + Why didst thou win me to thy arms, + Then leave to mourn the livelong day? + + "The village maidens of the plain + Salute me lowly as they go; + Envious they mark my silken train, + Nor think a Countess can have woe. + + "The simple nymphs! they little know + How far more happy's their estate; + To smile for joy, than sigh for woe— + To be content, than to be great. + + "How far less blest am I than them? + Daily to pine and waste with care! + Like the poor plant that, from its stem + Divided, feels the chilling air. + + "Nor, cruel Earl! can I enjoy + The humble charms of solitude; + Your minions proud my peace destroy, + By sullen frowns or pratings rude. + + "Last night, as sad I chanced to stray, + The village death-bell smote my ear; + They wink'd aside, and seemed to say, + 'Countess, prepare, thy end is near!' + + "And now, while happy peasants sleep, + Here I sit lonely and forlorn; + No one to soothe me as I weep, + Save Philomel on yonder thorn. + + "My spirits flag—my hopes decay— + Still that dread death-bell smites my ear; + And many a boding seems to say, + 'Countess, prepare, thy end is near!'" + + Thus sore and sad that lady grieved, + In Cumnor Hall, so lone and drear; + And many a heartfelt sigh she heaved, + And let fall many a bitter tear. + + And ere the dawn of day appear'd, + In Cumnor Hall, so lone and drear, + Full many a piercing scream was heard, + And many a cry of mortal fear. + + The death-bell thrice was heard to ring, + An aerial voice was heard to call, + And thrice the raven flapp'd its wing + Around the towers of Cumnor Hall. + + The mastiff howl'd at village door, + The oaks were shatter'd on the green; + Woe was the hour—for never more + That hapless Countess e'er was seen! + + And in that Manor now no more + Is cheerful feast and sprightly ball; + For ever since that dreary hour + Have spirits haunted Cumnor Hall. + + The village maids, with fearful glance, + Avoid the ancient moss-grown wall; + Nor ever lead the merry dance, + Among the groves of Cumnor Hall. + + Full many a traveller oft hath sigh'd, + And pensive wept the Countess' fall, + As wand'ring onward they've espied + The haunted towers of Cumnor Hall. +</pre> + <p> + ARBOTSFORD, 1st March 1831. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + KENILWORTH + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I am an innkeeper, and know my grounds, + And study them; Brain o' man, I study them. + I must have jovial guests to drive my ploughs, + And whistling boys to bring my harvests home, + Or I shall hear no flails thwack. THE NEW INN. +</pre> + <p> + It is the privilege of tale-tellers to open their story in an inn, the + free rendezvous of all travellers, and where the humour of each displays + itself without ceremony or restraint. This is specially suitable when the + scene is laid during the old days of merry England, when the guests were + in some sort not merely the inmates, but the messmates and temporary + companions of mine Host, who was usually a personage of privileged + freedom, comely presence, and good-humour. Patronized by him the + characters of the company were placed in ready contrast; and they seldom + failed, during the emptying of a six-hooped pot, to throw off reserve, and + present themselves to each other, and to their landlord, with the freedom + of old acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + The village of Cumnor, within three or four miles of Oxford, boasted, + during the eighteenth of Queen Elizabeth, an excellent inn of the old + stamp, conducted, or rather ruled, by Giles Gosling, a man of a goodly + person, and of somewhat round belly; fifty years of age and upwards, + moderate in his reckonings, prompt in his payments, having a cellar of + sound liquor, a ready wit, and a pretty daughter. Since the days of old + Harry Baillie of the Tabard in Southwark, no one had excelled Giles + Gosling in the power of pleasing his guests of every description; and so + great was his fame, that to have been in Cumnor without wetting a cup at + the bonny Black Bear, would have been to avouch one's-self utterly + indifferent to reputation as a traveller. A country fellow might as well + return from London without looking in the face of majesty. The men of + Cumnor were proud of their Host, and their Host was proud of his house, + his liquor, his daughter, and himself. + </p> + <p> + It was in the courtyard of the inn which called this honest fellow + landlord, that a traveller alighted in the close of the evening, gave his + horse, which seemed to have made a long journey, to the hostler, and made + some inquiry, which produced the following dialogue betwixt the myrmidons + of the bonny Black Bear. + </p> + <p> + "What, ho! John Tapster." + </p> + <p> + "At hand, Will Hostler," replied the man of the spigot, showing himself in + his costume of loose jacket, linen breeches, and green apron, half within + and half without a door, which appeared to descend to an outer cellar. + </p> + <p> + "Here is a gentleman asks if you draw good ale," continued the hostler. + </p> + <p> + "Beshrew my heart else," answered the tapster, "since there are but four + miles betwixt us and Oxford. Marry, if my ale did not convince the heads + of the scholars, they would soon convince my pate with the pewter flagon." + </p> + <p> + "Call you that Oxford logic?" said the stranger, who had now quitted the + rein of his horse, and was advancing towards the inn-door, when he was + encountered by the goodly form of Giles Gosling himself. + </p> + <p> + "Is it logic you talk of, Sir Guest?" said the host; "why, then, have at + you with a downright consequence— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'The horse to the rack, + And to fire with the sack.'" +</pre> + <p> + "Amen! with all my heart, my good host," said the stranger; "let it be a + quart of your best Canaries, and give me your good help to drink it." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, you are but in your accidence yet, Sir Traveller, if you call on + your host for help for such a sipping matter as a quart of sack; Were it a + gallon, you might lack some neighbouring aid at my hand, and yet call + yourself a toper." + </p> + <p> + "Fear me not." said the guest, "I will do my devoir as becomes a man who + finds himself within five miles of Oxford; for I am not come from the + field of Mars to discredit myself amongst the followers of Minerva." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke thus, the landlord, with much semblance of hearty welcome, + ushered his guest into a large, low chamber, where several persons were + seated together in different parties—some drinking, some playing at + cards, some conversing, and some, whose business called them to be early + risers on the morrow, concluding their evening meal, and conferring with + the chamberlain about their night's quarters. + </p> + <p> + The entrance of a stranger procured him that general and careless sort of + attention which is usually paid on such occasions, from which the + following results were deduced:—The guest was one of those who, with + a well-made person, and features not in themselves unpleasing, are + nevertheless so far from handsome that, whether from the expression of + their features, or the tone of their voice, or from their gait and manner, + there arises, on the whole, a disinclination to their society. The + stranger's address was bold, without being frank, and seemed eagerly and + hastily to claim for him a degree of attention and deference which he + feared would be refused, if not instantly vindicated as his right. His + attire was a riding-cloak, which, when open, displayed a handsome jerkin + overlaid with lace, and belted with a buff girdle, which sustained a + broadsword and a pair of pistols. + </p> + <p> + "You ride well provided, sir," said the host, looking at the weapons as he + placed on the table the mulled sack which the traveller had ordered. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mine host; I have found the use on't in dangerous times, and I do + not, like your modern grandees, turn off my followers the instant they are + useless." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir?" said Giles Gosling; "then you are from the Low Countries, the + land of pike and caliver?" + </p> + <p> + "I have been high and low, my friend, broad and wide, far and near. But + here is to thee in a cup of thy sack; fill thyself another to pledge me, + and, if it is less than superlative, e'en drink as you have brewed." + </p> + <p> + "Less than superlative?" said Giles Gosling, drinking off the cup, and + smacking his lips with an air of ineffable relish,—"I know nothing + of superlative, nor is there such a wine at the Three Cranes, in the + Vintry, to my knowledge; but if you find better sack than that in the + Sheres, or in the Canaries either, I would I may never touch either pot or + penny more. Why, hold it up betwixt you and the light, you shall see the + little motes dance in the golden liquor like dust in the sunbeam. But I + would rather draw wine for ten clowns than one traveller.—I trust + your honour likes the wine?" + </p> + <p> + "It is neat and comfortable, mine host; but to know good liquor, you + should drink where the vine grows. Trust me, your Spaniard is too wise a + man to send you the very soul of the grape. Why, this now, which you + account so choice, were counted but as a cup of bastard at the Groyne, or + at Port St. Mary's. You should travel, mine host, if you would be deep in + the mysteries of the butt and pottle-pot." + </p> + <p> + "In troth, Signior Guest," said Giles Gosling, "if I were to travel only + that I might be discontented with that which I can get at home, methinks I + should go but on a fool's errand. Besides, I warrant you, there is many a + fool can turn his nose up at good drink without ever having been out of + the smoke of Old England; and so ever gramercy mine own fireside." + </p> + <p> + "This is but a mean mind of yours, mine host," said the stranger; "I + warrant me, all your town's folk do not think so basely. You have gallants + among you, I dare undertake, that have made the Virginia voyage, or taken + a turn in the Low Countries at least. Come, cudgel your memory. Have you + no friends in foreign parts that you would gladly have tidings of?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, sir, not I," answered the host, "since ranting Robin of + Drysandford was shot at the siege of the Brill. The devil take the caliver + that fired the ball, for a blither lad never filled a cup at midnight! But + he is dead and gone, and I know not a soldier, or a traveller, who is a + soldier's mate, that I would give a peeled codling for." + </p> + <p> + "By the Mass, that is strange. What! so many of our brave English hearts + are abroad, and you, who seem to be a man of mark, have no friend, no + kinsman among them?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, if you speak of kinsmen," answered Gosling, "I have one wild slip of + a kinsman, who left us in the last year of Queen Mary; but he is better + lost than found." + </p> + <p> + "Do not say so, friend, unless you have heard ill of him lately. Many a + wild colt has turned out a noble steed.—His name, I pray you?" + </p> + <p> + "Michael Lambourne," answered the landlord of the Black Bear; "a son of my + sister's—there is little pleasure in recollecting either the name or + the connection." + </p> + <p> + "Michael Lambourne!" said the stranger, as if endeavouring to recollect + himself—"what, no relation to Michael Lambourne, the gallant + cavalier who behaved so bravely at the siege of Venlo that Grave Maurice + thanked him at the head of the army? Men said he was an English cavalier, + and of no high extraction." + </p> + <p> + "It could scarcely be my nephew," said Giles Gosling, "for he had not the + courage of a hen-partridge for aught but mischief." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, many a man finds courage in the wars," replied the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "It may be," said the landlord; "but I would have thought our Mike more + likely to lose the little he had." + </p> + <p> + "The Michael Lambourne whom I knew," continued the traveller, "was a + likely fellow—went always gay and well attired, and had a hawk's eye + after a pretty wench." + </p> + <p> + "Our Michael," replied the host, "had the look of a dog with a bottle at + its tail, and wore a coat, every rag of which was bidding good-day to the + rest." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, men pick up good apparel in the wars," replied the guest. + </p> + <p> + "Our Mike," answered the landlord, "was more like to pick it up in a + frippery warehouse, while the broker was looking another way; and, for the + hawk's eye you talk of, his was always after my stray spoons. He was + tapster's boy here in this blessed house for a quarter of a year; and + between misreckonings, miscarriages, mistakes, and misdemeanours, had he + dwelt with me for three months longer, I might have pulled down sign, shut + up house, and given the devil the key to keep." + </p> + <p> + "You would be sorry, after all," continued the traveller, "were I to tell + you poor Mike Lambourne was shot at the head of his regiment at the taking + of a sconce near Maestricht?" + </p> + <p> + "Sorry!—it would be the blithest news I ever heard of him, since it + would ensure me he was not hanged. But let him pass—I doubt his end + will never do such credit to his friends. Were it so, I should say"—(taking + another cup of sack)—"Here's God rest him, with all my heart." + </p> + <p> + "Tush, man," replied the traveller, "never fear but you will have credit + by your nephew yet, especially if he be the Michael Lambourne whom I knew, + and loved very nearly, or altogether, as well as myself. Can you tell me + no mark by which I could judge whether they be the same?" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, none that I can think of," answered Giles Gosling, "unless that + our Mike had the gallows branded on his left shoulder for stealing a + silver caudle-cup from Dame Snort of Hogsditch." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, there you lie like a knave, uncle," said the stranger, slipping + aside his ruff; and turning down the sleeve of his doublet from his neck + and shoulder; "by this good day, my shoulder is as unscarred as thine own. + </p> + <p> + "What, Mike, boy—Mike!" exclaimed the host;—"and is it thou, + in good earnest? Nay, I have judged so for this half-hour; for I knew no + other person would have ta'en half the interest in thee. But, Mike, an thy + shoulder be unscathed as thou sayest, thou must own that Goodman Thong, + the hangman, was merciful in his office, and stamped thee with a cold + iron." + </p> + <p> + "Tush, uncle—truce with your jests. Keep them to season your sour + ale, and let us see what hearty welcome thou wilt give a kinsman who has + rolled the world around for eighteen years; who has seen the sun set where + it rises, and has travelled till the west has become the east." + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast brought back one traveller's gift with thee, Mike, as I well + see; and that was what thou least didst: need to travel for. I remember + well, among thine other qualities, there was no crediting a word which + came from thy mouth." + </p> + <p> + "Here's an unbelieving pagan for you, gentlemen!" said Michael Lambourne, + turning to those who witnessed this strange interview betwixt uncle and + nephew, some of whom, being natives of the village, were no strangers to + his juvenile wildness. "This may be called slaying a Cumnor fatted calf + for me with a vengeance.—But, uncle, I come not from the husks and + the swine-trough, and I care not for thy welcome or no welcome; I carry + that with me will make me welcome, wend where I will." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he pulled out a purse of gold indifferently well filled, the + sight of which produced a visible effect upon the company. Some shook + their heads and whispered to each other, while one or two of the less + scrupulous speedily began to recollect him as a school-companion, a + townsman, or so forth. On the other hand, two or three grave, + sedate-looking persons shook their heads, and left the inn, hinting that, + if Giles Gosling wished to continue to thrive, he should turn his + thriftless, godless nephew adrift again, as soon as he could. Gosling + demeaned himself as if he were much of the same opinion, for even the + sight of the gold made less impression on the honest gentleman than it + usually doth upon one of his calling. + </p> + <p> + "Kinsman Michael," he said, "put up thy purse. My sister's son shall be + called to no reckoning in my house for supper or lodging; and I reckon + thou wilt hardly wish to stay longer where thou art e'en but too well + known." + </p> + <p> + "For that matter, uncle," replied the traveller, "I shall consult my own + needs and conveniences. Meantime I wish to give the supper and sleeping + cup to those good townsmen who are not too proud to remember Mike + Lambourne, the tapster's boy. If you will let me have entertainment for my + money, so; if not, it is but a short two minutes' walk to the Hare and + Tabor, and I trust our neighbours will not grudge going thus far with me." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, Mike," replied his uncle, "as eighteen years have gone over thy + head, and I trust thou art somewhat amended in thy conditions, thou shalt + not leave my house at this hour, and shalt e'en have whatever in reason + you list to call for. But I would I knew that that purse of thine, which + thou vapourest of, were as well come by as it seems well filled." + </p> + <p> + "Here is an infidel for you, my good neighbours!" said Lambourne, again + appealing to the audience. "Here's a fellow will rip up his kinsman's + follies of a good score of years' standing. And for the gold, why, sirs, I + have been where it grew, and was to be had for the gathering. In the New + World have I been, man—in the Eldorado, where urchins play at + cherry-pit with diamonds, and country wenches thread rubies for necklaces, + instead of rowan-tree berries; where the pantiles are made of pure gold, + and the paving-stones of virgin silver." + </p> + <p> + "By my credit, friend Mike," said young Laurence Goldthred, the cutting + mercer of Abingdon, "that were a likely coast to trade to. And what may + lawns, cypruses, and ribands fetch, where gold is so plenty?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the profit were unutterable," replied Lambourne, "especially when a + handsome young merchant bears the pack himself; for the ladies of that + clime are bona-robas, and being themselves somewhat sunburnt, they catch + fire like tinder at a fresh complexion like thine, with a head of hair + inclining to be red." + </p> + <p> + "I would I might trade thither," said the mercer, chuckling. + </p> + <p> + "Why, and so thou mayest," said Michael—"that is, if thou art the + same brisk boy who was partner with me at robbing the Abbot's orchard. + 'Tis but a little touch of alchemy to decoct thy house and land into ready + money, and that ready money into a tall ship, with sails, anchors, + cordage, and all things conforming; then clap thy warehouse of goods under + hatches, put fifty good fellows on deck, with myself to command them, and + so hoist topsails, and hey for the New World!" + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast taught him a secret, kinsman," said Giles Gosling, "to decoct, + an that be the word, his pound into a penny and his webs into a thread.—Take + a fool's advice, neighbour Goldthred. Tempt not the sea, for she is a + devourer. Let cards and cockatrices do their worst, thy father's bales may + bide a banging for a year or two ere thou comest to the Spital; but the + sea hath a bottomless appetite,—she would swallow the wealth of + Lombard Street in a morning, as easily as I would a poached egg and a cup + of clary. And for my kinsman's Eldorado, never trust me if I do not + believe he has found it in the pouches of some such gulls as thyself.—But + take no snuff in the nose about it; fall to and welcome, for here comes + the supper, and I heartily bestow it on all that will take share, in + honour of my hopeful nephew's return, always trusting that he has come + home another man.—In faith, kinsman, thou art as like my poor sister + as ever was son to mother." + </p> + <p> + "Not quite so like old Benedict Lambourne, her husband, though," said the + mercer, nodding and winking. "Dost thou remember, Mike, what thou saidst + when the schoolmaster's ferule was over thee for striking up thy father's + crutches?—it is a wise child, saidst thou, that knows its own + father. Dr. Bircham laughed till he cried again, and his crying saved + yours." + </p> + <p> + "Well, he made it up to me many a day after," said Lambourne; "and how is + the worthy pedagogue?" + </p> + <p> + "Dead," said Giles Gosling, "this many a day since." + </p> + <p> + "That he is," said the clerk of the parish; "I sat by his bed the whilst. + He passed away in a blessed frame. 'MORIOR—MORTUUS SUM VEL FUI—MORI'—these + were his latest words; and he just added, 'my last verb is conjugated." + </p> + <p> + "Well, peace be with him," said Mike, "he owes me nothing." + </p> + <p> + "No, truly," replied Goldthred; "and every lash which he laid on thee, he + always was wont to say, he spared the hangman a labour." + </p> + <p> + "One would have thought he left him little to do then," said the clerk; + "and yet Goodman Thong had no sinecure of it with our friend, after all." + </p> + <p> + "VOTO A DIOS!" exclaimed Lambourne, his patience appearing to fail him, as + he snatched his broad, slouched hat from the table and placed it on his + head, so that the shadow gave the sinister expression of a Spanish brave + to eyes and features which naturally boded nothing pleasant. "Hark'ee, my + masters—all is fair among friends, and under the rose; and I have + already permitted my worthy uncle here, and all of you, to use your + pleasure with the frolics of my nonage. But I carry sword and dagger, my + good friends, and can use them lightly too upon occasion. I have learned + to be dangerous upon points of honour ever since I served the Spaniard, + and I would not have you provoke me to the degree of falling foul." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what would you do?" said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir, what would you do?" said the mercer, bustling up on the other + side of the table. + </p> + <p> + "Slit your throat, and spoil your Sunday's quavering, Sir Clerk," said + Lambourne fiercely; "cudgel you, my worshipful dealer in flimsy sarsenets, + into one of your own bales." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said the host, interposing, "I will have no swaggering here.—Nephew, + it will become you best to show no haste to take offence; and you, + gentlemen, will do well to remember, that if you are in an inn, still you + are the inn-keeper's guests, and should spare the honour of his family.—I + protest your silly broils make me as oblivious as yourself; for yonder + sits my silent guest as I call him, who hath been my two days' inmate, and + hath never spoken a word, save to ask for his food and his reckoning—gives + no more trouble than a very peasant—pays his shot like a prince + royal—looks but at the sum total of the reckoning, and does not know + what day he shall go away. Oh, 'tis a jewel of a guest! and yet, hang-dog + that I am, I have suffered him to sit by himself like a castaway in yonder + obscure nook, without so much as asking him to take bite or sup along with + us. It were but the right guerdon of my incivility were he to set off to + the Hare and Tabor before the night grows older." + </p> + <p> + With his white napkin gracefully arranged over his left arm, his velvet + cap laid aside for the moment, and his best silver flagon in his right + hand, mine host walked up to the solitary guest whom he mentioned, and + thereby turned upon him the eyes of the assembled company. + </p> + <p> + He was a man aged betwixt twenty-five and thirty, rather above the middle + size, dressed with plainness and decency, yet bearing an air of ease which + almost amounted to dignity, and which seemed to infer that his habit was + rather beneath his rank. His countenance was reserved and thoughtful, with + dark hair and dark eyes; the last, upon any momentary excitement, sparkled + with uncommon lustre, but on other occasions had the same meditative and + tranquil cast which was exhibited by his features. The busy curiosity of + the little village had been employed to discover his name and quality, as + well as his business at Cumnor; but nothing had transpired on either + subject which could lead to its gratification. Giles Gosling, head-borough + of the place, and a steady friend to Queen Elizabeth and the Protestant + religion, was at one time inclined to suspect his guest of being a Jesuit, + or seminary priest, of whom Rome and Spain sent at this time so many to + grace the gallows in England. But it was scarce possible to retain such a + prepossession against a guest who gave so little trouble, paid his + reckoning so regularly, and who proposed, as it seemed, to make a + considerable stay at the bonny Black Bear. + </p> + <p> + "Papists," argued Giles Gosling, "are a pinching, close-fisted race, and + this man would have found a lodging with the wealthy squire at Bessellsey, + or with the old Knight at Wootton, or in some other of their Roman dens, + instead of living in a house of public entertainment, as every honest man + and good Christian should. Besides, on Friday he stuck by the salt beef + and carrot, though there were as good spitch-cocked eels on the board as + ever were ta'en out of the Isis." + </p> + <p> + Honest Giles, therefore, satisfied himself that his guest was no Roman, + and with all comely courtesy besought the stranger to pledge him in a + draught of the cool tankard, and honour with his attention a small + collation which he was giving to his nephew, in honour of his return, and, + as he verily hoped, of his reformation. The stranger at first shook his + head, as if declining the courtesy; but mine host proceeded to urge him + with arguments founded on the credit of his house, and the construction + which the good people of Cumnor might put upon such an unsocial humour. + </p> + <p> + "By my faith, sir," he said, "it touches my reputation that men should be + merry in my house; and we have ill tongues amongst us at Cumnor (as where + be there not?), who put an evil mark on men who pull their hat over their + brows, as if they were looking back to the days that are gone, instead of + enjoying the blithe sunshiny weather which God has sent us in the sweet + looks of our sovereign mistress, Queen Elizabeth, whom Heaven long bless + and preserve!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, mine host," answered the stranger, "there is no treason, sure, in a + man's enjoying his own thoughts, under the shadow of his own bonnet? You + have lived in the world twice as long as I have, and you must know there + are thoughts that will haunt us in spite of ourselves, and to which it is + in vain to say, Begone, and let me be merry." + </p> + <p> + "By my sooth," answered Giles Gosling, "if such troublesome thoughts haunt + your mind, and will not get them gone for plain English, we will have one + of Father Bacon's pupils from Oxford, to conjure them away with logic and + with Hebrew—or, what say you to laying them in a glorious red sea of + claret, my noble guest? Come, sir, excuse my freedom. I am an old host, + and must have my talk. This peevish humour of melancholy sits ill upon + you; it suits not with a sleek boot, a hat of trim block, a fresh cloak, + and a full purse. A pize on it! send it off to those who have their legs + swathed with a hay-wisp, their heads thatched with a felt bonnet, their + jerkin as thin as a cobweb, and their pouch without ever a cross to keep + the fiend Melancholy from dancing in it. Cheer up, sir! or, by this good + liquor, we shall banish thee from the joys of blithesome company, into the + mists of melancholy and the land of little-ease. Here be a set of good + fellows willing to be merry; do not scowl on them like the devil looking + over Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + "You say well, my worthy host," said the guest, with a melancholy smile, + which, melancholy as it was, gave a very pleasant: expression to his + countenance—"you say well, my jovial friend; and they that are moody + like myself should not disturb the mirth of those who are happy. I will + drink a round with your guests with all my heart, rather than be termed a + mar-feast." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he arose and joined the company, who, encouraged by the precept + and example of Michael Lambourne, and consisting chiefly of persons much + disposed to profit by the opportunity of a merry meal at the expense of + their landlord, had already made some inroads upon the limits of + temperance, as was evident from the tone in which Michael inquired after + his old acquaintances in the town, and the bursts of laughter with which + each answer was received. Giles Gosling himself was somewhat scandalized + at the obstreperous nature of their mirth, especially as he involuntarily + felt some respect for his unknown guest. He paused, therefore, at some + distance from the table occupied by these noisy revellers, and began to + make a sort of apology for their license. + </p> + <p> + "You would think," he said, "to hear these fellows talk, that there was + not one of them who had not been bred to live by Stand and Deliver; and + yet tomorrow you will find them a set of as painstaking mechanics, and so + forth, as ever cut an inch short of measure, or paid a letter of change in + light crowns over a counter. The mercer there wears his hat awry, over a + shaggy head of hair, that looks like a curly water-dog's back, goes + unbraced, wears his cloak on one side, and affects a ruffianly vapouring + humour: when in his shop at Abingdon, he is, from his flat cap to his + glistening shoes, as precise in his apparel as if he was named for mayor. + He talks of breaking parks, and taking the highway, in such fashion that + you would think he haunted every night betwixt Hounslow and London; when + in fact he may be found sound asleep on his feather-bed, with a candle + placed beside him on one side, and a Bible on the other, to fright away + the goblins." + </p> + <p> + "And your nephew, mine host, this same Michael Lambourne, who is lord of + the feast—is he, too, such a would-be ruffler as the rest of them?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, there you push me hard," said the host; "my nephew is my nephew, and + though he was a desperate Dick of yore, yet Mike may have mended like + other folks, you wot. And I would not have you think all I said of him, + even now, was strict gospel; I knew the wag all the while, and wished to + pluck his plumes from him. And now, sir, by what name shall I present my + worshipful guest to these gallants?" + </p> + <p> + "Marry, mine host," replied the stranger, "you may call me Tressilian." + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian?" answered mine host of the Bear. "A worthy name, and, as I + think, of Cornish lineage; for what says the south proverb— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'By Pol, Tre, and Pen, + You may know the Cornish men.' +</pre> + <p> + Shall I say the worthy Master Tressilian of Cornwall?" + </p> + <p> + "Say no more than I have given you warrant for, mine host, and so shall + you be sure you speak no more than is true. A man may have one of those + honourable prefixes to his name, yet be born far from Saint Michael's + Mount." + </p> + <p> + Mine host pushed his curiosity no further, but presented Master Tressilian + to his nephew's company, who, after exchange of salutations, and drinking + to the health of their new companion, pursued the conversation in which he + found them engaged, seasoning it with many an intervening pledge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Talk you of young Master Lancelot? —MERCHANT OF VENICE. +</pre> + <p> + After some brief interval, Master Goldthred, at the earnest instigation of + mine host, and the joyous concurrence of his guest, indulged the company + with, the following morsel of melody:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Of all the birds on bush or tree, + Commend me to the owl, + Since he may best ensample be + To those the cup that trowl. + For when the sun hath left the west, + He chooses the tree that he loves the best, + And he whoops out his song, and he laughs at his jest; + Then, though hours be late and weather foul, + We'll drink to the health of the bonny, bonny owl. + + "The lark is but a bumpkin fowl, + He sleeps in his nest till morn; + But my blessing upon the jolly owl, + That all night blows his horn. + Then up with your cup till you stagger in speech, + And match me this catch till you swagger and screech, + And drink till you wink, my merry men each; + For, though hours be late and weather be foul, + We'll drink to the health of the bonny, bonny owl." +</pre> + <p> + "There is savour in this, my hearts," said Michael, when the mercer had + finished his song, "and some goodness seems left among you yet; but what a + bead-roll you have read me of old comrades, and to every man's name tacked + some ill-omened motto! And so Swashing Will of Wallingford hath bid us + good-night?" + </p> + <p> + "He died the death of a fat buck," said one of the party, "being shot with + a crossbow bolt, by old Thatcham, the Duke's stout park-keeper at + Donnington Castle." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, he always loved venison well," replied Michael, "and a cup of + claret to boot—and so here's one to his memory. Do me right, my + masters." + </p> + <p> + When the memory of this departed worthy had been duly honoured, Lambourne + proceeded to inquire after Prance of Padworth. + </p> + <p> + "Pranced off—made immortal ten years since," said the mercer; + "marry, sir, Oxford Castle and Goodman Thong, and a tenpenny-worth of + cord, best know how." + </p> + <p> + "What, so they hung poor Prance high and dry? so much for loving to walk + by moonlight. A cup to his memory, my masters-all merry fellows like + moonlight. What has become of Hal with the Plume—he who lived near + Yattenden, and wore the long feather?—I forget his name." + </p> + <p> + "What, Hal Hempseed?" replied the mercer. "Why, you may remember he was a + sort of a gentleman, and would meddle in state matters, and so he got into + the mire about the Duke of Norfolk's affair these two or three years + since, fled the country with a pursuivant's warrant at his heels, and has + never since been heard of." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, after these baulks," said Michael Lambourne, "I need hardly inquire + after Tony Foster; for when ropes, and crossbow shafts, and pursuivant's + warrants, and such-like gear, were so rife, Tony could hardly 'scape + them." + </p> + <p> + "Which Tony Foster mean you?" said the innkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "Why, him they called Tony Fire-the-Fagot, because he brought a light to + kindle the pile round Latimer and Ridley, when the wind blew out Jack + Thong's torch, and no man else would give him light for love or money." + </p> + <p> + "Tony Foster lives and thrives," said the host. "But, kinsman, I would not + have you call him Tony Fire-the-Fagot, if you would not brook the stab." + </p> + <p> + "How! is he grown ashamed on't?" said Lambourne, "Why, he was wont to + boast of it, and say he liked as well to see a roasted heretic as a + roasted ox." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but, kinsman, that was in Mary's time," replied the landlord, "when + Tony's father was reeve here to the Abbot of Abingdon. But since that, + Tony married a pure precisian, and is as good a Protestant, I warrant you, + as the best." + </p> + <p> + "And looks grave, and holds his head high, and scorns his old companions," + said the mercer. + </p> + <p> + "Then he hath prospered, I warrant him," said Lambourne; "for ever when a + man hath got nobles of his own, he keeps out of the way of those whose + exchequers lie in other men's purchase." + </p> + <p> + "Prospered, quotha!" said the mercer; "why, you remember Cumnor Place, the + old mansion-house beside the churchyard?" + </p> + <p> + "By the same token, I robbed the orchard three times—what of that? + It was the old abbot's residence when there was plague or sickness at + Abingdon." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said the host, "but that has been long over; and Anthony Foster hath + a right in it, and lives there by some grant from a great courtier, who + had the church-lands from the crown. And there he dwells, and has as + little to do with any poor wight in Cumnor, as if he were himself a belted + knight." + </p> + <p> + "Nay," said the mercer, "it is not altogether pride in Tony neither; there + is a fair lady in the case, and Tony will scarce let the light of day look + on her." + </p> + <p> + "How!" said Tressilian, who now for the first time interfered in their + conversation; "did ye not say this Foster was married, and to a + precisian?" + </p> + <p> + "Married he was, and to as bitter a precisian as ever ate flesh in Lent; + and a cat-and-dog life she led with Tony, as men said. But she is dead, + rest be with her! and Tony hath but a slip of a daughter; so it is thought + he means to wed this stranger, that men keep such a coil about." + </p> + <p> + "And why so?—I mean, why do they keep a coil about her?" said + Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I wot not," answered the host, "except that men say she is as + beautiful as an angel, and no one knows whence she comes, and every one + wishes to know why she is kept so closely mewed up. For my part, I never + saw her—you have, I think, Master Goldthred?" + </p> + <p> + "That I have, old boy," said the mercer. "Look you, I was riding hither + from Abingdon. I passed under the east oriel window of the old mansion, + where all the old saints and histories and such-like are painted. It was + not the common path I took, but one through the Park; for the postern door + was upon the latch, and I thought I might take the privilege of an old + comrade to ride across through the trees, both for shading, as the day was + somewhat hot, and for avoiding of dust, because I had on my peach-coloured + doublet, pinked out with cloth of gold." + </p> + <p> + "Which garment," said Michael Lambourne, "thou wouldst willingly make + twinkle in the eyes of a fair dame. Ah! villain, thou wilt never leave thy + old tricks." + </p> + <p> + "Not so-not so," said the mercer, with a smirking laugh—"not + altogether so—but curiosity, thou knowest, and a strain of + compassion withal; for the poor young lady sees nothing from morn to even + but Tony Foster, with his scowling black brows, his bull's head, and his + bandy legs." + </p> + <p> + "And thou wouldst willingly show her a dapper body, in a silken jerkin—a + limb like a short-legged hen's, in a cordovan boot—and a round, + simpering, what-d'ye-lack sort of a countenance, set off with a velvet + bonnet, a Turkey feather, and a gilded brooch? Ah! jolly mercer, they who + have good wares are fond to show them!—Come, gentles, let not the + cup stand—here's to long spurs, short boots, full bonnets, and empty + skulls!" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, now, you are jealous of me, Mike," said Goldthred; "and yet my luck + was but what might have happened to thee, or any man." + </p> + <p> + "Marry confound thine impudence," retorted Lambourne; "thou wouldst not + compare thy pudding face, and sarsenet manners, to a gentleman, and a + soldier?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my good sir," said Tressilian, "let me beseech you will not + interrupt the gallant citizen; methinks he tells his tale so well, I could + hearken to him till midnight." + </p> + <p> + "It's more of your favour than of my desert," answered Master Goldthred; + "but since I give you pleasure, worthy Master Tressilian, I shall proceed, + maugre all the gibes and quips of this valiant soldier, who, peradventure, + hath had more cuffs than crowns in the Low Countries. And so, sir, as I + passed under the great painted window, leaving my rein loose on my ambling + palfrey's neck, partly for mine ease, and partly that I might have the + more leisure to peer about, I hears me the lattice open; and never credit + me, sir, if there did not stand there the person of as fair a woman as + ever crossed mine eyes; and I think I have looked on as many pretty + wenches, and with as much judgment, as other folks." + </p> + <p> + "May I ask her appearance, sir?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, sir," replied Master Goldthred, "I promise you, she was in + gentlewoman's attire—a very quaint and pleasing dress, that might + have served the Queen herself; for she had a forepart with body and + sleeves, of ginger-coloured satin, which, in my judgment, must have cost + by the yard some thirty shillings, lined with murrey taffeta, and laid + down and guarded with two broad laces of gold and silver. And her hat, + sir, was truly the best fashioned thing that I have seen in these parts, + being of tawny taffeta, embroidered with scorpions of Venice gold, and + having a border garnished with gold fringe—I promise you, sir, an + absolute and all-surpassing device. Touching her skirts, they were in the + old pass-devant fashion." + </p> + <p> + "I did not ask you of her attire, sir," said Tressilian, who had shown + some impatience during this conversation, "but of her complexion—the + colour of her hair, her features." + </p> + <p> + "Touching her complexion," answered the mercer, "I am not so special + certain, but I marked that her fan had an ivory handle, curiously inlaid. + And then again, as to the colour of her hair, why, I can warrant, be its + hue what it might, that she wore above it a net of green silk, parcel + twisted with gold." + </p> + <p> + "A most mercer-like memory!" said Lambourne. "The gentleman asks him of + the lady's beauty, and he talks of her fine clothes!" + </p> + <p> + "I tell thee," said the mercer, somewhat disconcerted, "I had little time + to look at her; for just as I was about to give her the good time of day, + and for that purpose had puckered my features with a smile—" + </p> + <p> + "Like those of a jackanape simpering at a chestnut," said Michael + Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "Up started of a sudden," continued Goldthred, without heeding the + interruption, "Tony Foster himself, with a cudgel in his hand—" + </p> + <p> + "And broke thy head across, I hope, for thine impertinence," said his + entertainer. + </p> + <p> + "That were more easily said than done," answered Goldthred indignantly; + "no, no—there was no breaking of heads. It's true, he advanced his + cudgel, and spoke of laying on, and asked why I did not keep the public + road, and such like; and I would have knocked him over the pate handsomely + for his pains, only for the lady's presence, who might have swooned, for + what I know." + </p> + <p> + "Now, out upon thee for a faint-spirited slave!" said Lambourne; "what + adventurous knight ever thought of the lady's terror, when he went to + thwack giant, dragon, or magician, in her presence, and for her + deliverance? But why talk to thee of dragons, who would be driven back by + a dragon-fly. There thou hast missed the rarest opportunity!" + </p> + <p> + "Take it thyself, then, bully Mike," answered Goldthred. "Yonder is the + enchanted manor, and the dragon, and the lady, all at thy service, if thou + darest venture on them." + </p> + <p> + "Why, so I would for a quartern of sack," said the soldier—"or stay: + I am foully out of linen—wilt thou bet a piece of Hollands against + these five angels, that I go not up to the Hall to-morrow and force Tony + Foster to introduce me to his fair guest?" + </p> + <p> + "I accept your wager," said the mercer; "and I think, though thou hadst + even the impudence of the devil, I shall gain on thee this bout. Our + landlord here shall hold stakes, and I will stake down gold till I send + the linen." + </p> + <p> + "I will hold stakes on no such matter," said Gosling. "Good now, my + kinsman, drink your wine in quiet, and let such ventures alone. I promise + you, Master Foster hath interest enough to lay you up in lavender in the + Castle at Oxford, or to get your legs made acquainted with the + town-stocks." + </p> + <p> + "That would be but renewing an old intimacy, for Mike's shins and the + town's wooden pinfold have been well known to each other ere now," said + the mercer; "but he shall not budge from his wager, unless he means to pay + forfeit." + </p> + <p> + "Forfeit?" said Lambourne; "I scorn it. I value Tony Foster's wrath no + more than a shelled pea-cod; and I will visit his Lindabrides, by Saint + George, be he willing or no!" + </p> + <p> + "I would gladly pay your halves of the risk, sir," said Tressilian, "to be + permitted to accompany you on the adventure." + </p> + <p> + "In what would that advantage you, sir?" answered Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "In nothing, sir," said Tressilian, "unless to mark the skill and valour + with which you conduct yourself. I am a traveller who seeks for strange + rencounters and uncommon passages, as the knights of yore did after + adventures and feats of arms." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, if it pleasures you to see a trout tickled," answered Lambourne, "I + care not how many witness my skill. And so here I drink success to my + enterprise; and he that will not pledge me on his knees is a rascal, and I + will cut his legs off by the garters!" + </p> + <p> + The draught which Michael Lambourne took upon this occasion had been + preceded by so many others, that reason tottered on her throne. He swore + one or two incoherent oaths at the mercer, who refused, reasonably enough, + to pledge him to a sentiment which inferred the loss of his own wager. + </p> + <p> + "Wilt thou chop logic with me," said Lambourne, "thou knave, with no more + brains than are in a skein of ravelled silk? By Heaven, I will cut thee + into fifty yards of galloon lace!" + </p> + <p> + But as he attempted to draw his sword for this doughty purpose, Michael + Lambourne was seized upon by the tapster and the chamberlain, and conveyed + to his own apartment, there to sleep himself sober at his leisure. + </p> + <p> + The party then broke up, and the guests took their leave; much more to the + contentment of mine host than of some of the company, who were unwilling + to quit good liquor, when it was to be had for free cost, so long as they + were able to sit by it. They were, however, compelled to remove; and go at + length they did, leaving Gosling and Tressilian in the empty apartment. + </p> + <p> + "By my faith," said the former, "I wonder where our great folks find + pleasure, when they spend their means in entertainments, and in playing + mine host without sending in a reckoning. It is what I but rarely + practise; and whenever I do, by Saint Julian, it grieves me beyond + measure. Each of these empty stoups now, which my nephew and his drunken + comrades have swilled off, should have been a matter of profit to one in + my line, and I must set them down a dead loss. I cannot, for my heart, + conceive the pleasure of noise, and nonsense, and drunken freaks, and + drunken quarrels, and smut, and blasphemy, and so forth, when a man loses + money instead of gaining by it. And yet many a fair estate is lost in + upholding such a useless course, and that greatly contributes to the decay + of publicans; for who the devil do you think would pay for drink at the + Black Bear, when he can have it for nothing at my Lord's or the Squire's?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian perceived that the wine had made some impression even on the + seasoned brain of mine host, which was chiefly to be inferred from his + declaiming against drunkenness. As he himself had carefully avoided the + bowl, he would have availed himself of the frankness of the moment to + extract from Gosling some further information upon the subject of Anthony + Foster, and the lady whom the mercer had seen in his mansion-house; but + his inquiries only set the host upon a new theme of declamation against + the wiles of the fair sex, in which he brought, at full length, the whole + wisdom of Solomon to reinforce his own. Finally, he turned his + admonitions, mixed with much objurgation, upon his tapsters and drawers, + who were employed in removing the relics of the entertainment, and + restoring order to the apartment; and at length, joining example to + precept, though with no good success, he demolished a salver with half a + score of glasses, in attempting to show how such service was done at the + Three Cranes in the Vintry, then the most topping tavern in London. This + last accident so far recalled him to his better self, that he retired to + his bed, slept sound, and awoke a new man in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Nay, I'll hold touch—the game shall be play'd out; + It ne'er shall stop for me, this merry wager: + That which I say when gamesome, I'll avouch + In my most sober mood, ne'er trust me else. THE HAZARD TABLE. +</pre> + <p> + "And how doth your kinsman, good mine host?" said Tressilian, when Giles + Gosling first appeared in the public room, on the morning following the + revel which we described in the last chapter. "Is he well, and will he + abide by his wager?" + </p> + <p> + "For well, sir, he started two hours since, and has visited I know not + what purlieus of his old companions; hath but now returned, and is at this + instant breakfasting on new-laid eggs and muscadine. And for his wager, I + caution you as a friend to have little to do with that, or indeed with + aught that Mike proposes. Wherefore, I counsel you to a warm breakfast + upon a culiss, which shall restore the tone of the stomach; and let my + nephew and Master Goldthred swagger about their wager as they list." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me, mine host," said Tressilian, "that you know not well what + to say about this kinsman of yours, and that you can neither blame nor + commend him without some twinge of conscience." + </p> + <p> + "You have spoken truly, Master Tressilian," replied Giles Gosling. "There + is Natural Affection whimpering into one ear, 'Giles, Giles, why wilt thou + take away the good name of thy own nephew? Wilt thou defame thy sister's + son, Giles Gosling? wilt thou defoul thine own nest, dishonour thine own + blood?' And then, again, comes Justice, and says, 'Here is a worthy guest + as ever came to the bonny Black Bear; one who never challenged a + reckoning' (as I say to your face you never did, Master Tressilian—not + that you have had cause), 'one who knows not why he came, so far as I can + see, or when he is going away; and wilt thou, being a publican, having + paid scot and lot these thirty years in the town of Cumnor, and being at + this instant head-borough, wilt thou suffer this guest of guests, this man + of men, this six-hooped pot (as I may say) of a traveller, to fall into + the meshes of thy nephew, who is known for a swasher and a desperate Dick, + a carder and a dicer, a professor of the seven damnable sciences, if ever + man took degrees in them?' No, by Heaven! I might wink, and let him catch + such a small butterfly as Goldthred; but thou, my guest, shall be + forewarned, forearmed, so thou wilt but listen to thy trusty host." + </p> + <p> + "Why, mine host, thy counsel shall not be cast away," replied Tressilian; + "however, I must uphold my share in this wager, having once passed my word + to that effect. But lend me, I pray, some of thy counsel. This Foster, who + or what is he, and why makes he such mystery of his female inmate?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth," replied Gosling, "I can add but little to what you heard last + night. He was one of Queen Mary's Papists, and now he is one of Queen + Elizabeth's Protestants; he was an onhanger of the Abbot of Abingdon; and + now he lives as master of the Manor-house. Above all, he was poor, and is + rich. Folk talk of private apartments in his old waste mansion-house, + bedizened fine enough to serve the Queen, God bless her! Some men think he + found a treasure in the orchard, some that he sold himself to the devil + for treasure, and some say that he cheated the abbot out of the church + plate, which was hidden in the old Manor-house at the Reformation. Rich, + however, he is, and God and his conscience, with the devil perhaps + besides, only know how he came by it. He has sulky ways too—breaking + off intercourse with all that are of the place, as if he had either some + strange secret to keep, or held himself to be made of another clay than we + are. I think it likely my kinsman and he will quarrel, if Mike thrust his + acquaintance on him; and I am sorry that you, my worthy Master Tressilian, + will still think of going in my nephew's company." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian again answered him, that he would proceed with great caution, + and that he should have no fears on his account; in short, he bestowed on + him all the customary assurances with which those who are determined on a + rash action are wont to parry the advice of their friends. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the traveller accepted the landlord's invitation, and had just + finished the excellent breakfast, which was served to him and Gosling by + pretty Cicely, the beauty of the bar, when the hero of the preceding + night, Michael Lambourne, entered the apartment. His toilet had apparently + cost him some labour, for his clothes, which differed from those he wore + on his journey, were of the newest fashion, and put on with great + attention to the display of his person. + </p> + <p> + "By my faith, uncle," said the gallant, "you made a wet night of it, and I + feel it followed by a dry morning. I will pledge you willingly in a cup of + bastard.—How, my pretty coz Cicely! why, I left you but a child in + the cradle, and there thou stand'st in thy velvet waistcoat, as tight a + girl as England's sun shines on. Know thy friends and kindred, Cicely, and + come hither, child, that I may kiss thee, and give thee my blessing." + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0045m.jpg" alt="0045m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0045.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "Concern not yourself about Cicely, kinsman," said Giles Gosling, "but + e'en let her go her way, a' God's name; for although your mother were her + father's sister, yet that shall not make you and her cater-cousins." + </p> + <p> + "Why, uncle," replied Lambourne, "think'st thou I am an infidel, and would + harm those of mine own house?" + </p> + <p> + "It is for no harm that I speak, Mike," answered his uncle, "but a simple + humour of precaution which I have. True, thou art as well gilded as a + snake when he casts his old slough in the spring time; but for all that, + thou creepest not into my Eden. I will look after mine Eve, Mike, and so + content thee.—But how brave thou be'st, lad! To look on thee now, + and compare thee with Master Tressilian here, in his sad-coloured + riding-suit, who would not say that thou wert the real gentleman and he + the tapster's boy?" + </p> + <p> + "Troth, uncle," replied Lambourne, "no one would say so but one of your + country-breeding, that knows no better. I will say, and I care not who + hears me, there is something about the real gentry that few men come up to + that are not born and bred to the mystery. I wot not where the trick lies; + but although I can enter an ordinary with as much audacity, rebuke the + waiters and drawers as loudly, drink as deep a health, swear as round an + oath, and fling my gold as freely about as any of the jingling spurs and + white feathers that are around me, yet, hang me if I can ever catch the + true grace of it, though I have practised an hundred times. The man of the + house sets me lowest at the board, and carves to me the last; and the + drawer says, 'Coming, friend,' without any more reverence or regardful + addition. But, hang it, let it pass; care killed a cat. I have gentry + enough to pass the trick on Tony Fire-the-Faggot, and that will do for the + matter in hand." + </p> + <p> + "You hold your purpose, then, of visiting your old acquaintance?" said + Tressilian to the adventurer. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir," replied Lambourne; "when stakes are made, the game must be + played; that is gamester's law, all over the world. You, sir, unless my + memory fails me (for I did steep it somewhat too deeply in the sack-butt), + took some share in my hazard?" + </p> + <p> + "I propose to accompany you in your adventure," said Tressilian, "if you + will do me so much grace as to permit me; and I have staked my share of + the forfeit in the hands of our worthy host." + </p> + <p> + "That he hath," answered Giles Gosling, "in as fair Harry-nobles as ever + were melted into sack by a good fellow. So, luck to your enterprise, since + you will needs venture on Tony Foster; but, by my credit, you had better + take another draught before you depart, for your welcome at the Hall + yonder will be somewhat of the driest. And if you do get into peril, + beware of taking to cold steel; but send for me, Giles Gosling, the + head-borough, and I may be able to make something out of Tony yet, for as + proud as he is." + </p> + <p> + The nephew dutifully obeyed his uncle's hint, by taking a second powerful + pull at the tankard, observing that his wit never served him so well as + when he had washed his temples with a deep morning's draught; and they set + forth together for the habitation of Anthony Foster. + </p> + <p> + The village of Cumnor is pleasantly built on a hill, and in a wooded park + closely adjacent was situated the ancient mansion occupied at this time by + Anthony Foster, of which the ruins may be still extant. The park was then + full of large trees, and in particular of ancient and mighty oaks, which + stretched their giant arms over the high wall surrounding the demesne, + thus giving it a melancholy, secluded, and monastic appearance. The + entrance to the park lay through an old-fashioned gateway in the outer + wall, the door of which was formed of two huge oaken leaves thickly + studded with nails, like the gate of an old town. + </p> + <p> + "We shall be finely helped up here," said Michael Lambourne, looking at + the gateway and gate, "if this fellow's suspicious humour should refuse us + admission altogether, as it is like he may, in case this linsey-wolsey + fellow of a mercer's visit to his premises has disquieted him. But, no," + he added, pushing the huge gate, which gave way, "the door stands + invitingly open; and here we are within the forbidden ground, without + other impediment than the passive resistance of a heavy oak door moving on + rusty hinges." + </p> + <p> + They stood now in an avenue overshadowed by such old trees as we have + described, and which had been bordered at one time by high hedges of yew + and holly. But these, having been untrimmed for many years, had run up + into great bushes, or rather dwarf-trees, and now encroached, with their + dark and melancholy boughs, upon the road which they once had screened. + The avenue itself was grown up with grass, and, in one or two places, + interrupted by piles of withered brushwood, which had been lopped from the + trees cut down in the neighbouring park, and was here stacked for drying. + Formal walks and avenues, which, at different points, crossed this + principal approach, were, in like manner, choked up and interrupted by + piles of brushwood and billets, and in other places by underwood and + brambles. Besides the general effect of desolation which is so strongly + impressed whenever we behold the contrivances of man wasted and + obliterated by neglect, and witness the marks of social life effaced + gradually by the influence of vegetation, the size of the trees and the + outspreading extent of their boughs diffused a gloom over the scene, even + when the sun was at the highest, and made a proportional impression on the + mind of those who visited it. This was felt even by Michael Lambourne, + however alien his habits were to receiving any impressions, excepting from + things which addressed themselves immediately to his passions. + </p> + <p> + "This wood is as dark as a wolf's mouth," said he to Tressilian, as they + walked together slowly along the solitary and broken approach, and had + just come in sight of the monastic front of the old mansion, with its + shafted windows, brick walls overgrown with ivy and creeping shrubs, and + twisted stalks of chimneys of heavy stone-work. "And yet," continued + Lambourne, "it is fairly done on the part of Foster too for since he + chooses not visitors, it is right to keep his place in a fashion that will + invite few to trespass upon his privacy. But had he been the Anthony I + once knew him, these sturdy oaks had long since become the property of + some honest woodmonger, and the manor-close here had looked lighter at + midnight than it now does at noon, while Foster played fast and loose with + the price, in some cunning corner in the purlieus of Whitefriars." + </p> + <p> + "Was he then such an unthrift?" asked Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "He was," answered Lambourne, "like the rest of us, no saint, and no + saver. But what I liked worst of Tony was, that he loved to take his + pleasure by himself, and grudged, as men say, every drop of water that + went past his own mill. I have known him deal with such measures of wine + when he was alone, as I would not have ventured on with aid of the best + toper in Berkshire;—that, and some sway towards superstition, which + he had by temperament, rendered him unworthy the company of a good fellow. + And now he has earthed himself here, in a den just befitting such a sly + fox as himself." + </p> + <p> + "May I ask you, Master Lambourne," said Tressilian, "since your old + companion's humour jumps so little with your own, wherefore you are so + desirous to renew acquaintance with him?" + </p> + <p> + "And may I ask you, in return, Master Tressilian," answered Lambourne, + "wherefore you have shown yourself so desirous to accompany me on this + party?" + </p> + <p> + "I told you my motive," said Tressilian, "when I took share in your wager—it + was simple curiosity." + </p> + <p> + "La you there now!" answered Lambourne. "See how you civil and discreet + gentlemen think to use us who live by the free exercise of our wits! Had I + answered your question by saying that it was simple curiosity which led me + to visit my old comrade Anthony Foster, I warrant you had set it down for + an evasion, and a turn of my trade. But any answer, I suppose, must serve + my turn." + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore should not bare curiosity," said Tressilian, "be a + sufficient reason for my taking this walk with you?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, content yourself, sir," replied Lambourne; "you cannot put the change + on me so easy as you think, for I have lived among the quick-stirring + spirits of the age too long to swallow chaff for grain. You are a + gentleman of birth and breeding—your bearing makes it good; of civil + habits and fair reputation—your manners declare it, and my uncle + avouches it; and yet you associate yourself with a sort of scant-of-grace, + as men call me, and, knowing me to be such, you make yourself my companion + in a visit to a man whom you are a stranger to—and all out of mere + curiosity, forsooth! The excuse, if curiously balanced, would be found to + want some scruples of just weight, or so." + </p> + <p> + "If your suspicions were just," said Tressilian, "you have shown no + confidence in me to invite or deserve mine." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if that be all," said Lambourne, "my motives lie above water. While + this gold of mine lasts"—taking out his purse, chucking it into the + air, and catching it as it fell—"I will make it buy pleasure; and + when it is out I must have more. Now, if this mysterious Lady of the Manor—this + fair Lindabrides of Tony Fire-the-Fagot—be so admirable a piece as + men say, why, there is a chance that she may aid me to melt my nobles into + groats; and, again, if Anthony be so wealthy a chuff as report speaks him, + he may prove the philosopher's stone to me, and convert my greats into + fair rose-nobles again." + </p> + <p> + "A comfortable proposal truly," said Tressilian; "but I see not what + chance there is of accomplishing it." + </p> + <p> + "Not to-day, or perchance to-morrow," answered Lambourne; "I expect not to + catch the old jack till. I have disposed my ground-baits handsomely. But I + know something more of his affairs this morning than I did last night, and + I will so use my knowledge that he shall think it more perfect than it is. + Nay, without expecting either pleasure or profit, or both, I had not + stepped a stride within this manor, I can tell you; for I promise you I + hold our visit not altogether without risk.—But here we are, and we + must make the best on't." + </p> + <p> + While he thus spoke, they had entered a large orchard which surrounded the + house on two sides, though the trees, abandoned by the care of man, were + overgrown and messy, and seemed to bear little fruit. Those which had been + formerly trained as espaliers had now resumed their natural mode of + growing, and exhibited grotesque forms, partaking of the original training + which they had received. The greater part of the ground, which had once + been parterres and flower-gardens, was suffered in like manner to run to + waste, excepting a few patches which had been dug up and planted with + ordinary pot herbs. Some statues, which had ornamented the garden in its + days of splendour, were now thrown down from their pedestals and broken in + pieces; and a large summer-house, having a heavy stone front, decorated + with carving representing the life and actions of Samson, was in the same + dilapidated condition. + </p> + <p> + They had just traversed this garden of the sluggard, and were within a few + steps of the door of the mansion, when Lambourne had ceased speaking; a + circumstance very agreeable to Tressilian, as it saved him the + embarrassment of either commenting upon or replying to the frank avowal + which his companion had just made of the sentiments and views which + induced him to come hither. Lambourne knocked roundly and boldly at the + huge door of the mansion, observing, at the same time, he had seen a less + strong one upon a county jail. It was not until they had knocked more than + once that an aged, sour-visaged domestic reconnoitred them through a small + square hole in the door, well secured with bars of iron, and demanded what + they wanted. + </p> + <p> + "To speak with Master Foster instantly, on pressing business of the + state," was the ready reply of Michael Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "Methinks you will find difficulty to make that good," said Tressilian in + a whisper to his companion, while the servant went to carry the message to + his master. + </p> + <p> + "Tush," replied the adventurer; "no soldier would go on were he always to + consider when and how he should come off. Let us once obtain entrance, and + all will go well enough." + </p> + <p> + In a short time the servant returned, and drawing with a careful hand both + bolt and bar, opened the gate, which admitted them through an archway into + a square court, surrounded by buildings. Opposite to the arch was another + door, which the serving-man in like manner unlocked, and thus introduced + them into a stone-paved parlour, where there was but little furniture, and + that of the rudest and most ancient fashion. The windows were tall and + ample, reaching almost to the roof of the room, which was composed of + black oak; those opening to the quadrangle were obscured by the height of + the surrounding buildings, and, as they were traversed with massive shafts + of solid stone-work, and thickly painted with religious devices, and + scenes taken from Scripture history, by no means admitted light in + proportion to their size, and what did penetrate through them partook of + the dark and gloomy tinge of the stained glass. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian and his guide had time enough to observe all these particulars, + for they waited some space in the apartment ere the present master of the + mansion at length made his appearance. Prepared as he was to see an + inauspicious and ill-looking person, the ugliness of Anthony Foster + considerably exceeded what Tressilian had anticipated. He was of middle + stature, built strongly, but so clumsily as to border on deformity, and to + give all his motions the ungainly awkwardness of a left-legged and + left-handed man. His hair, in arranging which men at that time, as at + present, were very nice and curious, instead of being carefully cleaned + and disposed into short curls, or else set up on end, as is represented in + old paintings, in a manner resembling that used by fine gentlemen of our + own day, escaped in sable negligence from under a furred bonnet, and hung + in elf-locks, which seemed strangers to the comb, over his rugged brows, + and around his very singular and unprepossessing countenance. His keen, + dark eyes were deep set beneath broad and shaggy eyebrows, and as they + were usually bent on the ground, seemed as if they were themselves ashamed + of the expression natural to them, and were desirous to conceal it from + the observation of men. At times, however, when, more intent on observing + others, he suddenly raised them, and fixed them keenly on those with whom + he conversed, they seemed to express both the fiercer passions, and the + power of mind which could at will suppress or disguise the intensity of + inward feeling. The features which corresponded with these eyes and this + form were irregular, and marked so as to be indelibly fixed on the mind of + him who had once seen them. Upon the whole, as Tressilian could not help + acknowledging to himself, the Anthony Foster who now stood before them was + the last person, judging from personal appearance, upon whom one would + have chosen to intrude an unexpected and undesired visit. His attire was a + doublet of russet leather, like those worn by the better sort of country + folk, girt with a buff belt, in which was stuck on the right side a long + knife, or dudgeon dagger, and on the other a cutlass. He raised his eyes + as he entered the room, and fixed a keenly penetrating glance upon his two + visitors; then cast them down as if counting his steps, while he advanced + slowly into the middle of the room, and said, in a low and smothered tone + of voice, "Let me pray you, gentlemen, to tell me the cause of this + visit." + </p> + <p> + He looked as if he expected the answer from Tressilian, so true was + Lambourne's observation that the superior air of breeding and dignity + shone through the disguise of an inferior dress. But it was Michael who + replied to him, with the easy familiarity of an old friend, and a tone + which seemed unembarrassed by any doubt of the most cordial reception. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! my dear friend and ingle, Tony Foster!" he exclaimed, seizing upon + the unwilling hand, and shaking it with such emphasis as almost to stagger + the sturdy frame of the person whom he addressed, "how fares it with you + for many a long year? What! have you altogether forgotten your friend, + gossip, and playfellow, Michael Lambourne?" + </p> + <p> + "Michael Lambourne!" said Foster, looking at him a moment; then dropping + his eyes, and with little ceremony extricating his hand from the friendly + grasp of the person by whom he was addressed, "are you Michael Lambourne?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay; sure as you are Anthony Foster," replied Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "'Tis well," answered his sullen host. "And what may Michael Lambourne + expect from his visit hither?" + </p> + <p> + "VOTO A DIOS," answered Lambourne, "I expected a better welcome than I am + like to meet, I think." + </p> + <p> + "Why, thou gallows-bird—thou jail-rat—thou friend of the + hangman and his customers!" replied Foster, "hast thou the assurance to + expect countenance from any one whose neck is beyond the compass of a + Tyburn tippet?" + </p> + <p> + "It may be with me as you say," replied Lambourne; "and suppose I grant it + to be so for argument's sake, I were still good enough society for mine + ancient friend Anthony Fire-the-Fagot, though he be, for the present, by + some indescribable title, the master of Cumnor Place." + </p> + <p> + "Hark you, Michael Lambourne," said Foster; "you are a gambler now, and + live by the counting of chances—compute me the odds that I do not, + on this instant, throw you out of that window into the ditch there." + </p> + <p> + "Twenty to one that you do not," answered the sturdy visitor. + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore, I pray you?" demanded Anthony Foster, setting his teeth + and compressing his lips, like one who endeavours to suppress some violent + internal emotion. + </p> + <p> + "Because," said Lambourne coolly, "you dare not for your life lay a finger + on me. I am younger and stronger than you, and have in me a double portion + of the fighting devil, though not, it may be, quite so much of the + undermining fiend, that finds an underground way to his purpose—who + hides halters under folk's pillows, and who puts rats-bane into their + porridge, as the stage-play says." + </p> + <p> + Foster looked at him earnestly, then turned away, and paced the room twice + with the same steady and considerate pace with which he had entered it; + then suddenly came back, and extended his hand to Michael Lambourne, + saying, "Be not wroth with me, good Mike; I did but try whether thou hadst + parted with aught of thine old and honourable frankness, which your + enviers and backbiters called saucy impudence." + </p> + <p> + "Let them call it what they will," said Michael Lambourne, "it is the + commodity we must carry through the world with us.—Uds daggers! I + tell thee, man, mine own stock of assurance was too small to trade upon. I + was fain to take in a ton or two more of brass at every port where I + touched in the voyage of life; and I started overboard what modesty and + scruples I had remaining, in order to make room for the stowage." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, nay," replied Foster, "touching scruples and modesty, you sailed + hence in ballast. But who is this gallant, honest Mike?—is he a + Corinthian—a cutter like thyself?" + </p> + <p> + "I prithee, know Master Tressilian, bully Foster," replied Lambourne, + presenting his friend in answer to his friend's question, "know him and + honour him, for he is a gentleman of many admirable qualities; and though + he traffics not in my line of business, at least so far as I know, he has, + nevertheless, a just respect and admiration for artists of our class. He + will come to in time, as seldom fails; but as yet he is only a neophyte, + only a proselyte, and frequents the company of cocks of the game, as a + puny fencer does the schools of the masters, to see how a foil is handled + by the teachers of defence." + </p> + <p> + "If such be his quality, I will pray your company in another chamber, + honest Mike, for what I have to say to thee is for thy private ear.—Meanwhile, + I pray you, sir, to abide us in this apartment, and without leaving it; + there be those in this house who would be alarmed by the sight of a + stranger." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian acquiesced, and the two worthies left the apartment together, + in which he remained alone to await their return. [See Note 1. Foster, + Lambourne, and the Black Bear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Not serve two masters?—Here's a youth will try it— + Would fain serve God, yet give the devil his due; + Says grace before he doth a deed of villainy, + And returns his thanks devoutly when 'tis acted,—OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + The room into which the Master of Cumnor Place conducted his worthy + visitant was of greater extent than that in which they had at first + conversed, and had yet more the appearance of dilapidation. Large oaken + presses, filled with shelves of the same wood, surrounded the room, and + had, at one time, served for the arrangement of a numerous collection of + books, many of which yet remained, but torn and defaced, covered with + dust, deprived of their costly clasps and bindings, and tossed together in + heaps upon the shelves, as things altogether disregarded, and abandoned to + the pleasure of every spoiler. The very presses themselves seemed to have + incurred the hostility of those enemies of learning who had destroyed the + volumes with which they had been heretofore filled. They were, in several + places, dismantled of their shelves, and otherwise broken and damaged, and + were, moreover, mantled with cobwebs and covered with dust. + </p> + <p> + "The men who wrote these books," said Lambourne, looking round him, + "little thought whose keeping they were to fall into." + </p> + <p> + "Nor what yeoman's service they were to do me," quoth Anthony Foster; "the + cook hath used them for scouring his pewter, and the groom hath had nought + else to clean my boots with, this many a month past." + </p> + <p> + "And yet," said Lambourne, "I have been in cities where such learned + commodities would have been deemed too good for such offices." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw, pshaw," answered Foster, "'they are Popish trash, every one of + them—private studies of the mumping old Abbot of Abingdon. The + nineteenthly of a pure gospel sermon were worth a cartload of such rakings + of the kennel of Rome." + </p> + <p> + "Gad-a-mercy, Master Tony Fire-the-Fagot!" said Lambourne, by way of + reply. + </p> + <p> + Foster scowled darkly at him, as he replied, "Hark ye, friend Mike; forget + that name, and the passage which it relates to, if you would not have our + newly-revived comradeship die a sudden and a violent death." + </p> + <p> + "Why," said Michael Lambourne, "you were wont to glory in the share you + had in the death of the two old heretical bishops." + </p> + <p> + "That," said his comrade, "was while I was in the gall of bitterness and + bond of iniquity, and applies not to my walk or my ways now that I am + called forth into the lists. Mr. Melchisedek Maultext compared my + misfortune in that matter to that of the Apostle Paul, who kept the + clothes of the witnesses who stoned Saint Stephen. He held forth on the + matter three Sabbaths past, and illustrated the same by the conduct of an + honourable person present, meaning me." + </p> + <p> + "I prithee peace, Foster," said Lambourne, "for I know not how it is, I + have a sort of creeping comes over my skin when I hear the devil quote + Scripture; and besides, man, how couldst thou have the heart to quit that + convenient old religion, which you could slip off or on as easily as your + glove? Do I not remember how you were wont to carry your conscience to + confession, as duly as the month came round? and when thou hadst it + scoured, and burnished, and whitewashed by the priest, thou wert ever + ready for the worst villainy which could be devised, like a child who is + always readiest to rush into the mire when he has got his Sunday's clean + jerkin on." + </p> + <p> + "Trouble not thyself about my conscience," said Foster; "it is a thing + thou canst not understand, having never had one of thine own. But let us + rather to the point, and say to me, in one word, what is thy business with + me, and what hopes have drawn thee hither?" + </p> + <p> + "The hope of bettering myself, to be sure," answered Lambourne, "as the + old woman said when she leapt over the bridge at Kingston. Look you, this + purse has all that is left of as round a sum as a man would wish to carry + in his slop-pouch. You are here well established, it would seem, and, as I + think, well befriended, for men talk of thy being under some special + protection—nay, stare not like a pig that is stuck, mon; thou canst + not dance in a net and they not see thee. Now I know such protection is + not purchased for nought; you must have services to render for it, and in + these I propose to help thee." + </p> + <p> + "But how if I lack no assistance from thee, Mike? I think thy modesty + might suppose that were a case possible." + </p> + <p> + "That is to say," retorted Lambourne, "that you would engross the whole + work, rather than divide the reward. But be not over-greedy, Anthony—covetousness + bursts the sack and spills the grain. Look you, when the huntsman goes to + kill a stag, he takes with him more dogs than one. He has the stanch + lyme-hound to track the wounded buck over hill and dale, but he hath also + the fleet gaze-hound to kill him at view. Thou art the lyme-hound, I am + the gaze-hound; and thy patron will need the aid of both, and can well + afford to requite it. Thou hast deep sagacity—an unrelenting purpose—a + steady, long-breathed malignity of nature, that surpasses mine. But then, + I am the bolder, the quicker, the more ready, both at action and + expedient. Separate, our properties are not so perfect; but unite them, + and we drive the world before us. How sayest thou—shall we hunt in + couples?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a currish proposal—thus to thrust thyself upon my private + matters," replied Foster; "but thou wert ever an ill-nurtured whelp." + </p> + <p> + "You shall have no cause to say so, unless you spurn my courtesy," said + Michael Lambourne; "but if so, keep thee well from me, Sir Knight, as the + romance has it. I will either share your counsels or traverse them; for I + have come here to be busy, either with thee or against thee." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Anthony Foster, "since thou dost leave me so fair a choice, I + will rather be thy friend than thine enemy. Thou art right; I CAN prefer + thee to the service of a patron who has enough of means to make us both, + and an hundred more. And, to say truth, thou art well qualified for his + service. Boldness and dexterity he demands—the justice-books bear + witness in thy favour; no starting at scruples in his service why, who + ever suspected thee of a conscience? an assurance he must have who would + follow a courtier—and thy brow is as impenetrable as a Milan visor. + There is but one thing I would fain see amended in thee." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that, my most precious friend Anthony?" replied Lambourne; + "for I swear by the pillow of the Seven Sleepers I will not be slothful in + amending it." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you gave a sample of it even now," said Foster. "Your speech twangs + too much of the old stamp, and you garnish it ever and anon with singular + oaths, that savour of Papistrie. Besides, your exterior man is altogether + too deboshed and irregular to become one of his lordship's followers, + since he has a reputation to keep up in the eye of the world. You must + somewhat reform your dress, upon a more grave and composed fashion; wear + your cloak on both shoulders, and your falling band unrumpled and well + starched. You must enlarge the brim of your beaver, and diminish the + superfluity of your trunk-hose; go to church, or, which will be better, to + meeting, at least once a month; protest only upon your faith and + conscience; lay aside your swashing look, and never touch the hilt of your + sword but when you would draw the carnal weapon in good earnest." + </p> + <p> + "By this light, Anthony, thou art mad," answered Lambourne, "and hast + described rather the gentleman-usher to a puritan's wife, than the + follower of an ambitious courtier! Yes, such a thing as thou wouldst make + of me should wear a book at his girdle instead of a poniard, and might + just be suspected of manhood enough to squire a proud dame-citizen to the + lecture at Saint Antonlin's, and quarrel in her cause with any flat-capped + threadmaker that would take the wall of her. He must ruffle it in another + sort that would walk to court in a nobleman's train." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, content you, sir," replied Foster, "there is a change since you knew + the English world; and there are those who can hold their way through the + boldest courses, and the most secret, and yet never a swaggering word, or + an oath, or a profane word in their conversation." + </p> + <p> + "That is to say," replied Lambourne, "they are in a trading copartnery, to + do the devil's business without mentioning his name in the firm? Well, I + will do my best to counterfeit, rather than lose ground in this new world, + since thou sayest it is grown so precise. But, Anthony, what is the name + of this nobleman, in whose service I am to turn hypocrite?" + </p> + <p> + "Aha! Master Michael, are you there with your bears?" said Foster, with a + grim smile; "and is this the knowledge you pretend of my concernments? How + know you now there is such a person IN RERUM NATURA, and that I have not + been putting a jape upon you all this time?" + </p> + <p> + "Thou put a jape on me, thou sodden-brained gull?" answered Lambourne, + nothing daunted. "Why, dark and muddy as thou think'st thyself, I would + engage in a day's space to see as clear through thee and thy concernments, + as thou callest them, as through the filthy horn of an old stable + lantern." + </p> + <p> + At this moment their conversation was interrupted by a scream from the + next apartment. + </p> + <p> + "By the holy Cross of Abingdon," exclaimed Anthony Foster, forgetting his + Protestantism in his alarm, "I am a ruined man!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he rushed into the apartment whence the scream issued, followed + by Michael Lambourne. But to account for the sounds which interrupted + their conversation, it is necessary to recede a little way in our + narrative. + </p> + <p> + It has been already observed, that when Lambourne accompanied Foster into + the library, they left Tressilian alone in the ancient parlour. His dark + eye followed them forth of the apartment with a glance of contempt, a part + of which his mind instantly transferred to himself, for having stooped to + be even for a moment their familiar companion. "These are the associates, + Amy"—it was thus he communed with himself—"to which thy cruel + levity—thine unthinking and most unmerited falsehood, has condemned + him of whom his friends once hoped far other things, and who now scorns + himself, as he will be scorned by others, for the baseness he stoops to + for the love of thee! But I will not leave the pursuit of thee, once the + object of my purest and most devoted affection, though to me thou canst + henceforth be nothing but a thing to weep over. I will save thee from thy + betrayer, and from thyself; I will restore thee to thy parent—to thy + God. I cannot bid the bright star again sparkle in the sphere it has shot + from, but—" + </p> + <p> + A slight noise in the apartment interrupted his reverie. He looked round, + and in the beautiful and richly-attired female who entered at that instant + by a side-door he recognized the object of his search. The first impulse + arising from this discovery urged him to conceal his face with the collar + of his cloak, until he should find a favourable moment of making himself + known. But his purpose was disconcerted by the young lady (she was not + above eighteen years old), who ran joyfully towards him, and, pulling him + by the cloak, said playfully, "Nay, my sweet friend, after I have waited + for you so long, you come not to my bower to play the masquer. You are + arraigned of treason to true love and fond affection, and you must stand + up at the bar and answer it with face uncovered—how say you, guilty + or not?" + </p> + <p> + "Alas, Amy!" said Tressilian, in a low and melancholy tone, as he suffered + her to draw the mantle from his face. The sound of his voice, and still + more the unexpected sight of his face, changed in an instant the lady's + playful mood. She staggered back, turned as pale as death, and put her + hands before her face. Tressilian was himself for a moment much overcome, + but seeming suddenly to remember the necessity of using an opportunity + which might not again occur, he said in a low tone, "Amy, fear me not." + </p> + <p> + "Why should I fear you?" said the lady, withdrawing her hands from her + beautiful face, which was now covered with crimson,—"Why should I + fear you, Master Tressilian?—or wherefore have you intruded yourself + into my dwelling, uninvited, sir, and unwished for?" + </p> + <p> + "Your dwelling, Amy!" said Tressilian. "Alas! is a prison your dwelling?—a + prison guarded by one of the most sordid of men, but not a greater wretch + than his employer!" + </p> + <p> + "This house is mine," said Amy—"mine while I choose to inhabit it. + If it is my pleasure to live in seclusion, who shall gainsay me?" + </p> + <p> + "Your father, maiden," answered Tressilian, "your broken-hearted father, + who dispatched me in quest of you with that authority which he cannot + exert in person. Here is his letter, written while he blessed his pain of + body which somewhat stunned the agony of his mind." + </p> + <p> + "The pain! Is my father then ill?" said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "So ill," answered Tressilian, "that even your utmost haste may not + restore him to health; but all shall be instantly prepared for your + departure, the instant you yourself will give consent." + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian," answered the lady, "I cannot, I must not, I dare not leave + this place. Go back to my father—tell him I will obtain leave to see + him within twelve hours from hence. Go back, Tressilian—tell him I + am well, I am happy—happy could I think he was so; tell him not to + fear that I will come, and in such a manner that all the grief Amy has + given him shall be forgotten—the poor Amy is now greater than she + dare name. Go, good Tressilian—I have injured thee too, but believe + me I have power to heal the wounds I have caused. I robbed you of a + childish heart, which was not worthy of you, and I can repay the loss with + honours and advancement." + </p> + <p> + "Do you say this to me, Amy?—do you offer me pageants of idle + ambition, for the quiet peace you have robbed me of!—But be it so I + came not to upbraid, but to serve and to free you. You cannot disguise it + from me—you are a prisoner. Otherwise your kind heart—for it + was once a kind heart—would have been already at your father's + bedside.—Come, poor, deceived, unhappy maiden!—all shall be + forgot—all shall be forgiven. Fear not my importunity for what + regarded our contract—it was a dream, and I have awaked. But come—your + father yet lives—come, and one word of affection, one tear of + penitence, will efface the memory of all that has passed." + </p> + <p> + "Have I not already said, Tressilian," replied she, "that I will surely + come to my father, and that without further delay than is necessary to + discharge other and equally binding duties?—Go, carry him the news; + I come as sure as there is light in heaven—that is, when I obtain + permission." + </p> + <p> + "Permission!—permission to visit your father on his sick-bed, + perhaps on his death-bed!" repeated Tressilian, impatiently; "and + permission from whom? From the villain, who, under disguise of friendship, + abused every duty of hospitality, and stole thee from thy father's roof!" + </p> + <p> + "Do him no slander, Tressilian! He whom thou speakest of wears a sword as + sharp as thine—sharper, vain man; for the best deeds thou hast ever + done in peace or war were as unworthy to be named with his, as thy obscure + rank to match itself with the sphere he moves in.—Leave me! Go, do + mine errand to my father; and when he next sends to me, let him choose a + more welcome messenger." + </p> + <p> + "Amy," replied Tressilian calmly, "thou canst not move me by thy + reproaches. Tell me one thing, that I may bear at least one ray of comfort + to my aged friend:—this rank of his which thou dost boast—dost + thou share it with him, Amy?—does he claim a husband's right to + control thy motions?" + </p> + <p> + "Stop thy base, unmannered tongue!" said the lady; "to no question that + derogates from my honour do I deign an answer." + </p> + <p> + "You have said enough in refusing to reply," answered Tressilian; "and + mark me, unhappy as thou art, I am armed with thy father's full authority + to command thy obedience, and I will save thee from the slavery of sin and + of sorrow, even despite of thyself, Amy." + </p> + <p> + "Menace no violence here!" exclaimed the lady, drawing back from him, and + alarmed at the determination expressed in his look and manner; "threaten + me not, Tressilian, for I have means to repel force." + </p> + <p> + "But not, I trust, the wish to use them in so evil a cause?" said + Tressilian. "With thy will—thine uninfluenced, free, and natural + will, Amy, thou canst not choose this state of slavery and dishonour. Thou + hast been bound by some spell—entrapped by some deceit—art now + detained by some compelled vow. But thus I break the charm—Amy, in + the name of thine excellent, thy broken-hearted father, I command thee to + follow me!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he advanced and extended his arm, as with the purpose of + laying hold upon her. But she shrunk back from his grasp, and uttered the + scream which, as we before noticed, brought into the apartment Lambourne + and Foster. + </p> + <p> + The latter exclaimed, as soon as he entered, "Fire and fagot! what have we + here?" Then addressing the lady, in a tone betwixt entreaty and command, + he added, "Uds precious! madam, what make you here out of bounds? Retire—retire—there + is life and death in this matter.—And you, friend, whoever you may + be, leave this house—out with you, before my dagger's hilt and your + costard become acquainted.—Draw, Mike, and rid us of the knave!" + </p> + <p> + "Not I, on my soul," replied Lambourne; "he came hither in my company, and + he is safe from me by cutter's law, at least till we meet again.—But + hark ye, my Cornish comrade, you have brought a Cornish flaw of wind with + you hither, a hurricanoe as they call it in the Indies. Make yourself + scarce—depart—vanish—or we'll have you summoned before + the Mayor of Halgaver, and that before Dudman and Ramhead meet." [Two + headlands on the Cornish coast. The expressions are proverbial.] + </p> + <p> + "Away, base groom!" said Tressilian.—"And you, madam, fare you well—what + life lingers in your father's bosom will leave him at the news I have to + tell." + </p> + <p> + He departed, the lady saying faintly as he left the room, "Tressilian, be + not rash—say no scandal of me." + </p> + <p> + "Here is proper gear," said Foster. "I pray you go to your chamber, my + lady, and let us consider how this is to be answered—nay, tarry + not." + </p> + <p> + "I move not at your command, sir," answered the lady. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but you must, fair lady," replied Foster; "excuse my freedom, but, + by blood and nails, this is no time to strain courtesies—you MUST go + to your chamber.—Mike, follow that meddling coxcomb, and, as you + desire to thrive, see him safely clear of the premises, while I bring this + headstrong lady to reason. Draw thy tool, man, and after him." + </p> + <p> + "I'll follow him," said Michael Lambourne, "and see him fairly out of + Flanders; but for hurting a man I have drunk my morning's draught withal, + 'tis clean against my conscience." So saying, he left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, meanwhile, with hasty steps, pursued the first path which + promised to conduct him through the wild and overgrown park in which the + mansion of Foster was situated. Haste and distress of mind led his steps + astray, and instead of taking the avenue which led towards the village, he + chose another, which, after he had pursued it for some time with a hasty + and reckless step, conducted him to the other side of the demesne, where a + postern door opened through the wall, and led into the open country. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian paused an instant. It was indifferent to him by what road he + left a spot now so odious to his recollections; but it was probable that + the postern door was locked, and his retreat by that pass rendered + impossible. + </p> + <p> + "I must make the attempt, however," he said to himself; "the only means of + reclaiming this lost—this miserable—this still most lovely and + most unhappy girl, must rest in her father's appeal to the broken laws of + his country. I must haste to apprise him of this heartrending + intelligence." + </p> + <p> + As Tressilian, thus conversing with himself, approached to try some means + of opening the door, or climbing over it, he perceived there was a key put + into the lock from the outside. It turned round, the bolt revolved, and a + cavalier, who entered, muffled in his riding-cloak, and wearing a slouched + hat with a drooping feather, stood at once within four yards of him who + was desirous of going out. They exclaimed at once, in tones of resentment + and surprise, the one "Varney!" the other "Tressilian!" + </p> + <p> + "What make you here?" was the stern question put by the stranger to + Tressilian, when the moment of surprise was past—"what make you + here, where your presence is neither expected nor desired?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, Varney," replied Tressilian, "what make you here? Are you come to + triumph over the innocence you have destroyed, as the vulture or + carrion-crow comes to batten on the lamb whose eyes it has first plucked + out? Or are you come to encounter the merited vengeance of an honest man? + Draw, dog, and defend thyself!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian drew his sword as he spoke, but Varney only laid his hand on + the hilt of his own, as he replied, "Thou art mad, Tressilian. I own + appearances are against me; but by every oath a priest can make or a man + can swear, Mistress Amy Robsart hath had no injury from me. And in truth I + were somewhat loath to hurt you in this cause—thou knowest I can + fight." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard thee say so, Varney," replied Tressilian; "but now, + methinks, I would fain have some better evidence than thine own word." + </p> + <p> + "That shall not be lacking, if blade and hilt be but true to me," answered + Varney; and drawing his sword with the right hand, he threw his cloak + around his left, and attacked Tressilian with a vigour which, for a + moment, seemed to give him the advantage of the combat. But this advantage + lasted not long. Tressilian added to a spirit determined on revenge a hand + and eye admirably well adapted to the use of the rapier; so that Varney, + finding himself hard pressed in his turn, endeavoured to avail himself of + his superior strength by closing with his adversary. For this purpose, he + hazarded the receiving one of Tressilian's passes in his cloak, wrapped as + it was around his arm, and ere his adversary could, extricate his rapier + thus entangled, he closed with him, shortening his own sword at the same + time, with the purpose of dispatching him. But Tressilian was on his + guard, and unsheathing his poniard, parried with the blade of that weapon + the home-thrust which would otherwise have finished the combat, and, in + the struggle which followed, displayed so much address, as might have + confirmed, the opinion that he drew his origin from Cornwall whose natives + are such masters in the art of wrestling, as, were the games of antiquity + revived, might enable them to challenge all Europe to the ring. Varney, in + his ill-advised attempt, received a fall so sudden and violent that his + sword flew several paces from his hand and ere he could recover his feet, + that of his antagonist was; pointed to his throat. + </p> + <p> + "Give me the instant means of relieving the victim of thy treachery," said + Tressilian, "or take the last look of your Creator's blessed sun!" + </p> + <p> + And while Varney, too confused or too sullen to reply, made a sudden + effort to arise, his adversary drew back his arm, and would have executed + his threat, but that the blow was arrested by the grasp of Michael + Lambourne, who, directed by the clashing of swords had come up just in + time to save the life of Varney. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0515m.jpg" alt="0515m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0515.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "Come, come, comrade;" said Lambourne, "here is enough done and more than + enough; put up your fox and let us be jogging. The Black Bear growls for + us." + </p> + <p> + "Off, abject!" said Tressilian, striking himself free of Lambourne's + grasp; "darest thou come betwixt me and mine enemy?" + </p> + <p> + "Abject! abject!" repeated Lambourne; "that shall be answered with cold + steel whenever a bowl of sack has washed out memory of the morning's + draught that we had together. In the meanwhile, do you see, shog—tramp—begone—we + are two to one." + </p> + <p> + He spoke truth, for Varney had taken the opportunity to regain his weapon, + and Tressilian perceived it was madness to press the quarrel further + against such odds. He took his purse from his side, and taking out two + gold nobles, flung them to Lambourne. "There, caitiff, is thy morning + wage; thou shalt not say thou hast been my guide unhired.—Varney, + farewell! we shall meet where there are none to come betwixt us." So + saying, he turned round and departed through the postern door. + </p> + <p> + Varney seemed to want the inclination, or perhaps the power (for his fall + had been a severe one), to follow his retreating enemy. But he glared + darkly as he disappeared, and then addressed Lambourne. "Art thou a + comrade of Foster's, good fellow?" + </p> + <p> + "Sworn friends, as the haft is to the knife," replied Michael Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "Here is a broad piece for thee. Follow yonder fellow, and see where he + takes earth, and bring me word up to the mansion-house here. Cautious and + silent, thou knave, as thou valuest thy throat." + </p> + <p> + "Enough said," replied Lambourne; "I can draw on a scent as well as a + sleuth-hound." + </p> + <p> + "Begone, then," said Varney, sheathing his rapier; and, turning his back + on Michael Lambourne, he walked slowly towards the house. Lambourne + stopped but an instant to gather the nobles which his late companion had + flung towards him so unceremoniously, and muttered to himself, while he + put them upon his purse along with the gratuity of Varney, "I spoke to + yonder gulls of Eldorado. By Saint Anthony, there is no Eldorado for men + of our stamp equal to bonny Old England! It rains nobles, by Heaven—they + lie on the grass as thick as dewdrops—you may have them for + gathering. And if I have not my share of such glittering dewdrops, may my + sword melt like an icicle!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He was a man + Versed in the world as pilot in his compass. + The needle pointed ever to that interest + Which was his loadstar, and he spread his sails + With vantage to the gale of others' passion. + —THE DECEIVER, A TRAGEDY. +</pre> + <p> + Antony Foster was still engaged in debate with his fair guest, who treated + with scorn every entreaty and request that she would retire to her own + apartment, when a whistle was heard at the entrance-door of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + "We are fairly sped now," said Foster; "yonder is thy lord's signal, and + what to say about the disorder which has happened in this household, by my + conscience, I know not. Some evil fortune dogs the heels of that unhanged + rogue Lambourne, and he has 'scaped the gallows against every chance, to + come back and be the ruin of me!" + </p> + <p> + "Peace, sir," said the lady, "and undo the gate to your master.—My + lord! my dear lord!" she then exclaimed, hastening to the entrance of the + apartment; then added, with a voice expressive of disappointment, "Pooh! + it is but Richard Varney." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, madam," said Varney, entering and saluting the lady with a respectful + obeisance, which she returned with a careless mixture of negligence and of + displeasure, "it is but Richard Varney; but even the first grey cloud + should be acceptable, when it lightens in the east, because it announces + the approach of the blessed sun." + </p> + <p> + "How! comes my lord hither to-night?" said the lady, in joyful yet + startled agitation; and Anthony Foster caught up the word, and echoed the + question. Varney replied to the lady, that his lord purposed to attend + her; and would have proceeded with some compliment, when, running to the + door of the parlour, she called aloud, "Janet—Janet! come to my + tiring-room instantly." Then returning to Varney, she asked if her lord + sent any further commendations to her. + </p> + <p> + "This letter, honoured madam," said he, taking from his bosom a small + parcel wrapped in scarlet silk, "and with it a token to the Queen of his + Affections." With eager speed the lady hastened to undo the silken string + which surrounded the little packet, and failing to unloose readily the + knot with which it was secured, she again called loudly on Janet, "Bring + me a knife—scissors—aught that may undo this envious knot!" + </p> + <p> + "May not my poor poniard serve, honoured madam?" said Varney, presenting a + small dagger of exquisite workmanship, which hung in his Turkey-leather + sword-belt. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," replied the lady, rejecting the instrument which he offered—"steel + poniard shall cut no true-love knot of mine." + </p> + <p> + "It has cut many, however," said Anthony Foster, half aside, and looking + at Varney. By this time the knot was disentangled without any other help + than the neat and nimble fingers of Janet, a simply-attired pretty maiden, + the daughter of Anthony Foster, who came running at the repeated call of + her mistress. A necklace of orient pearl, the companion of a perfumed + billet, was now hastily produced from the packet. The lady gave the one, + after a slight glance, to the charge of her attendant, while she read, or + rather devoured, the contents of the other. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, lady," said Janet, gazing with admiration at the neck-string of + pearls, "the daughters of Tyre wore no fairer neck-jewels than these. And + then the posy, 'For a neck that is fairer'—each pearl is worth a + freehold." + </p> + <p> + "Each word in this dear paper is worth the whole string, my girl. But come + to my tiring-room, girl; we must be brave, my lord comes hither to-night.—He + bids me grace you, Master Varney, and to me his wish is a law. I bid you + to a collation in my bower this afternoon; and you, too, Master Foster. + Give orders that all is fitting, and that suitable preparations be made + for my lord's reception to-night." With these words she left the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + "She takes state on her already," said Varney, "and distributes the favour + of her presence, as if she were already the partner of his dignity. Well, + it is wise to practise beforehand the part which fortune prepares us to + play—the young eagle must gaze at the sun ere he soars on strong + wing to meet it." + </p> + <p> + "If holding her head aloft," said Foster, "will keep her eyes from + dazzling, I warrant you the dame will not stoop her crest. She will + presently soar beyond reach of my whistle, Master Varney. I promise you, + she holds me already in slight regard." + </p> + <p> + "It is thine own fault, thou sullen, uninventive companion," answered + Varney, "who knowest no mode of control save downright brute force. Canst + thou not make home pleasant to her, with music and toys? Canst thou not + make the out-of-doors frightful to her, with tales of goblins? Thou livest + here by the churchyard, and hast not even wit enough to raise a ghost, to + scare thy females into good discipline." + </p> + <p> + "Speak not thus, Master Varney," said Foster; "the living I fear not, but + I trifle not nor toy with my dead neighbours of the churchyard. I promise + you, it requires a good heart to live so near it. Worthy Master Holdforth, + the afternoon's lecturer of Saint Antonlin's, had a sore fright there the + last time he came to visit me." + </p> + <p> + "Hold thy superstitious tongue," answered Varney; "and while thou talkest + of visiting, answer me, thou paltering knave, how came Tressilian to be at + the postern door?" + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian!" answered Foster, "what know I of Tressilian? I never heard + his name." + </p> + <p> + "Why, villain, it was the very Cornish chough to whom old Sir Hugh Robsart + destined his pretty Amy; and hither the hot-brained fool has come to look + after his fair runaway. There must be some order taken with him, for he + thinks he hath wrong, and is not the mean hind that will sit down with it. + Luckily he knows nought of my lord, but thinks he has only me to deal + with. But how, in the fiend's name, came he hither?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, with Mike Lambourne, an you must know," answered Foster. + </p> + <p> + "And who is Mike Lambourne?" demanded Varney. "By Heaven! thou wert best + set up a bush over thy door, and invite every stroller who passes by to + see what thou shouldst keep secret even from the sun and air." + </p> + <p> + "Ay! ay! this is a courtlike requital of my service to you, Master Richard + Varney," replied Foster. "Didst thou not charge me to seek out for thee a + fellow who had a good sword and an unscrupulous conscience? and was I not + busying myself to find a fit man—for, thank Heaven, my acquaintance + lies not amongst such companions—when, as Heaven would have it, this + tall fellow, who is in all his qualities the very flashing knave thou + didst wish, came hither to fix acquaintance upon me in the plenitude of + his impudence; and I admitted his claim, thinking to do you a pleasure. + And now see what thanks I get for disgracing myself by converse with him!" + </p> + <p> + "And did he," said Varney, "being such a fellow as thyself, only lacking, + I suppose, thy present humour of hypocrisy, which lies as thin over thy + hard, ruffianly heart as gold lacquer upon rusty iron—did he, I say, + bring the saintly, sighing Tressilian in his train?" + </p> + <p> + "They came together, by Heaven!" said Foster; "and Tressilian—to + speak Heaven's truth—obtained a moment's interview with our pretty + moppet, while I was talking apart with Lambourne." + </p> + <p> + "Improvident villain! we are both undone," said Varney. "She has of late + been casting many a backward look to her father's halls, whenever her + lordly lover leaves her alone. Should this preaching fool whistle her back + to her old perch, we were but lost men." + </p> + <p> + "No fear of that, my master," replied Anthony Foster; "she is in no mood + to stoop to his lure, for she yelled out on seeing him as if an adder had + stung her." + </p> + <p> + "That is good. Canst thou not get from thy daughter an inkling of what + passed between them, good Foster?" + </p> + <p> + "I tell you plain, Master Varney," said Foster, "my daughter shall not + enter our purposes or walk in our paths. They may suit me well enough, who + know how to repent of my misdoings; but I will not have my child's soul + committed to peril either for your pleasure or my lord's. I may walk among + snares and pitfalls myself, because I have discretion, but I will not + trust the poor lamb among them." + </p> + <p> + "Why, thou suspicious fool, I were as averse as thou art that thy + baby-faced girl should enter into my plans, or walk to hell at her + father's elbow. But indirectly thou mightst gain some intelligence of + her?" + </p> + <p> + "And so I did, Master Varney," answered Foster; "and she said her lady + called out upon the sickness of her father." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" replied Varney; "that is a hint worth catching, and I will work + upon it. But the country must be rid of this Tressilian. I would have + cumbered no man about the matter, for I hate him like strong poison—his + presence is hemlock to me—and this day I had been rid of him, but + that my foot slipped, when, to speak truth, had not thy comrade yonder + come to my aid, and held his hand, I should have known by this time + whether you and I have been treading the path to heaven or hell." + </p> + <p> + "And you can speak thus of such a risk!" said Foster. "You keep a stout + heart, Master Varney. For me, if I did not hope to live many years, and to + have time for the great work of repentance, I would not go forward with + you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! thou shalt live as long as Methuselah," said Varney, "and amass as + much wealth as Solomon; and thou shalt repent so devoutly, that thy + repentance shall be more famous than thy villainy—and that is a bold + word. But for all this, Tressilian must be looked after. Thy ruffian + yonder is gone to dog him. It concerns our fortunes, Anthony." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," said Foster sullenly, "this it is to be leagued with one who + knows not even so much of Scripture, as that the labourer is worthy of his + hire. I must, as usual, take all the trouble and risk." + </p> + <p> + "Risk! and what is the mighty risk, I pray you?" answered Varney. "This + fellow will come prowling again about your demesne or into your house, and + if you take him for a house-breaker or a park-breaker, is it not most + natural you should welcome him with cold steel or hot lead? Even a mastiff + will pull down those who come near his kennel; and who shall blame him?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, I have a mastiff's work and a mastiff's wage among you," said Foster. + "Here have you, Master Varney, secured a good freehold estate out of this + old superstitious foundation; and I have but a poor lease of this mansion + under you, voidable at your honour's pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and thou wouldst fain convert thy leasehold into a copyhold—the + thing may chance to happen, Anthony Foster, if thou dost good service for + it. But softly, good Anthony—it is not the lending a room or two of + this old house for keeping my lord's pretty paroquet—nay, it is not + the shutting thy doors and windows to keep her from flying off that may + deserve it. Remember, the manor and tithes are rated at the clear annual + value of seventy-nine pounds five shillings and fivepence halfpenny, + besides the value of the wood. Come, come, thou must be conscionable; + great and secret service may deserve both this and a better thing. And now + let thy knave come and pluck off my boots. Get us some dinner, and a cup + of thy best wine. I must visit this mavis, brave in apparel, unruffled in + aspect, and gay in temper." + </p> + <p> + They parted and at the hour of noon, which was then that of dinner, they + again met at their meal, Varney gaily dressed like a courtier of the time, + and even Anthony Foster improved in appearance, as far as dress could + amend an exterior so unfavourable. + </p> + <p> + This alteration did not escape Varney. Then the meal was finished, the + cloth removed, and they were left to their private discourse—"Thou + art gay as a goldfinch, Anthony," said Varney, looking at his host; + "methinks, thou wilt whistle a jig anon. But I crave your pardon, that + would secure your ejection from the congregation of the zealous botchers, + the pure-hearted weavers, and the sanctified bakers of Abingdon, who let + their ovens cool while their brains get heated." + </p> + <p> + "To answer you in the spirit, Master Varney," said Foster, "were—excuse + the parable—to fling sacred and precious things before swine. So I + will speak to thee in the language of the world, which he who is king of + the world, hath taught thee, to understand, and to profit by in no common + measure." + </p> + <p> + "Say what thou wilt, honest Tony," replied Varney; "for be it according to + thine absurd faith, or according to thy most villainous practice, it + cannot choose but be rare matter to qualify this cup of Alicant. Thy + conversation is relishing and poignant, and beats caviare, dried + neat's-tongue, and all other provocatives that give savour to good + liquor." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, tell me," said Anthony Foster, "is not our good lord and + master's turn better served, and his antechamber more suitably filled, + with decent, God-fearing men, who will work his will and their own profit + quietly, and without worldly scandal, than that he should be manned, and + attended, and followed by such open debauchers and ruffianly swordsmen as + Tidesly, Killigrew, this fellow Lambourne, whom you have put me to seek + out for you, and other such, who bear the gallows in their face and murder + in their right hand—who are a terror to peaceable men, and a scandal + to my lord's service?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, content you, good Master Anthony Foster," answered Varney; "he that + flies at all manner of game must keep all kinds of hawks, both short and + long-winged. The course my lord holds is no easy one, and he must stand + provided at all points with trusty retainers to meet each sort of service. + He must have his gay courtier, like myself, to ruffle it in the + presence-chamber, and to lay hand on hilt when any speaks in disparagement + of my lord's honour—" + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said Foster, "and to whisper a word for him into a fair lady's ear, + when he may not approach her himself." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said Varney, going on without appearing to notice the + interruption, "he must have his lawyers—deep, subtle pioneers—to + draw his contracts, his pre-contracts, and his post-contracts, and to find + the way to make the most of grants of church-lands, and commons, and + licenses for monopoly. And he must have physicians who can spice a cup or + a caudle. And he must have his cabalists, like Dec and Allan, for + conjuring up the devil. And he must have ruffling swordsmen, who would + fight the devil when he is raised and at the wildest. And above all, + without prejudice to others, he must have such godly, innocent, puritanic + souls as thou, honest Anthony, who defy Satan, and do his work at the same + time." + </p> + <p> + "You would not say, Master Varney," said Foster, "that our good lord and + master, whom I hold to be fulfilled in all nobleness, would use such base + and sinful means to rise, as thy speech points at?" + </p> + <p> + "Tush, man," said Varney, "never look at me with so sad a brow. You trap + me not—nor am I in your power, as your weak brain may imagine, + because I name to you freely the engines, the springs, the screws, the + tackle, and braces, by which great men rise in stirring times. Sayest thou + our good lord is fulfilled of all nobleness? Amen, and so be it—he + has the more need to have those about him who are unscrupulous in his + service, and who, because they know that his fall will overwhelm and crush + them, must wager both blood and brain, soul and body, in order to keep him + aloft; and this I tell thee, because I care not who knows it." + </p> + <p> + "You speak truth, Master Varney," said Anthony Foster. "He that is head of + a party is but a boat on a wave, that raises not itself, but is moved + upward by the billow which it floats upon." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art metaphorical, honest Anthony," replied Varney; "that velvet + doublet hath made an oracle of thee. We will have thee to Oxford to take + the degrees in the arts. And, in the meantime, hast thou arranged all the + matters which were sent from London, and put the western chambers into + such fashion as may answer my lord's humour?" + </p> + <p> + "They may serve a king on his bridal-day," said Anthony; "and I promise + you that Dame Amy sits in them yonder as proud and gay as if she were the + Queen of Sheba." + </p> + <p> + "'Tis the better, good Anthony," answered Varney; "we must found our + future fortunes on her good liking." + </p> + <p> + "We build on sand then," said Anthony Foster; "for supposing that she + sails away to court in all her lord's dignity and authority, how is she to + look back upon me, who am her jailor as it were, to detain her here + against her will, keeping her a caterpillar on an old wall, when she would + fain be a painted butterfly in a court garden?" + </p> + <p> + "Fear not her displeasure, man," said Varney. "I will show her all thou + hast done in this matter was good service, both to my lord and her; and + when she chips the egg-shell and walks alone, she shall own we have + hatched her greatness." + </p> + <p> + "Look to yourself, Master Varney," said Foster, "you may misreckon foully + in this matter. She gave you but a frosty reception this morning, and, I + think, looks on you, as well as me, with an evil eye." + </p> + <p> + "You mistake her, Foster—you mistake her utterly. To me she is bound + by all the ties which can secure her to one who has been the means of + gratifying both her love and ambition. Who was it that took the obscure + Amy Robsart, the daughter of an impoverished and dotard knight—the + destined bride of a moonstruck, moping enthusiast, like Edmund Tressilian, + from her lowly fates, and held out to her in prospect the brightest + fortune in England, or perchance in Europe? Why, man, it was I—as I + have often told thee—that found opportunity for their secret + meetings. It was I who watched the wood while he beat for the deer. It was + I who, to this day, am blamed by her family as the companion of her + flight; and were I in their neighbourhood, would be fain to wear a shirt + of better stuff than Holland linen, lest my ribs should be acquainted with + Spanish steel. Who carried their letters?—I. Who amused the old + knight and Tressilian?—I. Who planned her escape?—it was I. It + was I, in short, Dick Varney, who pulled this pretty little daisy from its + lowly nook, and placed it in the proudest bonnet in Britain." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Master Varney," said Foster; "but it may be she thinks that had the + matter remained with you, the flower had been stuck so slightly into the + cap, that the first breath of a changeable breeze of passion had blown the + poor daisy to the common." + </p> + <p> + "She should consider," said Varney, smiling, "the true faith I owed my + lord and master prevented me at first from counselling marriage; and yet I + did counsel marriage when I saw she would not be satisfied without the—the + sacrament, or the ceremony—which callest thou it, Anthony?" + </p> + <p> + "Still she has you at feud on another score," said Foster; "and I tell it + you that you may look to yourself in time. She would not hide her + splendour in this dark lantern of an old monastic house, but would fain + shine a countess amongst countesses." + </p> + <p> + "Very natural, very right," answered Varney; "but what have I to do with + that?—she may shine through horn or through crystal at my lord's + pleasure, I have nought to say against it." + </p> + <p> + "She deems that you have an oar upon that side of the boat, Master + Varney," replied Foster, "and that you can pull it or no, at your good + pleasure. In a word, she ascribes the secrecy and obscurity in which she + is kept to your secret counsel to my lord, and to my strict agency; and so + she loves us both as a sentenced man loves his judge and his jailor." + </p> + <p> + "She must love us better ere she leave this place, Anthony," answered + Varney. "If I have counselled for weighty reasons that she remain here for + a season, I can also advise her being brought forth in the full blow of + her dignity. But I were mad to do so, holding so near a place to my lord's + person, were she mine enemy. Bear this truth in upon her as occasion + offers, Anthony, and let me alone for extolling you in her ear, and + exalting you in her opinion—KA ME, KA THEE—it is a proverb all + over the world. The lady must know her friends, and be made to judge of + the power they have of being her enemies; meanwhile, watch her strictly, + but with all the outward observance that thy rough nature will permit. + 'Tis an excellent thing that sullen look and bull-dog humour of thine; + thou shouldst thank God for it, and so should my lord, for when there is + aught harsh or hard-natured to be done, thou dost it as if it flowed from + thine own natural doggedness, and not from orders, and so my lord escapes + the scandal.—But, hark—some one knocks at the gate. Look out + at the window—let no one enter—this were an ill night to be + interrupted." + </p> + <p> + "It is he whom we spoke of before dinner," said Foster, as he looked + through the casement; "it is Michael Lambourne." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, admit him, by all means," said the courtier; "he comes to give some + account of his guest; it imports us much to know the movements of Edmund + Tressilian.—Admit him, I say, but bring him not hither; I will come + to you presently in the Abbot's library." + </p> + <p> + Foster left the room, and the courtier, who remained behind, paced the + parlour more than once in deep thought, his arms folded on his bosom, + until at length he gave vent to his meditations in broken words, which we + have somewhat enlarged and connected, that his soliloquy may be + intelligible to the reader. + </p> + <p> + "'Tis true," he said, suddenly stopping, and resting his right hand on the + table at which they had been sitting, "this base churl hath fathomed the + very depth of my fear, and I have been unable to disguise it from him. She + loves me not—I would it were as true that I loved not her! Idiot + that I was, to move her in my own behalf, when wisdom bade me be a true + broker to my lord! And this fatal error has placed me more at her + discretion than a wise man would willingly be at that of the best piece of + painted Eve's flesh of them all. Since the hour that my policy made so + perilous a slip, I cannot look at her without fear, and hate, and + fondness, so strangely mingled, that I know not whether, were it at my + choice, I would rather possess or ruin her. But she must not leave this + retreat until I am assured on what terms we are to stand. My lord's + interest—and so far it is mine own, for if he sinks I fall in his + train—demands concealment of this obscure marriage; and besides, I + will not lend her my arm to climb to her chair of state, that she may set + her foot on my neck when she is fairly seated. I must work an interest in + her, either through love or through fear; and who knows but I may yet reap + the sweetest and best revenge for her former scorn?—that were indeed + a masterpiece of courtlike art! Let me but once be her counsel-keeper—let + her confide to me a secret, did it but concern the robbery of a linnet's + nest, and, fair Countess, thou art mine own!" He again paced the room in + silence, stopped, filled and drank a cup of wine, as if to compose the + agitation of his mind, and muttering, "Now for a close heart and an open + and unruffled brow," he left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The dews of summer night did fall, + The moon, sweet regent of the sky, + Silver'd the walls of Cumnor Hall, + And many an oak that grew thereby.—MICKLE. + + [This verse is the commencement of the ballad already quoted, as + what suggested the novel.] +</pre> + <p> + Four apartments; which, occupied the western side of the old quadrangle at + Cumnor Place, had been fitted up with extraordinary splendour. This had + been the work of several days prior to that on which our story opened. + Workmen sent from London, and not permitted to leave the premises until + the work was finished, had converted the apartments in that side of the + building from the dilapidated appearance of a dissolved monastic house + into the semblance of a royal palace. A mystery was observed in all these + arrangements: the workmen came thither and returned by night, and all + measures were taken to prevent the prying curiosity of the villagers from + observing or speculating upon the changes which were taking place in the + mansion of their once indigent but now wealthy neighbour, Anthony Foster. + Accordingly, the secrecy desired was so far preserved, that nothing got + abroad but vague and uncertain reports, which were received and repeated, + but without much credit being attached to them. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of which we treat, the new and highly-decorated suite of + rooms were, for the first time, illuminated, and that with a brilliancy + which might have been visible half-a-dozen miles off, had not oaken + shutters, carefully secured with bolt and padlock, and mantled with long + curtains of silk and of velvet, deeply fringed with gold, prevented the + slightest gleam of radiance from being seen without. + </p> + <p> + The principal apartments, as we have seen, were four in number, each + opening into the other. Access was given to them by a large scale + staircase, as they were then called, of unusual length and height, which + had its landing-place at the door of an antechamber, shaped somewhat like + a gallery. This apartment the abbot had used as an occasional + council-room, but it was now beautifully wainscoted with dark, foreign + wood of a brown colour, and bearing a high polish, said to have been + brought from the Western Indies, and to have been wrought in London with + infinite difficulty and much damage to the tools of the workmen. The dark + colour of this finishing was relieved by the number of lights in silver + sconces which hung against the walls, and by six large and richly-framed + pictures, by the first masters of the age. A massy oaken table, placed at + the lower end of the apartment, served to accommodate such as chose to + play at the then fashionable game of shovel-board; and there was at the + other end an elevated gallery for the musicians or minstrels, who might be + summoned to increase the festivity of the evening. + </p> + <p> + From this antechamber opened a banqueting-room of moderate size, but + brilliant enough to dazzle the eyes of the spectator with the richness of + its furniture. The walls, lately so bare and ghastly, were now clothed + with hangings of sky-blue velvet and silver; the chairs were of ebony, + richly carved, with cushions corresponding to the hangings; and the place + of the silver sconces which enlightened the ante-chamber was supplied by a + huge chandelier of the same precious metal. The floor was covered with a + Spanish foot-cloth, or carpet, on which flowers and fruits were + represented in such glowing and natural colours, that you hesitated to + place the foot on such exquisite workmanship. The table, of old English + oak, stood ready covered with the finest linen; and a large portable + court-cupboard was placed with the leaves of its embossed folding-doors + displayed, showing the shelves within, decorated with a full display of + plate and porcelain. In the midst of the table stood a salt-cellar of + Italian workmanship—a beautiful and splendid piece of plate about + two feet high, moulded into a representation of the giant Briareus, whose + hundred hands of silver presented to the guests various sorts of spices, + or condiments, to season their food withal. + </p> + <p> + The third apartment was called the withdrawing-room. It was hung with the + finest tapestry, representing the fall of Phaeton; for the looms of + Flanders were now much occupied on classical subjects. The principal seat + of this apartment was a chair of state, raised a step or two from the + floor, and large enough to contain two persons. It was surmounted by a + canopy, which, as well as the cushions, side-curtains, and the very + footcloth, was composed of crimson velvet, embroidered with seed-pearl. On + the top of the canopy were two coronets, resembling those of an earl and + countess. Stools covered with velvet, and some cushions disposed in the + Moorish fashion, and ornamented with Arabesque needle-work, supplied the + place of chairs in this apartment, which contained musical instruments, + embroidery frames, and other articles for ladies' pastime. Besides lesser + lights, the withdrawing-room was illuminated by four tall torches of + virgin wax, each of which was placed in the grasp of a statue, + representing an armed Moor, who held in his left arm a round buckler of + silver, highly polished, interposed betwixt his breast and the light, + which was thus brilliantly reflected as from a crystal mirror. + </p> + <p> + The sleeping chamber belonging to this splendid suite of apartments was + decorated in a taste less showy, but not less rich, than had been + displayed in the others. Two silver lamps, fed with perfumed oil, diffused + at once a delicious odour and a trembling twilight-seeming shimmer through + the quiet apartment. It was carpeted so thick that the heaviest step could + not have been heard, and the bed, richly heaped with down, was spread with + an ample coverlet of silk and gold; from under which peeped forth cambric + sheets and blankets as white as the lambs which yielded the fleece that + made them. The curtains were of blue velvet, lined with crimson silk, + deeply festooned with gold, and embroidered with the loves of Cupid and + Psyche. On the toilet was a beautiful Venetian mirror, in a frame of + silver filigree, and beside it stood a gold posset-dish to contain the + night-draught. A pair of pistols and a dagger, mounted with gold, were + displayed near the head of the bed, being the arms for the night, which + were presented to honoured guests, rather, it may be supposed, in the way + of ceremony than from any apprehension of danger. We must not omit to + mention, what was more to the credit of the manners of the time, that in a + small recess, illuminated by a taper, were disposed two hassocks of velvet + and gold, corresponding with the bed furniture, before a desk of carved + ebony. This recess had formerly been the private oratory of the abbot; but + the crucifix was removed, and instead there were placed on the desk, two + Books of Common Prayer, richly bound, and embossed with silver. With this + enviable sleeping apartment, which was so far removed from every sound + save that of the wind sighing among the oaks of the park, that Morpheus + might have coveted it for his own proper repose, corresponded two + wardrobes, or dressing-rooms as they are now termed, suitably furnished, + and in a style of the same magnificence which we have already described. + It ought to be added, that a part of the building in the adjoining wing + was occupied by the kitchen and its offices, and served to accommodate the + personal attendants of the great and wealthy nobleman, for whose use these + magnificent preparations had been made. + </p> + <p> + The divinity for whose sake this temple had been decorated was well worthy + the cost and pains which had been bestowed. She was seated in the + withdrawing-room which we have described, surveying with the pleased eye + of natural and innocent vanity the splendour which had been so suddenly + created, as it were, in her honour. For, as her own residence at Cumnor + Place formed the cause of the mystery observed in all the preparations for + opening these apartments, it was sedulously arranged that, until she took + possession of them, she should have no means of knowing what was going + forward in that part of the ancient building, or of exposing herself to be + seen by the workmen engaged in the decorations. She had been, therefore, + introduced on that evening to a part of the mansion which she had never + yet seen, so different from all the rest that it appeared, in comparison, + like an enchanted palace. And when she first examined and occupied these + splendid rooms, it was with the wild and unrestrained joy of a rustic + beauty who finds herself suddenly invested with a splendour which her most + extravagant wishes had never imagined, and at the same time with the keen + feeling of an affectionate heart, which knows that all the enchantment + that surrounds her is the work of the great magician Love. + </p> + <p> + The Countess Amy, therefore—for to that rank she was exalted by her + private but solemn union with England's proudest Earl—had for a time + flitted hastily from room to room, admiring each new proof of her lover + and her bridegroom's taste, and feeling that admiration enhanced as she + recollected that all she gazed upon was one continued proof of his ardent + and devoted affection. "How beautiful are these hangings! How natural + these paintings, which seem to contend with life! How richly wrought is + that plate, which looks as if all the galleons of Spain had been + intercepted on the broad seas to furnish it forth! And oh, Janet!" she + exclaimed repeatedly to the daughter of Anthony Foster, the close + attendant, who, with equal curiosity, but somewhat less ecstatic joy, + followed on her mistress's footsteps—"oh, Janet! how much more + delightful to think that all these fair things have been assembled by his + love, for the love of me! and that this evening—this very evening, + which grows darker every instant, I shall thank him more for the love that + has created such an unimaginable paradise, than for all the wonders it + contains." + </p> + <p> + "The Lord is to be thanked first," said the pretty Puritan, "who gave + thee, lady, the kind and courteous husband whose love has done so much for + thee. I, too, have done my poor share. But if you thus run wildly from + room to room, the toil of my crisping and my curling pins will vanish like + the frost-work on the window when the sun is high." + </p> + <p> + "Thou sayest true, Janet," said the young and beautiful Countess, stopping + suddenly from her tripping race of enraptured delight, and looking at + herself from head to foot in a large mirror, such as she had never before + seen, and which, indeed, had few to match it even in the Queen's palace—"thou + sayest true, Janet!" she answered, as she saw, with pardonable + self-applause, the noble mirror reflect such charms as were seldom + presented to its fair and polished surface; "I have more of the milk-maid + than the countess, with these cheeks flushed with haste, and all these + brown curls, which you laboured to bring to order, straying as wild as the + tendrils of an unpruned vine. My falling ruff is chafed too, and shows the + neck and bosom more than is modest and seemly. Come, Janet; we will + practise state—we will go to the withdrawing-room, my good girl, and + thou shalt put these rebel locks in order, and imprison within lace and + cambric the bosom that beats too high." + </p> + <p> + They went to the withdrawing apartment accordingly, where the Countess + playfully stretched herself upon the pile of Moorish cushions, half + sitting, half reclining, half wrapt in her own thoughts, half listening to + the prattle of her attendant. + </p> + <p> + While she was in this attitude, and with a corresponding expression + betwixt listlessness and expectation on her fine and intelligent features, + you might have searched sea and land without finding anything half so + expressive or half so lovely. The wreath of brilliants which mixed with + her dark-brown hair did not match in lustre the hazel eye which a + light-brown eyebrow, pencilled with exquisite delicacy, and long eyelashes + of the same colour, relieved and shaded. The exercise she had just taken, + her excited expectation and gratified vanity, spread a glow over her fine + features, which had been sometimes censured (as beauty as well as art has + her minute critics) for being rather too pale. The milk-white pearls of + the necklace which she wore, the same which she had just received as a + true-love token from her husband, were excelled in purity by her teeth, + and by the colour of her skin, saving where the blush of pleasure and + self-satisfaction had somewhat stained the neck with a shade of light + crimson.—"Now, have done with these busy fingers, Janet," she said + to her handmaiden, who was still officiously employed in bringing her hair + and her dress into order—"have done, I say. I must see your father + ere my lord arrives, and also Master Richard Varney, whom my lord has + highly in his esteem—but I could tell that of him would lose him + favour." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, do not do so, good my lady!" replied Janet; "leave him to God, who + punishes the wicked in His own time; but do not you cross Varney's path, + for so thoroughly hath he my lord's ear, that few have thriven who have + thwarted his courses." + </p> + <p> + "And from whom had you this, my most righteous Janet?" said the Countess; + "or why should I keep terms with so mean a gentleman as Varney, being as I + am, wife to his master and patron?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, madam," replied Janet Foster, "your ladyship knows better than I; + but I have heard my father say he would rather cross a hungry wolf than + thwart Richard Varney in his projects. And he has often charged me to have + a care of holding commerce with him." + </p> + <p> + "Thy father said well, girl, for thee," replied the lady, "and I dare + swear meant well. It is a pity, though, his face and manner do little + match his true purpose—for I think his purpose may be true." + </p> + <p> + "Doubt it not, my lady," answered Janet—"doubt not that my father + purposes well, though he is a plain man, and his blunt looks may belie his + heart." + </p> + <p> + "I will not doubt it, girl, were it only for thy sake; and yet he has one + of those faces which men tremble when they look on. I think even thy + mother, Janet—nay, have done with that poking-iron—could + hardly look upon him without quaking." + </p> + <p> + "If it were so, madam," answered Janet Foster, "my mother had those who + could keep her in honourable countenance. Why, even you, my lady, both + trembled and blushed when Varney brought the letter from my lord." + </p> + <p> + "You are bold, damsel," said the Countess, rising from the cushions on + which she sat half reclined in the arms of her attendant. "Know that there + are causes of trembling which have nothing to do with fear.—But, + Janet," she added, immediately relapsing into the good-natured and + familiar tone which was natural to her, "believe me, I will do what credit + I can to your father, and the rather that you, sweetheart, are his child. + Alas! alas!" she added, a sudden sadness passing over her fine features, + and her eyes filling with tears, "I ought the rather to hold sympathy with + thy kind heart, that my own poor father is uncertain of my fate, and they + say lies sick and sorrowful for my worthless sake! But I will soon cheer + him—the news of my happiness and advancement will make him young + again. And that I may cheer him the sooner"—she wiped her eyes as + she spoke—"I must be cheerful myself. My lord must not find me + insensible to his kindness, or sorrowful, when he snatches a visit to his + recluse, after so long an absence. Be merry, Janet; the night wears on, + and my lord must soon arrive. Call thy father hither, and call Varney + also. I cherish resentment against neither; and though I may have some + room to be displeased with both, it shall be their own fault if ever a + complaint against them reaches the Earl through my means. Call them + hither, Janet." + </p> + <p> + Janet Foster obeyed her mistress; and in a few minutes after, Varney + entered the withdrawing-room with the graceful ease and unclouded front of + an accomplished courtier, skilled, under the veil of external politeness, + to disguise his own feelings and to penetrate those of others. Anthony + Foster plodded into the apartment after him, his natural gloomy vulgarity + of aspect seeming to become yet more remarkable, from his clumsy attempt + to conceal the mixture of anxiety and dislike with which he looked on her, + over whom he had hitherto exercised so severe a control, now so splendidly + attired, and decked with so many pledges of the interest which she + possessed in her husband's affections. The blundering reverence which he + made, rather AT than TO the Countess, had confession in it. It was like + the reverence which the criminal makes to the judge, when he at once owns + his guilt and implores mercy—which is at the same time an impudent + and embarrassed attempt at defence or extenuation, a confession of a + fault, and an entreaty for lenity. + </p> + <p> + Varney, who, in right of his gentle blood, had pressed into the room + before Anthony Foster, knew better what to say than he, and said it with + more assurance and a better grace. + </p> + <p> + The Countess greeted him indeed with an appearance of cordiality, which + seemed a complete amnesty for whatever she might have to complain of. She + rose from her seat, and advanced two steps towards him, holding forth her + hand as she said, "Master Richard Varney, you brought me this morning such + welcome tidings, that I fear surprise and joy made me neglect my lord and + husband's charge to receive you with distinction. We offer you our hand, + sir, in reconciliation." + </p> + <p> + "I am unworthy to touch it," said Varney, dropping on one knee, "save as a + subject honours that of a prince." + </p> + <p> + He touched with his lips those fair and slender fingers, so richly loaded + with rings and jewels; then rising, with graceful gallantry, was about to + hand her to the chair of state, when she said, "No, good Master Richard + Varney, I take not my place there until my lord himself conducts me. I am + for the present but a disguised Countess, and will not take dignity on me + until authorized by him whom I derive it from." + </p> + <p> + "I trust, my lady," said Foster, "that in doing the commands of my lord + your husband, in your restraint and so forth, I have not incurred your + displeasure, seeing that I did but my duty towards your lord and mine; for + Heaven, as holy writ saith, hath given the husband supremacy and dominion + over the wife—I think it runs so, or something like it." + </p> + <p> + "I receive at this moment so pleasant a surprise, Master Foster," answered + the Countess, "that I cannot but excuse the rigid fidelity which secluded + me from these apartments, until they had assumed an appearance so new and + so splendid." + </p> + <p> + "Ay lady," said Foster, "it hath cost many a fair crown; and that more + need not be wasted than is absolutely necessary, I leave you till my + lord's arrival with good Master Richard Varney, who, as I think, hath + somewhat to say to you from your most noble lord and husband.—Janet, + follow me, to see that all be in order." + </p> + <p> + "No, Master Foster," said the Countess, "we will your daughter remains + here in our apartment—out of ear-shot, however, in case Varney hath + ought to say to me from my lord." + </p> + <p> + Foster made his clumsy reverence, and departed, with an aspect which + seemed to grudge the profuse expense which had been wasted upon changing + his house from a bare and ruinous grange to an Asiastic palace. When he + was gone, his daughter took her embroidery frame, and went to establish + herself at the bottom of the apartment; while Richard Varney, with a + profoundly humble courtesy, took the lowest stool he could find, and + placing it by the side of the pile of cushions on which the Countess had + now again seated herself, sat with his eyes for a time fixed on the + ground, and in pro-found silence. + </p> + <p> + "I thought, Master Varney," said the Countess, when she saw he was not + likely to open the conversation, "that you had something to communicate + from my lord and husband; so at least I understood Master Foster, and + therefore I removed my waiting-maid. If I am mistaken, I will recall her + to my side; for her needle is not so absolutely perfect in tent and + cross-stitch, but that my superintendence is advisable." + </p> + <p> + "Lady," said Varney, "Foster was partly mistaken in my purpose. It was not + FROM but OF your noble husband, and my approved and most noble patron, + that I am led, and indeed bound, to speak." + </p> + <p> + "The theme is most welcome, sir," said the Countess, "whether it be of or + from my noble husband. But be brief, for I expect his hasty approach." + </p> + <p> + "Briefly then, madam," replied Varney, "and boldly, for my argument + requires both haste and courage—you have this day seen Tressilian?" + </p> + <p> + "I have, sir and what of that?" answered the lady somewhat sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing that concerns me, lady," Varney replied with humility. "But, + think you, honoured madam, that your lord will hear it with equal + equanimity?" + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore should he not? To me alone was Tressilian's visit + embarrassing and painful, for he brought news of my good father's + illness." + </p> + <p> + "Of your father's illness, madam!" answered Varney. "It must have been + sudden then—very sudden; for the messenger whom I dispatched, at my + lord's instance, found the good knight on the hunting field, cheering his + beagles with his wonted jovial field-cry. I trust Tressilian has but + forged this news. He hath his reasons, madam, as you well know, for + disquieting your present happiness." + </p> + <p> + "You do him injustice, Master Varney," replied the Countess, with + animation—"you do him much injustice. He is the freest, the most + open, the most gentle heart that breathes. My honourable lord ever + excepted, I know not one to whom falsehood is more odious than to + Tressilian." + </p> + <p> + "I crave your pardon, madam," said Varney, "I meant the gentleman no + injustice—I knew not how nearly his cause affected you. A man may, + in some circumstances, disguise the truth for fair and honest purpose; for + were it to be always spoken, and upon all occasions, this were no world to + live in." + </p> + <p> + "You have a courtly conscience, Master Varney," said the Countess, "and + your veracity will not, I think, interrupt your preferment in the world, + such as it is. But touching Tressilian—I must do him justice, for I + have done him wrong, as none knows better than thou. Tressilian's + conscience is of other mould—the world thou speakest of has not that + which could bribe him from the way of truth and honour; and for living in + it with a soiled fame, the ermine would as soon seek to lodge in the den + of the foul polecat. For this my father loved him; for this I would have + loved him—if I could. And yet in this case he had what seemed to + him, unknowing alike of my marriage and to whom I was united, such + powerful reasons to withdraw me from this place, that I well trust he + exaggerated much of my father's indisposition, and that thy better news + may be the truer." + </p> + <p> + "Believe me they are, madam," answered Varney. "I pretend not to be a + champion of that same naked virtue called truth, to the very outrance. I + can consent that her charms be hidden with a veil, were it but for + decency's sake. But you must think lower of my head and heart than is due + to one whom my noble lord deigns to call his friend, if you suppose I + could wilfully and unnecessarily palm upon your ladyship a falsehood, so + soon to be detected, in a matter which concerns your happiness." + </p> + <p> + "Master Varney," said the Countess, "I know that my lord esteems you, and + holds you a faithful and a good pilot in those seas in which he has spread + so high and so venturous a sail. Do not suppose, therefore, I meant hardly + by you, when I spoke the truth in Tressilian's vindication. I am as you + well know, country-bred, and like plain rustic truth better than courtly + compliment; but I must change my fashions with my sphere, I presume." + </p> + <p> + "True, madam," said Varney, smiling; "and though you speak now in jest, it + will not be amiss that in earnest your present speech had some connection + with your real purpose. A court-dame—take the most noble, the most + virtuous, the most unimpeachable that stands around our Queen's throne—would, + for example, have shunned to speak the truth, or what she thought such, in + praise of a discarded suitor, before the dependant and confidant of her + noble husband." + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore," said the Countess, colouring impatiently, "should I not + do justice to Tressilian's worth, before my husband's friend—before + my husband himself—before the whole world?" + </p> + <p> + "And with the same openness," said Varney, "your ladyship will this night + tell my noble lord your husband that Tressilian has discovered your place + of residence, so anxiously concealed from the world, and that he has had + an interview with you?" + </p> + <p> + "Unquestionably," said the Countess. "It will be the first thing I tell + him, together with every word that Tressilian said and that I answered. I + shall speak my own shame in this, for Tressilian's reproaches, less just + than he esteemed them, were not altogether unmerited. I will speak, + therefore, with pain, but I will speak, and speak all." + </p> + <p> + "Your ladyship will do your pleasure," answered Varney; "but methinks it + were as well, since nothing calls for so frank a disclosure, to spare + yourself this pain, and my noble lord the disquiet, and Master Tressilian, + since belike he must be thought of in the matter, the danger which is like + to ensue." + </p> + <p> + "I can see nought of all these terrible consequences," said the lady + composedly, "unless by imputing to my noble lord unworthy thoughts, which + I am sure never harboured in his generous heart." + </p> + <p> + "Far be it from me to do so," said Varney. And then, after a moment's + silence, he added, with a real or affected plainness of manner, very + different from his usual smooth courtesy, "Come, madam, I will show you + that a courtier dare speak truth as well as another, when it concerns the + weal of those whom he honours and regards, ay, and although it may infer + his own danger." He waited as if to receive commands, or at least + permission, to go on; but as the lady remained silent, he proceeded, but + obviously with caution. "Look around you," he said, "noble lady, and + observe the barriers with which this place is surrounded, the studious + mystery with which the brightest jewel that England possesses is secluded + from the admiring gaze. See with what rigour your walks are circumscribed, + and your movement restrained at the beck of yonder churlish Foster. + Consider all this, and judge for yourself what can be the cause. + </p> + <p> + "My lord's pleasure," answered the Countess; "and I am bound to seek no + other motive." + </p> + <p> + "His pleasure it is indeed," said Varney; "and his pleasure arises out of + a love worthy of the object which inspires it. But he who possesses a + treasure, and who values it, is oft anxious, in proportion to the value he + puts upon it, to secure it from the depredations of others." + </p> + <p> + "What needs all this talk, Master Varney?" said the lady, in reply. "You + would have me believe that my noble lord is jealous. Suppose it true, I + know a cure for jealousy." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, madam?" said Varney. + </p> + <p> + "It is," replied the lady, "to speak the truth to my lord at all times—to + hold up my mind and my thoughts before him as pure as that polished mirror—so + that when he looks into my heart, he shall only see his own features + reflected there." + </p> + <p> + "I am mute, madam," answered Varney; "and as I have no reason to grieve + for Tressilian, who would have my heart's blood were he able, I shall + reconcile myself easily to what may befall the gentleman in consequence of + your frank disclosure of his having presumed to intrude upon your + solitude. You, who know my lord so much better than I, will judge if he be + likely to bear the insult unavenged." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, if I could think myself the cause of Tressilian's ruin," said the + Countess, "I who have already occasioned him so much distress, I might be + brought to be silent. And yet what will it avail, since he was seen by + Foster, and I think by some one else? No, no, Varney, urge it no more. I + will tell the whole matter to my lord; and with such pleading for + Tressilian's folly, as shall dispose my lord's generous heart rather to + serve than to punish him." + </p> + <p> + "Your judgment, madam," said Varney, "is far superior to mine, especially + as you may, if you will, prove the ice before you step on it, by + mentioning Tressilian's name to my lord, and observing how he endures it. + For Foster and his attendant, they know not Tressilian by sight, and I can + easily give them some reasonable excuse for the appearance of an unknown + stranger." + </p> + <p> + The lady paused for an instant, and then replied, "If, Varney, it be + indeed true that Foster knows not as yet that the man he saw was + Tressilian, I own I were unwilling he should learn what nowise concerns + him. He bears himself already with austerity enough, and I wish him not to + be judge or privy-councillor in my affairs." + </p> + <p> + "Tush," said Varney, "what has the surly groom to do with your ladyship's + concerns?—no more, surely, than the ban-dog which watches his + courtyard. If he is in aught distasteful to your ladyship, I have interest + enough to have him exchanged for a seneschal that shall be more agreeable + to you." + </p> + <p> + "Master Varney," said the Countess, "let us drop this theme. When I + complain of the attendants whom my lord has placed around me, it must be + to my lord himself.—Hark! I hear the trampling of horse. He comes! + he comes!" she exclaimed, jumping up in ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot think it is he," said Varney; "or that you can hear the tread of + his horse through the closely-mantled casements." + </p> + <p> + "Stop me not, Varney—my ears are keener than thine. It is he!" + </p> + <p> + "But, madam!—but, madam!" exclaimed Varney anxiously, and still + placing himself in her way, "I trust that what I have spoken in humble + duty and service will not be turned to my ruin? I hope that my faithful + advice will not be bewrayed to my prejudice? I implore that—" + </p> + <p> + "Content thee, man—content thee!" said the Countess, "and quit my + skirt—you are too bold to detain me. Content thyself, I think not of + thee." + </p> + <p> + At this moment the folding-doors flew wide open, and a man of majestic + mien, muffled in the folds of a long dark riding-cloak, entered the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "This is he + Who rides on the court-gale; controls its tides; + Knows all their secret shoals and fatal eddies; + Whose frown abases, and whose smile exalts. + He shines like any rainbow—and, perchance, + His colours are as transient."—OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + There was some little displeasure and confusion on the Countess's brow, + owing to her struggle with Varney's pertinacity; but it was exchanged for + an expression of the purest joy and affection, as she threw herself into + the arms of the noble stranger who entered, and clasping him to her bosom, + exclaimed, "At length—at length thou art come!" + </p> + <p> + Varney discreetly withdrew as his lord entered, and Janet was about to do + the same, when her mistress signed to her to remain. She took her place at + the farther end of the apartment, and continued standing, as if ready for + attendance. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Earl, for he was of no inferior rank, returned his lady's + caress with the most affectionate ardour, but affected to resist when she + strove to take his cloak from him. + </p> + <p> + "Nay," she said, "but I will unmantle you. I must see if you have kept + your word to me, and come as the great Earl men call thee, and not as + heretofore like a private cavalier." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art like the rest of the world, Amy," said the Earl, suffering her + to prevail in the playful contest; "the jewels, and feathers, and silk are + more to them than the man whom they adorn—many a poor blade looks + gay in a velvet scabbard." + </p> + <p> + "But so cannot men say of thee, thou noble Earl," said his lady, as the + cloak dropped on the floor, and showed him dressed as princes when they + ride abroad; "thou art the good and well-tried steel, whose inly worth + deserves, yet disdains, its outward ornaments. Do not think Amy can love + thee better in this glorious garb than she did when she gave her heart to + him who wore the russet-brown cloak in the woods of Devon." + </p> + <p> + "And thou too," said the Earl, as gracefully and majestically he led his + beautiful Countess towards the chair of state which was prepared for them + both—"thou too, my love, hast donned a dress which becomes thy rank, + though it cannot improve thy beauty. What think'st thou of our court + taste?" + </p> + <p> + The lady cast a sidelong glance upon the great mirror as they passed it + by, and then said, "I know not how it is, but I think not of my own person + while I look at the reflection of thine. Sit thou there," she said, as + they approached the chair of state, "like a thing for men to worship and + to wonder at." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, love," said the Earl, "if thou wilt share my state with me." + </p> + <p> + "Not so," said the Countess; "I will sit on this footstool at thy feet, + that I may spell over thy splendour, and learn, for the first time, how + princes are attired." + </p> + <p> + And with a childish wonder, which her youth and rustic education rendered + not only excusable but becoming, mixed as it was with a delicate show of + the most tender conjugal affection, she examined and admired from head to + foot the noble form and princely attire of him who formed the proudest + ornament of the court of England's Maiden Queen, renowned as it was for + splendid courtiers, as well as for wise counsellors. Regarding + affectionately his lovely bride, and gratified by her unrepressed + admiration, the dark eye and noble features of the Earl expressed passions + more gentle than the commanding and aspiring look which usually sat upon + his broad forehead, and in the piercing brilliancy of his dark eye; and he + smiled at the simplicity which dictated the questions she put to him + concerning the various ornaments with which he was decorated. + </p> + <p> + "The embroidered strap, as thou callest it, around my knee," he said, "is + the English Garter, an ornament which kings are proud to wear. See, here + is the star which belongs to it, and here the Diamond George, the jewel of + the order. You have heard how King Edward and the Countess of Salisbury—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I know all that tale," said the Countess, slightly blushing, "and how + a lady's garter became the proudest badge of English chivalry." + </p> + <p> + "Even so," said the Earl; "and this most honourable Order I had the good + hap to receive at the same time with three most noble associates, the Duke + of Norfolk, the Marquis of Northampton, and the Earl of Rutland. I was the + lowest of the four in rank—but what then? he that climbs a ladder + must begin at the first round." + </p> + <p> + "But this other fair collar, so richly wrought, with some jewel like a + sheep hung by the middle attached to it, what," said the young Countess, + "does that emblem signify?" + </p> + <p> + "This collar," said the Earl, "with its double fusilles interchanged with + these knobs, which are supposed to present flint-stones sparkling with + fire, and sustaining the jewel you inquire about, is the badge of the + noble Order of the Golden Fleece, once appertaining to the House of + Burgundy it hath high privileges, my Amy, belonging to it, this most noble + Order; for even the King of Spain himself, who hath now succeeded to the + honours and demesnes of Burgundy, may not sit in judgment upon a knight of + the Golden Fleece, unless by assistance and consent of the Great Chapter + of the Order." + </p> + <p> + "And is this an Order belonging to the cruel King of Spain?" said the + Countess. "Alas! my noble lord, that you will defile your noble English + breast by bearing such an emblem! Bethink you of the most unhappy Queen + Mary's days, when this same Philip held sway with her in England, and of + the piles which were built for our noblest, and our wisest, and our most + truly sanctified prelates and divines—and will you, whom men call + the standard-bearer of the true Protestant faith, be contented to wear the + emblem and mark of such a Romish tyrant as he of Spain?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, content you, my love," answered the Earl; "we who spread our sails to + gales of court favour cannot always display the ensigns we love the best, + or at all times refuse sailing under colours which we like not. Believe + me, I am not the less good Protestant, that for policy I must accept the + honour offered me by Spain, in admitting me to this his highest order of + knighthood. Besides, it belongs properly to Flanders; and Egmont, Orange, + and others have pride in seeing it displayed on an English bosom." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord, you know your own path best," replied the Countess. "And + this other collar, to what country does this fair jewel belong?" + </p> + <p> + "To a very poor one, my love," replied the Earl; "this is the Order of + Saint Andrew, revived by the last James of Scotland. It was bestowed on me + when it was thought the young widow of France and Scotland would gladly + have wedded an English baron; but a free coronet of England is worth a + crown matrimonial held at the humour of a woman, and owning only the poor + rocks and bogs of the north." + </p> + <p> + The Countess paused, as if what the Earl last said had excited some + painful but interesting train of thought; and, as she still remained + silent, her husband proceeded:— + </p> + <p> + "And now, loveliest, your wish is gratified, and you have seen your vassal + in such of his trim array as accords with riding vestments; for robes of + state and coronets are only for princely halls." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said the Countess, "my gratified wish has, as usual, given + rise to a new one." + </p> + <p> + "And what is it thou canst ask that I can deny?" said the fond husband. + </p> + <p> + "I wished to see my Earl visit this obscure and secret bower," said the + Countess, "in all his princely array; and now, methinks I long to sit in + one of his princely halls, and see him enter dressed in sober russet, as + when he won poor Amy Robsart's heart." + </p> + <p> + "That is a wish easily granted," said the Earl—"the sober russet + shall be donned to-morrow, if you will." + </p> + <p> + "But shall I," said the lady, "go with you to one of your castles, to see + how the richness of your dwelling will correspond with your peasant + habit?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, Amy," said the Earl, looking around, "are not these apartments + decorated with sufficient splendour? I gave the most unbounded order, and, + methinks, it has been indifferently well obeyed; but if thou canst tell me + aught which remains to be done, I will instantly give direction." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord, now you mock me," replied the Countess; "the gaiety of this + rich lodging exceeds my imagination as much as it does my desert. But + shall not your wife, my love—at least one day soon—be + surrounded with the honour which arises neither from the toils of the + mechanic who decks her apartment, nor from the silks and jewels with which + your generosity adorns her, but which is attached to her place among the + matronage, as the avowed wife of England's noblest Earl?" + </p> + <p> + "One day?" said her husband. "Yes, Amy, my love, one day this shall surely + happen; and, believe me, thou canst not wish for that day more fondly than + I. With what rapture could I retire from labours of state, and cares and + toils of ambition, to spend my life in dignity and honour on my own broad + domains, with thee, my lovely Amy, for my friend and companion! But, Amy, + this cannot yet be; and these dear but stolen interviews are all I can + give to the loveliest and the best beloved of her sex." + </p> + <p> + "But WHY can it not be?" urged the Countess, in the softest tones of + persuasion—"why can it not immediately take place—this more + perfect, this uninterrupted union, for which you say you wish, and which + the laws of God and man alike command? Ah! did you but desire it half as + much as you say, mighty and favoured as you are, who or what should bar + your attaining your wish?" + </p> + <p> + The Earl's brow was overcast. + </p> + <p> + "Amy," he said, "you speak of what you understand not. We that toil in + courts are like those who climb a mountain of loose sand—we dare + make no halt until some projecting rock affords us a secure footing and + resting-place. If we pause sooner, we slide down by our own weight, an + object of universal derision. I stand high, but I stand not secure enough + to follow my own inclination. To declare my marriage were to be the + artificer of my own ruin. But, believe me, I will reach a point, and that + speedily, when I can do justice to thee and to myself. Meantime, poison + not the bliss of the present moment, by desiring that which cannot at + present be, Let me rather know whether all here is managed to thy liking. + How does Foster bear himself to you?—in all things respectful, I + trust, else the fellow shall dearly rue it." + </p> + <p> + "He reminds me sometimes of the necessity of this privacy," answered the + lady, with a sigh; "but that is reminding me of your wishes, and therefore + I am rather bound to him than disposed to blame him for it." + </p> + <p> + "I have told you the stern necessity which is upon us," replied the Earl. + "Foster is, I note, somewhat sullen of mood; but Varney warrants to me his + fidelity and devotion to my service. If thou hast aught, however, to + complain of the mode in which he discharges his duty, he shall abye it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I have nought to complain of," answered the lady, "so he discharges + his task with fidelity to you; and his daughter Janet is the kindest and + best companion of my solitude—her little air of precision sits so + well upon her!" + </p> + <p> + "Is she indeed?" said the Earl. "She who gives you pleasure must not pass + unrewarded.—Come hither, damsel." + </p> + <p> + "Janet," said the lady, "come hither to my lord." + </p> + <p> + Janet, who, as we already noticed, had discreetly retired to some + distance, that her presence might be no check upon the private + conversation of her lord and lady, now came forward; and as she made her + reverential curtsy, the Earl could not help smiling at the contrast which + the extreme simplicity of her dress, and the prim demureness of her looks, + made with a very pretty countenance and a pair of black eyes, that laughed + in spite of their mistress's desire to look grave. + </p> + <p> + "I am bound to you, pretty damsel," said the Earl, "for the contentment + which your service hath given to this lady." As he said this, he took from + his finger a ring of some price, and offered it to Janet Foster, adding, + "Wear this, for her sake and for mine." + </p> + <p> + "I am well pleased, my lord," answered Janet demurely, "that my poor + service hath gratified my lady, whom no one can draw nigh to without + desiring to please; but we of the precious Master Holdforth's congregation + seek not, like the gay daughters of this world, to twine gold around our + fingers, or wear stones upon our necks, like the vain women of Tyre and of + Sidon." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what! you are a grave professor of the precise sisterhood, pretty + Mistress Janet," said the Earl, "and I think your father is of the same + congregation in sincerity? I like you both the better for it; for I have + been prayed for, and wished well to, in your congregations. And you may + the better afford the lack of ornament, Mistress Janet, because your + fingers are slender, and your neck white. But here is what neither Papist + nor Puritan, latitudinarian nor precisian, ever boggles or makes mouths + at. E'en take it, my girl, and employ it as you list." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he put into her hand five broad gold pieces of Philip and Mary. + </p> + <p> + "I would not accept this gold either," said Janet, "but that I hope to + find a use for it which will bring a blessing on us all." + </p> + <p> + "Even please thyself, pretty Janet," said the Earl, "and I shall be well + satisfied. And I prithee let them hasten the evening collation." + </p> + <p> + "I have bidden Master Varney and Master Foster to sup with us, my lord," + said the Countess, as Janet retired to obey the Earl's commands; "has it + your approbation?" + </p> + <p> + "What you do ever must have so, my sweet Amy," replied her husband; "and I + am the better pleased thou hast done them this grace, because Richard + Varney is my sworn man, and a close brother of my secret council; and for + the present, I must needs repose much trust in this Anthony Foster." + </p> + <p> + "I had a boon to beg of thee, and a secret to tell thee, my dear lord," + said the Countess, with a faltering accent. + </p> + <p> + "Let both be for to-morrow, my love," replied the Earl. "I see they open + the folding-doors into the banqueting-parlour, and as I have ridden far + and fast, a cup of wine will not be unacceptable." + </p> + <p> + So saying he led his lovely wife into the next apartment, where Varney and + Foster received them with the deepest reverences, which the first paid + after the fashion of the court, and the second after that of the + congregation. The Earl returned their salutation with the negligent + courtesy of one long used to such homage; while the Countess repaid it + with a punctilious solicitude, which showed it was not quite so familiar + to her. + </p> + <p> + The banquet at which the company seated themselves corresponded in + magnificence with the splendour of the apartment in which it was served + up, but no domestic gave his attendance. Janet alone stood ready to wait + upon the company; and, indeed, the board was so well supplied with all + that could be desired, that little or no assistance was necessary. The + Earl and his lady occupied the upper end of the table, and Varney and + Foster sat beneath the salt, as was the custom with inferiors. The latter, + overawed perhaps by society to which he was altogether unused, did not + utter a single syllable during the repast; while Varney, with great tact + and discernment, sustained just so much of the conversation as, without + the appearance of intrusion on his part, prevented it from languishing, + and maintained the good-humour of the Earl at the highest pitch. This man + was indeed highly qualified by nature to discharge the part in which he + found himself placed, being discreet and cautious on the one hand, and, on + the other, quick, keen-witted, and imaginative; so that even the Countess, + prejudiced as she was against him on many accounts, felt and enjoyed his + powers of conversation, and was more disposed than she had ever hitherto + found herself to join in the praises which the Earl lavished on his + favourite. The hour of rest at length arrived, the Earl and Countess + retired to their apartment, and all was silent in the castle for the rest + of the night. + </p> + <p> + Early on the ensuing morning, Varney acted as the Earl's chamberlain as + well as his master of horse, though the latter was his proper office in + that magnificent household, where knights and gentlemen of good descent + were well contented to hold such menial situations, as nobles themselves + held in that of the sovereign. The duties of each of these charges were + familiar to Varney, who, sprung from an ancient but somewhat decayed + family, was the Earl's page during his earlier and more obscure fortunes, + and, faithful to him in adversity, had afterwards contrived to render + himself no less useful to him in his rapid and splendid advance to + fortune; thus establishing in him an interest resting both on present and + past services, which rendered him an almost indispensable sharer of his + confidence. + </p> + <p> + "Help me to do on a plainer riding-suit, Varney," said the Earl, as he + laid aside his morning-gown, flowered with silk and lined with sables, + "and put these chains and fetters there" (pointing to the collars of the + various Orders which lay on the table) "into their place of security—my + neck last night was well-nigh broke with the weight of them. I am half of + the mind that they shall gall me no more. They are bonds which knaves have + invented to fetter fools. How thinkest thou, Varney?" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, my good lord," said his attendant, "I think fetters of gold are + like no other fetters—they are ever the weightier the welcomer." + </p> + <p> + "For all that, Varney," replied his master, "I am well-nigh resolved they + shall bind me to the court no longer. What can further service and higher + favour give me, beyond the high rank and large estate which I have already + secured? What brought my father to the block, but that he could not bound + his wishes within right and reason? I have, you know, had mine own + ventures and mine own escapes. I am well-nigh resolved to tempt the sea no + further, but sit me down in quiet on the shore." + </p> + <p> + "And gather cockle-shells, with Dan Cupid to aid you," said Varney. + </p> + <p> + "How mean you by that, Varney?" said the Earl somewhat hastily. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord," said Varney, "be not angry with me. If your lordship is + happy in a lady so rarely lovely that, in order to enjoy her company with + somewhat more freedom, you are willing to part with all you have hitherto + lived for, some of your poor servants may be sufferers; but your bounty + hath placed me so high, that I shall ever have enough to maintain a poor + gentleman in the rank befitting the high office he has held in your + lordship's family." + </p> + <p> + "Yet you seem discontented when I propose throwing up a dangerous game, + which may end in the ruin of both of us." + </p> + <p> + "I, my lord?" said Varney; "surely I have no cause to regret your + lordship's retreat! It will not be Richard Varney who will incur the + displeasure of majesty, and the ridicule of the court, when the stateliest + fabric that ever was founded upon a prince's favour melts away like a + morning frost-work. I would only have you yourself to be assured, my lord, + ere you take a step which cannot be retracted, that you consult your fame + and happiness in the course you propose." + </p> + <p> + "Speak on, then, Varney," said the Earl; "I tell thee I have determined + nothing, and will weigh all considerations on either side." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, my lord," replied Varney, "we will suppose the step taken, + the frown frowned, the laugh laughed, and the moan moaned. You have + retired, we will say, to some one of your most distant castles, so far + from court that you hear neither the sorrow of your friends nor the glee + of your enemies, We will suppose, too, that your successful rival will be + satisfied (a thing greatly to be doubted) with abridging and cutting away + the branches of the great tree which so long kept the sun from him, and + that he does not insist upon tearing you up by the roots. Well; the late + prime favourite of England, who wielded her general's staff and controlled + her parliaments, is now a rural baron, hunting, hawking, drinking fat ale + with country esquires, and mustering his men at the command of the high + sheriff—" + </p> + <p> + "Varney, forbear!" said the Earl. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord, you must give me leave to conclude my picture.—Sussex + governs England—the Queen's health fails—the succession is to + be settled—a road is opened to ambition more splendid than ambition + ever dreamed of. You hear all this as you sit by the hob, under the shade + of your hall-chimney. You then begin to think what hopes you have fallen + from, and what insignificance you have embraced; and all that you might + look babies in the eyes of your fair wife oftener than once a fortnight." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Varney," said the Earl, "no more of this. I said not that the + step, which my own ease and comfort would urge me to, was to be taken + hastily, or without due consideration to the public safety. Bear witness + to me, Varney; I subdue my wishes of retirement, not because I am moved by + the call of private ambition, but that I may preserve the position in + which I may best serve my country at the hour of need.—Order our + horses presently; I will wear, as formerly, one of the livery cloaks, and + ride before the portmantle. Thou shalt be master for the day, Varney—neglect + nothing that can blind suspicion. We will to horse ere men are stirring. I + will but take leave of my lady, and be ready. I impose a restraint on my + own poor heart, and wound one yet more dear to me; but the patriot must + subdue the husband." + </p> + <p> + Having said this in a melancholy but firm accent, he left the dressing + apartment. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad thou art gone," thought Varney, "or, practised as I am in the + follies of mankind, I had laughed in the very face of thee! Thou mayest + tire as thou wilt of thy new bauble, thy pretty piece of painted Eve's + flesh there, I will not be thy hindrance. But of thine old bauble, + ambition, thou shalt not tire; for as you climb the hill, my lord, you + must drag Richard Varney up with you, and if he can urge you to the ascent + he means to profit by, believe me he will spare neither whip nor spur, and + for you, my pretty lady, that would be Countess outright, you were best + not thwart my courses, lest you are called to an old reckoning on a new + score. 'Thou shalt be master,' did he say? By my faith, he may find that + he spoke truer than he is aware of; and thus he who, in the estimation of + so many wise-judging men, can match Burleigh and Walsingham in policy, and + Sussex in war, becomes pupil to his own menial—and all for a hazel + eye and a little cunning red and white, and so falls ambition. And yet if + the charms of mortal woman could excuse a man's politic pate for becoming + bewildered, my lord had the excuse at his right hand on this blessed + evening that has last passed over us. Well—let things roll as they + may, he shall make me great, or I will make myself happy; and for that + softer piece of creation, if she speak not out her interview with + Tressilian, as well I think she dare not, she also must traffic with me + for concealment and mutual support, in spite of all this scorn. I must to + the stables. Well, my lord, I order your retinue now; the time may soon + come that my master of the horse shall order mine own. What was Thomas + Cromwell but a smith's son? and he died my lord—on a scaffold, + doubtless, but that, too, was in character. And what was Ralph Sadler but + the clerk of Cromwell? and he has gazed eighteen fair lordships—VIA! + I know my steerage as well as they." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the Earl had re-entered the bedchamber, bent on taking a + hasty farewell of the lovely Countess, and scarce daring to trust himself + in private with her, to hear requests again urged which he found it + difficult to parry, yet which his recent conversation with his master of + horse had determined him not to grant. + </p> + <p> + He found her in a white cymar of silk lined with furs, her little feet + unstockinged and hastily thrust into slippers; her unbraided hair escaping + from under her midnight coif, with little array but her own loveliness, + rather augmented than diminished by the grief which she felt at the + approaching moment of separation. + </p> + <p> + "Now, God be with thee, my dearest and loveliest!" said the Earl, scarce + tearing himself from her embrace, yet again returning to fold her again + and again in his arms, and again bidding farewell, and again returning to + kiss and bid adieu once more. "The sun is on the verge of the blue horizon—I + dare not stay. Ere this I should have been ten miles from hence." + </p> + <p> + Such were the words with which at length he strove to cut short their + parting interview. "You will not grant my request, then?" said the + Countess. "Ah, false knight! did ever lady, with bare foot in slipper, + seek boon of a brave knight, yet return with denial?" + </p> + <p> + "Anything, Amy, anything thou canst ask I will grant," answered the Earl—"always + excepting," he said, "that which might ruin us both." + </p> + <p> + "Nay," said the Countess, "I urge not my wish to be acknowledged in the + character which would make me the envy of England—as the wife, that + is, of my brave and noble lord, the first as the most fondly beloved of + English nobles. Let me but share the secret with my dear father! Let me + but end his misery on my unworthy account—they say he is ill, the + good old kind-hearted man!" + </p> + <p> + "They say?" asked the Earl hastily; "who says? Did not Varney convey to + Sir Hugh all we dare at present tell him concerning your happiness and + welfare? and has he not told you that the good old knight was following, + with good heart and health, his favourite and wonted exercise. Who has + dared put other thoughts into your head?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no one, my lord, no one," said the Countess, something alarmed at the + tone, in which the question was put; "but yet, my lord, I would fain be + assured by mine own eyesight that my father is well." + </p> + <p> + "Be contented, Amy; thou canst not now have communication with thy father + or his house. Were it not a deep course of policy to commit no secret + unnecessarily to the custody of more than must needs be, it were + sufficient reason for secrecy that yonder Cornish man, yonder Trevanion, + or Tressilian, or whatever his name is, haunts the old knight's house, and + must necessarily know whatever is communicated there." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," answered the Countess, "I do not think it so. My father has + been long noted a worthy and honourable man; and for Tressilian, if we can + pardon ourselves the ill we have wrought him, I will wager the coronet I + am to share with you one day that he is incapable of returning injury for + injury." + </p> + <p> + "I will not trust him, however, Amy," said her husband—"by my + honour, I will not trust him, I would rather the foul fiend intermingle in + our secret than this Tressilian!" + </p> + <p> + "And why, my lord?" said the Countess, though she shuddered slightly at + the tone of determination in which he spoke; "let me but know why you + think thus hardly of Tressilian?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," replied the Earl, "my will ought to be a sufficient reason. If + you desire more, consider how this Tressilian is leagued, and with whom. + He stands high in the opinion of this Radcliffe, this Sussex, against whom + I am barely able to maintain my ground in the opinion of our suspicious + mistress; and if he had me at such advantage, Amy, as to become acquainted + with the tale of our marriage, before Elizabeth were fitly prepared, I + were an outcast from her grace for ever—a bankrupt at once in favour + and in fortune, perhaps, for she hath in her a touch of her father Henry—a + victim, and it may be a bloody one, to her offended and jealous + resentment." + </p> + <p> + "But why, my lord," again urged his lady, "should you deem thus + injuriously of a man of whom you know so little? What you do know of + Tressilian is through me, and it is I who assure you that in no + circumstances will he betray your secret. If I did him wrong in your + behalf, my lord, I am now the more concerned you should do him justice. + You are offended at my speaking of him, what would you say had I actually + myself seen him?" + </p> + <p> + "If you had," replied the Earl, "you would do well to keep that interview + as secret as that which is spoken in a confessional. I seek no one's ruin; + but he who thrusts himself on my secret privacy were better look well to + his future walk. The bear [The Leicester cognizance was the ancient device + adopted by his father, when Earl of Warwick, the bear and ragged staff.] + brooks no one to cross his awful path." + </p> + <p> + "Awful, indeed!" said the Countess, turning very pale. + </p> + <p> + "You are ill, my love," said the Earl, supporting her in his arms. + "Stretch yourself on your couch again; it is but an early day for you to + leave it. Have you aught else, involving less than my fame, my fortune, + and my life, to ask of me?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, my lord and love," answered the Countess faintly; "something + there was that I would have told you, but your anger has driven it from my + recollection." + </p> + <p> + "Reserve it till our next meeting, my love," said the Earl fondly, and + again embracing her; "and barring only those requests which I cannot and + dare not grant, thy wish must be more than England and all its + dependencies can fulfil, if it is not gratified to the letter." + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he at length took farewell. At the bottom of the staircase he + received from Varney an ample livery cloak and slouched hat, in which he + wrapped himself so as to disguise his person and completely conceal his + features. Horses were ready in the courtyard for himself and Varney; for + one or two of his train, intrusted with the secret so far as to know or + guess that the Earl intrigued with a beautiful lady at that mansion, + though her name and quality were unknown to them, had already been + dismissed over-night. + </p> + <p> + Anthony Foster himself had in hand the rein of the Earl's palfrey, a stout + and able nag for the road; while his old serving-man held the bridle of + the more showy and gallant steed which Richard Varney was to occupy in the + character of master. + </p> + <p> + As the Earl approached, however, Varney advanced to hold his master's + bridle, and to prevent Foster from paying that duty to the Earl which he + probably considered as belonging to his own office. Foster scowled at an + interference which seemed intended to prevent his paying his court to his + patron, but gave place to Varney; and the Earl, mounting without further + observation, and forgetting that his assumed character of a domestic threw + him into the rear of his supposed master, rode pensively out of the + quadrangle, not without waving his hand repeatedly in answer to the + signals which were made by the Countess with her kerchief from the windows + of her apartment. + </p> + <p> + While his stately form vanished under the dark archway which led out of + the quadrangle, Varney muttered, "There goes fine policy—the servant + before the master!" then as he disappeared, seized the moment to speak a + word with Foster. "Thou look'st dark on me, Anthony," he said, "as if I + had deprived thee of a parting nod of my lord; but I have moved him to + leave thee a better remembrance for thy faithful service. See here! a + purse of as good gold as ever chinked under a miser's thumb and + fore-finger. Ay, count them, lad," said he, as Foster received the gold + with a grim smile, "and add to them the goodly remembrance he gave last + night to Janet." + </p> + <p> + "How's this? how's this?" said Anthony Foster hastily; "gave he gold to + Janet?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, man, wherefore not?—does not her service to his fair lady + require guerdon?" + </p> + <p> + "She shall have none on't," said Foster; "she shall return it. I know his + dotage on one face is as brief as it is deep. His affections are as fickle + as the moon." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Foster, thou art mad—thou dost not hope for such good fortune + as that my lord should cast an eye on Janet? Who, in the fiend's name, + would listen to the thrush while the nightingale is singing?" + </p> + <p> + "Thrush or nightingale, all is one to the fowler; and, Master Varney, you + can sound the quail-pipe most daintily to wile wantons into his nets. I + desire no such devil's preferment for Janet as you have brought many a + poor maiden to. Dost thou laugh? I will keep one limb of my family, at + least, from Satan's clutches, that thou mayest rely on. She shall restore + the gold." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, or give it to thy keeping, Tony, which will serve as well," answered + Varney; "but I have that to say which is more serious. Our lord is + returning to court in an evil humour for us." + </p> + <p> + "How meanest thou?" said Foster. "Is he tired already of his pretty toy—his + plaything yonder? He has purchased her at a monarch's ransom, and I + warrant me he rues his bargain." + </p> + <p> + "Not a whit, Tony," answered the master of the horse; "he dotes on her, + and will forsake the court for her. Then down go hopes, possessions, and + safety—church-lands are resumed, Tony, and well if the holders be + not called to account in Exchequer." + </p> + <p> + "That were ruin," said Foster, his brow darkening with apprehensions; "and + all this for a woman! Had it been for his soul's sake, it were something; + and I sometimes wish I myself could fling away the world that cleaves to + me, and be as one of the poorest of our church." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art like enough to be so, Tony," answered Varney; "but I think the + devil will give thee little credit for thy compelled poverty, and so thou + losest on all hands. But follow my counsel, and Cumnor Place shall be thy + copyhold yet. Say nothing of this Tressilian's visit—not a word + until I give thee notice." + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore, I pray you?" asked Foster, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + "Dull beast!" replied Varney. "In my lord's present humour it were the + ready way to confirm him in his resolution of retirement, should he know + that his lady was haunted with such a spectre in his absence. He would be + for playing the dragon himself over his golden fruit, and then, Tony, thy + occupation is ended. A word to the wise. Farewell! I must follow him." + </p> + <p> + He turned his horse, struck him with the spurs, and rode off under the + archway in pursuit of his lord. + </p> + <p> + "Would thy occupation were ended, or thy neck broken, damned pander!" said + Anthony Foster. "But I must follow his beck, for his interest and mine are + the same, and he can wind the proud Earl to his will. Janet shall give me + those pieces though; they shall be laid out in some way for God's service, + and I will keep them separate in my strong chest, till I can fall upon a + fitting employment for them. No contagious vapour shall breathe on Janet—she + shall remain pure as a blessed spirit, were it but to pray God for her + father. I need her prayers, for I am at a hard pass. Strange reports are + abroad concerning my way of life. The congregation look cold on me, and + when Master Holdforth spoke of hypocrites being like a whited sepulchre, + which within was full of dead men's bones, methought he looked full at me. + The Romish was a comfortable faith; Lambourne spoke true in that. A man + had but to follow his thrift by such ways as offered—tell his beads, + hear a mass, confess, and be absolved. These Puritans tread a harder and a + rougher path; but I will try—I will read my Bible for an hour ere I + again open mine iron chest." + </p> + <p> + Varney, meantime, spurred after his lord, whom he found waiting for him at + the postern gate of the park. + </p> + <p> + "You waste time, Varney," said the Earl, "and it presses. I must be at + Woodstock before I can safely lay aside my disguise, and till then I + journey in some peril." + </p> + <p> + "It is but two hours' brisk riding, my lord," said Varney. "For me, I only + stopped to enforce your commands of care and secrecy on yonder Foster, and + to inquire about the abode of the gentleman whom I would promote to your + lordship's train, in the room of Trevors." + </p> + <p> + "Is he fit for the meridian of the antechamber, think'st thou?" said the + Earl. + </p> + <p> + "He promises well, my lord," replied Varney; "but if your lordship were + pleased to ride on, I could go back to Cumnor, and bring him to your + lordship at Woodstock before you are out of bed." + </p> + <p> + "Why, I am asleep there, thou knowest, at this moment," said the Earl; + "and I pray you not to spare horse-flesh, that you may be with me at my + levee." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he gave his horse the spur, and proceeded on his journey, while + Varney rode back to Cumnor by the public road, avoiding the park. The + latter alighted at the door of the bonny Black Bear, and desired to speak + with Master Michael Lambourne, That respectable character was not long of + appearing before his new patron, but it was with downcast looks. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast lost the scent," said Varney, "of thy comrade Tressilian. I + know it by thy hang-dog visage. Is this thy alacrity, thou impudent + knave?" + </p> + <p> + "Cogswounds!" said Lambourne, "there was never a trail so finely hunted. I + saw him to earth at mine uncle's here—stuck to him like bees'-wax—saw + him at supper—watched him to his chamber, and, presto! he is gone + next morning, the very hostler knows not where." + </p> + <p> + "This sounds like practice upon me, sir," replied Varney; "and if it + proves so, by my soul you shall repent it!" + </p> + <p> + "Sir, the best hound will be sometimes at fault," answered Lambourne; "how + should it serve me that this fellow should have thus evanished? You may + ask mine host, Giles Gosling—ask the tapster and hostler—ask + Cicely, and the whole household, how I kept eyes on Tressilian while he + was on foot. On my soul, I could not be expected to watch him like a sick + nurse, when I had seen him fairly a-bed in his chamber. That will be + allowed me, surely." + </p> + <p> + Varney did, in fact, make some inquiry among the household, which + confirmed the truth of Lambourne's statement. Tressilian, it was + unanimously agreed, had departed suddenly and unexpectedly, betwixt night + and morning. + </p> + <p> + "But I will wrong no one," said mine host; "he left on the table in his + lodging the full value of his reckoning, with some allowance to the + servants of the house, which was the less necessary that he saddled his + own gelding, as it seems, without the hostler's assistance." + </p> + <p> + Thus satisfied of the rectitude of Lambourne's conduct, Varney began to + talk to him upon his future prospects, and the mode in which he meant to + bestow himself, intimating that he understood from Foster he was not + disinclined to enter into the household of a nobleman. + </p> + <p> + "Have you," said he, "ever been at court?" + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Lambourne; "but ever since I was ten years old, I have + dreamt once a week that I was there, and made my fortune." + </p> + <p> + "It may be your own fault if your dream comes not true," said Varney. "Are + you needy?" + </p> + <p> + "Um!" replied Lambourne; "I love pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "That is a sufficient answer, and an honest one," said Varney. "Know you + aught of the requisites expected from the retainer of a rising courtier?" + </p> + <p> + "I have imagined them to myself, sir," answered Lambourne; "as, for + example, a quick eye, a close mouth, a ready and bold hand, a sharp wit, + and a blunt conscience." + </p> + <p> + "And thine, I suppose," said Varney, "has had its edge blunted long + since?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot remember, sir, that its edge was ever over-keen," replied + Lambourne. "When I was a youth, I had some few whimsies; but I rubbed them + partly out of my recollection on the rough grindstone of the wars, and + what remained I washed out in the broad waves of the Atlantic." + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast served, then, in the Indies?" + </p> + <p> + "In both East and West," answered the candidate for court service, "by + both sea and land. I have served both the Portugal and the Spaniard, both + the Dutchman and the Frenchman, and have made war on our own account with + a crew of jolly fellows, who held there was no peace beyond the Line." + [Sir Francis Drake, Morgan, and many a bold buccaneer of those days, were, + in fact, little better than pirates.] + </p> + <p> + "Thou mayest do me, and my lord, and thyself, good service," said Varney, + after a pause. "But observe, I know the world—and answer me truly, + canst thou be faithful?" + </p> + <p> + "Did you not know the world," answered Lambourne, "it were my duty to say + ay, without further circumstance, and to swear to it with life and honour, + and so forth. But as it seems to me that your worship is one who desires + rather honest truth than politic falsehood, I reply to you, that I can be + faithful to the gallows' foot, ay, to the loop that dangles from it, if I + am well used and well recompensed—not otherwise." + </p> + <p> + "To thy other virtues thou canst add, no doubt," said Varney, in a jeering + tone, "the knack of seeming serious and religious, when the moment demands + it?" + </p> + <p> + "It would cost me nothing," said Lambourne, "to say yes; but, to speak on + the square, I must needs say no. If you want a hypocrite, you may take + Anthony Foster, who, from his childhood, had some sort of phantom haunting + him, which he called religion, though it was that sort of godliness which + always ended in being great gain. But I have no such knack of it." + </p> + <p> + "Well," replied Varney, "if thou hast no hypocrisy, hast thou not a nag + here in the stable?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir," said Lambourne, "that shall take hedge and ditch with my Lord + Duke's best hunters. Then I made a little mistake on Shooter's Hill, and + stopped an ancient grazier whose pouches were better lined than his + brain-pan, the bonny bay nag carried me sheer off in spite of the whole + hue and cry." + </p> + <p> + "Saddle him then instantly, and attend me," said Varney. "Leave thy + clothes and baggage under charge of mine host; and I will conduct thee to + a service, in which, if thou do not better thyself, the fault shall not be + fortune's, but thine own." + </p> + <p> + "Brave and hearty!" said Lambourne, "and I am mounted in an instant.—Knave, + hostler, saddle my nag without the loss of one second, as thou dost value + the safety of thy noddle.—Pretty Cicely, take half this purse to + comfort thee for my sudden departure." + </p> + <p> + "Gogsnouns!" replied the father, "Cicely wants no such token from thee. Go + away, Mike, and gather grace if thou canst, though I think thou goest not + to the land where it grows." + </p> + <p> + "Let me look at this Cicely of thine, mine host," said Varney; "I have + heard much talk of her beauty." + </p> + <p> + "It is a sunburnt beauty," said mine host, "well qualified to stand out + rain and wind, but little calculated to please such critical gallants as + yourself. She keeps her chamber, and cannot encounter the glance of such + sunny-day courtiers as my noble guest." + </p> + <p> + "Well, peace be with her, my good host," answered Varney; "our horses are + impatient—we bid you good day." + </p> + <p> + "Does my nephew go with you, so please you?" said Gosling. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, such is his purpose," answered Richard Varney. + </p> + <p> + "You are right—fully right," replied mine host—"you are, I + say, fully right, my kinsman. Thou hast got a gay horse; see thou light + not unaware upon a halter—or, if thou wilt needs be made immortal by + means of a rope, which thy purpose of following this gentleman renders not + unlikely, I charge thee to find a gallows as far from Cumnor as thou + conveniently mayest. And so I commend you to your saddle." + </p> + <p> + The master of the horse and his new retainer mounted accordingly, leaving + the landlord to conclude his ill-omened farewell, to himself and at + leisure; and set off together at a rapid pace, which prevented + conversation until the ascent of a steep sandy hill permitted them to + resume it. + </p> + <p> + "You are contented, then," said Varney to his companion, "to take court + service?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, worshipful sir, if you like my terms as well as I like yours." + </p> + <p> + "And what are your terms?" demanded Varney. + </p> + <p> + "If I am to have a quick eye for my patron's interest, he must have a dull + one towards my faults," said Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said Varney, "so they lie not so grossly open that he must needs + break his shins over them." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed," said Lambourne. "Next, if I run down game, I must have the + picking of the bones." + </p> + <p> + "That is but reason," replied Varney, "so that your betters are served + before you." + </p> + <p> + "Good," said Lambourne; "and it only remains to be said, that if the law + and I quarrel, my patron must bear me out, for that is a chief point." + </p> + <p> + "Reason again," said Varney, "if the quarrel hath happened in your + master's service." + </p> + <p> + "For the wage and so forth, I say nothing," proceeded Lambourne; "it is + the secret guerdon that I must live by." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear," said Varney; "thou shalt have clothes and spending money to + ruffle it with the best of thy degree, for thou goest to a household where + you have gold, as they say, by the eye." + </p> + <p> + "That jumps all with my humour," replied Michael Lambourne; "and it only + remains that you tell me my master's name." + </p> + <p> + "My name is Master Richard Varney," answered his companion. + </p> + <p> + "But I mean," said Lambourne, "the name of the noble lord to whose service + you are to prefer me." + </p> + <p> + "How, knave, art thou too good to call me master?" said Varney hastily; "I + would have thee bold to others, but not saucy to me." + </p> + <p> + "I crave your worship's pardon," said Lambourne, "but you seemed familiar + with Anthony Foster; now I am familiar with Anthony myself." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a shrewd knave, I see," replied Varney. "Mark me—I do + indeed propose to introduce thee into a nobleman's household; but it is + upon my person thou wilt chiefly wait, and upon my countenance that thou + wilt depend. I am his master of horse. Thou wilt soon know his name—it + is one that shakes the council and wields the state." + </p> + <p> + "By this light, a brave spell to conjure with," said Lambourne, "if a man + would discover hidden treasures!" + </p> + <p> + "Used with discretion, it may prove so," replied Varney; "but mark—if + thou conjure with it at thine own hand, it may raise a devil who will tear + thee in fragments." + </p> + <p> + "Enough said," replied Lambourne; "I will not exceed my limits." + </p> + <p> + The travellers then resumed the rapid rate of travelling which their + discourse had interrupted, and soon arrived at the Royal Park of + Woodstock. This ancient possession of the crown of England was then very + different from what it had been when it was the residence of the fair + Rosamond, and the scene of Henry the Second's secret and illicit amours; + and yet more unlike to the scene which it exhibits in the present day, + when Blenheim House commemorates the victory of Marlborough, and no less + the genius of Vanbrugh, though decried in his own time by persons of taste + far inferior to his own. It was, in Elizabeth's time, an ancient mansion + in bad repair, which had long ceased to be honoured with the royal + residence, to the great impoverishment of the adjacent village. The + inhabitants, however, had made several petitions to the Queen to have the + favour of the sovereign's countenance occasionally bestowed upon them; and + upon this very business, ostensibly at least, was the noble lord, whom we + have already introduced to our readers, a visitor at Woodstock. + </p> + <p> + Varney and Lambourne galloped without ceremony into the courtyard of the + ancient and dilapidated mansion, which presented on that morning a scene + of bustle which it had not exhibited for two reigns. Officers of the + Earl's household, liverymen and retainers, went and came with all the + insolent fracas which attaches to their profession. The neigh of horses + and the baying of hounds were heard; for my lord, in his occupation of + inspecting and surveying the manor and demesne, was of course provided + with the means of following his pleasure in the chase or park, said to + have been the earliest that was enclosed in England, and which was well + stocked with deer that had long roamed there unmolested. Several of the + inhabitants of the village, in anxious hope of a favourable result from + this unwonted visit, loitered about the courtyard, and awaited the great + man's coming forth. Their attention was excited by the hasty arrival of + Varney, and a murmur ran amongst them, "The Earl's master of the horse!" + while they hurried to bespeak favour by hastily unbonneting, and + proffering to hold the bridle and stirrup of the favoured retainer and his + attendant. + </p> + <p> + "Stand somewhat aloof, my masters!" said Varney haughtily, "and let the + domestics do their office." + </p> + <p> + The mortified citizens and peasants fell back at the signal; while + Lambourne, who had his eye upon his superior's deportment, repelled the + services of those who offered to assist him, with yet more discourtesy—"Stand + back, Jack peasant, with a murrain to you, and let these knave footmen do + their duty!" + </p> + <p> + While they gave their nags to the attendants of the household, and walked + into the mansion with an air of superiority which long practice and + consciousness of birth rendered natural to Varney, and which Lambourne + endeavoured to imitate as well as he could, the poor inhabitants of + Woodstock whispered to each other, "Well-a-day! God save us from all such + misproud princoxes! An the master be like the men, why, the fiend may take + all, and yet have no more than his due." + </p> + <p> + "Silence, good neighbours!" said the bailiff, "keep tongue betwixt teeth; + we shall know more by-and-by. But never will a lord come to Woodstock so + welcome as bluff old King Harry! He would horsewhip a fellow one day with + his own royal hand, and then fling him an handful of silver groats, with + his own broad face on them, to 'noint the sore withal." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, rest be with him!" echoed the auditors; "it will be long ere this + Lady Elizabeth horsewhip any of us." + </p> + <p> + "There is no saying," answered the bailiff. "Meanwhile, patience, good + neighbours, and let us comfort ourselves by thinking that we deserve such + notice at her Grace's hands." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Varney, closely followed by his new dependant, made his way to + the hall, where men of more note and consequence than those left in the + courtyard awaited the appearance of the Earl, who as yet kept his chamber. + All paid court to Varney, with more or less deference, as suited their own + rank, or the urgency of the business which brought them to his lord's + levee. To the general question of, "When comes my lord forth, Master + Varney?" he gave brief answers, as, "See you not my boots? I am but just + returned from Oxford, and know nothing of it," and the like, until the + same query was put in a higher tone by a personage of more importance. "I + will inquire of the chamberlain, Sir Thomas Copely," was the reply. The + chamberlain, distinguished by his silver key, answered that the Earl only + awaited Master Varney's return to come down, but that he would first speak + with him in his private chamber. Varney, therefore, bowed to the company, + and took leave, to enter his lord's apartment. + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of expectation which lasted a few minutes, and was at + length hushed by the opening of the folding-doors at the upper end or the + apartment, through which the Earl made his entrance, marshalled by his + chamberlain and the steward of his family, and followed by Richard Varney. + In his noble mien and princely features, men read nothing of that + insolence which was practised by his dependants. His courtesies were, + indeed, measured by the rank of those to whom they were addressed, but + even the meanest person present had a share of his gracious notice. The + inquiries which he made respecting the condition of the manor, of the + Queen's rights there, and of the advantages and disadvantages which might + attend her occasional residence at the royal seat of Woodstock, seemed to + show that he had most earnestly investigated the matter of the petition of + the inhabitants, and with a desire to forward the interest of the place. + </p> + <p> + "Now the Lord love his noble countenance!" said the bailiff, who had + thrust himself into the presence-chamber; "he looks somewhat pale. I + warrant him he hath spent the whole night in perusing our memorial. Master + Toughyarn, who took six months to draw it up, said it would take a week to + understand it; and see if the Earl hath not knocked the marrow out of it + in twenty-four hours!" + </p> + <p> + The Earl then acquainted them that he should move their sovereign to + honour Woodstock occasionally with her residence during her royal + progresses, that the town and its vicinity might derive, from her + countenance and favour, the same advantages as from those of her + predecessors. Meanwhile, he rejoiced to be the expounder of her gracious + pleasure, in assuring them that, for the increase of trade and + encouragement of the worthy burgesses of Woodstock, her Majesty was minded + to erect the town into a Staple for wool. + </p> + <p> + This joyful intelligence was received with the acclamations not only of + the better sort who were admitted to the audience-chamber, but of the + commons who awaited without. + </p> + <p> + The freedom of the corporation was presented to the Earl upon knee by the + magistrates of the place, together with a purse of gold pieces, which the + Earl handed to Varney, who, on his part, gave a share to Lambourne, as the + most acceptable earnest of his new service. + </p> + <p> + The Earl and his retinue took horse soon after to return to court, + accompanied by the shouts of the inhabitants of Woodstock, who made the + old oaks ring with re-echoing, "Long live Queen Elizabeth, and the noble + Earl of Leicester!" The urbanity and courtesy of the Earl even threw a + gleam of popularity over his attendants, as their haughty deportment had + formerly obscured that of their master; and men shouted, "Long life to the + Earl, and to his gallant followers!" as Varney and Lambourne, each in his + rank, rode proudly through the streets of Woodstock. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + HOST. I will hear you, Master Fenton; and I will, at the least, keep your + counsel.—MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. + </p> + <p> + It becomes necessary to return to the detail of those circumstances which + accompanied, and indeed occasioned, the sudden disappearance of Tressilian + from the sign of the Black Bear at Cumnor. It will be recollected that + this gentleman, after his rencounter with Varney, had returned to Giles + Gosling's caravansary, where he shut himself up in his own chamber, + demanded pen, ink, and paper, and announced his purpose to remain private + for the day. In the evening he appeared again in the public room, where + Michael Lambourne, who had been on the watch for him, agreeably to his + engagement to Varney, endeavoured to renew his acquaintance with him, and + hoped he retained no unfriendly recollection of the part he had taken in + the morning's scuffle. + </p> + <p> + But Tressilian repelled his advances firmly, though with civility. "Master + Lambourne," said he, "I trust I have recompensed to your pleasure the time + you have wasted on me. Under the show of wild bluntness which you exhibit, + I know you have sense enough to understand me, when I say frankly that the + object of our temporary acquaintance having been accomplished, we must be + strangers to each other in future." + </p> + <p> + "VOTO!" said Lambourne, twirling his whiskers with one hand, and grasping + the hilt of his weapon with the other; "if I thought that this usage was + meant to insult me—" + </p> + <p> + "You would bear it with discretion, doubtless," interrupted Tressilian, + "as you must do at any rate. You know too well the distance that is + betwixt us, to require me to explain myself further. Good evening." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned his back upon his former companion, and entered into + discourse with the landlord. Michael Lambourne felt strongly disposed to + bully; but his wrath died away in a few incoherent oaths and ejaculations, + and he sank unresistingly under the ascendency which superior spirits + possess over persons of his habits and description. He remained moody and + silent in a corner of the apartment, paying the most marked attention to + every motion of his late companion, against whom he began now to nourish a + quarrel on his own account, which he trusted to avenge by the execution of + his new master Varney's directions. The hour of supper arrived, and was + followed by that of repose, when Tressilian, like others, retired to his + sleeping apartment. + </p> + <p> + He had not been in bed long, when the train of sad reveries, which + supplied the place of rest in his disturbed mind, was suddenly interrupted + by the jar of a door on its hinges, and a light was seen to glimmer in the + apartment. Tressilian, who was as brave as steel, sprang from his bed at + this alarm, and had laid hand upon his sword, when he was prevented from + drawing it by a voice which said, "Be not too rash with your rapier, + Master Tressilian. It is I, your host, Giles Gosling." + </p> + <p> + At the same time, unshrouding the dark lantern, which had hitherto only + emitted an indistinct glimmer, the goodly aspect and figure of the + landlord of the Black Bear was visibly presented to his astonished guest. + </p> + <p> + "What mummery is this, mine host?" said Tressilian. "Have you supped as + jollily as last night, and so mistaken your chamber? or is midnight a time + for masquerading it in your guest's lodging?" + </p> + <p> + "Master Tressilian," replied mine host, "I know my place and my time as + well as e'er a merry landlord in England. But here has been my hang-dog + kinsman watching you as close as ever cat watched a mouse; and here have + you, on the other hand, quarrelled and fought, either with him or with + some other person, and I fear that danger will come of it." + </p> + <p> + "Go to, thou art but a fool, man," said Tressilian. "Thy kinsman is + beneath my resentment; and besides, why shouldst thou think I had + quarrelled with any one whomsoever?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, sir," replied the innkeeper, "there was a red spot on thy very + cheek-bone, which boded of a late brawl, as sure as the conjunction of + Mars and Saturn threatens misfortune; and when you returned, the buckles + of your girdle were brought forward, and your step was quick and hasty, + and all things showed your hand and your hilt had been lately acquainted." + </p> + <p> + "Well, good mine host, if I have been obliged to draw my sword," said + Tressilian, "why should such a circumstance fetch thee out of thy warm bed + at this time of night? Thou seest the mischief is all over." + </p> + <p> + "Under favour, that is what I doubt. Anthony Foster is a dangerous man, + defended by strong court patronage, which hath borne him out in matters of + very deep concernment. And, then, my kinsman—why, I have told you + what he is; and if these two old cronies have made up their old + acquaintance, I would not, my worshipful guest, that it should be at thy + cost. I promise you, Mike Lambourne has been making very particular + inquiries at my hostler when and which way you ride. Now, I would have you + think whether you may not have done or said something for which you may be + waylaid, and taken at disadvantage." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art an honest man, mine host," said Tressilian, after a moment's + consideration, "and I will deal frankly with thee. If these men's malice + is directed against me—as I deny not but it may—it is because + they are the agents of a more powerful villain than themselves." + </p> + <p> + "You mean Master Richard Varney, do you not?" said the landlord; "he was + at Cumnor Place yesterday, and came not thither so private but what he was + espied by one who told me." + </p> + <p> + "I mean the same, mine host." + </p> + <p> + "Then, for God's sake, worshipful Master Tressilian," said honest Gosling, + "look well to yourself. This Varney is the protector and patron of Anthony + Foster, who holds under him, and by his favour, some lease of yonder + mansion and the park. Varney got a large grant of the lands of the Abbacy + of Abingdon, and Cumnor Place amongst others, from his master, the Earl of + Leicester. Men say he can do everything with him, though I hold the Earl + too good a nobleman to employ him as some men talk of. And then the Earl + can do anything (that is, anything right or fitting) with the Queen, God + bless her! So you see what an enemy you have made to yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well—it is done, and I cannot help it," answered Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Uds precious, but it must be helped in some manner," said the host. + "Richard Varney—why, what between his influence with my lord, and + his pretending to so many old and vexatious claims in right of the abbot + here, men fear almost to mention his name, much more to set themselves + against his practices. You may judge by our discourses the last night. Men + said their pleasure of Tony Foster, but not a word of Richard Varney, + though all men judge him to be at the bottom of yonder mystery about the + pretty wench. But perhaps you know more of that matter than I do; for + women, though they wear not swords, are occasion for many a blade's + exchanging a sheath of neat's leather for one of flesh and blood." + </p> + <p> + "I do indeed know more of that poor unfortunate lady than thou dost, my + friendly host; and so bankrupt am I, at this moment, of friends and + advice, that I will willingly make a counsellor of thee, and tell thee the + whole history, the rather that I have a favour to ask when my tale is + ended." + </p> + <p> + "Good Master Tressilian," said the landlord, "I am but a poor innkeeper, + little able to adjust or counsel such a guest as yourself. But as sure as + I have risen decently above the world, by giving good measure and + reasonable charges, I am an honest man; and as such, if I may not be able + to assist you, I am, at least, not capable to abuse your confidence. Say + away therefore, as confidently as if you spoke to your father; and thus + far at least be certain, that my curiosity—for I will not deny that + which belongs to my calling—is joined to a reasonable degree of + discretion." + </p> + <p> + "I doubt it not, mine host," answered Tressilian; and while his auditor + remained in anxious expectation, he meditated for an instant how he should + commence his narrative. "My tale," he at length said, "to be quite + intelligible, must begin at some distance back. You have heard of the + battle of Stoke, my good host, and perhaps of old Sir Roger Robsart, who, + in that battle, valiantly took part with Henry VII., the Queen's + grandfather, and routed the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Geraldin and his wild + Irish, and the Flemings whom the Duchess of Burgundy had sent over, in the + quarrel of Lambert Simnel?" + </p> + <p> + "I remember both one and the other," said Giles Gosling; "it is sung of a + dozen times a week on my ale-bench below. Sir Roger Robsart of Devon—oh, + ay, 'tis him of whom minstrels sing to this hour,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'He was the flower of Stoke's red field, + When Martin Swart on ground lay slain; + In raging rout he never reel'd, + But like a rock did firm remain.' + + [This verse, or something similar, occurs in a long ballad, or + poem, on Flodden Field, reprinted by the late Henry Weber.] +</pre> + <p> + "Ay, and then there was Martin Swart I have heard my grandfather talk of, + and of the jolly Almains whom he commanded, with their slashed doublets + and quaint hose, all frounced with ribands above the nether-stocks. Here's + a song goes of Martin Swart, too, an I had but memory for it:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Martin Swart and his men, + Saddle them, saddle them, + Martin Swart and his men; + Saddle them well.'" + + [This verse of an old song actually occurs in an old play where + the singer boasts, + + "Courteously I can both counter and knack + Of Martin Swart and all his merry men."] +</pre> + <p> + "True, good mine host—the day was long talked of; but if you sing so + loud, you will awake more listeners than I care to commit my confidence + unto." + </p> + <p> + "I crave pardon, my worshipful guest," said mine host, "I was oblivious. + When an old song comes across us merry old knights of the spigot, it runs + away with our discretion." + </p> + <p> + "Well, mine host, my grandfather, like some other Cornishmen, kept a warm + affection to the House of York, and espoused the quarrel of this Simnel, + assuming the title of Earl of Warwick, as the county afterwards, in great + numbers, countenanced the cause of Perkin Warbeck, calling himself the + Duke of York. My grandsire joined Simnel's standard, and was taken + fighting desperately at Stoke, where most of the leaders of that unhappy + army were slain in their harness. The good knight to whom he rendered + himself, Sir Roger Robsart, protected him from the immediate vengeance of + the king, and dismissed him without ransom. But he was unable to guard him + from other penalties of his rashness, being the heavy fines by which he + was impoverished, according to Henry's mode of weakening his enemies. The + good knight did what he might to mitigate the distresses of my ancestor; + and their friendship became so strict, that my father was bred up as the + sworn brother and intimate of the present Sir Hugh Robsart, the only son + of Sir Roger, and the heir of his honest, and generous, and hospitable + temper, though not equal to him in martial achievements." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard of good Sir Hugh Robsart," interrupted the host, "many a + time and oft; his huntsman and sworn servant, Will Badger, hath spoken of + him an hundred times in this very house. A jovial knight he is, and hath + loved hospitality and open housekeeping more than the present fashion, + which lays as much gold lace on the seams of a doublet as would feed a + dozen of tall fellows with beef and ale for a twelvemonth, and let them + have their evening at the alehouse once a week, to do good to the + publican." + </p> + <p> + "If you have seen Will Badger, mine host," said Tressilian, "you have + heard enough of Sir Hugh Robsart; and therefore I will but say, that the + hospitality you boast of hath proved somewhat detrimental to the estate of + his family, which is perhaps of the less consequence, as he has but one + daughter to whom to bequeath it. And here begins my share in the tale. + Upon my father's death, now several years since, the good Sir Hugh would + willingly have made me his constant companion. There was a time, however, + at which I felt the kind knight's excessive love for field-sports detained + me from studies, by which I might have profited more; but I ceased to + regret the leisure which gratitude and hereditary friendship compelled me + to bestow on these rural avocations. The exquisite beauty of Mistress Amy + Robsart, as she grew up from childhood to woman, could not escape one whom + circumstances obliged to be so constantly in her company—I loved + her, in short, mine host, and her father saw it." + </p> + <p> + "And crossed your true loves, no doubt?" said mine host. "It is the way in + all such cases; and I judge it must have been so in your instance, from + the heavy sigh you uttered even now." + </p> + <p> + "The case was different, mine host. My suit was highly approved by the + generous Sir Hugh Robsart; it was his daughter who was cold to my + passion." + </p> + <p> + "She was the more dangerous enemy of the two," said the innkeeper. "I fear + me your suit proved a cold one." + </p> + <p> + "She yielded me her esteem," said Tressilian, "and seemed not unwilling + that I should hope it might ripen into a warmer passion. There was a + contract of future marriage executed betwixt us, upon her father's + intercession; but to comply with her anxious request, the execution was + deferred for a twelvemonth. During this period, Richard Varney appeared in + the country, and, availing himself of some distant family connection with + Sir Hugh Robsart, spent much of his time in his company, until, at length, + he almost lived in the family." + </p> + <p> + "That could bode no good to the place he honoured with his residence," + said Gosling. + </p> + <p> + "No, by the rood!" replied Tressilian. "Misunderstanding and misery + followed his presence, yet so strangely that I am at this moment at a loss + to trace the gradations of their encroachment upon a family which had, + till then, been so happy. For a time Amy Robsart received the attentions + of this man Varney with the indifference attached to common courtesies; + then followed a period in which she seemed to regard him with dislike, and + even with disgust; and then an extraordinary species of connection + appeared to grow up betwixt them. Varney dropped those airs of pretension + and gallantry which had marked his former approaches; and Amy, on the + other hand, seemed to renounce the ill-disguised disgust with which she + had regarded them. They seemed to have more of privacy and confidence + together than I fully liked, and I suspected that they met in private, + where there was less restraint than in our presence. Many circumstances, + which I noticed but little at the time—for I deemed her heart as + open as her angelic countenance—have since arisen on my memory, to + convince me of their private understanding. But I need not detail them—the + fact speaks for itself. She vanished from her father's house; Varney + disappeared at the same time; and this very day I have seen her in the + character of his paramour, living in the house of his sordid dependant + Foster, and visited by him, muffled, and by a secret entrance." + </p> + <p> + "And this, then, is the cause of your quarrel? Methinks, you should have + been sure that the fair lady either desired or deserved your + interference." + </p> + <p> + "Mine host," answered Tressilian, "my father—such I must ever + consider Sir Hugh Robsart—sits at home struggling with his grief, + or, if so far recovered, vainly attempting to drown, in the practice of + his field-sports, the recollection that he had once a daughter—a + recollection which ever and anon breaks from him under circumstances the + most pathetic. I could not brook the idea that he should live in misery, + and Amy in guilt; and I endeavoured to-seek her out, with the hope of + inducing her to return to her family. I have found her, and when I have + either succeeded in my attempt, or have found it altogether unavailing, it + is my purpose to embark for the Virginia voyage." + </p> + <p> + "Be not so rash, good sir," replied Giles Gosling, "and cast not yourself + away because a woman—to be brief—IS a woman, and changes her + lovers like her suit of ribands, with no better reason than mere fantasy. + And ere we probe this matter further, let me ask you what circumstances of + suspicion directed you so truly to this lady's residence, or rather to her + place of concealment?" + </p> + <p> + "The last is the better chosen word, mine host," answered Tressilian; "and + touching your question, the knowledge that Varney held large grants of the + demesnes formerly belonging to the monks of Abingdon directed me to this + neighbourhood; and your nephew's visit to his old comrade Foster gave me + the means of conviction on the subject." + </p> + <p> + "And what is now your purpose, worthy sir?—excuse my freedom in + asking the question so broadly." + </p> + <p> + "I purpose, mine host," said Tressilian, "to renew my visit to the place + of her residence to-morrow, and to seek a more detailed communication with + her than I have had to-day. She must indeed be widely changed from what + she once was, if my words make no impression upon her." + </p> + <p> + "Under your favour, Master Tressilian," said the landlord, "you can follow + no such course. The lady, if I understand you, has already rejected your + interference in the matter." + </p> + <p> + "It is but too true," said Tressilian; "I cannot deny it." + </p> + <p> + "Then, marry, by what right or interest do you process a compulsory + interference with her inclination, disgraceful as it may be to herself and + to her parents? Unless my judgment gulls me, those under whose protection + she has thrown herself would have small hesitation to reject your + interference, even if it were that of a father or brother; but as a + discarded lover, you expose yourself to be repelled with the strong hand, + as well as with scorn. You can apply to no magistrate for aid or + countenance; and you are hunting, therefore, a shadow in water, and will + only (excuse my plainness) come by ducking and danger in attempting to + catch it." + </p> + <p> + "I will appeal to the Earl of Leicester," said Tressilian, "against the + infamy of his favourite. He courts the severe and strict sect of Puritans. + He dare not, for the sake of his own character, refuse my appeal, even + although he were destitute of the principles of honour and nobleness with + which fame invests him. Or I will appeal to the Queen herself." + </p> + <p> + "Should Leicester," said the landlord, "be disposed to protect his + dependant (as indeed he is said to be very confidential with Varney), the + appeal to the Queen may bring them both to reason. Her Majesty is strict + in such matters, and (if it be not treason to speak it) will rather, it is + said, pardon a dozen courtiers for falling in love with herself, than one + for giving preference to another woman. Coragio then, my brave guest! for + if thou layest a petition from Sir Hugh at the foot of the throne, + bucklered by the story of thine own wrongs, the favourite Earl dared as + soon leap into the Thames at the fullest and deepest, as offer to protect + Varney in a cause of this nature. But to do this with any chance of + success, you must go formally to work; and, without staying here to tilt + with the master of horse to a privy councillor, and expose yourself to the + dagger of his cameradoes, you should hie you to Devonshire, get a petition + drawn up for Sir Hugh Robsart, and make as many friends as you can to + forward your interest at court." + </p> + <p> + "You have spoken well, mine host," said Tressilian, "and I will profit by + your advice, and leave you to-morrow early." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, leave me to-night, sir, before to-morrow comes," said he landlord. + "I never prayed for a guest's arrival more eagerly than I do to have you + safely gone, My kinsman's destiny is most like to be hanged for something, + but I would not that the cause were the murder of an honoured guest of + mine. 'Better ride safe in the dark,' says the proverb, 'than in daylight + with a cut-throat at your elbow.' Come, sir, I move you for your own + safety. Your horse and all is ready, and here is your score." + </p> + <p> + "It is somewhat under a noble," said Tressilian, giving one to the host; + "give the balance to pretty Cicely, your daughter, and the servants of the + house." + </p> + <p> + "They shall taste of your bounty, sir," said Gosling, "and you should + taste of my daughter's lips in grateful acknowledgment, but at this hour + she cannot grace the porch to greet your departure." + </p> + <p> + "Do not trust your daughter too far with your guests, my good landlord," + said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, sir, we will keep measure; but I wonder not that you are jealous of + them all.—May I crave to know with what aspect the fair lady at the + Place yesterday received you?" + </p> + <p> + "I own," said Tressilian, "it was angry as well as confused, and affords + me little hope that she is yet awakened from her unhappy delusion." + </p> + <p> + "In that case, sir, I see not why you should play the champion of a wench + that will none of you, and incur the resentment of a favourite's + favourite, as dangerous a monster as ever a knight adventurer encountered + in the old story books." + </p> + <p> + "You do me wrong in the supposition, mine host—gross wrong," said + Tressilian; "I do not desire that Amy should ever turn thought upon me + more. Let me but see her restored to her father, and all I have to do in + Europe—perhaps in the world—is over and ended." + </p> + <p> + "A wiser resolution were to drink a cup of sack, and forget her," said the + landlord. "But five-and-twenty and fifty look on those matters with + different eyes, especially when one cast of peepers is set in the skull of + a young gallant, and the other in that of an old publican. I pity you, + Master Tressilian, but I see not how I can aid you in the matter." + </p> + <p> + "Only thus far, mine host," replied Tressilian—"keep a watch on the + motions of those at the Place, which thou canst easily learn without + suspicion, as all men's news fly to the ale-bench; and be pleased to + communicate the tidings in writing to such person, and to no other, who + shall bring you this ring as a special token. Look at it; it is of value, + and I will freely bestow it on you." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, sir," said the landlord, "I desire no recompense—but it seems + an unadvised course in me, being in a public line, to connect myself in a + matter of this dark and perilous nature. I have no interest in it." + </p> + <p> + "You, and every father in the land, who would have his daughter released + from the snares of shame, and sin, and misery, have an interest deeper + than aught concerning earth only could create." + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir," said the host, "these are brave words; and I do pity from my + soul the frank-hearted old gentleman, who has minished his estate in good + housekeeping for the honour of his country, and now has his daughter, who + should be the stay of his age, and so forth, whisked up by such a kite as + this Varney. And though your part in the matter is somewhat of the + wildest, yet I will e'en be a madcap for company, and help you in your + honest attempt to get back the good man's child, so far as being your + faithful intelligencer can serve. And as I shall be true to you, I pray + you to be trusty to me, and keep my secret; for it were bad for the custom + of the Black Bear should it be said the bear-warder interfered in such + matters. Varney has interest enough with the justices to dismount my noble + emblem from the post on which he swings so gallantly, to call in my + license, and ruin me from garret to cellar." + </p> + <p> + "Do not doubt my secrecy, mine host," said Tressilian; "I will retain, + besides, the deepest sense of thy service, and of the risk thou dost run—remember + the ring is my sure token. And now, farewell! for it was thy wise advice + that I should tarry here as short a time as may be." + </p> + <p> + "Follow me, then, Sir Guest," said the landlord, "and tread as gently as + if eggs were under your foot, instead of deal boards. No man must know + when or how you departed." + </p> + <p> + By the aid of his dark lantern he conducted Tressilian, as soon as he had + made himself ready for his journey, through a long intricacy of passages, + which opened to an outer court, and from thence to a remote stable, where + he had already placed his guest's horse. He then aided him to fasten on + the saddle the small portmantle which contained his necessaries, opened a + postern door, and with a hearty shake of the hand, and a reiteration of + his promise to attend to what went on at Cumnor Place, he dismissed his + guest to his solitary journey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Far in the lane a lonely hut he found, + No tenant ventured on the unwholesome ground: + Here smokes his forge, he bares his sinewy arm, + And early strokes the sounding anvil warm; + Around his shop the steely sparkles flew, + As for the steed he shaped the bending shoe.—GAY'S TRIVIA. +</pre> + <p> + As it was deemed proper by the traveller himself, as well as by Giles + Gosling, that Tressilian should avoid being seen in the neighbourhood of + Cumnor by those whom accident might make early risers, the landlord had + given him a route, consisting of various byways and lanes, which he was to + follow in succession, and which, all the turns and short-cuts duly + observed, was to conduct him to the public road to Marlborough. + </p> + <p> + But, like counsel of every other kind, this species of direction is much + more easily given than followed; and what betwixt the intricacy of the + way, the darkness of the night, Tressilian's ignorance of the country, and + the sad and perplexing thoughts with which he had to contend, his journey + proceeded so slowly, that morning found him only in the vale of + Whitehorse, memorable for the defeat of the Danes in former days, with his + horse deprived of a fore-foot shoe, an accident which threatened to put a + stop to his journey by laming the animal. The residence of a smith was his + first object of inquiry, in which he received little satisfaction from the + dullness or sullenness of one or two peasants, early bound for their + labour, who gave brief and indifferent answers to his questions on the + subject. Anxious, at length, that the partner of his journey should suffer + as little as possible from the unfortunate accident, Tressilian + dismounted, and led his horse in the direction of a little hamlet, where + he hoped either to find or hear tidings of such an artificer as he now + wanted. Through a deep and muddy lane, he at length waded on to the place, + which proved only an assemblage of five or six miserable huts, about the + doors of which one or two persons, whose appearance seemed as rude as that + of their dwellings, were beginning the toils of the day. One cottage, + however, seemed of rather superior aspect, and the old dame, who was + sweeping her threshold, appeared something less rude than her neighbours. + To her Tressilian addressed the oft-repeated question, whether there was a + smith in this neighbourhood, or any place where he could refresh his + horse? The dame looked him in the face with a peculiar expression as she + replied, "Smith! ay, truly is there a smith—what wouldst ha' wi' un, + mon?" + </p> + <p> + "To shoe my horse, good dame," answered Tressiliany; "you may see that he + has thrown a fore-foot shoe." + </p> + <p> + "Master Holiday!" exclaimed the dame, without returning any direct answer—"Master + Herasmus Holiday, come and speak to mon, and please you." + </p> + <p> + "FAVETE LINGUIS," answered a voice from within; "I cannot now come forth, + Gammer Sludge, being in the very sweetest bit of my morning studies." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but, good now, Master Holiday, come ye out, do ye. Here's a mon + would to Wayland Smith, and I care not to show him way to devil; his horse + hath cast shoe." + </p> + <p> + "QUID MIHI CUM CABALLO?" replied the man of learning from within; "I think + there is but one wise man in the hundred, and they cannot shoe a horse + without him!" + </p> + <p> + And forth came the honest pedagogue, for such his dress bespoke him. A + long, lean, shambling, stooping figure was surmounted by a head thatched + with lank, black hair somewhat inclining to grey. His features had the + cast of habitual authority, which I suppose Dionysius carried with him + from the throne to the schoolmaster's pulpit, and bequeathed as a legacy + to all of the same profession, A black buckram cassock was gathered at his + middle with a belt, at which hung, instead of knife or weapon, a goodly + leathern pen-and-ink case. His ferula was stuck on the other side, like + Harlequin's wooden sword; and he carried in his hand the tattered volume + which he had been busily perusing. + </p> + <p> + On seeing a person of Tressilian's appearance, which he was better able to + estimate than the country folks had been, the schoolmaster unbonneted, and + accosted him with, "SALVE, DOMINE. INTELLIGISNE LINGUAM LATINAM?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian mustered his learning to reply, "LINGUAE LATINAE HAUD PENITUS + IGNARUS, VENIA TUA, DOMINE ERUDITISSIME, VERNACULAM LIBENTIUS LOQUOR." + </p> + <p> + The Latin reply had upon the schoolmaster the effect which the mason's + sign is said to produce on the brethren of the trowel. He was at once + interested in the learned traveller, listened with gravity to his story of + a tired horse and a lost shoe, and then replied with solemnity, "It may + appear a simple thing, most worshipful, to reply to you that there dwells, + within a brief mile of these TUGURIA, the best FABER FERARIUS, the most + accomplished blacksmith, that ever nailed iron upon horse. Now, were I to + say so, I warrant me you would think yourself COMPOS VOTI, or, as the + vulgar have it, a made man." + </p> + <p> + "I should at least," said Tressilian, "have a direct answer to a plain + question, which seems difficult to be obtained in this country." + </p> + <p> + "It is a mere sending of a sinful soul to the evil un," said the old + woman, "the sending a living creature to Wayland Smith." + </p> + <p> + "Peace, Gammer Sludge!" said the pedagogue; "PAUCA VERBA, Gammer Sludge; + look to the furmity, Gammer Sludge; CURETUR JENTACULUM, Gammer Sludge; + this gentleman is none of thy gossips." Then turning to Tressilian, he + resumed his lofty tone, "And so, most worshipful, you would really think + yourself FELIX BIS TERQUE should I point out to you the dwelling of this + same smith?" + </p> + <p> + "Sir," replied Tressilian, "I should in that case have all that I want at + present—a horse fit to carry me forward;—out of hearing of + your learning." The last words he muttered to himself. + </p> + <p> + "O CAECA MENS MORTALIUM!" said the learned man "well was it sung by Junius + Juvenalis, 'NUMINIBUS VOTA EXAUDITA MALIGNIS!'" + </p> + <p> + "Learned Magister," said Tressilian, "your erudition so greatly exceeds my + poor intellectual capacity that you must excuse my seeking elsewhere for + information which I can better understand." + </p> + <p> + "There again now," replied the pedagogue, "how fondly you fly from him + that would instruct you! Truly said Quintilian—" + </p> + <p> + "I pray, sir, let Quintilian be for the present, and answer, in a word and + in English, if your learning can condescend so far, whether there is any + place here where I can have opportunity to refresh my horse until I can + have him shod?" + </p> + <p> + "Thus much courtesy, sir," said the schoolmaster, "I can readily render + you, that although there is in this poor hamlet (NOSTRA PAUPERA REGNA) no + regular HOSPITIUM, as my namesake Erasmus calleth it, yet, forasmuch as + you are somewhat embued, or at least tinged, as it were, with good + letters, I will use my interest with the good woman of the house to + accommodate you with a platter of furmity—an wholesome food for + which I have found no Latin phrase—your horse shall have a share of + the cow-house, with a bottle of sweet hay, in which the good woman Sludge + so much abounds, that it may be said of her cow, FAENUM HABET IN CORNU; + and if it please you to bestow on me the pleasure of your company, the + banquet shall cost you NE SEMISSEM QUIDEM, so much is Gammer Sludge bound + to me for the pains I have bestowed on the top and bottom of her hopeful + heir Dickie, whom I have painfully made to travel through the accidence." + </p> + <p> + "Now, God yield ye for it, Master Herasmus," said the good Gammer, "and + grant that little Dickie may be the better for his accident! And for the + rest, if the gentleman list to stay, breakfast shall be on the board in + the wringing of a dishclout; and for horse-meat, and man's meat, I bear no + such base mind as to ask a penny." + </p> + <p> + Considering the state of his horse, Tressilian, upon the whole, saw no + better course than to accept the invitation thus learnedly made and + hospitably confirmed, and take chance that when the good pedagogue had + exhausted every topic of conversation, he might possibly condescend to + tell him where he could find the smith they spoke of. He entered the hut + accordingly, and sat down with the learned Magister Erasmus Holiday, + partook of his furmity, and listened to his learned account of himself for + a good half hour, ere he could get him to talk upon any other topic, The + reader will readily excuse our accompanying this man of learning into all + the details with which he favoured Tressilian, of which the following + sketch may suffice. + </p> + <p> + He was born at Hogsnorton, where, according to popular saying, the pigs + play upon the organ; a proverb which he interpreted allegorically, as + having reference to the herd of Epicurus, of which litter Horace confessed + himself a porker. His name of Erasmus he derived partly from his father + having been the son of a renowned washerwoman, who had held that great + scholar in clean linen all the while he was at Oxford; a task of some + difficulty, as he was only possessed of two shirts, "the one," as she + expressed herself, "to wash the other," The vestiges of one of these + CAMICIAE, as Master Holiday boasted, were still in his possession, having + fortunately been detained by his grandmother to cover the balance of her + bill. But he thought there was a still higher and overruling cause for his + having had the name of Erasmus conferred on him—namely, the secret + presentiment of his mother's mind that, in the babe to be christened, was + a hidden genius, which should one day lead him to rival the fame of the + great scholar of Amsterdam. The schoolmaster's surname led him as far into + dissertation as his Christian appellative. He was inclined to think that + he bore the name of Holiday QUASI LUCUS A NON LUCENDO, because he gave + such few holidays to his school. "Hence," said he, "the schoolmaster is + termed, classically, LUDI MAGISTER, because he deprives boys of their + play." And yet, on the other hand, he thought it might bear a very + different interpretation, and refer to his own exquisite art in arranging + pageants, morris-dances, May-day festivities, and such-like holiday + delights, for which he assured Tressilian he had positively the purest and + the most inventive brain in England; insomuch, that his cunning in framing + such pleasures had made him known to many honourable persons, both in + country and court, and especially to the noble Earl of Leicester. "And + although he may now seem to forget me," he said, "in the multitude of + state affairs, yet I am well assured that, had he some pretty pastime to + array for entertainment of the Queen's Grace, horse and man would be + seeking the humble cottage of Erasmus Holiday. PARVO CONTENTUS, in the + meanwhile, I hear my pupils parse and construe, worshipful sir, and drive + away my time with the aid of the Muses. And I have at all times, when in + correspondence with foreign scholars, subscribed myself Erasmus ab Die + Fausto, and have enjoyed the distinction due to the learned under that + title: witness the erudite Diedrichus Buckerschockius, who dedicated to me + under that title his treatise on the letter TAU. In fine, sir, I have been + a happy and distinguished man." + </p> + <p> + "Long may it be so, sir!" said the traveller; "but permit me to ask, in + your own learned phrase, QUID HOC AD IPHYCLI BOVES? what has all this to + do with the shoeing of my poor nag?" + </p> + <p> + "FESTINA LENTE," said the man of learning, "we will presently came to that + point. You must know that some two or three years past there came to these + parts one who called himself Doctor Doboobie, although it may be he never + wrote even MAGISTER ARTIUM, save in right of his hungry belly. Or it may + be, that if he had any degrees, they were of the devil's giving; for he + was what the vulgar call a white witch, a cunning man, and such like.—Now, + good sir, I perceive you are impatient; but if a man tell not his tale his + own way, how have you warrant to think that he can tell it in yours?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, learned sir, take your way," answered Tressilian; "only let + us travel at a sharper pace, for my time is somewhat of the shortest." + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir," resumed Erasmus Holiday, with the most provoking + perseverance, "I will not say that this same Demetrius for so he wrote + himself when in foreign parts, was an actual conjurer, but certain it is + that he professed to be a brother of the mystical Order of the Rosy Cross, + a disciple of Geber (EX NOMINE CUJUS VENIT VERBUM VERNACULUM, GIBBERISH). + He cured wounds by salving the weapon instead of the sore; told fortunes + by palmistry; discovered stolen goods by the sieve and shears; gathered + the right maddow and the male fern seed, through use of which men walk + invisible; pretended some advances towards the panacea, or universal + elixir; and affected to convert good lead into sorry silver." + </p> + <p> + "In other words," said Tressilian, "he was a quacksalver and common cheat; + but what has all this to do with my nag, and the shoe which he has lost?" + </p> + <p> + "With your worshipful patience," replied the diffusive man of letters, + "you shall understand that presently—PATIENTIA then, right + worshipful, which word, according to our Marcus Tullius, is 'DIFFICILIUM + RERUM DIURNA PERPESSIO.' This same Demetrius Doboobie, after dealing with + the country, as I have told you, began to acquire fame INTER MAGNATES, + among the prime men of the land, and there is likelihood he might have + aspired to great matters, had not, according to vulgar fame (for I aver + not the thing as according with my certain knowledge), the devil claimed + his right, one dark night, and flown off with Demetrius, who was never + seen or heard of afterwards. Now here comes the MEDULLA, the very marrow, + of my tale. This Doctor Doboobie had a servant, a poor snake, whom he + employed in trimming his furnace, regulating it by just measure—compounding + his drugs—tracing his circles—cajoling his patients, ET SIC DE + CAETERIS. Well, right worshipful, the Doctor being removed thus strangely, + and in a way which struck the whole country with terror, this poor Zany + thinks to himself, in the words of Maro, 'UNO AVULSO, NON DEFICIT ALTER;' + and, even as a tradesman's apprentice sets himself up in his master's shop + when he is dead or hath retired from business, so doth this Wayland assume + the dangerous trade of his defunct master. But although, most worshipful + sir, the world is ever prone to listen to the pretensions of such unworthy + men, who are, indeed, mere SALTIM BANQUI and CHARLATANI, though usurping + the style and skill of doctors of medicine, yet the pretensions of this + poor Zany, this Wayland, were too gross to pass on them, nor was there a + mere rustic, a villager, who was not ready to accost him in the sense of + Persius, though in their own rugged words,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DILIUS HELLEBORUM CERTO COMPESCERE PUNCTO + NESCIUS EXAMEN? VETAT HOC NATURA MEDENDI; +</pre> + <p> + which I have thus rendered in a poor paraphrase of mine own,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wilt thou mix hellebore, who dost not know + How many grains should to the mixture go? + The art of medicine this forbids, I trow. +</pre> + <p> + "Moreover, the evil reputation of the master, and his strange and doubtful + end, or at least sudden disappearance, prevented any, excepting the most + desperate of men, to seek any advice or opinion from the servant; + wherefore, the poor vermin was likely at first to swarf for very hunger. + But the devil that serves him, since the death of Demetrius or Doboobie, + put him on a fresh device. This knave, whether from the inspiration of the + devil, or from early education, shoes horses better than e'er a man + betwixt us and Iceland; and so he gives up his practice on the bipeds, the + two-legged and unfledged species called mankind, and betakes him entirely + to shoeing of horses." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! and where does he lodge all this time?" said Tressilian. "And + does he shoe horses well? Show me his dwelling presently." + </p> + <p> + The interruption pleased not the Magister, who exclaimed, "O CAECA MENS + MORTALIUM!—though, by the way, I used that quotation before. But I + would the classics could afford me any sentiment of power to stop those + who are so willing to rush upon their own destruction. Hear but, I pray + you, the conditions of this man," said he, in continuation, "ere you are + so willing to place yourself within his danger—" + </p> + <p> + "A' takes no money for a's work," said the dame, who stood by, enraptured + as it were with the line words and learned apophthegms which glided so + fluently from her erudite inmate, Master Holiday. But this interruption + pleased not the Magister more than that of the traveller. + </p> + <p> + "Peace," said he, "Gammer Sludge; know your place, if it be your will. + SUFFLAMINA, Gammer Sludge, and allow me to expound this matter to our + worshipful guest.—Sir," said he, again addressing Tressilian, "this + old woman speaks true, though in her own rude style; for certainly this + FABER FERRARIUS, or blacksmith, takes money of no one." + </p> + <p> + "And that is a sure sign he deals with Satan," said Dame Sludge; "since no + good Christian would ever refuse the wages of his labour." + </p> + <p> + "The old woman hath touched it again," said the pedagogue; "REM ACU + TETIGIT—she hath pricked it with her needle's point. This Wayland + takes no money, indeed; nor doth he show himself to any one." + </p> + <p> + "And can this madman, for such I hold him," said the traveller, "know + aught like good skill of his trade?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, sir, in that let us give the devil his due—Mulciber himself, + with all his Cyclops, could hardly amend him. But assuredly there is + little wisdom in taking counsel or receiving aid from one who is but too + plainly in league with the author of evil." + </p> + <p> + "I must take my chance of that, good Master Holiday," said Tressilian, + rising; "and as my horse must now have eaten his provender, I must needs + thank you for your good cheer, and pray you to show me this man's + residence, that I may have the means of proceeding on my journey." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, do ye show him, Master Herasmus," said the old dame, who was, + perhaps, desirous to get her house freed of her guest; "a' must needs go + when the devil drives." + </p> + <p> + "DO MANUS," said the Magister, "I submit—taking the world to + witness, that I have possessed this honourable gentleman with the full + injustice which he has done and shall do to his own soul, if he becomes + thus a trinketer with Satan. Neither will I go forth with our guest + myself, but rather send my pupil.—RICARDE! ADSIS, NEBULO." + </p> + <p> + "Under your favour, not so," answered the old woman; "you may peril your + own soul, if you list, but my son shall budge on no such errand. And I + wonder at you, Dominie Doctor, to propose such a piece of service for + little Dickie." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my good Gammer Sludge," answered the preceptor, "Ricardus shall go + but to the top of the hill, and indicate with his digit to the stranger + the dwelling of Wayland Smith. Believe not that any evil can come to him, + he having read this morning, fasting, a chapter of the Septuagint, and, + moreover, having had his lesson in the Greek Testament." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said his mother, "and I have sewn a sprig of witch's elm in the neck + of un's doublet, ever since that foul thief has begun his practices on man + and beast in these parts." + </p> + <p> + "And as he goes oft (as I hugely suspect) towards this conjurer for his + own pastime, he may for once go thither, or near it, to pleasure us, and + to assist this stranger.—ERGO, HEUS RICARDE! ADSIS, QUAESO, MI + DIDASCULE." + </p> + <p> + The pupil, thus affectionately invoked, at length came stumbling into the + room; a queer, shambling, ill-made urchin, who, by his stunted growth, + seemed about twelve or thirteen years old, though he was probably, in + reality, a year or two older, with a carroty pate in huge disorder, a + freckled, sunburnt visage, with a snub nose, a long chin, and two peery + grey eyes, which had a droll obliquity of vision, approaching to a squint, + though perhaps not a decided one. It was impossible to look at the little + man without some disposition to laugh, especially when Gammer Sludge, + seizing upon and kissing him, in spite of his struggling and kicking in + reply to her caresses, termed him her own precious pearl of beauty. + </p> + <p> + "RICARDE," said the preceptor, "you must forthwith (which is PROFECTO) set + forth so far as the top of the hill, and show this man of worship Wayland + Smith's workshop." + </p> + <p> + "A proper errand of a morning," said the boy, in better language than + Tressilian expected; "and who knows but the devil may fly away with me + before I come back?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, marry may un," said Dame Sludge; "and you might have thought twice, + Master Domine, ere you sent my dainty darling on arrow such errand. It is + not for such doings I feed your belly and clothe your back, I warrant + you!" + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw—NUGAE, good Gammer Sludge," answered the preceptor; "I ensure + you that Satan, if there be Satan in the case, shall not touch a thread of + his garment; for Dickie can say his PATER with the best, and may defy the + foul fiend—EUMENIDES, STYGIUMQUE NEFAS." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and I, as I said before, have sewed a sprig of the mountain-ash into + his collar," said the good woman, "which will avail more than your + clerkship, I wus; but for all that, it is ill to seek the devil or his + mates either." + </p> + <p> + "My good boy," said Tressilian, who saw, from a grotesque sneer on + Dickie's face, that he was more likely to act upon his own bottom than by + the instructions of his elders, "I will give thee a silver groat, my + pretty fellow, if you will but guide me to this man's forge." + </p> + <p> + The boy gave him a knowing side-look, which seemed to promise + acquiescence, while at the same time he exclaimed, "I be your guide to + Wayland Smith's! Why, man, did I not say that the devil might fly off with + me, just as the kite there" (looking to the window) "is flying off with + one of grandam's chicks?" + </p> + <p> + "The kite! the kite!" exclaimed the old woman in return, and forgetting + all other matters in her alarm, hastened to the rescue of her chickens as + fast as her old legs could carry her. + </p> + <p> + "Now for it," said the urchin to Tressilian; "snatch your beaver, get out + your horse, and have at the silver groat you spoke of." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but tarry, tarry," said the preceptor—"SUFFLAMINA, RICARDE!" + </p> + <p> + "Tarry yourself," said Dickie, "and think what answer you are to make to + granny for sending me post to the devil." + </p> + <p> + The teacher, aware of the responsibility he was incurring, bustled up in + great haste to lay hold of the urchin and to prevent his departure; but + Dickie slipped through his fingers, bolted from the cottage, and sped him + to the top of a neighbouring rising ground, while the preceptor, + despairing, by well-taught experience, of recovering his pupil by speed of + foot, had recourse to the most honied epithets the Latin vocabulary + affords to persuade his return. But to MI ANIME, CORCULUM MEUM, and all + such classical endearments, the truant turned a deaf ear, and kept + frisking on the top of the rising ground like a goblin by moonlight, + making signs to his new acquaintance, Tressilian, to follow him. + </p> + <p> + The traveller lost no time in getting out his horse and departing to join + his elvish guide, after half-forcing on the poor, deserted teacher a + recompense for the entertainment he had received, which partly allayed + that terror he had for facing the return of the old lady of the mansion. + Apparently this took place soon afterwards; for ere Tressilian and his + guide had proceeded far on their journey, they heard the screams of a + cracked female voice, intermingled with the classical objurgations of + Master Erasmus Holiday. But Dickie Sludge, equally deaf to the voice of + maternal tenderness and of magisterial authority, skipped on unconsciously + before Tressilian, only observing that "if they cried themselves hoarse, + they might go lick the honey-pot, for he had eaten up all the honey-comb + himself on yesterday even." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There entering in, they found the goodman selfe + Full busylie unto his work ybent, + Who was to weet a wretched wearish elf, + With hollow eyes and rawbone cheeks forspent, + As if he had been long in prison pent.—THE FAERY QUEENE. +</pre> + <p> + "Are we far from the dwelling of this smith, my pretty lad?" said + Tressilian to his young guide. + </p> + <p> + "How is it you call me?" said the boy, looking askew at him with his + sharp, grey eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I call you my pretty lad—is there any offence in that, my boy?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but were you with my grandam and Dominie Holiday, you might sing + chorus to the old song of + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'We three + Tom-fools be.'" +</pre> + <p> + "And why so, my little man?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Because," answered the ugly urchin, "you are the only three ever called + me pretty lad. Now my grandam does it because she is parcel blind by age, + and whole blind by kindred; and my master, the poor Dominie, does it to + curry favour, and have the fullest platter of furmity and the warmest seat + by the fire. But what you call me pretty lad for, you know best yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a sharp wag at least, if not a pretty one. But what do thy + playfellows call thee?" + </p> + <p> + "Hobgoblin," answered the boy readily; "but for all that, I would rather + have my own ugly viznomy than any of their jolter-heads, that have no more + brains in them than a brick-bat." + </p> + <p> + "Then you fear not this smith whom you are going to see?" + </p> + <p> + "Me fear him!" answered the boy. "If he were the devil folk think him, I + would not fear him; but though there is something queer about him, he's no + more a devil than you are, and that's what I would not tell to every one." + </p> + <p> + "And why do you tell it to me, then, my boy?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Because you are another guess gentleman than those we see here every + day," replied Dickie; "and though I am as ugly as sin, I would not have + you think me an ass, especially as I may have a boon to ask of you one + day." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that, my lad, whom I must not call pretty?" replied + Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if I were to ask it just now," said the boy, "you would deny it me; + but I will wait till we meet at court." + </p> + <p> + "At court, Richard! are you bound for court?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, that's just like the rest of them," replied the boy. "I warrant + me, you think, what should such an ill-favoured, scrambling urchin do at + court? But let Richard Sludge alone; I have not been cock of the roost + here for nothing. I will make sharp wit mend foul feature." + </p> + <p> + "But what will your grandam say, and your tutor, Dominie Holiday?" + </p> + <p> + "E'en what they like," replied Dickie; "the one has her chickens to + reckon, and the other has his boys to whip. I would have given them the + candle to hold long since, and shown this trumpery hamlet a fair pair of + heels, but that Dominie promises I should go with him to bear share in the + next pageant he is to set forth, and they say there are to be great revels + shortly." + </p> + <p> + "And whereabouts are they to be held, my little friend?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, at some castle far in the north," answered his guide—"a world's + breadth from Berkshire. But our old Dominie holds that they cannot go + forward without him; and it may be he is right, for he has put in order + many a fair pageant. He is not half the fool you would take him for, when + he gets to work he understands; and so he can spout verses like a + play-actor, when, God wot, if you set him to steal a goose's egg, he would + be drubbed by the gander." + </p> + <p> + "And you are to play a part in his next show?" said Tressilian, somewhat + interested by the boy's boldness of conversation and shrewd estimate of + character. + </p> + <p> + "In faith," said Richard Sludge, in answer, "he hath so promised me; and + if he break his word, it will be the worse for him, for let me take the + bit between my teeth, and turn my head downhill, and I will shake him off + with a fall that may harm his bones. And I should not like much to hurt + him neither," said he, "for the tiresome old fool has painfully laboured + to teach me all he could. But enough of that—here are we at Wayland + Smith's forge-door." + </p> + <p> + "You jest, my little friend," said Tressilian; "here is nothing but a bare + moor, and that ring of stones, with a great one in the midst, like a + Cornish barrow." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and that great flat stone in the midst, which lies across the top of + these uprights," said the boy, "is Wayland Smith's counter, that you must + tell down your money upon." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by such folly?" said the traveller, beginning to be + angry with the boy, and vexed with himself for having trusted such a + hare-brained guide. + </p> + <p> + "Why," said Dickie, with a grin, "you must tie your horse to that upright + stone that has the ring in't, and then you must whistle three times, and + lay me down your silver groat on that other flat stone, walk out of the + circle, sit down on the west side of that little thicket of bushes, and + take heed you look neither to right nor to left for ten minutes, or so + long as you shall hear the hammer clink, and whenever it ceases, say your + prayers for the space you could tell a hundred—or count over a + hundred, which will do as well—and then come into the circle; you + will find your money gone and your horse shod." + </p> + <p> + "My money gone to a certainty!" said Tressilian; "but as for the rest—Hark + ye, my lad, I am not your school-master, but if you play off your waggery + on me, I will take a part of his task off his hands, and punish you to + purpose." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, when you catch me!" said the boy; and presently took to his heels + across the heath, with a velocity which baffled every attempt of + Tressilian to overtake him, loaded as he was with his heavy boots. Nor was + it the least provoking part of the urchin's conduct, that he did not exert + his utmost speed, like one who finds himself in danger, or who is + frightened, but preserved just such a rate as to encourage Tressilian to + continue the chase, and then darted away from him with the swiftness of + the wind, when his pursuer supposed he had nearly run him down, doubling + at the same time, and winding, so as always to keep near the place from + which he started. + </p> + <p> + This lasted until Tressilian, from very weariness, stood still, and was + about to abandon the pursuit with a hearty curse on the ill-favoured + urchin, who had engaged him in an exercise so ridiculous. But the boy, who + had, as formerly, planted himself on the top of a hillock close in front, + began to clap his long, thin hands, point with his skinny fingers, and + twist his wild and ugly features into such an extravagant expression of + laughter and derision, that Tressilian began half to doubt whether he had + not in view an actual hobgoblin. + </p> + <p> + Provoked extremely, yet at the same time feeling an irresistible desire to + laugh, so very odd were the boy's grimaces and gesticulations, the + Cornishman returned to his horse, and mounted him with the purpose of + pursuing Dickie at more advantage. + </p> + <p> + The boy no sooner saw him mount his horse, than he holloed out to him + that, rather than he should spoil his white-footed nag, he would come to + him, on condition he would keep his fingers to himself. + </p> + <p> + "I will make no conditions with thee, thou ugly varlet!" said Tressilian; + "I will have thee at my mercy in a moment." + </p> + <p> + "Aha, Master Traveller," said the boy, "there is a marsh hard by would + swallow all the horses of the Queen's guard. I will into it, and see where + you will go then. You shall hear the bittern bump, and the wild-drake + quack, ere you get hold of me without my consent, I promise you." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian looked out, and, from the appearance of the ground behind the + hillock, believed it might be as the boy said, and accordingly determined + to strike up a peace with so light-footed and ready-witted an enemy. "Come + down," he said, "thou mischievous brat! Leave thy mopping and mowing, and, + come hither. I will do thee no harm, as I am a gentleman." + </p> + <p> + The boy answered his invitation with the utmost confidence, and danced + down from his stance with a galliard sort of step, keeping his eye at the + same time fixed on Tressilian's, who, once more dismounted, stood with his + horse's bridle in his hand, breathless, and half exhausted with his + fruitless exercise, though not one drop of moisture appeared on the + freckled forehead of the urchin, which looked like a piece of dry and + discoloured parchment, drawn tight across the brow of a fleshless skull. + </p> + <p> + "And tell me," said Tressilian, "why you use me thus, thou mischievous + imp? or what your meaning is by telling me so absurd a legend as you + wished but now to put on me? Or rather show me, in good earnest, this + smith's forge, and I will give thee what will buy thee apples through the + whole winter." + </p> + <p> + "Were you to give me an orchard of apples," said Dickie Sludge, "I can + guide thee no better than I have done. Lay down the silver token on the + flat stone—whistle three times—then come sit down on the + western side of the thicket of gorse. I will sit by you, and give you free + leave to wring my head off, unless you hear the smith at work within two + minutes after we are seated." + </p> + <p> + "I may be tempted to take thee at thy word," said Tressilian, "if you make + me do aught half so ridiculous for your own mischievous sport; however, I + will prove your spell. Here, then, I tie my horse to this upright stone. I + must lay my silver groat here, and whistle three times, sayest thou?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but thou must whistle louder than an unfledged ousel," said the boy, + as Tressilian, having laid down his money, and half ashamed of the folly + he practised, made a careless whistle—"you must whistle louder than + that, for who knows where the smith is that you call for? He may be in the + King of France's stables for what I know." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you said but now he was no devil," replied Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Man or devil," said Dickie, "I see that I must summon him for you;" and + therewithal he whistled sharp and shrill, with an acuteness of sound that + almost thrilled through Tressilian's brain. "That is what I call + whistling," said he, after he had repeated the signal thrice; "and now to + cover, to cover, or Whitefoot will not be shod this day." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, musing what the upshot of this mummery was to be, yet + satisfied there was to be some serious result, by the confidence with + which the boy had put himself in his power, suffered himself to be + conducted to that side of the little thicket of gorse and brushwood which + was farthest from the circle of stones, and there sat down; and as it + occurred to him that, after all, this might be a trick for stealing his + horse, he kept his hand on the boy's collar, determined to make him + hostage for its safety. + </p> + <p> + "Now, hush and listen," said Dickie, in a low whisper; "you will soon hear + the tack of a hammer that was never forged of earthly iron, for the stone + it was made of was shot from the moon." And in effect Tressilian did + immediately hear the light stroke of a hammer, as when a farrier is at + work. The singularity of such a sound, in so very lonely a place, made him + involuntarily start; but looking at the boy, and discovering, by the arch + malicious expression of his countenance, that the urchin saw and enjoyed + his slight tremor, he became convinced that the whole was a concerted + stratagem, and determined to know by whom, or for what purpose, the trick + was played off. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0591m.jpg" alt="0591m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0591.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Accordingly, he remained perfectly quiet all the time that the hammer + continued to sound, being about the space usually employed in fixing a + horse-shoe. But the instant the sound ceased, Tressilian, instead of + interposing the space of time which his guide had required, started up + with his sword in his hand, ran round the thicket, and confronted a man in + a farrier's leathern apron, but otherwise fantastically attired in a + bear-skin dressed with the fur on, and a cap of the same, which almost hid + the sooty and begrimed features of the wearer. "Come back, come back!" + cried the boy to Tressilian, "or you will be torn to pieces; no man lives + that looks on him." In fact, the invisible smith (now fully visible) + heaved up his hammer, and showed symptoms of doing battle. + </p> + <p> + But when the boy observed that neither his own entreaties nor the menaces + of the farrier appeared to change Tressilian's purpose, but that, on the + contrary, he confronted the hammer with his drawn sword, he exclaimed to + the smith in turn, "Wayland, touch him not, or you will come by the worse!—the + gentleman is a true gentleman, and a bold." + </p> + <p> + "So thou hast betrayed me, Flibbertigibbet?" said the smith; "it shall be + the worse for thee!" + </p> + <p> + "Be who thou wilt," said Tressilian, "thou art in no danger from me, so + thou tell me the meaning of this practice, and why thou drivest thy trade + in this mysterious fashion." + </p> + <p> + The smith, however, turning to Tressilian, exclaimed, in a threatening + tone, "Who questions the Keeper of the Crystal Castle of Light, the Lord + of the Green Lion, the Rider of the Red Dragon? Hence!—avoid thee, + ere I summon Talpack with his fiery lance, to quell, crush, and consume!" + These words he uttered with violent gesticulation, mouthing, and + flourishing his hammer. + </p> + <p> + "Peace, thou vile cozener, with thy gipsy cant!" replied Tressilian + scornfully, "and follow me to the next magistrate, or I will cut thee over + the pate." + </p> + <p> + "Peace, I pray thee, good Wayland!" said the boy. "Credit me, the + swaggering vein will not pass here; you must cut boon whids." ["Give good + words."—SLANG DIALECT.] + </p> + <p> + "I think, worshipful sir," said the smith, sinking his hammer, and + assuming a more gentle and submissive tone of voice, "that when so poor a + man does his day's job, he might be permitted to work it out after his own + fashion. Your horse is shod, and your farrier paid—what need you + cumber yourself further than to mount and pursue your journey?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, friend, you are mistaken," replied Tressilian; "every man has a + right to take the mask from the face of a cheat and a juggler; and your + mode of living raises suspicion that you are both." + </p> + <p> + "If you are so determined; sir," said the smith, "I cannot help myself + save by force, which I were unwilling to use towards you, Master + Tressilian; not that I fear your weapon, but because I know you to be a + worthy, kind, and well-accomplished gentleman, who would rather help than + harm a poor man that is in a strait." + </p> + <p> + "Well said, Wayland," said the boy, who had anxiously awaited the issue of + their conference. "But let us to thy den, man, for it is ill for thy + health to stand here talking in the open air." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art right, Hobgoblin," replied the smith; and going to the little + thicket of gorse on the side nearest to the circle, and opposite to that + at which his customer had so lately crouched, he discovered a trap-door + curiously covered with bushes, raised it, and, descending into the earth, + vanished from their eyes. Notwithstanding Tressilian's curiosity, he had + some hesitation at following the fellow into what might be a den of + robbers, especially when he heard the smith's voice, issuing from the + bowels of the earth, call out, "Flibertigibbet, do you come last, and be + sure to fasten the trap!" + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen enough of Wayland Smith now?" whispered the urchin to + Tressilian, with an arch sneer, as if marking his companion's uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + "Not yet," said Tressilian firmly; and shaking off his momentary + irresolution, he descended into the narrow staircase, to which the + entrance led, and was followed by Dickie Sludge, who made fast the + trap-door behind him, and thus excluded every glimmer of daylight. The + descent, however, was only a few steps, and led to a level passage of a + few yards' length, at the end of which appeared the reflection of a lurid + and red light. Arrived at this point, with his drawn sword in his hand, + Tressilian found that a turn to the left admitted him and Hobgoblin, who + followed closely, into a small, square vault, containing a smith's forge, + glowing with charcoal, the vapour of which filled the apartment with an + oppressive smell, which would have been altogether suffocating, but that + by some concealed vent the smithy communicated with the upper air. The + light afforded by the red fuel, and by a lamp suspended in an iron chain, + served to show that, besides an anvil, bellows, tongs, hammers, a quantity + of ready-made horse-shoes, and other articles proper to the profession of + a farrier, there were also stoves, alembics, crucibles, retorts, and other + instruments of alchemy. The grotesque figure of the smith, and the ugly + but whimsical features of the boy, seen by the gloomy and imperfect light + of the charcoal fire and the dying lamp, accorded very well with all this + mystical apparatus, and in that age of superstition would have made some + impression on the courage of most men. + </p> + <p> + But nature had endowed Tressilian with firm nerves, and his education, + originally good, had been too sedulously improved by subsequent study to + give way to any imaginary terrors; and after giving a glance around him, + he again demanded of the artist who he was, and by what accident he came + to know and address him by his name. + </p> + <p> + "Your worship cannot but remember," said the smith, "that about three + years since, upon Saint Lucy's Eve, there came a travelling juggler to a + certain hall in Devonshire, and exhibited his skill before a worshipful + knight and a fair company.—I see from your worship's countenance, + dark as this place is, that my memory has not done me wrong." + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast said enough," said Tressilian, turning away, as wishing to hide + from the speaker the painful train of recollections which his discourse + had unconsciously awakened. + </p> + <p> + "The juggler," said the smith, "played his part so bravely that the clowns + and clown-like squires in the company held his art to be little less than + magical; but there was one maiden of fifteen, or thereby, with the fairest + face I ever looked upon, whose rosy cheek grew pale, and her bright eyes + dim, at the sight of the wonders exhibited." + </p> + <p> + "Peace, I command thee, peace!" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "I mean your worship no offence," said the fellow; "but I have cause to + remember how, to relieve the young maiden's fears, you condescended to + point out the mode in which these deceptions were practised, and to baffle + the poor juggler by laying bare the mysteries of his art, as ably as if + you had been a brother of his order.—She was indeed so fair a maiden + that, to win a smile of her, a man might well—" + </p> + <p> + "Not a word more of her, I charge thee!" said Tressilian. "I do well + remember the night you speak of—one of the few happy evenings my + life has known." + </p> + <p> + "She is gone, then," said the smith, interpreting after his own fashion + the sigh with which Tressilian uttered these words—"she is gone, + young, beautiful, and beloved as she was!—I crave your worship's + pardon—I should have hammered on another theme. I see I have + unwarily driven the nail to the quick." + </p> + <p> + This speech was made with a mixture of rude feeling which inclined + Tressilian favourably to the poor artisan, of whom before he was inclined + to judge very harshly. But nothing can so soon attract the unfortunate as + real or seeming sympathy with their sorrows. + </p> + <p> + "I think," proceeded Tressilian, after a minute's silence, "thou wert in + those days a jovial fellow, who could keep a company merry by song, and + tale, and rebeck, as well as by thy juggling tricks—why do I find + thee a laborious handicraftsman, plying thy trade in so melancholy a + dwelling and under such extraordinary circumstances?" + </p> + <p> + "My story is not long," said the artist, "but your honour had better sit + while you listen to it." So saying, he approached to the fire a + three-footed stool, and took another himself; while Dickie Sludge, or + Flibbertigibbet, as he called the boy, drew a cricket to the smith's feet, + and looked up in his face with features which, as illuminated by the glow + of the forge, seemed convulsed with intense curiosity. "Thou too," said + the smith to him, "shalt learn, as thou well deservest at my hand, the + brief history of my life; and, in troth, it were as well tell it thee as + leave thee to ferret it out, since Nature never packed a shrewder wit into + a more ungainly casket.—Well, sir, if my poor story may pleasure + you, it is at your command, But will you not taste a stoup of liquor? I + promise you that even in this poor cell I have some in store." + </p> + <p> + "Speak not of it," said Tressilian, "but go on with thy story, for my + leisure is brief." + </p> + <p> + "You shall have no cause to rue the delay," said the smith, "for your + horse shall be better fed in the meantime than he hath been this morning, + and made fitter for travel." + </p> + <p> + With that the artist left the vault, and returned after a few minutes' + interval. Here, also, we pause, that the narrative may commence in another + chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I say, my lord, can such a subtilty + (But all his craft ye must not wot of me, + And somewhat help I yet to his working), + That all the ground on which we ben riding, + Till that we come to Canterbury town, + He can all clean turnen so up so down, + And pave it all of silver and of gold. + —THE CANON'S YEOMAN'S PROLOGUE, CANTERBURY TALES. +</pre> + <p> + THE artist commenced his narrative in the following terms:— + </p> + <p> + "I was bred a blacksmith, and knew my art as well as e'er a black-thumbed, + leathern-aproned, swart-faced knave of that noble mystery. But I tired of + ringing hammer-tunes on iron stithies, and went out into the world, where + I became acquainted with a celebrated juggler, whose fingers had become + rather too stiff for legerdemain, and who wished to have the aid of an + apprentice in his noble mystery. I served him for six years, until I was + master of my trade—I refer myself to your worship, whose judgment + cannot be disputed, whether I did not learn to ply the craft indifferently + well?" + </p> + <p> + "Excellently," said Tressilian; "but be brief." + </p> + <p> + "It was not long after I had performed at Sir Hugh Robsart's, in your + worship's presence," said the artist, "that I took myself to the stage, + and have swaggered with the bravest of them all, both at the Black Bull, + the Globe, the Fortune, and elsewhere; but I know not how—apples + were so plenty that year that the lads in the twopenny gallery never took + more than one bite out of them, and threw the rest of the pippin at + whatever actor chanced to be on the stage. So I tired of it—renounced + my half share in the company, gave my foil to my comrade, my buskins to + the wardrobe, and showed the theatre a clean pair of heels." + </p> + <p> + "Well, friend, and what," said Tressilian, "was your next shift?" + </p> + <p> + "I became," said the smith, "half partner, half domestic to a man of much + skill and little substance, who practised the trade of a physicianer." + </p> + <p> + "In other words," said Tressilian, "you were Jack Pudding to a + quacksalver." + </p> + <p> + "Something beyond that, let me hope, my good Master Tressilian," replied + the artist; "and yet to say truth, our practice was of an adventurous + description, and the pharmacy which I had acquired in my first studies for + the benefit of horses was frequently applied to our human patients. But + the seeds of all maladies are the same; and if turpentine, tar, pitch, and + beef-suet, mingled with turmerick, gum-mastick, and one bead of garlick, + can cure the horse that hath been grieved with a nail, I see not but what + it may benefit the man that hath been pricked with a sword. But my + master's practice, as well as his skill, went far beyond mine, and dealt + in more dangerous concerns. He was not only a bold, adventurous + practitioner in physic, but also, if your pleasure so chanced to be, an + adept who read the stars, and expounded the fortunes of mankind, + genethliacally, as he called it, or otherwise. He was a learned distiller + of simples, and a profound chemist—made several efforts to fix + mercury, and judged himself to have made a fair hit at the philosopher's + stone. I have yet a programme of his on that subject, which, if your + honour understandeth, I believe you have the better, not only of all who + read, but also of him who wrote it." + </p> + <p> + He gave Tressilian a scroll of parchment, bearing at top and bottom, and + down the margin, the signs of the seven planets, curiously intermingled + with talismanical characters and scraps of Greek and Hebrew. In the midst + were some Latin verses from a cabalistical author, written out so fairly, + that even the gloom of the place did not prevent Tressilian from reading + them. The tenor of the original ran as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Si fixum solvas, faciasque volare solutum, + Et volucrem figas, facient te vivere tutum; + Si pariat ventum, valet auri pondere centum; + Ventus ubi vult spirat—Capiat qui capere potest." +</pre> + <p> + "I protest to you," said Tressilian, "all I understand of this jargon is + that the last words seem to mean 'Catch who catch can.'" + </p> + <p> + "That," said the smith, "is the very principle that my worthy friend and + master, Doctor Doboobie, always acted upon; until, being besotted with his + own imaginations, and conceited of his high chemical skill, he began to + spend, in cheating himself, the money which he had acquired in cheating + others, and either discovered or built for himself, I could never know + which, this secret elaboratory, in which he used to seclude himself both + from patients and disciples, who doubtless thought his long and mysterious + absences from his ordinary residence in the town of Farringdon were + occasioned by his progress in the mystic sciences, and his intercourse + with the invisible world. Me also he tried to deceive; but though I + contradicted him not, he saw that I knew too much of his secrets to be any + longer a safe companion. Meanwhile, his name waxed famous—or rather + infamous, and many of those who resorted to him did so under persuasion + that he was a sorcerer. And yet his supposed advance in the occult + sciences drew to him the secret resort of men too powerful to be named, + for purposes too dangerous to be mentioned. Men cursed and threatened him, + and bestowed on me, the innocent assistant of his studies, the nickname of + the Devil's foot-post, which procured me a volley of stones as soon as + ever I ventured to show my face in the street of the village. At length my + master suddenly disappeared, pretending to me that he was about to visit + his elaboratory in this place, and forbidding me to disturb him till two + days were past. When this period had elapsed, I became anxious, and + resorted to this vault, where I found the fires extinguished and the + utensils in confusion, with a note from the learned Doboobius, as he was + wont to style himself, acquainting me that we should never meet again, + bequeathing me his chemical apparatus, and the parchment which I have just + put into your hands, advising me strongly to prosecute the secret which it + contained, which would infallibly lead me to the discovery of the grand + magisterium." + </p> + <p> + "And didst thou follow this sage advice?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Worshipful sir, no," replied the smith; "for, being by nature cautious, + and suspicious from knowing with whom I had to do, I made so many + perquisitions before I ventured even to light a fire, that I at length + discovered a small barrel of gunpowder, carefully hid beneath the furnace, + with the purpose, no doubt, that as soon as I should commence the grand + work of the transmutation of metals, the explosion should transmute the + vault and all in it into a heap of ruins, which might serve at once for my + slaughter-house and my grave. This cured me of alchemy, and fain would I + have returned to the honest hammer and anvil; but who would bring a horse + to be shod by the Devil's post? Meantime, I had won the regard of my + honest Flibbertigibbet here, he being then at Farringdon with his master, + the sage Erasmus Holiday, by teaching him a few secrets, such as please + youth at his age; and after much counsel together, we agreed that, since I + could get no practice in the ordinary way, I should try how I could work + out business among these ignorant boors, by practising upon their silly + fears; and, thanks to Flibbertigibbet, who hath spread my renown, I have + not wanted custom. But it is won at too great risk, and I fear I shall be + at length taken up for a wizard; so that I seek but an opportunity to + leave this vault, when I can have the protection of some worshipful person + against the fury of the populace, in case they chance to recognize me." + </p> + <p> + "And art thou," said Tressilian, "perfectly acquainted with the roads in + this country?" + </p> + <p> + "I could ride them every inch by midnight," answered Wayland Smith, which + was the name this adept had assumed. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast no horse to ride upon," said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," replied Wayland; "I have as good a tit as ever yeoman + bestrode; and I forgot to say it was the best part of the mediciner's + legacy to me, excepting one or two of the choicest of his medical secrets, + which I picked up without his knowledge and against his will." + </p> + <p> + "Get thyself washed and shaved, then," said Tressilian; "reform thy dress + as well as thou canst, and fling away these grotesque trappings; and, so + thou wilt be secret and faithful, thou shalt follow me for a short time, + till thy pranks here are forgotten. Thou hast, I think, both address and + courage, and I have matter to do that may require both." + </p> + <p> + Wayland Smith eagerly embraced the proposal, and protested his devotion to + his new master. In a very few minutes he had made so great an alteration + in his original appearance, by change of dress, trimming his beard and + hair, and so forth, that Tressilian could not help remarking that he + thought he would stand in little need of a protector, since none of his + old acquaintance were likely to recognize him. + </p> + <p> + "My debtors would not pay me money," said Wayland, shaking his head; "but + my creditors of every kind would be less easily blinded. And, in truth, I + hold myself not safe, unless under the protection of a gentleman of birth + and character, as is your worship." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he led the way out of the cavern. He then called loudly for + Hobgoblin, who, after lingering for an instant, appeared with the horse + furniture, when Wayland closed and sedulously covered up the trap-door, + observing it might again serve him at his need, besides that the tools + were worth somewhat. A whistle from the owner brought to his side a nag + that fed quietly on the common, and was accustomed to the signal. + </p> + <p> + While he accoutred him for the journey, Tressilian drew his own girths + tighter, and in a few minutes both were ready to mount. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Sludge approached to bid them farewell. + </p> + <p> + "You are going to leave me, then, my old playfellow," said the boy; "and + there is an end of all our game at bo-peep with the cowardly lubbards whom + I brought hither to have their broad-footed nags shed by the devil and his + imps?" + </p> + <p> + "It is even so," said Wayland Smith, "the best friends must part, + Flibbertigibbet; but thou, my boy, art the only thing in the Vale of + Whitehorse which I shall regret to leave behind me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I bid thee not farewell," said Dickie Sludge, "for you will be at + these revels, I judge, and so shall I; for if Dominie Holiday take me not + thither, by the light of day, which we see not in yonder dark hole, I will + take myself there!" + </p> + <p> + "In good time," said Wayland; "but I pray you to do nought rashly." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, now you would make a child, a common child of me, and tell me of the + risk of walking without leading-strings. But before you are a mile from + these stones, you shall know by a sure token that I have more of the + hobgoblin about me than you credit; and I will so manage that, if you take + advantage, you may profit by my prank." + </p> + <p> + "What dost thou mean, boy?" said Tressilian; but Flibbertigibbet only + answered with a grin and a caper, and bidding both of them farewell, and, + at the same time, exhorting them to make the best of their way from the + place, he set them the example by running homeward with the same uncommon + velocity with which he had baffled Tressilian's former attempts to get + hold of him. + </p> + <p> + "It is in vain to chase him," said Wayland Smith; "for unless your worship + is expert in lark-hunting, we should never catch hold of him—and + besides, what would it avail? Better make the best of our way hence, as he + advises." + </p> + <p> + They mounted their horses accordingly, and began to proceed at a round + pace, as soon as Tressilian had explained to his guide the direction in + which he desired to travel. + </p> + <p> + After they had trotted nearly a mile, Tressilian could not help observing + to his companion that his horse felt more lively under him than even when + he mounted in the morning. + </p> + <p> + "Are you avised of that?" said Wayland Smith, smiling. "That is owing to a + little secret of mine. I mixed that with an handful of oats which shall + save your worship's heels the trouble of spurring these six hours at + least. Nay, I have not studied medicine and pharmacy for nought." + </p> + <p> + "I trust," said Tressilian, "your drugs will do my horse no harm?" + </p> + <p> + "No more than the mare's milk; which foaled him," answered the artist, and + was proceeding to dilate on the excellence of his recipe when he was + interrupted by an explosion as loud and tremendous as the mine which blows + up the rampart of a beleaguered city. The horses started, and the riders + were equally surprised. They turned to gaze in the direction from which + the thunder-clap was heard, and beheld, just over the spot they had left + so recently, a huge pillar of dark smoke rising high into the clear, blue + atmosphere. "My habitation is gone to wreck," said Wayland, immediately + conjecturing the cause of the explosion. "I was a fool to mention the + doctor's kind intentions towards my mansion before that limb of mischief, + Flibbertigibbet; I might have guessed he would long to put so rare a + frolic into execution. But let us hasten on, for the sound will collect + the country to the spot." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he spurred his horse, and Tressilian also quickening his speed, + they rode briskly forward. + </p> + <p> + "This, then, was the meaning of the little imp's token which he promised + us?" said Tressilian. "Had we lingered near the spot, we had found it a + love-token with a vengeance." + </p> + <p> + "He would have given us warning," said the smith. "I saw him look back + more than once to see if we were off—'tis a very devil for mischief, + yet not an ill-natured devil either. It were long to tell your honour how + I became first acquainted with him, and how many tricks he played me. Many + a good turn he did me too, especially in bringing me customers; for his + great delight was to see them sit shivering behind the bushes when they + heard the click of my hammer. I think Dame Nature, when she lodged a + double quantity of brains in that misshapen head of his, gave him the + power of enjoying other people's distresses, as she gave them the pleasure + of laughing at his ugliness." + </p> + <p> + "It may be so," said Tressilian; "those who find themselves severed from + society by peculiarities of form, if they do not hate the common bulk of + mankind, are at least not altogether indisposed to enjoy their mishaps and + calamities." + </p> + <p> + "But Flibbertigibbet," answered Wayland, "hath that about him which may + redeem his turn for mischievous frolic; for he is as faithful when + attached as he is tricky and malignant to strangers, and, as I said + before, I have cause to say so." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian pursued the conversation no further, and they continued their + journey towards Devonshire without further adventure, until they alighted + at an inn in the town of Marlborough, since celebrated for having given + title to the greatest general (excepting one) whom Britain ever produced. + Here the travellers received, in the same breath, an example of the truth + of two old proverbs—namely, that ILL NEWS FLY FAST, and that + LISTENERS SELDOM HEAR A GOOD TALE OF THEMSELVES. + </p> + <p> + The inn-yard was in a sort of combustion when they alighted; insomuch, + that they could scarce get man or boy to take care of their horses, so + full were the whole household of some news which flew from tongue to + tongue, the import of which they were for some time unable to discover. At + length, indeed, they found it respected matters which touched them nearly. + </p> + <p> + "What is the matter, say you, master?" answered, at length, the head + hostler, in reply to Tressilian's repeated questions.—"Why, truly, I + scarce know myself. But here was a rider but now, who says that the devil + hath flown away with him they called Wayland Smith, that won'd about three + miles from the Whitehorse of Berkshire, this very blessed morning, in a + flash of fire and a pillar of smoke, and rooted up the place he dwelt in, + near that old cockpit of upright stones, as cleanly as if it had all been + delved up for a cropping." + </p> + <p> + "Why, then," said an old farmer, "the more is the pity; for that Wayland + Smith (whether he was the devil's crony or no I skill not) had a good + notion of horses' diseases, and it's to be thought the bots will spread in + the country far and near, an Satan has not gien un time to leave his + secret behind un." + </p> + <p> + "You may say that, Gaffer Grimesby," said the hostler in return; "I have + carried a horse to Wayland Smith myself, for he passed all farriers in + this country." + </p> + <p> + "Did you see him?" said Dame Alison Crane, mistress of the inn bearing + that sign, and deigning to term HUSBAND the owner thereof, a mean-looking + hop-o'-my-thumb sort or person, whose halting gait, and long neck, and + meddling, henpecked insignificance are supposed to have given origin to + the celebrated old English tune of "My dame hath a lame tame Crane." + </p> + <p> + On this occasion he chirped out a repetition of his wife's question, + "Didst see the devil, Jack Hostler, I say?" + </p> + <p> + "And what if I did see un, Master Crane?" replied Jack Hostler, for, like + all the rest of the household, he paid as little respect to his master as + his mistress herself did. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, nought, Jack Hostler," replied the pacific Master Crane; "only if + you saw the devil, methinks I would like to know what un's like?" + </p> + <p> + "You will know that one day, Master Crane," said his helpmate, "an ye mend + not your manners, and mind your business, leaving off such idle palabras.—But + truly, Jack Hostler, I should be glad to know myself what like the fellow + was." + </p> + <p> + "Why, dame," said the hostler, more respectfully, "as for what he was like + I cannot tell, nor no man else, for why I never saw un." + </p> + <p> + "And how didst thou get thine errand done," said Gaffer Grimesby, "if thou + seedst him not?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I had schoolmaster to write down ailment o' nag," said Jack Hostler; + "and I went wi' the ugliest slip of a boy for my guide as ever man cut out + o' lime-tree root to please a child withal." + </p> + <p> + "And what was it?—and did it cure your nag, Jack Hostler?" was + uttered and echoed by all who stood around. + </p> + <p> + "Why, how can I tell you what it was?" said the hostler; "simply it + smelled and tasted—for I did make bold to put a pea's substance into + my mouth—like hartshorn and savin mixed with vinegar; but then no + hartshorn and savin ever wrought so speedy a cure. And I am dreading that + if Wayland Smith be gone, the bots will have more power over horse and + cattle." + </p> + <p> + The pride of art, which is certainly not inferior in its influence to any + other pride whatever, here so far operated on Wayland Smith, that, + notwithstanding the obvious danger of his being recognized, he could not + help winking to Tressilian, and smiling mysteriously, as if triumphing in + the undoubted evidence of his veterinary skill. In the meanwhile, the + discourse continued. + </p> + <p> + "E'en let it be so," said a grave man in black, the companion of Gaffer + Grimesby; "e'en let us perish under the evil God sends us, rather than the + devil be our doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Very true," said Dame Crane; "and I marvel at Jack Hostler that he would + peril his own soul to cure the bowels of a nag." + </p> + <p> + "Very true, mistress," said Jack Hostler, "but the nag was my master's; + and had it been yours, I think ye would ha' held me cheap enow an I had + feared the devil when the poor beast was in such a taking. For the rest, + let the clergy look to it. Every man to his craft, says the proverb—the + parson to the prayer-book, and the groom to his curry-comb. + </p> + <p> + "I vow," said Dame Crane, "I think Jack Hostler speaks like a good + Christian and a faithful servant, who will spare neither body nor soul in + his master's service. However, the devil has lifted him in time, for a + Constable of the Hundred came hither this morning to get old Gaffer + Pinniewinks, the trier of witches, to go with him to the Vale of + Whitehorse to comprehend Wayland Smith, and put him to his probation. I + helped Pinniewinks to sharpen his pincers and his poking-awl, and I saw + the warrant from Justice Blindas." + </p> + <p> + "Pooh—pooh—the devil would laugh both at Blindas and his + warrant, constable and witch-finder to boot," said old Dame Crank, the + Papist laundress; "Wayland Smith's flesh would mind Pinniewinks' awl no + more than a cambric ruff minds a hot piccadilloe-needle. But tell me, + gentlefolks, if the devil ever had such a hand among ye, as to snatch away + your smiths and your artists from under your nose, when the good Abbots of + Abingdon had their own? By Our Lady, no!—they had their hallowed + tapers; and their holy water, and their relics, and what not, could send + the foulest fiends a-packing. Go ask a heretic parson to do the like. But + ours were a comfortable people." + </p> + <p> + "Very true, Dame Crank," said the hostler; "so said Simpkins of Simonburn + when the curate kissed his wife,—'They are a comfortable people,' + said he." + </p> + <p> + "Silence, thou foul-mouthed vermin," said Dame Crank; "is it fit for a + heretic horse-boy like thee to handle such a text as the Catholic clergy?" + </p> + <p> + "In troth no, dame," replied the man of oats; "and as you yourself are now + no text for their handling, dame, whatever may have been the case in your + day, I think we had e'en better leave un alone." + </p> + <p> + At this last exchange of sarcasm, Dame Crank set up her throat, and began + a horrible exclamation against Jack Hostler, under cover of which + Tressilian and his attendant escaped into the house. + </p> + <p> + They had no sooner entered a private chamber, to which Goodman Crane + himself had condescended to usher them, and dispatched their worthy and + obsequious host on the errand of procuring wine and refreshment, than + Wayland Smith began to give vent to his self-importance. + </p> + <p> + "You see, sir," said he, addressing Tressilian, "that I nothing fabled in + asserting that I possessed fully the mighty mystery of a farrier, or + mareschal, as the French more honourably term us. These dog-hostlers, who, + after all, are the better judges in such a case, know what credit they + should attach to my medicaments. I call you to witness, worshipful Master + Tressilian, that nought, save the voice of calumny and the hand of + malicious violence, hath driven me forth from a station in which I held a + place alike useful and honoured." + </p> + <p> + "I bear witness, my friend, but will reserve my listening," answered + Tressilian, "for a safer time; unless, indeed, you deem it essential to + your reputation to be translated, like your late dwelling, by the + assistance of a flash of fire. For you see your best friends reckon you no + better than a mere sorcerer." + </p> + <p> + "Now, Heaven forgive them," said the artist, "who confounded learned skill + with unlawful magic! I trust a man may be as skilful, or more so, than the + best chirurgeon ever meddled with horse-flesh, and yet may be upon the + matter little more than other ordinary men, or at the worst no conjurer." + </p> + <p> + "God forbid else!" said Tressilian. "But be silent just for the present, + since here comes mine host with an assistant, who seems something of the + least." + </p> + <p> + Everybody about the inn, Dame Crane herself included, had been indeed so + interested and agitated by the story they had heard of Wayland Smith, and + by the new, varying, and more marvellous editions of the incident which + arrived from various quarters, that mine host, in his righteous + determination to accommodate his guests, had been able to obtain the + assistance of none of his household, saving that of a little boy, a junior + tapster, of about twelve years old, who was called Sampson. + </p> + <p> + "I wish," he said, apologizing to his guests, as he set down a flagon of + sack, and promised some food immediately—"I wish the devil had flown + away with my wife and my whole family instead of this Wayland Smith, who, + I daresay, after all said and done, was much less worthy of the + distinction which Satan has done him." + </p> + <p> + "I hold opinion with you, good fellow," replied Wayland Smith; "and I will + drink to you upon that argument." + </p> + <p> + "Not that I would justify any man who deals with the devil," said mine + host, after having pledged Wayland in a rousing draught of sack, "but that—saw + ye ever better sack, my masters?—but that, I say, a man had better + deal with a dozen cheats and scoundrel fellows, such as this Wayland + Smith, than with a devil incarnate, that takes possession of house and + home, bed and board." + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's detail of grievances was here interrupted by the shrill + voice of his helpmate, screaming from the kitchen, to which he instantly + hobbled, craving pardon of his guests. He was no sooner gone than Wayland + Smith expressed, by every contemptuous epithet in the language, his utter + scorn for a nincompoop who stuck his head under his wife's apron-string; + and intimated that, saving for the sake of the horses, which required both + rest and food, he would advise his worshipful Master Tressilian to push on + a stage farther, rather than pay a reckoning to such a mean-spirited, + crow-trodden, henpecked coxcomb, as Gaffer Crane. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of a large dish of good cow-heel and bacon something soothed + the asperity of the artist, which wholly vanished before a choice capon, + so delicately roasted that the lard frothed on it, said Wayland, like + May-dew on a lily; and both Gaffer Crane and his good dame became, in his + eyes, very painstaking, accommodating, obliging persons. + </p> + <p> + According to the manners of the times, the master and his attendant sat at + the same table, and the latter observed, with regret, how little attention + Tressilian paid to his meal. He recollected, indeed, the pain he had given + by mentioning the maiden in whose company he had first seen him; but, + fearful of touching upon a topic too tender to be tampered with, he chose + to ascribe his abstinence to another cause. + </p> + <p> + "This fare is perhaps too coarse for your worship," said Wayland, as the + limbs of the capon disappeared before his own exertions; "but had you + dwelt as long as I have done in yonder dungeon, which Flibbertigibbet has + translated to the upper element, a place where I dared hardly broil my + food, lest the smoke should be seen without, you would think a fair capon + a more welcome dainty." + </p> + <p> + "If you are pleased, friend," said Tressilian, "it is well. Nevertheless, + hasten thy meal if thou canst, For this place is unfriendly to thy safety, + and my concerns crave travelling." + </p> + <p> + Allowing, therefore, their horses no more rest than was absolutely + necessary for them, they pursued their journey by a forced march as far as + Bradford, where they reposed themselves for the night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning found them early travellers. And, not to fatigue the + reader with unnecessary particulars, they traversed without adventure the + counties of Wiltshire and Somerset, and about noon of the third day after + Tressilian's leaving Cumnor, arrived at Sir Hugh Robsart's seat, called + Lidcote Hall, on the frontiers of Devonshire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ah me! the flower and blossom of your house, + The wind hath blown away to other towers. + —JOANNA BAILLIE'S FAMILY LEGEND. +</pre> + <p> + The ancient seat of Lidcote Hall was situated near the village of the same + name, and adjoined the wild and extensive forest of Exmoor, plentifully + stocked with game, in which some ancient rights belonging to the Robsart + family entitled Sir Hugh to pursue his favourite amusement of the chase. + The old mansion was a low, venerable building, occupying a considerable + space of ground, which was surrounded by a deep moat. The approach and + drawbridge were defended by an octagonal tower, of ancient brickwork, but + so clothed with ivy and other creepers that it was difficult to discover + of what materials it was constructed. The angles of this tower were each + decorated with a turret, whimsically various in form and in size, and, + therefore, very unlike the monotonous stone pepperboxes which, in modern + Gothic architecture, are employed for the same purpose. One of these + turrets was square, and occupied as a clock-house. But the clock was now + standing still; a circumstance peculiarly striking to Tressilian, because + the good old knight, among other harmless peculiarities, had a fidgety + anxiety about the exact measurement of time, very common to those who have + a great deal of that commodity to dispose of, and find it lie heavy upon + their hands—just as we see shopkeepers amuse themselves with taking + an exact account of their stock at the time there is least demand for it. + </p> + <p> + The entrance to the courtyard of the old mansion lay through an archway, + surmounted by the foresaid tower; but the drawbridge was down, and one + leaf of the iron-studded folding-doors stood carelessly open. Tressilian + hastily rode over the drawbridge, entered the court, and began to call + loudly on the domestics by their names. For some time he was only answered + by the echoes and the howling of the hounds, whose kennel lay at no great + distance from the mansion, and was surrounded by the same moat. At length + Will Badger, the old and favourite attendant of the knight, who acted + alike as squire of his body and superintendent of his sports, made his + appearance. The stout, weather-beaten forester showed great signs of joy + when he recognized Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Lord love you," he said, "Master Edmund, be it thou in flesh and fell? + Then thou mayest do some good on Sir Hugh, for it passes the wit of man—that + is, of mine own, and the curate's, and Master Mumblazen's—to do + aught wi'un." + </p> + <p> + "Is Sir Hugh then worse since I went away, Will?" demanded Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "For worse in body—no; he is much better," replied the domestic; + "but he is clean mazed as it were—eats and drinks as he was wont—but + sleeps not, or rather wakes not, for he is ever in a sort of twilight, + that is neither sleeping nor waking. Dame Swineford thought it was like + the dead palsy. But no, no, dame, said I, it is the heart, it is the + heart." + </p> + <p> + "Can ye not stir his mind to any pastimes?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "He is clean and quite off his sports," said Will Badger; "hath neither + touched backgammon or shovel-board, nor looked on the big book of + harrowtry wi' Master Mumblazen. I let the clock run down, thinking the + missing the bell might somewhat move him—for you know, Master + Edmund, he was particular in counting time—but he never said a word + on't, so I may e'en set the old chime a-towling again. I made bold to + tread on Bungay's tail too, and you know what a round rating that would + ha' cost me once a-day; but he minded the poor tyke's whine no more than a + madge howlet whooping down the chimney—so the case is beyond me." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt tell me the rest within doors, Will. Meanwhile, let this + person be ta'en to the buttery, and used with respect. He is a man of + art." + </p> + <p> + "White art or black art, I would," said Will Badger, "that he had any art + which could help us.—Here, Tom Butler, look to the man of art;—and + see that he steals none of thy spoons, lad," he added in a whisper to the + butler, who showed himself at a low window, "I have known as honest a + faced fellow have art enough to do that." + </p> + <p> + He then ushered Tressilian into a low parlour, and went, at his desire, to + see in what state his master was, lest the sudden return of his darling + pupil and proposed son-in-law should affect him too strongly. He returned + immediately, and said that Sir Hugh was dozing in his elbow-chair, but + that Master Mumblazen would acquaint Master Tressilian the instant he + awaked. + </p> + <p> + "But it is chance if he knows you," said the huntsman, "for he has + forgotten the name of every hound in the pack. I thought, about a week + since, he had gotten a favourable turn. 'Saddle me old Sorrel,' said he + suddenly, after he had taken his usual night-draught out of the great + silver grace-cup, 'and take the hounds to Mount Hazelhurst to-morrow.' + Glad men were we all, and out we had him in the morning, and he rode to + cover as usual, with never a word spoken but that the wind was south, and + the scent would lie. But ere we had uncoupled'the hounds, he began to + stare round him, like a man that wakes suddenly out of a dream—turns + bridle, and walks back to Hall again, and leaves us to hunt at leisure by + ourselves, if we listed." + </p> + <p> + "You tell a heavy tale, Will," replied Tressilian; "but God must help us—there + is no aid in man." + </p> + <p> + "Then you bring us no news of young Mistress Amy? But what need I ask—your + brow tells the story. Ever I hoped that if any man could or would track + her, it must be you. All's over and lost now. But if ever I have that + Varney within reach of a flight-shot, I will bestow a forked shaft on him; + and that I swear by salt and bread." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the door opened, and Master Mumblazen appeared—a + withered, thin, elderly gentleman, with a cheek like a winter apple, and + his grey hair partly concealed by a small, high hat, shaped like a cone, + or rather like such a strawberry-basket as London fruiterers exhibit at + their windows. He was too sententious a person to waste words on mere + salutation; so, having welcomed Tressilian with a nod and a shake of the + hand, he beckoned him to follow to Sir Hugh's great chamber, which the + good knight usually inhabited. Will Badger followed, unasked, anxious to + see whether his master would be relieved from his state of apathy by the + arrival of Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + In a long, low parlour, amply furnished with implements of the chase, and + with silvan trophies, by a massive stone chimney, over which hung a sword + and suit of armour somewhat obscured by neglect, sat Sir Hugh Robsart of + Lidcote, a man of large size, which had been only kept within moderate + compass by the constant use of violent exercise, It seemed to Tressilian + that the lethargy, under which his old friend appeared to labour, had, + even during his few weeks' absence, added bulk to his person—at + least it had obviously diminished the vivacity of his eye, which, as they + entered, first followed Master Mumblazen slowly to a large oaken desk, on + which a ponderous volume lay open, and then rested, as if in uncertainty, + on the stranger who had entered along with him. The curate, a grey-headed + clergyman, who had been a confessor in the days of Queen Mary, sat with a + book in his hand in another recess in the apartment. He, too, signed a + mournful greeting to Tressilian, and laid his book aside, to watch the + effect his appearance should produce on the afflicted old man. + </p> + <p> + As Tressilian, his own eyes filling fast with tears, approached more and + more nearly to the father of his betrothed bride, Sir Hugh's intelligence + seemed to revive. He sighed heavily, as one who awakens from a state of + stupor; a slight convulsion passed over his features; he opened his arms + without speaking a word, and, as Tressilian threw himself into them, he + folded him to his bosom. + </p> + <p> + "There is something left to live for yet," were the first words he + uttered; and while he spoke, he gave vent to his feelings in a paroxysm of + weeping, the tears chasing each other down his sunburnt cheeks and long + white beard. + </p> + <p> + "I ne'er thought to have thanked God to see my master weep," said Will + Badger; "but now I do, though I am like to weep for company." + </p> + <p> + "I will ask thee no questions," said the old knight; "no questions—none, + Edmund. Thou hast not found her—or so found her, that she were + better lost." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian was unable to reply otherwise than by putting his hands before + his face. + </p> + <p> + "It is enough—it is enough. But do not thou weep for her, Edmund. I + have cause to weep, for she was my daughter; thou hast cause to rejoice, + that she did not become thy wife.—Great God! thou knowest best what + is good for us. It was my nightly prayer that I should see Amy and Edmund + wedded,—had it been granted, it had now been gall added to + bitterness." + </p> + <p> + "Be comforted, my friend," said the curate, addressing Sir Hugh, "it + cannot be that the daughter of all our hopes and affections is the vile + creature you would bespeak her." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no," replied Sir Hugh impatiently, "I were wrong to name broadly the + base thing she is become—there is some new court name for it, I + warrant me. It is honour enough for the daughter of an old Devonshire + clown to be the leman of a gay courtier—of Varney too—of + Varney, whose grandsire was relieved by my father, when his fortune was + broken, at the battle of—the battle of—where Richard was slain—out + on my memory!—and I warrant none of you will help me—" + </p> + <p> + "The battle of Bosworth," said Master Mumblazen—"stricken between + Richard Crookback and Henry Tudor, grandsire of the Queen that now is, + PRIMO HENRICI SEPTIMI; and in the year one thousand four hundred and + eighty-five, POST CHRISTUM NATUM." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, even so," said the old knight; "every child knows it. But my poor + head forgets all it should remember, and remembers only what it would most + willingly forget. My brain has been at fault, Tressilian, almost ever + since thou hast been away, and even yet it hunts counter." + </p> + <p> + "Your worship," said the good clergyman, "had better retire to your + apartment, and try to sleep for a little space. The physician left a + composing draught; and our Great Physician has commanded us to use earthly + means, that we may be strengthened to sustain the trials He sends us." + </p> + <p> + "True, true, old friend," said Sir Hugh; "and we will bear our trials + manfully—we have lost but a woman.—See, Tressilian,"—he + drew from his bosom a long ringlet of glossy hair,—"see this lock! I + tell thee, Edmund, the very night she disappeared, when she bid me good + even, as she was wont, she hung about my neck, and fondled me more than + usual; and I, like an old fool, held her by this lock, until she took her + scissors, severed it, and left it in my hand—as all I was ever to + see more of her!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian was unable to reply, well judging what a complication of + feelings must have crossed the bosom of the unhappy fugitive at that cruel + moment. The clergyman was about to speak, but Sir Hugh interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + "I know what you would say, Master Curate,—After all, it is but a + lock of woman's tresses; and by woman, shame, and sin, and death came into + an innocent world.—And learned Master Mumblazen, too, can say + scholarly things of their inferiority." + </p> + <p> + "C'EST L'HOMME," said Master Mumblazen, "QUI SE BAST, ET QUI CONSEILLE." + </p> + <p> + "True," said Sir Hugh, "and we will bear us, therefore, like men who have + both mettle and wisdom in us.—Tressilian, thou art as welcome as if + thou hadst brought better news. But we have spoken too long dry-lipped.—Amy, + fill a cup of wine to Edmund, and another to me." Then instantly + recollecting that he called upon her who could not hear, he shook his + head, and said to the clergyman, "This grief is to my bewildered mind what + the church of Lidcote is to our park: we may lose ourselves among the + briers and thickets for a little space, but from the end of each avenue we + see the old grey steeple and the grave of my forefathers. I would I were + to travel that road tomorrow!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian and the curate joined in urging the exhausted old man to lay + himself to rest, and at length prevailed. Tressilian remained by his + pillow till he saw that slumber at length sunk down on him, and then + returned to consult with the curate what steps should be adopted in these + unhappy circumstances. + </p> + <p> + They could not exclude from these deliberations Master Michael Mumblazen; + and they admitted him the more readily, that besides what hopes they + entertained from his sagacity, they knew him to be so great a friend to + taciturnity, that there was no doubt of his keeping counsel. He was an old + bachelor, of good family, but small fortune, and distantly related to the + House of Robsart; in virtue of which connection, Lidcote Hall had been + honoured with his residence for the last twenty years. His company was + agreeable to Sir Hugh, chiefly on account of his profound learning, which, + though it only related to heraldry and genealogy, with such scraps of + history as connected themselves with these subjects, was precisely of a + kind to captivate the good old knight; besides the convenience which he + found in having a friend to appeal to when his own memory, as frequently + happened, proved infirm and played him false concerning names and dates, + which, and all similar deficiencies, Master Michael Mumblazen supplied + with due brevity and discretion. And, indeed, in matters concerning the + modern world, he often gave, in his enigmatical and heraldic phrase, + advice which was well worth attending to, or, in Will Badger's language, + started the game while others beat the bush. + </p> + <p> + "We have had an unhappy time of it with the good knight, Master Edmund," + said the curate. "I have not suffered so much since I was torn away from + my beloved flock, and compelled to abandon them to the Romish wolves." + </p> + <p> + "That was in TERTIO MARIAE," said Master Mumblazen. + </p> + <p> + "In the name of Heaven," continued the curate, "tell us, has your time + been better spent than ours, or have you any news of that unhappy maiden, + who, being for so many years the principal joy of this broken-down house, + is now proved our greatest unhappiness? Have you not at least discovered + her place of residence?" + </p> + <p> + "I have," replied Tressilian. "Know you Cumnor Place, near Oxford?" + </p> + <p> + "Surely," said the clergyman; "it was a house of removal for the monks of + Abingdon." + </p> + <p> + "Whose arms," said Master Michael, "I have seen over a stone chimney in + the hall,—a cross patonce betwixt four martlets." + </p> + <p> + "There," said Tressilian, "this unhappy maiden resides, in company with + the villain Varney. But for a strange mishap, my sword had revenged all + our injuries, as well as hers, on his worthless head." + </p> + <p> + "Thank God, that kept thine hand from blood-guiltiness, rash young man!" + answered the curate. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay + it. It were better study to free her from the villain's nets of infamy." + </p> + <p> + "They are called, in heraldry, LAQUEI AMORIS, or LACS D'AMOUR," said + Mumblazen. + </p> + <p> + "It is in that I require your aid, my friends," said Tressilian. "I am + resolved to accuse this villain, at the very foot of the throne, of + falsehood, seduction, and breach of hospitable laws. The Queen shall hear + me, though the Earl of Leicester, the villain's patron, stood at her right + hand." + </p> + <p> + "Her Grace," said the curate, "hath set a comely example of continence to + her subjects, and will doubtless do justice on this inhospitable robber. + But wert thou not better apply to the Earl of Leicester, in the first + place, for justice on his servant? If he grants it, thou dost save the + risk of making thyself a powerful adversary, which will certainly chance + if, in the first instance, you accuse his master of the horse and prime + favourite before the Queen." + </p> + <p> + "My mind revolts from your counsel," said Tressilian. "I cannot brook to + plead my noble patron's cause the unhappy Amy's cause—before any one + save my lawful Sovereign. Leicester, thou wilt say, is noble. Be it so; he + is but a subject like ourselves, and I will not carry my plaint to him, if + I can do better. Still, I will think on what thou hast said; but I must + have your assistance to persuade the good Sir Hugh to make me his + commissioner and fiduciary in this matter, for it is in his name I must + speak, and not in my own. Since she is so far changed as to dote upon this + empty profligate courtier, he shall at least do her the justice which is + yet in his power." + </p> + <p> + "Better she died CAELEBS and SINE PROLE," said Mumblazen, with more + animation than he usually expressed, "than part, PER PALE, the noble coat + of Robsart with that of such a miscreant!" + </p> + <p> + "If it be your object, as I cannot question," said the clergyman, "to + save, as much as is yet possible, the credit of this unhappy young woman, + I repeat, you should apply, in the first instance, to the Earl of + Leicester. He is as absolute in his household as the Queen in her kingdom, + and if he expresses to Varney that such is his pleasure, her honour will + not stand so publicly committed." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, you are right!" said Tressilian eagerly, "and I thank you + for pointing out what I overlooked in my haste. I little thought ever to + have besought grace of Leicester; but I could kneel to the proud Dudley, + if doing so could remove one shade of shame from this unhappy damsel. You + will assist me then to procure the necessary powers from Sir Hugh + Robsart?" + </p> + <p> + The curate assured him of his assistance, and the herald nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + "You must hold yourselves also in readiness to testify, in case you are + called upon, the openhearted hospitality which our good patron exercised + towards this deceitful traitor, and the solicitude with which he laboured + to seduce his unhappy daughter." + </p> + <p> + "At first," said the clergyman, "she did not, as it seemed to me, much + affect his company; but latterly I saw them often together." + </p> + <p> + "SEIANT in the parlour," said Michael Mumblazen, "and PASSANT in the + garden." + </p> + <p> + "I once came on them by chance," said the priest, "in the South wood, in a + spring evening. Varney was muffled in a russet cloak, so that I saw not + his face. They separated hastily, as they heard me rustle amongst the + leaves; and I observed she turned her head and looked long after him." + </p> + <p> + "With neck REGUARDANT," said the herald. "And on the day of her flight, + and that was on Saint Austen's Eve, I saw Varney's groom, attired in his + liveries, hold his master's horse and Mistress Amy's palfrey, bridled and + saddled PROPER, behind the wall of the churchyard." + </p> + <p> + "And now is she found mewed up in his secret place of retirement," said + Tressilian. "The villain is taken in the manner, and I well wish he may + deny his crime, that I may thrust conviction down his false throat! But I + must prepare for my journey. Do you, gentlemen, dispose my patron to grant + me such powers as are needful to act in his name." + </p> + <p> + So saying, Tressilian left the room. + </p> + <p> + "He is too hot," said the curate; "and I pray to God that He may grant him + the patience to deal with Varney as is fitting." + </p> + <p> + "Patience and Varney," said Mumblazen, "is worse heraldry than metal upon + metal. He is more false than a siren, more rapacious than a griffin, more + poisonous than a wyvern, and more cruel than a lion rampant." + </p> + <p> + "Yet I doubt much," said the curate, "whether we can with propriety ask + from Sir Hugh Robsart, being in his present condition, any deed deputing + his paternal right in Mistress Amy to whomsoever—" + </p> + <p> + "Your reverence need not doubt that," said Will Badger, who entered as he + spoke, "for I will lay my life he is another man when he wakes than he has + been these thirty days past." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Will," said the curate, "hast thou then so much confidence in Doctor + Diddleum's draught?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a whit," said Will, "because master ne'er tasted a drop on't, seeing + it was emptied out by the housemaid. But here's a gentleman, who came + attending on Master Tressilian, has given Sir Hugh a draught that is worth + twenty of yon un. I have spoken cunningly with him, and a better farrier + or one who hath a more just notion of horse and dog ailment I have never + seen; and such a one would never be unjust to a Christian man." + </p> + <p> + "A farrier! you saucy groom—and by whose authority, pray?" said the + curate, rising in surprise and indignation; "or who will be warrant for + this new physician?" + </p> + <p> + "For authority, an it like your reverence, he had mine; and for warrant, I + trust I have not been five-and-twenty years in this house without having + right to warrant the giving of a draught to beast or body—I who can + gie a drench, and a ball, and bleed, or blister, if need, to my very + self." + </p> + <p> + The counsellors of the house of Robsart thought it meet to carry this + information instantly to Tressilian, who as speedily summoned before him + Wayland Smith, and demanded of him (in private, however) by what authority + he had ventured to administer any medicine to Sir Hugh Robsart? + </p> + <p> + "Why," replied the artist, "your worship cannot but remember that I told + you I had made more progress into my master's—I mean the learned + Doctor Doboobie's—mystery than he was willing to own; and indeed + half of his quarrel and malice against me was that, besides that I got + something too deep into his secrets, several discerning persons, and + particularly a buxom young widow of Abingdon, preferred my prescriptions + to his." + </p> + <p> + "None of thy buffoonery, sir," said Tressilian sternly. "If thou hast + trifled with us—much more, if thou hast done aught that may + prejudice Sir Hugh Robsart's health, thou shalt find thy grave at the + bottom of a tin-mine." + </p> + <p> + "I know too little of the great ARCANUM to convert the ore to gold," said + Wayland firmly. "But truce to your apprehensions, Master Tressilian. I + understood the good knight's case from what Master William Badger told me; + and I hope I am able enough to administer a poor dose of mandragora, + which, with the sleep that must needs follow, is all that Sir Hugh Robsart + requires to settle his distraught brains." + </p> + <p> + "I trust thou dealest fairly with me, Wayland?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Most fairly and honestly, as the event shall show," replied the artist. + "What would it avail me to harm the poor old man for whom you are + interested?—you, to whom I owe it that Gaffer Pinniewinks is not + even now rending my flesh and sinews with his accursed pincers, and + probing every mole in my body with his sharpened awl (a murrain on the + hands which forged it!) in order to find out the witch's mark?—I + trust to yoke myself as a humble follower to your worship's train, and I + only wish to have my faith judged of by the result of the good knight's + slumbers." + </p> + <p> + Wayland Smith was right in his prognostication. The sedative draught which + his skill had prepared, and Will Badger's confidence had administered, was + attended with the most beneficial effects. The patient's sleep was long + and healthful, and the poor old knight awoke, humbled indeed in thought + and weak in frame, yet a much better judge of whatever was subjected to + his intellect than he had been for some time past. He resisted for a while + the proposal made by his friends that Tressilian should undertake a + journey to court, to attempt the recovery of his daughter, and the redress + of her wrongs, in so far as they might yet be repaired. "Let her go," he + said; "she is but a hawk that goes down the wind; I would not bestow even + a whistle to reclaim her." But though he for some time maintained this + argument, he was at length convinced it was his duty to take the part to + which natural affection inclined him, and consent that such efforts as + could yet be made should be used by Tressilian in behalf of his daughter. + He subscribed, therefore, a warrant of attorney, such as the curate's + skill enabled him to draw up; for in those simple days the clergy were + often the advisers of their flock in law as well as in gospel. + </p> + <p> + All matters were prepared for Tressilian's second departure, within + twenty-four hours after he had returned to Lidcote Hall; but one material + circumstance had been forgotten, which was first called to the remembrance + of Tressilian by Master Mumblazen. "You are going to court, Master + Tressilian," said he; "you will please remember that your blazonry must be + ARGENT and OR—no other tinctures will pass current." The remark was + equally just and embarrassing. To prosecute a suit at court, ready money + was as indispensable even in the golden days of Elizabeth as at any + succeeding period; and it was a commodity little at the command of the + inhabitants of Lidcote Hall. Tressilian was himself poor; the revenues of + good Sir Hugh Robsart were consumed, and even anticipated, in his + hospitable mode of living; and it was finally necessary that the herald + who started the doubt should himself solve it. Master Michael Mumblazen + did so by producing a bag of money, containing nearly three hundred pounds + in gold and silver of various coinage, the savings of twenty years, which + he now, without speaking a syllable upon the subject, dedicated to the + service of the patron whose shelter and protection had given him the means + of making this little hoard. Tressilian accepted it without affecting a + moment's hesitation, and a mutual grasp of the hand was all that passed + betwixt them, to express the pleasure which the one felt in dedicating his + all to such a purpose, and that which the other received from finding so + material an obstacle to the success of his journey so suddenly removed, + and in a manner so unexpected. + </p> + <p> + While Tressilian was making preparations for his departure early the + ensuing morning, Wayland Smith desired to speak with him, and, expressing + his hope that he had been pleased with the operation of his medicine in + behalf of Sir Hugh Robsart, added his desire to accompany him to court. + This was indeed what Tressilian himself had several times thought of; for + the shrewdness, alertness of understanding, and variety of resource which + this fellow had exhibited during the time they had travelled together, had + made him sensible that his assistance might be of importance. But then + Wayland was in danger from the grasp of law; and of this Tressilian + reminded him, mentioning something, at the same time, of the pincers of + Pinniewinks and the warrant of Master Justice Blindas. Wayland Smith + laughed both to scorn. + </p> + <p> + "See you, sir!" said he, "I have changed my garb from that of a farrier to + a serving-man; but were it still as it was, look at my moustaches. They + now hang down; I will but turn them up, and dye them with a tincture that + I know of, and the devil would scarce know me again." + </p> + <p> + He accompanied these words with the appropriate action, and in less than a + minute, by setting up, his moustaches and his hair, he seemed a different + person from him that had but now entered the room. Still, however, + Tressilian hesitated to accept his services, and the artist became + proportionably urgent. + </p> + <p> + "I owe you life and limb," he said, "and I would fain pay a part of the + debt, especially as I know from Will Badger on what dangerous service your + worship is bound. I do not, indeed, pretend to be what is called a man of + mettle, one of those ruffling tear-cats who maintain their master's + quarrel with sword and buckler. Nay, I am even one of those who hold the + end of a feast better than the beginning of a fray. But I know that I can + serve your worship better, in such quest as yours, than any of these + sword-and-dagger men, and that my head will be worth an hundred of their + hands." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian still hesitated. He knew not much of this strange fellow, and + was doubtful how far he could repose in him the confidence necessary to + render him a useful attendant upon the present emergency. Ere he had come + to a determination, the trampling of a horse was heard in the courtyard, + and Master Mumblazen and Will Badger both entered hastily into + Tressilian's chamber, speaking almost at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + "Here is a serving-man on the bonniest grey tit I ever see'd in my life," + said Will Badger, who got the start—"having on his arm a silver + cognizance, being a fire-drake holding in his mouth a brickbat, under a + coronet of an Earl's degree," said Master Mumblazen, "and bearing a letter + sealed of the same." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian took the letter, which was addressed "To the worshipful Master + Edmund Tressilian, our loving kinsman—These—ride, ride, ride—for + thy life, for thy life, for thy life." He then opened it, and found the + following contents:— + </p> + <p> + "MASTER TRESSILIAN, OUR GOOD FRIEND AND COUSIN, + </p> + <p> + "We are at present so ill at ease, and otherwise so unhappily + circumstanced, that we are desirous to have around us those of our friends + on whose loving-kindness we can most especially repose confidence; amongst + whom we hold our good Master Tressilian one of the foremost and nearest, + both in good will and good ability. We therefore pray you, with your most + convenient speed, to repair to our poor lodging, at Sayes Court, near + Deptford, where we will treat further with you of matters which we deem it + not fit to commit unto writing. And so we bid you heartily farewell, being + your loving kinsman to command, + </p> + <p> + "RATCLIFFE, EARL OF SUSSEX." + </p> + <p> + "Send up the messenger instantly, Will Badger," said Tressilian; and as + the man entered the room, he exclaimed, "Ah, Stevens, is it you? how does + my good lord?" + </p> + <p> + "Ill, Master Tressilian," was the messenger's reply, "and having therefore + the more need of good friends around him." + </p> + <p> + "But what is my lord's malady?" said Tressilian anxiously; "I heard + nothing of his being ill." + </p> + <p> + "I know not, sir," replied the man; "he is very ill at ease. The leeches + are at a stand, and many of his household suspect foul + practice-witchcraft, or worse." + </p> + <p> + "What are the symptoms?" said Wayland Smith, stepping forward hastily. + </p> + <p> + "Anan?" said the messenger, not comprehending his meaning. + </p> + <p> + "What does he ail?" said Wayland; "where lies his disease?" + </p> + <p> + The man looked at Tressilian, as if to know whether he should answer these + inquiries from a stranger, and receiving a sign in the affirmative, he + hastily enumerated gradual loss of strength, nocturnal perspiration, and + loss of appetite, faintness, etc. + </p> + <p> + "Joined," said Wayland, "to a gnawing pain in the stomach, and a low + fever?" + </p> + <p> + "Even so," said the messenger, somewhat surprised. + </p> + <p> + "I know how the disease is caused," said the artist, "and I know the + cause. Your master has eaten of the manna of Saint Nicholas. I know the + cure too—my master shall not say I studied in his laboratory for + nothing." + </p> + <p> + "How mean you?" said Tressilian, frowning; "we speak of one of the first + nobles of England. Bethink you, this is no subject for buffoonery." + </p> + <p> + "God forbid!" said Wayland Smith. "I say that I know this disease, and can + cure him. Remember what I did for Sir Hugh Robsart." + </p> + <p> + "We will set forth instantly," said Tressilian. "God calls us." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, hastily mentioning this new motive for his instant departure, + though without alluding to either the suspicions of Stevens, or the + assurances of Wayland Smith, he took the kindest leave of Sir Hugh and the + family at Lidcote Hall, who accompanied him with prayers and blessings, + and, attended by Wayland and the Earl of Sussex's domestic, travelled with + the utmost speed towards London. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ay, I know you have arsenic, + Vitriol, sal-tartre, argaile, alkaly, + Cinoper: I know all.—This fellow, Captain, + Will come in time to be a great distiller, + And give a say (I will not say directly, + But very near) at the philosopher's stone. THE ALCHEMIST. +</pre> + <p> + Tressilian and his attendants pressed their route with all dispatch. He + had asked the smith, indeed, when their departure was resolved on, whether + he would not rather choose to avoid Berkshire, in which he had played a + part so conspicuous? But Wayland returned a confident answer. He had + employed the short interval they passed at Lidcote Hall in transforming + himself in a wonderful manner. His wild and overgrown thicket of beard was + now restrained to two small moustaches on the upper lip, turned up in a + military fashion. A tailor from the village of Lidcote (well paid) had + exerted his skill, under his customer's directions, so as completely to + alter Wayland's outward man, and take off from his appearance almost + twenty years of age. Formerly, besmeared with soot and charcoal, overgrown + with hair, and bent double with the nature of his labour, disfigured too + by his odd and fantastic dress, he seemed a man of fifty years old. But + now, in a handsome suit of Tressilian's livery, with a sword by his side + and a buckler on his shoulder, he looked like a gay ruffling serving-man, + whose age might be betwixt thirty and thirty-five, the very prime of human + life. His loutish, savage-looking demeanour seemed equally changed, into a + forward, sharp, and impudent alertness of look and action. + </p> + <p> + When challenged by Tressilian, who desired to know the cause of a + metamorphosis so singular and so absolute, Wayland only answered by + singing a stave from a comedy, which was then new, and was supposed, among + the more favourable judges, to augur some genius on the part of the + author. We are happy to preserve the couplet, which ran exactly thus,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Ban, ban, ca Caliban— + Get a new master—Be a new man." +</pre> + <p> + Although Tressilian did not recollect the verses, yet they reminded him + that Wayland had once been a stage player, a circumstance which, of + itself, accounted indifferently well for the readiness with which he could + assume so total a change of personal appearance. The artist himself was so + confident of his disguise being completely changed, or of his having + completely changed his disguise, which may be the more correct mode of + speaking, that he regretted they were not to pass near his old place of + retreat. + </p> + <p> + "I could venture," he said, "in my present dress, and with your worship's + backing, to face Master Justice Blindas, even on a day of Quarter + Sessions; and I would like to know what is become of Hobgoblin, who is + like to play the devil in the world, if he can once slip the string, and + leave his granny and his dominie.—Ay, and the scathed vault!" he + said; "I would willingly have seen what havoc the explosion of so much + gunpowder has made among Doctor Demetrius Doboobie's retorts and phials. I + warrant me, my fame haunts the Vale of the Whitehorse long after my body + is rotten; and that many a lout ties up his horse, lays down his silver + groat, and pipes like a sailor whistling in a calm for Wayland Smith to + come and shoe his tit for him. But the horse will catch the founders ere + the smith answers the call." + </p> + <p> + In this particular, indeed, Wayland proved a true prophet; and so easily + do fables rise, that an obscure tradition of his extraordinary practice in + farriery prevails in the Vale of Whitehorse even unto this day; and + neither the tradition of Alfred's Victory, nor of the celebrated Pusey + Horn, are better preserved in Berkshire than the wild legend of Wayland + Smith. [See Note 2, Legend of Wayland Smith.] + </p> + <p> + The haste of the travellers admitted their making no stay upon their + journey, save what the refreshment of the horses required; and as many of + the places through which they passed were under the influence of the Earl + of Leicester, or persons immediately dependent on him, they thought it + prudent to disguise their names and the purpose of their journey. On such + occasions the agency of Wayland Smith (by which name we shall continue to + distinguish the artist, though his real name was Lancelot Wayland) was + extremely serviceable. He seemed, indeed, to have a pleasure in displaying + the alertness with which he could baffle investigation, and amuse himself + by putting the curiosity of tapsters and inn-keepers on a false scent. + During the course of their brief journey, three different and inconsistent + reports were circulated by him on their account—namely, first, that + Tressilian was the Lord Deputy of Ireland, come over in disguise to take + the Queen's pleasure concerning the great rebel Rory Oge MacCarthy + MacMahon; secondly, that the said Tressilian was an agent of Monsieur, + coming to urge his suit to the hand of Elizabeth; thirdly, that he was the + Duke of Medina, come over, incognito, to adjust the quarrel betwixt Philip + and that princess. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian was angry, and expostulated with the artist on the various + inconveniences, and, in particular, the unnecessary degree of attention to + which they were subjected by the figments he thus circulated; but he was + pacified (for who could be proof against such an argument?) by Wayland's + assuring him that a general importance was attached to his own + (Tressilian's) striking presence, which rendered it necessary to give an + extraordinary reason for the rapidity and secrecy of his journey. + </p> + <p> + At length they approached the metropolis, where, owing to the more general + recourse of strangers, their appearance excited neither observation nor + inquiry, and finally they entered London itself. + </p> + <p> + It was Tressilian's purpose to go down directly to Deptford, where Lord + Sussex resided, in order to be near the court, then held at Greenwich, the + favourite residence of Elizabeth, and honoured as her birthplace. Still a + brief halt in London was necessary; and it was somewhat prolonged by the + earnest entreaties of Wayland Smith, who desired permission to take a walk + through the city. + </p> + <p> + "Take thy sword and buckler, and follow me, then," said Tressilian; "I am + about to walk myself, and we will go in company." + </p> + <p> + This he said, because he was not altogether so secure of the fidelity of + his new retainer as to lose sight of him at this interesting moment, when + rival factions at the court of Elizabeth were running so high. Wayland + Smith willingly acquiesced in the precaution, of which he probably + conjectured the motive, but only stipulated that his master should enter + the shops of such chemists or apothecaries as he should point out, in + walking through Fleet Street, and permit him to make some necessary + purchases. Tressilian agreed, and obeying the signal of his attendant, + walked successively into more than four or five shops, where he observed + that Wayland purchased in each only one single drug, in various + quantities. The medicines which he first asked for were readily furnished, + each in succession, but those which he afterwards required were less + easily supplied; and Tressilian observed that Wayland more than once, to + the surprise of the shopkeeper, returned the gum or herb that was offered + to him, and compelled him to exchange it for the right sort, or else went + on to seek it elsewhere. But one ingredient, in particular, seemed almost + impossible to be found. Some chemists plainly admitted they had never seen + it; others denied that such a drug existed, excepting in the imagination + of crazy alchemists; and most of them attempted to satisfy their customer, + by producing some substitute, which, when rejected by Wayland, as not + being what he had asked for, they maintained possessed, in a superior + degree, the self-same qualities. In general they all displayed some + curiosity concerning the purpose for which he wanted it. One old, meagre + chemist, to whom the artist put the usual question, in terms which + Tressilian neither understood nor could recollect, answered frankly, there + was none of that drug in London, unless Yoglan the Jew chanced to have + some of it upon hand. + </p> + <p> + "I thought as much," said Wayland. And as soon as they left the shop, he + said to Tressilian, "I crave your pardon, sir, but no artist can work + without his tools. I must needs go to this Yoglan's; and I promise you, + that if this detains you longer than your leisure seems to permit, you + shall, nevertheless, be well repaid by the use I will make of this rare + drug. Permit me," he added, "to walk before you, for we are now to quit + the broad street and we will make double speed if I lead the way." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian acquiesced, and, following the smith down a lane which turned + to the left hand towards the river, he found that his guide walked on with + great speed, and apparently perfect knowledge of the town, through a + labyrinth of by-streets, courts, and blind alleys, until at length Wayland + paused in the midst of a very narrow lane, the termination of which showed + a peep of the Thames looking misty and muddy, which background was crossed + saltierwise, as Mr. Mumblazen might have said, by the masts of two + lighters that lay waiting for the tide. The shop under which he halted had + not, as in modern days, a glazed window, but a paltry canvas screen + surrounded such a stall as a cobbler now occupies, having the front open, + much in the manner of a fishmonger's booth of the present day. A little + old smock-faced man, the very reverse of a Jew in complexion, for he was + very soft-haired as well as beardless, appeared, and with many courtesies + asked Wayland what he pleased to want. He had no sooner named the drug, + than the Jew started and looked surprised. "And vat might your vorship + vant vith that drug, which is not named, mein God, in forty years as I + have been chemist here?" + </p> + <p> + "These questions it is no part of my commission to answer," said Wayland; + "I only wish to know if you have what I want, and having it, are willing + to sell it?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, mein God, for having it, that I have, and for selling it, I am a + chemist, and sell every drug." So saying, he exhibited a powder, and then + continued, "But it will cost much moneys. Vat I ave cost its weight in + gold—ay, gold well-refined—I vill say six times. It comes from + Mount Sinai, where we had our blessed Law given forth, and the plant + blossoms but once in one hundred year." + </p> + <p> + "I do not know how often it is gathered on Mount Sinai," said Wayland, + after looking at the drug offered him with great disdain, "but I will + wager my sword and buckler against your gaberdine, that this trash you + offer me, instead of what I asked for, may be had for gathering any day of + the week in the castle ditch of Aleppo." + </p> + <p> + "You are a rude man," said the Jew; "and, besides, I ave no better than + that—or if I ave, I will not sell it without order of a physician, + or without you tell me vat you make of it." + </p> + <p> + The artist made brief answer in a language of which Tressilian could not + understand a word, and which seemed to strike the Jew with the utmost + astonishment. He stared upon Wayland like one who has suddenly recognized + some mighty hero or dreaded potentate, in the person of an unknown and + unmarked stranger. "Holy Elias!" he exclaimed, when he had recovered the + first stunning effects of his surprise; and then passing from his former + suspicious and surly manner to the very extremity of obsequiousness, he + cringed low to the artist, and besought him to enter his poor house, to + bless his miserable threshold by crossing it. + </p> + <p> + "Vill you not taste a cup vith the poor Jew, Zacharias Yoglan?—Vill + you Tokay ave?—vill you Lachrymae taste?—vill you—" + </p> + <p> + "You offend in your proffers," said Wayland; "minister to me in what I + require of you, and forbear further discourse." + </p> + <p> + The rebuked Israelite took his bunch of keys, and opening with + circumspection a cabinet which seemed more strongly secured than the other + cases of drugs and medicines amongst which it stood, he drew out a little + secret drawer, having a glass lid, and containing a small portion of a + black powder. This he offered to Wayland, his manner conveying the deepest + devotion towards him, though an avaricious and jealous expression, which + seemed to grudge every grain of what his customer was about to possess + himself, disputed ground in his countenance with the obsequious deference + which he desired it should exhibit. + </p> + <p> + "Have you scales?" said Wayland. + </p> + <p> + The Jew pointed to those which lay ready for common use in the shop, but + he did so with a puzzled expression of doubt and fear, which did not + escape the artist. + </p> + <p> + "They must be other than these," said Wayland sternly. "Know you not that + holy things lose their virtue if weighed in an unjust balance?" + </p> + <p> + The Jew hung his head, took from a steel-plated casket a pair of scales + beautifully mounted, and said, as he adjusted them for the artist's use, + "With these I do mine own experiment—one hair of the high-priest's + beard would turn them." + </p> + <p> + "It suffices," said the artist, and weighed out two drachms for himself of + the black powder, which he very carefully folded up, and put into his + pouch with the other drugs. He then demanded the price of the Jew, who + answered, shaking his head and bowing,— + </p> + <p> + "No price—no, nothing at all from such as you. But you will see the + poor Jew again? you will look into his laboratory, where, God help him, he + hath dried himself to the substance of the withered gourd of Jonah, the + holy prophet. You will ave pity on him, and show him one little step on + the great road?" + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" said Wayland, laying his finger mysteriously on his mouth; "it may + be we shall meet again. Thou hast already the SCHAHMAJM, as thine own + Rabbis call it—the general creation; watch, therefore, and pray, for + thou must attain the knowledge of Alchahest Elixir Samech ere I may + commune further with thee." Then returning with a slight nod the + reverential congees of the Jew, he walked gravely up the lane, followed by + his master, whose first observation on the scene he had just witnessed + was, that Wayland ought to have paid the man for his drug, whatever it + was. + </p> + <p> + "I pay him?" said the artist. "May the foul fiend pay me if I do! Had it + not been that I thought it might displease your worship, I would have had + an ounce or two of gold out of him, in exchange of the same just weight of + brick dust." + </p> + <p> + "I advise you to practise no such knavery while waiting upon me," said + Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Did I not say," answered the artist, "that for that reason alone I + forbore him for the present?—Knavery, call you it? Why, yonder + wretched skeleton hath wealth sufficient to pave the whole lane he lives + in with dollars, and scarce miss them out of his own iron chest; yet he + goes mad after the philosopher's stone. And besides, he would have cheated + a poor serving-man, as he thought me at first, with trash that was not + worth a penny. Match for match, quoth the devil to the collier; if his + false medicine was worth my good crowns, my true brick dust is as well + worth his good gold." + </p> + <p> + "It may be so, for aught I know," said Tressilian, "in dealing amongst + Jews and apothecaries; but understand that to have such tricks of + legerdemain practised by one attending on me diminishes my honour, and + that I will not permit them. I trust thou hast made up thy purchases?" + </p> + <p> + "I have, sir," replied Wayland; "and with these drugs will I, this very + day, compound the true orvietan, that noble medicine which is so seldom + found genuine and effective within these realms of Europe, for want of + that most rare and precious drug which I got but now from Yoglan." + [Orvietan, or Venice treacle, as it was sometimes called, was understood + to be a sovereign remedy against poison; and the reader must be contented, + for the time he peruses these pages, to hold the same opinion, which was + once universally received by the learned as well as the vulgar.] + </p> + <p> + "But why not have made all your purchases at one shop?" said his master; + "we have lost nearly an hour in running from one pounder of simples to + another." + </p> + <p> + "Content you, sir," said Wayland. "No man shall learn my secret; and it + would not be mine long, were I to buy all my materials from one chemist." + </p> + <p> + They now returned to their inn (the famous Bell-Savage); and while the + Lord Sussex's servant prepared the horses for their journey, Wayland, + obtaining from the cook the service of a mortar, shut himself up in a + private chamber, where he mixed, pounded, and amalgamated the drugs which + he had bought, each in its due proportion, with a readiness and address + that plainly showed him well practised in all the manual operations of + pharmacy. + </p> + <p> + By the time Wayland's electuary was prepared the horses were ready, and a + short hour's riding brought them to the present habitation of Lord Sussex, + an ancient house, called Sayes Court, near Deptford, which had long + pertained to a family of that name, but had for upwards of a century been + possessed by the ancient and honourable family of Evelyn. The present + representative of that ancient house took a deep interest in the Earl of + Sussex, and had willingly accommodated both him and his numerous retinue + in his hospitable mansion. Sayes Court was afterwards the residence of the + celebrated Mr. Evelyn, whose "Silva" is still the manual of British + planters; and whose life, manners, and principles, as illustrated in his + Memoirs, ought equally to be the manual of English gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This is rare news thou tell'st me, my good fellow; + There are two bulls fierce battling on the green + For one fair heifer—if the one goes down, + The dale will be more peaceful, and the herd, + Which have small interest in their brulziement, + May pasture there in peace. —OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + Sayes Court was watched like a beleaguered fort; and so high rose the + suspicions of the time, that Tressilian and his attendants were stopped + and questioned repeatedly by sentinels, both on foot and horseback, as + they approached the abode of the sick Earl. In truth, the high rank which + Sussex held in Queen Elizabeth's favour, and his known and avowed rivalry + of the Earl of Leicester, caused the utmost importance to be attached to + his welfare; for, at the period we treat of, all men doubted whether he or + the Earl of Leicester might ultimately have the higher rank in her regard. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth, like many of her sex, was fond of governing by factions, so as + to balance two opposing interests, and reserve in her own hand the power + of making either predominate, as the interest of the state, or perhaps as + her own female caprice (for to that foible even she was not superior), + might finally determine. To finesse—to hold the cards—to + oppose one interest to another—to bridle him who thought himself + highest in her esteem, by the fears he must entertain of another equally + trusted, if not equally beloved, were arts which she used throughout her + reign, and which enabled her, though frequently giving way to the weakness + of favouritism, to prevent most of its evil effects on her kingdom and + government. + </p> + <p> + The two nobles who at present stood as rivals in her favour possessed very + different pretensions to share it; yet it might be in general said that + the Earl of Sussex had been most serviceable to the Queen, while Leicester + was most dear to the woman. Sussex was, according to the phrase of the + times, a martialist—had done good service in Ireland and in + Scotland, and especially in the great northern rebellion, in 1569, which + was quelled, in a great measure, by his military talents. He was, + therefore, naturally surrounded and looked up to by those who wished to + make arms their road to distinction. The Earl of Sussex, moreover, was of + more ancient and honourable descent than his rival, uniting in his person + the representation of the Fitz-Walters, as well as of the Ratcliffes; + while the scutcheon of Leicester was stained by the degradation of his + grandfather, the oppressive minister of Henry VII., and scarce improved by + that of his father, the unhappy Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, executed + on Tower Hill, August 22, 1553. But in person, features, and address, + weapons so formidable in the court of a female sovereign, Leicester had + advantages more than sufficient to counterbalance the military services, + high blood, and frank bearing of the Earl of Sussex; and he bore, in the + eye of the court and kingdom, the higher share in Elizabeth's favour, + though (for such was her uniform policy) by no means so decidedly + expressed as to warrant him against the final preponderance of his rival's + pretensions. The illness of Sussex therefore happened so opportunely for + Leicester, as to give rise to strange surmises among the public; while the + followers of the one Earl were filled with the deepest apprehensions, and + those of the other with the highest hopes of its probable issue. Meanwhile—for + in that old time men never forgot the probability that the matter might be + determined by length of sword—the retainers of each noble flocked + around their patron, appeared well armed in the vicinity of the court + itself, and disturbed the ear of the sovereign by their frequent and + alarming debates, held even within the precincts of her palace. This + preliminary statement is necessary, to render what follows intelligible to + the reader. [See Note 3. Leicester and Sussex.] + </p> + <p> + On Tressilian's arrival at Sayes Court, he found the place filled with the + retainers of the Earl of Sussex, and of the gentlemen who came to attend + their patron in his illness. Arms were in every hand, and a deep gloom on + every countenance, as if they had apprehended an immediate and violent + assault from the opposite faction. In the hall, however, to which + Tressilian was ushered by one of the Earl's attendants, while another went + to inform Sussex of his arrival, he found only two gentlemen in waiting. + There was a remarkable contrast in their dress, appearance, and manners. + The attire of the elder gentleman, a person as it seemed of quality and in + the prime of life, was very plain and soldierlike, his stature low, his + limbs stout, his bearing ungraceful, and his features of that kind which + express sound common sense, without a grain of vivacity or imagination. + The younger, who seemed about twenty, or upwards, was clad in the gayest + habit used by persons of quality at the period, wearing a crimson velvet + cloak richly ornamented with lace and embroidery, with a bonnet of the + same, encircled with a gold chain turned three times round it, and secured + by a medal. His hair was adjusted very nearly like that of some fine + gentlemen of our own time—that is, it was combed upwards, and made + to stand as it were on end; and in his ears he wore a pair of silver + earrings, having each a pearl of considerable size. The countenance of + this youth, besides being regularly handsome and accompanied by a fine + person, was animated and striking in a degree that seemed to speak at once + the firmness of a decided and the fire of an enterprising character, the + power of reflection, and the promptitude of determination. + </p> + <p> + Both these gentlemen reclined nearly in the same posture on benches near + each other; but each seeming engaged in his own meditations, looked + straight upon the wall which was opposite to them, without speaking to his + companion. The looks of the elder were of that sort which convinced the + beholder that, in looking on the wall, he saw no more than the side of an + old hall hung around with cloaks, antlers, bucklers, old pieces of armour, + partisans, and the similar articles which were usually the furniture of + such a place. The look of the younger gallant had in it something + imaginative; he was sunk in reverie, and it seemed as if the empty space + of air betwixt him and the wall were the stage of a theatre on which his + fancy was mustering his own DRAMATIS PERSONAE, and treating him with + sights far different from those which his awakened and earthly vision + could have offered. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance of Tressilian both started from their musing, and made him + welcome—the younger, in particular, with great appearance of + animation and cordiality. + </p> + <p> + "Thou art welcome, Tressilian," said the youth. "Thy philosophy stole thee + from us when this household had objects of ambition to offer; it is an + honest philosophy, since it returns thee to us when there are only dangers + to be shared." + </p> + <p> + "Is my lord, then, so greatly indisposed?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "We fear the very worst," answered the elder gentleman, "and by the worst + practice." + </p> + <p> + "Fie," replied Tressilian, "my Lord of Leicester is honourable." + </p> + <p> + "What doth he with such attendants, then, as he hath about him?" said the + younger gallant. "The man who raises the devil may be honest, but he is + answerable for the mischief which the fiend does, for all that." + </p> + <p> + "And is this all of you, my mates," inquired Tressilian, "that are about + my lord in his utmost straits?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no," replied the elder gentleman, "there are Tracy, Markham, and + several more; but we keep watch here by two at once, and some are weary + and are sleeping in the gallery above." + </p> + <p> + "And some," said the young man, "are gone down to the Dock yonder at + Deptford, to look out such a hull; as they may purchase by clubbing their + broken fortunes; and as soon as all is over, we will lay our noble lord in + a noble green grave, have a blow at those who have hurried him thither, if + opportunity suits, and then sail for the Indies with heavy hearts and + light purses." + </p> + <p> + "It may be," said Tressilian, "that I will embrace the same purpose, so + soon as I have settled some business at court." + </p> + <p> + "Thou business at court!" they both exclaimed at once, "and thou make the + Indian voyage!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, Tressilian," said the younger man, "art thou not wedded, and beyond + these flaws of fortune, that drive folks out to sea when their bark bears + fairest for the haven?—What has become of the lovely Indamira that + was to match my Amoret for truth and beauty?" + </p> + <p> + "Speak not of her!" said Tressilian, averting his face. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, stands it so with you?" said the youth, taking his hand very + affectionately; "then, fear not I will again touch the green wound. But it + is strange as well as sad news. Are none of our fair and merry fellowship + to escape shipwreck of fortune and happiness in this sudden tempest? I had + hoped thou wert in harbour, at least, my dear Edmund. But truly says + another dear friend of thy name, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'What man that sees the ever whirling wheel + Of Chance, the which all mortal things doth sway, + But that thereby doth find and plainly feel, + How Mutability in them doth play + Her cruel sports to many men's decay.'" +</pre> + <p> + The elder gentleman had risen from his bench, and was pacing the hall with + some impatience, while the youth, with much earnestness and feeling, + recited these lines. When he had done, the other wrapped himself in his + cloak, and again stretched himself down, saying, "I marvel, Tressilian, + you will feed the lad in this silly humour. If there were ought to draw a + judgment upon a virtuous and honourable household like my lord's, renounce + me if I think not it were this piping, whining, childish trick of poetry, + that came among us with Master Walter Wittypate here and his comrades, + twisting into all manner of uncouth and incomprehensible forms of speech, + the honest plain English phrase which God gave us to express our meaning + withal." + </p> + <p> + "Blount believes," said his comrade, laughing, "the devil woo'd Eve in + rhyme, and that the mystic meaning of the Tree of Knowledge refers solely + to the art of clashing rhymes and meting out hexameters." [See Note 4. Sir + Walter Raleigh.] + </p> + <p> + At this moment the Earl's chamberlain entered, and informed Tressilian + that his lord required to speak with him. + </p> + <p> + He found Lord Sussex dressed, but unbraced, and lying on his couch, and + was shocked at the alteration disease had made in his person. The Earl + received him with the most friendly cordiality, and inquired into the + state of his courtship. Tressilian evaded his inquiries for a moment, and + turning his discourse on the Earl's own health, he discovered, to his + surprise, that the symptoms of his disorder corresponded minutely with + those which Wayland had predicated concerning it. He hesitated not, + therefore, to communicate to Sussex the whole history of his attendant, + and the pretensions he set up to cure the disorder under which he + laboured. The Earl listened with incredulous attention until the name of + Demetrius was mentioned, and then suddenly called to his secretary to + bring him a certain casket which contained papers of importance. "Take out + from thence," he said, "the declaration of the rascal cook whom we had + under examination, and look heedfully if the name of Demetrius be not + there mentioned." + </p> + <p> + The secretary turned to the passage at once, and read, "And said + declarant, being examined, saith, That he remembers having made the sauce + to the said sturgeon-fish, after eating of which the said noble Lord was + taken ill; and he put the usual ingredients and condiments therein, namely—" + </p> + <p> + "Pass over his trash," said the Earl, "and see whether he had not been + supplied with his materials by a herbalist called Demetrius." + </p> + <p> + "It is even so," answered the secretary. "And he adds, he has not since + seen the said Demetrius." + </p> + <p> + "This accords with thy fellow's story, Tressilian," said the Earl; "call + him hither." + </p> + <p> + On being summoned to the Earl's presence, Wayland Smith told his former + tale with firmness and consistency. + </p> + <p> + "It may be," said the Earl, "thou art sent by those who have begun this + work, to end it for them; but bethink, if I miscarry under thy medicine, + it may go hard with thee." + </p> + <p> + "That were severe measure," said Wayland, "since the issue of medicine, + and the end of life, are in God's disposal. But I will stand the risk. I + have not lived so long under ground to be afraid of a grave." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, if thou be'st so confident," said the Earl of Sussex, "I will take + the risk too, for the learned can do nothing for me. Tell me how this + medicine is to be taken." + </p> + <p> + "That will I do presently," said Wayland; "but allow me to condition that, + since I incur all the risk of this treatment, no other physician shall be + permitted to interfere with it." + </p> + <p> + "That is but fair," replied the Earl; "and now prepare your drug." + </p> + <p> + While Wayland obeyed the Earl's commands, his servants, by the artist's + direction, undressed their master, and placed him in bed. + </p> + <p> + "I warn you," he said, "that the first operation of this medicine will be + to produce a heavy sleep, during which time the chamber must be kept + undisturbed, as the consequences may otherwise he fatal. I myself will + watch by the Earl with any of the gentlemen of his chamber." + </p> + <p> + "Let all leave the room, save Stanley and this good fellow," said the + Earl. + </p> + <p> + "And saving me also," said Tressilian. "I too am deeply interested in the + effects of this potion." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, good friend," said the Earl. "And now for our experiment; but + first call my secretary and chamberlain." + </p> + <p> + "Bear witness," he continued, when these officers arrived—"bear + witness for me, gentlemen, that our honourable friend Tressilian is in no + way responsible for the effects which this medicine may produce upon me, + the taking it being my own free action and choice, in regard I believe it + to be a remedy which God has furnished me by unexpected means to recover + me of my present malady. Commend me to my noble and princely Mistress; and + say that I live and die her true servant, and wish to all about her throne + the same singleness of heart and will to serve her, with more ability to + do so than hath been assigned to poor Thomas Ratcliffe." + </p> + <p> + He then folded his hands, and seemed for a second or two absorbed in + mental devotion, then took the potion in his hand, and, pausing, regarded + Wayland with a look that seemed designed to penetrate his very soul, but + which caused no anxiety or hesitation in the countenance or manner of the + artist. + </p> + <p> + "Here is nothing to be feared," said Sussex to Tressilian, and swallowed + the medicine without further hesitation. + </p> + <p> + "I am now to pray your lordship," said Wayland, "to dispose yourself to + rest as commodiously as you can; and of you, gentlemen, to remain as still + and mute as if you waited at your mother's deathbed." + </p> + <p> + The chamberlain and secretary then withdrew, giving orders that all doors + should be bolted, and all noise in the house strictly prohibited. Several + gentlemen were voluntary watchers in the hall, but none remained in the + chamber of the sick Earl, save his groom of the chamber, the artist, and + Tressilian.—Wayland Smith's predictions were speedily accomplished, + and a sleep fell upon the Earl, so deep and sound that they who watched + his bedside began to fear that, in his weakened state, he might pass away + without awakening from his lethargy. Wayland Smith himself appeared + anxious, and felt the temples of the Earl slightly, from time to time, + attending particularly to the state of his respiration, which was full and + deep, but at the same time easy and uninterrupted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You loggerheaded and unpolish'd grooms, + What, no attendance, no regard, no duty? + Where is the foolish knave I sent before? + —TAMING OF THE SHREW. +</pre> + <p> + There is no period at which men look worse in the eyes of each other, or + feel more uncomfortable, than when the first dawn of daylight finds them + watchers. Even a beauty of the first order, after the vigils of a ball are + interrupted by the dawn, would do wisely to withdraw herself from the gaze + of her fondest and most partial admirers. Such was the pale, inauspicious, + and ungrateful light which began to beam upon those who kept watch all + night in the hall at Sayes Court, and which mingled its cold, pale, blue + diffusion with the red, yellow, and smoky beams of expiring lamps and + torches. The young gallant, whom we noticed in our last chapter, had left + the room for a few minutes, to learn the cause of a knocking at the + outward gate, and on his return was so struck with the forlorn and ghastly + aspects of his companions of the watch that he exclaimed, "Pity of my + heart, my masters, how like owls you look! Methinks, when the sun rises, I + shall see you flutter off with your eyes dazzled, to stick yourselves into + the next ivy-tod or ruined steeple." + </p> + <p> + "Hold thy peace, thou gibing fool," said Blount; "hold thy peace. Is this + a time for jeering, when the manhood of England is perchance dying within + a wall's breadth of thee?" + </p> + <p> + "There thou liest," replied the gallant. + </p> + <p> + "How, lie!" exclaimed Blount, starting up, "lie! and to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, so thou didst, thou peevish fool," answered the youth; "thou didst + lie on that bench even now, didst thou not? But art thou not a hasty + coxcomb to pick up a wry word so wrathfully? Nevertheless, loving and, + honouring my lord as truly as thou, or any one, I do say that, should + Heaven take him from us, all England's manhood dies not with him." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," replied Blount, "a good portion will survive with thee, doubtless." + </p> + <p> + "And a good portion with thyself, Blount, and with stout Markham here, and + Tracy, and all of us. But I am he will best employ the talent Heaven has + given to us all." + </p> + <p> + "As how, I prithee?" said Blount; "tell us your mystery of multiplying." + </p> + <p> + "Why, sirs," answered the youth, "ye are like goodly land, which bears no + crop because it is not quickened by manure; but I have that rising spirit + in me which will make my poor faculties labour to keep pace with it. My + ambition will keep my brain at work, I warrant thee." + </p> + <p> + "I pray to God it does not drive thee mad," said Blount; "for my part, if + we lose our noble lord, I bid adieu to the court and to the camp both. I + have five hundred foul acres in Norfolk, and thither will I, and change + the court pantoufle for the country hobnail." + </p> + <p> + "O base transmutation!" exclaimed his antagonist; "thou hast already got + the true rustic slouch—thy shoulders stoop, as if thine hands were + at the stilts of the plough; and thou hast a kind of earthy smell about + thee, instead of being perfumed with essence, as a gallant and courtier + should. On my soul, thou hast stolen out to roll thyself on a hay mow! Thy + only excuse will be to swear by thy hilts that the farmer had a fair + daughter." + </p> + <p> + "I pray thee, Walter," said another of the company, "cease thy raillery, + which suits neither time nor place, and tell us who was at the gate just + now." + </p> + <p> + "Doctor Masters, physician to her Grace in ordinary, sent by her especial + orders to inquire after the Earl's health," answered Walter. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! what?" exclaimed Tracy; "that was no slight mark of favour. If the + Earl can but come through, he will match with Leicester yet. Is Masters + with my lord at present?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay," replied Walter, "he is half way back to Greenwich by this time, and + in high dudgeon." + </p> + <p> + "Thou didst not refuse him admittance?" exclaimed Tracy. + </p> + <p> + "Thou wert not, surely, so mad?" ejaculated Blount. + </p> + <p> + "I refused him admittance as flatly, Blount, as you would refuse a penny + to a blind beggar—as obstinately, Tracy, as thou didst ever deny + access to a dun." + </p> + <p> + "Why, in the fiend's name, didst thou trust him to go to the gate?" said + Blount to Tracy. + </p> + <p> + "It suited his years better than mine," answered Tracy; "but he has undone + us all now thoroughly. My lord may live or die, he will never have a look + of favour from her Majesty again." + </p> + <p> + "Nor the means of making fortunes for his followers," said the young + gallant, smiling contemptuously;—"there lies the sore point that + will brook no handling. My good sirs, I sounded my lamentations over my + lord somewhat less loudly than some of you; but when the point comes of + doing him service, I will yield to none of you. Had this learned leech + entered, think'st thou not there had been such a coil betwixt him and + Tressilian's mediciner, that not the sleeper only, but the very dead might + have awakened? I know what larurm belongs to the discord of doctors." + </p> + <p> + "And who is to take the blame of opposing the Queen's orders?" said Tracy; + "for, undeniably, Doctor Masters came with her Grace's positive commands + to cure the Earl." + </p> + <p> + "I, who have done the wrong, will bear the blame," said Walter. + </p> + <p> + "Thus, then, off fly the dreams of court favour thou hast nourished," said + Blount, "and despite all thy boasted art and ambition, Devonshire will see + thee shine a true younger brother, fit to sit low at the board, carve turn + about with the chaplain, look that the hounds be fed, and see the squire's + girths drawn when he goes a-hunting." + </p> + <p> + "Not so," said the young man, colouring, "not while Ireland and the + Netherlands have wars, and not while the sea hath pathless waves. The rich + West hath lands undreamed of, and Britain contains bold hearts to venture + on the quest of them. Adieu for a space, my masters. I go to walk in the + court and look to the sentinels." + </p> + <p> + "The lad hath quicksilver in his veins, that is certain," said Blount, + looking at Markham. + </p> + <p> + "He hath that both in brain and blood," said Markham, "which may either + make or mar him. But in closing the door against Masters, he hath done a + daring and loving piece of service; for Tressilian's fellow hath ever + averred that to wake the Earl were death, and Masters would wake the Seven + Sleepers themselves, if he thought they slept not by the regular ordinance + of medicine." + </p> + <p> + Morning was well advanced when Tressilian, fatigued and over-watched, came + down to the hall with the joyful intelligence that the Earl had awakened + of himself, that he found his internal complaints much mitigated, and + spoke with a cheerfulness, and looked round with a vivacity, which of + themselves showed a material and favourable change had taken place. + Tressilian at the same time commanded the attendance of one or two of his + followers, to report what had passed during the night, and to relieve the + watchers in the Earl's chamber. + </p> + <p> + When the message of the Queen was communicated to the Earl of Sussex, he + at first smiled at the repulse which the physician had received from his + zealous young follower; but instantly recollecting himself, he commanded + Blount, his master of the horse, instantly to take boat, and go down the + river to the Palace of Greenwich, taking young Walter and Tracy with him, + and make a suitable compliment, expressing his grateful thanks to his + Sovereign, and mentioning the cause why he had not been enabled to profit + by the assistance of the wise and learned Doctor Masters. + </p> + <p> + "A plague on it!" said Blount, as he descended the stairs; "had he sent me + with a cartel to Leicester I think I should have done his errand + indifferently well. But to go to our gracious Sovereign, before whom all + words must be lacquered over either with gilding or with sugar, is such a + confectionary matter as clean baffles my poor old English brain.—Come + with me, Tracy, and come you too, Master Walter Wittypate, that art the + cause of our having all this ado. Let us see if thy neat brain, that + frames so many flashy fireworks, can help out a plain fellow at need with + some of thy shrewd devices." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear, never fear," exclaimed the youth, "it is I will help you + through; let me but fetch my cloak." + </p> + <p> + "Why, thou hast it on thy shoulders," said Blount,—"the lad is + mazed." + </p> + <p> + "No, No, this is Tracy's old mantle," answered Walter. "I go not with thee + to court unless as a gentleman should." + </p> + <p> + "Why," Said Blount, "thy braveries are like to dazzle the eyes of none but + some poor groom or porter." + </p> + <p> + "I know that," said the youth; "but I am resolved I will have my own + cloak, ay, and brush my doublet to boot, ere I stir forth with you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," said Blount, "here is a coil about a doublet and a cloak. + Get thyself ready, a God's name!" + </p> + <p> + They were soon launched on the princely bosom of the broad Thames, upon + which the sun now shone forth in all its splendour. + </p> + <p> + "There are two things scarce matched in the universe," said Walter to + Blount—"the sun in heaven, and the Thames on the earth." + </p> + <p> + "The one will light us to Greenwich well enough," said Blount, "and the + other would take us there a little faster if it were ebb-tide." + </p> + <p> + "And this is all thou thinkest—all thou carest—all thou + deemest the use of the King of Elements and the King of Rivers—to + guide three such poor caitiffs as thyself, and me, and Tracy, upon an idle + journey of courtly ceremony!" + </p> + <p> + "It is no errand of my seeking, faith," replied Blount, "and I could + excuse both the sun and the Thames the trouble of carrying me where I have + no great mind to go, and where I expect but dog's wages for my trouble—and + by my honour," he added, looking out from the head of the boat, "it seems + to me as if our message were a sort of labour in vain, for, see, the + Queen's barge lies at the stairs as if her Majesty were about to take + water." + </p> + <p> + It was even so. The royal barge, manned with the Queen's watermen richly + attired in the regal liveries, and having the Banner of England displayed, + did indeed lie at the great stairs which ascended from the river, and + along with it two or three other boats for transporting such part of her + retinue as were not in immediate attendance on the royal person. The + yeomen of the guard, the tallest and most handsome men whom England could + produce, guarded with their halberds the passage from the palace-gate to + the river side, and all seemed in readiness for the Queen's coming forth, + although the day was yet so early. + </p> + <p> + "By my faith, this bodes us no good," said Blount; "it must be some + perilous cause puts her Grace in motion thus untimeously, By my counsel, + we were best put back again, and tell the Earl what we have seen." + </p> + <p> + "Tell the Earl what we have seen!" said Walter; "why what have we seen but + a boat, and men with scarlet jerkins, and halberds in their hands? Let us + do his errand, and tell him what the Queen says in reply." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he caused the boat to be pulled towards a landing-place at some + distance from the principal one, which it would not, at that moment, have + been thought respectful to approach, and jumped on shore, followed, though + with reluctance, by his cautious and timid companions. As they approached + the gate of the palace, one of the sergeant porters told them they could + not at present enter, as her Majesty was in the act of coming forth. The + gentlemen used the name of the Earl of Sussex; but it proved no charm to + subdue the officer, who alleged, in reply, that it was as much as his post + was worth to disobey in the least tittle the commands which he had + received. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, I told you as much before," said Blount; "do, I pray you, my dear + Walter, let us take boat and return." + </p> + <p> + "Not till I see the Queen come forth," returned the youth composedly. + </p> + <p> + "Thou art mad, stark mad, by the Mass!" answered Blount. + </p> + <p> + "And thou," said Walter, "art turned coward of the sudden. I have seen + thee face half a score of shag-headed Irish kerns to thy own share of + them; and now thou wouldst blink and go back to shun the frown of a fair + lady!" + </p> + <p> + At this moment the gates opened, and ushers began to issue forth in array, + preceded and flanked by the band of Gentlemen Pensioners. After this, amid + a crowd of lords and ladies, yet so disposed around her that she could see + and be seen on all sides, came Elizabeth herself, then in the prime of + womanhood, and in the full glow of what in a Sovereign was called beauty, + and who would in the lowest rank of life have been truly judged a noble + figure, joined to a striking and commanding physiognomy. She leant on the + arm of Lord Hunsdon, whose relation to her by her mother's side often + procured him such distinguished marks of Elizabeth's intimacy. + </p> + <p> + The young cavalier we have so often mentioned had probably never yet + approached so near the person of his Sovereign, and he pressed forward as + far as the line of warders permitted, in order to avail himself of the + present opportunity. His companion, on the contrary, cursing his + imprudence, kept pulling him backwards, till Walter shook him off + impatiently, and letting his rich cloak drop carelessly from one shoulder; + a natural action, which served, however, to display to the best advantage + his well-proportioned person. Unbonneting at the same time, he fixed his + eager gaze on the Queen's approach, with a mixture of respectful curiosity + and modest yet ardent admiration, which suited so well with his fine + features that the warders, struck with his rich attire and noble + countenance, suffered him to approach the ground over which the Queen was + to pass, somewhat closer than was permitted to ordinary spectators. Thus + the adventurous youth stood full in Elizabeth's eye—an eye never + indifferent to the admiration which she deservedly excited among her + subjects, or to the fair proportions of external form which chanced to + distinguish any of her courtiers. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she fixed her keen glance on the youth, as she approached the + place where he stood, with a look in which surprise at his boldness seemed + to be unmingled with resentment, while a trifling accident happened which + attracted her attention towards him yet more strongly. The night had been + rainy, and just where the young gentleman stood a small quantity of mud + interrupted the Queen's passage. As she hesitated to pass on, the gallant, + throwing his cloak from his shoulders, laid it on the miry spot, so as to + ensure her stepping over it dry-shod. Elizabeth looked at the young man, + who accompanied this act of devoted courtesy with a profound reverence, + and a blush that overspread his whole countenance. The Queen was confused, + and blushed in her turn, nodded her head, hastily passed on, and embarked + in her barge without saying a word. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0641m.jpg" alt="0641m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0641.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "Come along, Sir Coxcomb," said Blount; "your gay cloak will need the + brush to-day, I wot. Nay, if you had meant to make a footcloth of your + mantle, better have kept Tracy's old drab-debure, which despises all + colours." + </p> + <p> + "This cloak," said the youth, taking it up and folding it, "shall never be + brushed while in my possession." + </p> + <p> + "And that will not be long, if you learn not a little more economy; we + shall have you in CUERPO soon, as the Spaniard says." + </p> + <p> + Their discourse was here interrupted by one of the band of Pensioners. + </p> + <p> + "I was sent," said he, after looking at them attentively, "to a gentleman + who hath no cloak, or a muddy one.—You, sir, I think," addressing + the younger cavalier, "are the man; you will please to follow me." + </p> + <p> + "He is in attendance on me," said Blount—"on me, the noble Earl of + Sussex's master of horse." + </p> + <p> + "I have nothing to say to that," answered the messenger; "my orders are + directly from her Majesty, and concern this gentleman only." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he walked away, followed by Walter, leaving the others behind, + Blount's eyes almost starting from his head with the excess of his + astonishment. At length he gave vent to it in an exclamation, "Who the + good jere would have thought this!" And shaking his head with a mysterious + air, he walked to his own boat, embarked, and returned to Deptford. + </p> + <p> + The young cavalier was in the meanwhile guided to the water-side by the + Pensioner, who showed him considerable respect; a circumstance which, to + persons in his situation, may be considered as an augury of no small + consequence. He ushered him into one of the wherries which lay ready to + attend the Queen's barge, which was already proceeding; up the river, with + the advantage of that flood-tide of which, in the course of their descent, + Blount had complained to his associates. + </p> + <p> + The two rowers used their oars with such expedition at the signal of the + Gentleman Pensioner, that they very soon brought their little skiff under + the stern of the Queen's boat, where she sat beneath an awning, attended + by two or three ladies, and the nobles of her household. She looked more + than once at the wherry in which the young adventurer was seated, spoke to + those around her, and seemed to laugh. At length one of the attendants, by + the Queen's order apparently, made a sign for the wherry to come + alongside, and the young man was desired to step from his own skiff into + the Queen's barge, which he performed with graceful agility at the fore + part of the boat, and was brought aft to the Queen's presence, the wherry + at the same time dropping into the rear. The youth underwent the gaze of + Majesty, not the less gracefully that his self-possession was mingled with + embarrassment. The muddied cloak still hung upon his arm, and formed the + natural topic with which the Queen introduced the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "You have this day spoiled a gay mantle in our behalf, young man. We thank + you for your service, though the manner of offering it was unusual, and + something bold." + </p> + <p> + "In a sovereign's need," answered the youth, "it is each liegeman's duty + to be bold." + </p> + <p> + "God's pity! that was well said, my lord," said the Queen, turning to a + grave person who sat by her, and answered with a grave inclination of the + head, and something of a mumbled assent.—"Well, young man, your + gallantry shall not go unrewarded. Go to the wardrobe keeper, and he shall + have orders to supply the suit which you have cast away in our service. + Thou shalt have a suit, and that of the newest cut, I promise thee, on the + word of a princess." + </p> + <p> + "May it please your Grace," said Walter, hesitating, "it is not for so + humble a servant of your Majesty to measure out your bounties; but if it + became me to choose—" + </p> + <p> + "Thou wouldst have gold, I warrant me," said the Queen, interrupting him. + "Fie, young man! I take shame to say that in our capital such and so + various are the means of thriftless folly, that to give gold to youth is + giving fuel to fire, and furnishing them with the means of + self-destruction. If I live and reign, these means of unchristian excess + shall be abridged. Yet thou mayest be poor," she added, "or thy parents + may be. It shall be gold, if thou wilt, but thou shalt answer to me for + the use on't." + </p> + <p> + Walter waited patiently until the Queen had done, and then modestly + assured her that gold was still less in his wish than the raiment her + Majesty had before offered. + </p> + <p> + "How, boy!" said the Queen, "neither gold nor garment? What is it thou + wouldst have of me, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Only permission, madam—if it is not asking too high an honour—permission + to wear the cloak which did you this trifling service." + </p> + <p> + "Permission to wear thine own cloak, thou silly boy!" said the Queen. + </p> + <p> + "It is no longer mine," said Walter; "when your Majesty's foot touched it, + it became a fit mantle for a prince, but far too rich a one for its former + owner." + </p> + <p> + The Queen again blushed, and endeavoured to cover, by laughing, a slight + degree of not unpleasing surprise and confusion. + </p> + <p> + "Heard you ever the like, my lords? The youth's head is turned with + reading romances. I must know something of him, that I may send him safe + to his friends.—What art thou?" + </p> + <p> + "A gentleman of the household of the Earl of Sussex, so please your Grace, + sent hither with his master of horse upon message to your Majesty." + </p> + <p> + In a moment the gracious expression which Elizabeth's face had hitherto + maintained, gave way to an expression of haughtiness and severity. + </p> + <p> + "My Lord of Sussex," she said, "has taught us how to regard his messages + by the value he places upon ours. We sent but this morning the physician + in ordinary of our chamber, and that at no usual time, understanding his + lordship's illness to be more dangerous than we had before apprehended. + There is at no court in Europe a man more skilled in this holy and most + useful science than Doctor Masters, and he came from Us to our subject. + Nevertheless, he found the gate of Sayes Court defended by men with + culverins, as if it had been on the borders of Scotland, not in the + vicinity of our court; and when he demanded admittance in our name, it was + stubbornly refused. For this slight of a kindness, which had but too much + of condescension in it, we will receive, at present at least, no excuse; + and some such we suppose to have been the purport of my Lord of Sussex's + message." + </p> + <p> + This was uttered in a tone and with a gesture which made Lord Sussex's + friends who were within hearing tremble. He to whom the speech was + addressed, however, trembled not; but with great deference and humility, + as soon as the Queen's passion gave him an opportunity, he replied, "So + please your most gracious Majesty, I was charged with no apology from the + Earl of Sussex." + </p> + <p> + "With what were you then charged, sir?" said the Queen, with the + impetuosity which, amid nobler qualities, strongly marked her character. + "Was it with a justification?—or, God's death! with a defiance?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said the young man, "my Lord of Sussex knew the offence + approached towards treason, and could think of nothing save of securing + the offender, and placing him in your Majesty's hands, and at your mercy. + The noble Earl was fast asleep when your most gracious message reached + him, a potion having been administered to that purpose by his physician; + and his Lordship knew not of the ungracious repulse your Majesty's royal + and most comfortable message had received, until after he awoke this + morning." + </p> + <p> + "And which of his domestics, then, in the name of Heaven, presumed to + reject my message, without even admitting my own physician to the presence + of him whom I sent him to attend?" said the Queen, much surprised. + </p> + <p> + "The offender, madam, is before you," replied Walter, bowing very low; + "the full and sole blame is mine; and my lord has most justly sent me to + abye the consequences of a fault, of which he is as innocent as a sleeping + man's dreams can be of a waking man's actions." + </p> + <p> + "What! was it thou?—thou thyself, that repelled my messenger and my + physician from Sayes Court?" said the Queen. "What could occasion such + boldness in one who seems devoted—that is, whose exterior bearing + shows devotion—to his Sovereign?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said the youth—who, notwithstanding an assumed appearance + of severity, thought that he saw something in the Queen's face that + resembled not implacability—"we say in our country, that the + physician is for the time the liege sovereign of his patient. Now, my + noble master was then under dominion of a leech, by whose advice he hath + greatly profited, who had issued his commands that his patient should not + that night be disturbed, on the very peril of his life." + </p> + <p> + "Thy master hath trusted some false varlet of an empiric," said the Queen. + </p> + <p> + "I know not, madam, but by the fact that he is now—this very morning—awakened + much refreshed and strengthened from the only sleep he hath had for many + hours." + </p> + <p> + The nobles looked at each other, but more with the purpose to see what + each thought of this news, than to exchange any remarks on what had + happened. The Queen answered hastily, and without affecting to disguise + her satisfaction, "By my word, I am glad he is better. But thou wert + over-bold to deny the access of my Doctor Masters. Knowest thou not the + Holy Writ saith, 'In the multitude of counsel there is safety'?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, madam," said Walter; "but I have heard learned men say that the + safety spoken of is for the physicians, not for the patient." + </p> + <p> + "By my faith, child, thou hast pushed me home," said the Queen, laughing; + "for my Hebrew learning does not come quite at a call.—How say you, + my Lord of Lincoln? Hath the lad given a just interpretation of the text?" + </p> + <p> + "The word SAFETY, most gracious madam," said the Bishop of Lincoln, "for + so hath been translated, it may be somewhat hastily, the Hebrew word, + being—" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said the Queen, interrupting him, "we said we had forgotten our + Hebrew.—But for thee, young man, what is thy name and birth?" + </p> + <p> + "Raleigh is my name, most gracious Queen, the youngest son of a large but + honourable family of Devonshire." + </p> + <p> + "Raleigh?" said Elizabeth, after a moment's recollection. "Have we not + heard of your service in Ireland?" + </p> + <p> + "I have been so fortunate as to do some service there, madam," replied + Raleigh; "scarce, however, of consequence sufficient to reach your Grace's + ears." + </p> + <p> + "They hear farther than you think of," said the Queen graciously, "and + have heard of a youth who defended a ford in Shannon against a whole band + of wild Irish rebels, until the stream ran purple with their blood and his + own." + </p> + <p> + "Some blood I may have lost," said the youth, looking down, "but it was + where my best is due, and that is in your Majesty's service." + </p> + <p> + The Queen paused, and then said hastily, "You are very young to have + fought so well, and to speak so well. But you must not escape your penance + for turning back Masters. The poor man hath caught cold on the river for + our order reached him when he was just returned from certain visits in + London, and he held it matter of loyalty and conscience instantly to set + forth again. So hark ye, Master Raleigh, see thou fail not to wear thy + muddy cloak, in token of penitence, till our pleasure be further known. + And here," she added, giving him a jewel of gold, in the form of a + chess-man, "I give thee this to wear at the collar." + </p> + <p> + Raleigh, to whom nature had taught intuitively, as it were, those courtly + arts which many scarce acquire from long experience, knelt, and, as he + took from her hand the jewel, kissed the fingers which gave it. He knew, + perhaps, better than almost any of the courtiers who surrounded her, how + to mingle the devotion claimed by the Queen with the gallantry due to her + personal beauty; and in this, his first attempt to unite them, he + succeeded so well as at once to gratify Elizabeth's personal vanity and + her love of power. [See Note 5. Court favour of Sir Walter Raleigh.] + </p> + <p> + His master, the Earl of Sussex, had the full advantage of the satisfaction + which Raleigh had afforded Elizabeth, on their first interview. + </p> + <p> + "My lords and ladies," said the Queen, looking around to the retinue by + whom she was attended, "methinks, since we are upon the river, it were + well to renounce our present purpose of going to the city, and surprise + this poor Earl of Sussex with a visit. He is ill, and suffering doubtless + under the fear of our displeasure, from which he hath been honestly + cleared by the frank avowal of this malapert boy. What think ye? were it + not an act of charity to give him such consolation as the thanks of a + Queen, much bound to him for his loyal service, may perchance best + minister?" + </p> + <p> + It may be readily supposed that none to whom this speech was addressed + ventured to oppose its purport. + </p> + <p> + "Your Grace," said the Bishop of Lincoln, "is the breath of our nostrils." + The men of war averred that the face of the Sovereign was a whetstone to + the soldier's sword; while the men of state were not less of opinion that + the light of the Queen's countenance was a lamp to the paths of her + councillors; and the ladies agreed, with one voice, that no noble in + England so well deserved the regard of England's Royal Mistress as the + Earl of Sussex—the Earl of Leicester's right being reserved entire, + so some of the more politic worded their assent, an exception to which + Elizabeth paid no apparent attention. The barge had, therefore, orders to + deposit its royal freight at Deptford, at the nearest and most convenient + point of communication with Sayes Court, in order that the Queen might + satisfy her royal and maternal solicitude, by making personal inquiries + after the health of the Earl of Sussex. + </p> + <p> + Raleigh, whose acute spirit foresaw and anticipated important consequences + from the most trifling events, hastened to ask the Queen's permission to + go in the skiff; and announce the royal visit to his master; ingeniously + suggesting that the joyful surprise might prove prejudicial to his health, + since the richest and most generous cordials may sometimes be fatal to + those who have been long in a languishing state. + </p> + <p> + But whether the Queen deemed it too presumptuous in so young a courtier to + interpose his opinion unasked, or whether she was moved by a recurrence of + the feeling of jealousy which had been instilled into her by reports that + the Earl kept armed men about his person, she desired Raleigh, sharply, to + reserve his counsel till it was required of him, and repeated her former + orders to be landed at Deptford, adding, "We will ourselves see what sort + of household my Lord of Sussex keeps about him." + </p> + <p> + "Now the Lord have pity on us!" said the young courtier to himself. "Good + hearts, the Earl hath many a one round him; but good heads are scarce with + us—and he himself is too ill to give direction. And Blount will be + at his morning meal of Yarmouth herrings and ale, and Tracy will have his + beastly black puddings and Rhenish; those thorough-paced Welshmen, Thomas + ap Rice and Evan Evans, will be at work on their leek porridge and toasted + cheese;—and she detests, they say, all coarse meats, evil smells, + and strong wines. Could they but think of burning some rosemary in the + great hall! but VOGUE LA GALERE, all must now be trusted to chance. Luck + hath done indifferent well for me this morning; for I trust I have spoiled + a cloak, and made a court fortune. May she do as much for my gallant + patron!" + </p> + <p> + The royal barge soon stopped at Deptford, and, amid the loud shouts of the + populace, which her presence never failed to excite, the Queen, with a + canopy borne over her head, walked, accompanied by her retinue, towards + Sayes Court, where the distant acclamations of the people gave the first + notice of her arrival. Sussex, who was in the act of advising with + Tressilian how he should make up the supposed breach in the Queen's + favour, was infinitely surprised at learning her immediate approach. Not + that the Queen's custom of visiting her more distinguished nobility, + whether in health or sickness, could be unknown to him; but the suddenness + of the communication left no time for those preparations with which he + well knew Elizabeth loved to be greeted, and the rudeness and confusion of + his military household, much increased by his late illness, rendered him + altogether unprepared for her reception. + </p> + <p> + Cursing internally the chance which thus brought her gracious visitation + on him unaware, he hastened down with Tressilian, to whose eventful and + interesting story he had just given an attentive ear. + </p> + <p> + "My worthy friend," he said, "such support as I can give your accusation + of Varney, you have a right to expect, alike from justice and gratitude. + Chance will presently show whether I can do aught with our Sovereign, or + whether, in very deed, my meddling in your affair may not rather prejudice + than serve you." + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Sussex while hastily casting around him a loose robe of sables, + and adjusting his person in the best manner he could to meet the eye of + his Sovereign. But no hurried attention bestowed on his apparel could + remove the ghastly effects of long illness on a countenance which nature + had marked with features rather strong than pleasing. Besides, he was low + of stature, and, though broad-shouldered, athletic, and fit for martial + achievements, his presence in a peaceful hall was not such as ladies love + to look upon; a personal disadvantage, which was supposed to give Sussex, + though esteemed and honoured by his Sovereign, considerable disadvantage + when compared with Leicester, who was alike remarkable for elegance of + manners and for beauty of person. + </p> + <p> + The Earl's utmost dispatch only enabled him to meet the Queen as she + entered the great hall, and he at once perceived there was a cloud on her + brow. Her jealous eye had noticed the martial array of armed gentlemen and + retainers with which the mansion-house was filled, and her first words + expressed her disapprobation. "Is this a royal garrison, my Lord of + Sussex, that it holds so many pikes and calivers? or have we by accident + overshot Sayes Court, and landed at Our Tower of London?" + </p> + <p> + Lord Sussex hastened to offer some apology. + </p> + <p> + "It needs not," she said. "My lord, we intend speedily to take up a + certain quarrel between your lordship and another great lord of our + household, and at the same time to reprehend this uncivilized and + dangerous practice of surrounding yourselves with armed, and even with + ruffianly followers, as if, in the neighbourhood of our capital, nay in + the very verge of our royal residence, you were preparing to wage civil + war with each other.—We are glad to see you so well recovered, my + lord, though without the assistance of the learned physician whom we sent + to you. Urge no excuse; we know how that matter fell out, and we have + corrected for it the wild slip, young Raleigh. By the way, my lord, we + will speedily relieve your household of him, and take him into our own. + Something there is about him which merits to be better nurtured than he is + like to be amongst your very military followers." + </p> + <p> + To this proposal Sussex, though scarce understanding how the Queen came to + make it could only bow and express his acquiescence. He then entreated her + to remain till refreshment could be offered, but in this he could not + prevail. And after a few compliments of a much colder and more commonplace + character than might have been expected from a step so decidedly + favourable as a personal visit, the Queen took her leave of Sayes Court, + having brought confusion thither along with her, and leaving doubt and + apprehension behind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Then call them to our presence. Face to face, + And frowning brow to brow, ourselves will hear + The accuser and accused freely speak;— + High-stomach'd are they both, and full of ire, + In rage deaf as the sea, hasty as fire.—RICHARD II. +</pre> + <p> + "I am ordered to attend court to-morrow," said Leicester, speaking to + Varney, "to meet, as they surmise, my Lord of Sussex. The Queen intends to + take up matters betwixt us. This comes of her visit to Sayes Court, of + which you must needs speak so lightly." + </p> + <p> + "I maintain it was nothing," said Varney; "nay, I know from a sure + intelligencer, who was within earshot of much that was said, that Sussex + has lost rather than gained by that visit. The Queen said, when she + stepped into the boat, that Sayes Court looked like a guard-house, and + smelt like an hospital. 'Like a cook's shop in Ram's Alley, rather,' said + the Countess of Rutland, who is ever your lordship's good friend. And then + my Lord of Lincoln must needs put in his holy oar, and say that my Lord of + Sussex must be excused for his rude and old-world housekeeping, since he + had as yet no wife." + </p> + <p> + "And what said the Queen?" asked Leicester hastily. + </p> + <p> + "She took him up roundly," said Varney, "and asked what my Lord Sussex had + to do with a wife, or my Lord Bishop to speak on such a subject. 'If + marriage is permitted,' she said, 'I nowhere read that it is enjoined.'" + </p> + <p> + "She likes not marriages, or speech of marriage, among churchmen," said + Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Nor among courtiers neither," said Varney; but, observing that Leicester + changed countenance, he instantly added, "that all the ladies who were + present had joined in ridiculing Lord Sussex's housekeeping, and in + contrasting it with the reception her Grace would have assuredly received + at my Lord of Leicester's." + </p> + <p> + "You have gathered much tidings," said Leicester, "but you have forgotten + or omitted the most important of all. She hath added another to those + dangling satellites whom it is her pleasure to keep revolving around her." + </p> + <p> + "Your lordship meaneth that Raleigh, the Devonshire youth," said Varney—"the + Knight of the Cloak, as they call him at court?" + </p> + <p> + "He may be Knight of the Garter one day, for aught I know," said + Leicester, "for he advances rapidly—she hath capped verses with him, + and such fooleries. I would gladly abandon, of my own free will, the part—I + have in her fickle favour; but I will not be elbowed out of it by the + clown Sussex, or this new upstart. I hear Tressilian is with Sussex also, + and high in his favour. I would spare him for considerations, but he will + thrust himself on his fate. Sussex, too, is almost as well as ever in his + health." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," replied Varney, "there will be rubs in the smoothest road, + specially when it leads uphill. Sussex's illness was to us a godsend, from + which I hoped much. He has recovered, indeed, but he is not now more + formidable than ere he fell ill, when he received more than one foil in + wrestling with your lordship. Let not your heart fail you, my lord, and + all shall be well." + </p> + <p> + "My heart never failed me, sir," replied Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord," said Varney; "but it has betrayed you right often. He that + would climb a tree, my lord, must grasp by the branches, not by the + blossom." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, well!" said Leicester impatiently; "I understand thy meaning—my + heart shall neither fail me nor seduce me. Have my retinue in order—see + that their array be so splendid as to put down, not only the rude + companions of Ratcliffe, but the retainers of every other nobleman and + courtier. Let them be well armed withal, but without any outward display + of their weapons, wearing them as if more for fashion's sake than for use. + Do thou thyself keep close to me, I may have business for you." + </p> + <p> + The preparations of Sussex and his party were not less anxious than those + of Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Thy Supplication, impeaching Varney of seduction," said the Earl to + Tressilian, "is by this time in the Queen's hand—I have sent it + through a sure channel. Methinks your suit should succeed, being, as it + is, founded in justice and honour, and Elizabeth being the very muster of + both. But—I wot not how—the gipsy" (so Sussex was wont to call + his rival on account of his dark complexion) "hath much to say with her in + these holyday times of peace. Were war at the gates, I should be one of + her white boys; but soldiers, like their bucklers and Bilboa blades, get + out of fashion in peace time, and satin sleeves and walking rapiers bear + the bell. Well, we must be gay, since such is the fashion.—Blount, + hast thou seen our household put into their new braveries? But thou + knowest as little of these toys as I do; thou wouldst be ready enow at + disposing a stand of pikes." + </p> + <p> + "My good lord," answered Blount, "Raleigh hath been here, and taken that + charge upon him—your train will glitter like a May morning. Marry, + the cost is another question. One might keep an hospital of old soldiers + at the charge of ten modern lackeys." + </p> + <p> + "He must not count cost to-day, Nicholas," said the Earl in reply. "I am + beholden to Raleigh for his care. I trust, though, he has remembered that + I am an old soldier, and would have no more of these follies than needs + must." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, I understand nought about it," said Blount; "but here are your + honourable lordship's brave kinsmen and friends coming in by scores to + wait upon you to court, where, methinks, we shall bear as brave a front as + Leicester, let him ruffle it as he will." + </p> + <p> + "Give them the strictest charges," said Sussex, "that they suffer no + provocation short of actual violence to provoke them into quarrel. They + have hot bloods, and I would not give Leicester the advantage over me by + any imprudence of theirs." + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Sussex ran so hastily through these directions, that it was + with difficulty Tressilian at length found opportunity to express his + surprise that he should have proceeded so far in the affair of Sir Hugh + Robsart as to lay his petition at once before the Queen. "It was the + opinion of the young lady's friends," he said, "that Leicester's sense of + justice should be first appealed to, as the offence had been committed by + his officer, and so he had expressly told to Sussex." + </p> + <p> + "This could have been done without applying to me," said Sussex, somewhat + haughtily. "I at least, ought not to have been a counsellor when the + object was a humiliating reference to Leicester; and I am suprised that + you, Tressilian, a man of honour, and my friend, would assume such a mean + course. If you said so, I certainly understood you not in a matter which + sounded so unlike yourself." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Tressilian, "the course I would prefer, for my own sake, + is that you have adopted; but the friends of this most unhappy lady—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the friends—the friends," said Sussex, interrupting him; "they + must let us manage this cause in the way which seems best. This is the + time and the hour to accumulate every charge against Leicester and his + household, and yours the Queen will hold a heavy one. But at all events + she hath the complaint before her." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian could not help suspecting that, in his eagerness to strengthen + himself against his rival, Sussex had purposely adopted the course most + likely to throw odium on Leicester, without considering minutely whether + it were the mode of proceeding most likely to be attended with success. + But the step was irrevocable, and Sussex escaped from further discussing + it by dismissing his company, with the command, "Let all be in order at + eleven o'clock; I must be at court and in the presence by high noon + precisely." + </p> + <p> + While the rival statesmen were thus anxiously preparing for their + approaching meeting in the Queen's presence, even Elizabeth herself was + not without apprehension of what might chance from the collision of two + such fiery spirits, each backed by a strong and numerous body of + followers, and dividing betwixt them, either openly or in secret, the + hopes and wishes of most of her court. The band of Gentlemen Pensioners + were all under arms, and a reinforcement of the yeomen of the guard was + brought down the Thames from London. A royal proclamation was sent forth, + strictly prohibiting nobles of whatever degree to approach the Palace with + retainers or followers armed with shot or with long weapons; and it was + even whispered that the High Sheriff of Kent had secret instructions to + have a part of the array of the county ready on the shortest notice. + </p> + <p> + The eventful hour, thus anxiously prepared for on all sides, at length + approached, and, each followed by his long and glittering train of friends + and followers, the rival Earls entered the Palace Yard of Greenwich at + noon precisely. + </p> + <p> + As if by previous arrangement, or perhaps by intimation that such was the + Queen's pleasure, Sussex and his retinue came to the Palace from Deptford + by water while Leicester arrived by land; and thus they entered the + courtyard from opposite sides. This trifling circumstance gave Leicester a + ascendency in the opinion of the vulgar, the appearance of his cavalcade + of mounted followers showing more numerous and more imposing than those of + Sussex's party, who were necessarily upon foot. No show or sign of + greeting passed between the Earls, though each looked full at the other, + both expecting perhaps an exchange of courtesies, which neither was + willing to commence. Almost in the minute of their arrival the castle-bell + tolled, the gates of the Palace were opened, and the Earls entered, each + numerously attended by such gentlemen of their train whose rank gave them + that privilege. The yeomen and inferior attendants remained in the + courtyard, where the opposite parties eyed each other with looks of eager + hatred and scorn, as if waiting with impatience for some cause of tumult, + or some apology for mutual aggression. But they were restrained by the + strict commands of their leaders, and overawed, perhaps, by the presence + of an armed guard of unusual strength. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the more distinguished persons of each train followed + their patrons into the lofty halls and ante-chambers of the royal Palace, + flowing on in the same current, like two streams which are compelled into + the same channel, yet shun to mix their waters. The parties arranged + themselves, as it were instinctively, on the different sides of the lofty + apartments, and seemed eager to escape from the transient union which the + narrowness of the crowded entrance had for an instant compelled them to + submit to. The folding doors at the upper end of the long gallery were + immediately afterwards opened, and it was announced in a whisper that the + Queen was in her presence-chamber, to which these gave access. Both Earls + moved slowly and stately towards the entrance—Sussex followed by + Tressilian, Blount, and Raleigh, and Leicester by Varney. The pride of + Leicester was obliged to give way to court-forms, and with a grave and + formal inclination of the head, he paused until his rival, a peer of older + creation than his own, passed before him. Sussex returned the reverence + with the same formal civility, and entered the presence-room. Tressilian + and Blount offered to follow him, but were not permitted, the Usher of the + Black Rod alleging in excuse that he had precise orders to look to all + admissions that day. To Raleigh, who stood back on the repulse of his + companions, he said, "You, sir, may enter," and he entered accordingly. + </p> + <p> + "Follow me close, Varney," said the Earl of Leicester, who had stood aloof + for a moment to mark the reception of Sussex; and advancing to the + entrance, he was about to pass on, when Varney, who was close behind him, + dressed out in the utmost bravery of the day, was stopped by the usher, as + Tressilian and Blount had been before him, "How is this, Master Bowyer?" + said the Earl of Leicester. "Know you who I am, and that this is my friend + and follower?" + </p> + <p> + "Your lordship will pardon me," replied Bowyer stoutly; "my orders are + precise, and limit me to a strict discharge of my duty." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a partial knave," said Leicester, the blood mounting to his + face, "to do me this dishonour, when you but now admitted a follower of my + Lord of Sussex." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Bowyer, "Master Raleigh is newly admitted a sworn servant + of her Grace, and to him my orders did not apply." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a knave—an ungrateful knave," said Leicester; "but he that + hath done can undo—thou shalt not prank thee in thy authority long!" + </p> + <p> + This threat he uttered aloud, with less than his usual policy and + discretion; and having done so, he entered the presence-chamber, and made + his reverence to the Queen, who, attired with even more than her usual + splendour, and surrounded by those nobles and statesmen whose courage and + wisdom have rendered her reign immortal, stood ready to receive the + hommage of her subjects. She graciously returned the obeisance of the + favourite Earl, and looked alternately at him and at Sussex, as if about + to speak, when Bowyer, a man whose spirit could not brook the insult he + had so openly received from Leicester, in the discharge of his office, + advanced with his black rod in his hand, and knelt down before her. + </p> + <p> + "Why, how now, Bowyer?" said Elizabeth, "thy courtesy seems strangely + timed!" + </p> + <p> + "My Liege Sovereign," he said, while every courtier around trembled at his + audacity, "I come but to ask whether, in the discharge of mine office, I + am to obey your Highness's commands, or those of the Earl of Leicester, + who has publicly menaced me with his displeasure, and treated me with + disparaging terms, because I denied entry to one of his followers, in + obedience to your Grace's precise orders?" + </p> + <p> + The spirit of Henry VIII. was instantly aroused in the bosom of his + daughter, and she turned on Leicester with a severity which appalled him, + as well as all his followers. + </p> + <p> + "God's death! my lord." such was her emphatic phrase, "what means this? We + have thought well of you, and brought you near to our person; but it was + not that you might hide the sun from our other faithful subjects. Who gave + you license to contradict our orders, or control our officers? I will have + in this court, ay, and in this realm, but one mistress, and no master. + Look to it that Master Bowyer sustains no harm for his duty to me + faithfully discharged; for, as I am Christian woman and crowned Queen, I + will hold you dearly answerable.—Go, Bowyer, you have done the part + of an honest man and a true subject. We will brook no mayor of the palace + here." + </p> + <p> + Bowyer kissed the hand which she extended towards him, and withdrew to his + post, astonished at the success of his own audacity. A smile of triumph + pervaded the faction of Sussex; that of Leicester seemed proportionally + dismayed, and the favourite himself, assuming an aspect of the deepest + humility, did not even attempt a word in his own esculpation. + </p> + <p> + He acted wisely; for it was the policy of Elizabeth to humble, not to + disgrace him, and it was prudent to suffer her, without opposition or + reply, to glory in the exertion of her authority. The dignity of the Queen + was gratified, and the woman began soon to feel for the mortification + which she had imposed on her favourite. Her keen eye also observed the + secret looks of congratulation exchanged amongst those who favoured + Sussex, and it was no part of her policy to give either party a decisive + triumph. + </p> + <p> + "What I say to my Lord of Leicester," she said, after a moment's pause, "I + say also to you, my Lord of Sussex. You also must needs ruffle in the + court of England, at the head of a faction of your own?" + </p> + <p> + "My followers, gracious Princess," said Sussex, "have indeed ruffled in + your cause in Ireland, in Scotland, and against yonder rebellious Earls in + the north. I am ignorant that—" + </p> + <p> + "Do you bandy looks and words with me, my lord?" said the Queen, + interrupting him; "methinks you might learn of my Lord of Leicester the + modesty to be silent, at least, under our censure. I say, my lord, that my + grandfather and my father, in their wisdom, debarred the nobles of this + civilized land from travelling with such disorderly retinues; and think + you, that because I wear a coif, their sceptre has in my hand been changed + into a distaff? I tell you, no king in Christendom will less brook his + court to be cumbered, his people oppressed, and his kingdom's peace + disturbed, by the arrogance of overgrown power, than she who now speaks + with you.—My Lord of Leicester, and you, my Lord of Sussex, I + command you both to be friends with each other; or by the crown I wear, + you shall find an enemy who will be too strong for both of you!" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said the Earl of Leicester, "you who are yourself the fountain of + honour know best what is due to mine. I place it at your disposal, and + only say that the terms on which I have stood with my Lord of Sussex have + not been of my seeking; nor had he cause to think me his enemy, until he + had done me gross wrong." + </p> + <p> + "For me, madam," said the Earl of Sussex, "I cannot appeal from your + sovereign pleasure; but I were well content my Lord of Leicester should + say in what I have, as he terms it, wronged him, since my tongue never + spoke the word that I would not willingly justify either on foot or + horseback. + </p> + <p> + "And for me," said Leicester, "always under my gracious Sovereign's + pleasure, my hand shall be as ready to make good my words as that of any + man who ever wrote himself Ratcliffe." + </p> + <p> + "My lords," said the Queen, "these are no terms for this presence; and if + you cannot keep your temper, we will find means to keep both that and you + close enough. Let me see you join hands, my lords, and forget your idle + animosities." + </p> + <p> + The two rivals looked at each other with reluctant eyes, each unwilling to + make the first advance to execute the Queen's will. + </p> + <p> + "Sussex," said Elizabeth, "I entreat—Leicester, I command you." + </p> + <p> + Yet, so were her words accented, that the entreaty sounded like command, + and the command like entreaty. They remained still and stubborn, until she + raised her voice to a height which argued at once impatience and absolute + command. + </p> + <p> + "Sir Henry Lee," she said, to an officer in attendance, "have a guard in + present readiness, and man a barge instantly.—My Lords of Sussex and + Leicester, I bid you once more to join hands; and, God's death! he that + refuses shall taste of our Tower fare ere he sees our face again. I will + lower your proud hearts ere we part, and that I promise, on the word of a + Queen!" + </p> + <p> + "The prison?" said Leicester, "might be borne, but to lose your Grace's + presence were to lose light and life at once.—Here, Sussex, is my + hand." + </p> + <p> + "And here," said Sussex, "is mine in truth and honesty; but—" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, under favour, you shall add no more," said the Queen. "Why, this is + as it should be," she added, looking on them more favourably; "and when + you the shepherds of the people, unite to protect them, it shall be well + with the flock we rule over. For, my lords, I tell you plainly, your + follies and your brawls lead to strange disorders among your servants.—My + Lord of Leicester, you have a gentleman in your household called Varney?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, gracious madam," replied Leicester; "I presented him to kiss your + royal hand when you were last at Nonsuch." + </p> + <p> + "His outside was well enough," said the Queen, "but scarce so fair, I + should have thought, as to have caused a maiden of honourable birth and + hopes to barter her fame for his good looks, and become his paramour. Yet + so it is; this fellow of yours hath seduced the daughter of a good old + Devonshire knight, Sir Hugh Robsart of Lidcote Hall, and she hath fled + with him from her father's house like a castaway.—My Lord of + Leicester, are you ill, that you look so deadly pale?" + </p> + <p> + "No, gracious madam," said Leicester; and it required every effort he + could make to bring forth these few words. + </p> + <p> + "You are surely ill, my lord?" said Elizabeth, going towards him with + hasty speech and hurried step, which indicated the deepest concern. "Call + Masters—call our surgeon in ordinary.—Where be these loitering + fools?—we lose the pride of our court through their negligence.—Or + is it possible, Leicester," she continued, looking on him with a very + gentle aspect, "can fear of my displeasure have wrought so deeply on thee? + Doubt not for a moment, noble Dudley, that we could blame THEE for the + folly of thy retainer—thee, whose thoughts we know to be far + otherwise employed. He that would climb the eagle's nest, my lord, cares + not who are catching linnets at the foot of the precipice." + </p> + <p> + "Mark you that?" said Sussex aside to Raleigh. "The devil aids him surely; + for all that would sink another ten fathom deep seems but to make him + float the more easily. Had a follower of mine acted thus—" + </p> + <p> + "Peace, my good lord," said Raleigh, "for God's sake, peace! Wait the + change of the tide; it is even now on the turn." + </p> + <p> + The acute observation of Raleigh, perhaps, did not deceive him; for + Leicester's confusion was so great, and, indeed, for the moment, so + irresistibly overwhelming, that Elizabeth, after looking at him with a + wondering eye, and receiving no intelligible answer to the unusual + expressions of grace and affection which had escaped from her, shot her + quick glance around the circle of courtiers, and reading, perhaps, in + their faces something that accorded with her own awakened suspicions, she + said suddenly, "Or is there more in this than we see—or than you, my + lord, wish that we should see? Where is this Varney? Who saw him?" + </p> + <p> + "An it please your Grace," said Bowyer, "it is the same against whom I + this instant closed the door of the presence-room." + </p> + <p> + "An it please me?" repeated Elizabeth sharply, not at that moment in the + humour of being pleased with anything.—"It does NOT please me that + he should pass saucily into my presence, or that you should exclude from + it one who came to justify himself from an accusation." + </p> + <p> + "May it please you," answered the perplexed usher, "if I knew, in such + case, how to bear myself, I would take heed—" + </p> + <p> + "You should have reported the fellow's desire to us, Master Usher, and + taken our directions. You think yourself a great man, because but now we + chid a nobleman on your account; yet, after all, we hold you but as the + lead-weight that keeps the door fast. Call this Varney hither instantly. + There is one Tressilian also mentioned in this petition. Let them both + come before us." + </p> + <p> + She was obeyed, and Tressilian and Varney appeared accordingly. Varney's + first glance was at Leicester, his second at the Queen. In the looks of + the latter there appeared an approaching storm, and in the downcast + countenance of his patron he could read no directions in what way he was + to trim his vessel for the encounter. He then saw Tressilian, and at once + perceived the peril of the situation in which he was placed. But Varney + was as bold-faced and ready-witted as he was cunning and unscrupulous—a + skilful pilot in extremity, and fully conscious of the advantages which he + would obtain could he extricate Leicester from his present peril, and of + the ruin that yawned for himself should he fail in doing so. + </p> + <p> + "Is it true, sirrah," said the Queen, with one of those searching looks + which few had the audacity to resist, "that you have seduced to infamy a + young lady of birth and breeding, the daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart of + Lidcote Hall?" + </p> + <p> + Varney kneeled down, and replied, with a look of the most profound + contrition, "There had been some love passages betwixt him and Mistress + Amy Robsart." + </p> + <p> + Leicester's flesh quivered with indignation as he heard his dependant make + this avowal, and for one moment he manned himself to step forward, and, + bidding farewell to the court and the royal favour, confess the whole + mystery of the secret marriage. But he looked at Sussex, and the idea of + the triumphant smile which would clothe his cheek upon hearing the avowal + sealed his lips. "Not now, at least," he thought, "or in this presence, + will I afford him so rich a triumph." And pressing his lips close + together, he stood firm and collected, attentive to each word which Varney + uttered, and determined to hide to the last the secret on which his + court-favour seemed to depend. Meanwhile, the Queen proceeded in her + examination of Varney. + </p> + <p> + "Love passages!" said she, echoing his last words; "what passages, thou + knave? and why not ask the wench's hand from her father, if thou hadst any + honesty in thy love for her?" + </p> + <p> + "An it please your Grace," said Varney, still on his knees, "I dared not + do so, for her father had promised her hand to a gentleman of birth and + honour—I will do him justice, though I know he bears me ill-will—one + Master Edmund Tressilian, whom I now see in the presence." + </p> + <p> + "Soh!" replied the Queen. "And what was your right to make the simple fool + break her worthy father's contract, through your love PASSAGES, as your + conceit and assurance terms them?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," replied Varney, "it is in vain to plead the cause of human + frailty before a judge to whom it is unknown, or that of love to one who + never yields to the passion"—he paused an instant, and then added, + in a very low and timid tone—"which she inflicts upon all others." + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth tried to frown, but smiled in her own despite, as she answered, + "Thou art a marvellously impudent knave. Art thou married to the girl?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester's feelings became so complicated and so painfully intense, that + it seemed to him as if his life was to depend on the answer made by + Varney, who, after a moment's real hesitation, answered, "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Thou false villain!" said Leicester, bursting forth into rage, yet unable + to add another word to the sentence which he had begun with such emphatic + passion. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord," said the Queen, "we will, by your leave, stand between + this fellow and your anger. We have not yet done with him.—Knew your + master, my Lord of Leicester, of this fair work of yours? Speak truth, I + command thee, and I will be thy warrant from danger on every quarter." + </p> + <p> + "Gracious madam," said Varney, "to speak Heaven's truth, my lord was the + cause of the whole matter." + </p> + <p> + "Thou villain, wouldst thou betray me?" said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Speak on," said the Queen hastily, her cheek colouring, and her eyes + sparkling, as she addressed Varney—"speak on. Here no commands are + heard but mine." + </p> + <p> + "They are omnipotent, gracious madam," replied Varney; "and to you there + can be no secrets.—Yet I would not," he added, looking around him, + "speak of my master's concerns to other ears." + </p> + <p> + "Fall back, my lords," said the Queen to those who surrounded her, "and do + you speak on. What hath the Earl to do with this guilty intrigue of thine? + See, fellow, that thou beliest him not!" + </p> + <p> + "Far be it from me to traduce my noble patron," replied Varney; "yet I am + compelled to own that some deep, overwhelming, yet secret feeling hath of + late dwelt in my lord's mind, hath abstracted him from the cares of the + household which he was wont to govern with such religious strictness, and + hath left us opportunities to do follies, of which the shame, as in this + case, partly falls upon our patron. Without this, I had not had means or + leisure to commit the folly which has drawn on me his displeasure—the + heaviest to endure by me which I could by any means incur, saving always + the yet more dreaded resentment of your Grace." + </p> + <p> + "And in this sense, and no other, hath he been accessory to thy fault?" + said Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, madam, in no other," replied Varney; "but since somewhat hath + chanced to him, he can scarce be called his own man. Look at him, madam, + how pale and trembling he stands! how unlike his usual majesty of manner!—yet + what has he to fear from aught I can say to your Highness? Ah! madam, + since he received that fatal packet!" + </p> + <p> + "What packet, and from whence?" said the Queen eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "From whence, madam, I cannot guess; but I am so near to his person that I + know he has ever since worn, suspended around his neck and next to his + heart, that lock of hair which sustains a small golden jewel shaped like a + heart. He speaks to it when alone—he parts not from it when he + sleeps—no heathen ever worshipped an idol with such devotion." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a prying knave to watch thy master so closely," said Elizabeth, + blushing, but not with anger; "and a tattling knave to tell over again his + fooleries.—What colour might the braid of hair be that thou pratest + of?" + </p> + <p> + Varney replied, "A poet, madam, might call it a thread from the golden web + wrought by Minerva; but to my thinking it was paler than even the purest + gold—more like the last parting sunbeam of the softest day of + spring." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you are a poet yourself, Master Varney," said the Queen, smiling. + "But I have not genius quick enough to follow your rare metaphors. Look + round these ladies—is there"—(she hesitated, and endeavoured + to assume an air of great indifference)—"is there here, in this + presence, any lady, the colour of whose hair reminds thee of that braid? + Methinks, without prying into my Lord of Leicester's amorous secrets, I + would fain know what kind of locks are like the thread of Minerva's web, + or the—what was it?—the last rays of the May-day sun." + </p> + <p> + Varney looked round the presence-chamber, his eye travelling from one lady + to another, until at length it rested upon the Queen herself, but with an + aspect of the deepest veneration. "I see no tresses," he said, "in this + presence, worthy of such similies, unless where I dare not look on them." + </p> + <p> + "How, sir knave?" said the Queen; "dare you intimate—" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, madam," replied Varney, shading his eyes with his hand, "it was the + beams of the May-day sun that dazzled my weak eyes." + </p> + <p> + "Go to—go to," said the Queen; "thou art a foolish fellow"—and + turning quickly from him she walked up to Leicester. + </p> + <p> + Intense curiosity, mingled with all the various hopes, fears, and passions + which influence court faction, had occupied the presence-chamber during + the Queen's conference with Varney, as if with the strength of an Eastern + talisman. Men suspended every, even the slightest external motion, and + would have ceased to breathe, had Nature permitted such an intermission of + her functions. The atmosphere was contagious, and Leicester, who saw all + around wishing or fearing his advancement or his fall forgot all that love + had previously dictated, and saw nothing for the instant but the favour or + disgrace which depended on the nod of Elizabeth and the fidelity of + Varney. He summoned himself hastily, and prepared to play his part in the + scene which was like to ensue, when, as he judged from the glances which + the Queen threw towards him, Varney's communications, be they what they + might, were operating in his favour. Elizabeth did not long leave him in + doubt; for the more than favour with which she accosted him decided his + triumph in the eyes of his rival, and of the assembled court of England. + "Thou hast a prating servant of this same Varney, my lord," she said; "it + is lucky you trust him with nothing that can hurt you in our opinion, for + believe me, he would keep no counsel." + </p> + <p> + "From your Highness," said Leicester, dropping gracefully on one knee, "it + were treason he should. I would that my heart itself lay before you, barer + than the tongue of any servant could strip it." + </p> + <p> + "What, my lord," said Elizabeth, looking kindly upon him, "is there no one + little corner over which you would wish to spread a veil? Ah! I see you + are confused at the question, and your Queen knows she should not look too + deeply into her servants' motives for their faithful duty, lest she see + what might, or at least ought to, displease her." + </p> + <p> + Relieved by these last words, Leicester broke out into a torrent of + expressions of deep and passionate attachment, which perhaps, at that + moment, were not altogether fictitious. The mingled emotions which had at + first overcome him had now given way to the energetic vigour with which he + had determined to support his place in the Queen's favour; and never did + he seem to Elizabeth more eloquent, more handsome, more interesting, than + while, kneeling at her feet, he conjured her to strip him of all his + power, but to leave him the name of her servant.—"Take from the poor + Dudley," he exclaimed, "all that your bounty has made him, and bid him be + the poor gentleman he was when your Grace first shone on him; leave him no + more than his cloak and his sword, but let him still boast he has—what + in word or deed he never forfeited—the regard of his adored Queen + and mistress!" + </p> + <p> + "No, Dudley!" said Elizabeth, raising him with one hand, while she + extended the other that he might kiss it. "Elizabeth hath not forgotten + that, whilst you were a poor gentleman, despoiled of your hereditary rank, + she was as poor a princess, and that in her cause you then ventured all + that oppression had left you—your life and honour. Rise, my lord, + and let my hand go—rise, and be what you have ever been, the grace + of our court and the support of our throne! Your mistress may be forced to + chide your misdemeanours, but never without owning your merits.—And + so help me God," she added, turning to the audience, who, with various + feelings, witnessed this interesting scene—"so help me God, + gentlemen, as I think never sovereign had a truer servant than I have in + this noble Earl!" + </p> + <p> + A murmur of assent rose from the Leicestrian faction, which the friends of + Sussex dared not oppose. They remained with their eyes fixed on the + ground, dismayed as well as mortified by the public and absolute triumph + of their opponents. Leicester's first use of the familiarity to which the + Queen had so publicly restored him was to ask her commands concerning + Varney's offence, "although," he said, "the fellow deserves nothing from + me but displeasure, yet, might I presume to intercede—" + </p> + <p> + "In truth, we had forgotten his matter," said the Queen; "and it was ill + done of us, who owe justice to our meanest as well as to our highest + subject. We are pleased, my lord, that you were the first to recall the + matter to our memory.—Where is Tressilian, the accuser?—let + him come before us." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian appeared, and made a low and beseeming reference. His person, + as we have elsewhere observed, had an air of grace and even of nobleness, + which did not escape Queen Elizabeth's critical observation. She looked at + him with, attention as he stood before her unabashed, but with an air of + the deepest dejection. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot but grieve for this gentleman," she said to Leicester. "I have + inquired concerning him, and his presence confirms what I heard, that he + is a scholar and a soldier, well accomplished both in arts and arms. We + women, my lord, are fanciful in our choice—I had said now, to judge + by the eye, there was no comparison to be held betwixt your follower and + this gentleman. But Varney is a well-spoken fellow, and, to say truth, + that goes far with us of the weaker sex.—look you, Master + Tressilian, a bolt lost is not a bow broken. Your true affection, as I + will hold it to be, hath been, it seems, but ill requited; but you have + scholarship, and you know there have been false Cressidas to be found, + from the Trojan war downwards. Forget, good sir, this Lady Light o' Love—teach + your affection to see with a wiser eye. This we say to you, more from the + writings of learned men than our own knowledge, being, as we are, far + removed by station and will from the enlargement of experience in such + idle toys of humorous passion. For this dame's father, we can make his + grief the less by advancing his son-in-law to such station as may enable + him to give an honourable support to his bride. Thou shalt not be + forgotten thyself, Tressilian—follow our court, and thou shalt see + that a true Troilus hath some claim on our grace. Think of what that + arch-knave Shakespeare says—a plague on him, his toys come into my + head when I should think of other matters. Stay, how goes it? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Cressid was yours, tied with the bonds of heaven; + These bonds of heaven are slipt, dissolved, and loosed, + And with another knot five fingers tied, + The fragments of her faith are bound to Diomed.' +</pre> + <p> + You smile, my Lord of Southampton—perchance I make your player's + verse halt through my bad memory. But let it suffice let there be no more + of this mad matter." + </p> + <p> + And as Tressilian kept the posture of one who would willingly be heard, + though, at the same time, expressive of the deepest reverence, the Queen + added with some impatience, "What would the man have? The wench cannot wed + both of you? She has made her election—not a wise one perchance—but + she is Varney's wedded wife." + </p> + <p> + "My suit should sleep there, most gracious Sovereign," said Tressilian, + "and with my suit my revenge. But I hold this Varney's word no good + warrant for the truth." + </p> + <p> + "Had that doubt been elsewhere urged," answered Varney, "my sword—" + </p> + <p> + "THY sword!" interrupted Tressilian scornfully; "with her Grace's leave, + my sword shall show—" + </p> + <p> + "Peace, you knaves, both!" said the Queen; "know you where you are?—This + comes of your feuds, my lords," she added, looking towards Leicester and + Sussex; "your followers catch your own humour, and must bandy and brawl in + my court and in my very presence, like so many Matamoros.—Look you, + sirs, he that speaks of drawing swords in any other quarrel than mine or + England's, by mine honour, I'll bracelet him with iron both on wrist and + ankle!" She then paused a minute, and resumed in a milder tone, "I must do + justice betwixt the bold and mutinous knaves notwithstanding.—My + Lord of Leicester, will you warrant with your honour—that is, to the + best of your belief—that your servant speaks truth in saying he hath + married this Amy Robsart?" + </p> + <p> + This was a home-thrust, and had nearly staggered Leicester. But he had now + gone too far to recede, and answered, after a moment's hesitation, "To the + best of my belief—indeed on my certain knowledge—she is a + wedded wife." + </p> + <p> + "Gracious madam," said Tressilian, "may I yet request to know, when and + under what circumstances this alleged marriage—" + </p> + <p> + "Out, sirrah," answered the Queen; "ALLEGED marriage! Have you not the + word of this illustrious Earl to warrant the truth of what his servant + says? But thou art a loser—thinkest thyself such at least—and + thou shalt have indulgence; we will look into the matter ourself more at + leisure.—My Lord of Leicester, I trust you remember we mean to taste + the good cheer of your Castle of Kenilworth on this week ensuing. We will + pray you to bid our good and valued friend, the Earl of Sussex, to hold + company with us there." + </p> + <p> + "If the noble Earl of Sussex," said Leicester, bowing to his rival with + the easiest and with the most graceful courtesy, "will so far honour my + poor house, I will hold it an additional proof of the amicable regard it + is your Grace's desire we should entertain towards each other." + </p> + <p> + Sussex was more embarrassed. "I should," said he, "madam, be but a clog on + your gayer hours, since my late severe illness." + </p> + <p> + "And have you been indeed so very ill?" said Elizabeth, looking on him + with more attention than before; "you are, in faith, strangely altered, + and deeply am I grieved to see it. But be of good cheer—we will + ourselves look after the health of so valued a servant, and to whom we owe + so much. Masters shall order your diet; and that we ourselves may see that + he is obeyed, you must attend us in this progress to Kenilworth." + </p> + <p> + This was said so peremptorily, and at the same time with so much kindness, + that Sussex, however unwilling to become the guest of his rival, had no + resource but to bow low to the Queen in obedience to her commands, and to + express to Leicester, with blunt courtesy, though mingled with + embarrassment, his acceptance of his invitation. As the Earls exchanged + compliments on the occasion, the Queen said to her High Treasurer, + "Methinks, my lord, the countenances of these our two noble peers resemble + those of the two famed classic streams, the one so dark and sad, the other + so fair and noble. My old Master Ascham would have chid me for forgetting + the author. It is Caesar, as I think. See what majestic calmness sits on + the brow of the noble Leicester, while Sussex seems to greet him as if he + did our will indeed, but not willingly." + </p> + <p> + "The doubt of your Majesty's favour," answered the Lord Treasurer, "may + perchance occasion the difference, which does not—as what does?—escape + your Grace's eye." + </p> + <p> + "Such doubt were injurious to us, my lord," replied the Queen. "We hold + both to be near and dear to us, and will with impartiality employ both in + honourable service for the weal of our kingdom. But we will break their + further conference at present.—My Lords of Sussex and Leicester, we + have a word more with you. 'Tressilian and Varney are near your persons—you + will see that they attend you at Kenilworth. And as we shall then have + both Paris and Menelaus within our call, so we will have the same fair + Helen also, whose fickleness has caused this broil.—Varney, thy wife + must be at Kenilworth, and forthcoming at my order.—My Lord of + Leicester, we expect you will look to this." + </p> + <p> + The Earl and his follower bowed low and raised their heads, without daring + to look at the Queen, or at each other, for both felt at the instant as if + the nets and toils which their own falsehood had woven were in the act of + closing around them. The Queen, however, observed not their confusion, but + proceeded to say, "My Lords of Sussex and Leicester, we require your + presence at the privy-council to be presently held, where matters of + importance are to be debated. We will then take the water for our + divertisement, and you, my lords, will attend us.—And that reminds + us of a circumstance.—Do you, Sir Squire of the Soiled Cassock" + (distinguishing Raleigh by a smile), "fail not to observe that you are to + attend us on our progress. You shall be supplied with suitable means to + reform your wardrobe." + </p> + <p> + And so terminated this celebrated audience, in which, as throughout her + life, Elizabeth united the occasional caprice of her sex with that sense + and sound policy in which neither man nor woman ever excelled her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Well, then—our course is chosen—spread the sail— + Heave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well— + Look to the helm, good master—many a shoal + Marks this stern coast, and rocks, where sits the Siren, + Who, like ambition, lures men to their ruin.—THE SHIPWRECK. +</pre> + <p> + During the brief interval that took place betwixt the dismissal of the + audience and the sitting of the privy-council, Leicester had time to + reflect that he had that morning sealed his own fate. "It was impossible + for him now," he thought, "after having, in the face of all that was + honourable in England, pledged his truth (though in an ambiguous phrase) + for the statement of Varney, to contradict or disavow it, without exposing + himself, not merely to the loss of court-favour, but to the highest + displeasure of the Queen, his deceived mistress, and to the scorn and + contempt at once of his rival and of all his compeers." This certainty + rushed at once on his mind, together with all the difficulties which he + would necessarily be exposed to in preserving a secret which seemed now + equally essential to his safety, to his power, and to his honour. He was + situated like one who walks upon ice ready to give way around him, and + whose only safety consists in moving onwards, by firm and unvacillating + steps. The Queen's favour, to preserve which he had made such sacrifices, + must now be secured by all means and at all hazards; it was the only plank + which he could cling to in the tempest. He must settle himself, therefore, + to the task of not only preserving, but augmenting the Queen's partiality—he + must be the favourite of Elizabeth, or a man utterly shipwrecked in + fortune and in honour. All other considerations must be laid aside for the + moment, and he repelled the intrusive thoughts which forced on his mind + the image of, Amy, by saying to himself there would be time to think + hereafter how he was to escape from the labyrinth ultimately, since the + pilot who sees a Scylla under his bows must not for the time think of the + more distant dangers of Charybdis. + </p> + <p> + In this mood the Earl of Leicester that day assumed his chair at the + council table of Elizabeth; and when the hours of business were over, in + this same mood did he occupy an honoured place near her during her + pleasure excursion on the Thames. And never did he display to more + advantage his powers as a politician of the first rank, or his parts as an + accomplished courtier. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that in that day's council matters were agitated touching the + affairs of the unfortunate Mary, the seventh year of whose captivity in + England was now in doleful currency. There had been opinions in favour of + this unhappy princess laid before Elizabeth's council, and supported with + much strength of argument by Sussex and others, who dwelt more upon the + law of nations and the breach of hospitality than, however softened or + qualified, was agreeable to the Queen's ear. Leicester adopted the + contrary opinion with great animation and eloquence, and described the + necessity of continuing the severe restraint of the Queen of Scots, as a + measure essential to the safety of the kingdom, and particularly of + Elizabeth's sacred person, the lightest hair of whose head, he maintained, + ought, in their lordships' estimation, to be matter of more deep and + anxious concern than the life and fortunes of a rival, who, after setting + up a vain and unjust pretence to the throne of England, was now, even + while in the bosom of her country, the constant hope and theme of + encouragement to all enemies to Elizabeth, whether at home or abroad. He + ended by craving pardon of their lordships, if in the zeal of speech he + had given any offence, but the Queen's safety was a theme which hurried + him beyond his usual moderation of debate. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth chid him, but not severely, for the weight which he attached + unduly to her personal interests; yet she owned that, since it had been + the pleasure of Heaven to combine those interests with the weal of her + subjects, she did only her duty when she adopted such measures of + self-preservation as circumstances forced upon her; and if the council in + their wisdom should be of opinion that it was needful to continue some + restraint on the person of her unhappy sister of Scotland, she trusted + they would not blame her if she requested of the Countess of Shrewsbury to + use her with as much kindness as might be consistent with her safe + keeping. And with this intimation of her pleasure the council was + dismissed. + </p> + <p> + Never was more anxious and ready way made for "my Lord of Leicester," than + as he passed through the crowded anterooms to go towards the river-side, + in order to attend her Majesty to her barge—never was the voice of + the ushers louder, to "make room, make room for the noble Earl"—never + were these signals more promptly and reverently obeyed—never were + more anxious eyes turned on him to obtain a glance of favour, or even of + mere recognition, while the heart of many a humble follower throbbed + betwixt the desire to offer his congratulations, and the fear of intruding + himself on the notice of one so infinitely above him. The whole court + considered the issue of this day's audience, expected with so much doubt + and anxiety, as a decisive triumph on the part of Leicester, and felt + assured that the orb of his rival satellite, if not altogether obscured by + his lustre, must revolve hereafter in a dimmer and more distant sphere. So + thought the court and courtiers, from high to low; and they acted + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, never did Leicester return the general greeting with + such ready and condescending courtesy, or endeavour more successfully to + gather (in the words of one who at that moment stood at no great distance + from him) "golden opinions from all sorts of men." + </p> + <p> + For all the favourite Earl had a bow a smile at least, and often a kind + word. Most of these were addressed to courtiers, whose names have long + gone down the tide of oblivion; but some, to such as sound strangely in + our ears, when connected with the ordinary matters of human life, above + which the gratitude of posterity has long elevated them. A few of + Leicester's interlocutory sentences ran as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "Poynings, good morrow; and how does your wife and fair daughter? Why come + they not to court?—Adams, your suit is naught; the Queen will grant + no more monopolies. But I may serve you in another matter.—My good + Alderman Aylford, the suit of the City, affecting Queenhithe, shall be + forwarded as far as my poor interest can serve.—Master Edmund + Spenser, touching your Irish petition, I would willingly aid you, from my + love to the Muses; but thou hast nettled the Lord Treasurer." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said the poet, "were I permitted to explain—" + </p> + <p> + "Come to my lodging, Edmund," answered the Earl "not to-morrow, or next + day, but soon.—Ha, Will Shakespeare—wild Will!—thou hast + given my nephew Philip Sidney, love-powder; he cannot sleep without thy + Venus and Adonis under his pillow! We will have thee hanged for the + veriest wizard in Europe. Hark thee, mad wag, I have not forgotten thy + matter of the patent, and of the bears." + </p> + <p> + The PLAYER bowed, and the Earl nodded and passed on—so that age + would have told the tale; in ours, perhaps, we might say the immortal had + done homage to the mortal. The next whom the favourite accosted was one of + his own zealous dependants. + </p> + <p> + "How now, Sir Francis Denning," he whispered, in answer to his exulting + salutation, "that smile hath made thy face shorter by one-third than when + I first saw it this morning.—What, Master Bowyer, stand you back, + and think you I bear malice? You did but your duty this morning; and if I + remember aught of the passage betwixt us, it shall be in thy favour." + </p> + <p> + Then the Earl was approached, with several fantastic congees, by a person + quaintly dressed in a doublet of black velvet, curiously slashed and + pinked with crimson satin. A long cock's feather in the velvet bonnet, + which he held in his hand, and an enormous ruff; stiffened to the + extremity of the absurd taste of the times, joined with a sharp, lively, + conceited expression of countenance, seemed to body forth a vain, + harebrained coxcomb, and small wit; while the rod he held, and an + assumption of formal authority, appeared to express some sense of official + consequence, which qualified the natural pertness of his manner. A + perpetual blush, which occupied rather the sharp nose than the thin cheek + of this personage, seemed to speak more of "good life," as it was called, + than of modesty; and the manner in which he approached to the Earl + confirmed that suspicion. + </p> + <p> + "Good even to you, Master Robert Laneham," said Leicester, and seemed + desirous to pass forward, without further speech. + </p> + <p> + "I have a suit to your noble lordship," said the figure, boldly following + him. + </p> + <p> + "And what is it, good master keeper of the council-chamber door?" + </p> + <p> + "CLERK of the council-chamber door," said Master Robert Laneham, with + emphasis, by way of reply, and of correction. + </p> + <p> + "Well, qualify thine office as thou wilt, man," replied the Earl; "what + wouldst thou have with me?" + </p> + <p> + "Simply," answered Laneham, "that your lordship would be, as heretofore, + my good lord, and procure me license to attend the Summer Progress unto + your lordship's most beautiful and all-to-be-unmatched Castle of + Kenilworth." + </p> + <p> + "To what purpose, good Master Laneham?" replied the Earl; "bethink you, my + guests must needs be many." + </p> + <p> + "Not so many," replied the petitioner, "but that your nobleness will + willingly spare your old servitor his crib and his mess. Bethink you, my + lord, how necessary is this rod of mine to fright away all those + listeners, who else would play at bo-peep with the honourable council, and + be searching for keyholes and crannies in the door of the chamber, so as + to render my staff as needful as a fly-flap in a butcher's shop." + </p> + <p> + "Methinks you have found out a fly-blown comparison for the honourable + council, Master Laneham," said the Earl; "but seek not about to justify + it. Come to Kenilworth, if you list; there will be store of fools there + besides, and so you will be fitted." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, an there be fools, my lord," replied Laneham, with much glee, "I + warrant I will make sport among them, for no greyhound loves to cote a + hare as I to turn and course a fool. But I have another singular favour to + beseech of your honour." + </p> + <p> + "Speak it, and let me go," said the Earl; "I think the Queen comes forth + instantly." + </p> + <p> + "My very good lord, I would fain bring a bed-fellow with me." + </p> + <p> + "How, you irreverent rascal!" said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lord, my meaning is within the canons," answered his unblushing, + or rather his ever-blushing petitioner. "I have a wife as curious as her + grandmother who ate the apple. Now, take her with me I may not, her + Highness's orders being so strict against the officers bringing with them + their wives in a progress, and so lumbering the court with womankind. But + what I would crave of your lordship is to find room for her in some + mummery, or pretty pageant, in disguise, as it were; so that, not being + known for my wife, there may be no offence." + </p> + <p> + "The foul fiend seize ye both!" said Leicester, stung into uncontrollable + passion by the recollections which this speech excited—"why stop you + me with such follies?" + </p> + <p> + The terrified clerk of the chamber-door, astonished at the burst of + resentment he had so unconsciously produced, dropped his staff of office + from his hand, and gazed on the incensed Earl with a foolish face of + wonder and terror, which instantly recalled Leicester to himself. + </p> + <p> + "I meant but to try if thou hadst the audacity which befits thine office," + said he hastily. "Come to Kenilworth, and bring the devil with thee, if + thou wilt." + </p> + <p> + "My wife, sir, hath played the devil ere now, in a Mystery, in Queen + Mary's time; but me shall want a trifle for properties." + </p> + <p> + "Here is a crown for thee," said the Earl,—"make me rid of thee—the + great bell rings." + </p> + <p> + Master Robert Laneham stared a moment at the agitation which he had + excited, and then said to himself, as he stooped to pick up his staff of + office, "The noble Earl runs wild humours to-day. But they who give crowns + expect us witty fellows to wink at their unsettled starts; and, by my + faith, if they paid not for mercy, we would finger them tightly!" [See + Note 6. Robert Laneham.] + </p> + <p> + Leicester moved hastily on, neglecting the courtesies he had hitherto + dispensed so liberally, and hurrying through the courtly crowd, until he + paused in a small withdrawing-room, into which he plunged to draw a + moment's breath unobserved, and in seclusion. + </p> + <p> + "What am I now," he said to himself, "that am thus jaded by the words of a + mean, weather-beaten, goose-brained gull! Conscience, thou art a + bloodhound, whose growl wakes us readily at the paltry stir of a rat or + mouse as at the step of a lion. Can I not quit myself, by one bold stroke, + of a state so irksome, so unhonoured? What if I kneel to Elizabeth, and, + owning the whole, throw myself on her mercy?" + </p> + <p> + As he pursued this train of thought, the door of the apartment opened, and + Varney rushed in. + </p> + <p> + "Thank God, my lord, that I have found you!" was his exclamation. + </p> + <p> + "Thank the devil, whose agent thou art," was the Earl's reply. + </p> + <p> + "Thank whom you will, my lord," replied Varney; "but hasten to the + water-side. The Queen is on board, and asks for you." + </p> + <p> + "Go, say I am taken suddenly ill," replied Leicester; "for, by Heaven, my + brain can sustain this no longer!" + </p> + <p> + "I may well say so," said Varney, with bitterness of expression, "for your + place, ay, and mine, who, as your master of the horse, was to have + attended your lordship, is already filled up in the Queen's barge. The new + minion, Walter Raleigh, and our old acquaintance Tressilian were called + for to fill our places just as I hastened away to seek you." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a devil, Varney," said Leicester hastily; "but thou hast the + mastery for the present—I follow thee." + </p> + <p> + Varney replied not, but led the way out of the palace, and towards the + river, while his master followed him, as if mechanically; until, looking + back, he said in a tone which savoured of familiarity at least, if not of + authority, "How is this, my lord? Your cloak hangs on one side—your + hose are unbraced—permit me—" + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a fool, Varney, as well as a knave," said Leicester, shaking him + off, and rejecting his officious assistance. "We are best thus, sir; when + we require you to order our person, it is well, but now we want you not." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the Earl resumed at once his air of command, and with it his + self-possession—shook his dress into yet wilder disorder—passed + before Varney with the air of a superior and master, and in his turn led + the way to the river-side. + </p> + <p> + The Queen's barge was on the very point of putting off, the seat allotted + to Leicester in the stern, and that to his master of the horse on the bow + of the boat, being already filled up. But on Leicester's approach there + was a pause, as if the bargemen anticipated some alteration in their + company. The angry spot was, however, on the Queen's cheek, as, in that + cold tone with which superiors endeavour to veil their internal agitation, + while speaking to those before whom it would be derogation to express it, + she pronounced the chilling words, "We have waited, my Lord of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "Madam, and most gracious Princess," said Leicester, "you, who can pardon + so many weaknesses which your own heart never knows, can best bestow your + commiseration on the agitations of the bosom, which, for a moment, affect + both head and limbs. I came to your presence a doubting and an accused + subject; your goodness penetrated the clouds of defamation, and restored + me to my honour, and, what is yet dearer, to your favour—is it + wonderful, though for me it is most unhappy, that my master of the horse + should have found me in a state which scarce permitted me to make the + exertion necessary to follow him to this place, when one glance of your + Highness, although, alas! an angry one, has had power to do that for me in + which Esculapius might have failed?" + </p> + <p> + "How is this?" said Elizabeth hastily, looking at Varney; "hath your lord + been ill?" + </p> + <p> + "Something of a fainting fit," answered the ready-witted Varney, "as your + Grace may observe from his present condition. My lord's haste would not + permit me leisure even to bring his dress into order." + </p> + <p> + "It matters not," said Elizabeth, as she gazed on the noble face and form + of Leicester, to which even the strange mixture of passions by which he + had been so lately agitated gave additional interest; "make room for my + noble lord. Your place, Master Varney, has been filled up; you must find a + seat in another barge." + </p> + <p> + Varney bowed, and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + "And you, too, our young Squire of the Cloak," added she, looking at + Raleigh, "must, for the time, go to the barge of our ladies of honour. As + for Tressilian, he hath already suffered too much by the caprice of women + that I should aggrieve him by my change of plan, so far as he is + concerned." + </p> + <p> + Leicester seated himself in his place in the barge, and close to the + Sovereign. Raleigh rose to retire, and Tressilian would have been so + ill-timed in his courtesy as to offer to relinquish his own place to his + friend, had not the acute glance of Raleigh himself, who seemed not in his + native element, made him sensible that so ready a disclamation of the + royal favour might be misinterpreted. He sat silent, therefore, whilst + Raleigh, with a profound bow, and a look of the deepest humiliation, was + about to quit his place. + </p> + <p> + A noble courtier, the gallant Lord Willoughby, read, as he thought, + something in the Queen's face which seemed to pity Raleigh's real or + assumed semblance of mortification. + </p> + <p> + "It is not for us old courtiers," he said, "to hide the sunshine from the + young ones. I will, with her Majesty's leave, relinquish for an hour that + which her subjects hold dearest, the delight of her Highness's presence, + and mortify myself by walking in starlight, while I forsake for a brief + season the glory of Diana's own beams. I will take place in the boat which + the ladies occupy, and permit this young cavalier his hour of promised + felicity." + </p> + <p> + The Queen replied, with an expression betwixt mirth and earnest, "If you + are so willing to leave us, my lord, we cannot help the mortification. + But, under favour, we do not trust you—old and experienced as you + may deem yourself—with the care of our young ladies of honour. Your + venerable age, my lord," she continued, smiling, "may be better assorted + with that of my Lord Treasurer, who follows in the third boat, and by + whose experience even my Lord Willoughby's may be improved." + </p> + <p> + Lord Willoughby hid his disappointment under a smile—laughed, was + confused, bowed, and left the Queen's barge to go on board my Lord + Burleigh's. Leicester, who endeavoured to divert his thoughts from all + internal reflection, by fixing them on what was passing around, watched + this circumstance among others. But when the boat put off from the shore—when + the music sounded from a barge which accompanied them—when the + shouts of the populace were heard from the shore, and all reminded him of + the situation in which he was placed, he abstracted his thoughts and + feelings by a strong effort from everything but the necessity of + maintaining himself in the favour of his patroness, and exerted his + talents of pleasing captivation with such success, that the Queen, + alternately delighted with his conversation, and alarmed for his health, + at length imposed a temporary silence on him, with playful yet anxious + care, lest his flow of spirits should exhaust him. + </p> + <p> + "My lords," she said, "having passed for a time our edict of silence upon + our good Leicester, we will call you to counsel on a gamesome matter, more + fitted to be now treated of, amidst mirth and music, than in the gravity + of our ordinary deliberations. Which of you, my lords," said she, smiling, + "know aught of a petition from Orson Pinnit, the keeper, as he qualifies + himself, of our royal bears? Who stands godfather to his request?" + </p> + <p> + "Marry, with Your Grace's good permission, that do I," said the Earl of + Sussex. "Orson Pinnit was a stout soldier before he was so mangled by the + skenes of the Irish clan MacDonough; and I trust your Grace will be, as + you always have been, good mistress to your good and trusty servants." + </p> + <p> + "Surely," said the Queen, "it is our purpose to be so, and in especial to + our poor soldiers and sailors, who hazard their lives for little pay. We + would give," she said, with her eyes sparkling, "yonder royal palace of + ours to be an hospital for their use, rather than they should call their + mistress ungrateful. But this is not the question," she said, her voice, + which had been awakened by her patriotic feelings, once more subsiding + into the tone of gay and easy conversation; "for this Orson Pinnit's + request goes something further. He complains that, amidst the extreme + delight with which men haunt the play-houses, and in especial their eager + desire for seeing the exhibitions of one Will Shakespeare (whom I think, + my lords, we have all heard something of), the manly amusement of + bear-baiting is falling into comparative neglect, since men will rather + throng to see these roguish players kill each other in jest, than to see + our royal dogs and bears worry each other in bloody earnest.—What + say you to this, my Lord of Sussex?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, truly, gracious madam," said Sussex, "you must expect little from an + old soldier like me in favour of battles in sport, when they are compared + with battles in earnest; and yet, by my faith, I wish Will Shakespeare no + harm. He is a stout man at quarter-staff, and single falchion, though, as + I am told, a halting fellow; and he stood, they say, a tough fight with + the rangers of old Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecot, when he broke his + deer-park and kissed his keeper's daughter." + </p> + <p> + "I cry you mercy, my Lord of Sussex," said Queen Elizabeth, interrupting + him; "that matter was heard in council, and we will not have this fellow's + offence exaggerated—there was no kissing in the matter, and the + defendant hath put the denial on record. But what say you to his present + practice, my lord, on the stage? for there lies the point, and not in any + ways touching his former errors, in breaking parks, or the other follies + you speak of." + </p> + <p> + "Why, truly, madam," replied Sussex, "as I said before, I wish the + gamesome mad fellow no injury. Some of his whoreson poetry (I crave your + Grace's pardon for such a phrase) has rung in mine ears as if the lines + sounded to boot and saddle. But then it is all froth and folly—no + substance or seriousness in it, as your Grace has already well touched. + What are half a dozen knaves, with rusty foils and tattered targets, + making but a mere mockery of a stout fight, to compare to the royal game + of bear-baiting, which hath been graced by your Highness's countenance, + and that of your royal predecessors, in this your princely kingdom, famous + for matchless mastiffs and bold bearwards over all Christendom? Greatly is + it to be doubted that the race of both will decay, if men should throng to + hear the lungs of an idle player belch forth nonsensical bombast, instead + of bestowing their pence in encouraging the bravest image of war that can + be shown in peace, and that is the sports of the Bear-garden. There you + may see the bear lying at guard, with his red, pinky eyes watching the + onset of the mastiff, like a wily captain who maintains his defence that + an assailant may be tempted to venture within his danger. And then comes + Sir Mastiff, like a worthy champion, in full career at the throat of his + adversary; and then shall Sir Bruin teach him the reward for those who, in + their over-courage, neglect the policies of war, and, catching him in his + arms, strain him to his breast like a lusty wrestler, until rib after rib + crack like the shot of a pistolet. And then another mastiff; as bold, but + with better aim and sounder judgment, catches Sir Bruin by the nether lip, + and hangs fast, while he tosses about his blood and slaver, and tries in + vain to shake Sir Talbot from his hold. And then—" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, by my honour, my lord," said the Queen, laughing, "you have + described the whole so admirably that, had we never seen a bear-baiting, + as we have beheld many, and hope, with Heaven's allowance, to see many + more, your words were sufficient to put the whole Bear-garden before our + eyes.—But come, who speaks next in this case?—My Lord of + Leicester, what say you?" + </p> + <p> + "Am I then to consider myself as unmuzzled, please your Grace?" replied + Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, my lord—that is, if you feel hearty enough to take part in + our game," answered Elizabeth; "and yet, when I think of your cognizance + of the bear and ragged staff, methinks we had better hear some less + partial orator." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, on my word, gracious Princess," said the Earl, "though my brother + Ambrose of Warwick and I do carry the ancient cognizance your Highness + deigns to remember, I nevertheless desire nothing but fair play on all + sides; or, as they say, 'fight dog, fight bear.' And in behalf of the + players, I must needs say that they are witty knaves, whose rants and + jests keep the minds of the commons from busying themselves with state + affairs, and listening to traitorous speeches, idle rumours, and disloyal + insinuations. When men are agape to see how Marlow, Shakespeare, and other + play artificers work out their fanciful plots, as they call them, the mind + of the spectators is withdrawn from the conduct of their rulers." + </p> + <p> + "We would not have the mind of our subjects withdrawn from the + consideration of our own conduct, my lord," answered Elizabeth; "because + the more closely it is examined, the true motives by which we are guided + will appear the more manifest." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard, however, madam," said the Dean of St. Asaph's, an eminent + Puritan, "that these players are wont, in their plays, not only to + introduce profane and lewd expressions, tending to foster sin and + harlotry; but even to bellow out such reflections on government, its + origin and its object, as tend to render the subject discontented, and + shake the solid foundations of civil society. And it seems to be, under + your Grace's favour, far less than safe to permit these naughty + foul-mouthed knaves to ridicule the godly for their decent gravity, and, + in blaspheming heaven and slandering its earthly rulers, to set at + defiance the laws both of God and man." + </p> + <p> + "If we could think this were true, my lord," said Elizabeth, "we should + give sharp correction for such offences. But it is ill arguing against the + use of anything from its abuse. And touching this Shakespeare, we think + there is that in his plays that is worth twenty Bear-gardens; and that + this new undertaking of his Chronicles, as he calls them, may entertain, + with honest mirth, mingled with useful instruction, not only our subjects, + but even the generation which may succeed to us." + </p> + <p> + "Your Majesty's reign will need no such feeble aid to make it remembered + to the latest posterity," said Leicester. "And yet, in his way, + Shakespeare hath so touched some incidents of your Majesty's happy + government as may countervail what has been spoken by his reverence the + Dean of St. Asaph's. There are some lines, for example—I would my + nephew, Philip Sidney, were here; they are scarce ever out of his mouth—they + are spoken in a mad tale of fairies, love-charms, and I wot not what + besides; but beautiful they are, however short they may and must fall of + the subject to which they bear a bold relation—and Philip murmurs + them, I think, even in his dreams." + </p> + <p> + "You tantalize us, my lord," said the Queen—"Master Philip Sidney + is, we know, a minion of the Muses, and we are pleased it should be so. + Valour never shines to more advantage than when united with the true taste + and love of letters. But surely there are some others among our young + courtiers who can recollect what your lordship has forgotten amid + weightier affairs.—Master Tressilian, you are described to me as a + worshipper of Minerva—remember you aught of these lines?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian's heart was too heavy, his prospects in life too fatally + blighted, to profit by the opportunity which the Queen thus offered to him + of attracting her attention; but he determined to transfer the advantage + to his more ambitious young friend, and excusing himself on the score of + want of recollection, he added that he believed the beautiful verses of + which my Lord of Leicester had spoken were in the remembrance of Master + Walter Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + At the command of the Queen, that cavalier repeated, with accent and + manner which even added to their exquisite delicacy of tact and beauty of + description, the celebrated vision of Oberon:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "That very time I saw (but thou couldst not), + Flying between the cold moon and the earth, + Cupid, allarm'd: a certain aim he took + At a fair vestal, throned by the west; + And loos'd his love-shaft smartly from his bow, + As it should pierce a hundred thousand hearts: + But I might see young Cupid's fiery shaft + Quench'd in the chaste beams of the watery moon; + And the imperial vot'ress passed on, + In maiden meditation, fancy free." +</pre> + <p> + The voice of Raleigh, as he repeated the last lines, became a little + tremulous, as if diffident how the Sovereign to whom the homage was + addressed might receive it, exquisite as it was. If this diffidence was + affected, it was good policy; but if real, there was little occasion for + it. The verses were not probably new to the Queen, for when was ever such + elegant flattery long in reaching the royal ear to which it was addressed? + But they were not the less welcome when repeated by such a speaker as + Raleigh. Alike delighted with the matter, the manner, and the graceful + form and animated countenance of the gallant young reciter, Elizabeth kept + time to every cadence with look and with finger. When the speaker had + ceased, she murmured over the last lines as if scarce conscious that she + was overheard, and as she uttered the words, + </p> + <p> + "In maiden meditation, fancy free," she dropped into the Thames the + supplication of Orson Pinnit, keeper of the royal bears, to find more + favourable acceptance at Sheerness, or wherever the tide might waft it. + </p> + <p> + Leicester was spurred to emulation by the success of the young courtier's + exhibition, as the veteran racer is roused when a high-mettled colt passes + him on the way. He turned the discourse on shows, banquets, pageants, and + on the character of those by whom these gay scenes were then frequented. + He mixed acute observation with light satire, in that just proportion + which was free alike from malignant slander and insipid praise. He + mimicked with ready accent the manners of the affected or the clownish, + and made his own graceful tone and manner seem doubly such when he resumed + it. Foreign countries—their customs, their manners, the rules of + their courts—-the fashions, and even the dress of their ladies-were + equally his theme; and seldom did he conclude without conveying some + compliment, always couched in delicacy, and expressed with propriety, to + the Virgin Queen, her court, and her government. Thus passed the + conversation during this pleasure voyage, seconded by the rest of the + attendants upon the royal person, in gay discourse, varied by remarks upon + ancient classics and modern authors, and enriched by maxims of deep policy + and sound morality, by the statesmen and sages who sat around and mixed + wisdom with the lighter talk of a female court. + </p> + <p> + When they returned to the Palace, Elizabeth accepted, or rather selected, + the arm of Leicester to support her from the stairs where they landed to + the great gate. It even seemed to him (though that might arise from the + flattery of his own imagination) that during this short passage she leaned + on him somewhat more than the slippiness of the way necessarily demanded. + Certainly her actions and words combined to express a degree of favour + which, even in his proudest day he had not till then attained. His rival, + indeed, was repeatedly graced by the Queen's notice; but it was in manner + that seemed to flow less from spontaneous inclination than as extorted by + a sense of his merit. And in the opinion of many experienced courtiers, + all the favour she showed him was overbalanced by her whispering in the + ear of the Lady Derby that "now she saw sickness was a better alchemist + than she before wotted of, seeing it had changed my Lord of Sussex's + copper nose into a golden one." + </p> + <p> + The jest transpired, and the Earl of Leicester enjoyed his triumph, as one + to whom court-favour had been both the primary and the ultimate motive of + life, while he forgot, in the intoxication of the moment, the perplexities + and dangers of his own situation. Indeed, strange as it may appear, he + thought less at that moment of the perils arising from his secret union, + than of the marks of grace which Elizabeth from time to time showed to + young Raleigh. They were indeed transient, but they were conferred on one + accomplished in mind and body, with grace, gallantry, literature, and + valour. An accident occurred in the course of the evening which riveted + Leicester's attention to this object. + </p> + <p> + The nobles and courtiers who had attended the Queen on her pleasure + expedition were invited, with royal hospitality, to a splendid banquet in + the hall of the Palace. The table was not, indeed, graced by the presence + of the Sovereign; for, agreeable to her idea of what was at once modest + and dignified, the Maiden Queen on such occasions was wont to take in + private, or with one or two favourite ladies, her light and temperate + meal. After a moderate interval, the court again met in the splendid + gardens of the Palace; and it was while thus engaged that the Queen + suddenly asked a lady, who was near to her both in place and favour, what + had become of the young Squire Lack-Cloak. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Paget answered, "She had seen Master Raleigh but two or three + minutes since standing at the window of a small pavilion or + pleasure-house, which looked out on the Thames, and writing on the glass + with a diamond ring." + </p> + <p> + "That ring," said the Queen, "was a small token I gave him to make amends + for his spoiled mantle. Come, Paget, let us see what use he has made of + it, for I can see through him already. He is a marvellously sharp-witted + spirit." They went to the spot, within sight of which, but at some + distance, the young cavalier still lingered, as the fowler watches the net + which he has set. The Queen approached the window, on which Raleigh had + used her gift to inscribe the following line:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Fain would I climb, but that I fear to fall." +</pre> + <p> + The Queen smiled, read it twice over, once with deliberation to Lady + Paget, and once again to herself. "It is a pretty beginning," she said, + after the consideration of a moment or two; "but methinks the muse hath + deserted the young wit at the very outset of his task. It were + good-natured—were it not, Lady Paget?—to complete it for him. + Try your rhyming faculties." + </p> + <p> + Lady Paget, prosaic from her cradle upwards as ever any lady of the + bedchamber before or after her, disclaimed all possibility of assisting + the young poet. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then, we must sacrifice to the Muses ourselves," said Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + "The incense of no one can be more acceptable," said Lady Paget; "and your + Highness will impose such obligation on the ladies of Parnassus—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush, Paget," said the Queen, "you speak sacrilege against the immortal + Nine—yet, virgins themselves, they should be exorable to a Virgin + Queen—and therefore—let me see how runs his verse— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Fain would I climb, but that I fear to fall.' +</pre> + <p> + Might not the answer (for fault of a better) run thus?— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'If thy mind fail thee, do not climb at all.'" +</pre> + <p> + The dame of honour uttered an exclamation of joy and surprise at so happy + a termination; and certainly a worse has been applauded, even when coming + from a less distinguished author. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, thus encouraged, took off a diamond ring, and saying, "We will + give this gallant some cause of marvel when he finds his couplet perfected + without his own interference," she wrote her own line beneath that of + Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + The Queen left the pavilion; but retiring slowly, and often looking back, + she could see the young cavalier steal, with the flight of a lapwing, + towards the place where he had seen her make a pause. "She stayed but to + observe," as she said, "that her train had taken;" and then, laughing at + the circumstance with the Lady Paget, she took the way slowly towards the + Palace. Elizabeth, as they returned, cautioned her companion not to + mention to any one the aid which she had given to the young poet, and Lady + Paget promised scrupulous secrecy. It is to be supposed that she made a + mental reservation in favour of Leicester, to whom her ladyship + transmitted without delay an anecdote so little calculated to give him + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Raleigh, in the meanwhile, stole back to the window, and read, with a + feeling of intoxication, the encouragement thus given him by the Queen in + person to follow out his ambitious career, and returned to Sussex and his + retinue, then on the point of embarking to go up the river, his heart + beating high with gratified pride, and with hope of future distinction. + </p> + <p> + The reverence due to the person of the Earl prevented any notice being + taken of the reception he had met with at court, until they had landed, + and the household were assembled in the great hall at Sayes Court; while + that lord, exhausted by his late illness and the fatigues of the day, had + retired to his chamber, demanding the attendance of Wayland, his + successful physician. Wayland, however, was nowhere to be found; and while + some of the party were, with military impatience, seeking him and cursing + his absence, the rest flocked around Raleigh to congratulate him on his + prospects of court-favour. + </p> + <p> + He had the good taste and judgment to conceal the decisive circumstance of + the couplet to which Elizabeth had deigned to find a rhyme; but other + indications had transpired, which plainly intimated that he had made some + progress in the Queen's favour. All hastened to wish him joy on the mended + appearance of his fortune—some from real regard, some, perhaps, from + hopes that his preferment might hasten their own, and most from a mixture + of these motives, and a sense that the countenance shown to any one of + Sussex's household was, in fact, a triumph to the whole. Raleigh returned + the kindest thanks to them all, disowning, with becoming modesty, that one + day's fair reception made a favourite, any more than one swallow a summer. + But he observed that Blount did not join in the general congratulation, + and, somewhat hurt at his apparent unkindness, he plainly asked him the + reason. + </p> + <p> + Blount replied with equal sincerity—"My good Walter, I wish thee as + well as do any of these chattering gulls, who are whistling and whooping + gratulations in thine ear because it seems fair weather with thee. But I + fear for thee, Walter" (and he wiped his honest eye), "I fear for thee + with all my heart. These court-tricks, and gambols, and flashes of fine + women's favour are the tricks and trinkets that bring fair fortunes to + farthings, and fine faces and witty coxcombs to the acquaintance of dull + block and sharp axes." + </p> + <p> + So saying, Blount arose and left the hall, while Raleigh looked after him + with an expression that blanked for a moment his bold and animated + countenance. + </p> + <p> + Stanley just then entered the hall, and said to Tressilian, "My lord is + calling for your fellow Wayland, and your fellow Wayland is just come + hither in a sculler, and is calling for you, nor will he go to my lord + till he sees you. The fellow looks as he were mazed, methinks; I would you + would see him immediately." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian instantly left the hall, and causing Wayland Smith to be shown + into a withdrawing apartment, and lights placed, he conducted the artist + thither, and was surprised when he observed the emotion of his + countenance. + </p> + <p> + "What is the matter with you, Smith?" said Tressilian; "have you seen the + devil?" + </p> + <p> + "Worse, sir, worse," replied Wayland; "I have seen a basilisk. Thank God, + I saw him first; for being so seen, and seeing not me, he will do the less + harm." + </p> + <p> + "In God's name, speak sense," said Tressilian, "and say what you mean." + </p> + <p> + "I have seen my old master," said the artist. "Last night a friend whom I + had acquired took me to see the Palace clock, judging me to be curious in + such works of art. At the window of a turret next to the clock-house I saw + my old master." + </p> + <p> + "Thou must needs have been mistaken," said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "I was not mistaken," said Wayland; "he that once hath his features by + heart would know him amongst a million. He was anticly habited; but he + cannot disguise himself from me, God be praised! as I can from him. I will + not, however, tempt Providence by remaining within his ken. Tarleton the + player himself could not so disguise himself but that, sooner or later, + Doboobie would find him out. I must away to-morrow; for, as we stand + together, it were death to me to remain within reach of him." + </p> + <p> + "But the Earl of Sussex?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "He is in little danger from what he has hitherto taken, provided he + swallow the matter of a bean's size of the orvietan every morning fasting; + but let him beware of a relapse." + </p> + <p> + "And how is that to be guarded against?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Only by such caution as you would use against the devil," answered + Wayland. "Let my lord's clerk of the kitchen kill his lord's meat himself, + and dress it himself, using no spice but what he procures from the surest + hands. Let the sewer serve it up himself, and let the master of my lord's + household see that both clerk and sewer taste the dishes which the one + dresses and the other serves. Let my lord use no perfumes which come not + from well accredited persons; no unguents—no pomades. Let him, on no + account, drink with strangers, or eat fruit with them, either in the way + of nooning or otherwise. Especially, let him observe such caution if he + goes to Kenilworth—the excuse of his illness, and his being under + diet, will, and must, cover the strangeness of such practice." + </p> + <p> + "And thou," said Tressilian, "what dost thou think to make of thyself?" + </p> + <p> + "France, Spain, either India, East or West, shall be my refuge," said + Wayland, "ere I venture my life by residing within ken of Doboobie, + Demetrius, or whatever else he calls himself for the time." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Tressilian, "this happens not inopportunely. I had business + for you in Berkshire, but in the opposite extremity to the place where + thou art known; and ere thou hadst found out this new reason for living + private, I had settled to send thee thither upon a secret embassage." + </p> + <p> + The artist expressed himself willing to receive his commands, and + Tressilian, knowing he was well acquainted with the outline of his + business at court, frankly explained to him the whole, mentioned the + agreement which subsisted betwixt Giles Gosling and him, and told what had + that day been averred in the presence-chamber by Varney, and supported by + Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Thou seest," he added, "that, in the circumstances in which I am placed, + it behoves me to keep a narrow watch on the motions of these unprincipled + men, Varney and his complices, Foster and Lambourne, as well as on those + of my Lord Leicester himself, who, I suspect, is partly a deceiver, and + not altogether the deceived in that matter. Here is my ring, as a pledge + to Giles Gosling. Here is besides gold, which shall be trebled if thou + serve me faithfully. Away down to Cumnor, and see what happens there." + </p> + <p> + "I go with double good-will," said the artist, "first, because I serve + your honour, who has been so kind to me; and then, that I may escape my + old master, who, if not an absolute incarnation of the devil, has, at + least, as much of the demon about him, in will, word, and action; as ever + polluted humanity. And yet let him take care of me. I fly him now, as + heretofore; but if, like the Scottish wild cattle, I am vexed by frequent + pursuit, I may turn on him in hate and desperation. [A remnant of the wild + cattle of Scotland are preserved at Chillingham Castle, near Wooler, in + Northumberland, the seat of Lord Tankerville. They fly before strangers; + but if disturbed and followed, they turn with fury on those who persist in + annoying them.] Will your honour command my nag to be saddled? I will but + give the medicine to my lord, divided in its proper proportions, with a + few instructions. His safety will then depend on the care of his friends + and domestics; for the past he is guarded, but let him beware of the + future." + </p> + <p> + Wayland Smith accordingly made his farewell visit to the Earl of Sussex, + dictated instructions as to his regimen, and precautions concerning his + diet, and left Sayes Court without waiting for morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The moment comes— + It is already come—when thou must write + The absolute total of thy life's vast sum. + The constellations stand victorious o'er thee, + The planets shoot good fortune in fair junctions, + And tell thee, "Now's the time." + —SCHILLER'S WALLENSTEIN, BY COLERIDGE. +</pre> + <p> + When Leicester returned to his lodging, after a day so important and so + harassing, in which, after riding out more than one gale, and touching on + more than one shoal, his bark had finally gained the harbour with banner + displayed, he seemed to experience as much fatigue as a mariner after a + perilous storm. He spoke not a word while his chamberlain exchanged his + rich court-mantle for a furred night-robe, and when this officer signified + that Master Varney desired to speak with his lordship, he replied only by + a sullen nod. Varney, however, entered, accepting this signal as a + permission, and the chamberlain withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The Earl remained silent and almost motionless in his chair, his head + reclined on his hand, and his elbow resting upon the table which stood + beside him, without seeming to be conscious of the entrance or of the + presence of his confidant. Varney waited for some minutes until he should + speak, desirous to know what was the finally predominant mood of a mind + through which so many powerful emotions had that day taken their course. + But he waited in vain, for Leicester continued still silent, and the + confidant saw himself under the necessity of being the first to speak. + "May I congratulate your lordship," he said, "on the deserved superiority + you have this day attained over your most formidable rival?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester raised his head, and answered sadly, but without anger, "Thou, + Varney, whose ready invention has involved me in a web of most mean and + perilous falsehood, knowest best what small reason there is for + gratulation on the subject." + </p> + <p> + "Do you blame me, my lord," said Varney, "for not betraying, on the first + push, the secret on which your fortunes depended, and which you have so + oft and so earnestly recommended to my safe keeping? Your lordship was + present in person, and might have contradicted me and ruined yourself by + an avowal of the truth; but surely it was no part of a faithful servant to + have done so without your commands." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot deny it, Varney," said the Earl, rising and walking across the + room; "my own ambition has been traitor to my love." + </p> + <p> + "Say rather, my lord, that your love has been traitor to your greatness, + and barred you from such a prospect of honour and power as the world + cannot offer to any other. To make my honoured lady a countess, you have + missed the chance of being yourself—" + </p> + <p> + He paused, and seemed unwilling to complete the sentence. + </p> + <p> + "Of being myself what?" demanded Leicester; "speak out thy meaning, + Varney." + </p> + <p> + "Of being yourself a KING, my lord," replied Varney; "and King of England + to boot! It is no treason to our Queen to say so. It would have chanced by + her obtaining that which all true subjects wish her—a lusty, noble, + and gallant husband." + </p> + <p> + "Thou ravest, Varney," answered Leicester. "Besides, our times have seen + enough to make men loathe the Crown Matrimonial which men take from their + wives' lap. There was Darnley of Scotland." + </p> + <p> + "He!" said Varney; "a, gull, a fool, a thrice-sodden ass, who suffered + himself to be fired off into the air like a rocket on a rejoicing day. Had + Mary had the hap to have wedded the noble Earl ONCE destined to share her + throne, she had experienced a husband of different metal; and her husband + had found in her a wife as complying and loving as the mate of the meanest + squire who follows the hounds a-horseback, and holds her husband's bridle + as he mounts." + </p> + <p> + "It might have been as thou sayest, Varney," said Leicester, a brief smile + of self-satisfaction passing over his anxious countenance. "Henry Darnley + knew little of women—with Mary, a man who knew her sex might have + had some chance of holding his own. But not with Elizabeth, Varney for I + thank God, when he gave her the heart of a woman, gave her the head of a + man to control its follies. No, I know her. She will accept love-tokens, + ay, and requite them with the like—put sugared sonnets in her bosom, + ay, and answer them too—push gallantry to the very verge where it + becomes exchange of affection; but she writes NIL ULTRA to all which is to + follow, and would not barter one iota of her own supreme power for all the + alphabet of both Cupid and Hymen." + </p> + <p> + "The better for you, my lord," said Varney—"that is, in the case + supposed, if such be her disposition; since you think you cannot aspire to + become her husband. Her favourite you are, and may remain, if the lady at + Cumnor place continues in her present obscurity." + </p> + <p> + "Poor Amy!" said Leicester, with a deep sigh; "she desires so earnestly to + be acknowledged in presence of God and man!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but, my lord," said Varney, "is her desire reasonable? That is the + question. Her religious scruples are solved; she is an honoured and + beloved wife, enjoying the society of her husband at such times as his + weightier duties permit him to afford her his company. What would she + more? I am right sure that a lady so gentle and so loving would consent to + live her life through in a certain obscurity—which is, after all, + not dimmer than when she was at Lidcote Hall—rather than diminish + the least jot of her lord's honours and greatness by a premature attempt + to share them." + </p> + <p> + "There is something in what thou sayest," said Leicester, "and her + appearance here were fatal. Yet she must be seen at Kenilworth; Elizabeth + will not forget that she has so appointed." + </p> + <p> + "Let me sleep on that hard point," said Varney; "I cannot else perfect the + device I have on the stithy, which I trust will satisfy the Queen and + please my honoured lady, yet leave this fatal secret where it is now + buried. Has your lordship further commands for the night?" + </p> + <p> + "I would be alone," said Leicester. "Leave me, and place my steel casket + on the table. Be within summons." + </p> + <p> + Varney retired, and the Earl, opening the window of his apartment, looked + out long and anxiously upon the brilliant host of stars which glimmered in + the splendour of a summer firmament. The words burst from him as at + unawares, "I had never more need that the heavenly bodies should befriend + me, for my earthly path is darkened and confused." + </p> + <p> + It is well known that the age reposed a deep confidence in the vain + predictions of judicial astrology, and Leicester, though exempt from the + general control of superstition, was not in this respect superior to his + time, but, on the contrary, was remarkable for the encouragement which he + gave to the professors of this pretended science. Indeed, the wish to pry + into futurity, so general among the human race, is peculiarly to be found + amongst those who trade in state mysteries and the dangerous intrigues and + cabals of courts. With heedful precaution to see that it had not been + opened, or its locks tampered with, Leicester applied a key to the steel + casket, and drew from it, first, a parcel of gold pieces, which he put + into a silk purse; then a parchment inscribed with planetary signs, and + the lines and calculations used in framing horoscopes, on which he gazed + intently for a few moments; and, lastly, took forth a large key, which, + lifting aside the tapestry, he applied to a little, concealed door in the + corner of the apartment, and opening it, disclosed a stair constructed in + the thickness of the wall. + </p> + <p> + "Alasco," said the Earl, with a voice raised, yet no higher raised than to + be heard by the inhabitant of the small turret to which the stair + conducted—"Alasco, I say, descend." + </p> + <p> + "I come, my lord," answered a voice from above. The foot of an aged man + was heard slowly descending the narrow stair, and Alasco entered the + Earl's apartment. The astrologer was a little man, and seemed much + advanced in age, for his beard was long and white, and reached over his + black doublet down to his silken girdle. His hair was of the same + venerable hue. But his eyebrows were as dark as the keen and piercing + black eyes which they shaded, and this peculiarity gave a wild and + singular cast to the physiognomy of the old man. His cheek was still fresh + and ruddy, and the eyes we have mentioned resembled those of a rat in + acuteness and even fierceness of expression. His manner was not without a + sort of dignity; and the interpreter of the stars, though respectful, + seemed altogether at his ease, and even assumed a tone of instruction and + command in conversing with the prime favourite of Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + "Your prognostications have failed, Alasco," said the Earl, when they had + exchanged salutations—"he is recovering." + </p> + <p> + "My son," replied the astrologer, "let me remind you I warranted not his + death; nor is there any prognostication that can be derived from the + heavenly bodies, their aspects and their conjunctions, which is not liable + to be controlled by the will of Heaven. ASTRA REGUNT HOMINES, SED REGIT + ASTRA DEUS." + </p> + <p> + "Of what avail, then, is your mystery?" inquired the Earl. + </p> + <p> + "Of much, my son," replied the old man, "since it can show the natural and + probable course of events, although that course moves in subordination to + an Higher Power. Thus, in reviewing the horoscope which your Lordship + subjected to my skill, you will observe that Saturn, being in the sixth + House in opposition to Mars, retrograde in the House of Life, cannot but + denote long and dangerous sickness, the issue whereof is in the will of + Heaven, though death may probably be inferred. Yet if I knew the name of + the party I would erect another scheme." + </p> + <p> + "His name is a secret," said the Earl; "yet, I must own, thy + prognostication hath not been unfaithful. He has been sick, and + dangerously so, not, however, to death. But hast thou again cast my + horoscope as Varney directed thee, and art thou prepared to say what the + stars tell of my present fortune?" + </p> + <p> + "My art stands at your command," said the old man; "and here, my son, is + the map of thy fortunes, brilliant in aspect as ever beamed from those + blessed signs whereby our life is influenced, yet not unchequered with + fears, difficulties, and dangers." + </p> + <p> + "My lot were more than mortal were it otherwise," said the Earl. "Proceed, + father, and believe you speak with one ready to undergo his destiny in + action and in passion as may beseem a noble of England." + </p> + <p> + "Thy courage to do and to suffer must be wound up yet a strain higher," + said the old man. "The stars intimate yet a prouder title, yet an higher + rank. It is for thee to guess their meaning, not for me to name it." + </p> + <p> + "Name it, I conjure you—name it, I command you!" said the Earl, his + eyes brightening as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "I may not, and I will not," replied the old man. "The ire of princes is + as the wrath of the lion. But mark, and judge for thyself. Here Venus, + ascendant in the House of Life, and conjoined with Sol, showers down that + flood of silver light, blent with gold, which promises power, wealth, + dignity, all that the proud heart of man desires, and in such abundance + that never the future Augustus of that old and mighty Rome heard from his + HARUSPICES such a tale of glory, as from this rich text my lore might read + to my favourite son." + </p> + <p> + "Thou dost but jest with me, father," said the Earl, astonished at the + strain of enthusiasm in which the astrologer delivered his prediction. + </p> + <p> + "Is it for him to jest who hath his eye on heaven, who hath his foot in + the grave?" returned the old man solemnly. + </p> + <p> + The Earl made two or three strides through the apartment, with his hand + outstretched, as one who follows the beckoning signal of some phantom, + waving him on to deeds of high import. As he turned, however, he caught + the eye of the astrologer fixed on him, while an observing glance of the + most shrewd penetration shot from under the penthouse of his shaggy, dark + eyebrows. Leicester's haughty and suspicious soul at once caught fire. He + darted towards the old man from the farther end of the lofty apartment, + only standing still when his extended hand was within a foot of the + astrologer's body. + </p> + <p> + "Wretch!" he said, "if you dare to palter with me, I will have your skin + stripped from your living flesh! Confess thou hast been hired to deceive + and to betray me—that thou art a cheat, and I thy silly prey and + booty!" + </p> + <p> + The old man exhibited some symptoms of emotion, but not more than the + furious deportment of his patron might have extorted from innocence + itself. + </p> + <p> + "What means this violence, my lord?" he answered, "or in what can I have + deserved it at your hand?" + </p> + <p> + "Give me proof," said the Earl vehemently, "that you have not tampered + with mine enemies." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," replied the old man, with dignity, "you can have no better + proof than that which you yourself elected. In that turret I have spent + the last twenty-four hours under the key which has been in your own + custody. The hours of darkness I have spent in gazing on the heavenly + bodies with these dim eyes, and during those of light I have toiled this + aged brain to complete the calculation arising from their combinations. + Earthly food I have not tasted—earthly voice I have not heard. You + are yourself aware I had no means of doing so; and yet I tell you—I + who have been thus shut up in solitude and study—that within these + twenty-four hours your star has become predominant in the horizon, and + either the bright book of heaven speaks false, or there must have been a + proportionate revolution in your fortunes upon earth. If nothing has + happened within that space to secure your power, or advance your favour, + then am I indeed a cheat, and the divine art, which was first devised in + the plains of Chaldea, is a foul imposture." + </p> + <p> + "It is true," said Leicester, after a moment's reflection, "thou wert + closely immured; and it is also true that the change has taken place in my + situation which thou sayest the horoscope indicates." + </p> + <p> + "Wherefore this distrust then, my son?" said the astrologer, assuming a + tone of admonition; "the celestial intelligences brook not diffidence, + even in their favourites." + </p> + <p> + "Peace, father," answered Leicester, "I have erred in doubting thee. Not + to mortal man, nor to celestial intelligence—under that which is + supreme—will Dudley's lips say more in condescension or apology. + Speak rather to the present purpose. Amid these bright promises thou hast + said there was a threatening aspect. Can thy skill tell whence, or by + whose means, such danger seems to impend?" + </p> + <p> + "Thus far only," answered the astrologer, "does my art enable me to answer + your query. The infortune is threatened by the malignant and adverse + aspect, through means of a youth, and, as I think, a rival; but whether in + love or in prince's favour, I know not nor can I give further indication + respecting him, save that he comes from the western quarter." + </p> + <p> + "The western—ha!" replied Leicester, "it is enough—the tempest + does indeed brew in that quarter! Cornwall and Devon—Raleigh and + Tressilian—one of them is indicated-I must beware of both. Father, + if I have done thy skill injustice, I will make thee a lordly recompense." + </p> + <p> + He took a purse of gold from the strong casket which stood before him. + "Have thou double the recompense which Varney promised. Be faithful—be + secret—obey the directions thou shalt receive from my master of the + horse, and grudge not a little seclusion or restraint in my cause—it + shall be richly considered.—Here, Varney—conduct this + venerable man to thine own lodging; tend him heedfully in all things, but + see that he holds communication with no one." + </p> + <p> + Varney bowed, and the astrologer kissed the Earl's hand in token of adieu, + and followed the master of the horse to another apartment, in which were + placed wine and refreshments for his use. + </p> + <p> + The astrologer sat down to his repast, while Varney shut two doors with + great precaution, examined the tapestry, lest any listener lurked behind + it, and then sitting down opposite to the sage, began to question him. + </p> + <p> + "Saw you my signal from the court beneath?" + </p> + <p> + "I did," said Alasco, for by such name he was at present called, "and + shaped the horoscope accordingly." + </p> + <p> + "And it passed upon the patron without challenge?" continued Varney. + </p> + <p> + "Not without challenge," replied the old man, "but it did pass; and I + added, as before agreed, danger from a discovered secret, and a western + youth." + </p> + <p> + "My lord's fear will stand sponsor to the one, and his conscience to the + other, of these prognostications," replied Varney. "Sure never man chose + to run such a race as his, yet continued to retain those silly scruples! I + am fain to cheat him to his own profit. But touching your matters, sage + interpreter of the stars, I can tell you more of your own fortune than + plan or figure can show. You must be gone from hence forthwith." + </p> + <p> + "I will not," said Alasco peevishly. "I have been too much hurried up and + down of late—immured for day and night in a desolate turret-chamber. + I must enjoy my liberty, and pursue my studies, which are of more import + than the fate of fifty statesmen and favourites that rise and burst like + bubbles in the atmosphere of a court." + </p> + <p> + "At your pleasure," said Varney, with a sneer that habit had rendered + familiar to his features, and which forms the principal characteristic + which painters have assigned to that of Satan—"at your pleasure," he + said; "you may enjoy your liberty and your studies until the daggers of + Sussex's followers are clashing within your doublet and against your + ribs." The old man turned pale, and Varney proceeded. "Wot you not he hath + offered a reward for the arch-quack and poison-vender, Demetrius, who sold + certain precious spices to his lordship's cook? What! turn you pale, old + friend? Does Hali already see an infortune in the House of Life? Why, hark + thee, we will have thee down to an old house of mine in the country, where + thou shalt live with a hobnailed slave, whom thy alchemy may convert into + ducats, for to such conversion alone is thy art serviceable." + </p> + <p> + "It is false, thou foul-mouthed railer," said Alasco, shaking with + impotent anger; "it is well known that I have approached more nearly to + projection than any hermetic artist who now lives. There are not six + chemists in the world who possess so near an approximation to the grand + arcanum—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said Varney, interrupting him, "what means this, in the name + of Heaven? Do we not know one another? I believe thee to be so perfect—so + very perfect—in the mystery of cheating, that, having imposed upon + all mankind, thou hast at length in some measure imposed upon thyself, and + without ceasing to dupe others, hast become a species of dupe to thine own + imagination. Blush not for it, man—thou art learned, and shalt have + classical comfort: + </p> + <p> + 'Ne quisquam Ajacem possit superare nisi Ajax.' + </p> + <p> + No one but thyself could have gulled thee; and thou hast gulled the whole + brotherhood of the Rosy Cross besides—none so deep in the mystery as + thou. But hark thee in thine ear: had the seasoning which spiced Sussex's + broth wrought more surely, I would have thought better of the chemical + science thou dost boast so highly." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art an hardened villain, Varney," replied Alasco; "many will do + those things who dare not speak of them." + </p> + <p> + "And many speak of them who dare not do them," answered Varney. "But be + not wroth—I will not quarrel with thee. If I did, I were fain to + live on eggs for a month, that I might feed without fear. Tell me at once, + how came thine art to fail thee at this great emergency?" + </p> + <p> + "The Earl of Sussex's horoscope intimates," replied the astrologer, "that + the sign of the ascendant being in combustion—" + </p> + <p> + "Away with your gibberish," replied Varney; "thinkest thou it is the + patron thou speakest with?" + </p> + <p> + "I crave your pardon," replied the old man, "and swear to you I know but + one medicine that could have saved the Earl's life; and as no man living + in England knows that antidote save myself—moreover, as the + ingredients, one of them in particular, are scarce possible to be come by, + I must needs suppose his escape was owing to such a constitution of lungs + and vital parts as was never before bound up in a body of clay." + </p> + <p> + "There was some talk of a quack who waited on him," said Varney, after a + moment's reflection. "Are you sure there is no one in England who has this + secret of thine?" + </p> + <p> + "One man there was," said the doctor, "once my servant, who might have + stolen this of me, with one or two other secrets of art. But content you, + Master Varney, it is no part of my policy to suffer such interlopers to + interfere in my trade. He pries into no mysteries more, I warrant you, + for, as I well believe, he hath been wafted to heaven on the wing of a + fiery dragon—peace be with him! But in this retreat of mine shall I + have the use of mine elaboratory?" + </p> + <p> + "Of a whole workshop, man," said Varney; "for a reverend father abbot, who + was fain to give place to bluff King Hal and some of his courtiers, a + score of years since, had a chemist's complete apparatus, which he was + obliged to leave behind him to his successors. Thou shalt there occupy, + and melt, and puff, and blaze, and multiply, until the Green Dragon become + a golden goose, or whatever the newer phrase of the brotherhood may + testify." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art right, Master Varney," said the alchemist setting his teeth + close and grinding them together—"thou art right even in thy very + contempt of right and reason. For what thou sayest in mockery may in sober + verity chance to happen ere we meet again. If the most venerable sages of + ancient days have spoken the truth—if the most learned of our own + have rightly received it; if I have been accepted wherever I travelled in + Germany, in Poland, in Italy, and in the farther Tartary, as one to whom + nature has unveiled her darkest secrets; if I have acquired the most + secret signs and passwords of the Jewish Cabala, so that the greyest beard + in the synagogue would brush the steps to make them clean for me;—if + all this is so, and if there remains but one step—one little step—betwixt + my long, deep, and dark, and subterranean progress, and that blaze of + light which shall show Nature watching her richest and her most glorious + productions in the very cradle—one step betwixt dependence and the + power of sovereignty—one step betwixt poverty and such a sum of + wealth as earth, without that noble secret, cannot minister from all her + mines in the old or the new-found world; if this be all so, is it not + reasonable that to this I dedicate my future life, secure, for a brief + period of studious patience, to rise above the mean dependence upon + favourites, and THEIR favourites, by which I am now enthralled!" + </p> + <p> + "Now, bravo! bravo! my good father," said Varney, with the usual sardonic + expression of ridicule on his countenance; "yet all this approximation to + the philosopher's stone wringeth not one single crown out of my Lord + Leicester's pouch, and far less out of Richard Varney's. WE must have + earthly and substantial services, man, and care not whom else thou canst + delude with thy philosophical charlatanry." + </p> + <p> + "My son Varney," said the alchemist, "the unbelief, gathered around thee + like a frost-fog, hath dimmed thine acute perception to that which is a + stumbling-block to the wise, and which yet, to him who seeketh knowledge + with humility, extends a lesson so clear that he who runs may read. Hath + not Art, thinkest thou, the means of completing Nature's imperfect + concoctions in her attempts to form the precious metals, even as by art we + can perfect those other operations of incubation, distillation, + fermentation, and similar processes of an ordinary description, by which + we extract life itself out of a senseless egg, summon purity and vitality + out of muddy dregs, or call into vivacity the inert substance of a + sluggish liquid?" + </p> + <p> + "I have heard all this before," said Varney, "and my heart is proof + against such cant ever since I sent twenty good gold pieces (marry, it was + in the nonage of my wit) to advance the grand magisterium, all which, God + help the while, vanished IN FUMO. Since that moment, when I paid for my + freedom, I defy chemistry, astrology, palmistry, and every other occult + art, were it as secret as hell itself, to unloose the stricture of my + purse-strings. Marry, I neither defy the manna of Saint Nicholas, nor can + I dispense with it. The first task must be to prepare some when thou + gett'st down to my little sequestered retreat yonder, and then make as + much gold as thou wilt." + </p> + <p> + "I will make no more of that dose," said the alchemist, resolutely. + </p> + <p> + "Then," said the master of the horse, "thou shalt be hanged for what thou + hast made already, and so were the great secret for ever lost to mankind. + Do not humanity this injustice, good father, but e'en bend to thy destiny, + and make us an ounce or two of this same stuff; which cannot prejudice + above one or two individuals, in order to gain lifetime to discover the + universal medicine, which shall clear away all mortal diseases at once. + But cheer up, thou grave, learned, and most melancholy jackanape! Hast + thou not told me that a moderate portion of thy drug hath mild effects, no + ways ultimately dangerous to the human frame, but which produces + depression of spirits, nausea, headache, an unwillingness to change of + place—even such a state of temper as would keep a bird from flying + out of a cage were the door left open?" + </p> + <p> + "I have said so, and it is true," said the alchemist. "This effect will it + produce, and the bird who partakes of it in such proportion shall sit for + a season drooping on her perch, without thinking either of the free blue + sky, or of the fair greenwood, though the one be lighted by the rays of + the rising sun, and the other ringing with the newly-awakened song of all + the feathered inhabitants of the forest." + </p> + <p> + "And this without danger to life?" said Varney, somewhat anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, so that proportion and measure be not exceeded; and so that one who + knows the nature of the manna be ever near to watch the symptoms, and + succour in case of need." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt regulate the whole," said Varney. "Thy reward shall be + princely, if thou keepest time and touch, and exceedest not the due + proportion, to the prejudice of her health; otherwise thy punishment shall + be as signal." + </p> + <p> + "The prejudice of HER health!" repeated Alasco; "it is, then, a woman I am + to use my skill upon?" + </p> + <p> + "No, thou fool," replied Varney, "said I not it was a bird—a + reclaimed linnet, whose pipe might soothe a hawk when in mid stoop? I see + thine eye sparkle, and I know thy beard is not altogether so white as art + has made it—THAT, at least, thou hast been able to transmute to + silver. But mark me, this is no mate for thee. This caged bird is dear to + one who brooks no rivalry, and far less such rivalry as thine, and her + health must over all things be cared for. But she is in the case of being + commanded down to yonder Kenilworth revels, and it is most expedient—most + needful—most necessary that she fly not thither. Of these + necessities and their causes, it is not needful that she should know + aught; and it is to be thought that her own wish may lead her to combat + all ordinary reasons which can be urged for her remaining a housekeeper." + </p> + <p> + "That is but natural," said the alchemist with a strange smile, which yet + bore a greater reference to the human character than the uninterested and + abstracted gaze which his physiognomy had hitherto expressed, where all + seemed to refer to some world distant from that which was existing around + him. + </p> + <p> + "It is so," answered Varney; "you understand women well, though it may + have been long since you were conversant amongst them. Well, then, she is + not to be contradicted; yet she is not to be humoured. Understand me—a + slight illness, sufficient to take away the desire of removing from + thence, and to make such of your wise fraternity as may be called in to + aid, recommend a quiet residence at home, will, in one word, be esteemed + good service, and remunerated as such." + </p> + <p> + "I am not to be asked to affect the House of Life?" said the chemist. + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary, we will have thee hanged if thou dost," replied Varney. + </p> + <p> + "And I must," added Alasco, "have opportunity to do my turn, and all + facilities for concealment or escape, should there be detection?" + </p> + <p> + "All, all, and everything, thou infidel in all but the impossibilities of + alchemy. Why, man, for what dost thou take me?" + </p> + <p> + The old man rose, and taking a light walked towards the end of the + apartment, where was a door that led to the small sleeping-room destined + for his reception during the night. At the door he turned round, and + slowly repeated Varney's question ere he answered it. "For what do I take + thee, Richard Varney? Why, for a worse devil than I have been myself. But + I am in your toils, and I must serve you till my term be out." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," answered Varney hastily, "be stirring with grey light. It + may be we shall not need thy medicine—do nought till I myself come + down. Michael Lambourne shall guide you to the place of your destination." + [See Note 7. Dr. Julio.] + </p> + <p> + When Varney heard the adept's door shut and carefully bolted within, he + stepped towards it, and with similar precaution carefully locked it on the + outside, and took the key from the lock, muttering to himself, "Worse than + THEE, thou poisoning quacksalver and witch-monger, who, if thou art not a + bounden slave to the devil, it is only because he disdains such an + apprentice! I am a mortal man, and seek by mortal means the gratification + of my passions and advancement of my prospects; thou art a vassal of hell + itself—So ho, Lambourne!" he called at another door, and Michael + made his appearance with a flushed cheek and an unsteady step. + </p> + <p> + "Thou art drunk, thou villain!" said Varney to him. + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless, noble sir," replied the unabashed Michael; "We have been + drinking all even to the glories of the day, and to my noble Lord of + Leicester and his valiant master of the horse. Drunk! odds blades and + poniards, he that would refuse to swallow a dozen healths on such an + evening is a base besognio, and a puckfoist, and shall swallow six inches + of my dagger!" + </p> + <p> + "Hark ye, scoundrel," said Varney, "be sober on the instant—I + command thee. I know thou canst throw off thy drunken folly, like a fool's + coat, at pleasure; and if not, it were the worse for thee." + </p> + <p> + Lambourne drooped his head, left the apartment, and returned in two or + three minutes with his face composed, his hair adjusted, his dress in + order, and exhibiting as great a difference from his former self as if the + whole man had been changed. + </p> + <p> + "Art thou sober now, and dost thou comprehend me?" said Varney sternly. + </p> + <p> + Lambourne bowed in acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + "Thou must presently down to Cumnor Place with the reverend man of art who + sleeps yonder in the little vaulted chamber. Here is the key, that thou + mayest call him by times. Take another trusty fellow with you. Use him + well on the journey, but let him not escape you—pistol him if he + attempt it, and I will be your warrant. I will give thee letters to + Foster. The doctor is to occupy the lower apartments of the eastern + quadrangle, with freedom to use the old elaboratory and its implements. He + is to have no access to the lady, but such as I shall point out—only + she may be amused to see his philosophical jugglery. Thou wilt await at + Cumnor Place my further orders; and, as thou livest, beware of the + ale-bench and the aqua vitae flask. Each breath drawn in Cumnor Place must + be kept severed from common air." + </p> + <p> + "Enough, my lord—I mean my worshipful master, soon, I trust, to be + my worshipful knightly master. You have given me my lesson and my license; + I will execute the one, and not abuse the other. I will be in the saddle + by daybreak." + </p> + <p> + "Do so, and deserve favour. Stay—ere thou goest fill me a cup of + wine—not out of that flask, sirrah," as Lambourne was pouring out + from that which Alasco had left half finished, "fetch me a fresh one." + </p> + <p> + Lambourne obeyed, and Varney, after rinsing his mouth with the liquor, + drank a full cup, and said, as he took up a lamp to retreat to his + sleeping apartment, "It is strange—I am as little the slave of fancy + as any one, yet I never speak for a few minutes with this fellow Alasco, + but my mouth and lungs feel as if soiled with the fumes of calcined + arsenic—pah!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he left the apartment. Lambourne lingered, to drink a cup of + the freshly-opened flask. "It is from Saint John's-Berg," he said, as he + paused on the draught to enjoy its flavour, "and has the true relish of + the violet. But I must forbear it now, that I may one day drink it at my + own pleasure." And he quaffed a goblet of water to quench the fumes of the + Rhenish wine, retired slowly towards the door, made a pause, and then, + finding the temptation irresistible, walked hastily back, and took another + long pull at the wine flask, without the formality of a cup. + </p> + <p> + "Were it not for this accursed custom," he said, "I might climb as high as + Varney himself. But who can climb when the room turns round with him like + a parish-top? I would the distance were greater, or the road rougher, + betwixt my hand and mouth! But I will drink nothing to-morrow save water—nothing + save fair water." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + PISTOL. And tidings do I bring, and lucky joys, + And happy news of price. + FALSTAFF. I prithee now deliver them like to men of this world. + PISTOL. A foutra for the world, and worldlings base! + I speak of Africa, and golden joys. —HENRY IV. PART II. +</pre> + <p> + The public room of the Black Bear at Cumnor, to which the scene of our + story now returns, boasted, on the evening which we treat of, no ordinary + assemblage of guests. There had been a fair in the neighbourhood, and the + cutting mercer of Abingdon, with some of the other personages whom the + reader has already been made acquainted with, as friends and customers of + Giles Gosling, had already formed their wonted circle around the evening + fire, and were talking over the news of the day. + </p> + <p> + A lively, bustling, arch fellow, whose pack, and oaken ellwand studded + duly with brass points, denoted him to be of Autolycus's profession, + occupied a good deal of the attention, and furnished much of the + amusement, of the evening. The pedlars of those days, it must be + remembered, were men of far greater importance than the degenerate and + degraded hawkers of our modern times. It was by means of these peripatetic + venders that the country trade, in the finer manufactures used in female + dress particularly, was almost entirely carried on; and if a merchant of + this description arrived at the dignity of travelling with a pack-horse, + he was a person of no small consequence, and company for the most + substantial yeoman or franklin whom he might meet in his wanderings. + </p> + <p> + The pedlar of whom we speak bore, accordingly, an active and unrebuked + share in the merriment to which the rafters of the bonny Black Bear of + Cumnor resounded. He had his smile with pretty Mistress Cicely, his broad + laugh with mine host, and his jest upon dashing Master Goldthred, who, + though indeed without any such benevolent intention on his own part, was + the general butt of the evening. The pedlar and he were closely engaged in + a dispute upon the preference due to the Spanish nether-stock over the + black Gascoigne hose, and mine host had just winked to the guests around + him, as who should say, "You will have mirth presently, my masters," when + the trampling of horses was heard in the courtyard, and the hostler was + loudly summoned, with a few of the newest oaths then in vogue to add force + to the invocation. Out tumbled Will Hostler, John Tapster, and all the + militia of the inn, who had slunk from their posts in order to collect + some scattered crumbs of the mirth which was flying about among the + customers. Out into the yard sallied mine host himself also, to do fitting + salutation to his new guests; and presently returned, ushering into the + apartment his own worthy nephew, Michael Lambourne, pretty tolerably + drunk, and having under his escort the astrologer. Alasco, though still a + little old man, had, by altering his gown to a riding-dress, trimming his + beard and eyebrows, and so forth, struck at least a score of years from + his apparent age, and might now seem an active man of sixty, or little + upwards. He appeared at present exceedingly anxious, and had insisted much + with Lambourne that they should not enter the inn, but go straight forward + to the place of their destination. But Lambourne would not be controlled. + "By Cancer and Capricorn," he vociferated, "and the whole heavenly host, + besides all the stars that these blessed eyes of mine have seen sparkle in + the southern heavens, to which these northern blinkers are but farthing + candles, I will be unkindly for no one's humour—I will stay and + salute my worthy uncle here. Chesu! that good blood should ever be + forgotten betwixt friends!—A gallon of your best, uncle, and let it + go round to the health of the noble Earl of Leicester! What! shall we not + collogue together, and warm the cockles of our ancient kindness?—shall + we not collogue, I say?" + </p> + <p> + "With all my heart, kinsman," said mine host, who obviously wished to be + rid of him; "but are you to stand shot to all this good liquor?" + </p> + <p> + This is a question has quelled many a jovial toper, but it moved not the + purpose of Lambourne's soul, "Question my means, nuncle?" he said, + producing a handful of mixed gold and silver pieces; "question Mexico and + Peru—question the Queen's exchequer—God save her Majesty!—she + is my good Lord's good mistress." + </p> + <p> + "Well, kinsman," said mine host, "it is my business to sell wine to those + who can buy it—so, Jack Tapster, do me thine office. But I would I + knew how to come by money as lightly as thou dost, Mike." + </p> + <p> + "Why, uncle," said Lambourne, "I will tell thee a secret. Dost see this + little old fellow here? as old and withered a chip as ever the devil put + into his porridge—and yet, uncle, between you and me—he hath + Potosi in that brain of his—'sblood! he can coin ducats faster than + I can vent oaths." + </p> + <p> + "I will have none of his coinage in my purse, though, Michael," said mine + host; "I know what belongs to falsifying the Queen's coin." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art an ass, uncle, for as old as thou art.—Pull me not by the + skirts, doctor, thou art an ass thyself to boot—so, being both + asses, I tell ye I spoke but metaphorically." + </p> + <p> + "Are you mad?" said the old man; "is the devil in you? Can you not let us + begone without drawing all men's eyes on us?" + </p> + <p> + "Sayest thou?" said Lambourne. "Thou art deceived now—no man shall + see you, an I give the word.—By heavens, masters, an any one dare to + look on this old gentleman, I will slash the eyes out of his head with my + poniard!—So sit down, old friend, and be merry; these are mine + ingles—mine ancient inmates, and will betray no man." + </p> + <p> + "Had you not better withdraw to a private apartment, nephew?" said Giles + Gosling. "You speak strange matter," he added, "and there be + intelligencers everywhere." + </p> + <p> + "I care not for them," said the magnanimous Michael—"intelligencers? + pshaw! I serve the noble Earl of Leicester.—Here comes the wine.—Fill + round, Master Skinker, a carouse to the health of the flower of England, + the noble Earl of Leicester! I say, the noble Earl of Leicester! He that + does me not reason is a swine of Sussex, and I'll make him kneel to the + pledge, if I should cut his hams and smoke them for bacon." + </p> + <p> + None disputed a pledge given under such formidable penalties; and Michael + Lambourne, whose drunken humour was not of course diminished by this new + potation, went on in the same wild way, renewing his acquaintance with + such of the guests as he had formerly known, and experiencing a reception + in which there was now something of deference mingled with a good deal of + fear; for the least servitor of the favourite Earl, especially such a man + as Lambourne, was, for very sufficient reasons, an object both of the one + and of the other. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the old man, seeing his guide in this uncontrollable + humour, ceased to remonstrate with him, and sitting down in the most + obscure corner of the room, called for a small measure of sack, over which + he seemed, as it were, to slumber, withdrawing himself as much as possible + from general observation, and doing nothing which could recall his + existence to the recollection of his fellow-traveller, who by this time + had got into close intimacy with his ancient comrade, Goldthred of + Abingdon. + </p> + <p> + "Never believe me, bully Mike," said the mercer, "if I am not as glad to + see thee as ever I was to see a customer's money! Why, thou canst give a + friend a sly place at a mask or a revel now, Mike; ay, or, I warrant thee, + thou canst say in my lord's ear, when my honourable lord is down in these + parts, and wants a Spanish ruff or the like—thou canst say in his + ear, There is mine old friend, young Lawrence Goldthred of Abingdon, has + as good wares, lawn, tiffany, cambric, and so forth—ay, and is as + pretty a piece of man's flesh, too, as is in Berkshire, and will ruffle it + for your lordship with any man of his inches; and thou mayest say—" + </p> + <p> + "I can say a hundred d—d lies besides, mercer," answered Lambourne; + "what, one must not stand upon a good word for a friend!" + </p> + <p> + "Here is to thee, Mike, with all my heart," said the mercer; "and thou + canst tell one the reality of the new fashions too. Here was a rogue + pedlar but now was crying up the old-fashioned Spanish nether-stock over + the Gascoigne hose, although thou seest how well the French hose set off + the leg and knee, being adorned with parti-coloured garters and garniture + in conformity." + </p> + <p> + "Excellent, excellent," replied Lambourne; "why, thy limber bit of a + thigh, thrust through that bunch of slashed buckram and tiffany, shows + like a housewife's distaff when the flax is half spun off!" + </p> + <p> + "Said I not so?" said the mercer, whose shallow brain was now overflowed + in his turn; "where, then, where be this rascal pedlar?—there was a + pedlar here but now, methinks.—Mine host, where the foul fiend is + this pedlar?" + </p> + <p> + "Where wise men should be, Master Goldthred," replied Giles Gosling; "even + shut up in his private chamber, telling over the sales of to-day, and + preparing for the custom of to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Hang him, a mechanical chuff!" said the mercer; "but for shame, it were a + good deed to ease him of his wares—a set of peddling knaves, who + stroll through the land, and hurt the established trader. There are good + fellows in Berkshire yet, mine host—your pedlar may be met withal on + Maiden Castle." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," replied mine host, laughing, "and he who meets him may meet his + match—the pedlar is a tall man." + </p> + <p> + "Is he?" said Goldthred. + </p> + <p> + "Is he?" replied the host; "ay, by cock and pie is he—the very + pedlar he who raddled Robin Hood so tightly, as the song says,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Now Robin Hood drew his sword so good, + The pedlar drew his brand, + And he hath raddled him, Robin Hood, + Till he neither could see nor stand.'" +</pre> + <p> + "Hang him, foul scroyle, let him pass," said the mercer; "if he be such a + one, there were small worship to be won upon him.—And now tell me, + Mike—my honest Mike, how wears the Hollands you won of me?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, well, as you may see, Master Goldthred," answered Mike; "I will + bestow a pot on thee for the handsel.—Fill the flagon, Master + Tapster." + </p> + <p> + "Thou wilt win no more Hollands, think, on such wager, friend Mike," said + the mercer; "for the sulky swain, Tony Foster, rails at thee all to + nought, and swears you shall ne'er darken his doors again, for that your + oaths are enough to blow the roof off a Christian man's dwelling." + </p> + <p> + "Doth he say so, the mincing, hypocritical miser?" vociferated Lambourne. + "Why, then, he shall come down and receive my commands here, this blessed + night, under my uncle's roof! And I will ring him such a black sanctus, + that he shall think the devil hath him by the skirts for a month to come, + for barely hearing me." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, now the pottle-pot is uppermost, with a witness!" said the mercer. + "Tony Foster obey thy whistle! Alas! good Mike, go sleep—go sleep." + </p> + <p> + "I tell thee what, thou thin-faced gull," said Michael Lambourne, in high + chafe, "I will wager thee fifty angels against the first five shelves of + thy shop, numbering upward from the false light, with all that is on them, + that I make Tony Foster come down to this public-house before we have + finished three rounds." + </p> + <p> + "I will lay no bet to that amount," said the mercer, something sobered by + an offer which intimated rather too private a knowledge on Lambourne's + part of the secret recesses of his shop. "I will lay no such wager," he + said; "but I will stake five angels against thy five, if thou wilt, that + Tony Foster will not leave his own roof, or come to ale-house after prayer + time, for thee, or any man." + </p> + <p> + "Content," said Lambourne.—"Here, uncle, hold stakes, and let one of + your young bleed-barrels there—one of your infant tapsters—trip + presently up to The Place, and give this letter to Master Foster, and say + that I, his ingle, Michael Lambourne, pray to speak with him at mine + uncle's castle here, upon business of grave import.—Away with thee, + child, for it is now sundown, and the wretch goeth to bed with the birds + to save mutton-suet—faugh!" + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this messenger was dispatched—an interval which was + spent in drinking and buffoonery—he returned with the answer that + Master Foster was coming presently. + </p> + <p> + "Won, won!" said Lambourne, darting on the stakes. + </p> + <p> + "Not till he comes, if you please," said the mercer, interfering. + </p> + <p> + "Why, 'sblood, he is at the threshold," replied Michael.—"What said + he, boy?" + </p> + <p> + "If it please your worship," answered the messenger, "he looked out of + window, with a musquetoon in his hand, and when I delivered your errand, + which I did with fear and trembling, he said, with a vinegar aspect, that + your worship might be gone to the infernal regions." + </p> + <p> + "Or to hell, I suppose," said Lambourne—"it is there he disposes of + all that are not of the congregation." + </p> + <p> + "Even so," said the boy; "I used the other phrase as being the more + poetical." + </p> + <p> + "An ingenious youth," said Michael; "shalt have a drop to whet thy + poetical whistle. And what said Foster next?" + </p> + <p> + "He called me back," answered the boy, "and bid me say you might come to + him if you had aught to say to him." + </p> + <p> + "And what next?" said Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "He read the letter, and seemed in a fluster, and asked if your worship + was in drink; and I said you were speaking a little Spanish, as one who + had been in the Canaries." + </p> + <p> + "Out, you diminutive pint-pot, whelped of an overgrown reckoning!" replied + Lambourne—"out! But what said he then?" + </p> + <p> + "Why," said the boy, "he muttered that if he came not your worship would + bolt out what were better kept in; and so he took his old flat cap, and + threadbare blue cloak, and, as I said before, he will be here + incontinent." + </p> + <p> + "There is truth in what he said," replied Lambourne, as if speaking to + himself—"my brain has played me its old dog's trick. But corragio—let + him approach!—I have not rolled about in the world for many a day to + fear Tony Foster, be I drunk or sober.—Bring me a flagon of cold + water to christen my sack withal." + </p> + <p> + While Lambourne, whom the approach of Foster seemed to have recalled to a + sense of his own condition, was busied in preparing to receive him, Giles + Gosling stole up to the apartment of the pedlar, whom he found traversing + the room in much agitation. + </p> + <p> + "You withdrew yourself suddenly from the company," said the landlord to + the guest. + </p> + <p> + "It was time, when the devil became one among you," replied the pedlar. + </p> + <p> + "It is not courteous in you to term my nephew by such a name," said + Gosling, "nor is it kindly in me to reply to it; and yet, in some sort, + Mike may be considered as a limb of Satan." + </p> + <p> + "Pooh—I talk not of the swaggering ruffian," replied the pedlar; "it + is of the other, who, for aught I know—But when go they? or + wherefore come they?" + </p> + <p> + "Marry, these are questions I cannot answer," replied the host. "But look + you, sir, you have brought me a token from worthy Master Tressilian—a + pretty stone it is." He took out the ring, and looked at it, adding, as he + put it into his purse again, that it was too rich a guerdon for anything + he could do for the worthy donor. He was, he said, in the public line, and + it ill became him to be too inquisitive into other folk's concerns. He had + already said that he could hear nothing but that the lady lived still at + Cumnor Place in the closest seclusion, and, to such as by chance had a + view of her, seemed pensive and discontented with her solitude. "But + here," he said, "if you are desirous to gratify your master, is the rarest + chance that hath occurred for this many a day. Tony Foster is coming down + hither, and it is but letting Mike Lambourne smell another wine-flask, and + the Queen's command would not move him from the ale-bench. So they are + fast for an hour or so. Now, if you will don your pack, which will be your + best excuse, you may, perchance, win the ear of the old servant, being + assured of the master's absence, to let you try to get some custom of the + lady; and then you may learn more of her condition than I or any other can + tell you." + </p> + <p> + "True—very true," answered Wayland, for he it was; "an excellent + device, but methinks something dangerous—for, say Foster should + return?" + </p> + <p> + "Very possible indeed," replied the host. + </p> + <p> + "Or say," continued Wayland, "the lady should render me cold thanks for my + exertions?" + </p> + <p> + "As is not unlikely," replied Giles Gosling. "I marvel Master Tressilian + will take such heed of her that cares not for him." + </p> + <p> + "In either case I were foully sped," said Wayland, "and therefore I do + not, on the whole, much relish your device." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but take me with you, good master serving-man," replied mine host. + "This is your master's business, and not mine, you best know the risk to + be encountered, or how far you are willing to brave it. But that which you + will not yourself hazard, you cannot expect others to risk." + </p> + <p> + "Hold, hold," said Wayland; "tell me but one thing—goes yonder old + man up to Cumnor?" + </p> + <p> + "Surely, I think so?" said the landlord; "their servant said he was to + take their baggage thither. But the ale-tap has been as potent for him as + the sack-spigot has been for Michael." + </p> + <p> + "It is enough," said Wayland, assuming an air of resolution. "I will + thwart that old villain's projects; my affright at his baleful aspect + begins to abate, and my hatred to arise. Help me on with my pack, good + mine host.—And look to thyself, old Albumazar; there is a malignant + influence in thy horoscope, and it gleams from the constellation Ursa + Major." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he assumed his burden, and, guided by the landlord through the + postern gate of the Black Bear, took the most private way from thence up + to Cumnor Place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CLOWN. You have of these pedlars, that have more in'em than + you'd think, sister.—WINTER'S TALE, ACT IV., SCENE 3. +</pre> + <p> + In his anxiety to obey the Earl's repeated charges of secrecy, as well as + from his own unsocial and miserly habits, Anthony Foster was more + desirous, by his mode of housekeeping, to escape observation than to + resist intrusive curiosity. Thus, instead of a numerous household, to + secure his charge, and defend his house, he studied as much as possible to + elude notice by diminishing his attendants; so that, unless when there + were followers of the Earl, or of Varney, in the mansion, one old male + domestic, and two aged crones, who assisted in keeping the Countess's + apartments in order, were the only servants of the family. + </p> + <p> + It was one of these old women who opened the door when Wayland knocked, + and answered his petition, to be admitted to exhibit his wares to the + ladies of the family, with a volley of vituperation, couched in what is + there called the JOWRING dialect. The pedlar found the means of checking + this vociferation by slipping a silver groat into her hand, and intimating + the present of some stuff for a coif, if the lady would buy of his wares. + </p> + <p> + "God ield thee, for mine is aw in littocks. Slocket with thy pack into + gharn, mon—her walks in gharn." Into the garden she ushered the + pedlar accordingly, and pointing to an old, ruinous garden house, said, + "Yonder be's her, mon—yonder be's her. Zhe will buy changes an zhe + loikes stuffs." + </p> + <p> + "She has left me to come off as I may," thought Wayland, as he heard the + hag shut the garden-door behind him. "But they shall not beat me, and they + dare not murder me, for so little trespass, and by this fair twilight. + Hang it, I will on—a brave general never thought of his retreat till + he was defeated. I see two females in the old garden-house yonder—but + how to address them? Stay—Will Shakespeare, be my friend in need. I + will give them a taste of Autolycus." He then sung, with a good voice, and + becoming audacity, the popular playhouse ditty,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Lawn as white as driven snow, + Cyprus black as e'er was crow, + Gloves as sweet as damask roses, + Masks for faces and for noses." +</pre> + <p> + "What hath fortune sent us here for an unwonted sight, Janet?" said the + lady. + </p> + <p> + "One of those merchants of vanity, called pedlars," answered Janet, + demurely, "who utters his light wares in lighter measures. I marvel old + Dorcas let him pass." + </p> + <p> + "It is a lucky chance, girl," said the Countess; "we lead a heavy life + here, and this may while off a weary hour." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, my gracious lady," said Janet; "but my father?" + </p> + <p> + "He is not my father, Janet, nor I hope my master," answered the lady. "I + say, call the man hither—I want some things." + </p> + <p> + "Nay," replied Janet, "your ladyship has but to say so in the next packet, + and if England can furnish them they will be sent. There will come + mischief on't—pray, dearest lady, let me bid the man begone!" + </p> + <p> + "I will have thee bid him come hither," said the Countess;—"or stay, + thou terrified fool, I will bid him myself, and spare thee a chiding." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! well-a-day, dearest lady, if that were the worst," said Janet sadly; + while the lady called to the pedlar, "Good fellow, step forward—undo + thy pack; if thou hast good wares, chance has sent thee hither for my + convenience and thy profit." + </p> + <p> + "What may your ladyship please to lack?" said Wayland, unstrapping his + pack, and displaying its contents with as much dexterity as if he had been + bred to the trade. Indeed he had occasionally pursued it in the course of + his roving life, and now commended his wares with all the volubility of a + trader, and showed some skill in the main art of placing prices upon them. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0713m.jpg" alt="0713m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0713.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "What do I please to lack?" said the lady, "why, considering I have not + for six long months bought one yard of lawn or cambric, or one trinket, + the most inconsiderable, for my own use, and at my own choice, the better + question is, What hast thou got to sell? Lay aside for me that cambric + partlet and pair of sleeves—and those roundells of gold fringe, + drawn out with cyprus—and that short cloak of cherry-coloured fine + cloth, garnished with gold buttons and loops;—is it not of an + absolute fancy, Janet?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, my lady," replied Janet, "if you consult my poor judgment, it is, + methinks, over-gaudy for a graceful habit." + </p> + <p> + "Now, out upon thy judgment, if it be no brighter, wench," said the + Countess. "Thou shalt wear it thyself for penance' sake; and I promise + thee the gold buttons, being somewhat massive, will comfort thy father, + and reconcile him to the cherry-coloured body. See that he snap them not + away, Janet, and send them to bear company with the imprisoned angels + which he keeps captive in his strong-box." + </p> + <p> + "May I pray your ladyship to spare my poor father?" said Janet. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but why should any one spare him that is so sparing of his own + nature?" replied the lady.—"Well, but to our gear. That head + garniture for myself, and that silver bodkin mounted with pearl; and take + off two gowns of that russet cloth for Dorcas and Alison, Janet, to keep + the old wretches warm against winter comes.—And stay—hast thou + no perfumes and sweet bags, or any handsome casting bottles of the newest + mode?" + </p> + <p> + "Were I a pedlar in earnest, I were a made merchant," thought Wayland, as + he busied himself to answer the demands which she thronged one on another, + with the eagerness of a young lady who has been long secluded from such a + pleasing occupation. "But how to bring her to a moment's serious + reflection?" Then as he exhibited his choicest collection of essences and + perfumes, he at once arrested her attention by observing that these + articles had almost risen to double value since the magnificent + preparations made by the Earl of Leicester to entertain the Queen and + court at his princely Castle of Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" said the Countess hastily; "that rumour, then, is true, Janet." + </p> + <p> + "Surely, madam," answered Wayland; "and I marvel it hath not reached your + noble ladyship's ears. The Queen of England feasts with the noble Earl for + a week during the Summer's Progress; and there are many who will tell you + England will have a king, and England's Elizabeth—God save her!—a + husband, ere the Progress be over." + </p> + <p> + "They lie like villains!" said the Countess, bursting forth impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, madam, consider," said Janet, trembling with + apprehension; "who would cumber themselves about pedlar's tidings?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Janet!" exclaimed the Countess; "right, thou hast corrected me + justly. Such reports, blighting the reputation of England's brightest and + noblest peer, can only find currency amongst the mean, the abject, and the + infamous!" + </p> + <p> + "May I perish, lady," said Wayland Smith, observing that her violence + directed itself towards him, "if I have done anything to merit this + strange passion! I have said but what many men say." + </p> + <p> + By this time the Countess had recovered her composure, and endeavoured, + alarmed by the anxious hints of Janet, to suppress all appearance of + displeasure. "I were loath," she said, "good fellow, that our Queen should + change the virgin style so dear to us her people—think not of it." + And then, as if desirous to change the subject, she added, "And what is + this paste, so carefully put up in the silver box?" as she examined the + contents of a casket in which drugs and perfumes were contained in + separate drawers. + </p> + <p> + "It is a remedy, Madam, for a disorder of which I trust your ladyship will + never have reason to complain. The amount of a small turkey-bean, + swallowed daily for a week, fortifies the heart against those black + vapours which arise from solitude, melancholy, unrequited affection, + disappointed hope—" + </p> + <p> + "Are you a fool, friend?" said the Countess sharply; "or do you think, + because I have good-naturedly purchased your trumpery goods at your + roguish prices, that you may put any gullery you will on me? Who ever + heard that affections of the heart were cured by medicines given to the + body?" + </p> + <p> + "Under your honourable favour," said Wayland, "I am an honest man, and I + have sold my goods at an honest price. As to this most precious medicine, + when I told its qualities, I asked you not to purchase it, so why should I + lie to you? I say not it will cure a rooted affection of the mind, which + only God and time can do; but I say that this restorative relieves the + black vapours which are engendered in the body of that melancholy which + broodeth on the mind. I have relieved many with it, both in court and + city, and of late one Master Edmund Tressilian, a worshipful gentleman in + Cornwall, who, on some slight received, it was told me, where he had set + his affections, was brought into that state of melancholy which made his + friends alarmed for his life." + </p> + <p> + He paused, and the lady remained silent for some time, and then asked, + with a voice which she strove in vain to render firm and indifferent in + its tone, "Is the gentleman you have mentioned perfectly recovered?" + </p> + <p> + "Passably, madam," answered Wayland; "he hath at least no bodily + complaint." + </p> + <p> + "I will take some of the medicine, Janet," said the Countess. "I too have + sometimes that dark melancholy which overclouds the brain." + </p> + <p> + "You shall not do so, madam," said Janet; "who shall answer that this + fellow vends what is wholesome?" + </p> + <p> + "I will myself warrant my good faith," said Wayland; and taking a part of + the medicine, he swallowed it before them. The Countess now bought what + remained, a step to which Janet, by further objections, only determined + her the more obstinately. She even took the first dose upon the instant, + and professed to feel her heart lightened and her spirits augmented—a + consequence which, in all probability, existed only in her own + imagination. The lady then piled the purchases she had made together, + flung her purse to Janet, and desired her to compute the amount, and to + pay the pedlar; while she herself, as if tired of the amusement she at + first found in conversing with him, wished him good evening, and walked + carelessly into the house, thus depriving Wayland of every opportunity to + speak with her in private. He hastened, however, to attempt an explanation + with Janet. + </p> + <p> + "Maiden," he said, "thou hast the face of one who should love her + mistress. She hath much need of faithful service." + </p> + <p> + "And well deserves it at my hands," replied Janet; "but what of that?" + </p> + <p> + "Maiden, I am not altogether what I seem," said the pedlar, lowering his + voice. + </p> + <p> + "The less like to be an honest man," said Janet. + </p> + <p> + "The more so," answered Wayland, "since I am no pedlar." + </p> + <p> + "Get thee gone then instantly, or I will call for assistance," said Janet; + "my father must ere this be returned." + </p> + <p> + "Do not be so rash," said Wayland; "you will do what you may repent of. I + am one of your mistress's friends; and she had need of more, not that thou + shouldst ruin those she hath." + </p> + <p> + "How shall I know that?" said Janet. + </p> + <p> + "Look me in the face," said Wayland Smith, "and see if thou dost not read + honesty in my looks." + </p> + <p> + And in truth, though by no means handsome, there was in his physiognomy + the sharp, keen expression of inventive genius and prompt intellect, + which, joined to quick and brilliant eyes, a well-formed mouth, and an + intelligent smile, often gives grace and interest to features which are + both homely and irregular. Janet looked at him with the sly simplicity of + her sect, and replied, "Notwithstanding thy boasted honesty, friend, and + although I am not accustomed to read and pass judgment on such volumes as + thou hast submitted to my perusal, I think I see in thy countenance + something of the pedlar-something of the picaroon." + </p> + <p> + "On a small scale, perhaps," said Wayland Smith, laughing. "But this + evening, or to-morrow, will an old man come hither with thy father, who + has the stealthy step of the cat, the shrewd and vindictive eye of the + rat, the fawning wile of the spaniel, the determined snatch of the mastiff—of + him beware, for your own sake and that of your mistress. See you, fair + Janet, he brings the venom of the aspic under the assumed innocence of the + dove. What precise mischief he meditates towards you I cannot guess, but + death and disease have ever dogged his footsteps. Say nought of this to + thy mistress; my art suggests to me that in her state the fear of evil may + be as dangerous as its operation. But see that she take my specific, for" + (he lowered his voice, and spoke low but impressively in her ear) "it is + an antidote against poison.—Hark, they enter the garden!" + </p> + <p> + In effect, a sound of noisy mirth and loud talking approached the garden + door, alarmed by which Wayland Smith sprung into the midst of a thicket of + overgrown shrubs, while Janet withdrew to the garden-house that she might + not incur observation, and that she might at the same time conceal, at + least for the present, the purchases made from the supposed pedlar, which + lay scattered on the floor of the summer-house. + </p> + <p> + Janet, however, had no occasion for anxiety. Her father, his old + attendant, Lord Leicester's domestic, and the astrologer, entered the + garden in tumult and in extreme perplexity, endeavouring to quiet + Lambourne, whose brain had now become completely fired with liquor, and + who was one of those unfortunate persons who, being once stirred with the + vinous stimulus, do not fall asleep like other drunkards, but remain + partially influenced by it for many hours, until at length, by successive + draughts, they are elevated into a state of uncontrollable frenzy. Like + many men in this state also, Lambourne neither lost the power of motion, + speech, or expression; but, on the contrary, spoke with unwonted emphasis + and readiness, and told all that at another time he would have been most + desirous to keep secret. + </p> + <p> + "What!" ejaculated Michael, at the full extent of his voice, "am I to have + no welcome, no carouse, when I have brought fortune to your old, ruinous + dog-house in the shape of a devil's ally, that can change slate-shivers + into Spanish dollars?—Here, you, Tony Fire-the-Fagot, Papist, + Puritan, hypocrite, miser, profligate, devil, compounded of all men's + sins, bow down and reverence him who has brought into thy house the very + mammon thou worshippest." + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake," said Foster, "speak low—come into the house—thou + shalt have wine, or whatever thou wilt." + </p> + <p> + "No, old puckfoist, I will have it here," thundered the inebriated ruffian—"here, + AL FRESCO, as the Italian hath it. No, no, I will not drink with that + poisoning devil within doors, to be choked with the fumes of arsenic and + quick-silver; I learned from villain Varney to beware of that." + </p> + <p> + "Fetch him wine, in the name of all the fiends!" said the alchemist. + </p> + <p> + "Aha! and thou wouldst spice it for me, old Truepenny, wouldst thou not? + Ay, I should have copperas, and hellebore, and vitriol, and aqua fortis, + and twenty devilish materials bubbling in my brain-pan like a charm to + raise the devil in a witch's cauldron. Hand me the flask thyself, old Tony + Fire-the-Fagot—and let it be cool—I will have no wine mulled + at the pile of the old burnt bishops. Or stay, let Leicester be king if he + will—good—and Varney, villain Varney, grand vizier—why, + excellent!—and what shall I be, then?—why, emperor—Emperor + Lambourne! I will see this choice piece of beauty that they have walled up + here for their private pleasures; I will have her this very night to serve + my wine-cup and put on my nightcap. What should a fellow do with two + wives, were he twenty times an Earl? Answer me that, Tony boy, you old + reprobate, hypocritical dog, whom God struck out of the book of life, but + tormented with the constant wish to be restored to it—you old + bishop-burning, blasphemous fanatic, answer me that." + </p> + <p> + "I will stick my knife to the haft in him," said Foster, in a low tone, + which trembled with passion. + </p> + <p> + "For the love of Heaven, no violence!" said the astrologer. "It cannot but + be looked closely into.—Here, honest Lambourne, wilt thou pledge me + to the health of the noble Earl of Leicester and Master Richard Varney?" + </p> + <p> + "I will, mine old Albumazar—I will, my trusty vender of ratsbane. I + would kiss thee, mine honest infractor of the Lex Julia (as they said at + Leyden), didst thou not flavour so damnably of sulphur, and such fiendish + apothecary's stuff.—Here goes it, up seyes—to Varney and + Leicester two more noble mounting spirits—and more dark-seeking, + deep-diving, high-flying, malicious, ambitious miscreants—well, I + say no more, but I will whet my dagger on his heart-spone that refuses to + pledge me! And so, my masters—" + </p> + <p> + Thus speaking, Lambourne exhausted the cup which the astrologer had handed + to him, and which contained not wine, but distilled spirits. He swore half + an oath, dropped the empty cup from his grasp, laid his hand on his sword + without being able to draw it, reeled, and fell without sense or motion + into the arms of the domestic, who dragged him off to his chamber, and put + him to bed. + </p> + <p> + In the general confusion, Janet regained her lady's chamber unobserved, + trembling like an aspen leaf, but determined to keep secret from the + Countess the dreadful surmises which she could not help entertaining from + the drunken ravings of Lambourne. Her fears, however, though they assumed + no certain shape, kept pace with the advice of the pedlar; and she + confirmed her mistress in her purpose of taking the medicine which he had + recommended, from which it is probable she would otherwise have dissuaded + her. Neither had these intimations escaped the ears of Wayland, who knew + much better how to interpret them. He felt much compassion at beholding so + lovely a creature as the Countess, and whom he had first seen in the bosom + of domestic happiness, exposed to the machinations of such a gang of + villains. His indignation, too, had been highly excited by hearing the + voice of his old master, against whom he felt, in equal degree, the + passions of hatred and fear. He nourished also a pride in his own art and + resources; and, dangerous as the task was, he that night formed a + determination to attain the bottom of the mystery, and to aid the + distressed lady, if it were yet possible. From some words which Lambourne + had dropped among his ravings, Wayland now, for the first time, felt + inclined to doubt that Varney had acted entirely on his own account in + wooing and winning the affections of this beautiful creature. Fame + asserted of this jealous retainer that he had accommodated his lord in + former love intrigues; and it occurred to Wayland Smith that Leicester + himself might be the party chiefly interested. Her marriage with the Earl + he could not suspect; but even the discovery of such a passing intrigue + with a lady of Mistress Amy Robsart's rank was a secret of the deepest + importance to the stability of the favourite's power over Elizabeth. "If + Leicester himself should hesitate to stifle such a rumour by very strange + means," said he to himself, "he has those about him who would do him that + favour without waiting for his consent. If I would meddle in this + business, it must be in such guise as my old master uses when he compounds + his manna of Satan, and that is with a close mask on my face. So I will + quit Giles Gosling to-morrow, and change my course and place of residence + as often as a hunted fox. I should like to see this little Puritan, too, + once more. She looks both pretty and intelligent to have come of such a + caitiff as Anthony Fire-the-Fagot." + </p> + <p> + Giles Gosling received the adieus of Wayland rather joyfully than + otherwise. The honest publican saw so much peril in crossing the course of + the Earl of Leicester's favourite that his virtue was scarce able to + support him in the task, and he was well pleased when it was likely to be + removed from his shoulders still, however, professing his good-will, and + readiness, in case of need, to do Mr. Tressilian or his emissary any + service, in so far as consisted with his character of a publican. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Vaulting ambition, that o'erleaps itself, + And falls on t'other side. —MACBETH. +</pre> + <p> + The splendour of the approaching revels at Kenilworth was now the + conversation through all England; and everything was collected at home, or + from abroad, which could add to the gaiety or glory of the prepared + reception of Elizabeth at the house of her most distinguished favourite, + Meantime Leicester appeared daily to advance in the Queen's favour. He was + perpetually by her side in council—willingly listened to in the + moments of courtly recreation—favoured with approaches even to + familiar intimacy—looked up to by all who had aught to hope at court—courted + by foreign ministers with the most flattering testimonies of respect from + their sovereigns,—the ALTER EGO, as it seemed, of the stately + Elizabeth, who was now very generally supposed to be studying the time and + opportunity for associating him, by marriage, into her sovereign power. + </p> + <p> + Amid such a tide of prosperity, this minion of fortune and of the Queen's + favour was probably the most unhappy man in the realm which seemed at his + devotion. He had the Fairy King's superiority over his friends and + dependants, and saw much which they could not. The character of his + mistress was intimately known to him. It was his minute and studied + acquaintance with her humours, as well as her noble faculties, which, + joined to his powerful mental qualities, and his eminent external + accomplishments, had raised him so high in her favour; and it was that + very knowledge of her disposition which led him to apprehend at every turn + some sudden and overwhelming disgrace. Leicester was like a pilot + possessed of a chart which points out to him all the peculiarities of his + navigation, but which exhibits so many shoals, breakers, and reefs of + rocks, that his anxious eye reaps little more from observing them than to + be convinced that his final escape can be little else than miraculous. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Queen Elizabeth had a character strangely compounded of the + strongest masculine sense, with those foibles which are chiefly supposed + proper to the female sex. Her subjects had the full benefit of her + virtues, which far predominated over her weaknesses; but her courtiers, + and those about her person, had often to sustain sudden and embarrassing + turns of caprice, and the sallies of a temper which was both jealous and + despotic. She was the nursing-mother of her people, but she was also the + true daughter of Henry VIII.; and though early sufferings and an excellent + education had repressed and modified, they had not altogether destroyed, + the hereditary temper of that "hard-ruled king." "Her mind," says her + witty godson, Sir John Harrington, who had experienced both the smiles and + the frowns which he describes, "was ofttime like the gentle air that + cometh from the western point in a summer's morn—'twas sweet and + refreshing to all around her. Her speech did win all affections. And + again, she could put forth such alterations, when obedience was lacking, + as left no doubting WHOSE daughter she was. When she smiled, it was a pure + sunshine, that every one did choose to bask in, if they could; but anon + came a storm from a sudden gathering of clouds, and the thunder fell in a + wondrous manner on all alike." [Nugae Antiquae, vol.i., pp.355, 356-362.] + </p> + <p> + This variability of disposition, as Leicester well knew, was chiefly + formidable to those who had a share in the Queen's affections, and who + depended rather on her personal regard than on the indispensable services + which they could render to her councils and her crown. The favour of + Burleigh or of Walsingham, of a description far less striking than that by + which he was himself upheld, was founded, as Leicester was well aware, on + Elizabeth's solid judgment, not on her partiality, and was, therefore, + free from all those principles of change and decay necessarily incident to + that which chiefly arose from personal accomplishments and female + predilection. These great and sage statesmen were judged of by the Queen + only with reference to the measures they suggested, and the reasons by + which they supported their opinions in council; whereas the success of + Leicester's course depended on all those light and changeable gales of + caprice and humour which thwart or favour the progress of a lover in the + favour of his mistress, and she, too, a mistress who was ever and anon + becoming fearful lest she should forget the dignity, or compromise the + authority, of the Queen, while she indulged the affections of the woman. + Of the difficulties which surrounded his power, "too great to keep or to + resign," Leicester was fully sensible; and as he looked anxiously round + for the means of maintaining himself in his precarious situation, and + sometimes contemplated those of descending from it in safety, he saw but + little hope of either. At such moments his thoughts turned to dwell upon + his secret marriage and its consequences; and it was in bitterness against + himself, if not against his unfortunate Countess, that he ascribed to that + hasty measure, adopted in the ardour of what he now called inconsiderate + passion, at once the impossibility of placing his power on a solid basis, + and the immediate prospect of its precipitate downfall. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0725m.jpg" alt="0725m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0725.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "Men say," thus ran his thoughts, in these anxious and repentant moments, + "that I might marry Elizabeth, and become King of England. All things + suggest this. The match is carolled in ballads, while the rabble throw + their caps up. It has been touched upon in the schools—whispered in + the presence-chamber—recommended from the pulpit—prayed for in + the Calvinistic churches abroad—touched on by statists in the very + council at home. These bold insinuations have been rebutted by no rebuke, + no resentment, no chiding, scarce even by the usual female protestation + that she would live and die a virgin princess. Her words have been more + courteous than ever, though she knows such rumours are abroad—her + actions more gracious, her looks more kind—nought seems wanting to + make me King of England, and place me beyond the storms of court-favour, + excepting the putting forth of mine own hand to take that crown imperial + which is the glory of the universe! And when I might stretch that hand out + most boldly, it is fettered down by a secret and inextricable bond! And + here I have letters from Amy," he would say, catching them up with a + movement of peevishness, "persecuting me to acknowledge her openly—to + do justice to her and to myself—and I wot not what. Methinks I have + done less than justice to myself already. And she speaks as if Elizabeth + were to receive the knowledge of this matter with the glee of a mother + hearing of the happy marriage of a hopeful son! She, the daughter of + Henry, who spared neither man in his anger nor woman in his desire—she + to find herself tricked, drawn on with toys of passion to the verge of + acknowledging her love to a subject, and he discovered to be a married + man!—Elizabeth to learn that she had been dallied with in such + fashion, as a gay courtier might trifle with a country wench—we + should then see, to our ruin, FURENS QUID FAEMINA!" + </p> + <p> + He would then pause, and call for Varney, whose advice was now more + frequently resorted to than ever, because the Earl remembered the + remonstrances which he had made against his secret contract. And their + consultation usually terminated in anxious deliberation how, or in what + manner, the Countess was to be produced at Kenilworth. These communings + had for some time ended always in a resolution to delay the Progress from + day to day. But at length a peremptory decision became necessary. + </p> + <p> + "Elizabeth will not be satisfied without her presence," said the Earl. + "Whether any suspicion hath entered her mind, as my own apprehensions + suggest, or whether the petition of Tressilian is kept in her memory by + Sussex or some other secret enemy, I know not; but amongst all the + favourable expressions which she uses to me, she often recurs to the story + of Amy Robsart. I think that Amy is the slave in the chariot, who is + placed there by my evil fortune to dash and to confound my triumph, even + when at the highest. Show me thy device, Varney, for solving the + inextricable difficulty. I have thrown every such impediment in the way of + these accursed revels as I could propound even with a shade of decency, + but to-day's interview has put all to a hazard. She said to me kindly, but + peremptorily, 'We will give you no further time for preparations, my lord, + lest you should altogether ruin yourself. On Saturday, the 9th of July, we + will be with you at Kenilworth. We pray you to forget none of our + appointed guests and suitors, and in especial this light-o'-love, Amy + Robsart. We would wish to see the woman who could postpone yonder poetical + gentleman, Master Tressilian, to your man, Richard Varney.'—Now, + Varney, ply thine invention, whose forge hath availed us so often for sure + as my name is Dudley, the danger menaced by my horoscope is now darkening + around me." + </p> + <p> + "Can my lady be by no means persuaded to bear for a brief space the + obscure character which circumstances impose on her?" Said Varney after + some hesitation. + </p> + <p> + "How, sirrah? my Countess term herself thy wife!—that may neither + stand with my honour nor with hers." + </p> + <p> + "Alas! my lord," answered Varney, "and yet such is the quality in which + Elizabeth now holds her; and to contradict this opinion is to discover + all." + </p> + <p> + "Think of something else, Varney," said the Earl, in great agitation; + "this invention is nought. If I could give way to it, she would not; for I + tell thee, Varney, if thou knowest it not, that not Elizabeth on the + throne has more pride than the daughter of this obscure gentleman of + Devon. She is flexible in many things, but where she holds her honour + brought in question she hath a spirit and temper as apprehensive as + lightning, and as swift in execution." + </p> + <p> + "We have experienced that, my lord, else had we not been thus + circumstanced," said Varney. "But what else to suggest I know not. + Methinks she whose good fortune in becoming your lordship's bride, and who + gives rise to the danger, should do somewhat towards parrying it." + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible," said the Earl, waving his hand; "I know neither + authority nor entreaties would make her endure thy name for an hour. + </p> + <p> + "It is somewhat hard, though," said Varney, in a dry tone; and, without + pausing on that topic, he added, "Suppose some one were found to represent + her? Such feats have been performed in the courts of as sharp-eyed + monarchs as Queen Elizabeth." + </p> + <p> + "Utter madness, Varney," answered the Earl; "the counterfeit would be + confronted with Tressilian, and discovery become inevitable." + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian might be removed from court," said the unhesitating Varney. + </p> + <p> + "And by what means?" + </p> + <p> + "There are many," said Varney, "by which a statesman in your situation, my + lord, may remove from the scene one who pries into your affairs, and + places himself in perilous opposition to you." + </p> + <p> + "Speak not to me of such policy, Varney," said the Earl hastily, "which, + besides, would avail nothing in the present case. Many others there be at + court to whom Amy may be known; and besides, on the absence of Tressilian, + her father or some of her friends would be instantly summoned hither. Urge + thine invention once more." + </p> + <p> + "My lord, I know not what to say," answered Varney; "but were I myself in + such perplexity, I would ride post down to Cumnor Place, and compel my + wife to give her consent to such measures as her safety and mine + required." + </p> + <p> + "Varney," said Leicester, "I cannot urge her to aught so repugnant to her + noble nature as a share in this stratagem; it would be a base requital to + the love she bears me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, my lord," said Varney, "your lordship is a wise and an honourable + man, and skilled in those high points of romantic scruple which are + current in Arcadia perhaps, as your nephew, Philip Sidney, writes. I am + your humble servitor—a man of this world, and only happy that my + knowledge of it, and its ways, is such as your lordship has not scorned to + avail yourself of. Now I would fain know whether the obligation lies on my + lady or on you in this fortunate union, and which has most reason to show + complaisance to the other, and to consider that other's wishes, + conveniences, and safety?" + </p> + <p> + "I tell thee, Varney," said the Earl, "that all it was in my power to + bestow upon her was not merely deserved, but a thousand times overpaid, by + her own virtue and beauty; for never did greatness descend upon a creature + so formed by nature to grace and adorn it." + </p> + <p> + "It is well, my lord, you are so satisfied," answered Varney, with his + usual sardonic smile, which even respect to his patron could not at all + times subdue; "you will have time enough to enjoy undisturbed the society + of one so gracious and beautiful—that is, so soon as such + confinement in the Tower be over as may correspond to the crime of + deceiving the affections of Elizabeth Tudor. A cheaper penalty, I presume, + you do not expect." + </p> + <p> + "Malicious fiend!" answered Leicester, "do you mock me in my misfortune?—Manage + it as thou wilt." + </p> + <p> + "If you are serious, my lord," said Varney, "you must set forth instantly + and post for Cumnor Place." + </p> + <p> + "Do thou go thyself, Varney; the devil has given thee that sort of + eloquence which is most powerful in the worst cause. I should stand + self-convicted of villainy, were I to urge such a deceit. Begone, I tell + thee; must I entreat thee to mine own dishonour?" + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord," said Varney; "but if you are serious in entrusting me with + the task of urging this most necessary measure, you must give me a letter + to my lady, as my credentials, and trust to me for backing the advice it + contains with all the force in my power. And such is my opinion of my + lady's love for your lordship, and of her willingness to do that which is + at once to contribute to your pleasure and your safety, that I am sure she + will condescend to bear for a few brief days the name of so humble a man + as myself, especially since it is not inferior in antiquity to that of her + own paternal house." + </p> + <p> + Leicester seized on writing materials, and twice or thrice commenced a + letter to the Countess, which he afterwards tore into fragments. At length + he finished a few distracted lines, in which he conjured her, for reasons + nearly concerning his life and honour, to consent to bear the name of + Varney for a few days, during the revels at Kenilworth. He added that + Varney would communicate all the reasons which rendered this deception + indispensable; and having signed and sealed these credentials, he flung + them over the table to Varney with a motion that he should depart, which + his adviser was not slow to comprehend and to obey. + </p> + <p> + Leicester remained like one stupefied, till he heard the trampling of the + horses, as Varney, who took no time even to change his dress, threw + himself into the saddle, and, followed by a single servant, set off for + Berkshire. At the sound the Earl started from his seat, and ran to the + window, with the momentary purpose of recalling the unworthy commission + with which he had entrusted one of whom he used to say he knew no virtuous + property save affection to his patron. But Varney was already beyond call; + and the bright, starry firmament, which the age considered as the Book of + Fate, lying spread before Leicester when he opened the casement, diverted + him from his better and more manly purpose. + </p> + <p> + "There they roll, on their silent but potential course," said the Earl, + looking around him, "without a voice which speaks to our ear, but not + without influences which affect, at every change, the indwellers of this + vile, earthly planet. This, if astrologers fable not, is the very crisis + of my fate! The hour approaches of which I was taught to beware—the + hour, too, which I was encouraged to hope for. A King was the word—but + how?—the crown matrimonial. All hopes of that are gone—let + them go. The rich Netherlands have demanded me for their leader, and, + would Elizabeth consent, would yield to me THEIR crown. And have I not + such a claim even in this kingdom? That of York, descending from George of + Clarence to the House of Huntingdon, which, this lady failing, may have a + fair chance—Huntingdon is of my house.—But I will plunge no + deeper in these high mysteries. Let me hold my course in silence for a + while, and in obscurity, like a subterranean river; the time shall come + that I will burst forth in my strength, and bear all opposition before + me." + </p> + <p> + While Leicester was thus stupefying the remonstrances of his own + conscience, by appealing to political necessity for his apology, or losing + himself amidst the wild dreams of ambition, his agent left town and tower + behind him on his hasty journey to Berkshire. HE also nourished high hope. + He had brought Lord Leicester to the point which he had desired, of + committing to him the most intimate recesses of his breast, and of using + him as the channel of his most confidential intercourse with his lady. + Henceforward it would, he foresaw, be difficult for his patron either to + dispense with his services, or refuse his requests, however unreasonable. + And if this disdainful dame, as he termed the Countess, should comply with + the request of her husband, Varney, her pretended husband, must needs + become so situated with respect to her, that there was no knowing where + his audacity might be bounded perhaps not till circumstances enabled him + to obtain a triumph, which he thought of with a mixture of fiendish + feelings, in which revenge for her previous scorn was foremost and + predominant. Again he contemplated the possibility of her being totally + intractable, and refusing obstinately to play the part assigned to her in + the drama at Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + "Alasco must then do his part," he said. "Sickness must serve her Majesty + as an excuse for not receiving the homage of Mrs. Varney—ay, and a + sore and wasting sickness it may prove, should Elizabeth continue to cast + so favourable an eye on my Lord of Leicester. I will not forego the chance + of being favourite of a monarch for want of determined measures, should + these be necessary. Forward, good horse, forward—ambition and + haughty hope of power, pleasure, and revenge strike their stings as deep + through my bosom as I plunge the rowels in thy flanks. On, good horse, on—the + devil urges us both forward!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Say that my beauty was but small, + Among court ladies all despised, + Why didst thou rend it from that hall + Where, scornful Earl, 'twas dearly prized? + + No more thou com'st with wonted speed, + Thy once beloved bride to see; + But be she alive, or be she dead, + I fear, stern Earl, 's the same to thee. + CUMNOR HALL, by WILLIAM JULIUS MICKLE. +</pre> + <p> + The ladies of fashion of the present, or of any other period, must have + allowed that the young and lovely Countess of Leicester had, besides her + youth and beauty, two qualities which entitled her to a place amongst + women of rank and distinction. She displayed, as we have seen in her + interview with the pedlar, a liberal promptitude to make unnecessary + purchases, solely for the pleasure of acquiring useless and showy trifles + which ceased to please as soon as they were possessed; and she was, + besides, apt to spend a considerable space of time every day in adorning + her person, although the varied splendour of her attire could only attract + the half satirical praise of the precise Janet, or an approving glance + from the bright eyes which witnessed their own beams of triumph reflected + from the mirror. + </p> + <p> + The Countess Amy had, indeed, to plead for indulgence in those frivolous + tastes, that the education of the times had done little or nothing for a + mind naturally gay and averse to study. If she had not loved to collect + finery and to wear it, she might have woven tapestry or sewed embroidery, + till her labours spread in gay profusion all over the walls and seats at + Lidcote Hall; or she might have varied Minerva's labours with the task of + preparing a mighty pudding against the time that Sir Hugh Robsart returned + from the greenwood. But Amy had no natural genius either for the loom, the + needle, or the receipt-book. Her mother had died in infancy; her father + contradicted her in nothing; and Tressilian, the only one that approached + her who was able or desirous to attend to the cultivation of her mind, had + much hurt his interest with her by assuming too eagerly the task of a + preceptor, so that he was regarded by the lively, indulged, and idle girl + with some fear and much respect, but with little or nothing of that softer + emotion which it had been his hope and his ambition to inspire. And thus + her heart lay readily open, and her fancy became easily captivated by the + noble exterior and graceful deportment and complacent flattery of + Leicester, even before he was known to her as the dazzling minion of + wealth and power. + </p> + <p> + The frequent visits of Leicester at Cumnor, during the earlier part of + their union, had reconciled the Countess to the solitude and privacy to + which she was condemned; but when these visits became rarer and more rare, + and when the void was filled up with letters of excuse, not always very + warmly expressed, and generally extremely brief, discontent and suspicion + began to haunt those splendid apartments which love had fitted up for + beauty. Her answers to Leicester conveyed these feelings too bluntly, and + pressed more naturally than prudently that she might be relieved from this + obscure and secluded residence, by the Earl's acknowledgment of their + marriage; and in arranging her arguments with all the skill she was + mistress of, she trusted chiefly to the warmth of the entreaties with + which she urged them. Sometimes she even ventured to mingle reproaches, of + which Leicester conceived he had good reason to complain. + </p> + <p> + "I have made her Countess," he said to Varney; "surely she might wait till + it consisted with my pleasure that she should put on the coronet?" + </p> + <p> + The Countess Amy viewed the subject in directly an opposite light. + </p> + <p> + "What signifies," she said, "that I have rank and honour in reality, if I + am to live an obscure prisoner, without either society or observance, and + suffering in my character, as one of dubious or disgraced reputation? I + care not for all those strings of pearl, which you fret me by warping into + my tresses, Janet. I tell you that at Lidcote Hall, if I put but a fresh + rosebud among my hair, my good father would call me to him, that he might + see it more closely; and the kind old curate would smile, and Master + Mumblazen would say something about roses gules. And now I sit here, + decked out like an image with gold and gems, and no one to see my finery + but you, Janet. There was the poor Tressilian, too—but it avails not + speaking of him." + </p> + <p> + "It doth not indeed, madam," said her prudent attendant; "and verily you + make me sometimes wish you would not speak of him so often, or so rashly." + </p> + <p> + "It signifies nothing to warn me, Janet," said the impatient and + incorrigible Countess; "I was born free, though I am now mewed up like + some fine foreign slave, rather than the wife of an English noble. I bore + it all with pleasure while I was sure he loved me; but now my tongue and + heart shall be free, let them fetter these limbs as they will. I tell + thee, Janet, I love my husband—I will love him till my latest breath—I + cannot cease to love him, even if I would, or if he—which, God + knows, may chance—should cease to love me. But I will say, and + loudly, I would have been happier than I now am to have remained in + Lidcote Hall, even although I must have married poor Tressilian, with his + melancholy look and his head full of learning, which I cared not for. He + said, if I would read his favourite volumes, there would come a time that + I should be glad of having done so. I think it is come now." + </p> + <p> + "I bought you some books, madam," said Janet, "from a lame fellow who sold + them in the Market-place—and who stared something boldly, at me, I + promise you." + </p> + <p> + "Let me see them, Janet," said the Countess; "but let them not be of your + own precise cast,—How is this, most righteous damsel?—'A PAIR + OF SNUFFERS FOR THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK'—'HANDFULL OF MYRRH AND + HYSSOP TO PUT A SICK SOUL TO PURGATION'—'A DRAUGHT OF WATER FROM THE + VALLEY OF BACA'—'FOXES AND FIREBRANDS'—what gear call you + this, maiden?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, madam," said Janet, "it was but fitting and seemly to put grace in + your ladyship's way; but an you will none of it, there are play-books, and + poet-books, I trow." + </p> + <p> + The Countess proceeded carelessly in her examination, turning over such + rare volumes as would now make the fortune of twenty retail booksellers. + Here was a "BOKE OF COOKERY, IMPRINTED BY RICHARD LANT," and "SKELTON'S + BOOKS"—"THE PASSTIME OF THE PEOPLE"—"THE CASTLE OF KNOWLEDGE," + etc. But neither to this lore did the Countess's heart incline, and + joyfully did she start up from the listless task of turning over the + leaves of the pamphlets, and hastily did she scatter them through the + floor, when the hasty clatter of horses' feet, heard in the courtyard, + called her to the window, exclaiming, "It is Leicester!—it is my + noble Earl!—it is my Dudley!—every stroke of his horse's hoof + sounds like a note of lordly music!" + </p> + <p> + There was a brief bustle in the mansion, and Foster, with his downward + look and sullen manner, entered the apartment to say, "That Master Richard + Varney was arrived from my lord, having ridden all night, and craved to + speak with her ladyship instantly." + </p> + <p> + "Varney?" said the disappointed Countess; "and to speak with me?—pshaw! + But he comes with news from Leicester, so admit him instantly." + </p> + <p> + Varney entered her dressing apartment, where she sat arrayed in her native + loveliness, adorned with all that Janet's art and a rich and tasteful + undress could bestow. But the most beautiful part of her attire was her + profuse and luxuriant light-brown locks, which floated in such rich + abundance around a neck that resembled a swan's, and over a bosom heaving + with anxious expectation, which communicated a hurried tinge of red to her + whole countenance. + </p> + <p> + Varney entered the room in the dress in which he had waited on his master + that morning to court, the splendour of which made a strange contrast with + the disorder arising from hasty riding during a dark night and foul ways. + His brow bore an anxious and hurried expression, as one who has that to + say of which he doubts the reception, and who hath yet posted on from the + necessity of communicating his tidings. The Countess's anxious eye at once + caught the alarm, as she exclaimed, "You bring news from my lord, Master + Varney—Gracious Heaven! is he ill?" + </p> + <p> + "No, madam, thank Heaven!" said Varney. "Compose yourself, and permit me + to take breath ere I communicate my tidings." + </p> + <p> + "No breath, sir," replied the lady impatiently; "I know your theatrical + arts. Since your breath hath sufficed to bring you hither, it may suffice + to tell your tale—at least briefly, and in the gross." + </p> + <p> + "Madam," answered Varney, "we are not alone, and my lord's message was for + your ear only." + </p> + <p> + "Leave us, Janet, and Master Foster," said the lady; "but remain in the + next apartment, and within call." + </p> + <p> + Foster and his daughter retired, agreeably to the Lady Leicester's + commands, into the next apartment, which was the withdrawing-room. The + door which led from the sleeping-chamber was then carefully shut and + bolted, and the father and daughter remained both in a posture of anxious + attention, the first with a stern, suspicious, anxious cast of + countenance, and Janet with folded hands, and looks which seemed divided + betwixt her desire to know the fortunes of her mistress, and her prayers + to Heaven for her safety. Anthony Foster seemed himself to have some idea + of what was passing through his daughter's mind, for he crossed the + apartment and took her anxiously by the hand, saying, "That is right—pray, + Janet, pray; we have all need of prayers, and some of us more than others. + Pray, Janet—I would pray myself, but I must listen to what goes on + within—evil has been brewing, love—evil has been brewing. God + forgive our sins, but Varney's sudden and strange arrival bodes us no + good." + </p> + <p> + Janet had never before heard her father excite or even permit her + attention to anything which passed in their mysterious family; and now + that he did so, his voice sounded in her ear—she knew not why—like + that of a screech-owl denouncing some deed of terror and of woe. She + turned her eyes fearfully towards the door, almost as if she expected some + sounds of horror to be heard, or some sight of fear to display itself. + </p> + <p> + All, however, was as still as death, and the voices of those who spoke in + the inner chamber were, if they spoke at all, carefully subdued to a tone + which could not be heard in the next. At once, however, they were heard to + speak fast, thick, and hastily; and presently after the voice of the + Countess was heard exclaiming, at the highest pitch to which indignation + could raise it, "Undo the door, sir, I command you!—undo the door!—I + will have no other reply!" she continued, drowning with her vehement + accents the low and muttered sounds which Varney was heard to utter + betwixt whiles. "What ho! without there!" she persisted, accompanying her + words with shrieks, "Janet, alarm the house!—Foster, break open the + door—I am detained here by a traitor! Use axe and lever, Master + Foster—I will be your warrant!" + </p> + <p> + "It shall not need, madam," Varney was at length distinctly heard to say. + "If you please to expose my lord's important concerns and your own to the + general ear, I will not be your hindrance." + </p> + <p> + The door was unlocked and thrown open, and Janet and her father rushed in, + anxious to learn the cause of these reiterated exclamations. + </p> + <p> + When they entered the apartment Varney stood by the door grinding his + teeth, with an expression in which rage, and shame, and fear had each + their share. The Countess stood in the midst of her apartment like a + juvenile Pythoness under the influence of the prophetic fury. The veins in + her beautiful forehead started into swoln blue lines through the hurried + impulse of her articulation—her cheek and neck glowed like scarlet—her + eyes were like those of an imprisoned eagle, flashing red lightning on the + foes which it cannot reach with its talons. Were it possible for one of + the Graces to have been animated by a Fury, the countenance could not have + united such beauty with so much hatred, scorn, defiance, and resentment. + The gesture and attitude corresponded with the voice and looks, and + altogether presented a spectacle which was at once beautiful and fearful; + so much of the sublime had the energy of passion united with the Countess + Amy's natural loveliness. Janet, as soon as the door was open, ran to her + mistress; and more slowly, yet with more haste than he was wont, Anthony + Foster went to Richard Varney. + </p> + <p> + "In the Truth's name, what ails your ladyship?" said the former. + </p> + <p> + "What, in the name of Satan, have you done to her?" said Foster to his + friend. + </p> + <p> + "Who, I?—nothing," answered Varney, but with sunken head and sullen + voice; "nothing but communicated to her her lord's commands, which, if the + lady list not to obey, she knows better how to answer it than I may + pretend to do." + </p> + <p> + "Now, by Heaven, Janet!" said the Countess, "the false traitor lies in his + throat! He must needs lie, for he speaks to the dishonour of my noble + lord; he must needs lie doubly, for he speaks to gain ends of his own, + equally execrable and unattainable." + </p> + <p> + "You have misapprehended me, lady," said Varney, with a sulky species of + submission and apology; "let this matter rest till your passion be abated, + and I will explain all." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt never have an opportunity to do so," said the Countess.—"Look + at him, Janet. He is fairly dressed, hath the outside of a gentleman, and + hither he came to persuade me it was my lord's pleasure—nay, more, + my wedded lord's commands—that I should go with him to Kenilworth, + and before the Queen and nobles, and in presence of my own wedded lord, + that I should acknowledge him—HIM there—that very + cloak-brushing, shoe-cleaning fellow—HIM there, my lord's lackey, + for my liege lord and husband; furnishing against myself, Great God! + whenever I was to vindicate my right and my rank, such weapons as would + hew my just claim from the root, and destroy my character to be regarded + as an honourable matron of the English nobility!" + </p> + <p> + "You hear her, Foster, and you, young maiden, hear this lady," answered + Varney, taking advantage of the pause which the Countess had made in her + charge, more for lack of breath than for lack of matter—"you hear + that her heat only objects to me the course which our good lord, for the + purpose to keep certain matters secret, suggests in the very letter which + she holds in her hands." + </p> + <p> + Foster here attempted to interfere with a face of authority, which he + thought became the charge entrusted to him, "Nay, lady, I must needs say + you are over-hasty in this. Such deceit is not utterly to be condemned + when practised for a righteous end; and thus even the patriarch Abraham + feigned Sarah to be his sister when they went down to Egypt." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir," answered the Countess; "but God rebuked that deceit even in the + father of His chosen people, by the mouth of the heathen Pharaoh. Out upon + you, that will read Scripture only to copy those things which are held out + to us as warnings, not as examples!" + </p> + <p> + "But Sarah disputed not the will of her husband, an it be your pleasure," + said Foster, in reply, "but did as Abraham commanded, calling herself his + sister, that it might be well with her husband for her sake, and that his + soul might live because of her beauty." + </p> + <p> + "Now, so Heaven pardon me my useless anger," answered the Countess, "thou + art as daring a hypocrite as yonder fellow is an impudent deceiver! Never + will I believe that the noble Dudley gave countenance to so dastardly, so + dishonourable a plan. Thus I tread on his infamy, if indeed it be, and + thus destroy its remembrance for ever!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, she tore in pieces Leicester's letter, and stamped, in the + extremity of impatience, as if she would have annihilated the minute + fragments into which she had rent it. + </p> + <p> + "Bear witness," said Varney, collecting himself, "she hath torn my lord's + letter, in order to burden me with the scheme of his devising; and + although it promises nought but danger and trouble to me, she would lay it + to my charge, as if I had any purpose of mine own in it." + </p> + <p> + "Thou liest, thou treacherous slave!" said the Countess in spite of + Janet's attempts to keep her silent, in the sad foresight that her + vehemence might only furnish arms against herself—"thou liest," she + continued.—"Let me go, Janet—were it the last word I have to + speak, he lies. He had his own foul ends to seek; and broader he would + have displayed them had my passion permitted me to preserve the silence + which at first encouraged him to unfold his vile projects." + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said Varney, overwhelmed in spite of his effrontery, "I entreat + you to believe yourself mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "As soon will I believe light darkness," said the enraged Countess. "Have + I drunk of oblivion? Do I not remember former passages, which, known to + Leicester, had given thee the preferment of a gallows, instead of the + honour of his intimacy. I would I were a man but for five minutes! It were + space enough to make a craven like thee confess his villainy. But go—begone! + Tell thy master that when I take the foul course to which such scandalous + deceits as thou hast recommended on his behalf must necessarily lead me, I + will give him a rival something worthy of the name. He shall not be + supplanted by an ignominious lackey, whose best fortune is to catch a gift + of his master's last suit of clothes ere it is threadbare, and who is only + fit to seduce a suburb-wench by the bravery of new roses in his master's + old pantoufles. Go, begone, sir! I scorn thee so much that I am ashamed to + have been angry with thee." + </p> + <p> + Varney left the room with a mute expression of rage, and was followed by + Foster, whose apprehension, naturally slow, was overpowered by the eager + and abundant discharge of indignation which, for the first time, he had + heard burst from the lips of a being who had seemed, till that moment, too + languid and too gentle to nurse an angry thought or utter an intemperate + expression. Foster, therefore, pursued Varney from place to place, + persecuting him with interrogatories, to which the other replied not, + until they were in the opposite side of the quadrangle, and in the old + library, with which the reader has already been made acquainted. Here he + turned round on his persevering follower, and thus addressed him, in a + tone tolerably equal, that brief walk having been sufficient to give one + so habituated to command his temper time to rally and recover his presence + of mind. + </p> + <p> + "Tony," he said, with his usual sneering laugh, "it avails not to deny it. + The Woman and the Devil, who, as thine oracle Holdforth will confirm to + thee, cheated man at the beginning, have this day proved more powerful + than my discretion. Yon termagant looked so tempting, and had the art to + preserve her countenance so naturally, while I communicated my lord's + message, that, by my faith, I thought I might say some little thing for + myself. She thinks she hath my head under her girdle now, but she is + deceived. Where is Doctor Alasco?" + </p> + <p> + "In his laboratory," answered Foster. "It is the hour he is spoken not + withal. We must wait till noon is past, or spoil his important—what + said I? important!—I would say interrupt his divine studies." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, he studies the devil's divinity," said Varney; "but when I want him, + one hour must suffice as well as another. Lead the way to his + pandemonium." + </p> + <p> + So spoke Varney, and with hasty and perturbed steps followed Foster, who + conducted him through private passages, many of which were well-nigh + ruinous, to the opposite side of the quadrangle, where, in a subterranean + apartment, now occupied by the chemist Alasco, one of the Abbots of + Abingdon, who had a turn for the occult sciences, had, much to the scandal + of his convent, established a laboratory, in which, like other fools of + the period, he spent much precious time, and money besides, in the pursuit + of the grand arcanum. + </p> + <p> + Anthony Foster paused before the door, which was scrupulously secured + within, and again showed a marked hesitation to disturb the sage in his + operations. But Varney, less scrupulous, roused him by knocking and voice, + until at length, slowly and reluctantly, the inmate of the apartment undid + the door. The chemist appeared, with his eyes bleared with the heat and + vapours of the stove or alembic over which he brooded and the interior of + his cell displayed the confused assemblage of heterogeneous substances and + extraordinary implements belonging to his profession. The old man was + muttering, with spiteful impatience, "Am I for ever to be recalled to the + affairs of earth from those of heaven?" + </p> + <p> + "To the affairs of hell," answered Varney, "for that is thy proper + element.—Foster, we need thee at our conference." + </p> + <p> + Foster slowly entered the room. Varney, following, barred the door, and + they betook themselves to secret council. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the Countess traversed the apartment, with shame and + anger contending on her lovely cheek. + </p> + <p> + "The villain," she said—"the cold-blooded, calculating slave!—But + I unmasked him, Janet—I made the snake uncoil all his folds before + me, and crawl abroad in his naked deformity; I suspended my resentment, at + the danger of suffocating under the effort, until he had let me see the + very bottom of a heart more foul than hell's darkest corner.—And + thou, Leicester, is it possible thou couldst bid me for a moment deny my + wedded right in thee, or thyself yield it to another?—But it is + impossible—the villain has lied in all.—Janet, I will not + remain here longer—I fear him—I fear thy father. I grieve to + say it, Janet—but I fear thy father, and, worst of all, this odious + Varney, I will escape from Cumnor." + </p> + <p> + "Alas! madam, whither would you fly, or by what means will you escape from + these walls?" + </p> + <p> + "I know not, Janet," said the unfortunate young lady, looking upwards! and + clasping her hands together, "I know not where I shall fly, or by what + means; but I am certain the God I have served will not abandon me in this + dreadful crisis, for I am in the hands of wicked men." + </p> + <p> + "Do not think so, dear lady," said Janet; "my father is stern and strict + in his temper, and severely true to his trust—but yet—" + </p> + <p> + At this moment Anthony Foster entered the apartment, bearing in his hand a + glass cup and a small flask. His manner was singular; for, while + approaching the Countess with the respect due to her rank, he had till + this time suffered to become visible, or had been unable to suppress, the + obdurate sulkiness of his natural disposition, which, as is usual with + those of his unhappy temper, was chiefly exerted towards those over whom + circumstances gave him control. But at present he showed nothing of that + sullen consciousness of authority which he was wont to conceal under a + clumsy affectation of civility and deference, as a ruffian hides his + pistols and bludgeon under his ill-fashioned gaberdine. And yet it seemed + as if his smile was more in fear than courtesy, and as if, while he + pressed the Countess to taste of the choice cordial, which should refresh + her spirits after her late alarm, he was conscious of meditating some + further injury. His hand trembled also, his voice faltered, and his whole + outward behaviour exhibited so much that was suspicious, that his daughter + Janet, after she had stood looking at him in astonishment for some + seconds, seemed at once to collect herself to execute some hardy + resolution, raised her head, assumed an attitude and gait of determination + and authority, and walking slowly betwixt her father and her mistress, + took the salver from the hand of the former, and said in a low but marked + and decided tone, "Father, I will fill for my noble mistress, when such is + her pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "Thou, my child?" said Foster, eagerly and apprehensively; "no, my child—it + is not THOU shalt render the lady this service." + </p> + <p> + "And why, I pray you," said Janet, "if it be fitting that the noble lady + should partake of the cup at all?" + </p> + <p> + "Why—why?" said the seneschal, hesitating, and then bursting into + passion as the readiest mode of supplying the lack of all other reason—"why, + because it is my pleasure, minion, that you should not! Get you gone to + the evening lecture." + </p> + <p> + "Now, as I hope to hear lecture again," replied Janet, "I will not go + thither this night, unless I am better assured of my mistress's safety. + Give me that flask, father"—and she took it from his reluctant hand, + while he resigned it as if conscience-struck. "And now," she said, + "father, that which shall benefit my mistress, cannot do ME prejudice. + Father, I drink to you." + </p> + <p> + Foster, without speaking a word, rushed on his daughter and wrested the + flask from her hand; then, as if embarrassed by what he had done, and + totally unable to resolve what he should do next, he stood with it in his + hand, one foot advanced and the other drawn back, glaring on his daughter + with a countenance in which rage, fear, and convicted villainy formed a + hideous combination. + </p> + <p> + "This is strange, my father," said Janet, keeping her eye fixed on his, in + the manner in which those who have the charge of lunatics are said to + overawe their unhappy patients; "will you neither let me serve my lady, + nor drink to her myself?" + </p> + <p> + The courage of the Countess sustained her through this dreadful scene, of + which the import was not the less obvious that it was not even hinted at. + She preserved even the rash carelessness of her temper, and though her + cheek had grown pale at the first alarm, her eye was calm and almost + scornful. "Will YOU taste this rare cordial, Master Foster? Perhaps you + will not yourself refuse to pledge us, though you permit not Janet to do + so. Drink, sir, I pray you." + </p> + <p> + "I will not," answered Foster. + </p> + <p> + "And for whom, then, is the precious beverage reserved, sir?" said the + Countess. + </p> + <p> + "For the devil, who brewed it!" answered Foster; and, turning on his heel, + he left the chamber. + </p> + <p> + Janet looked at her mistress with a countenance expressive in the highest + degree of shame, dismay, and sorrow. + </p> + <p> + "Do not weep for me, Janet," said the Countess kindly. + </p> + <p> + "No, madam," replied her attendant, in a voice broken by sobs, "it is not + for you I weep; it is for myself—it is for that unhappy man. Those + who are dishonoured before man—those who are condemned by God—have + cause to mourn; not those who are innocent! Farewell, madam!" she said + hastily assuming the mantle in which she was wont to go abroad. + </p> + <p> + "Do you leave me, Janet?" said her mistress—"desert me in such an + evil strait?" + </p> + <p> + "Desert you, madam!" exclaimed Janet; and running back to her mistress, + she imprinted a thousand kisses on her hand—"desert you I—may + the Hope of my trust desert me when I do so! No, madam; well you said the + God you serve will open you a path for deliverance. There is a way of + escape. I have prayed night and day for light, that I might see how to act + betwixt my duty to yonder unhappy man and that which I owe to you. Sternly + and fearfully that light has now dawned, and I must not shut the door + which God opens. Ask me no more. I will return in brief space." + </p> + <p> + So speaking, she wrapped herself in her mantle, and saying to the old + woman whom she passed in the outer room that she was going to evening + prayer, she left the house. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile her father had reached once more the laboratory, where he found + the accomplices of his intended guilt. "Has the sweet bird sipped?" said + Varney, with half a smile; while the astrologer put the same question with + his eyes, but spoke not a word. + </p> + <p> + "She has not, nor she shall not from my hands," replied Foster; "would you + have me do murder in my daughter's presence?" + </p> + <p> + "Wert thou not told, thou sullen and yet faint-hearted slave," answered + Varney, with bitterness, "that no MURDER as thou callest it, with that + staring look and stammering tone, is designed in the matter? Wert thou not + told that a brief illness, such as woman puts on in very wantonness, that + she may wear her night-gear at noon, and lie on a settle when she should + mind her domestic business, is all here aimed at? Here is a learned man + will swear it to thee by the key of the Castle of Wisdom." + </p> + <p> + "I swear it," said Alasco, "that the elixir thou hast there in the flask + will not prejudice life! I swear it by that immortal and indestructible + quintessence of gold, which pervades every substance in nature, though its + secret existence can be traced by him only to whom Trismegistus renders + the key of the Cabala." + </p> + <p> + "An oath of force," said Varney. "Foster, thou wert worse than a pagan to + disbelieve it. Believe me, moreover, who swear by nothing but by my own + word, that if you be not conformable, there is no hope, no, not a glimpse + of hope, that this thy leasehold may be transmuted into a copyhold. Thus, + Alasco will leave your pewter artillery untransmigrated, and I, honest + Anthony, will still have thee for my tenant." + </p> + <p> + "I know not, gentlemen," said Foster, "where your designs tend to; but in + one thing I am bound up,—that, fall back fall edge, I will have one + in this place that may pray for me, and that one shall be my daughter. I + have lived ill, and the world has been too weighty with me; but she is as + innocent as ever she was when on her mother's lap, and she, at least, + shall have her portion in that happy City, whose walls are of pure gold, + and the foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Tony," said Varney, "that were a paradise to thy heart's content.—Debate + the matter with him, Doctor Alasco; I will be with you anon." + </p> + <p> + So speaking, Varney arose, and taking the flask from the table, he left + the room. + </p> + <p> + "I tell thee, my son," said Alasco to Foster, as soon as Varney had left + them, "that whatever this bold and profligate railer may say of the mighty + science, in which, by Heaven's blessing, I have advanced so far that I + would not call the wisest of living artists my better or my teacher—I + say, howsoever yonder reprobate may scoff at things too holy to be + apprehended by men merely of carnal and evil thoughts, yet believe that + the city beheld by St. John, in that bright vision of the Christian + Apocalypse, that new Jerusalem, of which all Christian men hope to + partake, sets forth typically the discovery of the GRAND SECRET, whereby + the most precious and perfect of nature's works are elicited out of her + basest and most crude productions; just as the light and gaudy butterfly, + the most beautiful child of the summer's breeze, breaks forth from the + dungeon of a sordid chrysalis." + </p> + <p> + "Master Holdforth said nought of this exposition," said Foster doubtfully; + "and moreover, Doctor Alasco, the Holy Writ says that the gold and + precious stones of the Holy City are in no sort for those who work + abomination, or who frame lies." + </p> + <p> + "Well, my son," said the Doctor, "and what is your inference from thence?" + </p> + <p> + "That those," said Foster, "who distil poisons, and administer them in + secrecy, can have no portion in those unspeakable riches." + </p> + <p> + "You are to distinguish, my son," replied the alchemist, "betwixt that + which is necessarily evil in its progress and in its end also, and that + which, being evil, is, nevertheless, capable of working forth good. If, by + the death of one person, the happy period shall be brought nearer to us, + in which all that is good shall be attained, by wishing its presence—all + that is evil escaped, by desiring its absence—in which sickness, and + pain, and sorrow shall be the obedient servants of human wisdom, and made + to fly at the slightest signal of a sage—in which that which is now + richest and rarest shall be within the compass of every one who shall be + obedient to the voice of wisdom—when the art of healing shall be + lost and absorbed in the one universal medicine when sages shall become + monarchs of the earth, and death itself retreat before their frown,—if + this blessed consummation of all things can be hastened by the slight + circumstance that a frail, earthly body, which must needs partake + corruption, shall be consigned to the grave a short space earlier than in + the course of nature, what is such a sacrifice to the advancement of the + holy Millennium?" + </p> + <p> + "Millennium is the reign of the Saints," said Foster, somewhat doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Say it is the reign of the Sages, my son," answered Alasco; "or rather + the reign of Wisdom itself." + </p> + <p> + "I touched on the question with Master Holdforth last exercising night," + said Foster; "but he says your doctrine is heterodox, and a damnable and + false exposition." + </p> + <p> + "He is in the bonds of ignorance, my son," answered Alasco, "and as yet + burning bricks in Egypt; or, at best, wandering in the dry desert of + Sinai. Thou didst ill to speak to such a man of such matters. I will, + however, give thee proof, and that shortly, which I will defy that peevish + divine to confute, though he should strive with me as the magicians strove + with Moses before King Pharaoh. I will do projection in thy presence, my + son,—in thy very presence—and thine eyes shall witness the + truth." + </p> + <p> + "Stick to that, learned sage," said Varney, who at this moment entered the + apartment; "if he refuse the testimony of thy tongue, yet how shall he + deny that of his own eyes?" + </p> + <p> + "Varney!" said the adept—"Varney already returned! Hast thou—" + he stopped short. + </p> + <p> + "Have I done mine errand, thou wouldst say?" replied Varney. "I have! And + thou," he added, showing more symptoms of interest than he had hitherto + exhibited, "art thou sure thou hast poured forth neither more nor less + than the just measure?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay," replied the alchemist, "as sure as men can be in these nice + proportions, for there is diversity of constitutions." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then," said Varney, "I fear nothing. I know thou wilt not go a step + farther to the devil than thou art justly considered for—thou wert + paid to create illness, and wouldst esteem it thriftless prodigality to do + murder at the same price. Come, let us each to our chamber we shall see + the event to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "What didst thou do to make her swallow it?" said Foster, shuddering. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," answered Varney, "but looked on her with that aspect which + governs madmen, women, and children. They told me in St. Luke's Hospital + that I have the right look for overpowering a refractory patient. The + keepers made me their compliments on't; so I know how to win my bread when + my court-favour fails me." + </p> + <p> + "And art thou not afraid," said Foster, "lest the dose be + disproportioned?" + </p> + <p> + "If so," replied Varney, "she will but sleep the sounder, and the fear of + that shall not break my rest. Good night, my masters." + </p> + <p> + Anthony Foster groaned heavily, and lifted up his hands and eyes. The + alchemist intimated his purpose to continue some experiment of high import + during the greater part of the night, and the others separated to their + places of repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now God be good to me in this wild pilgrimage! + All hope in human aid I cast behind me. + Oh, who would be a woman?—who that fool, + A weeping, pining, faithful, loving woman? + She hath hard measure still where she hopes kindest, + And all her bounties only make ingrates. LOVE'S PILGRIMAGE. +</pre> + <p> + The summer evening was closed, and Janet, just when her longer stay might + have occasioned suspicion and inquiry in that zealous household, returned + to Cumnor Place, and hastened to the apartment in which she had left her + lady. She found her with her head resting on her arms, and these crossed + upon a table which stood before her. As Janet came in, she neither looked + up nor stirred. + </p> + <p> + Her faithful attendant ran to her mistress with the speed of lightning, + and rousing her at the same time with her hand, conjured the Countess, in + the most earnest manner, to look up and say what thus affected her. The + unhappy lady raised her head accordingly, and looking on her attendant + with a ghastly eye, and cheek as pale as clay—"Janet," she said, "I + have drunk it." + </p> + <p> + "God be praised!" said Janet hastily—"I mean, God be praised that it + is no worse; the potion will not harm you. Rise, shake this lethargy from + your limbs, and this despair from your mind." + </p> + <p> + "Janet," repeated the Countess again, "disturb me not—leave me at + peace—let life pass quietly. I am poisoned." + </p> + <p> + "You are not, my dearest lady," answered the maiden eagerly. "What you + have swallowed cannot injure you, for the antidote has been taken before + it, and I hastened hither to tell you that the means of escape are open to + you." + </p> + <p> + "Escape!" exclaimed the lady, as she raised herself hastily in her chair, + while light returned to her eye and life to her cheek; "but ah! Janet, it + comes too late." + </p> + <p> + "Not so, dearest lady. Rise, take mine arm, walk through the apartment; + let not fancy do the work of poison! So; feel you not now that you are + possessed of the full use of your limbs?" + </p> + <p> + "The torpor seems to diminish," said the Countess, as, supported by Janet, + she walked to and fro in the apartment; "but is it then so, and have I not + swallowed a deadly draught? Varney was here since thou wert gone, and + commanded me, with eyes in which I read my fate, to swallow yon horrible + drug. O Janet! it must be fatal; never was harmless draught served by such + a cup-bearer!" + </p> + <p> + "He did not deem it harmless, I fear," replied the maiden; "but God + confounds the devices of the wicked. Believe me, as I swear by the dear + Gospel in which we trust, your life is safe from his practice. Did you not + debate with him?" + </p> + <p> + "The house was silent," answered the lady—"thou gone—no other + but he in the chamber—and he capable of every crime. I did but + stipulate he would remove his hateful presence, and I drank whatever he + offered.—But you spoke of escape, Janet; can I be so happy?" + </p> + <p> + "Are you strong enough to bear the tidings, and make the effort?" said the + maiden. + </p> + <p> + "Strong!" answered the Countess. "Ask the hind, when the fangs of the + deerhound are stretched to gripe her, if she is strong enough to spring + over a chasm. I am equal to every effort that may relieve me from this + place." + </p> + <p> + "Hear me, then," said Janet. "One whom I deem an assured friend of yours + has shown himself to me in various disguises, and sought speech of me, + which—for my mind was not clear on the matter until this evening—I + have ever declined. He was the pedlar who brought you goods—the + itinerant hawker who sold me books; whenever I stirred abroad I was sure + to see him. The event of this night determined me to speak with him. He + awaits even now at the postern gate of the park with means for your + flight.—But have you strength of body?—have you courage of + mind?—can you undertake the enterprise?" + </p> + <p> + "She that flies from death," said the lady, "finds strength of body—she + that would escape from shame lacks no strength of mind. The thoughts of + leaving behind me the villain who menaces both my life and honour would + give me strength to rise from my deathbed." + </p> + <p> + "In God's name, then, lady," said Janet, "I must bid you adieu, and to + God's charge I must commit you!" + </p> + <p> + "Will you not fly with me, then, Janet?" said the Countess, anxiously. "Am + I to lose thee? Is this thy faithful service?" + </p> + <p> + "Lady, I would fly with you as willingly as bird ever fled from cage, but + my doing so would occasion instant discovery and pursuit. I must remain, + and use means to disguise the truth for some time. May Heaven pardon the + falsehood, because of the necessity!" + </p> + <p> + "And am I then to travel alone with this stranger?" said the lady. + "Bethink thee, Janet, may not this prove some deeper and darker scheme to + separate me perhaps from you, who are my only friend?" + </p> + <p> + "No, madam, do not suppose it," answered Janet readily; "the youth is an + honest youth in his purpose to you, and a friend to Master Tressilian, + under whose direction he is come hither." + </p> + <p> + "If he be a friend of Tressilian," said the Countess, "I will commit + myself to his charge as to that of an angel sent from heaven; for than + Tressilian never breathed mortal man more free of whatever was base, + false, or selfish. He forgot himself whenever he could be of use to + others. Alas! and how was he requited?" + </p> + <p> + With eager haste they collected the few necessaries which it was thought + proper the Countess should take with her, and which Janet, with speed and + dexterity, formed into a small bundle, not forgetting to add such + ornaments of intrinsic value as came most readily in her way, and + particularly a casket of jewels, which she wisely judged might prove of + service in some future emergency. The Countess of Leicester next changed + her dress for one which Janet usually wore upon any brief journey, for + they judged it necessary to avoid every external distinction which might + attract attention. Ere these preparations were fully made, the moon had + arisen in the summer heaven, and all in the mansion had betaken themselves + to rest, or at least to the silence and retirement of their chambers. + </p> + <p> + There was no difficulty anticipated in escaping, whether from the house or + garden, provided only they could elude observation. Anthony Foster had + accustomed himself to consider his daughter as a conscious sinner might + regard a visible guardian angel, which, notwithstanding his guilt, + continued to hover around him; and therefore his trust in her knew no + bounds. Janet commanded her own motions during the daytime, and had a + master-key which opened the postern door of the park, so that she could go + to the village at pleasure, either upon the household affairs, which were + entirely confided to her management, or to attend her devotions at the + meeting-house of her sect. It is true the daughter of Foster was thus + liberally entrusted under the solemn condition that she should not avail + herself of these privileges to do anything inconsistent with the + safe-keeping of the Countess; for so her residence at Cumnor Place had + been termed, since she began of late to exhibit impatience of the + restrictions to which she was subjected. Nor is there reason to suppose + that anything short of the dreadful suspicions which the scene of that + evening had excited could have induced Janet to violate her word or + deceive her father's confidence. But from what she had witnessed, she now + conceived herself not only justified, but imperatively called upon, to + make her lady's safety the principal object of her care, setting all other + considerations aside. + </p> + <p> + The fugitive Countess with her guide traversed with hasty steps the broken + and interrupted path, which had once been an avenue, now totally darkened + by the boughs of spreading trees which met above their head, and now + receiving a doubtful and deceiving light from the beams of the moon, which + penetrated where the axe had made openings in the wood. Their path was + repeatedly interrupted by felled trees, or the large boughs which had been + left on the ground till time served to make them into fagots and billets. + The inconvenience and difficulty attending these interruptions, the + breathless haste of the first part of their route, the exhausting + sensations of hope and fear, so much affected the Countess's strength, + that Janet was forced to propose that they should pause for a few minutes + to recover breath and spirits. Both therefore stood still beneath the + shadow of a huge old gnarled oak-tree, and both naturally looked back to + the mansion which they had left behind them, whose long, dark front was + seen in the gloomy distance, with its huge stacks of chimneys, turrets, + and clock-house, rising above the line of the roof, and definedly visible + against the pure azure blue of the summer sky. One light only twinkled + from the extended and shadowy mass, and it was placed so low that it + rather seemed to glimmer from the ground in front of the mansion than from + one of the windows. The Countess's terror was awakened. "They follow us!" + she said, pointing out to Janet the light which thus alarmed her. + </p> + <p> + Less agitated than her mistress, Janet perceived that the gleam was + stationary, and informed the Countess, in a whisper, that the light + proceeded from the solitary cell in which the alchemist pursued his occult + experiments. "He is of those," she added, "who sit up and watch by night + that they may commit iniquity. Evil was the chance which sent hither a man + whose mixed speech of earthly wealth and unearthly or superhuman knowledge + hath in it what does so especially captivate my poor father. Well spoke + the good Master Holdforth—and, methought, not without meaning that + those of our household should find therein a practical use. 'There be + those,' he said, 'and their number is legion, who will rather, like the + wicked Ahab, listen to the dreams of the false prophet Zedekiah, than to + the words of him by whom the Lord has spoken.' And he further insisted—'Ah, + my brethren, there be many Zedekiahs among you—men that promise you + the light of their carnal knowledge, so you will surrender to them that of + your heavenly understanding. What are they better than the tyrant Naas, + who demanded the right eye of those who were subjected to him?' And + further he insisted—" + </p> + <p> + It is uncertain how long the fair Puritan's memory might have supported + her in the recapitulation of Master Holdforth's discourse; but the + Countess now interrupted her, and assured her she was so much recovered + that she could now reach the postern without the necessity of a second + delay. + </p> + <p> + They set out accordingly, and performed the second part of their journey + with more deliberation, and of course more easily, than the first hasty + commencement. This gave them leisure for reflection; and Janet now, for + the first time, ventured to ask her lady which way she proposed to direct + her flight. Receiving no immediate answer—for, perhaps, in the + confusion of her mind this very obvious subject of deliberation had not + occurred to the Countess—-Janet ventured to add, "Probably to your + father's house, where you are sure of safety and protection?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Janet," said the lady mournfully; "I left Lidcote Hall while my heart + was light and my name was honourable, and I will not return thither till + my lord's permission and public acknowledgment of our marriage restore me + to my native home with all the rank and honour which he has bestowed on + me." + </p> + <p> + "And whither will you, then, madam?" said Janet. + </p> + <p> + "To Kenilworth, girl," said the Countess, boldly and freely. "I will see + these revels—these princely revels—the preparation for which + makes the land ring from side to side. Methinks, when the Queen of England + feasts within my husband's halls, the Countess of Leicester should be no + unbeseeming guest." + </p> + <p> + "I pray God you may be a welcome one!" said Janet hastily. + </p> + <p> + "You abuse my situation, Janet," said the Countess, angrily, "and you + forget your own." + </p> + <p> + "I do neither, dearest madam," said the sorrowful maiden; "but have you + forgotten that the noble Earl has given such strict charges to keep your + marriage secret, that he may preserve his court-favour? and can you think + that your sudden appearance at his castle, at such a juncture, and in such + a presence, will be acceptable to him?" + </p> + <p> + "Thou thinkest I would disgrace him," said the Countess; "nay, let go my + arm, I can walk without aid and work without counsel." + </p> + <p> + "Be not angry with me, lady," said Janet meekly, "and let me still support + you; the road is rough, and you are little accustomed to walk in + darkness." + </p> + <p> + "If you deem me not so mean as may disgrace my husband," said the + Countess, in the same resentful tone, "you suppose my Lord of Leicester + capable of abetting, perhaps of giving aim and authority to, the base + proceedings of your father and Varney, whose errand I will do to the good + Earl." + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, madam, spare my father in your report," said Janet; "let + my services, however poor, be some atonement for his errors!" + </p> + <p> + "I were most unjust, dearest Janet, were it otherwise," said the Countess, + resuming at once the fondness and confidence of her manner towards her + faithful attendant, "No, Janet, not a word of mine shall do your father + prejudice. But thou seest, my love, I have no desire but to throw my self + on my husband's protection. I have left the abode he assigned for me, + because of the villainy of the persons by whom I was surrounded; but I + will disobey his commands in no other particular. I will appeal to him + alone—I will be protected by him alone; to no other, than at his + pleasure, have I or will I communicate the secret union which combines our + hearts and our destinies. I will see him, and receive from his own lips + the directions for my future conduct. Do not argue against my resolution, + Janet; you will only confirm me in it. And to own the truth, I am resolved + to know my fate at once, and from my husband's own mouth; and to seek him + at Kenilworth is the surest way to attain my purpose." + </p> + <p> + While Janet hastily revolved in her mind the difficulties and + uncertainties attendant on the unfortunate lady's situation, she was + inclined to alter her first opinion, and to think, upon the whole, that + since the Countess had withdrawn herself from the retreat in which she had + been placed by her husband, it was her first duty to repair to his + presence, and possess him with the reasons for such conduct. She knew what + importance the Earl attached to the concealment of their marriage, and + could not but own, that by taking any step to make it public without his + permission, the Countess would incur, in a high degree, the indignation of + her husband. If she retired to her father's house without an explicit + avowal of her rank, her situation was likely greatly to prejudice her + character; and if she made such an avowal, it might occasion an + irreconcilable breach with her husband. At Kenilworth, again, she might + plead her cause with her husband himself, whom Janet, though distrusting + him more than the Countess did, believed incapable of being accessory to + the base and desperate means which his dependants, from whose power the + lady was now escaping, might resort to, in order to stifle her complaints + of the treatment she had received at their hands. But at the worst, and + were the Earl himself to deny her justice and protection, still at + Kenilworth, if she chose to make her wrongs public, the Countess might + have Tressilian for her advocate, and the Queen for her judge; for so much + Janet had learned in her short conference with Wayland. She was, + therefore, on the whole, reconciled to her lady's proposal of going + towards Kenilworth, and so expressed herself; recommending, however, to + the Countess the utmost caution in making her arrival known to her + husband. + </p> + <p> + "Hast thou thyself been cautious, Janet?" said the Countess; "this guide, + in whom I must put my confidence, hast thou not entrusted to him the + secret of my condition?" + </p> + <p> + "From me he has learned nothing," said Janet; "nor do I think that he + knows more than what the public in general believe of your situation." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that?" said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "That you left your father's house—but I shall offend you again if I + go on," said Janet, interrupting herself. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, go on," said the Countess; "I must learn to endure the evil report + which my folly has brought upon me. They think, I suppose, that I have + left my father's house to follow lawless pleasure. It is an error which + will soon be removed—indeed it shall, for I will live with spotless + fame, or I shall cease to live.—I am accounted, then, the paramour + of my Leicester?" + </p> + <p> + "Most men say of Varney," said Janet; "yet some call him only the + convenient cloak of his master's pleasures; for reports of the profuse + expense in garnishing yonder apartments have secretly gone abroad, and + such doings far surpass the means of Varney. But this latter opinion is + little prevalent; for men dare hardly even hint suspicion when so high a + name is concerned, lest the Star Chamber should punish them for scandal of + the nobility." + </p> + <p> + "They do well to speak low," said the Countess, "who would mention the + illustrious Dudley as the accomplice of such a wretch as Varney.—We + have reached the postern. Ah! Janet, I must bid thee farewell! Weep not, + my good girl," said she, endeavouring to cover her own reluctance to part + with her faithful attendant under an attempt at playfulness; "and against + we meet again, reform me, Janet, that precise ruff of thine for an open + rabatine of lace and cut work, that will let men see thou hast a fair + neck; and that kirtle of Philippine chency, with that bugle lace which + befits only a chambermaid, into three-piled velvet and cloth of gold—thou + wilt find plenty of stuffs in my chamber, and I freely bestow them on you. + Thou must be brave, Janet; for though thou art now but the attendant of a + distressed and errant lady, who is both nameless and fameless, yet, when + we meet again, thou must be dressed as becomes the gentlewoman nearest in + love and in service to the first Countess in England." + </p> + <p> + "Now, may God grant it, dear lady!" said Janet—"not that I may go + with gayer apparel, but that we may both wear our kirtles over lighter + hearts." + </p> + <p> + By this time the lock of the postern door had, after some hard wrenching, + yielded to the master-key; and the Countess, not without internal + shuddering, saw herself beyond the walls which her husband's strict + commands had assigned to her as the boundary of her walks. Waiting with + much anxiety for their appearance, Wayland Smith stood at some distance, + shrouding himself behind a hedge which bordered the high-road. + </p> + <p> + "Is all safe?" said Janet to him anxiously, as he approached them with + caution. + </p> + <p> + "All," he replied; "but I have been unable to procure a horse for the + lady. Giles Gosling, the cowardly hilding, refused me one on any terms + whatever, lest, forsooth, he should suffer. But no matter; she must ride + on my palfrey, and I must walk by her side until I come by another horse. + There will be no pursuit, if you, pretty Mistress Janet, forget not thy + lesson." + </p> + <p> + "No more than the wise widow of Tekoa forgot the words which Joab put into + her mouth," answered Janet. "Tomorrow, I say that my lady is unable to + rise." + </p> + <p> + "Ay; and that she hath aching and heaviness of the head a throbbing at the + heart, and lists not to be disturbed. Fear not; they will take the hint, + and trouble thee with few questions—they understand the disease." + </p> + <p> + "But," said the lady, "My absence must be soon discovered, and they will + murder her in revenge. I will rather return than expose her to such + danger." + </p> + <p> + "Be at ease on my account, madam," said Janet; "I would you were as sure + of receiving the favour you desire from those to whom you must make + appeal, as I am that my father, however angry, will suffer no harm to + befall me." + </p> + <p> + The Countess was now placed by Wayland upon his horse, around the saddle + of which he had placed his cloak, so folded as to make her a commodious + seat. + </p> + <p> + "Adieu, and may the blessing of God wend with you!" said Janet, again + kissing her mistress's hand, who returned her benediction with a mute + caress. They then tore themselves asunder, and Janet, addressing Wayland, + exclaimed, "May Heaven deal with you at your need, as you are true or + false to this most injured and most helpless lady!" + </p> + <p> + "Amen! dearest Janet," replied Wayland; "and believe me, I will so acquit + myself of my trust as may tempt even your pretty eyes, saintlike as they + are, to look less scornfully on me when we next meet." + </p> + <p> + The latter part of this adieu was whispered into Janet's ear and although + she made no reply to it directly, yet her manner, influenced, no doubt, by + her desire to leave every motive in force which could operate towards her + mistress's safety, did not discourage the hope which Wayland's words + expressed. She re-entered the postern door, and locked it behind her; + while, Wayland taking the horse's bridle in his hand, and walking close by + its head, they began in silence their dubious and moonlight journey. + </p> + <p> + Although Wayland Smith used the utmost dispatch which he could make, yet + this mode of travelling was so slow, that when morning began to dawn + through the eastern mist, he found himself no farther than about ten miles + distant from Cumnor. "Now, a plague upon all smooth-spoken hosts!" said + Wayland, unable longer to suppress his mortification and uneasiness. "Had + the false loon, Giles Gosling, but told me plainly two days since that I + was to reckon nought upon him, I had shifted better for myself. But your + hosts have such a custom of promising whatever is called for that it is + not till the steed is to be shod you find they are out of iron. Had I but + known, I could have made twenty shifts; nay, for that matter, and in so + good a cause, I would have thought little to have prigged a prancer from + the next common—it had but been sending back the brute to the + headborough. The farcy and the founders confound every horse in the + stables of the Black Bear!" + </p> + <p> + The lady endeavoured to comfort her guide, observing that the dawn would + enable him to make more speed. + </p> + <p> + "True, madam," he replied; "but then it will enable other folk to take + note of us, and that may prove an ill beginning of our journey. I had not + cared a spark from anvil about the matter had we been further advanced on + our way. But this Berkshire has been notoriously haunted, ever since I + knew the country, with that sort of malicious elves who sit up late and + rise early for no other purpose than to pry into other folk's affairs. I + have been endangered by them ere now. But do not fear," he added, "good + madam; for wit, meeting with opportunity, will not miss to find a salve + for every sore." + </p> + <p> + The alarms of her guide made more impression on the Countess's mind than + the comfort which he judged fit to administer along with it. She looked + anxiously around her, and as the shadows withdrew from the landscape, and + the heightening glow of the eastern sky promised the speedy rise of the + sun, expected at every turn that the increasing light would expose them to + the view of the vengeful pursuers, or present some dangerous and + insurmountable obstacle to the prosecution of their journey. Wayland Smith + perceived her uneasiness, and, displeased with himself for having given + her cause of alarm, strode on with affected alacrity, now talking to the + horse as one expert in the language of the stable, now whistling to + himself low and interrupted snatches of tunes, and now assuring the lady + there was no danger, while at the same time he looked sharply around to + see that there was nothing in sight which might give the lie to his words + while they were issuing from his mouth. Thus did they journey on, until an + unexpected incident gave them the means of continuing their pilgrimage + with more speed and convenience. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + RICHARD. A horse!—A horse!—my kingdom for a horse! + CATESBY......My lord, I'll help you to a horse. —RICHARD III. +</pre> + <p> + Our travellers were in the act of passing a small thicket of trees close + by the roadside, when the first living being presented himself whom they + had seen since their departure from Cumnor Place. This was a stupid lout, + seemingly a farmer's boy, in a grey jerkin, with his head bare, his hose + about his heels, and huge startups upon his feet. He held by the bridle + what of all things they most wanted—a palfrey, namely, with a + side-saddle, and all other garniture for a woman's mounting; and he hailed + Wayland Smith with, "Zur, be ye zure the party?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, that I be, my lad," answered Wayland, without an instant's + hesitation; and it must be owned that consciences trained in a stricter + school of morality might have given way to an occasion so tempting. While + he spoke, he caught the rein out of the boy's hand, and almost at the same + time helped down the Countess from his own horse, and aided her to mount + on that which chance had thus presented for her acceptance. Indeed, so + naturally did the whole take place, that the Countess, as it afterwards + appeared, never suspected but that the horse had been placed there to meet + them by the precaution of the guide or some of his friends. + </p> + <p> + The lad, however, who was thus hastily dispossessed of his charge, began + to stare hard, and scratch his head, as if seized with some qualms of + conscience for delivering up the animal on such brief explanation. "I be + right zure thou be'st the party," said he, muttering to himself, "but thou + shouldst ha zaid BEANS, thou knawest." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," said Wayland, speaking at a venture; "and thou BACON, thou + knowest." + </p> + <p> + "Noa, noa," said the lad; "bide ye—bide ye—it was PEAS a + should ha said." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," answered Wayland, "Peas be it, a God's name! though Bacon + were the better password." + </p> + <p> + And being by this time mounted on his own horse, he caught the rein of the + palfrey from the uncertain hold of the hesitating young boor, flung him a + small piece of money, and made amends for lost time by riding briskly off + without further parley. The lad was still visible from the hill up which + they were riding, and Wayland, as he looked back, beheld him standing with + his fingers in his hair as immovable as a guide-post, and his head turned + in the direction in which they were escaping from him. At length, just as + they topped the hill, he saw the clown stoop to lift up the silver groat + which his benevolence had imparted. "Now this is what I call a Godsend," + said Wayland; "this is a bonny, well-ridden bit of a going thing, and it + will carry us so far till we get you as well mounted, and then we will + send it back time enough to satisfy the Hue and Cry." + </p> + <p> + But he was deceived in his expectations; and fate, which seemed at first + to promise so fairly, soon threatened to turn the incident which he thus + gloried in into the cause of their utter ruin. + </p> + <p> + They had not ridden a short mile from the place where they left the lad + before they heard a man's voice shouting on the wind behind them, + "Robbery! robbery!—Stop thief!" and similar exclamations, which + Wayland's conscience readily assured him must arise out of the transaction + to which he had been just accessory. + </p> + <p> + "I had better have gone barefoot all my life," he said; "it is the Hue and + Cry, and I am a lost man. Ah! Wayland, Wayland, many a time thy father + said horse-flesh would be the death of thee. Were I once safe among the + horse-coursers in Smithfield, or Turnbull Street, they should have leave + to hang me as high as St. Paul's if I e'er meddled more with nobles, + knights, or gentlewomen." + </p> + <p> + Amidst these dismal reflections, he turned his head repeatedly to see by + whom he was chased, and was much comforted when he could only discover a + single rider, who was, however, well mounted, and came after them at a + speed which left them no chance of escaping, even had the lady's strength + permitted her to ride as fast as her palfrey might have been able to + gallop. + </p> + <p> + "There may be fair play betwixt us, sure," thought Wayland, "where there + is but one man on each side, and yonder fellow sits on his horse more like + a monkey than a cavalier. Pshaw! if it come to the worse, it will be easy + unhorsing him. Nay, 'snails! I think his horse will take the matter in his + own hand, for he has the bridle betwixt his teeth. Oons, what care I for + him?" said he, as the pursuer drew yet nearer; "it is but the little + animal of a mercer from Abingdon, when all is over." + </p> + <p> + Even so it was, as the experienced eye of Wayland had descried at a + distance. For the valiant mercer's horse, which was a beast of mettle, + feeling himself put to his speed, and discerning a couple of horses riding + fast at some hundred yards' distance before him, betook himself to the + road with such alacrity as totally deranged the seat of his rider, who not + only came up with, but passed at full gallop, those whom he had been + pursuing, pulling the reins with all his might, and ejaculating, "Stop! + stop!" an interjection which seemed rather to regard his own palfrey than + what seamen call "the chase." With the same involuntary speed, he shot + ahead (to use another nautical phrase) about a furlong ere he was able to + stop and turn his horse, and then rode back towards our travellers, + adjusting, as well as he could, his disordered dress, resettling himself + in the saddle, and endeavouring to substitute a bold and martial frown for + the confusion and dismay which sat upon his visage during his involuntary + career. + </p> + <p> + Wayland had just time to caution the lady not to be alarmed, adding, "This + fellow is a gull, and I will use him as such." + </p> + <p> + When the mercer had recovered breath and audacity enough to confront them, + he ordered Wayland, in a menacing tone, to deliver up his palfrey. + </p> + <p> + "How?" said the smith, in King Cambyses' vein, "are we commanded to stand + and deliver on the king's highway? Then out, Excalibur, and tell this + knight of prowess that dire blows must decide between us!" + </p> + <p> + "Haro and help, and hue and cry, every true man!" said the mercer. "I am + withstood in seeking to recover mine own." + </p> + <p> + "Thou swearest thy gods in vain, foul paynim," said Wayland, "for I will + through with mine purpose were death at the end on't. Nevertheless, know, + thou false man of frail cambric and ferrateen, that I am he, even the + pedlar, whom thou didst boast to meet on Maiden Castle moor, and despoil + of his pack; wherefore betake thee to thy weapons presently." + </p> + <p> + "I spoke but in jest, man," said Goldthred; "I am an honest shopkeeper and + citizen, who scorns to leap forth on any man from behind a hedge." + </p> + <p> + "Then, by my faith, most puissant mercer," answered Wayland, "I am sorry + for my vow, which was, that wherever I met thee I would despoil thee of + thy palfrey, and bestow it upon my leman, unless thou couldst defend it by + blows of force. But the vow is passed and registered, and all I can do for + thee is to leave the horse at Donnington, in the nearest hostelry." + </p> + <p> + "But I tell thee, friend," said the mercer, "it is the very horse on which + I was this day to carry Jane Thackham, of Shottesbrok, as far as the + parish church yonder, to become Dame Goldthred. She hath jumped out of the + shot-window of old Gaffer Thackham's grange; and lo ye, yonder she stands + at the place where she should have met the palfrey, with her camlet + riding-cloak and ivory-handled whip, like a picture of Lot's wife. I pray + you, in good terms, let me have back the palfrey." + </p> + <p> + "Grieved am I," said Wayland, "as much for the fair damsel as for thee, + most noble imp of muslin. But vows must have their course; thou wilt find + the palfrey at the Angel yonder at Donnington. It is all I may do for thee + with a safe conscience." + </p> + <p> + "To the devil with thy conscience!" said the dismayed mercer. "Wouldst + thou have a bride walk to church on foot?" + </p> + <p> + "Thou mayest take her on thy crupper, Sir Goldthred," answered Wayland; + "it will take down thy steed's mettle." + </p> + <p> + "And how if you—if you forget to leave my horse, as you propose?" + said Goldthred, not without hesitation, for his soul was afraid within + him. + </p> + <p> + "My pack shall be pledged for it—yonder it lies with Giles Gosling, + in his chamber with the damasked leathern hangings, stuffed full with + velvet, single, double, treble-piled—rash-taffeta, and parapa—shag, + damask, and mocado, plush, and grogram—" + </p> + <p> + "Hold! hold!" exclaimed the mercer; "nay, if there be, in truth and + sincerity, but the half of these wares—but if ever I trust bumpkin + with bonny Bayard again!" + </p> + <p> + "As you list for that, good Master Goldthred, and so good morrow to you—and + well parted," he added, riding on cheerfully with the lady, while the + discountenanced mercer rode back much slower than he came, pondering what + excuse he should make to the disappointed bride, who stood waiting for her + gallant groom in the midst of the king's highway. + </p> + <p> + "Methought," said the lady, as they rode on, "yonder fool stared at me as + if he had some remembrance of me; yet I kept my muffler as high as I + might." + </p> + <p> + "If I thought so," said Wayland, "I would ride back and cut him over the + pate; there would be no fear of harming his brains, for he never had so + much as would make pap to a sucking gosling. We must now push on, however, + and at Donnington we will leave the oaf's horse, that he may have no + further temptation to pursue us, and endeavour to assume such a change of + shape as may baffle his pursuit if he should persevere in it." + </p> + <p> + The travellers reached Donnington without further alarm, where it became + matter of necessity that the Countess should enjoy two or three hours' + repose, during which Wayland disposed himself, with equal address and + alacrity, to carry through those measures on which the safety of their + future journey seemed to depend. + </p> + <p> + Exchanging his pedlar's gaberdine for a smock-frock, he carried the + palfrey of Goldthred to the Angel Inn, which was at the other end of the + village from that where our travellers had taken up their quarters. In the + progress of the morning, as he travelled about his other business, he saw + the steed brought forth and delivered to the cutting mercer himself, who, + at the head of a valorous posse of the Hue and Cry, came to rescue, by + force of arms, what was delivered to him without any other ransom than the + price of a huge quantity of ale, drunk out by his assistants, thirsty, it + would seem, with their walk, and concerning the price of which Master + Goldthred had a fierce dispute with the headborough, whom he had summoned + to aid him in raising the country. + </p> + <p> + Having made this act of prudent as well as just restitution, Wayland + procured such change of apparel for the lady, as well as himself, as gave + them both the appearance of country people of the better class; it being + further resolved, that in order to attract the less observation, she + should pass upon the road for the sister of her guide. A good but not a + gay horse, fit to keep pace with his own, and gentle enough for a lady's + use, completed the preparations for the journey; for making which, and for + other expenses, he had been furnished with sufficient funds by Tressilian. + And thus, about noon, after the Countess had been refreshed by the sound + repose of several hours, they resumed their journey, with the purpose of + making the best of their way to Kenilworth, by Coventry and Warwick. They + were not, however, destined to travel far without meeting some cause of + apprehension. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to premise that the landlord of the inn had informed them + that a jovial party, intended, as he understood, to present some of the + masques or mummeries which made a part of the entertainment with which the + Queen was usually welcomed on the royal Progresses, had left the village + of Donnington an hour or two before them in order to proceed to + Kenilworth. Now it had occurred to Wayland that, by attaching themselves + in some sort to this group as soon as they should overtake them on the + road, they would be less likely to attract notice than if they continued + to travel entirely by themselves. He communicated his idea to the + Countess, who, only anxious to arrive at Kenilworth without interruption, + left him free to choose the manner in which this was to be accomplished. + They pressed forward their horses, therefore, with the purpose of + overtaking the party of intended revellers, and making the journey in + their company; and had just seen the little party, consisting partly of + riders, partly of people on foot, crossing the summit of a gentle hill, at + about half a mile's distance, and disappearing on the other side, when + Wayland, who maintained the most circumspect observation of all that met + his eye in every direction, was aware that a rider was coming up behind + them on a horse of uncommon action, accompanied by a serving-man, whose + utmost efforts were unable to keep up with his master's trotting hackney, + and who, therefore, was fain to follow him at a hand gallop. Wayland + looked anxiously back at these horsemen, became considerably disturbed in + his manner, looked back again, and became pale, as he said to the lady, + "That is Richard Varney's trotting gelding; I would know him among a + thousand nags. This is a worse business than meeting the mercer." + </p> + <p> + "Draw your sword," answered the lady, "and pierce my bosom with it, rather + than I should fall into his hands!" + </p> + <p> + "I would rather by a thousand times," answered Wayland, "pass it through + his body, or even mine own. But to say truth, fighting is not my best + point, though I can look on cold iron like another when needs must be. And + indeed, as for my sword—(put on, I pray you)—it is a poor + Provant rapier, and I warrant you he has a special Toledo. He has a + serving-man, too, and I think it is the drunken ruffian Lambourne! upon + the horse on which men say—(I pray you heartily to put on)—he + did the great robbery of the west country grazier. It is not that I fear + either Varney or Lambourne in a good cause—(your palfrey will go yet + faster if you urge him)—but yet—(nay, I pray you let him not + break off into a gallop, lest they should see we fear them, and give chase—keep + him only at the full trot)—but yet, though I fear them not, I would + we were well rid of them, and that rather by policy than by violence. + Could we once reach the party before us, we may herd among them, and pass + unobserved, unless Varney be really come in express pursuit of us, and + then, happy man be his dole!" + </p> + <p> + While he thus spoke, he alternately urged and restrained his horse, + desirous to maintain the fleetest pace that was consistent with the idea + of an ordinary journey on the road, but to avoid such rapidity of movement + as might give rise to suspicion that they were flying. + </p> + <p> + At such a pace they ascended the gentle hill we have mentioned, and + looking from the top, had the pleasure to see that the party which had + left Donnington before them were in the little valley or bottom on the + other side, where the road was traversed by a rivulet, beside which was a + cottage or two. In this place they seemed to have made a pause, which gave + Wayland the hope of joining them, and becoming a part of their company, + ere Varney should overtake them. He was the more anxious, as his + companion, though she made no complaints, and expressed no fear, began to + look so deadly pale that he was afraid she might drop from her horse. + Notwithstanding this symptom of decaying strength, she pushed on her + palfrey so briskly that they joined the party in the bottom of the valley + ere Varney appeared on the top of the gentle eminence which they had + descended. + </p> + <p> + They found the company to which they meant to associate themselves in + great disorder. The women with dishevelled locks, and looks of great + importance, ran in and out of one of the cottages, and the men stood + around holding the horses, and looking silly enough, as is usual in cases + where their assistance is not wanted. + </p> + <p> + Wayland and his charge paused, as if out of curiosity, and then gradually, + without making any inquiries, or being asked any questions, they mingled + with the group, as if they had always made part of it. + </p> + <p> + They had not stood there above five minutes, anxiously keeping as much to + the side of the road as possible, so as to place the other travellers + betwixt them and Varney, when Lord Leicester's master of the horse, + followed by Lambourne, came riding fiercely down the hill, their horses' + flanks and the rowels of their spurs showing bloody tokens of the rate at + which they travelled. The appearance of the stationary group around the + cottages, wearing their buckram suits in order to protect their masking + dresses, having their light cart for transporting their scenery, and + carrying various fantastic properties in their hands for the more easy + conveyance, let the riders at once into the character and purpose of the + company. + </p> + <p> + "You are revellers," said Varney, "designing for Kenilworth?" + </p> + <p> + "RECTE QUIDEM, DOMINE SPECTATISSIME," answered one of the party. + </p> + <p> + "And why the devil stand you here?" said Varney, "when your utmost + dispatch will but bring you to Kenilworth in time? The Queen dines at + Warwick to-morrow, and you loiter here, ye knaves." + </p> + <p> + "I very truth, sir," said a little, diminutive urchin, wearing a vizard + with a couple of sprouting horns of an elegant scarlet hue, having, + moreover, a black serge jerkin drawn close to his body by lacing, + garnished with red stockings, and shoes so shaped as to resemble cloven + feet—"in very truth, sir, and you are in the right on't. It is my + father the Devil, who, being taken in labour, has delayed our present + purpose, by increasing our company with an imp too many." + </p> + <p> + "The devil he has!" answered Varney, whose laugh, however, never exceeded + a sarcastic smile. + </p> + <p> + "It is even as the juvenal hath said," added the masker who spoke first; + "Our major devil—for this is but our minor one—is even now at + LUCINA, FER OPEM, within that very TUGURIUM." + </p> + <p> + "By Saint George, or rather by the Dragon, who may be a kinsman of the + fiend in the straw, a most comical chance!" said Varney. "How sayest thou, + Lambourne, wilt thou stand godfather for the nonce? If the devil were to + choose a gossip, I know no one more fit for the office." + </p> + <p> + "Saving always when my betters are in presence," said Lambourne, with the + civil impudence of a servant who knows his services to be so indispensable + that his jest will be permitted to pass muster. + </p> + <p> + "And what is the name of this devil, or devil's dam, who has timed her + turns so strangely?" said Varney. "We can ill afford to spare any of our + actors." + </p> + <p> + "GAUDET NOMINE SIBYLLAE," said the first speaker; "she is called Sibyl + Laneham, wife of Master Robert Laneham—" + </p> + <p> + "Clerk to the Council-chamber door," said Varney; "why, she is + inexcusable, having had experience how to have ordered her matters better. + But who were those, a man and a woman, I think, who rode so hastily up the + hill before me even now? Do they belong to your company?" + </p> + <p> + Wayland was about to hazard a reply to this alarming inquiry, when the + little diablotin again thrust in his oar. + </p> + <p> + "So please you," he said, coming close up to Varney, and speaking so as + not to be overheard by his companions, "the man was our devil major, who + has tricks enough to supply the lack of a hundred such as Dame Laneham; + and the woman, if you please, is the sage person whose assistance is most + particularly necessary to our distressed comrade." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what! you have got the wise woman, then?" said Varney. "Why, truly, + she rode like one bound to a place where she was needed. And you have a + spare limb of Satan, besides, to supply the place of Mistress Laneham?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, sir," said the boy; "they are not so scarce in this world as your + honour's virtuous eminence would suppose. This master-fiend shall spit a + few flashes of fire, and eruct a volume or two of smoke on the spot, if it + will do you pleasure—you would think he had AEtna in his abdomen." + </p> + <p> + "I lack time just now, most hopeful imp of darkness, to witness his + performance," said Varney; "but here is something for you all to drink the + lucky hour—and so, as the play says, 'God be with Your labour!'" + </p> + <p> + Thus speaking, he struck his horse with the spurs, and rode on his way. + </p> + <p> + Lambourne tarried a moment or two behind his master, and rummaged his + pouch for a piece of silver, which he bestowed on the communicative imp, + as he said, for his encouragement on his path to the infernal regions, + some sparks of whose fire, he said, he could discover flashing from him + already. Then having received the boy's thanks for his generosity he also + spurred his horse, and rode after his master as fast as the fire flashes + from flint. + </p> + <p> + "And now," said the wily imp, sidling close up to Wayland's horse, and + cutting a gambol in the air which seemed to vindicate his title to + relationship with the prince of that element, "I have told them who YOU + are, do you in return tell me who I am?" + </p> + <p> + "Either Flibbertigibbet," answered Wayland Smith, "or else an imp of the + devil in good earnest." + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast hit it," answered Dickie Sludge. "I am thine own + Flibbertigibbet, man; and I have broken forth of bounds, along with my + learned preceptor, as I told thee I would do, whether he would or not. But + what lady hast thou got with thee? I saw thou wert at fault the first + question was asked, and so I drew up for thy assistance. But I must know + all who she is, dear Wayland." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt know fifty finer things, my dear ingle," said Wayland; "but a + truce to thine inquiries just now. And since you are bound for Kenilworth, + thither will I too, even for the love of thy sweet face and waggish + company." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shouldst have said my waggish face and sweet company," said Dickie; + "but how wilt thou travel with us—I mean in what character?" + </p> + <p> + "E'en in that thou hast assigned me, to be sure—as a juggler; thou + knowest I am used to the craft," answered Wayland. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but the lady?" answered Flibbertigibbet. "Credit me, I think she IS + one and thou art in a sea of troubles about her at this moment, as I can + perceive by thy fidgeting." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, she, man!—she is a poor sister of mine," said Wayland; "she can + sing and play o' the lute would win the fish out o' the stream." + </p> + <p> + "Let me hear her instantly," said the boy, "I love the lute rarely; I love + it of all things, though I never heard it." + </p> + <p> + "Then how canst thou love it, Flibbertigibbet?" said Wayland. + </p> + <p> + "As knights love ladies in old tales," answered Dickie—"on hearsay." + </p> + <p> + "Then love it on hearsay a little longer, till my sister is recovered from + the fatigue of her journey," said Wayland; muttering afterwards betwixt + his teeth, "The devil take the imp's curiosity! I must keep fair weather + with him, or we shall fare the worse." + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to state to Master Holiday his own talents as a juggler, + with those of his sister as a musician. Some proof of his dexterity was + demanded, which he gave in such a style of excellence, that, delighted at + obtaining such an accession to their party, they readily acquiesced in the + apology which he offered when a display of his sister's talents was + required. The new-comers were invited to partake of the refreshments with + which the party were provided; and it was with some difficulty that + Wayland Smith obtained an opportunity of being apart with his supposed + sister during the meal, of which interval he availed himself to entreat + her to forget for the present both her rank and her sorrows, and + condescend, as the most probable chance of remaining concealed, to mix in + the society of those with whom she was to travel. + </p> + <p> + The Countess allowed the necessity of the case, and when they resumed + their journey, endeavoured to comply with her guide's advice, by + addressing herself to a female near her, and expressing her concern for + the woman whom they were thus obliged to leave behind them. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, she is well attended, madam," replied the dame whom she addressed, + who, from her jolly and laughter-loving demeanour, might have been the + very emblem of the Wife of Bath; "and my gossip Laneham thinks as little + of these matters as any one. By the ninth day, an the revels last so long, + we shall have her with us at Kenilworth, even if she should travel with + her bantling on her back." + </p> + <p> + There was something in this speech which took away all desire on the + Countess of Leicester's part to continue the conversation. But having + broken the charm by speaking to her fellow-traveller first, the good dame, + who was to play Rare Gillian of Croydon in one of the interludes, took + care that silence did not again settle on the journey, but entertained her + mute companion with a thousand anecdotes of revels, from the days of King + Harry downwards, with the reception given them by the great folk, and all + the names of those who played the principal characters; but ever + concluding with "they would be nothing to the princely pleasures of + Kenilworth." + </p> + <p> + "And when shall we reach Kenilworth? said the Countess, with an agitation + which she in vain attempted to conceal. + </p> + <p> + "We that have horses may, with late riding, get to Warwick to-night, and + Kenilworth may be distant some four or five miles. But then we must wait + till the foot-people come up; although it is like my good Lord of + Leicester will have horses or light carriages to meet them, and bring them + up without being travel-toiled, which last is no good preparation, as you + may suppose, for dancing before your betters. And yet, Lord help me, I + have seen the day I would have tramped five leagues of lea-land, and + turned an my toe the whole evening after, as a juggler spins a pewter + platter on the point of a needle. But age has clawed me somewhat in his + clutch, as the song says; though, if I like the tune and like my partner, + I'll dance the hays yet with any merry lass in Warwickshire that writes + that unhappy figure four with a round O after it." + </p> + <p> + If the Countess was overwhelmed with the garrulity of this good dame, + Wayland Smith, on his part, had enough to do to sustain and parry the + constant attacks made upon him by the indefatigable curiosity of his old + acquaintance Richard Sludge. Nature had given that arch youngster a prying + cast of disposition, which matched admirably with his sharp wit; the + former inducing him to plant himself as a spy on other people's affairs, + and the latter quality leading him perpetually to interfere, after he had + made himself master of that which concerned him not. He spent the livelong + day in attempting to peer under the Countess's muffler, and apparently + what he could there discern greatly sharpened his curiosity. + </p> + <p> + "That sister of thine, Wayland," he said, "has a fair neck to have been + born in a smithy, and a pretty taper hand to have been used for twirling a + spindle—faith, I'll believe in your relationship when the crow's egg + is hatched into a cygnet." + </p> + <p> + "Go to," said Wayland, "thou art a prating boy, and should be breeched for + thine assurance." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the imp, drawing off, "all I say is—remember you have + kept a secret from me, and if I give thee not a Roland for thine Oliver, + my name is not Dickon Sludge!" + </p> + <p> + This threat, and the distance at which Hobgoblin kept from him for the + rest of the way, alarmed Wayland very much, and he suggested to his + pretended sister that, on pretext of weariness, she should express a + desire to stop two or three miles short of the fair town of Warwick, + promising to rejoin the troop in the morning. A small village inn afforded + them a resting-place, and it was with secret pleasure that Wayland saw the + whole party, including Dickon, pass on, after a courteous farewell, and + leave them behind. + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow, madam," he said to his charge, "we will, with your leave, + again start early, and reach Kenilworth before the rout which are to + assemble there." + </p> + <p> + The Countess gave assent to the proposal of her faithful guide; but, + somewhat to his surprise, said nothing further on the subject, which left + Wayland under the disagreeable uncertainty whether or no she had formed + any plan for her own future proceedings, as he knew her situation demanded + circumspection, although he was but imperfectly acquainted with all its + peculiarities. Concluding, however, that she must have friends within the + castle, whose advice and assistance she could safely trust, he supposed + his task would be best accomplished by conducting her thither in safety, + agreeably to her repeated commands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hark, the bells summon, and the bugle calls, + But she the fairest answers not—the tide + Of nobles and of ladies throngs the halls, + But she the loveliest must in secret hide. + What eyes were thine, proud Prince, which in the gleam + Of yon gay meteors lost that better sense, + That o'er the glow-worm doth the star esteem, + And merit's modest blush o'er courtly insolence? + —THE GLASS SLIPPER. +</pre> + <p> + The unfortunate Countess of Leicester had, from her infancy upwards, been + treated by those around her with indulgence as unbounded as injudicious. + The natural sweetness of her disposition had saved her from becoming + insolent and ill-humoured; but the caprice which preferred the handsome + and insinuating Leicester before Tressilian, of whose high honour and + unalterable affection she herself entertained so firm an opinion—that + fatal error, which ruined the happiness of her life, had its origin in the + mistaken kindness; that had spared her childhood the painful but most + necessary lesson of submission and self-command. From the same indulgence + it followed that she had only been accustomed to form and to express her + wishes, leaving to others the task of fulfilling them; and thus, at the + most momentous period of her life, she was alike destitute of presence of + mind, and of ability to form for herself any reasonable or prudent plan of + conduct. + </p> + <p> + These difficulties pressed on the unfortunate lady with overwhelming force + on the morning which seemed to be the crisis of her fate. Overlooking + every intermediate consideration, she had only desired to be at + Kenilworth, and to approach her husband's presence; and now, when she was + in the vicinity of both, a thousand considerations arose at once upon her + mind, startling her with accumulated doubts and dangers, some real, some + imaginary, and all exalted and exaggerated by a situation alike helpless + and destitute of aid and counsel. + </p> + <p> + A sleepless night rendered her so weak in the morning that she was + altogether unable to attend Wayland's early summons. The trusty guide + became extremely distressed on the lady's account, and somewhat alarmed on + his own, and was on the point of going alone to Kenilworth, in the hope of + discovering Tressilian, and intimating to him the lady's approach, when + about nine in the morning he was summoned to attend her. He found her + dressed, and ready for resuming her journey, but with a paleness of + countenance which alarmed him for her health. She intimated her desire + that the horses might be got instantly ready, and resisted with impatience + her guide's request that she would take some refreshment before setting + forward. "I have had," she said, "a cup of water—the wretch who is + dragged to execution needs no stronger cordial, and that may serve me + which suffices for him. Do as I command you." Wayland Smith still + hesitated. "What would you have?" said she. "Have I not spoken plainly?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam," answered Wayland; "but may I ask what is your further + purpose? I only wish to know, that I may guide myself by your wishes. The + whole country is afloat, and streaming towards the Castle of Kenilworth. + It will be difficult travelling thither, even if we had the necessary + passports for safe-conduct and free admittance; unknown and unfriended, we + may come by mishap. Your ladyship will forgive my speaking my poor mind—were + we not better try to find out the maskers, and again join ourselves with + them?" The Countess shook her head, and her guide proceeded, "Then I see + but one other remedy." + </p> + <p> + "Speak out, then," said the lady, not displeased, perhaps, that he should + thus offer the advice which she was ashamed to ask; "I believe thee + faithful—what wouldst thou counsel?" + </p> + <p> + "That I should warn Master Tressilian," said Wayland, "that you are in + this place. I am right certain he would get to horse with a few of Lord + Sussex's followers, and ensure your personal safety." + </p> + <p> + "And is it to ME you advise," said the Countess, "to put myself under the + protection of Sussex, the unworthy rival of the noble Leicester?" Then, + seeing the surprise with which Wayland stared upon her, and afraid of + having too strongly intimated her interest in Leicester, she added, "And + for Tressilian, it must not be—mention not to him, I charge you, my + unhappy name; it would but double MY misfortunes, and involve HIM in + dangers beyond the power of rescue." She paused; but when she observed + that Wayland continued to look on her with that anxious and uncertain gaze + which indicated a doubt whether her brain was settled, she assumed an air + of composure, and added, "Do thou but guide me to Kenilworth Castle, good + fellow, and thy task is ended, since I will then judge what further is to + be done. Thou hast yet been true to me—here is something that will + make thee rich amends." + </p> + <p> + She offered the artist a ring containing a valuable stone. Wayland looked + at it, hesitated a moment, and then returned it. "Not," he said, "that I + am above your kindness, madam, being but a poor fellow, who have been + forced, God help me! to live by worse shifts than the bounty of such a + person as you. But, as my old master the farrier used to say to his + customers, 'No cure, no pay.' We are not yet in Kenilworth Castle, and it + is time enough to discharge your guide, as they say, when you take your + boots off. I trust in God your ladyship is as well assured of fitting + reception when you arrive, as you may hold yourself certain of my best + endeavours to conduct you thither safely. I go to get the horses; + meantime, let me pray you once more, as your poor physician as well as + guide, to take some sustenance." + </p> + <p> + "I will—I will," said the lady hastily. "Begone, begone instantly!—It + is in vain I assume audacity," said she, when he left the room; "even this + poor groom sees through my affectation of courage, and fathoms the very + ground of my fears." + </p> + <p> + She then attempted to follow her guide's advice by taking some food, but + was compelled to desist, as the effort to swallow even a single morsel + gave her so much uneasiness as amounted well-nigh to suffocation. A moment + afterwards the horses appeared at the latticed window. The lady mounted, + and found that relief from the free air and change of place which is + frequently experienced in similar circumstances. + </p> + <p> + It chanced well for the Countess's purpose that Wayland Smith, whose + previous wandering and unsettled life had made him acquainted with almost + all England, was intimate with all the byroads, as well as direct + communications, through the beautiful county of Warwick. For such and so + great was the throng which flocked in all directions towards Kenilworth, + to see the entry of Elizabeth into that splendid mansion of her prime + favourite, that the principal roads were actually blocked up and + interrupted, and it was only by circuitous by-paths that the travellers + could proceed on their journey. + </p> + <p> + The Queen's purveyors had been abroad, sweeping the farms and villages of + those articles usually exacted during a royal Progress, and for which the + owners were afterwards to obtain a tardy payment from the Board of Green + Cloth. The Earl of Leicester's household officers had been scouring the + country for the same purpose; and many of his friends and allies, both + near and remote, took this opportunity of ingratiating themselves by + sending large quantities of provisions and delicacies of all kinds, with + game in huge numbers, and whole tuns of the best liquors, foreign and + domestic. Thus the highroads were filled with droves of bullocks, sheep, + calves, and hogs, and choked with loaded wains, whose axle-trees cracked + under their burdens of wine-casks and hogsheads of ale, and huge hampers + of grocery goods, and slaughtered game, and salted provisions, and sacks + of flour. Perpetual stoppages took place as these wains became entangled; + and their rude drivers, swearing and brawling till their wild passions + were fully raised, began to debate precedence with their wagon-whips and + quarterstaves, which occasional riots were usually quieted by a purveyor, + deputy-marshal's man, or some other person in authority, breaking the + heads of both parties. + </p> + <p> + Here were, besides, players and mummers, jugglers and showmen, of every + description, traversing in joyous bands the paths which led to the Palace + of Princely Pleasure; for so the travelling minstrels had termed + Kenilworth in the songs which already had come forth in anticipation of + the revels which were there expected. In the midst of this motley show, + mendicants were exhibiting their real or pretended miseries, forming a + strange though common contrast betwixt the vanities and the sorrows of + human existence. All these floated along with the immense tide of + population whom mere curiosity had drawn together; and where the mechanic, + in his leathern apron, elbowed the dink and dainty dame, his city + mistress; where clowns, with hobnailed shoes, were treading on the kibes + of substantial burghers and gentlemen of worship; and where Joan of the + dairy, with robust pace, and red, sturdy arms, rowed her way unward, + amongst those prim and pretty moppets whose sires were knights and + squires. + </p> + <p> + The throng and confusion was, however, of a gay and cheerful character. + All came forth to see and to enjoy, and all laughed at the trifling + inconveniences which at another time might have chafed their temper. + Excepting the occasional brawls which we have mentioned among that + irritable race the carmen, the mingled sounds which arose from the + multitude were those of light-hearted mirth and tiptoe jollity. The + musicians preluded on their instruments—the minstrels hummed their + songs—the licensed jester whooped betwixt mirth and madness, as he + brandished his bauble—the morrice-dancers jangled their bells—the + rustics hallooed and whistled—men laughed loud, and maidens giggled + shrill; while many a broad jest flew like a shuttlecock from one party, to + be caught in the air and returned from the opposite side of the road by + another, at which it was aimed. + </p> + <p> + No infliction can be so distressing to a mind absorbed in melancholy, as + being plunged into a scene of mirth and revelry, forming an accompaniment + so dissonant from its own feelings. Yet, in the case of the Countess of + Leicester, the noise and tumult of this giddy scene distracted her + thoughts, and rendered her this sad service, that it became impossible for + her to brood on her own misery, or to form terrible anticipations of her + approaching fate. She travelled on like one in a dream, following + implicitly the guidance of Wayland, who, with great address, now threaded + his way through the general throng of passengers, now stood still until a + favourable opportunity occurred of again moving forward, and frequently + turning altogether out of the direct road, followed some circuitous + bypath, which brought them into the highway again, after having given them + the opportunity of traversing a considerable way with greater ease and + rapidity. + </p> + <p> + It was thus he avoided Warwick, within whose Castle (that fairest monument + of ancient and chivalrous splendour which yet remains uninjured by time) + Elizabeth had passed the previous night, and where she was to tarry until + past noon, at that time the general hour of dinner throughout England, + after which repast she was to proceed to Kenilworth, In the meanwhile, + each passing group had something to say in the Sovereign's praise, though + not absolutely without the usual mixture of satire which qualifies more or + less our estimate of our neighbours, especially if they chance to be also + our betters. + </p> + <p> + "Heard you," said one, "how graciously she spoke to Master Bailiff and the + Recorder, and to good Master Griffin the preacher, as they kneeled down at + her coach-window?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and how she said to little Aglionby, 'Master Recorder, men would have + persuaded me that you were afraid of me, but truly I think, so well did + you reckon up to me the virtues of a sovereign, that I have more reason to + be afraid of you.' and then with what grace she took the fair-wrought + purse with the twenty gold sovereigns, seeming as though she would not + willingly handle it, and yet taking it withal." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," said another, "her fingers closed on it pretty willingly + methought, when all was done; and methought, too, she weighed them for a + second in her hand, as she would say, I hope they be avoirdupois." + </p> + <p> + "She needed not, neighbour," said a third; "it is only when the + corporation pay the accounts of a poor handicraft like me, that they put + him off with clipped coin. Well, there is a God above all—little + Master Recorder, since that is the word, will be greater now than ever." + </p> + <p> + "Come, good neighbour," said the first speaker "be not envious. She is a + good Queen, and a generous; she gave the purse to the Earl of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "I envious?—beshrew thy heart for the word!" replied the handicraft. + "But she will give all to the Earl of Leicester anon, methinks." + </p> + <p> + "You are turning ill, lady," said Wayland Smith to the Countess of + Leicester, and proposed that she should draw off from the road, and halt + till she recovered. But, subduing her feelings at this and different + speeches to the same purpose, which caught her ear as they passed on, she + insisted that her guide should proceed to Kenilworth with all the haste + which the numerous impediments of their journey permitted. Meanwhile, + Wayland's anxiety at her repeated fits of indisposition, and her obvious + distraction of mind, was hourly increasing, and he became extremely + desirous that, according to her reiterated requests, she should be safely + introduced into the Castle, where, he doubted not, she was secure of a + kind reception, though she seemed unwilling to reveal on whom she reposed + her hopes. + </p> + <p> + "An I were once rid of this peril," thought he, "and if any man shall find + me playing squire of the body to a damosel-errant, he shall have leave to + beat my brains out with my own sledge-hammer!" + </p> + <p> + At length the princely Castle appeared, upon improving which, and the + domains around, the Earl of Leicester had, it is said, expended sixty + thousand pounds sterling, a sum equal to half a million of our present + money. + </p> + <p> + The outer wall of this splendid and gigantic structure enclosed seven + acres, a part of which was occupied by extensive stables, and by a + pleasure garden, with its trim arbours and parterres, and the rest formed + the large base-court or outer yard of the noble Castle. The lordly + structure itself, which rose near the centre of this spacious enclosure, + was composed of a huge pile of magnificent castellated buildings, + apparently of different ages, surrounding an inner court, and bearing in + the names attached to each portion of the magnificent mass, and in the + armorial bearings which were there blazoned, the emblems of mighty chiefs + who had long passed away, and whose history, could Ambition have lent ear + to it, might have read a lesson to the haughty favourite who had now + acquired and was augmenting the fair domain. A large and massive Keep, + which formed the citadel of the Castle, was of uncertain though great + antiquity. It bore the name of Caesar, perhaps from its resemblance to + that in the Tower of London so called. Some antiquaries ascribe its + foundation to the time of Kenelph, from whom the Castle had its name, a + Saxon King of Mercia, and others to an early era after the Norman + Conquest. On the exterior walls frowned the scutcheon of the Clintons, by + whom they were founded in the reign of Henry I.; and of the yet more + redoubted Simon de Montfort, by whom, during the Barons' wars, Kenilworth + was long held out against Henry III. Here Mortimer, Earl of March, famous + alike for his rise and his fall, had once gaily revelled in Kenilworth, + while his dethroned sovereign, Edward II., languished in its dungeons. Old + John of Gaunt, "time-honoured Lancaster," had widely extended the Castle, + erecting that noble and massive pile which yet bears the name of + Lancaster's Buildings; and Leicester himself had outdone the former + possessors, princely and powerful as they were, by erecting another + immense structure, which now lies crushed under its own ruins, the + monument of its owner's ambition. The external wall of this royal Castle + was, on the south and west sides, adorned and defended by a lake partly + artificial, across which Leicester had constructed a stately bridge, that + Elizabeth might enter the Castle by a path hitherto untrodden, instead of + the usual entrance to the northward, over which he had erected a gatehouse + or barbican, which still exists, and is equal in extent, and superior in + architecture, to the baronial castle of many a northern chief. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the lake lay an extensive chase, full of red deer, fallow deer, + roes, and every species of game, and abounding with lofty trees, from + amongst which the extended front and massive towers of the Castle were + seen to rise in majesty and beauty. We cannot but add, that of this lordly + palace, where princes feasted and heroes fought, now in the bloody earnest + of storm and siege, and now in the games of chivalry, where beauty dealt + the prize which valour won, all is now desolate. The bed of the lake is + but a rushy swamp; and the massive ruins of the Castle only serve to show + what their splendour once was, and to impress on the musing visitor the + transitory value of human possessions, and the happiness of those who + enjoy a humble lot in virtuous contentment. + </p> + <p> + It was with far different feelings that the unfortunate Countess of + Leicester viewed those grey and massive towers, when she first beheld them + rise above the embowering and richly-shaded woods, over which they seemed + to preside. She, the undoubted wife of the great Earl, of Elizabeth's + minion, and England's mighty favourite, was approaching the presence of + her husband, and that husband's sovereign, under the protection, rather + than the guidance, of a poor juggler; and though unquestioned Mistress of + that proud Castle, whose lightest word ought to have had force sufficient + to make its gates leap from their massive hinges to receive her, yet she + could not conceal from herself the difficulty and peril which she must + experience in gaining admission into her own halls. + </p> + <p> + The risk and difficulty, indeed, seemed to increase every moment, and at + length threatened altogether to put a stop to her further progress at the + great gate leading to a broad and fair road, which, traversing the breadth + of the chase for the space of two miles, and commanding several most + beautiful views of the Castle and lake, terminated at the newly + constructed bridge, to which it was an appendage, and which was destined + to form the Queen's approach to the Castle on that memorable occasion. + </p> + <p> + Here the Countess and Wayland found the gate at the end of this avenue, + which opened on the Warwick road, guarded by a body of the Queen's mounted + yeomen of the guard, armed in corselets richly carved and gilded, and + wearing morions instead of bonnets, having their carabines resting with + the butt-end on their thighs. These guards, distinguished for strength and + stature, who did duty wherever the Queen went in person, were here + stationed under the direction of a pursuivant, graced with the Bear and + Ragged Staff on his arm, as belonging to the Earl of Leicester, and + peremptorily refused all admittance, excepting to such as were guests + invited to the festival, or persons who were to perform some part in the + mirthful exhibitions which were proposed. + </p> + <p> + The press was of consequence great around the entrance, and persons of all + kinds presented every sort of plea for admittance; to which the guards + turned an inexorable ear, pleading, in return to fair words, and even to + fair offers, the strictness of their orders, founded on the Queen's + well-known dislike to the rude pressing of a multitude. With those whom + such reasons did not serve they dealt more rudely, repelling them without + ceremony by the pressure of their powerful, barbed horses, and good round + blows from the stock of their carabines. These last manoeuvres produced + undulations amongst the crowd, which rendered Wayland much afraid that he + might perforce be separated from his charge in the throng. Neither did he + know what excuse to make in order to obtain admittance, and he was + debating the matter in his head with great uncertainty, when the Earl's + pursuivant, having cast an eye upon him, exclaimed, to his no small + surprise, "Yeomen, make room for the fellow in the orange-tawny cloak.—Come + forward, Sir Coxcomb, and make haste. What, in the fiend's name, has kept + you waiting? Come forward with your bale of woman's gear." + </p> + <p> + While the pursuivant gave Wayland this pressing yet uncourteous + invitation, which, for a minute or two, he could not imagine was applied + to him, the yeomen speedily made a free passage for him, while, only + cautioning his companion to keep the muffler close around her face, he + entered the gate leading her palfrey, but with such a drooping crest, and + such a look of conscious fear and anxiety, that the crowd, not greatly + pleased at any rate with the preference bestowed upon them, accompanied + their admission with hooting and a loud laugh of derision. + </p> + <p> + Admitted thus within the chase, though with no very flattering notice or + distinction, Wayland and his charge rode forward, musing what difficulties + it would be next their lot to encounter, through the broad avenue, which + was sentinelled on either side by a long line of retainers, armed with + swords, and partisans richly dressed in the Earl of Leicester's liveries, + and bearing his cognizance of the Bear and Ragged Staff, each placed + within three paces of each other, so as to line the whole road from the + entrance into the park to the bridge. And, indeed, when the lady obtained + the first commanding view of the Castle, with its stately towers rising + from within a long, sweeping line of outward walls, ornamented with + battlements and turrets and platforms at every point of defence, with many + a banner streaming from its walls, and such a bustle of gay crests and + waving plumes disposed on the terraces and battlements, and all the gay + and gorgeous scene, her heart, unaccustomed to such splendour, sank as if + it died within her, and for a moment she asked herself what she had + offered up to Leicester to deserve to become the partner of this princely + splendour. But her pride and generous spirit resisted the whisper which + bade her despair. + </p> + <p> + "I have given him," she said, "all that woman has to give. Name and fame, + heart and hand, have I given the lord of all this magnificence at the + altar, and England's Queen could give him no more. He is my husband—I + am his wife—whom God hath joined, man cannot sunder. I will be bold + in claiming my right; even the bolder, that I come thus unexpected, and + thus forlorn. I know my noble Dudley well! He will be something impatient + at my disobeying him, but Amy will weep, and Dudley will forgive her." + </p> + <p> + These meditations were interrupted by a cry of surprise from her guide + Wayland, who suddenly felt himself grasped firmly round the body by a pair + of long, thin black arms, belonging to some one who had dropped himself + out of an oak tree upon the croup of his horse, amidst the shouts of + laughter which burst from the sentinels. + </p> + <p> + "This must be the devil, or Flibbertigibbet again!" said Wayland, after a + vain struggle to disengage himself, and unhorse the urchin who clung to + him; "do Kenilworth oaks bear such acorns?" + </p> + <p> + "In sooth do they, Master Wayland," said his unexpected adjunct, "and many + others, too hard for you to crack, for as old as you are, without my + teaching you. How would you have passed the pursuivant at the upper gate + yonder, had not I warned him our principal juggler was to follow us? And + here have I waited for you, having clambered up into the tree from the top + of the wain; and I suppose they are all mad for want of me by this time." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then, thou art a limb of the devil in good earnest," said Wayland. + "I give thee way, good imp, and will walk by thy counsel; only, as thou + art powerful be merciful." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, they approached a strong tower, at the south extremity of the + long bridge we have mentioned, which served to protect the outer gateway + of the Castle of Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + Under such disastrous circumstances, and in such singular company, did the + unfortunate Countess of Leicester approach, for the first time, the + magnificent abode of her almost princely husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SNUG. Have you the lion's part written? pray, if it be, give + it me, for I am slow of study. + QUINCE. You may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring. + —MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. +</pre> + <p> + When the Countess of Leicester arrived at the outer gate of the Castle of + Kenilworth, she found the tower, beneath which its ample portal arch + opened, guarded in a singular manner. Upon the battlements were placed + gigantic warders, with clubs, battle-axes, and other implements of ancient + warfare, designed to represent the soldiers of King Arthur; those + primitive Britons, by whom, according to romantic tradition, the Castle + had been first tenanted, though history carried back its antiquity only to + the times of the Heptarchy. + </p> + <p> + Some of these tremendous figures were real men, dressed up with vizards + and buskins; others were mere pageants composed of pasteboard and buckram, + which, viewed from beneath, and mingled with those that were real, formed + a sufficiently striking representation of what was intended. But the + gigantic porter who waited at the gate beneath, and actually discharged + the duties of warder, owed none of his terrors to fictitious means. he was + a man whose huge stature, thews, sinews, and bulk in proportion, would + have enabled him to enact Colbrand, Ascapart, or any other giant of + romance, without raising himself nearer to heaven even by the altitude of + a chopin. The legs and knees of this son of Anak were bare, as were his + arms from a span below the shoulder; but his feet were defended with + sandals, fastened with cross straps of scarlet leather studded with brazen + knobs. A close jerkin of scarlet velvet looped with gold, with short + breeches of the same, covered his body and a part of his limbs; and he + wore on his shoulders, instead of a cloak, the skin of a black bear. The + head of this formidable person was uncovered, except by his shaggy, black + hair, which descended on either side around features of that huge, + lumpish, and heavy cast which are often annexed to men of very uncommon + size, and which, notwithstanding some distinguished exceptions, have + created a general prejudice against giants, as being a dull and sullen + kind of persons. This tremendous warder was appropriately armed with a + heavy club spiked with steel. In fine, he represented excellently one of + those giants of popular romance, who figure in every fairy tale or legend + of knight-errantry. + </p> + <p> + The demeanour of this modern Titan, when Wayland Smith bent his attention + to him, had in it something arguing much mental embarrassment and + vexation; for sometimes he sat down for an instant on a massive stone + bench, which seemed placed for his accommodation beside the gateway, and + then ever and anon he started up, scratching his huge head, and striding + to and fro on his post, like one under a fit of impatience and anxiety. It + was while the porter was pacing before the gate in this agitated manner, + that Wayland, modestly, yet as a matter of course (not, however, without + some mental misgiving), was about to pass him, and enter the portal arch. + The porter, however, stopped his progress, bidding him, in a thundering + voice, "Stand back!" and enforcing his injunction by heaving up his + steel-shod mace, and dashing it on the ground before Wayland's horse's + nose with such vehemence that the pavement flashed fire, and the archway + rang to the clamour. Wayland, availing himself of Dickie's hints, began to + state that he belonged to a band of performers to which his presence was + indispensable, that he had been accidentally detained behind, and much to + the same purpose. But the warder was inexorable, and kept muttering and + murmuring something betwixt his teeth, which Wayland could make little of; + and addressing betwixt whiles a refusal of admittance, couched in language + which was but too intelligible. A specimen of his speech might run thus:—"What, + how now, my masters?" (to himself)—"Here's a stir—here's a + coil."—(Then to Wayland)—"You are a loitering knave, and shall + have no entrance."—(Again to himself)—"Here's a throng—here's + a thrusting.—I shall ne'er get through with it—Here's a—humph—ha."—(To + Wayland)—"Back from the gate, or I'll break the pate of thee."—(Once + more to himself)—"Here's a—no—I shall never get through + it." + </p> + <p> + "Stand still," whispered Flibbertigibbet into Wayland's ear, "I know where + the shoe pinches, and will tame him in an instant." + </p> + <p> + He dropped down from the horse, and skipping up to the porter, plucked him + by the tail of the bearskin, so as to induce him to decline his huge head, + and whispered something in his ear. Not at the command of the lord of some + Eastern talisman did ever Afrite change his horrid frown into a look of + smooth submission more suddenly than the gigantic porter of Kenilworth + relaxed the terrors of his looks at the instant Flibbertigibbet's whisper + reached his ears. He flung his club upon the ground, and caught up Dickie + Sludge, raising him to such a distance from the earth as might have proved + perilous had he chanced to let him slip. + </p> + <p> + "It is even so," he said, with a thundering sound of exultation—"it + is even so, my little dandieprat. But who the devil could teach it thee?" + </p> + <p> + "Do not thou care about that," said Flibbertigibbet—"but—" he + looked at Wayland and the lady, and then sunk what he had to say in a + whisper, which needed not be a loud one, as the giant held him for his + convenience close to his ear. The porter then gave Dickie a warm caress, + and set him on the ground with the same care which a careful housewife + uses in replacing a cracked china cup upon her mantelpiece, calling out at + the same time to Wayland and the lady, "In with you—in with you! and + take heed how you come too late another day when I chance to be porter." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, in with you," added Flibbertigibbet; "I must stay a short space + with mine honest Philistine, my Goliath of Gath here; but I will be with + you anon, and at the bottom of all your secrets, were they as deep and + dark as the Castle dungeon." + </p> + <p> + "I do believe thou wouldst," said Wayland; "but I trust the secret will be + soon out of my keeping, and then I shall care the less whether thou or any + one knows it." + </p> + <p> + They now crossed the entrance tower, which obtained the name of the + Gallery-tower, from the following circumstance: The whole bridge, + extending from the entrance to another tower on the opposite side of the + lake, called Mortimer's Tower, was so disposed as to make a spacious + tilt-yard, about one hundred and thirty yards in length, and ten in + breadth, strewed with the finest sand, and defended on either side by + strong and high palisades. The broad and fair gallery, destined for the + ladies who were to witness the feats of chivalry presented on this area, + was erected on the northern side of the outer tower, to which it gave + name. Our travellers passed slowly along the bridge or tilt-yard, and + arrived at Mortimer's Tower, at its farthest extremity, through which the + approach led into the outer or base-court of the Castle. Mortimer's Tower + bore on its front the scutcheon of the Earl of March, whose daring + ambition overthrew the throne of Edward II., and aspired to share his + power with the "She-wolf of France," to whom the unhappy monarch was + wedded. The gate, which opened under this ominous memorial, was guarded by + many warders in rich liveries; but they offered no opposition to the + entrance of the Countess and her guide, who, having passed by license of + the principal porter at the Gallery-tower, were not, it may be supposed, + liable to interruption from his deputies. They entered accordingly, in + silence, the great outward court of the Castle, having then full before + them that vast and lordly pile, with all its stately towers, each gate + open, as if in sign of unlimited hospitality, and the apartments filled + with noble guests of every degree, besides dependants, retainers, + domestics of every description, and all the appendages and promoters of + mirth and revelry. + </p> + <p> + Amid this stately and busy scene Wayland halted his horse, and looked upon + the lady, as if waiting her commands what was next to be done, since they + had safely reached the place of destination. As she remained silent, + Wayland, after waiting a minute or two, ventured to ask her, in direct + terms, what were her next commands. She raised her hand to her forehead, + as if in the act of collecting her thoughts and resolution, while she + answered him in a low and suppressed voice, like the murmurs of one who + speaks in a dream—"Commands? I may indeed claim right to command, + but who is there will obey me!" + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly raising her head, like one who has formed a decisive + resolution, she addressed a gaily-dressed domestic, who was crossing the + court with importance and bustle in his countenance, "Stop, sir," she + said; "I desire to speak with, the Earl of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "With whom, an it please you?" said the man, surprised at the demand; and + then looking upon the mean equipage of her who used towards him such a + tone of authority, he added, with insolence, "Why, what Bess of Bedlam is + this would ask to see my lord on such a day as the present?" + </p> + <p> + "Friend," said the Countess, "be not insolent—my business with the + Earl is most urgent." + </p> + <p> + "You must get some one else to do it, were it thrice as urgent," said the + fellow. "I should summon my lord from the Queen's royal presence to do + YOUR business, should I?—I were like to be thanked with a + horse-whip. I marvel our old porter took not measure of such ware with his + club, instead of giving them passage; but his brain is addled with getting + his speech by heart." + </p> + <p> + Two or three persons stopped, attracted by the fleering way in which the + serving-man expressed himself; and Wayland, alarmed both for himself and + the lady, hastily addressed himself to one who appeared the most civil, + and thrusting a piece of money into his hand, held a moment's counsel with + him on the subject of finding a place of temporary retreat for the lady. + The person to whom he spoke, being one in some authority, rebuked the + others for their incivility, and commanding one fellow to take care of the + strangers' horses, he desired them to follow him. The Countess retained + presence of mind sufficient to see that it was absolutely necessary she + should comply with his request; and leaving the rude lackeys and grooms to + crack their brutal jests about light heads, light heels, and so forth, + Wayland and she followed in silence the deputy-usher, who undertook to be + their conductor. + </p> + <p> + They entered the inner court of the Castle by the great gateway, which + extended betwixt the principal Keep, or Donjon, called Caesar's Tower, and + a stately building which passed by the name of King Henry's Lodging, and + were thus placed in the centre of the noble pile, which presented on its + different fronts magnificent specimens of every species of castellated + architecture, from the Conquest to the reign of Elizabeth, with the + appropriate style and ornaments of each. + </p> + <p> + Across this inner court also they were conducted by their guide to a small + but strong tower, occupying the north-east angle of the building, adjacent + to the great hall, and filling up a space betwixt the immense range of + kitchens and the end of the great hall itself. The lower part of this + tower was occupied by some of the household officers of Leicester, owing + to its convenient vicinity to the places where their duty lay; but in the + upper story, which was reached by a narrow, winding stair, was a small + octangular chamber, which, in the great demand for lodgings, had been on + the present occasion fitted up for the reception of guests, though + generally said to have been used as a place of confinement for some + unhappy person who had been there murdered. Tradition called this prisoner + Mervyn, and transferred his name to the tower. That it had been used as a + prison was not improbable; for the floor of each story was arched, the + walls of tremendous thickness, while the space of the chamber did not + exceed fifteen feet in diameter. The window, however, was pleasant, though + narrow, and commanded a delightful view of what was called the Pleasance; + a space of ground enclosed and decorated with arches, trophies, statues, + fountains, and other architectural monuments, which formed one access from + the Castle itself into the garden. There was a bed in the apartment, and + other preparations for the reception of a guest, to which the Countess + paid but slight attention, her notice being instantly arrested by the + sight of writing materials placed on the table (not very commonly to be + found in the bedrooms of those days), which instantly suggested the idea + of writing to Leicester, and remaining private until she had received his + answer. + </p> + <p> + The deputy-usher having introduced them into this commodious apartment, + courteously asked Wayland, whose generosity he had experienced, whether he + could do anything further for his service. Upon receiving a gentle hint + that some refreshment would not be unacceptable, he presently conveyed the + smith to the buttery-hatch, where dressed provisions of all sorts were + distributed, with hospitable profusion, to all who asked for them. Wayland + was readily supplied with some light provisions, such as he thought would + best suit the faded appetite of the lady, and did not omit the opportunity + of himself making a hasty but hearty meal on more substantial fare. He + then returned to the apartment in the turret, where he found the Countess, + who had finished her letter to Leicester, and in lieu of a seal and silken + thread, had secured it with a braid of her own beautiful tresses, fastened + by what is called a true-love knot. + </p> + <p> + "Good friend," said she to Wayland, "whom God hath sent to aid me at my + utmost need, I do beseech thee, as the last trouble you shall take for an + unfortunate lady, to deliver this letter to the noble Earl of Leicester. + Be it received as it may," she said, with features agitated betwixt hope + and fear, "thou, good fellow, shalt have no more cumber with me. But I + hope the best; and if ever lady made a poor man rich, thou hast surely + deserved it at my hand, should my happy days ever come round again. Give + it, I pray you, into Lord Leicester's own hand, and mark how he looks on + receiving it." + </p> + <p> + Wayland, on his part, readily undertook the commission, but anxiously + prayed the lady, in his turn, to partake of some refreshment; in which he + at length prevailed, more through importunity and her desire to see him + begone on his errand than from any inclination the Countess felt to comply + with his request. He then left her, advising her to lock her door on the + inside, and not to stir from her little apartment; and went to seek an + opportunity of discharging her errand, as well as of carrying into effect + a purpose of his own, which circumstances had induced him to form. + </p> + <p> + In fact, from the conduct of the lady during the journey—her long + fits of profound silence, the irresolution and uncertainty which seemed to + pervade all her movements, and the obvious incapacity of thinking and + acting for herself under which she seemed to labour—Wayland had + formed the not improbable opinion that the difficulties of her situation + had in some degree affected her understanding. + </p> + <p> + When she had escaped from the seclusion of Cumnor Place, and the dangers + to which she was there exposed, it would have seemed her most rational + course to retire to her father's, or elsewhere at a distance from the + power of those by whom these dangers had been created. When, instead of + doing so, she demanded to be conveyed to Kenilworth, Wayland had been only + able to account for her conduct by supposing that she meant to put herself + under the tutelage of Tressilian, and to appeal to the protection of the + Queen. But now, instead of following this natural course, she entrusted + him with a letter to Leicester, the patron of Varney, and within whose + jurisdiction at least, if not under his express authority, all the evils + she had already suffered were inflicted upon her. This seemed an unsafe + and even a desperate measure, and Wayland felt anxiety for his own safety, + as well as that of the lady, should he execute her commission before he + had secured the advice and countenance of a protector. + </p> + <p> + He therefore resolved, before delivering the letter to Leicester, that he + would seek out Tressilian, and communicate to him the arrival of the lady + at Kenilworth, and thus at once rid himself of all further responsibility, + and devolve the task of guiding and protecting this unfortunate lady upon + the patron who had at first employed him in her service. + </p> + <p> + "He will be a better judge than I am," said Wayland, "whether she is to be + gratified in this humour of appeal to my Lord of Leicester, which seems + like an act of insanity; and, therefore, I will turn the matter over on + his hands, deliver him the letter, receive what they list to give me by + way of guerdon, and then show the Castle of Kenilworth a pair of light + heels; for, after the work I have been engaged in, it will be, I fear, + neither a safe nor wholesome place of residence, and I would rather shoe + colts an the coldest common in England than share in their gayest revels." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In my time I have seen a boy do wonders. + Robin, the red tinker, had a boy + Would ha run through a cat-hole. —THE COXCOMB. +</pre> + <p> + Amid the universal bustle which filled the Castle and its environs, it was + no easy matter to find out any individual; and Wayland was still less + likely to light upon Tressilian, whom he sought so anxiously, because, + sensible of the danger of attracting attention in the circumstances in + which he was placed, he dared not make general inquiries among the + retainers or domestics of Leicester. He learned, however, by indirect + questions, that in all probability Tressilian must have been one of a + large party of gentlemen in attendance on the Earl of Sussex, who had + accompanied their patron that morning to Kenilworth, when Leicester had + received them with marks of the most formal respect and distinction. He + further learned that both Earls, with their followers, and many other + nobles, knights, and gentlemen, had taken horse, and gone towards Warwick + several hours since, for the purpose of escorting the Queen to Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + Her Majesty's arrival, like other great events, was delayed from hour to + hour; and it was now announced by a breathless post that her Majesty, + being detained by her gracious desire to receive the homage of her lieges + who had thronged to wait upon her at Warwick, it would be the hour of + twilight ere she entered the Castle. The intelligence released for a time + those who were upon duty, in the immediate expectation of the Queen's + appearance, and ready to play their part in the solemnities with which it + was to be accompanied; and Wayland, seeing several horsemen enter the + Castle, was not without hopes that Tressilian might be of the number. That + he might not lose an opportunity of meeting his patron in the event of + this being the case, Wayland placed himself in the base-court of the + Castle, near Mortimer's Tower, and watched every one who went or came by + the bridge, the extremity of which was protected by that building. Thus + stationed, nobody could enter or leave the Castle without his observation, + and most anxiously did he study the garb and countenance of every + horseman, as, passing from under the opposite Gallery-tower, they paced + slowly, or curveted, along the tilt-yard, and approached the entrance of + the base-court. + </p> + <p> + But while Wayland gazed thus eagerly to discover him whom he saw not, he + was pulled by the sleeve by one by whom he himself would not willingly + have been seen. + </p> + <p> + This was Dickie Sludge, or Flibbertigibbet, who, like the imp whose name + he bore, and whom he had been accoutred in order to resemble, seemed to be + ever at the ear of those who thought least of him. Whatever were Wayland's + internal feelings, he judged it necessary to express pleasure at their + unexpected meeting. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! is it thou, my minikin—my miller's thumb—my prince of + cacodemons—my little mouse?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said Dickie, "the mouse which gnawed asunder the toils, just when + the lion who was caught in them began to look wonderfully like an ass." + </p> + <p> + "Thy, thou little hop-the-gutter, thou art as sharp as vinegar this + afternoon! But tell me, how didst thou come off with yonder jolterheaded + giant whom I left thee with? I was afraid he would have stripped thy + clothes, and so swallowed thee, as men peel and eat a roasted chestnut." + </p> + <p> + "Had he done so," replied the boy, "he would have had more brains in his + guts than ever he had in his noddle. But the giant is a courteous monster, + and more grateful than many other folk whom I have helped at a pinch, + Master Wayland Smith." + </p> + <p> + "Beshrew me, Flibbertigibbet," replied Wayland, "but thou art sharper than + a Sheffield whittle! I would I knew by what charm you muzzled yonder old + bear." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, that is in your own manner," answered Dickie; "you think fine + speeches will pass muster instead of good-will. However, as to this honest + porter, you must know that when we presented ourselves at the gate yonder, + his brain was over-burdened with a speech that had been penned for him, + and which proved rather an overmatch for his gigantic faculties. Now this + same pithy oration had been indited, like sundry others, by my learned + magister, Erasmus Holiday, so I had heard it often enough to remember + every line. As soon as I heard him blundering and floundering like a fish + upon dry land, through the first verse, and perceived him at a stand, I + knew where the shoe pinched, and helped him to the next word, when he + caught me up in an ecstasy, even as you saw but now. I promised, as the + price of your admission, to hide me under his bearish gaberdine, and + prompt him in the hour of need. I have just now been getting some food in + the Castle, and am about to return to him." + </p> + <p> + "That's right—that's right, my dear Dickie," replied Wayland; "haste + thee, for Heaven's sake! else the poor giant will be utterly disconsolate + for want of his dwarfish auxiliary. Away with thee, Dickie!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay!" answered the boy—"away with Dickie, when we have got what + good of him we can. You will not let me know the story of this lady, then, + who is as much sister of thine as I am?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, what good would it do thee, thou silly elf?" said Wayland. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, stand ye on these terms?" said the boy. "Well, I care not greatly + about the matter—only, I never smell out a secret but I try to be + either at the right or the wrong end of it, and so good evening to ye." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, but, Dickie," said Wayland, who knew the boy's restless and + intriguing disposition too well not to fear his enmity—"stay, my + dear Dickie—part not with old friends so shortly! Thou shalt know + all I know of the lady one day." + </p> + <p> + "Ay!" said Dickie; "and that day may prove a nigh one. Fare thee well, + Wayland—I will to my large-limbed friend, who, if he have not so + sharp a wit as some folk, is at least more grateful for the service which + other folk render him. And so again, good evening to ye." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he cast a somerset through the gateway, and lighting on the + bridge, ran with the extraordinary agility which was one of his + distinguishing attributes towards the Gallery-tower, and was out of sight + in an instant. + </p> + <p> + "I would to God I were safe out of this Castle again!" prayed Wayland + internally; "for now that this mischievous imp has put his finger in the + pie, it cannot but prove a mess fit for the devil's eating. I would to + Heaven Master Tressilian would appear!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, whom he was thus anxiously expecting in one direction, had + returned to Kenilworth by another access. It was indeed true, as Wayland + had conjectured, that in the earlier part of the day he had accompanied + the Earls on their cavalcade towards Warwick, not without hope that he + might in that town hear some tidings of his emissary. Being disappointed + in this expectation, and observing Varney amongst Leicester's attendants, + seeming as if he had some purpose of advancing to and addressing him, he + conceived, in the present circumstances, it was wisest to avoid the + interview. He, therefore, left the presence-chamber when the High-Sheriff + of the county was in the very midst of his dutiful address to her Majesty; + and mounting his horse, rode back to Kenilworth by a remote and circuitous + road, and entered the Castle by a small sallyport in the western wall, at + which he was readily admitted as one of the followers of the Earl of + Sussex, towards whom Leicester had commanded the utmost courtesy to be + exercised. It was thus that he met not Wayland, who was impatiently + watching his arrival, and whom he himself would have been at least equally + desirous to see. + </p> + <p> + Having delivered his horse to the charge of his attendant, he walked for a + space in the Pleasance and in the garden, rather to indulge in comparative + solitude his own reflections, than to admire those singular beauties of + nature and art which the magnificence of Leicester had there assembled. + The greater part of the persons of condition had left the Castle for the + present, to form part of the Earl's cavalcade; others, who remained + behind, were on the battlements, outer walls, and towers, eager to view + the splendid spectacle of the royal entry. The garden, therefore, while + every other part of the Castle resounded with the human voice, was silent + but for the whispering of the leaves, the emulous warbling of the tenants + of a large aviary with their happier companions who remained denizens of + the free air, and the plashing of the fountains, which, forced into the + air from sculptures of fantastic and grotesque forms, fell down with + ceaseless sound into the great basins of Italian marble. + </p> + <p> + The melancholy thoughts of Tressilian cast a gloomy shade on all the + objects with which he was surrounded. He compared the magnificent scenes + which he here traversed with the deep woodland and wild moorland which + surrounded Lidcote Hall, and the image of Amy Robsart glided like a + phantom through every landscape which his imagination summoned up. Nothing + is perhaps more dangerous to the future happiness of men of deep thought + and retired habits than the entertaining an early, long, and unfortunate + attachment. It frequently sinks so deep into the mind that it becomes + their dream by night and their vision by day—mixes itself with every + source of interest and enjoyment; and when blighted and withered by final + disappointment, it seems as if the springs of the heart were dried up + along with it. This aching of the heart, this languishing after a shadow + which has lost all the gaiety of its colouring, this dwelling on the + remembrance of a dream from which we have been long roughly awakened, is + the weakness of a gentle and generous heart, and it was that of + Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + He himself at length became sensible of the necessity of forcing other + objects upon his mind; and for this purpose he left the Pleasance, in + order to mingle with the noisy crowd upon the walls, and view the + preparation for the pageants. But as he left the garden, and heard the + busy hum, mixed with music and laughter, which floated around him, he felt + an uncontrollable reluctance to mix with society whose feelings were in a + tone so different from his own, and resolved, instead of doing so, to + retire to the chamber assigned him, and employ himself in study until the + tolling of the great Castle bell should announce the arrival of Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian crossed accordingly by the passage betwixt the immense range of + kitchens and the great hall, and ascended to the third story of Mervyn's + Tower, and applying himself to the door of the small apartment which had + been allotted to him, was surprised to find it was locked. He then + recollected that the deputy-chamberlain had given him a master-key, + advising him, in the present confused state of the Castle, to keep his + door as much shut as possible. He applied this key to the lock, the bolt + revolved, he entered, and in the same instant saw a female form seated in + the apartment, and recognized that form to be, Amy Robsart. His first idea + was that a heated imagination had raised the image on which it doted into + visible existence; his second, that he beheld an apparition; the third and + abiding conviction, that it was Amy herself, paler, indeed, and thinner, + than in the days of heedless happiness, when she possessed the form and + hue of a wood-nymph, with the beauty of a sylph—but still Amy, + unequalled in loveliness by aught which had ever visited his eyes. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment of the Countess was scarce less than that of Tressilian, + although it was of shorter duration, because she had heard from Wayland + that he was in the Castle. She had started up at his first entrance, and + now stood facing him, the paleness of her cheeks having given way to a + deep blush. + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian," she said, at length, "why come you here?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, why come you here, Amy," returned Tressilian, "unless it be at + length to claim that aid, which, as far as one man's heart and arm can + extend, shall instantly be rendered to you?" + </p> + <p> + She was silent a moment, and then answered in a sorrowful rather than an + angry tone, "I require no aid, Tressilian, and would rather be injured + than benefited by any which your kindness can offer me. Believe me, I am + near one whom law and love oblige to protect me." + </p> + <p> + "The villain, then, hath done you the poor justice which remained in his + power," said Tressilian, "and I behold before me the wife of Varney!" + </p> + <p> + "The wife of Varney!" she replied, with all the emphasis of scorn. "With + what base name, sir, does your boldness stigmatize the—the—the—" + She hesitated, dropped her tone of scorn, looked down, and was confused + and silent; for she recollected what fatal consequences might attend her + completing the sentence with "the Countess of Leicester," which were the + words that had naturally suggested themselves. It would have been a + betrayal of the secret, on which her husband had assured her that his + fortunes depended, to Tressilian, to Sussex, to the Queen, and to the + whole assembled court. "Never," she thought, "will I break my promised + silence. I will submit to every suspicion rather than that." + </p> + <p> + The tears rose to her eyes, as she stood silent before Tressilian; while, + looking on her with mingled grief and pity, he said, "Alas! Amy, your eyes + contradict your tongue. That speaks of a protector, willing and able to + watch over you; but these tell me you are ruined, and deserted by the + wretch to whom you have attached yourself." + </p> + <p> + She looked on him with eyes in which anger sparkled through her tears, but + only repeated the word "wretch!" with a scornful emphasis. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, WRETCH!" said Tressilian; "for were he aught better, why are you + here, and alone, in my apartment? why was not fitting provision made for + your honourable reception?" + </p> + <p> + "In your apartment?" repeated Amy—"in YOUR apartment? It shall + instantly be relieved of my presence." She hastened towards the door; but + the sad recollection of her deserted state at once pressed on her mind, + and pausing on the threshold, she added, in a tone unutterably pathetic, + "Alas! I had forgot—I know not where to go—" + </p> + <p> + "I see—I see it all," said Tressilian, springing to her side, and + leading her back to the seat, on which she sunk down. "You DO need aid—you + do need protection, though you will not own it; and you shall not need it + long. Leaning on my arm, as the representative of your excellent and + broken-hearted father, on the very threshold of the Castle gate, you shall + meet Elizabeth; and the first deed she shall do in the halls of Kenilworth + shall be an act of justice to her sex and her subjects. Strong in my good + cause, and in the Queen's justice, the power of her minion shall not shake + my resolution. I will instantly seek Sussex." + </p> + <p> + "Not for all that is under heaven!" said the Countess, much alarmed, and + feeling the absolute necessity of obtaining time, at least, for + consideration. "Tressilian, you were wont to be generous. Grant me one + request, and believe, if it be your wish to save me from misery and from + madness, you will do more by making me the promise I ask of you, than + Elizabeth can do for me with all her power." + </p> + <p> + "Ask me anything for which you can allege reason," said Tressilian; "but + demand not of me—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, limit not your boon, dear Edmund!" exclaimed the Countess—"you + once loved that I should call you so—limit not your boon to reason; + for my case is all madness, and frenzy must guide the counsels which alone + can aid me." + </p> + <p> + "If you speak thus wildly," said Tressilian, astonishment again + overpowering both his grief and his resolution, "I must believe you indeed + incapable of thinking or acting for yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no!" she exclaimed, sinking on one knee before him, "I am not mad—I + am but a creature unutterably miserable, and, from circumstances the most + singular, dragged on to a precipice by the arm of him who thinks he is + keeping me from it—even by yours, Tressilian—by yours, whom I + have honoured, respected—all but loved—and yet loved, too—loved, + too, Tressilian—though not as you wished to be." + </p> + <p> + There was an energy, a self-possession, an abandonment in her voice and + manner, a total resignation of herself to his generosity, which, together + with the kindness of her expressions to himself, moved him deeply. He + raised her, and, in broken accents, entreated her to be comforted. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot," she said, "I will not be comforted, till you grant me my + request! I will speak as plainly as I dare. I am now awaiting the commands + of one who has a right to issue them. The interference of a third person—of + you in especial, Tressilian—will be ruin—utter ruin to me. + Wait but four-and-twenty hours, and it may be that the poor Amy may have + the means to show that she values, and can reward, your disinterested + friendship—that she is happy herself, and has the means to make you + so. It is surely worth your patience, for so short a space?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian paused, and weighing in his mind the various probabilities + which might render a violent interference on his part more prejudicial + than advantageous, both to the happiness and reputation of Amy; + considering also that she was within the walls of Kenilworth, and could + suffer no injury in a castle honoured with the Queen's residence, and + filled with her guards and attendants—he conceived, upon the whole, + that he might render her more evil than good service by intruding upon her + his appeal to Elizabeth in her behalf. He expressed his resolution + cautiously, however, doubting naturally whether Amy's hopes of extricating + herself from her difficulties rested on anything stronger than a blinded + attachment to Varney, whom he supposed to be her seducer. + </p> + <p> + "Amy," he said, while he fixed his sad and expressive eyes on hers, which, + in her ecstasy of doubt, terror, and perplexity, she cast up towards him, + "I have ever remarked that when others called thee girlish and wilful, + there lay under that external semblance of youthful and self-willed folly + deep feeling and strong sense. In this I will confide, trusting your own + fate in your own hands for the space of twenty-four hours, without my + interference by word or act." + </p> + <p> + "Do you promise me this, Tressilian?" said the Countess. "Is it possible + you can yet repose so much confidence in me? Do you promise, as you are a + gentleman and a man of honour, to intrude in my matters neither by speech + nor action, whatever you may see or hear that seems to you to demand your + interference? Will you so far trust me?" + </p> + <p> + "I will upon my honour," said Tressilian; "but when that space is expired—" + </p> + <p> + "Then that space is expired," she said, interrupting him, "you are free to + act as your judgment shall determine." + </p> + <p> + "Is there nought besides which I can do for you, Amy?" said Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," said she, "save to leave me,—that is, if—I blush to + acknowledge my helplessness by asking it—if you can spare me the use + of this apartment for the next twenty-four hours." + </p> + <p> + "This is most wonderful!" said Tressilian; "what hope or interest can you + have in a Castle where you cannot command even an apartment?" + </p> + <p> + "Argue not, but leave me," she said; and added, as he slowly and + unwillingly retired, "Generous Edmund! the time may come when Amy may show + she deserved thy noble attachment." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What, man, ne'er lack a draught, when the full can + Stands at thine elbow, and craves emptying!— + Nay, fear not me, for I have no delight + To watch men's vices, since I have myself + Of virtue nought to boast of—I'm a striker, + Would have the world strike with me, pell-mell, all. + —PANDEMONIUM. +</pre> + <p> + Tressilian, in strange agitation of mind, had hardly stepped down the + first two or three steps of the winding staircase, when, greatly to his + surprise and displeasure, he met Michael Lambourne, wearing an impudent + familiarity of visage, for which Tressilian felt much disposed to throw + him down-stairs; until he remembered the prejudice which Amy, the only + object of his solicitude, was likely to receive from his engaging in any + act of violence at that time and in that place. + </p> + <p> + He therefore contented himself with looking sternly upon Lambourne, as + upon one whom he deemed unworthy of notice, and attempted to pass him in + his way downstairs, without any symptom of recognition. But Lambourne, + who, amidst the profusion of that day's hospitality, had not failed to + take a deep though not an overpowering cup of sack, was not in the humour + of humbling himself before any man's looks. He stopped Tressilian upon the + staircase without the least bashfulness or embarrassment, and addressed + him as if he had been on kind and intimate terms:—"What, no grudge + between us, I hope, upon old scores, Master Tressilian?—nay, I am + one who remembers former kindness rather than latter feud. I'll convince + you that I meant honestly and kindly, ay, and comfortably by you." + </p> + <p> + "I desire none of your intimacy," said Tressilian—"keep company with + your mates." + </p> + <p> + "Now, see how hasty he is!" said Lambourne; "and how these gentles, that + are made questionless out of the porcelain clay of the earth, look down + upon poor Michael Lambourne! You would take Master Tressilian now for the + most maid-like, modest, simpering squire of dames that ever made love when + candles were long i' the stuff—snuff; call you it? Why, you would + play the saint on us, Master Tressilian, and forget that even now thou + hast a commodity in thy very bedchamber, to the shame of my lord's castle, + ha! ha! ha! Have I touched you, Master Tressilian?" + </p> + <p> + "I know not what you mean," said Tressilian, inferring, however, too + surely, that this licentious ruffian must have been sensible of Amy's + presence in his apartment; "but if," he continued, "thou art varlet of the + chambers, and lackest a fee, there is one to leave mine unmolested." + </p> + <p> + Lambourne looked at the piece of gold, and put it in his pocket saying, + "Now, I know not but you might have done more with me by a kind word than + by this chiming rogue. But after all he pays well that pays with gold; and + Mike Lambourne was never a makebate, or a spoil-sport, or the like. E'en + live, and let others live, that is my motto-only, I would not let some + folks cock their beaver at me neither, as if they were made of silver ore, + and I of Dutch pewter. So if I keep your secret, Master Tressilian, you + may look sweet on me at least; and were I to want a little backing or + countenance, being caught, as you see the best of us may be, in a sort of + peccadillo—why, you owe it me—and so e'en make your chamber + serve you and that same bird in bower beside—it's all one to Mike + Lambourne." + </p> + <p> + "Make way, sir," said Tressilian, unable to bridle his indignation, "you + have had your fee." + </p> + <p> + "Um!" said Lambourne, giving place, however, while he sulkily muttered + between his teeth, repeating Tressilian's words, "Make way—and you + have had your fee; but it matters not, I will spoil no sport, as I said + before. I am no dog in the manger—mind that." + </p> + <p> + He spoke louder and louder, as Tressilian, by whom he felt himself + overawed, got farther and farther out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + "I am no dog in the manger; but I will not carry coals neither—mind + that, Master Tressilian; and I will have a peep at this wench whom you + have quartered so commodiously in your old haunted room—afraid of + ghosts, belike, and not too willing to sleep alone. If I had done this now + in a strange lord's castle, the word had been, The porter's lodge for the + knave! and, have him flogged—trundle him downstairs like a turnip! + Ay, but your virtuous gentlemen take strange privileges over us, who are + downright servants of our senses. Well—I have my Master Tressilian's + head under my belt by this lucky discovery, that is one thing certain; and + I will try to get a sight of this Lindabrides of his, that is another." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now fare thee well, my master—if true service + Be guerdon'd with hard looks, e'en cut the tow-line, + And let our barks across the pathless flood + Hold different courses—THE SHIPWRECK. +</pre> + <p> + Tressilian walked into the outer yard of the Castle scarce knowing what to + think of his late strange and most unexpected interview with Amy Robsart, + and dubious if he had done well, being entrusted with the delegated + authority of her father, to pass his word so solemnly to leave her to her + own guidance for so many hours. Yet how could he have denied her request—dependent + as she had too probably rendered herself upon Varney? Such was his natural + reasoning. The happiness of her future life might depend upon his not + driving her to extremities; and since no authority of Tressilian's could + extricate her from the power of Varney, supposing he was to acknowledge + Amy to be his wife, what title had he to destroy the hope of domestic + peace, which might yet remain to her, by setting enmity betwixt them? + Tressilian resolved, therefore, scrupulously to observe his word pledged + to Amy, both because it had been given, and because, as he still thought, + while he considered and reconsidered that extraordinary interview, it + could not with justice or propriety have been refused. + </p> + <p> + In one respect, he had gained much towards securing effectual protection + for this unhappy and still beloved object of his early affection. Amy was + no longer mewed up in a distant and solitary retreat under the charge of + persons of doubtful reputation. She was in the Castle of Kenilworth, + within the verge of the Royal Court for the time, free from all risk of + violence, and liable to be produced before Elizabeth on the first summons. + These were circumstances which could not but assist greatly the efforts + which he might have occasion to use in her behalf. + </p> + <p> + While he was thus balancing the advantages and perils which attended her + unexpected presence in Kenilworth, Tressilian was hastily and anxiously + accosted by Wayland, who, after ejaculating, "Thank God, your worship is + found at last!" proceeded with breathless caution to pour into his ear the + intelligence that the lady had escaped from Cumnor Place. + </p> + <p> + "And is at present in this Castle," said Tressilian. "I know it, and I + have seen her. Was it by her own choice she found refuge in my apartment?" + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Wayland; "but I could think of no other way of safely + bestowing her, and was but too happy to find a deputy-usher who knew where + you were quartered—in jolly society truly, the hall on the one hand, + and the kitchen on the other!" + </p> + <p> + "Peace, this is no time for jesting," answered Tressilian sternly. + </p> + <p> + "I wot that but too well," said the artist, "for I have felt these three + days as if I had a halter round my neck. This lady knows not her own mind—she + will have none of your aid—commands you not to be named to her—and + is about to put herself into the hands of my Lord Leicester. I had never + got her safe into your chamber, had she known the owner of it." + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible," said Tressilian. "But she may have hopes the Earl will + exert his influence in her favour over his villainous dependant." + </p> + <p> + "I know nothing of that," said Wayland; "but I believe, if she is to + reconcile herself with either Leicester or Varney, the side of the Castle + of Kenilworth which will be safest for us will be the outside, from which + we can fastest fly away. It is not my purpose to abide an instant after + delivery of the letter to Leicester, which waits but your commands to find + its way to him. See, here it is—but no—a plague on it—I + must have left it in my dog-hole, in the hay-loft yonder, where I am to + sleep." + </p> + <p> + "Death and fury!" said Tressilian, transported beyond his usual patience; + "thou hast not lost that on which may depend a stake more important than a + thousand such lives as thine?" + </p> + <p> + "Lost it!" answered Wayland readily; "that were a jest indeed! No, sir, I + have it carefully put up with my night-sack, and some matters I have + occasion to use; I will fetch it in an instant." + </p> + <p> + "Do so," said Tressilian; "be faithful, and thou shalt be well rewarded. + But if I have reason to suspect thee, a dead dog were in better case than + thou!" + </p> + <p> + Wayland bowed, and took his leave with seeming confidence and alacrity, + but, in fact, filled with the utmost dread and confusion. The letter was + lost, that was certain, notwithstanding the apology which he had made to + appease the impatient displeasure of Tressilian. It was lost—it + might fall into wrong hands—it would then certainly occasion a + discovery of the whole intrigue in which he had been engaged; nor, indeed, + did Wayland see much prospect of its remaining concealed, in any event. He + felt much hurt, besides, at Tressilian's burst of impatience. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, if I am to be paid in this coin for services where my neck is + concerned, it is time I should look to myself. Here have I offended, for + aught I know, to the death, the lord of this stately castle, whose word + were as powerful to take away my life as the breath which speaks it to + blow out a farthing candle. And all this for a mad lady, and a melancholy + gallant, who, on the loss of a four-nooked bit of paper, has his hand on + his poignado, and swears death and fury!—Then there is the Doctor + and Varney.—I will save myself from the whole mess of them. Life is + dearer than gold. I will fly this instant, though I leave my reward behind + me." + </p> + <p> + These reflections naturally enough occurred to a mind like Wayland's, who + found himself engaged far deeper than he had expected in a train of + mysterious and unintelligible intrigues, in which the actors seemed hardly + to know their own course. And yet, to do him justice, his personal fears + were, in some degree, counterbalanced by his compassion for the deserted + state of the lady. + </p> + <p> + "I care not a groat for Master Tressilian," he said; "I have done more + than bargain by him, and I have brought his errant-damosel within his + reach, so that he may look after her himself. But I fear the poor thing is + in much danger amongst these stormy spirits. I will to her chamber, and + tell her the fate which has befallen her letter, that she may write + another if she list. She cannot lack a messenger, I trow, where there are + so many lackeys that can carry a letter to their lord. And I will tell her + also that I leave the Castle, trusting her to God, her own guidance, and + Master Tressilian's care and looking after. Perhaps she may remember the + ring she offered me—it was well earned, I trow; but she is a lovely + creature, and—marry hang the ring! I will not bear a base spirit for + the matter. If I fare ill in this world for my good-nature, I shall have + better chance in the next. So now for the lady, and then for the road." + </p> + <p> + With the stealthy step and jealous eye of the cat that steals on her prey, + Wayland resumed the way to the Countess's chamber, sliding along by the + side of the courts and passages, alike observant of all around him, and + studious himself to escape observation. In this manner he crossed the + outward and inward Castle yard, and the great arched passage, which, + running betwixt the range of kitchen offices and the hall, led to the + bottom of the little winding-stair that gave access to the chambers of + Mervyn's Tower. + </p> + <p> + The artist congratulated himself on having escaped the various perils of + his journey, and was in the act of ascending by two steps at once, when he + observed that the shadow of a man, thrown from a door which stood ajar, + darkened the opposite wall of the staircase. Wayland drew back cautiously, + went down to the inner courtyard, spent about a quarter of an hour, which + seemed at least quadruple its usual duration, in walking from place to + place, and then returned to the tower, in hopes to find that the lurker + had disappeared. He ascended as high as the suspicious spot—there + was no shadow on the wall; he ascended a few yards farther—the door + was still ajar, and he was doubtful whether to advance or retreat, when it + was suddenly thrown wide open, and Michael Lambourne bolted out upon the + astonished Wayland. "Who the devil art thou? and what seekest thou in this + part of the Castle? march into that chamber, and be hanged to thee!" + </p> + <p> + "I am no dog, to go at every man's whistle," said the artist, affecting a + confidence which was belied by a timid shake in his voice. + </p> + <p> + "Sayest thou me so?—Come hither, Lawrence Staples." + </p> + <p> + A huge, ill-made and ill-looked fellow, upwards of six feet high, appeared + at the door, and Lambourne proceeded: "If thou be'st so fond of this + tower, my friend, thou shalt see its foundations, good twelve feet below + the bed of the lake, and tenanted by certain jolly toads, snakes, and so + forth, which thou wilt find mighty good company. Therefore, once more I + ask you in fair play, who thou art, and what thou seekest here?" + </p> + <p> + "If the dungeon-grate once clashes behind me," thought Wayland, "I am a + gone man." He therefore answered submissively, "He was the poor juggler + whom his honour had met yesterday in Weatherly Bottom." + </p> + <p> + "And what juggling trick art thou playing in this tower? Thy gang," said + Lambourne, "lie over against Clinton's buildings." + </p> + <p> + "I came here to see my sister," said the juggler, "who is in Master + Tressilian's chamber, just above." + </p> + <p> + "Aha!" said Lambourne, smiling, "here be truths! Upon my honour, for a + stranger, this same Master Tressilian makes himself at home among us, and + furnishes out his cell handsomely, with all sorts of commodities. This + will be a precious tale of the sainted Master Tressilian, and will be + welcome to some folks, as a purse of broad pieces to me.—Hark ye, + fellow," he continued, addressing Wayland, "thou shalt not give Puss a + hint to steal away we must catch her in her form. So, back with that + pitiful sheep-biting visage of thine, or I will fling thee from the window + of the tower, and try if your juggling skill can save your bones." + </p> + <p> + "Your worship will not be so hardhearted, I trust," said Wayland; "poor + folk must live. I trust your honour will allow me to speak with my + sister?" + </p> + <p> + "Sister on Adam's side, I warrant," said Lambourne; "or, if otherwise, the + more knave thou. But sister or no sister, thou diest on point of fox, if + thou comest a-prying to this tower once more. And now I think of it—uds + daggers and death!—I will see thee out of the Castle, for this is a + more main concern than thy jugglery." + </p> + <p> + "But, please your worship," said Wayland, "I am to enact Arion in the + pageant upon the lake this very evening." + </p> + <p> + "I will act it myself by Saint Christopher!" said Lambourne. "Orion, + callest thou him?—I will act Orion, his belt and his seven stars to + boot. Come along, for a rascal knave as thou art—follow me! Or stay—Lawrence, + do thou bring him along." + </p> + <p> + Lawrence seized by the collar of the cloak the unresisting juggler; while + Lambourne, with hasty steps, led the way to that same sallyport, or secret + postern, by which Tressilian had returned to the Castle, and which opened + in the western wall at no great distance from Mervyn's Tower. + </p> + <p> + While traversing with a rapid foot the space betwixt the tower and the + sallyport, Wayland in vain racked his brain for some device which might + avail the poor lady, for whom, notwithstanding his own imminent danger, he + felt deep interest. But when he was thrust out of the Castle, and informed + by Lambourne, with a tremendous oath, that instant death would be the + consequence of his again approaching it, he cast up his hands and eyes to + heaven, as if to call God to witness he had stood to the uttermost in + defence of the oppressed; then turned his back on the proud towers of + Kenilworth, and went his way to seek a humbler and safer place of refuge. + </p> + <p> + Lawrence and Lambourne gazed a little while after Wayland, and then turned + to go back to their tower, when the former thus addressed his companion: + "Never credit me, Master Lambourne, if I can guess why thou hast driven + this poor caitiff from the Castle, just when he was to bear a part in the + show that was beginning, and all this about a wench." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Lawrence," replied Lambourne, "thou art thinking of Black Joan Jugges + of Slingdon, and hast sympathy with human frailty. But, corragio, most + noble Duke of the Dungeon and Lord of Limbo, for thou art as dark in this + matter as thine own dominions of Little-ease. My most reverend Signior of + the Low Countries of Kenilworth, know that our most notable master, + Richard Varney, would give as much to have a hole in this same + Tressilian's coat, as would make us some fifty midnight carousals, with + the full leave of bidding the steward go snick up, if he came to startle + us too soon from our goblets." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, an that be the case, thou hast right," said Lawrence Staples, the + upper-warder, or, in common phrase, the first jailer, of Kenilworth + Castle, and of the Liberty and Honour belonging thereto. "But how will you + manage when you are absent at the Queen's entrance, Master Lambourne; for + methinks thou must attend thy master there?" + </p> + <p> + "Why thou, mine honest prince of prisons, must keep ward in my absence. + Let Tressilian enter if he will, but see thou let no one come out. If the + damsel herself would make a break, as 'tis not unlike she may, scare her + back with rough words; she is but a paltry player's wench after all." + </p> + <p> + "Nay for that matter," said Lawrence, "I might shut the iron wicket upon + her that stands without the double door, and so force per force she will + be bound to her answer without more trouble." + </p> + <p> + "Then Tressilian will not get access to her," said Lambourne, reflecting a + moment. "But 'tis no matter; she will be detected in his chamber, and that + is all one. But confess, thou old bat's-eyed dungeon-keeper, that you fear + to keep awake by yourself in that Mervyn's Tower of thine?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, as to fear, Master Lambourne," said the fellow, "I mind it not the + turning of a key; but strange things have been heard and seen in that + tower. You must have heard, for as short time as you have been in + Kenilworth, that it is haunted by the spirit of Arthur ap Mervyn, a wild + chief taken by fierce Lord Mortimer when he was one of the Lords Marchers + of Wales, and murdered, as they say, in that same tower which bears his + name." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I have heard the tale five hundred times," said Lambourne, "and how + the ghost is always most vociferous when they boil leeks and stirabout, or + fry toasted cheese, in the culinary regions. Santo Diavolo, man, hold thy + tongue, I know all about it!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but thou dost not, though," said the turnkey, "for as wise as thou + wouldst make thyself. Ah, it is an awful thing to murder a prisoner in his + ward!—you that may have given a man a stab in a dark street know + nothing of it. To give a mutinous fellow a knock on the head with the + keys, and bid him be quiet, that's what I call keeping order in the ward; + but to draw weapon and slay him, as was done to this Welsh lord, THAT + raises you a ghost that will render your prison-house untenantable by any + decent captive for some hundred years. And I have that regard for my + prisoners, poor things, that I have put good squires and men of worship, + that have taken a ride on the highway, or slandered my Lord of Leicester, + or the like, fifty feet under ground, rather than I would put them into + that upper chamber yonder that they call Mervyn's Bower. Indeed, by good + Saint Peter of the Fetters, I marvel my noble lord, or Master Varney, + could think of lodging guests there; and if this Master Tressilian could + get any one to keep him company, and in especial a pretty wench, why, + truly, I think he was in the right on't." + </p> + <p> + "I tell thee," said Lambourne, leading the way into the turnkey's + apartment, "thou art an ass. Go bolt the wicket on the stair, and trouble + not thy noddle about ghosts. Give me the wine stoup, man; I am somewhat + heated with chafing with yonder rascal." + </p> + <p> + While Lambourne drew a long draught from a pitcher of claret, which he + made use of without any cup, the warder went on, vindicating his own + belief in the supernatural. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast been few hours in this Castle, and hast been for the whole + space so drunk, Lambourne, that thou art deaf, dumb, and blind. But we + should hear less of your bragging were you to pass a night with us at full + moon; for then the ghost is busiest, and more especially when a rattling + wind sets in from the north-west, with some sprinkling of rain, and now + and then a growl of thunder. Body o' me, what crackings and clashings, + what groanings and what howlings, will there be at such times in Mervyn's + Bower, right as it were over our heads, till the matter of two quarts of + distilled waters has not been enough to keep my lads and me in some + heart!" + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw, man!" replied Lambourne, on whom his last draught, joined to + repeated visitations of the pitcher upon former occasions, began to make + some innovation, "thou speakest thou knowest not what about spirits. No + one knows justly what to say about them; and, in short, least said may in + that matter be soonest amended. Some men believe in one thing, some in + another—it is all matter of fancy. I have known them of all sorts, + my dear Lawrence Lock-the-door, and sensible men too. There's a great lord—we'll + pass his name, Lawrence—he believes in the stars and the moon, the + planets and their courses, and so forth, and that they twinkle exclusively + for his benefit, when in sober, or rather in drunken truth, Lawrence, they + are only shining to keep honest fellows like me out of the kennel. Well, + sir, let his humour pass; he is great enough to indulge it. Then, look ye, + there is another—a very learned man, I promise you, and can vent + Greek and Hebrew as fast as I can Thieves' Latin he has an humour of + sympathies and antipathies—of changing lead into gold, and the like; + why, via, let that pass too, and let him pay those in transmigrated coin + who are fools enough to let it be current with them. Then here comest thou + thyself, another great man, though neither learned nor noble, yet full six + feet high, and thou, like a purblind mole, must needs believe in ghosts + and goblins, and such like. Now, there is, besides, a great man—that + is, a great little man, or a little great man, my dear Lawrence—and + his name begins with V, and what believes he? Why, nothing, honest + Lawrence—nothing in earth, heaven, or hell; and for my part, if I + believe there is a devil, it is only because I think there must be some + one to catch our aforesaid friend by the back 'when soul and body sever,' + as the ballad says; for your antecedent will have a consequent—RARO + ANTECEDENTEM, as Doctor Bircham was wont to say. But this is Greek to you + now, honest Lawrence, and in sooth learning is dry work. Hand me the + pitcher once more." + </p> + <p> + "In faith, if you drink more, Michael," said the warder, "you will be in + sorry case either to play Arion or to wait on your master on such a solemn + night; and I expect each moment to hear the great bell toll for the muster + at Mortimer's Tower, to receive the Queen." + </p> + <p> + While Staples remonstrated, Lambourne drank; and then setting down the + pitcher, which was nearly emptied, with a deep sigh, he said, in an + undertone, which soon rose to a high one as his speech proceeded, "Never + mind, Lawrence; if I be drunk, I know that shall make Varney uphold me + sober. But, as I said, never mind; I can carry my drink discreetly. + Moreover, I am to go on the water as Orion, and shall take cold unless I + take something comfortable beforehand. Not play Orion? Let us see the best + roarer that ever strained his lungs for twelve pence out-mouth me! What if + they see me a little disguised? Wherefore should any man be sober + to-night? answer me that. It is matter of loyalty to be merry; and I tell + thee there are those in the Castle who, if they are not merry when drunk, + have little chance to be merry when sober—I name no names, Lawrence. + But your pottle of sack is a fine shoeing-horn to pull on a loyal humour, + and a merry one. Huzza for Queen Elizabeth!—for the noble Leicester!—for + the worshipful Master Varney!—and for Michael Lambourne, that can + turn them all round his finger!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he walked downstairs, and across the inner court. + </p> + <p> + The warder looked after him, shook his head, and while he drew close and + locked a wicket, which, crossing the staircase, rendered it impossible for + any one to ascend higher than the story immediately beneath Mervyn's + Bower, as Tressilian's chamber was named, he thus soliloquized with + himself—"It's a good thing to be a favourite. I well-nigh lost mine + office, because one frosty morning Master Varney thought I smelled of aqua + vitae; and this fellow can appear before him drunk as a wineskin, and yet + meet no rebuke. But then he is a pestilent clever fellow withal, and no + one can understand above one half of what he says." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now bid the steeple rock—she comes, she comes!— + Speak for us, bells—speak for us, shrill-tongued tuckets. + Stand to thy linstock, gunner; let thy cannon + Play such a peal, as if a paynim foe + Came stretch'd in turban'd ranks to storm the ramparts. + We will have pageants too—but that craves wit, + And I'm a rough-hewn soldier.—THE VIRGIN QUEEN—A TRAGI-COMEDY. +</pre> + <p> + Tressilian, when Wayland had left him, as mentioned in the last chapter, + remained uncertain what he ought next to do, when Raleigh and Blount came + up to him arm in arm, yet, according to their wont, very eagerly disputing + together. Tressilian had no great desire for their society in the present + state of his feelings, but there was no possibility of avoiding them; and + indeed he felt that, bound by his promise not to approach Amy, or take any + step in her behalf, it would be his best course at once to mix with + general society, and to exhibit on his brow as little as he could of the + anguish and uncertainty which sat heavy at his heart. He therefore made a + virtue of necessity, and hailed his comrades with, "All mirth to you, + gentlemen! Whence come ye?" + </p> + <p> + "From Warwick, to be sure," said Blount; "we must needs home to change our + habits, like poor players, who are fain to multiply their persons to + outward appearance by change of suits; and you had better do the like, + Tressilian." + </p> + <p> + "Blount is right," said Raleigh; "the Queen loves such marks of deference, + and notices, as wanting in respect, those who, not arriving in her + immediate attendance, may appear in their soiled and ruffled riding-dress. + But look at Blount himself, Tressilian, for the love of laughter, and see + how his villainous tailor hath apparelled him—in blue, green, and + crimson, with carnation ribbons, and yellow roses in his shoes!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, what wouldst thou have?" said Blount. "I told the cross-legged thief + to do his best, and spare no cost; and methinks these things are gay + enough—gayer than thine own. I'll be judged by Tressilian." + </p> + <p> + "I agree—I agree," said Walter Raleigh. "Judge betwixt us, + Tressilian, for the love of heaven!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, thus appealed to, looked at them both, and was immediately + sensible at a single glance that honest Blount had taken upon the tailor's + warrant the pied garments which he had chosen to make, and was as much + embarrassed by the quantity of points and ribbons which garnished his + dress, as a clown is in his holiday clothes; while the dress of Raleigh + was a well-fancied and rich suit, which the wearer bore as a garb too well + adapted to his elegant person to attract particular attention. Tressilian + said, therefore, "That Blount's dress was finest, but Raleigh's the best + fancied." + </p> + <p> + Blount was satisfied with his decision. "I knew mine was finest," he said; + "if that knave Doublestitch had brought me home such a simple doublet as + that of Raleigh's, I would have beat his brains out with his own + pressing-iron. Nay, if we must be fools, ever let us be fools of the first + head, say I." + </p> + <p> + "But why gettest thou not on thy braveries, Tressilian?" said Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + "I am excluded from my apartment by a silly mistake," said Tressilian, + "and separated for the time from my baggage. I was about to seek thee, to + beseech a share of thy lodging." + </p> + <p> + "And welcome," said Raleigh; "it is a noble one. My Lord of Leicester has + done us that kindness, and lodged us in princely fashion. If his courtesy + be extorted reluctantly, it is at least extended far. I would advise you + to tell your strait to the Earl's chamberlain—you will have instant + redress." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, it is not worth while, since you can spare me room," replied + Tressilian—"I would not be troublesome. Has any one come hither with + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, ay," said Blount; "Varney and a whole tribe of Leicestrians, besides + about a score of us honest Sussex folk. We are all, it seems, to receive + the Queen at what they call the Gallery-tower, and witness some fooleries + there; and then we're to remain in attendance upon the Queen in the Great + Hall—God bless the mark!—while those who are now waiting upon + her Grace get rid of their slough, and doff their riding-suits. Heaven + help me, if her Grace should speak to me, I shall never know what to + answer!" + </p> + <p> + "And what has detained them so long at Warwick?" said Tressilian, + unwilling that their conversation should return to his own affairs. + </p> + <p> + "Such a succession of fooleries," said Blount, "as were never seen at + Bartholomew-fair. We have had speeches and players, and dogs and bears, + and men making monkeys and women moppets of themselves—I marvel the + Queen could endure it. But ever and anon came in something of 'the lovely + light of her gracious countenance,' or some such trash. Ah! vanity makes a + fool of the wisest. But come, let us on to this same Gallery-tower—though + I see not what thou Tressilian, canst do with thy riding-dress and boots." + </p> + <p> + "I will take my station behind thee, Blount," said Tressilian, who saw + that his friend's unusual finery had taken a strong hold of his + imagination; "thy goodly size and gay dress will cover my defects." + </p> + <p> + "And so thou shalt, Edmund," said Blount. "In faith I am glad thou + thinkest my garb well-fancied, for all Mr. Wittypate here; for when one + does a foolish thing, it is right to do it handsomely." + </p> + <p> + So saying, Blount cocked his beaver, threw out his leg, and marched + manfully forward, as if at the head of his brigade of pikemen, ever and + anon looking with complaisance on his crimson stockings, and the huge + yellow roses which blossomed on his shoes. Tressilian followed, wrapt in + his own sad thoughts, and scarce minding Raleigh, whose quick fancy, + amused by the awkward vanity of his respectable friend, vented itself in + jests, which he whispered into Tressilian's ear. + </p> + <p> + In this manner they crossed the long bridge, or tilt-yard, and took their + station, with other gentlemen of quality, before the outer gate of the + Gallery, or Entrance-tower. The whole amounted to about forty persons, all + selected as of the first rank under that of knighthood, and were disposed + in double rows on either side of the gate, like a guard of honour, within + the close hedge of pikes and partisans which was formed by Leicester's + retainers, wearing his liveries. The gentlemen carried no arms save their + swords and daggers. These gallants were as gaily dressed as imagination + could devise; and as the garb of the time permitted a great display of + expensive magnificence, nought was to be seen but velvet and cloth of gold + and silver, ribbons, feathers, gems, and golden chains. In spite of his + more serious subjects of distress, Tressilian could not help feeling that + he, with his riding-suit, however handsome it might be, made rather an + unworthy figure among these "fierce vanities," and the rather because he + saw that his deshabille was the subject of wonder among his own friends, + and of scorn among the partisans of Leicester. + </p> + <p> + We could not suppress this fact, though it may seem something at variance + with the gravity of Tressilian's character; but the truth is, that a + regard for personal appearance is a species of self-love, from which the + wisest are not exempt, and to which the mind clings so instinctively that + not only the soldier advancing to almost inevitable death, but even the + doomed criminal who goes to certain execution, shows an anxiety to array + his person to the best advantage. But this is a digression. + </p> + <p> + It was the twilight of a summer night (9th July, 1575), the sun having for + some time set, and all were in anxious expectation of the Queen's + immediate approach. The multitude had remained assembled for many hours, + and their numbers were still rather on the increase. A profuse + distribution of refreshments, together with roasted oxen, and barrels of + ale set a-broach in different places of the road, had kept the populace in + perfect love and loyalty towards the Queen and her favourite, which might + have somewhat abated had fasting been added to watching. They passed away + the time, therefore, with the usual popular amusements of whooping, + hallooing, shrieking, and playing rude tricks upon each other, forming the + chorus of discordant sounds usual on such occasions. These prevailed all + through the crowded roads and fields, and especially beyond the gate of + the Chase, where the greater number of the common sort were stationed; + when, all of a sudden, a single rocket was seen to shoot into the + atmosphere, and, at the instant, far heard over flood and field, the great + bell of the Castle tolled. + </p> + <p> + Immediately there was a pause of dead silence, succeeded by a deep hum of + expectation, the united voice of many thousands, none of whom spoke above + their breath—or, to use a singular expression, the whisper of an + immense multitude. + </p> + <p> + "They come now, for certain," said Raleigh. "Tressilian, that sound is + grand. We hear it from this distance as mariners, after a long voyage, + hear, upon their night-watch, the tide rush upon some distant and unknown + shore." + </p> + <p> + "Mass!" answered Blount, "I hear it rather as I used to hear mine own kine + lowing from the close of Wittenswestlowe." + </p> + <p> + "He will assuredly graze presently," said Raleigh to Tressilian; "his + thought is all of fat oxen and fertile meadows. He grows little better + than one of his own beeves, and only becomes grand when he is provoked to + pushing and goring." + </p> + <p> + "We shall have him at that presently," said Tressilian, "if you spare not + your wit." + </p> + <p> + "Tush, I care not," answered Raleigh; "but thou too, Tressilian, hast + turned a kind of owl, that flies only by night—hast exchanged thy + songs for screechings, and good company for an ivy-tod." + </p> + <p> + "But what manner of animal art thou thyself, Raleigh," said Tressilian, + "that thou holdest us all so lightly?" + </p> + <p> + "Who—I?" replied Raleigh. "An eagle am I, that never will think of + dull earth while there is a heaven to soar in, and a sun to gaze upon." + </p> + <p> + "Well bragged, by Saint Barnaby!" said Blount; "but, good Master Eagle, + beware the cage, and beware the fowler. Many birds have flown as high that + I have seen stuffed with straw and hung up to scare kites.—But hark, + what a dead silence hath fallen on them at once!" + </p> + <p> + "The procession pauses," said Raleigh, "at the gate of the Chase, where a + sibyl, one of the FATIDICAE, meets the Queen, to tell her fortune. I saw + the verses; there is little savour in them, and her Grace has been already + crammed full with such poetical compliments. She whispered to me, during + the Recorder's speech yonder, at Ford-mill, as she entered the liberties + of Warwick, how she was 'PERTAESA BARBARAE LOQUELAE.'" + </p> + <p> + "The Queen whispered to HIM!" said Blount, in a kind of soliloquy; "Good + God, to what will this world come!" + </p> + <p> + His further meditations were interrupted by a shout of applause from the + multitude, so tremendously vociferous that the country echoed for miles + round. The guards, thickly stationed upon the road by which the Queen was + to advance, caught up the acclamation, which ran like wildfire to the + Castle, and announced to all within that Queen Elizabeth had entered the + Royal Chase of Kenilworth. The whole music of the Castle sounded at once, + and a round of artillery, with a salvo of small arms, was discharged from + the battlements; but the noise of drums and trumpets, and even of the + cannon themselves, was but faintly heard amidst the roaring and reiterated + welcomes of the multitude. + </p> + <p> + As the noise began to abate, a broad glare of light was seen to appear + from the gate of the Park, and broadening and brightening as it came + nearer, advanced along the open and fair avenue that led towards the + Gallery-tower; and which, as we have already noticed, was lined on either + hand by the retainers of the Earl of Leicester. The word was passed along + the line, "The Queen! The Queen! Silence, and stand fast!" Onward came the + cavalcade, illuminated by two hundred thick waxen torches, in the hands of + as many horsemen, which cast a light like that of broad day all around the + procession, but especially on the principal group, of which the Queen + herself, arrayed in the most splendid manner, and blazing with jewels, + formed the central figure. She was mounted on a milk-white horse, which + she reined with peculiar grace and dignity; and in the whole of her + stately and noble carriage you saw the daughter of an hundred kings. + </p> + <p> + The ladies of the court, who rode beside her Majesty, had taken especial + care that their own external appearance should not be more glorious than + their rank and the occasion altogether demanded, so that no inferior + luminary might appear to approach the orbit of royalty. But their personal + charms, and the magnificence by which, under every prudential restraint, + they were necessarily distinguished, exhibited them as the very flower of + a realm so far famed for splendour and beauty. The magnificence of the + courtiers, free from such restraints as prudence imposed on the ladies, + was yet more unbounded. + </p> + <p> + Leicester, who glittered like a golden image with jewels and cloth of + gold, rode on her Majesty's right hand, as well in quality of her host as + of her master of the horse. The black steed which he mounted had not a + single white hair on his body, and was one of the most renowned chargers + in Europe, having been purchased by the Earl at large expense for this + royal occasion. As the noble animal chafed at the slow pace of the + procession, and, arching his stately neck, champed on the silver bits + which restrained him, the foam flew from his mouth, and speckled his + well-formed limbs as if with spots of snow. The rider well became the high + place which he held, and the proud steed which he bestrode; for no man in + England, or perhaps in Europe, was more perfect than Dudley in + horsemanship, and all other exercises belonging to his quality. He was + bareheaded as were all the courtiers in the train; and the red torchlight + shone upon his long, curled tresses of dark hair, and on his noble + features, to the beauty of which even the severest criticism could only + object the lordly fault, as it may be termed, of a forehead somewhat too + high. On that proud evening those features wore all the grateful + solicitude of a subject, to show himself sensible of the high honour which + the Queen was conferring on him, and all the pride and satisfaction which + became so glorious a moment. Yet, though neither eye nor feature betrayed + aught but feelings which suited the occasion, some of the Earl's personal + attendants remarked that he was unusually pale, and they expressed to each + other their fear that he was taking more fatigue than consisted with his + health. + </p> + <p> + Varney followed close behind his master, as the principal esquire in + waiting, and had charge of his lordship's black velvet bonnet, garnished + with a clasp of diamonds and surmounted by a white plume. He kept his eye + constantly on his master, and, for reasons with which the reader is not + unacquainted, was, among Leicester's numerous dependants, the one who was + most anxious that his lord's strength and resolution should carry him + successfully through a day so agitating. For although Varney was one of + the few, the very few moral monsters who contrive to lull to sleep the + remorse of their own bosoms, and are drugged into moral insensibility by + atheism, as men in extreme agony are lulled by opium, yet he knew that in + the breast of his patron there was already awakened the fire that is never + quenched, and that his lord felt, amid all the pomp and magnificence we + have described, the gnawing of the worm that dieth not. Still, however, + assured as Lord Leicester stood, by Varney's own intelligence, that his + Countess laboured under an indisposition which formed an unanswerable + apology to the Queen for her not appearing at Kenilworth, there was little + danger, his wily retainer thought, that a man so ambitious would betray + himself by giving way to any external weakness. + </p> + <p> + The train, male and female, who attended immediately upon the Queen's + person, were, of course, of the bravest and the fairest—the highest + born nobles, and the wisest counsellors, of that distinguished reign, to + repeat whose names were but to weary the reader. Behind came a long crowd + of knights and gentlemen, whose rank and birth, however distinguished, + were thrown into shade, as their persons into the rear of a procession + whose front was of such august majesty. + </p> + <p> + Thus marshalled, the cavalcade approached the Gallery-tower, which formed, + as we have often observed, the extreme barrier of the Castle. + </p> + <p> + It was now the part of the huge porter to step forward; but the lubbard + was so overwhelmed with confusion of spirit—the contents of one + immense black jack of double ale, which he had just drunk to quicken his + memory, having treacherously confused the brain it was intended to clear—that + he only groaned piteously, and remained sitting on his stone seat; and the + Queen would have passed on without greeting, had not the gigantic warder's + secret ally, Flibbertigibbet, who lay perdue behind him, thrust a pin into + the rear of the short femoral garment which we elsewhere described. + </p> + <p> + The porter uttered a sort of yell, which came not amiss into his part, + started up with his club, and dealt a sound douse or two on each side of + him; and then, like a coach-horse pricked by the spur, started off at once + into the full career of his address, and by dint of active prompting on + the part of Dickie Sludge, delivered, in sounds of gigantic intonation, a + speech which may be thus abridged—the reader being to suppose that + the first lines were addressed to the throng who approached the gateway; + the conclusion, at the approach of the Queen, upon sight of whom, as + struck by some heavenly vision, the gigantic warder dropped his club, + resigned his keys, and gave open way to the Goddess of the night, and all + her magnificent train. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "What stir, what turmoil, have we for the nones? + Stand back, my masters, or beware your bones! + Sirs, I'm a warder, and no man of straw, + My voice keeps order, and my club gives law. + + Yet soft—nay, stay—what vision have we here? + What dainty darling's this—what peerless peer? + What loveliest face, that loving ranks unfold, + Like brightest diamond chased in purest gold? + Dazzled and blind, mine office I forsake, + My club, my key, my knee, my homage take. + Bright paragon, pass on in joy and bliss;— + Beshrew the gate that opes not wide at such a sight as this!" + + [This is an imitation of Gascoigne's verses spoken by the + Herculean porter, as mentioned in the text. The original may be + found in the republication of the Princely Pleasures of + Kenilworth, by the same author, in the History of Kenilworth + already quoted. Chiswick, 1821.] +</pre> + <p> + Elizabeth received most graciously the homage of the Herculean porter, + and, bending her head to him in requital, passed through his guarded + tower, from the top of which was poured a clamorous blast of warlike + music, which was replied to by other bands of minstrelsy placed at + different points on the Castle walls, and by others again stationed in the + Chase; while the tones of the one, as they yet vibrated on the echoes, + were caught up and answered by new harmony from different quarters. + </p> + <p> + Amidst these bursts of music, which, as if the work of enchantment, seemed + now close at hand, now softened by distant space, now wailing so low and + sweet as if that distance were gradually prolonged until only the last + lingering strains could reach the ear, Queen Elizabeth crossed the + Gallery-tower, and came upon the long bridge, which extended from thence + to Mortimer's Tower, and which was already as light as day, so many + torches had been fastened to the palisades on either side. Most of the + nobles here alighted, and sent their horses to the neighbouring village of + Kenilworth, following the Queen on foot, as did the gentlemen who had + stood in array to receive her at the Gallery-tower. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion, as at different times during the evening, Raleigh + addressed himself to Tressilian, and was not a little surprised at his + vague and unsatisfactory answers; which, joined to his leaving his + apartment without any assigned reason, appearing in an undress when it was + likely to be offensive to the Queen, and some other symptoms of + irregularity which he thought he discovered, led him to doubt whether his + friend did not labour under some temporary derangement. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the Queen had no sooner stepped on the bridge than a new + spectacle was provided; for as soon as the music gave signal that she was + so far advanced, a raft, so disposed as to resemble a small floating + island, illuminated by a great variety of torches, and surrounded by + floating pageants formed to represent sea-horses, on which sat Tritons, + Nereids, and other fabulous deities of the seas and rivers, made its + appearance upon the lake, and issuing from behind a small heronry where it + had been concealed, floated gently towards the farther end of the bridge. + </p> + <p> + On the islet appeared a beautiful woman, clad in a watchet-coloured silken + mantle, bound with a broad girdle inscribed with characters like the + phylacteries of the Hebrews. Her feet and arms were bare, but her wrists + and ankles were adorned with gold bracelets of uncommon size. Amidst her + long, silky black hair she wore a crown or chaplet of artificial + mistletoe, and bore in her hand a rod of ebony tipped with silver. Two + Nymphs attended on her, dressed in the same antique and mystical guise. + </p> + <p> + The pageant was so well managed that this Lady of the Floating Island, + having performed her voyage with much picturesque effect, landed at + Mortimer's Tower with her two attendants just as Elizabeth presented + herself before that outwork. The stranger then, in a well-penned speech, + announced herself as that famous Lady of the Lake renowned in the stories + of King Arthur, who had nursed the youth of the redoubted Sir Lancelot, + and whose beauty 'had proved too powerful both for the wisdom and the + spells of the mighty Merlin. Since that early period she had remained + possessed of her crystal dominions, she said, despite the various men of + fame and might by whom Kenilworth had been successively tenanted. 'The + Saxons, the Danes, the Normans, the Saintlowes, the Clintons, the + Montforts, the Mortimers, the Plantagenets, great though they were in arms + and magnificence, had never, she said, caused her to raise her head from + the waters which hid her crystal palace. But a greater than all these + great names had now appeared, and she came in homage and duty to welcome + the peerless Elizabeth to all sport which the Castle and its environs, + which lake or land, could afford. + </p> + <p> + The Queen received this address also with great courtesy, and made answer + in raillery, "We thought this lake had belonged to our own dominions, fair + dame; but since so famed a lady claims it for hers, we will be glad at + some other time to have further communing with you touching our joint + interests." + </p> + <p> + With this gracious answer the Lady of the Lake vanished, and Arion, who + was amongst the maritime deities, appeared upon his dolphin. But + Lambourne, who had taken upon him the part in the absence of Wayland, + being chilled with remaining immersed in an element to which he was not + friendly, having never got his speech by heart, and not having, like the + porter, the advantage of a prompter, paid it off with impudence, tearing + off his vizard, and swearing, "Cogs bones! he was none of Arion or Orion + either, but honest Mike Lambourne, that had been drinking her Majesty's + health from morning till midnight, and was come to bid her heartily + welcome to Kenilworth Castle." + </p> + <p> + This unpremeditated buffoonery answered the purpose probably better than + the set speech would have done. The Queen laughed heartily, and swore (in + her turn) that he had made the best speech she had heard that day. + Lambourne, who instantly saw his jest had saved his bones, jumped on + shore, gave his dolphin a kick, and declared he would never meddle with + fish again, except at dinner. + </p> + <p> + At the same time that the Queen was about to enter the Castle, that + memorable discharge of fireworks by water and land took place, which + Master Laneham, formerly introduced to the reader, has strained all his + eloquence to describe. + </p> + <p> + "Such," says the Clerk of the Council-chamber door "was the blaze of + burning darts, the gleams of stars coruscant, the streams and hail of + fiery sparks, lightnings of wildfire, and flight-shot of thunderbolts, + with continuance, terror, and vehemency, that the heavens thundered, the + waters surged, and the earth shook; and for my part, hardy as I am, it + made me very vengeably afraid." + </p> + <p> + [See Laneham's Account of the Queen's Entertainment at Killingworth + Castle, in 1575, a very diverting tract, written by as great a coxcomb as + ever blotted paper. [See Note 6] The original is extremely rare, but it + has been twice reprinted; once in Mr. Nichols's very curious and + interesting collection of the Progresses and Public Processions of Queen + Elizabeth, vol.i. and more lately in a beautiful antiquarian publication, + termed KENILWORTH ILLUSTRATED, printed at Chiswick, for Meridew of + Coventry and Radcliffe of Birmingham. It contains reprints of Laneham's + Letter, Gascoigne's Princely Progress, and other scarce pieces, annotated + with accuracy and ability. The author takes the liberty to refer to this + work as his authority for the account of the festivities. + </p> + <p> + I am indebted for a curious ground-plan of the Castle of Kenilworth, as it + existed in Queen Elizabeth's time, to the voluntary kindness of Richard + Badnall Esq. of Olivebank, near Liverpool. From his obliging + communication, I learn that the original sketch was found among the + manuscripts of the celebrated J. J. Rousseau, when he left England. These + were entrusted by the philosopher to the care of his friend Mr. Davenport, + and passed from his legatee into the possession of Mr. Badnall.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Nay, this is matter for the month of March, + When hares are maddest. Either speak in reason, + Giving cold argument the wall of passion, + Or I break up the court. —BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER. +</pre> + <p> + It is by no means our purpose to detail minutely all the princely + festivities of Kenilworth, after the fashion of Master Robert Laneham, + whom we quoted in the conclusion of the last chapter. It is sufficient to + say that under discharge of the splendid fireworks, which we have borrowed + Laneham's eloquence to describe, the Queen entered the base-court of + Kenilworth, through Mortimer's Tower, and moving on through pageants of + heathen gods and heroes of antiquity, who offered gifts and compliments on + the bended knee, at length found her way to the Great Hall of the Castle, + gorgeously hung for her reception with the richest silken tapestry, misty + with perfumes, and sounding to strains of soft and delicious music. From + the highly-carved oaken roof hung a superb chandelier of gilt bronze, + formed like a spread eagle, whose outstretched wings supported three male + and three female figures, grasping a pair of branches in each hand. The + Hall was thus illuminated by twenty-four torches of wax. At the upper end + of the splendid apartment was a state canopy, overshadowing a royal + throne, and beside it was a door, which opened to a long suite of + apartments, decorated with the utmost magnificence for the Queen and her + ladies, whenever it should be her pleasure to be private. + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Leicester having handed the Queen up to her throne, and seated + her there, knelt down before her, and kissing the hand which she held out, + with an air in which romantic and respectful gallantry was happily mingled + with the air of loyal devotion, he thanked her, in terms of the deepest + gratitude, for the highest honour which a sovereign could render to a + subject. So handsome did he look when kneeling before her, that Elizabeth + was tempted to prolong the scene a little longer than there was, strictly + speaking, necessity for; and ere she raised him, she passed her hand over + his head, so near as almost to touch his long, curled, and perfumed hair, + and with a movement of fondness that seemed to intimate she would, if she + dared, have made the motion a slight caress. + </p> + <p> + [To justify what may be considered as a high-coloured picture, the author + quotes the original of the courtly and shrewd Sir James Melville, being + then Queen Mary's envoy at the court of London. + </p> + <p> + "I was required," says Sir James, "to stay till I had seen him made Earle + of Leicester, and Baron of Denbigh, with great solemnity; herself + (Elizabeth) helping to put on his ceremonial, he sitting on his knees + before her, keeping a great gravity and a discreet behaviour; but she + could not refrain from putting her hand to his neck to kittle (i.e., + tickle) him, smilingly, the French Ambassador and I standing beside her."—MELVILLE'S + MEMOIRS, BANNATYNE EDITION, p. 120.] + </p> + <p> + She at length raised him, and standing beside the throne, he explained to + her the various preparations which had been made for her amusement and + accommodation, all of which received her prompt and gracious approbation. + The Earl then prayed her Majesty for permission that he himself, and the + nobles who had been in attendance upon her during the journey, might + retire for a few minutes, and put themselves into a guise more fitting for + dutiful attendance, during which space those gentlemen of worship + (pointing to Varney, Blount, Tressilian, and others), who had already put + themselves into fresh attire, would have the honour of keeping her + presence-chamber. + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, my lord," answered the Queen; "you could manage a theatre well, + who can thus command a double set of actors. For ourselves, we will + receive your courtesies this evening but clownishly, since it is not our + purpose to change our riding attire, being in effect something fatigued + with a journey which the concourse of our good people hath rendered slow, + though the love they have shown our person hath, at the same time, made it + delightful." + </p> + <p> + Leicester, having received this permission, retired accordingly, and was + followed by those nobles who had attended the Queen to Kenilworth in + person. The gentlemen who had preceded them, and were, of course, dressed + for the solemnity, remained in attendance. But being most of them of + rather inferior rank, they remained at an awful distance from the throne + which Elizabeth occupied. The Queen's sharp eye soon distinguished Raleigh + amongst them, with one or two others who were personally known to her, and + she instantly made them a sign to approach, and accosted them very + graciously. Raleigh, in particular, the adventure of whose cloak, as well + as the incident of the verses, remained on her mind, was very graciously + received; and to him she most frequently applied for information + concerning the names and rank of those who were in presence. These he + communicated concisely, and not without some traits of humorous satire, by + which Elizabeth seemed much amused. "And who is yonder clownish fellow?" + she said, looking at Tressilian, whose soiled dress on this occasion + greatly obscured his good mien. + </p> + <p> + "A poet, if it please your Grace," replied Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + "I might have guessed that from his careless garb," said Elizabeth. "I + have known some poets so thoughtless as to throw their cloaks into + gutters." + </p> + <p> + "It must have been when the sun dazzled both their eyes and their + judgment," answered Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth smiled, and proceeded, "I asked that slovenly fellow's name, and + you only told me his profession." + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian is his name," said Raleigh, with internal reluctance, for he + foresaw nothing favourable to his friend from the manner in which she took + notice of him. + </p> + <p> + "Tressilian!" answered Elizabeth. "Oh, the Menelaus of our romance. Why, + he has dressed himself in a guise that will go far to exculpate his fair + and false Helen. And where is Farnham, or whatever his name is—my + Lord of Leicester's man, I mean—the Paris of this Devonshire tale?" + </p> + <p> + With still greater reluctance Raleigh named and pointed out to her Varney, + for whom the tailor had done all that art could perform in making his + exterior agreeable; and who, if he had not grace, had a sort of tact and + habitual knowledge of breeding, which came in place of it. + </p> + <p> + The Queen turned her eyes from the one to the other. "I doubt," she said, + "this same poetical Master Tressilian, who is too learned, I warrant me, + to remember whose presence he was to appear in, may be one of those of + whom Geoffrey Chaucer says wittily, the wisest clerks are not the wisest + men. I remember that Varney is a smooth-tongued varlet. I doubt this fair + runaway hath had reasons for breaking her faith." + </p> + <p> + To this Raleigh durst make no answer, aware how little he should benefit + Tressilian by contradicting the Queen's sentiments, and not at all + certain, on the whole, whether the best thing that could befall him would + not be that she should put an end at once by her authority to this affair, + upon which it seemed to him Tressilian's thoughts were fixed with + unavailing and distressing pertinacity. As these reflections passed + through his active brain, the lower door of the hall opened, and + Leicester, accompanied by several of his kinsmen, and of the nobles who + had embraced his faction, re-entered the Castle Hall. + </p> + <p> + The favourite Earl was now apparelled all in white, his shoes being of + white velvet; his under-stocks (or stockings) of knit silk; his upper + stocks of white velvet, lined with cloth of silver, which was shown at the + slashed part of the middle thigh; his doublet of cloth of silver, the + close jerkin of white velvet, embroidered with silver and seed-pearl, his + girdle and the scabbard of his sword of white velvet with golden buckles; + his poniard and sword hilted and mounted with gold; and over all a rich, + loose robe of white satin, with a border of golden embroidery a foot in + breadth. The collar of the Garter, and the azure garter itself around his + knee, completed the appointments of the Earl of Leicester; which were so + well matched by his fair stature, graceful gesture, fine proportion of + body, and handsome countenance, that at that moment he was admitted by all + who saw him as the goodliest person whom they had ever looked upon. Sussex + and the other nobles were also richly attired, but in point of splendour + and gracefulness of mien Leicester far exceeded them all. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth received him with great complacency. "We have one piece of royal + justice," she said, "to attend to. It is a piece of justice, too, which + interests us as a woman, as well as in the character of mother and + guardian of the English people." + </p> + <p> + An involuntary shudder came over Leicester as he bowed low, expressive of + his readiness to receive her royal commands; and a similar cold fit came + over Varney, whose eyes (seldom during that evening removed from his + patron) instantly perceived from the change in his looks, slight as that + was, of what the Queen was speaking. But Leicester had wrought his + resolution up to the point which, in his crooked policy, he judged + necessary; and when Elizabeth added, "it is of the matter of Varney and + Tressilian we speak—is the lady here, my lord?" his answer was ready—"Gracious + madam, she is not." + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth bent her brows and compressed her lips. "Our orders were strict + and positive, my lord," was her answer— + </p> + <p> + "And should have been obeyed, good my liege," replied Leicester, "had they + been expressed in the form of the lightest wish. But—Varney, step + forward—this gentleman will inform your Grace of the cause why the + lady" (he could not force his rebellious tongue to utter the words—HIS + WIFE) "cannot attend on your royal presence." + </p> + <p> + Varney advanced, and pleaded with readiness, what indeed he firmly + believed, the absolute incapacity of the party (for neither did he dare, + in Leicester's presence, term her his wife) to wait on her Grace. + </p> + <p> + "Here," said he, "are attestations from a most learned physician, whose + skill and honour are well known to my good Lord of Leicester, and from an + honest and devout Protestant, a man of credit and substance, one Anthony + Foster, the gentleman in whose house she is at present bestowed, that she + now labours under an illness which altogether unfits her for such a + journey as betwixt this Castle and the neighbourhood of Oxford." + </p> + <p> + "This alters the matter," said the Queen, taking the certificates in her + hand, and glancing at their contents.—"Let Tressilian come forward.—Master + Tressilian, we have much sympathy for your situation, the rather that you + seem to have set your heart deeply on this Amy Robsart, or Varney. Our + power, thanks to God, and the willing obedience of a loving people, is + worth much, but there are some things which it cannot compass. We cannot, + for example, command the affections of a giddy young girl, or make her + love sense and learning better than a courtier's fine doublet; and we + cannot control sickness, with which it seems this lady is afflicted, who + may not, by reason of such infirmity, attend our court here, as we had + required her to do. Here are the testimonials of the physician who hath + her under his charge, and the gentleman in whose house she resides, so + setting forth." + </p> + <p> + "Under your Majesty's favour," said Tressilian hastily, and in his alarm + for the consequence of the imposition practised on the Queen forgetting in + part at least his own promise to Amy, "these certificates speak not the + truth." + </p> + <p> + "How, sir!" said the Queen—"impeach my Lord of Leicester's veracity! + But you shall have a fair hearing. In our presence the meanest of our + subjects shall be heard against the proudest, and the least known against + the most favoured; therefore you shall be heard fairly, but beware you + speak not without a warrant! Take these certificates in your own hand, + look at them carefully, and say manfully if you impugn the truth of them, + and upon what evidence." + </p> + <p> + As the Queen spoke, his promise and all its consequences rushed on the + mind of the unfortunate Tressilian, and while it controlled his natural + inclination to pronounce that a falsehood which he knew from the evidence + of his senses to be untrue, gave an indecision and irresolution to his + appearance and utterance which made strongly against him in the mind of + Elizabeth, as well as of all who beheld him. He turned the papers over and + over, as if he had been an idiot, incapable of comprehending their + contents. The Queen's impatience began to become visible. "You are a + scholar, sir," she said, "and of some note, as I have heard; yet you seem + wondrous slow in reading text hand. How say you, are these certificates + true or no?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said Tressilian, with obvious embarrassment and hesitation, + anxious to avoid admitting evidence which he might afterwards have reason + to confute, yet equally desirous to keep his word to Amy, and to give her, + as he had promised, space to plead her own cause in her own way—"Madam—Madam, + your Grace calls on me to admit evidence which ought to be proved valid by + those who found their defence upon them." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Tressilian, thou art critical as well as poetical," said the Queen, + bending on him a brow of displeasure; "methinks these writings, being + produced in the presence of the noble Earl to whom this Castle pertains, + and his honour being appealed to as the guarantee of their authenticity, + might be evidence enough for thee. But since thou listest to be so formal—Varney, + or rather my Lord of Leicester, for the affair becomes yours" (these + words, though spoken at random, thrilled through the Earl's marrow and + bones), "what evidence have you as touching these certificates?" + </p> + <p> + Varney hastened to reply, preventing Leicester—"So please your + Majesty, my young Lord of Oxford, who is here in presence, knows Master + Anthony Foster's hand and his character." + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Oxford, a young unthrift, whom Foster had more than once + accommodated with loans on usurious interest, acknowledged, on this + appeal, that he knew him as a wealthy and independent franklin, supposed + to be worth much money, and verified the certificate produced to be his + handwriting. + </p> + <p> + "And who speaks to the Doctor's certificate?" said the Queen. "Alasco, + methinks, is his name." + </p> + <p> + Masters, her Majesty's physician (not the less willingly that he + remembered his repulse from Sayes Court, and thought that his present + testimony might gratify Leicester, and mortify the Earl of Sussex and his + faction), acknowledged he had more than once consulted with Doctor Alasco, + and spoke of him as a man of extraordinary learning and hidden + acquirements, though not altogether in the regular course of practice. The + Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Leicester's brother-in-law, and the old Countess + of Rutland, next sang his praises, and both remembered the thin, beautiful + Italian hand in which he was wont to write his receipts, and which + corresponded to the certificate produced as his. + </p> + <p> + "And now, I trust, Master Tressilian, this matter is ended," said the + Queen. "We will do something ere the night is older to reconcile old Sir + Hugh Robsart to the match. You have done your duty something more than + boldly; but we were no woman had we not compassion for the wounds which + true love deals, so we forgive your audacity, and your uncleansed boots + withal, which have well-nigh overpowered my Lord of Leicester's perfumes." + </p> + <p> + So spoke Elizabeth, whose nicety of scent was one of the characteristics + of her organization, as appeared long afterwards when she expelled Essex + from her presence, on a charge against his boots similar to that which she + now expressed against those of Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + But Tressilian had by this time collected himself, astonished as he had at + first been by the audacity of the falsehood so feasibly supported, and + placed in array against the evidence of his own eyes. He rushed forward, + kneeled down, and caught the Queen by the skirt of her robe. "As you are + Christian woman," he said, "madam, as you are crowned Queen, to do equal + justice among your subjects—as you hope yourself to have fair + hearing (which God grant you) at that last bar at which we must all plead, + grant me one small request! Decide not this matter so hastily. Give me but + twenty-four hours' interval, and I will, at the end of that brief space, + produce evidence which will show to demonstration that these certificates, + which state this unhappy lady to be now ill at ease in Oxfordshire, are + false as hell!" + </p> + <p> + "Let go my train, sir!" said Elizabeth, who was startled at his vehemence, + though she had too much of the lion in her to fear; "the fellow must be + distraught. That witty knave, my godson Harrington, must have him into his + rhymes of Orlando Furioso! And yet, by this light, there is something + strange in the vehemence of his demand.—Speak, Tressilian, what wilt + thou do if, at the end of these four-and-twenty hours, thou canst not + confute a fact so solemnly proved as this lady's illness?" + </p> + <p> + "I will lay down my head on the block," answered Tressilian. + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw!" replied the Queen, "God's light! thou speakest like a fool. What + head falls in England but by just sentence of English law? I ask thee, man—if + thou hast sense to understand me—wilt thou, if thou shalt fail in + this improbable attempt of thine, render me a good and sufficient reason + why thou dost undertake it?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian paused, and again hesitated; because he felt convinced that if, + within the interval demanded, Amy should become reconciled to her husband, + he would in that case do her the worst of offices by again ripping up the + whole circumstances before Elizabeth, and showing how that wise and + jealous princess had been imposed upon by false testimonials. The + consciousness of this dilemma renewed his extreme embarrassment of look, + voice, and manner; he hesitated, looked down, and on the Queen repeating + her question with a stern voice and flashing eye, he admitted with + faltering words, "That it might be—he could not positively—that + is, in certain events—explain the reasons and grounds on which he + acted." + </p> + <p> + "Now, by the soul of King Henry," said the Queen, "this is either + moonstruck madness or very knavery!—Seest thou, Raleigh, thy friend + is far too Pindaric for this presence. Have him away, and make us quit of + him, or it shall be the worse for him; for his flights are too unbridled + for any place but Parnassus, or Saint Luke's Hospital. But come back + instantly thyself, when he is placed under fitting restraint.—We + wish we had seen the beauty which could make such havoc in a wise man's + brain." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian was again endeavouring to address the Queen, when Raleigh, in + obedience to the orders he had received, interfered, and with Blount's + assistance, half led, half forced him out of the presence-chamber, where + he himself indeed began to think his appearance did his cause more harm + than good. + </p> + <p> + When they had attained the antechamber, Raleigh entreated Blount to see + Tressilian safely conducted into the apartments allotted to the Earl of + Sussex's followers, and, if necessary, recommended that a guard should be + mounted on him. + </p> + <p> + "This extravagant passion," he said, "and, as it would seem, the news of + the lady's illness, has utterly wrecked his excellent judgment. But it + will pass away if he be kept quiet. Only let him break forth again at no + rate; for he is already far in her Highness's displeasure, and should she + be again provoked, she will find for him a worse place of confinement, and + sterner keepers." + </p> + <p> + "I judged as much as that he was mad," said Nicholas Blount, looking down + upon his own crimson stockings and yellow roses, "whenever I saw him + wearing yonder damned boots, which stunk so in her nostrils. I will but + see him stowed, and be back with you presently. But, Walter, did the Queen + ask who I was?—methought she glanced an eye at me." + </p> + <p> + "Twenty—twenty eye-glances she sent! and I told her all—how + thou wert a brave soldier, and a—But for God's sake, get off + Tressilian!" + </p> + <p> + "I will—I will," said Blount; "but methinks this court-haunting is + no such bad pastime, after all. We shall rise by it, Walter, my brave lad. + Thou saidst I was a good soldier, and a—what besides, dearest + Walter?" + </p> + <p> + "An all unutterable-codshead. For God's sake, begone!" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, without further resistance or expostulation followed, or + rather suffered himself to be conducted by Blount to Raleigh's lodging, + where he was formally installed into a small truckle-bed placed in a + wardrobe, and designed for a domestic. He saw but too plainly that no + remonstrances would avail to procure the help or sympathy of his friends, + until the lapse of the time for which he had pledged himself to remain + inactive should enable him either to explain the whole circumstances to + them, or remove from him every pretext or desire of further interference + with the fortunes of Amy, by her having found means to place herself in a + state of reconciliation with her husband. + </p> + <p> + With great difficulty, and only by the most patient and mild remonstrances + with Blount, he escaped the disgrace and mortification of having two of + Sussex's stoutest yeomen quartered in his apartment. At last, however, + when Nicholas had seen him fairly deposited in his truckle-bed, and had + bestowed one or two hearty kicks, and as hearty curses, on the boots, + which, in his lately acquired spirit of foppery, he considered as a strong + symptom, if not the cause, of his friend's malady, he contented himself + with the modified measure of locking the door on the unfortunate + Tressilian, whose gallant and disinterested efforts to save a female who + had treated him with ingratitude thus terminated for the present in the + displeasure of his Sovereign and the conviction of his friends that he was + little better than a madman. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The wisest Sovereigns err like private men, + And royal hand has sometimes laid the sword + Of chivalry upon a worthless shoulder, + Which better had been branded by the hangman. + What then?—Kings do their best; and they and we + Must answer for the intent, and not the event.—OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + "It is a melancholy matter," said the Queen, when Tressilian was + withdrawn, "to see a wise and learned man's wit thus pitifully unsettled. + Yet this public display of his imperfection of brain plainly shows us that + his supposed injury and accusation were fruitless; and therefore, my Lord + of Leicester, we remember your suit formerly made to us in behalf of your + faithful servant Varney, whose good gifts and fidelity, as they are useful + to you, ought to have due reward from us, knowing well that your lordship, + and all you have, are so earnestly devoted to our service. And we render + Varney the honour more especially that we are a guest, and, we fear, a + chargeable and troublesome one, under your lordship's roof; and also for + the satisfaction of the good old Knight of Devon, Sir Hugh Robsart, whose + daughter he hath married, and we trust the especial mark of grace which we + are about to confer may reconcile him to his son-in-law.—Your sword, + my Lord of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + The Earl unbuckled his sword, and taking it by the point, presented on + bended knee the hilt to Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + She took it slowly drew it from the scabbard, and while the ladies who + stood around turned away their eyes with real or affected shuddering, she + noted with a curious eye the high polish and rich, damasked ornaments upon + the glittering blade. + </p> + <p> + "Had I been a man," she said, "methinks none of my ancestors would have + loved a good sword better. As it is with me, I like to look on one, and + could, like the Fairy of whom I have read in some Italian rhymes—were + my godson Harrington here, he could tell me the passage—even trim my + hair, and arrange my head-gear, in such a steel mirror as this is.—Richard + Varney, come forth, and kneel down. In the name of God and Saint George, + we dub thee knight! Be Faithful, Brave, and Fortunate. Arise, Sir Richard + Varney." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The incident alluded to occurs in the poem of Orlando Innamorato + of Boiardo, libro ii. canto 4, stanza 25. + + "Non era per ventura," etc. +</pre> + <p> + It may be rendered thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As then, perchance, unguarded was the tower, + So enter'd free Anglante's dauntless knight. + No monster and no giant guard the bower + In whose recess reclined the fairy light, + Robed in a loose cymar of lily white, + And on her lap a sword of breadth and might, + In whose broad blade, as in a mirror bright, + Like maid that trims her for a festal night, + The fairy deck'd her hair, and placed her coronet aright. +</pre> + <p> + Elizabeth's attachment to the Italian school of poetry was singularly + manifested on a well-known occasion. Her godson, Sir John Harrington, + having offended her delicacy by translating some of the licentious + passages of the Orlando Furioso, she imposed on him, as a penance, the + task of rendering the WHOLE poem into English.] + </p> + <p> + Varney arose and retired, making a deep obeisance to the Sovereign who had + done him so much honour. + </p> + <p> + "The buckling of the spur, and what other rites remain," said the Queen, + "may be finished to-morrow in the chapel; for we intend Sir Richard Varney + a companion in his honours. And as we must not be partial in conferring + such distinction, we mean on this matter to confer with our cousin of + Sussex." + </p> + <p> + That noble Earl, who since his arrival at Kenilworth, and indeed since the + commencement of this Progress, had found himself in a subordinate + situation to Leicester, was now wearing a heavy cloud on his brow; a + circumstance which had not escaped the Queen, who hoped to appease his + discontent, and to follow out her system of balancing policy by a mark of + peculiar favour, the more gratifying as it was tendered at a moment when + his rival's triumph appeared to be complete. + </p> + <p> + At the summons of Queen Elizabeth, Sussex hastily approached her person; + and being asked on which of his followers, being a gentleman and of merit, + he would wish the honour of knighthood to be conferred, he answered, with + more sincerity than policy, that he would have ventured to speak for + Tressilian, to whom he conceived he owed his own life, and who was a + distinguished soldier and scholar, besides a man of unstained lineage, + "only," he said, "he feared the events of that night—" And then he + stopped. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad your lordship is thus considerate," said Elizabeth. "The events + of this night would make us, in the eyes of our subjects, as mad as this + poor brain-sick gentleman himself—for we ascribe his conduct to no + malice—should we choose this moment to do him grace." + </p> + <p> + "In that case," said the Earl of Sussex, somewhat discountenanced, "your + Majesty will allow me to name my master of the horse, Master Nicholas + Blount, a gentleman of fair estate and ancient name, who has served your + Majesty both in Scotland and Ireland, and brought away bloody marks on his + person, all honourably taken and requited." + </p> + <p> + The Queen could not help shrugging her shoulders slightly even at this + second suggestion; and the Duchess of Rutland, who read in the Queen's + manner that she had expected that Sussex would have named Raleigh, and + thus would have enabled her to gratify her own wish while she honoured his + recommendation, only waited the Queen's assent to what he had proposed, + and then said that she hoped, since these two high nobles had been each + permitted to suggest a candidate for the honours of chivalry, she, in + behalf of the ladies in presence, might have a similar indulgence. + </p> + <p> + "I were no woman to refuse you such a boon," said the Queen, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Then," pursued the Duchess, "in the name of these fair ladies present, I + request your Majesty to confer the rank of knighthood on Walter Raleigh, + whose birth, deeds of arms, and promptitude to serve our sex with sword or + pen, deserve such distinction from us all." + </p> + <p> + "Gramercy, fair ladies," said Elizabeth, smiling, "your boon is granted, + and the gentle squire Lack-Cloak shall become the good knight Lack-Cloak, + at your desire. Let the two aspirants for the honour of chivalry step + forward." + </p> + <p> + Blount was not as yet returned from seeing Tressilian, as he conceived, + safely disposed of; but Raleigh came forth, and kneeling down, received at + the hand of the Virgin Queen that title of honour, which was never + conferred on a more distinguished or more illustrious object. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards Nicholas Blount entered, and hastily apprised by + Sussex, who met him at the door of the hall, of the Queen's gracious + purpose regarding him, he was desired to advance towards the throne. It is + a sight sometimes seen, and it is both ludicrous and pitiable; when an + honest man of plain common sense is surprised, by the coquetry of a pretty + woman, or any other cause, into those frivolous fopperies which only sit + well upon the youthful, the gay, and those to whom long practice has + rendered them a second nature. Poor Blount was in this situation. His head + was already giddy from a consciousness of unusual finery, and the supposed + necessity of suiting his manners to the gaiety of his dress; and now this + sudden view of promotion altogether completed the conquest of the newly + inhaled spirit of foppery over his natural disposition, and converted a + plain, honest, awkward man into a coxcomb of a new and most ridiculous + kind. + </p> + <p> + The knight-expectant advanced up the hall, the whole length of which he + had unfortunately to traverse, turning out his toes with so much zeal that + he presented his leg at every step with its broadside foremost, so that it + greatly resembled an old-fashioned table-knife with a curved point, when + seen sideways. The rest of his gait was in proportion to this unhappy + amble; and the implied mixture of bashful rear and self-satisfaction was + so unutterably ridiculous that Leicester's friends did not suppress a + titter, in which many of Sussex's partisans were unable to resist joining, + though ready to eat their nails with mortification. Sussex himself lost + all patience, and could not forbear whispering into the ear of his friend, + "Curse thee! canst thou not walk like a man and a soldier?" an + interjection which only made honest Blount start and stop, until a glance + at his yellow roses and crimson stockings restored his self-confidence, + when on he went at the same pace as before. + </p> + <p> + The Queen conferred on poor Blount the honour of knighthood with a marked + sense of reluctance. That wise Princess was fully aware of the propriety + of using great circumspection and economy in bestowing those titles of + honour, which the Stewarts, who succeeded to her throne, distributed with + an imprudent liberality which greatly diminished their value. Blount had + no sooner arisen and retired than she turned to the Duchess of Rutland. + "Our woman wit," she said, "dear Rutland, is sharper than that of those + proud things in doublet and hose. Seest thou, out of these three knights, + thine is the only true metal to stamp chivalry's imprint upon?" + </p> + <p> + "Sir Richard Varney, surely—the friend of my Lord of Leicester—surely + he has merit," replied the Duchess. + </p> + <p> + "Varney has a sly countenance and a smooth tongue," replied the Queen; "I + fear me he will prove a knave. But the promise was of ancient standing. My + Lord of Sussex must have lost his own wits, I think, to recommend to us + first a madman like Tressilian, and then a clownish fool like this other + fellow. I protest, Rutland, that while he sat on his knees before me, + mopping and mowing as if he had scalding porridge in his mouth, I had much + ado to forbear cutting him over the pate, instead of striking his + shoulder." + </p> + <p> + "Your Majesty gave him a smart ACCOLADE," said the Duchess; "we who stood + behind heard the blade clatter on his collar-bone, and the poor man + fidgeted too as if he felt it." + </p> + <p> + "I could not help it, wench," said the Queen, laughing. "But we will have + this same Sir Nicholas sent to Ireland or Scotland, or somewhere, to rid + our court of so antic a chevalier; he may be a good soldier in the field, + though a preposterous ass in a banqueting-hall." + </p> + <p> + The discourse became then more general, and soon after there was a summons + to the banquet. + </p> + <p> + In order to obey this signal, the company were under the necessity of + crossing the inner court of the Castle, that they might reach the new + buildings containing the large banqueting-room, in which preparations for + supper were made upon a scale of profuse magnificence, corresponding to + the occasion. + </p> + <p> + The livery cupboards were loaded with plate of the richest description, + and the most varied—some articles tasteful, some perhaps grotesque, + in the invention and decoration, but all gorgeously magnificent, both from + the richness of the work and value of the materials. Thus the chief table + was adorned by a salt, ship-fashion, made of mother-of-pearl, garnished + with silver and divers warlike ensigns and other ornaments, anchors, + sails, and sixteen pieces of ordnance. It bore a figure of Fortune, placed + on a globe, with a flag in her hand. Another salt was fashioned of silver, + in form of a swan in full sail. That chivalry might not be omitted amid + this splendour, a silver Saint George was presented, mounted and equipped + in the usual fashion in which he bestrides the dragon. The figures were + moulded to be in some sort useful. The horse's tail was managed to hold a + case of knives, while the breast of the dragon presented a similar + accommodation for oyster knives. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the passage from the hall of reception to the + banqueting-room, and especially in the courtyard, the new-made knights + were assailed by the heralds, pursuivants, minstrels, etc., with the usual + cry of LARGESSE, LARGESSE, CHEVALIERS TRES HARDIS! an ancient invocation, + intended to awaken the bounty of the acolytes of chivalry towards those + whose business it was to register their armorial bearings, and celebrate + the deeds by which they were illustrated. The call was, of course, + liberally and courteously answered by those to whom it was addressed. + Varney gave his largesse with an affectation of complaisance and humility. + Raleigh bestowed his with the graceful ease peculiar to one who has + attained his own place, and is familiar with its dignity. Honest Blount + gave what his tailor had left him of his half-year's rent, dropping some + pieces in his hurry, then stooping down to look for them, and then + distributing them amongst the various claimants, with the anxious face and + mien of the parish beadle dividing a dole among paupers. + </p> + <p> + The donations were accepted with the usual clamour and VIVATS of applause + common on such occasions; but as the parties gratified were chiefly + dependants of Lord Leicester, it was Varney whose name was repeated with + the loudest acclamations. Lambourne, especially, distinguished himself by + his vociferations of "Long life to Sir Richard Varney!—Health and + honour to Sir Richard!—Never was a more worthy knight dubbed!"—then, + suddenly sinking his voice, he added—"since the valiant Sir Pandarus + of Troy,"—a winding-up of his clamorous applause which set all men + a-laughing who were within hearing of it. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to say anything further of the festivities of the + evening, which were so brilliant in themselves, and received with such + obvious and willing satisfaction by the Queen, that Leicester retired to + his own apartment with all the giddy raptures of successful ambition. + Varney, who had changed his splendid attire, and now waited on his patron + in a very modest and plain undress, attended to do the honours of the + Earl's COUCHER. + </p> + <p> + "How! Sir Richard," said Leicester, smiling, "your new rank scarce suits + the humility of this attendance." + </p> + <p> + "I would disown that rank, my Lord," said Varney, "could I think it was to + remove me to a distance from your lordship's person." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a grateful fellow," said Leicester; "but I must not allow you to + do what would abate you in the opinion of others." + </p> + <p> + While thus speaking, he still accepted without hesitation the offices + about his person, which the new-made knight seemed to render as eagerly as + if he had really felt, in discharging the task, that pleasure which his + words expressed. + </p> + <p> + "I am not afraid of men's misconstruction," he said, in answer to + Leicester's remark, "since there is not—(permit me to undo the + collar)—a man within the Castle who does not expect very soon to see + persons of a rank far superior to that which, by your goodness, I now + hold, rendering the duties of the bedchamber to you, and accounting it an + honour." + </p> + <p> + "It might, indeed, so have been"—said the Earl, with an involuntary + sigh; and then presently added, "My gown, Varney; I will look out on the + night. Is not the moon near to the full?" + </p> + <p> + "I think so, my lord, according to the calendar," answered Varney. + </p> + <p> + There was an abutting window, which opened on a small projecting balcony + of stone, battlemented as is usual in Gothic castles. The Earl undid the + lattice, and stepped out into the open air. The station he had chosen + commanded an extensive view of the lake and woodlands beyond, where the + bright moonlight rested on the clear blue waters and the distant masses of + oak and elm trees. The moon rode high in the heavens, attended by + thousands and thousands of inferior luminaries. All seemed already to be + hushed in the nether world, excepting occasionally the voice of the watch + (for the yeomen of the guard performed that duty wherever the Queen was + present in person) and the distant baying of the hounds, disturbed by the + preparations amongst the grooms and prickers for a magnificent hunt, which + was to be the amusement of the next day. + </p> + <p> + Leicester looked out on the blue arch of heaven, with gestures and a + countenance expressive of anxious exultation, while Varney, who remained + within the darkened apartment, could (himself unnoticed), with a secret + satisfaction, see his patron stretch his hands with earnest gesticulation + towards the heavenly bodies. + </p> + <p> + "Ye distant orbs of living fire," so ran the muttered invocation of the + ambitious Earl, "ye are silent while you wheel your mystic rounds; but + Wisdom has given to you a voice. Tell me, then, to what end is my high + course destined? Shall the greatness to which I have aspired be bright, + pre-eminent, and stable as your own; or am I but doomed to draw a brief + and glittering train along the nightly darkness, and then to sink down to + earth, like the base refuse of those artificial fires with which men + emulate your rays?" + </p> + <p> + He looked on the heavens in profound silence for a minute or two longer, + and then again stepped into the apartment, where Varney seemed to have + been engaged in putting the Earl's jewels into a casket. + </p> + <p> + "What said Alasco of my horoscope?" demanded Leicester. "You already told + me; but it has escaped me, for I think but lightly of that art." + </p> + <p> + "Many learned and great men have thought otherwise," said Varney; "and, + not to flatter your lordship, my own opinion leans that way." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Saul among the prophets?" said Leicester. "I thought thou wert + sceptical in all such matters as thou couldst neither see, hear, smell, + taste, or touch, and that thy belief was limited by thy senses." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps, my lord," said Varney, "I may be misled on the present occasion + by my wish to find the predictions of astrology true. Alasco says that + your favourite planet is culminating, and that the adverse influence—he + would not use a plainer term—though not overcome, was evidently + combust, I think he said, or retrograde." + </p> + <p> + "It is even so," said Leicester, looking at an abstract of astrological + calculations which he had in his hand; "the stronger influence will + prevail, and, as I think, the evil hour pass away. Lend me your hand, Sir + Richard, to doff my gown; and remain an instant, if it is not too + burdensome to your knighthood, while I compose myself to sleep. I believe + the bustle of this day has fevered my blood, for it streams through my + veins like a current of molten lead. Remain an instant, I pray you—I + would fain feel my eyes heavy ere I closed them." + </p> + <p> + Varney officiously assisted his lord to bed, and placed a massive silver + night-lamp, with a short sword, on a marble table which stood close by the + head of the couch. Either in order to avoid the light of the lamp, or to + hide his countenance from Varney, Leicester drew the curtain, heavy with + entwined silk and gold, so as completely to shade his face. Varney took a + seat near the bed, but with his back towards his master, as if to intimate + that he was not watching him, and quietly waited till Leicester himself + led the way to the topic by which his mind was engrossed. + </p> + <p> + "And so, Varney," said the Earl, after waiting in vain till his dependant + should commence the conversation, "men talk of the Queen's favour towards + me?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, my good lord," said Varney; "of what can they else, since it is so + strongly manifested?" + </p> + <p> + "She is indeed my good and gracious mistress," said Leicester, after + another pause; "but it is written, 'Put not thy trust in princes.'" + </p> + <p> + "A good sentence and a true," said Varney, "unless you can unite their + interest with yours so absolutely that they must needs sit on your wrist + like hooded hawks." + </p> + <p> + "I know what thou meanest," said Leicester impatiently, "though thou art + to-night so prudentially careful of what thou sayest to me. Thou wouldst + intimate I might marry the Queen if I would?" + </p> + <p> + "It is your speech, my lord, not mine," answered Varney; "but whosesoever + be the speech, it is the thought of ninety-nine out of an hundred men + throughout broad England." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, but," said Leicester, turning himself in his bed, "the hundredth man + knows better. Thou, for example, knowest the obstacle that cannot be + overleaped." + </p> + <p> + "It must, my lord, if the stars speak true," said Varney composedly. + </p> + <p> + "What, talkest thou of them," said Leicester, "that believest not in them + or in aught else?" + </p> + <p> + "You mistake, my lord, under your gracious pardon," said Varney; "I + believe in many things that predict the future. I believe, if showers fall + in April, that we shall have flowers in May; that if the sun shines, grain + will ripen; and I believe in much natural philosophy to the same effect, + which, if the stars swear to me, I will say the stars speak the truth. And + in like manner, I will not disbelieve that which I see wished for and + expected on earth, solely because the astrologers have read it in the + heavens." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art right," said Leicester, again tossing himself on his couch + "Earth does wish for it. I have had advices from the reformed churches of + Germany—from the Low Countries—from Switzerland—urging + this as a point on which Europe's safety depends. France will not oppose + it. The ruling party in Scotland look to it as their best security. Spain + fears it, but cannot prevent it. And yet thou knowest it is impossible." + </p> + <p> + "I know not that, my lord," said Varney; "the Countess is indisposed." + </p> + <p> + "Villain!" said Leicester, starting up on his couch, and seizing the sword + which lay on the table beside him, "go thy thoughts that way?—thou + wouldst not do murder?" + </p> + <p> + "For whom, or what, do you hold me, my lord?" said Varney, assuming the + superiority of an innocent man subjected to unjust suspicion. "I said + nothing to deserve such a horrid imputation as your violence infers. I + said but that the Countess was ill. And Countess though she be—lovely + and beloved as she is—surely your lordship must hold her to be + mortal? She may die, and your lordship's hand become once more your own." + </p> + <p> + "Away! away!" said Leicester; "let me have no more of this." + </p> + <p> + "Good night, my lord," said Varney, seeming to understand this as a + command to depart; but Leicester's voice interrupted his purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Thou 'scapest me not thus, Sir Fool," said he; "I think thy knighthood + has addled thy brains. Confess thou hast talked of impossibilities as of + things which may come to pass." + </p> + <p> + "My lord, long live your fair Countess," said Varney; "but neither your + love nor my good wishes can make her immortal. But God grant she live long + to be happy herself, and to render you so! I see not but you may be King + of England notwithstanding." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, now, Varney, thou art stark mad," said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "I would I were myself within the same nearness to a good estate of + freehold," said Varney. "Have we not known in other countries how a + left-handed marriage might subsist betwixt persons of differing degree?—ay, + and be no hindrance to prevent the husband from conjoining himself + afterwards with a more suitable partner?" + </p> + <p> + "I have heard of such things in Germany," said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and the most learned doctors in foreign universities justify the + practice from the Old Testament," said Varney. "And after all, where is + the harm? The beautiful partner whom you have chosen for true love has + your secret hours of relaxation and affection. Her fame is safe her + conscience may slumber securely. You have wealth to provide royally for + your issue, should Heaven bless you with offspring. Meanwhile you may give + to Elizabeth ten times the leisure, and ten thousand times the affection, + that ever Don Philip of Spain spared to her sister Mary; yet you know how + she doted on him though so cold and neglectful. It requires but a close + mouth and an open brow, and you keep your Eleanor and your fair Rosamond + far enough separate. Leave me to build you a bower to which no jealous + Queen shall find a clew." + </p> + <p> + Leicester was silent for a moment, then sighed, and said, "It is + impossible. Good night, Sir Richard Varney—yet stay. Can you guess + what meant Tressilian by showing himself in such careless guise before the + Queen to-day?—to strike her tender heart, I should guess, with all + the sympathies due to a lover abandoned by his mistress and abandoning + himself." + </p> + <p> + Varney, smothering a sneering laugh, answered, "He believed Master + Tressilian had no such matter in his head." + </p> + <p> + "How!" said Leicester; "what meanest thou? There is ever knavery in that + laugh of thine, Varney." + </p> + <p> + "I only meant, my lord," said Varney, "that Tressilian has taken the sure + way to avoid heart-breaking. He hath had a companion—a female + companion—a mistress—a sort of player's wife or sister, as I + believe—with him in Mervyn's Bower, where I quartered him for + certain reasons of my own." + </p> + <p> + "A mistress!—meanest thou a paramour?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, my lord; what female else waits for hours in a gentleman's chamber?" + </p> + <p> + "By my faith, time and space fitting, this were a good tale to tell," said + Leicester. "I ever distrusted those bookish, hypocritical, + seeming-virtuous scholars. Well—Master Tressilian makes somewhat + familiar with my house; if I look it over, he is indebted to it for + certain recollections. I would not harm him more than I can help. Keep eye + on him, however, Varney." + </p> + <p> + "I lodged him for that reason," said Varney, "in Mervyn's Tower, where he + is under the eye of my very vigilant, if he were not also my very drunken, + servant, Michael Lambourne, whom I have told your Grace of." + </p> + <p> + "Grace!" said Leicester; "what meanest thou by that epithet?" + </p> + <p> + "It came unawares, my lord; and yet it sounds so very natural that I + cannot recall it." + </p> + <p> + "It is thine own preferment that hath turned thy brain," said Leicester, + laughing; "new honours are as heady as new wine." + </p> + <p> + "May your lordship soon have cause to say so from experience," said + Varney; and wishing his patron good night, he withdrew. [See Note 8. + Furniture of Kenilworth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Here stands the victim—there the proud betrayer, + E'en as the hind pull'd down by strangling dogs + Lies at the hunter's feet—who courteous proffers + To some high dame, the Dian of the chase, + To whom he looks for guerdon, his sharp blade, + To gash the sobbing throat. —THE WOODSMAN. +</pre> + <p> + We are now to return to Mervyn's Bower, the apartment, or rather the + prison, of the unfortunate Countess of Leicester, who for some time kept + within bounds her uncertainty and her impatience. She was aware that, in + the tumult of the day, there might be some delay ere her letter could be + safely conveyed to the hands of Leicester, and that some time more might + elapse ere he could extricate himself from the necessary attendance on + Elizabeth, to come and visit her in her secret bower. "I will not expect + him," she said, "till night; he cannot be absent from his royal guest, + even to see me. He will, I know, come earlier if it be possible, but I + will not expect him before night." And yet all the while she did expect + him; and while she tried to argue herself into a contrary belief, each + hasty noise of the hundred which she heard sounded like the hurried step + of Leicester on the staircase, hasting to fold her in his arms. + </p> + <p> + The fatigue of body which Amy had lately undergone, with the agitation of + mind natural to so cruel a state of uncertainty, began by degrees strongly + to affect her nerves, and she almost feared her total inability to + maintain the necessary self-command through the scenes which might lie + before her. But although spoiled by an over-indulgent system of education, + Amy had naturally a mind of great power, united with a frame which her + share in her father's woodland exercises had rendered uncommonly healthy. + She summoned to her aid such mental and bodily resources; and not + unconscious how much the issue of her fate might depend on her own + self-possession, she prayed internally for strength of body and for mental + fortitude, and resolved at the same time to yield to no nervous impulse + which might weaken either. + </p> + <p> + Yet when the great bell of the Castle, which was placed in Caesar's Tower, + at no great distance from that called Mervyn's, began to send its pealing + clamour abroad, in signal of the arrival of the royal procession, the din + was so painfully acute to ears rendered nervously sensitive by anxiety, + that she could hardly forbear shrieking with anguish, in answer to every + stunning clash of the relentless peal. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards, when the small apartment was at once enlightened by + the shower of artificial fires with which the air was suddenly filled, and + which crossed each other like fiery spirits, each bent on his own separate + mission, or like salamanders executing a frolic dance in the region of the + Sylphs, the Countess felt at first as if each rocket shot close by her + eyes, and discharged its sparks and flashes so nigh that she could feel a + sense of the heat. But she struggled against these fantastic terrors, and + compelled herself to arise, stand by the window, look out, and gaze upon a + sight which at another time would have appeared to her at once captivating + and fearful. The magnificent towers of the Castle were enveloped in + garlands of artificial fire, or shrouded with tiaras of pale smoke. The + surface of the lake glowed like molten iron, while many fireworks (then + thought extremely wonderful, though now common), whose flame continued to + exist in the opposing element, dived and rose, hissed and roared, and + spouted fire, like so many dragons of enchantment sporting upon a burning + lake. + </p> + <p> + Even Amy was for a moment interested by what was to her so new a scene. "I + had thought it magical art," she said, "but poor Tressilian taught me to + judge of such things as they are. Great God! and may not these idle + splendours resemble my own hoped-for happiness—a single spark, which + is instantly swallowed up by surrounding darkness—a precarious glow, + which rises but for a brief space into the air, that its fall may be the + lower? O Leicester! after all—all that thou hast said—hast + sworn—that Amy was thy love, thy life, can it be that thou art the + magician at whose nod these enchantments arise, and that she sees them as + an outcast, if not a captive?" + </p> + <p> + The sustained, prolonged, and repeated bursts of music, from so many + different quarters, and at so many varying points of distance, which + sounded as if not the Castle of Kenilworth only, but the whole country + around, had been at once the scene of solemnizing some high national + festival, carried the same oppressive thought still closer to her heart, + while some notes would melt in distant and falling tones, as if in + compassion for her sorrows, and some burst close and near upon her, as if + mocking her misery, with all the insolence of unlimited mirth. "These + sounds," she said, "are mine—mine, because they are HIS; but I + cannot say, Be still, these loud strains suit me not; and the voice of the + meanest peasant that mingles in the dance would have more power to + modulate the music than the command of her who is mistress of all." + </p> + <p> + By degrees the sounds of revelry died away, and the Countess withdrew from + the window at which she had sat listening to them. It was night, but the + moon afforded considerable light in the room, so that Amy was able to make + the arrangement which she judged necessary. There was hope that Leicester + might come to her apartment as soon as the revel in the Castle had + subsided; but there was also risk she might be disturbed by some + unauthorized intruder. She had lost confidence in the key since Tressilian + had entered so easily, though the door was locked on the inside; yet all + the additional security she could think of was to place the table across + the door, that she might be warned by the noise should any one attempt to + enter. Having taken these necessary precautions, the unfortunate lady + withdrew to her couch, stretched herself down on it, mused in anxious + expectation, and counted more than one hour after midnight, till exhausted + nature proved too strong for love, for grief, for fear, nay, even for + uncertainty, and she slept. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she slept. The Indian sleeps at the stake in the intervals between + his tortures; and mental torments, in like manner, exhaust by long + continuance the sensibility of the sufferer, so that an interval of + lethargic repose must necessarily ensue, ere the pangs which they inflict + can again be renewed. + </p> + <p> + The Countess slept, then, for several hours, and dreamed that she was in + the ancient house at Cumnor Place, listening for the low whistle with + which Leicester often used to announce his presence in the courtyard when + arriving suddenly on one of his stolen visits. But on this occasion, + instead of a whistle, she heard the peculiar blast of a bugle-horn, such + as her father used to wind on the fall of the stag, and which huntsmen + then called a MORT. She ran, as she thought, to a window that looked into + the courtyard, which she saw filled with men in mourning garments. The old + Curate seemed about to read the funeral service. Mumblazen, tricked out in + an antique dress, like an ancient herald, held aloft a scutcheon, with its + usual decorations of skulls, cross-bones, and hour-glasses, surrounding a + coat-of-arms, of which she could only distinguish that it was surmounted + with an Earl's coronet. The old man looked at her with a ghastly smile, + and said, "Amy, are they not rightly quartered?" Just as he spoke, the + horns again poured on her ear the melancholy yet wild strain of the MORT, + or death-note, and she awoke. + </p> + <p> + The Countess awoke to hear a real bugle-note, or rather the combined + breath of many bugles, sounding not the MORT. but the jolly REVEILLE, to + remind the inmates of the Castle of Kenilworth that the pleasures of the + day were to commence with a magnificent stag-hunting in the neighbouring + Chase. Amy started up from her couch, listened to the sound, saw the first + beams of the summer morning already twinkle through the lattice of her + window, and recollected, with feelings of giddy agony, where she was, and + how circumstanced. + </p> + <p> + "He thinks not of me," she said; "he will not come nigh me! A Queen is his + guest, and what cares he in what corner of his huge Castle a wretch like + me pines in doubt, which is fast fading into despair?" At once a sound at + the door, as of some one attempting to open it softly, filled her with an + ineffable mixture of joy and fear; and hastening to remove the obstacle + she had placed against the door, and to unlock it, she had the precaution + to ask! "Is it thou, my love?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my Countess," murmured a whisper in reply. + </p> + <p> + She threw open the door, and exclaiming, "Leicester!" flung her arms + around the neck of the man who stood without, muffled in his cloak. + </p> + <p> + "No—not quite Leicester," answered Michael Lambourne, for he it was, + returning the caress with vehemence—"not quite Leicester, my lovely + and most loving duchess, but as good a man." + </p> + <p> + With an exertion of force, of which she would at another time have thought + herself incapable, the Countess freed herself from the profane and + profaning grasp of the drunken debauchee, and retreated into the midst of + her apartment where despair gave her courage to make a stand. + </p> + <p> + As Lambourne, on entering, dropped the lap of his cloak from his face, she + knew Varney's profligate servant, the very last person, excepting his + detested master, by whom she would have wished to be discovered. But she + was still closely muffled in her travelling dress, and as Lambourne had + scarce ever been admitted to her presence at Cumnor Place, her person, she + hoped, might not be so well known to him as his was to her, owing to + Janet's pointing him frequently out as he crossed the court, and telling + stories of his wickedness. She might have had still greater confidence in + her disguise had her experience enabled her to discover that he was much + intoxicated; but this could scarce have consoled her for the risk which + she might incur from such a character in such a time, place, and + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Lambourne flung the door behind him as he entered, and folding his arms, + as if in mockery of the attitude of distraction into which Amy had thrown + herself, he proceeded thus: "Hark ye, most fair Calipolis—or most + lovely Countess of clouts, and divine Duchess of dark corners—if + thou takest all that trouble of skewering thyself together, like a trussed + fowl, that there may be more pleasure in the carving, even save thyself + the labour. I love thy first frank manner the best—-like thy present + as little"—(he made a step towards her, and staggered)—"as + little as—such a damned uneven floor as this, where a gentleman may + break his neck if he does not walk as upright as a posture-master on the + tight-rope." + </p> + <p> + "Stand back!" said the Countess; "do not approach nearer to me on thy + peril!" + </p> + <p> + "My peril!—and stand back! Why, how now, madam? Must you have a + better mate than honest Mike Lambourne? I have been in America, girl, + where the gold grows, and have brought off such a load on't—" + </p> + <p> + "Good friend," said the Countess, in great terror at the ruffian's + determined and audacious manner, "I prithee begone, and leave me." + </p> + <p> + "And so I will, pretty one, when we are tired of each other's company—not + a jot sooner." He seized her by the arm, while, incapable of further + defence, she uttered shriek upon shriek. "Nay, scream away if you like + it," said he, still holding her fast; "I have heard the sea at the + loudest, and I mind a squalling woman no more than a miauling kitten. Damn + me! I have heard fifty or a hundred screaming at once, when there was a + town stormed." + </p> + <p> + The cries of the Countess, however, brought unexpected aid in the person + of Lawrence Staples, who had heard her exclamations from his apartment + below, and entered in good time to save her from being discovered, if not + from more atrocious violence. Lawrence was drunk also from the debauch of + the preceding night, but fortunately his intoxication had taken a + different turn from that of Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "What the devil's noise is this in the ward?" he said. "What! man and + woman together in the same cell?—that is against rule. I will have + decency under my rule, by Saint Peter of the Fetters!" + </p> + <p> + "Get thee downstairs, thou drunken beast," said Lambourne; "seest thou not + the lady and I would be private?" + </p> + <p> + "Good sir, worthy sir!" said the Countess, addressing the jailer, "do but + save me from him, for the sake of mercy!" + </p> + <p> + "She speaks fairly," said the jailer, "and I will take her part. I love my + prisoners; and I have had as good prisoners under my key as they have had + in Newgate or the Compter. And so, being one of my lambkins, as I say, no + one shall disturb her in her pen-fold. So let go the woman: or I'll knock + your brains out with my keys." + </p> + <p> + "I'll make a blood-pudding of thy midriff first," answered Lambourne, + laying his left hand on his dagger, but still detaining the Countess by + the arm with his right. "So have at thee, thou old ostrich, whose only + living is upon a bunch of iron keys." + </p> + <p> + Lawrence raised the arm of Michael, and prevented him from drawing his + dagger; and as Lambourne struggled and strove to shake him off; the + Countess made a sudden exertion on her side, and slipping her hand out of + the glove on which the ruffian still kept hold, she gained her liberty, + and escaping from the apartment, ran downstairs; while at the same moment + she heard the two combatants fall on the floor with a noise which + increased her terror. The outer wicket offered no impediment to her + flight, having been opened for Lambourne's admittance; so that she + succeeded in escaping down the stair, and fled into the Pleasance, which + seemed to her hasty glance the direction in which she was most likely to + avoid pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Lawrence and Lambourne rolled on the floor of the apartment, + closely grappled together. Neither had, happily, opportunity to draw their + daggers; but Lawrence found space enough to clash his heavy keys across + Michael's face, and Michael in return grasped the turnkey so felly by the + throat that the blood gushed from nose and mouth, so that they were both + gory and filthy spectacles when one of the other officers of the + household, attracted by the noise of the fray, entered the room, and with + some difficulty effected the separation of the combatants. + </p> + <p> + "A murrain on you both," said the charitable mediator, "and especially on + you, Master Lambourne! What the fiend lie you here for, fighting on the + floor like two butchers' curs in the kennel of the shambles?" + </p> + <p> + Lambourne arose, and somewhat sobered by the interposition of a third + party, looked with something less than his usual brazen impudence of + visage. "We fought for a wench, an thou must know," was his reply. + </p> + <p> + "A wench! Where is she?" said the officer. + </p> + <p> + "Why, vanished, I think," said Lambourne, looking around him, "unless + Lawrence hath swallowed her, That filthy paunch of his devours as many + distressed damsels and oppressed orphans as e'er a giant in King Arthur's + history. They are his prime food; he worries them body, soul, and + substance." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay! It's no matter," said Lawrence, gathering up his huge, ungainly + form from the floor; "but I have had your betters, Master Michael + Lambourne, under the little turn of my forefinger and thumb, and I shall + have thee, before all's done, under my hatches. The impudence of thy brow + will not always save thy shin-bones from iron, and thy foul, thirsty + gullet from a hempen cord." The words were no sooner out of his mouth, + when Lambourne again made at him. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, go not to it again," said the sewer, "or I will call for him shall + tame you both, and that is Master Varney—Sir Richard, I mean. He is + stirring, I promise you; I saw him cross the court just now." + </p> + <p> + "Didst thou, by G—!" said Lambourne, seizing on the basin and ewer + which stood in the apartment. "Nay, then, element, do thy work. I thought + I had enough of thee last night, when I floated about for Orion, like a + cork on a fermenting cask of ale." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he fell to work to cleanse from his face and hands the signs of + the fray, and get his apparel into some order. + </p> + <p> + "What hast thou done to him?" said the sewer, speaking aside to the + jailer; "his face is fearfully swelled." + </p> + <p> + "It is but the imprint of the key of my cabinet—too good a mark for + his gallows-face. No man shall abuse or insult my prisoners; they are my + jewels, and I lock them in safe casket accordingly.—And so, + mistress, leave off your wailing.—Why! why, surely, there was a + woman here!" + </p> + <p> + "I think you are all mad this morning," said the sewer. "I saw no woman + here, nor no man neither in a proper sense, but only two beasts rolling on + the floor." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then I am undone," said the jailer; "the prison's broken, that is + all. Kenilworth prison is broken," he continued, in a tone of maudlin + lamentation, "which was the strongest jail betwixt this and the Welsh + Marches—ay, and a house that has had knights, and earls, and kings + sleeping in it, as secure as if they had been in the Tower of London. It + is broken, the prisoners fled, and the jailer in much danger of being + hanged!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he retreated down to his own den to conclude his lamentations, + or to sleep himself sober. Lambourne and the sewer followed him close; and + it was well for them, since the jailer, out of mere habit, was about to + lock the wicket after him, and had they not been within the reach of + interfering, they would have had the pleasure of being shut up in the + turret-chamber, from which the Countess had been just delivered. + </p> + <p> + That unhappy lady, as soon as she found herself at liberty, fled, as we + have already mentioned, into the Pleasance. She had seen this + richly-ornamented space of ground from the window of Mervyn's Tower; and + it occurred to her, at the moment of her escape, that among its numerous + arbours, bowers, fountains, statues, and grottoes, she might find some + recess in which she could lie concealed until she had an opportunity of + addressing herself to a protector, to whom she might communicate as much + as she dared of her forlorn situation, and through whose means she might + supplicate an interview with her husband. + </p> + <p> + "If I could see my guide," she thought, "I would learn if he had delivered + my letter. Even did I but see Tressilian, it were better to risk Dudley's + anger, by confiding my whole situation to one who is the very soul of + honour, than to run the hazard of further insult among the insolent + menials of this ill-ruled place. I will not again venture into an enclosed + apartment. I will wait, I will watch; amidst so many human beings there + must be some kind heart which can judge and compassionate what mine + endures." + </p> + <p> + In truth, more than one party entered and traversed the Pleasance. But + they were in joyous groups of four or five persons together, laughing and + jesting in their own fullness of mirth and lightness of heart. + </p> + <p> + The retreat which she had chosen gave her the easy alternative of avoiding + observation. It was but stepping back to the farthest recess of a grotto, + ornamented with rustic work and moss-seats, and terminated by a fountain, + and she might easily remain concealed, or at her pleasure discover herself + to any solitary wanderer whose curiosity might lead him to that romantic + retirement. Anticipating such an opportunity, she looked into the clear + basin which the silent fountain held up to her like a mirror, and felt + shocked at her own appearance, and doubtful at; the same time, muffled and + disfigured as her disguise made her seem to herself, whether any female + (and it was from the compassion of her own sex that she chiefly expected + sympathy) would engage in conference with so suspicious an object. + Reasoning thus like a woman, to whom external appearance is scarcely in + any circumstances a matter of unimportance, and like a beauty, who had + some confidence in the power of her own charms, she laid aside her + travelling cloak and capotaine hat, and placed them beside her, so that + she could assume them in an instant, ere one could penetrate from the + entrance of the grotto to its extremity, in case the intrusion of Varney + or of Lambourne should render such disguise necessary. The dress which she + wore under these vestments was somewhat of a theatrical cast, so as to + suit the assumed personage of one of the females who was to act in the + pageant, Wayland had found the means of arranging it thus upon the second + day of their journey, having experienced the service arising from the + assumption of such a character on the preceding day. The fountain, acting + both as a mirror and ewer, afforded Amy the means of a brief toilette, of + which she availed herself as hastily as possible; then took in her hand + her small casket of jewels, in case she might find them useful + intercessors, and retiring to the darkest and most sequestered nook, sat + down on a seat of moss, and awaited till fate should give her some chance + of rescue, or of propitiating an intercessor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Have you not seen the partridge quake, + Viewing the hawk approaching nigh? + She cuddles close beneath the brake, + Afraid to sit, afraid to fly, —PRIOR. +</pre> + <p> + It chanced, upon that memorable morning, that one of the earliest of the + huntress train, who appeared from her chamber in full array for the chase, + was the Princess for whom all these pleasures were instituted, England's + Maiden Queen. I know not if it were by chance, or out of the befitting + courtesy due to a mistress by whom he was so much honoured, that she had + scarcely made one step beyond the threshold of her chamber ere Leicester + was by her side, and proposed to her, until the preparations for the chase + had been completed, to view the Pleasance, and the gardens which it + connected with the Castle yard. + </p> + <p> + To this new scene of pleasures they walked, the Earl's arm affording his + Sovereign the occasional support which she required, where flights of + steps, then a favourite ornament in a garden, conducted them from terrace + to terrace, and from parterre to parterre. The ladies in attendance, + gifted with prudence, or endowed perhaps with the amiable desire of acting + as they would be done by, did not conceive their duty to the Queen's + person required them, though they lost not sight of her, to approach so + near as to share, or perhaps disturb, the conversation betwixt the Queen + and the Earl, who was not only her host, but also her most trusted, + esteemed, and favoured servant. They contented themselves with admiring + the grace of this illustrious couple, whose robes of state were now + exchanged for hunting suits, almost equally magnificent. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth's silvan dress, which was of a pale blue silk, with silver lace + and AIGUILLETTES, approached in form to that of the ancient Amazons, and + was therefore well suited at once to her height and to the dignity of her + mien, which her conscious rank and long habits of authority had rendered + in some degree too masculine to be seen to the best advantage in ordinary + female weeds. Leicester's hunting suit of Lincoln green, richly + embroidered with gold, and crossed by the gay baldric which sustained a + bugle-horn, and a wood-knife instead of a sword, became its master, as did + his other vestments of court or of war. For such were the perfections of + his form and mien, that Leicester was always supposed to be seen to the + greatest advantage in the character and dress which for the time he + represented or wore. + </p> + <p> + The conversation of Elizabeth and the favourite Earl has not reached us in + detail. But those who watched at some distance (and the eyes of courtiers + and court ladies are right sharp) were of opinion that on no occasion did + the dignity of Elizabeth, in gesture and motion, seem so decidedly to + soften away into a mien expressive of indecision and tenderness. Her step + was not only slow, but even unequal, a thing most unwonted in her + carriage; her looks seemed bent on the ground; and there was a timid + disposition to withdraw from her companion, which external gesture in + females often indicates exactly the opposite tendency in the secret mind. + The Duchess of Rutland, who ventured nearest, was even heard to aver that + she discerned a tear in Elizabeth's eye and a blush on her cheek; and + still further, "She bent her looks on the ground to avoid mine," said the + Duchess, "she who, in her ordinary mood, could look down a lion." To what + conclusion these symptoms led is sufficiently evident; nor were they + probably entirely groundless. The progress of a private conversation + betwixt two persons of different sexes is often decisive of their fate, + and gives it a turn very different perhaps from what they themselves + anticipated. Gallantry becomes mingled with conversation, and affection + and passion come gradually to mix with gallantry. Nobles, as well as + shepherd swains, will, in such a trying moment, say more than they + intended; and Queens, like village maidens, will listen longer than they + should. + </p> + <p> + Horses in the meanwhile neighed and champed the bits with impatience in + the base-court; hounds yelled in their couples; and yeomen, rangers, and + prickers lamented the exhaling of the dew, which would prevent the scent + from lying. But Leicester had another chase in view—or, to speak + more justly towards him, had become engaged in it without premeditation, + as the high-spirited hunter which follows the cry of the hounds that have + crossed his path by accident. The Queen, an accomplished and handsome + woman, the pride of England, the hope of France and Holland, and the dread + of Spain, had probably listened with more than usual favour to that + mixture of romantic gallantry with which she always loved to be addressed; + and the Earl had, in vanity, in ambition, or in both, thrown in more and + more of that delicious ingredient, until his importunity became the + language of love itself. + </p> + <p> + "No, Dudley," said Elizabeth, yet it was with broken accents—"no, I + must be the mother of my people. Other ties, that make the lowly maiden + happy, are denied to her Sovereign. No, Leicester, urge it no more. Were I + as others, free to seek my own happiness, then, indeed—but it cannot—cannot + be. Delay the chase—delay it for half an hour—and leave me, my + lord." + </p> + <p> + "How! leave you, madam?" said Leicester,—"has my madness offended + you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Leicester, not so!" answered the Queen hastily; "but it is madness, + and must not be repeated. Go—but go not far from hence; and meantime + let no one intrude on my privacy." + </p> + <p> + While she spoke thus, Dudley bowed deeply, and retired with a slow and + melancholy air. The Queen stood gazing after him, and murmured to herself, + "Were it possible—were it BUT possible!—but no—no; + Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of England alone." + </p> + <p> + As she spoke thus, and in order to avoid some one whose step she heard + approaching, the Queen turned into the grotto in which her hapless, and + yet but too successful, rival lay concealed. + </p> + <p> + The mind of England's Elizabeth, if somewhat shaken by the agitating + interview to which she had just put a period, was of that firm and decided + character which soon recovers its natural tone. It was like one of those + ancient Druidical monuments called Rocking-stones. The finger of Cupid, + boy as he is painted, could put her feelings in motion; but the power of + Hercules could not have destroyed their equilibrium. As she advanced with + a slow pace towards the inmost extremity of the grotto, her countenance, + ere she had proceeded half the length, had recovered its dignity of look, + and her mien its air of command. + </p> + <p> + It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure was placed beside, + or rather partly behind, an alabaster column, at the foot of which arose + the pellucid fountain which occupied the inmost recess of the twilight + grotto. The classical mind of Elizabeth suggested the story of Numa and + Egeria, and she doubted not that some Italian sculptor had here + represented the Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome. As she + advanced, she became doubtful whether she beheld a statue, or a form of + flesh and blood. The unfortunate Amy, indeed, remained motionless, betwixt + the desire which she had to make her condition known to one of her own + sex, and her awe for the stately form which approached her, and which, + though her eyes had never before beheld, her fears instantly suspected to + be the personage she really was. Amy had arisen from her seat with the + purpose of addressing the lady who entered the grotto alone, and, as she + at first thought, so opportunely. But when she recollected the alarm which + Leicester had expressed at the Queen's knowing aught of their union, and + became more and more satisfied that the person whom she now beheld was + Elizabeth herself, she stood with one foot advanced and one withdrawn, her + arms, head, and hands perfectly motionless, and her cheek as pallid as the + alabaster pedestal against which she leaned. Her dress was of pale + sea-green silk, little distinguished in that imperfect light, and somewhat + resembled the drapery of a Grecian Nymph, such an antique disguise having + been thought the most secure, where so many maskers and revellers were + assembled; so that the Queen's doubt of her being a living form was well + justified by all contingent circumstances, as well as by the bloodless + cheek and the fixed eye. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth remained in doubt, even after she had approached within a few + paces, whether she did not gaze on a statue so cunningly fashioned that by + the doubtful light it could not be distinguished from reality. She + stopped, therefore, and fixed upon this interesting object her princely + look with so much keenness that the astonishment which had kept Amy + immovable gave way to awe, and she gradually cast down her eyes, and + drooped her head under the commanding gaze of the Sovereign. Still, + however, she remained in all respects, saving this slow and profound + inclination of the head, motionless and silent. + </p> + <p> + From her dress, and the casket which she instinctively held in her hand, + Elizabeth naturally conjectured that the beautiful but mute figure which + she beheld was a performer in one of the various theatrical pageants which + had been placed in different situations to surprise her with their homage; + and that the poor player, overcome with awe at her presence, had either + forgot the part assigned her, or lacked courage to go through it. It was + natural and courteous to give her some encouragement; and Elizabeth + accordingly said, in a tone of condescending kindness, "How now, fair + Nymph of this lovely grotto, art thou spell-bound and struck with dumbness + by the charms of the wicked enchanter whom men term Fear? We are his sworn + enemy, maiden, and can reverse his charm. Speak, we command thee." + </p> + <p> + Instead of answering her by speech, the unfortunate Countess dropped on + her knee before the Queen, let her casket fall from her hand, and clasping + her palms together, looked up in the Queen's face with such a mixed agony + of fear and supplication, that Elizabeth was considerably affected. + </p> + <p> + "What may this mean?" she said; "this is a stronger passion than befits + the occasion. Stand up, damsel—what wouldst thou have with us?" + </p> + <p> + "Your protection, madam," faltered forth the unhappy petitioner. + </p> + <p> + "Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy of it," replied the + Queen; "but your distress seems to have a deeper root than a forgotten + task. Why, and in what, do you crave our protection?" + </p> + <p> + Amy hastily endeavoured to recall what she were best to say, which might + secure herself from the imminent dangers that surrounded her, without + endangering her husband; and plunging from one thought to another, amidst + the chaos which filled her mind, she could at length, in answer to the + Queen's repeated inquiries in what she sought protection, only falter out, + "Alas! I know not." + </p> + <p> + "This is folly, maiden," said Elizabeth impatiently; for there was + something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant which irritated her + curiosity, as well as interested her feelings. "The sick man must tell his + malady to the physician; nor are WE accustomed to ask questions so oft + without receiving an answer." + </p> + <p> + "I request—I implore," stammered forth the unfortunate Countess—"I + beseech your gracious protection—against—against one Varney." + She choked well-nigh as she uttered the fatal word, which was instantly + caught up by the Queen. + </p> + <p> + "What, Varney—Sir Richard Varney—the servant of Lord + Leicester! what, damsel, are you to him, or he to you?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I—was his prisoner—and he practised on my life—and + I broke forth to—to—" + </p> + <p> + "To throw thyself on my protection, doubtless," said Elizabeth. "Thou + shalt have it—that is, if thou art worthy; for we will sift this + matter to the uttermost. Thou art," she said, bending on the Countess an + eye which seemed designed to pierce her very inmost soul—"thou art + Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart of Lidcote Hall?" + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me—forgive me, most gracious Princess!" said Amy, dropping + once more on her knee, from which she had arisen. + </p> + <p> + "For what should I forgive thee, silly wench?" said Elizabeth; "for being + the daughter of thine own father? Thou art brain-sick, surely. Well I see + I must wring the story from thee by inches. Thou didst deceive thine old + and honoured father—thy look confesses it—cheated Master + Tressilian—thy blush avouches it—and married this same + Varney." + </p> + <p> + Amy sprung on her feet, and interrupted the Queen eagerly with, "No, + madam, no! as there is a God above us, I am not the sordid wretch you + would make me! I am not the wife of that contemptible slave—of that + most deliberate villain! I am not the wife of Varney! I would rather be + the bride of Destruction!" + </p> + <p> + The Queen, overwhelmed in her turn by Amy's vehemence, stood silent for an + instant, and then replied, "Why, God ha' mercy, woman! I see thou canst + talk fast enough when the theme likes thee. Nay, tell me, woman," she + continued, for to the impulse of curiosity was now added that of an + undefined jealousy that some deception had been practised on her—"tell + me, woman—for, by God's day, I WILL know—whose wife, or whose + paramour, art thou! Speak out, and be speedy. Thou wert better dally with + a lioness than with Elizabeth." + </p> + <p> + Urged to this extremity, dragged as it were by irresistible force to the + verge of the precipice which she saw, but could not avoid—permitted + not a moment's respite by the eager words and menacing gestures of the + offended Queen, Amy at length uttered in despair, "The Earl of Leicester + knows it all." + </p> + <p> + "The Earl of Leicester!" said Elizabeth, in utter astonishment. "The Earl + of Leicester!" she repeated with kindling anger. "Woman, thou art set on + to this—thou dost belie him—he takes no keep of such things as + thou art. Thou art suborned to slander the noblest lord and the + truest-hearted gentleman in England! But were he the right hand of our + trust, or something yet dearer to us, thou shalt have thy hearing, and + that in his presence. Come with me—come with me instantly!" + </p> + <p> + As Amy shrunk back with terror, which the incensed Queen interpreted as + that of conscious guilt, Elizabeth rapidly advanced, seized on her arm, + and hastened with swift and long steps out of the grotto, and along the + principal alley of the Pleasance, dragging with her the terrified + Countess, whom she still held by the arm, and whose utmost exertions could + but just keep pace with those of the indignant Queen. + </p> + <p> + Leicester was at this moment the centre of a splendid group of lords and + ladies, assembled together under an arcade, or portico, which closed the + alley. The company had drawn together in that place, to attend the + commands of her Majesty when the hunting-party should go forward, and + their astonishment may be imagined when, instead of seeing Elizabeth + advance towards them with her usual measured dignity of motion, they + beheld her walking so rapidly that she was in the midst of them ere they + were aware; and then observed, with fear and surprise, that her features + were flushed betwixt anger and agitation, that her hair was loosened by + her haste of motion, and that her eyes sparkled as they were wont when the + spirit of Henry VIII. mounted highest in his daughter. Nor were they less + astonished at the appearance of the pale, attenuated, half-dead, yet still + lovely female, whom the Queen upheld by main strength with one hand, while + with the other she waved aside the ladies and nobles who pressed towards + her, under the idea that she was taken suddenly ill. "Where is my Lord of + Leicester?" she said, in a tone that thrilled with astonishment all the + courtiers who stood around. "Stand forth, my Lord of Leicester!" + </p> + <p> + If, in the midst of the most serene day of summer, when all is light and + laughing around, a thunderbolt were to fall from the clear blue vault of + heaven, and rend the earth at the very feet of some careless traveller, he + could not gaze upon the smouldering chasm, which so unexpectedly yawned + before him, with half the astonishment and fear which Leicester felt at + the sight that so suddenly presented itself. He had that instant been + receiving, with a political affectation of disavowing and misunderstanding + their meaning, the half-uttered, half-intimated congratulations of the + courtiers upon the favour of the Queen, carried apparently to its highest + pitch during the interview of that morning, from which most of them seemed + to augur that he might soon arise from their equal in rank to become their + master. And now, while the subdued yet proud smile with which he + disclaimed those inferences was yet curling his cheek, the Queen shot into + the circle, her passions excited to the uttermost; and supporting with one + hand, and apparently without an effort, the pale and sinking form of his + almost expiring wife, and pointing with the finger of the other to her + half-dead features, demanded in a voice that sounded to the ears of the + astounded statesman like the last dread trumpet-call that is to summon + body and spirit to the judgment-seat, "Knowest thou this woman?" + </p> + <p> + As, at the blast of that last trumpet, the guilty shall call upon the + mountains to cover them, Leicester's inward thoughts invoked the stately + arch which he had built in his pride to burst its strong conjunction, and + overwhelm them in its ruins. But the cemented stones, architrave and + battlement, stood fast; and it was the proud master himself who, as if + some actual pressure had bent him to the earth, kneeled down before + Elizabeth, and prostrated his brow to the marble flag-stones on which she + stood. + </p> + <p> + "Leicester," said Elizabeth, in a voice which trembled with passion, + "could I think thou hast practised on me—on me thy Sovereign—on + me thy confiding, thy too partial mistress, the base and ungrateful + deception which thy present confusion surmises—by all that is holy, + false lord, that head of thine were in as great peril as ever was thy + father's!" + </p> + <p> + Leicester had not conscious innocence, but he had pride to support him. He + raised slowly his brow and features, which were black and swoln with + contending emotions, and only replied, "My head cannot fall but by the + sentence of my peers. To them I will plead, and not to a princess who thus + requites my faithful service." + </p> + <p> + "What! my lords," said Elizabeth, looking around, "we are defied, I think—defied + in the Castle we have ourselves bestowed on this proud man!—My Lord + Shrewsbury, you are Marshal of England, attach him of high treason." + </p> + <p> + "Whom does your Grace mean?" said Shrewsbury, much surprised, for he had + that instant joined the astonished circle. + </p> + <p> + "Whom should I mean, but that traitor Dudley, Earl of Leicester!—Cousin + of Hunsdon, order out your band of gentlemen pensioners, and take him into + instant custody. I say, villain, make haste!" + </p> + <p> + Hunsdon, a rough old noble, who, from his relationship to the Boleyns, was + accustomed to use more freedom with the Queen than almost any other dared + to do, replied bluntly, "And it is like your Grace might order me to the + Tower to-morrow for making too much haste. I do beseech you to be + patient." + </p> + <p> + "Patient—God's life!" exclaimed the Queen—"name not the word + to me; thou knowest not of what he is guilty!" + </p> + <p> + Amy, who had by this time in some degree recovered herself, and who saw + her husband, as she conceived, in the utmost danger from the rage of an + offended Sovereign, instantly (and alas! how many women have done the + same) forgot her own wrongs and her own danger in her apprehensions for + him, and throwing herself before the Queen, embraced her knees, while she + exclaimed, "He is guiltless, madam—he is guiltless; no one can lay + aught to the charge of the noble Leicester!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, minion," answered the Queen, "didst not thou thyself say that the + Earl of Leicester was privy to thy whole history?" + </p> + <p> + "Did I say so?" repeated the unhappy Amy, laying aside every consideration + of consistency and of self-interest. "Oh, if I did, I foully belied him. + May God so judge me, as I believe he was never privy to a thought that + would harm me!" + </p> + <p> + "Woman!" said Elizabeth, "I will know who has moved thee to this; or my + wrath—and the wrath of kings is a flaming fire—shall wither + and consume thee like a weed in the furnace!" + </p> + <p> + As the Queen uttered this threat, Leicester's better angel called his + pride to his aid, and reproached him with the utter extremity of meanness + which would overwhelm him for ever if he stooped to take shelter under the + generous interposition of his wife, and abandoned her, in return for her + kindness, to the resentment of the Queen. He had already raised his head + with the dignity of a man of honour to avow his marriage, and proclaim + himself the protector of his Countess, when Varney, born, as it appeared, + to be his master's evil genius, rushed into the presence with every mark + of disorder on his face and apparel. + </p> + <p> + "What means this saucy intrusion?" said Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + Varney, with the air of a man altogether overwhelmed with grief and + confusion, prostrated himself before her feet, exclaiming, "Pardon, my + Liege, pardon!—or at least let your justice avenge itself on me, + where it is due; but spare my noble, my generous, my innocent patron and + master!" + </p> + <p> + Amy, who was yet kneeling, started up as she saw the man whom she deemed + most odious place himself so near her, and was about to fly towards + Leicester, when, checked at once by the uncertainty and even timidity + which his looks had reassumed as soon as the appearance of his confidant + seemed to open a new scene, she hung back, and uttering a faint scream, + besought of her Majesty to cause her to be imprisoned in the lowest + dungeon of the Castle—to deal with her as the worst of criminals—"but + spare," she exclaimed, "my sight and hearing what will destroy the little + judgment I have left—the sight of that unutterable and most + shameless villain!" + </p> + <p> + "And why, sweetheart?" said the Queen, moved by a new impulse; "what hath + he, this false knight, since such thou accountest him, done to thee?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, worse than sorrow, madam, and worse than injury—he has sown + dissension where most there should be peace. I shall go mad if I look + longer on him!" + </p> + <p> + "Beshrew me, but I think thou art distraught already," answered the Queen.—"My + Lord Hunsdon, look to this poor distressed young woman, and let her be + safely bestowed, and in honest keeping, till we require her to be + forthcoming." + </p> + <p> + Two or three of the ladies in attendance, either moved by compassion for a + creature so interesting, or by some other motive, offered their services + to look after her; but the Queen briefly answered, "Ladies, under favour, + no. You have all (give God thanks) sharp ears and nimble tongues; our + kinsman Hunsdon has ears of the dullest, and a tongue somewhat rough, but + yet of the slowest.—Hunsdon, look to it that none have speech of + her." + </p> + <p> + "By Our Lady," said Hunsdon, taking in his strong, sinewy arms the fading + and almost swooning form of Amy, "she is a lovely child! and though a + rough nurse, your Grace hath given her a kind one. She is safe with me as + one of my own ladybirds of daughters." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he carried her off; unresistingly and almost unconsciously, his + war-worn locks and long, grey beard mingling with her light-brown tresses, + as her head reclined on his strong, square shoulder. The Queen followed + him with her eye. She had already, with that self-command which forms so + necessary a part of a Sovereign's accomplishments, suppressed every + appearance of agitation, and seemed as if she desired to banish all traces + of her burst of passion from the recollection of those who had witnessed + it. "My Lord of Hunsdon says well," she observed, "he is indeed but a + rough nurse for so tender a babe." + </p> + <p> + "My Lord of Hunsdon," said the Dean of St. Asaph—"I speak it not in + defamation of his more noble qualities—hath a broad license in + speech, and garnishes his discourse somewhat too freely with the cruel and + superstitious oaths which savour both of profaneness and of old + Papistrie." + </p> + <p> + "It is the fault of his blood, Mr. Dean," said the Queen, turning sharply + round upon the reverend dignitary as she spoke; "and you may blame mine + for the same distemperature. The Boleyns were ever a hot and plain-spoken + race, more hasty to speak their mind than careful to choose their + expressions. And by my word—I hope there is no sin in that + affirmation—I question if it were much cooled by mixing with that of + Tudor." + </p> + <p> + As she made this last observation she smiled graciously, and stole her + eyes almost insensibly round to seek those of the Earl of Leicester, to + whom she now began to think she had spoken with hasty harshness upon the + unfounded suspicion of a moment. + </p> + <p> + The Queen's eye found the Earl in no mood to accept the implied offer of + conciliation. His own looks had followed, with late and rueful repentance, + the faded form which Hunsdon had just borne from the presence. They now + reposed gloomily on the ground, but more—so at least it seemed to + Elizabeth—with the expression of one who has received an unjust + affront, than of him who is conscious of guilt. She turned her face + angrily from him, and said to Varney, "Speak, Sir Richard, and explain + these riddles—thou hast sense and the use of speech, at least, which + elsewhere we look for in vain." + </p> + <p> + As she said this, she darted another resentful glance towards Leicester, + while the wily Varney hastened to tell his own story. + </p> + <p> + "Your Majesty's piercing eye," he said, "has already detected the cruel + malady of my beloved lady, which, unhappy that I am, I would not suffer to + be expressed in the certificate of her physician, seeking to conceal what + has now broken out with so much the more scandal." + </p> + <p> + "She is then distraught?" said the Queen. "Indeed we doubted not of it; + her whole demeanour bears it out. I found her moping in a corner of yonder + grotto; and every word she spoke—which indeed I dragged from her as + by the rack—she instantly recalled and forswore. But how came she + hither? Why had you her not in safe-keeping?" + </p> + <p> + "My gracious Liege," said Varney, "the worthy gentleman under whose charge + I left her, Master Anthony Foster, has come hither but now, as fast as man + and horse can travel, to show me of her escape, which she managed with the + art peculiar to many who are afflicted with this malady. He is at hand for + examination." + </p> + <p> + "Let it be for another time," said the Queen. "But, Sir Richard, we envy + you not your domestic felicity; your lady railed on you bitterly, and + seemed ready to swoon at beholding you." + </p> + <p> + "It is the nature of persons in her disorder, so please your Grace," + answered Varney, "to be ever most inveterate in their spleen against those + whom, in their better moments, they hold nearest and dearest." + </p> + <p> + "We have heard so, indeed," said Elizabeth, "and give faith to the + saying." + </p> + <p> + "May your Grace then be pleased," said Varney, "to command my unfortunate + wife to be delivered into the custody of her friends?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester partly started; but making a strong effort, he subdued his + emotion, while Elizabeth answered sharply, "You are something too hasty, + Master Varney. We will have first a report of the lady's health and state + of mind from Masters, our own physician, and then determine what shall be + thought just. You shall have license, however, to see her, that if there + be any matrimonial quarrel betwixt you—such things we have heard do + occur, even betwixt a loving couple—you may make it up, without + further scandal to our court or trouble to ourselves." + </p> + <p> + Varney bowed low, and made no other answer. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth again looked towards Leicester, and said, with a degree of + condescension which could only arise out of the most heartfelt interest, + "Discord, as the Italian poet says, will find her way into peaceful + convents, as well as into the privacy of families; and we fear our own + guards and ushers will hardly exclude her from courts. My Lord of + Leicester, you are offended with us, and we have right to be offended with + you. We will take the lion's part upon us, and be the first to forgive." + </p> + <p> + Leicester smoothed his brow, as by an effort; but the trouble was too + deep-seated that its placidity should at once return. He said, however, + that which fitted the occasion, "That he could not have the happiness of + forgiving, because she who commanded him to do so could commit no injury + towards him." + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth seemed content with this reply, and intimated her pleasure that + the sports of the morning should proceed. The bugles sounded, the hounds + bayed, the horses pranced—but the courtiers and ladies sought the + amusement to which they were summoned with hearts very different from + those which had leaped to the morning's REVIELLE. There was doubt, and + fear, and expectation on every brow, and surmise and intrigue in every + whisper. + </p> + <p> + Blount took an opportunity to whisper into Raleigh's ear, "This storm came + like a levanter in the Mediterranean." + </p> + <p> + "VARIUM ET MUTABILE," answered Raleigh, in a similar tone. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, I know nought of your Latin," said Blount; "but I thank God + Tressilian took not the sea during that hurricane. He could scarce have + missed shipwreck, knowing as he does so little how to trim his sails to a + court gale." + </p> + <p> + "Thou wouldst have instructed him!" said Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I have profited by my time as well as thou, Sir Walter," replied + honest Blount. "I am knight as well as thou, and of the earlier creation." + </p> + <p> + "Now, God further thy wit," said Raleigh. "But for Tressilian, I would I + knew what were the matter with him. He told me this morning he would not + leave his chamber for the space of twelve hours or thereby, being bound by + a promise. This lady's madness, when he shall learn it, will not, I fear, + cure his infirmity. The moon is at the fullest, and men's brains are + working like yeast. But hark! they sound to mount. Let us to horse, + Blount; we young knights must deserve our spurs." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sincerity, + Thou first of virtues! let no mortal leave + Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, + And from the gulf of hell destruction cry, + To take dissimulation's winding way. —DOUGLAS. +</pre> + <p> + It was not till after a long and successful morning's sport, and a + prolonged repast which followed the return of the Queen to the Castle, + that Leicester at length found himself alone with Varney, from whom he now + learned the whole particulars of the Countess's escape, as they had been + brought to Kenilworth by Foster, who, in his terror for the consequences, + had himself posted thither with the tidings. As Varney, in his narrative, + took especial care to be silent concerning those practices on the + Countess's health which had driven her to so desperate a resolution, + Leicester, who could only suppose that she had adopted it out of jealous + impatience to attain the avowed state and appearance belonging to her + rank, was not a little offended at the levity with which his wife had + broken his strict commands, and exposed him to the resentment of + Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + "I have given," he said, "to this daughter of an obscure Devonshire + gentleman the proudest name in England. I have made her sharer of my bed + and of my fortunes. I ask but of her a little patience, ere she launches + forth upon the full current of her grandeur; and the infatuated woman will + rather hazard her own shipwreck and mine—will rather involve me in a + thousand whirlpools, shoals, and quicksands, and compel me to a thousand + devices which shame me in mine own eyes—than tarry for a little + space longer in the obscurity to which she was born. So lovely, so + delicate, so fond, so faithful, yet to lack in so grave a matter the + prudence which one might hope from the veriest fool—it puts me + beyond my patience." + </p> + <p> + "We may post it over yet well enough," said Varney, "if my lady will be + but ruled, and take on her the character which the time commands." + </p> + <p> + "It is but too true, Sir Richard," said Leicester; "there is indeed no + other remedy. I have heard her termed thy wife in my presence, without + contradiction. She must bear the title until she is far from Kenilworth." + </p> + <p> + "And long afterwards, I trust," said Varney; then instantly added, "For I + cannot but hope it will be long after ere she bear the title of Lady + Leicester—I fear me it may scarce be with safety during the life of + this Queen. But your lordship is best judge, you alone knowing what + passages have taken place betwixt Elizabeth and you." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Varney," said Leicester. "I have this morning been both + fool and villain; and when Elizabeth hears of my unhappy marriage, she + cannot but think herself treated with that premeditated slight which women + never forgive. We have once this day stood upon terms little short of + defiance; and to those, I fear, we must again return." + </p> + <p> + "Is her resentment, then, so implacable?" said Varney. + </p> + <p> + "Far from it," replied the Earl; "for, being what she is in spirit and in + station, she has even this day been but too condescending, in giving me + opportunities to repair what she thinks my faulty heat of temper." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," answered Varney; "the Italians say right—in lovers' quarrels, + the party that loves most is always most willing to acknowledge the + greater fault. So then, my lord, if this union with the lady could be + concealed, you stand with Elizabeth as you did?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester sighed, and was silent for a moment, ere he replied. + </p> + <p> + "Varney, I think thou art true to me, and I will tell thee all. I do NOT + stand where I did. I have spoken to Elizabeth—under what mad impulse + I know not—on a theme which cannot be abandoned without touching + every female feeling to the quick, and which yet I dare not and cannot + prosecute. She can never, never forgive me for having caused and witnessed + those yieldings to human passion." + </p> + <p> + "We must do something, my lord," said Varney, "and that speedily." + </p> + <p> + "There is nought to be done," answered Leicester, despondingly. "I am like + one that has long toiled up a dangerous precipice, and when he is within + one perilous stride of the top, finds his progress arrested when retreat + has become impossible. I see above me the pinnacle which I cannot reach—beneath + me the abyss into which I must fall, as soon as my relaxing grasp and + dizzy brain join to hurl me from my present precarious stance." + </p> + <p> + "Think better of your situation, my lord," said Varney; "let us try the + experiment in which you have but now acquiesced. Keep we your marriage + from Elizabeth's knowledge, and all may yet be well. I will instantly go + to the lady myself. She hates me, because I have been earnest with your + lordship, as she truly suspects, in opposition to what she terms her + rights. I care not for her prejudices—she SHALL listen to me; and I + will show her such reasons for yielding to the pressure of the times that + I doubt not to bring back her consent to whatever measures these + exigencies may require." + </p> + <p> + "No, Varney," said Leicester; "I have thought upon what is to be done, and + I will myself speak with Amy." + </p> + <p> + It was now Varney's turn to feel upon his own account the terrors which he + affected to participate solely on account of his patron. "Your lordship + will not yourself speak with the lady?" + </p> + <p> + "It is my fixed purpose," said Leicester. "Fetch me one of the + livery-cloaks; I will pass the sentinel as thy servant. Thou art to have + free access to her." + </p> + <p> + "But, my lord—" + </p> + <p> + "I will have no BUTS," replied Leicester; "it shall be even thus, and not + otherwise. Hunsdon sleeps, I think, in Saintlowe's Tower. We can go + thither from these apartments by the private passage, without risk of + meeting any one. Or what if I do meet Hunsdon? he is more my friend than + enemy, and thick-witted enough to adopt any belief that is thrust on him. + Fetch me the cloak instantly." + </p> + <p> + Varney had no alternative save obedience. In a few minutes Leicester was + muffled in the mantle, pulled his bonnet over his brows, and followed + Varney along the secret passage of the Castle which communicated with + Hunsdon's apartments, in which there was scarce a chance of meeting any + inquisitive person, and hardly light enough for any such to have satisfied + their curiosity. They emerged at a door where Lord Hunsdon had, with + military precaution, placed a sentinel, one of his own northern retainers + as it fortuned, who readily admitted Sir Richard Varney and his attendant, + saying only, in his northern dialect, "I would, man, thou couldst make the + mad lady be still yonder; for her moans do sae dirl through my head that I + would rather keep watch on a snowdrift, in the wastes of Catlowdie." + </p> + <p> + They hastily entered, and shut the door behind them. + </p> + <p> + "Now, good devil, if there be one," said Varney, within himself, "for once + help a votary at a dead pinch, for my boat is amongst the breakers!" + </p> + <p> + The Countess Amy, with her hair and her garments dishevelled, was seated + upon a sort of couch, in an attitude of the deepest affliction, out of + which she was startled by the opening of the door. She turned hastily + round, and fixing her eye on Varney, exclaimed, "Wretch! art thou come to + frame some new plan of villainy?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester cut short her reproaches by stepping forward and dropping his + cloak, while he said, in a voice rather of authority than of affection, + "It is with me, madam, you have to commune, not with Sir Richard Varney." + </p> + <p> + The change effected on the Countess's look and manner was like magic. + "Dudley!" she exclaimed, "Dudley! and art thou come at last?" And with the + speed of lightning she flew to her husband, clung round his neck, and + unheeding the presence of Varney, overwhelmed him with caresses, while she + bathed his face in a flood of tears, muttering, at the same time, but in + broken and disjointed monosyllables, the fondest expressions which Love + teaches his votaries. + </p> + <p> + Leicester, as it seemed to him, had reason to be angry with his lady for + transgressing his commands, and thus placing him in the perilous situation + in which he had that morning stood. But what displeasure could keep its + ground before these testimonies of affection from a being so lovely, that + even the negligence of dress, and the withering effects of fear, grief, + and fatigue, which would have impaired the beauty of others, rendered hers + but the more interesting. He received and repaid her caresses with + fondness mingled with melancholy, the last of which she seemed scarcely to + observe, until the first transport of her own joy was over, when, looking + anxiously in his face, she asked if he was ill. + </p> + <p> + "Not in my body, Amy," was his answer. + </p> + <p> + "Then I will be well too. O Dudley! I have been ill!—very ill, since + we last met!—for I call not this morning's horrible vision a + meeting. I have been in sickness, in grief, and in danger. But thou art + come, and all is joy, and health, and safety!" + </p> + <p> + "Alas, Amy," said Leicester, "thou hast undone me!" + </p> + <p> + "I, my lord?" said Amy, her cheek at once losing its transient flush of + joy—"how could I injure that which I love better than myself?" + </p> + <p> + "I would not upbraid you, Amy," replied the Earl; "but are you not here + contrary to my express commands—and does not your presence here + endanger both yourself and me?" + </p> + <p> + "Does it, does it indeed?" she exclaimed eagerly; "then why am I here a + moment longer? Oh, if you knew by what fears I was urged to quit Cumnor + Place! But I will say nothing of myself—only that if it might be + otherwise, I would not willingly return THITHER; yet if it concern your + safety—" + </p> + <p> + "We will think, Amy, of some other retreat," said Leicester; "and you + shall go to one of my northern castles, under the personage—it will + be but needful, I trust, for a very few days—of Varney's wife." + </p> + <p> + "How, my Lord of Leicester!" said the lady, disengaging herself from his + embraces; "is it to your wife you give the dishonourable counsel to + acknowledge herself the bride of another—and of all men, the bride + of that Varney?" + </p> + <p> + "Madam, I speak it in earnest—Varney is my true and faithful + servant, trusted in my deepest secrets. I had better lose my right hand + than his service at this moment. You have no cause to scorn him as you + do." + </p> + <p> + "I could assign one, my lord," replied the Countess; "and I see he shakes + even under that assured look of his. But he that is necessary as your + right hand to your safety is free from any accusation of mine. May he be + true to you; and that he may be true, trust him not too much or too far. + But it is enough to say that I will not go with him unless by violence, + nor would I acknowledge him as my husband were all—" + </p> + <p> + "It is a temporary deception, madam," said Leicester, irritated by her + opposition, "necessary for both our safeties, endangered by you through + female caprice, or the premature desire to seize on a rank to which I gave + you title only under condition that our marriage, for a time, should + continue secret. If my proposal disgust you, it is yourself has brought it + on both of us. There is no other remedy—you must do what your own + impatient folly hath rendered necessary—I command you." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot put your commands, my lord," said Amy, "in balance with those of + honour and conscience. I will NOT, in this instance, obey you. You may + achieve your own dishonour, to which these crooked policies naturally + tend, but I will do nought that can blemish mine. How could you again, my + lord, acknowledge me as a pure and chaste matron, worthy to share your + fortunes, when, holding that high character, I had strolled the country + the acknowledged wife of such a profligate fellow as your servant Varney?" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Varney interposing, "my lady is too much prejudiced + against me, unhappily, to listen to what I can offer, yet it may please + her better than what she proposes. She has good interest with Master + Edmund Tressilian, and could doubtless prevail on him to consent to be her + companion to Lidcote Hall, and there she might remain in safety until time + permitted the development of this mystery." + </p> + <p> + Leicester was silent, but stood looking eagerly on Amy, with eyes which + seemed suddenly to glow as much with suspicion as displeasure. + </p> + <p> + The Countess only said, "Would to God I were in my father's house! When I + left it, I little thought I was leaving peace of mind and honour behind + me." + </p> + <p> + Varney proceeded with a tone of deliberation. "Doubtless this will make it + necessary to take strangers into my lord's counsels; but surely the + Countess will be warrant for the honour of Master Tressilian, and such of + her father's family—" + </p> + <p> + "Peace, Varney," said Leicester; "by Heaven I will strike my dagger into + thee if again thou namest Tressilian as a partner of my counsels!" + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore not!" said the Countess; "unless they be counsels fitter + for such as Varney, than for a man of stainless honour and integrity. My + lord, my lord, bend no angry brows on me; it is the truth, and it is I who + speak it. I once did Tressilian wrong for your sake; I will not do him the + further injustice of being silent when his honour is brought in question. + I can forbear," she said, looking at Varney, "to pull the mask off + hypocrisy, but I will not permit virtue to be slandered in my hearing." + </p> + <p> + There was a dead pause. Leicester stood displeased, yet undetermined, and + too conscious of the weakness of his cause; while Varney, with a deep and + hypocritical affectation of sorrow, mingled with humility, bent his eyes + on the ground. + </p> + <p> + It was then that the Countess Amy displayed, in the midst of distress and + difficulty, the natural energy of character which would have rendered her, + had fate allowed, a distinguished ornament of the rank which she held. She + walked up to Leicester with a composed step, a dignified air, and looks in + which strong affection essayed in vain to shake the firmness of conscious, + truth and rectitude of principle. "You have spoken your mind, my lord," + she said, "in these difficulties, with which, unhappily, I have found + myself unable to comply. This gentleman—this person I would say—has + hinted at another scheme, to which I object not but as it displeases you. + Will your lordship be pleased to hear what a young and timid woman, but + your most affectionate wife, can suggest in the present extremity?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester was silent, but bent his head towards the Countess, as an + intimation that she was at liberty to proceed. + </p> + <p> + "There hath been but one cause for all these evils, my lord," she + proceeded, "and it resolves itself into the mysterious duplicity with + which you, have been induced to surround yourself. Extricate yourself at + once, my lord, from the tyranny of these disgraceful trammels. Be like a + true English gentleman, knight, and earl, who holds that truth is the + foundation of honour, and that honour is dear to him as the breath of his + nostrils. Take your ill-fated wife by the hand, lead her to the footstool + of Elizabeth's throne—say that in a moment of infatuation, moved by + supposed beauty, of which none perhaps can now trace even the remains, I + gave my hand to this Amy Robsart. You will then have done justice to me, + my lord, and to your own honour and should law or power require you to + part from me, I will oppose no objection, since I may then with honour + hide a grieved and broken heart in those shades from which your love + withdrew me. Then—have but a little patience, and Amy's life will + not long darken your brighter prospects." + </p> + <p> + There was so much of dignity, so much of tenderness, in the Countess's + remonstrance, that it moved all that was noble and generous in the soul of + her husband. The scales seemed to fall from his eyes, and the duplicity + and tergiversation of which he had been guilty stung him at once with + remorse and shame. + </p> + <p> + "I am not worthy of you, Amy," he said, "that could weigh aught which + ambition has to give against such a heart as thine. I have a bitter + penance to perform, in disentangling, before sneering foes and astounded + friends, all the meshes of my own deceitful policy. And the Queen—but + let her take my head, as she has threatened." + </p> + <p> + "Take your head, my lord!" said the Countess, "because you used the + freedom and liberty of an English subject in choosing a wife? For shame! + it is this distrust of the Queen's justice, this apprehension of danger, + which cannot but be imaginary, that, like scarecrows, have induced you to + forsake the straightforward path, which, as it is the best, is also the + safest." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Amy, thou little knowest!" said Dudley but instantly checking + himself, he added, "Yet she shall not find in me a safe or easy victim of + arbitrary vengeance. I have friends—I have allies—I will not, + like Norfolk, be dragged to the block as a victim to sacrifice. Fear not, + Amy; thou shalt see Dudley bear himself worthy of his name. I must + instantly communicate with some of those friends on whom I can best rely; + for, as things stand, I may be made prisoner in my own Castle." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my good lord," said Amy, "make no faction in a peaceful state! There + is no friend can help us so well as our own candid truth and honour. Bring + but these to our assistance, and you are safe amidst a whole army of the + envious and malignant. Leave these behind you, and all other defence will + be fruitless. Truth, my noble lord, is well painted unarmed." + </p> + <p> + "But Wisdom, Amy," answered Leicester, "is arrayed in panoply of proof. + Argue not with me on the means I shall use to render my confession—since + it must be called so—as safe as may be; it will be fraught with + enough of danger, do what we will.—Varney, we must hence.—Farewell, + Amy, whom I am to vindicate as mine own, at an expense and risk of which + thou alone couldst be worthy. You shall soon hear further from me." + </p> + <p> + He embraced her fervently, muffled himself as before, and accompanied + Varney from the apartment. The latter, as he left the room, bowed low, and + as he raised his body, regarded Amy with a peculiar expression, as if he + desired to know how far his own pardon was included in the reconciliation + which had taken place betwixt her and her lord. The Countess looked upon + him with a fixed eye, but seemed no more conscious of his presence than if + there had been nothing but vacant air on the spot where he stood. + </p> + <p> + "She has brought me to the crisis," he muttered—"she or I am lost. + There was something—I wot not if it was fear or pity—that + prompted me to avoid this fatal crisis. It is now decided—she or I + must PERISH." + </p> + <p> + While he thus spoke, he observed, with surprise, that a boy, repulsed by + the sentinel, made up to Leicester, and spoke with him. Varney was one of + those politicians whom not the slightest appearances escape without + inquiry. He asked the sentinel what the lad wanted with him, and received + for answer that the boy had wished him to transmit a parcel to the mad + lady; but that he cared not to take charge of it, such communication being + beyond his commission, His curiosity satisfied in that particular, he + approached his patron, and heard him say, "Well, boy, the packet shall be + delivered." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks, good Master Serving-man," said the boy, and was out of sight in + an instant. + </p> + <p> + Leicester and Varney returned with hasty steps to the Earl's private + apartment, by the same passage which had conducted them to Saintlowe's + Tower. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I have said + This is an adulteress—I have said with whom: + More, she's a traitor, and Camillo is + A federary with her, and one that knows + What she should shame to know herself. —WINTER'S TALE. +</pre> + <p> + They were no sooner in the Earl's cabinet than, taking his tablets from + his pocket, he began to write, speaking partly to Varney, and partly to + himself—"There are many of them close bounden to me, and especially + those in good estate and high office—many who, if they look back + towards my benefits, or forward towards the perils which may befall + themselves, will not, I think, be disposed to see me stagger unsupported. + Let me see—Knollis is sure, and through his means Guernsey and + Jersey. Horsey commands in the Isle of Wight. My brother-in-law, + Huntingdon, and Pembroke, have authority in Wales. Through Bedford I lead + the Puritans, with their interest, so powerful in all the boroughs. My + brother of Warwick is equal, well-nigh, to myself, in wealth, followers, + and dependencies. Sir Owen Hopton is at my devotion; he commands the Tower + of London, and the national treasure deposited there. My father and + grand-father needed never to have stooped their heads to the block had + they thus forecast their enterprises.—Why look you so sad, Varney? I + tell thee, a tree so deep-rooted is not so easily to be torn up by the + tempest." + </p> + <p> + "Alas! my lord," said Varney, with well-acted passion, and then resumed + the same look of despondency which Leicester had before noted. + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" repeated Leicester; "and wherefore alas, Sir Richard? Doth your + new spirit of chivalry supply no more vigorous ejaculation when a noble + struggle is impending? Or, if ALAS means thou wilt flinch from the + conflict, thou mayest leave the Castle, or go join mine enemies, whichever + thou thinkest best." + </p> + <p> + "Not so, my lord," answered his confidant; "Varney will be found fighting + or dying by your side. Forgive me, if, in love to you, I see more fully + than your noble heart permits you to do, the inextricable difficulties + with which you are surrounded. You are strong, my lord, and powerful; yet, + let me say it without offence, you are so only by the reflected light of + the Queen's favour. While you are Elizabeth's favourite, you are all, save + in name, like an actual sovereign. But let her call back the honours she + has bestowed, and the prophet's gourd did not wither more suddenly. + Declare against the Queen, and I do not say that in the wide nation, or in + this province alone, you would find yourself instantly deserted and + outnumbered; but I will say, that even in this very Castle, and in the + midst of your vassals, kinsmen, and dependants, you would be a captive, + nay, a sentenced captive, should she please to say the word. Think upon + Norfolk, my lord—upon the powerful Northumberland—the splendid + Westmoreland;—think on all who have made head against this sage + Princess. They are dead, captive, or fugitive. This is not like other + thrones, which can be overturned by a combination of powerful nobles; the + broad foundations which support it are in the extended love and affections + of the people. You might share it with Elizabeth if you would; but neither + yours, nor any other power, foreign or domestic, will avail to overthrow, + or even to shake it." + </p> + <p> + He paused, and Leicester threw his tablets from him with an air of + reckless despite. "It may be as thou sayest," he said? "and, in sooth, I + care not whether truth or cowardice dictate thy forebodings. But it shall + not be said I fell without a struggle. Give orders that those of my + retainers who served under me in Ireland be gradually drawn into the main + Keep, and let our gentlemen and friends stand on their guard, and go + armed, as if they expected arm onset from the followers of Sussex. Possess + the townspeople with some apprehension; let them take arms, and be ready, + at a given signal, to overpower the Pensioners and Yeomen of the Guard." + </p> + <p> + "Let me remind you, my lord," said Varney, with the same appearance of + deep and melancholy interest, "that you have given me orders to prepare + for disarming the Queen's guard. It is an act of high treason, but you + shall nevertheless be obeyed." + </p> + <p> + "I care not," said Leicester desperately—"I care not. Shame is + behind me, ruin before me; I must on." + </p> + <p> + Here there was another pause, which Varney at length broke with the + following words: "It is come to the point I have long dreaded. I must + either witness, like an ungrateful beast, the downfall of the best and + kindest of masters, or I must speak what I would have buried in the + deepest oblivion, or told by any other mouth than mine." + </p> + <p> + "What is that thou sayest, or wouldst say?" replied the Earl; "we have no + time to waste on words when the times call us to action." + </p> + <p> + "My speech is soon made, my lord—would to God it were as soon + answered! Your marriage is the sole cause of the threatened breach with + your Sovereign, my lord, is it not?" + </p> + <p> + "Thou knowest it is!" replied Leicester. "What needs so fruitless a + question?" + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, my lord," said Varney; "the use lies here. Men will wager + their lands and lives in defence of a rich diamond, my lord; but were it + not first prudent to look if there is no flaw in it?" + </p> + <p> + "What means this?" said Leicester, with eyes sternly fixed on his + dependant; "of whom dost thou dare to speak?" + </p> + <p> + "It is—of the Countess Amy, my lord, of whom I am unhappily bound to + speak; and of whom I WILL speak, were your lordship to kill me for my + zeal." + </p> + <p> + "Thou mayest happen to deserve it at my hand," said the Earl; "but speak + on, I will hear thee." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then, my lord, I will be bold. I speak for my own life as well as + for your lordship's. I like not this lady's tampering and trickstering + with this same Edmund Tressilian. You know him, my lord. You know he had + formerly an interest in her, which it cost your lordship some pains to + supersede. You know the eagerness with which he has pressed on the suit + against me in behalf of this lady, the open object of which is to drive + your lordship to an avowal of what I must ever call your most unhappy + marriage, the point to which my lady also is willing, at any risk, to urge + you." + </p> + <p> + Leicester smiled constrainedly. "Thou meanest well, good Sir Richard, and + wouldst, I think, sacrifice thine own honour, as well as that of any other + person, to save me from what thou thinkest a step so terrible. But + remember"—he spoke these words with the most stern decision—"you + speak of the Countess of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "I do, my lord," said Varney; "but it is for the welfare of the Earl of + Leicester. My tale is but begun. I do most strongly believe that this + Tressilian has, from the beginning of his moving in her cause, been in + connivance with her ladyship the Countess." + </p> + <p> + "Thou speakest wild madness, Varney, with the sober face of a preacher. + Where, or how, could they communicate together?" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Varney, "unfortunately I can show that but too well. It + was just before the supplication was presented to the Queen, in + Tressilian's name, that I met him, to my utter astonishment, at the + postern gate which leads from the demesne at Cumnor Place." + </p> + <p> + "Thou met'st him, villain! and why didst thou not strike him dead?" + exclaimed Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "I drew on him, my lord, and he on me; and had not my foot slipped, he + would not, perhaps, have been again a stumbling-block in your lordship's + path." + </p> + <p> + Leicester seemed struck dumb with surprise. At length he answered, "What + other evidence hast thou of this, Varney, save thine own assertion?—for, + as I will punish deeply, I will examine coolly and warily. Sacred Heaven!—but + no—I will examine coldly and warily—coldly and warily." He + repeated these words more than once to himself, as if in the very sound + there was a sedative quality; and again compressing his lips, as if he + feared some violent expression might escape from them, he asked again, + "What further proof?" + </p> + <p> + "Enough, my lord," said Varney, "and to spare. I would it rested with me + alone, for with me it might have been silenced for ever. But my servant, + Michael Lambourne, witnessed the whole, and was, indeed, the means of + first introducing Tressilian into Cumnor Place; and therefore I took him + into my service, and retained him in it, though something of a debauched + fellow, that I might have his tongue always under my own command." He then + acquainted Lord Leicester how easy it was to prove the circumstance of + their interview true, by evidence of Anthony Foster, with the + corroborative testimonies of the various persons at Cumnor, who had heard + the wager laid, and had seen Lambourne and Tressilian set off together. In + the whole narrative, Varney hazarded nothing fabulous, excepting that, not + indeed by direct assertion, but by inference, he led his patron to suppose + that the interview betwixt Amy and Tressilian at Cumnor Place had been + longer than the few minutes to which it was in reality limited. + </p> + <p> + "And wherefore was I not told of all this?" said Leicester sternly. "Why + did all of ye—and in particular thou, Varney—keep back from me + such material information?" + </p> + <p> + "Because, my lord," replied Varney, "the Countess pretended to Foster and + to me that Tressilian had intruded himself upon her; and I concluded their + interview had been in all honour, and that she would at her own time tell + it to your lordship. Your lordship knows with what unwilling ears we + listen to evil surmises against those whom we love; and I thank Heaven I + am no makebate or informer, to be the first to sow them." + </p> + <p> + "You are but too ready to receive them, however, Sir Richard," replied his + patron. "How knowest thou that this interview was not in all honour, as + thou hast said? Methinks the wife of the Earl of Leicester might speak for + a short time with such a person as Tressilian without injury to me or + suspicion to herself." + </p> + <p> + "Questionless, my lord," answered Varney, "Had I thought otherwise, I had + been no keeper of the secret. But here lies the rub—Tressilian + leaves not the place without establishing a correspondence with a poor + man, the landlord of an inn in Cumnor, for the purpose of carrying off the + lady. He sent down an emissary of his, whom I trust soon to have in right + sure keeping under Mervyn's Tower—Killigrew and Lambsbey are + scouring the country in quest of him. The host is rewarded with a ring for + keeping counsel—your lordship may have noted it on Tressilian's hand—here + it is. This fellow, this agent, makes his way to the place as a pedlar; + holds conferences with the lady, and they make their escape together by + night; rob a poor fellow of a horse by the way, such was their guilty + haste, and at length reach this Castle, where the Countess of Leicester + finds refuge—I dare not say in what place." + </p> + <p> + "Speak, I command thee," said Leicester—"speak, while I retain sense + enough to hear thee." + </p> + <p> + "Since it must be so," answered Varney, "the lady resorted immediately to + the apartment of Tressilian, where she remained many hours, partly in + company with him, and partly alone. I told you Tressilian had a paramour + in his chamber; I little dreamed that paramour was—" + </p> + <p> + "Amy, thou wouldst say," answered Leicester; "but it is false, false as + the smoke of hell! Ambitious she may be—fickle and impatient—'tis + a woman's fault; but false to me!—never, never. The proof—the + proof of this!" he exclaimed hastily. + </p> + <p> + "Carrol, the Deputy Marshal, ushered her thither by her own desire, on + yesterday afternoon; Lambourne and the Warder both found her there at an + early hour this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Was Tressilian there with her?" said Leicester, in the same hurried tone. + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord. You may remember," answered Varney, "that he was that night + placed with Sir Nicholas Blount, under a species of arrest." + </p> + <p> + "Did Carrol, or the other fellows, know who she was?" demanded Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord," replied Varney; "Carrol and the Warder had never seen the + Countess, and Lambourne knew her not in her disguise. But in seeking to + prevent her leaving the cell, he obtained possession of one of her gloves, + which, I think, your lordship may know." + </p> + <p> + He gave the glove, which had the Bear and Ragged Staff, the Earl's + impress, embroidered upon it in seed-pearls. + </p> + <p> + "I do—I do recognize it," said Leicester. "They were my own gift. + The fellow of it was on the arm which she threw this very day around my + neck!" He spoke this with violent agitation. + </p> + <p> + "Your lordship," said Varney, "might yet further inquire of the lady + herself respecting the truth of these passages." + </p> + <p> + "It needs not—it needs not," said the tortured Earl; "it is written + in characters of burning light, as if they were branded on my very + eyeballs! I see her infamy-I can see nought else; and—gracious + Heaven!—for this vile woman was I about to commit to danger the + lives of so many noble friends, shake the foundation of a lawful throne, + carry the sword and torch through the bosom of a peaceful land, wrong the + kind mistress who made me what I am, and would, but for that hell-framed + marriage, have made me all that man can be! All this I was ready to do for + a woman who trinkets and traffics with my worst foes!—And thou, + villain, why didst thou not speak sooner?" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Varney, "a tear from my lady would have blotted out all I + could have said. Besides, I had not these proofs until this very morning, + when Anthony Foster's sudden arrival with the examinations and + declarations, which he had extorted from the innkeeper Gosling and others, + explained the manner of her flight from Cumnor Place, and my own + researches discovered the steps which she had taken here." + </p> + <p> + "Now, may God be praised for the light He has given! so full, so + satisfactory, that there breathes not a man in England who shall call my + proceeding rash, or my revenge unjust.—And yet, Varney, so young, so + fair, so fawning, and so false! Hence, then, her hatred to thee, my + trusty, my well-beloved servant, because you withstood her plots, and + endangered her paramour's life!" + </p> + <p> + "I never gave her any other cause of dislike, my lord," replied Varney. + "But she knew that my counsels went directly to diminish her influence + with your lordship; and that I was, and have been, ever ready to peril my + life against your enemies." + </p> + <p> + "It is too, too apparent," replied Leicester "yet with what an air of + magnanimity she exhorted me to commit my head to the Queen's mercy, rather + than wear the veil of falsehood a moment longer! Methinks the angel of + truth himself can have no such tones of high-souled impulse. Can it be so, + Varney?—can falsehood use thus boldly the language of truth?—can + infamy thus assume the guise of purity? Varney, thou hast been my servant + from a child. I have raised thee high—can raise thee higher. Think, + think for me!—thy brain was ever shrewd and piercing—may she + not be innocent? Prove her so, and all I have yet done for thee shall be + as nothing—nothing, in comparison of thy recompense!" + </p> + <p> + The agony with which his master spoke had some effect even on the hardened + Varney, who, in the midst of his own wicked and ambitious designs, really + loved his patron as well as such a wretch was capable of loving anything. + But he comforted himself, and subdued his self-reproaches, with the + reflection that if he inflicted upon the Earl some immediate and + transitory pain, it was in order to pave his way to the throne, which, + were this marriage dissolved by death or otherwise, he deemed Elizabeth + would willingly share with his benefactor. He therefore persevered in his + diabolical policy; and after a moment's consideration, answered the + anxious queries of the Earl with a melancholy look, as if he had in vain + sought some exculpation for the Countess; then suddenly raising his head, + he said, with an expression of hope, which instantly communicated itself + to the countenance of his patron—"Yet wherefore, if guilty, should + she have perilled herself by coming hither? Why not rather have fled to + her father's, or elsewhere?—though that, indeed, might have + interfered with her desire to be acknowledged as Countess of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "True, true, true!" exclaimed Leicester, his transient gleam of hope + giving way to the utmost bitterness of feeling and expression; "thou art + not fit to fathom a woman's depth of wit, Varney. I see it all. She would + not quit the estate and title of the wittol who had wedded her. Ay, and if + in my madness I had started into rebellion, or if the angry Queen had + taken my head, as she this morning threatened, the wealthy dower which law + would have assigned to the Countess Dowager of Leicester had been no bad + windfall to the beggarly Tressilian. Well might she goad me on to danger, + which could not end otherwise than profitably to her,—Speak not for + her, Varney! I will have her blood!" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," replied Varney, "the wildness of your distress breaks forth in + the wildness of your language." + </p> + <p> + "I say, speak not for her!" replied Leicester; "she has dishonoured me—she + would have murdered me—all ties are burst between us. She shall die + the death of a traitress and adulteress, well merited both by the laws of + God and man! And—what is this casket," he said, "which was even now + thrust into my hand by a boy, with the desire I would convey it to + Tressilian, as he could not give it to the Countess? By Heaven! the words + surprised me as he spoke them, though other matters chased them from my + brain; but now they return with double force. It is her casket of jewels!—Force + it open, Varney—force the hinges open with thy poniard!" + </p> + <p> + "She refused the aid of my dagger once," thought Varney, as he unsheathed + the weapon, "to cut the string which bound a letter, but now it shall work + a mightier ministry in her fortunes." + </p> + <p> + With this reflection, by using the three-cornered stiletto-blade as a + wedge, he forced open the slender silver hinges of the casket. The Earl no + sooner saw them give way than he snatched the casket from Sir Richard's + hand, wrenched off the cover, and tearing out the splendid contents, flung + them on the floor in a transport of rage, while he eagerly searched for + some letter or billet which should make the fancied guilt of his innocent + Countess yet more apparent. Then stamping furiously on the gems, he + exclaimed, "Thus I annihilate the miserable toys for which thou hast sold + thyself, body and soul—consigned thyself to an early and timeless + death, and me to misery and remorse for ever!—Tell me not of + forgiveness, Varney—she is doomed!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he left the room, and rushed into an adjacent closet, the door + of which he locked and bolted. + </p> + <p> + Varney looked after him, while something of a more human feeling seemed to + contend with his habitual sneer. "I am sorry for his weakness," he said, + "but love has made him a child. He throws down and treads on these costly + toys-with the same vehemence would he dash to pieces this frailest toy of + all, of which he used to rave so fondly. But that taste also will be + forgotten when its object is no more. Well, he has no eye to value things + as they deserve, and that nature has given to Varney. When Leicester shall + be a sovereign, he will think as little of the gales of passion through + which he gained that royal port, as ever did sailor in harbour of the + perils of a voyage. But these tell-tale articles must not remain here—they + are rather too rich vails for the drudges who dress the chamber." + </p> + <p> + While Varney was employed in gathering together and putting them into a + secret drawer of a cabinet that chanced to be open, he saw the door of + Leicester's closet open, the tapestry pushed aside, and the Earl's face + thrust out, but with eyes so dead, and lips and cheeks so bloodless and + pale, that he started at the sudden change. No sooner did his eyes + encounter the Earl's, than the latter withdrew his head and shut the door + of the closet. This manoeuvre Leicester repeated twice, without speaking a + word, so that Varney began to doubt whether his brain was not actually + affected by his mental agony. The third time, however, he beckoned, and + Varney obeyed the signal. When he entered, he soon found his patron's + perturbation was not caused by insanity, but by the fullness of purpose + which he entertained contending with various contrary passions. They + passed a full hour in close consultation; after which the Earl of + Leicester, with an incredible exertion, dressed himself, and went to + attend his royal guest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting + With most admired disorder. —MACBETH. +</pre> + <p> + It was afterwards remembered that during the banquets and revels which + occupied the remainder of this eventful day the bearing of Leicester and + of Varney were totally different from their usual demeanour. Sir Richard + Varney had been held rather a man of counsel and of action than a votary + of pleasure. Business, whether civil or military, seemed always to be his + proper sphere; and while in festivals and revels, although he well + understood how to trick them up and present them, his own part was that of + a mere spectator; or if he exercised his wit, it was in a rough, caustic, + and severe manner, rather as if he scoffed at the exhibition and the + guests than shared the common pleasure. + </p> + <p> + But upon the present day his character seemed changed. He mixed among the + younger courtiers and ladies, and appeared for the moment to be actuated + by a spirit of light-hearted gaiety, which rendered him a match for the + liveliest. Those who had looked upon him as a man given up to graver and + more ambitious pursuits, a bitter sneerer and passer of sarcasms at the + expense of those who, taking life as they find it, were disposed to snatch + at each pastime it presents, now perceived with astonishment that his wit + could carry as smooth an edge as their own, his laugh be as lively, and + his brow as unclouded. By what art of damnable hypocrisy he could draw + this veil of gaiety over the black thoughts of one of the worst of human + bosoms must remain unintelligible to all but his compeers, if any such + ever existed; but he was a man of extraordinary powers, and those powers + were unhappily dedicated in all their energy to the very worst of + purposes. + </p> + <p> + It was entirely different with Leicester. However habituated his mind + usually was to play the part of a good courtier, and appear gay, + assiduous, and free from all care but that of enhancing the pleasure of + the moment, while his bosom internally throbbed with the pangs of + unsatisfied ambition, jealousy, or resentment, his heart had now a yet + more dreadful guest, whose workings could not be overshadowed or + suppressed; and you might read in his vacant eye and troubled brow that + his thoughts were far absent from the scenes in which he was compelling + himself to play a part. He looked, moved, and spoke as if by a succession + of continued efforts; and it seemed as if his will had in some degree lost + the promptitude of command over the acute mind and goodly form of which it + was the regent. His actions and gestures, instead of appearing the + consequence of simple volition, seemed, like those of an automaton, to + wait the revolution of some internal machinery ere they could be + performed; and his words fell from him piecemeal, interrupted, as if he + had first to think what he was to say, then how it was to be said, and as + if, after all, it was only by an effort of continued attention that he + completed a sentence without forgetting both the one and the other. + </p> + <p> + The singular effects which these distractions of mind produced upon the + behaviour and conversation of the most accomplished courtier of England, + as they were visible to the lowest and dullest menial who approached his + person, could not escape the notice of the most intelligent Princess of + the age. Nor is there the least doubt that the alternate negligence and + irregularity of his manner would have called down Elizabeth's severe + displeasure on the Earl of Leicester, had it not occurred to her to + account for it by supposing that the apprehension of that displeasure + which she had expressed towards him with such vivacity that very morning + was dwelling upon the spirits of her favourite, and, spite of his efforts + to the contrary, distracted the usual graceful tenor of his mien and the + charms of his conversation. When this idea, so flattering to female + vanity, had once obtained possession of her mind, it proved a full and + satisfactory apology for the numerous errors and mistakes of the Earl of + Leicester; and the watchful circle around observed with astonishment, + that, instead of resenting his repeated negligence, and want of even + ordinary attention (although these were points on which she was usually + extremely punctilious), the Queen sought, on the contrary, to afford him + time and means to recollect himself, and deigned to assist him in doing + so, with an indulgence which seemed altogether inconsistent with her usual + character. It was clear, however, that this could not last much longer, + and that Elizabeth must finally put another and more severe construction + on Leicester's uncourteous conduct, when the Earl was summoned by Varney + to speak with him in a different apartment. + </p> + <p> + After having had the message twice delivered to him, he rose, and was + about to withdraw, as it were, by instinct; then stopped, and turning + round, entreated permission of the Queen to absent himself for a brief + space upon matters of pressing importance. + </p> + <p> + "Go, my lord," said the Queen. "We are aware our presence must occasion + sudden and unexpected occurrences, which require to be provided for on the + instant. Yet, my lord, as you would have us believe ourself your welcome + and honoured guest, we entreat you to think less of our good cheer, and + favour us with more of your good countenance than we have this day + enjoyed; for whether prince or peasant be the guest, the welcome of the + host will always be the better part of the entertainment. Go, my lord; and + we trust to see you return with an unwrinkled brow, and those free + thoughts which you are wont to have at the disposal of your friends." + </p> + <p> + Leicester only bowed low in answer to this rebuke, and retired. At the + door of the apartment he was met by Varney, who eagerly drew him apart, + and whispered in his ear, "All is well!" + </p> + <p> + "Has Masters seen her?" said the Earl. + </p> + <p> + "He has, my lord; and as she would neither answer his queries, nor allege + any reason for her refusal, he will give full testimony that she labours + under a mental disorder, and may be best committed to the charge of her + friends. The opportunity is therefore free to remove her as we proposed." + </p> + <p> + "But Tressilian?" said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "He will not know of her departure for some time," replied Varney; "it + shall take place this very evening, and to-morrow he shall be cared for." + </p> + <p> + "No, by my soul," answered Leicester; "I will take vengeance on him with + mine own hand!" + </p> + <p> + "You, my lord, and on so inconsiderable a man as Tressilian! No, my lord, + he hath long wished to visit foreign parts. Trust him to me—I will + take care he returns not hither to tell tales." + </p> + <p> + "Not so, by Heaven, Varney!" exclaimed Leicester. "Inconsiderable do you + call an enemy that hath had power to wound me so deeply that my whole + after-life must be one scene of remorse and misery?—No; rather than + forego the right of doing myself justice with my own hand on that accursed + villain, I will unfold the whole truth at Elizabeth's footstool, and let + her vengeance descend at once on them and on myself." + </p> + <p> + Varney saw with great alarm that his lord was wrought up to such a pitch + of agitation, that if he gave not way to him he was perfectly capable of + adopting the desperate resolution which he had announced, and which was + instant ruin to all the schemes of ambition which Varney had formed for + his patron and for himself. But the Earl's rage seemed at once + uncontrollable and deeply concentrated, and while he spoke his eyes shot + fire, his voice trembled with excess of passion, and the light foam stood + on his lip. + </p> + <p> + His confidant made a bold and successful effort to obtain the mastery of + him even in this hour of emotion. "My lord," he said, leading him to a + mirror, "behold your reflection in that glass, and think if these agitated + features belong to one who, in a condition so extreme, is capable of + forming a resolution for himself." + </p> + <p> + "What, then, wouldst thou make me?" said Leicester, struck at the change + in his own physiognomy, though offended at the freedom with which Varney + made the appeal. "Am I to be thy ward, thy vassal,—the property and + subject of my servant?" + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord," said Varney firmly, "but be master of yourself, and of your + own passion. My lord, I, your born servant, am ashamed to see how poorly + you bear yourself in the storm of fury. Go to Elizabeth's feet, confess + your marriage—impeach your wife and her paramour of adultery—and + avow yourself, amongst all your peers, the wittol who married a country + girl, and was cozened by her and her book-learned gallant. Go, my lord—but + first take farewell of Richard Varney, with all the benefits you ever + conferred on him. He served the noble, the lofty, the high-minded + Leicester, and was more proud of depending on him than he would be of + commanding thousands. But the abject lord who stoops to every adverse + circumstance, whose judicious resolves are scattered like chaff before + every wind of passion, him Richard Varney serves not. He is as much above + him in constancy of mind as beneath him in rank and fortune." + </p> + <p> + Varney spoke thus without hypocrisy, for though the firmness of mind which + he boasted was hardness and impenetrability, yet he really felt the + ascendency which he vaunted; while the interest which he actually felt in + the fortunes of Leicester gave unusual emotion to his voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + Leicester was overpowered by his assumed superiority it seemed to the + unfortunate Earl as if his last friend was about to abandon him. He + stretched his hand towards Varney as he uttered the words, "Do not leave + me. What wouldst thou have me do?" + </p> + <p> + "Be thyself, my noble master," said Varney, touching the Earl's hand with + his lips, after having respectfully grasped it in his own; "be yourself, + superior to those storms of passion which wreck inferior minds. Are you + the first who has been cozened in love—the first whom a vain and + licentious woman has cheated into an affection, which she has afterwards + scorned and misused? And will you suffer yourself to be driven frantic + because you have not been wiser than the wisest men whom the world has + seen? Let her be as if she had not been—let her pass from your + memory, as unworthy of ever having held a place there. Let your strong + resolve of this morning, which I have both courage, zeal, and means enough + to execute, be like the fiat of a superior being, a passionless act of + justice. She hath deserved death—let her die!" + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking, the Earl held his hand fast, compressed his lips + hard, and frowned, as if he laboured to catch from Varney a portion of the + cold, ruthless, and dispassionate firmness which he recommended. When he + was silent, the Earl still continued to grasp his hand, until, with an + effort at calm decision, he was able to articulate, "Be it so—she + dies! But one tear might be permitted." + </p> + <p> + "Not one, my lord," interrupted Varney, who saw by the quivering eye and + convulsed cheek of his patron that he was about to give way to a burst of + emotion—"not a tear—the time permits it not. Tressilian must + be thought of—" + </p> + <p> + "That indeed is a name," said the Earl, "to convert tears into blood. + Varney, I have thought on this, and I have determined—neither + entreaty nor argument shall move me—Tressilian shall be my own + victim." + </p> + <p> + "It is madness, my lord; but you are too mighty for me to bar your way to + your revenge. Yet resolve at least to choose fitting time and opportunity, + and to forbear him until these shall be found." + </p> + <p> + "Thou shalt order me in what thou wilt," said Leicester, "only thwart me + not in this." + </p> + <p> + "Then, my lord," said Varney, "I first request of you to lay aside the + wild, suspected, and half-frenzied demeanour which hath this day drawn the + eyes of all the court upon you, and which, but for the Queen's partial + indulgence, which she hath extended towards you in a degree far beyond her + nature, she had never given you the opportunity to atone for." + </p> + <p> + "Have I indeed been so negligent?" said Leicester, as one who awakes from + a dream. "I thought I had coloured it well. But fear nothing, my mind is + now eased—I am calm. My horoscope shall be fulfilled; and that it + may be fulfilled, I will tax to the highest every faculty of my mind. Fear + me not, I say. I will to the Queen instantly—not thine own looks and + language shall be more impenetrable than mine. Hast thou aught else to + say?" + </p> + <p> + "I must crave your signet-ring," said Varney gravely, "in token to those + of your servants whom I must employ, that I possess your full authority in + commanding their aid." + </p> + <p> + Leicester drew off the signet-ring which he commonly used, and gave it to + Varney, with a haggard and stern expression of countenance, adding only, + in a low, half-whispered tone, but with terrific emphasis, the words, + "What thou dost, do quickly." + </p> + <p> + Some anxiety and wonder took place, meanwhile, in the presence-hall, at + the prolonged absence of the noble Lord of the Castle, and great was the + delight of his friends when they saw him enter as a man from whose bosom, + to all human seeming, a weight of care had been just removed. Amply did + Leicester that day redeem the pledge he had given to Varney, who soon saw + himself no longer under the necessity of maintaining a character so + different from his own as that which he had assumed in the earlier part of + the day, and gradually relapsed into the same grave, shrewd, caustic + observer of conversation and incident which constituted his usual part in + society. + </p> + <p> + With Elizabeth, Leicester played his game as one to whom her natural + strength of talent and her weakness in one or two particular points were + well known. He was too wary to exchange on a sudden the sullen personage + which he had played before he retired with Varney; but on approaching her + it seemed softened into a melancholy, which had a touch of tenderness in + it, and which, in the course of conversing with Elizabeth, and as she + dropped in compassion one mark of favour after another to console him, + passed into a flow of affectionate gallantry, the most assiduous, the most + delicate, the most insinuating, yet at the same time the most respectful, + with which a Queen was ever addressed by a subject. Elizabeth listened as + in a sort of enchantment. Her jealousy of power was lulled asleep; her + resolution to forsake all social or domestic ties, and dedicate herself + exclusively to the care of her people, began to be shaken; and once more + the star of Dudley culminated in the court horizon. + </p> + <p> + But Leicester did not enjoy this triumph over nature, and over conscience, + without its being embittered to him, not only by the internal rebellion of + his feelings against the violence which he exercised over them, but by + many accidental circumstances, which, in the course of the banquet, and + during the subsequent amusements of the evening, jarred upon that nerve, + the least vibration of which was agony. + </p> + <p> + The courtiers were, for example, in the Great Hall, after having left the + banqueting-room, awaiting the appearance of a splendid masque, which was + the expected entertainment of this evening, when the Queen interrupted a + wild career of wit which the Earl of Leicester was running against Lord + Willoughby, Raleigh, and some other courtiers, by saying, "We will impeach + you of high treason, my lord, if you proceed in this attempt to slay us + with laughter. And here comes a thing may make us all grave at his + pleasure, our learned physician Masters, with news belike of our poor + suppliant, Lady Varney;—nay, my lord, we will not have you leave us, + for this being a dispute betwixt married persons, we do not hold our own + experience deep enough to decide thereon without good counsel.—How + now, Masters, what thinkest thou of the runaway bride?" + </p> + <p> + The smile with which Leicester had been speaking, when the Queen + interrupted him, remained arrested on his lips, as if it had been carved + there by the chisel of Michael Angelo or of Chantrey; and he listened to + the speech of the physician with the same immovable cast of countenance. + </p> + <p> + "The Lady Varney, gracious Sovereign," said the court physician Masters, + "is sullen, and would hold little conference with me touching the state of + her health, talking wildly of being soon to plead her own cause before + your own presence, and of answering no meaner person's inquiries." + </p> + <p> + "Now the heavens forfend!" said the Queen; "we have already suffered from + the misconstructions and broils which seem to follow this poor brain-sick + lady wherever she comes.—Think you not so, my lord?" she added, + appealing to Leicester with something in her look that indicated regret, + even tenderly expressed, for their disagreement of that morning. Leicester + compelled himself to bow low. The utmost force he could exert was + inadequate to the further effort of expressing in words his acquiescence + in the Queen's sentiment. + </p> + <p> + "You are vindictive," she said, "my lord; but we will find time and place + to punish you. But once more to this same trouble-mirth, this Lady Varney. + What of her health, Masters?" + </p> + <p> + "She is sullen, madam, as I already said," replied Masters, "and refuses + to answer interrogatories, or be amenable to the authority of the + mediciner. I conceive her to be possessed with a delirium, which I incline + to term rather HYPOCHONDRIA than PHRENESIS; and I think she were best + cared for by her husband in his own house, and removed from all this + bustle of pageants, which disturbs her weak brain with the most fantastic + phantoms. She drops hints as if she were some great person in disguise—some + Countess or Princess perchance. God help them, such are often the + hallucinations of these infirm persons!" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then," said the Queen, "away with her with all speed. Let Varney + care for her with fitting humanity; but let them rid the Castle of her + forthwith she will think herself lady of all, I warrant you. It is pity so + fair a form, however, should have an infirm understanding.—What + think you, my lord?" + </p> + <p> + "It is pity indeed," said the Earl, repeating the words like a task which + was set him. + </p> + <p> + "But, perhaps," said Elizabeth, "you do not join with us in our opinion of + her beauty; and indeed we have known men prefer a statelier and more + Juno-like form to that drooping fragile one that hung its head like a + broken lily. Ay, men are tyrants, my lord, who esteem the animation of the + strife above the triumph of an unresisting conquest, and, like sturdy + champions, love best those women who can wage contest with them.—I + could think with you, Rutland, that give my Lord of Leicester such a piece + of painted wax for a bride, he would have wished her dead ere the end of + the honeymoon." + </p> + <p> + As she said this, she looked on Leicester so expressively that, while his + heart revolted against the egregious falsehood, he did himself so much + violence as to reply in a whisper that Leicester's love was more lowly + than her Majesty deemed, since it was settled where he could never + command, but must ever obey. + </p> + <p> + The Queen blushed, and bid him be silent; yet looked as of she expected + that he would not obey her commands. But at that moment the flourish of + trumpets and kettle-drums from a high balcony which overlooked the hall + announced the entrance of the maskers, and relieved Leicester from the + horrible state of constraint and dissimulation in which the result of his + own duplicity had placed him. + </p> + <p> + The masque which entered consisted of four separate bands, which followed + each other at brief intervals, each consisting of six principal persons + and as many torch-bearers, and each representing one of the various + nations by which England had at different times been occupied. + </p> + <p> + The aboriginal Britons, who first entered, were ushered in by two ancient + Druids, whose hoary hair was crowned with a chaplet of oak, and who bore + in their hands branches of mistletoe. The maskers who followed these + venerable figures were succeeded by two Bards, arrayed in white, and + bearing harps, which they occasionally touched, singing at the same time + certain stanzas of an ancient hymn to Belus, or the Sun. The aboriginal + Britons had been selected from amongst the tallest and most robust young + gentlemen in attendance on the court. Their masks were accommodated with + long, shaggy beards and hair; their vestments were of the hides of wolves + and bears; while their legs, arms, and the upper parts of their bodies, + being sheathed in flesh-coloured silk, on which were traced in grotesque + lines representations of the heavenly bodies, and of animals and other + terrestrial objects, gave them the lively appearance of our painted + ancestors, whose freedom was first trenched upon by the Romans. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0137m.jpg" alt="0137m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0137.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The sons of Rome, who came to civilize as well as to conquer, were next + produced before the princely assembly; and the manager of the revels had + correctly imitated the high crest and military habits of that celebrated + people, accommodating them with the light yet strong buckler and the short + two-edged sword, the use of which had made them victors of the world. The + Roman eagles were borne before them by two standard-bearers, who recited a + hymn to Mars, and the classical warriors followed with the grave and + haughty step of men who aspired at universal conquest. + </p> + <p> + The third quadrille represented the Saxons, clad in the bearskins which + they had brought with them from the German forests, and bearing in their + hands the redoubtable battle-axes which made such havoc among the natives + of Britain. They were preceded by two Scalds, who chanted the praises of + Odin. + </p> + <p> + Last came the knightly Normans, in their mail-shirts and hoods of steel, + with all the panoply of chivalry, and marshalled by two Minstrels, who + sang of war and ladies' love. + </p> + <p> + These four bands entered the spacious hall with the utmost order, a short + pause being made, that the spectators might satisfy their curiosity as to + each quadrille before the appearance of the next. They then marched + completely round the hall, in order the more fully to display themselves, + regulating their steps to organs, shalms, hautboys, and virginals, the + music of the Lord Leicester's household. At length the four quadrilles of + maskers, ranging their torch-bearers behind them, drew up in their several + ranks on the two opposite sides of the hall, so that the Romans + confronting the Britons, and the Saxons the Normans, seemed to look on + each other with eyes of wonder, which presently appeared to kindle into + anger, expressed by menacing gestures. At the burst of a strain of martial + music from the gallery the maskers drew their swords on all sides, and + advanced against each other in the measured steps of a sort of Pyrrhic or + military dance, clashing their swords against their adversaries' shields, + and clattering them against their blades as they passed each other in the + progress of the dance. It was a very pleasant spectacle to see how the + various bands, preserving regularity amid motions which seemed to be + totally irregular, mixed together, and then disengaging themselves, + resumed each their own original rank as the music varied. + </p> + <p> + In this symbolical dance were represented the conflicts which had taken + place among the various nations which had anciently inhabited Britain. + </p> + <p> + At length, after many mazy evolutions, which afforded great pleasure to + the spectators, the sound of a loud-voiced trumpet was heard, as if it + blew for instant battle, or for victory won. The maskers instantly ceased + their mimic strife, and collecting themselves under their original + leaders, or presenters, for such was the appropriate phrase, seemed to + share the anxious expectation which the spectators experienced concerning + what was next to appear. + </p> + <p> + The doors of the hall were thrown wide, and no less a person entered than + the fiend-born Merlin, dressed in a strange and mystical attire, suited to + his ambiguous birth and magical power. + </p> + <p> + About him and behind him fluttered or gambolled many extraordinary forms, + intended to represent the spirits who waited to do his powerful bidding; + and so much did this part of the pageant interest the menials and others + of the lower class then in the Castle, that many of them forgot even the + reverence due to the Queen's presence, so far as to thrust themselves into + the lower part of the hall. + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Leicester, seeing his officers had some difficulty to repel + these intruders, without more disturbance than was fitting where the Queen + was in presence, arose and went himself to the bottom of the hall; + Elizabeth, at the same time, with her usual feeling for the common people, + requesting that they might be permitted to remain undisturbed to witness + the pageant. Leicester went under this pretext; but his real motive was to + gain a moment to himself, and to relieve his mind, were it but for one + instant, from the dreadful task of hiding, under the guise of gaiety and + gallantry, the lacerating pangs of shame, anger, remorse, and thirst for + vengeance. He imposed silence by his look and sign upon the vulgar crowd + at the lower end of the apartment; but instead of instantly returning to + wait on her Majesty, he wrapped his cloak around him, and mixing with the + crowd, stood in some degree an undistinguished spectator of the progress + of the masque. + </p> + <p> + Merlin having entered, and advanced into the midst of the hall, summoned + the presenters of the contending bands around him by a wave of his magical + rod, and announced to them, in a poetical speech, that the isle of Britain + was now commanded by a Royal Maiden, to whom it was the will of fate that + they should all do homage, and request of her to pronounce on the various + pretensions which each set forth to be esteemed the pre-eminent stock, + from which the present natives, the happy subjects of that angelical + Princess, derived their lineage. + </p> + <p> + In obedience to this mandate, the bands, each moving to solemn music, + passed in succession before Elizabeth, doing her, as they passed, each + after the fashion of the people whom they represented, the lowest and most + devotional homage, which she returned with the same gracious courtesy that + had marked her whole conduct since she came to Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + The presenters of the several masques or quadrilles then alleged, each in + behalf of his own troop, the reasons which they had for claiming + pre-eminence over the rest; and when they had been all heard in turn, she + returned them this gracious answer: "That she was sorry she was not better + qualified to decide upon the doubtful question which had been propounded + to her by the direction of the famous Merlin, but that it seemed to her + that no single one of these celebrated nations could claim pre-eminence + over the others, as having most contributed to form the Englishman of her + own time, who unquestionably derived from each of them some worthy + attribute of his character. Thus," she said, "the Englishman had from the + ancient Briton his bold and tameless spirit of freedom; from the Roman his + disciplined courage in war, with his love of letters and civilization in + time of peace; from the Saxon his wise and equitable laws; and from the + chivalrous Norman his love of honour and courtesy, with his generous + desire for glory." + </p> + <p> + Merlin answered with readiness that it did indeed require that so many + choice qualities should meet in the English, as might render them in some + measure the muster of the perfections of other nations, since that alone + could render them in some degree deserving of the blessings they enjoyed + under the reign of England's Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + The music then sounded, and the quadrilles, together with Merlin and his + assistants, had begun to remove from the crowded hall, when Leicester, who + was, as we have mentioned, stationed for the moment near the bottom of the + hall, and consequently engaged in some degree in the crowd, felt himself + pulled by the cloak, while a voice whispered in his ear, "My Lord, I do + desire some instant conference with you." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + How is't with me, when every noise appals me? —MACBETH. +</pre> + <p> + "I desire some conference with you." The words were simple in themselves, + but Lord Leicester was in that alarmed and feverish state of mind when the + most ordinary occurrences seem fraught with alarming import; and he turned + hastily round to survey the person by whom they had been spoken. There was + nothing remarkable in the speaker's appearance, which consisted of a black + silk doublet and short mantle, with a black vizard on his face; for it + appeared he had been among the crowd of masks who had thronged into the + hall in the retinue of Merlin, though he did not wear any of the + extravagant disguises by which most of them were distinguished. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you, or what do you want with me?" said Leicester, not without + betraying, by his accents, the hurried state of his spirits. + </p> + <p> + "No evil, my lord," answered the mask, "but much good and honour, if you + will rightly understand my purpose. But I must speak with you more + privately." + </p> + <p> + "I can speak with no nameless stranger," answered Leicester, dreading he + knew not precisely what from the request of the stranger; "and those who + are known to me must seek another and a fitter time to ask an interview." + </p> + <p> + He would have hurried away, but the mask still detained him. + </p> + <p> + "Those who talk to your lordship of what your own honour demands have a + right over your time, whatever occupations you may lay aside in order to + indulge them." + </p> + <p> + "How! my honour? Who dare impeach it?" said Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Your own conduct alone can furnish grounds for accusing it, my lord, and + it is that topic on which I would speak with you." + </p> + <p> + "You are insolent," said Leicester, "and abuse the hospitable license of + the time, which prevents me from having you punished. I demand your name!" + </p> + <p> + "Edmund Tressilian of Cornwall," answered the mask. "My tongue has been + bound by a promise for four-and-twenty hours. The space is passed,—I + now speak, and do your lordship the justice to address myself first to + you." + </p> + <p> + The thrill of astonishment which had penetrated to Leicester's very heart + at hearing that name pronounced by the voice of the man he most detested, + and by whom he conceived himself so deeply injured, at first rendered him + immovable, but instantly gave way to such a thirst for revenge as the + pilgrim in the desert feels for the water-brooks. He had but sense and + self-government enough left to prevent his stabbing to the heart the + audacious villain, who, after the ruin he had brought upon him, dared, + with such unmoved assurance, thus to practise upon him further. Determined + to suppress for the moment every symptom of agitation, in order to + perceive the full scope of Tressilian's purpose, as well as to secure his + own vengeance, he answered in a tone so altered by restrained passion as + scarce to be intelligible, "And what does Master Edmund Tressilian require + at my hand?" + </p> + <p> + "Justice, my lord," answered Tressilian, calmly but firmly. + </p> + <p> + "Justice," said Leicester, "all men are entitled to. YOU, Master + Tressilian, are peculiarly so, and be assured you shall have it." + </p> + <p> + "I expect nothing less from your nobleness," answered Tressilian; "but + time presses, and I must speak with you to-night. May I wait on you in + your chamber?" + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Leicester sternly, "not under a roof, and that roof mine + own. We will meet under the free cope of heaven." + </p> + <p> + "You are discomposed or displeased, my lord," replied Tressilian; "yet + there is no occasion for distemperature. The place is equal to me, so you + allow me one half-hour of your time uninterrupted." + </p> + <p> + "A shorter time will, I trust, suffice," answered Leicester. "Meet me in + the Pleasance when the Queen has retired to her chamber." + </p> + <p> + "Enough," said Tressilian, and withdrew; while a sort of rapture seemed + for the moment to occupy the mind of Leicester. + </p> + <p> + "Heaven," he said, "is at last favourable to me, and has put within my + reach the wretch who has branded me with this deep ignominy—who has + inflicted on me this cruel agony. I will blame fate no more, since I am + afforded the means of tracing the wiles by which he means still further to + practise on me, and then of at once convicting and punishing his villainy. + To my task—to my task! I will not sink under it now, since midnight, + at farthest, will bring me vengeance." + </p> + <p> + While these reflections thronged through Leicester's mind, he again made + his way amid the obsequious crowd, which divided to give him passage, and + resumed his place, envied and admired, beside the person of his Sovereign. + But could the bosom of him thus admired and envied have been laid open + before the inhabitants of that crowded hall, with all its dark thoughts of + guilty ambition, blighted affection, deep vengeance, and conscious sense + of meditated cruelty, crossing each other like spectres in the circle of + some foul enchantress, which of them, from the most ambitious noble in the + courtly circle down to the most wretched menial who lived by shifting of + trenchers, would have desired to change characters with the favourite of + Elizabeth, and the Lord of Kenilworth? + </p> + <p> + New tortures awaited him as soon as he had rejoined Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + "You come in time, my lord," she said, "to decide a dispute between us + ladies. Here has Sir Richard Varney asked our permission to depart from + the Castle with his infirm lady, having, as he tells us, your lordship's + consent to his absence, so he can obtain ours. Certes, we have no will to + withhold him from the affectionate charge of this poor young person; but + you are to know that Sir Richard Varney hath this day shown himself so + much captivated with these ladies of ours, that here is our Duchess of + Rutland says he will carry his poor insane wife no farther than the lake, + plunge her in to tenant the crystal palaces that the enchanted nymph told + us of, and return a jolly widower, to dry his tears and to make up the + loss among our train. How say you, my lord? We have seen Varney under two + or three different guises—you know what are his proper attributes—think + you he is capable of playing his lady such a knave's trick?" + </p> + <p> + Leicester was confounded, but the danger was urgent, and a reply + absolutely necessary. "The ladies," he said, "think too lightly of one of + their own sex, in supposing she could deserve such a fate; or too ill of + ours, to think it could be inflicted upon an innocent female." + </p> + <p> + "Hear him, my ladies," said Elizabeth; "like all his sex, he would excuse + their cruelty by imputing fickleness to us." + </p> + <p> + "Say not US, madam," replied the Earl. "We say that meaner women, like the + lesser lights of heaven, have revolutions and phases; but who shall impute + mutability to the sun, or to Elizabeth?" + </p> + <p> + The discourse presently afterwards assumed a less perilous tendency, and + Leicester continued to support his part in it with spirit, at whatever + expense of mental agony. So pleasing did it seem to Elizabeth, that the + Castle bell had sounded midnight ere she retired from the company, a + circumstance unusual in her quiet and regular habits of disposing of time. + Her departure was, of course, the signal for breaking up the company, who + dispersed to their several places of repose, to dream over the pastimes of + the day, or to anticipate those of the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate Lord of the Castle, and founder of the proud festival, + retired to far different thoughts. His direction to the valet who attended + him was to send Varney instantly to his apartment. The messenger returned + after some delay, and informed him that an hour had elapsed since Sir + Richard Varney had left the Castle by the postern gate with three other + persons, one of whom was transported in a horse-litter. + </p> + <p> + "How came he to leave the Castle after the watch was set?" said Leicester. + "I thought he went not till daybreak." + </p> + <p> + "He gave satisfactory reasons, as I understand," said the domestic, "to + the guard, and, as I hear, showed your lordship's signet—" + </p> + <p> + "True—true," said the Earl; "yet he has been hasty. Do any of his + attendants remain behind?" + </p> + <p> + "Michael Lambourne, my lord," said the valet, "was not to be found when + Sir Richard Varney departed, and his master was much incensed at his + absence. I saw him but now saddling his horse to gallop after his master." + </p> + <p> + "Bid him come hither instantly," said Leicester; "I have a message to his + master." + </p> + <p> + The servant left the apartment, and Leicester traversed it for some time + in deep meditation. "Varney is over-zealous," he said, "over-pressing. He + loves me, I think; but he hath his own ends to serve, and he is inexorable + in pursuit of them. If I rise, he rises; and he hath shown himself already + but too, eager to rid me of this obstacle which seems to stand betwixt me + and sovereignty. Yet I will not stoop to bear this disgrace. She shall be + punished, but it shall be more advisedly. I already feel, even in + anticipation, that over-haste would light the flames of hell in my bosom. + No—one victim is enough at once, and that victim already waits me." + </p> + <p> + He seized upon writing materials, and hastily traced these words:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir Richard Varney, we have resolved to defer the matter entrusted to + your care, and strictly command you to proceed no further in relation to + our Countess until our further order. We also command your instant return + to Kenilworth as soon as you have safely bestowed that with which you are + entrusted. But if the safe-placing of your present charge shall detain you + longer than we think for, we command you in that case to send back our + signet-ring by a trusty and speedy messenger, we having present need of + the same. And requiring your strict obedience in these things, and + commending you to God's keeping, we rest your assured good friend and + master, + </p> + <p> + "R. LEICESTER. + </p> + <p> + "Given at our Castle of Kenilworth, the tenth of July, in the year of + Salvation one thousand five hundred and seventy-five." + </p> + <p> + As Leicester had finished and sealed this mandate, Michael Lambourne, + booted up to mid-thigh, having his riding-cloak girthed around him with a + broad belt, and a felt cap on his head, like that of a courier, entered + his apartment, ushered in by the valet. + </p> + <p> + "What is thy capacity of service?" said the Earl. + </p> + <p> + "Equerry to your lordship's master of the horse," answered Lambourne, with + his customary assurance. + </p> + <p> + "Tie up thy saucy tongue, sir," said Leicester; "the jests that may suit + Sir Richard Varney's presence suit not mine. How soon wilt thou overtake + thy master?" + </p> + <p> + "In one hour's riding, my lord, if man and horse hold good," said + Lambourne, with an instant alteration of demeanour, from an approach to + familiarity to the deepest respect. The Earl measured him with his eye + from top to toe. + </p> + <p> + "I have heard of thee," he said "men say thou art a prompt fellow in thy + service, but too much given to brawling and to wassail to be trusted with + things of moment." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Lambourne, "I have been soldier, sailor, traveller, and + adventurer; and these are all trades in which men enjoy to-day, because + they have no surety of to-morrow. But though I may misuse mine own + leisure, I have never neglected the duty I owe my master." + </p> + <p> + "See that it be so in this instance," said Leicester, "and it shall do + thee good. Deliver this letter speedily and carefully into Sir Richard + Varney's hands." + </p> + <p> + "Does my commission reach no further?" said Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Leicester; "but it deeply concerns me that it be carefully + as well as hastily executed." + </p> + <p> + "I will spare neither care nor horse-flesh," answered Lambourne, and + immediately took his leave. + </p> + <p> + "So, this is the end of my private audience, from which I hoped so much!" + he muttered to himself, as he went through the long gallery, and down the + back staircase. "Cogs bones! I thought the Earl had wanted a cast of mine + office in some secret intrigue, and it all ends in carrying a letter! + Well, his pleasure shall be done, however; and as his lordship well says, + it may do me good another time. The child must creep ere he walk, and so + must your infant courtier. I will have a look into this letter, however, + which he hath sealed so sloven-like." Having accomplished this, he clapped + his hands together in ecstasy, exclaiming, "The Countess the Countess! I + have the secret that shall make or mar me.—But come forth, Bayard," + he added, leading his horse into the courtyard, "for your flanks and my + spurs must be presently acquainted." + </p> + <p> + Lambourne mounted, accordingly, and left the Castle by the postern gate, + where his free passage was permitted, in consequence of a message to that + effect left by Sir Richard Varney. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Lambourne and the valet had left the apartment, Leicester + proceeded to change his dress for a very plain one, threw his mantle + around him, and taking a lamp in his hand, went by the private passage of + communication to a small secret postern door which opened into the + courtyard, near to the entrance of the Pleasance. His reflections were of + a more calm and determined character than they had been at any late + period, and he endeavoured to claim, even in his own eyes, the character + of a man more sinned against than sinning. + </p> + <p> + "I have suffered the deepest injury," such was the tenor of his + meditations, "yet I have restricted the instant revenge which was in my + power, and have limited it to that which is manly and noble. But shall the + union which this false woman has this day disgraced remain an abiding + fetter on me, to check me in the noble career to which my destinies invite + me? No; there are other means of disengaging such ties, without unloosing + the cords of life. In the sight of God, I am no longer bound by the union + she has broken. Kingdoms shall divide us, oceans roll betwixt us, and + their waves, whose abysses have swallowed whole navies, shall be the sole + depositories of the deadly mystery." + </p> + <p> + By such a train of argument did Leicester labour to reconcile his + conscience to the prosecution of plans of vengeance, so hastily adopted, + and of schemes of ambition, which had become so woven in with every + purpose and action of his life that he was incapable of the effort of + relinquishing them, until his revenge appeared to him to wear a face of + justice, and even of generous moderation. + </p> + <p> + In this mood the vindictive and ambitious Earl entered the superb + precincts of the Pleasance, then illumined by the full moon. The broad, + yellow light was reflected on all sides from the white freestone, of which + the pavement, balustrades, and architectural ornaments of the place were + constructed; and not a single fleecy cloud was visible in the azure sky, + so that the scene was nearly as light as if the sun had but just left the + horizon. The numerous statues of white marble glimmered in the pale light + like so many sheeted ghosts just arisen from their sepulchres, and the + fountains threw their jets into the air as if they sought that their + waters should be brightened by the moonbeams ere they fell down again upon + their basins in showers of sparkling silver. The day had been sultry, and + the gentle night-breeze which sighed along the terrace of the Pleasance + raised not a deeper breath than the fan in the hand of youthful beauty. + The bird of summer night had built many a nest in the bowers of the + adjacent garden, and the tenants now indemnified themselves for silence + during the day by a full chorus of their own unrivalled warblings, now + joyous, now pathetic, now united, now responsive to each other, as if to + express their delight in the placid and delicious scene to which they + poured their melody. + </p> + <p> + Musing on matters far different from the fall of waters, the gleam of + moonlight, or the song of the nightingale, the stately Leicester walked + slowly from the one end of the terrace to the other, his cloak wrapped + around him, and his sword under his arm, without seeing anything + resembling the human form. + </p> + <p> + "I have been fooled by my own generosity," he said, "if I have suffered + the villain to escape me—ay, and perhaps to go to the rescue of the + adulteress, who is so poorly guarded." + </p> + <p> + These were his thoughts, which were instantly dispelled when, turning to + look back towards the entrance, he saw a human form advancing slowly from + the portico, and darkening the various objects with its shadow, as passing + them successively, in its approach towards him. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I strike ere I again hear his detested voice?" was Leicester's + thought, as he grasped the hilt of the sword. "But no! I will see which + way his vile practice tends. I will watch, disgusting as it is, the coils + and mazes of the loathsome snake, ere I put forth my strength and crush + him." + </p> + <p> + His hand quitted the sword-hilt, and he advanced slowly towards + Tressilian, collecting, for their meeting, all the self-possession he + could command, until they came front to front with each other. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian made a profound reverence, to which the Earl replied with a + haughty inclination of the head, and the words, "You sought secret + conference with me, sir; I am here, and attentive." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Tressilian, "I am so earnest in that which I have to say, + and so desirous to find a patient, nay, a favourable hearing, that I will + stoop to exculpate myself from whatever might prejudice your lordship + against me. You think me your enemy?" + </p> + <p> + "Have I not some apparent cause?" answered Leicester, perceiving that + Tressilian paused for a reply. + </p> + <p> + "You do me wrong, my lord. I am a friend, but neither a dependant nor + partisan, of the Earl of Sussex, whom courtiers call your rival; and it is + some considerable time since I ceased to consider either courts or court + intrigues as suited to my temper or genius." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt, sir," answered Leicester "there are other occupations more + worthy a scholar, and for such the world holds Master Tressilian. Love has + his intrigues as well as ambition." + </p> + <p> + "I perceive, my lord," replied Tressilian, "you give much weight to my + early attachment for the unfortunate young person of whom I am about to + speak, and perhaps think I am prosecuting her cause out of rivalry, more + than a sense of justice." + </p> + <p> + "No matter for my thoughts, sir," said the Earl; "proceed. You have as yet + spoken of yourself only—an important and worthy subject doubtless, + but which, perhaps, does not altogether so deeply concern me that I should + postpone my repose to hear it. Spare me further prelude, sir, and speak to + the purpose if indeed you have aught to say that concerns me. When you + have done, I, in my turn, have something to communicate." + </p> + <p> + "I will speak, then, without further prelude, my lord," answered + Tressilian, "having to say that which, as it concerns your lordship's + honour, I am confident you will not think your time wasted in listening + to. I have to request an account from your lordship of the unhappy Amy + Robsart, whose history is too well known to you. I regret deeply that I + did not at once take this course, and make yourself judge between me and + the villain by whom she is injured. My lord, she extricated herself from + an unlawful and most perilous state of confinement, trusting to the + effects of her own remonstrance upon her unworthy husband, and extorted + from me a promise that I would not interfere in her behalf until she had + used her own efforts to have her rights acknowledged by him." + </p> + <p> + "Ha," said Leicester, "remember you to whom you speak?" + </p> + <p> + "I speak of her unworthy husband, my lord," repeated Tressilian, "and my + respect can find no softer language. The unhappy young woman is withdrawn + from my knowledge, and sequestered in some secret place of this Castle—if + she be not transferred to some place of seclusion better fitted for bad + designs. This must be reformed, my lord—I speak it as authorized by + her father—and this ill-fated marriage must be avouched and proved + in the Queen's presence, and the lady placed without restraint and at her + own free disposal. And permit me to say it concerns no one's honour that + these most just demands of mine should be complied with so much as it does + that of your lordship." + </p> + <p> + The Earl stood as if he had been petrified at the extreme coolness with + which the man, whom he considered as having injured him so deeply, pleaded + the cause of his criminal paramour, as if she had been an innocent woman + and he a disinterested advocate; nor was his wonder lessened by the warmth + with which Tressilian seemed to demand for her the rank and situation + which she had disgraced, and the advantages of which she was doubtless to + share with the lover who advocated her cause with such effrontery. + Tressilian had been silent for more than a minute ere the Earl recovered + from the excess of his astonishment; and considering the prepossessions + with which his mind was occupied, there is little wonder that his passion + gained the mastery of every other consideration. "I have heard you, Master + Tressilian," said he, "without interruption, and I bless God that my ears + were never before made to tingle by the words of so frontless a villain. + The task of chastising you is fitter for the hangman's scourge than the + sword of a nobleman, but yet—Villain, draw and defend thyself!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the last words, he dropped his mantle on the ground, struck + Tressilian smartly with his sheathed sword, and instantly drawing his + rapier, put himself into a posture of assault. The vehement fury of his + language at first filled Tressilian, in his turn, with surprise equal to + what Leicester had felt when he addressed him. But astonishment gave place + to resentment when the unmerited insults of his language were followed by + a blow which immediately put to flight every thought save that of instant + combat. Tressilian's sword was instantly drawn; and though perhaps + somewhat inferior to Leicester in the use of the weapon, he understood it + well enough to maintain the contest with great spirit, the rather that of + the two he was for the time the more cool, since he could not help + imputing Leicester's conduct either to actual frenzy or to the influence + of some strong delusion. + </p> + <p> + The rencontre had continued for several minutes, without either party + receiving a wound, when of a sudden voices were heard beneath the portico + which formed the entrance of the terrace, mingled with the steps of men + advancing hastily. "We are interrupted," said Leicester to his antagonist; + "follow me." + </p> + <p> + At the same time a voice from the portico said, "The jackanape is right—they + are tilting here." + </p> + <p> + Leicester, meanwhile, drew off Tressilian into a sort of recess behind one + of the fountains, which served to conceal them, while six of the yeomen of + the Queen's guard passed along the middle walk of the Pleasance, and they + could hear one say to the rest, "We shall never find them to-night among + all these squirting funnels, squirrel cages, and rabbit-holes; but if we + light not on them before we reach the farther end, we will return, and + mount a guard at the entrance, and so secure them till morning." + </p> + <p> + "A proper matter," said another, "the drawing of swords so near the + Queen's presence, ay, and in her very palace as 'twere! Hang it, they must + be some poor drunken game-cocks fallen to sparring—'twere pity + almost we should find them—the penalty is chopping off a hand, is it + not?—'twere hard to lose hand for handling a bit of steel, that + comes so natural to one's gripe." + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a brawler thyself, George," said another; "but take heed, for + the law stands as thou sayest." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said the first, "an the act be not mildly construed; for thou + knowest 'tis not the Queen's palace, but my Lord of Leicester's." + </p> + <p> + "Why, for that matter, the penalty may be as severe," said another "for an + our gracious Mistress be Queen, as she is, God save her, my Lord of + Leicester is as good as King." + </p> + <p> + "Hush, thou knave!" said a third; "how knowest thou who may be within + hearing?" + </p> + <p> + They passed on, making a kind of careless search, but seemingly more + intent on their own conversation than bent on discovering the persons who + had created the nocturnal disturbance. + </p> + <p> + They had no sooner passed forward along the terrace, than Leicester, + making a sign to Tressilian to follow him, glided away in an opposite + direction, and escaped through the portico undiscovered. He conducted + Tressilian to Mervyn's Tower, in which he was now again lodged; and then, + ere parting with him, said these words, "If thou hast courage to continue + and bring to an end what is thus broken off, be near me when the court + goes forth to-morrow; we shall find a time, and I will give you a signal + when it is fitting." + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Tressilian, "at another time I might have inquired the + meaning of this strange and furious inveteracy against me. But you have + laid that on my shoulder which only blood can wash away; and were you as + high as your proudest wishes ever carried you, I would have from you + satisfaction for my wounded honour." + </p> + <p> + On these terms they parted, but the adventures of the night were not yet + ended with Leicester. He was compelled to pass by Saintlowe's Tower, in + order to gain the private passage which led to his own chamber; and in the + entrance thereof he met Lord Hunsdon half clothed, and with a naked sword + under his arm. + </p> + <p> + "Are you awakened, too, with this 'larum, my Lord of Leicester?" said the + old soldier. "'Tis well. By gog's nails, the nights are as noisy as the + day in this Castle of yours. Some two hours since I was waked by the + screams of that poor brain-sick Lady Varney, whom her husband was forcing + away. I promise you it required both your warrant and the Queen's to keep + me from entering into the game, and cutting that Varney of yours over the + head. And now there is a brawl down in the Pleasance, or what call you the + stone terrace-walk where all yonder gimcracks stand?" + </p> + <p> + The first part of the old man's speech went through the Earl's heart like + a knife; to the last he answered that he himself had heard the clash of + swords, and had come down to take order with those who had been so + insolent so near the Queen's presence. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, then," said Hunsdon, "I will be glad of your lordship's company." + </p> + <p> + Leicester was thus compelled to turn back with the rough old Lord to the + Pleasance, where Hunsdon heard from the yeomen of the guard, who were + under his immediate command, the unsuccessful search they had made for the + authors of the disturbance; and bestowed for their pains some round dozen + of curses on them, as lazy knaves and blind whoresons. Leicester also + thought it necessary to seem angry that no discovery had been effected; + but at length suggested to Lord Hunsdon, that after all it could only be + some foolish young men who had been drinking healths pottle-deep, and who + should be sufficiently scared by the search which had taken place after + them. Hunsdon, who was himself attached to his cup, allowed that a + pint-flagon might cover many of the follies which it had caused, "But," + added he, "unless your lordship will be less liberal in your housekeeping, + and restrain the overflow of ale, and wine, and wassail, I foresee it will + end in my having some of these good fellows into the guard-house, and + treating them to a dose of the strappado. And with this warning, good + night to you." + </p> + <p> + Joyful at being rid of his company, Leicester took leave of him at the + entrance of his lodging, where they had first met, and entering the + private passage, took up the lamp which he had left there, and by its + expiring light found the way to his own apartment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Room! room! for my horse will wince + If he comes within so many yards of a prince; + For to tell you true, and in rhyme, + He was foal'd in Queen Elizabeth's time; + When the great Earl of Lester + In his castle did feast her. + —BEN JONSON, MASQUE OF OWLS. +</pre> + <p> + The amusement with which Elizabeth and her court were next day to be + regaled was an exhibition by the true-hearted men of Coventry, who were to + represent the strife between the English and the Danes, agreeably to a + custom long preserved in their ancient borough, and warranted for truth by + old histories and chronicles. In this pageant one party of the townsfolk + presented the Saxons and the other the Danes, and set forth, both in rude + rhymes and with hard blows, the contentions of these two fierce nations, + and the Amazonian courage of the English women, who, according to the + story, were the principal agents in the general massacre of the Danes, + which took place at Hocktide, in the year of God 1012. This sport, which + had been long a favourite pastime with the men of Coventry, had, it seems, + been put down by the influence of some zealous clergymen of the more + precise cast, who chanced to have considerable influence with the + magistrates. But the generality of the inhabitants had petitioned the + Queen that they might have their play again, and be honoured with + permission to represent it before her Highness. And when the matter was + canvassed in the little council which usually attended the Queen for + dispatch of business, the proposal, although opposed by some of the + stricter sort, found favour in the eyes of Elizabeth, who said that such + toys occupied, without offence, the minds of many who, lacking them, might + find worse subjects of pastime; and that their pastors, however + commendable for learning and godliness, were somewhat too sour in + preaching against the pastimes of their flocks and so the pageant was + permitted to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, after a morning repast, which Master Laneham calls an + ambrosial breakfast, the principal persons of the court in attendance upon + her Majesty pressed to the Gallery-tower, to witness the approach of the + two contending parties of English and Danes; and after a signal had been + given, the gate which opened in the circuit of the Chase was thrown wide + to admit them. On they came, foot and horse; for some of the more + ambitious burghers and yeomen had put themselves into fantastic dresses, + imitating knights, in order to resemble the chivalry of the two different + nations. However, to prevent fatal accidents, they were not permitted to + appear on real horses, but had only license to accoutre themselves with + those hobby-horses, as they are called, which anciently formed the chief + delight of a morrice-dance, and which still are exhibited on the stage, in + the grand battle fought at the conclusion of Mr. Bayes's tragedy. The + infantry followed in similar disguises. The whole exhibition was to be + considered as a sort of anti-masque, or burlesque of the more stately + pageants in which the nobility and gentry bore part in the show, and, to + the best of their knowledge, imitated with accuracy the personages whom + they represented. The Hocktide play was of a different character, the + actors being persons of inferior degree, and their habits the better + fitted for the occasion, the more incongruous and ridiculous that they + were in themselves. Accordingly their array, which the progress of our + tale allows us no time to describe, was ludicrous enough; and their + weapons, though sufficiently formidable to deal sound blows, were long + alder-poles instead of lances, and sound cudgels for swords; and for + fence, both cavalry and infantry were well equipped with stout headpieces + and targets, both made of thick leather. + </p> + <p> + Captain Coxe, that celebrated humorist of Coventry, whose library of + ballads, almanacs, and penny histories, fairly wrapped up in parchment, + and tied round for security with a piece of whipcord, remains still the + envy of antiquaries, being himself the ingenious person under whose + direction the pageant had been set forth, rode valiantly on his + hobby-horse before the bands of English, high-trussed, saith Laneham, and + brandishing his long sword, as became an experienced man of war, who had + fought under the Queen's father, bluff King Henry, at the siege of + Boulogne. This chieftain was, as right and reason craved, the first to + enter the lists, and passing the Gallery at the head of his myrmidons, + kissed the hilt of his sword to the Queen, and executed at the same time a + gambade, the like whereof had never been practised by two-legged + hobby-horse. Then passing on with all his followers of cavaliers and + infantry, he drew them up with martial skill at the opposite extremity of + the bridge, or tilt-yard, until his antagonist should be fairly prepared + for the onset. + </p> + <p> + This was no long interval; for the Danish cavalry and infantry, no way + inferior to the English in number, valour, and equipment, instantly + arrived, with the northern bagpipe blowing before them in token of their + country, and headed by a cunning master of defence, only inferior to the + renowned Captain Coxe, if to him, in the discipline of war. The Danes, as + invaders, took their station under the Gallery-tower, and opposite to that + of Mortimer; and when their arrangements were completely made, a signal + was given for the encounter. + </p> + <p> + Their first charge upon each other was rather moderate, for either party + had some dread of being forced into the lake. But as reinforcements came + up on either side, the encounter grew from a skirmish into a blazing + battle. They rushed upon one another, as Master Laneham testifies, like + rams inflamed by jealousy, with such furious encounter that both parties + were often overthrown, and the clubs and targets made a most horrible + clatter. In many instances that happened which had been dreaded by the + more experienced warriors who began the day of strife. The rails which + defended the ledges of the bridge had been, perhaps on purpose, left but + slightly fastened, and gave way under the pressure of those who thronged + to the combat, so that the hot courage of many of the combatants received + a sufficient cooling. These incidents might have occasioned more serious + damage than became such an affray, for many of the champions who met with + this mischance could not swim, and those who could were encumbered with + their suits of leathern and of paper armour; but the case had been + provided for, and there were several boats in readiness to pick up the + unfortunate warriors and convey them to the dry land, where, dripping and + dejected, they comforted themselves with the hot ale and strong waters + which were liberally allowed to them, without showing any desire to + re-enter so desperate a conflict. + </p> + <p> + Captain Coxe alone, that paragon of Black-Letter antiquaries, after twice + experiencing, horse and man, the perilous leap from the bridge into the + lake, equal to any extremity to which the favourite heroes of chivalry, + whose exploits he studied in an abridged form, whether Amadis, Belianis, + Bevis, or his own Guy of Warwick, had ever been subjected to—Captain + Coxe, we repeat, did alone, after two such mischances, rush again into the + heat of conflict, his bases and the footcloth of his hobby-horse dropping + water, and twice reanimated by voice and example the drooping spirits of + the English; so that at last their victory over the Danish invaders + became, as was just and reasonable, complete and decisive. Worthy he was + to be rendered immortal by the pen of Ben Jonson, who, fifty years + afterwards, deemed that a masque, exhibited at Kenilworth, could be + ushered in by none with so much propriety as by the ghost of Captain Coxe, + mounted upon his redoubted hobby-horse. + </p> + <p> + These rough, rural gambols may not altogether agree with the reader's + preconceived idea of an entertainment presented before Elizabeth, in whose + reign letters revived with such brilliancy, and whose court, governed by a + female whose sense of propriety was equal to her strength of mind, was no + less distinguished for delicacy and refinement than her councils for + wisdom and fortitude. But whether from the political wish to seem + interested in popular sports, or whether from a spark of old Henry's + rough, masculine spirit, which Elizabeth sometimes displayed, it is + certain the Queen laughed heartily at the imitation, or rather burlesque, + of chivalry which was presented in the Coventry play. She called near her + person the Earl of Sussex and Lord Hunsdon, partly perhaps to make amends + to the former for the long and private audiences with which she had + indulged the Earl of Leicester, by engaging him in conversation upon a + pastime which better suited his taste than those pageants that were + furnished forth from the stores of antiquity. The disposition which the + Queen showed to laugh and jest with her military leaders gave the Earl of + Leicester the opportunity he had been watching for withdrawing from the + royal presence, which to the court around, so well had he chosen his time, + had the graceful appearance of leaving his rival free access to the + Queen's person, instead of availing himself of his right as her landlord + to stand perpetually betwixt others and the light of her countenance. + </p> + <p> + Leicester's thoughts, however, had a far different object from mere + courtesy; for no sooner did he see the Queen fairly engaged in + conversation with Sussex and Hunsdon, behind whose back stood Sir Nicholas + Blount, grinning from ear to ear at each word which was spoken, than, + making a sign to Tressilian, who, according to appointment, watched his + motions at a little distance, he extricated himself from the press, and + walking towards the Chase, made his way through the crowds of ordinary + spectators, who, with open mouth, stood gazing on the battle of the + English and the Danes. When he had accomplished this, which was a work of + some difficulty, he shot another glance behind him to see that Tressilian + had been equally successful; and as soon as he saw him also free from the + crowd, he led the way to a small thicket, behind which stood a lackey, + with two horses ready saddled. He flung himself on the one, and made signs + to Tressilian to mount the other, who obeyed without speaking a single + word. + </p> + <p> + Leicester then spurred his horse, and galloped without stopping until he + reached a sequestered spot, environed by lofty oaks, about a mile's + distance from the Castle, and in an opposite direction from the scene to + which curiosity was drawing every spectator. He there dismounted, bound + his horse to a tree, and only pronouncing the words, "Here there is no + risk of interruption," laid his cloak across his saddle, and drew his + sword. + </p> + <p> + Tressilian imitated his example punctually, yet could not forbear saying, + as he drew his weapon, "My lord, as I have been known to many as one who + does not fear death when placed in balance with honour, methinks I may, + without derogation, ask wherefore, in the name of all that is honourable, + your lordship has dared to offer me such a mark of disgrace as places us + on these terms with respect to each other?" + </p> + <p> + "If you like not such marks of my scorn," replied the Earl, "betake + yourself instantly to your weapon, lest I repeat the usage you complain + of." + </p> + <p> + "It shall not need, my lord," said Tressilian. "God judge betwixt us! and + your blood, if you fall, be on your own head." + </p> + <p> + He had scarce completed the sentence when they instantly closed in combat. + </p> + <p> + But Leicester, who was a perfect master of defence among all other + exterior accomplishments of the time, had seen on the preceding night + enough of Tressilian's strength and skill to make him fight with more + caution than heretofore, and prefer a secure revenge to a hasty one. For + some minutes they fought with equal skill and fortune, till, in a + desperate lunge which Leicester successfully put aside, Tressilian exposed + himself at disadvantage; and in a subsequent attempt to close, the Earl + forced his sword from his hand, and stretched him on the ground. With a + grim smile he held the point of his rapier within two inches of the throat + of his fallen adversary, and placing his foot at the same time upon his + breast, bid him confess his villainous wrongs towards him, and prepare for + death. + </p> + <p> + "I have no villainy nor wrong towards thee to confess," answered + Tressilian, "and am better prepared for death than thou. Use thine + advantage as thou wilt, and may God forgive you! I have given you no cause + for this." + </p> + <p> + "No cause!" exclaimed the Earl, "no cause!—but why parley with such + a slave? Die a liar, as thou hast lived!" + </p> + <p> + He had withdrawn his arm for the purpose of striking the fatal blow, when + it was suddenly seized from behind. + </p> + <p> + The Earl turned in wrath to shake off the unexpected obstacle, but was + surprised to find that a strange-looking boy had hold of his sword-arm, + and clung to it with such tenacity of grasp that he could not shake him + off without a considerable struggle, in the course of which Tressilian had + opportunity to rise and possess himself once more of his weapon. Leicester + again turned towards him with looks of unabated ferocity, and the combat + would have recommenced with still more desperation on both sides, had not + the boy clung to Lord Leicester's knees, and in a shrill tone implored him + to listen one moment ere he prosecuted this quarrel. + </p> + <p> + "Stand up, and let me go," said Leicester, "or, by Heaven, I will pierce + thee with my rapier! What hast thou to do to bar my way to revenge?" + </p> + <p> + "Much—much!" exclaimed the undaunted boy, "since my folly has been + the cause of these bloody quarrels between you, and perchance of worse + evils. Oh, if you would ever again enjoy the peace of an innocent mind, if + you hope again to sleep in peace and unhaunted by remorse, take so much + leisure as to peruse this letter, and then do as you list." + </p> + <p> + While he spoke in this eager and earnest manner, to which his singular + features and voice gave a goblin-like effect, he held up to Leicester a + packet, secured with a long tress of woman's hair of a beautiful + light-brown colour. Enraged as he was, nay, almost blinded with fury to + see his destined revenge so strangely frustrated, the Earl of Leicester + could not resist this extraordinary supplicant. He snatched the letter + from his hand—changed colour as he looked on the superscription—undid + with faltering hand the knot which secured it—glanced over the + contents, and staggering back, would have fallen, had he not rested + against the trunk of a tree, where he stood for an instant, his eyes bent + on the letter, and his sword-point turned to the ground, without seeming + to be conscious of the presence of an antagonist towards whom he had shown + little mercy, and who might in turn have taken him at advantage. But for + such revenge Tressilian was too noble-minded. He also stood still in + surprise, waiting the issue of this strange fit of passion, but holding + his weapon ready to defend himself in case of need against some new and + sudden attack on the part of Leicester, whom he again suspected to be + under the influence of actual frenzy. The boy, indeed, he easily + recognized as his old acquaintance Dickon, whose face, once seen, was + scarcely to be forgotten; but how he came hither at so critical a moment, + why his interference was so energetic, and, above all, how it came to + produce so powerful an effect upon Leicester, were questions which he + could not solve. + </p> + <p> + But the letter was of itself powerful enough to work effects yet more + wonderful. It was that which the unfortunate Amy had written to her + husband, in which she alleged the reasons and manner of her flight from + Cumnor Place, informed him of her having made her way to Kenilworth to + enjoy his protection, and mentioned the circumstances which had compelled + her to take refuge in Tressilian's apartment, earnestly requesting he + would, without delay, assign her a more suitable asylum. The letter + concluded with the most earnest expressions of devoted attachment and + submission to his will in all things, and particularly respecting her + situation and place of residence, conjuring him only that she might not be + placed under the guardianship or restraint of Varney. The letter dropped + from Leicester's hand when he had perused it. "Take my sword," he said, + "Tressilian, and pierce my heart, as I would but now have pierced yours!" + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said Tressilian, "you have done me great wrong, but something + within my breast ever whispered that it was by egregious error." + </p> + <p> + "Error, indeed!" said Leicester, and handed him the letter; "I have been + made to believe a man of honour a villain, and the best and purest of + creatures a false profligate.—Wretched boy, why comes this letter + now, and where has the bearer lingered?" + </p> + <p> + "I dare not tell you, my lord," said the boy, withdrawing, as if to keep + beyond his reach; "but here comes one who was the messenger." + </p> + <p> + Wayland at the same moment came up; and interrogated by Leicester, hastily + detailed all the circumstances of his escape with Amy, the fatal practices + which had driven her to flight, and her anxious desire to throw herself + under the instant protection of her husband—pointing out the + evidence of the domestics of Kenilworth, "who could not," he observed, + "but remember her eager inquiries after the Earl of Leicester on her first + arrival." + </p> + <p> + "The villains!" exclaimed Leicester; "but oh, that worst of villains, + Varney!—and she is even now in his power!" + </p> + <p> + "But not, I trust in God," said Tressilian, "with any commands of fatal + import?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, no!" exclaimed the Earl hastily. "I said something in madness; + but it was recalled, fully recalled, by a hasty messenger, and she is now—she + must now be safe." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Tressilian, "she MUST be safe, and I MUST be assured of her + safety. My own quarrel with you is ended, my lord; but there is another to + begin with the seducer of Amy Robsart, who has screened his guilt under + the cloak of the infamous Varney." + </p> + <p> + "The SEDUCER of Amy!" replied Leicester, with a voice like thunder; "say + her husband!—her misguided, blinded, most unworthy husband! She is + as surely Countess of Leicester as I am belted Earl. Nor can you, sir, + point out that manner of justice which I will not render her at my own + free will. I need scarce say I fear not your compulsion." + </p> + <p> + The generous nature of Tressilian was instantly turned from consideration + of anything personal to himself, and centred at once upon Amy's welfare. + He had by no means undoubting confidence in the fluctuating resolutions of + Leicester, whose mind seemed to him agitated beyond the government of calm + reason; neither did he, notwithstanding the assurances he had received, + think Amy safe in the hands of his dependants. "My lord," he said calmly, + "I mean you no offence, and am far from seeking a quarrel. But my duty to + Sir Hugh Robsart compels me to carry this matter instantly to the Queen, + that the Countess's rank may be acknowledged in her person." + </p> + <p> + "You shall not need, sir," replied the Earl haughtily; "do not dare to + interfere. No voice but Dudley's shall proclaim Dudley's infamy. To + Elizabeth herself will I tell it; and then for Cumnor Place with the speed + of life and death!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he unbound his horse from the tree, threw himself into the + saddle, and rode at full gallop towards the Castle. + </p> + <p> + "Take me before you, Master Tressilian," said the boy, seeing Tressilian + mount in the same haste; "my tale is not all told out, and I need your + protection." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian complied, and followed the Earl, though at a less furious rate. + By the way the boy confessed, with much contrition, that in resentment at + Wayland's evading all his inquiries concerning the lady, after Dickon + conceived he had in various ways merited his confidence, he had purloined + from him in revenge the letter with which Amy had entrusted him for the + Earl of Leicester. His purpose was to have restored it to him that + evening, as he reckoned himself sure of meeting with him, in consequence + of Wayland's having to perform the part of Arion in the pageant. He was + indeed something alarmed when he saw to whom the letter was addressed; but + he argued that, as Leicester did not return to Kenilworth until that + evening, it would be again in the possession of the proper messenger as + soon as, in the nature of things, it could possibly be delivered. But + Wayland came not to the pageant, having been in the interim expelled by + Lambourne from the Castle; and the boy, not being able to find him, or to + get speech of Tressilian, and finding himself in possession of a letter + addressed to no less a person than the Earl of Leicester, became much + afraid of the consequences of his frolic. The caution, and indeed the + alarm, which Wayland had expressed respecting Varney and Lambourne, led + him to judge that the letter must be designed for the Earl's own hand, and + that he might prejudice the lady by giving it to any of the domestics. He + made an attempt or two to obtain an audience of Leicester; but the + singularity of his features and the meanness of his appearance occasioned + his being always repulsed by the insolent menials whom he applied to for + that purpose. Once, indeed, he had nearly succeeded, when, in prowling + about, he found in the grotto the casket, which he knew to belong to the + unlucky Countess, having seen it on her journey; for nothing escaped his + prying eye. Having striven in vain to restore it either to Tressilian or + the Countess, he put it into the hands, as we have seen, of Leicester + himself, but unfortunately he did not recognize him in his disguise. + </p> + <p> + At length the boy thought he was on the point of succeeding when the Earl + came down to the lower part of the hall; but just as he was about to + accost him, he was prevented by Tressilian. As sharp in ear as in wit, the + boy heard the appointment settled betwixt them, to take place in the + Pleasance, and resolved to add a third to the party, in hope that, either + in coming or returning, he might find an opportunity of delivering the + letter to Leicester; for strange stories began to flit among the + domestics, which alarmed him for the lady's safety. Accident, however, + detained Dickon a little behind the Earl, and as he reached the arcade he + saw them engaged in combat; in consequence of which he hastened to alarm + the guard, having little doubt that what bloodshed took place betwixt them + might arise out of his own frolic. Continuing to lurk in the portico, he + heard the second appointment which Leicester at parting assigned to + Tressilian; and was keeping them in view during the encounter of the + Coventry men, when, to his surprise, he recognized Wayland in the crowd, + much disguised, indeed, but not sufficiently so to escape the prying + glance of his old comrade. They drew aside out of the crowd to explain + their situation to each other. The boy confessed to Wayland what we have + above told; and the artist, in return, informed him that his deep anxiety + for the fate of the unfortunate lady had brought him back to the + neighbourhood of the Castle, upon his learning that morning, at a village + about ten miles distant, that Varney and Lambourne, whose violence he + dreaded, had both left Kenilworth over-night. + </p> + <p> + While they spoke, they saw Leicester and Tressilian separate themselves + from the crowd, dogged them until they mounted their horses, when the boy, + whose speed of foot has been before mentioned, though he could not + possibly keep up with them, yet arrived, as we have seen, soon enough to + save Tressilian's life. The boy had just finished his tale when they + arrived at the Gallery-tower. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + High o'er the eastern steep the sun is beaming, + And darkness flies with her deceitful shadows;— + So truth prevails o'er falsehood. —OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + As Tressilian rode along the bridge, lately the scene of so much riotous + sport, he could not but observe that men's countenances had singularly + changed during the space of his brief absence. The mock fight was over, + but the men, still habited in their masking suits, stood together in + groups, like the inhabitants of a city who have been just startled by some + strange and alarming news. + </p> + <p> + When he reached the base-court, appearances were the same—domestics, + retainers, and under-officers stood together and whispered, bending their + eyes towards the windows of the Great Hall, with looks which seemed at + once alarmed and mysterious. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nicholas Blount was the first person of his own particular + acquaintance Tressilian saw, who left him no time to make inquiries, but + greeted him with, "God help thy heart, Tressilian! thou art fitter for a + clown than a courtier thou canst not attend, as becomes one who follows + her Majesty. Here you are called for, wished for, waited for—no man + but you will serve the turn; and hither you come with a misbegotten brat + on thy horse's neck, as if thou wert dry nurse to some sucking devil, and + wert just returned from airing." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what is the matter?" said Tressilian, letting go the boy, who sprung + to ground like a feather, and himself dismounting at the same time. + </p> + <p> + "Why, no one knows the matter," replied Blount; "I cannot smell it out + myself, though I have a nose like other courtiers. Only, my Lord of + Leicester has galloped along the bridge as if he would have rode over all + in his passage, demanded an audience of the Queen, and is closeted even + now with her, and Burleigh and Walsingham—and you are called for; + but whether the matter be treason or worse, no one knows." + </p> + <p> + "He speaks true, by Heaven!" said Raleigh, who that instant appeared; "you + must immediately to the Queen's presence." + </p> + <p> + "Be not rash, Raleigh," said Blount, "remember his boots.—For + Heaven's sake, go to my chamber, dear Tressilian, and don my new + bloom-coloured silken hose; I have worn them but twice." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw!" answered Tressilian; "do thou take care of this boy, Blount; be + kind to him, and look he escapes you not—much depends on him." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he followed Raleigh hastily, leaving honest Blount with the + bridle of his horse in one hand, and the boy in the other. Blount gave a + long look after him. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody," he said, "calls me to these mysteries—and he leaves me + here to play horse-keeper and child-keeper at once. I could excuse the + one, for I love a good horse naturally; but to be plagued with a bratchet + whelp.—Whence come ye, my fair-favoured little gossip?" + </p> + <p> + "From the Fens," answered the boy. + </p> + <p> + "And what didst thou learn there, forward imp?" + </p> + <p> + "To catch gulls, with their webbed feet and yellow stockings," said the + boy. + </p> + <p> + "Umph!" said Blount, looking down on his own immense roses. "Nay, then, + the devil take him asks thee more questions." + </p> + <p> + Meantime Tressilian traversed the full length of the Great Hall, in which + the astonished courtiers formed various groups, and were whispering + mysteriously together, while all kept their eyes fixed on the door which + led from the upper end of the hall into the Queen's withdrawing apartment. + Raleigh pointed to the door. Tressilian knocked, and was instantly + admitted. Many a neck was stretched to gain a view into the interior of + the apartment; but the tapestry which covered the door on the inside was + dropped too suddenly to admit the slightest gratification of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Upon entrance, Tressilian found himself, not without a strong palpitation + of heart, in the presence of Elizabeth, who was walking to and fro in a + violent agitation, which she seemed to scorn to conceal, while two or + three of her most sage and confidential counsellors exchanged anxious + looks with each other, but delayed speaking till her wrath abated. Before + the empty chair of state in which she had been seated, and which was half + pushed aside by the violence with which she had started from it, knelt + Leicester, his arms crossed, and his brows bent on the ground, still and + motionless as the effigies upon a sepulchre. Beside him stood the Lord + Shrewsbury, then Earl Marshal of England, holding his baton of office. The + Earl's sword was unbuckled, and lay before him on the floor. + </p> + <p> + "Ho, sir!" said the Queen, coming close up to Tressilian, and stamping on + the floor with the action and manner of Henry himself; "you knew of this + fair work—you are an accomplice in this deception which has been + practised on us—you have been a main cause of our doing injustice?" + Tressilian dropped on his knee before the Queen, his good sense showing + him the risk of attempting any defence at that moment of irritation. "Art + dumb, sirrah?" she continued; "thou knowest of this affair dost thou not?" + </p> + <p> + "Not, gracious madam, that this poor lady was Countess of Leicester." + </p> + <p> + "Nor shall any one know her for such," said Elizabeth. "Death of my life! + Countess of Leicester!—I say Dame Amy Dudley; and well if she have + not cause to write herself widow of the traitor Robert Dudley." + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said Leicester, "do with me what it may be your will to do, but + work no injury on this gentleman; he hath in no way deserved it." + </p> + <p> + "And will he be the better for thy intercession," said the Queen, leaving + Tressilian, who slowly arose, and rushing to Leicester, who continued + kneeling—"the better for thy intercession, thou doubly false—thou + doubly forsworn;—of thy intercession, whose villainy hath made me + ridiculous to my subjects and odious to myself? I could tear out mine eyes + for their blindness!" + </p> + <p> + Burleigh here ventured to interpose. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," he said, "remember that you are a Queen—Queen of England—mother + of your people. Give not way to this wild storm of passion." + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth turned round to him, while a tear actually twinkled in her proud + and angry eye. "Burleigh," she said, "thou art a statesman—thou dost + not, thou canst not, comprehend half the scorn, half the misery, that man + has poured on me!" + </p> + <p> + With the utmost caution—with the deepest reverence—Burleigh + took her hand at the moment he saw her heart was at the fullest, and led + her aside to an oriel window, apart from the others. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," he said, "I am a statesman, but I am also a man—a man + already grown old in your councils—who have not and cannot have a + wish on earth but your glory and happiness; I pray you to be composed." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! Burleigh," said Elizabeth, "thou little knowest—" here her + tears fell over her cheeks in despite of her. + </p> + <p> + "I do—I do know, my honoured sovereign. Oh, beware that you lead not + others to guess that which they know not!" + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" said Elizabeth, pausing as if a new train of thought had suddenly + shot across her brain. "Burleigh, thou art right—thou art right—anything + but disgrace—anything but a confession of weakness—anything + rather than seem the cheated, slighted—'sdeath! to think on it is + distraction!" + </p> + <p> + "Be but yourself, my Queen," said Burleigh; "and soar far above a weakness + which no Englishman will ever believe his Elizabeth could have + entertained, unless the violence of her disappointment carries a sad + conviction to his bosom." + </p> + <p> + "What weakness, my lord?" said Elizabeth haughtily; "would you too + insinuate that the favour in which I held yonder proud traitor derived its + source from aught—" But here she could no longer sustain the proud + tone which she had assumed, and again softened as she said, "But why + should I strive to deceive even thee, my good and wise servant?" + </p> + <p> + Burleigh stooped to kiss her hand with affection, and—rare in the + annals of courts—a tear of true sympathy dropped from the eye of the + minister on the hand of his Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the consciousness of possessing this sympathy aided + Elizabeth in supporting her mortification, and suppressing her extreme + resentment; but she was still more moved by fear that her passion should + betray to the public the affront and the disappointment, which, alike as a + woman and a Queen, she was so anxious to conceal. She turned from + Burleigh, and sternly paced the hall till her features had recovered their + usual dignity, and her mien its wonted stateliness of regular motion. + </p> + <p> + "Our Sovereign is her noble self once more," whispered Burleigh to + Walsingham; "mark what she does, and take heed you thwart her not." + </p> + <p> + She then approached Leicester, and said with calmness, "My Lord + Shrewsbury, we discharge you of your prisoner.—My Lord of Leicester, + rise and take up your sword; a quarter of an hour's restraint under the + custody of our Marshal, my lord, is, we think, no high penance for months + of falsehood practised upon us. We will now hear the progress of this + affair." She then seated herself in her chair, and said, "You, Tressilian, + step forward, and say what you know." + </p> + <p> + Tressilian told his story generously, suppressing as much as he could what + affected Leicester, and saying nothing of their having twice actually + fought together. It is very probable that, in doing so, he did the Earl + good service; for had the Queen at that instant found anything on account + of which she could vent her wrath upon him, without laying open sentiments + of which she was ashamed, it might have fared hard with him. She paused + when Tressilian had finished his tale. + </p> + <p> + "We will take that Wayland," she said, "into our own service, and place + the boy in our Secretary office for instruction, that he may in future use + discretion towards letters. For you, Tressilian, you did wrong in not + communicating the whole truth to us, and your promise not to do so was + both imprudent and undutiful. Yet, having given your word to this unhappy + lady, it was the part of a man and a gentleman to keep it; and on the + whole, we esteem you for the character you have sustained in this matter.—My + Lord of Leicester, it is now your turn to tell us the truth, an exercise + to which you seem of late to have been too much a stranger." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she extorted, by successive questions, the whole history of + his first acquaintance with Amy Robsart—their marriage—his + jealousy—the causes on which it was founded, and many particulars + besides. Leicester's confession, for such it might be called, was wrenched + from him piecemeal, yet was upon the whole accurate, excepting that he + totally omitted to mention that he had, by implication or otherwise, + assented to Varney's designs upon the life of his Countess. Yet the + consciousness of this was what at that moment lay nearest to his heart; + and although he trusted in great measure to the very positive + counter-orders which he had sent by Lambourne, it was his purpose to set + out for Cumnor Place in person as soon as he should be dismissed from the + presence of the Queen, who, he concluded, would presently leave + Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + But the Earl reckoned without his host. It is true his presence and his + communications were gall and wormwood to his once partial mistress. But + barred from every other and more direct mode of revenge, the Queen + perceived that she gave her false suitor torture by these inquiries, and + dwelt on them for that reason, no more regarding the pain which she + herself experienced, than the savage cares for the searing of his own + hands by grasping the hot pincers with which he tears the flesh of his + captive enemy. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, the haughty lord, like a deer that turns to bay, gave + intimation that his patience was failing. "Madam," he said, "I have been + much to blame—more than even your just resentment has expressed. + Yet, madam, let me say that my guilt, if it be unpardonable, was not + unprovoked, and that if beauty and condescending dignity could seduce the + frail heart of a human being, I might plead both as the causes of my + concealing this secret from your Majesty." + </p> + <p> + The Queen was so much struck with this reply, which Leicester took care + should be heard by no one but herself, that she was for the moment + silenced, and the Earl had the temerity to pursue his advantage. "Your + Grace, who has pardoned so much, will excuse my throwing myself on your + royal mercy for those expressions which were yester-morning accounted but + a light offence." + </p> + <p> + The Queen fixed her eyes on him while she replied, "Now, by Heaven, my + lord, thy effrontery passes the bounds of belief, as well as patience! But + it shall avail thee nothing.—What ho! my lords, come all and hear + the news-my Lord of Leicester's stolen marriage has cost me a husband, and + England a king. His lordship is patriarchal in his tastes—one wife + at a time was insufficient, and he designed US the honour of his left + hand. Now, is not this too insolent—that I could not grace him with + a few marks of court-favour, but he must presume to think my hand and + crown at his disposal? You, however, think better of me; and I can pity + this ambitious man, as I could a child, whose bubble of soap has burst + between his hands. We go to the presence-chamber.—My Lord of + Leicester, we command your close attendance on us." + </p> + <p> + All was eager expectation in the hall, and what was the universal + astonishment when the Queen said to those next her, "The revels of + Kenilworth are not yet exhausted, my lords and ladies—we are to + solemnize the noble owner's marriage." + </p> + <p> + There was an universal expression of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "It is true, on our royal word," said the Queen; "he hath kept this a + secret even from us, that he might surprise us with it at this very place + and time. I see you are dying of curiosity to know the happy bride. It is + Amy Robsart, the same who, to make up the May-game yesterday, figured in + the pageant as the wife of his servant Varney." + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, madam," said the Earl, approaching her with a mixture of + humility, vexation, and shame in his countenance, and speaking so low as + to be heard by no one else, "take my head, as you threatened in your + anger, and spare me these taunts! Urge not a falling man—tread not + on a crushed worm." + </p> + <p> + "A worm, my lord?" said the Queen, in the same tone; "nay, a snake is the + nobler reptile, and the more exact similitude—the frozen snake you + wot of, which was warmed in a certain bosom—" + </p> + <p> + "For your own sake—for mine, madam," said the Earl—"while + there is yet some reason left in me—" + </p> + <p> + "Speak aloud, my lord," said Elizabeth, "and at farther distance, so + please you—your breath thaws our ruff. What have you to ask of us?" + </p> + <p> + "Permission," said the unfortunate Earl humbly, "to travel to Cumnor + Place." + </p> + <p> + "To fetch home your bride belike?—Why, ay—that is but right, + for, as we have heard, she is indifferently cared for there. But, my lord, + you go not in person; we have counted upon passing certain days in this + Castle of Kenilworth, and it were slight courtesy to leave us without a + landlord during our residence here. Under your favour, we cannot think to + incur such disgrace in the eyes of our subjects. Tressilian shall go to + Cumnor Place instead of you, and with him some gentleman who hath been + sworn of our chamber, lest my Lord of Leicester should be again jealous of + his old rival.—Whom wouldst thou have to be in commission with thee, + Tressilian?" + </p> + <p> + Tressilian, with humble deference, suggested the name of Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + "Why, ay," said the Queen; "so God ha' me, thou hast made a good choice. + He is a young knight besides, and to deliver a lady from prison is an + appropriate first adventure.—Cumnor Place is little better than a + prison, you are to know, my lords and ladies. Besides, there are certain + faitours there whom we would willingly have in safe keeping. You will + furnish them, Master Secretary, with the warrant necessary to secure the + bodies of Richard Varney and the foreign Alasco, dead or alive. Take a + sufficient force with you, gentlemen—bring the lady here in all + honour—lose no time, and God be with you!" + </p> + <p> + They bowed, and left the presence, + </p> + <p> + Who shall describe how the rest of that day was spent at Kenilworth? The + Queen, who seemed to have remained there for the sole purpose of + mortifying and taunting the Earl of Leicester, showed herself as skilful + in that female art of vengeance, as she was in the science of wisely + governing her people. The train of state soon caught the signal, and as he + walked among his own splendid preparations, the Lord of Kenilworth, in his + own Castle, already experienced the lot of a disgraced courtier, in the + slight regard and cold manners of alienated friends, and the ill-concealed + triumph of avowed and open enemies. Sussex, from his natural military + frankness of disposition, Burleigh and Walsingham, from their penetrating + and prospective sagacity, and some of the ladies, from the compassion of + their sex, were the only persons in the crowded court who retained towards + him the countenance they had borne in the morning. + </p> + <p> + So much had Leicester been accustomed to consider court favour as the + principal object of his life, that all other sensations were, for the + time, lost in the agony which his haughty spirit felt at the succession of + petty insults and studied neglects to which he had been subjected; but + when he retired to his own chamber for the night, that long, fair tress of + hair which had once secured Amy's letter fell under his observation, and, + with the influence of a counter-charm, awakened his heart to nobler and + more natural feelings. He kissed it a thousand times; and while he + recollected that he had it always in his power to shun the mortifications + which he had that day undergone, by retiring into a dignified and even + prince-like seclusion with the beautiful and beloved partner of his future + life, he felt that he could rise above the revenge which Elizabeth had + condescended to take. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, on the following day the whole conduct of the Earl displayed + so much dignified equanimity—he seemed so solicitous about the + accommodations and amusements of his guests, yet so indifferent to their + personal demeanour towards him—so respectfully distant to the Queen, + yet so patient of her harassing displeasure—that Elizabeth changed + her manner to him, and, though cold and distant, ceased to offer him any + direct affront. She intimated also with some sharpness to others around + her, who thought they were consulting her pleasure in showing a neglectful + conduct to the Earl, that while they remained at Kenilworth they ought to + show the civility due from guests to the Lord of the Castle. In short, + matters were so far changed in twenty-four hours that some of the more + experienced and sagacious courtiers foresaw a strong possibility of + Leicester's restoration to favour, and regulated their demeanour towards + him, as those who might one day claim merit for not having deserted him in + adversity. It is time, however, to leave these intrigues, and follow + Tressilian and Raleigh on their journey. + </p> + <p> + The troop consisted of six persons; for, besides Wayland, they had in + company a royal pursuivant and two stout serving-men. All were well-armed, + and travelled as fast as it was possible with justice to their horses, + which had a long journey before them. They endeavoured to procure some + tidings as they rode along of Varney and his party, but could hear none, + as they had travelled in the dark. At a small village about twelve miles + from Kenilworth, where they gave some refreshment to their horses, a poor + clergyman, the curate of the place, came out of a small cottage, and + entreated any of the company who might know aught of surgery to look in + for an instant on a dying man. + </p> + <p> + The empiric Wayland undertook to do his best, and as the curate conducted + him to the spot, he learned that the man had been found on the highroad, + about a mile from the village, by labourers, as they were going to their + work on the preceding morning, and the curate had given him shelter in his + house. He had received a gun-shot wound, which seemed to be obviously + mortal; but whether in a brawl or from robbers they could not learn, as he + was in a fever, and spoke nothing connectedly. Wayland entered the dark + and lowly apartment, and no sooner had the curate drawn aside the curtain + than he knew, in the distorted features of the patient, the countenance of + Michael Lambourne. Under pretence of seeking something which he wanted, + Wayland hastily apprised his fellow-travellers of this extraordinary + circumstance; and both Tressilian and Raleigh, full of boding + apprehensions, hastened to the curate's house to see the dying man. + </p> + <p> + The wretch was by this time in the agonies of death, from which a much + better surgeon than Wayland could not have rescued him, for the bullet had + passed clear through his body. He was sensible, however, at least in part, + for he knew Tressilian, and made signs that he wished him to stoop over + his bed. Tressilian did so, and after some inarticulate murmurs, in which + the names of Varney and Lady Leicester were alone distinguishable, + Lambourne bade him "make haste, or he would come too late." It was in vain + Tressilian urged the patient for further information; he seemed to become + in some degree delirious, and when he again made a signal to attract + Tressilian's attention, it was only for the purpose of desiring him to + inform his uncle, Giles Gosling of the Black Bear, that "he had died + without his shoes after all." A convulsion verified his words a few + minutes after, and the travellers derived nothing from having met with + him, saving the obscure fears concerning the fate of the Countess, which + his dying words were calculated to convey, and which induced them to urge + their journey with the utmost speed, pressing horses in the Queen's name + when those which they rode became unfit for service. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The death-bell thrice was heard to ring, + An aerial voice was heard to call, + And thrice the raven flapp'd its wing + Around the towers of Cumnor Hall. —MICKLE. +</pre> + <p> + We are now to return to that part of our story where we intimated that + Varney, possessed of the authority of the Earl of Leicester, and of the + Queen's permission to the same effect, hastened to secure himself against + discovery of his perfidy by removing the Countess from Kenilworth Castle. + He had proposed to set forth early in the morning; but reflecting that the + Earl might relent in the interim, and seek another interview with the + Countess, he resolved to prevent, by immediate departure, all chance of + what would probably have ended in his detection and ruin. For this purpose + he called for Lambourne, and was exceedingly incensed to find that his + trusty attendant was abroad on some ramble in the neighbouring village, or + elsewhere. As his return was expected, Sir Richard commanded that he + should prepare himself for attending him on an immediate journey, and + follow him in case he returned after his departure. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, Varney used the ministry of a servant called Robin + Tider, one to whom the mysteries of Cumnor Place were already in some + degree known, as he had been there more than once in attendance on the + Earl. To this man, whose character resembled that of Lambourne, though he + was neither quite so prompt nor altogether so profligate, Varney gave + command to have three horses saddled, and to prepare a horse-litter, and + have them in readiness at the postern gate. The natural enough excuse of + his lady's insanity, which was now universally believed, accounted for the + secrecy with which she was to be removed from the Castle, and he reckoned + on the same apology in case the unfortunate Amy's resistance or screams + should render such necessary. The agency of Anthony Foster was + indispensable, and that Varney now went to secure. + </p> + <p> + This person, naturally of a sour, unsocial disposition, and somewhat + tired, besides, with his journey from Cumnor to Warwickshire, in order to + bring the news of the Countess's escape, had early extricated himself from + the crowd of wassailers, and betaken himself to his chamber, where he lay + asleep, when Varney, completely equipped for travelling, and with a dark + lantern in his hand, entered his apartment. He paused an instant to listen + to what his associate was murmuring in his sleep, and could plainly + distinguish the words, "AVE MARIA—ORA PRO NOBIS. No, it runs not so—deliver + us from evil—ay, so it goes." + </p> + <p> + "Praying in his sleep," said Varney, "and confounding his old and new + devotions. He must have more need of prayer ere I am done with him.—What + ho! holy man, most blessed penitent!—awake—awake! The devil + has not discharged you from service yet." + </p> + <p> + As Varney at the same time shook the sleeper by the arm, it changed the + current of his ideas, and he roared out, "Thieves!—thieves! I will + die in defence of my gold—my hard-won gold—that has cost me so + dear. Where is Janet?—Is Janet safe?" + </p> + <p> + "Safe enough, thou bellowing fool!" said Varney; "art thou not ashamed of + thy clamour?" + </p> + <p> + Foster by this time was broad awake, and sitting up in his bed, asked + Varney the meaning of so untimely a visit. "It augurs nothing good," he + added. + </p> + <p> + "A false prophecy, most sainted Anthony," returned Varney; "it augurs that + the hour is come for converting thy leasehold into copyhold. What sayest + thou to that?" + </p> + <p> + "Hadst thou told me this in broad day," said Foster, "I had rejoiced; but + at this dead hour, and by this dim light, and looking on thy pale face, + which is a ghastly contradiction to thy light words, I cannot but rather + think of the work that is to be done, than the guerdon to be gained by + it." + </p> + <p> + "Why, thou fool, it is but to escort thy charge back to Cumnor Place." + </p> + <p> + "Is that indeed all?" said Foster; "thou lookest deadly pale, and thou art + not moved by trifles—is that indeed all?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, that—and maybe a trifle more," said Varney. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that trifle more!" said Foster; "still thou lookest paler and paler." + </p> + <p> + "Heed not my countenance," said Varney; "you see it by this wretched + light. Up and be doing, man. Think of Cumnor Place—thine own proper + copyhold. Why, thou mayest found a weekly lectureship, besides endowing + Janet like a baron's daughter. Seventy pounds and odd." + </p> + <p> + "Seventy-nine pounds, five shillings and fivepence half-penny, besides the + value of the wood," said Foster; "and I am to have it all as copyhold?" + </p> + <p> + "All, man—squirrels and all. No gipsy shall cut the value of a broom—no + boy so much as take a bird's nest—without paying thee a quittance.—Ay, + that is right—don thy matters as fast as possible; horses and + everything are ready, all save that accursed villain Lambourne, who is out + on some infernal gambol." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Sir Richard," said Foster, "you would take no advice. I ever told you + that drunken profligate would fail you at need. Now I could have helped + you to a sober young man." + </p> + <p> + "What, some slow-spoken, long-breathed brother of the congregation? Why, + we shall have use for such also, man. Heaven be praised, we shall lack + labourers of every kind.—Ay, that is right—forget not your + pistols. Come now, and let us away." + </p> + <p> + "Whither?" said Anthony. + </p> + <p> + "To my lady's chamber; and, mind, she MUST along with us. Thou art not a + fellow to be startled by a shriek?" + </p> + <p> + "Not if Scripture reason can be rendered for it; and it is written, 'Wives + obey your husbands.' But will my lord's commands bear us out if we use + violence?" + </p> + <p> + "Tush, man! here is his signet," answered Varney; and having thus silenced + the objections of his associate, they went together to Lord Hunsdon's + apartments, and acquainting the sentinel with their purpose, as a matter + sanctioned by the Queen and the Earl of Leicester, they entered the + chamber of the unfortunate Countess. + </p> + <p> + The horror of Amy may be conceived when, starting from a broken slumber, + she saw at her bedside Varney, the man on earth she most feared and hated. + It was even a consolation to see that he was not alone, though she had so + much reason to dread his sullen companion. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said Varney, "there is no time for ceremony. My Lord of + Leicester, having fully considered the exigencies of the time, sends you + his orders immediately to accompany us on our return to Cumnor Place. See, + here is his signet, in token of his instant and pressing commands." + </p> + <p> + "It is false!" said the Countess; "thou hast stolen the warrant—thou, + who art capable of every villainy, from the blackest to the basest!" + </p> + <p> + "It is TRUE, madam," replied Varney; "so true, that if you do not + instantly arise, and prepare to attend us, we must compel you to obey our + orders." + </p> + <p> + "Compel! Thou darest not put it to that issue, base as thou art!" + exclaimed the unhappy Countess. + </p> + <p> + "That remains to be proved, madam," said Varney, who had determined on + intimidation as the only means of subduing her high spirit; "if you put me + to it, you will find me a rough groom of the chambers." + </p> + <p> + It was at this threat that Amy screamed so fearfully that, had it not been + for the received opinion of her insanity, she would quickly have had Lord + Hunsdon and others to her aid. Perceiving, however, that her cries were + vain, she appealed to Foster in the most affecting terms, conjuring him, + as his daughter Janet's honour and purity were dear to him, not to permit + her to be treated with unwomanly violence. + </p> + <p> + "Why, madam, wives must obey their husbands—-there's Scripture + warrant for it," said Foster; "and if you will dress yourself, and come + with us patiently, there's no one shall lay finger on you while I can draw + a pistol-trigger." + </p> + <p> + Seeing no help arrive, and comforted even by the dogged language of + Foster, the Countess promised to arise and dress herself, if they would + agree to retire from the room. Varney at the same time assured her of all + safety and honour while in their hands, and promised that he himself would + not approach her, since his presence was so displeasing. Her husband, he + added, would be at Cumnor Place within twenty-four hours after they had + reached it. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat comforted by this assurance, upon which, however, she saw little + reason to rely, the unhappy Amy made her toilette by the assistance of the + lantern, which they left with her when they quitted the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Weeping, trembling, and praying, the unfortunate lady dressed herself with + sensations how different from the days in which she was wont to decorate + herself in all the pride of conscious beauty! She endeavoured to delay the + completing her dress as long as she could, until, terrified by the + impatience of Varney, she was obliged to declare herself ready to attend + them. + </p> + <p> + When they were about to move, the Countess clung to Foster with such an + appearance of terror at Varney's approach that the latter protested to + her, with a deep oath, that he had no intention whatever of even coming + near her. "If you do but consent to execute your husband's will in + quietness, you shall," he said, "see but little of me. I will leave you + undisturbed to the care of the usher whom your good taste prefers." + </p> + <p> + "My husband's will!" she exclaimed. "But it is the will of God, and let + that be sufficient to me. I will go with Master Foster as unresistingly as + ever did a literal sacrifice. He is a father at least; and will have + decency, if not humanity. For thee, Varney, were it my latest word, thou + art an equal stranger to both." + </p> + <p> + Varney replied only she was at liberty to choose, and walked some paces + before them to show the way; while, half leaning on Foster, and half + carried by him, the Countess was transported from Saintlowe's Tower to the + postern gate, where Tider waited with the litter and horses. + </p> + <p> + The Countess was placed in the former without resistance. She saw with + some satisfaction that, while Foster and Tider rode close by the litter, + which the latter conducted, the dreaded Varney lingered behind, and was + soon lost in darkness. A little while she strove, as the road winded round + the verge of the lake, to keep sight of those stately towers which called + her husband lord, and which still, in some places, sparkled with lights, + where wassailers were yet revelling. But when the direction of the road + rendered this no longer possible, she drew back her head, and sinking down + in the litter, recommended herself to the care of Providence. + </p> + <p> + Besides the desire of inducing the Countess to proceed quietly on her + journey, Varney had it also in view to have an interview with Lambourne, + by whom he every moment expected to be joined, without the presence of any + witnesses. He knew the character of this man, prompt, bloody, resolute, + and greedy, and judged him the most fit agent he could employ in his + further designs. But ten miles of their journey had been measured ere he + heard the hasty clatter of horse's hoofs behind him, and was overtaken by + Michael Lambourne. + </p> + <p> + Fretted as he was with his absence, Varney received his profligate servant + with a rebuke of unusual bitterness. "Drunken villain," he said, "thy + idleness and debauched folly will stretch a halter ere it be long, and, + for me, I care not how soon!" + </p> + <p> + This style of objurgation Lambourne, who was elated to an unusual degree, + not only by an extraordinary cup of wine, but by the sort of confidential + interview he had just had with the Earl, and the secret of which he had + made himself master, did not receive with his wonted humility. "He would + take no insolence of language," he said, "from the best knight that ever + wore spurs. Lord Leicester had detained him on some business of import, + and that was enough for Varney, who was but a servant like himself." + </p> + <p> + Varney was not a little surprised at his unusual tone of insolence; but + ascribing it to liquor, suffered it to pass as if unnoticed, and then + began to tamper with Lambourne touching his willingness to aid in removing + out of the Earl of Leicester's way an obstacle to a rise, which would put + it in his power to reward his trusty followers to their utmost wish. And + upon Michael Lambourne's seeming ignorant what was meant, he plainly + indicated "the litter-load, yonder," as the impediment which he desired + should be removed. + </p> + <p> + "Look you, Sir Richard, and so forth," said Michael, "some are wiser than + some, that is one thing, and some are worse than some, that's another. I + know my lord's mind on this matter better than thou, for he hath trusted + me fully in the matter. Here are his mandates, and his last words were, + Michael Lambourne—for his lordship speaks to me as a gentleman of + the sword, and useth not the words drunken villain, or such like phrase, + of those who know not how to bear new dignities—Varney, says he, + must pay the utmost respect to my Countess. I trust to you for looking to + it, Lambourne, says his lordship, and you must bring back my signet from + him peremptorily." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," replied Varney, "said he so, indeed? You know all, then?" + </p> + <p> + "All—all; and you were as wise to make a friend of me while the + weather is fair betwixt us." + </p> + <p> + "And was there no one present," said Varney, "when my lord so spoke?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a breathing creature," replied Lambourne. "Think you my lord would + trust any one with such matters, save an approved man of action like + myself?" + </p> + <p> + "Most true," said Varney; and making a pause, he looked forward on the + moonlight road. They were traversing a wide and open heath. The litter + being at least a mile before them, was both out of sight and hearing. He + looked behind, and there was an expanse, lighted by the moonbeams, without + one human being in sight. He resumed his speech to Lambourne: "And will + you turn upon your master, who has introduced you to this career of + court-like favour—whose apprentice you have been, Michael—who + has taught you the depths and shallows of court intrigue?" + </p> + <p> + "Michael not me!" said Lambourne; "I have a name will brook a MASTER + before it as well as another; and as to the rest, if I have been an + apprentice, my indenture is out, and I am resolute to set up for myself." + </p> + <p> + "Take thy quittance first, thou fool!" said Varney; and with a pistol, + which he had for some time held in his hand, shot Lambourne through the + body. + </p> + <p> + The wretch fell from his horse without a single groan; and Varney, + dismounting, rifled his pockets, turning out the lining, that it might + appear he had fallen by robbers. He secured the Earl's packet, which was + his chief object; but he also took Lambourne's purse, containing some gold + pieces, the relics of what his debauchery had left him, and from a + singular combination of feelings, carried it in his hand only the length + of a small river, which crossed the road, into which he threw it as far as + he could fling. Such are the strange remnants of conscience which remain + after she seems totally subdued, that this cruel and remorseless man would + have felt himself degraded had he pocketed the few pieces belonging to the + wretch whom he had thus ruthlessly slain. + </p> + <p> + The murderer reloaded his pistol after cleansing the lock and barrel from + the appearances of late explosion, and rode calmly after the litter, + satisfying himself that he had so adroitly removed a troublesome witness + to many of his intrigues, and the bearer of mandates which he had no + intentions to obey, and which, therefore, he was desirous it should be + thought had never reached his hand. + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the journey was made with a degree of speed which showed + the little care they had for the health of the unhappy Countess. They + paused only at places where all was under their command, and where the + tale they were prepared to tell of the insane Lady Varney would have + obtained ready credit had she made an attempt to appeal to the compassion + of the few persons admitted to see her. But Amy saw no chance of obtaining + a hearing from any to whom she had an opportunity of addressing herself; + and besides, was too terrified for the presence of Varney to violate the + implied condition under which she was to travel free from his company. The + authority of Varney, often so used during the Earl's private journeys to + Cumnor, readily procured relays of horses where wanted, so that they + approached Cumnor Place upon the night after they left Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + At this period of the journey Varney came up to the rear of the litter, as + he had done before repeatedly during their progress, and asked, "How does + she?" + </p> + <p> + "She sleeps," said Foster. "I would we were home—her strength is + exhausted." + </p> + <p> + "Rest will restore her," answered Varney. "She shall soon sleep sound and + long. We must consider how to lodge her in safety." + </p> + <p> + "In her own apartments, to be sure," said Foster. "I have sent Janet to + her aunt's with a proper rebuke, and the old women are truth itself—for + they hate this lady cordially." + </p> + <p> + "We will not trust them, however, friend Anthony," said Varney; "We must + secure her in that stronghold where you keep your gold." + </p> + <p> + "My gold!" said Anthony, much alarmed; "why, what gold have I? God help + me, I have no gold—I would I had!" + </p> + <p> + "Now, marry hang thee, thou stupid brute, who thinks of or cares for thy + gold? If I did, could I not find an hundred better ways to come at it? In + one word, thy bedchamber, which thou hast fenced so curiously, must be her + place of seclusion; and thou, thou hind, shalt press her pillows of down. + I dare to say the Earl will never ask after the rich furniture of these + four rooms." + </p> + <p> + This last consideration rendered Foster tractable; he only asked + permission to ride before, to make matters ready, and spurring his horse, + he posted before the litter, while Varney falling about threescore paces + behind it, it remained only attended by Tider. + </p> + <p> + When they had arrived at Cumnor Place, the Countess asked eagerly for + Janet, and showed much alarm when informed that she was no longer to have + the attendance of that amiable girl. + </p> + <p> + "My daughter is dear to me, madam," said Foster gruffly; "and I desire not + that she should get the court-tricks of lying and 'scaping—somewhat + too much of that has she learned already, an it please your ladyship." + </p> + <p> + The Countess, much fatigued and greatly terrified by the circumstances of + her journey, made no answer to this insolence, but mildly expressed a wish + to retire to her chamber. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," muttered Foster, "'tis but reasonable; but, under favour, you go + not to your gew-gaw toy-house yonder—you will sleep to-night in + better security." + </p> + <p> + "I would it were in my grave," said the Countess; "but that mortal + feelings shiver at the idea of soul and body parting." + </p> + <p> + "You, I guess, have no chance to shiver at that," replied Foster. "My lord + comes hither to-morrow, and doubtless you will make your own ways good + with him." + </p> + <p> + "But does he come hither?—does he indeed, good Foster?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, ay, good Foster!" replied the other. "But what Foster shall I be + to-morrow when you speak of me to my lord—though all I have done was + to obey his own orders?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall be my protector—a rough one indeed—but still a + protector," answered the Countess. "Oh that Janet were but here!" + </p> + <p> + "She is better where she is," answered Foster—"one of you is enough + to perplex a plain head. But will you taste any refreshment?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh no, no—my chamber—my chamber! I trust," she said + apprehensively, "I may secure it on the inside?" + </p> + <p> + "With all my heart," answered Foster, "so I may secure it on the outside;" + and taking a light, he led the way to a part of the building where Amy had + never been, and conducted her up a stair of great height, preceded by one + of the old women with a lamp. At the head of the stair, which seemed of + almost immeasurable height, they crossed a short wooden gallery, formed of + black oak, and very narrow, at the farther end of which was a strong oaken + door, which opened and admitted them into the miser's apartment, homely in + its accommodations in the very last degree, and, except in name, little + different from a prison-room. + </p> + <p> + Foster stopped at the door, and gave the lamp to the Countess, without + either offering or permitting the attendance of the old woman who had + carried it. The lady stood not on ceremony, but taking it hastily, barred + the door, and secured it with the ample means provided on the inside for + that purpose. + </p> + <p> + Varney, meanwhile, had lurked behind on the stairs; but hearing the door + barred, he now came up on tiptoe, and Foster, winking to him, pointed with + self-complacence to a piece of concealed machinery in the wall, which, + playing with much ease and little noise, dropped a part of the wooden + gallery, after the manner of a drawbridge, so as to cut off all + communication between the door of the bedroom, which he usually inhabited, + and the landing-place of the high, winding stair which ascended to it. The + rope by which this machinery was wrought was generally carried within the + bedchamber, it being Foster's object to provide against invasion from + without; but now that it was intended to secure the prisoner within, the + cord had been brought over to the landing-place, and was there made fast, + when Foster with much complacency had dropped the unsuspected trap-door. + </p> + <p> + Varney looked with great attention at the machinery, and peeped more than + once down the abyss which was opened by the fall of the trap-door. It was + dark as pitch, and seemed profoundly deep, going, as Foster informed his + confederate in a whisper, nigh to the lowest vault of the Castle. Varney + cast once more a fixed and long look down into this sable gulf, and then + followed Foster to the part of the manor-house most usually inhabited. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived in the parlour which we have mentioned, Varney requested + Foster to get them supper, and some of the choicest wine. "I will seek + Alasco," he added; "we have work for him to do, and we must put him in + good heart." + </p> + <p> + Foster groaned at this intimation, but made no remonstrance. The old woman + assured Varney that Alasco had scarce eaten or drunken since her master's + departure, living perpetually shut up in the laboratory, and talking as if + the world's continuance depended on what he was doing there. + </p> + <p> + "I will teach him that the world hath other claims on him," said Varney, + seizing a light, and going in quest of the alchemist. He returned, after a + considerable absence, very pale, but yet with his habitual sneer on his + cheek and nostril. "Our friend," he said, "has exhaled." + </p> + <p> + "How!—what mean you?" said Foster—"run away—fled with my + forty pounds, that should have been multiplied a thousand-fold? I will + have Hue and Cry!" + </p> + <p> + "I will tell thee a surer way," said Varney. + </p> + <p> + "How!—which way?" exclaimed Foster; "I will have back my forty + pounds—I deemed them as surely a thousand times multiplied—I + will have back my in-put, at the least." + </p> + <p> + "Go hang thyself, then, and sue Alasco in the Devil's Court of Chancery, + for thither he has carried the cause." + </p> + <p> + "How!—what dost thou mean is he dead?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, truly is he," said Varney; "and properly swollen already in the face + and body. He had been mixing some of his devil's medicines, and the glass + mask which he used constantly had fallen from his face, so that the subtle + poison entered the brain, and did its work." + </p> + <p> + "SANCTA MARIA!" said Foster—"I mean, God in His mercy preserve us + from covetousness and deadly sin!—Had he not had projection, think + you? Saw you no ingots in the crucibles?" + </p> + <p> + "Nay, I looked not but at the dead carrion," answered Varney; "an ugly + spectacle—he was swollen like a corpse three days exposed on the + wheel. Pah! give me a cup of wine." + </p> + <p> + "I will go," said Foster, "I will examine myself—" He took the lamp, + and hastened to the door, but there hesitated and paused. "Will you not go + with me?" said he to Varney. + </p> + <p> + "To what purpose?" said Varney; "I have seen and smelled enough to spoil + my appetite. I broke the window, however, and let in the air; it reeked of + sulphur, and such like suffocating steams, as if the very devil had been + there." + </p> + <p> + "And might it not be the act of the demon himself?" said Foster, still + hesitating; "I have heard he is powerful at such times, and with such + people." + </p> + <p> + "Still, if it were that Satan of thine," answered Varney, "who thus jades + thy imagination, thou art in perfect safety, unless he is a most + unconscionable devil indeed. He hath had two good sops of late." + </p> + <p> + "How TWO sops—what mean you?" said Foster—"what mean you?" + </p> + <p> + "You will know in time," said Varney;—"and then this other banquet—but + thou wilt esteem Her too choice a morsel for the fiend's tooth—she + must have her psalms, and harps, and seraphs." + </p> + <p> + Anthony Foster heard, and came slowly back to the table. "God! Sir + Richard, and must that then be done?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, in very truth, Anthony, or there comes no copyhold in thy way," + replied his inflexible associate. + </p> + <p> + "I always foresaw it would land there!" said Foster. "But how, Sir + Richard, how?—for not to win the world would I put hands on her." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot blame thee," said Varney; "I should be reluctant to do that + myself. We miss Alasco and his manna sorely—ay, and the dog + Lambourne." + </p> + <p> + "Why, where tarries Lambourne?" said Anthony. + </p> + <p> + "Ask no questions," said Varney, "thou wilt see him one day if thy creed + is true. But to our graver matter. I will teach thee a spring, Tony, to + catch a pewit. Yonder trap-door—yonder gimcrack of thine, will + remain secure in appearance, will it not, though the supports are + withdrawn beneath?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, marry, will it," said Foster; "so long as it is not trodden on." + </p> + <p> + "But were the lady to attempt an escape over it," replied Varney, "her + weight would carry it down?" + </p> + <p> + "A mouse's weight would do it," said Foster. + </p> + <p> + "Why, then, she dies in attempting her escape, and what could you or I + help it, honest Tony? Let us to bed, we will adjust our project + to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + On the next day, when evening approached, Varney summoned Foster to the + execution of their plan. Tider and Foster's old man-servant were sent on a + feigned errand down to the village, and Anthony himself, as if anxious to + see that the Countess suffered no want of accommodation, visited her place + of confinement. He was so much staggered at the mildness and patience with + which she seemed to endure her confinement, that he could not help + earnestly recommending to her not to cross the threshold of her room on + any account whatever, until Lord Leicester should come, "which," he added, + "I trust in God, will be very soon." Amy patiently promised that she would + resign herself to her fate, and Foster returned to his hardened companion + with his conscience half-eased of the perilous load that weighed on it. "I + have warned her," he said; "surely in vain is the snare set in the sight + of any bird!" + </p> + <p> + He left, therefore, the Countess's door unsecured on the outside, and, + under the eye of Varney, withdrew the supports which sustained the falling + trap, which, therefore, kept its level position merely by a slight + adhesion. They withdrew to wait the issue on the ground-floor adjoining; + but they waited long in vain. At length Varney, after walking long to and + fro, with his face muffled in his cloak, threw it suddenly back and + exclaimed, "Surely never was a woman fool enough to neglect so fair an + opportunity of escape!" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps she is resolved," said Foster, "to await her husband's return." + </p> + <p> + "True!—most true!" said Varney, rushing out; "I had not thought of + that before." + </p> + <p> + In less than two minutes, Foster, who remained behind, heard the tread of + a horse in the courtyard, and then a whistle similar to that which was the + Earl's usual signal. The instant after the door of the Countess's chamber + opened, and in the same moment the trap-door gave way. There was a rushing + sound—a heavy fall—a faint groan—and all was over. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant, Varney called in at the window, in an accent and tone + which was an indescribable mixture betwixt horror and raillery, "Is the + bird caught?—is the deed done?" + </p> + <p> + "O God, forgive us!" replied Anthony Foster. + </p> + <p> + "Why, thou fool," said Varney, "thy toil is ended, and thy reward secure. + Look down into the vault—what seest thou?" + </p> + <p> + "I see only a heap of white clothes, like a snowdrift," said Foster. "O + God, she moves her arm!" + </p> + <p> + "Hurl something down on her—thy gold chest, Tony—it is an + heavy one." + </p> + <p> + "Varney, thou art an incarnate fiend!" replied Foster. + </p> + <p> + "There needs nothing more—she is gone!" + </p> + <p> + "So pass our troubles," said Varney, entering the room; "I dreamed not I + could have mimicked the Earl's call so well." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if there be judgment in heaven, thou hast deserved it," said Foster, + "and wilt meet it! Thou hast destroyed her by means of her best affections—it + is a seething of the kid in the mother's milk!" + </p> + <p> + "Thou art a fanatical ass," replied Varney; "let us now think how the + alarm should be given—the body is to remain where it is." + </p> + <p> + But their wickedness was to be permitted no longer; for even while they + were at this consultation, Tressilian and Raleigh broke in upon them, + having obtained admittance by means of Tider and Foster's servant, whom + they had secured at the village. + </p> + <p> + Anthony Foster fled on their entrance, and knowing each corner and pass of + the intricate old house, escaped all search. But Varney was taken on the + spot; and instead of expressing compunction for what he had done, seemed + to take a fiendish pleasure in pointing out to them the remains of the + murdered Countess, while at the same time he defied them to show that he + had any share in her death. The despairing grief of Tressilian, on viewing + the mangled and yet warm remains of what had lately been so lovely and so + beloved, was such that Raleigh was compelled to have him removed from the + place by force, while he himself assumed the direction of what was to be + done. + </p> + <p> + Varney, upon a second examination, made very little mystery either of the + crime or of its motives—-alleging, as a reason for his frankness, + that though much of what he confessed could only have attached to him by + suspicion, yet such suspicion would have been sufficient to deprive him of + Leicester's confidence, and to destroy all his towering plans of ambition. + "I was not born," he said, "to drag on the remainder of life a degraded + outcast; nor will I so die that my fate shall make a holiday to the vulgar + herd." + </p> + <p> + From these words it was apprehended he had some design upon himself, and + he was carefully deprived of all means by which such could be carried into + execution. But like some of the heroes of antiquity, he carried about his + person a small quantity of strong poison, prepared probably by the + celebrated Demetrius Alasco. Having swallowed this potion over-night, he + was found next morning dead in his cell; nor did he appear to have + suffered much agony, his countenance presenting, even in death, the + habitual expression of sneering sarcasm which was predominant while he + lived. "The wicked man," saith Scripture, "hath no bonds in his death." + </p> + <p> + The fate of his colleague in wickedness was long unknown. Cumnor Place was + deserted immediately after the murder; for in the vicinity of what was + called the Lady Dudley's Chamber, the domestics pretended to hear groans, + and screams, and other supernatural noises. After a certain length of + time, Janet, hearing no tidings of her father, became the uncontrolled + mistress of his property, and conferred it with her hand upon Wayland, now + a man of settled character, and holding a place in Elizabeth's household. + But it was after they had been both dead for some years that their eldest + son and heir, in making some researches about Cumnor Hall, discovered a + secret passage, closed by an iron door, which, opening from behind the bed + in the Lady Dudley's Chamber, descended to a sort of cell, in which they + found an iron chest containing a quantity of gold, and a human skeleton + stretched above it. The fate of Anthony Foster was now manifest. He had + fled to this place of concealment, forgetting the key of the spring-lock; + and being barred from escape by the means he had used for preservation of + that gold, for which he had sold his salvation, he had there perished + miserably. Unquestionably the groans and screams heard by the domestics + were not entirely imaginary, but were those of this wretch, who, in his + agony, was crying for relief and succour. + </p> + <p> + The news of the Countess's dreadful fate put a sudden period to the + pleasures of Kenilworth. Leicester retired from court, and for a + considerable time abandoned himself to his remorse. But as Varney in his + last declaration had been studious to spare the character of his patron, + the Earl was the object rather of compassion than resentment. The Queen at + length recalled him to court; he was once more distinguished as a + statesman and favourite; and the rest of his career is well known to + history. But there was something retributive in his death, if, according + to an account very generally received, it took place from his swallowing a + draught of poison which was designed by him for another person. [See Note + 9. Death of the Earl of Leicester.] + </p> + <p> + Sir Hugh Robsart died very soon after his daughter, having settled his + estate on Tressilian. But neither the prospect of rural independence, nor + the promises of favour which Elizabeth held out to induce him to follow + the court, could remove his profound melancholy. Wherever he went he + seemed to see before him the disfigured corpse of the early and only + object of his affection. At length, having made provision for the + maintenance of the old friends and old servants who formed Sir Hugh's + family at Lidcote Hall, he himself embarked with his friend Raleigh for + the Virginia expedition, and, young in years but old in grief, died before + his day in that foreign land. + </p> + <p> + Of inferior persons it is only necessary to say that Blount's wit grew + brighter as his yellow roses faded; that, doing his part as a brave + commander in the wars, he was much more in his element than during the + short period of his following the court; and that Flibbertigibbet's acute + genius raised him to favour and distinction in the employment both of + Burleigh and Walsingham. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES. + </h2> + <p> + Note 1. Ch. III.—FOSTER, LAMBOURNE, AND THE BLACK BEAR. + </p> + <p> + If faith is to be put in epitaphs, Anthony Foster was something the very + reverse of the character represented in the novel. Ashmole gives this + description of his tomb. I copy from the ANTIQUITIES OF BERKSHIRE, vol.i., + p.143. + </p> + <p> + "In the north wall of the chancel at Cumnor church is a monument of grey + marble, whereon, in brass plates, are engraved a man in armour, and his + wife in the habit of her times, both kneeling before a fald-stoole, + together with the figures of three sons kneeling behind their mother. + Under the figure of the man is this inscription:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "ANTONIUS FORSTER, generis generosa propago, + Cumnerae Dominus, Bercheriensis erat. + Armiger, Armigero prognatus patre Ricardo, + Qui quondam Iphlethae Salopiensis erat. + Quatuor ex isto fluxerunt stemmate nati, + Ex isto Antonius stemmate quartus erat. + Mente sagax, animo precellens, corpore promptus, + Eloquii dulcis, ore disertus erat. + In factis probitas; fuit in sermone venustas, + In vultu gravitas, relligione fides, + In patriam pietas, in egenos grata voluntas, + Accedunt reliquis annumeranda bonis. + Si quod cuncta rapit, rapuit non omnia Lethum, + Si quod Mors rapuit, vivida fama dedit. +</pre> + <p> + "These verses following are writ at length, two by two, in praise of him:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Argute resonas Cithare pretendere chordas + Novit, et Aonia concrepuisse Lyra. + Gaudebat terre teneras defigere plantas; + Et mira pulchras construere arte domos + Composita varias lingua formare loquelas + Doctus, et edocta scribere multa manu." +</pre> + <p> + The arms over it thus:— + </p> + <p> + Quart. I. 3 HUNTER'S HORNS stringed. + </p> + <p> + II. 3 PINIONS with their points upwards. + </p> + <p> + "The crest is a STAG couchant, vulnerated through the neck by a broad + arrow; on his side is a MARTLETT for a difference." + </p> + <p> + From this monumental inscription it appears that Anthony Foster, instead + of being a vulgar, low-bred, puritanical churl, was, in fact, a gentleman + of birth and consideration, distinguished for his skill in the arts of + music and horticulture, as also in languages. In so far, therefore, the + Anthony Foster of the romance has nothing but the name in common with the + real individual. But notwithstanding the charity, benevolence, and + religious faith imputed by the monument of grey marble to its tenant, + tradition, as well as secret history, names him as the active agent in the + death of the Countess; and it is added that, from being a jovial and + convivial gallant, as we may infer from some expressions in the epitaph, + he sunk, after the fatal deed, into a man of gloomy and retired habits, + whose looks and manners indicated that he suffered under the pressure of + some atrocious secret. + </p> + <p> + The name of Lambourne is still known in the vicinity, and it is said some + of the clan partake the habits, as well as name, of the Michael Lambourne + of the romance. A man of this name lately murdered his wife, outdoing + Michael in this respect, who only was concerned in the murder of the wife + of another man. + </p> + <p> + I have only to add that the jolly Black Bear has been restored to his + predominance over bowl and bottle in the village of Cumnor. + </p> + <p> + Note 2. Ch. XIII.—LEGEND OF WAYLAND SMITH. + </p> + <p> + The great defeat given by Alfred to the Danish invaders is said by Mr. + Gough to have taken place near Ashdown, in Berkshire. "The burial place of + Baereg, the Danish chief, who was slain in this fight, is distinguished by + a parcel of stones, less than a mile from the hill, set on edge, enclosing + a piece of ground somewhat raised. On the east side of the southern + extremity stand three squarish flat stones, of about four or five feet + over either way, supporting a fourth, and now called by the vulgar WAYLAND + SMITH, from an idle tradition about an invisible smith replacing lost + horse-shoes there."—GOUGH'S edition of CAMDEN'S BRITANNIA, vol.i., + p. 221. + </p> + <p> + The popular belief still retains memory of this wild legend, which, + connected as it is with the site of a Danish sepulchre, may have arisen + from some legend concerning the northern Duergar, who resided in the + rocks, and were cunning workers in steel and iron. It was believed that + Wayland Smith's fee was sixpence, and that, unlike other workmen, he was + offended if more was offered. Of late his offices have been again called + to memory; but fiction has in this, as in other cases, taken the liberty + to pillage the stores of oral tradition. This monument must be very + ancient, for it has been kindly pointed out to me that it is referred to + in an ancient Saxon charter as a landmark. The monument has been of late + cleared out, and made considerably more conspicuous. + </p> + <p> + Note 3. Ch. XIV.—LEICESTER AND SUSSEX. + </p> + <p> + Naunton gives us numerous and curious particulars of the jealous struggle + which took place between Ratcliffe, Earl of Sussex, and the rising + favourite Leicester. The former, when on his deathbed, predicted to his + followers that after his death the gipsy (so he called Leicester, from his + dark complexion) would prove too many for them. + </p> + <p> + Note 4. Ch. XIV.—SIR WALTER RALEIGH. + </p> + <p> + Among the attendants and adherents of Sussex, we have ventured to + introduce the celebrated Raleigh, in the dawn of his court favour. + </p> + <p> + In Aubrey's Correspondence there are some curious particulars of Sir + Walter Raleigh. "He was a tall, handsome, bold man; but his naeve was that + he was damnably proud. Old Sir Robert Harley of Brampton Brian Castle, who + knew him, would say it was a great question who was the proudest, Sir + Walter or Sir Thomas Overbury; but the difference that was, was judged in + Sir Thomas's side. In the great parlour at Downton, at Mr. Raleigh's, is a + good piece, an original of Sir Walter, in a white satin doublet, all + embroidered with rich pearls, and a mighty rich chain of great pearls + about his neck. The old servants have told me that the real pearls were + near as big as the painted ones. He had a most remarkable aspect, an + exceeding high forehead, long-faced, and sour-eyelidded. A rebus is added + to this purpose:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The enemy to the stomach, and the word of disgrace, + Is the name of the gentleman with the bold face. +</pre> + <p> + Sir Walter Raleigh's beard turned up naturally, which gave him an + advantage over the gallants of the time, whose moustaches received a touch + of the barber's art to give them the air then most admired.—See + AUBREY'S CORRESPONDENCE, vol.ii., part ii., p.500. + </p> + <p> + Note 5. Ch. XV.—COURT FAVOUR OF SIR WALTER RALEIGH. + </p> + <p> + The gallant incident of the cloak is the traditional account of this + celebrated statesman's rise at court. None of Elizabeth's courtiers knew + better than he how to make his court to her personal vanity, or could more + justly estimate the quantity of flattery which she could condescend to + swallow. Being confined in the Tower for some offence, and understanding + the Queen was about to pass to Greenwich in her barge, he insisted on + approaching the window, that he might see, at whatever distance, the Queen + of his Affections, the most beautiful object which the earth bore on its + surface. The Lieutenant of the Tower (his own particular friend) threw + himself between his prisoner and the window; while Sir Waiter, apparently + influenced by a fit of unrestrainable passion, swore he would not be + debarred from seeing his light, his life, his goddess! A scuffle ensued, + got up for effect's sake, in which the Lieutenant and his captive grappled + and struggled with fury, tore each other's hair, and at length drew + daggers, and were only separated by force. The Queen being informed of + this scene exhibited by her frantic adorer, it wrought, as was to be + expected, much in favour of the captive Paladin. There is little doubt + that his quarrel with the Lieutenant was entirely contrived for the + purpose which it produced. + </p> + <p> + Note 6. Ch. XVII.—ROBERT LANEHAM. + </p> + <p> + Little is known of Robert Laneham, save in his curious letter to a friend + in London, giving an account of Queen Elizabeth's entertainments at + Kenilworth, written in a style of the most intolerable affectation, both + in point of composition and orthography. He describes himself as a BON + VIVANT, who was wont to be jolly and dry in the morning, and by his + good-will would be chiefly in the company of the ladies. He was, by the + interest of Lord Leicester, Clerk of the Council Chamber door, and also + keeper of the same. "When Council sits," says he, "I am at hand. If any + makes a babbling, PEACE, say I. If I see a listener or a pryer in at the + chinks or lockhole, I am presently on the bones of him. If a friend comes, + I make him sit down by me on a form or chest. The rest may walk, a God's + name!" There has been seldom a better portrait of the pragmatic conceit + and self-importance of a small man in office. + </p> + <p> + Note 7. Ch. XVIII.—DR. JULIO. + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Leicester's Italian physician, Julio, was affirmed by his + contemporaries to be a skilful compounder of poisons, which he applied + with such frequency, that the Jesuit Parsons extols ironically the + marvellous good luck of this great favourite in the opportune deaths of + those who stood in the way of his wishes. There is a curious passage on + the subject:— + </p> + <p> + "Long after this, he fell in love with the Lady Sheffield, whom I + signified before, and then also had he the same fortune to have her + husband dye quickly, with an extreame rheume in his head (as it was given + out), but as others say, of an artificiall catarre that stopped his + breath. + </p> + <p> + "The like good chance had he in the death of my Lord of Essex (as I have + said before), and that at a time most fortunate for his purpose; for when + he was coming home from Ireland, with intent to revenge himselfe upon my + Lord of Leicester for begetting his wife with childe in his absence (the + childe was a daughter, and brought up by the Lady Shandoes, W. Knooles, + his wife), my Lord of Leicester hearing thereof, wanted not a friend or + two to accompany the deputy, as among other a couple of the Earles own + servants, Crompton (if I misse not his name), yeoman of his bottles, and + Lloid his secretary, entertained afterward by my Lord of Leicester, and so + he dyed in the way of an extreame flux, caused by an Italian receipe, as + all his friends are well assured, the maker whereof was a chyrurgeon (as + it is beleeved) that then was newly come to my Lord from Italy—-a + cunning man and sure in operation, with whom, if the good Lady had been + sooner acquainted, and used his help, she should not have needed to sitten + so pensive at home, and fearefull of her husband's former returne out of + the same country......Neither must you marvaile though all these died in + divers manners of outward diseases, for this is the excellency of the + Italian art, for which this chyrurgeon and Dr. Julio were entertained so + carefully, who can make a man dye in what manner or show of sickness you + will—by whose instructions, no doubt; but his lordship is now + cunning, especially adding also to these the counsell of his Doctor Bayly, + a man also not a little studied (as he seemeth) in his art; for I heard + him once myselfe, in a publique act in Oxford, and that in presence of my + Lord of Leicester (if I be not deceived), maintain that poyson might be so + tempered and given as it should not appear presently, and yet should kill + the party afterward, at what time should be appointed; which argument + belike pleased well his lordship, and therefore was chosen to be discussed + in his audience, if I be not deceived of his being that day present. So, + though one dye of a flux, and another of a catarre, yet this importeth + little to the matter, but showeth rather the great cunning and skill of + the artificer."—PARSONS' LEICESTER'S COMMONWEALTH, p.23. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to state the numerous reasons why the Earl is stated in + the tale to be rather the dupe of villains than the unprincipled author of + their atrocities. In the latter capacity, which a part at least of his + contemporaries imputed to him, he would have made a character too + disgustingly wicked to be useful for the purposes of fiction. + </p> + <p> + I have only to add that the union of the poisoner, the quacksalver, the + alchemist, and the astrologer in the same person was familiar to the + pretenders to the mystic sciences. + </p> + <p> + Note 8. Ch. XXXII.—FURNITURE OF KENILWORTH. + </p> + <p> + In revising this work, I have had the means of making some accurate + additions to my attempt to describe the princely pleasures of Kenilworth, + by the kindness of my friend William Hamper, Esq., who had the goodness to + communicate to me an inventory of the furniture of Kenilworth in the days + of the magnificent Earl of Leicester. I have adorned the text with some of + the splendid articles mentioned in the inventory, but antiquaries + especially will be desirous to see a more full specimen than the story + leaves room for. + </p> + <p> + EXTRACTS FROM KENILWORTH INVENTORY, A.D. 1584. + </p> + <p> + A Salte, ship-fashion, of the mother of perle, garnished with silver and + divers workes, warlike ensignes, and ornaments, with xvj peeces of + ordinance whereof ij on wheles, two anckers on the foreparte, and on the + stearne the image of Dame Fortune standing on a globe with a flag in her + hand. Pois xxxij oz. + </p> + <p> + A gilte salte like a swann, mother of perle. Pois xxx oz. iij quarters. + </p> + <p> + A George on horseback, of wood, painted and gilt, with a case for knives + in the tayle of the horse, and a case for oyster knives in the brest of + the Dragon. + </p> + <p> + A green barge-cloth, embrother'd with white lions and beares. + </p> + <p> + A perfuming pann, of silver. Pois xix oz. + </p> + <p> + In the halle. Tabells, long and short, vj. Formes, long and short, xiiij. + </p> + <p> + HANGINGS. (These are minutely specified, and consisted of the following + subjects, in tapestry, and gilt, and red leather.) + </p> + <p> + Flowers, beasts, and pillars arched. Forest worke. Historie. Storie of + Susanna, the Prodigall Childe, Saule, Tobie, Hercules, Lady Fame, Hawking + and Hunting, Jezabell, Judith and Holofernes, David, Abraham, Sampson, + Hippolitus, Alexander the Great, Naaman the Assyrian, Jacob, etc. + </p> + <p> + BEDSTEADS, WITH THEIR FURNITURE. (These are magnificent and numerous. I + shall copy VERBATIM the description of what appears to have been one of + the best.) + </p> + <p> + A bedsted of wallnut-tree, toppe fashion, the pillers redd and varnished, + the ceelor, tester, and single vallance of crimson sattin, paned with a + broad border of bone lace of golde and silver. The tester richlie + embrothered with my Lo. armes in a garland of hoppes, roses, and + pomegranetts, and lyned with buckerom. Fyve curteins of crimson sattin to + the same bedsted, striped downe with a bone lace of gold and silver, + garnished with buttons and loops of crimson silk and golde, containing + xiiij bredths of sattin, and one yarde iij quarters deepe. The ceelor, + vallance, and curteins lyned with crymson taffata sarsenet. + </p> + <p> + A crymson sattin counterpointe, quilted and embr. with a golde twiste, and + lyned with redd sarsenet, being in length iij yards good, and in breadth + iij scant. + </p> + <p> + A chaise of crymson sattin, suteable. + </p> + <p> + A fayre quilte of crymson sattin, vj breadths, iij yardes 3 quarters naile + deepe, all lozenged over with silver twiste, in the midst a cinquefoile + within a garland of ragged staves, fringed rounde aboute with a small + fringe of crymson silke, lyned throughe with white fustian. + </p> + <p> + Fyve plumes of coolered feathers, garnished with bone lace and spangells + of goulde and silver, standing in cups knitt all over with goulde, silver, + and crymson silk. [Probably on the centre and four corners of the + bedstead. Four bears and ragged staves occupied a similar position on + another of these sumptuous pieces of furniture.] + </p> + <p> + A carpett for a cupboarde of crymson sattin, embrothered with a border of + goulde twiste, about iij parts of it fringed with silk and goulde, lyned + with bridges [That is, Bruges.] sattin, in length ij yards, and ij bredths + of sattin. + </p> + <p> + (There were eleven down beds and ninety feather beds, besides thirty-seven + mattresses.) + </p> + <p> + CHYRES, STOOLES, AND CUSHENS. (These were equally splendid with the beds, + etc. I shall here copy that which stands at the head of the list.) + </p> + <p> + A chaier of crimson velvet, the seate and backe partlie embrothered, with + R. L. in cloth of goulde, the beare and ragged staffe in clothe of silver, + garnished with lace and fringe of goulde, silver, and crimson silck. The + frame covered with velvet, bounde aboute the edge with goulde lace, and + studded with gilte nailes. + </p> + <p> + A square stoole and a foote stoole, of crimson velvet, fringed and + garnished suteable. + </p> + <p> + A long cushen of crimson velvet, embr. with the ragged staffe in a wreathe + of goulde, with my Lo. posie "DROYTE ET LOYALL" written in the same, and + the letters R. L. in clothe of goulde, being garnished with lace, fringe, + buttons, and tassels of gold, silver, and crimson silck, lyned with + crimson taff., being in length 1 yard quarter. + </p> + <p> + A square cushen, of the like velvet, embr. suteable to the long cushen. + </p> + <p> + CARPETS. (There were 10 velvet carpets for tables and windows, 49 Turkey + carpets for floors, and 32 cloth carpets. One of each I will now specify.) + </p> + <p> + A carpett of crimson velvet, richlie embr. with my Lo. posie, beares and + ragged staves, etc., of clothe of goulde and silver, garnished upon the + seames and aboute with golde lace, fringed accordinglie, lyned with + crimson taffata sarsenett, being 3 breadths of velvet, one yard 3 quarters + long. + </p> + <p> + A great Turquoy carpett, the grounde blew, with a list of yelloe at each + end, being in length x yards, in bredthe iiij yards and quarter + </p> + <p> + A long carpett of blew clothe, lyned with bridges sattin, fringed with + blew silck and goulde, in length vj yards lack a quarter, the whole bredth + of the clothe. + </p> + <p> + PICTURES. (Chiefly described as having curtains.) + </p> + <p> + The Queene's Majestie (2 great tables). 3 of my Lord. St. Jerome. Lo. of + Arundell. Lord Mathevers. Lord of Pembroke. Counte Egmondt. The Queene of + Scotts. King Philip. The Baker's Daughters. The Duke of Feria. Alexander + Magnus. Two Yonge Ladies. Pompaea Sabina. Fred. D. of Saxony. Emp. + Charles. K. Philip's Wife. Prince of Orange and his Wife. Marq. of Berges + and his Wife. Counte de Home. Count Holstrate. Monsr. Brederode. Duke + Alva. Cardinal Grandville. Duches of Parma. Henrie E. of Pembrooke and his + young Countess. Countis of Essex. Occacion and Repentance. Lord + Mowntacute. Sir Jas. Crofts. Sir Wm. Mildmay. Sr. Wm. Pickering. Edwin + Abp. of York. + </p> + <p> + A tabell of an historie of men, women, and children, moulden in wax. + </p> + <p> + A little foulding table of ebanie, garnished with white bone, wherein are + written verses with lres. of goulde. + </p> + <p> + A table of my Lord's armes. + </p> + <p> + Fyve of the plannetts, painted in frames. + </p> + <p> + Twentie-three cardes, [That is charts.] or maps of countries. + </p> + <p> + INSTRUMENTS. (I shall give two specimens.) + </p> + <p> + An instrument of organs, regall, and virginalls, covered with crimson + velvet, and garnished with goulde lace. + </p> + <p> + A fair pair of double virginalls. + </p> + <p> + CABONETTS. + </p> + <p> + A cabonett of crimson sattin, richlie embr. with a device of hunting the + stagg, in goulde, silver, and silck, with iiij glasses in the topp + thereof, xvj cupps of flowers made of goulde, silver, and silck, in a case + of leather, lyned with greene sattin of bridges. + </p> + <p> + (Another of purple velvet. A desk of red leather.) + </p> + <p> + A CHESS BOARDE of ebanie, with checkars of christall and other stones, + layed with silver, garnished with beares and ragged staves, and + cinquefoiles of silver. The xxxij men likewyse of christall and other + stones sett, the one sort in silver white, the other gilte, in a case + gilded and lyned with green cotton. + </p> + <p> + (Another of bone and ebanie. A pair of tabells of bone.) + </p> + <p> + A great BRASON CANDLESTICK to hang in the roofe of the howse, verie fayer + and curiouslye wrought, with xxiiij branches, xij greate and xij of lesser + size, 6 rowlers and ij wings for the spreade eagle, xxiiij socketts for + candells, xij greater and xij of a lesser sorte, xxiiij sawcers, or + candlecups, of like proporcion to put under the socketts, iij images of + men and iij of weomen, of brass, verie finely and artificiallie done. + </p> + <p> + These specimens of Leicester's magnificence may serve to assure the reader + that it scarce lay in the power of a modern author to exaggerate the + lavish style of expense displayed in the princely pleasures of Kenilworth. + </p> + <p> + Note to Ch. XLI.—DEATH OF THE EARL OF LEICESTER. + </p> + <p> + In a curious manuscript copy of the information given by Ben Jonson to + Drummond of Hawthornden, as transcribed by Sir Robert Sibbald, Leicester's + death is ascribed to poison administered as a cordial by his countess, to + whom he had given it, representing it to be a restorative in any + faintness, in the hope that she herself might be cut off by using it. We + have already quoted Jonson's account of this merited stroke of retribution + in a note of the Introduction to this volume. It may be here added that + the following satirical epitaph on Leicester occurs in Drummond's + Collection, but is evidently not of his composition:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + EPITAPH ON THE ERLE OF LEISTER. + + Here lies a valiant warriour, + Who never drew a sword; + Here lies a noble courtier, + Who never kept his word; + Here lies the Erle of Leister, + Who governed the Estates, + Whom the earth could never living love, + And the just Heaven now hates. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Kenilworth, by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KENILWORTH *** + +***** This file should be named 1606-h.htm or 1606-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/1606/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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