initial commit of ebook 34796HEADmain

9 files changed, 57965 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/34796-8.txt b/34796-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c43489
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19179 @@
+Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+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: William Shakespeare as he lived.
+       An Historical Tale
+
+Author: Henry Curling
+
+Release Date: December 30, 2010 [EBook #34796]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                         WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
+
+                             AS HE LIVED.
+
+                         An Historical Tale.
+
+                         BY CAPTAIN CURLING,
+
+      AUTHOR OF "JOHN OF ENGLAND." "SOLDIER OF FORTUNE."
+
+
+    "Sweet are the uses of adversity,
+    Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,
+    Wears yet a precious jewel in his head."
+
+    _As you Like it._
+
+
+    _WARWICK_:
+
+    H. T. COOKE & SON, PUBLISHERS, HIGH STREET.
+
+    (COPYRIGHT.)
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The nature of the following work is sufficiently indicated by the title.
+In it the most interesting portions of the career of Shakespeare, taken
+from the best accredited sources, are brought forward in a pleasing
+narrative, the dialogue being in the style of the Elizabethan period.
+
+Throughout the work the writer has endeavoured, amidst a great deal of
+stirring incident, and a subordinate tale of much interest, to place the
+Poet constantly before the reader, whether on or off the scene. The
+story commences when he was about seventeen years of age, and carries
+him through some of the eventful "chances" of that glorious epoch which
+called forth his own "muse of fire," and caused him to ascend "the
+brightest heaven of invention;" and, after showing him the sharp "uses
+of adversity," leaves him at the moment of success, whilst Elizabeth and
+the entire Court-circle are turned to him whose matchless genius has
+just enchanted them.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I. A Forest Scene
+
+CHAPTER II. The Youthful Shakespeare
+
+CHAPTER III. Charlotte Clopton
+
+CHAPTER IV. The Family of the Cloptons
+
+CHAPTER V. A Domestic Party in Elizabeth's Day
+
+CHAPTER VI. A Disagreeable Visitor
+
+CHAPTER VII. Plots and Counterplots
+
+CHAPTER VIII. Stratford-upon-Avon
+
+CHAPTER IX. The Tavern
+
+CHAPTER X. The Churchyard of Stratford-upon-Avon
+
+CHAPTER XI. The Stratford Lawyer
+
+CHAPTER XII. The Sonnet
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Mother and Son
+
+CHAPTER XIV. The Lovers
+
+CHAPTER XV. Charlecote
+
+CHAPTER XVI. The Attack
+
+CHAPTER XVII. The Capture
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. A Revel at Clopton
+
+CHAPTER XIX. The Plague at Stratford
+
+CHAPTER XX. More Trouble at Clopton
+
+CHAPTER XXI. Domestic Affliction
+
+CHAPTER XXII. Bereavement
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. The Vault
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. The Village Fete--Ann Hathaway
+
+CHAPTER XXV. The Twelfth-tide Revelry
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. The Misled Wanderer
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. The Suitor
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. Shottery Hall
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. The Lovers
+
+CHAPTER XXX. The Adventurers
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. The Benedict
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. The Hostel
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. The Deer Stealers
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. The Adventure
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. More Matter for a May Morning
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. The Lampoon
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. The Garden
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII. The Flight to London
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX. Old London
+
+CHAPTER XL. The Poor Player
+
+CHAPTER XLI. The Tavern Revel
+
+CHAPTER XLII. More Strange than True
+
+CHAPTER XLIII. England on the Defensive
+
+CHAPTER XLIV. The Boar's Head, in East Cheap
+
+CHAPTER XLV. The Camp at Tilbury
+
+CHAPTER XLVI. The Invincible Armada
+
+CHAPTER XLVII. The Player at Court
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII. Sir Thomas Lucy in London
+
+CHAPTER XLIX. The Theatre of the Blackfriars
+
+CHAPTER L. The Scenic Hour
+
+CHAPTER LI. The Tavern
+
+CHAPTER LII. The Player in his Lodging
+
+CHAPTER LIII. The Poet and his Patron
+
+CHAPTER LIV. A Consultation
+
+CHAPTER LV. Ill Weaved Ambition
+
+CHAPTER LVI. The Associates
+
+CHAPTER LVII. The Poet and his Friends
+
+CHAPTER LVIII. Stratford and its Neighbourhood
+
+CHAPTER LIX. Kenilworth
+
+CHAPTER LX. The Return
+
+CHAPTER LXI. The Discomfited Scrivener
+
+CHAPTER LXII. Old Friends
+
+CHAPTER LXIII. Which ends this strange eventful History
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED,
+
+STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, AND QUEEN ELIZABETH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A FOREST SCENE.
+
+
+It was one morning, during the reign of Elizabeth, that a youth, clad in
+a grey cloth doublet and hose (the usual costume of the respectable
+country tradesman or apprentice in England), took his early morning
+stroll in the vicinity of a small town in Warwickshire.
+
+Lovely as is the scenery in almost every part of this beautiful county,
+which exhibits, perhaps, the most park-like and truly English picture in
+our island, it was (at the period of our story) far more beautiful than
+in its present state or cultivated improvement.
+
+The thick and massive foliage of its woods, in Elizabeth's day, were to
+be seen in all the luxuriance of their native wildness, unpruned,
+unthinned, untouched by the hand of man, representing in their bowery
+beauty the wild uncontrolled woodlands of Britain, when waste, and wold,
+and swamp, and thicket constituted all.
+
+The fern-clad undulations and forest glades around, too, at this period,
+were peopled by the wild and herded deer--those "poor, dappled
+fools--the native burghers of the desert city"--which, couched in their
+own confines, their antlered heads alone seen in some sequestered spot
+amongst the long grass, gave an additional charm to the locality they
+haunted, in all the freedom of unmolested range, from park to forest,
+and from glade to thicket.
+
+In these bosky bournes and sylvan retreats, unmolested then by the axe
+of an encroaching population; nay, almost untrodden, save by the
+occasional forester or the fierce outlaw; the gnarled oaks threw their
+broad arms over the mossy carpet, giving so deep a shade in many parts,
+that the rays of the mid-day sun were almost intercepted, and the silent
+forest seemed dark, shadowy, and massive, as when the stately tramp of
+the soldiery of Rome sounded beneath its boughs.
+
+As the youth cleared the enclosures in the immediate vicinity of the
+town, and brushed the dew from the bladed grass on nearing the more
+sylvan scene, the deep tones of the clock, from the old dark tower of
+the church, struck the third hour. The sound arrested him; he paused,
+and turning, gazed for some moments upon the buildings now seen emerging
+from the mint of early morning. At this hour no sign of life--no stir
+was to be observed in the town.
+
+    "The cricket sang, and man's o'er-labour'd sense
+    Repaired itself by rest."
+
+Although the youth looked upon a scene familiar to his eye (for it was
+the place of his birth, and from whence as yet his truant steps had
+scarcely measured a score of miles), his capable eye dwelt upon every
+point of interest and beauty in the surrounding picture.
+
+He had reached the age when the poetry of life begins to be felt; when
+an incipient longing for society of the softer sex, and an anxiety to
+look well in the eyes of the fair; to deserve well of woman, and to be
+thought a sort of soldier-servant and defender of beauty, is mixed up
+with the sterner ambitions of manhood.
+
+Perhaps few forms would have been more likely to captivate the fancy of
+the other sex than the figure and face of this youth, as he stood at
+gaze in the clear morning air, and contemplated the landscape around. In
+shape, he was slightly but elegantly formed, and his well-knit limbs
+were seen to advantage in the close-fitting but homely suit he wore.
+Added to this figure of a youthful Apollo, was a countenance of genius,
+intelligence, and beauty, peculiarly indicative of the mind of the
+owner. His costume, we have already said, was homely; it was, indeed,
+but one remove from the dress of the common man of the period. A gray
+doublet of coarse cloth, edged or guarded with black, and tight-fitting
+trunks and hose of the same material; to those were added a common felt
+hat with steeple crown, and shoes without rosettes. In his hand he
+carried a stout quarter-staff, shod with iron at either end. No costume,
+however, could disguise or alter the nobility of look and gallant
+bearing of that youth. After regarding the view presented to him in the
+clear morning air for some moments, he turned, leaped the last enclosure
+which pertained to the suburbs of the town, and pursued his way through
+a wild chase or park, avoiding the more thick woods on his right.
+
+How slight and trivial are sometimes the accidents which control the
+fate of man!
+
+On setting out from his own home, the stripling had intended to traverse
+the woodlands which lay between his native town and Warwick, in order to
+keep an appointment he had made with some youthful associates of the
+latter place--some wild and reckless young men with whom he had lately
+become acquainted. The church clock, however, whilst it informed him he
+had anticipated the hour, determined him to change his intention of
+going straight to the trysting-place, and he turned his steps in a
+different direction. He therefore left the deep woodlands on his right,
+and sought the enclosures of Clopton Hall.
+
+This change of purpose, in all probability, saved the life of the
+handsome lad. As he turned from the woodlands on his right, and sought
+the fern-clad chase and plantations in which Clopton Hall is embosomed,
+a tall, fierce-looking man, clad in the well-worn suit of a ranger or
+forester, stepped from the thick cover. As he did so, the forester
+lowered a cross-bow, with which he had been taking a steady aim at the
+stripling, from his shoulder, and stood and watched him till he
+disappeared.
+
+"Now the red pestilence strike him," said the man. "He has again escaped
+me. But an I give him not the death of a fat buck ere many days are over
+his head, may my bow-string be the halter that hangs me."
+
+"Nay, comrade," said a second forester, at that moment coming forward,
+"believe me, 'tis better as it is; thou must e'en drop this business,
+and satisfy thy revenge by a less matter than murder. I half suspected
+thy intent, and, therefore, have I followed thee. Come," he continued,
+"thou must, I say, forgive the affront this lad has put upon thee."
+
+"May the fiend take me then!" returned the ruffian.
+
+"Nay, thou art most likely the property of St. Nicholas methinks.
+Whatsoever thou dost," said the other, "certainly he will catch thee by
+the back if thou should harm this youngster."
+
+"Why, look ye," said his fellow. "Have I not reason for what I do? The
+varlet (who I shrewdly suspect hath an eye upon the deer) constantly
+haunts our woods. Not a nook, not a secluded corner, not a thicket but
+he knows of, and explores. At all hours of the day, and even at night,
+have I caught sight of him wandering alone. Sometimes I have seen him,
+lying along, book in hand, under a huge oak, in Fullbrook wood; at other
+times I have watched him as he stood in the twilight beside the brook,
+which flows through Charlecote Park. As often as I have tried to gain
+speech with and warn him from our haunts, he has been ware of me;
+plunging into the covert (nimble as a stag), so escaped.
+
+"Once, however, I came warily behind him while he stood watching the
+deer as they swept along a glade in Fullbrook; and heard him repeating
+words which rivetted me to the spot, nay almost took from me the power
+of accosting him. Not, however, to be outworded by a boy, I pounced upon
+him."
+
+"Go to!" said the other laughing, "then you collared him, I suppose, and
+took him off to the head-ranger to give an account of his trespass.
+Was't not so! Eh?"
+
+"You shall hear," returned the ranger. "At first I felt too much respect
+to rebuke him. There was something in his look I could not away with. He
+seemed somewhat angered too at being molested and caught by surprise;
+and there was that in his eye which could look down a lion, methought.
+After awhile, however, I gave him some of my mind, threatened to report
+his trespass to the knight our master, and to give him a taste of the
+stocks, or the cage."
+
+"Good," said his fellow, laughing. "You said well!"
+
+"Nay, 'twas not so good either, as it turned out," said the ranger.
+
+"How so?" inquired his comrade.
+
+"Why, he took my rebuke mildly at first, merely saying he sought not to
+molest the game, but only to enjoy the liberty, freedom, and leisure of
+the wild woods."
+
+"Well," interrupted the other, "between ourselves, that seems natural
+enough. But, an all the lads in the country were to do the same, they
+would soon drive the deer from their haunts, and render our trade a poor
+one."
+
+"So I told him; and that I should not be so easy the next time I caught
+him straying in our woods. Nay, that I would then, indeed, cudgel him
+like a dog."
+
+"Ha! ha! and how took he that threat?"
+
+"Mass! I would you could have seen how he took it," said the irate
+ranger, "for I shall never forget the change it wrought. He looked at me
+with an eye of fire, reared himself up like a startled steed, and railed
+on me in such terms as I think never man either heard or spoke before.
+Nay, an I had not known he was the son of a trader here in Stratford, I
+had taken him for the heir of some grandee, for never heard I before
+such a tongue, or such words of fire."
+
+"Go to!" said the other; "and how answered ye that?"
+
+"At first I felt awed; but, when he dared me but to raise a finger in
+the way of assault, and stirred my wrath so, that I laid hands on him,
+he struck me to the earth; when I rose, and again attacked him, despite
+my skill at quarter-staff, he cudgelled me to his heart's content."
+
+"What, yonder lad?"
+
+"Ay, yonder boy! His strength and skill were so great that, had I not
+cried _peccavi_, I had died under his blows."
+
+"And for this you are resolved to shoot him!"
+
+"I am! I cannot forget the disgrace of his quarter-staff. My very bones
+ache now at the bare remembrance."
+
+"Aye, but thou must forget it, comrade," said the other; "for to shoot
+him, look ye, might get the rangers all into trouble. He hath, you see,
+gone out of our bounds this morning; but let us follow, and if we find
+him we will both beat him. As far as that goes, I am your man. 'Tis
+allowable, and in the way of business. But for shooting the lad--fie
+on't! 'tis cowardly and dangerous. Ever while you live, forbear your
+bullet on a defenceless person."
+
+"Well, be it so!" said his fellow. "I agree. He hath had the best of me,
+for once in his life. But, at least, will I be revenged:--blow for
+blow."
+
+"Hath he good friends, said ye?"
+
+"None of note."
+
+"What then is his father?"
+
+"The wool-comber who dwells in Henley Street."
+
+"Enough! Now let us but catch him, and by 'r lady, we'll beat him so
+that he shall scarce disport his curiosity amongst our woods again."
+
+"Nay, but if we kill him?" said the other, with a sneer.
+
+"Then must our master bear us out; we are hired to keep off all lurking
+knaves. By fair means or foul, it must be done. An we kill him, we'll
+e'en knock over a buck, and lay it to's charge. Swear we caught him
+red-handed in the fact, and there an end."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE YOUTHFUL SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+About a couple of hours after the above conversation between the two
+rangers, the subject of it might have been seen lying along, "like a
+dropt acorn," book in hand, under cover of the thick belt of plantation
+skirting the grounds of Clopton Hall. Occasionally, his gaze would turn
+upon the huge twisted chimneys and casements of the building, just now
+beginning to show symptoms of life. The thin blue smoke mounted into the
+clear air, and the diamond panes of the windows glittered in the morning
+sun. At this period the sports of the field formed the almost daily
+avocation of the country gentlemen in England. Men rose with the sun,
+and with hawk and hound and steed commenced the day at once. Scarce was
+the substantial breakfast thought of till it had been earned in the free
+air, amidst the woods and glades. Accordingly, as our student lay perdue
+in the covert, he beheld the falconer of the household of Clopton with
+the ready hawk, the grooms with the caparisoned steeds, the coupled
+hounds, and all the paraphernalia of the field.
+
+The family of the Cloptons were not altogether unknown to the youth, and
+the hall being only a mile from the town, Sir Hugh was a sort of patron
+of Stratford, and in constant intercourse with the inhabitants.
+
+As his party had oft-times ridden through the streets, our hero had
+scarce failed to remark amongst the cavalcade a beautiful female of some
+seventeen years of age. This fair vision, who with hawk on hand, looked
+some nymph or goddess of the chase, was, indeed, the only daughter of
+Sir Hugh Clopton.
+
+To one of the ardent and poetic soul of our young friend, the mere
+passing glance of so exquisite a creature as Charlotte Clopton had
+suggested more than one sonnet descriptive of her beauty. Yes, the
+glance of the lowly poet from beneath the pent-house which constituted
+the shop of his father, had called forth verses which, even at this
+early period of his life, surpassed all that ever had been penned; and
+Charlotte Clopton first caused him to write a stanza in praise of
+beauty. At this early period of his life, too, his fine mind teemed with
+the germs of those thoughts which, in afterdays, brought forth so many
+lovely flowers. The impression of his own passionate feelings in youth
+furnished him with the ideas from which to pourtray the exquisitely
+tender scenes of his after-life.
+
+To a youth of spirit, the sight of preparation for the sports of the
+field was full of excitement. Most men love the chase, but mostly those
+of a bold determined courage.
+
+Participation in the sports of people of condition was, however, denied
+to the lad, as his condition in life barred him from aught beside the
+sight of others so engaged. His capacious mind conceived, however, at a
+glance, all the mysteries of wood-craft, and his truant disposition
+leading him to become a frequent trespasser, the haunts and habits of
+the wild denizens of the woods were familiar to him.
+
+If, therefore, he was debarred from following the chase himself, he
+loved to see the hunt sweep by--
+
+    "When the skies, the fountains, every region near,
+    Seemed all one mutual cry."
+
+In addition to this, there was an insatiable craving after information
+of every kind. He had been educated at the Free School of his native
+town, and had far outstripped all competitors in such lore as the
+academy afforded, and he now perused every book he could procure, making
+himself master of the subjects they treated of with wonderful facility.
+He was drinking in knowledge (if we may so term it) wherever it could be
+reached; whilst, in his truant hours, no shrub, no herb, no plant in
+nature escaped his piercing ken.
+
+His exquisite imagination, unfettered and free as the air he breathed in
+the lovely scenery of his native country, created worlds of fancy, and
+peopled them with beings which only himself could have conceived. In the
+solitude of the deep woods he loved to dream away the hours.
+
+    "On hill or dale, forest or mead,
+    By paved fountain, or by rushy brook,"
+
+it was his wont to imagine the elfin crew, as they "danced their
+ringlets to the whistling wind."
+
+It was observed, too, amongst his youthful associates, that he seemed to
+know things by intuition. Those who were brought up to the different
+mechanical trades in the town or neighbourhood found in him a master of
+the craft at which they had worked. "Whence comes this knowledge," they
+inquired of each other, "and where hath he found time to pick it up?"
+"Body o' me," his father would oft-times say, "but where hath our
+William learnt all this lore? Thus worded too! Master Cramboy, of the
+Free School, albeit he comes here continually to supper, and uses
+monstrous learned words in his discourse, never tells us of such things
+as this lad discourses to us." Neither was all this superfluous
+knowledge, "ill inhabited like Jove in a thatched house." He was already
+a poet, turned things to shape, and gave to airy nothing
+
+    "A local habitation and a name."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CHARLOTTE CLOPTON.
+
+
+Clopton Hall was situated in a sort of wild chase, or park, in which
+hundreds of broad, short-stemmed oaks grew at distant intervals; and
+through this chase a deep trench had been cut in former days by the
+legions of Rome, the thick plantation which formed the belt immediately
+around the house being just in rear of the Roman ditch.
+
+The hawking party, on this morning, as they gradually assembled and
+mounted their steeds in the court of the mansion, rode through the
+gate-house, along the avenue and into the chase. Here they breathed
+their coursers and careered about till Sir Hugh had mustered the
+different servitors and attendants appertaining to a matter of so much
+moment as his morning diversion, and was ready to go forth.
+
+As they did so, the youth noticed the lady he had before seen, and whose
+exquisite form had made some slight impression upon his imagination.
+Nothing could be more skilful than the way in which she managed her
+horse, he thought--nothing more lovely and graceful than she altogether
+appeared. The steed she rode was a magnificent animal, and one which
+none but a most perfect horsewoman could have backed; and as he plunged,
+and "yerked out his heels," he shewed his delight at being in the free
+air, and proved "the metal of his pasture."
+
+It was a fair sight to behold one so delicately formed as that lady
+restrain the ferocity, and, by her noble horsemanship, reduce to
+subjection the wild spirit of that courser; and so thought the studious
+boy in the gray jerkin.
+
+Well, however, as she had hitherto managed the animal, now that it was
+growing even more excited by the number of horses around, it seemed
+every instant becoming more and more unruly. It was in vain that a tall
+handsome cavalier, who had kept an anxious eye for some time upon the
+movements of her horse, now spurred his own steed beside the lady, and
+kept near her bridle-rein. The brute reared, and stood for a few
+moments, striking wildly with his fore feet. After a while, however, and
+whilst all sat in helpless alarm, the lady still keeping her seat, the
+steed recovered himself, plunged forwards, and bolted from the party.
+
+Few situations could be more perilous than that which Charlotte Clopton
+now found herself in; few more distressing to the spectators to witness;
+since to attempt aid is oft-times to hasten the catastrophe.
+
+To follow a runaway steed, in the hope of overtaking it is, perhaps, one
+of the worst plans that can be adopted, as the very companionship of the
+pursuing horse is sure to urge on and accelerate the pace of the flyer.
+
+Yet this course the tall dark cavalier (who seemed Charlotte Clopton's
+principal esquire) unhappily adopted.
+
+As he beheld the maddened horse tearing across the park, swerving
+amongst the oak trees, and threatening every instant to dash out the
+brains of the rider amongst the branches, he set spurs to his own
+courser, and galloped after her. It was in vain that Sir Hugh shouted to
+him to return. In vain he roared and railed, and called to him that he
+would murder his child by such folly.
+
+The lady, however, kept her seat. She managed even to guide her steed
+into the more open part of the chase. For (like the mariner in the
+storm) she well knew that whilst the tempest roars loudest, the open sea
+gives the vessel the better chance.
+
+The sound of the horse following, however, totally ruined her plan, and
+rendered her own steed more determined. He flung aside, turned from the
+direction his rider had coaxed him into, and galloped towards the spot
+where our hero was standing amidst the trees. It was by no means
+difficult to conjecture that destruction to the beautiful creature, thus
+borne along as if on one of the "couriers of the air," was almost
+inevitable.
+
+The next minute, as the youth of the grey doublet, in a state of
+breathless anxiety, stood and watched this race, himself concealed in
+the thick foliage, the horse (like some wild deer seeking cover) plunged
+headlong into the Roman ditch.
+
+The entrenchment was of considerable depth, so that both steed and
+rider, for the moment, disappeared below the grassy ridge. It was,
+however, but for a moment: the next, the maddened steed sprung up the
+opposite bank.
+
+The rider was, however, no longer on his back: she had been cast
+headlong from the saddle, and our hero saw, with terror, that her
+riding-gear was entangled on the saddle, and that she was being dragged
+along the ground by its side.
+
+But few minutes of exposure to such a situation, and that sweet face had
+been spurned out of the form of humanity, and her delicate limbs broken,
+torn, and lacerated. But the youth (although he saw at once that it
+would be vain to attempt to arrest the powerful brute by seizing the
+bridle) in a moment resolved upon a bolder measure. As the horse neared
+him, he rushed from his concealment and (ere it could swerve from his
+reach), with the full swing of his heavy quarter-staff, struck the
+animal full upon its forehead, and with the iron at the extremity of his
+weapon, fractured its skull.
+
+So truly and well was the blow delivered, that the steed fell as if
+struck by a butcher's pole-axe, and the next instant was a quivering
+carcase upon the grass.
+
+In another moment the achiever of this deed had unsheathed the sharp
+dagger he wore at his waist-belt, cut away the entangled garment of the
+lady from the saddle, and was kneeling beside her insensible form. As he
+did so, he felt that he could have spent hours in gazing upon those
+lovely features.
+
+Meanwhile, the cavalier who had followed (but who reined up his horse
+when he observed the steed of the lady dash down the slope, and then
+remained gazing on all that followed in a state of utter helplessness),
+as soon as he beheld the extraordinary manner in which she had been
+succoured, again set spurs to his horse.
+
+Dashing recklessly across the Roman trench, he galloped to the spot, and
+throwing himself from the saddle, snatched the lady from the supporting
+arms of her rescuer.
+
+There was a retiring diffidence, an innate modesty about the youth who
+had aided the lady, which kept him from intrusion. Nevertheless, he felt
+hurt at the manner in which the handsome cavalier had snatched her from
+his arms. His indomitable spirit prompted him almost to thrust back that
+officious friend, and like Valentine, exclaim--
+
+    "Thurio, give place, or else embrace thy death;
+    I dare thee but to look upon my love!"
+
+The next moment, however, remembrance of his own condition, and the
+station in life of her he had saved, flashed across his brain. He drew a
+pace or two back, and recollected how far removed he was from her he had
+so promptly succoured. As for the attendant cavalier, he seemed to see
+nothing but the still insensible form he hung over. "Oh! thank heaven.
+Oh! thank heaven, she breathes," he said wildly, "she is not dead--speak
+to me, Charlotte--speak but one word to your poor cousin, if but to
+assure him of your safety."
+
+"I think she is recovering, fair sir," said the youth, again
+approaching. "See, she opens her eyes."
+
+"She does--she does!" said the cavalier, as he raised her in his arms.
+"I would we had a few drops of water to sprinkle in her face; 'twould do
+much towards hastening her recovery."
+
+"That shall she soon have," said the youth; and darting off, he hastened
+towards a rivulet, which, brawling along on the other side of the
+plantation, ran through the marsh land beyond, and emptied itself into
+the Avon.
+
+Taking off his high-crowned hat, he dipped it in the stream, and
+returned as speedily. As he did so he observed that Sir Hugh Clopton,
+and such of his party as were mounted, had now reached the spot; whilst
+the fair Charlotte, having regained her senses, was clasped in her fond
+father's arms.
+
+Handing the water to one of the attendants, he again drew back, and
+leaning upon his quarter-staff, stood regarding the party unnoticed.
+
+"Now praise be to heaven for this mercy," said Sir Hugh. "In my pride
+and joy of thee, my Charlotte, I bred yonder steed for thy especial use.
+I thought to see thee mounted as no other damsel in Warwickshire, and
+see the result. Ha, by my halidame, I swear to thee, that had not the
+brute perished in his own wilfulness I had killed him with this hand."
+
+"Nay, blame not my poor Fairy," said the lady; "he did but follow the
+bent of his joyous spirit, when he found himself in the fresh pasture.
+'Twas thy timely succour, coz," she said, turning to the tall cavalier
+beside her, "which I suspect saved me when I fell."
+
+"By my troth then, nephew," said the old knight, grasping the youth's
+hand, "'twas well done of thee, and thou hast redeemed thy first fault
+in following the runaway horse."
+
+"Alas, uncle," said the cavalier, "I fear me I have redeemed no fault,
+neither deserve I any praise. I saw my fair cousin cast headlong to the
+earth, and then dragged beneath the heels of yonder horse. No mortal
+help, it appeared, could avail her. I felt the blood rush to my brain; I
+was about to fall from my saddle, when lo, a lad stepped from beside the
+trunk of yonder oak, I heard a heavy crashing blow, I saw Fairy fall as
+if pierced by a bullet in the brain, and I found thee, Charlotte, saved.
+And that reminds me," continued the cavalier, looking round, "he who did
+this gallant deed was this moment by my side."
+
+"Ha, say'st thou, Walter," said the burly knight, "where, then, be this
+lad whom we have not even thanked for his service? Stand back, my
+masters."
+
+As Sir Hugh spoke the attendants fell back, and discovered the graceful
+figure of the youth in the grey doublet, as he leant beside the tree.
+The old knight immediately stepped up, and grasping the youth by the
+hand, led him into the circle, whilst the young cavalier was more fully
+describing to the lady the bold and instantaneous manner in which she
+had been rescued.
+
+The youth sank on one knee, and taking the lady's hand, pressed it to
+his lips. "Believe me, lady," he said, "the delight I experience in
+serving one so fair and exquisite, a thousand times o'erpays the duty."
+
+"Why, gad a mercy," said the old knight, "thou art a high-flown
+champion, methinks. Nevertheless, lad, we are indebted to thee in more
+than we can either dilate on, or thou listen to with patience fasting.
+Let us return to the house, my masters all.
+
+"Come Sir Knight of the quarter-staff," he continued, "'fore gad, we'll
+not part with thee till we have learnt how to do thee good service.
+
+"Yet stay," he said, as he was preparing to mount, and whilst steadily
+regarding the youth, "art not of the town here? Have I not seen thy
+goodly visage somewhere in Stratford? Troth have I. Why man, thou art
+the son of my respected neighbour, the wool-comber in Henley
+Street--John Shakespeare."
+
+"His eldest son, an it so please ye," said the youth, blushing.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, and so thou art!" said Sir Hugh. "And what, good
+Philip?--is not thy name Philip?"
+
+"William," said the youth.
+
+"And what good wind, then, good William Shakespeare, hath blown thee so
+opportunely this morning to our neighbourhood?"
+
+"Marry, the same wind, good Sir Hugh," said a tall, dark-looking man,
+dressed in the habiliments of a forester, and accompanied by a companion
+quite as ill-favoured as himself, and who at this moment thrust himself
+into the circle: "the same ill wind, Sir Hugh, that makes him haunt
+every wood and dell in the county."
+
+This interruption somewhat startled the party. Sir Hugh turned and
+looked at him with surprise, whilst the object of the remark of the
+forester in an instant confronted the man. "Thou art an insolent
+caitiff," he said, "thus to speak of one of whom thou knowest nothing."
+
+"An I know nothing of thee," said the forester contemptuously, "'tis
+more than my comrade here can testify. By the same token, thou has
+stolen upon his forest-walk, 'will he, nill he,' and beaten him on his
+own beat, as it were, and so put him to shame."
+
+"And I am as like to do the same by thee with the like provocation,"
+returned young Shakespeare. "Thy comrade laid hands upon me, and
+dishonoured me by a blow. For the which," he continued, significantly,
+"_I beat him._"
+
+"And for which," returned the forester, "we have followed thee hither;
+and, time and opportunity serving, will return the beating with
+interest. Thou art warned, so look to thyself, and keep from our woods
+in future."
+
+"Gramercy," said Sir Hugh, now interrupting the dispute, "but what saucy
+companions are these?"
+
+"We are outlying keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote, Sir Hugh,"
+said the man, doffing his hat, and making a leg.
+
+"Outlying, I think, by'r Lady," said Sir Hugh, "in every sense of the
+word. Thou hast railed on thyself, Sir Ranger, in accusing this youth of
+the offence of trespass, since thou art even now thyself trespassing
+here, and putting an affront upon a youth whom it is our pleasure to
+hold in good esteem. Begone, lest I give my people a hint to cudgel thee
+for thy presumption."
+
+"Nay, then our master shall hear of it," said the keeper; "an thou
+encouragest those who lurch upon his grounds, the sword must settle it."
+
+"'Tis with thy master I _will_ settle it, thou arrant knave," said Sir
+Hugh; "I talk not with such caitiffs."
+
+"And yet dost thou take up with yonder son of a trader in Stratford
+town," said the fellow, with a sneer. "'Want of company,' saith the
+proverb. Eh?"
+
+"Hark ye, sirrah!" said young Shakespeare (like lightning seizing the
+keeper by the green frock, and forcing him up to the dead horse),
+"trader or noble, I warn thee to put no further affront upon me before
+this fair company; for, by the hand that brained yon steed, I can as
+easily teach thee as awful a lesson. Begone!" he continued. "I am alike
+ready to meet thee on thine own or other grounds, singly or together,
+with quarter-staff, or rapier and target."
+
+The man looked cowed, he glanced towards his comrade, and both
+disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE FAMILY OF THE CLOPTONS.
+
+
+To Charlotte Clopton the introduction of the stranger youth, the
+relation her cousin gave of his opportune appearance, and the ready
+manner in which he had rescued her, seemed like some dream.
+
+Indeed, under circumstances such as she now for the first time beheld
+the youthful poet, he was scarcely to be regarded, we opine, by a lady's
+eye with impunity.
+
+Rendered insensible, as we have seen, by her severe fall, on recovery
+she found herself almost miraculously saved from a dreadful death.
+Whilst he who had rescued her, appeared to have come to her assistance
+"like some descended god."
+
+"Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?" The heart of Charlotte
+was from that moment hopelessly, irrecoverably, lost.
+
+The family of the Cloptons was of ancient descent. Sir Hugh was a
+widower, having no other offspring but the daughter we have already
+introduced to our readers. Of suitors doubtless the fair Charlotte might
+have had plenty and to spare; for, when broad lands are coupled with
+exceeding beauty,
+
+    "From the four corners of the earth they come
+    To kiss the shrine."
+
+Sir Hugh had, however, made election for his daughter, of one who had
+been her companion from childhood, a cousin of her own, Walter Arderne.
+This young man, who was now about two and twenty years of age,
+absolutely doated on his affianced bride. His fortune was ample, and the
+woods of Arderne could be seen from the grounds of Clopton. Added to
+this he was extremely handsome, of a most amiable and generous
+disposition, brave as the steel he wore, and "complete in all good grace
+to grace a gentleman."
+
+And yet withal, although Charlotte loved him as a brother, esteemed him
+as a friend, and had been taught to regard him as her future husband, to
+entertain any more tender feelings towards him she found impossible.
+
+Still, Walter Arderne being thus the constant companion, the affianced
+husband of Charlotte, although numerous other cavaliers saw, and seeing,
+admired, their brief bow was soon made. They saw--they were smitten by
+the blind bow-boy--but they felt that the prize was appropriated
+worthily and withdrew.
+
+Few men, indeed, were more worthy of a lady's eye than Walter Arderne.
+Gentle, generous, and frank, as we have before described him--rich and
+handsome withal--it seems scarcely possible that his fair cousin could
+fail in returning the strong love he felt for her. Yet so it was, and
+whether this love "chosen by another's eye" was distasteful to her, or
+that she thought the near relationship any bar to a more tender feeling,
+it is certain the very thought of her betrothment was disagreeable.
+Still Walter had been her friend, her companion, and her champion from
+childhood's hour, and under his fostering care and tuition she had
+become a sort of Dian of the woods and groves. Dearly did she love the
+bounding steed and the chase: the wild, the wold, the hawk, and the free
+air.
+
+Her father's wishes also were law to her, and as she found it would be a
+terrible disappointment to him were she to own her dislike to a marriage
+with her cousin, she had suffered the engagement to remain unchallenged.
+
+For centuries the Cloptons had seemed a doomed race; as if some ban was
+upon them they had been strangely unlucky by flood and field. Gentle by
+birth, noble in spirit, and in the enjoyment of all the world could
+give, they seemed doomed to be unfortunate. There was even a melancholy
+about the old hall itself consequent upon the mishaps and disasters that
+appeared the hereditary portion of the family. The sons were brave,
+their banner ever in the van, but they fell early in the fight. The
+daughters were chaste as they were beautiful, but an early grave had
+almost always closed over them. Nay, the villagers called the old
+manor-house the house of mourning, so invariably had most of its
+numerous occupants been swept off. An old legend (they affirmed)
+proclaimed this near extinction of the line of Clopton, and that the
+hall would be unlucky whilst their race continued its owners.
+
+The brave old knight, gentle and even-tempered as he was, and whom on
+ordinary provocation it was difficult to anger, was peculiarly sensitive
+on this subject. Any allusion to the wild legend from a servitor, or
+rustic on his estate, would be sure to be followed by displeasure or
+dismissal; whilst mention of it from one in his own rank would have been
+considered equivalent to an invitation to the dark walk at the end of
+the pleasance, armed with rapier and dagger.
+
+Sir Hugh had beheld his children fade away, apparently of hereditary
+disease, one after another in their early youth; all except the
+beautiful Charlotte, the pledge of a second marriage, and whose mother
+had died soon after giving birth to this their only child, and he was in
+consequence tremblingly alive to the slightest alarm of accident or
+illness. It was under such circumstances that Sir Hugh, in accepting the
+guardianship of his nephew, had learned to look upon the well-favoured
+Walter almost with the eye of a parent, and had set his heart upon a
+marriage between him and his lovely child.
+
+Under such circumstances, too, had young Shakespeare performed the piece
+of service we have described,--a service beyond reward (as the old
+knight worded it), beyond aught he had to bestow; and it was under such
+circumstances that the youth became an occasional visitor at Clopton
+Hall, where he was admitted on an equality with the inmates, and
+received in a manner perhaps no other circumstances would have been
+likely to lead to.
+
+The line drawn between persons of different condition in life was then
+more strictly kept, and more accurately defined than in our own day. But
+the good sense of Sir Hugh led him to appreciate superior attainments
+wherever they were to be found. The ignorance of youth proceeded, he
+thought, from idleness; the continuance of ignorance in manhood from
+pride--the pride which is less ashamed of being ignorant than of seeking
+instruction. At Clopton, therefore, men of worth were received, even
+though of low estate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A DOMESTIC PARTY IN ELIZABETH'S DAY.
+
+
+On the evening of the day on which the accident had happened to
+Charlotte Clopton, that lady, together with her father, her cousin
+Walter, and young Shakespeare, were assembled in an ample apartment at
+Clopton Hall, situate on the ground floor, the windows looking out upon
+the lovely pleasure-grounds in the rear of the building. The youth had
+spent the entire day at the hall, and in the society of those to whom he
+had rendered so great a service.
+
+Indeed any person (albeit he might not so well deserve consideration by
+this good family) would still have been a cherished guest; nay, even an
+"unmannered churl," under the same circumstances, would have been
+tolerated and made much of; but in this lad, Sir Hugh and his family
+found something so extraordinary, so superior, and of so amiable a
+disposition, that it appeared a blessing and an honour to have him as an
+associate beneath their roof.
+
+Those who can associate with persons above them in rank, it has been
+said, and yet neither disgust or affront them by over-familiarity, or
+disgrace themselves by servility, prove that they are as much gentlemen
+by nature as their companions are by rank and station. If our readers
+wish to picture the youthful Shakespeare's first introduction into
+"worshipful society," and amongst people of condition of his day, and
+where he received those first impressions from which some of his
+delicious scenes have been drawn, they must imagine to themselves a
+large and somewhat gloomy oak-pannelled room, whose principal ornament
+is the huge elaborately-carved chimney-piece, which, in truth, seems to
+occupy one entire side of the apartment, and appears inclined also to
+march into the very centre thereof. The apartment (albeit it was, as we
+have said, by no means stinted to space, and had an exceeding quiet,
+retired, and comfortable look withal) was by no means constructed or
+fashioned after the more approved style of modern architecture. The
+ceiling was somewhat low, traversed by an enormous beam, and cut and
+carved elaborately, displaying fruits and flowers, heraldic devices of
+the brave, and all those extraordinary and grotesque figures which the
+cunning architects of old were so fond of inventing. On the side of the
+apartment opposite the huge chimney-piece, and on which side hung
+several scowling and bearded portraits, stood a sort of spinnet or
+harpsichord, and beside that leant an instrument, fashioned somewhat
+like a bass viol of the present day, but of a more curious form, and
+elaborately inlaid with ivory, a viol-de-gamba, an instrument then much
+in vogue. Two ample casements which opened inwards, and which were
+festooned by creeping plants, the eglantine and sweet jessamine, and
+which casements, as we have before said, looked into the green and
+bowery garden, and through which the soft evening breeze of May breathed
+the most exquisite perfume, gave a sort of green and fairy light to the
+interior. A heavy oaken table with enormous legs was placed near the
+window. Upon it were to be seen a silver salver, with several bottles of
+antique and most exquisite pattern, containing liquors of comfortable
+appearance and delicious flavour. These were flanked by high glasses of
+Venetian workmanship. In addition to these articles, several high-backed
+cane-bottomed chairs and one or two stools formed the remaining
+furniture of the room, and which, in comparison with our own
+over-crowded style, would perhaps have been termed only half furnished.
+
+Nic-nacs there were few or none. Two or three dull-faced miniature
+mirrors, looking all frame, hung heavily against the pannelling, and
+even a cross-bow, several rapiers, one or two matchlocks, and other
+weapons of ancient fashion, were to be observed; whilst, to complete the
+picture, on the ample hearth (although the room constituted what in the
+present day would have been called the withdrawing-room of the mansion)
+sprawled several of the smaller dogs then used in field sports, and an
+enormous hound, sufficiently large and powerful to pull down a stag; and
+in the enjoyment of the sight and flavour of the good wines placed
+before him, sat the portly form of the master of the house. Beside the
+open window stood the youthful cavalier Walter Arderne, and on one of
+the oaken lockers or benches in the embrazure of the casement, was
+seated Charlotte Clopton. As she leant her cheek upon her hand, one
+moment she gazed abstractedly into the bowery garden, the next her eyes
+wandered into the softened light of the interior of the apartment, and
+rested upon the features of her deliverer, young Shakespeare. This youth
+stood beside the spinnet, and (unconscious of the sensation his
+narrative produced upon the ears and hearts of his hearers, and of the
+beauty of the description) was giving them the plot of a tale in verse
+which he had that morning been perusing, when the lady's danger
+interrupted him.
+
+He related the story briefly, but in such language that his listeners
+were wrapt by the recital. He even accompanied his description by some
+action, and where he wished to impress his hearers more especially he
+endeavoured to recollect and repeat the lines of the poem, piecing out
+the story, when memory failed him, with such verses as he made for the
+nonce.
+
+In addition to these, the principal personages of our chapter, there was
+one other individual in the room, who (albeit he occupied the background
+of the scene, being crouched up in a corner) is also deserving of a
+description.
+
+This was a sort of hanger-on, or appendage to the establishments of the
+old families of condition in England not then quite extinct--a sort of
+good familiar creature, attached to the master of the house principally,
+and indifferently familiar with all and sundry, in doors and out--a sort
+of humorist--a privileged, seeming half idiotic, though in reality
+extremely shrewd and clever companion, who used his folly "like a
+stalking-horse, under cover of which, he shot his wit;" but who was
+indeed more the friend than the fool of the family, and oft-times
+consulted on matters of moment by the good knight.
+
+This individual, clad in somewhat fantastic costume, fashioned by
+himself, be it understood, and which it was his especial pleasure to
+wear, (for Sir Hugh would by no means have forced any one in his
+establishment to wear motley,) was seated in a huge high-backed
+arm-chair, in a corner of the apartment, where, with his legs drawn up
+under him on the cushion, his hands clasped together over his breast,
+and his thumbs in his mouth, he kept a shrewd eye upon the other
+occupants; the long ears of his cap every now and then, as they shook
+with a sort of nervous twitch of the head, alone proclaiming that he was
+not some stuffed ornament, occupying the position it was his wont
+usually to choose in the apartment.
+
+The story Shakespeare had related seemed to have made an impression on
+his own youthful mind. It professed to pourtray that baneful passion
+jealousy--a passion which, when once indulged, is the inevitable
+destroyer of conjugal happiness. It formed one of the old romances then
+in vogue amongst such as delighted in reading of the sort; for in those
+days of leisure, sobriety, and lack of excitement amongst females in the
+country, reading, spinning, embroidery, and other ornamental needlework,
+principally occupied the hours of the elder; and out-door amusements and
+music the younger. Those females who were given to literature, however,
+would, in our times, have indeed been considered learned, since many
+(albeit they eschewed light reading) understood both the Greek and Latin
+tongues to perfection, and many were no less skilful in the Spanish,
+Italian, and French.
+
+In the narration of this story, and whilst (as we have said) young
+Shakespeare gave his own version, might have been observed gleams of
+that mighty genius which was, in after-times, to astonish the world.
+
+His relation had, indeed, much of the fire and descriptive beauty which
+he afterwards threw into every line of his writings. He called up before
+his hearers the fiery openness of the injured husband; boundless in
+confidence, ardent in affection. He touched upon the soft and gentle
+simplicity of the victim; her consciousness of innocence; and her
+slowness to suspect she could be suspected. And, lastly, he described
+the clever devil, the fiend-like and malignant accuser, with matchless
+power.
+
+Indeed the enormity of the crime of adultery, and upon which this story
+touched so forcibly, was in after days (as our readers doubtless
+recollect) made by the great dramatic moralist the subject of not less
+than four of his finished productions.
+
+Another thing remarkable, and which struck all present, was the facility
+with which, by a touch as it were, he ever and anon (and as if by some
+incomprehensible magic of description) impressed the climate and
+country, the manners and customs of the actors in this romance, upon the
+hearers.
+
+The relation had, indeed, seemed to the auditors like a dramatic
+performance. The melody of the speaker's voice, and the lines he
+uttered, left his audience as we sometimes feel after the scenic hour.
+There was a want of some soother of the excitement produced.
+
+The old knight felt this. He took his viol-de-gamba and drew his bow
+lightly across the strings, producing that silver and somewhat solemn
+sound which those who have heard the instrument so well remember--sounds
+suited to the hour, age, and scene, and which give their own impressions
+of days long passed away.
+
+"Come, Charlotte," said Sir Hugh, after executing one of the pieces of
+music then in vogue, "now a madrigal in which all can join. This youth
+hath put a spell upon us with his sad story. Come, a madrigal; and after
+that our evening meal in the garden, beneath the mulberry-tree. Do thou
+take the first, whilst I and Walter chime in second and third, and
+Martin shall e'en do his best to help us."
+
+"Nay, uncle," said Martin, jerking out his legs straight before him,
+then putting them to the ground gently, and then lightly executing a
+sort of somersault and coming forward, "I pr'ythee hold me excused. I
+shall but spoil your music: my voice is rugged. I am not gifted to sing
+squealingly with a lady. A psalm or so at church, or a quaver after
+supper I can execute; but my voice is like the howl of an Irish wolf
+when I sing a part with the lady Charlotte: blessings on her celestial
+throat."
+
+"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, as she seated herself, "thou wilt not
+refuse when I tell thee it is to pleasure our new friend, to whom we owe
+so much."
+
+Martin glanced quickly upon Shakespeare, as she said this, and then
+slowly turned his eye upon the young lady.
+
+He stroked his chin knowingly, and seemed to be considering them both
+very curiously. "Truly so," he said, "we do indeed owe much to this lad.
+May God requite the debt." So saying, the familiar walked to the window,
+and, looking affectionately in the handsome face of Walter, as he stood
+leaning against the casement and regarding Charlotte, he put his arm
+through that of the young cavalier, and remained beside him whilst the
+madrigal was sung; his own fine bass voice coming in with singular
+effect, and belying his modest assertion of incompetency.
+
+To say that the voice of the lovely Charlotte delighted Shakespeare
+would be to say little; he felt ravished and enchanted, and it left an
+impression upon the young poet which he never forgot from that hour!
+
+And oh! how calmly, how contentedly, and how quietly flowed the hours of
+private life even during such a reign of glory as that of the great and
+good Queen Bess!
+
+In those days the whirl of events, the increasing villany of the world,
+the petty doings of the actors in this vale of tears, the very minutiæ
+of crime and sin, the most paltry acts "committed on this ball of
+earth," in town, city, village, and hamlet were not as now, printed and
+published and blown into every corner of the kingdom, a few hours after
+commission. Even the leading events of the day, the acts of the great
+amongst the nations of the earth, and all the stirring deeds going on in
+the world, and which shook and overturned thrones; even these travelled
+slowly, and though posts "came tiring on," still rumour, full of
+tongues, made oft-times many slanderous reports ere the true one was
+manifest.
+
+To the country gentleman his domain was his little world, his court,
+wherein he received the homage of his neighbouring dependents and
+tenants.
+
+The charm of life consisted in these pursuits, those associations--nay
+even those superstitions, and those antiquated customs which modern
+utilitarianism has driven from the world. Whilst, as we have said,
+mighty events shook the nation, men continued to pursue their even way
+in that station of life in which it had pleased Heaven to call them.
+
+After the madrigal, the old knight, with the viol-de-gamba clutched
+between his legs, fell fast asleep, his wonted custom in the evening;
+and having gently relieved him from all care of the instrument by
+withdrawing it from his custody, Charlotte invited the trio to a stroll
+in the garden, where they held converse upon various matters,
+occasionally interrupted in their discourse by the quaint sayings and
+witticisms of the shrewd Martin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE VISITOR.
+
+
+'Twas a pleasing picture, that old knight taking his evening nap in his
+oak pannelled room, so quiet and so retired, so undisturbed, except by
+the cooing of the wood-pigeon, or the distant bay of the hound in the
+kennel.
+
+The evening breeze sighed drearily through the branches of the gigantic
+cedar-tree in the garden, and whispered softly through the luxuriant
+plants and shrubs which hung about the diamond-paned windows.
+
+'Tis a sweet time that evening hour, in an old mansion far removed from
+the bustle of the world. The oak floor, too, in the centre of the
+apartment, was coloured faintly by the many tints reflected through the
+stained glass in the upper compartments of the windows, and where the
+arms and crest of the Cloptons were variously multiplied and emblazoned.
+The dark polished oak of the huge chimney-piece, as the shadows of
+evening descended, seemed framed of iron or ebony, the grotesque
+figures, here and there ornamenting the higher parts, with their
+demoniac faces and satyr-like bodies, seeming ready to pounce upon
+whoever came within their reach.
+
+Whilst the old knight enjoyed his siesta, every now and then giving a
+sort of start in his deep sleep, or a prolonged snore, and then
+twitching his muscular face and changing his position, the door of the
+apartment was gently opened, and a tall shadowy figure, after hesitating
+for a few moments at the threshold, and looking round, entered
+cautiously, and approaching the sleeper stood and gazed long and fixedly
+at his countenance.
+
+What a contrast might a looker-on have observed in those two faces!--the
+one round, ruddy, redolent of health, and shewing no traces of guilt or
+care; the other worn, pale, anxious, and cadaverous-looking. The broad
+brim of the stranger's hat was drawn down and pulled low over his
+forehead, his dark and grizzled hair looked thin and perished, matching
+well with the iron gray of his complexion, and his forked beard,
+presenting altogether a worn and haggard appearance, a man of dark
+passions, evil thoughts, and sinister disposition.
+
+After gazing for some time at Sir Hugh, the stranger laid his heavy
+gauntlet upon his shoulder and suddenly awoke him.
+
+The knight opened his eyes, stared at the dark countenance so suddenly
+presented to him for a few moments, and then starting up, stepped a pace
+or two back and laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier.
+
+The grim stranger smiled at the startled look of the old knight, "Fear
+me not, Sir Hugh," he said. "I come not with intent to do thee harm."
+
+"Fear thee," said Sir Hugh contemptuously, "wherefore should I fear? But
+thou comest upon me in my secure hour here--and I know thee not. Stand
+off, lest I smite thee."
+
+"That would be a poor reception for an old friend," said the other,
+smiling a grim smile.
+
+"An old friend!" said Sir Hugh, in tones of surprise; "truly then thou
+art an old friend with a new face. May heaven protect me, if ever I
+looked upon that white-livered visage of thine before."
+
+"Art thou quite sure of that, Sir Hugh Clopton?" said the stranger.
+"Look again; time and care and climate have written, I dare be sworn,
+strange defeatures in my face, but yet methinks twenty years ago the
+name of Parry was not altogether unknown at Clopton."
+
+"Parry!" said Sir Hugh, starting; "art thou Gilbert Parry? and what doth
+the banished traitor Parry within my walls? Hence, sirrah; I wish for
+the companionship of no man polluted with crimes such as thine."
+
+"Nay, soft, Sir Hugh," said the visitor, "I come with credentials from
+one thou darest not slight. Look ye, I am bearer of a letter from the
+Nuncio Campeggio, and I demand speech with Father Eustace, who dwells in
+thy house here."
+
+Sir Hugh again started; he took the letter from the hand of his visitor,
+and read it attentively.
+
+"Truly," he said, "the letter is as thou say'st. In it I find I am
+ordered to give thee shelter here for the space of one week; affording
+thee and those with whom thou consortest such secresy and seclusion as
+thou may'st desire. I dare not deny the hospitality so enjoined, but in
+good sooth I had as lief thou had'st sought it elsewhere, Gilbert
+Parry."
+
+"'Tis well," said Parry, taking his riding-cloak from his shoulders;
+"Clopton hath secret chambers, I know, as well as that devoted servants
+of the Catholic Church dwell beneath its roof."
+
+"May I not know," inquired Sir Hugh, "of the business which employs the
+talents of Gilbert Parry, and makes the Pope's Nuncio his introducer
+within my walls?"
+
+"At more fitting opportunity perchance thou mayest," returned Parry,
+whose manner had become more assured after he observed the impression
+the letter he had delivered had made; "at the present moment I require
+rest and refreshment."
+
+Sir Hugh said no more; he stepped to a concealed pannel beside the huge
+chimney-piece, and drawing it aside, ushered his guest into a small
+closet-like apartment, and then carefully closed the pannel again. A
+narrow winding staircase ascended from this small room into the chamber
+above, and which was only known or used by Sir Hugh himself, together
+with Martin and the priest, who occasionally visited at the Hall.
+
+After entering, Sir Hugh signed to his guest to ascend the staircase.
+
+"Thou wilt find every accommodation here in this chamber," he said, "and
+refreshment shall be served to thee by one I can trust. Father Eustace
+is at present absent from Clopton, but to-morrow I expect he will
+return."
+
+"I would confer with him without delay," said Parry, "so soon as he
+returns."
+
+"Be it so," said Sir Hugh, retiring from the apartment, and descending
+the stairs; seeming, as he did so, by his manner, not sorry to withdraw
+from the companionship of his new guest.
+
+As soon as he had descended into the small apartment we have before
+described, he paused for a few moments, and then unlocked and opened a
+low postern door, which admitted into the garden, and, guided by the
+voices of his daughter and her party in the distance, immediately sought
+them.
+
+It was by no means uncommon for the Catholics, during this reign, to
+hold secret intercourse with each other after the fashion we have just
+described, going from house to house with the utmost care; the more
+violent and remorseless making it their practice to seek refuge
+oft-times amongst the quieter gentry, and, under cover of their
+respectability, carrying on their designs with greater security.
+
+In pursuance of such custom, Sir Hugh's new visitor had now sought
+shelter at Clopton. He had, on that same evening, arrived at Stratford
+in company with others, and immediately on dismounting from his horse,
+had walked across the meadows, entered the grounds, and being well
+acquainted with the localities, introduced himself into the house
+without being seen by any one.
+
+When Sir Hugh joined his daughter and her party, there was a something
+of anxiety upon his brow which was not usual with him. But so deeply
+interested were Charlotte and Walter Arderne with the conversation of
+their new formed acquaintance, that they observed it not. The quick eye,
+however, of the shrewd Martin (who so well knew his old master's habits)
+saw at a glance that something had puddled the clear spirit of the
+knight; and advancing towards him, they walked apart and held converse
+together.
+
+"Is there ill news toward?" said Martin. "Something I perceive hath
+disturbed you, and broken in upon your slumbers."
+
+"I have had a visitor, Martin," said Sir Hugh; "one with whom I had long
+closed the accounts of acquaintanceship as a dangerous companion."
+
+"Know I the man?" inquired Martin.
+
+"Like myself you did so," returned Sir Hugh; "but evil courses drove him
+from the country some years back. You remember Gilbert Parry?"
+
+"What," said Martin, "he who was condemned to death as a traitor some
+five years ago, and to whom the Queen graciously granted a free pardon?"
+
+"The same. He hath been with me just now."
+
+"He was ever a restless dangerous knave," said Martin; "his visit might
+well have been spared. I trust it was a short one."
+
+"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "he hath claimed the hospitality of Clopton on
+matters of moment connected with holy mother Church, and hath shewn me
+letters from the Nuncio Campeggio, and from Ragazoni at Paris."
+
+"He comes from abroad, then, I dare be sworn," said Martin, "and on no
+good errand depend on't, and he makes Clopton his place of residence on
+his first arrival, in order to be in security whilst he spies into the
+localities, and sounds his instruments; ah, and by my fay, 'tis a crafty
+and a dangerous companion, whose designs may get us into trouble. But an
+I dive not into his contrivances I would I might never taste hippocras
+again."
+
+"I would have thee do so, Martin, if it be possible," said Sir Hugh,
+"for I like not such guests; albeit, their visits are sanctioned and
+enjoined by the mighty in our Church. Nay, it was but last week I had a
+visit from Ralph Somerville, of Warwick, who held me in dangerous
+converse a whole hour, upon the necessity of smiting all heretics and
+persecutors. His discourses on religious matters shewed a distempered
+brain. Troth, I was glad to be rid of him."
+
+"'Tis strange," said Martin, "to behold the spirit which everywhere
+actuates those who profess more religion than their neighbours, both
+Protestants and Catholics. By my faith, men will dispute upon the
+subject, cut a throat for religion, indite most learned matter
+appertaining,--anything but live for it."
+
+"'Tis even so, Martin," said Sir Hugh with a sigh, "and therefore doth
+it behove us, and all those who are not of this bigoted and intolerant
+spirit, to guard our hearths from the danger of such association. A
+presentiment of evil is upon my mind since this man's coming, which I
+cannot shake off. Be it thy business to look to his wants this evening.
+To-morrow Father Eustace returns, and we shall then know more about his
+designs."
+
+"Ah, that Eustace!" muttered Martin to himself. "Hath he ever seen this
+man?" he inquired aloud.
+
+"I think not," said Sir Hugh; "they have never met to my knowledge."
+
+"Enough," said Martin; "leave him to me. Now break we off, and let us
+join our party. See where the lady Charlotte leads her two attendant
+swains toward the house yonder. This new-found friend, Sir Hugh,"
+continued Martin, "this youth, whose merits seem so far beyond his
+fortunes, is he likely to remain long at Clopton?"
+
+"He tarries here to-night, Martin," said Sir Hugh, "and shall be ever
+welcome. We are deeply his debtor."
+
+"Humph," said Martin significantly, "I supposed as much, and I suppose
+it must even be so,--_but_----"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS.
+
+
+England, up to the period of Elizabeth's reign, at which our story has
+now arrived, had been blessed in the enjoyment of the most absolute
+security.
+
+The scene, however, was now beginning to change, and multiplied dangers
+to threaten the maiden Queen from various quarters.
+
+Scotland and its affairs gave Elizabeth continued uneasiness, and every
+new revolution amongst the wild and turbulent nobles of that rude land
+caused her fresh anxiety, because that country alone being not separated
+from England by sea, and bordering on all the Catholic and malcontent
+countries, afforded her enemies an easy mode of annoying her.
+
+Nothing could be more romantic, wild, and extravagant than the stories
+which those of the English who had penetrated far north brought back of
+the state of the nation, and the manners and disposition of the
+inhabitants; and which, if they were to be believed, described the
+chieftains in the hill countries as living amidst their wild and savage
+retainers in a singular style of feudal grandeur and semi-barbarism.
+
+Nay, such was, in reality, the nature of the rude Highlanders in the
+remoter districts of Scotland, that, for an Englishman to attempt to
+penetrate into their fastnesses, would have been attended with the same
+difficulty and danger as at the present time a journey into the centre
+of Africa is exposed to. So that to the generality of the English nation
+the interior of Scotland was a _terra incognita_; whilst the dark and
+ominous rumours continually floating about, pictured the very court
+itself of that distracted country in a most strange and unnatural light.
+Murders, conspiracies, rebellions, and every sort of consequence upon
+misrule and headstrong passion, seemed the every-day occurrence there.
+
+In Ireland, too, (where the inhabitants were equally wild, reckless, and
+opposite to England,) every invader found ready auxiliaries.
+
+Alienated by religious prejudices, that nation hated the English with a
+peculiar and deadly animosity; an animosity which has rankled in their
+breasts up to the present time, and caused the shedding of rivulets of
+blood.
+
+The anxiety of the Queen, on account of the attempts of the English
+Catholics, never ceased during the course of her reign, and was at this
+period greater than ever: whilst the continued revolutions happening to
+all the neighbouring kingdoms were the source of her continued
+apprehension Plots after plots were concocted in all quarters against
+her life, and which were being as constantly brought to light by one
+extraordinary chance or another.
+
+The Cloptons, as we have seen, were members of the Church of Rome,
+though they were of the milder sort of Catholics, steering clear of all
+those intrigues and conspiracies which the more bigoted of their
+persuasion were so continually engaged in.
+
+They were, indeed, well thought of and regarded by the government and
+the queen, and the good Sir Hugh was beloved and respected by all
+parties. Still the iron rule of the Church of Rome was upon him and his
+household, and held him under subjection. Many, therefore, were the
+narrow escapes he had experienced from being drawn into the violent and
+bloody plots and conspiracies the more dangerous and bigoted members of
+his creed had already been engaged in.
+
+In a former chapter our readers have seen a person of this latter sort
+arrive stealthily at the Hall, and fasten himself upon the secret
+hospitality of Sir Hugh, in virtue of the powerful letters he produced.
+
+What the designs of this man might be it was impossible to fathom, and
+Sir Hugh well knew that from the circumstance of his being himself
+considered but a mild and luke-warm Catholic by the more zealous and
+violent party, (although he might be made use of,) he would scarcely be
+initiated by them into their secrets.
+
+Under such circumstances, the faithful Martin, (whose devotion towards
+the family of his old friend and patron amounted to a species of
+worship,) in taking upon himself the office of attendant upon the
+unwelcome guest, resolved to play the spy upon him at the same time,
+and, if possible, pluck out the heart of his mystery. The absence of the
+priest (who frequently resided at the Hall) favoured this design; and
+(on leaving Sir Hugh) Martin ascended to the apartment usually occupied
+by Father Eustace, where he doffed his motley coat, and induing the
+garments of the priest, suddenly presented himself before Parry.
+
+The talent for humour possessed by this singular being made his design
+peculiarly agreeable to him, for to play a part (even under dangerous
+circumstances) was quite in accordance with his disposition.
+
+On entering he found the object of his visit seated upon the small
+truckle bed with which the room was accommodated, and which (except two
+chairs) was all the furniture in it--the bed standing in a recess.
+
+The room itself was one of those small, curious chambers peculiar to the
+buildings of the Catholic gentry during this and the subsequent reign.
+It seemed evidently to have been contrived for purposes of seclusion and
+concealment, and was more like the cell of a monastery than a chamber in
+a private dwelling. Cribbed, as it seemed to have been, out of some
+corner of the edifice, where an apartment would never have been thought
+of; the only light by which this closet-like room was illuminated in the
+day-time being from a small concealed window, so contrived as not to be
+visible from the grounds without.
+
+So deep in his own contemplations was the occupant of this chamber,
+that, at first, he did not observe the entrance of the disguised Martin.
+When he did so, however, he quickly started to his feet, and the riding
+cloak which he had unfastened slipping from his shoulders shewed that he
+was armed (as the phrase goes) to the very teeth. Rapier and dagger were
+by his side, a pair of the huge, ill-contrived, petronels of the period
+at his waist, and in place of a shirt it was evident that he wore a sort
+of hauberk of linked steel beneath his upper garments; in fact, a more
+dangerous-looking and dishevelled companion the shrewd Martin had seldom
+beheld.
+
+"The peace of Heaven be upon thee, my son," said Martin, as the visitor
+confronted him.
+
+"Such peace as Heaven wills," returned the other.
+
+"Those who have to do the work are not permitted peace of mind or body
+in this world. Art thou him to whom I am secretly commended at Clopton,
+the good Father Eustace?"
+
+"Such is the name men usually give the wearer of these garments of the
+Church, my son," returned Martin. "I would they clove to the body of a
+more worthy representative."
+
+"The business I have with thee, good father," said Parry, "is of that
+dangerous and imminent nature that I may not trust to thy word alone. I
+must be furnished with proof of thy identity. Sir Hugh Clopton affirmed
+but now that Father Eustace was at present absent from the Hall."
+
+"I have but now returned," said Martin, "and immediately have sought
+thee out by Sir Hugh's desire. What you have to communicate can either
+be withheld or given freely, I seek not to know the secret of others.
+Letters of import, as I learn, hath procured thee a secret asylum here,
+without which, as thou art aware, thou could'st not have been received,
+neither can I hold converse with thee, unless thou canst shew such
+documents or explain the reasons of thy coming hither."
+
+"Enough said, father," returned Parry, thrown off his guard, "those
+documents thou shalt have; meantime hear the reasons which have moved me
+to this visit, and my intent in seeking thee."
+
+"Proceed," said Martin, seating himself, whilst the other walked
+restlessly up and down the small room, apparently carried away by the
+violence of his own thoughts.
+
+"Thou knowest my early history," he said, "and how that after being an
+undutiful son, a sabbath-breaker, and a blasphemer, the devil lured me
+to the commission of crimes by which my life was forfeited to the laws?"
+
+"I have heard these things," said Martin, "and such part of the story
+needs no repetition. The Queen granted you a free pardon, for which you
+are doubtless grateful, and resolved in making amends?"
+
+"I had resolved on doing so," said Parry, "and hoped for days of
+repentance and happiness, but none came, as you shall hear. The fiend
+still held possession. I wandered about in woods and solitary places,
+for the sight of my fellow creatures was horrible to me. Nay, I thought
+every one seemed happy but myself, and the evil one constantly whispered
+that there was no mercy for Gilbert Parry. Again, therefore, I sought
+society, gave the reins to my evil desires, and myself up to evil ways,
+and again conscience troubled me. I had rest neither by night nor day. I
+feared the night, lest the enemy should take me before morning. I tried
+to pray, but could not. I passed whole days as if my body had been
+pricked down irrecoverably, persuaded the fiend was in my apartment.
+Nay, my very body was in flames. To cry for help was vain, no relief
+came, and I was ever filled with evil thoughts. Such, holy father, were
+the torments I endured for five years. At length it appeared to me that
+this state of persecution arose from some cause in which I was called
+upon to exert myself. Then considered I of the persecuted state of our
+religion, and that I was called upon to strike a blow for its welfare.
+In short I resolved to do a deed which (by destroying the great enemy of
+our Church) should obtain for me the crown of martyrdom."
+
+"Proceed, my son," said Martin, who, seated with his chin upon his
+doubled fists, was listening to and contemplating the excited Parry with
+the utmost attention. "Proceed, my son, wherefore dost thou stop?"
+
+The narrator of his own troubled thoughts regarded Martin with a deep
+and searching look. "Methought I saw a devilish smile upon thy face," he
+said sternly. "Is the relation of such things subject of ridicule?"
+
+"Rather of pity," said Martin; "I smiled to think that a whip and a dark
+room might have dispelled such phantoms. The most absurd doctrines are
+not without such evidence as martyrdom can produce."
+
+"You think, then," said Parry, "that penance and flagellation were
+required?"
+
+"Call it so, an if you will," said Martin, "fasting is good for
+digestion, and real pain for imaginary suffering. Doubtless you lived
+well whilst this frenzy lasted. You was, you say, leading a wild life,
+perhaps drunk one-half of the twenty-four hours, and mad the other. A
+bad state of the stomach produces fumes upon the brain. I would have
+exorcised the fiend by blood-letting, blisters, purgation, and
+purification. But proceed, you was about to say what this continued
+spiritual ague wrought you to."
+
+"The cutting off of one who is the bitter enemy of our creed, the
+usurper of the throne of these realms," said Parry, "the putting to
+death of Elizabeth Tudor."
+
+"Ah, ah," said Martin, "methought 'twould tend that way. She to whom you
+are indebted for a life, is to pay the forfeit of life for her
+clemency."
+
+"And you disapprove of my project, then?" inquired Parry.
+
+"Nay, I said not so much, did I?" returned the shrewd Martin.
+
+"But you inferred so much, did you not?" again inquired Parry.
+
+"Mayhap I did, mayhap I did not," said Martin, who saw by the eye of
+Parry that his own situation, thus shut up with such a man, and under
+false colours, was somewhat perilous, especially as Parry in his excited
+state begun to fumble with the poniard at his waist. Martin in short now
+saw that his companion was mad. Under such circumstances to shew fear or
+distrust is to perish.
+
+"In trusting Father Eustace," said Parry, placing himself between Martin
+and the door, "I was led to expect I should find one ready in every way
+to forward and aid so great a design. Such was the assurance I received
+from Ragazoni. I brook no prevarication, priest; neither will I run the
+risk of betrayal." So saying, Parry drew his dagger from the sheath,
+looking at Martin at the same time with the ferocity of a tiger ready to
+spring.
+
+"'Tis not often that ministers of the Holy Mother Church are threatened
+thus," said Martin coolly, and without altering his position.
+
+"I will drive my dagger to the heart of every member of this household,"
+said Parry, "rather than endanger the success of my project."
+
+"That in itself would ruin the project, as far as you are its executor,"
+returned Martin, "since you would be likely to be apprehended and suffer
+for your violence."
+
+"Swear upon the hilt of my poniard not to divulge what I have just
+related," said Parry, becoming somewhat less excited, and thrusting his
+dagger close to the mouth of Martin. "Swear."
+
+"I am ready to do so," said Martin, quietly moving the steel from its
+close proximity to his lips, "with one reservation however, that Sir
+Hugh Clopton is to be informed of it."
+
+"Ah," said Parry, seeming to reflect, and as suddenly changing from his
+excited state to comparative calmness, "was I not told to take the
+advice of Father Eustace, as to the propriety of making Sir Hugh Clopton
+acquainted with this design? And you advise such measure, do you,
+father?"
+
+"Most assuredly; for what other purpose have you sought his roof?"
+
+"For the purpose," said Parry, "of being in the vicinity of others
+cognizant of my design in this country, and of conferring with yourself
+in security, since my steps and motions, until I took refuge in
+Warwickshire, have been closely watched."
+
+"Good," returned Martin. "Now, wilt follow my advice since you have been
+sent to seek it?"
+
+"I will," said Parry.
+
+"Thus it is," said Martin; "dismiss all further thoughts connected with
+your design to-night: partake of the refreshments I have brought with
+me, and then seek the repose you so much need. _To-morrow_ we will talk
+further, taking Sir Hugh into our counsels; and so I take my leave." As
+he said this Martin rose, and was about to pass Parry, carefully making
+a circuit so as to get between him and the door, the latter following
+him as he did so with a doubtful eye.
+
+"You are a different man from the person I was led to expect in Father
+Eustace," said Parry, still dallying with his drawn dagger.
+
+"I am as you see me," said Martin, "true to my word and to the master I
+serve."
+
+"And you swear not to divulge?" said Parry.
+
+"Except to Sir Hugh--I swear," said Martin.
+
+"Be it so," said Parry, sheathing his dagger and stepping aside. "Good
+night, father."
+
+"To-morrow early I will again be with you," said Martin. "Good night",
+and the next moment he was outside the small apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.
+
+
+On the skirts of the county of Warwick (saith a modern author), situated
+on the low meadowy banks of a river, there is a little quiet country
+town, boasting nothing to attract the attention of the traveller but a
+fine church and one or two antique buildings with elaborately carved
+fronts of wood or stone, in the peaceful streets. There would seem to be
+little traffic in that place, and the passing traveller, ignorant of the
+locality, would scarcely cast a second look around. But whisper its name
+into his ear, and, hand in hand with his ignorance, his apathy will
+straightway depart. He will stop his horse; he will descend from the
+saddle; he will explore those quiet streets, he will enter more than one
+of the houses in that little town; he will visit that old church, he
+will pause reverentially before its monuments; he will carry away with
+him some notes--perhaps some sketches; and remember what he saw and what
+he felt that day to the very close of his life. Indeed you will seldom
+fail to see, even in that quiet little town, small groups of people on
+whose faces and in whose demeanour you will recognize the stranger
+stamp. There is something to see in those unfrequented streets; and they
+have come a long way to see it. What wonder! The town is
+Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+Such is indeed Stratford-upon-Avon at the present time. But in the
+sixteenth century it presented a somewhat different aspect.
+
+The different towns in England, at this latter period, were just
+beginning to emerge from their state of primitive rudeness and
+irregularity, and the houses to be distinguished for a style of
+architectural beauty and comfort as dwellings, which has not since been
+improved or exceeded.
+
+The various contentions and intestine jars which had, almost up to the
+reign of Elizabeth, drained the population, and kept men from all
+peaceful occupations and improvements, and in consequence of which the
+squalor of their dwellings and tenements were but one degree improved
+from the rudeness of the Norman period, was now to give place to a style
+which, if but one tenement remain to us in a town of the present age, we
+look at it with delight and admiration. Stratford-upon-Avon then, in the
+year 1584, might be said to partake largely of both these styles. In
+some parts were to be seen those irregular ill-built wooden tenements,
+little removed from the hut of the Norman citizen. These standing apart,
+and without regard to streets, formed the abode of the poorer sort of
+inhabitants, and chiefly constituted the suburbs; whilst several regular
+streets were to be found composed of handsome, strong-built,
+heavily-timbered, and substantial dwellings, having their shops
+encroaching into the streets; their beetling storeys above; their long
+passages running backwards, with ample yards and gardens in rear; and
+their low-roofed wide-chimneyed, secluded, and comfortable rooms,
+secured by massive iron-studded doors, and accommodated with heavy
+cumbrous articles of furniture.
+
+Here and there too, in the midst, were to be seen the mouldering remains
+of some dark monastic building of a former day. The walls of edifices,
+built in the dark ages of monkish intolerance, whose grated windows and
+low-arched doors told of the Saxon and the Dane, when, save the
+splendour of religious architecture, there was nothing between the hut
+and the castle.
+
+Nothing could be more rural and picturesque than Stratford-upon-Avon on
+a bright summer's day. Its streets, as we have before partially
+described, and (as was mostly the case in unwalled towns at this period)
+were, except in the very centre of the town, composed of houses
+detached at irregular intervals, many of the edifices being partially
+screened by the luxuriant trees which shadowed their fronts, and grew in
+the gardens in rear: added to this, in the suburban thoroughfares of
+this town, it was not uncommon to find a clump of tall elms or oaks
+growing in the very centre of the road, beneath whose boughs the rude
+bench, the horse-trough, and the creaking sign proclaimed the immediate
+vicinity of the smaller hostel.
+
+If the traveller looked from the town, he beheld the high road he was to
+traverse on leaving it, o'ercanopied by the forest scene without, whilst
+on entering the suburbs, the sloping roof, gable ends, and heavy
+chimneys were only here and there to be caught sight of amongst the
+living verdure in which they were embosomed.
+
+Besides this, as he proceeded, the picture was added to by the various
+signs of the several trades, which proclaimed the occupation of the
+indwellers, and before many of the houses were placed long benches on
+which, in fine weather, the townsfolk were to be found seated,
+conversing cozily together in their quaint-cut doublets and
+steeple-crowned hats. Large tubs of water also, by order of the chief
+magistrate, were placed beside each dwelling, as a precautionary
+preventative against the spread of fire amongst these stout-timbered
+edifices. The highways, however, even in the outskirts of the town, were
+by no means so well cared for as in our own times, and in foul weather,
+in place of a well-paved or Macadamized thoroughfare, the road was
+knee-deep in mud, and cut up fearfully with cart wheels and other
+traffic of the time.
+
+In what would now be called a small and somewhat mean-looking dwelling,
+but which in the reign of Elizabeth constituted the habitation of a good
+substantial citizen, resided John Shakespeare, a dealer in wool in
+Stratford-upon-Avon. The house itself had nothing in its outward
+appearance to recommend it, except the strength of its build and the
+stoutness of its timbers.
+
+It was neither "a goodly dwelling or a rich." Its rooms were both
+stinted to space and somewhat low in roof. But little did its inmates
+suspect that from the mere legend of one of its indwellers having first
+drawn breath beneath its roof, that house would create more interest in
+the world than the most magnificent palace the world contained, and that
+in after-ages the four corners of the earth would send forth votaries to
+see, to worship, and to offer adoration at its shrine. And still less
+did its occupants imagine that in the person of one of their own
+children they possessed a treasure, whose very name, unthought of and
+slightly regarded as he then was, would prove dearer than Pluto's mine,
+more rich than gold.
+
+Let us for a moment take a glance at the interior of this hallowed
+residence, and view it at the precise period of time to which the minds
+of those who now visit it are wont to revert; and when he who was in
+after-times to throw so great an interest over every cupboard, corner,
+and cranny of its stout-timbered walls, was in life, and dwelling idly
+in its apartments.
+
+In an inner apartment of the ground-floor was seated on a high-backed
+oaken chair, a female of some thirty years of age. If the reader has
+ever bestowed his attention upon the portrait Rubens has left us of his
+first wife, it will save much trouble in the description, since both in
+feature and figure this very handsome middle-aged female was the
+counterpart presentment of that portrait.
+
+Opposite to her, and apparently engaged with books and accounts
+pertaining to his business, pen in hand, and inditing what, in the
+present day, would be called a cramped piece of penmanship, sits a very
+comely and respectable-looking man. Nay, if we look closely at him we
+shall pronounce him to be a splendid specimen of an Englishman, both in
+countenance and figure. His face is exceedingly handsome, the complexion
+of a rich brown, the features high and aquiline, hair of a dark auburn,
+slightly tinged with grey, whilst a close-clipped curly beard worn round
+the chin, and a thick moustachio on the upper lip, complete the picture
+of one of those true-born English yeomen whose ancestors drew their
+arrows to the ear in the fields of Cressey, Poietiers, and Agincourt. If
+our readers then look upon this pair they will behold the father and
+mother of England's pride and glory, John and Joan Shakespeare.
+
+In the female there is a dignity of look and manner which seems somewhat
+out of keeping with so lowly a home as the one we find her in. She looks
+one whose presence would have better suited the hall than the cottage.
+One come of gentle blood, and born to fortune instead of being the wife
+of a tradesman in a country town, handsome and genteel-looking as nature
+hath made that husband.--Such is in truth the case, as John Shakespeare
+married one of the daughters and heirs of Arden of Wellingcote, in the
+county of Warwick.
+
+This pair, however, were not the only occupants of the small inner
+apartment in which we have found them, as some half-a-dozen curly-headed
+varlets, male and female, of various ages, from three to ten, were
+sitting and sprawling about the floor, clambering upon chairs,
+exercising their lungs in concert, and ever and anon calling forth a
+short reproof or a caress from their handsome parents.
+
+After a while, the wool-comber shuts up his books, places his pen in the
+inkstand, and folding his arms, remains wrapt in deep meditation.
+
+There is something of care and anxiety in his countenance. His thoughts
+and cogitations, as he occasionally glances upon his good-looking
+spouse, and then watches the young fry upon the floor, become more
+troubled; and, apparently to hide the growing heaviness of his brow, he
+rises, walks into the shop in front, reaches down his steeple-crowned
+hat, and looks forth into the street,--the little curly brood breaking
+cover as he opens the door, and bounding joyously into the sunshine in
+the streets.
+
+As they do so, they are met, caught up, and kissed, (at least the
+younger ones,) by their elder brother, just now returning to his home.
+
+"Ah, Will, good Will," cries one, "where have you been tarrying so
+long?" "Naughty truant Willy," cries another, "you've been rambling over
+to Warwick with Dick, the tanner's wild son, duck-hunting, I dare be
+sworn." "Nay," cries a third, "I know he has been otter-hunting all
+night in the river; see his staff is red with blood. Yon have brought us
+some skins, good William, hast thou not?"
+
+"Nay, in good sooth, you varlets," said the elder brother, entering the
+door with the whole fry clinging round him, "I have neither wild fowl
+from the marshes, nor otters from the river; for none have I been in
+search of. I come home empty-handed this afternoon, for which you must
+forgive me."
+
+"And where, then, hast thou been, William?" said his father, somewhat
+gravely. "This idle wandering life of thine will, I fear me, lead to
+nothing. Master Pouncet Grasp has fairly given me warning that he will
+have no more to do with thee. He complains that you keep no regular
+hours; you heed no orders or directions he gives; that you set him at
+naught, in sooth, and make his other lads more idle than yourself. Nay,
+he says you spoil his parchments, spill his ink in waste, and that, in
+truth, he must either be ruined or be rid of thee."
+
+"Out upon the miserable scrivener," returned William, laughing. "I did
+but pen a stanza in place of drawing a lease, and lo! he has never
+forgotten it. But, in good sooth, dear father," continued the youth, "I
+fear me I shall never thrive in the office of Pouncet Grasp. I find the
+dry work of a copying-clerk but an idle waste of the life Heaven hath
+blessed me with. I was not formed to draw leases, wills, and other
+tenures and tricks of lawcraft.
+
+    "Between two hawks, which flies the higher pitch,
+    Between two dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,
+    Between two girls, which hath the merrier eye--
+    I have, perchance, some shallow spirit of judgment;
+    But in the nice sharp quillets of the law,
+    Good faith, I am no wiser than a jackdaw."
+
+"Thou canst rhapsodize at a good rate, my son," said the father, "that I
+well know. But in good truth thou must turn over a new leaf with Lawyer
+Grasp, or he will turn thee off, William!"
+
+"Nay," urged the youth, "since we have entered upon this matter, I must
+tell thee, father, that never since the pupil age of Adam was there poor
+wight more unfitted for a lawyer than myself; my pen runs riot when I
+put it upon parchment; I cannot indite the undoing of the widow and the
+orphan, even when the _foul_ copy lies before my nose. I turn a writ
+into a love-song, and when I should copy out an ejectment, lo! I find I
+have penned the words of a madrigal."
+
+"The more the pity, William," said the father, "for to speak sooth to
+thee, I find myself by no means in so thriving a condition as I could
+wish. There be a many of us now in family, great and small. Business
+slackens with me, and in good sooth, lad, an I do not better in the
+next three months than I have done the last, I may e'en close my books,
+shut the house, and stick up bills to let the premises. Ruin, William,
+stares me in the face, if matters mend not anon. A bad time such for you
+to be thinking of changing from the vocation I have placed you in."
+
+"Neither would I think of changing, father," returned the son, "did I
+think that, by remaining _in_ the law, I could help you or advance
+myself. But believe me, so opposite is the dull routine of the desk, so
+abhorrent to my soul is the craft of a lawyer, that rather than follow
+such a calling I would take the sword my grandsire won at Bosworth, and
+seek a livelihood in any place where men cut throats in the way of
+profession. Those were sad times, father, but they were stirring times,
+those days of York and Lancaster, when--
+
+    "Trenching war channell'd our fields,
+    And bruised our flowrets with the armed hoofs
+    Of hostile paces."
+
+As the youth uttered this with something of a theatrical air, and giving
+the words great force by his utterance, his father looked at him with
+considerable curiosity. "Now, by my halidame," he said, "I cannot half
+fathom thee, William. Truly thou art a riddle to make out. Seeming fit
+for nothing, and yet good at all things. I would I knew, in good sooth,
+what to put thee to."
+
+The lad smiled. "Nay," he said, "I must not be undutiful towards one so
+good. I will then continue to try and please this godless lawyer till
+something better turns up. And now I must tell thee I have made a friend
+of one well known to thee, and who is willing to serve us in requital
+for some little service he hath received at my hands."
+
+"Of whom dost thou speak, William?" inquired the father.
+
+"Of Sir Hugh Clopton," returned the youth.
+
+"Nay, and thou hast made friends of Sir Hugh and his family," said John
+Shakespeare, "thou hast done thyself good service, and, mayhap, he may
+advance thee in life: though what he will find thee fit for, William, I
+wot not."
+
+"Truly, father," said William, "I confess myself but a tattered
+prodigal, only fitted to eat draff and husks. Nevertheless, an thou wilt
+but admit me, I would fain join these hungry varlets at their evening
+meal, and beg a blessing of my honoured mother, whose sweet face I have
+scarce looked at these two days past."
+
+"Well, come thy ways in, thou scoffer," said John Shakespeare,
+good-naturedly. "I defy the evil one to be angry with such a madcap as
+thou art."
+
+So saying, Master John Shakespeare turned and entered the house, his
+eldest son following with all his little brothers and sisters clinging
+to him--one upon his back, another in his arms, and the remainder
+pulling at the skirts of his coarse gray doublet.
+
+To picture the private hours of the great is a difficult, as well as a
+thankless, task we opine, since oft-times more is expected than is in
+reality to be found; and our readers will scarce be contented to find
+the youthful Shakespeare--in all the freedom, amiability, and kindness
+of his disposition--the great, the illustrious, the unmatchable--the
+mere playmate of his little brothers and sisters, and, whilst sitting
+beneath the huge chimney in that small dark room, as he watches the
+preparation for the evening meal, engaged in a joyous game of romps.
+
+Yet such is the case. The gentle William, despite the greatness of his
+spirit and the waywardness of his disposition, which seems inclined to
+settle to nothing, is the darling of that home circle, the joy of his
+brothers and sisters, and, when at home, entering into all their little
+amusements and pastimes with heart and hand,--nay, their nurse when
+sick, and even assisting his mother oft-times in her little attentions
+towards them,--ere he himself, in all "the unyoked humour of his
+idleness," sallies out to join his youthful associates of the town.
+
+Our readers will, therefore, not be surprised to find that great mind,
+which in a single line could send a thrill through the soul of his
+readers, intent upon an infantine game in the "ingle neuk."
+
+The pecuniary difficulties John Shakespeare had hinted at to his son
+were consequent upon his having maintained a somewhat "more swelling
+port than his faint means would grant continuance." No man in Stratford
+was better thought of or more respected than neighbour Shakespeare.
+There was something about him so well bred and so superior to his
+station in life, that he bore with him a degree of influence seldom
+granted except to rank and fortune.
+
+The chief magistrate of the body corporate of Stratford was in the early
+charters called the high bailiff. This office Master John Shakespeare
+had filled some few years previous to the date of our story, and the
+execution of such office had led him into expenses which he had since in
+vain tried to abridge. "To some men, their virtues stand them but as
+enemies," and thus the good and companionable qualities of Master
+Shakespeare, notwithstanding his domestic habits, were so greatly
+esteemed that his hospitality was taxed accordingly, and his hearth
+seldom unhonoured by guests after business hours. Nay, at no hour was
+the little back parlour of his house entirely free from the gossiping
+neighbour who came down to talk over the politics of the town, or
+discuss the latest floating rumour of the stirring events of Elizabeth's
+reign.
+
+Newspaper intelligence, we have said, there was none at this period,
+and, in the absence of such a vehicle for information, men's mouths were
+filled with any stirring tidings, and they donned their castors and
+hurried about in a country town, stuffing each other's ears with false
+reports, and frightening the place from its propriety when any event of
+particular import happened.
+
+            "From Rumour's tongues
+    They brought smooth comforts false, worse than true wrongs."
+
+"Heard ye the news, neighbour Shakespeare?" said Master Doubletongue the
+mercer, entering the small parlour we have attempted to describe, and
+joining the family circle. "Heard ye the news to-night?"
+
+"Good or bad be it?" said John Shakespeare smiling, "it would have been
+curious news an it had travelled hither before you brought it, neighbour
+Doubletongue. Come, sit, man, sit, fill your cup and give us your news.
+What! hath Dame Illwill been brought to bed of twins, or how goes the
+story?"
+
+"Nay, neighbour," returned Doubletongue, who was one of the veriest
+scandal-mongers in Stratford, "Dame Illwill hath not produced twins,
+neither do I think she will produce the half of twins. By the same
+token, I heard the Leech say, 'twas after all but a dropsy that had
+caused all this scandal in her disfavour. But body o'me, heard ye not
+the news just now brought to town?"
+
+"That Dame Illwill's affair is likely to end in a bottle of smoke? why,
+man, thou hast just told us as much."
+
+"Ah," said Doubletongue, taking off his cap like one who found he had in
+him wherewithal to interest his auditor, "then I _see_ you have not
+heard the news. Ergo, the news is mine to give."
+
+"Then I take it, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "there are but two
+ways, either to give or to retain it. Come, another cup will perhaps
+help its deliverance."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, who but half relished the lack of excitement
+his intended communication seemed to make, "you will scarce keep the
+native colour in your cheek, neighbour, when I do tell ye what's afloat
+to-night. The affair, then, gossips, is thus----"
+
+"Whose affair?" interrupted John Shakespeare, "not the one you just now
+spoke of?"
+
+"Did I hint anything?" inquired Doubletongue.
+
+"About a certain female you did," said John Shakespeare.
+
+"Of illustrious rank?" said Doubletongue. "Why, then you _have_ heard?"
+
+"We have heard what you have just told us," said John Shakespeare.
+
+"The news?"
+
+"The news."
+
+"What! of Queen Elizabeth?"
+
+"Nay, Heaven forbid we should sit to hear such words uttered about our
+gracious Queen," said John Shakespeare with much solemnity. "'Tis even
+dangerous to breathe such a scandal in such a quarter."
+
+"Then of whom were we speaking?" said Doubletongue. "I gave no news. I
+have none to give out concerning our gracious----"
+
+"Of Dame Illwill, I thought you spoke?" said John Shakespeare.
+
+"Dame Illwill," said Doubletongue, contemptuously, "who cares about Dame
+Illwill? and who, think ye, neighbour, would trouble themselves to stab
+her?"
+
+"Stab her!" said John Shakespeare, "who talked of stabbing?"
+
+"I do," said Doubletongue; "its my own news, man. It's what I am come to
+propound, to expound, and to promulgate. Only you will not bear with me.
+The Queen is stabbed, killed, and murdered; our good and gracious Queen
+hath been murdered, I say; now, there is my news."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said John Shakespeare, starting to his feet. "That
+would bode ill luck to England at this moment. Heard you this report,
+Master Cramboy?" he continued, addressing another of the townsmen who
+entered at the moment.
+
+"Which report, and whence derived, neighbour?" said Cramboy (who was
+master of the free-school at Stratford); "for there be many rumours just
+now come into town; the difficulty is to get the true one."
+
+"That relating to the death of the Queen by the hand of an assassin,"
+returned John Shakespeare, "and just now given us by neighbour
+Doubletongue here."
+
+"Where gott'st thou _that_ news, goodman Doubletongue?" said the
+schoolmaster, with considerable asperity in his manner, "and how came
+you to take upon yourself to promulgate, disseminate, and divulge such a
+fable?"
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, who stood somewhat in awe of the pedant, "I
+know no harm in relating what I have just heard from neighbour Suddle of
+our town."
+
+"Out upon the barbarmonger," said Cramboy, "He is ever inventing one lie
+or other; I advise thee to shut thy ears against all his monstrous
+conceptions, and thy door against his visits. Know'st thou not, simple
+mercer as thou art, that to imagine the Queen's death is treasonable as
+to attempt _her life_. Ergo, thou hast committed, or rather aided in
+spreading the contagion of matter containing treason, and art _particeps
+criminis_ with that lying knave Suddle, who goeth about seeking whom he
+may deceive."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "if such be the case, I will myself go about
+to retrace my steps, and gainsay all I have said."
+
+"'Twere best you did so," said Cramboy, "with the addition, Master
+Doubletongue, that for the future the good folks are never to believe
+any rumours either you or Suddle may bring them. And harkee, neighbour,
+when you are asked the real state of the case, you can tell your friends
+that it is not the Queen who has been stabbed, but the Prince of Orange.
+For that is the actual verity."
+
+"Body o'me, but that is it, then, is it?" said Doubletongue: "well then,
+there has been a royal personage murdered, after all. Grant that, my
+veracity; grant that, and God be praised, therefore, I am not then
+altogether a liar. But stay, an I obey your first injunctions, good
+Master Cramboy, who will believe this second report at my hands? I shall
+scarce be credited, methinks."
+
+"So much the better, neighbour," said Cramboy; "the less men credit in
+these days of trouble, always excepting holy writ, and the more they
+keep to their own affairs, the better for them. And therefore go _not_
+about _at all_; but sit ye down and fill your tankard, whilst I expound
+what really hath happened."
+
+"One way or other, we shall at last learn the rights of this matter,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing; "you said but now, Master Cramboy, that
+the Prince of Orange hath been murdered?"
+
+"At Delft, by the hands of a misguided fanatic, such is the awful story,
+John Shakespeare. For what saith the book? 'Villany that is vigilant
+will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumbereth.' One Balthazar
+Gerard, a Burgundian, it seems has long entertained this design against
+the Prince of Orange, and, in order to destroy that famous restorer of
+religious liberty, has, at the same time, sacrificed his own life. On my
+word," continued the pedant, "these Jesuits are fearful fellows, and
+will murder us all in the end. Nay, it is affirmed the Spanish arms are
+making rapid progress in the Netherlands, and that Antwerp is ta'en.
+Truly, the Prince of Parma carries all before him in those parts. Nay,
+'tis further said the States are reduced to such extremity, that they
+have sent an ambassador to London to offer to acknowledge our blessed
+Queen for their sovereign, providing always she will grant them her
+protection and assistance."
+
+"And there it is," said Master Doubletongue, "there hath not been so
+bloody a wild beast seen ravening, burning, and destroying us poor
+Protestants, as that terrible Spaniard Philip since the world began.
+Heaven keep us from his hot pincers, his thumb-screws, his iron boots,
+his hostile intrigues, and cruel enterprises!"
+
+"Amen, neighbour, say I," returned Master Cramboy, "though I marvel much
+you will allow your tongue so much liberty, neighbour, seeing that, as I
+firmly believe, Philip of Spain hath a paid spy and intelligencer in
+every town of the kingdom. Nay, his wicked designs are said to be fully
+directed against England at this moment."
+
+"I trust no paid spy is to be found within my house, neighbour Cramboy,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing, "so that my worthy friend Doubletongue
+is quite at liberty to rail upon the Spaniard to his heart's content
+here."
+
+"I meant nothing but in the way of caution to our good neighbour," said
+the pedant, "and whose tongue would be much the better for an occasional
+bridle, whilst the unrighteous are in sight. By the same token there are
+at this moment some half-dozen strangers staying at the hostel of the
+Checquers, whom none of us can fathom. Master Mumble, the headborough,
+talks of paying them a visit, and putting them to their purgation.
+Truly, we are in a dangerous condition, neighbour, and it behoves every
+one to look well to the main chance."
+
+"I think with you," said John Shakespeare, "that our prospects seem not
+so fair as hitherto they have seemed. There is no question but that
+Philip of Spain, with all the power of his united empire, will fall upon
+England anon. His sole aim is the entire subjection of the Protestants.
+But come, since your news hath driven off my wife and all her children,
+let us even walk down to the Falcon and discuss these matters further.
+'Tis now eight o'clock, and I dare be sworn the Dolphin parlour is well
+filled with guests. Heaven keep our blessed Queen in its own safety, for
+an these paid spies and jesuitical villains should hit her life, I fear
+me we shall be devoured by the wolf of Spain."
+
+So saying, Master Shakespeare rose, and accompanied by his son and two
+fellow-townsmen, took their hats and sallied forth.
+
+During the foregoing discussion so many bumpers had been tossed off by
+the two newsmongers, that Master Doubletongue was becoming a trifle
+double-sighted, whilst the pedant, who was sufficiently domineering over
+his neighbours on most occasions, was now rendered doubly important and
+overbearing.
+
+"Methinks, Will," whispered the elder Shakespeare to his son, "you had
+better give Master Doubletongue the aid of your guidance, lest he
+measure his length in the gutter. He seems somewhat flustered, and
+inclined to quarrel with the road for not being of sufficient width."
+
+"Thank ye, good William, thank ye," said the mercer, as he availed
+himself of the youth's assistance, "the causeway seems progressive
+to-night, the stones wherewith it is paved, ever and anon, do rise up to
+salute my nostrils, and there they come again."
+
+"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said Cramboy, "neighbour
+Doubletongue has been fuddled every night before curfew, for the last
+twenty years of his life, and has not yet learnt to carry his liquor
+seemly. An the watch pass us they will be scandalized at his condition,
+and take us all up for being drunk at unseasonable hours in the streets.
+I pr'ythee, good William, convey him to his own door, and deposit him in
+safety there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE TAVERN.
+
+
+When the pair reached the Falcon, they found a goodly assemblage in the
+"Dolphin" parlour of that hostel. This apartment was appropriated to a
+certain clique of jolly companions in the town, who often met together
+after business hours,--a sapient and most self-important fraternity,
+which in our own times would have been designated a sort of club. They
+were indifferently ignorant upon all subjects unconnected with their
+respective trades and callings, and according to their ignorance was
+their importance and self-conceit.
+
+Matters connected with their own town and county it was their especial
+privilege, they thought, to discuss, but affairs in general, and the
+politics of the world, were also brought under consideration. Their
+oracle, or as we should at present term him, president, was one Master
+Michael Teazle, the clothier, who, in his wisdom and his care, sought in
+his various harangues to "dress the threadbare state of the commonwealth
+and turn it, and set a new nap upon it,"--generally concluding, like
+Cade, that the Queen's council were no good workmen, and that he
+himself, being a working-man, could best understand the management of
+the State.
+
+This man was, in fact, a somewhat extraordinary individual, and in
+possession of considerable talent; one who, in our own times, would have
+most likely been either a popular sectarian preacher, or a violent
+demagogue. But in Elizabeth's day, there being no proper vent for the
+effusion of such a spirit, he was merely the oracle of his gossiping
+society of his own town. Too indolent for real and useful work, he
+neglected his own business to spy into the affairs of his neighbours,
+and too dissipated for any profitable employment; except that he was
+kept from utter ruin by an industrious wife, he would, with all his wise
+saws, have starved.
+
+The piece of news which had in the present instance reached Stratford,
+had called forth from Master Teazle a considerable harangue upon the
+state of the country, and the imminent danger Her Majesty's government,
+her own life, and the safety of themselves individually, were exposed to
+from the intrigues of the Catholics; and in taking upon him to expound
+what _had_ already been done, he took upon him also to say what _should_
+be done.
+
+"I maintain, my masters all," said he, "that these Jesuits should be
+pistolled like mad dogs wherever one can light upon them; for look ye,
+are they not educated, and brought up, and fed, and nourished, in
+superstition and bigotry? Are they not infused with a bitter hatred
+against our Queen, whom they treat as an usurper, a schismatic, a
+heretic, a persecutor of the orthodox, and one excommunicated and made
+horrible by the _ridiculous_ Pope." Here he stopped and looked around
+with great importance. "Nay," he resumed, "look but upon this affair of
+the Prince of Orange! Sedition, rebellion, and assassination are the
+expedients by which they effect their purposes."
+
+"For mine own part," said Master Lambe, the glover, "I know not
+precisely in what consists a Jesuit."
+
+"Why, then, lament therefore," said Teazle, "since not to know _in what_
+consists a Jesuit, is not to know the danger to be apprehended _from_ a
+Jesuit."
+
+"Expound unto us, neighbour," said goodman Hyde, the tanner, "what is
+your version of such a wild beast?"
+
+"Wild beast is a bad term to apply to a Jesuit," said Teazle, "as you
+will see by the story. To propound what is a Jesuit, we must e'en go
+back to the order of Jesuits founded at Douay by Philip of Spain; and
+thus it is:--he erected a seminary for Catholics to send their children
+to, in order that they might be brought up, and educated with a view to
+the crown of martyrdom. Neither to be deterred by danger nor fatigue
+from maintaining their principles. And into the breasts of these pupils
+is instilled the most inveterate hatred against Protestant England in
+general, and Stratford town in particular; and to our blessed Queen
+nothing but poison, steel, and perdition. Ahem!"
+
+"There art thou wrong, brother," said Master Cramboy. "The order of
+Jesuits was erected when the Pope perceived that his lazy monks and
+beggarly friars sufficed no longer to defend the Church, and that the
+unquiet spirit of the age required something more keen, active, and
+erudite to defend it."
+
+"Well, neighbour, well," said Teazle, (who was generally somewhat in awe
+of the learning of the pedant), "I sit corrected. Be it, however, as it
+may, you will bear with me in holding that prevarication, and every
+stratagem which serves their ghostly purposes, are the especial
+privileges of the Order."
+
+"Thereafter, as may be," said Cramboy; "we will discuss that point anon.
+Meanwhile, thou art right, insomuch that the seminary you have
+mentioned, and which the Cardinal of Lorraine has imitated at Rheims,
+and the Pope has also followed the example of at Rome, are all under the
+direction of Jesuits--violent, intolerant, and dangerous. And,
+therefore, may Heaven bless our glorious Queen, who put that caitiff
+Campion to the rack so lately, and broke his bones under the very nose
+of the Duke of Alencon, whilst he was making suit for her hand in
+marriage."
+
+"A decent hint to him of the sort of martyrdom he might expect in case
+his suit was a successful one," said John Shakespeare, laughing.
+
+"A grievous martyrdom had all England suffered, an the French duke had
+prospered," said Teazle.
+
+"'Twere best not to pursue that theme, neighbour," said Master Lambe,
+"lest we run into dangerous ground, like Charles Arundel Stubbs, of
+Lincoln's Inn, who wrote a book, and called it 'The Gulph in which
+England was to be swallowed by the French marriage,' and lost his right
+hand, as a libeller, for his pains."
+
+"A severe sentence upon a loyal subject," said Cramboy, "for look ye how
+Stubbs bore his punishment! I was there, and saw him suffer. He took his
+hat off with his left hand, and waving it over his head, cried, 'God
+save good Queen Elizabeth!' Methinks the right hand of such a man would
+have been better unlopped. It might have done good service hereafter."
+
+"Go to, my masters, 'enough said is soonest mended,' as the old saw
+goes. An I were the Queen, after what has happened, I would take Spain
+by the beard," said Teazle; "for look ye, my masters all, how that king
+of red-hot ploughshares and burning pincers groweth more powerful daily.
+Already hath he made himself lord of Portugal, and gained settlements in
+the Indies; not only arrogating to himself the commerce of those
+regions, but all the princes of Italy, and even the Pope of Rome, are
+reduced to subjection beneath his sway. Austria and Germany, too, are
+connected with, and ready to supply him with troops at his beck. See,
+too, how the bloated toad sitteth upon his throne, swelling and
+sweltering in wealth as well as bigotry; with all the treasures of the
+Western Ind in his diadem."
+
+"O' my word, neighbour," said Master Lambe, "an such be the case I
+should be chary, an I were the Queen, of chasing such a swollen reptile,
+lest he spit poison upon me, and burnt me up with the breath of his
+powerful nostrils; methinks, an I were Her Majesty, I should be careful
+how I gave my crown to the chance of battle with such an enemy."
+
+"Go to, neighbour," returned Teazle, "thou lookest but along thy nose,
+and no farther. See'st thou not that what _must_ come _will_ come; and
+_will_ come, may come when most _unwelcome_. Now, an I were the Queen, I
+would take Philip of Spain by the nose at once, ere the Netherlands
+relapse again into servitude, assailed as they are by those veteran
+armies employed against them. By my manhood, I say Elizabeth should at
+once trust to her people, and assault the whole force of the Catholic
+monarch ere it grow so great that it will swallow up the world. Nay, an
+I were appointed general-in-chief, I would conduct an army over to
+Holland, and deliver the country from the danger at once."
+
+"Perhaps, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "you have heard a rumour
+that some such measure has in truth been thought of. A power of
+dauntless spirits are, it is said, at this moment assembling under the
+Earl of Leicester."
+
+"A fico for the Earl of Leicester," said Teazle; "pr'ythee what sort of
+a soldier is he to oppose against the experienced captains and sturdy
+infantry of Spain? Now, an I had been called to name the man fit for
+such command I should have named----"
+
+"Thyself," said Cramboy. "Ah, ah! a very pretty piece of soldiership we
+should have in thee."
+
+"Thou hast said it, not I, neighbour," returned Teazle. "_But_, an I had
+said myself, I had at least named one quite as equal to the emergency of
+the case as the man of rings and carcanets, of broaches and feathers,
+thou hast just named."
+
+"Methinks 'twere wise not to pursue such comparison further," said
+Master Lambe; "'twere best for those to speak civily of the bear who are
+such near neighbours to his hold, lest the ragged staff reach our
+coxcombs."
+
+"What gentlemen of note are engaged in this expedition?" inquired
+Cramboy.
+
+"I hear," said John Shakespeare, "that he carries with him a glorious
+retinue, being accompanied by the young Earl of Essex, Lords Audley and
+North, Sir William Russell, Sir Thomas Shirly, Sir Arthur Basset, Sir
+Walter Waller, and Sir Gervase Clifton, added to which five hundred
+gentlemen ride in his select troop."
+
+"Still do I maintain," said Teazle, "that the selection of my Lord of
+Leicester is not a good one; he possesses neither courage nor capacity
+equal to the task, and were I in presence of the Queen, with the Earl
+leaning at the back of her chair, I would say the same."
+
+"And how would you speak of those in commission with him?" inquired
+Cramboy, "To begin with Essex, what think you of him?"
+
+"As of one better to be led than to lead. Essex is a brave boy
+doubtless, and a clever, but then he is rash, headstrong, and
+unweighing. Curb him never so little and he flings up in your teeth.
+Give him his head and he knocks out his own brains."
+
+"What of Lords Audley and North?"
+
+"Put into the scale against the other one and their weight will about
+weigh against his lightness. Ergo, the three together are as naught."
+
+"And how say ye to Sir William Russell?"
+
+"But so so. Marry a good blade and a stout man, a proper fellow of his
+hands. But for brains the accompt is very minute indeed."
+
+"How of Sir Arthur Basset?"
+
+"As of one fitter to feat in a couranto, at court, than trail a pike in
+the Low Countries."
+
+"Nay, then, 'tis vain to say more," said Cramboy, "since of the whole
+five hundred in my Lord of Leicester's troops I dare be sworn, in thy
+opinion, there is not one fit to wield a rapier or poise a caliver."
+
+"Thou hast again said it, neighbour, and not I," returned Teazle.
+"Though in sooth, an I had, I had not been far out."
+
+"'Tis well then," said Cramboy, "that in maritime affairs a better
+selection hath been made. Heard ye, my masters all, that Sir Francis
+Drake hath been appointed Admiral, with a fleet of twenty sail and two
+thousand three hundred volunteers, besides seamen to serve in it? They
+have already sailed for the West Indies against the Spaniards. How like
+ye that piece of news?"
+
+"That likes me somewhat better," said Teazle, "and I can venture to
+predict some good to accrue therefrom. Drake is the man to make the
+settlements smoke for it. He will burn, sack, and destroy all along the
+Spanish main, whilst the other will but make a sort of harnessed masque
+through the Low Countries. Such is my poor opinion, and time will prove
+in how much it is correct. So fill a cup to Sir Francis Drake, another
+for our gracious Queen, and one more for Stratford town. Huzza! huzza!
+huzza!"
+
+After this loyal outbreak there was a short pause. This was at last
+broken by neighbour Dismal, who (albeit he drank his quantum at these
+meetings) seldom spoke much, and when he did so generally threw a gloom
+over the whole assemblage. He always had, however, his _one say_, which
+was a sort of concentration of the worst piece of news he could collect
+for the nonce. And as he was a man of undoubted veracity, unless he was
+pretty well assured of the truth of what he uttered, he never uttered it
+at all.
+
+This usually gave his _one wisdom_ a most startling air of gloom and
+horror, and when he rose to speak, or even coughed his preliminary ahem,
+he was honoured by the most startling silence. On the present occasion
+he prepared to broach the subject matter with peculiar solemnity,
+actually rising from his seat, and, as he steadied himself with both
+hands upon the table, delivering himself, somewhat after the following
+lively fashion.
+
+"Neighbours all," he said, "I have listened to the discussion of the
+foregoing matter with considerable interest. Our good neighbour, Teazle,
+hath handled the subject of the proposed expedition in very able style.
+He hath been replied to quite as cleverly by my learned and worthy
+Fellow-townsman, Cramboy. Such discussions are, however, at the present
+moment, methinks, better left to those whom they most concern, inasmuch
+as subjects of nearer interest to _ourselves_, it doth appear to me,
+more nearly concern _ourselves_. Neighbours, I know I have been accused
+of being a kill joy, a melancholy man. Some call me Goodman Death: and
+the little boys hoot at me, as I walk at night, and say, 'There goeth
+Goodman Bones.' Nevertheless, I have been merry twice or once ere now. I
+was merry on the day I married Mistress Dismal, and I was merry the day
+I buried her. I was also merry when my father died, and left me in
+possession of his business. But I cannot say I am merry just at this
+time. Neighbours and jovial friends, I will conclude my speech briefly
+and heartily. By the same token, I wish you all your healths, and, at
+the same time, hope we may some of us meet here again next week _well_
+and _happy_. How far we are likely to do so is another matter, and of
+that you will be better able to judge when I tell you that The Plague is
+in Stratford-upon-Avon at the present moment!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE CHURCHYARD OF STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.
+
+
+After young Shakespeare had safely deposited Goodman Doubletongue at his
+own door, and left him in charge of the good housewife, he turned his
+steps towards the Falcon, with the intent of rejoining his father there,
+and hearing the news of the town; for the son and sire were upon the
+delightful terms we sometimes, though not often, may observe between
+parent and child.
+
+In both the elements of high character were so mixed that there could be
+no drawback to their love: they were more like companions of the same
+age than father and son. The same tastes, the same pursuits, the same
+high spirit and honourable feelings pervaded both.
+
+Certes, the mind of one was of a far more extraordinary character than
+that of the other, but that in no degree lessened the feeling of respect
+and love young Shakespeare felt for his father, and that father's
+example and influence helped to form the man.
+
+Always the creature of impulse, the youth, after conveying Master
+Doubletongue home, as he neared the Falcon, suddenly resolved to turn
+his steps in another direction; and, in place of listening, in the hot
+sanded parlour of the hostel, to the discussions of the Stratford
+wise-acres, whilst he felt the influence of the balmy breeze of night
+upon his cheek, he passed the hostel and strolled towards the outskirts
+of the town. He felt indeed that the hour was more fitted for communion
+with his own thoughts than listening to the ridiculous dogmas and
+politics of the goodly fellowship of the Falcon.
+
+Since his visit to Clopton a new scene had opened to him, and his
+feelings had become somewhat changed. He had beheld, nay, become
+intimately acquainted with a being of a superior order to any he had yet
+met with, and in the lovely and amiable Charlotte Clopton he had found
+that perfect specimen of female excellence which his imagination had,
+even at this early period of his life, loved to picture. Nay, perhaps,
+had he not in youth thus beheld some such bright excellence--some such
+reality of his conceptions--we might have wanted those delineations of
+grace and purity, those fairest flowers of perfect excellence--the
+Viola, Miranda, Desdemona, Juliet, and the sweetest Imogene of his
+maturer years.
+
+To see and to feel the influence of companionship even for a couple of
+days with the fair Charlotte, so soft in manner, so fair in form and
+feature, so anxious to express her feelings of gratitude for service
+rendered, and not to love her, was impossible. And during his visit the
+bright face of the young lad might have been observed beaming with
+admiration and affectionate regard upon Charlotte as she sang and
+accompanied herself upon the spinnet, and which, had it been noticed by
+her betrothed, might have perhaps caused some sparks of jealousy and
+uneasiness.
+
+It was lucky, however, in young Shakespeare's case, that the great mind
+of the youth came to his aid in this situation, and whilst in company
+with her of whom even a previous glance had called forth his admiration.
+During his visit he had also comprehended the politics of the family he
+was introduced amongst. He beheld the thorough gentleman, the confiding
+honourable old cavalier, the knight _sans peur et sans reproche_, in Sir
+Hugh Clopton. He saw the youthful esquire, the lusty bachelor, the free
+open-hearted, brave, and devoted servant, the lover, whose whole soul
+and every thought were upon his fair mistress, in Walter Arderne; whilst
+in that cunningest pattern of excelling nature, the lovely Charlotte,
+he saw one far removed from his own sphere of life. So much so, indeed,
+that "it were all one, that he should love some bright particular star,"
+"and think to wed it," she was so much above him. So thought the modest
+youth. And yet again it was easy for him also to observe that the strong
+affection of the lady's suitor was unrequited, and his feelings
+unreturned, save by those of esteem and friendship. Under these
+circumstances, we say, the strong sense of the youth came to his aid,
+and, if it did not hinder him from falling desperately in love, it
+somewhat curbed his feelings, and hindered him from discovering them to
+the object of his admiration. He felt the barb of the arrow rankle in
+his heart; but his pride and proper feeling helped him to subdue, and
+conceal the smart. So true it is that--
+
+          "As in the sweetest bud
+    The eating canker dwells, so eating love
+    Inhabits in the finest wits of all."
+
+We fear it must be acknowledged that the youthful poet, at this period
+of his life, was of a most untamed and wandering disposition; that his
+life and his employments were rather desultory; and that when once his
+steps turned towards the wild scenery which so abounded around his
+native town, all was forgotten of home duties, and engagements
+pertaining thereto.
+
+This must, however, be excused in one whose mind was of so extraordinary
+a character.
+
+Amongst other haunts which young Shakespeare loved to frequent at times,
+and even when the shadows of night gave a more solemn feeling to its
+precincts, was the churchyard of his native town. And perhaps those who
+have lingered, and looked upon that sweet scene during night's silent
+reign, whilst the moon has silvered the tops of the surrounding trees,
+and the waters of the Avon mirrored the beautiful structure on its
+banks, will better understand the feelings of young Shakespeare in such
+a place. Things more than mortal seem to steal upon the heart, and
+thoughts of early and shadowy recollection to haunt the mind.
+
+Let those who have not visited this locality at "the witching hour,"
+take a stroll into the ancient churchyard of Stratford. Let them feel
+the influence of the man everywhere around them, and imagine him at such
+a time. Let them look up at those demoniac heads which the cunning
+architects of the Norman period have carved on every coigne of vantage,
+together with the shadowy grandeur of the walls and buttresses.
+
+Let them glance over the verdant mounds and the mossy tombstones of the
+silent tenants around, and then ask themselves what were the thoughts
+engendered in such locality? Have they not some dark and shadowy
+conceptions of Elsineur? Doth not the postern of the old churchyard wall
+open to admit the Monkish procession for the obsequies of the fair
+Ophelia, with all the pomp and circumstance of the times? Do they not
+see before them the whole scene, and hear the words of the distracted
+Laertes as he stands beside the open grave of his sister:--
+
+    "Lay her i' the earth,
+    And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
+    May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
+    A minist'ring angel shall my sister be,
+    When thou liest howling."
+
+Or, in that moonlight scene of beauty, and whilst the reverential awe it
+engenders steals upon the heart, doth not some remembrance of Juliet's
+tomb, the hour, and the deeds therein performed, float over the mind,
+and the words of him who sleeps so near recur?
+
+Those, we say, who can feel this impression, can best imagine the
+influence the hour, and the hallowed spot, had upon the youthful mind of
+him who in after-life was to draw upon such feelings in order to produce
+the scenes we have mentioned. At the present time, and whilst young
+Shakespeare took his way through the churchyard, the feeling of awe
+which is sure to pervade the mind, more or less, in such a place, was
+peculiarly impressed upon him. It seemed a presentiment of some evil to
+come, which he could not shake off. He stopped and gazed around, and a
+chaos of wild thoughts and imaginings coursed one another through his
+brain as he did so. Within that sacred pile the knightly and the noble,
+the soldier of the cross, the fierce Norman, and the proud Churchman
+were entombed,--"_hearsed in death_,"--the very men who had lived in the
+days he was so fond of dwelling on; those fierce times of contention and
+civil butchery.
+
+The associations connected with such a scene are indeed peculiar; the
+beings of a former age in all the panoply of war re-appear, and (as we
+gaze upon the architectural beauty of the holy edifices they have left
+behind them) we love to imagine their steel-clad forms,--their deep
+devotion; whilst remembrance of their heroic acts in the field is mixed
+up with the superstition and feelings of their day.
+
+Whilst the youthful Shakespeare gazed upon the mounds, and the mossy
+tombstones, and the soft flowing river; as he listened to the dreary
+whisper of the breeze through the trees, a feeling of awe crept over
+him, and his imagination reverted to the world of spirits--
+
+    "When churchyards yawned and graves stood tenantless."
+
+The living stood alone amongst the dead. Slowly he took his way, that
+extraordinary youth: his thoughts and conceptions seemed a wonder to
+himself; at one moment he gazed upwards at the o'erhanging firmament,
+"that majestical roof, fretted with golden fire;" then he stood upon the
+margin of the flowing river, and watched its waves, as they passed
+onwards and were lost in the distance, like the hours passing into
+eternity, and mingling with those before the flood. _What were those
+thoughts_ at that hour and period of his life? who could write them, or
+could he himself have described them? _We think not_--perhaps he may
+have himself given us something nearly akin. He may _have_ then thought
+with his own Prospero--
+
+    "The cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
+    The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
+    Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve;
+    And like this unsubstantial pageant faded,
+    Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
+    As dreams are made of, and our little life
+    Is rounded with a sleep."
+
+Man holds strange communion with himself in such a sanctuary. "The
+present horror of the time suits with it." There is even a sort of
+fascination to the spot, and a longing, a yearning after something
+supernatural. Even the hoot of the owl, or the cloistered flight of the
+bat, hath a charm in character.
+
+Such, perhaps, were the thoughts of this youth, for he lingered long in
+the churchyard wrapt in his own imaginings. At length, as he heard an
+approaching footstep along the path, he slowly turned from the sacred
+edifice, leaped the wall, and sought the woods of Charlecote.
+
+As young Shakespeare left the churchyard, the person whose approach had
+interrupted his meditations slowly walked up to the porch of the church.
+
+As the new comer turned, on reaching the porch, the clock from the tower
+sounded the first hour after midnight; a deep and clanking note which
+swam over the adjoining fields and was lost in fainter replications.
+"'Tis the hour," said he, "and now for the man."
+
+The midnight visitor was apparently a tall figure, wearing the long
+riding cloak of the period, and which completely enveloped his form,
+whilst his broad-brimmed hat, and the sable plumes with which it was
+ornamented, as effectually shadowed his features.
+
+"'Tis the hour," he said, as the iron tongue sounded from the tower.
+"And now for this unsafe partisan." A low whistle (as if from some
+person lying perdue without the wall of the churchyard) was almost
+immediately heard, and in a few minutes another footstep was also to be
+distinguished as if from the town.
+
+The figure in the cloak immediately advanced towards the approaching
+sounds, and as he did so he freed his right arm from his cloak, and,
+pulling it more completely over the left shoulder, felt that his rapier
+was easy in the sheath, that his other weapons were free to his hand,
+and also that the dagger in his girdle was handy to his grasp.
+
+Readiness in the use of the various weapons (at that time a part of the
+costume of a completely dressed cavalier) was one of the accomplishments
+of a gentleman, and the steps and bearing of the person we have
+described (although but partially distinguishable in the shade of the
+tall trees of the churchyard) proclaimed that he was a person of some
+condition.
+
+He walked slowly and deliberately down the path towards the gate, so
+that by the time he had traversed half its length, the swinging sound of
+its opening and closing proclaimed that the person advancing had passed
+into the churchyard. The moon at this moment had become hidden behind
+one of the dark clouds which seemed to threaten a coming storm, so that
+(in the deepened gloom of the avenue) the tall cavalier (although the
+closing gate and approaching footsteps proclaimed the proximity of the
+new comer) could not at the moment distinguish him.
+
+There seemed no desire for concealment on the part of either, as they
+walked boldly past each other. Only a close observer might have observed
+in the motions of each considerable caution and distrust. The hand
+closed over the hilt of the half-drawn dagger, and each gave the other
+what sailors term a wide berth in passing.
+
+The gloom of the place, at this moment indeed, completely hindered the
+features of either party from being distinguished even in passing;
+nevertheless, as they moved by, each stared the other in the face with a
+sharp and piercing eye, and after having passed a few paces, both
+simultaneously wheeled round and retraced their steps. As they did so,
+the first comer repeated in a low tone a single word, as if to himself,
+which was immediately answered by the other, and both turned; a sign
+then passed between them; some mysterious signal, perhaps, like the
+words they had uttered, only known to the parties themselves.
+
+"Gilbert Charnock!" said the first comer. "Is't not he?"
+
+"The same," returned the other; "and dost not thou answer to-night to
+the name of Gifford?"
+
+"Right," said the first; "you have come at the hour named."
+
+"I am sworn to do so," replied Charnock.
+
+"And are you armed to do as sworn to do?" inquired Gifford.
+
+"I am, if on trial the object of our meeting here is found to be
+dangerous to the cause."
+
+"He has been found so," said Gifford.
+
+"And yet our friend. One joined heart and hand in that cause. And yet to
+die by our hands."
+
+"Either he or ourselves, besides others implicated in the plot: nay, the
+cause itself demands the sacrifice."
+
+"And he will be here to meet us?" inquired Charnock.
+
+"He has sworn it."
+
+"Which of us is to deal with him?"
+
+"Why this question? The lot was drawn by you."
+
+"Enough: and he is even now in concealment at Sir Hugh Clopton's. Is't
+not so?"
+
+"So far I traced him by the mad acts he hath committed since leaving
+France, and by which conduct our faction is placed in jeopardy."
+
+"But come; it still wants several minutes of the appointed time. Walk
+aside here, and I will tell you in how much the man is unfortunate in
+his position. You know the circumstance of his coming amongst us, and
+how he undertook to be the instrument, the steel, the dagger, as it
+were, by which our arch enemy was to be reached."
+
+"I do, and how he refused to share the glory of the enterprise with
+others, and resolving to take the whole upon himself, suddenly and
+secretly set off, without further circumstance."
+
+"There shone out the dangerous madness of the man," returned the other,
+"and by-and-by comes a reaction, by which we are all endangered, as
+thus: it appears that on his arrival in England this Parry was as
+suddenly seized with scruples, and under influence thereof he goes about
+to certain gentlemen, to advise with them as to the propriety of his
+undertaking this pious act. Luckily, it seems, he hath, as yet,
+consulted with men who are deemed at least safe, or we ourselves had
+scarce been here to-night. By some he was told that the enterprise was
+criminal and impious; whilst others, again, applauded it. Nay, even
+Ragazoni, the Nuncio, and the Pope himself (to whom he wrote a letter),
+desired him to persist in his resolution."
+
+"Methinks that such authority might have satisfied his scruples."
+
+"Not a whit as you shall hear; for so deeply did the fiend palter with
+him in favour of the heretic Elizabeth, that even when he had
+opportunity twice, thrice, nay, a dozen times repeated, he could not
+strike the blow."
+
+"The evil one surely mounts guard over that iron-hearted woman," said
+Gifford, "or she could never have escaped the many designs set on foot
+to cut her off."
+
+"One would think it," returned Charnock, "and in the instance I am
+speaking of, she seems to have been specially guarded by some familiar;
+inasmuch as although Parry, albeit he managed matters so well that he
+gained an introduction and a private audience of the Queen, no sooner
+did he find himself in the presence, than his scruples returned with so
+much force, that he commenced an exhortation in place of driving his
+dagger to her heart; and after praying of her to tender her life, and
+grant us Catholics more indulgence in the exercise of our religion, he
+actually informed her there were numerous conspiracies at that moment
+formed against her."
+
+"And how escaped he being apprehended and examined?" inquired Gifford.
+
+"Ah, there consists the marvel," returned Charnock; "but it seems the
+Queen looked upon him as a harmless maniac, and took little account of
+what he uttered. She trusted for safety to God and to her people's love,
+she said, and so dismissed him."
+
+"Indeed," continued Charnock, "it seems then, that the interview for the
+time completely prostrated all Parry's energies; and lest he should be
+tempted, as he owned, by the opportunities he found of approaching her
+ere his words could have effect, he always came to court unprovided with
+any offensive weapon."
+
+"And then he afterwards relapsed into his former violence; was't not
+so?"
+
+"It was. He returned to France, saw the Nuncio and Ragazoni, became
+again confirmed in his first intent, and has again recrossed to England,
+where his madness and his extravagant conduct are likely to compromise
+all his friends. Nay, an he is not speedily silenced, we shall assuredly
+perish by the gibbet."
+
+During the foregoing conversation of the conspirators, thus met in the
+seclusion of the churchyard of Stratford, (a trysting place they had
+fixed on as more likely than any other to be unmolested by the prying
+eyes and ears of the curious,) they had slowly traversed round the
+sacred edifice; and now, as the taller stranger finished his discourse,
+they arrived at the north porch, and stood concealed in its shadow.
+
+"We seek an edifice dedicated to the service of religion for a strange
+and awful purpose," said Gifford, as he gazed along the footpath leading
+from the church.
+
+"Since it is to serve the purposes of the true religion," said Charnock,
+"let us trust to the greatness of the cause to sanctify our doings. Hast
+thou any scruples?"
+
+"None," said Gifford. "But time passes. How, if our man fail?"
+
+"That would bode us ill," said Charnock; "though I think it unlikely
+that he will do so. Between the hours of one and two was the time I
+appointed him to be here, and he swore to me that he would not fail."
+
+"And how didst thou get opportunity of speech with him?" inquired
+Gifford.
+
+"By following him to Clopton soon after his arrival; where I gained an
+interview, and bade him hither in the name of our leader. Hark, the
+signal; 'tis he!" and the two conspirators advanced along the path,
+whilst at the same time footsteps were heard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE STRATFORD LAWYER.
+
+
+The arrival of strangers to take up their abode for any length of time
+in such a town as Stratford-upon-Avon, always furnished matter of
+curiosity and speculation amongst the inhabitants. The neighbours were
+known to each other so well, and there was comparatively so little
+travel, that a certain degree of suspicion attached to all new-comers in
+those dangerous days. When any of the townsmen had business, even a few
+miles off, it was usual for them to arrange matters go that two or three
+might travel in company. Neighbour Fustian, the hosier, having business
+in Warwick, agreed to travel the road in company with neighbour Lambe,
+the glover, whose trade made him a visitor to Coventry, whilst the
+latter stayed the convenience of mine host of the Falcon, who was,
+peradventure, bound for the latter town, and all three, mounted and
+armed, went and returned in company, rather than trust purse and person
+singly to the chances of the road.
+
+Robbing on the highway, although by no means so common as in the
+preceding reign, was still frequent. The woods were thick in this part
+of Warwickshire, and the gentlemen of the shade found it easy to elude
+pursuit after a highway robbery. Nay, but a few short years before, and
+during the York and Lancaster feuds, which had deluged the land with
+blood; what with disbanded men-at-arms, thieves, and caitiffs of one
+sort or other, the roads were but cut-throat defiles, and the country
+round a continued battle-field.
+
+So that during the troublous reign of Henry VI. it had been especially
+ordered, that between the towns of Coventry, Warwick, and
+Stratford-upon-Avon, the highways should be widened, by cutting down
+trees on either hand, in order that travellers and wayfarers might have
+more room to defend themselves against the numerous robbers and caitiffs
+infesting those parts.
+
+On the morning following the transactions we have recorded in the
+foregoing chapter, there were several subjects of interest commented
+upon and discussed in the little back room which constituted the office
+of one Pouncet Grasp, the head-lawyer of the town. One was the sojourn
+of several strangers, whom no one knew anything about, at one of the
+hostels: another was a dark and alarming rumour of a suspicious sort of
+illness having broken out in the suburbs: and another was the
+circumstance of a man, having all the appearance of a person of
+condition, having been found, stabbed in several places, and lying, with
+the pockets of his doublet rifled, a stiffened and unhandsome corse, in
+the road leading to the ferry beyond the church.
+
+Master Pouncet Grasp himself was seated upon a high stool near the
+window of his office, which looked into a green and bowery garden,
+having at its further extremity a most pleasant bowling-green; the river
+just to be distinguished in the distance beyond, amongst the marshy
+meadows.
+
+Some two or three clerks were seated in different parts of the
+apartment, all busily engaged, pen in hand, scrawling strange
+hieroglyphics upon certain sheets of parchment before them, making a
+dreadful sound of incessant scribbling with their pens.
+
+Master Grasp himself, the monarch of all he surveyed, and an especial
+tyrant over the unfortunate clerks he presided over, was the only
+personage in that small apartment who seemed to have freedom of thought
+and motion, and license to take his attention from the crackling
+parchments beneath his nose.
+
+If our readers have ever taken the trouble to picture to themselves the
+clerk of Chatham, with his pen and ink-horn hung round his neck, they
+will have some idea of the figure of our Stratford lawyer in his own
+office. Only that, whereas we imagine the clerk of Chatham to have been
+a sort of dreamy, drawling person, Master Pouncet was rather more swift,
+sententious, and mercurial. Law had sharpened his wit, irritated his
+temper, levelled his honesty, and urged his avarice.
+
+Any one to have watched him when alone in his glory, and only seen by
+his clerks, would have taken him to be half insane. The moment, however,
+a client or a stranger appeared, he put on a new face and a demeanour
+suited to the occasion; appearing wise in council, amiable in
+disposition, and staid and sober in manners, whereas before he had been
+like a chattering ape irritated with a hot chestnut.
+
+"Now do I wonder who these strangers may be," he said, leaving off his
+writing and jumping round in his seat; "truly I must run down to goodman
+Doubletongue and confer with him on the subject. Will Shakespeare," he
+said, jumping back again, "get thee down to----Ah, I forgot that
+pestilent Shakespeare hath not been to the office for a whole week. Ah,
+the caitiff! Oh, the villain! See, too," he said, opening his desk and
+searching amongst his papers, "the vile rubbish he inditeth when he is
+here in place of copying what is set before him. What! you grin there,
+do ye? driving wights that ye are. Grin, my masters, _whilst ye work_,
+an ye list. But, an ye _leave off_ to grin, see an I brain ye not with
+this ruler. Shakespeare--ah, a pretty name that, and a precious hounding
+scamp is the fellow that owns it. Here's goodly stuff toward! Here's
+loves of the gods and goddesses for you! Here's Venus, Adonis, Cytherea,
+hid in the rushes; Proserpina and Pluto, besides half a dozen heathen
+deities, devils, satyrs, and demigods, all dancing the hays in a lump!"
+So saying, Pouncet Grasp turned over the leaves of a sort of manuscript
+poem, written upon a quantity of backs of letters and dirty sheets of
+paper, and, after glancing through the contents, sent them fluttering
+and flying at the head of one of his clerks.
+
+"There," said he, "that's the way my ink is spoiled, and my documents
+destroyed. I suppose now, that your friend and crony there," he
+continued, addressing himself to the young man at whose head he had
+thrown the manuscript, "I suppose your unintelligible friend calls that
+incomprehensible and unaccountable rubbish a sort of rough draught of a
+poem. I'm not learned in such productions, but methinks he that wrote of
+such lewd doings ought to be whipped at the cart's tail, or put in the
+stocks at least."
+
+"I was not aware," said the youth addressed, (and who under cover of his
+industry had been laughing all the time Master Grasp was reading the
+poem), "I was not aware William Shakespeare has ever written a poem
+about the gods."
+
+"_Si-lence_," cried Grasp, sticking his pen behind his ear and looking
+fierce, as he wheeled round and faced about, first to one and then to
+another of his clerks. "_Si-lence_, ye scoundrel scribblers, or by the
+Lord Harry----"
+
+The clerk, who knew from experience the irritable nature of his
+taskmaster, took the hint and redoubled his exertions with the pen and
+parchment before him, only occasionally, as he stole a furtive glance at
+his companions and observed the lawyer's attention in another direction,
+lolling out his tongue or executing a hideous grimace at him.
+
+"I pr'ythee, sirs, inform me," said Grasp, again interrupting the
+silence he had commanded, "when was that mad-headed ape last in this
+office?"
+
+"Of whom was it your pleasure to speak?" inquired the youth who had
+received the compliment of the poem at his head.
+
+"Of whom should I speak, sinner that I am, but of him of whom I _last
+spoke_--that incomprehensible, uncontrollable varlet--that scribbler of
+bad verse--that idle companion of thine?"
+
+"He was here but yesterday," said the lad.
+
+"Yesterday!" said Grasp, "why I _saw_ him not; I _heard_ him not;
+neither did he indite a line of that I left for him to work at."
+
+"He was fetched away almost as soon as he came," said the lad.
+
+"Fetched away! who should fetch William Shakespeare away I trow, and
+from my house, without leave, licence, and permission granted _from_ and
+_by_ me to take the person of the said Shakespeare?"
+
+"Master Walter Arderne, from the Hall, called for him, and they went
+away together," said the lad.
+
+"Master Arderne, an called for one of my lads here! why what's in the
+wind now I trow, and why sent ye not to the Falcon for me, ye sinner?"
+
+"He asked not for you, sir," returned the lad, "he asked for William
+Shakespeare."
+
+"Now the fiend take thee for a stupid dolt," said Grasp; "what an if he
+did ask for William Shakespeare, of course it was me he wished to confer
+with; only, as he found I was out, he inquired for the first idiot who
+had sense enough to take his message, and the chance fell upon the
+greatest scrape-grace and the most consummate ape in the whole lot.
+
+"Miserable sinner that I am! That varlet hath forgotten to deliver the
+message he received from Master Arderne. Who knoweth the import of such
+message, so entrusted, and confided, and given, and--and--lost perhaps
+for ever?----Ah! and----Peradventure Sir Hugh Clopton hath been seized
+with apoplexy, and I have been sent for to confer about his will, or
+mayhap Master Arderne hath wished for my advice, anent drawing up the
+articles of marriage betwixt himself and that most beautified of young
+ladies his cousin.----Or, peradventure the match may have been broken
+off, and he may wish for my advice on the let and hindrance thereof.
+Nay, it is impossible to say in how much I am deteriorated and damaged,
+both in purse, person, and reputation by the mistakes, misconduct, and
+mismanagement of that pestilent conglomeration of vices, idleness, and
+villany--that scurvy companion, that ill favoured----"
+
+"William Shakespeare, I suppose you mean," said that youth himself, who
+at the moment entered unperceived, and stood smiling at the door whilst
+he listened to the scurrility of Grasp. "Nay, finish your sentence, and
+fill up the measure of your abuse, master-mine," said Shakespeare,
+advancing towards Grasp, who seemed struck all of a heap by his
+presence. "I have heard it is your pleasure to rail upon me behind my
+back, and, as I well know I deserve some slight portion of your anger, I
+am as well content to receive it myself, in place of its being put upon
+these lads, my fellows."
+
+"Nay, good William," said the lawyer (whose excitement seemed to have
+vanished in a most unaccountable manner, in the presence of his clerk);
+"I named you not, I meant you not, I spoke not your name, that I am
+aware of. At least not at this precise moment. Did I name our good
+William lads? Did I couple his name--?"
+
+"If you did, I care not," said the youth, "since (as I have before said)
+I feel myself in some sort deserving of your censure. The law suiteth
+not my disposition, neither can I give my mind up to its dry study. I
+wrong thee, Master Grasp, when I attempt to serve thee, and I should use
+oceans of ink and reams of paper ere I learnt even how to serve a writ
+properly. It is easier to pretend to be what we are not, than hide what
+we really are, Master Grasp, and I will be content to be under
+imputation of those ill names you have given me, provided you add not
+lawyer to the number; only, in as much as you have favoured me with
+those terms, we must be content to part. I do not _beat thee_, Master
+Grasp, because thou art weak in body, and somewhat old; but I do warn
+thee not to couple my name in future, when you speak of me, with those
+opprobrious epithets you have just used. I am no villain at least, and
+so farewell for ever, Master Grasp." And Shakespeare turned abruptly and
+left the office.
+
+"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said the lawyer; "here's a
+large mouth, here's a goodly gentleman: a stipendiary, a stripling, a
+mere school-boy, who hath scarce been two months in my office, and to
+rebel, and take himself off thus. Well, be it so. I am well rid of the
+rebel, but an I have him not on the hip ere long, my name is not Grasp.
+And now I forgot to demand of him the message sent to me from Clopton
+Hall. My boots! my boots!" he called to the serving-wench, "and tell
+Davey to clap saddle upon Sorrel. Troth I will ride to Clopton, and
+inquire me of the steward what's amiss there."
+
+When the serving-man brought the lawyer his boots, he announced a client
+in waiting. "One to advise with your worship," said the man, "upon
+matters of import, as he saith."
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, "what manner of man, Davey man, and where
+from,----what's his name too?"
+
+"A would not give his name, but a said he were from Warwick," said
+Davey.
+
+"From Warwick, Davey? eh? Right, good Davey. I do expect one from
+Warwick to-day,--I had forgotten as much--and so you showed him into the
+front chamber?"
+
+"I did, master," said Davey.
+
+"And is all in order in that apartment, Davey?"
+
+"It be so," said Davey.
+
+"Papers, parchments, deeds, and strong boxes, all in their places,
+Davey?" inquired Grasp.
+
+"Yes, master, like nest-eggs. He! he! he!"
+
+"And you told him I was engaged with another client on business of
+import,--of immense import,--eh, Davey?"
+
+"Trust I for that!" said Davey.
+
+"Good, then, take him a cup of wine, Davey. Tell him I will see him the
+moment I am disengaged, and then bring me hither my capon and tankard.
+And d'ye hear,--after you have done that, mount Sorrel yourself, and
+ride over to Clopton; make some excuse to introduce yourself into the
+servants' hall, and just take a look, and observe if there be anything
+out of the common there. You understand?"
+
+"He! he! hap I do," said Davey, with a knowing wink, as he hurried out
+to execute his several commissions.
+
+When the important little lawyer condescended to give audience to the
+particular client his serving-man David had announced, he found himself
+in company with a tall aristocratic-looking person, dressed in the
+somewhat faded appointments of a military man of the period: that is to
+say, he wore the leathern doublet usually covered by the breast-plate
+and back-piece, the stains upon it showing it had seen much service in
+the field as well as the table, whilst the scarf and jingling spur still
+farther denoted the profession of arms.
+
+"Master Algernon Neville!" said the man of parchment, as soon as the
+striking figure of the visitor saluted his eye on entering the room. "I
+would your honour had sent in your name. I should hardly have kept you
+so long in waiting here. Body o' me, I had no idea it was your
+honourable self."
+
+"Nor much desire so to find it, I dare be sworn, Grasp," said the
+visitor. "But, sooth to say, I am come to thee again, and upon the same
+errand as when I last was here."
+
+"Advice, eh?" said Grasp; "truly your honour shall have it,--the best I
+can give."
+
+"I am bounden to thee, good Grasp," said the visitor, "for thy advice;
+but there was, as thou knowest, something else I required of thee
+besides thy advice, good as it doubtless was."
+
+"Moneys?" said Grasp. "Truly I am not likely to forget I did also
+advance certain moneys,--moneys you required to take you over to
+Scotland."
+
+"And now, if I require more moneys," said the visitor, "can you
+accommodate me again?"
+
+"Marry can I," said Grasp; "what sum does your honour require?"
+
+The visitor hesitated. He looked shrewdly at Grasp, and taking the pen
+from the inkstand marked on a piece of paper several figures.
+
+"I want that," he said, handing the paper to Grasp.
+
+"Mass, a round sum!" said Grasp; "but upon such security as you can give
+you shall have it, honoured sir. Nay, double an you want it."
+
+"Why, gad a-mercy!" said the visitor, in some surprise, "hast thou been
+the Virginian voyage since I saw thee last? Rich thou hast always been
+since I knew thee, but so ready to part with thy moneys I never knew
+thee before."
+
+"Your honour will pardon me for the simile," said Grasp; "but there are
+a sort of men who are fortune's favourites, and who like cats ever light
+upon their legs. Your honour hath surely heard a piece of news which
+nearly concerns you?"
+
+"I know of no news likely to effect my fortunes," said the visitor,
+"having but lately arrived in England. Hast thou anything of import to
+communicate?"
+
+"Body o' me," said Grasp, "why, I concluded you _had heard_, or I had
+communicated it immediately I saw you! Know you not the Earl of
+Westmoreland is dead!"
+
+"Nay, is this true?" said Neville, starting.
+
+"True as that your honour is his next heir," said Grasp.
+
+"And where died he?" inquired the visitor.
+
+"In Italy, where he hath been long in exile, as thou know'st."
+
+"Ah!" said Neville, "this is somewhat unlucky!"
+
+"Unlucky?" said Grasp. "Heard ye ever the like o' that! What can be
+unlucky that bodes your honour so much good? You are in fact and in
+right, _de facto et de jure_, next heir to the earldom of Westmoreland."
+
+"Would that I had known of this but yesterday!" said Neville,
+abstractedly; "'twould have spared me from participating in this last
+business."
+
+"Did your honour observe anything?" said Grasp, staring at his visitor,
+who seemed wrapped in the thought and cogitations consequent upon the
+news he had just heard.
+
+"'Tis no matter," he muttered at length to himself, "I will betray them
+all. Harkee, good Grasp," he continued, after a considerable pause,
+"'tis quite true, that which thou say'st. I am next heir to the title
+and estate of Westmoreland. But it follows not, therefore, that I shall
+succeed to them, as I am in disgrace and under suspicion. Could I indeed
+do some acceptable service to the Queen, I might recover those estates
+and honours forfeited by the rebellion of the earl just now deceased."
+
+"That were, indeed, a way to recover," said Grasp; "but does your honour
+know of any acceptable service that might do yourself honour and her
+majesty pleasure?"
+
+"I do," said Neville, "and you can aid me in it; but I warn you, it is
+attended with danger."
+
+"In aiding you I serve the Queen, it seems," said Grasp, "Is't not so?"
+
+"It is so," said Neville.
+
+"Ergo, it is profitable," said Grasp.
+
+"It is so," said Neville.
+
+"Then am I content to encounter the danger," said Grasp, "since I am
+well aware that titles, honours, and profit are not to be gained without
+some sort of risk; and now tell us, honoured sir, what is to be done."
+
+"To discover a plot and arrest the traitors," said Neville.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, with alacrity, "that were indeed a circumstance. An
+you could find such a matter as a ready-made plot, and light upon a nest
+of traitors, I should say you were in luck's way, as usual, good Master
+Neville."
+
+"I can do both, good Grasp," said Neville, "and that not a thousand
+miles from this town; nay, not a thousand yards from this house."
+
+"Ah, say'st thou," said Grasp, "not a thousand yards from this house? As
+sure as my name is Grasp, your words point at the strangers who have
+been for the last two days playing at hide-and-seek at the Checquers. Am
+I right, good sir?"
+
+"You are," said Neville.
+
+"Now, praise be to my sagacity," said Grasp, "I all along suspected
+those mysterious men of being evil-doers. There is treason and concealed
+villany in their very shadows as they glide about. What is the nature of
+their designs and their intent, good Master Neville? are they emissaries
+of the Spaniard? or are they----"
+
+"Let it suffice, their intentions are dangerous to the safety of the
+Queen, and they are secretly drawing into their conspiracy many Catholic
+gentlemen in this county who are discontented with the present
+government. Nay, five of them are sworn by the most binding oaths to
+sacrifice themselves to the service of taking the life of the Queen."
+
+"Oh, the villains!" said Grasp, rubbing his hands with delight at the
+prospect of being accessory to the discovery of a conspiracy of so much
+magnitude. "Oh, the caitiffs! a plot to destroy our blessed Queen, and
+ruin the nation! now that's what I call worth living to hear of. I'm a
+made man, that's clear."
+
+"Nay, but," said Neville, "we must go warily to work, good Grasp; and I
+must damp the exuberance of thy glee a trifle, inasmuch as this business
+is likely to implicate and deprive thee perhaps of a client of thine."
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, his countenance falling a little, "that's rather bad,
+who is the man?"
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton."
+
+"Thou hast taken my breath away," said Grasp, recoiling a pace or two.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton, whom men call the good Sir Hugh, engaged in such a
+bloodthirsty and jesuitical plot as this? Are you quite sure, honoured
+sir, of the correctness of what you utter?"
+
+"I am quite sure that some of those engaged and deeply pledged to
+assassinate the Queen have been in hiding at Clopton Hall within the
+last two days. Nay, I shall be able to identify several of the best
+Catholic families in this county, as having been in correspondence with
+emissaries in Scotland, not only to assassinate Elizabeth, but to set
+the Queen of Scots at liberty, and place the crown upon her head."
+
+"Nay, this is glorious," said Grasp; "the plot does indeed thicken, as
+the saying is. The fiend take the good Sir Hugh; I would sacrifice fifty
+such clients, and see them hanged, drawn, and quartered into the
+bargain, for such a chance as this. And now let us lay our heads
+together, and consult how to capture these bloody-minded conspirators
+with most advantage to our own proper selves. How shall we proceed,
+honoured sir? Shall we rouse the whole _posse comitatus_, and attack the
+house in which these miscreants are engendering, and hatching, and
+concocting those horrors; or, shall we go incontinent, and give secret
+intelligence to Sir Thomas Lucy at Charlecote?"
+
+"That I must leave to your discretion, good Grasp," said Neville. "Your
+part must be to secure them ere twenty-four hours have elapsed.
+Meantime, I must ride post haste to London, and give information to the
+Queen or her ministers of the whole affair."
+
+"I would your worship would remain here, and capture the caitiffs,
+whilst I proceed up to town with information," said Grasp. "Methinks, as
+you are a man of _war_, and I am a man of _law_, that would be the most
+proper arrangement."
+
+"By no means," said Neville. "Manage the matter as I have told thee. Do
+it well and effectually, and reward is sure to follow to us both. It is
+essential that I should myself gain favour by the discovery, and if I
+should succeed to the estates and title of Westmoreland, I shall not
+forget the service you have rendered. Be wary, and prosper. Farewell."
+So saying, the visitor hastily took his leave, and a few minutes
+afterwards was riding furiously towards Warwick, on his way to London.
+
+"Now, there's a bloody-minded and dangerous Jesuit for you," said Grasp
+to himself. "He thinks I know not that he's a Catholic, I suppose, and
+that I cannot guess he has been as deep in this vile plot as the rest of
+them. But I do bear a brain, and I can perceive that the death of his
+relation hath completely turned his conscience, and now, in place of
+helping to murder the Queen, he's going to hang up all his associates,
+by turning evidence. A bad world, my masters, and bad folks in it! But
+then it's by the bad I gain and thrive; bickerings, quarrellings,
+evil-speaking, lying, and slander, plots, counterplots, conspiracies,
+hangings, and headings, are my especial good. So now to consider and
+contrive this matter. Let me see--I instantly hasten off to the high
+bailiff, get together a sufficient body of his men, and then, my
+masters, look to yourselves! A plot to kill the Queen, subvert the
+Government, and burn the whole kingdom in an _auto-da-fé_! By all that's
+good, the business will not be effected without blood-letting on both
+sides! Let me see, who have we of approved valour and conduct to aid us
+in this capture? There's Master John Shakespeare; he's a good man and a
+true one, that will thrust in, and smite hard. His grandsire did good
+service at Bosworth Field. Then there's Goodman Rivett, the armourer; he
+hath an arm of might, and a heart of steel,--him will I also look up, an
+we need special men. Then there's--Yet," continued Grasp, pausing, and
+considering the matter, "methinks, after all, it would be better to put
+the affair at once into the management of Sir Thomas Lucy. Yes, I will
+incontinently and instantaneously proceed to Charlecote, and do so. Let
+me see; 'tis now about one hour after noon. I shall catch the proud
+knight just before he takes his post-prandium ride."
+
+So saying, Grasp donned his hat, and prepared for his visit to
+Charlecote.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE SONNET.
+
+
+When Shakespeare took leave of his newly-found friends at Clopton, he
+left a deep impression behind him.
+
+There was a feeling amongst the trio, which two of them at least could
+not understand; so greatly had the youth's manners struck them, so
+forcible was the interest he had created; whilst the third and most
+interesting of the party found that the handsome lad had unconsciously
+robbed her of her heart.
+
+"By 'r Lady," said the old knight, "yonder stripling is one of the most
+singular companions I ever met; without being in the least forward in
+manners, he somehow impresses one with a feeling of inferiority I cannot
+understand. He's an extraordinary youth, my masters; and, an he turn not
+out something beyond the common, I am not a Clopton."
+
+"How well he talks on all subjects!" said Arderne; "and yet how modest
+doth he seem!"
+
+"How beautiful were those verses he wrote this morning!" said Charlotte.
+
+"If he did write them," said Martin, "lady mine; _for mark ye_, they may
+be the offspring of another brain."
+
+"_If_ he wrote them! Martin," said Charlotte: "why, who else could have
+written them, think ye?"
+
+"Why not another as well as he, lady mine?" said Martin, archly; "what
+one man can do, another might effect. Methinks one older and more
+learned must have indited those lines."
+
+"Nay," said Charlotte, "I know not wherefore, but sure I feel that none
+but he could have penned that sonnet."
+
+"Gramercy," said Martin, "this is to have an opinion of merit, indeed!
+Doth that stripling, that hero of the quarter-staff, seem to you, Master
+Walter," he continued, shrewdly glancing at Arderne, "to have so much
+merit that none other can come up to him?"
+
+"I confess the lad hath made a singular impression upon me," said
+Arderne, "an impression I cannot shake off or understand. I never was in
+company with so amiable a youth before."
+
+"Let us hear his verse again," said Sir Hugh. "Come, Martin, thou hast a
+voice, thou shalt read it."
+
+"Ahem," said Martin. "I am no hand at a stanza; I shall mar the good
+verse, I fear me. Nevertheless, I will essay it."
+
+                    THE SONNET.
+
+    Who will believe my verse in time to come,
+      If it were filled with your most high deserts?
+    Though yet, Heaven knows, it is but as a tomb
+      Which hides your life, and shews not half your parts.
+    If I could write the beauty of your eyes,
+      And in fresh numbers, number all your graces,
+    The age to come would say, this poet lies,
+      Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces,
+    So should my papers, yellow'd with their age,
+      Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue;
+    And your true rights be termed a poet's rage,
+      And stretched metre of an antique song:
+    But where some child of yours alive that time,
+    You should live twice,--in it, and in my rhyme.
+
+Sir Hugh was a man of parts. He was a man, too, of strong sense, and,
+for the age in which he lived, might have been esteemed and accounted a
+learned man withal.
+
+Had he chosen to be more of a courtier, and his creed been different, he
+might have risen to some eminence as a statesman.
+
+He felt considerable astonishment, and expressed no less admiration, at
+the beauty of the verses just recited.
+
+"Now, by my fay, good Martin," said he, "I do somewhat lean to thy
+opinion in the matter, inasmuch as it seemeth scarce possible so young a
+lad could have penned such stanzas. Nay, by our Lady, I know not where
+to look amongst our old poets in order to find aught to equal those
+lines."
+
+"Then where hath the lad gotten them from?" said Arderne. "Peradventure
+he hath fetched them from some recent book of songs and sonnets; they
+say young Spencer hath lately written."
+
+"'Tis not in Spencer's vein," said Charlotte; "and since we have so far
+discussed the matter, I must needs say that I can almost vouch for his
+having written them."
+
+"Ho! ho!" said Martin, with a shrewd look. "La! you there now. Come,
+tell us the when, the where, and the how, Lady Charlotte. Let us have
+the circumstances under which this sonnet was written, since yon confess
+to so much knowledge of the matter."
+
+"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, blushing; "it was by accident I
+discovered so much. Walter and myself had been walking under the shade
+of the tall trees at the end of the garden, when I observed the youth
+standing, with arms folded, and gazing upon us in the arbour at its
+extremity. As we leisurely approached him, I saw him tear a leaf from a
+small book he held in his hand, and write something in it. When we
+entered the arbour and joined him, in putting up his book, he dropped
+the stray leaf, upon which he had been writing, and I own I was wicked
+enough to let it lie, and secure it after he had left us."
+
+"Well," said Sir Hugh, "the lad is certainly a youth of merit, and I
+feel bound to befriend him in what I can. We must bethink us, Walter, in
+what way we can serve him materially."
+
+"He is at present, as he tells me," said Arderne, "a clerk or writer in
+the service of Lawyer Grasp; albeit he liketh not the drudgery and
+confinement of such a life."
+
+"I wonder not thereat," said Sir Hugh; "since to sentence a lad of so
+much genius to be a scrivener's clerk, is like putting my best bred
+palfrey into a mill, or shutting up a soaring falcon in a thrush's cage.
+We must do something for him, Walter, for we owe much to him."
+
+Such were the kind intentions of the good Sir Hugh towards one to whom
+he felt under considerable obligations, and doubtless he who had caused
+those grateful feelings would have felt the benefit of them from one so
+well off in the world. "Wishing well, however, hath not a body in it;"
+and our intents of to-day are oft-times marred by the events of
+to-morrow.
+
+The promises of the powerful are oft-times a sort of "satire upon the
+softness of prosperity;" and in a few days the good Sir Hugh was himself
+involved in difficulties which made him oblivious of all, save
+honourable extrication from their labyrinth.
+
+The conversation which had taken place regarding the sonnet, occurred on
+the day following that on which young Shakespeare had left the Hall: a
+day made more memorable to two of the inmates, from the circumstance of
+the unwelcome visit of Gilbert Parry, and which it is our purpose now
+again to refer to, in order to explain certain other matters
+appertaining.
+
+It will doubtless be remembered by our readers that the shrewd Martin
+had played the spy upon the insane conspirator, and succeeded in making
+himself complete master of his horrid and perilous intentions.
+Intentions, the more dangerous to all who were in the slightest degree
+implicated, as the bloody designs and desperate projects which were
+suspected to be in existence against the Queen on all sides, had
+determined Elizabeth's council to make terrible examples of all whom
+they might discover. To the good Sir Hugh, however, the danger likely to
+accrue to his own person was the least consideration; and when the
+faithful Martin, accordingly, on the following morning, informed him of
+the intentions of the visitor and his own suspicions of his sanity, the
+good knight was struck with consternation. It was early morning when
+Martin told his tale to his patron, and when the old knight having just
+descended, was making the round of his kennel and falconry, and the
+relation at once filled him with terror, pity, and indignation.
+
+"I will incontinently visit this dangerous caitiff," he said, "and if I
+find matters as bad as you say, I will take means to secure him and
+prevent mischief. If he be indeed mad, it is my duty, as a Christian
+man, to lay him under restraint; but if he be sane and resolved on such
+attempt, I swear to thee I will arrest him with my own hand, and deliver
+him over to justice."
+
+"Beware!" said Martin, stopping him as he was hastening off in search of
+his visitor. "Beware, good master mine, how you introduce yourself alone
+into the den of a tiger. This fellow is dangerous in the extreme; and on
+the slightest hint of your knowledge and disapproval of his designs,
+will fly upon you and attempt your life. A madman I have heard say, in
+his furious fits, hath twice the strength of one in possession of
+reason."
+
+"I value not his madness a maravedi," said Sir Hugh, whose anger was
+predominant at the moment. "A murderous caitiff and condemned felon thus
+to introduce himself into my house! By our Lady's grace, an he draw
+weapon or lift hand against me, I will smite him in the teeth with my
+dagger, and kill him like the reptile at my foot."
+
+"At least, let me accompany you," said Martin, who saw that the angry
+spirit so seldom aroused was now predominant, and therefore the more
+resistless.
+
+"Follow an ye list," said Sir Hugh, "but I tell thee I am quite able to
+cope with such a fellow, and equal to arrest him if I find his purpose
+treasonable;" so saying, and followed by the faithful Martin, Sir Hugh
+re-entered the house, and the pair, introducing themselves into the
+secret wing of the mansion, immediately ascended into the chamber in
+which Parry had been shewn the night before.
+
+Sir Hugh was the first to enter, and, with the angry spot upon his brow,
+after hastily glancing round the small room advanced to the bed and
+pulled open the curtain with no very gentle hand.
+
+The bed, however, was unoccupied, and the room tenantless, although the
+crumpled state of the coverlid of the couch and pillows shewed that the
+occupant had thrown himself upon it during some part of the night at
+least.
+
+"There is the form," said Sir Hugh, "but the game is off."
+
+"There is no saying where such a customer may have crept to," said
+Martin, peeping under the bed, then getting up on one of the chairs and
+looking out of the small window upon the roof. "The man I am sure is as
+mad as a March hare; let us descend and see if he is any where secreted
+in the small apartment below."
+
+Sir Hugh accordingly descended, and (both together) searched in every
+closet and hiding hole with which the place was accommodated, but the
+bird had certainly flown, having, without doubt, passed into the garden
+by the small postern door which opened on the inside.
+
+Proceeding into the garden they searched through its walks and alleys,
+but the object of their search was no where to be found, and the small
+door which opened in the thick high wall at its extremity, and admitted
+into the thick plantations beyond, being wide open, they naturally
+concluded their visitor had fairly decamped in his insane mood as
+unceremoniously as he had entered. Sir Hugh, however (although he could
+not but feel relieved at the absence of the dangerous intruder), felt
+considerable annoyance at the whole circumstance. He was oppressed with
+the knowledge of the maniac's treason, and which, notwithstanding the
+powerful letter brought to him from the Nuncio Campeggio, he was
+resolved to divulge to the Queen's council. At the same time he also
+determined to do nothing rashly. Father Eustace was expected in a few
+hours, and must be consulted, whilst Martin, meanwhile, undertook to
+endeavour to trace the madman and observe his motions if possible.
+
+In such a case delays are dangerous, as the good Sir Hugh found, for
+Parry, whose vagaries had alarmed some of those connected with the
+dangerous plot, having been met with in Stratford, and then followed to
+Clopton, was lured into a secret appointment and put to silence with at
+least half a dozen wounds; and the whole affair in a few short hours
+after was in progress of being fully divulged. Of this, however, Sir
+Hugh was not likely to become acquainted, till the news reached him in
+an unpleasant shape. The circumstance of a man having been killed just
+without the town was by no means an uncommon event; and as Martin had
+failed in tracing Parry, and Father Eustace's return was delayed, except
+that there was a degree of mystery attached to the appearance and
+disappearance of the visitor, in a few days the circumstance was almost
+forgotten.
+
+Meantime, whilst, with swift passage, events were hastening onwards, and
+which were to involve some of the _dramatis personæ_ of our story in
+the perils and miseries of life, how calmly and how treacherously flowed
+on the even tenor of their hours. Mischief, as we have seen, was afoot;
+a secret society, consisting of one or two dangerous fanatics, resident
+in the county of Warwick, an Irish gentleman of rank, and several other
+desperadoes, had met, as we have before hinted, at one of the low
+hostels in the town of Stratford, and which locality they had chosen for
+some reason best known to themselves.
+
+These men, involved in a desperate enterprise, and sworn to devote
+themselves to death one by one, till they had achieved it, whilst they
+sought to increase the number of their associates, found danger even in
+the overzeal--the frenzied enthusiasm--of one of their own instruments,
+whilst another was about to prove false and betray them; nay, at the
+very moment when, like the alchemist of old, their toils were to be
+rewarded with progression, the vessel containing the elixir was to
+burst, and destroy all within its influence.
+
+These emissaries were at work in various directions,--secretly,
+stealthily. They had friends in France, in Spain, in Italy, in Flanders
+even; the day and the hour at which the first attempt was to be made was
+fixed; the very hooftreads of the horse which carried the unscrupulous
+Neville towards his design, in imagination, were counted by them; whilst
+he who was then, as his associates supposed, hastening towards this
+purpose, from a sudden change having taken place in his before desperate
+fortunes, was indeed posting to London; not, as he had sworn, in order
+to make essay upon the life of Elizabeth, but to betray the whole plot
+to the council, to aggrandize himself, and give to the gibbet and the
+executioner's knife, his sometime friends.
+
+And such are the inscrutable ways by which Providence works out His
+ends: such is the wisdom of the Great Director of events, and such are
+the vain designs of man. Ever driving headlong onwards, hastened by evil
+passions, obstinacy, wickedness, and pride, to inevitable
+destruction;--destroyed by their own villanous devices, thirsting for
+blood, grasping at riches, feeding absolutely on each other, the wicked
+perish miserably.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MOTHER AND SON.
+
+
+Those of our readers who have visited Stratford-upon-Avon, and looked
+upon the house in Henley Street, that house which has caused so great an
+interest in the world, will remember the lattice-windowed room in its
+upper floor, that room in which (as their eyes have glanced around its
+walls) their feelings have perhaps been excited almost unto the shedding
+of tears;--that room in which some portion of the early youth of him
+whose idea is enshrined in the hearts of all who speak our English
+tongue, was passed.
+
+It is mid-day, and seated in that room are a mother and an elder son.
+The mother is employed in some sort of curious work, whilst her baby is
+cradled, and asleep at her side. Spinning perhaps, like "the spinsters
+and the knitters of the sun,"--
+
+    "Weaving her threads with bones,"
+
+lace-making; and as she works, she chants some old ditty,--some song,
+"that dallies with the innocence of love, like the old age."
+
+    "Come away, come away, death,
+      And in sad cypress let me be laid;
+    Fly away, fly away, breath,
+      I am slain by a fair cruel maid:
+    My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,
+              O, prepare it--
+    My part of death no one so true
+              Did share it.
+
+    Not a flower, not a flower, sweet,
+      On my black coffin let there be strewn;
+    Not a friend, not a friend, greet
+      My poor corpse, where my bones shall be thrown;
+    A thousand, thousand sighs to save,
+              Lay me, O where
+    Sad true lover ne'er find my grave,
+              To weep there."[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: "Twelfth Night."]
+
+And whilst she sings, the youth, her son, seated upon a stool at her
+feet, is deeply engaged in perusing the goodly-sized volume he holds
+upon his knees.
+
+Such is the picture. The sun streams through the diamond panes of that
+ample window, and gives a glowing tint to the red curtains of the old
+square-topped bedstead, and other cumbrous articles of furniture; the
+high-backed chairs, and the heavy oaken table in the background. What
+would the illustrious of the world,--what would the most honoured in the
+world's esteem, of our own day, for arts, for arms, or for
+learning,--what would they give for _one_ glance into "the dark backward
+and abysm of time,"--but _one_ glance, so to see that mother and her
+son;--that mother who implanted grace in her child; that child whose
+high spirit had been tamed and cultivated by her influence? And what,
+indeed, should we all be, saith a great writer, but for the influence of
+women in our youth?
+
+They give us life, and they also give us the life of the soul. How many
+things do we learn of them as sons, lovers, or friends?
+
+The youthful Shakespeare loved to hold sweet converse with his handsome
+mother, and whom he loved so well. From her conversation, in his boyhood
+he had taken his first impressions of things: from her legendary
+stories, (so sweetly related,) he had gathered many facts of history. In
+winter's tedious nights, how oft had she pictured to him all she had
+heard from her own parents, of the York and Lancastrian wars, and the
+horrors to which England had been reduced--"Discord in every state,
+discord in every family!" From her's, and from his father's relations,
+over the winter's fire, were gathered the boy's first impressions of
+those fierce English, whose characteristics (according to their foes)
+were force of pride, and obstinacy--those doggedly resolute, those
+invincibly cool islanders, who, in all their splendour of their feudal
+pride, had so often walked through the vasty fields of France, as if in
+some harnessed masque, eating up the lands on all sides, and still
+fighting onwards in their own joyless way: burning, slaying, and
+destroying for so many centuries, till they made captive at Agincourt,
+not only of the French king, but the very realm.
+
+'Twas thus the boy had learnt his first lesson in the history of his
+country, not either exactly as a lesson, but in the homely popular form
+of a winter night's tale, as the simple story, or faith of a mother.
+
+And what we thus inbibe with the milk we suck, and with our growing
+blood, is a living thing as it were, and what the boy loved to listen to
+as a simple story, the youth loved to follow out as a study. He reads of
+the events his mother has told him of, and given him a taste for, in the
+chronicled history of the wars of the time; whilst the little of life
+and splendour he has already seen, in the brilliant era in which he
+lives, has given him, even now, an impression of the pride, pomp, and
+circumstance of the Norman period.
+
+Yes, the mind of the boy had been moulded by his mother, and a great
+deal of his just appreciation of women, and his delineations of the
+exquisite females he has drawn, are derived from the impressions she has
+given him.
+
+As he reads from the thick volume, in which he learnt more accurately
+the facts, and date, of the history of his own country, he occasionally
+pauses to listen to his mother's song, to gaze up in her face, and to
+question her upon some point he has arrived at, and which he remembers
+to have heard her relate before.
+
+Music and singing were much more cultivated (even amongst the humble
+classes) than in our own times, in England, and where indeed they are
+now scarcely cultivated at all. The sweet old songs "of the old age,"
+are for the most part lost to us, they have departed with the quainter
+dwellings in which they were warbled.
+
+In those days the strains which floated through the halls of the great,
+and the notes which were heard in the low-roofed apartments of the
+citizen, were calculated to soothe and quiet the passions of man. In our
+own times they are meant to arouse and excite--they are a whirl, a
+discordant noise. The lullabys which the mother chanted as she worked,
+were scraps of songs, great favourites at the time, and afterwards
+adapted from the recollection of the hearer in some of his works:
+
+    "Take, oh, take those lips away,
+     That so sweetly were forsworn,--
+    And those eyes, the break of day,
+     Lights that do mislead the morn.
+    But my kisses bring again,--bring again,
+    Seals of love, but seal'd in vain,--seal'd in vain."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: This song, which, no doubt, was a favourite in its day, is
+inserted in Beaumont and Fletcher's "Bloody Brother."]
+
+Not only the history of his own land, and which all ranks at this period
+were lamentably ignorant in, did the youthful Shakespeare receive the
+rudiments of from his mother; but she loved to amuse him with those
+stories of romance she had learned from her own parents, and which had
+been handed down from the chivalric ages, when the female of high degree
+was the teacher of youth. The great lady--"of exalted rank and
+inaccessible,"--who cultivates the mind of the youthful page--a mother,
+a sister, a guardian angel, and yet of such high degree, that she seems
+(in the austerity of her counsels, and the difficulties to be overcome,
+ere her favour can be gained) too great even to receive the adoration of
+him whose service costs so many sighs. Till in the end, as the
+accomplished knight is produced, the incarnation of merit and grace all
+fades away before the powerful god.
+
+The youth achieves greatness, and becomes lord of that beautiful lady,
+her dark castle, and her broad domain, "with shadowy forests, and with
+champions rich."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE LOVERS.
+
+
+But three days had intervened since young Shakespeare's introduction to
+Clopton Hall, and again he was a visitor there.
+
+Although his own desire for the society of its amiable inmates might
+reasonably have led the youth to repeat his visit, his better judgment
+would have hindered him from so soon returning to Clopton, had he not
+been led to do so by Walter Arderne.
+
+That young man felt so great a desire to renew his acquaintance with the
+youthful poet, that he had sought him out on the day following his
+visit; and had, indeed, been with him every succeeding day in the
+interval.
+
+To one so amiable in disposition and so generous in sentiment as Walter
+Arderne, the difference in station between himself and friend was no bar
+to intimacy. Indeed, he felt so much in every way his own inferiority,
+whilst in company with this singular new acquaintance, that it seemed
+when in his society as if the condescension was on the other side. At
+the same time the joyous spirit of the youthful Shakespeare, and a spice
+of reckless daring in his disposition, gave an additional charm to his
+companionship. So that intimacy, which (amongst many) has been the
+source of the deadliest enmity, in this case led to the firmest
+friendship.
+
+"I know not wherefore, good William," said Arderne, as they slowly
+wended their way towards Clopton, "but towards thee my feelings of
+friendship and attachment are greater than is ordinarily experienced
+between men not connected by blood. I am by birth thy superior, my
+prospects in life are more brilliant than thine, I mix with the choice
+spirits of the country here, and yet (albeit I am looked on as a wit, a
+setter of exploits, a leader of diversions, a good blade, and a
+sportsman), yet, somehow, my genius seems rebuked when in thy presence;
+I feel myself as it were naught. Nay, despite thy sober suit of homely
+cut and fashion, there is a superiority in every look, tone, and
+movement of thine, which I feel and wonder at."
+
+"Nay," said Shakespeare, "this is something too much, good sir. 'Tis
+your love and friendship which makes you think thus. Be assured, the gay
+and gallant Walter Arderne can never be outshone by so quiet, so
+unobtrusive a wight as myself."
+
+"Ah, so thou say'st," returned Arderne; "but why is it that I feel this
+veneration on so short an acquaintance with a mere boy? Thy converse is
+different from that of men even of learning and great attainments. There
+is a force, a feeling in every word thou utterest, which makes its
+impression. Yes, there is a manner about thee, William Shakespeare,
+which is inexplicable; whilst thy slightest remark upon the most trivial
+flowret in the hedgerow seems to me worth all the uttered wisdom of the
+schools."
+
+"Nay, then," said Shakespeare, laughing, "thou art but flouting me, good
+Master Walter."
+
+"Truly, thou art an extraordinary youth, good William, and the way thou
+hast drawn out the different characters we have met with as we walked
+the streets even to-day, and made them display their peculiarities and
+their follies, is as singular as all else pertaining to thee."
+
+Whilst they held converse thus, Walter Arderne and his new friend drew
+near to the garden and pleasure-grounds of the Hall. As they did so, the
+eyes of the lover detected his mistress in the distance. She was slowly
+pacing along one of the walks, and perusing some verses written upon a
+small scrap of paper. Arderne stopped as soon as he saw Charlotte
+Clopton, and as he watched her graceful form amidst the trees, he seemed
+for the moment wrapped in his own thoughts.
+
+"Were it not," he said, after a pause, and turning to his youthful
+friend, "were it not that I so entirely love thee, good William, were it
+not that even in our short acquaintance I so highly esteem thee, I
+should hesitate to bring one so superior to myself in contact with her I
+adore; and were it not that thy superiority is so great, I should scorn
+to own such a feeling to thee, William Shakespeare, lest I compromised
+my own station by such thoughts. 'Tis strange, but so it is; and to any
+one but thee, I should have shamed to give my thoughts tongue on such a
+subject."
+
+Ardorne sighed as he said this, and again looked towards the object of
+his ardent affection. "She loves me not," he said, "'tis vain for me to
+suppose she does. Her manner, despite her willingness to oblige her
+father, and even to persuade herself she feels inclination to wed with
+me, too plainly shews I have little or no real interest in her heart.
+Had I but thy winning tongue and gift of speech, good William, I might
+do much. Nay, it were good that thou shouldst plead for me, and tell her
+of the violence of my passion; and thou shalt do it too."
+
+"Nay," said his friend, "that would be somewhat out of the usual course
+of wooing. I pray you hold me excused in this Master Arderne."
+
+"Not a whit," said Arderne, "the thought is a good one. Women oft-times
+are led to prize that which those they think well of value,--to open
+their eyes and see clearly the hugeness of an affection they have not
+before appreciated."
+
+"But I know not how to woo a maid for myself," said his friend, "since I
+have never yet made suit to one, how, then, am I to play the suitor for
+so accomplished a cavalier; I who hath not ever seen the court?"
+
+"Tush, tush, man," said Arderne, "there's ne'er a courtier of them all
+could match thee, I dare be sworn."
+
+And thus did the boy poet--the lover under circumstances so peculiar,
+spend another day at Clopton Hall, and where all he saw gave him a
+second impression of life in a different sphere to that in which he had
+hitherto moved. True to the whimsical project which had suddenly seized
+him, Walter Arderne left his friend with a fair opportunity of pleading
+for him to the fair Charlotte.
+
+"When thou art tired of examining those worm-eaten volumes," he said to
+Shakespeare, "I dare be sworn thou wilt find Mistress Charlotte in her
+favourite arbour in the garden. Sir Hugh and myself are promised forth
+this morning. Farewell, therefore, for the present."
+
+Our readers will readily imagine that the renewal of acquaintance
+between this youthful pair would be likely to ripen the growing
+affection they felt for each other. Concealment, however, seemed to both
+a matter of necessity. Neither dared to own, even to themselves, that
+they loved. Pride came to the aid of each. In one it was the pride which
+fears even the shadow of suspicion; in the other it was the pride of
+birth. The pride of ancestry, however, is soonest subdued in such cases;
+that of conscience is more difficult for the blind god to overcome.
+
+And the youthful poet and the exquisite Charlotte found themselves
+thrown together, where every scene of beauty around them was conducive
+to the growth of their passion.
+
+The locality has oft-times much to do with love.
+
+The lady, in all her glowing beauty, seemed even more lovely amidst her
+own shadowy groves, with the time-honoured towers of her ancestors
+looking majestic in the distance. The perfume from the sweetly-scented
+shrubs and flowrets, the whisper of the soft breeze through the
+luxuriant trees, the cooing of the wood-pigeons in the distant
+plantation, the hum of the bees, and the plash of the fountain, each and
+all were felt by one who was so prone to feel.
+
+And he himself who walked beside that beautiful girl, thus surrounded by
+all the appliances of rank and station, how did he appear in her eyes in
+his lowly suit? Had he nothing to recommend him, and did he seem
+unfitted for the companionship of one so much more elevated in station?
+Did he appear to feel himself out of place or abashed by all he saw? We
+think not. The lady looked upon that face of youthful beauty; the soft
+curly hair even then thin upon the high forehead, the features so
+beautifully formed and so expressive; that eye so soft, and yet at times
+so full of fire, and whose glance was like the lightning's flash; the
+small beautifully-formed and downy moustache upon the upper lip; and all
+this, added to a figure which for grace and symmetry might have vied
+with a Grecian statue. And as she looked and listened to his sweet and
+honied sentences, she felt that all around would darken down to naked
+waste without his society. The conversation of him who but a few days
+before she would have passed without perhaps deigning to look upon,
+seemed to have opened a new world to her. Such is love,--that most
+fantastic of passions, which is said to be but once felt, and once felt
+never forgotten.
+
+The affections of women are perhaps easier won than those of men. They
+are commonly more disinterested, and "prize not quality of dirty lands."
+Seldom do we find that women display such open heartlessness, such acts
+of infidelity, as men.
+
+    "For however we do praise ourselves,
+    Our fancies are more giddy and infirm,
+    More longing, wavering, sooner lost and won,
+          Than woman's are."
+
+That the fair Charlotte should, on better knowledge, more fully
+appreciate the merits of her companion, we of latter days, who imagine
+the man from his works alone, can hardly wonder at; and the
+peculiarities of the position of the lovers made her, falling
+desperately in love, the less extraordinary. Had the youth of inferior
+degree presumed upon the favourable impression he could not help seeing
+he had made, the pride of the lady might have better befriended her. But
+there was ever a certain reserve about him, when matters seemed verging
+towards their issue, which perplexed and somewhat piqued her.
+
+The expression of his eyes, when occasionally she detected him gazing
+upon her, was hardly to be mistaken, but then his respectful reserve
+would as suddenly return.
+
+This was, however, a state of things which could not last, and perhaps,
+of all men, the ardent, the impassioned Shakespeare, in his early youth,
+was the most unlikely person to withstand such a strife as he was
+exposed to, and come off victorious, however honour, and friendship,
+and pride, might come to his aid. The knowledge that he was beloved by
+the fair creature beside him, the locality, the opportunity afforded him
+of expressing his own feelings, altogether, even in this his second
+visit, nearly made shipwreck of all his good intentions, and once or
+twice he was about to seize the hand of the fair Charlotte, and after
+owning the ardour of his affection, fly from the spot for ever.
+
+He, however, during this visit did manage to contain and conceal his
+passion; nay, he even performed the office of friendship which had been
+entrusted to him, and as he spoke of the fair lady's betrothed husband,
+he praised him for those good qualities he had already found him to
+possess, and spoke of him as one worthy the love and regard of any
+woman, however excellent and high in station. This was a theme, however,
+which he perceived was somewhat unwelcome, and the beauty grew wayward
+as he pursued it. With girlish tact she beat him from his theme, as
+often as he renewed it, and sought to lure him to other subjects more
+congenial to her thoughts whilst in his society. Nay, perhaps had he
+studied how best to advance his own suit to her he could not have hit
+upon a way more likely to succeed.
+
+The fair Charlotte was piqued at what she considered his insensibility,
+and without considering what she did, she almost let him understand that
+it would have been much more grateful to her to have heard the speaker's
+own merits extolled than those of Master Arderne.
+
+"And yet," she said, with a sigh, as she glanced archly from her fringed
+lids, whilst her eyes were cast down in mock solemnity, "and yet I
+should be ungrateful were I not to join in your praises towards my bold
+coz, for in good sooth I am indebted to him for many of the
+accomplishments I possess. He hath taught me to fly my hawk with e'er a
+cavalier in Warwickshire. Nay, I think I could even shoe my palfrey as
+well as ride him, if necessary. I am sure I could train a hound as well
+as himself, and, as for the treatment of the poor brutes in all their
+ailments, that I am confident I understand quite as much as old Hubert,
+the head huntsman, or any of his underlings. Now, all these matters I
+have been fairly taught and perfected in by my cousin, therefore see an
+I be not under obligation indeed."
+
+"And is such, the praise that one so true of heart and hand deserves?"
+said Shakespeare. "Methinks, in this world, where so much silliness,
+selfishness, vanity, and falsehood exists, a perfect cavalier, without
+fault and honest, open and free too as he is brave and handsome,
+deserves more praise from the lips of beauty than for paltry knowledge
+you have ascribed to him."
+
+"Paltry knowledge!" said Charlotte, laughing, "what call ye paltry? Why,
+these accomplishments I have enumerated to thee are the essentials of a
+country gentleman, as necessary for the woods and fields as dancing,
+dicing, and swearing are for the town. But methinks 'tis somewhat early
+for you to have taken note of the silliness and falsehood existing in
+the world; one so young can scarce have observed such matters, I should
+have thought."
+
+"Pardon me, good lady," said Shakespeare, "what may be in the world at
+large I am, indeed, for the most part ignorant in. But our good town of
+Stratford hath in itself some fair specimens of the human mortal, which
+he who hath eyes to mark, and brains to consider, may easily profit by,
+and lay up in his memory."
+
+"Methinks so shrewd an observer, and so keen withal, may chance to find
+us all fair mark for the shafts of his wit," returned Charlotte; "we
+shall learn to fear you, young sir, an ye prove so hard upon your
+neighbours."
+
+"Nay, fair lady," said Shakespeare, "my observations hath only had to do
+with those in my own sphere of life. The little I have seen as yet in a
+higher grade, hath been glanced at during my boyhood at the Free School
+of my native town. Nay, if I may venture to judge, I should say that the
+same vices, the same ambitions, the same petty feelings, jealousies, and
+envious heart-burnings, are to be observed in the smaller circle of a
+charity-school and its rulers, as are to be observed in the great and
+universal theatre of the world. Amongst those who rule, we do not always
+find examples of unerring goodliness, grace, and virtue, but rather
+intolerance and pride, and in most others ill-will, conceit, envy,
+hatred, and uncharitableness; large promise; much of puritanism, but a
+plentiful lack of true merit."
+
+During this visit, the fair Charlotte, who was all joyous anxiety to
+contribute to the amusement of her guest, made the round of the kennel
+and the falconry, in order to initiate him into the mysteries of the
+management of some of her pets.
+
+In those days, as we have before hinted, men of all ranks took delight
+in out-door sports and diversions. Their amusements were, for the most
+part, in the open air, and the chase, and the terms of wood-craft were
+ever mixed up in their conversation. The veriest lout in his holiday
+excursion loved to see his mongrel cur hunt the meadows and marshes for
+game, or catch the cony in the extensive warrens which then existed
+around. The youthful Shakespeare, it may therefore be well imagined, was
+passionately fond of seeking the haunts of the game, abundant as it was
+in the neighbourhood of his native town. Under these circumstances the
+sporting establishment at Clopton was looked over with considerable
+interest by him, and as the fair Charlotte petted the favourite hawk
+which usually graced her wrist, she taught him the several terms of
+falconry, and even explained how the various grades of men in the old
+time were recognized by their hawks. "An eagle," she said, "is for an
+emperor; a gerfalcon is due to a king; a falcon-gentle and a
+tercel-gentle, these be for a prince; a falcon of the rook is for a
+duke; the falcon peregrine for a belted earl; your bustard is for a
+baron; a sacret for a knight, and a lanair is for a squire; and then,"
+said Charlotte, as she continued to count up further varieties, "we have
+the goshawk for the yeoman, the spave hawk for Sir Priest, a muskyte for
+a holy-water clerk, and a kestrel for a knave or varlet."
+
+Whilst thus situated and employed, how swift is the growth of love
+between two beings of disposition and character such as we have
+described. As the youthful poet watched the expressive face of the
+beautiful girl beside him, whilst she spoke so eloquently upon a subject
+of interest to her, and as she gave herself up to the management of her
+falcon, or played with and fondled her favourite dogs, he became more
+fascinated with her artlessness and beauty. He marked the natural grace
+of her movements, as, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment, she
+entered into the excitement of the hour. He observed the nymph-like
+figure, the glowing face, the luxuriant tresses uncontrolled in the soft
+breeze, and he listened with delight to the joyous and ringing laugh;
+and as he beheld her thus, his admiration was touched with sadness, for
+he thought that all this elegance and beauty was far removed from his
+hopes. "One fading moment's mirth" perchance was bought "with twenty
+watchful, weary, tedious nights."
+
+Attended by the head falconer and one or two of his men, as they
+followed the flight of Charlotte's hawk, they had extended their ramble
+to some considerable distance beyond the chace, and the mid-day sun was
+so oppressive, that they returned through the thick and shadowy woods,
+which on one side extended to within a short distance of the Hall. And
+here too--as the grasshopper uttered his peculiar chirp in the prickling
+gorse and thorn, and as the sweet scent of the fern pervaded the
+air--these unfrequented glades gave rise to thoughts only incident to
+fresh and stainless youth ere the blunter feelings of riper years rob us
+of their verdant freshness.
+
+Images of vernal brightness floated before the poet's mind, and feelings
+of youth, and hope, and joy were blended with the thoughts of her he
+loved: images such as Shakespeare could alone have conceived. And she
+who was the object of that love, as she listened to the sportive gaiety
+of his words, during this ramble, and as he called forth the elves and
+fairies of his brilliant imagination, she felt as if wandering in a
+magic grove and breathing the sweet odours of an elfin bower: and then,
+again, he peopled the glades with bright forms, fresh and lusty as in
+the first ages of the world. And when he himself parted from his fair
+companion on reaching the Hall, and he returned again through the
+plantations of Clopton, he sought out each spot which Charlotte had
+seemed most interested in, and dwelt upon each look, and tone, and word,
+she had uttered. 'Twas indeed a midsummer day's dream, a situation in
+which he was carried from the reality of the present, to the realms of
+fancy, a dream that haunted him in after years. The thoughts and
+imaginings which pervaded the mind of the youthful Shakespeare, during
+these moments, were what perhaps he himself would have failed in
+describing.
+
+Few of us can convey in words the heavenly images which float in
+celestial ether, as it were, through the brain. We feel in the feeble
+attempt the unsufficing medium of language. Words are but the clayed
+embodiment of the swift thought. The thought itself is the essence of
+the soul--poetry unspeakable. We cannot word that which is divine.
+Language has no power to render again the shadowy dream--the musing
+reverie.
+
+Whilst under the influence of feelings such as these, the society and
+the haunts of men were uncongenial to the poetic youth, and he usually
+sought out the wildest scenes of his native country. Over park, over
+pale, he bounded, and the keepers, who caught sight of him occasionally
+in their forest walks, failed in arresting him in his rambles.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+CHARLECOTE.
+
+
+In a former chapter we have seen the sharp and sententious Lawyer Grasp,
+in the act of girding up his loins and preparing to set forth upon a
+somewhat important mission: a matter, indeed, not likely to be effected
+without some little danger to all concerned in its execution. The shrewd
+lawyer, however, to say the least of him, was not altogether devoid of
+courage, and, albeit his valour was modified by a certain degree of
+discretion, he loved to be first when anything was to be gained by
+leading the van.
+
+In the present instance he thought he spied a good chance of promotion,
+both as regarding his instrumentality in apprehending or gaining notice
+of a dangerous plot, but he also hoped to make a profitable intimacy
+with the proud owner of Charlecote: and, as he spurred his palfry
+onwards, visions of suits, and testaments, and title deeds, and strong
+boxes, pertaining to the domain he was entering, floated through his
+brain in rapid succession.
+
+Plots and complots, conspiracies, and secret meetings to kill a queen,
+were, indeed, in his eye, as nothing, unless pertaining to the
+advancement of one small person who wrote himself attorney in the town
+of Stratford: and who hoped, one day, to be the richest and greatest man
+there. The world around was nothing: the covering sky was nothing;
+England was nothing, except as pertaining to Master Pouncet Grasp; nay,
+so long as the small circle of air around his own proper person was
+wholesome and fit for the purposes of respiration, it would have been
+all the same to him if the atmosphere in general were infected with the
+plague. He was, indeed, without question, the most selfish little
+caitiff that ever drove a quill upon parchment.
+
+Charlecote, the residence of Sir Thomas Lucy, was one of those vast,
+irregularly built, but picturesque looking mansions, which gives
+impression, at first sight, of the architectural style of the Tudors.
+Redolent of red brick picked out with white, full of large bay windows,
+beetling balconies, twisted chimneys, gable ends, and gate-houses. A
+magnificent structure looking like a brick-built palace, situate in the
+midst of the most luxuriant foliage; which partially concealed its
+multitudinous offices, its falconries, its dog-kennels, and its
+thick-walled gardens.
+
+As Grasp, therefore, approached this curious building, he beheld its
+embattled towers and massive chimneys embosomed in ancient trees of vast
+size, and most soft and lovely foliage. Nothing, perhaps, could be more
+impressive than the whole scene. The vast park studded with mossed
+trees, and the herded deer couched in the fern, beneath the shade. The
+gigantic avenue, flourishing in all the grandeur of its undecayed age,
+and each particular tree throwing its deep shadow upon the grassy carpet
+beneath, with the lordly mansion only partially seen at its extremity.
+
+As Grasp entered this gloomy, but majestic avenue, he drew bridle, and
+paused for a few moments to reassure himself, and consider matters over,
+and as he did so, he became impressed with the deep and solemn silence
+reigning around, a silence only occasionally interrupted by the baying
+howl from the kennel, an occasional winding note from the huntsman's
+bugle, or the clear ringing sound of the old clock from the tower of the
+red brick gate-house.
+
+As the little lawyer gazed around, a sort of awe crept over his paltry
+soul, he became at each step more deeply impressed with the greatness of
+the man he was about to approach, and from the wealth he saw around him,
+he began to consider whether he himself was worthy of coming into the
+presence of one so mighty. For Grasp's idol was money, the only
+Providence he believed in or worshipped.
+
+Added to this he knew from report the aristocratic and exclusive
+disposition of Sir Thomas, his haughty bearing towards his inferiors,
+and his dislike of intrusion, and he began to doubt whether the knight
+might take it well, that he had come thus in person to communicate with
+him, more especially as he himself had very lately been engaged in a
+suit against Sir Thomas, instituted by one of the tradesmen of
+Stratford, and in which Grasp, by trickery, had managed to get a verdict
+against the great man.
+
+In short, as Grasp approached the house, he began to feel that he would
+almost rather have demanded an interview with Queen Elizabeth herself,
+than with the owner of the domain of Charlecote. He even began to doubt,
+whether (if Sir Thomas should happen to catch sight of him before an
+opportunity offered for introducing his important mission) the proud
+knight would not either order his attendants to whip him out of the
+park-gates, or perhaps even set his hounds upon him and hunt him through
+the grounds. These thoughts and apprehensions the more forcibly
+impressed themselves upon his mind, as the caitiff was well aware he
+fully deserved as much at Sir Thomas's hands.
+
+However, the business he was upon at length outweighed all other
+considerations, and setting spurs to his sorry nag, he hastened onwards
+and neared the house.
+
+As he did so he found that he had timed his visit exactly as he had
+anticipated, and that Sir Thomas and his family were about to take their
+afternoon excursion. For (amongst his other peculiarities) the old
+knight was exceedingly punctual and precise in all his doing, keeping
+the even tenor of his way, and timing his different movements as exactly
+as the clock in the tower of his gate-house was true to the dial in the
+pleasaunce. As Grasp therefore approached he beheld the palfreys and
+attendants of the family party, mustering in front of the mansion,--a
+goodly sight to look on, and which made Grasp open his eyes as he beheld
+it.
+
+Sir Thomas, like most others in the country at this period, was one of
+those proud men who like to do every thing with circumstance and parade,
+and accordingly if he only rode across the park to shoot a buck, he
+usually was attended by a round dozen of his keepers and servants.
+
+At the present time, as he was about to take his afternoon ride, and
+perhaps pay a formal visit to one or two of his immediate neighbours,
+his party, including his own family and the attendant serving-men,
+amounted to about a score. The sight was a gallant one,--such as in our
+own times we may behold represented upon the artist's canvass, or during
+the scenic hour, but never again with all its circumstance in real life.
+There were assembled the serving men and attendants, with the three
+white Lucys embroidered in silver upon their green hunting-frocks. The
+head falconer, clad in a sort of loose frock of scarlet cloth; the
+keepers carrying the hawks upon a stand, and several attendant grooms
+with the knight's favourite dogs in their charge. For, as with men of
+this sort the sports of the field was the chief occupation of life, so
+the companionship of their dogs and hounds seemed almost necessary to
+their enjoyment; they seldom made a journey without the favourite hawk
+or hound, and they as seldom rode to take the air on the most ordinary
+occasions, without being provided with the means of striking any game
+they might put up in their route. The hawk upon the wrist was as
+necessary also to the lady, as the spur upon the heel to the knight. The
+most interesting part of the present display, however, and that which
+struck the little lawyer with a sort of dread, was the sporting old
+knight himself, and his three daughters, as they came forth and mounted
+their steeds.
+
+There was, indeed, something about Sir Thomas Lucy, that, to a man of
+Grasp's sort, seemed unapproachable, incomprehensible, and even awful.
+His tall gaunt figure, clad in his hunting-frock of scarlet cloth
+embroidered with gold, with all the tasselled appointments to match--the
+long leather gauntlets upon his hands--and the high russet boots upon
+his legs, were well matched by the grey hair and peaked beard, the
+aquiline features, and the pale complexion of the stern-looking old
+knight. In fact, there was a something inexpressibly noble in the
+appearance of that grey old man. He looked one of the Norman knights of
+the crusading times returned to his halls,--so pale, so wan, so antique,
+and yet withal so knightly in his bearing. The hand seemed formed for
+the rapier, the head for the helm, the heel for the spur. If the little
+lawyer felt at the moment somewhat impressed with the appearance of the
+old knight, now that he was about to approach him, he was no less struck
+with the grace and beauty of his daughters. They seemed to his eye, at
+that moment (and as he regarded them, seated upon their palfreys),
+creatures of a superior race to the generality of human mortals;
+celestial beings, with "beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear."
+
+In fact, Grasp was so feelingly impressed with a sense of inferiority as
+he approached the presence of the Knight of Charlecote, that once or
+twice he was about to wheel his steed, and return as he had come.
+
+Indeed he certainly had done so, had not the old knight suddenly caught
+sight of him, just as he came into the open space in which the party was
+assembled, and fixed him like a basilisk.
+
+It happened unluckily for Grasp, that the avenue was not often made a
+thoroughfare for any but visitors to the Hall, and accordingly, the
+apparition of the meagre-looking lawyer, clad in a sad-coloured suit,
+carrying a little bag in his hand, and bowing to the pommel of his
+saddle every step he took, rather struck Sir Thomas Lucy with
+astonishment. The knight had just at that precise moment thrown his leg
+over his palfrey, and settled his gaunt person fairly in the demipique,
+or war-saddle, it was his usual wont to use, when he espied the lawyer;
+and the effect upon both was like the boa-constrictor suddenly coming in
+sight of its prey. The lawyer seemed transfixed for the moment, whilst
+the magnifico, with his movements arrested, regarded him with a stern
+and curious eye.
+
+At length Sir Thomas signed to one of his attendants to approach, and,
+pointing to the lawyer, desired him to inquire into the meaning of the
+intrusion.
+
+"Inquire me of yonder man," said the knight, "wherefore he hath
+approached the house on this side, and which it is our desire to keep
+secluded from public resort, and the eyes of the common and popular."
+
+"He hath business of great import, and craves an immediate and private
+audience with your worship," said the serving-man, after communicating
+with Grasp.
+
+"Hath he a name?" said Sir Thomas.
+
+"He had rather your worship heard his business first and his name
+afterwards," said the serving-man, "so much did he inform me when I made
+inquiry; but I rather think it is Master Grasp, the lawyer of
+Stratford."
+
+Sir Thomas winced. "And what doth Master Grasp, the lawyer of Statford
+require with Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?" dryly he said. "Inquire me
+out his business; and if he tell it not, convey him round to the proper
+entrance for people of his sort; and, d'ye hear? wait on him out."
+
+During this colloquy, the lawyer had gained somewhat of his
+self-sufficiency, and, dismounting, approached Sir Thomas, and ventured
+to accost him.
+
+"Will your honourable worship," he said, "favour me with a hearing at
+this unseasonable moment, upon matters of high import, connected with
+the safety of our gracious Sovereign the Queen and the welfare of the
+whole realm?"
+
+"If thy communication be of so much importance as that," said the
+knight, "it behoves me, as a true subject, to give attention to it. The
+body public and the safety of the realm demand so much of us."
+
+"'Tis a matter of so much importance," said Grasp, "that it concerns all
+who wish not to be burned, racked, whipped, beaten, and otherwise
+tormented to death by the Spaniard. 'Tis no less a matter, Sir Thomas
+Lucy, than a discovery I have made of a nest of traitors, who are, at
+this moment, assembled together, at Stratford, for the purpose of
+contriving the murder of our Queen and the delivery of the kingdom into
+the hands of Philip of Spain."
+
+Grasp delivered this piece of intelligence with so much eagerness and
+vehemence, that he had approached quite close to Sir Thomas, in his
+anxiety that his news should not be overheard, and the old knight was in
+something impressed with its importance. He, however, drew back from too
+close contact with the Stratford lawyer, warning him to remove a little
+further from his person.
+
+"Your communication is doubtless of the utmost importance," he said
+coolly, as he prepared to dismount; "we will instantly hear all you have
+to say. Nevertheless, confine your eagerness to serve Her Majesty within
+proper bounds." So saying, Sir Thomas dismounted from his palfry, and
+coolly desiring his daughters to continue their ride, led the way into
+the house, and, followed by Grasp, entered his private study.
+
+The loyalty of the man would not permit him to pause a moment, as soon
+as he fully comprehended the nature of the business. He took two turns
+up and down the apartment; and then ordered the head-keeper to be
+summoned into his presence. "I will arrest these miscreants with my own
+proper hand and with my own people," he said, "instantly, without a
+moment's delay. Meantime, I will send over to my good neighbour, Sir
+Hugh Clopton, and inform him of it, so that he may meet me at Stratford
+on my arrival there, and aid me in this capture. Not so much," he
+continued to himself, "that I require his assistance, as that he may
+partake with me in the honour of cutting the throats of such vile
+wretches, an they resist lawful authority."
+
+"May it please your worship," said Grasp, "there is a thing, I omitted
+to say, and which I had said, only that I feared its knowledge would
+most heartily grieve, astonish, and dismay your worship."
+
+"You have already both astonished and somewhat grieved us," said Sir
+Thomas, "in delivering the piece of intelligence you came here charged
+withal. In how far you may be further able to dismay us, we may be
+perhaps permitted to doubt: nevertheless, we would fain be made
+acquainted with the nature of this omitted circumstance."
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Grasp, "your worship spoke of him as aiding and
+assisting in the capture of these bloody-minded conspirators."
+
+"I did so," said Sir Thomas. "Said I not well, good Master Grasp?"
+
+"Your worship hath the gift of saying well," returned Grasp, who found
+himself gaining ground, he thought, in Sir Thomas's good graces. "But I
+grieve to say that Sir Hugh lieth under the imputation of being deeply
+implicated in this plot."
+
+"How!" said Sir Thomas, losing something of austerity in his surprise.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton implicated in such a hellish conspiracy as this you
+have named? Had any man holding rank equal or superior to mine own, said
+so much, Master Pouncet Grasp, he had lied under the imputation of a
+liar and a caitiff at my hands."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "I ask your worship's pardon, I had it from him who
+gave me the clue to the whole matter,--the honourable gentleman I told
+you of,--the right honourable Master Walter Neville."
+
+"Say, rather, the arch traitor--the doubly dishonourable villain
+Neville, who goeth about to purchase benefit for himself by the blood of
+his party. An such a man be your informant? Credit me, the information
+is incorrect. I listen not therefore to it, it is naught."
+
+Meantime, whilst Sir Thomas held converse thus with Grasp, he had at the
+same time, in the most quiet and business-like way, been encasing
+himself in one or two pieces of defensive armour which had hung at hand,
+behind the great chair on which he usually sat. Taking down a richly
+inlaid breast-plate, and which he had worn in his youth in the wars of
+the Low Countries, he fitted it on with care and precision, as one to
+whom the business of arming was a habit of easiness. He then indued a
+cumbrous back-piece to match, buckled the shoulder-straps without
+assistance, and girded the whole tightly together with an embroidered
+belt round his waist. After which (laying aside the light rapier he
+usually wore), he adopted a stout, heavy-hilted, and somewhat ponderous
+blade, and thrusting a pair of enormous petronels and his dagger into
+his girdle, stept forth into the centre of the apartment completely
+equipped for the business on hand, and looking, what our readers of the
+present day would have termed, as perfect a specimen of Don Quixote de
+la Mancha as they could have wished to behold.
+
+Those who looked upon his tall gaunt form and sinewy limbs, however,
+might see that, eccentric as was his appearance, he would be rather an
+awkward customer to engage with or offer an affront to; and so thought
+Grasp, when he beheld the knight's military toilette completed.
+
+Nay, a sort of unpleasant feeling began to creep over him; a
+presentiment of hard knocks, bullets, and grievous wounds suddenly
+pervaded his mind, as he looked upon this military figure clattering
+about in his cuirass, and coolly selecting his ponderous weapons for the
+nonce. For Grasp, it must be remembered, (albeit he lived in stirring
+times,) was a man of peace, and whose whole life nearly had been passed
+in a small dark back office in the town of Warwick, where he had been
+brought up and initiated in all the tricks of his craft.
+
+However, as he had been the exciting cause of Sir Thomas's taking the
+affair upon his hands, and as he knew the knight would be likely to make
+a clean business of it, he felt that now to hold back would be to lose
+all the advantage he had previously promised himself.
+
+Could he but manage to be exceedingly prominent and useful in this
+capture, he felt certain that it would lead on to fortune.
+
+"I have never yet fought," he said to himself, "except with my pen. Now
+I am going to wield a weapon which, if it be only half as deadly and
+destructive in my hands, I shall make unpleasant work withal. But, in
+good sooth, I feel as though I had rather _prepare_ the writ than
+_serve_ it in the present case."
+
+So eager was Sir Thomas to pursue the adventure, and make capture of the
+conspirators with his own hand, that he tarried not for any of the
+customary formalities.
+
+He resolved to take all responsibility upon himself, and "standing to no
+repairs," swoop upon the culprits. Accordingly, having mustered the
+serving-men he had warned for this service, and seen to their efficiency
+in regard to weapons with a military eye, the whole party wheeled out of
+the gate-house of Charlecote and took their way towards Stratford.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE ATTACK.
+
+
+Many of our readers, who have searched with curious eye through the
+various localities and peculiar points of interest at Stratford, will
+doubtless recollect a small antiquated-looking inn, situated on the
+Avon's bank,--a building whose outward favour and stout-timbered walls,
+together with its massive chimneys and general appearance, would
+proclaim it to have been a house of some mark in its day.
+
+At the period of our story this building had degenerated from a goodly
+farm-house to a hostel called the Checquers, and was the house of
+entertainment generally used by the commoner sort of wayfarers. It was a
+house altogether of no very good repute, in which the brawl and the
+night-shriek might be occasionally heard by the more respectable
+dwellers in the town,--a house often visited too by the watch, and
+carefully looked after by the authorities.
+
+It was a dwelling also often changing owners, and had been lately taken
+by a stranger, a dark, taciturn, evil-looking host, whose appearance
+nobody liked, consequently he was but ill supported.
+
+In short, since the present landlord had been its occupant, save and
+except an occasional guest who appeared to have arrived from foreign
+parts, and departed as quickly and silently as he had come, the
+Checquers was almost without guests. So that, albeit its former
+dissolute repute might be said to have departed from it, the inn had now
+assumed a mysterious sort of note, and was as celebrated for closed
+doors and quietude, as it had before been for riot and open debauchery.
+Some said the landlord was a Jesuit; others, that he was an emissary of
+the Spaniard; whilst others again affirmed he was both the one and the
+other, and all agreed that he was an ill-favoured, unneighbourly, and
+exceedingly disagreeable person.
+
+It was at this hostel, Master Neville and his associates had previously
+taken up their quarters, and here they had been frequently visited
+during the dark hours by certain cavaliers who hitherto had seldom
+remained till dawn.
+
+Master Muddlework, the head constable of the town, had considered it
+consistent with his duty twice to visit the Checquers, in order to
+observe these suspicious-looking strangers, but each time he had done so
+he had failed in finding anything to fasten his suspicions upon; so that
+whether a good look-out was kept, and the major portion of the strangers
+had concealed themselves, or that they were really absent at the moment
+of his visit, the functionary had, as we have said, quite failed in
+observing anything unusual or particular; except it was the mysterious
+quietude and closed-up doors and shutters of the sometime rollicking
+hostel.
+
+In short, nothing could exceed the degree of interest with which this
+inn and its occupants were at this moment regarded,--an interest which
+had become general throughout the town, all on a sudden apparently, and
+it was towards this hostel, as our readers doubtless are aware, that Sir
+Thomas Lucy and his party were now advancing.
+
+To the suggestion of Grasp, that it would be better, he thought, to wait
+till the shadows of evening had descended before they approached the
+town, Sir Thomas gave a decided negative. All dark doings, he said, were
+foreign to his nature. He had proceeded by the shortest and most
+expeditious route towards his design, as in duty bound, the moment he
+heard of this vile assemblage, and, Heaven willing, he would proceed as
+straight to the capture of the caitiffs.
+
+With military precision and precaution, however, he gave directions so
+as to ensure the more sure success of his undertaking, and halting for a
+few moments in the road, he divided his party in twain, sending one
+portion full trot forwards, with orders to make a slight detour, and
+enter the town on the further side, whilst he so timed his own movements
+as to come within hail of the suspicious hostel at the precise moment
+his other party approached it.
+
+This done, according to previous concert, the two portions extending
+from the right and left, in a moment completed a very pretty cordon
+around the hostel; so that not a mouse could shew its nose outside the
+walls without being seen. Quickly as this movement had been executed, it
+had been as quickly seen by the inmates apparently; for the door in the
+rear, which had been open the moment before, was immediately closed and
+secured.
+
+This proceeding convinced Sir Thomas in a moment that the inmates of the
+hostel kept a good look-out, and at the same time led him to suspect
+what he indeed quickly found, namely, a desperate resistance. Such
+indeed might reasonably be expected, for the vigilance of the Queen's
+council was at this time so keen, and the various plots of the day so
+continually being discovered by one chance or other, that there was
+small hope of success, unless the utmost secresy was maintained.
+
+Ordering his party instantly to dismount, (whilst the horses were put in
+charge of a small reserve,) Sir Thomas drew back and desired Grasp to
+advance to the fore door of the Checquers, and demand admittance in
+form.
+
+"An it so please your worship," said Grasp, "I had rather not take upon
+myself so much of the responsibility of the action as that would amount
+to. Your honour is a justice of the peace, and may therefore reasonably
+take the lead. I will follow and bear witness to the lawfulness of
+whatsoever it may please your valour to perform; but I had rather not
+strike the first blow."
+
+"Or receive it either, I believe," said Sir Thomas, _sotto voce_. "'Tis
+well," he added aloud, and immediately setting spurs to his palfrey, he
+was, the next moment, beside the strong iron-studded front-door of the
+hostel, which he struck forcibly with the butt-end of his riding-whip.
+
+As he expected, the door was fastened, and to his repeated summons no
+answer was returned. At length he uplifted his voice, and in a loud
+tone, demanded instant admittance in the Queen's name. Upon this the
+lattice-window was thrown open, and a man's head appeared at it,--a
+pale, cadaverous-looking wretch, with long lank hair, and glassy and
+excited eye.
+
+"What seek you here?" he said. "There is death in the house, and the
+doors are closed against visitors to-day."
+
+"Let them open to those who come in the Queen's name," said Sir Thomas.
+"I come to seize the persons of all within this house. Dead or alive, it
+matters not, I will arrest the bodies of all here consorting and
+assembling."
+
+"Ah," said the man, "and who then art thou, thus commissioned, and from,
+whom hast thou such authority?"
+
+"I am Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote," returned the knight, "and if I
+mistake not, thou art Ralph Somerville, of Warwick."
+
+"And how if we refuse you admittance?" said Somerville. "How then, Sir
+Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?"
+
+"Then I will make forcible entry," said Sir Thomas, "and those who
+oppose me must be content with the mishaps that attend such procedure."
+
+"Of what are we accused, that we are thus molested in our retirement?"
+said Somerville.
+
+"Of high treason, in conspiring to take the life of our blessed and
+gracious Queen Elizabeth," said Sir Thomas.
+
+"Then receive the wages of your service, heretic," said Somerville, at
+the same moment discharging the contents of a petronel full in Sir
+Thomas's visage.
+
+The weapon was thrust so near to the face of the knight that the powder
+blackened his features, but the ball, luckily, just missed his head, and
+passing downwards on his cuirass, glanced off harmless.
+
+"'Tis well," he said, with his usual coolness, as Somerville immediately
+closed the window. "Forwards, men, and force the doors instantly."
+
+The house had, apparently, been prepared in anticipation of such an
+assault; for, as the party advanced to the attack, several calivers were
+discharged from loop-holes, which had been made in the walls at the
+upper part, and two of Sir Thomas's men were shot dead ere they could
+reach the doors.
+
+As the remainder, however, did so, they found the entrance so strongly
+barricaded that their efforts to get in were fruitless; whilst at the
+same time they were exposed to the bullets of those within during the
+attempt. Sir Thomas saw this in a moment, as he rode about
+superintending the affair, and indeed drawing several discharges from
+the besieged upon his own person.
+
+With military quickness and decision he immediately dismounted, and
+rallying some half-a-dozen of his men who were bearing back from the hot
+fire of the besieged, he seized upon a ladder which he espied lying near
+a sort of outhouse in the rear. This he ordered his people to man on
+either side, and leading them on, sword in hand, they rushed with
+terrible force against the back door of the hostel, giving it such a
+shock, that door and lintels together were nearly unshipped.
+
+"Another rush," cried Sir Thomas; "one more, and we have them!"
+
+Accordingly on dashed the men with this novel battering-ram, and again
+and again they assailed the door. Any one who could have observed Grasp
+at this moment, would have doubtless considered that he had suddenly
+gone mad, since what between his anxiety to be amongst the first, and
+near Sir Thomas Lucy, and his mortal fear of the whistling balls, he cut
+a most ridiculous figure. One moment he rushed forward, with the party
+who were using the ladder as a battering-ram; the next, as the sharp
+report of a well-loaded caliver jarred his ears, he fairly bolted off,
+turning again when he had gained a few paces to the rear, flourishing
+his blue bag, and shouting at the assailants with all his might, to
+break in and take the rebels.
+
+"Serve the warrant, take the body, seize the person!--Take them dead or
+alive!" he cried, as he jumped about. Meantime the ladder, being well
+and chivalrously managed, at about the fourth rush carried in the door,
+and Sir Thomas, with portentous strength, carried his body along with it
+into the kitchen of the inn, a petronel in one hand and his heavy rapier
+in the other, closely followed by his men. Contrary to his expectations,
+however, the apartment was empty; "Guard the entrance!" he cried, as he
+dashed into the next apartment. "The villains will escape us yet! Kill
+whoever attempts to get out!"
+
+Rapidly, and followed by his men, Sir Thomas made search through the
+lower portion of the hostel, without, however, finding a soul, although
+it was evident they had but the moment before escaped, the rooms being
+filled with the smoke of their discharged fire-arms. Glancing round
+upon his followers, who were now for the most part within the hostel, he
+directed them instantly to search the upper flooring, whilst he kept
+guard below.
+
+This was, however, more easily said than done. The staircase was found
+to be impracticable, being barricaded by a large quantity of faggots,
+which had been drawn up and jammed tightly together.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, whose ferret eyes were everywhere at once, "may I
+never draw an inference again, if I do not think the rogues have
+ascended by a ladder through yonder trap, and then drawn the ladder up
+after them."
+
+At this moment, and whilst all paused to consider the next move, the
+barrels of several calivers were thrust through as many holes which had
+been perforated through the ceiling, and a very lively discharge was
+kept up upon Sir Thomas and his party, which killing one of the men,
+quickly sent Grasp and the rest out of the doors; Grasp, who in his
+hurry and agitation being the last, closing the door behind him, and
+actually shutting Sir Thomas up alone amongst his foes.
+
+"Heaven bless and preserve us all from conspirators," said the lawyer,
+jumping about and wringing his hands, as he hastily glanced amongst the
+scared domestics, "they have shot, killed, and destroyed the knight of
+Charlecote, as sure as I am a sinner! Sir Thomas Lucy is certainly
+murdered outright by this nest of vipers, for I see him not amongst us
+here?"
+
+Confusion and dismay, indeed, sufficiently pervaded the attacking party.
+They readily imagined their lord and master was slain, and to the horror
+of such a catastrophe was added their doubts as to what was next to be
+done; so that whilst some drew off from the near vicinity of tho house,
+others mounted their horses, and set off full cry to the town to get
+assistance.
+
+In short, the assaulters felt the want of a second in command. They were
+struck with dread at the supposed death of their leader, and the head
+falconer being killed also, there was no one to lead them, to the
+recovery even of the old knight's body, if he was indeed shot, or his
+rescue, if only wounded.
+
+Grasp, however, did all he could to exhort some half-a-dozen who
+remained to make another attempt, to gain the interior. But the men very
+wisely demurred.
+
+"Who think ye is to enter yonder dark place, to be killed like a fox in
+a hole?" said one.
+
+"Nay," said another, "the matter is now none of ours to meddle with. If
+our master be killed by these villains, some one else must take it up,
+we have no further warranty to go forward; all we can do is to wait till
+assistance comes from the town."
+
+In the midst of this colloquy, (and which had hardly taken as many
+moments as words used,) to the astonishment of the speakers, the sound
+of firing again commenced within the dwelling,--quick, short, and
+rapid, sounded the shots; whilst the old inn, as the gazers regarded
+it, although it seemed convulsed with internal discord, remained closed
+up, and its exterior undisturbed as if nothing extraordinary was going
+on. At the same moment, too, shouts and sounds from the town proclaimed
+that the townsfolk were coming to the scene of action.
+
+"Gad he here," said Grasp, "what may this portend? The miscreants surely
+cannot be contending against each other, and cutting their own throats
+from sheer disappointment at being discovered in their villany!"
+
+At this moment, and in the midst of these speculations upon the matter,
+the door opened, and enveloped in a volume of smoke, which burst out
+with him, begrimed too with soot and dirt, appeared Sir Thomas himself,
+who instantly closing the door after him, and coughing violently from
+the effects of the fumigation he had endured, waved his sword for his
+people again to advance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE CAPTURE.
+
+
+To account for this appearance we must return to the knight after he had
+been shut up within the hostel.
+
+As he had never for a moment intended to give ground, he was in no wise
+daunted at being thus left alone, and as the closing of the door shut
+out the glare of light, it most probably was the means of saving his
+life, for could those above have distinctly seen and levelled their
+pieces at him, they would have shot him like a wolf in a trap. For the
+moment all was quiet, and casting his eyes round the gloomy kitchen Sir
+Thomas spied the remains of a fire in the grate, whilst fearful and
+hurried whispers, gradually growing louder and more vehement above his
+head, proclaimed that the conspirators were in earnest consultation.
+
+Without a moment's delay, Sir Thomas (by aid of the fire on the hearth,
+and such combustibles as he could hastily collect) set to work with
+might and main, and lighted up a blazing bonfire in the very middle of
+the apartment.
+
+The rushes with which the floor was partially strewed, materially
+assisted the blaze, and heaping chairs and other less cumbrous articles
+upon it, whilst the astonished conspirators fired at him through the
+loop-holes, he soon effected a very alarming conflagration.
+
+It was lucky for the knight that the construction of such a measure of
+defence, as that of perforating an upper floor to fire through,
+necessarily precludes any precision in taking aim, as it is almost
+impossible in a small opening of the sort, to get a good sight whilst
+levelling downwards, and consequently, although a continued discharge
+took place, whilst the knight busied himself in getting up the
+conflagration, although the balls flew about his ears and buried
+themselves in the floor at his feet, not one struck him.
+
+Under these circumstances, and whilst the conspirators were ignorant
+that the combustion which already became disagreeably apparent to them
+was being effected by one person, their persevering foe completed his
+arrangements, and jerking his powder flask into the flames, quickly
+opened the door, and as he could no longer remain safely within, coolly
+walked out.
+
+Reassured by his appearance, those of his followers who were at hand
+hastened to the support of the knight, who instantly directed Grasp to
+proceed round to the door on the other side, with several of the men,
+and make instant capture of any of the conspirators who attempted to
+escape on that side.
+
+"I have smoked the traitors in their den," said he, "and anon we shall
+have them swarming out. Make prisoners of all you can secure. Hurt none
+who yield, but suffer none to escape. If they resist, kill."
+
+The anxiety of Grasp to see these mysterious plotters almost overcame
+his personal apprehensions. He therefore hastened round with the men
+under his charge, and in a few minutes the conflagration within forced
+the besieged to attempt a sortie. The door before which Sir Thomas had
+posted himself was thrown open, and (as smoke and flame gushed out)
+forth rushed half a dozen men so completely begrimed in soot that their
+features were scarcely distinguishable.
+
+The conspirators evidently had made up their minds to a desperate effort
+at escape, for they dashed to the right and left sword in hand, cutting
+at all who opposed them.
+
+"Yield thee, caitiff," cried Sir Thomas, flinging himself upon the
+foremost, and seizing him by the collar of his doublet with an iron
+grip, before he could strike a blow. "Yield thee, miscreant, in the
+Queen's name!"
+
+The man accosted attempted to stab Sir Thomas with his dagger, but the
+knight dragged him headlong down, and stepping a pace or two back, at
+the same time absolutely flinging him to his men, rushed upon the next
+in the same manner, and, in this way, capturing three with his own hand,
+whilst his followers kept them in play.
+
+The scene we have described fully exemplified the nature of a period in
+which deeds of violence and bloodshed, consequent upon the seditious and
+superstitious bigotry of both religions, were by no means uncommon,
+breaking out too, as they oft-times did, in the midst of apparent
+tranquility.
+
+Close upon the doors, in rear of the hostel, and at which the
+conspirators made their principal efforts at escape, stood Sir Thomas
+himself backed up by several of his men, conspicuous from his tall form
+and his activity in cutting down all who refused to yield. Somewhat
+removed, and at a safer distance, were to be seen a crowd of the
+townsfolk, with a portion of the town guard and the head bailiff, who
+had hastened to the scene upon the alarm of the encounter, accompanied
+by a legion of old women and idle boys. These, as they learned the
+nature of the business in hand, became proportionably excited against
+the conspirators, whom they seemed inclined to tear in pieces so soon as
+they could fairly get at them with safety to themselves.
+
+"Oh! the miserable sinners," said Dame Patch. "I thought no good was
+going on down yonder, with all their silence, secret meetings, and
+keeping us women from amongst them."
+
+"I always said there was a plot hatching to blow up the town and kill
+every Protestant in it," cried Doubletongue. "God save Sir Thomas. See,
+there's the last of the rogues down and being bound hand and foot!"
+
+Such was indeed the case, and, except Somerville and another of the
+conspirators who escaped Grasp and his party, the whole (amounting to
+seven individuals) were down or captured, and, being bound, were
+delivered into the hands of the bailiff for safe custody.
+
+No sooner was the business done, and the capture fairly effected, than
+the eccentric character of the knight of Charlecote again displayed
+itself. He had borne himself manfully during the fight, and as one
+worthy of his crusading ancestors, but his hauteur and reserve
+immediately succeeded to the violence of action.
+
+Drawing together his people, he gave directions for the removal of the
+wounded into the town, where their hurts could be looked to. After which
+he mounted his horse, and calling for a cup of wine, he lifted his hat,
+and drank to the health of the Queen, the discomfit of the Spaniards,
+and the confusion of all Jesuits. After which he turned his horse's head
+from the Checquers, now filled with the idle and the curious, who had
+managed to extinguish the fire, and rode off towards Charlecote.
+
+"Nay, but how am I to dispose of these prisoners, Sir Thomas?" said the
+head bailiff, stopping him as he passed. "I should also like to learn
+the exact nature of the matter which hath led to this capture and the
+death of these people around us here."
+
+"Of that you will better learn," said Sir Thomas, dryly, "by applying to
+your townsman there--Lawyer Grasp; and all further circumstances
+connected with them, I opine you will speedily be made acquainted with
+by the Queen's council, as I am myself led to believe by what Master
+Grasp hath informed me."
+
+So saying, Sir Thomas bowed to the head bailiff, and rode away from the
+scene of his achievements.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A REVEL AT CLOPTON.
+
+
+On the night which followed the action we have described, and which the
+inhabitants of Stratford long afterwards called the fray of the
+Checquers, Sir Hugh Clopton held an old accustomed feast at his house.
+The entertainment was given in honour of his daughter's birthday, the
+maiden having just completed her seventeenth year; and on this
+interesting occasion most of the old knightly families of the county of
+Warwickshire graced the scene. There came the Astleys of Hill Moreton,
+the De la Wards of Newton, the Clintons of Badsley, the Walshes of
+Mereden, the Blenknaps of Knoll, the Wellesbourns of Hastang, the
+Comptons of Compton Winyate, the Sheldons of Beoley, the Attwoods, and
+many other nobles, whose names now, like those once owning them, in all
+the pride of ancestral honours, are obliterated from the muster-roll of
+the living, and long forgotten in the very domains which owned them as
+lords; and last, though by no means least, came the knight of Charlecote
+and his lady, and their two lovely daughters.
+
+It was indeed a goodly assemblage of the rank, youth, and beauty of the
+county of Warwick of that period. The old folks stately in manner and
+formal in costume; the men, looking in their starch ruffs, short cloaks
+and trunks, quaint cut doublets and peaked beards; and the women, in
+their jewelled stomachers and farthingales, like so many old portraits
+stepping forth from their frames; whilst the youth of both sexes, in all
+the bravery of that age of brave attire, glittered in silks and satins,
+gold and embroidery, bright jewels and richly mounted weapons. Nothing,
+indeed, could exceed the gallant look of the cavaliers who trod a
+measure in the dance, except it were the loveliness of their bright
+partners. Those youthful and fresh female buds of England, so celebrated
+for their native beauty; fair, and blooming, and swan-like in their
+graceful carriage--"earth-treading stars, that make dark heaven bright."
+
+The music rang out from a sort of a temporary orchestra, formed at one
+end of the hall, arched over and festooned with sweet flowers and green
+shrubs. It consisted mostly of stringed instruments, which gave forth a
+silver sound, accompanied by the deep tones of the bassoon and the
+occasional flourish of the horn, and whilst the dancers trod a measure,
+and the different guests, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment,
+wandered about, how sweetly the strains floated through those
+oak-panelled rooms, reverberating in the long corridors and passages,
+and, mellowed by distance, thrummed in the upper rooms.
+
+It mingled with the whispered softness of the lover's tongue, sounding
+doubly sweet by night. It added to the charm of beauty, as she listened
+to the flattering tale, till the coyness of the half-won maiden seemed
+to relax in music; and the glittering cavalier, with renewed hope, led
+her to the dance.
+
+How inferior is the fussy and excited style of our own days compared
+with such a scene as this, where all was open-hearted gaiety and
+enjoyment, where, without effort, all was dignified, and brilliant, and
+picturesque.
+
+The very serving-men and maids, ranged in a long row at the lower end of
+the hall, seemed to add to the effect of the picture. The men in their
+rich liveries with heraldic badge upon the sleeve; the maids, all in one
+sort of costume, fitting and becoming for their station in life; nay,
+the orchestra itself was a picture, composed as it was of respectable
+personages from the town of Stratford, grave-looking, bearded, and
+staid, working away at their different instruments, as if it was a
+matter of national pride and import,--the celebration of the fair
+Charlotte's natal day. Each in his quaint-cut doublet and scarlet hose.
+How they clutched at the bass-viol, those fat citizens, and glowed with
+the strains they produced; how the fiddlers jerked and worked at their
+bows, with heads going, and feet keeping time: how the puffed cheek of
+the horn-blowers seemed to grow distended to the degree of exploding;
+and how the eyes of the whole party seemed to roll about in agony, and
+follow the dancers as their strains excited them to fresh efforts; and
+how resolutely, ever and anon, they paused to take a long pull at the
+huge flagons placed within their reach; returning to their instruments
+with renewed vigour, and stamping to keep time, as if sitting still was
+almost too great an effort, and they longed to jump up, and fling out
+amongst the best there; urging one another to quicker movements and
+louder strains as the liquor mounted and the evening wore on.
+
+Amongst that gay and brilliant throng there was one whose whole soul
+seemed wrapped in melody. The soft tones of the floating minstrelsy
+seemed to steal upon his heart. He stood apart from all: aloof in person
+as in mind, leaning against one of the quaint-cut ornaments of the room.
+As his eye wandered amongst the gay dancers, his countenance was at
+times lighted up by an expression which seemed divine. The greatness of
+his soul shone out in his glorious countenance, and yet, save by two
+persons, he was all unmarked.
+
+It was the boy poet, the youthful Shakespeare.
+
+Walter Arderne, who felt that no assemblage could be complete which
+wanted the presence of his friend, no hour enjoyed but in his company,
+had brought him again to Clopton, where he mingled in the scene, not so
+much a guest as a spectator. And yet unknown as unmarked, or, if
+regarded, perhaps but calling forth a passing remark upon his good
+looks, how greatly did that youth feel himself the superior of all
+there, elevated as some of them were in station. The fineness and
+acuteness of organic sensibility made him alive to all the mighty world
+of ear and eye. Nothing escaped him; and yet feeling this within
+himself, and in strength of mind a demigod, in profundity of view a
+prophet,[3] he moved amongst the throng, as if unconscious of being more
+than the most unassuming servitor in attendance. Gentle and open in
+manner as a child.
+
+[Footnote 3: Schegel's estimate of Shakespeare.]
+
+The good Sir Hugh welcomed him to his house, and presented him to two of
+his oldest friends, as one to whom he owed much. "A goodly lad," he
+said, "and of exceeding promise; a ripe and ready wit, sirs. By 'r Lady,
+but he hath the knack of making me laugh till my face is like a wet
+napkin. Nay, and he inditeth rhymes, too, it would do you good to hear.
+A poet, I'll assure ye, sirs, already, and a rare one, too. Go thy ways,
+lad; go thy ways. 'Fore Heaven we owe thee much, and hope to requite
+it."
+
+"A young friend," said Arderne, to one of the ladies with whom he
+danced, and as he pointed the unconscious poet out to her, whilst
+standing at the lower end of the hall. "A young friend who, though in
+humble life, seems to me of somewhat extraordinary character, and in
+whom I am greatly interested. He unites in his genius the utmost
+elevation and the utmost depth; and the most foreign, and even
+irreconcilable properties subsist in him together. I cannot describe to
+you the delight I experience in the companionship of that youth." The
+lady glanced her eye towards the part of the hall indicated by Walter
+Arderne, as he mentioned his friend. It was but a glance, and she
+observed the person indicated. The words humble life was, however, quite
+sufficient to destroy all interest in the bosom of the beauty, for Clara
+de Mowbray (albeit she was both lovely and amiable) partook, in some
+sort, of the pride of her race. Added to this, she was the victim of an
+unrequited passion, and save for the tall handsome form and expressive
+features of her partner, she had no eyes.
+
+"I should have imagined, from all I have this night beheld," she said,
+"there was but one in this room, nay, in this world, who could take up
+even a moment of your care or thoughts, fair sir. This new-found friend
+must, indeed, be a rare specimen, if he can wean your eyes for a moment
+from Charlotte Clopton. But that, indeed," she added, with a sigh, "is
+as it should be; she is, I think, to-night more beautiful than ever!"
+
+Walter sighed, and unconsciously his glance wandered in search of his
+betrothed. "You are a shrewd observer, lady," he said, looking full in
+her expressive face,--and indeed, except Charlotte Clopton, whose beauty
+was of a different character, Clara de Mowbray was one of the most
+beautiful women in the county. "You are a great observer, lady," he
+said, "and yet you have failed to observe how much your own beauty
+excites admiration from all present to-night. Nay, I am not blind
+myself, however much I may lie under the imputation with which you have
+charged me."
+
+"To love is no such heavy sin, Sir Arderne," said the lady, "an if it
+were so, you would indeed require sufficing penance and absolution,
+since you are a very votary to the blind god."
+
+"And she to whom my vows are given," he said, "is she not worthy of an
+emperor's love?"
+
+"She is worthy of the love of him who seeks her hand," said Clara,
+somewhat sadly. "She is my dear and early friend, and I could not wish
+greater happiness to her than in that store. Unless the emperor were
+Walter Arderne, and the empire he inherited here in Warwickshire. I
+conclude Charlotte would scarce become an empress."
+
+"You speak not this as you think," said Arderne, doubtfully, yet
+delighted at so much confirmation from one of the intimate friends of
+his beloved Charlotte.
+
+"I speak as I feel," said Clara; "I know the worth of both, and how
+well both deserve; and yet methinks youth and valour should not
+altogether succumb to Cupid. Were I a man, I should seek for action and
+to be worthy in _deed_."
+
+The youth gazed with increasing admiration upon the radiant face of the
+lady. He almost doubted whether its exceeding loveliness did not equal
+that of his betrothed.
+
+"Ah," he said, gaily, turning towards his new friend, who at the moment
+approached, "give us assurance, gentle Shakespeare, we that are in love;
+and teach this lady to respect the passion."
+
+Shakespeare looked full at the lady; he seemed struck with the beauty of
+her face and form. "Love, first learned in a lady's eyes," he said,
+gaily,
+
+    "Lives not alone immured in the brain;
+    But with the motion of all elements,
+    Courses as swift as thought in every power;
+    And gives to every power a double power,
+    Above their functions and their offices,
+    Never durst poet touch a pen to write,
+    Until his ink were temper'd with love's sighs."
+
+"That is indeed a singular being!" said the lady, gazing after the youth
+as he passed through the crowd and quitted the room. "Who and what is
+he?"
+
+"'Tis him of whom I just now spoke," said Arderne; "but come, let us
+seek Charlotte Clopton; I thought I saw her leave the room but now to
+seek the purer air of the gardens. I will tell thee more of our
+acquaintance with this youth as we go."
+
+It was a bright and lovely night, and, with all the freedom and licence
+of the age, many of the younger guests had sought the pleasure-grounds
+and gardens of the Hall, whilst their more staid guardians and parents
+held converse within doors.
+
+Here and there was to be seen a group seated or reclined upon the velvet
+turf, whilst others paced up and down the terrace, or disappeared and
+were lost in the dark walks, till the joyous strains of the orchestra
+within again recalled them to the dance.
+
+If the quick eyes of love had enabled the lady Clara to observe the
+object to which Walter Arderne's thoughts were that night fixed, the
+same observation had failed in shewing her on whom the affections of her
+rival was centred.
+
+Indeed, although Charlotte Clopton, both from her beauty and her
+position as the heroine of the night, was necessarily the observed of
+all observers, and her hand sought for by every cavalier in the room,
+those who looked closely at her might have observed a tinge of
+melancholy in her countenance, and a restlessness about her which shewed
+she was not in the enjoyment of her own content. To herself hardly dared
+she own it, as her restless glance traversed the room, but she felt that
+one minute's conversation with her romantic friend,--nay, one word, or
+but an exchanged glance,--would be worth all the gallant speeches she
+endured from the gayer cavaliers by whom she was surrounded.
+
+This new friend, however, had not once approached her on that night. He
+had studiously kept in the background, and although he had, unobserved,
+caught sight of her, he had even carefully avoided those parts of the
+room in which she was engaged with her various partners and friends.
+Nay, the pleasure he experienced in the gay and festive scene, like that
+of the fair Charlotte, was tinged with an occasional melancholy; a soft
+and dreamy sadness mingled with the brighter thoughts called into play
+by the sight of beauty and the strains of music.
+
+With such feelings he quitted the house, and passed into the gardens of
+the Hall, those lovely grounds looking, as they did, so fair and soft,
+in the bright moonlight. And how often do we find it thus in life! How
+oft do we see the most worthy wending his way unnoticed, unobserved,
+unappreciated, and unknown, whilst the giddy, the frivolous, the vain,
+and even the vile, are sunning themselves in the smiles of patronage and
+favour, playing their fantastic tricks, and swollen with the success
+their cringing falsehood has attained, whilst patient merit, scorning
+the rout, passes on unsought.
+
+The night, as Lorenzo words it, was but the daylight sick, "it looked a
+little paler." The youthful poet threw himself upon a grassy bank,
+shadowed by trees, and as the sounds of music crept upon his ears,
+
+            "Soft stillness, and the night,
+    Became the touches of sweet harmony."
+
+And what indeed were the thoughts and imaginings the scene and hour gave
+rise to?--Thoughts softened by the sweet breath of a summer's night,
+loaded with perfume, and bearing harmony from the distance. At such
+moment the mind reverts to days long past, or even revels in the fabled
+ages of the early world. In such a night as this,
+
+    "When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees
+    And they did make no noise; in such a night,
+    Troilus, methinks, mounted the Trojan walls
+    And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents
+    Where Cressid lay."
+
+And,
+
+                  "In such a night,
+    Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,
+    Upon the wild sea-banks, and waved her love
+    To come again to Carthage."
+
+It was whilst Shakespeare remained thus sequestered and alone, and in
+the indulgence of the thoughts produced by such a situation, that the
+company had sought the gardens; and the walks, and alleys, the green
+slopes, and mossed banks, became suddenly peopled with bright forms, and
+which in a moment gave another and gayer aspect, and a totally different
+turn to the entire scene. The stillness, and the sweet touches of
+distant music, and which had so stolen upon his heart, was now changed
+to the sounds of laughter and loud conversation. In the shaded walks
+were now to be seen some tall form, clad in brave attire; his jewelled
+hat and gay plume bent down as he conversed with the lady at his side,
+and, in the open space before him, the different groups lent a lustre to
+the gardens which only gay costume and forms of beauty can give. As he
+remarked the scene before him, the joyous and sportive throng thus
+revelling in happiness,--the very heavens "thick inlaid with patinos of
+bright gold," he presently observed a dark and ominous cloud slowly and
+stealthily mounting, as it were, from the south. It seemed to emerge
+from the distant woods like a pall, and--as if emblematic of the
+short-lived days of mortals--gradually stole over one side of the
+heavens.
+
+Yes, that flaunting throng was like the pleasures of the world. "Those
+clouds were like its coming cares." Whilst he watched their slow
+development, a light footstep approached, and Charlotte Clopton stood
+before him.
+
+Was it his fancy, or was it that the silver brightness falling on the
+spot on which she stood, gave an ethereal appearance to the beautiful
+girl, a ghost-like and shadowy look, which, for the moment, struck him
+with a sort of awe? He arose from his recumbent posture, and, as he did
+so, he observed she was unusually pale. Nay, as he gazed upon that sweet
+face and form, he could not help seeing that it was with difficulty she
+kept herself from falling.
+
+"I fear me, lady," he said, (struck with sudden alarm,) "you are not
+well?"
+
+"A feeling of illness has indeed come over me," said Charlotte, "and
+which I cannot entirely shake off. I thought the air of the gardens
+would have taken it away, but it has not done so."
+
+"Suffer me to lead you in," said Shakespeare, taking her hand, "perhaps
+some cordial will restore you?"
+
+"Not so," said Charlotte; "I have sought this spot as I knew it was a
+favourite one with you. I felt you would be here, and that I must see
+you. I know not wherefore, but a presentiment of evil is upon me. I feel
+as if I spoke to thee this night for the last time."
+
+There was a wildness in the manner of Charlotte Clopton, as she said
+this, which increased the anxiety of her admirer, and, as he saw that
+she was really suffering from some sudden feeling of illness, he again
+entreated her to seek the house. She, however, again refused. "I have
+sought this opportunity to speak to you," she said, "for I felt I must
+do so; nay, I feel as if I should die unless I unburthened myself to
+one I so highly esteem, one to whom I owe so much, one so noble and so
+good; nay, were it to any but to thee, (generous and sweet in
+disposition as thou art, William Shakespeare,) I should shame to say so
+much. But well I know that none can know thee and refrain from loving;
+can trust thee and repent."
+
+To say that the youthful poet could hear this from a being so beautiful,
+and not forget all the resolutions he had previously made to subdue and
+conceal his passion, would be to describe one of those over-perfect
+mortals existing only in the imagination of the prudish.
+
+William Shakespeare was no such perfection of a hero; he had sought to
+quench his love's hot fire,
+
+    "Lest it should burn above the bounds of reason."
+
+The intense feelings of youth, however, and which in after-life led him
+so forcibly to pourtray the passion he felt, now completely overcame all
+his prudential resolves.
+
+The being he had thought so much above him, and in secret loved, had
+confessed her feelings. He was instantly lost to every thing but his
+love for her. Its hopelessness, its seeming treachery towards his new
+and generous friend, all were forgotten as he gazed upon Charlotte and
+returned her vows. And yet, what was this love, so pure, so unselfish,
+so unlikely ever to meet with reward? It rather lacked, even at its
+commencement, the rapturous intoxication of hope, and seemed, even at
+the moment of its mutual confidence, to partake of the bitterness of
+certain disappointment.
+
+Whilst the various groups had been enjoying themselves in the grounds,
+the heavens had become gradually overcast, till one entire portion was
+mantled with the darksome veil now rapidly extending; distant rumbling
+peals, too, like the sound of heavy ordnance from afar, and large heavy
+drops of rain, gave notice of the coming storm. This, together with the
+renewed sound of music, warned the revellers around again to seek the
+shelter of the Hall, and, as Charlotte Clopton heard her name called,
+the lovers too felt that they must part. Yet still they lingered, and
+had more to say.
+
+The voice of Martin, however, calling upon Charlotte, who had now been
+suddenly missed from amongst the guests, and sought for in the house,
+recalled them to the necessity of separating. Their parting seemed a sad
+one, and although the feeling of illness Charlotte had previously felt
+had now partially left her, she still felt a sensation of langour and a
+weight upon her spirits she could not account for.
+
+Her lover observed this, and that her cheek, ordinarily so full of
+bloom, was deadly pale, giving her dark brown tresses a still darker
+shade, and he parted from her with an ill divining soul.
+
+In his present frame of mind Shakespeare felt no longer any desire to
+witness the gaieties within doors, and yet he found it impossible to
+tear himself away from the gardens. He loved to breathe the neighbouring
+air, and as he listened to the music, he tried to fancy her he loved
+still adding to the grace and beauty of the assemblage.
+
+Whilst he thus remained lost in his own thoughts, the threatened storm
+suddenly burst forth. The thunder crashed over head, and the lightning
+darted along the walks and alleys of the gardens, and then came the
+rain, rushing upon the earth like a cataract, suddenly bursting bounds.
+
+These sounds were mingled with the tread of horses' hoofs as they
+clattered into the stable-yard, and then came a short and rapid word of
+command. A few minutes more and the music ceased; rapid and hurried
+footsteps were heard, as of guests suddenly departing, coupled with
+lamentations and sounds of alarm. The mirth of the assemblage seemed
+suddenly to have been marred, and their good cheer spoiled, and such
+indeed was the case.
+
+In the very midst of the revel, and whilst the festive cup was drained
+around to the health of Sir Hugh and his fair child, that child had
+again been seized with illness and fainted.
+
+Attributing it to the heat and excitement she had undergone, Sir Hugh
+bore her to her couch, and as she soon recovered from her swoon he again
+sought his guests.
+
+When he did so, he observed that during his absence the party had been
+increased by the addition of some half a dozen cavaliers completely
+armed, and as he entered the room the chief of the party stepped up to
+him, and laid his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton, of Clopton," he said, in a loud voice, "I arrest thee
+of high treason, in the name of our most sovereign lady the Queen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE PLAGUE AT STRATFORD.
+
+
+The swift passage of events, and which it has taken some little time to
+record, has necessarily obliged us to omit mention of several minor
+characters of our story, but who, nevertheless, have been playing their
+parts upon the stage as well as those of greater note and import.
+Amongst others, Master Dismal, whose cue it seemed to ferret out all
+sorts of disagreeables and who seemed to batton upon horrors, had not
+failed to follow up the hint promulgated at the Falcon regarding the
+sickness which had appeared in the town.
+
+At the period of our story the plague was no uncommon visitor in the
+different towns in England, and awful were the consequences of such
+visitation when it appeared.
+
+In cases of this sort when some dire disease breaks out amongst the poor
+and ignorant, they generally at first conceal it. Struck with dismay,
+they yet resolve to doubt the suspicious appearance till confirmation of
+its reality drives them to disclosure.
+
+The plague was indeed so much dreaded at this time, that those first
+infected were looked upon with as much horror and dislike as if they
+were absolutely guilty of its production.
+
+The very suspicion of its appearance was sufficient to frighten the town
+from its propriety. The inhabitants withdrew from the businesses and
+pleasures of life like snails within their shells. Each feared his
+neighbour, and all around was distrust and dread. It was this fear,
+together with the unclean state of the town, and most of the houses in
+it, which made the pestilence so quick and be fatal in its effects.
+Evils, it has been said, are more to be dreaded from the suddenness of
+their attack than from their magnitude or duration. In the storms of
+life those that are foreseen are half overcome.
+
+This disease, however, was in general as formidable and as difficult to
+get rid of in a town, as its coining was sudden and unexpected. It was
+like the wind which sailors term the tiffoon, pouncing upon the vessel
+like an eagle upon the prey, and paralyzing the victim at once.
+
+Master Dismal had received intelligence of this visitation by an
+anonymous communication, written upon a dirty scrap of paper, and which
+had been one night thrown in at his window.
+
+The scrawl was in such strange hieroglyphics, and so vaguely worded,
+that any other person beside himself would have failed in hitting upon
+its hidden meaning; but the busy-body had a peculiar facility in
+deciphering and discovering horrors. Nay, his visitations amongst his
+neighbours and townsfolk were generally looked upon by them as a sure
+harbinger of evil in one shape or other. He was a sort of stormy petrel
+in the town, a forerunner of danger and despair. He even loved to watch
+the progress of misery and disease, contemplating the ills mankind are
+subject to, with a philosophic eye.
+
+If a whole family were to be swept off, his visits continued as long as
+the disease lasted amongst them; and he made his entrance and took his
+leave with the doctor.
+
+In fact, it was his recreation to study the maladies and miseries "the
+poor compounded clay, man, is heir to." Accidents and wounds, and indeed
+every sort of infliction his neighbours were subject to, it was his
+humour to watch curiously,--nay, he was even interested in the sight of
+a felon's ear, nailed to the cart wheel, whilst a knave set in the
+stocks, or a vagabond whipped through the town, was a matter of
+reflection, and a spectacle to be hunted after: and when Dame Patch was
+placed upon the cuckin stool, and then ducked in the Avon for lying and
+slander, he was observed next day to pay her a visit of condolence,
+whilst some affirmed that he had even remained a whole week in her
+dwelling to offer her consolation in her distress.
+
+In addition to these peculiarities, we need hardly mention that the
+funeral bell was at any time a grateful sound to his ears, seldom
+failing to call him forth from his home, whatever his employment might
+happen to be.
+
+Then again he loved to contemplate a batch of dirty urchins, in all the
+enjoyment of mud and mire, freedom and mischief, revelling in
+undisturbed possession of the kennel or the road, and to speculate upon
+the chances against one-third of them reaching maturity, or their
+probable fate if they did so.
+
+Following the clue given him by the anonymous communication, and which
+he had received a few hours before he announced the news it contained at
+the Falcon, he had made a search through the locality hinted at. The
+note, which was vaguely and notoriously worded, had pointed to some
+house in the suburbs; and, after duly calling over the different persona
+whom he considered likely to have been the writer of the billet, he
+fixed it upon a crazy, half insane fellow, living in a lone house in
+Henley Street.
+
+Accordingly, when the shadows of evening descended, he went prying
+about, and peeping into all the windows, and listening at all the doors
+on either side that street. "Wat Murdake," he said to himself, "is a
+maniac,--a dangerous fellow at times, having fits of violence quite
+awful to look on. He killed his wife with a shoemaker's awl, pierced her
+ear when she was asleep,--at least, so it is said, and he confesses it
+even now in his ravings,--but that's nought. Many an old host that I
+know would be glad to do the same, if they dared, for the women do drive
+men to desperate deeds with that unruly member, the tongue. Wat Murdake
+is a dangerous fellow at times, and exceedingly mad always, but then he
+is pretty cunning, and keepeth a sure eye upon his neighbour. An I
+cannot find these plague spots, I will seek him and make inquiry, for
+'tis good I saw into the matter at once.
+
+"Ah! what's that I hear? A scream? No, it's only a child squalling, and
+the mother singing it to sleep with a merry song. There's no misery
+there. So pass we on to the next. What's that, a groan? No, it's a
+fellow practising on the bass-viol. All right I trow there; where music
+_is_, contentment rests, and no plague. What's this?" he continued,
+listening at the next house, "lamentations and words of woe? No, it's
+man and wife quarrelling. Ah! and there they go to blows. There is no
+real misery there, but what they make for themselves; they've plague
+enough, but not the plague I seek. Pass we on again. What's here? the
+bones rattling? Yes, dicing, drinking, and brawl. It's not there.
+It _may_ come to that, but they don't begin _so_. There'll be
+death, perhaps, in the house, but it will be by violence, _not
+disease_--to-night, to-morrow, perhaps; who knows? And so Master Dismal
+passed on from door to door, taking his cue of good or ill from the
+employment of the inmates of the different houses. At length he came to
+a lone, squalid-looking hut, the last but one in the street, standing in
+its own untrimmed and neglected garden; a ruin with walls so rent as to
+shew one-half of its heavy-beamed rooms in a skeleton state; the
+remainder being patched up to expel the wind and rain, and reclaimed, as
+it were, in a slovenly manner, from the general state of decay.
+The toad sat and croaked in the long damp grass, and the lizard crawled
+over the muddy pathway to the door, as Dismal stopped and listened.
+
+"This looks like business," he said, "I quite forgot this house of
+ill-omen. Ah! what a dirty-mantled pond in the garden! Here we have it,
+sure enough! there's no mistaking these sounds! Let me see, this is the
+residence of Smite Drear and his family, the most drunken,
+ill-conducted, dirty, evil-minded lot in all Warwickshire--the man a
+vile caitiff, a puritan whose tongue is ruin; the woman a slanderer
+also, and a termagant; the children thieves, liars, and imps of ill.
+_I'm sure it's here_; _I know it's here_; it _must_ be here; it _ought_
+to be here; it _is_ here. Yea, and here it _is_, sure enough! If I could
+only get a peep into the interior, I should know in a minute. Let me
+see; where's my pouncet-box? Ah! there's another groan, and the sob of a
+female! I hear some one praying too; rather unusual _that_, I trow. I
+must go in. _But no_, I cannot _get_ in, the door is fastened; I'll
+knock."
+
+It was some time before the summons of Master Dismal was answered. But
+at last the owner of the hovel removed a broken shutter from an upper
+window, and thrusting out his head, growled a malediction upon the
+person disturbing him.
+
+"Pass on," he said, "and trouble us not."
+
+"I would crave permission," said Dismal, "to pay a visit on matters----"
+
+"_Crave_ nothing here," said Drear, "_Seek_ nothing here. Sickness and
+death are within our doors: we are accursed."
+
+"I would fain offer consolation, and observe the nature of your
+illness," said Dismal. "I would inform the leech, or even summon _other_
+aid in your need."
+
+"Who is it speaks?" said Drear, thrusting his head further out. "All, I
+see! Hence, screech-owl--bird of ill; hence, wretch, lest I come down
+and beat thee! Hence, hound, whose bark never boded aught but death to
+the sick man. We wanted but thy visit to make us certain of our fate."
+
+So saying, Drear violently put up his shutter and withdrew.
+
+"Ah," said Dismal, "you may talk, my master, till you've tired yourself.
+But I know all about it now. If I cannot get _in_, by my troth I'll take
+care to put a sign which shall hinder you from getting _out_. Plague or
+no plague, I'll cause them to look in upon you who have authority to do
+so." So saying. Master Dismal took a large lump of red ochre from his
+pocket, and with considerable care marked up a broad red cross upon the
+door. He then, as he knew it was about the hour the watch passed,
+quietly withdrew to the opposite side of the street, and ensconsing
+himself behind the buttress of a wall, waited the event.
+
+In a short time the watch came up; they passed Master Dismal where he
+stood without discovering him and then proceeded to the very end of the
+street. According to their custom (in making the rounds at night) they
+then halted, ordered their pikes, trimmed their lights, and stood at
+ease for a few minutes, ere they returned down the other side of the
+street; examining each door they passed by holding up the light they
+carried.
+
+At the first tenement they found nothing extraordinary, the fellow who
+carried the light, which was a sort of cresset at the end of a bar of
+iron, held it aloft, and as its lurid glare fell upon the house, it
+displayed its walls clear as in open daylight. "All right, pass," said
+the head constable, and so they passed on to the next.
+
+Here the constable carrying the cresset was merely about to raise it and
+pass on, when, as he did so, the whole party were arrested in speechless
+alarm by a sign they knew too well from former visitation. "The plague!"
+said the first, in a voice modulated almost to a whisper. "The plague!"
+said the second, "why I heard not of it before." "The searcher's mark,"
+said the second, "I knew not that he had been sent out." "Advance your
+light again, Diccon," said a third, "and observe if the house be
+padlocked up." "I see no fastening," said Diccon, "and yet, 'tis the
+searcher's mark, sure enough; pass on, in heaven's name, comrades;" and
+on passed the watch, no longer with measured tread, but with accelerated
+and fearful steps, to inform the headborough of what they had seen:
+Master Dismal stealing after them in a state of the most exuberant glee
+at his own conceit and its success.
+
+The spread of the disease, as was usual at this period, was extremely
+rapid. Indeed, it had risen to some height in the town before the
+authorities would consent to believe it really existed. In such cases,
+and in former days, precautionary measures were seldom thought of. Men
+drove off all thought of the evil; when they found it was really amongst
+them, or what they feared, they kept to themselves. At first they turned
+sulky under the infliction, if we may so term it, barring up their doors
+and deserting the streets; they avoided each other as much as possible,
+seeking air and recreation and forgetfulness by taking to the wastes and
+commons around. Leaving their homes by the back doors, they almost
+deserted the streets in search of the necessaries of life. As it grew
+worse the town seemed depopulated, even before the disease had time to
+work, so empty were its streets.
+
+But a few days had passed since all the out-door sports and diversions
+of the age and the season had been in full play. Those gay and jovial
+May-day games, in the quaint mazes of the wanton green; those rural
+fêtes and diversions--the wakes and revels--the May-pole dances--the
+parties of pleasure--into the shadowy desert unfrequented woods, and
+which the peasantry of old were so fond of, all had ceased as it were on
+the instant. The human mortals feared each other, a secret
+dread--however each member of a family kept the native colour of his
+cheek--was in the heart of each. The very air seemed infected, and tho
+aspect of the town took a ghastly hue. It smelt of death, men thought.
+Business stopped in it. No markets were attended. No strangers passed
+through it. It was a place infected, avoided, accursed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+MORE TROUBLE AT CLOPTON.
+
+
+Meanwhile, as misfortunes seldom come but in battalions, Sir Hugh
+Clopton (even before he had heard of the appearance of the disease) had
+been arrested of high treason, and carried off to London with several
+other gentlemen of condition in the county, and who had likewise been
+mixed up in the confession of Master Walter Neville.
+
+It is indeed hardly possible to describe the dire confusion which ensued
+upon this unexpected event taking place on the night of the feast at
+Clopton Hall. Sir Hugh himself was the only person of his household and
+family who seemed to retain his self-command. Walter Arderne would, at
+first, have fain struck down the Queen's officer and expelled his men.
+The faithful Martin was almost distraught. The serving men and retainers
+were scared and indignant at the same time; and the guests in a state of
+astonishment and dismay.
+
+"Heed it not, my masters all," said Sir Hugh, "'tis a mistake
+altogether. I a traitor to our blessed Queen! pah. I would she had but
+such traitors in all her foes; methinks I know where this matter
+originates, and shall set it right upon examination."
+
+"I hope so," said the officer; "Nevertheless, there is one other I am to
+secure within your household, but my people have just learnt he hath
+fled on our approach."
+
+"In the name of Heaven," said Sir Hugh, "who else lays under this
+strange misconception?"
+
+"A priest but lately come from over sea, commonly called Father
+Eustace," said the officer.
+
+"Eustace!" said Sir Hugh, "why he was here but now. Is he too accused?"
+
+"He is," said the officer, "and must, if possible, be apprehended; some
+of my party have followed on his trail."
+
+"Any more of my family, household, or personal friends implicated?" said
+Sir Hugh, somewhat bitterly. "I trust I shall set my accuser, whoever he
+be, before my rapier's point, when I promise him such mercy as it
+affords _no more_."
+
+"I feel sorry to put any force upon you, Sir Hugh," said the officer,
+"especially before this goodly company, but my orders are peremptory,
+and I must convey you to Warwick to-night; to-morrow with all speed
+towards London."
+
+"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "good sir, you but express my own wishes in this
+matter. To the Tower with me at once. An there be any limb or member o'
+my body found guilty of this sin--torture it: an the Queen find that my
+head hath entertained a thought against her--off with it: an my heart
+hath conceived treason--tear it out. To horse then in God's name, and
+let us put on without delay."
+
+And truly did the good Sir Hugh bespeak himself, whilst most of the
+guests standing in amaze around, and, with tears in their eyes, beheld
+him made prisoner, and conveyed from his own domain. Under the
+circumstances in which he found himself, it was a great relief to the
+good knight that his daughter was saved from the grief and misery of
+seeing and taking leave of him.
+
+The coming of the officers and the arrest of her father it was hastily
+arranged should be carefully concealed, and her attendants were enjoined
+to say that a sudden summons from the Queen had obliged Sir Hugh
+instantly to depart.
+
+Meantime the faithful Martin undertook to remain in watchful attendance
+upon her, whilst Arderne, whose feelings would not permit him to stay
+behind, accompanied the party in charge of the old knight, and whom he
+swore never to leave till he was again at liberty.
+
+"I will gain audience of the Queen," he said, "instantly, and not leave
+the Court until I know the vile traducer who hath thus denounced thee,
+uncle. Thou a traitor, indeed! Thou soul of honour, loyalty and truth!
+Treason hath no existence--no place to hide in aught where thou
+abidest."
+
+And thus (as is oft the case in life) the scene became on the sudden
+overcast. At the moment of its brightness--the gaiety, the splendour,
+and the happiness of the party were dashed; whilst those who had met
+together with light hearts and fantastic spirits, dispersed with evil
+foreboding and slow and heavy footsteps.
+
+In a party of this sort, in Warwickshire, it was customary oft-times to
+keep up the revel till dawn, whilst every nook and corner of the
+dwelling was made available for those of the guests who chose to remain
+afterwards.
+
+With the good old English hospitality which despised form, Sir Hugh had
+previously arranged for many of his most intimate friends to stay a few
+days at Clopton and partake in the sport his preserves afforded. The
+dogs and falcons were to have been put in requisition, and the heronry
+and the thick covers around beat for game.
+
+Indeed two or three did remain at Clopton the next day; not for the
+purpose of recreating themselves with the old knight's hawks, but from
+their anxiety about the illness of the fair Charlotte, and in the hope
+of seeing her re-appear from her room with renewed health.
+
+Such, however, was not to be the case, as she grew rapidly worse, and it
+was found necessary to summon the leech from Stratford. Soon after his
+arrival, the faithful Martin, with a face of alarm, took upon himself to
+dismiss the guests. His charge, he said, was extremely ill. Her
+complaint was pronounced by the leech to be both infectious and
+dangerous, and under such circumstances, it was advisable for them to
+shorten their visit. "Neither should I be acting rightly," he added, "if
+I concealed it, although the rumour may possibly be without foundation,
+but I have just heard the plague hath broken out in Stratford."
+
+Thus were the halls of Clopton--and which but a few short hours before
+had displayed such a scene of gaiety and revelling,--as suddenly changed
+to gloom and melancholy.
+
+The domestics seemed to glide about with noiseless step, hardly having
+heart to arrange the different rooms, so that many of them were left in
+the confusion and disarray they had been in when the mirth of the party
+was so suddenly interrupted; and, if the succeeding day was fraught with
+melancholy, the night was filled with terrors. Strange and awful sounds
+were heard in some of the rooms. Sounds which none could account for or
+discover the meaning of, although, at first attributing them to natural
+causes, the domestics made search through those parts of the house where
+they had been heard.
+
+Coming thus at a time of grief and misfortune, and following sickness
+and the rumours of so dire a disease as the plague, these sounds had an
+ominous and awful appearance. The domestics, much as they loved their
+employers, and commiserated them in their present distress, were so much
+scared, that several fled from the Hall to their own homes; and, as the
+mysterious sounds continued night after night growing more violent, and
+even extending from the part of the house to which they had at first
+been confined; with the exception of two or three of the upper servants,
+the numerous domestics of the establish meat had almost all deserted it.
+
+The faithful Martin was sorely troubled. Living in an age when men's
+minds were easily affected by superstitious terrors, and a general
+belief existed in supernatural agency, he however possessed an uncommon
+degree of firmness and mental energy. At first he tried to laugh at the
+terrors and complaints of the different servants, as they brought
+continued reports of dreadful sounds existing in the western wing of the
+Hall, and where the secret hiding-places existed. Then, as his own ears
+confirmed their reports, he shut himself up, well armed, for a whole
+night in the apartments where the spirit was said to be most
+troublesome.
+
+On this night, which was the third after the departure of Sir Hugh, the
+sounds were most terrific and awful. As if the evil genius of the house
+of Clopton was either rejoicing over the present state of the family, or
+impatient for their utter destruction, it seemed inclined to drive the
+inmates to despair by its violence.
+
+Martin, having thrown himself upon the bed in the apartment we have
+before seen tenanted by the maniac Parry, was reclining in a half-dozing
+state, a couple of huge petronels in his belt and a drawn rapier upon
+tho table, when he was suddenly conscious of some one entering the room,
+and sitting down beside the bed.
+
+As he had carefully locked the door he was in something surprised at
+this visitation; but suspecting that some influence from without was at
+work, and distrusting the Jesuitical priest Eustace, after a while he
+quietly and cautiously rose, and then leaping suddenly from the bed,
+confronted the supposed visitant petronel in hand.
+
+To his astonishment, however, no person was there,--"He looked but on a
+stool." The door, which had been violently burst in, was still wide
+open, but no one was in the room besides himself. This was the more
+extraordinary as Martin was confident he had distinctly heard the person
+enter, and with swift step passing into the apartment, seat itself by
+his bedside. Nay, so quick and sudden seemed the visit, that though a
+bold and determined man, Martin had felt paralyzed and unable to move
+for the first minute or two. His heart beat violently; he was certain
+some one was within a few inches of him as he lay, and yet he could not
+move a limb; till at length, shaking off the feeling, he rose to
+confront the intruder. Pistol in hand, he looked in every part of the
+small room, "searching impossible places" in his anxiety. He then
+descended the narrow staircase, and looked into every nook and corner of
+the apartment beneath, but found not even a cobweb amiss.
+
+Returning to his couch he re-fastened the door, trimmed his lamp, placed
+it in the chair beside his bed, examined his petronel, and again lay
+down with the weapon firmly grasped in his hand. "If there be any deceit
+in this," he said to himself, "and which I feel inclined to believe is
+the case, I will make sure work of it with the practiser. A bullet
+through his heart or lungs, will lay his ghostship in the Red Sea."
+
+There had never been much good feeling in existence between the shrewd
+Martin and the priest Eustace. At the present moment the former held the
+Jesuit in especial dislike. He had a suspicion that the difficulties in
+which Sir Hugh was now placed, arose from some intrigues of the priest,
+whom he knew to be of an unscrupulous and designing nature. The present
+noises he conceived to be some contrivance of this iron-hearted bigot,
+in order to scare the servants of the establishment from that wing of
+the building, and he accordingly resolved to make a severe example of
+whoever he detected. This idea nerved him to so great a degree, that the
+extraordinary sounds he heard at first failed in completely frightening
+him. The situation, however, was not altogether a pleasant one. The
+silence, the loneliness, the dangerous illness of his favourite
+Charlotte, the peril in which the old knight was placed, all crowded
+themselves upon his imagination as he lay and watched.
+
+For some time nothing occurred to disturb his melancholy reflections,
+reflections which at length took him from the present horror of the
+time; and led on to other thoughts, till, at length, the heavy summons
+of sleep began to weigh upon his eyelids.
+
+At this moment the clock from the old tower in the stabling struck two.
+Scarcely had it done so when a distant whirling sound was heard; it
+seemed at first like a rushing wind stirring the trees in the shrubbery
+without, and steadily advancing towards the house. It increased in sound
+as it did so, till it appeared to enter the house, and rushing up the
+staircase with fearful violence the door again was dashed open with a
+tremendous burst, the lamp was extinguished at the same moment, and the
+room seemed filled with some strange and unnatural visitants.
+
+Starting up at the moment of the door being burst in, Martin discharged
+his pistol full at the entrance, and at the very instant the light was
+extinguished. He then jumped, sword in hand, into the middle of the
+room, whilst a rushing sound, as of persons moving about, was all around
+him.
+
+The darkness, added to the horrors of his situation, almost unmanned the
+bold Martin, and spite of his determined character his heart now beat
+violently and his hair bristled on his head. Nay, so impressed was he
+with the idea that some spectral beings were in the apartment, and even
+in his own vicinity,--nay, perhaps, that the enemy of mankind was at his
+very elbow and about to clutch him, that, as he uttered a hasty prayer
+for the protection of Heaven, he executed several furious backstrokes
+round the apartment, cutting a huge gash in the bed furniture,
+demolishing the back of an elaborately carved oaken chair, and bringing
+down a cumbrous mirror, smashed into a dozen pieces with as many blows.
+Indeed, the natural sounds of this ruin in some measure did away with
+the awe the supernatural noises had created. There is always some relief
+in action in such cases. The coward, for instance, makes use of his
+legs, in the midst of apprehension, the brave man takes to his arms, and
+as the strange sounds gradually subsided, seeming to traverse through
+the rooms below in their progress, Martin ceased from his exertions.
+
+He was, however, now completely converted to the opinion of the
+domestics that there was something most strange and most unnatural in
+this visitation. He felt awed and struck with dread, and, lowering the
+point of his weapon, he stood in the centre of the apartment listening
+attentively as the noise passed through the lower rooms. "There is
+surely something in all this," he said to himself, "which is beyond my
+comprehension. 'Tis a sound of warning. I fear me some dire misfortune
+is in store. Peradventure Sir Hugh is dead: great Heaven, perhaps
+executed on the scaffold! Alas, my poor Charlotte! But no, it cannot be
+so. Heaven help us in our need, for we seem a doomed people here."
+
+A deep sigh sounded close to his ears as he finished his soliloquy, so
+heavy, so long drawn, and so startling, that his blood curdled in his
+veins. He felt that he could no longer remain in the apartment, and
+hastily leaving it he descended the stairs, and opening the sliding
+pannel, passed into the rooms usually habited when Sir Hugh was at home.
+
+Here he felt in something reassured, and groping his way to the door
+which admitted to the garden, he threw it open and sought relief in the
+free air.
+
+The night was dark and a drizzling rain descended; he stepped on to the
+grass-plat and looked up at the apartment of his sick charge. A light
+was in the room, a pale and sickly gleam, which seemed to speak of
+watching and woe at that dead hour. As he passed beneath the window he
+thought he perceived a figure gliding away, but the night was too dark
+for him to be quite certain; still he felt sure that he had seen the
+outline of a form which, gloomy as was the night, he recognized.
+
+"'Tis he, I feel assured," said Martin. "I cannot mistake that form,
+even so indistinctly seen, for there is none other like him. Alas! alas!
+'tis even so. He watches her window even in such a night as this. I saw
+they loved each other from the first. Well, we are in the hands of
+heaven, and 'tis wrong to murmur. If our ills are reparable, to complain
+is ungrateful; if irremediable, 'tis vain. Whatever happens must have
+first pleased God, and most pleased him; or it had not happened. There
+is no affliction which resignation cannot conquer or death cure."
+
+As Martin resigned himself to this comfortable doctrine he turned and
+re-entered the house.
+
+The dawn was now beginning to break, and he resolved to knock at the
+chamber door of the invalid and make some inquiry after her.
+
+The first grey tint of morning began to render objects in the room
+visible as he passed through it. There stood the spinnet upon which
+Charlotte had so lately played, the music-book open. There was her lute
+lying beside the music, and where it had been laid on the night of the
+party, and beside that lay the hood and jesses of her favourite hawk.
+
+Whilst Martin regarded these remembrances of one now unable to use or
+enjoy them, a pang of grief shot through his heart, that sorrowful
+feeling with which we look upon the relics of the dead, and whom we have
+loved dearly when in life; and with that feeling came the conviction
+that she who once played so sweetly on that instrument, and so bravely
+wore those trappings of her gallant bird,--she, the young, the
+beautiful, was already parted perhaps for ever from the pleasures of the
+earth,--sick, prostrate, dying,--nay, even at that moment perhaps dead.
+
+With heavy heart and evil foreboding he ascended the great staircase and
+sought Charlotte's room. His step was heard by the nurse who attended on
+the invalid, and gently opening the door she came forth to meet him.
+
+The nurse was one of the old servants of the family; she was pale as
+death Martin observed as he advanced along the corridor. "We have had a
+fearful night," she said.
+
+"But your charge?" said Martin, "I trust in Heaven she is better."
+
+"Worse, Martin, worse," she replied; "worse than I can bring myself to
+tell thee. She is now asleep, but hath been delirious all the night."
+
+"Now the gods help us," said Martin.
+
+"Amen," said the nurse; "she hath raved much and talked wildly. To thee,
+Martin, I will confess it, she hath spoken much of one she loves."
+
+"I dare to say so," said Martin, musing.
+
+"But not of _him_ of whom she should so speak," said the nurse.
+
+"Not of him our good old master would like to have heard her speak in
+such loving terms. Mayhap I should surprise you were I to say on whom
+her affections seem fixed."
+
+"I think not," said Martin, significantly.
+
+"You think not?" said the nurse, "and wherefore?"
+
+"Because I know her secret as well as if she had told it me," said
+Martin. "I have seen it from the first."
+
+"Hark!" said the nurse, "she is again in one of those fits. Hear you
+that name, and thus called on."
+
+"I do," said Martin; "'tis as I thought. May I see her? Methinks I
+cannot be satisfied till I look upon her sweet face, if but for a
+moment."
+
+"Remain here whilst I go in, and I will then summon you," said the
+nurse. "Ah me, 'tis very sad!" and the nurse passed into the room,
+closing the door behind her.
+
+Martin seated himself on the bench beneath the window at the end of the
+corridor, and as he gazed upon the portraits of the Clopton family
+hanging on either hand, his reflections became even more saddened. In
+that array of beautiful females and noble-looking cavaliers, how many
+died early! Amongst those scowling and bearded men of middle age,
+arrayed in all the panoply of war, how many had perished in their
+harness! There was Hugo de Clopton, the crusader, the fiercest of a
+brave race, who had smote even a crowned king in Palestine rather than
+brook dishonour. There was the templar, who had died at the stake in
+France, true to his vow; and Blanch Clopton, whom the lascivious John
+had solicited in vain, and who had been celebrated at tilt and tourney
+throughout Christendom as "La belle des belles."
+
+Each and all of these portraits, it seemed to him, had a curious history
+attached to them--a sad and stern tale in life's romance--and as he sat
+and regarded them he thought upon their descendant now lying sick in
+their close vicinity--her father accused of treason and a prisoner, at a
+time so inopportune.
+
+"Strange," he thought to himself, "that this family, so noble in
+disposition, so high in their sense of honour, should seem thus marked
+out and pursued by fate.
+
+"'Tis true the good Sir Hugh hath been called, by the clergy of his own
+persuasion, but a luke-warm member of the true Church; an irreligious
+man.
+
+"Nay, Eustace hath upbraided him with leaning towards heresy; and the
+Protestant churchmen at Stratford, again, hath accused him of being
+neither of the one religion or the other--altogether a heathen.
+
+"These churchmen are both men, however, who wrangle and fight so much
+about religion, vice and virtue, that they have no time to practice
+either the one or the other; whilst the good Sir Hugh hath, during life,
+been so fully engaged in acts of benevolence, that saving the hours he
+hath spent amongst his horses and dogs, he hath indeed little leisure to
+think about such controversies."
+
+Whilst Martin sat thus chewing the cud of bitter fancy, the old
+attendant returned to him. "She again sleeps," she said, weeping, and
+you may look upon her sweet face once more. "But oh, Martin, I fear me we
+are indeed in trouble; you will scarce behold that countenance, even yet
+so beautiful, without terror."
+
+"Is she already so changed?" said Martin. "In the name of Heaven, what
+can be her complaint?"
+
+"No noise," said the attendant, "but go in, and judge for yourself."
+
+In a few moments Martin returned. Horror was in his countenance. "Her
+face is filled with livid spots!" he said. "We are indeed unhappy; she
+has caught----"
+
+"The plague," said the nurse, as Martin hesitated, apparently unable to
+repeat the words. "The plague; 'tis even so, and she will not outlive
+this day."
+
+"I will hasten to Stratford, and bid the leech again visit her
+instantly," said Martin.
+
+"'Twere best," said the attendant, "be quick; but I fear me it is of
+little avail." And Martin, with fearful and hasty steps, left the
+corridor, and descended to the stabling of the Hall.
+
+Besides Martin and the attending nurse, there was one other who watched
+with anxiety over the fate of the poor invalid, and who, albeit
+circumstances made it unpleasing to him openly to display the interest
+he felt, yet who sought in every way to gather some tidings of her state
+of health.
+
+Amidst the general trouble in which the town was now involved, private
+griefs were less thought of, and consequently, although the inhabitants
+of the Hall were, by the good folks of Stratford-upon-Avon, known to be
+in some strait, whilst everybody was in apprehension for himself,
+commiseration there was little of, and intercourse there was none. Nay,
+the small remaining portion of domestics at Clopton had become so
+greatly alarmed by the visitation of the previous night, that they
+neglected their duties on this day, and remaining huddled together in
+the servants' hall, meditated altogether deserting the locality.
+
+In addition to the supernatural sounds, they were now scared by a
+suspicion of the nature of the disease which had seized their young
+lady.
+
+It was under such circumstances that, when Martin descended to the
+stables in order to dispatch a messenger for the doctor, he could at
+first find no one willing to undertake the message.
+
+"I would willingly do anything I could to benefit the young lady," said
+one, "but I am about to leave the Hall."
+
+"I cannot go into the town," said another, "for it is said that death is
+rife in its streets; and the folks are stricken as they walk. It would
+be a tempting of the disease an I were to run into it."
+
+"Nay! we have had warning enough here," said another; "and albeit I
+respect Sir Hugh, I fear to remain, after what we have heard last night.
+Besides, if the truth must out, I believe the sickness hath come to
+Clopton; and folks must look to themselves. I have friends at
+Kenilworth, and I must seek them. They say too, that Sir Hugh hath been
+found guilty of a conspiracy against the life of the Queen, and I like
+it not."
+
+"Hounds!" said Martin--"unworthy even to tend upon the generous animals
+you are hired to feed. Begone! pack--seek another roof, where you can
+batten on cold bits, and return kindness with base ingratitude." So
+saying, Martin saddled one of the steeds, and mounting himself, galloped
+into the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+DOMESTIC AFFLICTIONS.
+
+
+It is evening--damp, dreary, and heavy, like the day which has preceded
+it.
+
+An unwholesome closeness pervades the air; a heavy drizzling rain
+descends from the clouds upon the earth, enveloping all around in a
+dense mist, which hides the surrounding scenery.
+
+Leaving his home, the youthful Shakespeare takes his way across the
+meadows, in which our readers may remember to have first seen him in the
+opening chapter of this story. His step, however, is less buoyant, and
+his heart is heavier than on that occasion. The clouds, which drive
+steadily on, are not less gloomy than his presentiments. Sickness and
+misery are amongst the neighbours he leaves; sickness and sorrow are
+amongst those he seeks.
+
+Yet still as that youth wends onwards, now crossing through the fern
+(laden and heavy with moisture,) now diving into the thick plantations
+which lead into the chase of Clopton, nothing escapes his notice. The
+crow, "as it wings to the rocky wood," in the thickening light,--the
+coney, as it flashes into the cover,--the darting lizard, as it
+disappears in the thick fern,--the stoat and weasel, as they pounce upon
+their prey in the brake, all are noted by him.
+
+His mind was oppressed and desponding, but it was a mind which no
+circumstances could entirely destroy the elasticity of, even for a
+moment. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods," it hath been said
+by a modern poet; and there is society where none intrudes. But perhaps
+the feeling of pleasure experienced amidst solitude and sylvan scenery
+is only really and intensely felt by men of extraordinary parts and
+poetical imagination.
+
+The fairest glade, and the wildest haunts of the untamed denizens of the
+woods, it was young Shakespeare's great delight to seek out and ponder
+amidst.
+
+At the present moment he felt that no locality would soothe the sadness
+of his thoughts so well as the leafy covert he was in.
+
+Even whilst the heavy rain was pattering amidst the foliage, and
+dropping from the surcharged boughs; the air misty and moist; and the
+darksome glade rendered more gloomy by the murky atmosphere, there was
+indeed to his eye and mind, something fresh to be remarked around in the
+changeful hue of the herbs, plants, and thick foliage, as the driving
+clouds constantly varied them; nay (as we have said,) the gloomy and
+dull aspect of the wood at that moment better suited his troubled
+thoughts than a more bright and splendid scene.
+
+Some slight intimation of the troubles of his friends at the Hall had
+reached him; he had received a hint of the arrest of Sir Hugh, and the
+absence of his friend Arderne. He also knew that the fair Charlotte was
+unwell; and naturally attributing her illness to the shock she had
+received at the arrest of her father, he hoped that a few days would
+restore her to health. Still a presentiment of evil, and which he
+conceived was consequent upon the unhappy state of the town in which he
+had lived, pervaded his mind.
+
+He had occasionally visited the neighbourhood of the Hall, and made some
+inquiry after the inmates; but in the absence of the good knight, and
+his friend Arderne, he had not considered it consistent with propriety
+to introduce himself into the house, coming as he did from a place
+infected with the plague.
+
+On this evening, however, he resolved to gain some more assured tidings
+of those he felt so much interested in; and after pondering upon the
+matter, he resolved to approach the hall.
+
+There was a solitude and silence about the house, as he gazed at it from
+the belt of plantation by which he approached, that he could not account
+for. No smoke ascended, from those huge twisted chimneys; no sound (save
+an occasional dismal and long-drawn howl) came from the kennel. No
+person was to be seen, as of yore, flitting about, engaged in the
+numerous avocations of their daily duties. All looked dull and deserted.
+
+He entered the court in rear, and proceeded to the stabling. The stables
+were for the most part empty, the steeds had been turned into the chase,
+and deserted by their attendants. He looked into the falconry; the hawks
+were upon the perch, and apparently well fed and attended to, for at
+that period a falconer would have as soon deserted his children as his
+hawks, but the attendants were at the moment absent; they had fled from
+the Hall, and located themselves in some out-buildings in the woods. As
+he entered the house, the same appearance of desertion struck his eye.
+He passed through a long passage, and gained the hall. There hung the
+old tattered banners, the unscoured armour, and the antlered heads of
+several large stags,--stags of ten,--all spoke of recent occupation and
+use. The cross-bow lay where it had been thrown a few days before; the
+thick hawking gauntlets and the dog-couples were mingled with whips and
+spurs, bits and bridles, and all the _mélange_ of the chase and the
+country gentleman's occupation, but of servants or inhabitants there was
+no sign. He passed into the oak-pannelled room where he had first
+enjoyed the society of the family, and learned to love them for their
+worth. All looked desolate. The solitude and silence around made his
+presence seem an intrusion. The innate modesty of his disposition
+overcame his anxiety to hear tidings of the invalid. He felt as if
+prying into the secret sorrows of the owner of the mansion, and was
+about to withdraw, when the door opened, and Martin entered the room.
+
+Martin started as he recognised the visitor, and a slight frown seemed
+to cross his brow. He was a curious compound, that man. He half disliked
+the youth for the virtues he at the same time admired in him, and which
+he saw had also won the love of the daughter of his patron, and which
+under no circumstance he considered could lead to a happy result,--now,
+however, all was at an end.
+
+"Ah," he said, "art _thou_ here? Art thou come to Clopton when all else
+desert it?"
+
+"My anxiety to learn tidings of the family hath made me an intruder on
+your privacy," said Shakespeare. "I hope----"
+
+"We have no hope," said Martin; "and you are not wise in coming hither.
+Yon have surely heard of our misery. Charlotte Clopton is dying. Dying
+of the plague. The nurse has just caught it of her and sickens too. All
+have fled from the Hall."
+
+A few moments more, and Shakespeare had sprung up the great staircase,
+and sought the chamber of the invalid, Martin hastening after him, and
+in vain urging him not to enter her room. "The disease is of the most
+malignant character," he said. "The leech hath left the house unable to
+do us any good. 'Tis but a tempting of Providence to enter the room. I
+pr'ythee have thought upon your own safety."
+
+"Perish all thoughts of self and safety!" said Shakespeare, dashing his
+hat upon the floor as he entered the chamber. "O fairest flower," he
+said, "cut down and blighted in thy budding beauty, do I indeed behold
+thee again thus--so soon to part with thee for ever?"
+
+He knelt down beside her bed, took her hand, and carried it to his lips.
+
+Her long luxuriant tresses, which had escaped from the ribbon that bound
+them, covered the white pillow like a cloud, and half-concealed her
+face. She raised herself as she recognised the voice, and, parting her
+hair, gazes eagerly in his face. "Thou art come then," she said; "once
+more come? Oh, blessings on thee for it. I have wished for thee; dreamt
+of thee; called for thee; and thou art come at last to set mine eye.
+What happiness to look upon thy face once more--even in death! And yet,"
+she said, as she held him from her, "there is danger in your being here,
+I heard them whisper to each other of the plague."
+
+"Oh, believe it not!" said Shakespeare; "there is no sign of such
+disease about thee. Thou wilt live, dearest lady. Cast but from your
+mind these sad thoughts, and you will yet recover."
+
+"Not so," said Charlotte; "I feel as if I had not many moments on earth,
+and yet I know I shall not harm thee, for I have beheld the story of thy
+life in my troubled dreams. I have seen thee unknown, unthought of,
+unhonoured in the world. And then I saw thee enshrined in such a blaze
+of glory as no mortal ever before attained on earth:--the wonder of ages
+to come. Thy very name alone, whispered in thy lowly home, William
+Shakespeare, will make bearded men weep. Yes," she continued,
+vehemently, "I beheld thy figure standing upon an eminence so high above
+thy fellow-mortals, that, though all were striving to ascend towards
+thee, none could come beyond the plain on which that mountain stood."
+
+The tears fell from the youth's eyes as he buried his face upon the
+coverlid of the couch, and listened to what he considered the prophetic
+ravings of delirium; and then he again raised his head and gazed upon
+her. There were no traces of disease to be observed in that bright form
+as he did so. The subdued light of the chamber gave her the appearance
+of a marble monument. In the abandonment of her grief, she had raised
+herself on one arm, and her beauty seemed even more dazzling.
+
+                      "'Twas beauty
+    Too rich for use, for earth too dear."
+
+The livid spots, which had so alarmed the nurse and Martin, had
+disappeared from her face. Her rounded shoulder and bosom were like the
+sculptured alabaster--rendered yet more white and polished by the soft,
+dark tresses, by which they were partially covered.
+
+"I would have lived for thee," she said, "to have but served thee; to
+have made the paltry riches I own, available to thy genius."
+
+As she uttered this, she sank down sobbing upon the couch. Shakespeare,
+in an agony of grief, tried to raise and recover her, but she sank
+quickly into insensibility: and when he laid her down again upon her
+pillow, as he looked upon her, he saw she was dead!
+
+Dead! but without the ghastly appearance which the grisly tyrant stamps
+upon his prey.
+
+    "Death, that had sucked the honey of her breath,
+    Had yet no power upon her beauty.
+                 Beauty's ensign yet
+    Was crimson on her lips and in her cheeks,
+    And Death's pale flag was not advanced there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+BEREAVEMENT.
+
+
+One week has elapsed since the events narrated in the last chapter. The
+house of Clopton is shut up, empty, deserted. The good Sir Hugh is again
+at liberty; but the seas flow between him and Britain. After having been
+examined by Lord Hunsden, Sir Christopher Hatton, and Sir Francis
+Walsingham, three members of the Privy Council, he was released from
+confinement. The conspirators, all excepting the priest Eustace, who had
+escaped, and through whose intrigues the good knight had become an
+object of suspicion to the Council, were condemned to death and executed
+in Old Palace Yard two days after. With eager haste, and tarrying at
+each post but to obtain fresh horses, Sir Hugh and Walter Arderne had
+(immediately on the release of the former) galloped as hard as spur and
+bridle could urge on their steeds towards Clopton. Unluckily they passed
+Martin in the night on the road near Oxford, as he was hastening towards
+London with the intention of breaking the news of Charlotte's death to
+them.
+
+One letter had, in a measure, prepared the good knight to find his
+daughter dangerously ill; but as in those days, both the inditing and
+conveying a packet was a matter of considerable time and toil, letters
+were by no means so sure of coming to hand, or so speedily delivered as
+in latter times.
+
+So that the unhappy knight arrived at the Hall to find desolation where
+he had left plenty. His house was shut up----his daughter dead. She had
+died of the plague, it was said; and with fearful haste, by order of the
+authorities of the neighbouring town, had been buried.
+
+It far exceeds the descriptive power of our pen to paint the grief,
+horror, and despair of the good Sir Hugh and his nephew. For the moment
+they seemed stupified with excess of misery. They then threw themselves
+into each other's arms, and wept in their desolation, till the very
+violence of their grief in some sort relieved them.
+
+'Tis extraordinary how the human mind, after a time, accommodates itself
+to the dispensations of Providence, however hard to bear. It was greatly
+in favour of the mourners that they had in each other subjects of
+anxiety. Each felt the hard lot of the other; and as each watched the
+deep sorrow of his companion, the very feelings and disposition to
+afford comfort, and urge patience and resignation, in some sort took
+from them the poignancy of their own feelings.
+
+The old knight, after wandering about the house in a state of
+bewilderment for the first twenty-four hours after his arrival, became
+calmer, and seemed inclined to force himself to take an interest in his
+old occupations.
+
+He visited, on the evening of the second day, the kennel and the
+falconry, accompanied by Arderne, and made the rounds of the different
+buildings and offices. Neither of them spoke much to each other, except
+an occasional word as they came upon some object of deep interest in
+connexion with her who was gone. "Look!" said Sir Hugh, as with
+quivering lips and tears rolling down his muscular cheeks and grey
+beard, he pointed to Charlotte's favourite hawk--a gallant bird, which
+sat and plumed itself upon its perch, "look!" said he, in tremulous
+accents----he could say no more; but in the utterance of that word what
+an agony of grief was expressed. Arderne, too, felt his chest heave, and
+the tears course each other down his cheeks, as he regarded the hawk.
+But the sight of the brave old knight struggling to master his grief for
+his sake, relieved the poignancy of his own sorrow. "Come, uncle," said
+he, "we must to the stables. Tarry not here. There is much to be looked
+after, and which wants your care. The attendants seem to have deserted
+their charge, and the stalls are for the most part empty;" and so they
+pursued their search around. When they came to the stable, if objects
+were wanting to produce the sharp pang of grief, here again they were to
+be found--objects peculiarly adapted to give the most intense feelings
+of sorrow, as they were associated with those accomplishments in his
+daughter, which the knight had held in the most estimation. There hung
+the gay trappings of her favourite steed, and there stood the steed
+itself, which the falconer had kept in its stall--a milk-white and
+perfect courser; and in the stable beside the manger, lay Charlotte's
+favourite hound--the dog, in her absence having apparently sought
+consolation in the companionship of the horse he had so often
+accompanied to the field.
+
+The horse turned and neighed inquiringly, it appeared, to the old
+knight; and the dog shook himself clear of the straw, and bounding out
+of the stall, put his fore-legs upon Sir Hugh's breast, and seemed to
+ask for his mistress, and then it stood down, as if conscious of the
+fruitlessness of the query; and throwing up its great head, uttered a
+long melancholy howl.
+
+The good knight regarded the dog for a moment in silence. He stepped up
+to the white steed; and as it put its nose affectionately in his face,
+he kissed it again and again. He then sought for his own saddle; and
+saddling and bridling the horse, he led it forth into the yard, followed
+by the hound.
+
+As Walter observed the knight's movements, he quietly saddled his own
+steed, and they both set out together, and without a word took the road
+to Stratford. There was no necessity for Walter to inquire of his uncle
+their destination. He felt assured that the knight was about to visit
+his daughter's grave.
+
+Although Sir Hugh had however endeavoured to resign himself to the
+decrees of Providence, and bear with fortitude the dire affliction which
+had visited his house, he found it impossible to pursue the usual tenor
+of his former life; the charm of existence seemed fled for ever--"life
+was as tedious as a twice-told tale." It seemed to him, that in the
+listless way in which he was pursuing his daily avocations, he was
+beginning over again. He rode forth without purpose, and pursued his
+route as chance or his steed directed.
+
+Luckily this had been foreseen by a true industrious friend, one who,
+since the return of Sir Hugh to Clopton, had been sorely missed in his
+need by the good knight.
+
+The faithful Martin, on his arrival in London, on finding that Sir Hugh
+had been liberated, and had returned to Clopton, was struck with dismay,
+inasmuch as he immediately surmised the shock the knight would be likely
+to receive on so immediately returning to his desolate home.
+
+Sudden and quick in all his resolves, he sought out a friend at Court,
+and one who was under some little obligation to him for former services
+rendered. This was no less a person than Sir Christopher Hatton, a
+distinguished personal favourite of the Queen; a gentleman who owed his
+rise absolutely to his exceeding good gifts in the elegant
+accomplishment of dancing, and who walking into favour by a corranto,
+gradually gained ground in her Majesty's further affections by his
+activity in the galliard, capering higher and higher into the Royal
+estimation at each subsequent demivolt, till he successively attained
+the posts of Gentleman Pensioner, Captain of the Guard,
+Vice-Chamberlain, and Lord Chancellor. This gentleman, who
+(notwithstanding the oddness of his rise) was in reality a man of most
+amiable disposition, possessed a mind less biassed by the prejudices of
+his age than most of his contemporaries; and this most estimable man the
+faithful Martin sought out.
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Martin, "hath been badly used in this matter;
+and inasmuch as his arrest and absence hath in some measure, by removing
+him from the government of his house at a time of sickness and distress,
+caused him much misery, the which his presence and management might have
+possibly obviated. I think the Queen is bound to shew him some sort of
+assistance in his great grief."
+
+"Doubtless," said Sir Christopher, who was at that moment engaged in
+arranging a quick measure for the viol-de-gamba, and which he meant to
+adapt some exceeding curious steps to at the masque given by the
+Templars to Her Majesty on that very night, "doubtless, good Martin.
+Only shew me in what way I can serve the good knight Sir Hugh, and look
+upon it as done."
+
+"Why look ye," said Martin, "Sir Hugh is a man having as great
+excellence is his arms as you, Sir Christopher, are so celebrated for in
+the legs. Now if you could intercede for him with Her Majesty, so that
+the good knight might be appointed to some command in the Low Countries,
+the violence of action might do away with the poignancy of his grief,
+and force him from his home."
+
+"I fear me this is rather a delicate matter to broach unto Her Majesty,"
+said Sir Christopher.
+
+"And yet," said Martin, "consider the miserable condition of this poor
+gentleman: make it your own case. Think, Sir Christopher, if you was to
+be bereft of all--of favour, fortune, influence at Court."
+
+"Sir Hugh hath lost nothing of all this," interrupted Sir Christopher.
+"He hath lost no fortune and favour and influence at Court: he never had
+or sought for either the one or the other."
+
+"But he hath lost his child," said Martin, "which is all these to him."
+
+"In my case," said Sir Christopher, "I should _not_ consider myself so
+utterly miserable were I to lose all you have mentioned. As long as I am
+lord of this presence," he continued, looking at the reflection of his
+exceeding handsome face in the mirror, and then regarding his
+well-turned leg and small foot, "I should not lack advancement. There
+are other Courts besides the Court of Elizabeth--other lands besides
+Britain--where a man's good gifts might be properly estimated;" and as
+Sir Christopher said this, he threw out his right foot, and pointed his
+toe with grace and effect.
+
+"And there it is," said Martin; "bereft of favour and fortune, you would
+still have something to fall back upon, Sir Christopher. But how if a
+sudden twist were to dislocate that slim ancle, and the joint were ever
+after to be like the callous hock of a foundered steed? How then would
+you push your fortune?"
+
+"Nay, then I should be utterly discomfited," said Sir Christopher,
+laughing; "foundered in good earnest--toe and heel--hip and thigh."
+
+"And such is the condition of Sir Hugh," said Martin, "unless we can
+give a fresh fillip to his depressed spirits, and teach him to forget
+his griefs; he will despair, and despairing, die."
+
+"I see the urgency of the matter," said Sir Christopher; "Her Majesty
+may lose a good blade in the stout knight, were he to die of grief. He
+hath received wrong, but he shall have speedy redress. Come to me
+to-morrow, good Martin--early, good Martin--my life upon it, I will in
+some sort content you."
+
+Accordingly, a few days after Sir Hugh had returned to his desolate
+home, and when he was beginning, even more than at first, to feel the
+sense of his utter loneliness, and the heaviness of his irreparable
+loss, Martin unexpectedly returned, and, full of apparent haste and the
+urgency and importance of his business, presented a sealed commission
+from Sir Christopher Hatton.
+
+The good knight was seated in the old oak-panelled room, where we have
+first introduced him to our readers. His viol-de-gamba was in his hand,
+and he was listlessly executing an air which was a favourite with his
+daughter.
+
+Those who have heard the tones of this obsolete instrument will readily
+remember its silver sweetness--tones which seemed peculiar to the age,
+floating with a delicious softness through those old apartments, and
+seeming, as they filled hall and corridor, to die away in echoing
+vibration; so soothing and so melancholy; so well adapted to soften the
+poignancy of the old man's grief, that, as he finished the measure, the
+tears coursed one another down his cheeks. Martin (who had stopped to
+listen to the strains for a moment) as the old knight laid down his bow,
+immediately stepped up to him and presented his packet.
+
+The first meeting of the friends, as Martin had surmised, caused
+considerable emotion to both; but Martin concealed his own feelings
+under an affectation of despatch, and dashing the tear from his eye,
+bade the knight peruse the packet with which he had been entrusted,
+without delay.
+
+"From whom and whence?" said Sir Hugh. "Methinks I had rather defer
+matters of business till another opportunity. There be many sealed
+letters I have received the last two days now lying in the hall, and
+which I have no heart to open or peruse; for what have I to do with
+affairs of the world? what interest have I in life or its businesses?"
+
+"Nevertheless," said Martin, "this commission must be read, inasmuch as
+it cometh from one whose behests are to be obeyed. 'Tis from the Queen;
+and if I mistake not, Her Majesty requires your instant employment in
+her service. There is work to be done with spur and rapier, and you must
+undertake it."
+
+"Nay then," said the knight, whose ardour was in a moment aroused at the
+prospect of military duty, "there never yet was a Clopton found wanting
+when he should serve his sovereign in the field: mine eyes are somewhat
+dim, good Martin, peruse the letter, and give me the substance of its
+contents."
+
+"In how long a time," said Martin, after glancing at the letter, the
+contents of which he well knew, "can you be ready to set forth from
+hence, good master mine?"
+
+"As soon as steed is saddled and led forth, and weapon girded on, I am
+prepared to mount," said Sir Hugh, "what other preparation doth a
+soldier want, good Martin?" "Alas!" he continued, looking round, "I have
+now nothing here to take leave of; nothing to care for. In the world I
+am nothing, and unless Her Majesty's services require continuance of my
+life, 'twere better I were gathered to my forefathers." Thus then was
+Sir Hugh, through the instrumentality of Martin, dispatched forthwith to
+join the expedition under the Earl of Leicester against the Spaniards.
+He came up with the Earl just as he had sat down before Zutphen, where
+the circumstance of war and the bustle of the camp, in a great measure
+alleviated the sorrows of the good old man.
+
+With Walter Arderne, however, Martin had a more difficult part to play.
+He thought it wise to separate the uncle and nephew, because the
+constant sight of each other only served to remind them of their loss.
+
+He therefore, after the knight's departure, urged upon Walter the
+necessity there was for his not wearing out his youth in shapeless
+idleness. "There be many ways for a man to rise to distinction in the
+world at the present moment," said Martin, "and let ambition be now your
+mistress, good Walter."
+
+"Alas!" said Arderne, "thou canst not feel for me, good friend, because
+thou hast never felt the desolation I feel. Ambition and all other
+passions are dead within me."
+
+"Go to," said Martin. "Men that live _in_ the world must be _of_ the
+world. The health of the mind is of far more consequence to us than the
+health of the body. The Ardernes were never yet drivellers. Go forth,
+man, like your forefathers. I in some sort feel anguish of mind, as well
+as thou; but I give not way to it. Afflictions are sent by Providence.
+Let your head contrive and your hand execute, and you will forget your
+particular griefs in blows given and taken; nay, the time is coming when
+we shall all have to belt on the brand--that I foresee plainly enough.
+The Spaniard despises all other nations except the English; we have the
+honour of his hate because he cannot despise us; and we shall shortly
+feel the weight of his whole force against us. Of that you may rely."
+
+"And whither, then, would you have me go?" said Arderne. "You objected
+to my accompanying my uncle; what course do you point out for me, so
+poor in spirit?"
+
+"Why, look ye," said Martin, "there is an expedition now about to set
+sail for the purpose of attacking the Spaniards in the Indies. Men's
+mouths were full of it when I was near the Court. Two thousand three
+hundred volunteers, besides seamen, are enrolled under Sir Francis
+Drake. The success of the Spaniards and Portuguese in both Indies, and
+the wonders seen in these islands, have influenced the imagination of
+all men of spirit; an I were you, I would join this expedition,--see
+this new world and its strange inhabitants, and witness the matters said
+to exist there."
+
+"And when would you have me to depart?" inquired Arderne.
+
+"What time is better than the present?" said Martin. "How long doth the
+soldier require to get under arms, when he receives the order to fall
+in?"
+
+"Methinks," said Arderne, "I have many places to visit and take leave
+of, ere I can quit them, perhaps for ever."
+
+"Take no leave of them at all," said Martin. "When you return, they will
+be fresh and fairer in your eyes."
+
+"I have one friend, amongst the many I care not to see again, whom I
+must see and take leave of," said Arderne; "one whom I would fain spend
+some time with ere we part."
+
+"Know I him?" inquired Martin.
+
+"You have seen him often," said Arderne, "but you know him not. She who
+is gone knew him and valued him. 'Tis of her I would speak with him."
+
+"'Twere best not," said Martin; "but (sith I do know the friend you
+speak of,) I cannot object. There is a kind of character in him I never
+found in other men. To part with such a one without seeing again is, I
+grant ye, hard. I give ye one day to spend with your friend, and then
+you must promise to depart for London."
+
+"I promise it," said Arderne, who already felt relief from being, as it
+were, driven into action,----"I promise it, good friend, and the day
+after to-morrow I will depart from Clopton,----depart, perhaps, never to
+return."
+
+"Good!" said Martin; "well-resolved and resolutely! I expect great
+things of this expedition, and thy conduct in it. You are just the age
+to adventure. In youth, we are apt to trust ourselves overmuch; and
+others too little when old. At thy time of life thou art just between
+the two extremes. The proper season for action; _ergo_, thou wilt
+thrive."
+
+It was evening when this conversation took place at Clopton, and gloom
+and melancholy still reigned supreme there. Perhaps the feelings of
+Martin and his young friend were even more depressed, inasmuch as they
+had a melancholy task to perform ere they left the place.
+
+The good old servant, who we have before seen in attendance upon
+Charlotte, either from over-exertion or want of rest, had fallen sick
+just before her charge died. It was supposed at the time that she had
+taken the plague; such, however, was not the case, as she lingered on
+for some days after the young lady's death, and died at last, apparently
+of grief for the loss of her favourite mistress.
+
+Before the death of this old domestic, she had requested of Martin that
+she might be buried in the vault with her beloved young mistress: and
+the request having been acceded to, this very evening was fixed on for
+the funeral. Arderne paced up and down the room (after the conversation
+we have just recorded) for some time in silence. He then turned to
+Martin. "I have been thinking deeply of what you just now urged to me,"
+he said. "The force of it is so impressed upon my mind, that I am
+resolved at once to take my departure from Clopton. The place seems,
+since my resolve, to be hateful to me. To-night I will go forth; for
+since this matter has gone so far, I cannot bear again to sleep at
+Clopton."
+
+"'Tis well," said Martin; "just as I would advise."
+
+"And this friend?" said Arderne, "in whom I am so much interested. Thou
+likest him not, or I would bid thee tell him in how much I feel desirous
+of serving him; and that I commend him to thy especial favour."
+
+"How know you I like not that youth?" said Martin. "I never said so, did
+I?"
+
+"I surmised it from your manner," said Arderne. "You seemed to look
+askance upon him, as it were."
+
+"Perhaps I had my own reasons for such seeming," said Martin; "and if I
+had so, those reasons are now naught. There is no farther cause for
+them. Believe me, he you call your friend, is one who, if I mistake not,
+will some day rise to great eminence. And he live to any age, the world
+will hear something of him, for he hath the brains of half a score of us
+common mortals, with all his modest look, and beardless cheek."
+
+"Then to you I will intrust the task of saying farewell to him," said
+Arderne, "for, methinks, on reflection, it will but aggravate my
+feelings to see him again, since I am so suddenly to depart."
+
+"Be it so," said Martin; "I accept the office."
+
+"In one hour, then, we will say adieu, good friend," said Arderne,
+wringing Martin's hand. "This night I would fain dedicate to her we both
+loved; to-morrow shall find me far from Clopton."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE VAULT.
+
+
+It is night, and the moon sheds a pale and sickly light over the silent
+streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, and the surrounding meadows and
+woodlands.
+
+Is it that the idea of pestilence and death being rife in that silent
+town gives its streets so sickly and melancholy a look--a sort of
+unnatural and unwholesome glare--or is the surrounding air, impregnated
+as it seems with disease, of a more rarified and peculiar character?
+
+The square, thick-ribbed, and embattled tower of the guild of the Holy
+Cross, with its Norman windows and grotesque ornaments, alone looks dark
+in shadow. The streets and windows of the various houses seem to glance
+white and spectral. The tower of the distant church hath a ghastly look,
+and the very tombstones of the dead seem also more white and ghostly;
+whilst a thick mist from the river rises like a cloud in the background.
+
+Silence reigns supreme. Not a breath of wind stirs the foliage of the
+trees upon the margin of the river, or bends the long dank grass growing
+amongst the graves.
+
+Suddenly the distant sound of a horse's hoof-tread disturbs the deep
+silence, and a solitary horseman, riding through the deserted streets of
+the town, approached the churchyard, and dismounting, after fastening
+his steed, entered it.
+
+He takes his way slowly and with measured tread towards a vault attached
+to the church. His cheek is pale and haggard, and the large round tears
+course one another down it. It is Walter Arderne; he has come to spend
+the last hours he intends remaining in the vicinity of Stratford, beside
+the vault containing the remains of his beloved Charlotte.
+
+The plague which raged in Stratford this year was now at its height.
+Already one-fifth of the inhabitants had fallen victims; and it was the
+custom, as much as possible, to bury the dead unobserved at night.
+
+The remains of the domestic who had died at Clopton Hall were to be
+buried on this night after midnight; and as Walter Arderne knew the
+hour, he had preceded the corpse, intending to descend into the vault
+and gaze upon the remains of her he had so loved in life.
+
+His feelings were, indeed, at the moment, wrought to a pitch of
+intensity. He felt that he could scarcely wait with patience for the
+coming of the body and the opening of the vault, so eager was he to
+descend.
+
+"O Time," he said, as with folded arms, he stood gazing at the dark
+grating of the vault, "thy wings are of lightning in our pleasures; but
+thou creepest with feet of lead to the sorrowful and weary. And yet
+thou, who dost constantly move onwards, overcoming all things in thy
+flight, wilt at last conquer even death itself; thou, most subtle and
+insatiable of depredators, wilt at last take all."
+
+A heavy rumbling sound interrupted the meditation of the mourner. It was
+the vehicle containing the body of the domestic from Clopton, and which,
+in its progress, had gathered up other bodies in the town on that night
+to be interred.
+
+The ceremony was performed without the usual formalities, and in all
+haste. Walter drew aside as the buriers, preceded by the sexton,
+approached and opened the vault. They ignited their torches previous to
+descending the flight of steps, and when they did so a cry of horror and
+alarm proceeded from the sexton, who had first entered the vault, and he
+rushed out, whilst those who had followed seemed equally
+horror-stricken. They threw down the corpse, after a glance at the
+interior, and fled.
+
+Walter, who had quietly followed, was struck with dread. He stopped, and
+taking up one of the torches, descended into the vault; when a dreadful
+sight presented itself,--a sight which, as long as memory held a seat in
+his brain, remained there.
+
+The vault was situate deep below the surface. On hastening down the
+steps Walter held his torch on high, and when about half-way its rays
+fell upon a figure, which, like some sheeted ghost, leant against the
+damp walls.
+
+Arderne was brave as the steel he wore, but at first he stopped and
+hesitated, whilst the door of the vault closing behind him added to the
+horror of the situation.
+
+As he continued to regard this startling object, the light becoming more
+steady, he recognised the features of the figure.
+
+"Oh!" he said, "do I behold aright, or do mine eyes play false?"
+
+With horror in his features he approached nearer, and became confirmed
+in his first suspicion. It was Charlotte Clopton. She was dressed in her
+grave-clothes, as she had been consigned to the tomb. She appeared to
+have been but a short time dead, and in the agonies of despair, hunger,
+or, perhaps, madness, consequent upon the dreadful situation, she had
+bitten a large piece from her round white shoulder.
+
+When the buriers of the dead returned, somewhat reassured by collecting
+all their number together, they found Walter in a swoon, with the body
+of Charlotte fast locked in his embrace. Separating them, they replaced
+the body in the coffin, and conveying Walter to upper air, closed up the
+vault for ever.
+
+As the day broke, a tall cavalier rode slowly out of Stratford. The
+raven plumes of his hat almost shadowed his pale face, and his ample
+riding-cloak completely enveloped his form.
+
+He reined up his steed as soon as he had cleared the suburbs, and gazed
+long and fixedly for some time at the handsome spire of the church. He
+then turned his steed, dashed the spurs into its flanks, and galloped
+like a madman along the Warwick road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE VILLAGE FETE.--ANNE HATHAWAY.
+
+
+It is extraordinary how speedily the human mind recovers its elasticity
+after being bent down to the earth, as it were, with the weight of care.
+
+Let the reader glide over some four or five months from the date of the
+transactions we have first narrated, and again look upon
+Stratford-upon-Avon. No trace remains of the deadly scourge which had so
+recently raged in the town; nay, even but small remembrance is to be
+observed in the visages or trappings and suite of the surviving
+citizens (now again mixing in the business of life and the pleasures of
+the world) of those relations and friends _put to bed with a shovel_.
+The fact was, that the plague was a constant visitor at this period, and
+fear of infection the bugbear of the time.[4] The visitation, however,
+being over, the inhabitants came forth again with renewed zest. They
+fluttered about like "summer flies i' the shambles," and sunned
+themselves in the anticipation of brighter days to come. It seemed quite
+a delight to walk the streets, where all looked so happy and contented.
+And yet how small indeed is the portion of life really and truly enjoyed
+by the poor compounded clay, man! Youth refuses to be happy in the
+present moment, and looks forward to future joys, never perhaps to be
+realized. Old age, again, takes a backward glance, and sighs over what
+has passed; whilst manhood (which appears to be occupied with the
+present moment) in reality is oft-times forming vague determinations for
+happiness at some future period when time shall serve.
+
+[Footnote 4: See Correspondence of Sir Christopher Hatton.]
+
+Master Dismal had experienced a perfect state of contemplative
+contentment during the recent visitation; he might now sit himself down
+and retire for a space, he thought; his researches had been most
+incessant, and his attendance upon his neighbours most praiseworthy; he
+could almost have written a treatise upon all he had beheld and studied;
+he had seen out no less than three sapient doctors during the progress
+of the plague, and could indeed, from his gathered experience, have
+himself practised the healing art as well as the remaining one. Now,
+however, that his vocation was over, for the present at least, and the
+inhabitants full of enjoyment, he determined to enjoy himself amongst
+them. It was exactly the twelfth day after Christmas-day that the thread
+of our story is resumed. A sort of village festival was held at the
+hamlet of Shottery, about a mile distant from Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+as several of Master Dismal's neighbours were hieing thither with light
+hearts and joyous spirits, thither he bent his steps also. "Who knows
+what sports may be toward?" he said, as he called for Lawyer Grasp and
+Master Doubletongue, on his way. "Peradventure I may be of some service;
+for albeit I do not wish to anticipate accidents or offences, the last
+wake I was present at, which was at the shearing-feast at Kenilworth
+Green, there were more heads broken by the lads of Coventry and Warwick
+than I can tell you. Nay, Dick, the smith, got such a fall at the
+wrestling, that he never joyed after. Yes, he, died in three weeks. Aye,
+and Ralph Roughhead had his spine wrenched by the back trick."
+
+In Elizabeth's day, when the bold peasantry of England did recreate
+themselves, their sports and pastimes were most joyous. Except in such a
+case as we have just described, and in which the hand of sickness bore
+them hard, their hearths were for the most part free from the withering
+cares of our own improving times. Light-hearted and jovial, they kept up
+the old world sports and pastimes which had been handed down from their
+forefathers. Those quaint games and rural diversions so frequently
+carried on in the green fields and bosky woods. Those cozy fire-side
+diversions which extended alike from the cottage ingle neuk to the
+manorial hall and the castle court.
+
+Many of the popular customs then in use had their origin in remote
+antiquity. The well-known custom of making presents upon New-Year's-day
+in England is as old, for instance, as the period in which the Romans
+sojourned in Britain, and by whom it was introduced amongst us. Amongst
+the Saxons the first of the new year was observed with great ceremony
+and hilarity, and in the reign of Alfred a law was made that the twelve
+days following Christmas-day should be kept as festivals. This is the
+original of our twelfth-day feast, and which, in Elizabeth's reign, and
+long afterwards, was kept with something more of jovial circumstance
+than is now customary. For what says Herrick--
+
+    "For sports, for pagentrie and plays,
+    Thou hast thy eves and holy days.
+    Thy wakes, thy quintels, here thou hast:
+    Thy May-pole, too, with garlands vast.
+    Thy morrice dance, thy Whitsun ale,
+    Thy shearing feasts which never fail;
+    Thy harvest home, thy wassaile bowle
+    That's tost up after fox-i'th-hole;
+    Thy mummeries, thy twelfe-tide kings,
+    And queens; thy Christmas revellings."
+
+When Master Dismal reached Shottery, he found a goodly assemblage
+collected together enjoying themselves in various ways upon the green. A
+whole sheep, which had been given to the inhabitants of the hamlet by
+Sir Thomas Lucy, who possessed property there, was roasting before a
+huge fire. A company of morris-dancers, dressed in a sort of eastern or
+Moorish costume, and covered with bells, were capering away, toeing and
+heeling, and keeping time, their truncheons also bedecked with hawks'
+bells, and making a tremendous jingling.
+
+Then the May-pole, decked with evergreens and berries, and surmounted
+with misletoe, had its joyous party dancing, and running, and threading,
+and laughing, till the green rang again. The lads were all in holiday
+trim, their short becoming jackets belted tightly round the waist, their
+trunks and well-fitting hose forming part of their picturesque costume.
+The lasses were also dressed for the most part in one style--the neat
+made boddice and the short stuff petticoat, so becoming to the female
+figure, and in which they looked handsomer even than if bedizened with
+lace and silk, and tricked out with jewellery. The glow of exercise was
+in their cheeks, and the forms of many there, as they sported in all the
+unchecked freedom of innocent enjoyment, would have been worthy studies
+for the artist's pencil.
+
+The children of the village, who are seldom behindhand when diversions
+are in full force, had also their part in the performance. Tricked out
+in all sorts of scraps of frippery, and costumed for the nonce, they
+revived, in their own way, the Christmas-day pastimes, and bringing out
+the hobby-horse, the green dragon, and all the paraphernalia which had
+done service on the former occasion, they renewed (in small) the sports
+they had then and there beheld. The dragon flapped his wings, the knight
+engaged him, the merryman and the old pantaloon took equal numbers of
+adherents, and "fought on part and part." The snow-balls flew fast and
+furious, and loud and dire were the shouts and hallooing of the
+combatants. Then came the feast in the open air, for in those days men
+and women shrank not from the winter blast during their holiday sports,
+and after that the cup went round, the dance was renewed, and the
+twelfth-tide kings and queens were introduced in all their grandeur.
+
+The village of Shottery was a lovely specimen of a rural hamlet in the
+days of Elizabeth. It consisted then but of some half-a-dozen houses or
+hamlets, which, sequestered amongst the deep woodlands, and each with
+its little orchard in rear, and its pretty flower-garden, formed a
+delicious picture.
+
+Except, indeed, that the homesteads were of a more recent build, (having
+superseded the ruder sort of huts, one or two of which, however, yet
+remained,) Shottery seemed as sequestered and out of the way of the busy
+world as when, many hundred years back, Offa, King of the Mercians,
+granted its meadow to the church of Worcester.
+
+Besides the actors in the different games, there were also many
+spectators, who stood about and occasionally mingled amongst the lads
+and lasses of the village; and amongst these visitors were several
+foresters or keepers belonging to the domains of the gentry around.
+
+These men, as was generally the case when they met together at the
+different wakes, fairs, and country diversions, got up a shooting-match
+at the edge of the green. Warwickshire was always famous for its
+bow-men, and the caliver had not so entirely superseded the cloth-yard
+shaft but that it was yet a dear diversion amongst the peasantry. The
+cross-bow, it is true, was mostly in use, but the longbow was still much
+practised. The remembrance of its destructive powers, and the battles it
+had won in the "vasty fields of France," was yet ripe in the mouths and
+memories of the old host, when he told his winter tale; nay, even yet we
+shall find in this delightful province some remnant of the longbow in
+almost every hamlet: there are indeed more archery meetings in
+Warwickshire alone than in all the other counties of England put
+together.
+
+Amongst the many specimens of rural beauty enjoying themselves in the
+dance, there was one female who especially attracted the gaze of all
+assembled.
+
+Pouncet Grasp (who had wandered over with Master Dismal and others to
+enjoy the scene, and, at the same time, see a client he had in the
+hamlet) seemed especially struck with her. Nay, even Master Dismal
+pronounced her of exceeding good proportions, and most comely features.
+He had never seen a fairer form, he affirmed, chiselled upon a tomb.
+"What a lovely corpse she would make!" he said, with professional
+enthusiasm; "an it please Heaven to take her early, and before age
+withered up her rounded limbs, and whitened her glossy black hair."
+
+"Out upon it," said Master Doubletongue; "thy voice is like a screech
+owl's! Yonder lass will live to make wild work with the hearts of some
+of the village swains before she dies, for all her cherubim looks. I
+shall make shrewd inquiry about her. I'll wager a flagon there's some
+scandal to be heard. I never knew a well-favoured maiden yet, but her
+neighbours said something of her;" and here Master Doubletongue
+whispered in Grasp's ear, at which the lawyer laughed and winked his
+eye, as much as to say, "Ah, Master Doubletongue, you're a wag, but
+you're not far out either."
+
+"An I might get yonder sweet-faced lass for a partner," said Grasp, who
+was a trifle roguish when out of his office; "methinks I could like to
+shake a toe amongst the circle."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "I'm clearly with you there, neighbour; what a
+trim ancle she hath! By the mass, the keen wind which blows me into an
+ague here, shews her figure off to advantage. Accost her, Grasp, accost
+her! Methinks I should like to hear the voice which issues from so
+pretty a mouth."
+
+"Go to," said Grasp, "I am somewhat diffident at speaking to a young
+lass where so many of her companions are around her. Do thou accost her,
+Master Doubletongue, and I'll be near to back you. See, the dance is
+finished, and she comes this way."
+
+"You trip it featly, fair Mistress," said Doubletongue, as the damsel,
+whose appearance had so struck them, approached with two other maidens.
+"Will you join hands with me? Methinks I should like to join issue in
+the dance, and tread a measure with so fair a partner."
+
+"Thanks, gentle sir," said the maid, laughing; "but I do not use to
+dance with any save those I know."
+
+"Right," said a tall athletic-looking forester. "What do lawyers want
+dancing with village girls--Eh? Go to, Master Grasp, mate with your own
+degree. Fair mistress Anne," said he to the maiden, "you must be mine
+for the next dance."
+
+The maiden shrank back with a look of dislike at the tall forester,
+which Grasp observing, interpreted it as a preference for himself as a
+partner.
+
+"Thou art but a rude companion," said he; "and I would fain have the
+maiden's answer without thy counsel; she'll have none of thy partnership
+any how, I trow."
+
+"No," said Doubletongue; "she wisheth not to have the scandal of such a
+partner. Go, fellow--go."
+
+"Pshaw!" said the forester, "what a brace of old crones thou art--go,
+get thee down to the hostel yonder, and warm thee with a cup of wine, or
+an extra flannel shirt! Dance, quotha, and with such a lass as Anne
+Hathaway--Ha! Ha! Why, there's not a caper left in the pair of ye. Go,
+ye gray beards, go, or by my faith I'll make ye both dance to some other
+tune."
+
+"Come, neighbour," said Doubletongue, who liked not the athletic make
+and savage look of the forester, "let us budge and exchange no more
+words with this scurvy companion. For, look ye there, the girl and he
+understand each other, depend on't. They are well matched. I know the
+fellow. He's a keeper of Sir Thomas Lucy's, and one of the greatest
+ruffians in the country."
+
+But the village maiden evidently did not relish the companionship of the
+tall forester. She turned and would have tripped off with her two female
+companions without more controversy. The forester, however, who seemed
+somewhat flushed with good liquor, seized her by the hand, and insisted
+upon her being his partner.
+
+"If I must dance with thee, Diccon, why I must," she said, as she was
+led by the rude keeper to another party; "but it is ungentle of thee to
+force me to do so against my free inclination."
+
+"Thou art ever thus coy with me, Anne," said the forester, "and ever
+avoidest my company. Why dost use me thus, when I have sworn an hundred
+times I would die to serve thee?"
+
+"I like thee not, and would have no further words with thee," said the
+maiden. "Thy presence poisons my delight. I have told thee so I know not
+how oft. I pr'ythee prove the love thou dost profess, by leaving me."
+
+"Beware I shew thee not how love can turn to hate," said the dark
+forester, bitterly. "Thou shalt not spurn me thus for nothing. Come,
+thou shalt dance," and forthwith the forester led the maiden out to join
+the dancers.
+
+Gazing upon the revellers, and at no great distance from the spot where
+the forester and his unwilling partner danced, stood a youth, apparently
+about seventeen years of age. He leaned upon a stout staff, and regarded
+the dancers with a countenance so melancholy, that it was evident
+(although he listened to the pipe and tabor, and watched the glee of the
+revellers) he had no part in their enjoyment. It was young Shakespeare:
+he had been absent some time from his native town--no one knew where he
+had sojourned, or what part of the world he had visited during this
+sequestration of himself from a neighbourhood recent events had rendered
+so full of melancholy associations. He had occasionally given his
+parents intimation by a few lines, or some message, of his welfare, and
+had but a few days before returned to Stratford.
+
+It is not to be supposed, that one so full of observation would fail in
+remarking the very handsome female we have described. "The prettiest
+low-born lass that ever ran on the green sward."
+
+With a melancholy mind he had bent his steps that day towards Shottery.
+Such revels as the present he had before oft-times taken part in, and
+now (albeit he was in no mood for joviality), with the feeling and
+desire to observe the happiness of others, he had remained to look upon
+the sports.
+
+His thoughts, indeed, were sad enough. He had lost his good friends from
+Clopton, after the terrible affliction of their house. He had been left
+alone after having tasted the sweets of their society, and this too in
+the midst of misery and disease. 'Tis true, that owing to the good
+management of his parents, and their being of more careful habits than
+the generality of the neighbours in their condition of life, they had
+kept the disease from their hearth, and for that he had reason to be
+thankful. But, added to the feeling of melancholy which the events we
+have before narrated had caused, was the knowledge that his father's
+circumstances were daily growing worse, and he felt too that he himself,
+although he had reached a time of life when he ought to be doing
+something, was without purse, profession, or prospect.
+
+These thoughts, however, gradually gave place to interest in the
+surrounding scene. His was a mind and disposition which could scarcely
+witness the happiness of others without partaking of their joy, and
+gradually he became more and more interested. As he continued to observe
+the beautiful villager (for she was in the full blossom of her charms),
+he noticed that she seemed uneasy with her partner, and averse to his
+rough attentions. Watching more closely, he observed the overbearing
+style of the forester, and the increasing timidity of the maiden. That
+was enough for him. He moved nearer to them, and as the dance finished,
+he stepped up and accosted her.
+
+"Your hand, fair maiden," he said, gently taking her hand in his. "But
+that I think you have fatigued yourself, I would dance with you."
+
+There was so much sweetness in his voice and expression, as he said
+this, and his action was so gentle, that the maid resigned her hand,
+and, as she gazed at his handsome face, she unconsciously put her arm in
+his, and adopted him as her protector. In such cases the parties
+understood each other in a moment.
+
+If there is one thing more likely than another to excite a desperate
+quarrel amongst men, it is rivalry in the affairs of love and gallantry.
+The veriest cur upon four legs can hardly brook being cut out
+unceremoniously before the eyes of his favourite, and to the tall
+forester, with the forbidding countenance, the fact of being thus
+outbraved by a stripling, was matter, at first, of astonishment more
+than anger. The fellow was a sort of champion too, one hired and kept by
+the knight of Charlecote as a sort of terror to evil-doers in his parks
+and preserves; an impudent, reckless, and quarrelsome companion; one
+whom most of the youths present would fain have avoided fastening a
+quarrel upon, inasmuch as he had kept the ring on Kenilworth Green for a
+whole Christmas, against all comers, a few years before.
+
+Slightly bowing her head in courtesy, Anne Hathaway would have tripped
+off with her new friend and protector, but the keeper was not the man
+likely to put up with so unceremonious a parting. He stepped on a few
+paces, and presently overtook them.
+
+"How now, young Master," he said to Shakespeare, "methinks you carry
+this matter as bravely as rudely? A word with you ere you walk off so
+quietly with my partner there."
+
+As Anne, in some alarm, had rather urged her protector on, the forester
+unconsciously laid his hand upon his arm to detain him.
+
+The youth snatched his arm quickly away. "Lay no fist of thine on me,
+sirrah," said he, "as many words as you like, but touch not my doublet."
+
+Th« forester looked surprised at the eye of fire with which Shakespeare
+regarded him.
+
+"And wherefore not?" he said.
+
+"Simply," reiterated Shakespeare, "because your putting affront upon me
+will oblige me to wipe off such rudeness by a blow of my staff."
+
+"Thou art a bold young springald as ever it was my lot to fall in with,"
+said the forester, stepping a pace back and regarding his rival with a
+scowling look; "and by my fay, for your inches, as likely a young fellow
+as ere I looked upon, well limbed and clean made as a good bred colt.
+But I must take this sauciness out of thee. I cannot sing small before
+so young a champion; come," he continued, "unhand the lass, lest I pluck
+her from thee, or rather thee from her."
+
+"The maiden seeks her home for a space," said Shakespeare, "and I attend
+her; after that I will hold converse with thee. Fear not," he whispered
+to his fair companion, as she shrank back in alarm at the threatening
+aspect of the forester, "this is but a drunken dissolute fellow, and I
+shall be able to protect you from his violence, depend on it. Those who
+threaten loudly are oftentimes but weak in action."
+
+The pair were again about to move off. But the evident aversion of the
+maiden to the rude forester was indeed gall and wormwood to him, and
+roused him to stop her progress homeward.
+
+"Nay, Mistress Anne," he said, "you carry it not thus with your gallant;
+come, I will bring you to your cot myself," and as he said this, he
+stretched forth his hand, and would have rudely seized her by the arm,
+but Shakespeare, who had anticipated something of the sort, dealt him so
+severe a blow over the knuckles with the staff he carried, that the hand
+fell powerless, and the forester, with a cry of pain, started back for
+the moment unable to return the blow.
+
+"Make amongst your companions," said the youth, "I must bide this act
+now, for good or ill. I have struck the first blow."
+
+The controversy had, indeed, already collected several spectators; "A
+ring, a ring!" they cried. "Here's Black Dick challenged to a bout at
+quarter-staff by a boy."
+
+"Ha," said Grasp, who had come up amongst others, and now pushed into
+the circle, "assault and battery here, eh? Keep back, my masters all;
+keep out of range, lest we get a flout from their cudgels. There'll be
+smashing work anon, for look you, yonder's my wild slip of a
+sometime-clerk, John Shakespeare's unthrift son. He's going to catch it
+this time, and right glad am I therefore. Stand back, Master Dismal,
+stand back. Ah, there they go at it right merrily."
+
+"I see evident chance of a broken skull in this business," said Dismal.
+"That fellow with the green frock seldom amuses himself by a set-to in
+the ring but he either maims or lames his adversary for life."
+
+The parties indeed had quickly engaged, for as speedily as the forester
+could shake the numbness from his fingers, he dealt a most
+uncompromising blow at his adversary, which had it taken effect would
+certainly have knocked out his brains. But the youth received it on his
+staff with great coolness, and shifting his right hand, returned it as
+swiftly. The forester in an instant lost his temper; he rushed upon his
+opponent with the intention of seizing him in his powerful grip, and
+throwing him to the earth; but he received so severe a check full in the
+teeth as he did so, that he stopped short, and shook his head with rage
+and pain.
+
+"Well struck," cried the villagers, "Black Dick has met his match!"
+
+Coolness and self-possession will always tell in a combat of this sort.
+
+The temper once lost, the conflict within tells more against the
+combatant than the blows of his adversary. Every available function is
+over-exerted and blind rage baffles the skill.
+
+Thus it was with the bulky forester. Strong drink and violent anger
+rendered him tremulous as he fought. He dealt his blows thick as hail,
+most maliciously, and without any regard to the rules of such a combat.
+He would have killed his opponent if he could, and so young Shakespeare
+found, and dealt with him accordingly, quite aware that the slightest
+mistake on his own part would result in his either being killed or lamed
+for life. The youth, who in reality possessed greater strength than his
+appearance seemed to warrant, kept well away from the shower of blows,
+till his antagonist was completely out of breath. He then stood more up
+to him, returned his blows with interest, and at length dealt him so
+severe a stroke on the head, that the forester reeled under the shock
+and almost fell.
+
+Nothing but his own consummate skill could, however, have saved young
+Shakespeare up to this time from the fury of his antagonist. Nothing now
+but his own chivalrous feeling could have saved his antagonist from a
+severer lesson than he actually received at his hands.
+
+The blow he gave the forester, and which struck him on the head, for the
+moment placed him at his mercy. The strong ruffian reeled and nearly
+fell, and as he still endeavoured to smite furiously with his weapon, it
+flew out of his hand, and he was at the mercy of his antagonist, who
+immediately dropped the end of his staff upon the ground, and waited for
+him to recover it.
+
+At this moment several of the forester's comrades, who had been shooting
+at a target at the edge of the Green, attracted by the sound of the
+fray, came up. They were enraged at beholding the discomfiture of their
+companion, whose opponent they seemed inclined to handle roughly; and
+the villagers immediately taking part with Shakespeare, a general fight
+ensued, and with the true English bull-dog resolution, blows with fist
+and stick resounded on all sides. Master Grasp was overturned and trod
+under foot, swearing action and imprisonment against all and sundry the
+combatants. Master Dismal was fain to betake himself to flight, and
+Doubletongue said, as he made off also, that such a scene was a scandal
+to the whole country; whilst the village maidens, in a state of alarm,
+stood looking on at a distance, and calling to their lovers, cousins,
+and brothers, to desist for the love of heaven and their own sweet
+sakes.
+
+In short, such was the rage of the combatants,--the keepers being for
+the most part Gloucestershire men, and objects of dislike to the
+Shottery lads,--that it seemed more than probable lives would be lost
+ere the matter ended.
+
+In the midst of the fray, however, a stately-looking man, mounted upon a
+large grey horse, accompanied by a couple of cavaliers, and attended by
+half-a-dozen serving-men, or falconers, rode up to the scene of action.
+The badge worn upon the arms of the attendants bore the same device as
+that upon the coats of several of the foresters engaged, being three
+white lucies, or pike-fish, and the spectators immediately recognised
+Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote.
+
+No sooner did the knight observe the nature of the business in hand, and
+his own people engaged, than he clapped spurs to his horse, and dashing
+into the midst of the fray, called, in a voice of thunder, to the
+combatants to desist, overturning at the same time, with the shoulder of
+his horse, the two first persons he came in contact with.
+
+"Give me the names, Huntsman," he said, turning to the man who seemed
+his own particular attendant, "of all in my service engaged in this
+disgraceful riot. Now, I will not only discharge, but punish them
+severely!"
+
+"May so please your honour," said one of the foresters, "we are not
+altogether so much in fault as you may imagine. One of our comrades hath
+been assailed and beaten, and we did but take his part here, when all
+set upon us."
+
+"And what do you here at all, caitiffs?" said Sir Thomas, "when ye
+should be in your walk in Fulbrook Park. Whilst such fellows as you
+dance and fight at wakes and fairs, my park is broken, and my game
+killed and carried off."
+
+"We came but in to-day to drink your honour's health, hearing you had
+given a sheep for the revels," said the chop-fallen keeper.
+
+"You shall drink the health of another employer henceforth," said the
+knight; "and who is the person you say hath beaten your fellow?"
+
+"A youth, who hath more than once done the like," said the keeper; "one
+whom I myself have oft-times caught in our Woods and warrens, and as
+continually warned off."
+
+"His name?" said Sir Thomas. "Let me know his name, and I will take
+sharp measures with him an I catch him."
+
+"Shakespeare," said the keeper; "he hath beaten me myself some time
+back."
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, "'tis well. I will remember. Hath the
+fellow no Christian name?"
+
+"William, your honour," said the forester; "the elder son of John
+Shakespeare, of Stratford."
+
+"William Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, with emphasis. "'Tis well. Now
+point this William Shakespeare out to me, if he be present on the
+Green."
+
+"If your honour looks but amongst the knot of men yonder," said the
+forester, "you cannot fail but see him."
+
+"What, is it that fellow there with the broad shoulders and long back?
+By my fay, a strong and able caitiff."
+
+"Not so," said the keeper, "'tis the youth standing next him, in the
+gray doublet."
+
+"Fetch him hither," said Sir Thomas; "I would speak with him."
+
+As young Shakespeare approached Sir Thomas, the knight regarded him with
+a scrutinizing and searching eye.
+
+"A goodly stripling," he said, turning to Sir Jacob Astley, of Hill
+Morton, one of the gentlemen with him, "a goodly stripling, and a bold
+looking withal."
+
+"It hath been notified to me, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, addressing
+Shakespeare with infinite stateliness and hauteur, "that you are much
+given to evil ways, inasmuch as you are wont to make frequent trespass
+upon my parks and woods hereabouts; and that, too, to the detriment of
+my property and the disturbance of my deer."
+
+"I am sorry such rumours have reached you," said Shakespeare coolly,
+"since there is, I fear me, some sort of foundation for them. I _have_
+trespassed in your woods. Albeit, I have never intentionally molested
+the deer."
+
+"I am glad you have the grace to confess so much," said Sir Thomas; "but
+sith you have not disturbed my deer, you have, at least, beaten my
+foresters during your trespass, and again to-day have you repeated the
+offence."
+
+"Your foresters rated me in ungentle terms," said Shakespeare; "railed
+at, and bestowed vile epithets upon me. Nay, even laid hands on me."
+
+"They are hired by me so to do," said Sir Thomas. "Their roughness is
+their virtue; and _by_ such roughness are they told to deter all
+trespassers and poachers from my parks and warrens."
+
+"I am no poacher, to be so railed at and roughly treated," said
+Shakespeare coolly.
+
+"Well, henceforth come no more into my woods," said Sir Thomas,
+preparing to ride off, "lest I give directions to have thee used in a
+more rough fashion than heretofore."
+
+"I cannot promise that," said Shakespeare, "since I am much given to
+wandering; and, truth to say, I know not exactly which are, and which
+are not, your grounds. I would not willingly anger Sir Thomas Lucy, of
+Charlecote, _but_ an he keeps men for the preservation of the game, and
+the amusement of himself, methinks such men have small right to domineer
+and tyrannize over those of poorer sort, who seek but the free air and
+the wild woodlands."
+
+"Thou art over bold and insolent for thy years," said Sir Thomas; "I
+will have thee whipped and imprisoned the next time my men take thee. So
+come not in Charlecote woods an ye be wise." And Sir Thomas, who found
+his choler getting high, put spurs to his palfrey, and, after ordering
+his keeper to quit the Green, rode off with his company.
+
+It would be difficult to describe the expression of mingled acorn,
+contempt, and ridicule which was expressed upon the countenance of
+Shakespeare, as he regarded the departing figure of the knight of
+Charlecote.
+
+He stood for some moments leaning upon his staff, looking upon the party
+as they rode off the Green and disappeared in the woods. He then turned
+his glance contemptuously upon the keeper, and laughing to himself as he
+repeated the words, "whipped and imprisoned," turned and was about to
+leave the spot.
+
+"We shall meet again," said the keeper, in a deriding tone. "I know we
+shall."
+
+"Not if I can avoid it," said Shakespeare.
+
+"An we do," said the keeper, "you hear what is in store for you."
+
+"He you serve can hardly tell what is in store for himself, much more
+for another," said Shakespeare, "an he could have done so, he had
+prophesied thy likely reward both here and elsewhere."
+
+"What would that be?" inquired the keeper, coming close to the youth.
+
+"Present beating, if again insolent," said Shakespeare, "and the gallows
+in reversion."
+
+The keeper drew back; he remembered his comrade's discomfiture, and the
+skill the youth had displayed.
+
+"Well, fare thee well," he said, "we shall cry quits anon. An Sir Thomas
+keep word with thee we shall lay thee by the heels yet."
+
+"And, an he keep word with thee, he will have one knave the less in his
+service. Adieu, I waste time and speech upon thee." So saying,
+Shakespeare turned his back upon the forester, who, joining his
+companions, after exchanging a few angry words with their late
+opponents, they left the Green, and the sports were resumed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE TWELFTH-TIDE REVELRY.
+
+
+The rudeness of the keepers and their overbearing style towards the
+villagers, was by no means an uncommon occurrence. Backed up by their
+employers to display as much roughness towards all trespassers as they
+chose, the foresters were usually a coarse and brutal set. They were
+mostly chosen too, at this period, for courage, strength, and skill with
+their weapons; consequently when they came into collision with the
+peasantry, the latter frequently had the worst of it, and the conflict
+seldom ended without serious consequences.
+
+On the present occasion, several of the village lads assembled vowed war
+to the knife against the men they had fought with. They had so often
+experienced their _outrécuidance_ and overbearing rudeness, that they
+swore to annoy them in every possible way they could.
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy," said Ralph Coulter, "doth ever take part against us,
+let his men use us vilely as they may; nay, we shall soon have no leave
+to step either to the right or to the left from the beaten road. For
+look ye, an we steal but into the meadows to whisper a word into a fair
+lass's ear, we are warned off, and ordered to keep the path; an we take
+a dog to hunt the ducks in the stream, we are threatened with
+imprisonment for poaching."
+
+"As well do the thing at once as be blamed for it," said another
+peasant; "who'll go down with me to-night, and shoot a buck in
+Fulbrook?"
+
+"Have with you for one, say I," said Ralph Coulter, "an we miss the buck
+and hit the keeper, so much the better shot."
+
+"Nay, this is but folly," said a third, "and may bring all into trouble,
+so to speak before strangers; you do but jest, I trow! Look ye, we are
+overheard too."
+
+"An ye mean this lad who hath so well cudgelled Black Dick," said
+Coulter, "I dare be sworn he is not a sneak to turn informer upon us."
+"Wilt take a part and bring in a buck some night? Me thinks it would be
+rare sport," he continued, addressing Shakespeare.
+
+"Marry will I," said Shakespeare, whose daring disposition was instantly
+aroused at the idea of the exploit. "Any night you like I should dearly
+love to do some despite towards those overweening knaves."
+
+"Well," said Coulter, "we shall talk further of it anon; meantime see
+the dancing is over, and the indoors diversions are beginning. I am for
+old Hathaway's orchard and the cider revel."
+
+"And I am for goodman Thorne's," said another; and so the party
+separated.
+
+The shadows of a January's evening were now beginning to descend over
+the surrounding scene, and the several parties to retire to their
+different homesteads, there to continue their twelfth-tide diversions,
+and to partake of such fare as the good wives had prepared for the
+swains accompanying their daughters home.
+
+Young Shakespeare, who had made acquaintance with Ralph Coulter,
+accordingly accompanied him to the cottage of Master Hathaway, where he
+again met with the handsome Anne, and renewed his acquaintance with her.
+
+The maiden indeed seemed nothing loth to receive his attention, for his
+handsome figure and gallant conduct had already made some impression
+upon her.
+
+According to an ancient custom in this and other counties of "Merrie
+England," Master Hathaway assembled his guests in the principal
+apartment of his domicile, a good-sized and comfortable-looking room,
+and which (as was usual in those days) served the jolly yeoman for
+"parlour, and kitchen, and hall." There was the huge gaping chimney,
+with its comfortable bench on either hand, together with those stout
+timbered rafters and oaken beams at the roof, from which hung such store
+of bacon and other good things appertaining. There was the
+diamond-paned-window and its seat beneath, with the stout timbered
+doors, the high-backed chairs, and the one massive and cumbrous oaken
+table, and which seemed from its thick supporters to be fixed into the
+floor, or growing out of it; and there sat the grandsire in his old
+accustomed seat under the chimney, "sans eyes, sans taste, sans teeth,
+sans everything," yet looking with some sort of recognition upon the
+sports he had witnessed, man and boy, for near a century in that very
+room. In short, it was a perfect picture of rural comfort and old world
+contentment that kitchen and its appurtenances, filled as it was with
+those happy, smiling, and rosy maidens, and their stout-limbed ruddy
+village swains.
+
+As soon as Master Hathaway had assembled his guests and family, he
+filled a huge pitcher with cider, and the whole party, young and old,
+male and female, filed out into the orchard in rear of the cottage. Here
+they immediately took hands around one of the best apple trees, and
+dancing round it, the whole company hailed the veteran in the following
+doggrel, in the gladsome feeling of their light hearts, flinging and
+capering, shouting and hallooing, like so many bacchanals.
+
+    "All hail to thee, thou old apple-tree,
+    Whence thou may'st bud, and whence thou may'st blow,
+    And whence thou may'st bear apples enow.
+        Bonnets-full! caps-full!
+        Bushel-bushel-sacks-full,
+        And our pockets-full eke also;
+    Here's for thee, thou old apple-tree, huzza! huzza!"
+
+Whilst this was being sung, the females of the party, seizing the
+opportunity of the jug passing round, made their escape within doors;
+and then the joint intended for supper being clapped upon the spit, the
+doors were all immediately made fast. Meantime Master Hathaway, having
+finished his "all hail" to the patriarch of the apple family, bestowed a
+libation on its mossed stem from the remains of the cider, and then, at
+the head of his party, made the tour of his orchard, singing the same
+exquisite piece of doggrel over again.
+
+This done, as the sharp and biting blast of a January night began to be
+apparent, and the snow to fall, the whole of the men assembled filed off
+to the house. Here (according to the custom of the time and the sport
+toward) the doors were found to have been secured by the female portions
+of the revellers; and they were put through the ceremony of a formal
+demand for admittance, and as formal a denial.
+
+Exposed to the pitiless pelting of the snow-storm, whilst the damsels
+jeered them at advantage from the casement, they were told that no lock
+could be turned, no bolt withdrawn, until one amongst their party
+(himself a guest and a bachelor) could guess the name of the joint
+roasting upon the spit.
+
+"And what guerdon," inquired Shakespeare, "to him who guesseth the
+same?"
+
+"The best portion of the joint," said Dame Hathaway, "the first draught
+from the cider with the toast and hissing crab in it, and a kiss from
+the comeliest lass in the company."
+
+"The latter reward, then, at least, I claim," said Shakespeare; "for an
+you have not spitted the chine to-night, I would I might never see a
+porker again."
+
+The scream of laughter with which this was received, (the withdrawal of
+the bolts, and the rush of the lasses to hide themselves from the
+penalty incurred), proclaimed that the guesser had made a lucky hit; and
+Shakespeare, in right of his guess, entered first to claim and obtain
+the reward.
+
+Our readers need scarcely be informed that the handsome daughter of the
+host was the maiden sought for and selected; and that Anne Hathaway
+received on this night the first kiss from William Shakespeare.
+
+In the games which were to follow this ceremony, the more mirth
+displayed was superstitiously imagined to give greater promise of a full
+apple season that year, and accordingly, fast and furious grew the fun.
+
+If we were to say that young Shakespeare entered into these revels with
+feelings of unmingled enjoyment, we should indeed belie him.
+
+As he looked upon the joyous faces around him, he felt delighted at the
+scene; and as his eye occasionally met that of the handsome Anne, he
+certainly at each glance felt more and more struck with her beauty; yet,
+still the remembrance of Charlotte Clopton, and the dear friends he had
+lost, over and anon "stopped the career of laughter with a sigh," and
+he, at such moments, felt almost unfitted for the scene.
+
+There was, however, a charm to one of his disposition in these old wild
+rites and superstitions; and, as after midnight the revellers sat round
+the hearth, and each one was called upon for the tale of grammarie, the
+ghost story, or the fairy tale, he at length gave himself up to the
+enjoyment of the hour and season.
+
+The peasantry of our times have scarce an idea of the enjoyment
+consequent upon the old creeds and superstitions of their forefathers.
+Their dispositions are soured, their lives squalid, their style brutal,
+and in comparison to the good old English peasant, the jovial hearty
+yeoman of Elizabeth's day, they are a miserable race. The innocence of
+the old age is fled, and 'tis now all driving harshness, and hard
+selfish utilitarianism.
+
+Our fairy creed, amongst other things of more moment, and which was wont
+to be so cherished amongst the superstitions of the peasantry, is gone
+from their memories.
+
+Not a sprite is left to skim the cream from the bowl,--not a silver
+piece is now ever lent to the _favoured_ maiden, _without the rate of
+interest_, and found by her at early dawn.
+
+Puck and Robin Goodfellow, and all their elfin throng, _have fled ever_
+from the scene. At the period of our story, however, these imaginary
+beings held a prominent place in the minds of our rural populations.
+Nay, so firmly was the existence of these _elfins of power_ believed in,
+and so much influence were they supposed to have over mortals _for good
+or ill_, that many an old crone spoke with bated breath when she named
+the merry or mischievous pranks of Robin Goodfellow. Many a bold youth
+glanced with eye of fear at the acknowledged haunt of the fay in the
+forest glade, and many a maiden held the household sprite in religious
+awe, as she swept her kitchen at early dawn.
+
+That such feelings and superstitions were idle and ridiculous (amongst
+the bold peasantry of England in a former age) is true. Still, they gave
+a charm to each shadowy grove and unfrequented wood, and caused an
+interest in the different wild scenes of beauty where the elfin crew,
+"those merry wanderers of the night," were wont to hold their moonlight
+revels, and dance their ringlets to the whistling wind, which to our own
+times is unknown.
+
+The more noisy sports of the night had finished. The party, nothing
+loth, for even pleasure is fatiguing, were now seated round the blazing
+hearth. To noise and loud laughter succeeded the cough of the crone--the
+saw of the old man's tale--the tale "of woeful ages long ago betide,"
+and the chirp of the cricket; whilst the ruddy glow of the fire was
+reflected upon the faces and forms of tho listeners sitting around. The
+maidens, too, crept more closely to their admiring swains, as they
+glanced fearfully behind during the progress of the tale; more than one
+kiss was taken on the sly, by way of assurance against the spectre. The
+last pipkin of good liquor simmered upon the hearth, and, in short, it
+was now the very "sweet o' the night."
+
+To Shakespeare this was a delightful moment. His mind seized upon the
+secret feelings of the assemblage. He saw them in their ignorance and
+superstition: and though conscious of his own superiority over the rude
+throng, "sitting 'mongst men like a descended god,"--nay, in after days,
+remembering these meetings and the feelings they had engendered, he
+founded an elfin world of his own on the traditions of the peasantry,
+and clothed them in the ever-living flowers of his own exuberant fancy.
+Yes, he who was to astonish the universal world, sat in that cottage
+like one lost in a dream--a dream which these simple superstitions had
+conjured up. The snow-storm still rattled on the casement, the fire grew
+dim on the hearth, the room darkened down, the wind whistled without,
+and sounded drear amongst the mossed trees in old Hathaway's orchard, as
+he listened, and, as his arm stole round the waist of the sweet Anne, he
+forgot his recent troubles, and already felt himself half in love,
+whilst the tale and the song still went on.
+
+That gentle and unassuming mortal was the last person to presume upon
+his own feelings and knowledge; he felt pleased and delighted with the
+company he was thrown amongst, and extracted amusement and instruction
+from the veriest clod-pate there. Perhaps the enjoyment of the circle
+was the more perfect, too, from the growing storm, which as it rattled
+sharply against the casements, added to the comfort within, by the
+apparent discomfort without.
+
+Remembrance lingers o'er such scenes, and the lapse of time gives them
+an interest which at the period they scarcely seemed to possess. Yes,
+time hallows in after days the scene and hour, and softens the
+remembrance of it even as age softens the touches of a picture.
+
+"Ugh-ugh," coughed the old grandsire, when called upon for his story.
+"There have been many tales told of Robin Goodfellow in my young days,
+an I could but remember them. Nay, I can recollect myself sad pranks he
+used to play. Both him and Hobgoblin, as we used to call t'other sprite.
+In those days the witches were more plentiful than now, though their
+evil deeds are rife enow at all times--God 'ild us; but even the witches
+themselves were no more terrible than was Robin and his rout. Mass, I
+wish I could remember one half of the merry jests, mad pranks, and
+mischiefs he used to do."
+
+"Nay, grandsire," said Anne Hathaway, "but this Robin doth no harm now,
+except it to be to knaves and queans, as he is Oberon's own son, so his
+royal father hath enjoined him not to harm the good and thrifty."
+
+"Of a verity," said the elder Hathaway, "such is the case in some sort.
+Nevertheless, Anne, in my time, sad pranks have been played in the night
+season by Robin."
+
+"Aye, and as many good turns done too by him in mine," said old dame
+Hathaway. "What, hath not the elf oft-times ground the malt, swept clean
+the house, and washed all the children's faces in the night?"
+
+"Aye," said the other, "and pinched the maids black and blue for
+laziness; and even carried them out fast asleep into the green meadows
+in the night, and led poor wayfarers out of the way to perish in some
+deep wash."[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: All these were popular beliefs.]
+
+"Well, well," said Master Hathaway, "cleanliness and thrift, and a good
+hunk of bread in one's pouch, will do much; not only to keep off the
+elf, but to keep one from hungering in the quagmire, for what saith the
+rhyme."[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Clobie's "Divine Glimpses." I adopt these lines because
+they allude to the curious old opinion, that bread carried about the
+person was a charm against tricks of Robin Goodfellow, though they bear
+date 1659.]
+
+    "Thy fairy elves who thee mislead with stories
+    Into the mire, then at thy folly smile,
+    Yea, clap their hands for joy. Were I used so;
+    I should shake hands with them, and turn their foe.
+    Old country folks, who pixie leading fear,
+    Bear bread about them to prevent that harm!"
+
+"Come, tell us, grandsire," said Anne, "how you met the fairies coming
+one night from Monkspath."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy, lass, I had almost forgotten all about it," said the old
+host, who indeed had most likely dreamt the adventure one night in his
+cups, and then related it till he himself believed it was a fact. "Why,
+you see, when I was a yonker, there were terrible deeds done in England.
+We didn't live then so peaceable-like, as we do now, under our blessed
+Queen Elizabeth. A man's life in those days warn't thought o' so much
+value as in ourn; by the same token, stabbing, smashing, hanging, and
+heading, and all sorts of wild work, were the order of the day,--more
+the pity. We hadn't then either such goodly dwellings, at least so many
+on 'em. Men were men then, and hadn't such luxuries as now. Ugh-ugh,
+Gad-a-mercy! I have seen the time when we used to sleep o' nights in the
+open fields as comfortably as under a roof. Nay, we hadn't such beds
+either then. A shake-down of the fern, or a clean bed of straw, with a
+log of wood for the head, was enow for most folks. I struck a good
+strike for Harry at Bosworth Field what time old Shakespeare----"
+
+"Well, well," interrupted John Hathaway, "Bosworth bye and bye. The
+fairy story now, father."
+
+"Nay, I war only going to say that yonder lad's grandfather (old
+Shakespeare of Stratford) could have borne me out, had he been alive,
+since he war at the battle of Bosworth too. Both he and I were together,
+jammed in amongst the spearmen, when King Richard pressed up on his
+white horse, and nearly struck young Richmond down. Mass, he were a
+fierce devil that day, and raged like a fiend. Richmond, I remember,
+bore back, as well as he might, an Richard had not been beaten off by
+the good knights around, the hot king had fairly brained him. Two I saw
+him fell with my own eyes ere he was forced away. Ah, he were a goodly
+sight to look on that day; and if deeds of daring and good soldiership
+could ha gotten the day, Richard had had it. He wore his crown upon his
+helmet, I remember, and (albins men liked him not) by my fay, he looked
+a king. No man that lived and beheld him but saw that."
+
+"But the fairies, grandsire, the fairies?" said Anne.
+
+"Well, well; bide a bit. Where war I? Ah, I see. I had a mad horse in
+Shottery--what time I came back from Leicestershire--and I would fain
+have sold him; so I e'en rode him along with some other youngsters to
+Kenilworth Green, where there war a wake holden underneath the abbey
+walls. Folks spoke darkly of old Kenilworth then. Now I'm told there be
+rare new buildings reared up there."
+
+"There are," said Ralph Coulter. "A fine new castle hath been built by
+the Earl, glorious to look on, and called Leicester's Buildings, and
+ornamented, that it would do you good to look on 'em."
+
+"Ah," said the elder Hathaway, "times are changed hugely. At the time I
+speak of old Clinton's Tower was ornamented and hung with the bodies of
+caitiffs, traitors, and outlaws; for the whole country round was full of
+disturbance, famine, and war. Howbeit, as I was saying, I went to
+Kenilworth to sell my sorrel nag; but I couldn't do so. So after I had
+taken a draught at the Leicester Arms there, I rode away to a relation I
+had at Monkspath. Travelling was very unsafe then, as you may
+believe--worse than now-a-days--and I hastened on to get through the
+woods before nightfall; and when I had got within about a mile of
+Monkspath, I saw a man, just as it began to grow twilight, coming
+towards me. He was dressed in a bright green doublet, and either my
+eyes deceived me, or the good liquor of the hostel made me see double,
+but he had a sort of _familiar_ flitting at his back. He was very small
+in make and height, and wore a bright golden bugle at his waist. My
+horse stopped of himself as the little man came up, and seemed all of a
+tremble, and wouldn't pass him nohow; so I dismounted, and tried to lead
+him past. But it wur all one; the horse wur fixed as firm as one of the
+old oaks beside us. 'Will you sell that brute?' said the little hunter.
+''Tis what I wish,' I answered. 'It is very ugly: is it a cow or a
+horse?' said the little man. 'He was a horse a minute ago,' I answered;
+'but now he seems turned to stone: I can't make him go, no wise.' 'My
+people have got him fast,' said the little man; 'he can't go. What do
+you ask for him?' inquired the little wretch. 'Fifteen pieces,' I said.
+'There's thirty,' said the little man. 'Now stand aside whilst I mount.'
+So saying, the little gentleman gave me the thirty pieces, and got upon
+the horse. No sooner had he done so than the beast went mad outright, I
+thought. He flew about, capered, and kicked out his heels, as if a flame
+of fire had lighted on his crupper. I ran to get out of the way, for
+fear of being struck, and when I turned, lo, horse and man were clean
+gone--sink into the earth as it were, and vanished, leaving me in the
+greatest of terror and confusion; whilst a wild and beautiful strain--a
+sort of hollow winding note of a bugle--seemed to pass through the air."
+
+"Strange," said several of the listeners. "Was it not?"
+
+"As soon as I had a little recovered myself," continued the quaint old
+man, "I hastened on to Monkspath, and sought my relation. He took me to
+an old monk belonging to the abbey beside the castle, to whom I told the
+story, and asked his advice about the money, and whether I might use it.
+The monk gave me leave to use one-half the money, provided I gave him t'
+other half; 'for,' said he, 'as you in no way circumvented or
+endeavoured to cheat the buyer, be he witch, devil, or fairy, you are
+fully entitled to what you asked. The other fifteen pieces,' said he, 'I
+will lay up in store for the use of our abbey.' On this assurance I was
+well satisfied, so I hastened to get out the purse the little gentleman
+had given me; but the worst of it all was that no purse could I find; my
+pocket was empty, my purse gone, and the monk rated at me for a knave,
+whilst my relation laughed at me for a fool."
+
+"He, he, he--ugh--O dear--O dear!"
+
+"And the horse," said Anne--"the horse? you forgot the horse,
+grandfather."
+
+"The horse--oh, ah, true enough--the horse. Why I found him, on my
+return home here, grazing quietly in the orchard, with his saddle turned
+under his belly, and covered with mud and mire, as if he had been drawn
+through all the mosses and sloughs between this and Coventry."
+
+"And you was not at all flustered that night?" said Shakespeare. "Pardon
+the question, But I thought the little man in green might have treated
+you to an extra cup."
+
+"Body o' me,--what I drunk! Not a whit. I had had just enough to make me
+all right. I'd a drunk about as much that night as I have to-night, or
+perhaps a quart more."
+
+"And who do you then suppose the buyer was?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Who?" said the old host, "why, who but Robin Goodfellow, his own self!
+Who else should it be?"
+
+"True," said Shakespeare, laughing; "there's no question on't."
+
+"A song, a song," said Dick, the shepherd. "Let fair Mistress Anne sing
+the song about Robin."
+
+Anne Hathaway accordingly, in a marvellously sweet voice, and to the old
+tune of Dulcina, sang some verses, which, although not word for word the
+same, in some sort were like the following stanzas:--
+
+               I.
+
+    From Oberon, in fairy land,
+      The king of ghosts and shadows there,
+    Mad Robin I, at his command,
+      Am sent to view the night sports here.
+    What revel rout
+    It kept about
+
+    I will o'ersee
+    And merry be
+    In every corner where I go,
+    And make good sport with ho, ho, ho!
+
+              II.
+
+    When house or hearth doth sluttish lie,
+      I pinch the maidens black and blue;
+    The bed-clothes from the bed pull I,
+      And lay them naked all to view.
+    'Twixt sleep and wake
+    I do them take,
+    And on the clay-cold floor them throw;
+    If out they cry,
+    Then forth I fly,
+    And loudly laugh I, ho, ho, ho.
+
+             III.
+
+    By wells and rills, in meadows green
+      We nightly dance out hey-day guise
+    And to our fairy king and queen
+      We dance our moonlight minstrelsies.
+    When larks 'gin sing
+    Away we fling,
+    And babes new-born steal as we go,
+    An elf instead
+    We leave in bed,
+    And wind out-laughing, ho, ho, ho![7]
+
+[Footnote 7: This song has been attributed to Ben Jonson, and in the old
+black-letter copies it is directed to be sung to the tune of Dulcina. As
+it embodies some of the freaks of Robin, I have given it here.]
+
+How much longer Mistress Anne Hathaway's song might have continued it is
+impossible to say, but as she finished the last verse steps were heard
+without the door, followed by sounds, as if some one in a faint voice
+demanded admittance, and then a dull heavy blow, like a person falling,
+and which shook the door violently.
+
+The wind piped loud and drear, whilst all paused and listened, and
+presently a deep groan, which appeared to come into the very room from
+beneath the door, still further startled the party.
+
+The village maidens were too much frightened to cry out, but each threw
+herself into the arms of the swain next her, whilst Master Hathaway rose
+from his seat, and Shakespeare felt obliged to bestow a kiss upon the
+ripe lips of Anne, in order to reassure her.
+
+"Gad-a-mercy," said Hathaway, "'tis surely Robin himself come amongst
+us."
+
+"Ah!" said Dame Hathaway, "this comes of singing ribald songs to offend
+him. Now the good year; what shall we do to appease the sprite? Ah,
+mercy on me, there is another groan, as I am a true woman."
+
+"Some one is surely in distress," said Shakespeare, rising, "suffer me
+to unbar the door."
+
+"Troth, I'd rather not," said Hathaway; "since it may be a device of the
+evil one to come amongst us."
+
+"Nay, but it may be some wayfarer lost or misled on this inclement
+night," said Shakespeare. "A few minutes' neglect may cause death. I
+pr'ythee allow me to open and look out. There are enough of us here," he
+continued, smiling at the horror-stricken peasants, "to cudgel Puck and
+all his crew."
+
+So saying, Shakespeare stepped across to the door, and, drawing the
+bolts, quickly opened it, when the body of a man to all appearance dead,
+rolled into the apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE MISLED WANDERER.
+
+
+The visitation we have just described caused a sufficiently startling
+interruption to the cozy comfort of the entire party. Young Shakespeare
+started back in some surprise, and the whole circle, springing from
+their seats, stood gazing upon the object so suddenly introduced amongst
+them.
+
+The villagers looked upon the visitation as something supernatural, and
+were afraid to move; but Shakespeare, after closing the door, with main
+force against the driving wind and snow, stooped down and examined the
+object at his feet.
+
+"Move the log upon the hearth, Master Hathaway," he said, "and make it
+send up a flame, so that I may see better. Ah, 'tis as I thought, some
+poor devil caught in the storm. He seems dead."
+
+"Dead!" cried Dame Hathaway, regaining courage, when she found the
+visitor was not a fairy, or perhaps Robin Goodfellow in _propriâ
+personâ_. "Dead! Gad-a-mercy, how dreadful!"
+
+"Best warm his inside," said Master Hathaway, approaching. "Here, let us
+drag him close to the fire, and give him something to drink."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, Master Hathaway took the inanimate body
+by the shoulders, and, drawing it before the fire, laid it along upon
+the hearth,--a ghastly object,--appearing, in the blazing light, the
+prostrate form of what had once been a tall strong man. The face was
+now, however, pinched and ghastly, and the limbs already stiffening.
+
+The readiest remedy at hand being a portion of the hot cider, with the
+hissing crab in it, some was immediately poured down the throat of the
+prostrate wayfarer, whilst all hands set to work to draw off the heavy
+boots, and divest him of some of his outer garments, in order to rub and
+chafe his body. In the progress of this operation it became apparent
+that the person of the visitor had been exposed to all the vicissitudes
+of flood and field; since the mud frozen upon his outer garments, and
+the peat-moss which was incrusted upon his long boots, doublet, and torn
+belt, showed that he had wandered through more than one morass in his
+progress.
+
+He was evidently a person of condition, as was apparent from his dress,
+which, torn and soiled as it was, proclaimed the rank of the wearer, by
+its fashion. He was completely armed too, having a long heavy sword in
+his belt, and poniard in his girdle.
+
+"Ah!" said old Hathaway, as he gazed upon the man's face, after pouring
+a draught of hot cider down his throat; "I surely know that
+countenance."
+
+"See, he's coming to," said Dame Hathaway; "he opens his eyes, aye, and
+his mouth too. Give him more liquor."
+
+"'Tis so," said Hathaway, after regarding the prostrate form; "I thought
+I knew that face. Dame," said he, calling his wife aside, "this is a
+somewhat dangerous visitor, inasmuch as he is one whom it is considered
+treason to shelter."
+
+"And who then is it, husband?" inquired the Dame.
+
+"'Tis Eustace the priest," whispered Hathaway, "who used to lie up at
+Clopton, and through whom 'tis said the old knight got into so much
+trouble. His coming bodes no good to us, I fear."
+
+"Gad be here" said Dame Hathaway, "that's ill tidings to give us on a
+twelfth-night, or rather morn. But be he priest or sinner, traitor or
+faitour, or whatever else he may turn out, we cannot do otherwise than
+help him in his present need."
+
+"Right," said Hathaway; "we must shelter the man, that's certain."
+
+In accordance to this humane resolve, and which was indeed at the period
+sufficiently hazardous, the priest was conveyed up stairs, and laid upon
+a four-post bed. But although every attention was paid to him, it was
+soon apparent that his hours were numbered.
+
+Calling Dame Hathaway to his bed side, as he somewhat recovered, the
+priest desired that Master Hathaway might be summoned.
+
+"I fear me your kindness, good Master Hathaway," he said, "may possibly
+get you into misfortune; and were I able to rise and leave your cottage,
+I would rather do so, than lay you under the danger of succouring me."
+
+"Heed it not," said the good farmer, "a belated wayfarer should ever
+find shelter in an Englishman's cottage."
+
+"But, in me," said the priest, "you behold a man condemned to death, and
+whom the officers of justice are now in search of."
+
+"I know you only as one in need," returned the farmer. "Those who search
+know for what they search. You are welcome to my roof whilst needing it.
+When you no longer need it, go forth."
+
+"I shall never leave it alive," said the priest. "Listen whilst I relate
+the causes which have driven me to this extremity."
+
+"Go to," said Hathaway, "sleep would do you more good. But an it pleases
+you to be a talker, I am all attention."
+
+"You doubtless know me," said the priest, "and so much of my history as
+led me to fly from Clopton what time the good Sir Hugh was arrested and
+sent to the Tower."
+
+"Hap I do, hap I don't," said the farmer. "Take another sip of the warm
+sack my dame hands you, and go on from thence. At least I've heard of
+the events of that night."
+
+"I escaped pursuit on that night," said the priest. "They sought me in
+the south, but I fled north, across the border, and took refuge in
+Scotland."
+
+"Ah!" said old Hathaway, "I dare be sworn there you found plenty of your
+own sort. Scot and plot hath rhymed together pretty often during this
+reign."
+
+"It hath," said Eustace; "and I speedily entered into a plot there."
+
+"One you found ready-made to your hand," said Hathaway; "Eh?"
+
+"I did," said the priest. "I fell in, whilst in the mountains, with one
+Morgan, also a fugitive from England: he introduced me to Babington,
+Savage, and others, who were zealous Catholics, and engaged in a project
+for dethroning Elizabeth, and restoring by force of arms the exercise of
+the ancient and true religion. The Pope, the Spaniard, and the Duke of
+Guise, had all emissaries amongst this company. I, however, persuaded
+them of the vanity of any attempts upon the kingdom, so long as one so
+prudent and popular as Elizabeth was suffered to live. An assassination,
+an insurrection, and an invasion, must at one and the same time be
+attempted, I told them, that they saw at once the force of my arguments.
+We met, during this discussion, in an old castle situate in Strathdon,
+and called Corgarff--a wild and desolate place. To you who dwell in
+fertile and pleasant England, my good folks," continued the priest, "the
+aspect of the wild region in which we held our meetings, would have
+appeared sufficiently terrible. No shrub, no tree, not a blade of grass
+was to be seen on this drear mountain land. Nothing but blasted heath,
+rocky glens, and deep morasses. The people wild, desperate and fearful,
+as the land they inhabit."
+
+"In few," continued the priest, "having assumed the disguise of a
+soldier, and the name of Geffrey, I left this place for England, with
+the purpose of obtaining a secret interview with the Queen of Scots,
+during her imprisonment. This opportunity I found whilst the queen was
+in custody of Sir Amias Paulet, rigorous as that confinement was. To her
+I communicated tidings, that on the event of Elizabeth's death, her own
+deliverance would be attempted; all the zealous Catholics would fly to
+arms, and that foreign forces taking advantage of the general confusion,
+would fix her upon the English throne, and re-establish the Catholic
+religion."
+
+"Alas! alas! what terrible doings you who meddle with religious matters
+think upon," said Master Hathaway; "better to kneel down under the blue
+sky, and worship God without form and ceremony, if such is to be upheld
+by treason and bloodshed, from one end of the kingdom to the other."
+
+"Alas! thou speakest wiser than thou art aware of," said the father,
+"and after a life of intrigue and dark underhand doings, in death I find
+that all such measures are but a serving the cause of the devil, in
+place of doing our duty towards God."
+
+The dying priest now became so faint and exhausted that he could
+scarcely proceed.
+
+"I feel," he said, "the hand of death rapidly approaching, and bitterly
+doth it now weigh upon my soul, that I have in some sort aided the
+enemies of my country in raising that dreadful tempest which sooner or
+later must now fall upon the land."
+
+"Truly a heavy weight to lay upon the breast of a sick man," said
+Hathaway, shuddering. "And how then came you thus?"
+
+"Our scheme," said the priest, "was discovered. Nay, it had been all
+along known. The Queen of Scots approved the project, and even when we
+were ripe and ready for action, one of our party, named Ballard was
+seized. This indeed so alarmed us, that finding we were also strictly
+watched wherever we went, we dispersed in parties, and under cover of
+night, and in various disguises, we fled from London a week back.
+
+"Of all who were engaged, however, and we numbered fifteen individuals,
+all, I have since learned in the different towns where I have ventured,
+have been taken, some in woods, some in barns and outhouses where they
+sought shelter; nay, I have myself lain in concealment beneath the straw
+in the barn adjoining your cottage here for the last few days. This
+morning I stole out, and whilst you were engaged with your village
+dance, I endeavoured to reach a secret refuge known to me at Clopton,
+and which place I concluded was uninhabited. Unexpectedly, however, I
+found as I entered the private part of the mansion, that I was mistaken.
+I was encountered by one Martin Delville, who it seems hath remained in
+charge of the hall. He attempted to seize me, and in defending myself, I
+received a shot in the breast. Still I managed to escape, and wandering
+through the country, I endeavoured to find some place of refuge, some
+roof where I might be sheltered. Faint with loss of blood, I still held
+onwards in the hope of reaching Stratford, but a dancing light, which at
+one moment seemed to await my coming, and the next went bounding from
+me, and by following which I have been more than once nearly drowned, at
+length led me back to the spot from whence I had started. As the light
+vanished from my eyes, its place was supplied by the distant appearance
+of your comfortable fire, seen through the casement, and the driving
+snow. I but managed to reach your door, and that was all--life is fast
+ebbing away with the blood that flows from my wound."
+
+"Nay, cheer up," said Dame Hathaway, "perhaps it may not be so bad; I
+have some Friar's balsam here at hand which will do wonderful things."
+
+"It's no use, goodwife," said Hathaway, "I see death in his face. He
+bleeds inwardly as thou see'st, and is almost choked. Not all the friars
+that ever lived could save him, and to speak truth he hath had already
+quite enough to do with such cattle, for see what sloughs and pitfalls
+they have led him into."
+
+"Nay," said Dame Hathaway, "it was Robin Goodfellow, you see, who led
+him into all these sloughs and pitfalls he describes, and at length
+brought him to our door."
+
+"Robin Goodfellow, or Robin Badfellow,"[8] said old Hathaway----
+
+[Footnote 8: The sprite was sometimes so named at this period.]
+
+"Hist, hist!" said Dame Hathaway, "never abuse Robin if you wish to
+thrive."
+
+"Well, go to," said her husband, "the man is sped, and there's an end.
+Do thou and Anne remain with him whilst I go down to the lads below.
+'Tis almost dawn. Alas, alas! this is a sad finish to our twelfth-tide
+sports; but we must still not suffer our guests to depart without their
+breakfast."
+
+As Hathaway spoke, he descended to the apartment below, where the guests
+were still sitting around the fire, and discussing matters appertaining
+to the appearance of the misled wayfarer, and telling of woeful tales
+and dire stories, which suited the hour and the circumstance.
+
+At old Hathaway's re-appearance amongst the circle, all were set to work
+to clear up the apartment, put it to rights, and prepare for the
+breakfast it was customary to partake of before the company finally
+broke up. The first faint streaks of dawn were beginning to appear as
+they departed. The snow-storm had cleared up, the diamond panes of the
+windows were fretted with frozen crystals, and as old Hathaway threw
+open the door and looked forth, the trees in the orchard were heaving
+with congealed snow, the ground was covered with the same white sheet,
+icicles hung in clusters from the roofs of the outhouses, and all around
+was softened and rounded by one white feathery crust. In short, it was
+one of those delicious winter mornings so often seen after a driving
+dreary and tempestuous night,----a morning in which the old world look
+of the buildings and barns around, seen in the clear wintry air, and the
+while flaky look of the country, gives so delightful an aspect to a
+rural hamlet.
+
+Old Hyems seems then to smile as benignantly as he can,----to have
+smoothed the icy furrows of his brow, and consented to give to human
+mortals a slight respite, ere he fetches from the frozen bosom of the
+north more cutting blasts and angry winds.
+
+    "Then icicles hang by the wall,
+      And Dick, the shepherd, blows his nail,
+    Then Tom bears logs into the hall,
+      And milk comes frozen home in pail.
+    When blood is nipp'd, and ways are foul,
+    Then nightly sings the staring owl,
+    _Tu-whit_, _to-who_, a merry note,
+    While greasy Joan doth keel the pot."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE SUITOR.
+
+
+The confession of the dying priest will doubtless recall to our readers
+the state of England at this period. Matters indeed were fast hastening
+towards that great event of Elizabeth's reign, which, for its mighty
+import, and the magnificence of its preparation, is, perhaps, without a
+parallel in the history of the country. The minds of men indeed were at
+this time fully impressed with the certainty of some great and terrible
+convulsion being at hand. It seemed that a fearful storm was surely and
+slowly gathering above their heads, and which, sooner or later, was to
+burst upon the land like some torrent breaking bounds. There was no
+occasion for men to ask each other from whence this ruin was to come.
+The great enemy of the country,--the haughty, vindictive, and cruel foe
+of England at this period, was the iron-hearted bigot of Spain: and upon
+Spain were the eyes of all men turned with apprehension. 'Twas the
+general theme of conversation, the all-absorbing topic of the day; and
+torture, murder, and every sort of evil that fiends could inflict upon
+the inhabitants of a conquered country was to be expected, should a
+successful invasion take place. Yes; Spain was then the bugbear of
+nearly every Englishman's fire-side. One or two startling events,
+however, which made men "whisper one another in the ear," were to take
+place, ere this grand convulsion shook the nation; and yet, amidst the
+anxieties consequent upon such a state of things, it is curious how
+mankind continue the even tenor of their lives.
+
+The twelfth-tide revel at Shottery had introduced young Shakespeare to
+some new acquaintance in that place. Amidst the youths he had met there,
+he found one or two lads of spirit; and, as he bent his steps across the
+fields towards the village, he would fain have persuaded himself that it
+was to renew his acquaintance with them that he had set forth. Ere he
+had reached the village, however, he felt obliged to confess that the
+real desire of his heart was neither for the companionship of the lads
+of the village, nor to learn tidings of the wounded priest, but really
+and truly to see again and hold converse with the handsome Anne.
+
+    "Oh heaven, were man but constant
+    He were perfect. That one error
+    Fills him with faults."
+
+Mortals indeed are prone to error; and he whom we reverence as the
+greatest of men, was no more secure from the failings the flesh in heir
+to than his fellows. In truth, the youthful Shakespeare was again in
+love.
+
+Those of the most generous sentiments and finest feelings are perhaps
+more subject to this passion; for,
+
+    "Eating love inhabits in the finest wits of all."
+
+It is not to be supposed that the melancholy fate of the beautiful
+Charlotte was so soon and entirely forgotten; but youth is not the
+season for ever-during melancholy. Bright thoughts will then spring up
+amidst the most gloomy recollections; and if one thing more than another
+can soothe the cares, and help to "pluck from the memory a rooted
+sorrow," it is the sweet companionship of woman in all the brilliancy of
+her glowing charms: and so thought Shakespeare as he took his way across
+those pleasant fields betwixt his own town and Shottery. "Yes," he said,
+as he came within sight of old Hathaway's cottage,
+
+    "To heal all grief, to cure all care,
+    Turn foulest night to fairest day,
+    To breathe delight, Anne _Hath a way_."
+
+In youth we are more prone to fancy one elder than ourselves. The modest
+lad seems to look up to the full-blown woman, and to feel that his
+attentions, if received, are bestowed upon a worthy object; that he is
+indebted to her who consents to regard one so inferior (as at that
+moment he conceives himself) for women profess, in general, whatever
+they may feel, a contempt for the attentions of a mere boy, as they term
+the lad of seventeen or eighteen--a foolish lad, whom we laught at for
+his simple folly and childish admiration. This is dangerous sophistry,
+however, for a fair maid to indulge in.
+
+In the middle period of life the fancy of the lover strays towards the
+fresh and budding flower, and the coy maiden is often sought out for a
+wife. In age, alas, 'tis but second childishness.
+
+When Shakespeare reached the cottage of Master Hathaway, he felt his
+heart palpitate as he knocked at the door. His was a new acquaintance,
+and he hardly knew how the good yeoman might receive a visit so soon
+repeated. The voice of the old dame, however, bidding him come in,
+reassured him, and he lifted the latch and entered.
+
+"Ah, Master Shakespeare," said the old dame, who was sitting at her
+spinning-wheel, "troth am I right glad to see thee. My husband and I
+have been oft-times talking of you since the night you was here."
+
+"And the goodman," said Shakespeare, "is he hearty?"
+
+"Troth is he, and away to Warwick to-day with Goodman Coulter, Hodge the
+smith, and others."
+
+"And your fair daughter?" said Shakespeare; "I see her not here. How
+fares she?"
+
+"A little dashed in spirit with this matter you wot of--the wayfarer
+whom we had to bury yesterday," said the dame.
+
+"He is then dead. I thought his end was near."
+
+"He died soon after you left," said Dame Hathaway. "The crowner sat on's
+body, and the man Martin from the Hall was examined with Lawyer Grasp
+and Master Dismal, and the man were known to be an escaped traitor. And
+so he's buried in a hole like a dog; and there's an end. And a good end
+too, if men will go about to compass such mischief as he seems to have
+been hatching all his life."
+
+"And fair Mistress Anne," said Shakespeare, "is she too busied like
+yourself, 'weaving her thread with bones'?"
+
+"No," said Dame Hathaway, "though she is occupied, she is out in the
+orchard with Mopsy, and Lawyer Grasp, and Master Doubletongue."
+
+"Grasp!" exclaimed Shakespeare, as a sort of strange feeling shot across
+him; "what doth the scrivener at Shottery?"
+
+The dame smiled, knowingly. "The bright day hath brought him forth
+mayhap," said she.
+
+"'Tis the bright day that brings forth the adder," said Shakespeare;
+"and that Doubletongue too. I am sorry they are acquainted with Mistress
+Anne."
+
+"Why so?" said the dame. "Master Grasp is rich. He hath store of moneys
+'tis said. He hath been saying some pretty things to Anne; nay, in good
+sooth I think he, _in some sort_, affects her."
+
+"May the pestilence strike the crafty knave!" said Shakespeare to
+himself, as a slight pang of jealousy shot through his breast. "He
+affect the handsome Anne Hathaway!"
+
+"You know Master Grasp?" said Dame Hathaway, inquiringly.
+
+"I do," said Shakespeare, drily.
+
+"I thought as much," said the good dame, "for I heard his discourse to
+Anne, and, sooth to say, he did not speak well of you; nay, he speaks
+vilely of you."
+
+"Thank Heaven, therefore," said Shakespeare, smiling; "the praise of the
+wicked is less to be coveted than their censure. By your leave I will
+seek your daughter in the orchard."
+
+"I pray you do," said Dame Hathaway, "and bid them in to dinner."
+
+When Shakespeare entered the orchard he found the two damsels engaged in
+removing apples from a sort of store-house erected at the further end of
+it, to another outhouse nearer to the dwelling; and, as the two elderly
+swains had gallantly volunteered to assist them in their labours, the
+damsels were amusing themselves by taxing their good-nature and strength
+to the utmost.
+
+Accordingly as the youth strolled amongst the tree towards them, he
+beheld the unhappy Grasp bent double under the weight of an enormous
+basket, so filled with apples that he could scarce stagger beneath it,
+whilst Anne Hathaway, with both hands, was still piling up more fruit.
+Master Doubletongue was similarly loaded, and both the maidens were
+laughing till their sides ached at the rueful figures their patient
+lovers exhibited.
+
+The situation was indeed felt by the suitors as sufficiently ridiculous,
+and when they saw some one approaching both would fain have thrown down
+their burthens if they had been able.
+
+"Nay, I pray thee, Good Mistress Anne," said Grasp, "give me not the
+entire produce of the orchard at one turn. I am neither Hercules nor
+Atlas. My back is well nigh broke, as well as my heart, by your cruelty.
+I would fain stand upright. Heaven relieve me," he muttered to himself,
+"from this pestilent load."
+
+"My strength sufficeth not to remove so large a load," said Anne, still
+laughing, "all I can do is to take them out by degrees, as I have placed
+them _one by one_!"
+
+"I should die ere relieved by so slow a process," said Grasp. "Oh, my
+back, my weary back is cramped with long suffering and weight of
+apples."
+
+"Then trudge off, and throw them into yonder wood-house," said Anne.
+"I'll never entertain your services if you are thus idle."
+
+"I cannot budge a foot," said Grasp, "I am, as it were, rooted in the
+snow. Heaven help me."
+
+"Stop whilst I give you this small basketfull," said Anne, emptying more
+apples into the load.
+
+"Nay, then, I can no longer bear it," said Grasp; and he sank upon his
+knees, whilst both the lasses kept piling more apples upon his head.
+
+"I am utterly foredone, and must fain succumb," said Grasp; "my better
+parts are vanquished, lo, I fall," and, as he sank under his burthen,
+the huge load rolled in heaps around him.
+
+"I shall be crushed, altogether crushed and flattened like a
+shrove-groat shilling," said Master Doubletongue. "I pray you, fair
+damsel, to help me down with this burthen. I would fain do my best in
+your service, but I am not able, I find, to do the work of a younger
+man."
+
+But the saucy maidens, having brought their two admirers to their
+present doleful state, as soon as they saw young Shakespeare
+approaching, ran, shrieking with laughter to meet him, leaving their
+swains to extricate themselves as they best could.
+
+"I do perceive that I am made an exceeding ass of by this lively
+virgin," said Grasp, gathering himself up from amongst the rolling
+apples; "nevertheless her comeliness and favour hath quite entamed my
+spirits to her worship. I would fain contract a marriage, and the good
+yeoman her father is right willing to receive me for a son-in-law."
+
+"And I," said Doubletongue, "should greatly like to wive also, an I
+could achieve the maiden Mopsy. Mass, but she is fresh as an April morn,
+and strong as a porter. Would to Heaven she had relieved me of this
+burthen ere she fled! Help me down with it, good Grasp, an you love me."
+
+"Who was that I saw approaching when the maidens deserted us?" inquired
+Grasp. "See, they are now returning with him into the house, without so
+much as 'I thank ye,' for all we have done for them."
+
+"'Tis surely young Shakespeare," said Doubletongue, "your sometime
+clerk."
+
+"Oh, the young scapegallows," said Grasp, "by my fay, and so it is. His
+presence here bodes no good to my suit, and I have already possessed
+Mistress Anne with my opinion of him. Nay, Sir Thomas Lucy hath spoken
+with me about him, too. The dare-devil lad hath somehow offended Sir
+Thomas, and he vows to deal hardly with him an he can catch him
+trespassing on his domain. I'll stir him further to't."
+
+"He hath trespassed upon our domains here too, I think, and carried off
+my sweet friend Mopsy," said Doubletongue. "I'll abuse the varlet
+where'er I come."
+
+"Thou canst not say worse of him than he deserves," said Grasp; "an I
+can but once catch him tripping, I'll be his ruin yet."
+
+"Methinks we bad better wend our steps back to Stratford this morning,"
+said Doubletongue. "I am sore wearied, and sorely nipped with the cold
+blast. The pestilence seize this Shakespeare, I had rather not encounter
+him."
+
+"I would we were both rid of him," said Grasp; "albeit I am somewhat
+sorry to leave him in the company of the fair Anne; such a
+smooth-tongued varlet is sufficient to corrupt a whole village."
+
+"Let us slink by and get a peep in at the window," said Doubletongue;
+and the worthy pair of friends left the orchard.
+
+On that evening a youth and a village maiden were soon strolling quietly
+along the footpath leading from Shottery to Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+youth, with head inclined, was telling a soft tale in the ear of his
+companion--a tale such as evidently was pleasing to her, for her
+handsome face was radiant with smiles. There was something in the step
+and bearing of both which proclaimed them superior to the common ran of
+mortals: albeit their costume was but a degree removed from, and in
+somewhat better taste than that of the peasant of the period. Both were
+extremely handsome, and it was evident they were lovers, inasmuch as
+(although the occasional passer seldom failed to stop and turn to regard
+them) they were so entirely wrapped in each other's society that they
+seemed lost to all external objects.
+
+As they reached a part of the path which in crossed by the high road,
+they stopped, and a stately knight, accompanied by two ladies, and
+attended by several mounted serving men, rode by. The ladies seemed
+struck with the form of the handsome maiden; and the cavalier, after
+passing, turned and leant upon the cantle of his saddle, and steadily
+regarded the youth.
+
+"'Tis he," said the Knight of Charlecote, to himself, "and the girl is
+Hathaway's daughter. 'Tis pity she should mate with so reckless a
+youth."
+
+"Who, said ye, they are?" inquired the elder daughter of Sir Thomas;
+"methinks I have seen the youth at Clopton Hall."
+
+"See him when and where thou wilt, Alicia," returned the knight, "I fear
+me you will have seen but a graceless suitor, from all I have learned
+through the scrivener Grasp. 'Tis the wool-comber's eldest son, young
+Shakespeare of Stratford."
+
+After this brief discourse, the party rode on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+SHOTTERY HALL.
+
+
+With lovers, days, weeks, and months pass swiftly by. The fair and witty
+Rosalind is made to tell us, however, that time trots hard with a young
+maid, between the contract of her marriage and the day it is solemnized,
+for "if the interim be but a se'night, time's pace is so hard, that it
+seems the length of seven years."
+
+With the swifter foot of time, however, during the even course of love
+between young Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, we shall pace over some few
+months in our history.
+
+Angry winter must be supposed to have departed; the fields and meadows
+to have thrown off his livery, and the woodland scene around
+Stratford-upon-Avon, to be dressed in the green investiture of the
+coming spring.
+
+The hard pace of time therefore must be now imagined to be progressing
+with the fair Anne, inasmuch as she has been wooed and won by the
+youthful Shakespeare. She is indeed between the contract of her marriage
+and its solemnization.
+
+It was one lovely evening, about this period of our story, that an
+exceedingly handsome female was sitting pensive and melancholy in her
+own apartment at Shottery Hall, a large mansion situated just without
+the village.
+
+Our readers have before had a glimpse of this lady, during the eventful
+night of the party at Clopton, what time she was engaged in the dance
+with Walter Arderne. Clara de Mowbray had indeed, been one of the
+intimate friends of the fair Charlotte, her confidant and associate from
+childhood. She was herself an orphan, and possessed of great wealth; and
+although but one-and-twenty years of age, seemed to have already given
+up the pleasures of the world, and dedicated her days to good and
+charitable deeds in and around her own neighbourhood. She was,
+therefore, as a matter of course, the lady patroness of the little
+village near which she dwelt.
+
+Whether it was that she mourned over the fate of the early friend, whose
+death had been attended with such awful and melancholy circumstances, or
+whether the loss of her parents had left a sad impression upon her
+spirits, we cannot tell; but certain it is, that Clara de Mowbray seemed
+to labour under some secret and deep-seated grief, which rendered
+society a burden to her.
+
+As she sat on this evening in her own apartment, her attendant announced
+a maiden from the village, who was desirous of seeing her.
+
+"'Tis the handsome Anne Hathaway----is it not?" inquired Clara. "Indeed
+I sent to request she would come hither."
+
+"It is, lady," returned the attendant.
+
+"Set a chair for her here beside the window, and wait on her in."
+
+"They tell me she is soon to be wedded," said the attendant, as she
+brushed the chair with her apron, "and that she hath refused a good
+offer for the sake of her present lover."
+
+"I have heard as much," said the lady; "and 'tis of that I would speak
+with her."
+
+The Lady Clara had known Anne Hathaway from childhood, consequently,
+there was little of form or ceremony between her and the more humble
+friend.
+
+"I have sent for you, Anne," said Clara, as soon as the damsel entered,
+"to talk about your future prospects. I have been so great a recluse,
+that I have only just heard of your intended marriage. I trust you will
+be happy, Anne."
+
+"I hope so, lady," said Anne.
+
+"And do you _think so_?" inquired Clara.
+
+"Wherefore should I not, lady?" inquired Anne.
+
+"There are one or two things," continued the lady, "I have heard of your
+betrothed, which leads me to ask the question, Anne; and also because we
+are old friends, and I love you. In the first place, I hear your suitor
+is younger than yourself. Is't not so?"
+
+"It is, lady," said Anne.
+
+"And I hear also that he is of no calling; that he is poor, and his
+friends needy."
+
+"All that you have said is true," said Anne Hathaway; "_but_--" and she
+paused.
+
+"But you are in love," said Clara. "Well, I suppose there is no advice I
+can give you which will avail against that argument. I would have you,
+however, consider well; and (as I know neither of the parties) I cannot
+judge in how far your own judgment is right in this matter."
+
+"I would you could see the two together," said Anne, smiling, "you would
+then have little left to urge in favour of my richer suitor."
+
+"Indeed!" said Clara, smiling; "yet one word more, Anne. I hear the
+youth--let me see, how is he named?"
+
+"Shakespeare," said Anne, "William Shakespeare."
+
+"Well, then, I hear that this lover of yours--this young Shakespeare, is
+of a daring spirit; that he associates with youths as reckless as
+himself; and that, in very sooth, he bears altogether a character for
+idleness even in the town where he dwells."
+
+"What do you charge him with in particular?" said Anne, smiling.
+
+"Nay, nothing more than I have hinted at," said Clara. "He is slightly
+regarded by the townsfolk of Stratford, from his idle propensities. If
+there be a bear to be baited at Kenilworth Green, who so sure to be
+there as this younker. If there is a wrestling-match and a bull-baiting
+at Coventry, thither is your swain sure to go. If there be, in short, a
+wake or fair, or revel, in this or the adjoining county, young
+Shakespeare is as certain to be seen upon the Green as those resident on
+the spot. Nay, I have been told that he hath himself beaten one of our
+Warwickshire champions here at Shottery last Christmas, and that he is
+giving to poaching withal."
+
+"In respect ye have named his delight in all sort of out-door sports,
+you are right, lady," said Anne; "but that he is given to poaching is a
+malicious rumour."
+
+"Well," said Clara, "I see your affections are set upon this match, and
+far be it from me to oppose your will. I too well know the misery of
+blighted love. Heaven guard you, Anne. Ere you wed, it would please me
+to see _the youth_."
+
+"You have seen him," said Anne.
+
+"I remember him not," said Clara.
+
+"'Twas at Clopton you met with him," said Anne. "William hath told me he
+met you on the night of that unhappy ball, and that Master Walter
+Arderne shewed you to him in the room."
+
+Clara started. She then said, in some surprise, "Did your lover know
+Walter, then?"
+
+"They were sworn friends, lady," said Anne.
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Clara. "'Tis a name I remember. Was not the youth
+who saved Charlotte Clopton from death in the park called Shakespeare?
+If so, him indeed have I met at Clopton, and have heard both Charlotte
+and Walter Arderne speak of."
+
+"'Tis the same youth, lady," said Anne.
+
+"Indeed," said Clara; "that doth indeed surprise me;" and Clara remained
+for some time lost in deep thought. "I have a relic," she said, "of
+Charlotte's given me by Martin, and which was much treasured by poor
+Charlotte. 'Tis a small piece of verse of exquisite beauty. If I
+recollect rightly, Martin told me it was written by this lad--this lover
+of yours. Stay, I will shew it you;" and Clara, after searching in a
+small casket, brought forth a scrap of paper with some verses written on
+it, which she read aloud, and then handed to Anne.
+
+"I am not much given to poetry," said Anne, smiling; "but I see by the
+character they are written by William; but methinks I should have known
+them for his by other tokens. He often repeats such verse in our walks.
+He hath written scores of such pieces as the one I now hold in my hand."
+
+"Nay, then, I cannot wondor at what I have heard," said the lady;
+"neither am I surprised at such a man being the friend of Walter
+Arderne. There is one thing more I would ask," said Clara, blushing.
+"You know my secret, Anne, and can perhaps give me some news of him you
+wot of, through means of your lover. Where now is Walter Arderne?"
+
+"I shall grieve you, lady, if I say that for some time no accounts have
+been received of him, and it is greatly feared he hath perished amongst
+the adventurers with whom he left England."
+
+"How is this news derived?" she said.
+
+"William hath learnt so much from Martin, whom he has occasionally seen
+whilst Martin remained at Clopton; but latterly Martin seemed to grow
+uneasy, and as reports were circulated relative to the loss of that part
+of the expedition with which Master Arderne sailed, he at length left
+Clopton, where he had been residing almost alone, and went to London.
+Whilst there he met some of the adventurers who had returned with Sir
+Francis Drake, and of them he heard dire accounts of the dangers and
+hardships they had encountered. From them too he learned that Walter
+Arderne had greatly distinguished himself amongst the followers of
+Christopher Carlisle at the taking of St. Jago, near Cape de Verde; that
+he had afterwards sailed for Hispaniola, and assaulted and taken St.
+Domingo. He was also heard of on the coast of Florida; and it was at the
+burning of one of the towns, either St. Anthony or St. Helens, on that
+coast, that Master Arderne is supposed to have perished."
+
+"Was he then not seen and identified amongst the slain or wounded?"
+inquired Clara.
+
+"It appears not," said Anne. "The expedition, with the exception of some
+smaller ships separated from them in a storm, sailed along the coast o£
+Virginia, where they found the remains of a colony previously planted
+there by Sir Walter Raleigh, and which had almost gone to decay. The
+miserable remnant of adventurers," continued Anne, "who were found by
+Sir Francis Drake at this place, and who are described to have appeared
+more like living mummies than Christian men, abandoned their settlement,
+and prevailed on Sir Francis Drake to bring them to England."
+
+"And have no further tidings been since heard?" inquired Clara.
+
+"Nothing certain. A small portion of the fleet which separated from
+Drake's squadron after this, and sailed along the coast of Florida,
+inflamed with rage against the Spaniards and the riches they had already
+gained, after a short cruise, returned with an account of their having
+observed a wreck near Raleigh's ruined colony;[9] and that they had even
+seen some individuals apparently again located there. They had, however,
+steadily pursued their course without inquiry; albeit they judged this
+wreck to have been one of the ships Walter Arderne had held command in."
+
+[Footnote 9: This was the first attempt of the English to form such
+settlements; and although they have since surpassed all European
+nations, they had been so unsuccessful that they abandoned the place.]
+
+"So then," said Clara, "these unfortunate men may have been left to
+perish, exposed to all the vicissitudes of war and climate, and
+half-naked in an enemy's country!"
+
+"'Tis to be feared so," returned Anne, "although the dreadful mortality
+which the climate produced amongst Drake's followers is but a feeble
+restraint on the avidity and sanguine expectation of the young
+adventurers of England; nay, other expeditions are said to be about to
+set sail; should it be so, that coast may be again visited."
+
+"And this you have learnt from your lover?" said Clara.
+
+"I have, lady; he loves to talk to me in our walks about the wonders
+seen in these islands of the sea in the far West. I would you could hear
+him describe what he has learnt from one or two of the youths who have
+adventured and returned: how they have seen and landed upon islands
+inhabited by people of wondrous appearance; islands full of strange
+sounds, and in which the most ravishing melody floated in the air, the
+musicians being spirits and invisible to sight."
+
+"Methinks," said Clara, "I should much like to hear your lover's account
+of such wonders."
+
+"Nay, so interested is he in these accounts, and the riches to be found
+on the Spanish main, that had I not over-ruled his design, he would
+himself have adventured this year with Martin Frobisher."
+
+"I have heard something of Frobisher's former expedition," said Clara.
+"What were the particulars?"
+
+"Nay, I can but inform you as I have learned it from the lips of
+others," said Anne.
+
+"They set out, I have heard," said Clara, "for the purpose of
+discovering a passage to Cataia, in the Indies, by the north-west seas.
+I do not myself quite understand such matters, but I believe they sailed
+beyond Friesland, where they came in sight of land inhabited by strange
+and savage people. In this land they discovered some black substance
+like sea-coal, and on their return showed it to a goldsmith in London,
+and he found it to be rich in gold ore, was't not so?"
+
+"It was, lady," said Anne; "this encouraged Martin Frobisher to make a
+second voyage, when he freighted two vessels home with this black
+stone, and his project is now so risen in credit that he is about to set
+sail a third time, with fifteen goodly vessels; nay, had I not used my
+influence, as I before said, William Shakespeare had surely adventured
+amongst the crew."
+
+"And so would you as surely have lost a lover, as he would have lost his
+venture," said Clara. "I have no opinion of these wild schemes--and yet
+I have half a mind to fit out an expedition and venture myself in quest
+of a treasure."
+
+"You, lady!" said Anne; "but you are not serious?"
+
+"I was never more so," said Clara.
+
+As she said this, Clara rose from her seat--a hint to her visitor that
+the interview had lasted long enough.
+
+"Yet stay," she said, as Anne was about to depart. "We have been long
+friends, Anne Hathaway, and if I find the choice you have made a worthy
+one, I will befriend you both. One thing I have forgotten to mention,
+and that is the report I have heard of this match between you and young
+Shakespeare being disapproved of by your father. Is that also true?"
+
+"My lover is at present poor," said Anne.
+
+"Enough," said Clara. "Farewell, Anne, I intend leaving Shottery for
+some time, but when I return, remember you have a friend in me. Here,"
+she continued, "is a present I had intended to have given you after your
+marriage. Take it now, as we shall not meet again for many months. I
+leave Shottery to-morrow."
+
+And so the friends parted.
+
+The fair Clara remained buried in thought for some time after the
+departure of Anne Hathaway.
+
+At length she arose from her seat, and her eye fell upon the sonnet she
+had received from Martin. "The verse is indeed beautiful," she said.
+"Happy, happy Anne, how much is thy lot to be envied! In thy rank in
+life there is little impediment to the affections. Thou lovest and art
+beloved again: there is no drawback in regard to inequality, or matching
+in degree. The village lad loves and chooses his mate as the turtle,
+unembarrassed by wealth or worldly interest. This youth must, however,
+be in mind at least far superior. Well, thy prospect is a happy one!
+Whilst mine, alas! he I love is perhaps lost in the watery wastes of
+unknown seas--perhaps starving on some desert shore."
+
+As Clara thus indulged her melancholy thoughts, she rang a small silver
+bell, and desired her attendant to summon to her presence the steward or
+major-domo of her household.
+
+"Hubert," she said, "I am about to leave Shottery for London. My horses
+have of late had but idle times, and an excursion will do them good. I
+ride with twenty followers."
+
+The orders of Clara were law with Hubert. He therefore bowed; and she
+continued, "I take this strong escort," she said, "because I shall have
+great charge with me in gold and diamonds. To you I will at once
+confess the purpose of my journey to London, and my farther intentions
+when there. I am about myself to fit out an expedition to the coast of
+Florida, and in person to visit the strange lands said to exist in the
+New World."
+
+"In choosing amongst my people," she continued, "pick out those youths
+who you think would be likely to volunteer for such an exploit."
+
+"And when do we depart, lady?" inquired the steward.
+
+"The day after to-morrow," said Clara.
+
+And again the steward bowed, and then withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE LOVERS.
+
+
+The very name of the New World during the reign of Elizabeth, was
+suggestive of boundless wealth, and the wildest hopes of gain. The
+islands already visited by the adventurers of the period, were said to
+be scenes of enchantment--a sort of demi-paradise, where the most lovely
+Indian females wandered about in all the innocence of the golden age.
+
+Such was the idea men entertained of the New World, as it was then
+called, and in consequence, albeit those who had returned from this land
+of promise, presented in their own worn appearance but small
+encouragement to others to try fortune in their boasted region; still
+the voyage, as it was designated _par excellence_, was in great repute
+amongst the "rash, inconsiderate, and fiery voluntaries" of Elizabeth's
+reign. And, under these circumstances, sea-faring men of all sorts, and
+even those who had never beheld the sea, occasionally made up the file
+as soldiers for the various expeditions in vogue. The hardships and
+dangers these men encountered beneath the hot sun of the tropics at this
+time; their endurance under difficulties, whilst exposed to privation in
+their marches through unknown forests, defiles, and mountains, is
+wonderful to contemplate. Nay, perhaps, the very difficulties to be
+encountered, and the watery wastes to be traversed, even enhanced the
+desire these desperadoes felt in undertaking the venture; added also to
+this spirit of enterprise, and the prospect men behold in the sunny
+distance, of lovely lands, and scenes of enchantment in the bright
+islands they thought to find, there was in the breast of the Englishman
+at this period a rankling and deep-seated hatred of the Spaniard--then
+the stoutest soldier of the civilized world--a foe not only worthy in
+that day of the Englishman's sword, but who bore away from him the palm
+of soldiership, and, of whom, he felt in some sort jealous. The
+Spaniard, at the same time, whilst he had been drilled into wonderful
+efficiency by long conflict with the Moors, the French, and Italians,
+surpassed all other men in the qualities which conquer kingdoms, even at
+fearful odds.
+
+The Spanish hidalgo still possessed all the chivalry of the crusader,
+with augmented bigotry and superstition. Fighting was his element, and
+greed of gold and religious fanaticism his stimulants. His pride was
+beyond description. He was--
+
+    "The man of compliment, a most illustrious wight,
+    A man of fire, new words, fashion's own knight."
+
+'Twas against soldiers of this stamp that such men us Drake were now
+waging war. The stern hearts and iron fists of his sailors and
+men-at-arms, were turned against wretches, whose cruel hearts had shewn
+no mercy to the harmless Indian; and fierce, bloody, remorseless, was
+the conflict when the Englishmen met the Don.
+
+The great success of the Spaniard in both the Indies, too, was an
+additional stimulant to the emulation of the English adventurers.
+
+He was indeed considered a hero, who returned safe from the horrors of
+murderous conflict, mid the sack and siege of town and settlement in the
+tropics. His sun-burnt visage was gazed on with curiosity; and his
+account also of hardships endured amidst swamp and thicket, together
+with exaggerated circumstance of horrid animals, fearful reptiles, and
+wonderous beings in human form, was listened to with awe and wonder.
+
+The morning Clara had fixed on for her departure dawned brightly. Hill
+and dale, and wood and park, were faintly gilded with the early morning
+sun; she looked around, and sighed as she reflected, that perhaps for
+the last time she beheld the domain of her ancestors.
+
+As her party left the grounds of Shottery and took their way through the
+village, she reined up her palfrey, and, with her female attendant,
+remained a few minutes behind. She then turned her horse towards Anne
+Hathaway's cottage, and, as the road ran close beside it, she resolved
+to pass the dwelling of her rustic friend, and perhaps see her for a
+moment and bid her again farewell. As she did so, she observed two
+youths advancing along the road. They carried cross-bows in their hands,
+and seemed bound for the woodlands.
+
+"Is not the slighter of those youth's Anne's lover?" inquired Clara of
+an attendant, as the young men entered the garden of old Hathaway's
+cottage.
+
+"It is, lady," said the attendant. "Yon handsome lad is William
+Shakespeare."
+
+"Listen!" said Clara; "he is awakening his mistress with a song." And as
+the lady drew bridle under shelter of the tall trees beside the cottage,
+they heard a beautiful voice accompanied by a sort of lute, singing
+these _now_ well-known words.
+
+    "Hark! hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
+      And Phoebus 'gins arise,
+    His steeds to water at those springs
+      On chalic'd flowers that lies;
+    And winking Mary-buds begin
+      To ope their golden eyes
+    With everything that pretty bin,
+      My lady, sweet, arise.
+         Arise, arise."[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: "Cymbeline."]
+
+The beauty of the verse, and the sweetness of the singer's voice,
+completely fixed Clara to the spot; and, as she listened anxiously for
+another verse, she heard the lattice open, and the voice of Anne join in
+conversation with her lover. Clara felt extremely anxious again to see
+one who had been the friend of Walter Arderne, and she determined to
+accost the youth. When she rode round, however, to the front of the
+cottage, he was gone on his way, and afterwards with his companion might
+have been observed, concealed in the woods at Fulbrook. Together they
+lay in the thick covert and watched a sequestered stag, a bolt from
+Shakespear's cross-bow had wounded, and which he was again endeavouring
+to gain a shot at. 'Twas his first poaching offence; and whilst he lay
+thus crouching in the thick brake, and again sought to get near the
+stag, his comrade, Dick Snare, kept watch somewhat aloof, lest the
+keepers came upon them unawares.
+
+Meantime slowly and sadly the maiden of high degree turned her horse's
+head from the scenes of her childhood. She felt desolate amidst her
+plenteous fields and domains, whilst the humble friend of her childhood,
+the village companion, the poor cottager, seamed happy in all the world
+could bestow worth coveting; and as Clara turned from the cottage, the
+handsome Anne, unconscious of her near proximity, was intently perusing
+some verses which Shakespeare had thrown in at her window as he
+departed,--verses addressed to herself.
+
+                    I.
+
+    "Would ye be taught, ye feather'd throng,
+    With love's sweet notes to grace your song,
+    To pierce the heart with thrilling lay,
+    Listen to mine, Anne Hathaway.
+    She hath a way to sing so clear,
+    Phoebus might, wondering, stop to hear;
+    To melt the sad, make blithe the gay,
+    And nature charm, Anne hath a way.
+          She hath a way,
+          Anne Hathaway,
+    To breathe delight, Anne Hathaway.
+
+                   II.
+
+    "When Envy's breath and ranc'rous tooth
+    Do soil and bite fair worth and truth,
+    And merit to distress betray,
+    To soothe the heart, Anne hath a way;
+    She hath a way to chase despair,
+    To heal all grief, to cure all care,
+    Turn foulest night to fairest day,
+    Thou know'st, fond heart, Anne hath a way.
+          She hath a way,
+          Anne Hathaway,
+    To make grief bliss, Anne hath a way."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE ADVENTURERS.
+
+
+About three weeks after the departure of Clara de Mowbray, a
+stout-timbered vessel, built after the peculiar fashion of the time, and
+yet in something improved in its construction from the unwieldy craft in
+general use, might have been observed beating up against wind and tide
+on the Kentish coast. The weather, for the time of the year, was
+unusually rough, and to a heavy rolling sea was added a driving rain,
+and a roaring gale of wind. There is considerable danger, too, as the
+mariner well knows, around him on this part of the coast. His craft has
+been driven out of its course, and the fearful Goodwins are close at
+hand; still labours on, however, that gallant barque, manned by stout
+English adventurers. She is trying, amidst the driving rain and furious
+winds, to make out the mouth of the Sandwich haven; and, whilst her
+timbers creak, and the blast whistles amongst her rigging, a delicious
+strain of melody seems to float around her. The notes of a lute are
+heard by the sailors accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness; and,
+as it issues from the cabin of the vessel, it sounds as if some angel is
+trying to soothe the fury of the winds and waves.
+
+Dangerous as is this part of the coast, even in the present time, when
+its perils are so well marked out to the navigator, at the period of our
+story, it was, by comparison, almost an unknown sea. No secure harbour
+was then constructed close opposite the Goodwins. No buoys and revolving
+lights pointed out the dangerous proximity of rocks and shoals; those
+dread quicksands, whose depths retain the wrecked treasures of
+successive ages; sands which
+
+    "Will not bear our enemy's boats,
+    But suck them up to the top-mast."
+
+Bravely, however, keeps on that labouring barque. One moment she seems
+engulphed in the boiling waters, and the mist rolls over the spot where
+her hull was last tossing. The next she is trembling upon the crested
+wave, and again about to be hurled from its summit into the waters
+beneath.
+
+One eye there is, on board, which seems especially to watch over
+her,--an eye which calmly scans every part around, watches every cord of
+her rigging, and rectifies every mishap consequent upon the violence of
+the gale.
+
+Meanwhile, on the waist, the deck, the poop, are to be seen, besides the
+sailors who work the vessel, lying, sitting, and holding on by the
+ropes, the forms of fierce and bearded men, clad in the buff leathern
+dress which formed the usual costume of warriors of the period, their
+half-armour being doffed during their voyage along the coast.
+
+Suddenly the eye of the chief, as the driving rain for the moment seems
+to subside, catches sight of a range of white foam. Another and another
+follow after, till they seem to overtake each other, and mingle in a
+perfect cauldron of boiling sea.
+
+Then his voice sounds amidst the roar of winds and waters--the sails
+flap--the cordage strains--and every eye looks anxious, and every heart
+beats quicker; for that moment is to decide whether the living, and
+warlike freightage, are to ride safely past the gulf, or to be sucked
+down amidst the depths of the awful Goodwins.
+
+As the chief mariner leaps upon the bulwark of the vessel, and, grasping
+the rigging, looks out upon the boiling sea, a slight and graceful youth
+has emerged from the cabin, and placed himself beside him.
+
+"We are in peril," said he, in a low voice; "these are the fatal sands
+you thought you had safely passed an hour ago."
+
+But the mariner for the moment heeds not the question of his superior.
+His whole attention is given to his craft, and the horrible depths she
+is every minute apparently about to be engulphed in.
+
+It was an awful moment for one so young and delicate-looking as that
+boy. Yet his cheek blanches not at the prospect of a death so fearful.
+He clings to the slippery ropes, and awaits the event with a courage
+worthy of one of firmer frame and maturer years; whilst the vessel,
+dashing amidst the waves, still holds stoutly on.
+
+As she did so the mariner leapt down, and, as his feet again touched the
+deck of his craft, he drew a long breath.
+
+"'Twas a fearful moment," he said, "I ne'er before looked down whilst so
+close upon the eternal bed of many a tall and stately vessel. 'Twas a
+moment that told of life or death."
+
+"'Tis passed, then," said the youth; "see, we are driving away from
+yonder white gallopers, who seem to course each other in an endless
+chase."
+
+"'Tis passed, _for this time_," said the mariner; "but we are on a
+fearful coast on such an evening as this. Methought I know each foot of
+these waters; but in such a driving gale 'tis scarce possible to know
+our course."
+
+"And what then will you do?" inquired the youth.
+
+"Still make for the mouth of the haven I told you of," said the captain;
+"and which leads us to safety, if we can hit it."
+
+"No easy matter, methinks," said the youth, "in such a gale, eh?"
+
+"Nevertheless, I do not despair," returned the mariner. "My youth has
+been passed upon these very seas. But this is no weather for your
+Excellency," he continued respectfully, taking the youth's hand, and
+leading him towards the cabin of the half-decked vessel.
+
+"You forget I am the commander in this expedition," said the youth,
+smiling.
+
+"Only of the land-forces," said the mariner, returning the smile; "the
+vessel, by our compact, I am to be captain of."
+
+Half-an-hour after this conversation and the gallant barque was quietly
+and slowly winding its course along the muddy stream which flows up to
+the Dutch-built Cinque Port situated at this part of the coast.
+
+The Cinque Ports in Elizabeth's day, albeit their grandeur had in a
+great measure departed from them, were still of great importance to the
+nation. There was a pride and pomposity of manner still to be found
+amongst the barons, and burgesses, and townsfolk, which had descended to
+them from, their warlike ancestry, during the days when kings honoured
+them with their especial favour, and granted them privileges and
+immunities unknown to other towns. With all the pride of their mail-clad
+ancestry, therefore, and whose constant sufferance had been sack and
+siege, fire and slaughter, the more peaceful Cinque Porter of
+Elizabeth's day considered himself still a sort of a _magnifico_. 'Tis
+true that in place of the chain-mail and two-handed weapons of the
+iron-men of the Norman period, whose only trade was war, the present
+race were clad in the high-crown hat, the short cloak, and the full
+trunks of the well-dealing merchant. Yet still, albeit the portly,
+lank-haired, Flemish-looking burgher stood upon his gentility as he
+walked the key of this muddy haven, yet still, we say, steel corslet and
+military pride was not altogether laid aside, and the _trade of
+merchandize_ had not entirely superseded efficiency in the _trade of
+war_.
+
+On the morning following the night on which the strange barque entered
+the haven of Sandwich, two portly townsmen greeted each other in the
+Fish Market.
+
+"What vessel was that same which crept up last night and lies moored
+before the Fisher's Gate?" inquired neighbour De Bock of Master Cramp.
+
+"I can't observe," said Cramp. "She looks queer, methinks. There's an
+armed sentinel upon her deck, to keep any one from leaving her without
+license, and another man-at-arms upon the shore with loaded caliver, who
+walks up and down forsooth, as who should say, keep off Sir Curious, and
+pry not too closely into our affairs."
+
+"Is she from Holland, think ye?" inquired De Bock.
+
+"I should say nay to that," said Cramp.
+
+"Is she from London, laden with serge, baize, and flannel, think ye?"
+
+"I rather opine not."
+
+"What is her rig, neighbour?"
+
+"Nondescript, I think."
+
+"What is her build?"
+
+"Indescribable, I should say."
+
+"Hath she any freight at all on board?"
+
+"As far as I can judge, she hath a freight."
+
+"And what is it?"
+
+"Principally arms of various sorts--rapier and dagger pike and arqebus."
+
+"Ha, sayst thou? Then must she be seized, and her destination inquired
+into."
+
+"That might cause some sort of controversy--some arbitration--since each
+weapon I have named hath a man tacked to it, and a hand to exercise it."
+
+"What, is she then filled with armed men, neighbour?"
+
+"She is. So much have I learned by looking down at her just now from the
+tower of St. Clement's Church."
+
+"'Fore Gad, she may be a Spaniard then."
+
+"I think nay to that, too."
+
+"Or a pirate?"
+
+"_There_ thou _hast it_; methinks she _is_ a pirate. Nay, certes she is
+a pirate who has been forced to take shelter in our haven by yesterday's
+gale."
+
+"My life upon't thou art right. Let's e'en go look upon her, and then to
+the mayor with our report." And the worthy burgesses immediately
+threaded the narrow streets, and approached the Fisher's Gate, which
+looks upon the flats on the Thanet side of the town.
+
+Just within the Fisher's Gate, and in the narrow lane which leads down
+to it from the town, there is still to be seen an ancient hostel called
+the Checquers. Its low arched doors, its narrow passages, its
+comfortable sanded parlour, its ample kitchen, diamond paned windows,
+and small comfortable rooms, low in roof, and ponderous in beam, bespeak
+its early date. It had been the hostel of the Fisher's Gate full half a
+century before the period of our story.
+
+If curiosity was a ruling passion with the two burgesses, love of good
+liquor was equally strong, and accordingly as they necessarily passed
+this old hostel, they turned in for their morning's draught.
+
+As they did so, they found it was occupied by two persons belonging to
+the very vessel which had so much excited their curiosity. One was a
+slight and effeminate looking youth, of most graceful form, and features
+of exceeding beauty. His long curled ringlets hung over either shoulder,
+which, as it was not the fashion of the day, rendered his appearance
+even more remarkable. His dress, although it bespoke the sea-faring man,
+was evidently fashioned after his own whim. Perhaps it was more in the
+style of the Venetian sailor than the English sea-faring man. Such as it
+was, however, it added much to the graceful beauty of him who wore it;
+and as it was accompanied by a certain rakish swagger, an assumed easy
+manner, the appearance of the juvenile stranger altogether considerably
+astonished the two grave, staid, and simple-minded Cinque Port
+functionaries, who entered the hostel.
+
+The companion of the youth was a man in no way remarkable, except for
+his high forehead, intelligent countenance, and well-knit and somewhat
+athletic form. His costume was that of a sort of amphibious adventurer
+of the period, half sailor, half soldier--a man equally serviceable
+either on the deck of his vessel, or in the tented field, and alike
+trained to the arts and manoeuvres of war on the rampart or in the
+trench, on horseback or on foot. His twisted-hilted and long rapier was
+carried in a broad buff belt; his gauntlets reached to his elbow; his
+thick leathern doublet carried the marks of the breast-plate he wore on
+service, and the wide-topped boots reached his full trunks, like those
+of a fisherman of the present time.
+
+The youth before-named occupied an arm chair, situated near a table on
+which the appliances for a substantial breakfast were placed, and which
+he occupied in a sort of lounging, jaunty style, ever and anon picking a
+small portion from the plate before him, and conveying it to his lips
+with the point of his richly-guarded dagger, the whilst his stalwart
+comrade applied himself to the viands like one who especially relished a
+good meal.
+
+"Your Excellency," said this latter sailor, without seeming to notice
+the entrance of the native burghers of the town, "scarce seems to have
+found the benefit of these Kentish breezes. Your appetite is somewhat
+dainty this morning, methinks; and yet this bread is white as the
+snowflake, and sweet and wholesome withal. Let me give you the veriest
+taste of this Canary wine, 'twill coax you into trying yonder pastie."
+
+"I thank thee, good Captain Fluellyn,"[11] returned the youth, "I cannot
+bear Canary so early. Indeed, my breakfast is already made; I eat but
+slightly in the morning. At dinner I will drink with ye turn and turn
+about, an you list, till your brain reels like a top."
+
+[Footnote 11: A name at that time to be found at Stratford.]
+
+"Ah, so thou ever sayest," returned the Captain, "but when dinner comes
+your Excellency still evades the wine-cup."
+
+The title given to the youthful navigator, his distinguished appearance,
+and the luxuries by which he was surrounded, rather astonished the
+natives as they observed the pair.
+
+It was plain that the silver goblets from which they drank, and the
+elaborately ornamented plates and dishes upon which the viands were
+served, together with the handsome case of liquors, all of which
+belonged to a sort of canteen which stood open near the table, must have
+been brought for the use of this noble from the ship then lying but a
+few yards off.
+
+The curiosity, therefore, of the two townsmen was considerably excited
+to know who and what he was, and as both himself and the stalwart
+captain continued their conversation and meal without taking the
+slightest notice of their presence, their self-importance was a trifle
+injured, and Master De Bock addressed himself to the handsome sailor.
+
+"If I may crave permission of interrupting your exertions for a moment,"
+he said, stepping up to the table, "I would fain know if our presence
+here is intrusive, and, if so, I would crave permission to retire with
+my worthy townsman here."
+
+At this sage address from the lank-haired round-faced burgher, the tall
+captain laid down the small dagger with which he was helping himself to
+a portion of the savory pastie before him, and, twisting the end of his
+moustache, stared at him for a few moments, and then throwing himself
+back in his chair, looked inquiringly into the face of his companion.
+
+The youth was evidently inclined to laugh; there was, indeed, a sort of
+twinkle in his eye as he returned the stare of the sea-captain.
+
+"Is it your Countship's pleasure to be private?" at length, said the
+latter, as the burgher stood gazing with his fishy eye upon the youth.
+
+"We do in some sort court seclusion," said the Count, "and to that end,
+have engaged and hired this hostel, for the especial use of ourselves
+and followers during the stay of our vessel in yonder haven."
+
+"Shall I signify the same unto these worthy traders?" said the Captain.
+
+"His lordship hath himself spoken it," said the burgess, "we take our
+leave. May we, however, crave to know the honoured title of the
+distinguished personage visiting our town, and the name of the vessel in
+which he has arrived? It is necessary we should convey to his honour the
+mayor intelligence of such visitation, in order that he may wait upon
+his lordship in proper form."
+
+The youth again smiled. "I am myself called," he said, "'the Count of
+the Saxon shore.' The vessel in which I am passenger is named the
+'Phantom,' commanded by this worthy gentleman, my esteemed friend
+Captain Fluellyn, a gallant seaman, who hath sailed with Drake, and
+fought the Spaniard by sea and land."
+
+Upon this introduction, the Captain thought it necessary to rise from
+his chair, and bow to the two townsmen in due form, which they as
+formally returned. After which, at a sign from the Count, he offered
+them a glass of Canary from the high-necked bottle upon the table.
+
+"The Count of the Saxon shore," said De Bock, smacking his lips with
+ineffable relish as he sat down the glass. "That is, indeed, an ancient
+title, and one I knew not was still in existence. Doth your lordship
+claim to be lineally descended from tho Roman whose authority extended
+in former days along this coast, and whose castle walls are still to be
+seen at hand here, and called Rugulbium or Reculver?"
+
+"By the father's aide, most assuredly," said the Count. "Maternally, I
+am of Kentish extraction, since, on the female side I claim descent from
+the god Woden, whose effigy was as you know, or ought to know, enthroned
+upon the hill a mile westward of your town, and called to this day
+Wodnesborough."
+
+"A most respectable lineage," said tho burgess, quite awe-struck at so
+glorious a descent. "His worship the mayor, attended by the hogmace, the
+supervisor of the gutters, the several beadles in commission within our
+walls, will have the honour of waiting upon your lordship forthwith."
+
+"The honour will be to us," said the Count, rising and bowing as the
+burgesses were about to leave the apartment. "For the next four hours we
+shall be engaged here in consulting with our gallant friend, and certain
+messengers we expect to arrive; after that, if it so please your mayor,
+we will receive him."
+
+"And now, Captain," said the Count, reseating himself, "since we have
+got rid of those cane-bearded worthies, and you have finished your
+meal, we will, if it so please ye, discuss certain matters appertaining
+to this venture of ours."
+
+"I am all readiness to give attention, Sir Count," said the Captain,
+also sitting himself comfortably in his chair, and drawing the case of
+liquors close beside him.
+
+"In the first place, then, I trust you clearly comprehend my intentions
+in this voyage?"
+
+"I think as much," said the Captain, filling his glass; "nevertheless,
+perhaps you will oblige me by repeating your wishes?"
+
+"My voyage, then, I would have you to understand, is more a voyage of
+discovery than of profit. I neither wish to work mines, nor burn and
+sack towns. I would avoid all chance, if possible, of coming into
+collision with the Spaniard; and, unless I see occasion for other
+course, I would rather fly from, than seek an enemy."
+
+"But," said the Captain, "you scarce gave out so much before. This
+somewhat exceeds what I expected. The Falcon is constructed after some
+improved notions of my own, and will assuredly outstrip any vessel upon
+the seas; but I like not to be always upon the wing. You forget I am one
+of Drake's first comrades, and have learned to love powder as devotedly
+as I hate the Spaniard. Body o' me, I shall lose what reputation I have
+gained! We shall be taken for little else besides knaves and cowards."
+
+"You will find me ready enough to fight where fighting is my cue,"
+interrupted the Count; "and if our voyage is successful, I will be
+myself an East and West Indies to you, inasmuch as you shall never again
+be obliged to seek fortune in the wide seas. And now we understand one
+another perfectly?"
+
+"Your last argument is all-powerful," said the Captain. "I admire your
+love of adventure, coupled as it is with so much humanity, and am yours
+for the voyage, making peace or war as you affect either the one or the
+other. Nevertheless, I may as well remind your lordship, ere you embark
+on the enterprise, that we sailors of Drake and Frobisher, since the
+time we have interfered with the Spaniard, have a proverb, that there
+'is no peace beyond the line.'"
+
+"I have heard so much," said the Count, "and now methinks, whilst we
+wait here for the person appointed to join us, a short history of your
+adventures in these seas would serve to while away the hours."
+
+"The history of my life might prove both distasteful and tedious to
+you," said the Captain; "but a brief account of it is at your service.
+Where shall I begin?"
+
+Just as the sea captain was about to commence his narrative, and whilst
+he refilled his pipe with the weed he professed such veneration for, the
+sharp-ringing sound of horse's hoofs were heard beneath the arch of the
+gate-house, which indeed was so close to the old hostel that it almost
+formed a part of the building.
+
+At this period there was no drawbridge across the stream which separated
+the town from the Island of Thanet, and communication was kept up by a
+ferry-boat, which plied exactly opposite the Fisher's Gate.
+
+As the horseman was ferried across, he hailed the craft which had caused
+so much curiosity to the Sandwegians.
+
+"Hillo, ho, ho! Falcon there! Is the Count on board?"
+
+"Gone on shore," was the brief answer returned.
+
+"Captain on board?" inquired the horseman.
+
+"Ashore with the Count."
+
+"Where do they lodge?"
+
+"At the hostel within yonder gateway."
+
+Accordingly, the horseman, after landing, rode straight up to the
+Checquers, and unceremoniously entered the apartment in which the Count
+and Captain were seated.
+
+"Welcome, good Martin," said the Count, rising, "you see we keep time
+and tryst here."
+
+"I am here at my time," said the traveller.
+
+"I am right glad you have so soon joined us," said the Count; "for,
+sooth to say, both the Captain and myself are most anxious to be on the
+broad waves of the Atlantic."
+
+"Our necessaries are by this time on board," said the Captain; "and as
+this honourable person makes up the file of gentlemen engaged for the
+expedition, what stays us, but we warp out to sea at once? In an hour I
+will undertake to be under weigh."
+
+"Be it so," said the Count. "In an hour myself and friend will be on
+board."
+
+And the Captain rose, and, after another cup of Canary, proceeded to his
+ship.
+
+"Have you succeeded in learning any fresh tidings?" said the Count to
+our old friend Martin.
+
+"I have journeyed far, and in something profited by my travel," said
+Martin. "I have visited the Netherlands, and also been in Warwickshire,
+since I met you in London, and now I keep tryste, and am here as
+appointed."
+
+"You are ever worthy and zealous in the cause of your friends," returned
+the Count; "what are your tidings?"
+
+"Briefly, then," said Martin, "I have reason to believe the good Walter
+lives; but, if such be the case, he is prisoner to the Spaniard--the
+worst sort of captivity--since he is in the hands of those who know no
+touch of pity, and are incensed against the English. This letter will
+better inform you of his situation."
+
+The Count took the letter and perused it. "We will speed to his
+assistance," he said, as he refolded it. "And, now, how goes all in
+Warwickshire. Hath Sir Hugh Clopton returned?"
+
+"Of Warwickshire I have not much news to give," said Martin. "Sir Hugh
+is still in the Low Countries. At Shottery all is as usual. Your steward
+commends him to you. Yet, stay, there is some further news of your own
+neighbourhood. Your old playmate, Anne Hathaway, is married to young
+Shakespeare."
+
+"That I concluded must have taken place," said the Count, "since, when I
+left Shottery, they were to be united in a few days. I trust she will be
+happy. The bridegroom is, however, somewhat young to make a steady
+husband. I think I have heard you say you knew something of the lad:
+report speaks of him as a wild youth."
+
+"Report is in something correct, I believe," said Martin. "To say I knew
+him well would be to say more than I should be warranted in affirming.
+What I did know of that young man served me for matter of reflection.
+For his wildness I cannot offer excuse, except that he hath a mounting
+spirit; nay, I will venture to affirm, that had your expedition been
+delayed a week, he would have joined in it."
+
+"'Tis better as it is," said the Count, "I would not that my good friend
+Anne should so soon lose her husband."
+
+"There is, however," continued Martin, "startling news from London, and
+which I rather think I am the first to announce in this town, as I
+over-rode a foundered post between this place and Canterbury. The Queen
+of Scots, 'tis said, is again involved in a dangerous conspiracy to
+destroy our brave mistress, Queen Elizabeth."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+THE BENEDICT.
+
+
+The course of events connected with our story has necessarily obliged us
+to deviate from the locality in which we have heretofore progressed. We
+must, however, now again, after such brief excursion, return to the spot
+from whence we started, and as the sun shines brightly upon park and
+field, and wooded glade, once more look upon fair and fertile
+Warwickshire.
+
+Sweet Stratford-upon-Avon! those who know thee, and know thee well--who
+have lingered in thy old-world streets, and wandered in thy
+neighbourhood, breathing the scented air which smells so wooingly
+amongst the shadowy groves and unfrequented glades around, will
+acknowledge that there is no place in England, for situation and beauty,
+thy superior.
+
+There is a freshness in thy neighbourhood, a quiet beauty in thy
+streets, a cozy comfort in many of thy dwellings, and a venerable and
+impressive grandeur in thy religious edifices, belonging alone to an
+English town of good and ancient descent. Was a stranger to be dropped
+suddenly in the centre of this town, whilst he looked around, and noted
+the sweet aspect of the locality he had so suddenly arrived in,
+methinks he would say to himself that he had reached a spot noted and
+celebrated in the world's esteem beyond most others in the kingdom. Yes,
+in this rural picture we think the stranger might find all these
+peculiar features characteristic of the old haunts in which Englishmen
+of a former age dwelt so happily. Those verdant villages, which made the
+English, however much they loved military adventure the whilst they
+formed the hosts of kings in the vasty fields of France, look back from
+the splendour of the tented field upon their own pleasant woodlands and
+quiet homes with fond yearning.
+
+Tuck of drum might sound, the horn's sweet note be carried by the
+evening breeze, as it floated over some stricken field during those
+splendid wars of the Edwards and Henries. The gonfalon might flutter,
+and the knight, with all his train, ride stately amidst the white range
+of tents; the archer might lean upon his bow and gaze upon the splendour
+of the host. But the noble, and the knight, and the peasant-born soldier
+of England, alike sighed in his heart of hearts for the hour that was to
+see his foreign marches over, and himself amidst the scenes of his
+island home.
+
+    "That England hedged in with the main,
+    That precious gem set in the silver sea."
+
+If then our readers love fair Warwickshire, and admire the grandeur and
+beauty of its scenery as we do, they will scarce be angry with us for
+again leading them back toward Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+And Shakespeare is married. One great event of his life is passed. He
+dwells with his wife in his native town; beyond the precincts of which
+he is comparatively unknown, or, being known, but little regarded.
+
+He is scarcely more than eighteen years of age, and his wife is
+four-and-twenty. Their means are small, and their comforts few. The
+prospect before them is not of the brightest, but they are young, and in
+youth all seems beautiful because all is new. A female, however, of
+twenty-four, wedded to a youth of eighteen--_a mere boy_, as she terms
+him--will be likely to have her own way in everything; at least she will
+try to have it, and that is almost as bad. We fear, too, the blooming
+Anne is a "little shrew." She hath a high spirit withal, and we opine
+that her tastes and dispositions are not in exact accordance with those
+of her youthful husband. He is all imagination--all fire, energy, and
+spirit; whilst she is more matter of fact. The gods have certainly not
+made her poetical, and she thanks the gods therefore. And then her age.
+Beautiful as she is in face and form, she is not matched in respect of
+years, and she knows it.
+
+    "Too old, by heaven; let still the woman take
+    An elder than herself--so wears she to him,
+    So sways she level in her husband's heart."[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: "Twelfth Night."]
+
+William Shakespeare had married in opposition to the advice of his
+parents. The handsome Anne had done the same in regard to her's. Such
+cases are by no means rare in their walk of life. The present is all
+that is considered, the future unthought of. Old folks do sometimes,
+however, know more than young ones give them credit for; and in this
+instance they prognosticated the match would not be a happy one.
+
+That the youthful poet felt some sort of disappointment when he found
+how widely his disposition and tastes differed from the companion he had
+chosen, there can be little doubt.
+
+His extraordinary flights of genius, his wondrous conceptions, she had
+no part in. She, indeed, could scarce understand them; and that which
+she could not comprehend she looked upon as the rhapsodizing of a boy.
+Even those beautiful descriptions, and the music of his honeyed vows,
+for Shakespeare, although married, was still a lover, were now listened
+to without the smile of appreciation. "Alas!" he said to himself, "maids
+are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives."
+In short, the youthful poet found that he had matched unhappily. There
+was little sympathy in feeling, although there might have been in
+choice; and so their loves passed
+
+    "Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,
+    Brief as the lightning in the collied night."
+
+They dwelt in Henley Street, in the house next to that in which the
+youth's parents inhabited; and he occasionally assisted his father in
+his business as a dealer in wool.
+
+In Stratford, at this time, there was a knot of young fellows celebrated
+for little else beside their idleness, their wit, and their reckless
+daring. One or two of these were apprenticed to different trades in the
+town. One had made the voyage, and returned a reckless desperado,
+although a jovial and most amusing companion; another had served for a
+brief space in the Low Countries, "the land of pike and caliver," where
+finding hard knocks more plentiful than either pay or promotion, and his
+courage none of the greatest, he had deserted his colours, and returned
+home with a marvellous capacity for imbibing strong liquors, and
+relating wondrous stories of his own exploits whilst a soldier:--
+
+    "Of healths _five_ fathom deep,
+    Of palisadoes, frontiers, parapets,
+    And all the current of the heady fight."
+
+With these youths young Shakespeare had before been in the habit of
+associating. Their eccentricity amused him; there was a kind of
+character in their lives which he loved to contemplate. Before his
+marriage he had loved however to indulge his thoughts a good deal alone,
+to wander and meditate amidst the delicious scenery in the
+neighbourhood. Now it was somewhat different, he had home and its duties
+to attend to, besides matters connected with his father's business, to
+keep him from so continually excursionizing as heretofore.
+
+His meetings with these choice and master spirits, these jolly
+companions who "daffed the world aside, and bid it pass," were,
+therefore, for the most part, in after hours, and when the business of
+the day was over.
+
+Besides these lads of mettle, there was another person whose company
+young Shakespeare had of late much affected, and in whose society he
+found a perfect fund of entertainment, a feeling which was quite mutual,
+as this friend was of a capacity as fully to appreciate the
+extraordinary talents and delightful society of the juvenile poet, as
+the latter was to enjoy the wit and humour of his entertainer.
+
+This person, who was a resident at Stratford, although not a native
+there, was a most singular compound. He was possessed of some property
+in the town; but his expenditure was generally greater than his means
+warranted, and he was consequently obliged often to eke out his funds by
+laying his companions under contribution. He was ever in difficulties,
+and yet ever jovial, hospitable, and with his friends around him. His
+eccentricity, his wit, and his follies were a continual feast to young
+Shakespeare; his absurdities, and the scrapes he got into, a continual
+tax upon his intimates to get him respectably clear of. By the sober and
+puritanical of the townsfolk he was detested, for he made them the
+subject of his biting jests. By the respectable citizen he was feared as
+an intimate, for his tongue was a continual libel upon all his
+acquaintance. By the more light-hearted and careless, who laughed _with_
+him and _at_ him, he was tolerated, and even sought after, for his
+amusing qualities.
+
+In his person, the man was its singular as in his disposition--fat, and
+unwieldy in figure; he was upwards of six feet in height, with a round
+ruddy face, in which the laughing features were lost amidst the
+puffed-out cheeks and double chin--a sort of figure and face, which
+looked as if the owner had been fat and full of jollity at the time of
+his birth, and gone on increasing up to his present age.
+
+What was the history of his former life none could tell, for he had come
+a stranger to the town. Some said, however, that in his youth he had
+been engaged in the wars of the Netherlands, and cashiered for
+cowardice; others affirmed that he was the discarded steward of some
+noble, dismissed for arrant knavery and dishonest practices; whilst by
+others, again, he was said to have been the host of a low tavern,
+situated in the purlieus of Whitefriars of London, and, that having
+amassed a small competency, he had since pretty well dissipated it, and
+was now living at Stratford to be out of the way.
+
+Be that, however, as it may, at the period of our story he resided at a
+sort of tavern or hostel, situated in the suburbs of the town, and which
+hostel himself and yoke fellows principally occupied, leading a roaring,
+rollicking life, to the great scandal of the more steady portions of the
+community.
+
+In this society young Shakespeare heard many things which considerably
+augmented his store of knowledge. The soldier described "the toil o' the
+war," and the abuses of the service he had been in, where "preferment
+went by letter and affection." The adventurer told of seas, "whose
+yeasty waves confound and swallow navigation up;" of islands full of
+noises, and peopled by strange monsters; and the fat host spoke of the
+"cities usuries," "the art o' the Court," and the adventures and
+intrigues himself had been the hero of in various localities from his
+youth upwards.
+
+In proportion to the pleasure young Shakespeare took in this society,
+was the dislike entertained for it by his wife; for the character of the
+presiding genius of the tavern she was well aware of, together with his
+loudness for, and capacity of, imbibing strong liquors, and carrying
+them steadily. His professed libertinism, and light opinion of the whole
+sex,--his impudent boast of favours received from several of the good
+dames of the town, and the various cudgellings he had received from
+their husbands--each and all of those matters had been industriously
+poured into her ear by her female gossipers, with the additional
+information, that the unwieldy gentleman, notwithstanding his unfitness
+for such exploits, was much given to walking, or rather riding, by
+moonlight; and, with his more active friends, making free with a stray
+haunch occasionally, at the expense of the neighbouring gentry. Nay, it
+was even affirmed, that some of the midnight excursions of himself and
+followers had not been entirely for the purpose of coney-catching and
+deer-stealing, but that more than once they had stopped certain
+travellers between Coventry and Warwick, and eased them of their cash.
+
+As he was, however, well known to be one of the most arrant cowards that
+ever buckled on a rapier, this latter story was for the most part
+disbelieved, as far as he was concerned.
+
+Be that as it may, the companionship of the eccentric John Froth, and
+his yoke-fellows was not likely to lead a youth of the free,
+unsuspicious, and generous disposition of young Shakespeare into any
+good employment, and that his wife well knew and as roundly told him of.
+Had her advice been well-timed, and gently given, perhaps it might have
+produced its effect; but unhappily, the fair Anne possessed a shrewd
+temper and little tact.
+
+    "In bed he slept not for her urging it,
+    At board he fed not, for her urging it,
+    Alone, it was the subject of her theme;
+    In company she often glanced at it."
+
+And therefore came it that the man was wretched. In short, his sleep was
+hindered by her railings; his head made light, and his meat sauced with
+her upbraidings; so that he was driven, for relief, to associate the
+more with the very companions his wife was so jealous of.
+
+    "Sweet recreation barred, what doth ensue,
+    But moody and dull melancholy--
+    Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair;
+    The venom clamours of a jealous woman,
+    Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."
+
+Perhaps one great charm young Shakespeare felt in the society of his fat
+friend, was the faculty he seemed to possess of enjoying every moment of
+his life to the utmost. He turned everything to mirth. Nothing could for
+a moment damp his spirits, unless his fears for his own personal safety
+were aroused; and, even then, he was the more amusing, from the very
+absurdity of his apprehensions, labouring, as he did, to persuade those
+who so well knew his infirmity, of the heroic nature of his
+disposition.
+
+It was, indeed, in consequence of the amusement to be derived from this
+latter failing, that he had been once or twice invited by his companions
+to join in several of their poaching expeditions. The state of alarm he
+had been in, and the difficulties his associates had led him into,
+having furnished, even himself, with an endless theme of amusement after
+the exploit was over.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE HOSTEL.
+
+
+At the present time, when every street and thoroughfare of a country
+town has its public-house filled with the noisy refuse of an
+overwhelming population, and absolutely roaring with ribaldry, many of
+our readers have but a faint idea of the quiet comfort and cozy
+appearance of a hostel in the olden time. Its ample kitchen hung around
+with articles and implements of the good wife's occupation, the chance
+guests, for the most part, assembled in such apartment, and the quiet
+retirement of its other rooms, engaged, as they not unfrequently were,
+by some well-to-do retired person, half sportsman, half soldier, who
+paid his shot weekly, and was dependent upon chance customers, and mine
+host, for companionship.
+
+Such guest not unfrequently dubbed himself gentleman, upon the strength
+of possessing a half-starved steed and a couple of greyhounds. Sportsman
+he was, of course, for every man professed knowledge of, and had a taste
+for, field sports, when England was less cultivated, and her woods and
+wastes teemed with game.
+
+The tavern we have named as the residence of Master Froth, was called
+the Lucy Arms, because upon its sign were displayed the three white pike
+fish, or lucies, which had been the cognomen of the knights of
+Charlecote from the time of the Crusades downwards.
+
+Inn signs were, indeed, in former days for the most part of an heraldic
+character. Many of the town residences of the nobility and the great
+ecclesiastics were sometimes called inns, and in the front of them the
+family arms displayed. Such inns afterwards became appropriated to the
+purpose of the hostel, and the armorial decorations retained, under the
+denomination of signs, directed the guest to them as places of
+accommodation and refreshment. This we retain even in the present
+degenerate age, the signs of the white, red, black, and golden lions of
+the Crusades; and the blue boars, golden crosses, swans, dragons, and
+dolphins, which ornamented the knightly helmet or shield, now do duty at
+the entrance of the beer-shop.
+
+    "Thus chances mock and changes fill the cup of alteration."
+
+It was one evening in the merry month of May, about a year after the
+marriage of young Shakespeare, that Jack Froth, and several of his
+associates, were assembled at the Lucy Arms.
+
+The apartment in which they were congregated was one which Froth had
+appropriated to his own especial use,--a good-sized room, whose windows
+looked into the orchard in rear of the hostel, one of those sweet and
+verdant orchards peculiar to the time, and which are now, for the most
+part, destroyed; but which, in Elizabeth's day, were attached to every
+goodly dwelling, or hostel, in a country town.
+
+A half-open door, on one side of the apartment, gave a peep into a
+smaller room, in which, as the sun streamed from the lattice-window, its
+rays fell upon, and lighted up, the deep red curtains and square-topped
+hangings of an antique bed; and at the same time gilded the high-backed
+chairs with which the room was furnished.
+
+On the ample hearth of the first-named apartment two enormous
+deer-hounds were to be seen, sprawling at full length, their occasional
+disturbed sleep, and short sharp bark, shewing that their dreams were of
+the woodland and the chase.
+
+The occupants of the room were five in number. They were seated round a
+massive oaken table, which placed near the window, gave them a delicious
+view of the green and bowery orchard.
+
+The fat and jovial Froth, "the lord o' the feast," as he leaned back in
+his strong oaken chair, whilst he occasionally looked out upon the
+orchard, listened to the recital of some verses his opposite neighbour
+was reading aloud. Seated directly opposite the window was a tall thin
+man, of about five-and-twenty years of age, clad in the faded suit of an
+officer of pikemen, an enormous rapier tacked to his waist, with dagger
+to match. His chair being drawn so close to the table that he sat
+bolt-upright, and, as he dallied with the glass he ever and anon carried
+to his lips, he also listened with attention to the words of the poem.
+
+Opposite to him sat another man, about thirty years of age, clad in a
+tawdry suit, which in our own days would have been shrewdly suspected of
+having done duty on the boards of a theatre. Beside him, with apron
+doffed, and his cap thrown aside, sat mine host of the tavern--a portly
+and jolly-looking companion.
+
+Such was the party assembled, and, as the reader finished the fragment
+of verse, his hearers seemed so much interested in its recital that for
+some moments there was a pause of expectation. It was like the expiring
+sound of sweet music, which has a soothing effect upon the listener,
+making him long for a renewal of the melody.
+
+"There is more?" said Froth, inquiringly, as he turned his eye upon the
+reader.
+
+"No more have I written," said young Shakespeare, who was indeed the
+reader of the poetry; "nor deemed I this deformed offspring of my brain
+worthy of notice."
+
+"Then I pr'ythee, good William," said Froth, "repair thy voice by
+another draught of Canary, and give the two first verses over again."
+
+"Has my verse, then, so much pleased you?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"It hath more than pleased, it has delighted me," said Froth; "so to't
+again, lad."
+
+"Two verses you shall have," said Shakespeare, smiling, "but no more."
+And he again read from his manuscript the following lines of a poem he
+had that morning commenced writing,--
+
+    "Even as the sun with purple-coloured face--"
+
+"'Fore gad, bully host," interrupted Froth, "but thy countenance at this
+moment, round, fiery, and covered with huge angry welks and knobs, must
+have suggested that line. Was't not so, sweet William; didst thou not
+call the sun's face purple-coloured from the reflection of our host's
+mulberry visage?"
+
+"Go to, go to," said the host; "'fore gad, if my face took but a tithe
+of the good vivers to keep it in colour that thine doth, I were
+altogether a ruined landlord."
+
+"I cry you mercy, good William," said Froth; "proceed with thy stanzas.
+Mine host here is one of those prating knaves who would rather talk than
+listen, let who will be the orator."
+
+And the poet again read from his manuscript,--
+
+    "Even as the sun with purple-coloured face
+      Had ta'en his last leave of the weeping morn,
+    Rose cheeked, Adonis hied him to the chase;
+      Hunting he loved, but love he laugh'd to scorn.
+    Sick-thoughted Venus makes amain unto him,
+    And, like a bold-faced suitor, 'gins to woo him.
+    'Thrice fairer than myself'--thus she begun;
+      'The field's chief flower, sweet above compare,
+    Stain to all nymphs, more lovely than a man,
+     More white and red than doves or roses are.
+    Nature that made thee with herself at strife,
+    Saith that the world hath ending with thy life.'"
+
+"And how call ye the poem?" inquired Froth, as young Shakespeare
+finished the second verse, and then thrust the paper into the breast of
+his doublet.
+
+"I think of calling it 'Venus and Adonis,'" he said, "for fault of a
+better name."
+
+"Call it what thou wilt, lad," said Froth, "'tis a glorious
+commencement. Like everything else thou dost, 'tis excellent."
+
+"Ha, ha," said Pierce Caliver, "thou art full of thy ropery, Froth; thou
+word'st him, thou word'st him. See, he blusheth at thy praise."
+
+"I word him not, but as I mean," said Froth; "an his cheek blusheth,
+'tis more than thine was ever guilty of. I hate flattery as I hate an
+unfilled flasket in the woodlands at midnight. He hath but one fault,
+that lad."
+
+"Ah, a fault," said Caliver, "can Will Shakespeare own a fault in thy
+eyes? I pr'ythee let's hear it."
+
+"Nay, 'tis not a fault, either, 'tis a misfortune," said Froth, "he's
+married."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy, that is indeed a scrape to get into!" said Ralph Careless.
+"I have been twice across the Atlantic, escaped shipwreck as often, been
+left for dead amongst the burning huts of a Spanish settlement; and yet
+have I never had such an escape as when I offered marriage to the Widow
+Crooke, and she altered her mind a week before the day fixed."
+
+"That widow must be worthy looking on too," said Froth; "for truly her
+own escape exceedeth all thine put together."
+
+"How so?" said Careless.
+
+"In escaping from thee," returned Froth.
+
+"Nay, the evil-favoured old hag," said Careless; "but she escaped not
+altogether scot-free either, since I drew a handsome forfeit ere I
+consented to let her break off."
+
+"Had she given thee all she possessed," said Froth, "so she kept herself
+free of thee, she had the luck on't; but, come, the very name of
+marriage hath made our good William here a melancholy man. Oh! 'tis
+monstrous that tying together of couples for life, to claw and tear like
+a brace of tabbies cast over a clothes' line! Said I well, William? Why,
+fill again, and pass the flasket."
+
+"Nay," said Shakespeare, "wooing, wedding, and repenting is, after all,
+but a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinque pace. The first suit is hot
+and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as fantastical; the wedding
+mannerly and modest;[13] and then comes repentance, and with his two
+logs fallen into a cinque pace, faster and faster, till he sink into his
+grave."
+
+[Footnote 13: "Much ado about Nothing."]
+
+"Methinks, bullies," said the Host, "since we are on the subject of
+matrimony, that we must quaff a health for the nonce. Heard'st thou not
+that our good William here is the honoured father of a fair son--a
+goodly boy?"
+
+"Ah, by St. Jago and charge Spain!" said Caliver, "and is it so? Why,
+then fill to the brim, my masters all;" and the health of the infant was
+pledged in flowing bumpers of Canary. After which, the long-necked
+glasses were flourished to a loud huzza, and being cast overhead,
+smashed upon the rushes with which the apartment was strewed.
+
+"And now," said Froth, "thou shalt give us a song, William--a song of
+thine own, for what man amidst us could produce a verse worthy of thee
+to sing? Come, warble, and let it be to thine own words, Will."
+
+"A song--a song!" said Caliver; "give us one, William, in praise of the
+wine-cup."
+
+Shakespeare smiled, and then sang:
+
+    "Come, thou monarch of the vine,
+    Plumpy Bacchus, with pink eyne;
+    In thy vats our cares be drown'd,
+    With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
+    Cup us, till the world go round,
+    Cup us, till the world go round."
+
+Whilst the chorus was ringing out, till every room in the hostel echoed
+with it, another individual entered the apartment.
+
+The new comer was a tall, good-looking youth, clad in a worn leathern
+jerkin, which seemed as if it had endured the worst spite of the
+elements, and done duty in the woods for many years. His russet boots
+were drawn up to the thigh, and his well-worn wide-brimmed beaver was
+without feather or ornament, except a large assortment of fish-hooks,
+with the horse-hair twisted around it. In short, he looked what he
+really was--a dissolute hanger-on of a country town, and yet a good
+fellow withal, one given to the sports of the field, without means or
+license to pursue them--one of Diana's foresters, a poacher, a professed
+deer-stealer.
+
+"You keep a goodly revel here, my masters," said he, drawing a chair,
+and seating himself unceremoniously at the table.
+
+"Ha! what, Diccon Snare, is it thou, thou wandering knight of the hollow
+woods?" said Froth. "By my troth, thou art welcome; fill thyself a
+chalice for the nonce. How goes all at Warwick?"
+
+"I scarcely know," said Snare, "since I have not been there for some
+days. If I have news at all, it is of these parts, and farther afield.
+There is work for you to-night an ye listen. The old Pike of Charlecote
+hath ridden forth, and taken in his train some thirty followers. The
+moon is up to be sure, but then the woodlands are but badly watched."
+
+"And how know'st thou this, thou sworn enemy of an outlying stag?"
+inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"How know I it? Why, from sure intelligence, and careful watching. How
+else should I know my trade?"
+
+"Nay, thou hast served a pretty apprenticeship to the poaching trade,
+Diccon, that's certain," said Froth, "as the hangman's brand can
+testify! And what takes Sir Thomas to town with so strong an escort?"
+
+"It seems there is more trouble at Court about the Queen of Scots," said
+Snare, "and her name is again mixed up with all sorts of intrigues and
+plots against our Queen. My Lord of Leicester hath stroked the beard of
+consideration upon the matter, and set on foot an association for the
+nonce. They are sworn keepers of the Queen's safety in life, and doubly
+sworn to revenge her death, should she fall by these malignant
+conspirators. A great many of the gentry around have gone up to join in
+this association, whilst the Queen of Scots is again placed in more
+severe keeping."
+
+"Ha!" said Froth, "I heard somewhat of this before; and so--"
+
+"And so," continued Snare, "Sir Thomas in great state hath set forth
+towards town, and sleeps to-night at Kenilworth, where the great
+Bear-ward at present lies."
+
+"So that several of his foresters follow in his train, eh! is't so?"
+
+"They do; he rides in state, for, as thou knowest, 'tis the pride of the
+old Pike to be followed by a whole troop. I saw him pass along the road
+as I lay perdue in the covert. Twenty of his fellows in coat and badge,
+with green and yellow feathers in their hats,[14] and as many falconers
+to make up the train."
+
+[Footnote 14: People of condition in the country generally rode with
+numerous followers at the period.]
+
+"And that in truth makes a fair field for us," said Shakespeare. "What
+say ye, my masters all? Shall we be minions of the moon to-night? Shall
+we strike a buck at Charlecote?"
+
+To men of the wild and peculiar disposition of the assembled party,
+nothing could be more pleasant than an excursion of the sort.
+
+A midnight visit to the woodlands was by no means an uncommon
+circumstance in their lives; but hitherto they had pursued their sport
+in localities somewhat more removed from the town in which they dwelt.
+To the bold and imaginative Shakespeare, as his eye glanced into the
+moonlit orchard, the excursion had charms known only to himself. He had
+once or twice before watched the deer in the glades of Fulbrook, and he
+now joined in the expedition heart and hand.
+
+Preparations were accordingly forthwith commenced, and the entire party
+made themselves ready for an exploit, which in those days, and with such
+men, was attended with something more of circumstance than in our own.
+
+In the first place, a large closet in the bedchamber of the portly Froth
+was ransacked for such change of garment as was necessary for pushing
+through the more thick and tangled cover. Cross-bows and other weapons
+of the chase were then lugged out, and, amongst other articles, a sort
+of theatrical dress was produced; and being carefully packed up, was
+strapped upon the shoulder of Diccon Snare, to be used as occasion might
+serve.
+
+This latter article of apparel had been purloined from the wardrobe of a
+company of masquers, who were in the habit of visiting Stratford. It was
+neither more nor less than the dress of "_Mors, or dreary Death_," a
+character then enacting in one of the tedious moral plays of the period.
+
+It was fashioned so as to represent a skeleton; and seen in the
+woodlands in the night, would be likely to scare a forester out of his
+wits, and consequently, should the party be molested during their
+exploit, enables them to escape without collision or discovery.
+
+By the time the party had indued their forest gear, the curfew
+proclaimed that it was time for them to set out; and once more seating
+themselves round the board, they arranged their plan of proceedings.
+
+"Now, my masters all," said Froth, "a cup to hearten us, and another to
+the success of our venture, and then to horse."
+
+"Let him whose courage fails remain here," said Caliver; "and let those
+to horse whose feet cannot prop up their bodies."
+
+"No scoffing, lads," said Froth. "Thou knowest I am not able to travel
+on foot so far, or so fast as thou art; but in the field, I have twice
+thy skill at a shot."
+
+"I have heard thee say so often," said Caliver. "To-night I hope to see
+a specimen of thy skill."
+
+"Thus be it, then," said Snare. "You and I, Will Shakespeare will go
+straight to Charlecote Park. By 'ur Lady! we'll strike the best buck in
+the herd. You, Froth, being mounted, will accompany us, and remain
+without the park in readiness to receive the deer when we have struck
+it. You, Careless and Caliver, will walk apart lower down, and give us
+notice in case of approach."
+
+"I like not that lying-out work, and alone too," said Froth. "The last
+time I played receiver on Wolvey Heath, I was nearly captured. He that
+dies a martyr, 'tis said, proves that he is not a knave. But, methinks,
+'tis not so sure that he proves himself no fool."
+
+"And wherefore art thou and Will Shakespeare to have the best of the
+sport?" said Careless. "Methinks, since you say the chase is left to
+take care of itself to-night, we might all four be strikers, and make a
+good venture on't."
+
+"Nay," said Snare, "be it as you will. Will Shakespeare here is sound in
+wind and limb. You are both of ye but broken-down hacks at best, and, if
+you take my advice, will lie perdue without the palings; for, an we be
+molested, we shall have a smart run for it, I promise ye."
+
+Having made their arrangements and laid the plot of their proceedings,
+the party soon after divided, and left the hostel by different doors.
+Shakespeare, Snare, and Froth, the latter mounted on horseback, and
+disguised in a sort of countryman's frock, took the road; whilst Caliver
+and Careless, leaving by the back door, crossed the orchard, and making
+a slight detour to the right, joined them about a mile from the town.
+
+Scarcely had the party left the Lucy Arms a quarter of an hour ere
+Pouncet Grasp, accompanied by Master Doubletongue and a couple of
+ill-looking companions, entered it.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, peering about, and snifting like a terrier dog in
+search of a rabbit; "ah, Host, is your honoured guest, Master John
+Froth, within?"
+
+The host of the Lucy Arms had an instinctive dread and a most
+unalterable dislike to the lawyer. He considered a visit from him little
+inferior in omen to that of a visit from the plague. He accordingly
+busied himself about some matter or other, and pretended not to observe
+Grasp.
+
+"Not within?--eh, Host?" said the latter, making a sign to his two
+attendants, who immediately planted themselves at the front and back
+doors of the premises. "I am sorely unlucky in my visits. Host. An it
+please you, permit me to observe _myself_ if Master John Froth hath in
+reality gone abroad."
+
+"Hast thou business, Master Grasp," inquired the Host, "with mine
+honoured guest to-night? If so, I take it the best way would be to
+confide it to me, or call again. I have said it: Master John Froth
+_hath_ gone forth to-night."
+
+"Business," said Grasp; "ah, to be sure; 'business, like time, stays for
+no man,' as the saying goes. Why, yes, I have a slight trifle of
+business; albeit I may not confide it to thee. Certes, I _will_ call
+again. Wilt thou meantime draw me a tankard ere I depart?"
+
+Whilst the host busied himself in drawing the liquor called for, and
+which he immediately set about, in the hope of speedily getting rid of
+the trio, Grasp sauntered into the passage, and peeped into the private
+apartment of Froth, in order to be sure he was really out, and then
+whispered to his two neighbours to make a shew of leaving the house by
+the back way, and quietly conceal themselves in the orchard.
+
+That done, he returned to the kitchen, drank off his liquor, and bade
+the host good night.
+
+Scarce had he gone a dozen paces, however, ere he returned stealthily,
+and watching without the window till the host for some purpose left the
+kitchen, he very quietly re-entered it, and concealed himself there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE DEER STEALERS.
+
+
+The Lucy family we have already had occasion to notice as descended from
+an ancient and honourable house. They might indeed say with Christopher
+Sly--"We came in with Richard Conqueror," since they have in truth,
+occupied an important position in England for many centuries.
+
+The mansion of Charlecote, at the period of our story, stood in the
+midst of a park or chase much greater in extent than at the present
+time.
+
+The ground plan of the building forms in shape the Roman capital letter
+E, perhaps in compliment to the virgin Queen, with whose arms it is
+decorated. The soft and gentle Avon gliding at the base, and the park,
+which immediately surrounded the building, was shadowed by oaks of great
+age, which gradually gave place to brake and thicket, almost
+impenetrable in some parts to aught save the hound or the game he
+followed. This again was relieved at intervals by open spaces of great
+beauty, in which the fern grew in wild luxuriance, and hundreds of brood
+short-stemmed oaks, at distant intervals, threw their huge branches over
+the green surface, as if rejoicing in their unconfined luxuriance. In
+such spots, so bright and fresh in the pale light of the moon, the fern
+decked with liquid dew, and the branches of the trees glittering with
+bright drops, the fairies might well be imagined to hold their
+sequestered revels.
+
+Every glade and bosky bourne, every tree and fern-clad undulation, was a
+scene peculiarly adapted to the elfin and the fay. They seemed to tell,
+in their sweetness, and their unmolested seclusion, of the innocent
+ages of an early world, when faun and satyr, and nymph and dryad,
+revelled in the open glade, or reposed on the mossed bank beneath the
+sheltering boughs.
+
+Stealthily, and with the utmost caution, not a word even whispered, but
+communicating to each other by signs as they advanced, young Shakespeare
+and Diccon Snare slowly emerged from the more thick cover upon one of
+these picturesque glades, and took their stand behind a huge oak--
+
+    "An oak whose boughs were moss'd with age,
+    And big top bald with dry antiquity."
+
+"We near the herd," said Shakespeare, in a gentle whisper to his
+companion.
+
+"We do so," said Snare, "a few yards more and we shall get within shot,
+thanks to our care in gaming the wind, and, look, ye, there they be! You
+can just see their antlered heads above the long white grass in yonder
+open space."
+
+"We must be wary in our approach," said Shakespeare, in a whisper;
+"tread softly, that the blind mole may not hear a footfall."
+
+"'Twere best to lay along and drag ourselves to yonder blasted oak,"
+said Snare. "Be careful and keep where the fern is less thick. The
+slightest unnatural movement of the herbage, and they are off."
+
+So saying, Snare lay flat on the ground, and began to worm himself
+towards the tree he had mentioned, Shakespeare doing the same and
+following close in his wake; and so quietly and cautiously did they
+continue their serpent-like course, that a looker-on would hardly have
+discovered the track they took except by the occasional movements of the
+long grass and fern.
+
+Every now and then the crafty Snare lay perfectly quiet for a few
+moments, and then cautiously raising his bare head, looked forth to see
+if the herd were still unconscious of their approach.
+
+Nothing could be more lovely than the entire scene, as it was looked
+upon by Shakespeare. Before and around him lay the wild chase, the deer
+couched "in their own confines," and nearly hidden in the long thick
+grass of ages--himself in a spot which, except under the peculiar
+circumstance in which he sought it, he could scarce have beheld the game
+so near,--those magnificent and antlered monarchs of waste, be it
+remembered. For in Elizabeth's day, and in the extensive parks of the
+great, the stag was a wilder and fiercer creature than the same animal
+domesticated as they are, from the confined space in which they are
+necessarily kept.
+
+The danger attendant on the situation also lent its charm to one of his
+bold and ardent spirit. As his eye glanced amidst the magnificent
+scenery, his imagination was instantly carried back to the days of the
+early English kings, when Britain was one entire forest, waste or wold;
+and when, even at an after period, the conquering Norman had lain waste
+whole districts to give room for the chase. Then again, with the
+shifting change of thought, his imagination bodied forth the fabled
+beings of an earlier age. The mossed carpet on which he stood, the
+venerable trees around, the sweet scent of the fern, and the perfumed
+air of the fresh forest, as the dews of summer night fell around him,
+suggested those magnificent thoughts, peculiar to himself, and which in
+after life produced descriptions unequalled for beauty in any age. He
+was
+
+    "With Hercules and Cadmus,
+    When in a wood of Crete they bay'd the bear
+    With hounds of Sparta.
+          Besides the groves,
+    The skies, the fountains, every region near
+    Seemed all one mutual cry."
+
+Meantime whilst the mind of Shakespeare was impressed with the beauty of
+the situation, as well as interested in the sport, the less imaginative
+Snare, with his whole soul intent upon slaughter, and with all the
+cunning of his craft, his body flattened against the huge tree, one hand
+keeping his companion back, the other grasping his cross-bow, again
+cautiously peered out into the glade before him.
+
+This was a moment of intense interest to the deer-stealers. They found
+themselves so close upon the wild and magnificent animals that they
+could see their slightest movement.
+
+There is indeed, something inexpressibly exciting to the hunter or the
+deer stalker in thus finding himself in the midst of the herd, a spy
+upon them in their security, conscious at the same time that the
+slightest movement or mistake on his own part will ruin the hours of
+toil he has previously spent in gaining his position.
+
+A magnificent stag lay a little to the right, and nearest to
+Shakespeare; he touched his companion lightly on the shoulder, and by a
+sign signified that he meant to fire at it.
+
+Snare stretched his neck and peeped over his shoulder. As he did so,
+Shakespeare saw, that with the instinctive knowledge and jealousy of
+their nature, the herd were becoming aware that danger was in their
+close vicinity.
+
+In an instant their heads were thrown back, the next moment Snare heard
+at some distance that short guttural noise, so peculiar to the deer at
+particular seasons of the year, and as the splendid animal upon which
+Shakespeare had fixed his eye caught the sound, it leaped to its feet
+and bounded from the spot, the whole herd in an instant also flying like
+the wind towards the cover, seemed to vanish into the mists of night;
+but ere his companion could stay his hand, Shakespeare had raised his
+bow to his shoulder and fired. The shot struck the deer just behind the
+shoulder, and the animal bounding into the air, fell struggling amongst
+the fern.
+
+"Hark!" said Snare, as the same guttural sounds were again heard in the
+woods. "You should not have fired. 'Tis the signal from our comrades.
+The keepers are at hand."
+
+"May the fiend take them," said Shakespeare.
+
+"So say I," returned Snare; "but an we take not especial care, they will
+take us; for look ye, the startled herd will sweep by them yonder, and
+they will be upon us anon; and see, that huge beast is kicking and
+struggling like a dying ox,--quick, good William, strike roundly in and
+cut his throat."
+
+So saying, Snare gave all his attention to the direction in which the
+sounds came, whilst Shakespeare, dashing upon the stag, seized the
+animal by the horns. There was then a short and desperate struggle, and
+with his sharp dagger he cut the creature's throat. He then as swiftly
+rejoined his companion. Scarcely had he done so ere they were both aware
+of the approach of the keepers, who having observed the affrighted herd,
+and at the same time noticed the peculiar sounds given by the watchers,
+and which were somewhat out of season, came directly upon them.
+
+"We might easily shew them a clean pair of heels, and join the bulky
+Froth without the palings," whispered Snare; "but we must have yonder
+beast at all hazards; and we can but make a fight of it if it come to
+the worst. Down with thee, good Will, flat in the fern. Here they
+come--I see them plainly in yonder glade." So saying, Snare threw
+himself on the ground close beside Shakespeare, and immediately
+divesting himself of his jerkin and hat, rose up again a most grisly
+object--neither more nor less than Mors, or Dreary Death. Meanwhile the
+rangers came quickly on, four in number, and each armed with cross-bows
+and a short barbed, spear.
+
+They advanced to within about a bow-shot from the tree behind which
+Snare and Shakespeare were concealed, when the former, slowly gliding
+from behind its stern, advanced directly upon them.
+
+The first sight of such an apparition, seen but indistinctly amongst the
+huge boughs, brought the whole party to a stand. They but half made out
+its hideous outline, when it emerged into the clear moonlight, and
+seemed gliding upon them, "a bare-ribbed death, horrible to sight." To
+say the keepers were frightened would be to say little. They were at
+first paralysed, and then turning, they fled like the wind; whilst Snare
+immediately again threw himself flat on his face, and was lost to sight
+amongst the fern; so that, as the keepers looked back whilst they fled,
+the apparition had apparently vanished into the earth.
+
+Rejoining Shakespeare, Snare now resumed his outward garment; and taking
+advantage of the panic, both hastily approached the deer, and securing
+its legs, fastened them on a quarter-staff which they had supported on
+their shoulders, they then hastened across the glade.
+
+So soon as they had gained the park palings, and which at this period,
+and at this part, ran across a deep sandy lane, they threw down their
+burden; and casting themselves on the ground to regain breath after
+their rapid flight, listened attentively. In a few moments a huge
+broad-backed countryman, clad in the loose frock of a miller's man,
+mounted upon a strong-jointed horse, and carrying an empty sack on the
+pommel of the saddle, rode past.
+
+"You ride late, Master Miller," said Shakespeare, as he clambered over
+the palings.
+
+"Nay; rather I ride early, Master Forester," returned the other. "Hast
+anything for the mill to-night?"
+
+"I have, good Froth," said Shakespeare; "but is there a clear coast?"
+
+"By the mass! I think there be. Be quick, however, for three of Sir
+Thomas's fellows have passed this spot not a quarter of an hour back."
+
+"Good!" said Shakespeare. "Then hand me thy meal bag." And the horseman
+threw his sack to Shakespeare, as Snare at the same moment heaved the
+carcase of the deer over the paling, and then following himself, the
+sack was quickly drawn over the body of the deer, and it was thrown
+across the horse, the trio making the best of their way along the deep
+sandy lane towards Stratford.
+
+As they emerged from the lane upon a rushy mead, and left the boundary
+of the park, a low whistle was heard, which they answered. Soon
+afterwards they were joined by their companions, and enveloped in mists
+of the swampy ground they traversed.
+
+It was about the hour when "night is at odds with morning which is
+which" that the party we have before seen assembled at the Lucy Arms
+once more entered its hospitable doors. Quietly, and with considerable
+caution, however, they stole in, one of them bearing upon his shoulders,
+nay, round his neck as it were, with the hind and fore legs protruding
+before him, the carcase of a goodly stag. This latter bent his tall
+form, as he was ushered into the kitchen of the hostel, and threw his
+heavy burthen upon the floor, whilst his companions and mine host, by
+the light of the fire, and in great glee, proceeded to examine it.
+
+"By 'ur Lady, a fine beast," said the host. "Why, Will Shakespeare, this
+is even a better night's work than when you shot that beast in
+Fulbrook."
+
+"A stag of ten, my masters all," said Froth. "'Fore gad, I am well nigh
+exhausted with long fasting and sharp watching. A cup of wine, mine
+host, a cup of wine to Sir Thomas Lucy's health."
+
+Whilst the host produced his wine, and Froth and Careless seated
+themselves on the settle beneath the chimney, Snare and Shakespeare were
+busily engaged in skinning the stag, which having quickly accomplished,
+they as speedily cut it up, and disposed of the several portions in such
+places of security and concealment us the host pointed out. After which,
+the skin and the antlered head were thrust into the meal-bag, and
+carried into the orchard, where Shakespeare dug a hole and buried it.
+
+That done they returned to the kitchen, and mine host having spread a
+table and furnished it with liquors, some rashers were cut from the
+carcase of the door, and fried, and eaten with a relish only known to
+men who had spent a night in the forest glades watching and killing the
+stag from which they were taken.
+
+"By 'ur Lady, my lads," said Froth, as he washed down these delicious
+morsels, hot from the fire, with large draughts of mine host's best ale,
+"this is the best part of the night's work. I like not that lonely
+watching beneath the moon's rays. Give me the tankard and a savoury
+collop after the deed is done, and spare me the toil of the action. And
+yet, lads, an I had met yonder caitiff-keepers, I should have found them
+in work, I promise ye."
+
+"No doubt," said Caliver; "it would have taken them all four to have
+carried thy fat paunch to the cage."
+
+"I taken to the cage!" said Froth, "I would have cudgelled them to
+mummy."
+
+"Ha, Cavaliere," said the host, "thou would'st have smote, thou would'st
+have feined, thou would'st have traversed, eh, ere limbo should have
+held thy portly body? And that reminds me, Lawyer Grasp, with two imps
+of the evil one, was here to-night inquiring for thee."
+
+"Ah!" said Froth, turning rather blank, and setting down the tankard.
+"The peaking knave, then, hath entered the action against me for Master
+Doubletongue's debt. Would I had been at home, my lads, we would have
+tossed the caitiff in a blanket."
+
+"Nay, Host," said Pierce Caliver, "I had rather myself not come in
+contact with that Grasp; by the same token, I owe moneys too. Therefore
+keep fast your doors while I am within them."
+
+"My hand upon it," said the host; "I will keep all fast till noon; and
+none shall have egress or regress. Said I well, lads, eh?"
+
+"You did, Host," said Careless, "for I, too, would as lief walk with the
+receipt of fernseed by daylight."
+
+"And now, my lads all," said Snare, "let us have one song, and then a
+nap; after that to seek our several destinations. I am for Warwick when
+day breaks."
+
+"And I for Monkspath," said Careless.
+
+"And I for Stoneleigh," said Caliver.
+
+"And I for home," said Shakespeare, with a look of mock solemnity,
+"where----"
+
+"Where thou wilt be finely clapper-clawed for being out all night," said
+the host. "Such it is to be a married man--ha! ha! A young man married
+is a man that's marred. But truly, Will, thou art not yet married; thou
+canst hit a buck by moonlight with the best of us; so, I pry'thee, give
+us that song of thine about the horns, and we'll all join in chorus."
+
+Shakespeare accordingly commenced the following glee. Snare and the
+others taking part, and joining chorus:--
+
+    _Shak._   What shall he have that killed the deer?[15]
+    _Snare._  His leather skin and horns to wear.
+    _Shak._   Then sing him home.
+      _Chorus._   Take thou no scorn, to wear the horn,
+                       It was a crest ere thou wast born,
+    _Shak._   Thy father's father wore it.
+    _Snare._  And thy own father bore it.
+      _Chorus._   The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,
+                       Is not a thing to laugh to scorn.
+
+[Footnote 15: "As you like it."]
+
+The first faint light of the breaking dawn, as it gradually appeared
+through the diamond-paned window, found the entire party wrapped in
+slumber.
+
+The fat and jovial Froth, with his huge legs stretched out before him,
+his portly body thrown back, and the tankard fast-clutched in his hand,
+showed by his apoplectic breathing, the heaviness of his slumbers.
+
+Shakespeare, somewhat fatigued by the night's exertions, sat opposite,
+with his head on his folded arms.
+
+Snare was down full length before the expired fire upon the hearth; and
+the others were disposed on either side.
+
+Not a sound was heard, except the prolonged chorus of the sleepers, and
+the chirping of the cricket; when from beneath a large table at the
+farther end of the kitchen, and where he had lain concealed, the head of
+Pouncet Grasp was protruded. Stealthily, and with the greatest caution,
+he listened to the heavy breathing of the sleepers. He then as carefully
+emerged from his hiding-place, and stole on tip-toe towards the party,
+identifying each individual as he did so, and putting down his name in a
+small tablet he drew from the breast of his doublet.
+
+"Oh, oh," he whispered to himself, as he closed the tablets, after
+writing down the name of William Shakespeare; "here is a precious nest
+of ye."
+
+"Ah! ah!" he continued, as he stepped to the door, and carefully opening
+it, looked back ere he departed. "Here's a delicious job for a man to
+stumble upon! A good night's work you have made on't, Master William
+Shakespeare, have ye? Yes, and a precious piece of work have ye all made
+on't. A Star-Chamber matter will Sir Thomas make of this, as sure as my
+name is Grasp." So saying, he quietly opened the back door, and stole
+out to join the followers whom he had left in the orchard.
+
+"Shall I call the other men, and make the capture, Master Grasp?"
+inquired one of his myrmidons in a whisper. "Not to-night, good Giles,"
+said the lawyer. "By no means to-night. There is a precious fellowship
+within there; and they may capture us! Besides, I have found out a
+plot--a monstrous plot--a damnable plot--and yet a lovely plot--a most
+sweet piece of villany!"
+
+"A monstrous plot!" said the constable; "What is't, another conspiracy
+to murder the Queen?"
+
+"Worse," said Grasp. "Now, listen and perpend. Thou knowest Sir Thomas
+Lucy hath of late lost more than one deer?"
+
+"I do," said the constable.
+
+"Well, an he hath lost them, I have found them."
+
+"Where?" eagerly inquired the constable.
+
+"Here, in this veritable inn," said Grasp.
+
+"And when?" inquired the constable.
+
+"Why, now, even now: go to--see what it is to bear a brain."
+
+"Nay, then, Master Grasp," said the constable, "if the case, I also have
+a discovery to tell of."
+
+"Ah!" said Grasp, "what is it?"
+
+"Whilst we lay perdue in yonder corner of the orchard. But, stay, dost
+see that tree there with the spade against it?"
+
+"I do," said Grasp, eagerly.
+
+"With that spade, and under the third tree in line therewith, did Will
+Shakespeare dig a hole this night, and into that hole did Diccon Snare
+bury a something concealed in a sack."
+
+"Ha! say'st thou; by my faith the skin of the stolen deer," said Grasp,
+"as I'm a lawyer. Let us mark the tree; and now, my lads, I have ye
+emmeshed in a lovely web. No noise, ye knaves," he continued to his men,
+"but get through the hedge and away."
+
+"Ha! ha! Master William Shakespeare," he said, as he followed his two
+ill-looking myrmidons. "Now, will I to Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote,
+knight and magistrate, and then will we let the law loose upon ye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+THE ADVENTURE.
+
+
+Our situation as recorder of events connected with this history, whilst
+it enables us to look from an elevated position upon those connected
+with our story, enables us also to transport our readers, with a
+thought, from pole to pole. Nay, we can even rival the swift flight of
+Puck, if we so will it, and "put a girdle round about the earth in
+somewhat less than forty minutes."
+
+In virtue of this power, we therefore take leave to transport our
+readers upon the "sightless couriers of the air," and bid them look down
+upon the main of waters several thousand miles from the scene of our
+last chapter--even to the watery wastes which wash the coast of Florida.
+
+A small speck--an atom--is seen slowly and laboriously making its way
+over the broad waves of the Atlantic. Steadily and beautifully, as we
+obtain a nearer view, does she seem to mount upon the rolling surge, and
+then again sink down into the vale of waters, almost lost to sight
+between the liquid mountains which follow each other in succession,
+apparently from end to end of the world.
+
+How awfully grand is the situation! How curious to consider is the
+intellect, courage, and perseverance of those who guide that barque
+through such an unknown waste! The dreadful winds roaring above them,
+and beneath the multitudinous waters descending, "where fathom line
+would never find the ground," one touch of an unseen rock, one bolt
+starting in the vessel's hull, one unmarked and uncared-for blast of
+wind, one spark alighting in a crevice, and that vessel and all that it
+contains, unknown, unseen, is resolved into the vast tide, and washed
+amidst the atoms contained in its dark waters. Months have passed since
+the Falcon left the river which flows up to that old Dutch-built Cinque
+Port where our readers may remember to have last seen her. Steadily hath
+the wanderer held on day after day, through fair and foul, into the dark
+waste, alone, like some atom upon the surface, and still breasting the
+wave, as if eternity was before her in those rolling seas.
+
+Strange that the spirit of adventure should sustain men in such a
+hopeless-looking wilderness! That the desire of finding new worlds, or
+their greed after gold, should take them from all they hold dear in
+their own land. Such, however, is the motive which actuates the major
+part of the crew of that labouring barque, whilst to one alone amongst
+them, and who seems the chief of the party, the secret spring which is
+indeed the prime mover of the adventure, is love.
+
+The youthful Count, then, whilst he leads on his followers under the
+idea of new discoveries, great gains, and hatred of the Spaniard, is, in
+truth, seeking for one who has either perished by wreck or starvation,
+or is still living in hopeless abandonment or captivity, somewhere
+amongst these far-away seas.
+
+One only confidant is aware of the secret motive, and that person is our
+old acquaintance Martin. If then we look within the hull of this small
+craft, we shall find its interior peopled by some sixty stern-looking
+and bearded wanderers, high in courage, stern in resolve, the captain
+and crew who work the vessel, the eccentric and faithful Martin, and one
+female in disguise, the latter "a count of wealth as well as quality,"
+to all appearance, and who, as proprietor of the vessel and loader of
+the expedition, seeks ostensibly but to pursue his love of adventure.
+
+In consequence of the inferiority of size, form, and fashion of this
+vessel, and the unknown ocean they traverse, the Falcon and her warlike
+fraughtage have boon boating about for many a weary week.
+
+It was after being exposed to one of the fearful hurricanes so frequent
+in these seas, that we now look upon the Falcon and her devoted crew.
+Tempest-tossed as they had been for some weeks, to their great relief
+they at length began to find themselves approaching land, and by the
+delicious fragrance with which the air was loaded--an air which seemed
+as if it blew from some garden abounding with sweet flowers--they found
+themselves amongst "the still vext Bermothees," where they resolved to
+remain for a short time in order to refit.
+
+Strange and unnatural appearances, however, whilst in this, as it first
+seemed, region of paradise, so astonished the sailors, that after a
+brief sojourn, the Count was necessitated to hasten his departure--
+
+    "The Isle seemed full of noises,
+    Sounds and sweet airs, that gave delight, and hurt not."
+
+The sailors, too, with characteristic superstition, declared they heard
+strange voices commanding them to leave the shore,[16] and, as if to
+enforce their orders, a dreadful storm of thunder and lightning seemed
+to rend the very heavens, and darkness settled as a pall around them.
+Fearful shapes too were said to glare through the murky atmosphere
+around the ship, and the apparition of the ominous flame, called by
+seamen "Castor and Pollux," flitted above the mast. These portents were
+the prelude to a yet more tremendous storm, which threatening to swallow
+up the little vessel, eventually drove her on an island which runs
+parallel nearly to the coast of Carolina.
+
+[Footnote 16: Such an account was in reality given by the adventurers
+who sailed with Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the father of our plantations, and
+the brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, and who was lost in the storm
+following the portentous sounds we have described. Might not this very
+incident have suggested to Shakespeare the description of the island in
+the "Tempest."]
+
+The Count here disembarked, and refreshed his followers, by rest amidst
+woods and groves of tall cedar trees, around whose trunks wild vines
+hung in festoons, and the grape seemed so natural to the soil, that the
+clusters covered the ground and dipt into the ocean.
+
+Again they put to sea, and again they made a strange land filled with
+new wonders. Here, whilst the adventurers sought the interior of a
+country they had been led to believe contained cities in which the
+houses were studded with pearl, the Count and his immediate attendants
+sought the ruined colony from which Drake had carried off the remnant of
+followers, previously left by Sir Walter Raleigh. "They after riches
+hunt; he after love." The dangers and difficulties encountered by both
+parties it would be difficult to picture; for hunger, heat, wounds, and
+disease were the portion of the adventurers of Elizabeth's day. Through
+gloomy swamps they penetrated, and through interminable forests they
+hewed their way. Many were pierced by the poisoned shaft of the Indian,
+many died of despair, and many were the victims of serpents, reptiles,
+and savage beasts; whilst others again died of loathsome diseases
+unknown in their native land.
+
+Still the Count, the faithful Martin, and their immediate followers held
+on. They had gained some tidings by which they learnt that it party of
+wrecked seamen had been carried captive by the natives to a city in the
+interior of the country; and they resolved to reach them, or perish in
+the attempt.
+
+'Twas indeed an edifying sight to behold the stripling youth who led
+that small band. One evidently nurtured in luxury and ease, enduring the
+extremity of danger, fatigue, hardship, and privation, and lending a
+fire to his jaded followers by his heroic fortitude and example. What
+mattered it him, that for days hundreds of half-naked Indians, with
+their clubs and bows, hovered around his mail-clad band. One moment
+swarming to the close attack, the next showering flights of arrows from
+the distance. Still himself and party were resolved to penetrate to the
+rescue of their countrymen or die; and the little band at length reached
+the place they sought.
+
+'Twas lucky for the young Count that he had steeled his mind to bear
+disappointment when he donned the light cuirass which adorned his
+breast; for himself and followers, on arriving at the capital of the
+country, found literally nothing to repay their toil. In place of
+boundless wealth and temples of the sun, the adventurers found a
+wretched Indian town, which had been sacked and partially burned by a
+detachment of Spanish soldiers, and who had apparently carried off those
+they sought as prisoners to their ship.
+
+Here again, therefore, the Christian fortitude of the young Count
+supported his followers. "Murmur at nothing, comrades," he said. "If our
+ills are repairable, it is ungrateful; if otherwise, it is vain. There
+is comfort yet. The Spaniard is assailable, and the Falcon swift of
+pinion; we will return, embark, and swoop upon the enemy."
+
+Well knowing that the Spaniards always went into the Gulf of Mexico by
+St. Domingo and Hispaniola, and directed their homeward course by the
+Gulf of Florida, where they found a continued coast on the west side,
+trending away north, and then standing to the east to make for Spain,
+the Captain of the Falcon directed his course accordingly; and guided by
+report of some barques he fell in with, managed to gain sight of the
+very vessel they were in search of.
+
+The Spaniard was a huge carrack loaded with treasure; and when the
+English vessel sighted her, she was labouring heavily in a gale, and
+which the lighter and better-built Falcon rode with ease. Displaying his
+flag, the Count instantly gave orders to bear down and near the enemy;
+and disregarding the increasing winds which now blow almost a hurricane,
+the two vessels encountered each other.
+
+How strange it seemed that amidst the fury of the elements, and which in
+a few short hours might overwhelm both vessels in the deep, the natural
+hatred the crews bore each other should urge on and help the
+destruction. And still more edifying was the gallantry with which the
+smaller English vessel bore down upon the huge golden prize, received
+her heavy fire, and, crashing upon her, whilst they were locked
+together, attempted to storm her bulwarks, and gain a footing on her
+deck. Then might have been seen a fearful sight,--amidst the tearing of
+masts and rigging consequent upon the vessels being locked together for
+the moment, and whilst they were simultaneously heaved upon each wave,
+was heard the ringing sound of musketry, the clash of weapons, and the
+despairing cry of agony, mingled with rattling sails and roaring wind.
+
+Enveloped in smoke, none knew whether they were sinking amidst the dire
+confusion and horrible sounds around. Navigation was suspended whilst
+rage lasted, until the vessels separating with the increasing violence
+of the storm, in a crippled state, and, as if pausing for want of power
+to renew the fight, they were now gradually driven from each other. Not
+as they had met, however, did they part. In the confusion of the fight,
+and owing to their tearing apart ere the English adventurers could
+master the Spanish craft, and which by their valour and impetuosity they
+had nearly accomplished, several had fallen into the hands of the
+Spaniard, whilst a similar capture had also been made by the Falcon.
+
+The young Count and Martin were unluckily amongst those left upon the
+deck of the Spanish vessel, and one or two of the before wrecked
+sailors, of whom the Count was in search, together with some Spaniards
+of condition, were the prize of the English.
+
+This was a dire consummation to the crew of the Falcon after all their
+toils. The Spaniard was known to be a cruel devil on the high seas. The
+prisoners would be tortured or made to walk the plank. In addition to
+this, there was no possibility of rescue or renewal of the fight in such
+a sea, and in so crippled a state. Both vessels, therefore, lay rolling
+upon the waters, the crews glaring at each other till night.
+
+Notwithstanding their crippled state, the Captain of the Falcon, with
+the characteristic industry of the English suitor, sat about preparing
+for a renewal of the engagement, and, after giving a multitude of
+directions, he found time to address himself to a tall noble-looking
+cavalier, who seemed the principal of those whom the chance of war had
+introduced into his vessel.
+
+"This is an unlucky issue to our adventure, Seignor," he said, "unless
+we can repair the mischief by a second fight."
+
+"A lucky one for me, good Captain," returned the cavalier, "I was forced
+with other prisoners upon the deck of yonder Spaniard, and ordered to
+fight against you, my own country men. In the _melée_ I managed to gain
+a footing upon your craft. Another day had perhaps seen us all committed
+to the deep."
+
+"Whilst I," said the Captain, "in gaining that for which I adventured in
+this voyage, have lost my venture by losing my employer. Is not thy name
+Arderne,--Walter Arderne?"
+
+"It is," said the cavalier, in some surprise, "How have you discovered
+so much?"
+
+"There are those in this vessel who know you," said the Captain; "men
+from your own neighbourhood, and who are the followers of the owner of
+this craft, a noble gentleman who set sail from England for the very
+purpose of discovering and rescuing certain of his countrymen said to be
+cast away on the coast of Florida."
+
+"You still more astonish me," said Arderne. "What was the name of this
+person?"
+
+"My employer, and who has unluckily become a captive in yonder carrack,
+is called the Count Falanara, a noble having large estates in
+Warwickshire."
+
+"We have no such name, or proprietor of land, in that county," said
+Arderne; "you have been deceived."
+
+"In some sort I think so," said Captain Fluellyn; "will you favour me by
+stepping into the cabin of this noble, and in which, until his absence
+gave me opportunity of entering, I have never yet been?"
+
+So saying, the Captain led the way into the small cabin the Count had
+occupied during the voyage, which had been fitted up under his own
+directions.
+
+Nothing could be more elegant than the interior of this cabin; the
+curtains of the small sleeping-berth were of common silk, fringed with
+gold; the window beneath which the waves rippled was elaborately carved,
+and also framed and gilt; a splendid mirror of small dimensions, being
+framed in gold, ornamented the opposite side; the lamp which was
+suspended from the ceiling was also of pure gold; an elaborately-carved
+seat, with velvet cushions, was opposite the small round table fastened
+in the centre of the cabin, and upon it was placed a lute. In short,
+everything shewed that the recent occupier was a person of somewhat
+effeminate tastes and habits, and so the Captain seemed to think. "A
+soft nest," he said, "for one vowed to adventure, and the dangers of the
+New World. One would think a noble possessing the means for luxuries
+such as these need scarcely seek for treasure."
+
+"Truly so," said Arderne.
+
+"And yet," said the Captain, "it all depends upon the treasure sought.
+This Count, as you have said, hath in some sort put a cheat upon me;
+inasmuch, Master Arderne, as he was not what he seemed."
+
+"True," said Arderne.
+
+"These things are not the usual accompaniments of a sailor, or a rude
+son of adventure," said the Captain, somewhat contemptuously, touching
+the lute and the framed mirror with the end of his sheathed rapier. "On
+my first acquaintance with this youth--this noble--and when I took
+instructions anent our voyage, I looked upon him as a coward. He was for
+avoiding all unnecessary danger and collision with an enemy. Subsequent
+events, however, and his endurance under toil, and his ardour after that
+he sought, caused me to change that opinion. A week ago, as I listened
+to the melody of the voice which accompanied yonder lute, it suddenly
+struck me the Count was a female."
+
+"A female!" said Arderne. "Had she no familiar friend--no confidant with
+her--who was aware of her real name, think ye?"
+
+"She had," returned the Captain, "a shrewd and faithful friend, who
+seemed her confidant; albeit, I could make him out as little as I could
+his superior. He also is captured or lost in the confusion."
+
+"We must take that vessel, Captain, or perish!" said Arderne.
+
+"We will at least do our best," said the Captain, preparing to leave the
+cabin, and look to the exertions of his men. But at that moment a sudden
+cry arose in the vessel, which made both him and Arderne hasten their
+steps. The Spaniard was on fire.
+
+This was indeed a terrible consummation. The night was dark--the burning
+vessel some miles off.
+
+Regardless of the billows rolling mountains high, Arderne and a resolute
+company got out the boats of the Falcon, and attempted to approach the
+blazing vessel.
+
+'Twas, however, all in vain. The conflagration rapidly increased; so
+that ere the boats neared her, she was on fire in many places; her
+ordnance thundering off as the flames reached them, rendering it
+impossible to approach near. That several escaped in their boats was
+likely; but the English sailors, in spite of Arderne's desire to keep
+near, rowed back to tho Falcon, whence they remained gazing upon the
+flaming craft--a terrific spectacle thus seen by night. The shape,
+cordage, masts, her high and towering poop, and all her gilded
+furniture, displayed in the hot flames, as if some painter had drawn out
+every portion.
+
+All night and part of the next day did the haughty-looking Spaniard
+burn, till she was consumed to the water's edge, and then, as the Falcon
+neared her, there arose ever and anon a column of smoke from the rolling
+sea, consequent upon the close decks, full of spices, exploding under
+water, and which the fire had not taken hold of.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+MORE MATTER FOR A MAY MORNING.
+
+
+Stratford-upon-Avon, like most country towns, possessed at this period,
+amongst other and worthier inhabitants, a certain amount of fragments,
+who were indeed in themselves nothing, but who wished to make
+themselves, as they fancied themselves, something.
+
+Those stuck-up portions of humanity, besides being extremely chaste in
+their ideas of propriety, were perhaps the most intolerant and
+unforgiving Christians in the world.
+
+Brotherly love and charity were as often and as forcible in their mouths
+as real humanity was wanting in their hearts. Did a poor maiden err, and
+allowed her failing to be discovered, she was to be utterly cast out,
+abandoned, destroyed--no redemption allowed. Did a youth but shew the
+germs of a generous spirit, and fling out never so little, he was to be
+hunted down as one of the wild and wicked, irrecoverably disowned, and
+driven from society. Such folks are, as we have said, always to be found
+in a small community of citizens--the unwholesome impurity which
+circulates in its veins and arteries, and poisons by degrees the stream
+of its life.
+
+Should any of these envious censors happen to observe one whom they
+consider of mark and likelihood beyond the common herd, they endeavour
+to make shipwreck of such superiority, by nipping it in the bud. They
+feel conscious of their own common-place inferiority. They know
+themselves in reality nothing, and they resolve to reduce, if they can,
+the superiority of others to their own level, or to trample and destroy
+it utterly, if possible.
+
+"Such a commodity of warm slaves" in Stratford had for some time looked
+with evil eye upon young Shakespeare. There was a superiority about him
+which, as it was more observable to their envy, they could by no means
+behold with quietude. They regarded him with a rankling dislike, and
+received, invented, or promulgated with avidity any thing they could
+gather to his disadvantage.
+
+Our readers will perhaps think it odd, that one so young should already
+have found enemies in his native town. They will, however, remember,
+that "Envy always dogs merit at the heels," and that Shakespeare, as he
+was no common person, was at the same time the most open, generous, and
+unsuspicious of mortals--a man likely to expose himself to censure, and
+care little about it either.
+
+Back-wounding calumny, as he well knew, "the whitest virtue strikes."
+With every aggravation of circumstance, therefore, the somewhat
+desultory life young Shakespeare led, became canvassed by these good
+citizens of Stratford.
+
+He was noted as one of irreclaimably wild and dissolute habits--"quoted
+and signed to do some deed of shame;" and through the industry of Grasp
+and Doubletongue, the Charlecote exploit got wind all over the
+neighbourhood.
+
+No sooner did Grasp hear of the return of Sir Thomas Lucy from
+Kenilworth, and which happened a few days after the adventure, than he
+hastened over to Charlecote, and demanding audience of the stately
+knight, laid all he knew before him.
+
+Our readers will readily picture to themselves the ire of Sir Thomas on
+hearing this piece of intelligence, and which, as Grasp related the
+conversation he had heard whilst lying in perdue at the hostel, plainly
+shewed the knight that his park had been broke, and his deer shot under
+his very nose.
+
+"Ha!" he said, as he rose from his chair, and looked forth into the
+lovely chase; "and is it so? and are we bearded thus? Now, I will teach
+these knaves a lesson they shall not easily forget! The _outrécuidance_
+of that wild young fellow--that young Shakespeare, it shall go hard, but
+I will punish. A slight touch of the whip would do much towards turning
+so fiery a spirit. Ah! and what then, nothing but my parks, my woods,
+and my forest-walks will suffice for the recreation of that young
+springald.
+
+"Master Grasp, I am much bounden to you for this intelligence. At once
+we will proceed against the whole gang of desperadoes. Let me see your
+list again. Ah! I see. And now, with regard to the Lucy Arms, we will
+begin there first. No more shall that swaggering Host make mine own
+property the den in which these ruffians congregate, and lay their plots
+to rob and plunder me."
+
+"Master Fillpot was soliciting a fresh lease of the Lucy Arms, was he
+not, honoured Sir?" inquired Grasp.
+
+"He was so," said Sir Thomas. "His lease expired last Midsummer, and I
+was about to renew it. I will renew it with a vengeance, Master Grasp,
+as you shall see anon."
+
+"Marry and amen," said Grasp. "The Lucy Arms, grieved am I to say it,
+since they are pertaining to so honourable a house, hath been for some
+time a sign of disrepute in the town, a rallying point for certain
+dissolute and shameless characters to assemble at."
+
+"They shall no longer be so," said. Sir Thomas, ringing a small bell on
+his table, "We will incontinently proceed there. Let the head keeper be
+sought immediately," he said to the domestic, who answered the summons.
+
+"He awaits in the court with the hawks, Sir Thomas," said the domestic.
+
+"Order him hither," said the knight, "and inform the ladies I shall not
+go to the marshes this morning. I have business at Stratford which will
+employ me till after noon."
+
+The man bowed and withdrew, and immediately afterwards the head keeper,
+a tall, athletic-looking man, holding his falcon on his glove, entered
+the room.
+
+"Your fellows keep good watch, Oswald," said the knight. "During my
+absence at Kenilworth, I have been again robbed; one of the best bucks
+in the park has been stolen."
+
+"I heard not of it, Sir Thomas," returned the falconer.
+
+"So it appears," returned the knight. "Nevertheless it hath been done;
+by the same token, this worthy, honest person saw the deer brought to
+the kitchen of the Lucy Arms at Stratford, where it was skinned, cut up,
+and actually some part of it eaten by William Shakespeare and his
+companions."
+
+"You amaze me," said the keeper; "on that night some of those I left in
+charge of the park were scared by a horrible apparition, the same which
+has been sometimes seen in the chase of Kenilworth, and so alarmed Roger
+Watchum, the Earl's head keeper, that he took it as a warning of death,
+and never joyed after. It hath grievously scared our people too, and
+they are afraid to go out at night, except in couples."
+
+"Let them quit my service in couples then," said Sir Thomas, "since they
+are such cowardly hounds, and do you put a bullet through that ghost
+wherever you find it. I am well served by fellows who, scared by a
+shadow, run scampering about the woods, and leave the deer to the mercy
+of caitiffs and common robbers the whilst."
+
+The head keeper well knew the stern disposition of his master, he
+therefore only bowed and waited further orders, whilst Sir Thomas walked
+up and down the apartment for some minutes without speaking. After a
+while, however, he again addressed the keeper.
+
+"Go, sirrah," he said, "get together half a score of my out-door
+serving-men with pick and crow-bar. Send them forward to the Town-end at
+Stratford; and do thou and half a dozen of thy fellows, prepare to
+attend _me_."
+
+"And now, Master Grasp," he said, "we will take your's, and the
+depositions of the men you have brought with you, who saw this
+Shakespeare in the act of burying the buck's-hide in the orchard of the
+Lucy Arms."
+
+Meantime whilst these transactions were taking place at Charlecote, the
+unconscious delinquents were again assembled at the hostel, where we
+fear, it must be confessed, more mischief was being plotted against the
+quieter portions of the community.
+
+The spirit of mischief, and the love of sport, was, after all, the chief
+mover of the whole party. They enjoyed those stolen pleasures, and,
+indeed, doubly relished the banquets they furnished forth, from the very
+circumstances of their being so procured.
+
+On the present occasion, the presiding genius of the tavern--the jovial
+Froth, with Pierce, Caliver, and Careless, were the parties assembled in
+the parlour of the Lucy Arms.
+
+'Twas the time, according to the magnificent wight Armado, "when beasts
+most graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that nourishment which
+is called supper,"--about the sixth hour.
+
+The meal was accompanied by sauce of the best quality, hunger, and
+savoured by good humour and hilarity. It consisted of a smoking haunch
+from the very buck we have already heard so much controversy about, and
+which was washed down by large draughts of liquor, various in kind, and
+exquisite in flavour.
+
+It would have done the reader's heart good to have beheld mine host of
+the tavern, with the sleeves of his doublet tucked up, standing at the
+table to carve the savoury joint, and whilst he ever and anon partook of
+a morsel and pledged his guests in a bumper, waiting upon them and
+uttering his quaint sayings.
+
+William Shakespeare and Diccon Snare had promised to be of the party on
+this evening, but from some cause or other which was unexplained,
+neither had kept the appointment.
+
+Meanwhile the supper was finished, the haunch devoured down to the very
+bone, the napkin was removed, and the sparkling liquors in their
+quaint-cut bottles and flasks being placed upon the board, the party sat
+in for a carouse. They had all been over to Warwick on that day, and
+pleasure and action gave a zest to the evening's entertainment and the
+enjoyment of the hour; still the absence of Shakespeare and Snare made
+the evening's enjoyment, after all, seem incomplete. There was a feeling
+of something wanting to crown the joy of the party; for those who had
+once been in the society of the delightful Will, would be likely,
+without knowing the extent of their feelings at the moment, to
+experience a terrible void if he disappointed them.
+
+The assemblage, however, were not men to allow the hours to hang on
+hand; and in the hope and expectation that their friends would join
+them, they carried on the war in jovial style. Their jests principally
+were levelled against Sir Thomas Lucy, whose rude and overbearing
+keepers they were the more pleased at gaining a triumph over; inasmuch
+as one or two of their own party had before been severely punished for
+offences against the game laws--offences, which men of their sort looked
+upon in the light of no offence at all, and rather as a sort of feather
+in their caps, anything but a theft; or, if a theft, a species of
+stealing which those of spirit, and ranking as gentlemen, had a right to
+indulge in: for what says the old doggrel?
+
+    "Harry and I in youth long since
+    Did doughty deeds, but some nonsense;
+    We read our books, we sang our song,
+    We stole a deer; nor thought it wrong;
+    To cut a purse deserves but hanging,
+    To steal a deer gets merely banging."
+
+"Ha, ha!" said the Host. "Art thou there, bullies? Why, then, confusion
+to these Bohemian tartars! and we lads of mettle will still feast at
+their expense. What we must hedge, we must lurch. An we are borne down
+by the vile in spirit, we must resort to cozenage,--we must filch,--we
+must steal,--we must coney catch,--we must cozen the dappled deer from
+the fern."
+
+"Truly thou art in the right, Host," said Froth; "but I most especially
+marvel what keepeth the jovial Will to-night. He struck the buck, and
+should be at the carving of the haunch. We lack him--we lack him much.
+By my fay! the cup lacks flavour, whilst expectation is thus defeated.
+Oh, 'tis a glorious boy! Come, lads, let us in his absence cheer our
+spirits with a catch. Give us Will's own song of the horns: an we have
+not himself, we'll have his verse." And the party sang,--
+
+   "1. What shall we have that kill the deer?
+    2. His leathern skin and horns to wear.
+    3. Then sing him home.
+          Take thou no scorn to wear the horn,
+          It was a crest ere thou wast born."
+
+The chorus was trolled out again and again, the singers applauding their
+own exertions vigorously, by repeated raps upon the table. Mine Host sat
+with his hands clasped before him, his head keeping time with drunken
+precision:
+
+    "The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,
+    Is not a thing to laugh to scorn."
+
+When just at this moment the whole company were startled by an
+apparition nearly as appalling in appearance as the spectre they had
+themselves scared the keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy with in Charlecote, and
+which indeed was neither more nor less than Sir Thomas Lucy himself.
+
+The knight advanced a few paces into the room, accompanied by several of
+his men, and stood to regard the party. Mine host was the first to catch
+sight of him, and the lusty chorus he was trolling out died away in a
+faint quaver, and as the rest of the company, following the direction of
+his staring eyes, turned and beheld the tall knight, conscience made
+cowards of them all, and, with a desperate rush, they endeavoured to get
+out of the room. Two dashed into the sleeping-chamber of Froth, whence
+they escaped into the orchard, whilst mine host, Caliver, and Careless,
+bolted through the open window.
+
+Following the example of these latter fugitives, Froth made also an
+attempt to escape by the window, but his huge body became fixed like a
+wedge, as he endeavoured to throw himself forwards upon the grass
+without, and his nether man presented so fair a mark that the irate
+knight pointing him out to his head keeper, the sturdy forester stepped
+up, and by a most industrious application of his hunting-whip, so
+stimulated the exertions of Froth, that, bellowing with pain, he at last
+managed to get through the opening.
+
+If the stately knight had been given to mirth, the sight of this swollen
+porpoise, during his efforts to escape,--his huge legs kicking at his
+tormentor,--his great body fast jammed,--would have furnished him with
+laughter for some minutes.
+
+Sir Thomas, however, was too irate to be so moved; he sought for proof
+of the guilt of the parties in this their sanctum, and, quickly
+proceeding to overhaul the lodgement of Froth, he found sufficient
+evidence of their poaching propensities; cross-bows, matchlocks, and
+snares of various sorts, were rummaged out and brought to light; and
+even the costume of Dreary Death, and other disguises, were produced. In
+fact, the query which had been often suggested by some of the more staid
+neighbours of the vicinity, as to how the swash-bucklers and rollicking
+blades constituting the society of the Lucy Arms, managed to live,
+was brought to light. They lived by their exertions on the road
+and the glade. They were squires of the night's body--Diana's
+foresters--gentlemen of the shade.
+
+No sooner was Sir Thomas fully satisfied on this point than he retired
+from the interior, and, mounting his horse, ordered the men awaiting him
+at the town-end to be summoned.
+
+"Master Grasp," he said, "I have more than once given this caitiff host
+notice to quit, and he hath still hung on and craved to remain my
+tenant. You have seen him this day evacuate the premises of his own free
+will, and I will now give my own people possession."
+
+Thus saying, Sir Thomas ordered his men to enter the hostel, and proceed
+to unroof it,[17] after which he desired them with pick and spade to
+demolish and destroy as much as they could effect that night, and in the
+morning to return and level the Lucy Arms with the ground. That done, he
+reiterated his commands to the obsequious Grasp to proceed against the
+whole party as aiders and abetters in the robbery--William Shakespeare,
+in particular, as principal. To _prosecute_ and _persecute_ with the
+utmost rigour of the law. After which he turned his horse, and, grave
+and stately, attended by his keepers, rode off to Charlecote.
+
+[Footnote 17: This sort of ejectment was not uncommon in Elizabeth's
+reign.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE LAMPOON.
+
+
+On the morning of the day on which Sir Thomas paid a visit to the Lucy
+Arms, William Shakespeare, seated in a small parlour at the back of his
+house, was employed reading from a somewhat bulky volume certain matters
+which appeared deeply to interest him.
+
+So much so, indeed, that albeit his attention was often called from the
+subject of his studies by the little crowing baby he held in one arm;
+still he ever returned with renewed avidity to devour a few more pages,
+as often as the playful infant gave him an opportunity of doing so.
+
+The volume Shakespeare was reading from was a thick squat folio, then
+some thirty years printed, and called Hall's Chronicles. Many and
+various were the histories contained in this thick volume; and the deep
+interest young Shakespeare felt in their perusal, and the impression
+they made upon his mind, may be imagined when we enumerate them as set
+forth. First, then, there was "the unquiet time of King Henry ye
+Fourth." That was indeed a stirring page in England's history, "when
+trenching war channelled her fields," and intestine jars and civil
+butchery "daubed her lips with her own children's blood."
+
+Then followed the victorious acts of King Henry the Fifth--a glorious
+epoch--a "record of fair act," and which, as we read of, he already saw
+before him, "the warlike Hal, in the vasty fields of France,"
+
+    "Assuming the port of Mars, and at his heels
+    Leash'd in, like hounds, famine, fire, and sword,
+    Crouching for employment."
+
+Then came the troublous season of King Henry the Sixth, when
+
+    "Cropp'd were the flower-de-luces in our arms,
+    And England's cost one-half was cut away."
+
+Then followed the boisterous reign of King Edward the Fourth, the
+pitiful life of King Edward the Fifth, the tragical doings of King
+Richard the Third, the "politic governance" of King Henry the Seventh,
+the triumphant reign of King Henry the Eighth.
+
+How diligently young Shakespeare perused this book; and how carefully he
+remembered the impression made upon his mind, his after-life has shewn
+us.
+
+At the present moment, like many a less elevated genius, his studies
+were disturbed by civil discord, domestic brawls, and the matters of
+every-day life around him.
+
+Such, however, was the fine disposition of the man, that it took much to
+disturb the serenity of his temper and the equanimity of his mind.
+
+We have seen that, in the amiability of his disposition, he was
+snatching an hour's leisure from the business in which he was engaged,
+and helping to nurse his child whilst pursuing his studies. This
+employment in itself would but have enhanced the pleasure afforded by
+such study. But unluckily (albeit he gave as little attention thereto as
+possible) he was at the same time subjected to the observation and sharp
+rebuke of his somewhat shrewish better half.
+
+The stolen hours spent with his associates of the Lucy Arms had caused
+him a series of lectures and upbraidings, which completely ship-wrecked
+his domestic peace.
+
+All this be suffered in silence, for, as he could not compromise his
+companions by disclosing their confederacy in his deer-stealing exploit,
+he wisely held big tongue; not that he, however, deemed it right to keep
+secret counsel from the wife of his bosom; but in this case, where
+others were concerned, honour bound his tongue. In his own words he
+could have told her--
+
+    "That he knew her wise, but yet no further wise
+    Than William Shakespeare's wife. Constant she was,
+    But yet a woman: and for secrecy
+    No lady closer, for he well believed
+    She would not utter what she did not know,
+    And so far would he trust the gentle Anne."
+
+In the present instance the gentle Anne appeared determined to have a
+serious quarrel with her husband. She flatly told him she would never
+rest till she had discovered where and with whom he had passed the
+night; and her upbraidings, as is frequently the case with females in
+her station of life, were by no means mild.
+
+    "The venom'd clamours of a jealous woman
+    Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."
+
+And William Shakespeare found it, and accordingly at length his patience
+gave way, and he arose, laid aside his book, placed his child in the
+cradle, and notwithstanding his stomach warned him it was near the
+dinner hour, he donned his castor, left the small apartment, and was
+about to leave his house for the Lucy Arms, when, just as he reached the
+door, he beheld Diccon Snare.
+
+Dismounting from his horse, Snare entered the front-room of
+Shakespeare's house; and having desired the lad to whom he gave charge
+of the steed to lead it round to the shed in rear, he closed the door
+behind him carefully, and then threw himself into a chair, as one who
+had ridden far and fast since he had taken to the saddle.
+
+"There is ill news abroad, Will," said he; "the Charlecote business is
+blown--Sir Thomas Lucy knows all. That much concerns you, for you are
+made the principal in the affair. Other matter hath also come out
+regarding some transactions in which Caliver and Careless are concerned.
+Caliver is in custody. Careless hath escaped, and, as I am not
+altogether exempt, I am for London with all speed."
+
+"For myself I care nothing," said Shakespeare; "but for Pierce, Caliver,
+and Careless, I am grieved. But whence is all this derived?"
+
+"I met one of Grasp's lads at Kenilworth this morning," said Snare, "who
+with an officer was searching for Caliver; he gave me a hint to convey
+intelligence to the lads of the Lucy Arms; and I have ridden hard to
+give you the first notice."
+
+"This doth indeed look ugly," said Shakespeare. "Sir Thomas hath ever
+held me in his hate, and undeservedly so. Wherefore he hath this
+dislike, I partly guess; now he has me on the hip, I doubt not he will
+do his utmost against me. But I pry'thee come in, Snare, you look pale,
+and lack refreshment. Our meal is about to be served."
+
+"Nay, but," said Snare, "your wife, Will,--she likes me not; nay, she
+forbade my coming hither last Martinmas."
+
+"Heed it not," said Shakespeare, smiling; "believe me, she meant not
+what she said. A friend both tired, hungry, and in need of shelter,
+shall never be turned fasting from my door. Besides, hath not thy love
+brought thee hither to warn me? Tush, man! Do you tell me of a woman's
+tongue--
+
+    "That gives not half so great a blow to the ear,
+    As doth a chestnut in a farmer's fire."
+
+And Shakespeare threw open the door, and ushered his friend Snare into
+the inner-room, where they found the dinner spread, and the wife not
+best pleased at having to tarry.
+
+"Not a word of matters appertaining," he whispered to Snare, as they
+entered. "Mistress Anne will not endure thee long, Diccon. After the
+meal is finished, she will take herself off to the upper-room."
+
+Snare therefore followed his friend, and looking somewhat scared, made a
+leg, and paid his compliments to the hostess as he best could.
+
+'Twas exactly as Shakespeare had surmised. The handsome Anne, whose brow
+grew somewhat contracted when she saw her husband usher in Snare, left
+the pair to themselves, as soon as she had finished her meal.
+
+After her departure, Shakespeare placed liquor before his guest; and
+over a social glass they debated seriously of their affairs.
+
+The high spirit of Shakespeare, however, would not permit of his long
+remaining under dominion of care or apprehension; and, under influence
+of a cup or two of Canary, he began to rail upon Sir Thomas, and lash
+him alternately.
+
+"Out upon the clod-pate," he said; "his brains are as thick as
+Tewkesbury mustard. He imprison me--he have me whipped! Pshaw! I laugh
+at the dull ass! I will make him a jest to the whole country!"
+
+"O' my word, Will, he will be more likely to drive thee from it," said
+Snare; "for Launcelot Quill, Grasp's head clerk, vows he never saw man
+more angered than the old knight is against thee."
+
+"Tush, man!" said Shakespeare, "never tell me of his anger. Let him do
+his spite. He hath already done me several ill turns, from the bare
+suspicion that I have broke his park. Now, I doubt not, he will fine,
+imprison, and what not, if he can but catch me! Come, another cup, and
+then to inform our companions of the Lucy Arms of this matter. Best,
+however, clap-to the outer door, and make all fast," he said, rising and
+drawing the bolt across the fore-door, "lest this Cavaliero Justice hath
+already let loose his myrmidons against me. Ha! ha!" he continued,
+reseating himself, "he a Justice of the Peace!--he a Parliament Member!
+Why, I will fashion a better justice after supper out of a
+cheese-paring. I pr'ythee, Snare, reach me that ink-horn. I will write a
+lampoon upon the peaking Cornuto, and fasten it up against his
+park-gates--I will, indeed, lad!"
+
+"Nay, but Will," urged Snare, "thou wilt scarce venture, daring dog as
+thou art, further to irritate the knight? I tell thee, being married and
+settled here, this business will already go far to ruin thee."
+
+"Ruin me!" said Shakespeare, somewhat bitterly. "Ruin me, saidst thou?
+Why, man, dost think me in a thriving condition here in Stratford?"
+
+"Not entirely so," said Snare, looking around; "I would I could see thy
+nest better feathered, Will, and I trust I shall yet do so."
+
+"I think it not," said Shakespeare; "business decreases apace with me. I
+am called wild, inattentive, dissolute,--nay, I have had one or two
+slight misunderstandings with my family; and, as thou sayest, this last
+business and the rancorous hatred of Sir Thomas, will go hard with your
+poor friend. But, come, here we have a couplet or two in his condign
+praise: for a taste--
+
+    "A parliament member, a justice of peace,
+    At home a poor scarecrow, at London an asse;
+    If lowsie is Lucy, as same volke miscalle it,
+    Then Lucy is lowsie whatever befall it."
+
+"'Fore heaven, Will, stop," said Snare, laughing, "Thou hast indeed
+touched up the knight; thou hast tied him to a post, and wilt lash him
+into madness."
+
+"Nay, but stay," said Shakespeare, "I will give him another stanza yet.
+Hearkee to this:
+
+    "He thinks himself great.
+    Yet an asse in his state,
+    We allowe by his ears but with asses to mate;
+    If Lucy is lowsie as some volke miscalle it,
+    Then sing lowsie Lucy, whatever befall it."
+
+"Nay," said Snare, "an thou stick that up, thou hadst better put the
+seas between thyself and Britain. The Knight of Charlecote will be
+driven stark staring mad."
+
+"Well," said Shakespeare, "we shall see how matters progress. If Sir
+Thomas bears me hard, as true as thy name is Diccon Snare, I will nail
+this lampoon to his park-gates, and have it sung to filthy tunes through
+the town."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE GARDEN.
+
+
+It was one bright morning, a few days after the events we have recorded
+that a gay and gallant-looking party rode into the grounds of Clopton
+and approached the Hall.
+
+The mansion, which had for some time remained shut up, now appeared to
+be resuming something of its former state. Its latticed windows were
+once more open, whilst servants were to be seen moving about the offices
+and gardens, and even the bark and bay of dogs were heard in the kennel.
+
+The good Sir Hugh had suddenly returned to his home from the Low
+Countries. Time had gradually ameliorated his deep grief, and restored
+the equilibrium of his mind. He felt tired of camps and military
+service, and his thoughts turned to the green woods and sweet scenes of
+his own home.
+
+A feeling we suspect which almost all soldiers, however much ambition
+and the love of profession may keep them in harness, more or less
+experience. There is a period in the lives of all men in which the
+occupations of a country life form a sort of recreation after the toils
+and cares of the world. That which we disregard in youth, amidst the
+gaieties and frivolities and ambitions of life, in age seems to come as
+a natural repose. A wise provision of nature, and which in earlier
+times was perhaps better exemplified. To youth, the bright weapon, the
+helm, the shield, and the defence. To riper age, the plough, the hoe,
+and the dibble.
+
+Sir Hugh had returned to his sweet home, and, albeit a settled
+melancholy was on his spirits, he could better enjoy that home now that
+absence had rendered it less painful to him to look upon, and he
+returned with renewed zest to his old employments. He was in his garden,
+giving directions to his gardener about the different plants, and
+flowers, and shrubs, and turning over in his mind the varieties which in
+his daughter's time she had loved to cultivate--
+
+                        "Daffodils
+    That come before the swallow dares, and take
+    The winds of March with beauty. Violets dim,
+    But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes
+    Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses
+    That die unmarried, ere they can behold
+    Bright Phoebus in his strength."
+
+He was busied amongst his "somewhat o'erweeded garden," when an
+attendant announced that Sir Thomas and Lady Lucy were advancing towards
+the house, with the intention, no doubt, of paying him a formal visit on
+his return. Upon which the good Sir Hugh set his dibble in the earth,
+smoothed down the cuffs of his doublet, belted on the long rapier, which
+he had laid aside upon the walk when he commenced work, and, adjusting
+his short cloak and starched ruff, entered his house to receive these
+distinguished guests.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy, in the kindness of his heart, had hastened to pay a
+visit to his old friend the moment he heard of his arrival, and, well
+knowing there would be many things to excite the feelings of Sir Hugh on
+his return, he was resolved to carry him back to Charlecote.
+
+"I will have no denial, Sir Hugh," he said, "I have come hither to bring
+ye forth to Charlecote. We have wanted you long, and by my fay we cannot
+away without ye."
+
+"Nay, but," said Sir Hugh, "I am but now returned. Methinks in a few
+days I should be more prepared to leave home again."
+
+"Prepare me nothing," said Sir Thomas. "What the good-year, dost think
+we will let thee sit down to a solitary meal here, when we have shot the
+buck, and dressed the haunch on purpose for thee? Come, man, Lady Lucy
+takes no denial; and, see, my daughters are here to fetch thee."
+
+There was no resisting this, so Sir Hugh, sighing as he glanced upon the
+lovely daughters of his neighbour, ordered out his steed at once.
+
+It was a lovely morning, as the party rode through the grounds of
+Clopton, and emerged upon the road to Stratford. Many matters were
+discussed by the two friends after their long separation.
+
+Sir Thomas rode, as was customary at the period, with his falcon on his
+glove, his falconers being in attendance. Nay, even the ladies carried
+their favourite hawks, which they petted, and even talked to as they
+rode; a favourable opportunity for giving them wing being not altogether
+neglected occasionally.
+
+"We must have a day on't in the marshes, Sir Hugh," said the Knight of
+Charlecote, "and you must away with me next week to the Cotswold Hills,
+to the coursing, Sir Hugh. By 'ur Lady, I have a pup of old Snowball,
+which, an I am not mistaken, will win the match. 'Tis a goodly cur, I
+promise ye."
+
+"I will see him run," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"And that reminds me," said Sir Thomas, "to tell thee I have of late
+been much molested by a knot of young fellows breaking my parks and
+shooting my deer."
+
+"Ah, the caitiffs," said Sir Hugh, "can'st not take them?"
+
+"In sooth can I, and will trounce them too. One, especially, have I
+marked for punishment; and my lawyer hath him in hand. A wild lad of the
+town here, named Shakespeare."
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Hugh; "not young William Shakespeare, the eldest
+son of the wool-comber?"
+
+"The same," said Thomas. "I shall impound the knave ere many hours more
+are over his head."
+
+"Nay, I am truly sorry to hear this," said Sir Hugh, "for I have reason
+to think well of that lad."
+
+"'Tis more than any one else hath, then," said Sir Thomas. "He hath been
+a bitter thorn in my side for some time."
+
+"Truly, you surprise me; hath he then so altered since I left these
+parts?"
+
+"I know not that," said Sir Thomas; "but I well know he hath the
+reputation of the wildest young fellow in the neighbourhood."
+
+"Nay, then I am utterly astonished," said Sir Hugh. "We must talk
+further of this matter; and I must see if I cannot get you to over-look,
+in some sort, young Shakespeare's offence."
+
+"I would do much to pleasure you," said the Knight of Charlecote; "but
+my lawyer hath instruction to prosecute him with rigour. I was resolved
+to make a Star Chamber matter o't. If he be, however, so much favoured
+by thee, my good friend, we must look to't. But come, here we are at
+Charlecote. Ha!" he continued, pulling up his steed suddenly; "what have
+we nailed up against the gate? Dismount, Hubald!" he said to the
+Falconer, "take it down, man, and read it, and see what 'tis."
+
+The head Falconer dismounted, and approaching the gates, took down a
+good sized placard written in large characters, a single glance at which
+seemed to cover him with dismay.
+
+"What is it, in the name of wonder?" said the Knight. "Read, man, read;
+don't stand glaring like a driveller. Is my place placarded for sale?"
+
+"An it so please ye," said the Falconer, "a gnat hath gotten into my
+eye, and I cannot well make it out. 'Tis a verse, too, and I cannot read
+a verse anyhow."
+
+"Thou art a knave," said the Knight. "Read, I tell thee. I am curious to
+know what such documents can have to do with my gates. Read, I say,
+without more circumstance." And accordingly the Falconer, like one
+affrighted at his own voice, and in doleful tones drawled out the
+following couplet:--
+
+    "A parliament member, a justice of peace,
+    At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass.
+    If Lucy is--"
+
+"Ahem! 'If Lucy is--'" And the Falconer stopped.
+
+"Proceed, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, with the calmness of concentrated
+rage; "proceed, a God's name!" And again the Falconer read--
+
+    "If Lucy is lowsey as some folk miscall it,
+    Then lowsey is Lucy whatever befall it."
+
+To paint the ire and astonishment of Sir Thomas would be difficult.
+
+"Here's goodly stuff toward," he said, as the Falconer stopped after the
+four first lines, and stood looking as much scared as if he had himself
+been guilty of the composition. "This, then, Sir Hugh, is doubtless the
+production of thy witty friend. A pestilence strike such wit! say I.
+Here, hand me the paper. Now may the fiend take me, an I do not give him
+his full deserts for this insult." And cramming the placard into the
+bosom of his doublet, to be read carefully and at more leisure, Sir
+Thomas put spurs to his horse and rode into the courtyard of his
+mansion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT TO LONDON.
+
+
+A week has elapsed since Sir Hugh Clopton paid his visit to Charlecote.
+He has been a few days returned to his own home again, and is filled
+with pleasurable sensations on account of a letter just received from
+London, and announcing the arrival there of his nephew, Walter Arderne.
+The ship in which Walter has received a passage home is called the
+"Falcon," it is lying at Deptford; and the letter from the nephew to the
+uncle treats of strange matter; and promises, when they meet, still
+stranger news, connected with his escape, and safe return to England. A
+postscript adds, that as Walter has returned naked, as it were, to his
+native land, and has little to delay him preparatory to his returning to
+Clopton, his strong love for his uncle, "sharp as his spur," will help
+him on his road as fast as his horse can bring him. One only drawback is
+there to the contentment of Sir Hugh, and that is the account his nephew
+gives of the loss of the faithful Martin.
+
+Still (although Sir Hugh felt more happy at this intelligence than he
+had been for some time) he did not let his feelings interfere with a
+project he had conceived after his return home, of going into Stratford
+in order to pay a visit to John Shakespeare, in Henley Street. The good
+Sir Hugh felt, that however much the son of the wool-comber might have
+disgraced himself, at any rate he himself was in duty bound to try and
+befriend him. "A deer-stealer," he said, as he mounted his horse and
+rode forth, "and given to all unluckiness in catching hares and rabbits
+too; and then that biting satire nailed against the park-gates, and
+stuck up all over the town: nay, 'twas too bad, and that is the truth
+on't. Here, too," he continued, (fumbling in the pocket of his doublet,)
+"is a vile ballad I bought of an old hag, who was bawling it through the
+streets of Stratford but yesterday. Let me see what saith the doggrel:
+
+    "Sir Thomas was too covetous
+       To covet so much deer,
+     When horns enough upon his head,
+       Most plainly did appear."
+
+"By 'ur Lady, but 'tis sad stuff; and here be more--
+
+    "Had not his worship one deer left?
+      What then? he had a wife,
+    Took pains enough to find him horns
+      Should last him during life."
+
+"Ah, a very simple lad, and a wilful. Had it not been for these
+things--these scraps of bad verse--I could have made matters up, I dare
+be sworn." And Sir Hugh (who by this time had reached Henley Street)
+dismounted, and entered the house of the wool-comber.
+
+How well the Knight of Charlecote had bestirred himself, and how well he
+had been assisted in his prosecution of the deer-stealers by the
+wretched Grasp, was evident, since Sir Hugh found that Snare was in jail
+at Warwick, Caliver in durance at Coventry, and that William Shakespeare
+had fled.
+
+Yes, Shakespeare had fled from Stratford-upon-Avon. How trivial a
+circumstance did that seem at the time! Except his own family, none
+seemed to know or care much about him. A mere youth was driven from his
+home to avoid punishment for a trifling indiscretion; persecuted by a
+man of high and chivalrous feeling, and who knew him not, but by the ill
+report of the vile; a man who, had he but suspected the great worth and
+brilliant genius of the fugitive, would have been one of the first to
+befriend, in place of injuring and driving him, alone and friendless,
+from his home. And that act, whilst it lent an imperishable _eclat_ to
+his own name, was, perhaps, the exciting cause of the greatness of the
+offender.
+
+It was dark night when Shakespeare left his home. The resolve was
+suddenly taken: his high spirit could not brook the thought of
+degradation and punishment at the suit of the Knight of Charlecote. The
+misrepresentations, the misconceptions, and the absurd reports of the
+Stratford noodles, had disgusted him; and (even amidst the laughter
+caused by the lampoon affixed to the gates of Charlecote) he fled from
+the town.
+
+Added to these feelings, there was the natural ambition which a young
+man, a husband, and a father, entertained to enter into some wider
+sphere of action, find where the talents he possessed might be brought
+into play. Domestic difference, too, and undeserved reproach,--or, if
+_deserved_, ill-timed, galled his spirit, and his gentle nature rebelled
+against the treatment he had received. The fire in the flint, 'tis said,
+"shows not till it be struck."
+
+'Twas night when he left his home. To his mother alone had he confided
+his intent, and to her he had entrusted the care of both wife and
+children. 'Twas two hours past midnight when he donned his hat and
+cloak, took his quarter-staff in his hand, and prepared to start.
+
+Gently he ascended the stairs, and entered his sleeping-room. The
+handsome Ann was buried in a deep sleep; and as one snowy arm encircled
+her infant, her dark-brown locks lay like a cloud upon the pillow. What
+a picture of rustic English beauty did she present! One kiss of her
+parted lips, and he descended the stairs, and let himself out by the
+back-door.
+
+He was obliged to be cautious as he crossed the orchard, and gained the
+open fields in rear of his dwelling. It would, however, we opine, have
+been somewhat dangerous had the emissaries of Grasp molested him on this
+night, as his spirit, although bruised, was not broken, and he would
+have been a difficult person to capture. Ere he left the orchard, he
+turned and looked long and fixedly at his own and his father's dwelling.
+He felt that, perhaps, he might never again behold the sloping roofs
+which covered relatives so dear. All, save one (his mother), were buried
+in deep sleep, and unconscious of his flight. A minute more, and he was
+gone from his native town. Hurrying onwards over the meadows and
+woodlands--avoiding the high-road--across the country towards
+Warwick--"over park, over pale--through brake, through briar." Without
+any fixed notion as to his route, London was his destination; and with a
+mind ill at ease, the solitude of the woods was most congenial to his
+thoughts. Thus he traversed, alone and at night, the first few miles of
+that delicious and park-like scene between his native town and Warwick;
+and still, as his steps were destined towards the latter town, old
+haunts, and points of interest, lured him from the direct line; and the
+breaking dawn found him standing, leaning upon his staff, on Blacklow
+Hill--a spot, we dare say, well known to the majority of our readers.
+The sweetness of this locality, and the delicious scene around, for the
+moment took him from his own particular griefs; his mind reverted to the
+terrible deed of stern and wild justice it had been the scene of.
+
+In the hollow of the rock beneath his feet, Piers Gaveston, the minion
+of Edward the Second, had met his sudden fate.
+
+Amidst the fern and on the mossed face of the rugged rock were still to
+be seen the name of the victim, and the date in which the deed had been
+done, rudely cut at the moment of the execution.
+
+          1311.
+     PIERS GAVESTON,
+    EARL OF CORNWALL,
+        BEHEADED.
+
+Around him were the oaks of the Druids; in the distance, embosomed in
+softest verdure, gray with age, and softened in the mists of early dawn,
+were the towers of the magnificent Warwick.
+
+On right, on left, were the deep woodlands, at this period covering
+nearly all Warwickshire like a huge forest. 'Twas a scene peculiarly
+adapted to call forth all the chivalrous feelings and historical
+recollection of such a being. The distant rush of the water from the
+monastic mill at Guy's Cliff, a sound which the monks of the adjoining
+abbey in bygone times had loved to hear, soothed the melancholy of his
+soul;--a sort of dreamy and shadowy remembrance of ages "long ago
+betide;"--a feeling as if the gazer upon such a scene had been familiar
+with the iron men who lived in feudal pride, and owned those towers in
+bygone days, stole upon him. He stood upon the domain of that mighty
+Earl of Warwick, "the putter up and plucker down of kings;" the blast of
+whose bugle in that county had often assembled thousands, "all
+furnished, all in arms." In thought he followed the proud baron in all
+his stirring career. Knight and esquire and vassal, a "jolly troop of
+English" swept by with tuck of drum and colours spread; and then he saw
+the mighty earl dying amidst the dust and blood of Barnet:--
+
+    "His parks, his walks, his manors, that he had,
+    Even these forsaking him; and, of all his lands,
+    Nothing left him but his body's length."
+
+Any one who could have looked upon that youthful poet at the moment,
+might have surmised the Shakespeare after-times has been wont to
+picture. There was the divine expression,--the countenance _once seen_,
+even in a portrait, never to be forgotten; the eye of fire, "glancing
+from heaven to earth;" the splendid form, with head thrown back and foot
+advanced. And thus he stood upon Blacklow Hill--
+
+    "A combination and a form, indeed,
+    To give the world assurance of a man."
+
+Not like a fugitive flying from the paltry spite of a scrivener set on
+by a country squire, but like the herald mercury.
+
+                "New lighted on a heaven-kissing hill."
+    Long did the fugitive linger in this spot, till--
+
+                      "Light thickened, and the crow
+                      Wing'd to the rocky wood."
+
+He then, as hunger forced him from his retreat, crossed the meadows, and
+entering the town of Warwick, sought an old hostel situate in the
+suburbs. No sooner did he enter this town, than he began to find himself
+one remove from the dull seclusion of his native place. The streets
+seemed all alive; a huge bonfire was a-light in the market-place, and
+hundreds of the rough sons of toil were assembled around, and in the
+adjoining thoroughfares.
+
+Another diabolical conspiracy of the Jesuits had been discovered, and
+their designs frustrated. The news had just travelled to Warwick, and
+all was exultation, execration, and wild riot; whilst, added to this was
+a whispered rumour that the Queen of Scots was to be immediately brought
+to trial for participation in the plot. Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Amias
+Paulet, and Edward Barker,--it was said at the Castle,--had waited upon
+Mary, informing her of the commission to try her, and also that Mary had
+refused to submit to an examination before subjects. Thus, then, all was
+excitement, stir, and bustle, as Shakespeare, unmarked by all, passed
+through the streets of Warwick and entered, the market-place,--a scene,
+perhaps, not quite so rude and riotous as in earlier times in that old
+town, yet still sufficiently characteristic of the period.
+
+At one side of the market a company of fleshers, butchers, and half-clad
+hangers-on, reeking with the "uncleanly savours of the slaughter-house,"
+threw up their sweaty night-caps, and urged their savage mastiffs to the
+charge, whilst an unlucky bear, tied to a strong stake, hugged and bit
+and bellowed with the agony of the attack. At another part a rout of
+fellows were to be seen wrestling and playing at quarter-staff; others,
+as they sprawled before a low hostel, were dicing and drinking, whilst a
+whole company danced and shouted around a bonfire, in which the effigies
+of Philip of Spain, tied back to back to a shaven monk, were being
+burnt. At another part of the market a considerable crowd was gathered
+around a sort of rhyming pedlar,--a tatterdemalion poet, who said, and
+shouted, and sang, the latest news, the newest ballad, and the last
+lampoon made upon Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote:--
+
+    "A Parliament member, a justice of peace--
+    At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass."
+
+Passing through this crowd, and gathering from several knots of the
+citizens much of the stirring news, Shakespeare entered a small tavern
+situate in the outskirts of the town, near the Priory walls, where,
+although he found less bustle, there was yet a decent assemblage of
+guests. Here again he had opportunity of hearing those events which at
+the moment interested the kingdom from one end to the other. Violent
+philippics were levelled against Mary of Scotland, Philip of Spain, the
+Pope, and all communicating and consorting with them. The Queen of
+Scots, it was asserted by one of the travellers, had been found guilty
+of writing a letter to Philip, in which she offered to transfer all
+England to the Spaniard should her son refuse to embrace the Catholic
+faith. Another guest affirmed she had entered into a conspiracy against
+her own son, and instigated agents to seize his person and deliver him
+into the hands of the Pope, or the King of Spain.
+
+As the fugitive sat beneath the huge chimney, and listened to the noisy
+debate of these politicians, amidst the hum of voices, and with the
+names of Walsingham, Babington, Burleigh, Hatton, Leicester, and others,
+ringing in his ears, he fell asleep, and with his arms folded, his head
+dropping upon his breast, his feet stretched out upon the hearth, his
+quarter-staff fast clutched in his arms, in company with others snoring
+in different parts of the apartment, did he pass the first hours of the
+night on which he fled from Stratford.
+
+It was by no means an uncommon occurrence in Elizabeth's day for guests
+and wayfarers at a hostel of this sort _so_ to pass the night. Your
+traveller oft-times took his supper, folded his arms, drew his cloak
+around him, and slept in his boots and doublet when on a journey. The
+comfort of a good bed, as in our own day upon the road, was by no means
+thought so necessary. Nay, during the reign of Henry the Eighth, the
+peasant slept upon the floor with a log of wood for a pillow; and a
+comfortable bed to the hardy English peasant or the yeoman was a luxury
+indeed. The traveller, therefore, who meant to be early on the road,
+paid his shot over-night, and departed with "the first cock."
+Accordingly, the morning broke as Shakespeare brushed the dew from the
+grass some miles from Warwick, and the sun shone out brightly as he
+neared the towers of Kenilworth, then in all its pride and magnificence.
+The parks, and woods, and chase of this fortress were well known to the
+poet; and the beautiful little village, with its priory situated close
+to the walls, amidst verdant meadows, and surrounded with thick and
+massive foliage, had been a favourite haunt. Here, when a school-boy, he
+had accompanied his father, what time the Earl of Leicester entertained
+Queen Elizabeth for seventeen days, "with pomp, with triumph, and with
+revelling." And here he had taken his first impression of regal pride
+and power. At the same time he also got an inkling of the theatrical
+diversions then in vogue; for hither came the Coventry men, and acted an
+ancient play upon the green--a play long used or represented in their
+antique city, and called "Hock's Tuesday," and in which the Dane, after
+a formal engagement, was discomfited. Here, too, us he stood upon the
+margin of the castle-lake, he beheld another pageant, in which
+
+    "Arion,[18] on a dolphin's back,
+    Uttered such dulcet and harmonious breath,
+    That the rude lake grew civil at her song."
+
+[Footnote 18: The Earl, besides other things, had represented Arion on a
+dolphin, with rare music, whilst fireworks were seen in the air.
+Shakespeare, more than once, alludes to Arion on a dolphin's back. Might
+not these things have made early impression upon his mind?]
+
+Many other rough, sports, too, had he seen on this occasion and on this
+spot; the gracious Queen, sitting patiently the whilst, "kindly giving
+her thanks to the actors for nothing."
+
+    "Her sport to take what they mistook,
+    And what poor duty could not do,
+    Noble respect took it in might, not merit;
+    And where she saw them shiver and look pale,
+    Make periods in the midst of sentences,
+    Throttle their practis'd accents in their fears,
+    And in conclusion dumbly breaking off,
+    Out of their silence did she pick a welcome,
+    And in the modesty of fearful duty
+    She read as much, as from the rattling tongue
+    Of saucy and audacious eloquence."
+
+As Shakespeare turned from the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, the scene
+was by no means new to him, yet still it made considerable impression
+upon his mind; the huge castle and its flanking walls and towers, and
+the buildings which had been added to it during various reigns,
+altogether made up a pile of feudal grandeur such as was hardly to be
+equalled in the kingdom. There stood the new and magnificent buildings
+of the favourite Leicester--the towers of old John of Gaunt,
+"time-honoured Lancaster,"--the lodgings of King Henry the Eighth--the
+old bower of Cæsar, (built by Geoffrey de Clinton,) the tilt-yard, the
+swan tower, the water tower, Lunn's tower, Fountain tower, Saintlow
+tower, and Mervyn's bower. There was the plaisance, the orchard, the
+huge court, the garden, the glassy lake, and the wild and magnificent
+chase. All these, much as they had been impressed upon the mind of
+Shakespeare in former rambles, seemed doubly interesting and impressive
+now that lie was leaving the scene, perhaps for ever, without purse,
+profession, or prospect. Nay, should he meet some outlaw or common
+robber on the road, he might have said, with his own Valentine--
+
+    "A man I am, crossed with adversity,
+    My riches are these poor habiliments,
+    Of which, if you should here disfurnish me,
+    You take the sum and substance that I have."
+
+Those who have left the home and haunts of their childhood, and all
+there so dearly loved, can best describe the feeling of desolation which
+the one solitary wanderer for the first time feels, and which each mile
+seems to add to. He who has first embarked for a distant clime, leaving
+all worth living for, to "make a hazard of new fortunes in the world,"
+can best remember "how slow his soul sailed on, how swift his ship."
+
+When Shakespeare left the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, all was strange
+and new to him; and he might then be said to have entered upon "the wide
+and universal theatre."
+
+All travel at this period was performed on horseback. Roads were foul,
+ill-made, and difficult; so much so, that in winter a man might have
+been dead in London three mouths before his next heir at York heard the
+news. The towns and villages, too, were then few, small, and far apart;
+and as Shakespeare inquired his weary way onwards, how sweet in
+remembrance seemed the bowery beauty of that sequestered spot he had
+quitted--sweet Stratford! and where he knew every face he met, where he
+saw and mixed with his own family every day, every hour. Sometimes, as
+he lay along, and rested beneath the shade of melancholy boughs, he
+loved to ponder upon those dearly-loved relatives, and imagine what they
+were doing, what they thought of his absence, and whether they missed
+him. His mother, too, she who had always so loved her first-born, who
+could read his high desert, and appreciate his brilliant talents, when
+all else passed him by, how would she miss him!
+
+    "Oh this will make my mother die of grief."
+
+The tears would then course one another down his cheek, and he would
+start up and hurry onwards again. He had no fixed route, but inquired
+his way from village to town, and from hamlet to city. His good
+constitution, and out-door habits, made it no hardship to him to pass
+the night upon the mossed bank in the open air. The cottage afforded him
+refreshment, and the thin drink of the shepherd from his bottle was
+oft-times offered in return for a few minutes' conversation upon the
+wold; the hawthorn bush the shade in which he rested; and thus he
+proceeded onwards in his flight, purposely deviating from the direct
+road, as well from inclination as that he felt it likely some search
+might be made after him either by friends or enemies.
+
+The few coins he had in his pocket when he started were soon expended,
+and he experienced at times, during his progress, the pangs of hunger
+without the means of allaying it, and this perhaps was an ordeal
+Shakespeare was fated to go through. He was destined to feel the "uses
+of adversity" ere he rose, by his own mighty efforts, above the world.
+He was to see human nature in all its varieties. To experience the
+depressing weight of poverty, ere he surmounted his worldly cares, as
+the lion shakes the dew-drops from his mane. Adversity was to be the
+finishing school of his studies--nature the book presented. In this
+school he took his degree, and which all the learning of the ancients,
+all the pedants of the antique world would have failed in teaching him.
+Nor was his attention confined to the actions of men as he mingled
+amongst them. He was the exact surveyor of the inanimate world as he
+travelled through it, and his descriptions in after-life were grafted
+from the contemplation of things as they really existed.
+
+To a solitary traveller on foot at this period there was considerable
+peril. The resolute ruffian, the "resolved villain," who lived by
+levying contributions on the road, was often to be met with. Nay, even
+strong parties of travellers were frequently attacked, and robbed, and
+murdered, 'twixt town and town. Still all unarmed, except the stout
+staff he carried in his hand, and the small dagger worn at his girdle,
+and which served to cut up the food he ate, Shakespeare held on his way.
+The lowly ruffian as he emerged from the thick cover which overhung the
+road occasionally scowled upon him as he passed, and then let him
+proceed unquestioned. There was something in the eye, which met his
+glance, which told the robber of hard blows and desperate resistance,
+whilst the unfurnished manner in which he travelled promised little in
+the shape of booty. Once or twice the wayfarer had joined a party of
+carriers, who, with other travellers in their company, were going the
+same route, but, as he frequently diverged from the road, he soon lost
+such companionship and made his way alone, through by-roads and foul
+ways, and across the dreary wastes and commons, at that period extending
+occasionally for many miles. It was on the fourth evening of his journey
+that, having made a long detour from the main road, he again came into
+it about five miles from Stoney Stratford. The day had been lovely, he
+had wandered far, and as he laid himself down beneath some huge trees
+and watched the bright track of the setting sun, he fell into a sound
+sleep.
+
+'Twas "the middle summer's spring." The bank upon which he lay looked a
+perfect haunt of the elfin crew, but whether or not, on _this_ night,
+Shakespeare dreamt a _dream of Midsummer_, or whether he dreamt at all,
+we are unable to say. Whilst he slept, however, he was suddenly awakened
+by the sound of voices near.
+
+As he opened his eyes, by the moon's light he observed three persons
+standing a few yards from him. The spot on which he reclined was so
+shadowed by the overhanging branches and thick with fern that he had
+himself been undiscovered, and a few moments' observation convinced him
+that the men he beheld were "squires of the night's booty." Their heavy
+boots, their soiled doublets, the rusted breast-plates they wore, their
+slouched hats, and untrimmed beards, altogether indeed convinced him
+they were thieves.
+
+Whilst he regarded the ill-favoured trio they descended from the
+overhanging bank into the road, where they were joined by a fourth
+person, who stole from the covert on the other side, and for some
+minutes remained in conversation with them. The situation was not
+without its interest, albeit it was fraught with danger to Shakespeare.
+He had, indeed, unconsciously intruded himself into the trysting place
+of a band of robbers, and, as he rose to his feet and removed somewhat
+behind the tree, he watched them narrowly.
+
+They were evidently laying in wait for passengers, as he more than once
+observed one of the party throw himself flat upon the road, with his ear
+to the ground, in order to listen for the tread of hoofs. To remain
+behind the oak (whose antique root peeped out upon the overhanging bank)
+would have been dangerous. Still, as he resolved closely to watch these
+men, he cautiously withdrew into the deeper cover of the trees. As he
+did so his head struck against some obstacle pendant from one of the
+boughs, and, as he raised his eyes, he beheld the dead body of a man
+suspended, a ghastly object thus seen in the gloom, and which
+sufficiently shewed the evil nature of the neighbourhood. He had, in
+fact, reached a spot called the "Crooked Wood," a part of the road at
+that period famous for robbery and murder, and the bodies of several
+malefactors were hung _in terrorem_.
+
+Shuddering at the sight, he withdrew from the vicinity of this object,
+which swinging backwards and forwards looked yet more horrible in the
+deep gloom. The next moment he heard the distant sound of hoofs upon the
+rood, and at the same time observed the figures beneath drawing
+cautiously off on either hand, concealing themselves completely in the
+deep shadows, one only remaining prostrate in the very middle of the
+highway. Although the horsemen approached rapidly, it was some time ere
+they neared the spot; now the clatter of hoofs appearing close at hand,
+and then (as some turn in the road intervened) again for some moments
+totally lost to the ear.
+
+At length they advanced down the hill which led immediately into this
+dark defile. Two horsemen he distinguished; the foremost immediately
+reined up his horse, and signed to his companion to do the same. The
+heart of Shakespeare beat quickly as he observed one of the travellers
+dismount and stoop down to render assistance to the prostrate form
+before him. As he did so the robber suddenly grasped the traveller by
+the throat and pulled him down, at the same moment his three companions
+darted like lightning from either side of the road; whilst two assailed
+the horseman, the third aided their comrade to despatch the traveller
+who had been entrapped.
+
+The struggle was desperate: the mounted cavalier had in an instant
+unsheathed his long rapier, and manfully defended himself; and the woods
+around rang to the blows of the combatants. Meanwhile the prostrate
+traveller, whose horse had galloped off at the commencement of the fray,
+was also in an unpleasant plight. This latter, being a powerful man, had
+more than once heaved himself up by main force, and nearly cleared
+himself from his adversaries. But, with heavy blows and desperate
+exertions, they at length succeeded in pinning him down. In an instant,
+however, the fallen man succeeded in drawing a pistol from his belt, and
+discharged it into the body of one of his opponents.
+
+All this happened in as short a time as it has taken the reader to
+peruse it. Life and death, in such deadly conflict, in taken and
+received by the combatants like the lightning's flash; and, albeit the
+travellers straggled manfully, yet a very few minutes sufficed to tell
+against the leaser party. The horseman was on the point of being dragged
+from his saddle, and his fellow-traveller was growing exhausted with the
+violence of action. At that moment, however, a heavy blow fractured the
+skull of the ruffian who hold the bridle-rein of the rearing steed, and
+as the new combatant afterwards opposed himself to the robber, who had
+by this time succeeded in bringing the rider to the ground, after a
+short and rapid combat, the latter turned and fled.
+
+This turned the tide of battle instantaneously in favour of the
+travellers, and as in oft-times the case in such conflicts, it ended in
+the same rapid manner in which it had commenced. The travellers stood
+panting with their recent exertions, and whilst three bodies lay before
+them in the road, thou: deliverer, leaning upon his heavy quarter-staff,
+stood regarding one of them with curious eye.
+
+Meantime, after the person, who seemed by his appearance the principal
+of the travellers, had somewhat recovered himself, he stepped up to the
+hero of the quarter-staff, and poured forth his thanks for the service
+rendered.
+
+"We are indebted to you for no less than our lives," he said, "and would
+fain repay the obligation by something more acceptable than thanks."
+
+The moon was at the moment hidden, but as Shakespeare caught a nearer
+view of the features of the speaker, he plucked his own hat over his
+brow, and withdrew still further into the shadow of the trees. At the
+same time he courteously refused all requital for the aid he had
+rendered.
+
+"Can we do nothing to requite this favour?" said the taller Cavalier.
+
+"You can," said Shakespeare, "since, if I guess aright, your name is
+Arderne, and you go towards Stratford-upon-Avon."
+
+"Such is my name," said the traveller. "How can I serve you?"
+
+"By giving this token," said Shakespeare, tearing a leaf from a small
+tablet he earned in his breast, and writing a few words on it.
+
+"No more?" inquired the traveller, endeavouring to get a better view of
+the speaker.
+
+"Tell those to whom you give the token," said Shakespeare, "that he who
+sends it is in life and health--no more."
+
+"But will you not bear us company?" said Arderne. "This place seems
+dangerous, and alone you may be met by others of the gang."
+
+"'Tis no matter," said Shakespeare; "I cannot consort with thee. Our
+paths to-night, as through life, lie in different directions. Farewell!"
+and hastily darting off, he was quickly lost in the gloom.
+
+"Strange," said Walter Arderne, as he glanced closely at the small slip
+of paper in his hand, and which the moon's light now gave him an
+opportunity of reading. "Ah! this paper is directed to the wool-comber
+in Henley Street. Methought I knew the voice. 'Twas then William
+Shakespeare who so opportunely befriended us."
+
+So much was Arderne surprised at this meeting, that he would fain have
+followed Shakespeare, but his companion dissuaded him.
+
+"The man is gone suddenly as he came," said he, "and we are not wise to
+remain longer in this place. Come," he continued, as Walter remained
+looking in the direction his sometime friend had taken, "let us on, and
+endeavour to catch our horses. We may be met again in this dark pass,
+and, by my fay, it is not every night in the week a man meets with
+a--let me see--How called ye this friend in need?"
+
+"Shakespeare," said Arderne, whilst he still lingered in the hope of
+catching another glimpse of his deliverer--"William Shakespeare."
+
+"Ah, Shakespeare!" said the blunt Fluellyn, sheathing his rapier. "Truly
+so; but come on, a' God's name, I say; for 'tis not every wood at
+midnight that can produce a Shakespeare."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+OLD LONDON.
+
+
+Our scene shifts now from the pleasant fields and sylvan retreats in
+which we have so long lingered, and changes to the great metropolis of
+England--London, in the olden time--a vastly different place, as our
+readers are doubtless well aware, both in size and aspect, from the same
+metropolis of the present day; since three parts of that which is now
+crowded with houses, intersected with streets and squares, and crammed
+with an overwhelming population, was then the haunt of the deer, the
+form of the hare, the park, the thicket, and the chace.
+
+It is curious to imagine the appearance of this metropolis in
+Elizabeth's day. Its peculiar houses, with their sloping roofs and
+beetling stories, its narrow thoroughfares, and the variety of antique
+buildings, which still remained to tell the tale of former reigns,
+altogether producing a picturesque and beautiful effect, such as our
+readers have doubtless often dwelt on with pleasure in the old paintings
+of the time. Added also to the peculiar architectural beauty of that
+day, many of the better sort of edifices being detached, surrounded with
+tall trees, and standing within the rounding of their own gardens,
+presented a delicious and bowery appearance ere the very interior of the
+city was reached. The silver Thames, too, at this period, still flowed
+for the most part through green banks, until its tide passed the dark
+gates of the Tower, when for a small space the buildings were reared
+one upon another, as if they had apparently been thrust forward from the
+more crowded parts, and only hindered from toppling into the stream by
+the piles and heavy timbers of the crushed-up cabins underneath.
+
+Thus the whole together, seen from the water, with their diamond-paned
+bay-windows encroaching over the stream, looked like the bulk-heads of
+innumerable vessels crammed and cast in confusion along the margin of
+the river.
+
+After passing this crowded mass, however, and which, in Elizabeth's
+reign, stretched out for a short distance, the eye of the passenger was
+again relieved by edifices both of a noble appearance, and by no means
+stinted to space, the banks even at this part of the river occasionally
+displaying a verdant appearance, and such buildings standing in their
+own proper grounds. For instance, the very important hostel of the Three
+Cranes, with its porch, its huge chimneys, and its ample rooms, was
+reared upon the grassy bank, its deep bay-windows looking out upon the
+stream. The frowning towers and dark water-gate of Barnard's Castle next
+appeared. Then came the ominous-looking tower of Bridewell. A few
+strokes of the oar, and the pleasant gardens of the White Friars met the
+eye. Then came the Temple Gardens, and after them the pile of buildings,
+with battlement and strong tower, called the Sanoye; after that, amongst
+many other important edifices, were to be seen the castellated towers of
+Duresme Place, York Place, the Courts, the Starre Chamber, Westminster
+Hall, with a sort of pier running out from the open court in front, and
+the Parliament House; then came the huge Abbey of Westminster, not as
+now, choked up by encroaching squalor, but standing in its magnificence
+in the midst of verdant meadows; and lastly came the Queen's Bridge.
+
+On the Surrey side, the aspect of the Thames and its banks would have
+yet more surprised a modern eye, since there the wind still sighed
+amongst the reeds and long grass of centuries. On Lambeth Marsh stood
+the palace and church, together with some two dozen straggling edifices.
+But the Oxen's low was heard along the whole of that over-crowded part,
+so well known to the Londoner of the present day, and now so teeming
+with a squalid and overwhelming population. All along the banks on this
+side, trees and gardens, with an occasional row of houses, a goodly
+edifice, or a countryfied hostel were to be seen until the passenger
+came to Winchester Place, St. Mary Over, and London Bridge, with the
+gate-houses, towers, and multitudinous buildings, built all along it.
+Nay, the spectator, standing upon the top of one of the towers of the
+bridge and looking beyond the great blackened wall of Old London, beheld
+a large tract called the Spital Fyelds, in which the sheep fed beneath
+the shade of tall trees. Bishopgate Street, too, with its one long
+straggling thoroughfare, seemed a trifling village. In Finsburie Fyeld
+stood the windmill, and the kennel for hounds. Clerkenwell seemed but a
+single church with its surrounding wall. Gray's Inn Lane appeared a
+remote thoroughfare, leading to the open country, and Broad St. Jiles
+was a trifling village; whilst in Convent Garden, then completely
+surrounded by a high and massive wall, stood a single edifice--the
+Convent, from which it took its name, and beyond it green meadows
+studded with trees.
+
+Such, then, were the environs of London, at the period of which we
+write. Its interior we shall perhaps again have occasion to speak of
+during the progress of our story.
+
+It was on the afternoon of the fifth day from his leaving
+Stratford-upon-Avon, that William Shakespeare, standing upon Hampstead
+Hill, looked upon London for the first time. The spot on which he stood
+(albeit it has now, like others we have mentioned, become one vast
+region of brick and mortar) was then studded with oaks, which had
+perhaps witnessed the gathering of the knightly and the noble for the
+Crusades. Immediately on his right, was the massive buttressed wall,
+inclosing the grounds of a half castellated and moated residence, a
+country seat of the Earl of Southampton.
+
+As Shakespeare stood thus and gazed down upon the metropolis, he beheld
+many of those time-honoured edifices, yet remaining, which he had read
+of whilst studying the history of his native land.
+
+Long did the future poet gaze upon the scene before him, and the setting
+sun was pouring down his softened glories, and bathing tower, and
+steeple, and wall, in a flood of molten gold, as he entered the suburbs.
+Suburbs which the traveller of the present day would have likened more
+to a row of hucksters' shops, or temporary buildings run up for a fair,
+than the outskirts of a great city.
+
+Far as the eye could reach were to be seen those pent-house stalls,
+which, projecting into the highways, displayed the different articles of
+the different trades and occupations of the indwellers, and which being
+relieved by innumerable signs, tubs, long benches, stalls, smiths'
+forges, and quaint-looking inns or hostels, gave a most picturesque and
+diversified appearance to the whole.
+
+It must have been a singular sight to behold that friendless young man,
+wending his way along the suburban streets of Old London. The dust of
+many miles upon his worn shoes, his spirits weary, and, like his own
+Touchstone, his legs weary too, and not a cross in his pocket. He was in
+London now, and the hard selfishness of the citizen he found somewhat
+different from the good-natured hospitality of the cottager. His last
+coin had been spent that morning, and he was weary and hungry withal.
+Yet still the first sight of the streets of London, as he gradually got
+into the interior, so much interested him, that he forgot both hunger
+and weariness and kept wandering on.
+
+To the right he turned, now stopping to admire some relics of the days
+of the Plantagenets; and then to the left, now looking up at some
+edifice whose beetling stories, projecting over the street above, so
+nearly met a corresponding edifice on the opposite side, that the
+inhabitants might almost have shaken hands out of the upper floor
+windows. The increasing bustle of the great town he was every step
+becoming more involved in, he at first disregarded, being wholly taken
+up with the buildings he passed, and the curiosities every moment
+presented to his view. Occasionally, too, his attention was arrested by
+a group of cavaliers, dressed in all the magnificence of the period, as
+they rode gallantly through the streets. Then again, the furtive glance
+of the merry-eyed citizen's daughter, and which she threw at the
+exceeding handsome, though somewhat country-clad young man, as she
+tripped down some narrow passage, arrested him.
+
+These matters caused Shakespeare ever and anon to stop and consider
+curiously, and, as he gazed around, the continual passers as constantly
+interrupted the current of his meditations.
+
+Then he was rudely thrust from the causeway, as a swaggering party,
+ruffling and rustling in "unpaid-for-silks," and attended by a whole
+retinue of followers, passed on towards the court-end of the town,
+talking loud, swearing gallantly, and even singing snatches of songs as
+they progressed; elbowing the men from, and thrusting the females as
+unceremoniously to, the wall. Their huge trunks and short cloaks
+fluttering in the wind, their chains and various ornaments glittering in
+the sun, and the feathers in their high-crowned hats brushing the
+overhanging stories of the houses as they walked.
+
+All these varieties, so new to the pedestrian, continually excited his
+curiosity, more especially as, from the conversation of several
+citizens, he found that rumours of events of importance were filling
+men's minds with the anticipation of events to come.
+
+"Heard ye the news, neighbour," said one staid-looking burgher, "just
+brought in from Milford Haven? A Spanish fleet hath been sighted off
+those parts."
+
+"Nay, neighbour," said another, "I heard not of the Spaniard. They do
+say, however, that the Duke of Guise hath landed in Sussex with a strong
+army."
+
+"And I heard," continued a third, "that the Scot hath made an irruption
+into England. Nay, 'tis even whispered that Queen Mary hath escaped, and
+that the northern countries, have, in sooth, commenced an insurrection."
+
+"Aye, and harkee, neighbours all," said a fourth, "only let it go no
+further, I heard tell in Paul's to-day of a new conspiracy to
+assassinate our good Queen Elizabeth, and set on foot, 'tis said, by
+L'Aubespine, the French Ambassador. Nay, I can tell thee that a mob hath
+beset the Frenchman's house, and he hath been ordered to quit the
+kingdom without delay. Aye, and 'tis said the Queen is much troubled
+with these things; that she keeps close, and much alone; that she
+muttereth much to herself, and seems in great tribulation."
+
+"Not much wonder, either," said another, "'Tis certain she is in great
+terror and perplexity; and if she hesitate much longer to order the
+execution of the Queen of Scots, the kingdom will be burnt up in an
+_auto-da-fé_."
+
+As Shakespeare listened to these rumours he still continued to wander on
+amidst the labyrinth of lanes, alleys, and buildings in which he found
+himself. Now he progressed through a dense mass of wooden tenements
+called Shoe Lane, the streets crooked and narrow, and overshadowed by a
+perpetual twilight, from the abutments overhead, rising, as we before
+said, story above story, until they almost closed upon each other. Then,
+again, he turned down another street, retraced his steps, wandered back
+through Crow Lane into Gifford Street, and was brought up by the huge
+black-looking mass constituting Old London Wall. Grazing up at the
+ramparts of this dark boundary, he made his way along the Old Bailey,
+passed through Lud's Gate, and found himself in the large open space in
+which stood the then gothic-looking structure of St. Paul's. Here he
+found a large concourse of people, men, women, and children, leaping,
+shouting, and holding a sort of revel around a huge bonfire kindled just
+at the part called Ave Maria, whilst a second rout were collecting in
+the vicinity of a sort of stage erected opposite the houses named
+Paternoster Row.
+
+Leaning upon his staff, in the shade of the old gothic building, he
+gazed upon the scene before him as the chimes rung out from the tower.
+He stood apart from that crowd alone, unknowing any, unknown to all, on
+a spot now covered by the vast building since reared upon those ancient
+foundations: and, as he stood, he looked upon a scene which called up
+associations no longer likely to be engendered in such locality; for all
+is gone which could impress the mind with the times in which he himself
+lived, or with the deeds of a former age.
+
+The edifice itself, at that period, told of monkish intolerance and
+monastic grandeur; when the knightly and the noble bowed their necks,
+and walked bare-headed on the flags beneath, and even kings did penance
+amongst the mean and miserable at its shrine.
+
+He was amidst the mighty dead--the men of whom he had read in his home
+at Stratford! The Norman kings, in all the pomp and circumstance of
+their feudal pride, had walked upon that spot. Then, again, as he seated
+himself upon an ancient tomb, his thoughts turned upon his own welfare
+and prospects, and he began to ask himself, for the first time since his
+arrival in London, what course he was to pursue? Now that he had reached
+this aim and end of his journey, what was he in reality the better for
+it? He knew no one: he had neglected to make inquiries of his own
+friends as to persons to whom he might have got a recommendation; and
+money--the best friend of the traveller--he had none. But then, he was
+in London. "Truly so," he thought to himself. "The more fool for being
+there, when in the country he was in a better place." And then he
+thought of home, of wife, children, and other relations, and then his
+heart softened, and he wept. Yes! there, amidst the bustle of Old
+Paul's, whilst the Londoners recreated themselves before a sort of
+moveable stage, on which certain dramatic representations were exhibited
+to the gaping crowd on one side, and the bonfire raged on the other, and
+all was uproar and hilarity,--there did Shakespeare sit and weep, "in
+pure melancholy and troubled brain." At length, overcome with weariness,
+he leant back against an old tomb, and fell asleep amidst the hubbub.
+
+And, as he slept, came swaggering by, the gay fop--the gallant of the
+city--the tavern-haunter--the ruffler--and the bully. Then paced by the
+more staid and sober citizens, "merchants our well-dealing countrymen;"
+but they stopped not to glance upon the tired stranger. Then came
+flaunting along, tempted out by the beauty of the evening, the city
+madam with her gossip, the merry wives of Chepe; and, as they passed,
+they stopped for a moment to glance upon the well-knit limbs and
+handsome face of the homeless Shakespeare. They marked his travelled
+look, his dusty shoes, and his worn doublet, and they felt inclined to
+arouse him, and ask the cause of that pallid cheek, and his sleeping in
+the open air at such an hour. But then, a titter from the rude gallant
+as he passed, sent them forward amidst the throng. Then came the
+cut-purse, as the shadows deepened, and he stole a furtive glance around
+the dark old building. But the night was not far enough advanced for him
+safely to rifle the pockets of the sleeper, or slit his windpipe
+unobserved; and so Shakespeare slept on amidst the throng. Quietly,
+sweetly did he slumber, until, as night approached, the crowd gradually
+dispersed, the stage disappeared, and all deepened down. Soundly,
+heavily, slept that wonderful man amidst scenes which he was ere long to
+render famous in all time. One touch of his pen was to picture Old
+Paul's and Lud's Town, as no other could picture them. He was to revel
+in these scenes amidst which he now unconsciously slumbered, so as no
+mortal ever revelled before. He was to call up those bright kings, and
+all the glittering host, and shew them in harness, as they had lived,
+and to render all that would else have been unknown in Old London--a
+dream of delight. Nay, those even who dwelt hard by in East Cheap, knew
+not East Cheap; and London itself was to have an interest lent to it,
+such as the dwellers in it at that moment little thought of. And so
+Shakespeare slept the sleep of weariness--of "weariness which snores
+upon the flint."
+
+By-and-by, an old poor man, clad in scraps and tatters, "his whole
+apparel built upon pins," his ragged beard descending to his waist, and
+carrying a filthy wallet on his back, as he poked about, and picked up
+bones in the churchyard, came and looked upon him, and after a few
+moments' contemplation, stirred him with the end of his staff and awoke
+him. "Best not sleep here so late, young master," he said; "'tis
+unsafe."
+
+Shakespeare rubbed his eyes, stared at the crooked object before him,
+and thanked him for the caution. "I have," he said, "no cause for fear,
+since I have nothing to lose. Nevertheless, I thank thee."
+
+"Nothing to fear!" said the tatterdemalion, "nothing to lose! What call
+ye nothing? Have ye not life to lose? Have ye not clothes? By my troth!
+there be those haunting Paul's at night, young man, that will take the
+one for the sake of the other, and so rob ye of both."
+
+"Both are valueless, or at least worth little," said Shakespeare,
+smiling. "Hark, the chimes! how sweetly they sound."
+
+"Sweeter to those who hear them in a good bed," said the man. "They are
+the midnight chimes! wherefore dost thou not seek thy home, young
+master?"
+
+"I should seek that which I should hardly find," said Shakespeare. "I
+have no home, good friend, at least, not in London."
+
+"Neither home nor coin?" said the aged man.
+
+"Neither one nor the other," returned Shakespeare; "and but a few hours
+old in London."
+
+"But you've friends here?" inquired the old man.
+
+"Poor in that as in all else," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"Wilt come with me?" said the old man; "I can find thee a roof for one
+night, perhaps food too."
+
+"I almost die for food," said Shakespeare; "and thankfully follow thee."
+And so the tatterdemalion led the way from St. Paul's, and Shakespeare
+followed him.
+
+Through dark alleys and curious thoroughfares did that lean old man
+thread his way, ever and anon, as he trampled along and turned the
+corner of some fresh street, stopping for a moment to observe if his
+follower took the right turn, where so many closes, alleys, and courts
+existed; for as they made their way to the water-side, he occasionally
+came amongst houses so thickly and irregularly placed, that, by night,
+he himself could scarcely thread the labyrinth. Passing through
+Dowe-gate, Bush-lane, and Pudynge-lane, he at last stopped before a
+house in Bylyngsgate. The tenement before which the old man stopped
+would have been termed in our own days but a shed, since, seen from the
+street, it apparently consisted but of one large bay window, thrust out
+from a square wooden building, a large brick chimney sprouting out in
+rear.
+
+On opening the door, which was situated within a sort of blind alley on
+one side, the proprietor of the domicile signed to his guest to follow,
+and entered the one apartment, which indeed constituted the entire
+dwelling.
+
+Not only was it the parlour, kitchen, and sleeping-apartment of the
+occupants, but, as the guest glanced around it, he observed, by the
+light of a lamp placed on a table near the window, that it was fitted up
+as a sort of laboratory; and its walls being accommodated with shelves,
+were crowded with vials, gallipots, and vessels of antique formation,
+containing precious unguents, filters, and compounds, perhaps in the
+present day no longer to be found in the Pharmacopoeia. In addition to
+this, there was also means for experimentalising in the deep science of
+alchemy,--all which was apparent from the crucibles, retorts, and other
+vessels scattered around the hearth. Such as the apartment was, the
+needy-looking hollow-eyed proprietor, and who, Shakespeare surmised was
+a medical practitioner of that squalid neighbourhood, welcomed his guest
+to his poor dwelling; and with an alacrity which was hardly to be
+expected from his appearance, placed wine and refreshment before him;
+and then opening an ample closet at the further end of the apartment,
+shewed him a mattress on which he could repose for the night.
+
+"I have little to offer, young master," he said; "and seldom offer that
+little. But I saw that in your face which interested me as you slept.
+You reminded me of a bright youth, my hope in better days, my only son,
+long since dead; and as I watched thy countenance, I read a bright
+fortune in store for thee."
+
+And Shakespeare wrung the hand of that old man, so needy-looking and
+pinched, and slept without fear under his roof, in the then dangerous
+locality of Bylyngsgate, and where perhaps he might never again awake
+alive.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+THE POOR PLAYER.
+
+
+On the morning which followed the events narrated in the foregoing
+chapter, the traveller took leave of the exceedingly poor but kind old
+man who had so hospitably sheltered him. He thanked him for his
+goodness, and bestowed upon him a small ring, which he took from his
+finger, the only trifle of value in his possession. And that old host
+attended his guest to the door, and bestowed his blessing upon him, and
+followed him with his eyes as he wended his way along the narrow
+thoroughfare, and then still stood and looked in the direction he had
+gone long after he was out of sight. And then he turned with a sigh and
+re-entered his dwelling. "All, well-a-day," he said, "we may grub on in
+misery for years and years, and forget the goodly beings we have known
+in youth and happiness, outliving all that we loved and honoured in the
+world, and still amidst the contaminating filth of poverty and woe pass
+our weary lives, and then some superior specimen of goodness and grace
+as suddenly revives in our recollection of the beings we have seen in
+bygone times. What would I give, an I were amongst the crowned monarchs
+of the world, to have yonder youth to companion me? To hear his words,
+as I have this morning heard them? to see him as I have seen him but
+now, within this lowly hovel?" And then the old man took the platter
+from which his guest had eaten, and washed it and put it aside, and set
+back the three-legged stool on which Shakespeare had sat, and then he
+wept as he said to himself, "An if I look not upon him again, I will
+keep these as relics, never to be used by others, for, God forgive me,
+but I think, as I recollect his words, that yonder man was something
+more than mortal." And then the old man examined the gold ring his guest
+presented him with, and as he did so, he gradually approached the
+crucible upon the fire, and again he looked upon the gift, and,
+hesitating for a moment as his eye fell upon the crucible, he sighed and
+dropped the ring into it.
+
+It is evening, and the sun shines upon the banks of the Thames on the
+Surrey side.
+
+The scenic hour oft-times presents to our readers such a picture as we
+now invite them to look upon. The houses on this side the river are both
+irregularly placed and situated, as we have before described, namely,
+standing here and there apart, amidst trees and gardens, and
+occasionally neighboured by some edifice of a bygone time, and whose
+build speaks of monastic grandeur and castellated defence.
+
+Looking from the grassy bank upon the Thames at this part, we behold the
+stream rushing impetuously through innumerable arches of a dark
+heavy-built bridge--a bridge which frowns with towers and turrets of
+curious form and ancient architecture, and which turrets and towers are
+graced and garnished with the ghastly heads of criminals and traitors
+lately executed.
+
+As the red glare of the evening sun falls upon those buildings, it is
+reflected in the innumerable windows with which they are accommodated,
+at the same time it displays each "coign of vantage," each grated
+embrasure, each coping-stone, buttress, and battlement of the
+complicated structure in colours of gold.
+
+The arch and flanking tower, and the iron portcullis and cresset, are
+all there as if in a heated furnace.
+
+Turning again towards the shore as we stand upon the bank, after passing
+the ancient edifices called Winchester Place, we behold a long row of
+buildings near the water's edge, and somewhat removed in the open apace
+behind them, a curiously constructed and somewhat ugly building of a
+round form. On its top is a small and quaint-looking structure--a sort
+of "_match-case to a common 'larum bell_"--and the whole surmounted by a
+flag, on which is written "_The Globe_." A few shrubs and stunted trees
+are immediately around this building: and the space beyond that, for
+about half a bow-shot, is gravelled, and even, in some parts, strewed
+with fresh rushes recently cut from the river's bank.
+
+Some fifty yards to the left of this is a rival structure, composed of
+stakes and high palings--a sort of stockade, round which flutter
+half-a-dozen little markers or flags; and over the gateway which admits
+into the arena, is written in large characters the words "_The Bull
+Bayting_."
+
+A little removed from the former of these buildings, stands a hostel of
+the commoner sort, with its garden in rear, several goodly trees before
+its porch, and a bowling-green pleasantly shadowed. Benches are before
+this inn, and also under the trees, and the actors upon the scene are
+both many and rather uncommon in appearance.
+
+The inn is indeed the haunt of those persons who find employment in the
+two houses of entertainment we have described. The hangers-on of the
+Globe Theatre, and the employés of the Bull and Bear-bayting, men of a
+character and disposition somewhat peculiar. They are indeed, many of
+them, _sui generis_, something in style and demeanour between the
+magnifico and the mountebank, and yet amongst them are men of appearance
+and talent worthy of a better station.
+
+As they congregate about this rallying-point, they seem the very genii
+of idleness; and, in their listless indifference, above the doings and
+events of this work-a-day world.
+
+Here a fellow, with his beaver cocked, and swaggering gait, throws out
+his arm, in order to display a cloak of three-piled velvet, whilst his
+toes are seen peeping from the foot of an ample russet boot. There a
+comrade, evidently "a horse of the same colour," an "affected
+fantastico," points a toe in attitude, twists a moustache with a grace,
+plays off a gauntlet with a flourish, and struts "like chanticleer i'
+the sun." These are the magnificoes of the walk. Then come a crowd of
+under-strappers, whose vocation is in their very look, who even play
+their parts hourly, and _live_ in character--either aping the grandee,
+the gallant, the swaggerer, or the lisping idiotic driveller; the clowns
+and jesters making up the file.
+
+Each speaks with an accompanying gesture, and walks with a circumstance.
+Some have a sort of sad hilarity, and utter dull jokes with a grave
+brow, or laugh _in a sort_. They even wear a ceremonious observance
+towards each other, and look upon the world in general in an inferior
+light. The free-masonry of bombast is rife amongst the fellowship. If
+one hands the tankard to his fellow, standing with mine host beneath the
+porch, he does so with a flourish, and receives it again cross-handed.
+In short, as they are seen congregated about their haunt, or place of
+call, they seem uninterested in the common-place events of the world as
+other men. Their ideas are inflated and dreamy; their world, their
+kingdom, is their theatre, and their lives felt to be but passed whilst
+they strut their hour before the admiring throng. "The best actors in
+the world, either for scene individable, or poem unlimited." "Seneca
+could not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light for them." Whilst these
+characters walk and talk, flourish and attitudinize, a trumpet sounds
+from the roof of the round building first described, at which some
+amongst them seem to start like the war-horse aroused; others pay their
+shot to mine host; others again wave a hand gracefully to the buxom
+landlady at the latticed window; and all take their way to the theatre.
+They are indeed summoned to prepare for the scenic hour, to rehearse
+their parts--such as those parts are.
+
+Amongst these men there were, as we have hinted, some individuals of a
+superior stamp, men of high attainments, considering the period in which
+they lived, and who, finding no vent for the talents they were in
+possession of, passed their hours amongst the choice spirits of the
+Globe.
+
+There was a romance in the lives of some of these latter, in keeping
+with their appearance; and one or two had attempted a higher flight, and
+endeavoured to improve the style of dramatic composition. Nor had they
+altogether failed, for many dramas had been written by them possessing
+real and absolute excellence.
+
+Scarce half-an-hour had elapsed after the trumpet sounded from the
+Globe, when a man passed through the various portals upon London Bridge;
+and, as chance directed, turning to the left upon the Surrey side of the
+river, quickly took his way amongst the ancient buildings then lining
+the bank.
+
+Wearied and faint from lack of food--for he had been all day wandering
+through the streets of London,--he stopped beside the Norman structure,
+built during the crusades by William Pont de l'Arche, and called St-Mary
+Ouer.
+
+The curious in antiquities will, we fear, look in vain for any vestige
+of this remnant of the early English, which nevertheless, in Elizabeth's
+day, with its church and monastery, extended down to the very edge of
+the Thames.
+
+Leaning upon his staff, undecided in which direction to turn his steps,
+Shakespeare stopped beside the dark walls of this ancient edifice; and,
+after gazing upon the building with interest for some moments, entered
+the porch of the old monastery.
+
+Whilst he remained there, several cavaliers on horseback rode past--gay
+youths, tricked out in all the extravagance of that age of extravagant
+costume; their loud laughter, and joyous converse, as they careered
+along, shewing that their spirits were gay as their habits. They came
+from the bridge over which he himself had just crossed, and took their
+way along the massive wall then skirting the antique buildings of
+Winchester Place.
+
+Whilst Shakespeare continued to remark the several parties occasionally
+passing, he also observed that boats, containing companies of ladies,
+also put into a small landing-place near at hand; and these latter
+parties took the same direction the horsemen had gone.
+
+The beauty of the evening, the fresh air from the river, the monastic
+grandeur of the old buildings, and the cheerful appearance of the
+various companies he at the moment beheld, somewhat revived his drooping
+spirits. He felt it impossible to be quite unhappy, whilst all around
+was gay, and the scene so lovely.
+
+Listlessly he continued to watch the various boats; and as the parties
+disembarked and passed on, in their thoughtless hilarity, he arose, and
+bent his steps in the same direction.
+
+He passed through the open field along that strong buttressed wall, then
+inclosing Winchester Place; and a few paces brought him to the close
+vicinity of a building, around which several persons at that moment were
+congregated--the Globe Theatre. The place and scene altogether
+interested him, and again he stopped to observe the throng, and which,
+as it altogether presented a somewhat singular appearance, we shall
+ourselves stop with him to observe.
+
+The entrance of the building was accommodated with benches on either
+side, on which were seated various of the hangers-on of the
+establishment, and one or two of the actors, waiting for their call.
+Amongst those, a couple of clowns or fools were conspicuous; and as they
+uttered their witticisms, and performed divers tricks, for the amusement
+of themselves and their companions, they collected an audience without,
+which frequently recruited those within--cracking their jokes, and
+familiarizing themselves with the various companies as they came up.
+These were, indeed, the all-licensed fools of the time, and without
+whose presence and aid no performance was considered perfect; they bore
+off, in some sort, the tedium of the long dialogue then in vogue.
+
+Whilst Shakespeare stood to regard the scene before him, the flourish of
+drum and trumpet within the building recalled those motley-minded gentry
+and their companions to their various duties; and at the same moment a
+gay party of mounted cavaliers approached, dismounted, and entered.
+
+Still that tired stranger, as he stood beside the portals of the
+theatre, continued to feel an interest in all that was going on there.
+The merry glance of the citizen's wife, as she passed in,--the answering
+look of the gallant as he followed,--the gay and flaunting party from
+the Court-end of the town,--the loud laugh, the sharp rebuke, the coarse
+jest, the retort courteous, and the counter-check quarrelsome,--all were
+there.
+
+By-and-by a couple of cavaliers, splendidly mounted and magnificently
+apparelled, came galloping up. They dismounted at the door, and the one
+nearest Shakespeare threw the rein of his steed to him, and desired him
+to hold the horse, at the same moment thrusting a silver coin into the
+youth's hand. His companion meanwhile had confided his charger to the
+care of one of the employés of the theatre, and the next moment both
+these gallants were within the Globe. They had passed so quickly, that
+Shakespeare found himself in possession of the coin and the steed, ere
+he had time fully to observe the person of the cavalier who had favoured
+him with his custody.
+
+As he looked at the money, a slight blush tinged his cheek, but he
+repressed the feeling of shame which at first intruded itself, as he
+reflected the money was honestly come by. He then looked more curiously
+upon the noble animal intrusted to his charge.
+
+Passionately fond of a horse, like most men bred and born in the
+country, he examined its points with interest. It was in truth a noble
+animal, answering in every point the description he has himself given of
+a perfect courser:
+
+     "Round hoofed, short-pointed, fetlocks shag and long,
+      Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,
+    High chest, short ears, straight legs, and passing strong,
+      Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide.
+        Look, what a horse should have, he did not lack."
+
+Pulling the arched neck of the noble steed, he then led him towards the
+man holding its fellow.
+
+"Know you the owner of this goodly horse?" he inquired.
+
+The man was evidently a sort of character, a swaggerer who wished to
+pass for a gentleman and a soldier, albeit his elbows were ragged, and
+his whole dress patched and furbished up.
+
+"Know I Master Edmund Spencer?" he said, looking contemptuously upon
+Shakespeare. "Where canst thou have lived, boy, to ask the question.
+Best inquire me next for the rider of _this_ nag, Sir Walter Raleigh.
+Thou knowest not the choice spirits of the Court. Ergo, thou art strange
+to the town."
+
+"I am, in sooth, a stranger to the town," said Shakespeare; "but a few
+hours old in it."
+
+"And from whence?" inquired the other.
+
+"From Warwickshire," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"The county I know," returned the other; "my grandsire was of Warwick,
+eke also. Hast coin in pouch, camarado mine?"
+
+"I have," said Shakespeare, producing the silver piece given him by
+Spenser the moment before.
+
+"Ha!" said the other, "then will we adventure to yonder hostel in search
+of liquor and food wherewith to repair ourselves, for sooth to say thou
+lookest both pale and hungry. Come ye of the Ardens of Warwickshire?"
+
+"One way I do," said Shakespeare. "But Arden is not my name. Call me
+William."
+
+"'Tis no matter," said the other; "thou art a proper fellow of thy
+hands, and I have taken a fancy for thy companionship. Lead on thy steed
+good William; a cup of Canary and a toast will cheer thee."
+
+And thus did Shakespeare make a friend and procure the refreshments he
+so much required, and with the poor player sitting beside him on the
+bench, whilst they held the horses beneath the tree, under the influence
+of "the good familiar creature, wine," he unbosomed himself to this new
+comrade.
+
+"I will befriend thee in all I can," said the player, and who in truth,
+being but a sorry stick, was himself rarely employed, "I will myself
+advocate thy fortunes, good rustic," he continued. "I do spy in thy face
+and figure marvellous proper attributes for certain parts, for the which
+we are in want of actors. Ah, by Apollo! thou hast the limbs, and thews,
+and form, to captivate the fancy of ladies fair."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+THE TAVERN REVEL.
+
+
+The general aspect of London in the reign of Elizabeth is so singular
+when contrasted with the same great metropolis of our own day, that we
+must again refer to it.
+
+The houses in the heart of the city, like those in the suburbs, were
+still chiefly built of wood, or of wood and brick; the poverty of their
+appearance being the more apparent from their being, ever and anon,
+relieved by the stately and massive building of former days. The dark
+monastery, the massive wall, or the castellated edifice, were constantly
+to be seen amidst streets so crooked and narrow, and so dismal from the
+abutments overhead, that foreigners, as they threaded their way, and
+amidst damp and wind, are said to have likened London to the vale of
+death. In wet weather the streets were especially dismal, and so
+prevalent were consumption and pestilence that bonfires were oft-times
+kindled in order to purify the air and avert the plague. Nay, even kites
+and ravens were to be seen hopping about the various thoroughfares,
+being kept by many inhabitants for the purpose of devouring the filth.
+
+Nothing, indeed, could well exceed the contrast during Elizabeth's reign
+between the splendid, though somewhat barbaresque, magnificence of the
+mansions of the nobles and gentry, and the houses of the commoner sort
+of people. Yet still, although the houses of the citizens were for the
+most part poor and ill-contrived, yet every now and then would be found
+amongst them, the dwelling of some richer trader which broke the
+uniformity of the general mass; such edifice having a quantity of gable
+ends at all heights and in all directions, with chimneys of fantastic
+shape and profuse ornament, and covered with decorations; the
+multitudinous frames in its windows completed the picture.
+
+These were the dwellings of some of the merchant-princes of the town,
+whose strongly-barred and iron-studded doors showed that where wealth
+was to be found defence was necessary against the lawless spirits
+roaming through the dark thoroughfares at hand.
+
+Another contrast to the filthy, unpaved, and uncared-for state of the
+streets and thoroughfares at this period, was the costly style in which
+many of the houses were ornamented on any occasion of rejoicing or
+pageantry. At such times every window and pent-house was garnished with
+banners and strips of tapestry, or hung with rich fragments of velvet,
+damask, or silk, whilst the city functionaries and the various companies
+"in robe and furred gown," and attended by a host of proper fellows,
+apparelled in silk and chain of gold, contributed to make up the show.
+
+On the morning which followed the night Shakespeare made acquaintance
+with the poor player he awoke in a small, low roofed apartment in the
+upper floor of the hostel of the Globe. He felt himself considerably
+refreshed, and rising from his truckle bed he threw open the window and
+looked forth upon the well wooded hills of Surrey, It was a pleasant
+picture at that time, and the inn itself, being of considerable size,
+presented a stirring and bustling scene. Immediately beneath him was the
+ample stable-yard, with long rows of out-buildings and sheds
+appropriated to the varieties of cattle usually driven from the country
+on certain days of the week, the horses of the carriers being on one
+side, and the stabling for those of travellers of a better sort on the
+other. Then there were other buildings appropriate to the large
+quantities of poultry which it was customary at this period to rear,
+besides the ample dove-cot, which stood beyond the bowery garden, and
+which harboured such flights of pigeons that their rush through the air
+was heard at considerable distance as they wheeled and circled about.
+
+"Tired nature's great restorer, balmy sleep," had laid so heavily upon
+the wanderer that it was somewhat late when he awoke, and the bustle in
+the inn-yard below proclaimed that the business of the day had
+commenced.
+
+Returning from the window he sat himself down on the bed to consider his
+prospects. After awhile he took from an inside pocket of his doublet a
+small roll of paper. It was an unfinished poem, "the first heir of his
+invention," and which he had carefully preserved and brought with him,
+intending to finish and, if possible, get it into print at some future
+opportunity.
+
+The composition seemed to please him, for his countenance brightened as
+he read it, and he quickly lost all thought of self in the thoughts
+conjured up. Taking out his tablets, for pen and ink were articles not
+so readily found at hand as in our own times, as he gazed upon the
+well-wooded hills in the distance "burnished with the morning sun," he
+added the following stanza to his poem--
+
+    "Lo, here the gentle lark, weary of rest,
+      From his moist cabinet mounts up on high.
+    And wakes the morning, from whose silver breast
+      The sun arises in his majesty;
+    Who doth the world so gloriously behold,
+      That cedar tops and hills seem burnished gold."
+
+Scarcely had he thus commenced when a slight tap at his door disturbed
+him, and his new friend the player entered.
+
+"Ah! by St. Paul," said the player, "have we writers here? How, Sir
+traveller, inditest thou thus early? I aroused thee not--I called thee
+not--I disturbed thee not; for much toil maketh the limbs weary, and I
+would have thee, good rustic, freshened and refreshened. But lad, I find
+thee up and working with brain and pencil. Come--I have brought thee a
+chalice for thy morning draught. Indue thy habiliments--descend to the
+lower world--and I will take thee before Master Marlow, who will,
+peradventure, find thee apt, and capable of preferment."
+
+Shakespeare thanked the player, whose bombast considerably amused him;
+and putting up his poem, accompanied him to the common apartment of the
+tavern, then filled with a motley assemblage. After procuring something
+by way of a breakfast, which the remaining portion of the money given
+him the night before enabled him to do, he accompanied his new
+acquaintance over to the Globe.
+
+Early as was the hour, the business of the morning had commenced, and
+many of the actors engaged in rehearsing a new play.
+
+The scene altogether was a new and striking one, and instantly engaged
+his attention.
+
+As his eye took the whole interior in its glance, a forcible impression
+was made upon his mind. The stage--the rude half-circle of seats and
+benches, seen thus in the shadowy light admitted from several small
+openings--the various picturesque figures sitting and lounging about,
+some of them being on the centre of the stage, and rehearsing their
+parts--the melody of the tragic rhythm--all impressed him. He even, at
+the moment, conceived a visionary project of one day making the means
+and appliances he beheld around subservient to his own mighty
+conceptions. In an instant, the want of something long sought seemed
+found; and then again, as he looked round, and his mind grasped the
+possibility of his project he said to himself--
+
+    "But, can this cock-pit hold
+    The vasty fields of France? or may we cram
+    Within this wooden O, the very casques
+    That did affright the air at Agincourt?"
+
+Whether it could or not, he was not then permitted further to consider.
+The possibility of such an event, time was to show; and in the meanwhile
+the player disturbing the current of his thoughts, tapped him on the
+shoulder, and invited him to follow to a small apartment, situated on
+one side of the building, and which constituted a sort of manager's
+room.
+
+The proprietor of this apartment was at the moment engaged in the
+composition of a new piece; and as he wrote, he ever and anon rose from
+his seat, and with voice and gesture, recited a portion of his
+composition, though, perhaps, had he better known the man introduced
+into his presence, he would have been less verbose before him.
+
+As it was, he continued to rehearse in a ranting tone, sawing the air
+with his hand, and strutting up and down to give effect to the lines.
+
+During a pause of consideration, he observed the player and his
+companion, "Ah!" he said, "what wants that youth?"
+
+"Pay and employment, good master mine," said the player.
+
+"Hath he wit?--can he speak?--are his legs strong?--arms pliant?"
+
+"He is young, strong, and of good parts," said the player--"I can avouch
+it."
+
+"Then will we find him in employment," said the manager; "he shall have
+charge of the foot-lights, and snuff the lamps." And so Shakespeare
+became attached to the theatre.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE.
+
+
+In a former chapter we have seen Walter Arderne, after many and various
+adventures by flood and field, returning to the home and haunts of his
+childhood. The good and gallant youth (although from station and
+prospects he might reasonably have hoped for ease and happiness in life)
+had hitherto seemed but a step-son of fortune after all. And now, "like
+a younker and a prodigal" lean, rent, and tattered, having endured
+shipwreck and been sold to slavery by the insolent foe, by a sudden
+freak of fortune was once more safe in Warwickshire and with his beloved
+uncle at Clopton. The meeting between Sir Hugh and his nephew was
+extremely affecting. They were now all in all to each other, for both
+had experienced losses which to both were irreparable. The grief,
+however, they experienced for past sorrows had now considerably abated,
+so that they could hold converse upon bygone events and even find
+benefit from such communion.
+
+Still, when Walter looked around him in his old neighbourhood, like Sir
+Hugh when he had first returned, he felt at times a sense of desolation
+which was almost insupportable. The loss of his old and tried friend,
+the eccentric Martin, was also a heavy blow to him; and in addition to
+this the absence and delinquency of the singular friend, whose
+conversation had made so great an impression upon them all during their
+short acquaintance, especially grieved him. The breath of slander, when
+he came to inquire into the facts leading to young Shakespeare's
+departure, had rendered that youth's conduct so reckless and even
+criminal that Walter was us much surprised as grieved at all he heard.
+
+"It was a good thing," Mr. Doubletongue said, "that the _Ne'er-do-well_
+had made off with himself, or the Lord knew what he would be after next.
+Stealing of deer by night, and catching rabbits by day, would perhaps
+have been the least part of the story. Nay," he continued, "the lad
+(albeit he had a most comely female to wife) had as sharp an eye and as
+devilish a tongue for the lasses in Stratford as--"
+
+When the lawyer accordingly entered, he made so many contortions of
+body, and bent and bowed so often and so humbly to the three gentlemen,
+never even venturing to lift his eyes from the floor, that the Knight of
+Clopton desired him to desist from his prostrations, and deliver
+himself.
+
+Upon this Master Grasp muttered some words about his sorrow for past
+passages, and his desire to oblige the good Sir Hugh, and ended by
+depositing on the table the eternal blue bag he always carried; saying,
+as he did so, that he had no particular business at that moment with Sir
+Hugh Clapton at all.
+
+"Then, if such is the case," said Sir Hugh, "as I especially hate law
+and all appertaining, Master Grasp, as speedily an convenient, remove
+yourself from our premises."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "good Sir Hugh, I pray you bear with me, since I come
+to bring joyful tidings to one _near_ and _dear_ to you--even your
+worshipful nephew there, Master Walter Arderne. And in order to convince
+you thereof, with permission, I will enter upon the matter at once." As
+he said this, Grasp emptied the contents of his bag upon the table, and
+forthwith began to fumble amongst a whole heap of parchments, strewing
+them about in most admired disorder.
+
+"Gad-be-here!" exclaimed the old knight, as he looked with astonishment
+upon the vast quantity of documents and deeds. "Here be matter enough to
+undo half the families in Warwickshire. 'Fore Heaven, I ne'er looked
+upon such a mass of parchments before. Lord help thee, Walter, and keep
+pen and ink out of thy hands, for an thou settest thy name to these
+deeds, thou'lt never be thine own man again. I pr'ythee," he continued
+to the lawyer, "leave sorting that mass, and explain thy business."
+
+Grasp, however, had now made good his footing, and produced his
+impression. And, as he pointed with fore-finger from paper to paper, he
+began to recapitulate the various tracts of land, domains, and estates
+and all and sundry thereunto belonging, with messuages, tenements, and
+matters appertaining, so rapidly that Sir Hugh stood aghast, with eyes
+starting and face of wonder, as he listened.
+
+At length, the knight put a stop to it all with a voice of thunder, and
+insisted upon a more clear demonstration of the matter in hand. "What,
+in the fiend's name," he said, "hath my nephew to do with your heirs
+male, your tenures, domains, your castles, windmills, your fee-simples,
+your tails and entails, your arable lands, wastes, commons, fishponds,
+and woodlands, and all the litany of impertinence you have been
+jittering for the last half hour?"
+
+"In fact and in right," said Grasp, "_de facto_ and _de jure_, all and
+every thing hath your nephew to do herewith."
+
+"How so?" said Arderne. "I know nought about the lands you have named,
+unless it be that here, in Warwickshire, I have heard such places
+exist."
+
+"Nevertheless, as sure as they exist, they to all appearance are at this
+moment your own, good Master Arderne," said Grasp.
+
+"Mine?" said Arderne. "The man is mad. I pray you explain."
+
+"I will so," said the lawyer. "May I be permitted to sit in this
+presence."
+
+"Take a chair," said Sir Hugh. And the lawyer accordingly seated
+himself, wiped his glasses, and commenced again.
+
+"You doubtless are aware that, by the father's side, you can claim
+kindred with the noble house of Plantagenet," he said.
+
+"It's a far-away relationship then," said Arderne. "Nevertheless I
+believe such is the case; but what of that?"
+
+"You know it well enough, good Master Arderne," said Grasp; "for it is a
+thing to thank God and to be proud of; and you also know that the Lady
+Clara de Mowbray was also akin to you. As thus:--Geoffrey Plantagenet
+wedded with----."
+
+"Well, a truce with all matter of that sort," interrupted Arderne. "I
+know my lineage well as thou canst tell it me, Master Grasp. But what of
+Clara de Mowbray? Granting I am her distant kinsman, and distant indeed
+must the relationship be----."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, as I am in a condition to prove," said Grasp.
+"Nay, not only are you her kinsman, but you are her sole remaining
+kinsman, and to obviate all controversy about succession, she hath
+constituted and appointed you her sole heir."
+
+"You do, indeed, astonish me," said Arderne; "is then the beautiful
+Clara de Mowbray dead?"
+
+"'Tis so rumoured, set down, and given out," said Grasp.
+
+"She is said to have gone to foreign parts," said Sir Hugh; "died she
+there!"
+
+"She did," said Grasp.
+
+"Alas! my poor daughter's dear and only friend!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. And
+then there was a pause of some moments amongst the party, whilst Grasp,
+whose heart was as hard and dry as the parchment he idolized, became
+again so deeply involved amongst his papers, that he seemed to lose
+sight of everything else around him; nay, even Sir Hugh and Arderne
+seemed totally to have forgotten his presence. Arderne, indeed, was lost
+in the thoughts this intelligence had conjured up. He called to mind the
+exceeding beauty of the high-born lady who thus had made him the heir to
+all her vast possessions; and as he did so, many little passages between
+them, during his intimacy with his cousin Charlotte, flashed across his
+brain. At length, as his eye fell upon Grasp, he again questioned him.
+
+"You were apparently employed," he said, "by the Lady Clara de Mowbray
+as her lawyer, Master Grasp?"
+
+"I had that honour," said Grasp. "I was the instrument by which, under
+direction of her major-domo, or house steward, she gathered in her
+various rents. May I hope for a continuance of favour for the like, from
+your honour?"
+
+"Know you the circumstances of the lady's decease, and where she died?"
+inquired Arderne.
+
+"I do," said Grasp, "inasmuch as having been bound for the term of one
+year to keep the circumstances pertaining to the event secret; that time
+having now expired, I am at liberty to divulge to this honoured company
+all I know thereof."
+
+"I pray you to proceed," said Arderne.
+
+"It seemeth, then," said Grasp, "as I am given to understand by the
+steward or major-domo before-named, that since the melancholy fate of
+the daughter of the honoured master of this house, and who was (under
+favour for mentioning it) buried alive----"
+
+"How! buried alive?" said the captain, laying down his pipe, whilst Sir
+Hugh groaned aloud, rose from his seat, and walked to the window, and
+Walter Arderne started as if he had received a bullet through his brain.
+
+"Buried alive!" iterated Grasp, as he watched his auditors with the
+utmost satisfaction and curiosity. "I conceive it is no libel to say so
+much, _inasmuch_ as it is well known, and has indeed made some talk at
+the time."
+
+"I pray you," said Arderne sternly, "to continue your relation, without
+further circumstance. You pain us all by such unnecessary particulars."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "I crave pardon; but as the particularly horrible
+nature of that young lady's end was in some sort necessary to what
+follows, I felt obliged, in some sort, to refer to it. Howbeit, I will
+now expedite my narrative, taking it from the events I have thus brought
+back to your remembrance. It seems, I say, that the particularly awful
+nature of the said Miss Charlotte Clopton's death made a great
+impression upon the mind of the before-named Lady Clara de Mowbray, and
+whose intimate friend the before-mentioned Charlotte was; and that
+moreover the said Clara de Mowbray mourned over her said friend's sad
+fate with strict observance of privacy for many months. Nay, that on the
+news first being told her of Mistress Charlotte's having been buried,
+she, in fact, shut herself up from all communion with the world."
+
+"We heard as much," said Arderne; "I pray you to proceed. She resided at
+Shottery Hall at that time I think?"
+
+"She did so," continued Grasp, "and where, somewhat on the sudden (as I
+learn from her confidential servant,--also my client,) she conceived the
+idea of changing the current of her thoughts and ameliorating her grief
+by seeing foreign lands. In pursuance of which design she fitted out a
+vessel, hired a crew, engaged a gentleman of approved valour as captain,
+and sailed for the New World."
+
+"How! said ye," exclaimed Captain Fluellyn, "fitted out a ship, engaged
+a crew and captain, and adventured to the New World?"
+
+"What ship did she sail in, Master Lawyer Rasp?"
+
+"Grasp, good sir, and it so please ye," said the lawyer.
+
+"What ship, quotha--let me see. I have a document here, signed by one of
+her followers, and which states the name of the ship, the number of her
+crew, the title of the said captain, and all thereunto appertaining and
+belonging. Ah! let me see," he continued, (fumbling about amongst his
+papers.) "the 'Eagle'--the 'Estridge'--the 'Heron'--the 'Hawk'--no, it
+was none of those. The--ah! here it is--the 'Falcon,' that was the
+vessel; Fluellyn, captain commanding; owner, Count Falconara."
+
+The Captain looked at Walter Arderne, in whose face was reflected the
+astonishment depicted in his own; and both, as if by common impulse,
+rose from their seats, and walked forth into the open air.
+
+Arderne took a turn along the dark walk which led to the rivulet at the
+bottom of the garden, ere he spoke. At length he approached the Captain
+(who, out of respect, had remained near the house).
+
+"This is a strange matter!" said Fluellyn.
+
+"It is indeed!" said Arderne. "It seems to me like something unreal. I
+can scarce believe that Clara de Mowbray hath perished in such a
+venture."
+
+"You knew the lady, then?" said the Captain.
+
+"I did," said Arderne. "She was the friend and intimate of Charlotte
+Clopton, she of whom ye have heard me speak, and consequently in former
+days much here; nay, she rented a mansion at Shottery for the purpose of
+being near her friend."
+
+"Perhaps" said the Captain, "for the purpose of being near her
+_friend's_ friend. 'Tis evident she loved you, and you saw it not."
+
+"Nay!" said Arderne, "she knew I was betrothed to my cousin."
+
+"Tush, man! that mattered not amaravedi," said the Captain; "she loved
+you, spite of fate, and against hope. 'Tis not uncommon with women. She
+heard of your desolate condition through the worthy Martin; and (urged
+by her strong love) she persuaded him to adventure with her, in the hope
+of discovering and rescuing you from your desolate situation: so much I
+can myself answer for. How she bore herself in that adventure, I have
+also reason to know. All we required to know further was the name of
+this Count of quality, and, behold! we have it. Come--thou art at least
+a richer man by the knowledge."
+
+"Would to Heaven," said Arderne mournfully, "she were in the enjoyment
+of her own wealth. I seem to make shipwreck of all that interest
+themselves in my welfare."
+
+"Ah!" said the blunt Captain, "I doubt thee not, good Master Arderne.
+Such a woman were worthy of an emperor's love; one to worship in life,
+and evermore sigh for when dead. But come--no more sad brow and sighing
+breath. Thou art the likeliest man in all the country,--hast fair
+domains, castles, parks, and warrens, according to yonder scrivener.
+Such an one need not sigh for a wife methinks. Let us in, lest the old
+knight and the law-man fall to buffets, spite of the news brought."
+
+"Sir Hugh must indeed not know of this," said Arderne, "at least, not at
+present; 'twould but revive his grief for Martin's loss. Over a cup of
+Canary after dinner we will relate the story."
+
+And thus did Walter Arderne become the possessor of many fair domains in
+Warwickshire and other countries; for as there was none at that time to
+dispute possession, and as their former possessor was fairly identified,
+and her death deposed to by more than one of her own followers, so there
+was nothing to hinder him in the succession.
+
+There was, however, a certain degree at melancholy attached to the whole
+affair, which seemed to throw a gloom over the estates, as he in turn
+visited them,--a something wanting--a deserted look--an inexpressible
+feeling of dislike to assume the mastery and ownership of these fair and
+fertile lands. "I can even yet hardly reconcile to myself the right of
+proprietorship here," he said to Sir Hugh, as they looked forth one day
+from the towers at Hill Morton upon a vast chase below. "It seems to me
+that I am an interloper--an usurper here."
+
+"Tush--man!" said Sir Hugh; "this is to be overscrupulous. Take the good
+the gods send, and make no words on't."
+
+And thus matters rested quietly for days, weeks, and months, and then
+there arose matter which took the thoughts of men, throughout the land,
+from their own particular concerns, and (whilst the whole nation rang
+with the news) called up the energies of all.
+
+Sir Hugh was with his nephew and friend when the first intimation of the
+certainty of this event reached Clopton. The day was hot, for it was
+just at the end of April, and the knight had ordered the dinner to be
+served in the hall, where they were enjoying the half hour after their
+meal "with pippins and cheese" and a whiff or two of the pleasant weed.
+
+The soothing influence of his pipe was just composing the old knight to
+sleep when the sharp sound of hoofs were heard in the court without, and
+a messenger, "bloody with sparring, fiery red with haste," came clanking
+into the presence.
+
+The sealed brief he handed to Sir Hugh--with the words, ride, ride,
+ride, upon the cover, in a few minutes after its perusal effectually
+dispelled the influence of the weed Sir Walter loved, inasmuch as it was
+from Sir Walter himself, and dated from Deptford.
+
+"Come forth, my old friend," said the letter, "the time hath arrived for
+all to be stirring, 'Tis now certain the Armada is about to sail. Let
+your nephew look to his command and bring up his companions. Our ships
+are ready for sea and men are wanted. 'Fore Heaven, _we will singe the
+Dons whiskers for him_,[19] or smoke for it ourselves."
+
+[Footnote 19: A saying of Sir Francis Drake's at this time.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+ENGLAND ON THE DEFENSIVE.
+
+
+Our story having now (with swift passage) glided o'er some two years, we
+arrive at a period in which all England was aroused by the alarm of a
+dreadful invasion.
+
+All corners that the eye of Heaven visited throughout the island were
+indeed frightened from their proprietary by the mighty preparation of
+the Spaniard,--a preparation of such vast magnitude that it shewed the
+determination of the foe to subdue, and put to indiscriminate slaughter,
+the whole population of the country, if possible exterminate heresy at
+one blow, and acquire eternal renown by reuniting the whole Christian
+world in the Catholic Communion. England at this period, it must be
+owned, was in a critical situation. A long peace had deprived it of all
+military discipline and experience. It was exposed to invasions from all
+quarters, as it was in reality neither fortified by art or nature;
+whilst the numerous Catholics, with which it still abounded, it was
+feared would be ready to join the invader the moment he succeeded in
+landing.
+
+In addition to this, men began to consider the difference between the
+English and Spanish forces. To remember the overwhelming power of the
+naval force of the Spaniard, and the vast numbers, reputation, and
+veteran bravery of his armies, and then--as they sat and brooded over
+these matters--they reflected that the fate of England must be decided
+in two battles, one at sea and one on land. Deep and portentous were the
+thoughts and fears these things conjured up when the certainty of the
+visitation became apparent. Whole families, high and low, rich and poor,
+looked each other in the face with vacant horror and dire apprehension.
+From the hut to the castle, from the cottage to the baronial hall,
+spread the whispered fear. Not altogether the fear of being beaten in
+fair and open fight, but of being overwhelmed by the mighty power of a
+tremendous foe without chance of a successful defence. Nor is it to be
+wondered at, if the hearts of the islanders did quail at this juncture,
+when we remember the three years' preparation which (_now completed_)
+was about to be precipitated like a mighty torrent upon the shores of
+England.
+
+According to a letter of Sir John Hawkins, written at the time to Sir
+Francis Walsingham, the main strength of the Armada consisted in a
+squadron of fifty-four magnificent and invincible ships, embracing nine
+galleons of Portugal, twenty great argosies of Venice, twenty huge
+Biscayns, four large Galleasses, and a ship of the Duke of Florence of
+800 tons. Besides these were thirty smaller ships and thirty hulks,
+which, together with others, amounted to 132 ships and 20 caravals.
+
+On board this huge fleet were 8,766 mariners, and 21,855 soldiers,
+besides 2,088 galley-slaves; and in addition, the Armada contained
+stores for the army, cannon, double cannon, culverin, and field-pieces,
+7,000 muskets, 10,000 halberts, 56,000 quintals of gunpowder, and 12,000
+quintals of match. Nay, so confident were these overweening Spaniards of
+success, that their huge ships even contained horses, mules, carts,
+waggons, spades, mattocks, baskets, and everything necessary for
+settling upon the land they meant, at one blow, to conquer and enslave.
+
+Both fleet and army were also provided on a scale of unexampled
+profusion, and the officers who were to lead, and who were of the
+noblest families of Spain, even embarked their suites of attendants and
+their physicians. But, perhaps, the most galling accompaniment to the
+Englishman, and which this dread Armada, had provided itself with, was
+one hundred and eighty monks and Jesuits, carrying with them chains,
+wheels, racks, and whips to be employed in the conversion of those
+heretics they might choose to spare from the infliction of a cruel
+death. In fact, every part of the vast empire of the malignant Spaniard
+had resounded with "dreadful note of preparation and the noise of
+armaments," whilst all his ministers, generals, and admirals were
+sweating in aid of the design.
+
+But this was not all that England had to fear, for the Duke of Parma and
+Asmodeus of Savoy had also prepared in the Netherlands an army of 30,000
+men; whilst the Duke of Guise was conducting to the coast of Normandy
+12,000 troops, in order to embark and land on the west of England. So
+that in the Netherlands also the air resounded with the busy hammer of
+smiths and carpenters, collected in Flanders, Lower Germany, and the
+coasts of the Baltic, and who "making the night joint-labourer with the
+day," were engaged in the construction of vessels and flat-bottomed
+boats, for the transport of their infantry and cavalry.
+
+The hearts and minds of many for the moment quailed under the thought of
+this tremendous armament; whilst all Europe apprehended that England was
+doomed, and must be overwhelmed and enslaved.
+
+A deep gloom and a secret horror was indeed upon the hearts of all. They
+stooped, however, but for a moment beneath the tide, and then the whole
+nation seemed to start up at the imperious challenge of Spain, sword in
+hand, sheathed in complete steel.
+
+Not a county in England, not a town or village even, but seemed to rise
+simultaneously in arms--not a corner of the land but rang with
+preparation and muster, and awoke endeavour for defence! Nay, such was
+the incredible alacrity with which from shire to shire the soldiers were
+raised, and mustered and marched, that from Cornwall all along southward
+towards Kent, and thence eastward to Lincolnshire, (as the account of
+the period is worded) "was there a place to be doubted for the landing
+of these foreigners; but that within forty-eight hours, on horseback or
+on foot, 20,000 men, completely armed, with ammunition, provision, and
+carriages, commanded by the principal nobles of their counties, and
+captains of knowledge, would be ready to oppose them."
+
+In the interior, also, every man capable of bearing a weapon, rushed to
+arms.
+
+The green fields, near Tilbury in Essex, gleamed with the white tents of
+22,000 foot, and 2,000 horse, whilst another army, close at hand,
+counted 28,000 men.
+
+The narrow streets of London, too, resounded night and day with roll of
+drum and blast of trumpet; every church and tower and hall was rummaged
+for arms and armour. Each citizen stood in harness of proof. The armour,
+which had "hung unsecured by the walls" even from the Crusades, was
+taken down and put in requisition; and in addition to this, 10,000
+additional troops were raised within the walls, together with 5,000 more
+as a reserve.
+
+All this, however, against the overwhelming moral force of Philip, in
+the minds of many experienced men, was thought insufficient; and whilst
+the bold spirits of the leaders of the host led them to affirm that they
+were strong enough to cut to pieces the whole Spanish force the moment
+they land, there were others quite aware that the ocean was the element
+on which to meet the foe.
+
+"A mighty power," said the great Raleigh at the juncture, "in a goodly
+fleet of ships, and which neither foot nor horse can follow, cannot be
+desirable to land where it list in England; unless it be hindered and
+unconnected by a fleet of answerable strength." It was accordingly under
+advice of men of approved valour and conduct, that Elizabeth set about
+to equip a fleet suitable, as far as possible, to the occasion.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, the almost incredible exertions made to meet
+the foe on the seas, the naval power of England seemed quite inadequate
+to resist so terrible an enemy upon the waters. All the sailors in
+England amounted to but 14,000 men, and the size of the shipping was so
+small that, with the exception of a few of the Queen's ships of war,
+there were not four vessels belonging to the merchants which exceeded
+400 tons. The royal navy consisted but of twenty-eight sail, many of
+them of small size, and indeed for the most part deserving the name of
+pinnaces rather than ships.
+
+To counterbalance this disproportion, however, the English felt
+consolation in the known dexterity and valour of her seamen, their
+constant custom of sailing in tempestuous seas, and being undeterred by
+the dangers of the element on which they had now to fight; a virtue
+which will ever render our glorious sailors more than a match for any
+foe.
+
+In addition to this small navy, all the commercial towns in England
+furnished forth ships. The citizens of London fitted out and equipped
+thirty vessels, and the gentry and nobility hired, armed, and manned
+forty-three ships.
+
+Such then was the mighty preparation of the Spaniard, and such was the
+"awakened endeavour of England for defence,"--an endeavour perhaps
+without parallel in the history of our country, and which we have thus
+minutely brought to the recollection of our readers, because it was
+witnessed and keenly observed by one whose mighty mind seized upon
+whatever came within his piercing ken, and who, whilst he was the most
+careful of observers, was, at the same time, possessed of judgment as
+remarkable as his imagination and genius were wonderful; one who
+treasured up what he then beheld, although he stood, apparently, but as
+"a cypher to that great accompt;" and whilst he thus in reality, beheld
+"a kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the
+swelling scene," himself possessed--
+
+    "A muse of fire; that would ascend
+    The brightest heaven of invention;
+
+afterwards giving his observations to the world in descriptions of
+chivalrous grandeur, such as none other in any age has equalled. One who
+himself saw that brave fleet so hastily collected and prepared for the
+occasion.
+
+    "With silken streamers the young Phebus fanning,
+                And in them beheld,
+    Upon the hempen tackle, ship-boys climbing;
+    Heard the shrill whistle, which did order give,
+    To sounds confus'd. Beheld the threaden sails,
+    Borne with the invisible and creeping wind,
+    Draw the huge bottoms through the furrowed sea,
+    Breasting the lofty surge.
+    Who stood upon the rivage and beheld
+    A city as the inconstant billows dancing,
+    For so appeared the fleet majestical."
+
+Yes, whilst the choice-drawn cavaliers of Elizabeth's age stood in arms,
+and whilst, upon the waves rode those adventurous seamen, Shakespeare
+stood amongst the file, and as his capable eye marked the big muster,
+his heart beat with each roll of the drum, as it resounded amidst the
+narrow streets of old London.
+
+And what, indeed, must have appeared to such a man "this post haste and
+homage through the land," this "threatening of the threatener," this
+"pomp and circumstance of glorious war?" What must have been the
+feelings of that one man as he stood amidst the throng--
+
+    "For who was he, whose chin was but enriched
+    With one appearing hair, that would not follow
+    Those culled and choice-drawn cavaliers?"
+
+He saw the daily and hourly preparation; he beheld the knightly and the
+noble "all plumed like ostriches;" he saw the closes, the streets and
+alleys of Lud's old town swarming with men-at-arms.
+
+    "He beheld the strict and most observant watch,
+    Which nightly toiled the subject of the land:
+    The impress of shipwrights, whose sore task
+    Did not divide the Sunday from the week:
+    And then he put himself in arms."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+THE BOAR'S HEAD IN EAST CHEAP.
+
+
+Whilst London, and indeed all England, was thus aroused by this sound of
+deadly preparation, a gay and jovial party sat carousing in one of the
+apartments of an antique tavern in East Cheap.
+
+They sat around a huge table situated in the centre of the apartment,
+and which was indifferently well furnished with savoury viands and
+generous wines; and a single glance sufficed to proclaim them the choice
+spirits of the tavern. Daring, reckless blades, companions who daffed
+the world aside, men heeding nothing, caring for nothing, dreading
+nothing, and to whom the spirit of the times was peculiarly delightful.
+They loved action, those revellers. Their lives were made up of the
+false fleeting excitement of some four hours' exhibition before the
+flickey foot-lights of a theatre. They were indeed actors all, but their
+vocation was over for the time amidst the excitement of the coming war.
+
+And as they sat at supper at one of their old haunts, the Boar's Head in
+East Cheap, they aroused the neighbourhood with their revelry. Amongst
+them, however, was one whose voice in an instant caused attention. When
+he spoke their clamour ceased, and whilst some envied, others wondered
+at, and one or two even disliked (for amongst men of this sort there is
+ever a something of jealousy) all listened to and sought to catch his
+slightest remark. Nor was it at all surprising that such should be the
+case, for this man, who had joined their company, and become an actor
+about a couple of years before, had made an extraordinary impression
+upon them all. He had come amongst them a stranger, a fugitive, and in
+distress. He had taken the meanest, the most subordinate parts in the
+dramatic representations then performing; but his words, appearance, and
+manners had been instantly recognized as something uncommon.
+
+Amongst those men, and whom he had accidentally, and as if by a sort of
+fate, at once fallen in with, were some who read character deeply and
+instantly, who caught peculiarities and appreciated talent at a glance.
+
+Such then is the association in which we again, after a brief interval
+look upon Shakespeare. The actor's of Elizabeth's day--a jovial racy
+set--men who could play the parts assigned them in the inn yard, or with
+the hawthorn-bush for a scene, and trust to their own good acting and
+energy to keep their audience amused.
+
+And these men had Shakespeare astonished by the genius and talents he
+possessed, whilst his conversation displayed the wildest sallies of
+fancy, the most brilliant wit, and the utmost depth of observation. In
+fact, he had become their oracle, their adviser, their leader. He had
+already altered and improved some of the rude scenes of their dramas,
+shewn them how to put them effectively upon the stage, taught them to
+suit the action to the word, and in short shewn a taste and genius for
+the profession that at once astonished and delighted all.
+
+To many it will doubtless appear strange and startling thus to mark
+Shakespeare down to a period of our island history, which for stirring
+import had never been exceeded, to find him thus, with his companions of
+the theatre, on the eve of so terrific an encounter as was then about to
+take place "between two mighty monarchies," to behold him a living,
+breathing man, at a moment when all England was aroused to beat off the
+invader from her shores, or fall and perish miserably beneath the yoke.
+
+The feeling of the thousands then in arms was as of one man; not an
+islander stood enranked with iron upon his breast, but owned a heart as
+brave and true as the weapon by his side; nay, every right arm felt a
+limb of steel, and each fist, as it grasped the rapier's hilt, was ready
+to rain its storm of blows upon the crests of the overweening Spaniard,
+and smite him dead upon the earth he came to invade. And such will it
+always be in "this sceptered isle."
+
+'Twas a picturesque-looking party that assemblage in the old room of the
+tavern in East Cheap. The chimes, sounding from the tower of St. Paul's,
+proclaimed the hour of midnight through an open casement which admitted
+the fresh and balmy breeze of May. In different parts of the room were
+to be seen portions of the arms and armour the wearers had cast aside
+when they sat down to their carouse,--the heavy rapier, the cuirass, the
+helmet, and the plumed hat are thrown carelessly into corners, whilst
+the story, the biting jest, and the song is heard:--
+
+    "And let me the canakin, clink, clink, clink,
+    And let me the canakin clink,
+    A soldier's a man, and life's but a span,
+    Why then let a soldier drink."
+
+We have said that Shakespeare had obtained an influence amongst the men
+with whom he had become associated, and the present circumstance of this
+tavern meeting shews it,--"that tiger's heart wrapped in a player's
+hide, had stirred them up to join him in the present enterprise." The
+players have turned soldiers, and are about to seek service amongst the
+troops embarking with Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher. With the dawn they
+are to take boat, and drop down towards Tilbury Fort, where the Queen in
+person is to inspect her troops; and this night they hold perhaps their
+last revel in one of their old haunts, this night perhaps they drain
+their last cup in old London.
+
+Fast and furious grows the revel. The spirit of the time lends its charm
+to men so easily excited, so "of imagination all compact." They drink
+deep to the healths of the bold spirits of the day. To Lord Howard of
+Effingham, who commands upon the seas; to the Earl Leicester, who
+defends the capital at Tilbury; to Lord Seymour; to Lord Hunsdon; to the
+Queen,--
+
+    "Cup her till the world go round."
+
+And then that _one man's_ voice is heard, as he rises and drains his
+glass, and his tongue gives utterance to words which still more fire the
+hearts of his hearers. For he speaks of his native land:
+
+    "That England hedged in with the main,
+    That water-walled bulwark, still secure
+    And confident from foreign purposes.
+    England, that never did, nor ever shall
+    Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror,
+    Unless she first doth help to wound herself."
+
+And now, as the breaking dawn sheds a faint and pale light upon tower,
+and church, and lofty roof, gradually redeeming the narrow and
+overshadowed streets from the gloom of night, the sounds of bustle are
+heard around. Then comes the rattle and roll of drum, the blast of horn,
+and the quick tramp of armed men. Up Fish-street Hill, down St. Magnus
+Corner, rattles and reverberates the rolling sheepskin; now it sounds
+dead and dull beneath the caves and penthouses of St. Margarit's and
+Pudding Lane; and now it beats loud and shrill as it emerges into Chepe,
+whilst Aldgate, and Houndsditch, and Hog Lane, and Tower Street, and
+Cornhill, and Budge Row, also are filled with replications of the
+clamour.
+
+As the tongue of war thus suddenly startles the ears of the revellers,
+they start from their seats, and hastily resume the defensive armour. A
+few minutes more and East Cheap seems filled with men, and all the
+crafts of London to have turned out and put themselves in arms. Then
+comes the short quick word of command, the halt and front, the trail of
+the puissant pike, and the ringing noise of caliver upon the hard
+ground.
+
+Then, as the Golden Cheap, as it was called, displays its rich treasures
+from each window, its cloth of gold and silver, and velvets of various
+hue, its arras and rich carpetings and silk, and, more than all, its
+comely wives and the handsome daughters of the wealthy burghers standing
+at the casements they have thus adorned,--then on come the levies
+destined for the defence of the coast, or about to embark in various
+ships, lying in the Thames, and which, passing through the double rank
+of the civic battalions, with quick pace and heavy tramp, turn towards
+London Bridge.
+
+As these sounds, we say, salute the ears of the revellers, they leave
+their flagons, and, hastily selecting their various arms and defensive
+armour, call lustily for something substantial else they join the
+newly-raised levies. They go forth to the war as to another
+revel,--those players. They vow to singe the whiskers of the overweening
+Don. And Shakespeare halloos them on.
+
+          "Hostess, my breakfast, come,
+    O, I could wish this tavern were my drum."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+THE CAMP AT TILBURY.
+
+
+To describe minutely the magnificent force assembled at Tilbury, and the
+camp there, would be both a tedious and a twice-told tale. My Lord of
+Leicester (who had the ordering of all matters thereunto appertaining)
+had arranged things not altogether so unskilfully. It was at his
+instigation, and invitation too, that the Queen herself paid a visit to
+her troops there; for, says his letter to her on this occasion, "If it
+may please your Majesty, your army being about London, as at Stratford,
+East Ham, Hackney, and the villages thereabout, shall be not only a
+defence, but a ready supply to Essex and Kent, if need be. In the
+meantime your Majesty, to comfort this army, and the people of both
+these counties, may (if it so please you) spend some days to see both
+camps and forts." And so the bold Tudor, in martial array, visited the
+camp; and never, perhaps, did the world witness a more heroic sight. The
+glorious sun of a summer's day poured its rays upon a glittering host.
+Line beyond line they stood enranked on either side, and beyond the
+blockhouse, as the Queen landed; and as the drums rattled, and the
+cannon roared, when she stepped from her barge, down went ensign, and
+pike, and caliver.
+
+The Earl of Leicester and his officers received her on landing; and two
+thousand horse, dividing into two brigades, together with two thousand
+infantry, formed her immediate guard.
+
+The next day she reviewed her troops on the hill near Tilbury church,
+attended by the Earls of Leicester and Ormond. She wore a corslet of
+polished steel upon her breast, (a page bearing her plumed helm,) and
+thus, bare-headed, and carrying a marshal's truncheon in her hand, she
+rode through the ranks amidst the most deafening cheers; after which she
+harangued the host in a speech of considerable length.
+
+The scene was one likely to make a deep and lasting impression upon the
+minds of all who witnessed it. The assembled troops were, in
+themselves, worthy of note; for, besides the regular and trained
+infantry and cavalry of the period, there stood enranked, and _doing the
+duty of private volunteers_, some of the noblest in England. The gentry
+of the various counties had donned their harness, and come forth to do
+the duty of common soldiers; scarfed, and plumed, and belted, they stood
+there, resolved to lay down their life, ere they yielded one foot of
+their native land to the invader. As the Queen passed on amidst this
+steel-clad host, there was one who stood somewhat apart, and in an
+interval of the lines of infantry; he raised his voice amidst the
+general enthusiasm, as the royal Tudor rode along the rank near which he
+was posted; and then he lowered his weapon, and as he leaned upon it,
+keenly observed the whole scene.
+
+He saw that lion-hearted woman, and who had then borne the sceptre for
+thirty years; her body cleped in steel; her high pale forehead furrowed
+with care; her bright and piercing eye, and her majestic form unbent by
+the pressure of years. He saw her thus, mounted upon her magnificent
+steed, like a true daughter of the Plantagenet, vindicating the honour
+of her kingdom. He saw her thus, undismayed by the tremendous armament
+threatening her coast, pass on from rank to rank, "with cheerful
+semblance, and sweet majesty;" and as she rode--
+
+    "A largess universal, like the sun,
+    Her liberal eye did give to every one."
+
+Those who have stood in the ranks of an English battalion can perhaps
+best imagine the proud feeling which must have animated the breast of
+Shakespeare at this moment. His eye passed rapidly over the glittering
+files, and then it dwelt with curiosity upon the stern features of the
+troops, as each glance was bent upon that one form, "so regal, so
+majestical;" and, as he looked upon the expression of those bearded
+men, he felt that no power which the invader could bring would be
+likely to subdue such a host. The English might be struck
+dead--blasted--annihilated by some wrathful bolt from the skies, but,
+unless the power of Heaven fought against them, no foreign force could
+subdue that _island-host_ upon their own ground. And then, whilst he
+gazed upon this inspiriting sight, as the Queen passed off the ground,
+and took her way "so strongly guarded" amongst the innumerable white
+tents, a wild flourish of martial music floated through the air, the
+firm unbent forms of the soldiery relaxed, the sword point was lowered,
+the pike trailed, drum and fife sounded, and the various companies
+wheeled off then-several positions and followed through the camp. As
+column after column moved past, still that observant eye was rivetted
+upon them. The musqueteers in the front rank; the pikemen in a dense
+column behind; then came the cavalry, slow and stately, with a rushing
+ringing sound, the horses reined back to keep time to the trumpets'
+clang. Squadron after squadron, they moved past with stately pace and
+slow; the several leaders armed in steel, galloping up and down the
+ranks, and giving the word as they wheeled round and moved off the
+field. They were led by one scarce two-and-twenty years of age, who
+seemed, on his magnificent charger, with his beaver raised, "the prince
+of chivalry," the "arm and burgonet of men." The young Earl of Essex,
+just then in the zenith of his fame, and to whom the Queen had given
+command of the cavalry.
+
+And so the eye of the "poor player" pierced through the camp and
+witnessed all the "pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war;"
+himself, in his humble suit of buff, with buck and breast and helm of a
+common soldier, the greatest man there. He saw the tented field, so as
+only a nation's "endeavour for defence" could have shown it him. He
+mingled amongst tho white tents of the soldiery, and he visited the huts
+made of boughs of trees and poles, beneath which many of the gentry from
+the various counties and their followers were sheltered.
+
+At this period of his life his profusion had made him known to many of
+the nobles and leaders present, and those who fell in with him were
+pleased to have a word with "the pleasant Willie" amidst the excitement
+and bustle of the hour. As he turned from the scene, and, with his
+companions threaded his way amidst the crowd of soldiers, suttlers, and
+the other accompaniments of a huge army, he was met and accosted by one
+high in authority amongst the host.
+
+"Ah! Will Shakespeare," said the noble, "hast thou too put thyself in
+arms? 'Fore Heaven, man, thou shalt come with me to my tent. See, here
+is my Lord of Southampton, and other gallants, 'the very elements of the
+camp,' would fain have a rouse ere they wait upon the Queen. Come, man,
+a word from thee will spice the cup. No denial," continued the noble, as
+Shakespeare endeavoured to excuse himself on the plea of wishing to make
+on toward Dover that night. "No denial. Come, thou shalt cup us this day
+in the field. I could better lack the best of my followers on the day of
+battle than lose thee now we have once met here. What says't thou, my
+Lord of Southampton, thou canst not excuse the gentle William, eh?" And
+so it was late in the day ere Shakespeare left the tented field of
+Tilbury.
+
+When he did so he crossed over a bridge of boats and barges which had
+been drawn across the Thames at Gravesend. This bridge had been
+constructed for the purpose of opposing the passage of the invading
+fleet, should any portion of the expedition succeed in crossing the
+Nore, and to afford a means of communication for supplies of men and
+munition from Kent and Sussex.
+
+With two or three companions (and who, like himself, were resolved to
+hasten to the coast and, if possible, get on board some vessel at
+Dover,) Shakespeare hastened, after leaving Gravesend, along the Old
+Kent Road, then the most beaten track in England.
+
+Thus then, under circumstances so peculiar, the players found themselves
+in the county of Kent, that interesting county, which has been the
+battle-ground of the English for so many centuries, and which yet
+retains the ancient name Cæsar,[20] conferred upon it upwards of
+eighteen hundred years before.
+
+[Footnote 20: Cæsar denominated this county, Cantium; time, therefore,
+has made no further alteration than in giving it an English sound.]
+
+Much as was the traffic on this thoroughfare at the period of our story,
+the road was still in a very primitive state, thickly shadowed by trees
+on either side, ill kept and full of deep ruts and quagmires, whilst the
+country on either hand seemed one entire forest, and thus, amidst the
+bustle of the time, troops marching and counter-marching, "posts tiring
+on," pack-horses, and wains, and carriers occasionally overtaking them,
+Shakespeare took his way.
+
+We leave our readers to imagine the feelings of the poet as he passed
+along this, the old Roman road.
+
+As his eye pierced through the gloom, he beheld the road ascending
+through a leafy tunnel, and as he mounted a steep hill, he looked into
+the thick shadow on either hand, and then stopped and contemplated the
+place with a curious eye. It is more than probable, whilst he looked
+upon this locality, covered as it was with enormous trees, the road
+darkened by their shadow, the overhanging bank covered with fern, the
+crow winging to his nest, the moon just beginning to appear, that some
+passages he had perused in one of the old chronicles of England flashed
+across his brain, for in the scene thus beheld at so sweet an hour
+Shakespeare looked upon GAD'S HILL.
+
+And now, as the players left the woodlands, and descended the hill on
+the other side, a magnificent sight was presented to their
+view,--looking in the pale moonlight like some romantic view exhibited
+during the scenic hour, the Keep of Rochester, white and spectral,
+towered above the flanking walls that surrounded it; the rushing waters
+of the river flowing just beneath; the old picturesque town (then in
+comparison but a hamlet) lying dark and sombre on the left. 'Twas a
+scene that spake of former passages in Britain's history; and as
+Shakespeare looked upon it he felt the impression. There beneath him
+flowed the broad Medway, where the Britons had made their stand against
+the legions of Rome. On the bank, surrounded with battled towers,
+frowned the tower of the Norman Gundulph, now, as of yore, filled with
+glittering troops; the flaming cresset glaring from its walls, and
+reflected in the stream. The "panoply of war, grim-visaged, but glorious
+war," once again had revived its thick-ribbed towers. And in the old
+hostel of the Crown, Shakespeare and his troop slept that night,--a
+locality since immortalised, for 'tis _the inn-yard at Rochester_, of
+the scenic hour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+THE INVINCIBLE ARMADA.
+
+
+At a time when every rank of men in England buried all party
+distinctions, and prepared with order, as well as vigour, to resist the
+violence of the invaders, the Catholics throughout the land were not
+found wanting. Many gentlemen of that sect, conscious that they could
+not justly expect either trust or authority, entered themselves as
+volunteers in the fleet or army, whilst many equipped ships at their own
+charge, and gave the command of them to Protestants; others again
+bestirred themselves, and animated their tenantry, servants, and
+neighbours to join in the defence.
+
+Amongst these, Sir Hugh Clopton and Walter Arderne had manfully
+bestirred themselves. Sir Hugh had mustered his servants and followers,
+and putting them under conduct of his good friend, Sir Thomas Lucy,
+marched off as a simple volunteer to Tilbury Camp, whilst Walter
+Arderne, with no less zeal, and tenfold means, (for be it remembered he
+was now the possessor of an enormous fortune,) had equipped several
+ships at his own charge, intending to join Sir Francis Drake.
+
+And thus having brought our readers to this period of general
+enthusiasm, we now almost lose sight of the individuals more immediately
+connected with our story in the universal excitement. The huge Armada,
+after having by a variety of reports seemed to threaten every foot of
+the coast in turn, was at length first discerned making its approach. A
+Dutch pirate brought intelligence to Plymouth that the Duke of Medina
+Sidonia was in reality in the English Channel. The captains and
+commanders of the English vessels were at the moment of this
+intelligence being brought playing at bowls at Plymouth; and Sir Francis
+Drake, with the true spirit of an English seaman, insisted upon playing
+out the game. "Play it out," my masters all, he said, "play it out. We
+have plenty of time to win the game first and beat the Spaniards
+afterwards."
+
+A south-west wind, however, blew so strongly at the moment that the
+vessels had considerable difficulty in warping out. At length, however,
+by the tremendous efforts of all hands, (for the anxiety of the troops
+and sailors to get at the enemy is hardly to be described,) the English
+ships were fairly at sea, and, with every sail set, bearing up for the
+enemy.
+
+
+    "And now sits expectant in the air,"
+
+
+for whilst the sea bears upon its bosom the opposing fleets, the shores
+of England are bristling with the armed legions watching the event. The
+islanders standing "like greyhounds in the slips straining upon the
+start," and thus, whilst "borne by the invisible and creeping wind," the
+ships neared each other, was to be seen those characteristics of the
+islanders which furnished forth descriptions like the blast of trumpet
+to a Briton's ear.
+
+
+        "On! on! you noblest English,
+    Whose blood is set from fathers of war proof!
+    Fathers, that, like so many Alexanders,
+    Have, in these parts, from morn till even fought,
+    And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
+    Dishonour not your mothers. Now attest,
+    That those that you call'd fathers, did beget you;
+    Be copy now to men of grosser blood,
+    And teach them how to war."[21]
+
+
+[Footnote 21: "Henry the Fifth."]
+
+It is not our purpose fully to describe the action with, and the
+discomfiture of, the Huge Don, only such portions of the engagement as
+embraces the fate of those connected with our story being necessary.
+
+Suffice it then that the fleet of the mighty Spaniard came on slowly,
+awfully, and, according to the description given by Camden, so
+tremendous in appearance that the very winds seemed tired of propelling
+and the ocean groaned with its weight. That the English ships, dwarfs as
+they appeared by comparison, and few as they were in number, resolutely
+encountered, and, like bulldogs, which never leave the animal they are
+pitted against whilst life lasts, stuck to and worried the bloated Don
+till they completely pulled down his pride.
+
+The proximity of Plymouth to the Spanish coast had rendered it probable
+that that part of England would be selected by the enemy for his first
+attempt, and there accordingly the Queen had appointed as Guardian one
+of the noblest and most approved soldiers of her realm. That aspiring
+hero, the gallant Sir Walter Raleigh, in himself a host at such a
+moment, was appointed Lord-Warden of Plymouth, with office of
+Lieutenant-General of the county of Cornwall, and 5,000 men under him.
+
+No post or appointment on land, however, could satisfy such a man, when
+he himself knew the element on which the English ought to meet their
+foes was the sea. Accordingly, the blast of war and the thunder at the
+cannon found Sir Walter amidst the foremost, fighting hand to hand like
+some avenger, and covered with the smoke and blood of the hot encounter.
+Sir Walter, indeed, with a brilliant company of nobles and gentlemen,
+had left Plymouth in a small squadron, and quickly came up with the
+Spanish fleet. As they sighted the enemy, it was joined by a small force
+fitted out by Walter Arderne, and the two made into the midst of the
+fight.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, the desperate valour of Sir Walter Raleigh,
+and which at times amounted to rashness, in the present instance he
+displayed his superior seamanship, and used discretion. He was aware
+that the lighter and less numerous vessels of the English had an
+advantage over the unwieldy Spanish galleons, provided the former
+avoided close quarters.
+
+He therefore ran near the floating castles of the enemy, and poured in
+his broadsides, whilst they found it almost impossible to bring their
+great ordnance to bear, ere he was off again. This plan of operation was
+adopted by the whole English fleet. Ever asunder, but always in motion,
+they took advantage of the wind to tack whenever they could most annoy
+the foe; pouring in broadside after broadside, and sheering off out of
+range of the Spanish guns, and then again boldly returning ere the
+latter could well reload; performing, as Sir Henry Wooton described it,
+a perfect morris-dance upon the water.[22]
+
+[Footnote 22: Oldy's "Life of Raleigh."]
+
+It was in vain that the Spanish fleet bore down upon their antagonists,
+anxious, by bringing them to a closer action, at once to destroy them.
+The skilful English sailors avoided the contact by continually
+separating into small divisions. Six of the English ships, however, led
+by Sir Martin Frobisher and Lord Thomas Howard, were so disjoined from
+the rest, that the galleasses of the Armada came close upon them, and
+continued a desperate engagement for many hours. At the same time,
+another squadron of the English fiercely assailed the division of the
+Armada stationed to the westward; nay, such was the desperation of the
+English, that they in a short time disabled every ship in the line
+there.
+
+Amidst the storm of hurling iron, hid from one another by volumes of
+white smoke which hung upon the waters and enveloped everything around,
+two individuals sprang from their vessels, and, followed by their crews,
+sword in hand, clambered with desperate energy up the hull of one of the
+Spanish ships. The dense smoke on all sides is only relieved by the
+rapid volume of fire which seemed to pour out of every part of the
+Spaniard. The tearing of timbers, the shriek of agony, the cry of
+despair, and the deep curse, is answered by the wild joyous cheer of the
+jolly Briton. Amidst a storm of blows, the two leaders, the forlorn hope
+of the boarders, gaining the high deck of the Spanish craft, sprung upon
+the enemy's deck, where they were instantly followed by their
+strong-armed countrymen. What can resist, what can front them and live!
+Their blows are like the lightning's flash! Their force, strength, and
+ire, is terrible to look upon! They carve a passage; they bear down all
+before them! The deck of the Spaniard is slippery with blood; the
+thunder of the cannon is even hushed for the instant; and then is heard
+the ringing noise of hundreds hand-to-hand,--the cold dull smite of
+steel upon the body, the deadly curse, the cry of horror, and the shriek
+of death.
+
+During this terrible encounter, even whilst mounting the side of the
+Spanish vessel, the two men we have first described caught sight of, and
+recognised each other. In the face of him who sprang from a small craft
+called the Falcon, one of the sometime players of the Globe recognized
+Walter Arderne; and in that countenance beside him, although now with
+smoke and powder disguised "as if besmeared in hell," Arderne has for an
+instant recognised the features of one known in fair Warwickshire in
+happier days. They see, they recognized each other, but their thoughts
+are as the red flash of the artillery around them, and the next moment
+they are in the midst of blows and death. A contest of this sort, so
+fought and followed, is seldom of long duration. One side or other must
+generally be overborne; and, accordingly, the entire crew of the Spanish
+galleon were either driven to the poop of their vessel, or dead upon her
+decks. So numerous, however, were the Spaniards, that even in this
+desperate extremity they were formidable; and still the contest raged.
+
+In the midst of the _melée_, the player who we have before seen amongst
+the first to board the Spaniard, is now fighting hand-to-hand with the
+Spanish captain.
+
+Hard pressed, (for the rapier of the Englishman bears the _invincible_
+Don almost to the planks of his vessel,) the latter turns and flies
+below. Entering his cabin, he snatches up a pistol, and attempts to fire
+it into a huge barrel of gunpowder, and so blow up his vessel. Like
+lightning the Englishman strikes the pistol from his grasp, and calls
+upon him to yield.
+
+The Spaniard, however, renews the contest like a tiger at bay. Rushing
+upon his foe, for the moment he bears him backward; he then as suddenly
+turns towards a youth who, crouched in one corner of the cabin, seemed
+terrified, and unable to protect himself. Him the Spaniard now rushes
+upon, and attempts to pierce with his rapier; but the Englishman again
+anticipates him, strikes the weapon aside, and pierces the _invincible_
+Don to the heart at the very moment the vessel is captured; and one loud
+English cheer fills the air. Curiosity and humanity leads the victor to
+approach the boy whom he had so opportunely saved. He drags from before
+him the body of the Spanish captain, bids the lad look up and fear
+nothing; but, overcome with the terrors of the situation, the lad had
+fainted. At this moment the cabin is filled with the excited
+captors--they are maddened with rage and blood, and ready to strike down
+all before them. Anxious for the poor boy, the gallant player lifts him
+up, throws him across his shoulder, and carries him upon deck, never
+leaving him till he has placed him in safety in his own vessel.
+
+Amidst the turmoil, confusion, and horror of such a scene, (for, of all
+battles, perhaps a sea-fight presents the most savage and desperate
+picture of warfare,) the "poor player," who had thus rescued the youth
+from death, and borne him to a place of comparative safety, had but
+small leisure to pay attention to him.
+
+Nevertheless, as he placed him in the cabin of the English vessel, he
+could scarcely fail to observe his extreme beauty; and as the lad came
+to himself, and thanked his preserver, the player found, by his accent,
+that the lad was English born.
+
+Commending him, therefore, hastily to the care of some of the sailors at
+hand, (as his ear again caught the wild huzza of the victors,) the
+player again sprang upon the deck of his own ship, and the next moment
+was once more amidst the scene of death and slaughter--enveloped in
+smoke and fire--deafened with the roar of guns, and in the midst of
+crashing timbers and falling spars.
+
+The Spanish galleon had been captured ere he again reached her decks;
+but still on went those English red-handed from slaughter to slaughter,
+"with ladies' faces, and fierce dragon's spleens," they assailed ship
+after ship of the squadron they had become entangled with, and night
+only arrested the terrible encounter.
+
+Awful indeed is the destructive power of man, when once his rage is let
+loose upon his fellow. Those stately Spanish vessels, covered with
+gilding and ornament, and which had come heaving upon the wave, stately
+in movement, and beautiful in appearance as a bevy of swans, were now
+dismantled wrecks, blackened, half burnt, and, as if tortured into
+madness by their swift enemies, they vomited forth their fire at random,
+their shot flying over the heads of their adversaries, and hurting each
+other in the confusion of the scene.
+
+In other parts of the engagement the English had been equally
+industrious; and had it not been for the gross mismanagement of those in
+authority, and through whose parsimony the ships ran short of
+ammunition, the success would have been instantly followed up; as it
+was, the parsimony of the Queen might have cost her her crown, for
+thrice were the English baulked in the midst of success for want of
+ammunition, and obliged to take advantage of wind to get out of fire,
+and as often did they return, like avengers, to smite and destroy.
+
+The sequel of this glorious contest is too well known for us to dwell
+upon; only so far as it bears upon our story have we followed it. To
+that poor player, the intrepidity of demeanour, the confidence in the
+love of her subjects, and the activity and foresight of the royal Tudor,
+was not lost. He saw of what his own countrymen were capable; and when
+he dipped his pan in his own heart, and described deeds of knightly
+fame, he wrote as he felt.
+
+The noble Howard of Effingham, profiting by the faults of the Duke of
+Medina, and the difficulties experienced by the Spanish seamen in
+manoeuvring their floating castles, made a terrible example of the
+enemy, and all around is crushing ruin, flight, and pursuit. Those ships
+which were scattered he followed, and the whole fleet of Medina was
+already vanquished and flying, when the elements effected the rest.
+
+    "So, by a roaring tempest as the flood,
+    A whole Armada of collected sail
+    Is scatter'd and disjoined from fellowship."
+
+It was during the continuance of tho storm which followed, and whilst
+the few Spaniards who returned to their own shores were filling the ears
+of their countrymen with reports of the desperate valour of the English,
+and the tempestuous violence of the ocean which surrounded them, that
+two solitary travellers took their way along the old Kent road leading
+from Sandwich to Canterbury. Having quitted the ships in which they had
+arrived at the old Cinque Porte town, the two wayfarers were now making
+their way towards the metropolis.
+
+In our own times they would have come under the denomination of
+strollers, since one of them was in reality an actor, and, in the form
+of the other who walks by his side, our readers must recognise the youth
+rescued during the preceding action with the Armada.
+
+Light is the step and joyous the voice of that player. It almost cheers
+the heavy heart of the melancholy lad, his companion. Nay, it does, in
+some sort, apparently chase from his memory some rooted sorrow; for the
+large glowing orbs of the boy are oft-times turned towards the player as
+he speaks, and his step becomes more firm as they proceed.
+
+Scarce a mile has been traversed from the town, ere the eye of the
+player catches sight of a gray and massive ruin on his right, and the
+steps of both are turned towards it.
+
+Long lingered their footsteps beside that magnificent relic, and deeply
+ponders the player upon the surrounding scene.
+
+His companion listened to his words with breathless interest. The
+glittering helmets of the cohorts of Rome seem to pass within the arena.
+
+Nay, the spirit of the Roman, who reared the fortress, like a rock, upon
+that elevation, eighteen hundred years before, seems still to pervade
+the spot. There--where the thistle rears its lonely head, and the long
+grass of centuries waves in the wind--the shadowy forms of the imperial
+soldiery seem to glide by.
+
+"And such," said the youth, as he listened to the words of his
+companion, "is in truth the impression felt in each locality where the
+pick and spade of the Roman has left trace of his conquering arm. The
+feelings you have just described, the shadowy remembrance such locality
+seems to conjure up, I have oft-times felt whilst at Clopton."
+
+The player started. "At Clopton?" he said, as he looked curiously at the
+expressive countenance of his companion. In both there was a sort of
+dreamy recollection of having met before. "At Clopton, boy? True, there
+is a Roman trench in the park there. And so, then, thou knowest fair
+Warwickshire?"
+
+The youth sighed,--his usual answer when his companion, during their
+short acquaintance, had inquired his history. "I do," he said.
+
+"And know you Stratford-upon-Avon?" inquired the player.
+
+"But too well," answered the youth, again sighing.
+
+"Ah," said the player thoughtfully, "then well may I."
+
+"And wherefore?" said the lad, looking archly in his face.
+
+"I was born there," returned the player. "Have friends, wife, children
+at Stratford."
+
+"And your name?" inquired the youth.
+
+"Shakespeare, for fault of a better," said the player. And the pair soon
+afterwards left the Roman ruin and wended on towards London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+THE PLAYER AT COURT.
+
+
+And now a new epoch seems to have arrived, and England (for the time
+being) may indeed be called "_merrie England_." The good old days of
+good Queen Bess are now in full force. The nation seems like a burly
+giant, who, lately weighed down by some heavy disease, and which it
+required all the strength of his constitution to surmount, suddenly
+finds himself again in health and strength.
+
+    "Now he breathes again, and can give audience to any tongue,
+            Speak il of what it may."
+
+The enjoyment of the sometime invalid is tenfold from the sudden
+rebound. Earth and sea, air and sky, look doubly beautiful, and each
+hour is one of enjoyment. The whole nation revels in the excitement and
+the joyous feelings consequent upon its deliverance from a fearful yoke.
+The anticipation of dishonour, torture, and slavery, are no more. The
+overweening Spaniard, "that Armado hight," has been smitten with deadly
+vengeance, and all care is thrown to the winds. The Queen, the
+courtiers, the soldiers, sailors, citizens, nay, all the realm are
+dancing a galliard through the country. And of all those dancers none
+danced more vigorously, or cut higher capers, than the royal Tudor
+herself and her dancing chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton.
+
+    "Full oft within the spacious walls,
+      When he had fifty winters o'er him,
+    My grave lord-keeper led the brawls,
+      And seals and maces danced before him.
+    His bushy beard, and shoe-strings green,
+      His high-crowned hat and satin doublet,
+    Moved the stout heart of England's Queen,
+      Though Pope and Spaniard could not trouble it."
+
+Leicester, Essex, Raleigh, and Hatton, the especial gallants of the
+Court, "glittering in golden coats like images," are amongst those
+revellers.
+
+In London and its environs, bear-baitings, bull-baitings, masques,
+morris dancers, theatrical exhibitions, and all sorts of diversions
+filled up the hours.
+
+Great crowds of noblemen and gentlemen (who had met the Queen on her
+landing at Westminster after the dispersion of the Armada) attended her
+to St. James's Palace, and, day after day, entertained her, "all
+furnished, all in arms," with tilts and tourneys.
+
+Fully did the English at this moment appreciate the merits of their
+Queen. She was extolled, glorified, and almost deified in the exuberance
+of their joy and loyalty.[23]
+
+[Footnote 23: Stow mentions a little jobbing tailor who absolutely went
+mad for love of, and died glorifying the perfections of the Queen.]
+
+Oh that it came within the compass of our pen to describe the appearance
+of the Court. To introduce our reader, but for one short hour, within
+the walls of the palace; amidst that throng of princely gentlemen and
+stately dames clustered around one of the most gifted and extraordinary
+women that ever wielded a sceptre. Alas! the times are so changed, that
+the might, the magnificence of royalty, the grandeur of the scene
+within, and the halo shed around even the precincts of the palace, can
+scarcely be understood. The stately forms of the bearded yeomen; the
+glitter of the halbert, and the flash of weapons amidst tower and
+turret; the emblazoned doublet; the measured tread of men-at-arms on
+every post, and port, and passage; the lounging pages and servants, who
+throng the courts and offices; the hundreds of hangers-on upon royalty
+at this joyous period. The very sacred character of much that pertained
+to a palace seems to have vanished. The bold grandeur of the times seem
+to have departed with those cloistered and embattled buildings and the
+stately beings who inhabited them.
+
+The very precincts of the Court,--the "whereabout of royalty," seemed
+invested with a sacred character during the reign of Elizabeth. The
+stern grandeur which pervaded tho habitations of the terrible Harry, her
+father, still surrounded the various dwellings of the no less majestic
+daughter.
+
+Our readers must now imagine the Court in all its splendour at that old
+palace whose gateway and flanking towers still bear the cognizance and
+initials of the burly Harry; not as now, however, where the echoes of
+the drum and trumpet which rings and rattles out upon occasion of pomp
+and parade, reverberated from the goodly dwellings and ample streets by
+which it is neighboured.
+
+St. James's palace, in Elizabeth's day, stood in the open country. It
+had been built upon the site of the dissolved hospital of St. James, by
+the bluff King, and its buttressed walls were surrounded by a sort of
+chase or park, the grounds of which to the north were, for the most
+part, wet and marshy. The heron flapped his wing in the pool where now
+the Green Park is situated, and amidst the tall trees upon the hill, at
+present called Bond Street, the deer couched in the fern. It was indeed
+a picturesque and noble building, exceeding handsome, as a writer of the
+sixteenth century describes it, built of brick, embattled for defence,
+and surrounded at the top with crenelles, the chase always green, and in
+which the Court can walk in summer. Indeed, every part around St.
+James's, built upon and populated as it now is, at the period of our
+story was the occasional haunt of Queen Elizabeth, where she rode,
+walked, and meditated, considered her household affairs, or disported
+with her ladies, her courtiers, and her lovers.
+
+And what a picture did the scene without the palace exhibit a few weeks
+after the dispersion of the Armada, and whilst many of these noblemen
+and gentry, who, at the moment remained in London, were in constant
+attendance upon the Queen, and endeavouring to outshine each other in
+their devices and designs.
+
+It is near the hour of noon; the sun shines upon tower and turret, and
+glances bright upon the arms of the various sentinels upon rampart and
+gateway. Within, the courtyard is crowded with men-at-arms and persons
+of all ranks passing in and out. And amongst these are the stately forms
+of many whom the page of history has had occasion to tell of. In the
+park without, numerous youthful cavaliers are careering about, mounted
+upon steeds splendidly caparisoned, whilst a mounted guard of honour
+stands enranked about a bow-shot in front of the principal entrance.
+Huntsmen and falconers too, bedight with the royal arms, their
+greyhounds in couples, and other dogs of the chase, are seen amidst the
+clank of arms, as the sentinels are relieved. Nay, the perfume of the
+scented courtiers pervade the air as they dismount and enter the palace.
+The steaming smell of hot dishes and savoury viands also salute the
+nostril, as cooks, scallions, servitors, and pages, are seen in the
+inner court leading from the kitchen, as the hour approaches for the
+royal banquet.
+
+Shift the scene to the interior, and a magnificent sight strikes the
+eye, "the presence strew'd." The walls are hung with rich tapestry, and
+on either hand are the nobles of the Court, "a glittering throng." The
+Queen is about to pass through, and all are bare-headed. What a picture
+do those men present! Cloaked, ruffed, and rapiered, their Very apparel
+and arms studded with jewels, their bearded faces, so celebrated for
+manly beauty,--for the Queen loves to look upon the handsomest men the
+age can produce,--and limbs, and thews, and features, are sure to find
+favour in her sight. Whilst the nobility stand thus enranked, (many of
+lesser note at the bottom of the chamber,) a gentleman usher, dressed in
+velvet, with a golden chain, suddenly appears, the doors are thrown
+open, and the majestic Tudor is announced as at hand.
+
+First come forth, with proud step and reared heads, some of those lately
+so celebrated in the "world's debate." Bare-headed, they have had
+especial and private audience in the presence. Raleigh, with hawk's eye
+and aquiline features, his very spirit glancing as he looks
+good-naturedly, but haughtily around. Then Essex, majestic in mien and
+regal-looking in demeanour, and seeming to carry on his dress the cost
+of whole manors. Then Leicester, splendid in person and dress, but with
+somewhat of a restless, uneasy, and sinister expression; dark as a
+gipsy, and so haughty and unbending in demeanour, that his countenance
+freezes the blood in the gazer's veins, and yet withal wearing a sort of
+smile, ever and anon, to shew his pearly teeth; his hand plays nervously
+with the hilt of his jewelled poniard, as he bows to the several nobles
+he recognises. And so they file in, and fall into line on either hand.
+
+And now, whatever of conversation, amidst the assemblage, has been going
+on, suddenly ceases; and each man standing erect, and with his
+embroidered cloak advanced somewhat over the left arm, the one hand upon
+the rapier's heavy hilt, the plumed hat in the other--with eyes of
+expectation, await the moment of the Queen's appearance. A flourish of
+twelve trumpets and two kettle-drums immediately ring and rattle out;
+the battle-axes of the gentlemen-at-arms are lowered; and, lo, the
+Majesty of England has passed the door.
+
+Elizabeth at this period of her reign was fifty-six years of age. Her
+face, although exceedingly majestic, shewed the deep furrows of
+care--the care which is the heir-loom of the diadem; her nose was
+somewhat hooked; her lips, narrow; her teeth, discoloured. In her ears
+she wore two enormous pearls with rich drops; and her small crown rested
+upon a mass of false red hair. Her bosom it was her pleasure to display
+uncovered (the custom of all English ladies before marriage); on her
+neck was a necklace of costly jewels. The dress she wore was of white
+silk, embroidered with enormous pearls, larger than beans. Over this
+dress she wore a costly mantle of coloured silk, shot with silver
+threads; and her long train was borne by a marchioness. In addition to
+all this, she wore, in place of a chain, a magnificent collar of gold
+and jewels. Her aspect upon the whole was at first sight pleasing; but
+on a steady view of her countenance, there was to be found the
+unendurable look of a line of kings. The eye that could gaze down a
+lion; the fierce glance of the royal Harry, was there; a glance which
+proclaimed the excitable nature of the Tudor blood.
+
+She remained stationary for a few brief moments as soon as she entered
+the room, and seemed to comprehend the whole assemblage in one rapid
+glance. She then advanced, with her bevy of attendant ladies, and, at
+her pleasure, spoke first to one and then another of the nobles present.
+To one or two giving her hand to kiss, as a mark of special favour, her
+favourites (albeit they had already been favoured with a private
+audience) being every now and then appealed to; whilst the moment her
+eye detected any person of peculiar note, or not immediately belonging
+to her circle, she fixed him like a basilisk.
+
+"Ah! Master Spenser," she said, as she stopped near the author of the
+"Faery Queen," "hast thou received the guerdon I promised thee for thy
+song yet? We rated Burleigh soundly for disobeying our orders, and
+bringing forth that jangling rhyme of thine, which touched our honour.
+Let me see how went it;" and the Queen repeated, with good emphasis and
+discretion, the words of the poet:
+
+    "I was promised on a time.
+    To have reason for my rhyme:
+
+    Since that time until this season,
+    I have had nor rhyme nor reason."
+
+"The radiant Gloriana," said Spenser, "doth overmuch honour my poor
+couplet by repeating it; nevertheless the rhyme still hath reason. Of
+that, our shepherd of the ocean[24] can testify."
+
+[Footnote 24: Raleigh.]
+
+"How! Raleigh," said the Queen, "hath not thy friend received the
+hundred pounds I promised him? This is overbold of Burleigh!" And the
+eye of the Queen shewed the lioness' glance as she looked around for
+the offender. Burleigh, however, had anticipated a storm, and sought the
+lower end of the room; meanwhile Raleigh, who seldom let an opportunity
+pass for pressing any suit he had to carry, replied that Spenser had as
+yet received nothing of the promised coin.
+
+"My friend is as unlucky as myself," he said; "for neither hath he
+received his guerdon, any more than I myself have obtained the grant of
+lands your gracious bounty half promised."
+
+"Ah!" said the Queen, (who spite of her partiality for the wit, genius,
+and valour of the adventurous and daring knight, little relished his
+rapacity). "Ah!" she said, "what, that suit of the fields at Mitcham
+again? And when will you cease to be a beggar, Raleigh?"
+
+Raleigh saw he had half offended, but his impudence and readiness
+brought him through. "When your Majesty ceases to be a benefactress," he
+said, gracefully bowing.
+
+The angry spot left the Queen's brow. She smiled and shook her head.
+"Thou art an accomplished courtier," she said, as she passed on, "but
+thou gettest not the Mitcham meadows of us yet notwithstanding."
+
+"What mutterest thou, Tarleton?" she continued sharply, to one of the
+attendant clowns or comedians, whom she frequently admitted to her
+presence.
+
+"I mutter nothing that I will not stand to, Madona," said Tarleton; "and
+that which your Majesty calls muttering, was but an assurance to my
+gossip, Raleigh, of all he requires, Raleigh hath but to open his mouth,
+and the tid bits from your royal table are sure to be cast into it."
+
+"So!" said the Queen, rather angrily.
+
+"Yes," returned the bold jester, "Look but on my lord there--he of the
+dark eye and olive complexion. By my fay, he hath swollen to such a huge
+bulk in the sunshine of your royal eye, that anon we shall all be
+overwhelmed!"
+
+This sally of Tarleton's against the Earl of Leicester was received with
+a titter of applause, and Burleigh, who had indeed tutored the poor
+jester, greatly enjoyed it.
+
+Elizabeth saw the feeling, and affecting to hear it with unconcern,
+turned to another of the court fools. "Well, Pace," she said, "and now I
+suppose we shall hear from you also of our faults."
+
+"What is the use of speaking of that which all the town is talking of?"
+growled Pace.
+
+Although the Queen permitted considerable license to men of this class,
+she was more deeply offended than she chose to shew, and passed on
+without another word. A few moments afterwards, however, both Pace and
+Tarleton were observed, at a hint from one of the gentlemen-at-arms, to
+quit the presence.
+
+"Ah, Bacon," said the Queen to her ample-browed Lord Keeper, "we are
+sorry to see thee still suffering from the old enemy, the gout. Remain
+not standing here, my lord; go sit thee down. We make use of your good
+head, not your bad legs!"
+
+Lord Bacon, nothing loth, bowed and hobbled off.
+
+"My Lord Bacon's soul lodgeth well," she observed to one of her ladies,
+"and truly do we honour him therefore. We are the enemy of all dwarfs
+and monsters in shape, and would have all appointments, either civil or
+military, bestowed on men of good appearance. What sayest thou?"
+
+"Certies, I am woman enough to be of your Majesty's opinion," answered
+the lady; "and yet your Majesty cannot always suit wit and judgment with
+a splendid dwelling: witness your royal choice of Sir Robert Cecil."
+
+"True," said the Queen, "Cecil hath both a mean look and an ugly
+expression; but we cannot want the crook back."
+
+The Queen now turned, and taking Leicester aside, held him for some time
+in conversation, during which all kept aloof. She then, as it was near
+the hour of dining, again passed down the line, still speaking to and
+noticing all she felt any inclination to propitiate, Leicester, Raleigh,
+and one or two of the more privileged courtiers following. As she passed
+into the second chamber, she observed amongst the _élite_ several whose
+rank had not entitled them to be in the presence-chamber; and wherever
+her eye fell on a handsome face and form, she stopped and made inquiry
+concerning such persons.
+
+"I pray you, Mignonne," she said, turning to one of her ladies, "who is
+yonder handsome youth--he who stands there near the door?"
+
+"I know not his name, Madam," said the lady.
+
+"Pshaw," said the Queen, "I have ever those about me who are ignorant.
+Leicester," she continued, "what is the name of yonder youth?"
+
+"He whom your Majesty's eye hath fascinated, even to the crimsoning of
+his cheeks," said Leicester, "is Charles Blount."
+
+"Nay," said the Queen, "I could have sworn there was good blood in his
+veins. He is brother of Lord William Mountjoye, is he not so?"
+
+"He is, Madam," said Leicester, "his younger brother, and now studying
+at the inns of court. He was in Drake's ship, and did good service
+against the Spaniard."
+
+"Nay," said Elizabeth, "by my fay, an he was with Drake, he was like to
+be where blows were rife. Bid him approach."
+
+The youth accordingly came forward and knelt to the Queen, who, still
+more struck by his handsome form and features, gave him her hand to
+kiss.
+
+"Come again to Court, good Master Blount," she said, "and I will bethink
+me of your future fortunes."
+
+The young man again blushed, and being extremely bashful, stammered some
+incoherent reply of thanks which, still more interested the Queen, and
+again she added words of encouragement.
+
+The Earls of Essex and Leicester smiled contemptuously, and Essex, who
+stood near the Queen, made some sneering remark, which was partially
+overheard. Not even, however, could the favourite Essex escape censure
+at such a moment.
+
+"Ha!" she said (turning sharply upon him), "say'st thou, my Lord? Stand
+back, lest we teach you manners here."
+
+Essex bit his lip, but he was fain to obey, observing to my Lord
+Southampton "that every fool he thought was coming into favour."
+
+"Then," said Southampton, who stood near, "'tis fit we introduce
+something not altogether so silly, and there is one here to-day I much
+wish her Majesty to notice. Ha! and look ye, she hath already found
+him."
+
+"Of whom speak ye?" inquired Essex.
+
+"Of one well beloved by thee," said Southampton. "See thou not the man
+there standing amidst the throng, somewhat behind the beefeaters?"
+
+"I do," said Essex. "'Tis Will Shakespeare."
+
+Meanwhile, whilst Essex, whose proud spirit being somewhat chafed, had
+thus remained behind the royal party, the Queen passed on talking right
+and left as was her wont, and discussing matters of political interest
+with those near her. "We will think of this matter, my Lord of
+Effingham," she said, in answer to something that noble had said. "I am
+ready, as thou hast seen, to arm for defence, but I make no wars."
+
+"Nevertheless, your majesty should strike a blow at Spain ere he recover
+the effects of his discomfiture. I hear again of formidable preparations
+being in contemplation to avenge the destruction of his ships. Nay,
+Philip hath affirmed, and that on oath, that he will be revenged even if
+he is reduced to pawn the last candlestick on his altar."
+
+"Nay, my Lord," said the Queen, "if the dollars of silver and ingots of
+gold, and which the wretched Indians work for in their native mines,
+could effect the conquest of this realm, he would assuredly succeed, hut
+I fear him not. We have stout hearts and heavy blades here in England to
+oppose to his glittering coin. Whilst you yourself, Raleigh, Frobisher,
+Drake, and other daring spirits are ready for the sea, we shall hold our
+own, my Lord."
+
+"Nevertheless, your Majesty will, I trust, hear at a future opportunity
+what myself and my Lord of Essex have to urge in favour of an expedition
+against Spain."
+
+"It may be we will hear both," said the Queen, "but in truth Essex is
+hardly to be entrusted with command. His impetuosity requireth a bridle,
+my Lord, rather than a spur. He is the soul of chivalry, but rash as he
+is brave; and see you there now," she said, turning and looking after
+Essex, "I reproved him but with one word, and his choler is aroused even
+towards us, his benefactress."
+
+The Queen turned now to a tall, gaunt, but exceedingly noble looking old
+man, his costume partaking both of the soldier and the courtier. "Sir
+Thomas Lucy," she said, "we have heard of your gallantry during the
+action with the Armada. We thank, in your presence, all those gentlemen
+of fair Warwickshire for their alacrity in fitting out ships, and their
+bravery in fighting them. We heard of you Sir Thomas, in the hottest
+part of the battle."
+
+"And where your Highness shall ever find me when the foes of England are
+to be met," said the old knight, proudly, and at the same time rearing
+his head as he watched the progress of the royal Tudor, Presently,
+however, the countenance of Sir Thomas underwent a slight change, he
+seemed to start at some name her Majesty pronounced. His pale iron-gray
+visage became flushed; nay, had Sir Thomas received an insult in the
+presence, the expression of his countenance could not have more
+instantly changed. Slowly and with contracted brows, his eyes rested
+upon the person Her Majesty was speaking to, and that, indeed, not five
+paces from where he himself stood. He was fixed--astonished. He could
+scarcely believe his eyes.
+
+"What! Master Shakespeare," said the Queen, as her eagle-eye caught
+sight of the poet standing amongst a crowd of officials, "and so thou
+too hast come to Court? We have not ourself yet seen thy last poem--thy
+Tarquin and Lucrece, but Raleigh and Essex have repeated some passages
+to us."
+
+Shakespeare bent his knee and presented a small roll of paper to the
+Queen, which she received graciously, and after glancing at it, "'tis
+well," she said, "we will, good William, be present." She then gave the
+poet her hand to kiss and passed through the door.
+
+As Shakespeare rose from his knee he was immediately accosted and
+congratulated by the Earls of Essex and Southampton, whilst many others
+of the Court came about him.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy, meanwhile, continued to exhibit the utmost
+astonishment. The countenance of the poet he could hardly mistake. The
+name, too, he had caught the sound of, and in the person of one
+apparently on the most familiar terms with the grandees of Elizabeth's
+court, nay, one who was received with favour by the haughty Tudor
+herself, he saw the individual who had broke his park, stolen his deer,
+and decamped to avoid punishment for his offence.
+
+Whilst, therefore, Shakespeare stood amidst the glittering throng, Sir
+Thomas still continued rapt in astonishment. Proud as he himself was, he
+felt (in common with all country squires), that removed from his own
+little domain, and transplanted into the wondrous world of fashion of
+London, he was but a "cypher in the great accompt." But a small mite
+indeed, helping to swell the grandeur of the court.
+
+    "A substitute shines brightly as a king
+    Until a king be by, and then his state
+
+    Empties itself (as doth an inland brook,)
+    Into the main of waters."
+
+"A parliament member," he muttered to himself, as the lampoon kept
+recurring to his mind, and as he watched the courtiers, so interested
+and so joyous, whilst in the influence of Shakespeare's wit. "It must be
+him--I am sure it's him--I know it's him--A justice of peace," he
+muttered: "at home a poor scarecrow. And on such terms here at court
+too! In London an ass," he continued, as he approached somewhat nearer,
+and took a more keen survey of the unconscious poet. "Yes, it is him
+sure enough; and yet--I'll make bold to make sure," and Sir Thomas
+accosted Sir Christopher Hatton, and inquired somewhat tartly, the name
+of the gentleman who seemed to keep the Lords Essex, Bacon, Leicester,
+and Sir Walter Raleigh, in such exceeding mirth.
+
+"His name?" said Hatton, who was himself hastening to the feast of wit,
+"Why, it's our Shakespeare, man--The gentle Will--Knowest thou not Will
+Shakespeare, the very element of wit and pleasantry?"
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas. "Shakespeare! Thank you. Sir
+Christopher. Shakespeare! the element of wit and pleasantry! And what
+may be the present calling of this element of whit?" he inquired.
+
+"His calling; why, he's an actor, Sir Thomas--a poet, and a right good
+one. A player, sir, and a writer of plays; one, too, who keeps us
+amused.
+
+"Oh!" said Sir Thomas, "'Tis so, is it? Good!--an actor--a mummer--a
+morisco."
+
+"Come, Sir Thomas," said Sir Christopher, "I'll make him known to thee;
+I'll assure you he's a rare fellow, this Will Shakespeare."
+
+"I thank you, la," said the knight truly. "I hold not acquaintance with
+mummers and wild moriscos. Farewell, Sir Christopher, I am away to
+Warwickshire. An ass, quotha. Well, this 'tis to have deer, and parks,
+and warrens--this 'tis to be a player. The world's turned athwart.
+Farewell, Sir Christopher, (he continued hurriedly to the dancing
+favorite,) fail not to come to Charlecote, we'll kill the buck
+there--eh?" And so Sir Thomas left the palace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+SIR THOMAS LUCY IN LONDON.
+
+
+The more Sir Thomas Lucy heard, during his sojourn in London on the
+subject that had so startled him at Court, the more he wondered.
+
+It was but a few days after he had caught a glimpse of the Warwickshire
+lad, whom he had hunted from his native town, that he found the name of
+William Shakespeare in the mouths of almost all he met. That his name
+should be at all subject of conversation at this precise moment, was
+indeed astonishing, considering the habits and pursuits of the
+generality of the Londoners. The warm citizens of London were for the
+most part a staid and grave set. The more juvenile were rude and rough;
+fond of athletic sports and out-door pastimes. They loved to see the
+bear tug and hug the hound; to witness the cruel conflict 'twixt mastiff
+and monkey; to see the bull driven to madness; or to shout over the bout
+at quarter-staff. Added to these pastimes it must be owned, however,
+that the patience with which they could sit at a (so-called) theatrical
+exhibition, and listen to the long-winded orations, speeches, and
+mysteries then in fashion, and which had been handed from their more
+ignorant ancestors, was a perfect marvel; for except that the fool or
+clown uttered here and there a conceit, a theatrical exhibition was a
+weary business. Shakespeare, who had now spent some time, in a sort of
+apprenticeship, amongst the players, had already altered this style; and
+just before the invasion of the Spaniards, he had perfectly astonished
+the town by producing a piece of his own writing--a play, which, albeit
+in our own time it is in comparison but slightly regarded, possessed in
+Elizabeth's day peculiar attractions. This play, which was called
+Pericles, had greatly delighted the Court and the city. It in some sort
+partook of the style of production most suited to the taste of the time,
+and prepared the way for more perfect productions.
+
+It is not therefore matter of so much surprise, that just at this
+precise moment, when the fierce revelry consequent upon the dispersion
+of the Armada was beginning to pall upon the "monster with uncounted
+heads," the circumstance of William Shakespeare being about to produce
+another play, should make some stir.
+
+As Sir Thomas passed through the Golden Chepe, he found, by the
+conversation of many whom he met, that the Queen intended to be at the
+Blackfriars Theatre that afternoon.
+
+Now Sir Thomas had never in his life been inside a theatre in London. He
+had seen mysteries, mummeries, morris-dances, and Christmas revels in
+his own hall at Charlecote. But other sort of dramatic representation,
+in common with others of his class, he had no conception of or care
+for.
+
+"Diccon," he said to one of the attendants who walked behind him (for
+Sir Thomas always promenaded the town with half-a-dozen serving men at
+his back,) "What is this play we heard my Lord Keeper speaking of?"
+
+"Marry, Sir Thomas, it is a play written, I be informed, by one Sampson
+Beakspere of this town."
+
+"Ah," said Sir Thomas, "Beakspere, said ye? Art sure that is the name?"
+
+"One cannot be sure of anything, an it so please ye, in this sink of
+iniquity," said Diccon, "where lying, thieving, and every sort of
+villany existeth in open daylight. Nay, one cannot be sure of finding
+one's throat hale and sound in the morning when one lays down at night.
+By the same token, at the hostel where I lay, they cut off the badge
+containing the three silver pike-fish from all our sleeves."
+
+"_Beak_speare," said Sir Thomas, merely glancing at the denuded coat
+sleeve of his head serving-man. "Art sure it is not _Shake_speare,
+Diccon?"
+
+"I cannot tell your honour. Beakspere was the name I understood, but it
+may probably be Shakespeare. Nay, I should not be surprised even if it
+was the very fellow who stole your honour's deer and stuck up bills
+against our park-gates. Nothing is too bad for this town and the people
+in it. I would we were fairly back in Warwickshire."
+
+Sir Thomas looked hard at his serving-man, so unusually talkative in his
+presence. "Amongst other things they do in this town, Diccon," he said
+sharply, "it seems they have taught you to drink more strong beer before
+breakfast than your brains can bear. Go to, sirrah; less circumstance
+when you answer." And the stately knight held his way along Chepe.
+
+On this morning he was intending to pay a visit to an old friend
+residing at Dowe-gate, and afterwards to take boat, at Styll-yard, and
+cross over to Bank-side, there to see the bear-bayting, and accordingly
+his serving-men turned down Bucklersbury, traversed Canwick Street, and
+completely bewildered themselves in East Chepe.
+
+These thoroughfares were somewhat strait and exceedingly intricate in
+Elizabeth's day, whilst the encroaching stories of the houses grazed the
+plumes on the tall knight's castor, as he walked, so much so that he was
+fain to hold down his head. By which proceeding he, ever and anon, run
+full butt against some tall fellow or other, receiving such abuse as
+rather kept his philosophy from rusting.
+
+"How now, thou mandrake, thou thin-faced gull!" said a tall man, dressed
+with great bravery, and who, accompanied by several others, was
+advancing from the water side; "how mean ye by that? Thou hast run thy
+hatchet visage full in my breast, and murdered my ruff, thou ass!"
+
+"I cry ye mercy, fair sir," said Sir Thomas, who was always the
+gentleman. "I am as ready to make amends, as I have unconsciously
+offended."
+
+"Offended, quotha," said the gallant, as he stood pluming himself, like
+a bird, and pinching out his crushed ruff, which starched with yellow
+starch stood out a foot at least from his neck. "Thou hast murdered my
+ruff, I tell thee, and shalt duly answer it."
+
+"Of a verity," said Sir Thomas, "an I have endamaged thy ruff I will pay
+thy laundress coin wherewith to re-stiffen it. An I have ruffled thine
+honour I will give the reparation with my rapier, always presuming thou
+art a gentleman of coat armour, and fit opponent for my poor person, for
+thy language, to say sooth, is foul, and thy manner coarse even for this
+foul town."
+
+"How speakest thou,--a gentleman and fit opponent for thee? Betake thee
+straight to thy weapon. Know I am a gentleman to the Earl of Leicester."
+
+"Diccon," said Sir Thomas, sheathing his half-drawn rapier and stepping
+aside, "this is thy business. Tell this caitiff, that the language and
+behaviour of a menial should be at least civilized when he encounters a
+gentleman."
+
+"Wilt not fight with me?" said the bully, who, together with his fellow,
+now rudely pressed upon the knight's party.
+
+"Not willingly will I fight with a scavenger," said Sir Thomas, "the
+quarrel shall be a good quarrel, for I will fasten it upon the Earl thy
+master. I stand aside here--smite him, Diccon--well, Diccon--lay on my
+men all, and clear a passage. I would pass on."
+
+Upon this the followers of Sir Thomas threw the round targets they
+carried on their left arms, before their breasts, and, spreading out
+over the whole width of the thoroughfare, drew their blades, and
+advancing upon the rude followers of the Earl of Leycester bore them
+back, so that Sir Thomas passed on his way to the bear-bayting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+THE THEATRE OF THE BLACKFRIARS.
+
+
+In our times the profession of an actor presents a picture of
+uninterrupted drudgery and discomfort. In Elizabeth's day such was not
+the case. There was not then that continual craving after novelty, that
+constant production of pieces, written for the hour and the topic of the
+day, which gives an actor no rest. In comparison to our own race of
+actors (excellent as many of them are for the sort of work they have to
+do,) the actors of Elizabeth's day were a company of magnificoes,
+"proper fellows of their hands," and "tall gentlemen in their own
+esteem."
+
+The thing they took easily, and with a certain dignity of deportment. It
+was indeed edifying to see one of these goodly fellows with part in his
+hand, his plumed hat, "short cloak and slops," and eke his rapier,
+taking his early walk, either in the fields or on Bank Side, or
+peradventure hiring a boat at the Blackfriars, and thus gesticulating,
+with a short and diminutive bowled pipe in his mouth, studying the
+author's meaning to the letter, and _getting up his lengths_.
+
+Sometimes they went forth in companies, these men, to some favourite
+rural haunt, some delightfully situated hostel or tavern by the river's
+bank, or to the bowery woods near Richmond or Greenwich. On such
+occasions they would take boat, and make the river echo with their
+jokes, and puns, and witticisms, as they were wafted along on its glassy
+surface. At other times a select few would hire horses and beat up the
+towns of Windsor, Mortlake[25], and other places which the occasional
+residence of the Court made more gay and populous; for these actors
+loved to haunt the whereabout of royalty. Their professional knowledge
+made them exceeding good companions too. Glorious fellows. And then how
+dearly too did "mine host of the tavern," enter into their joviality,
+and aid them in those little waggeries they were so prone to engage in.
+
+[Footnote 25: Elizabeth, with her court, frequently moved to these
+places.]
+
+None but those who have mixed amongst actors of talent, and know them
+intimately, can have an idea of the charm of their society. The very
+characters they have to personate, good or ill, and the moralities
+taught in the pieces they are obliged to study, ought to, and does,
+render them better men. Their study also is to give peculiar effect to
+all they say and do. And oft-times with them the most common place
+sentence is pointed into something witty. They understand the "jest's
+prosperity," and in an instant they penetrated through the follies, the
+ignorance and the cunning of the common-place. Their ideas being for the
+most part free, unfettered, and unshackled by mercantile matters, their
+sentiments are ennobled by the study of those parts they have to
+perform.
+
+And oh, what fascination, what delight, what a world of itself, is the
+scenic hour! The romance of feeling, the inexpressible charm, belonging
+to that brilliant little period, none know but the actors themselves. It
+is oft-times their all of life; the rest is flat and stale? they live
+but for those few brief moments in which they glitter the observed of
+all observers, the admiration, the delight, nay, almost the envy of the
+audience. Like the lunatic, the lover, and the poet, they are "of
+imagination all compact." The actor has thrown himself into the author's
+conception. The poet's world is also the world of him who enacts the
+part the poet has written. He lives in his author's period, not only
+whilst acting, but whilst studying the part. The loves, the hates, the
+fears, the joys, the doing of all around are pertaining to himself--as
+if "'twas reality he felt."
+
+Some of these men were very noble fellows, (if we may so term it), noble
+at least in sentiment, if not in blood, and who would have scorned to
+perform the mean acts perpetrated by men in a class far above them. They
+knew, too, in what the point of honour consisted, and were "sudden and
+quick in quarrel" where they conceived themselves insulted; and it was
+this virtue in the better sort of the actors of Elizabeth's day which
+made them sought for, and associated with, by many of the best of the
+nobility. Nay, it must be remembered that at a somewhat later period of
+England's history, and when civil war "channelled her fields," the
+actors were, to a man, found enranked amongst the cavaliers, and
+fighting "on the party of the King." Their professional education taught
+them to "hold in hate the canting round-heads," and they fought and bled
+for the better cause.
+
+How dearly Shakespeare loved the scenic hour his own doings have, we
+think, proclaimed. The world around him, too, at the period in which he
+lived and wrote presented much that was grand and exciting. He had but
+to note what he observed in the vicinity of Elizabeth's Court, in order
+to pourtray some of his scenes.
+
+From the first moment of his introduction within the walls of the
+theatre, he had felt the fascination of the "scenic hour," and become
+captivated with the society of the actors, oven rude as the pieces were
+which he found them performing. To one of his own natural parts and
+brilliant wit, there was to be found an endless fund of amusement
+amongst such men. Their way of life also had its charm. How he loved
+those summer excursions amidst the sweet scenery of Old Windsor--those
+country revels in which he mingled amongst the rural throng, in all the
+sports and pastimes "of the old age." He had now been resident in London
+some time, and besides being noticed by many of the "choice and master
+spirits of the age," had become acquainted with some of the native
+burghers of the city, and their connexions in the country around.
+
+The amusements of the early portion of Elizabeth's reign for the most
+part consisted in her dearly-loved bull and bear-baiting, with
+occasionally the more refined masques and pageants. These latter,
+however, were of rare occurrence, and usually called forth by some
+exciting occasion, such for instance as the visit of a foreign
+ambassador, the celebration of a victory, or the return of some joyous
+festival. The votaries of the "deformed thief, Fashion," did not then
+herd together as now. Factions, jealousies, and fears together with the
+dangerous intrigues which the great carried on against each other, and
+which oft-times brought the heads of such contrivers to the block, kept
+the grandees apart. Added to which, those mediums of varied amusement
+which assemble the _élite_ with one another in our own day, were not in
+existence.
+
+At the period in which our story had now arrived, however, an event was
+about to take place which made some little stir, and drew a large
+concourse from both Court and city into one focus.
+
+This was neither more nor less than a new play, written as was then
+said, by "a right pleasant and merry conceited companion," named William
+Shakespeare. It was to be enacted within the walls of an old monastery
+called the Blackfriars. The performance was entitled "The Lamentable
+Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet;" and so great was the interest created,
+that the Queen, with such of her Court as she chose should attend her on
+the occasion, had signified an intention of being present.
+
+It will doubtless appear somewhat extraordinary to many of our readers
+to find such a performance taking place within the walls of a religious
+edifice. But the civic authorities had so often opposed the
+representation of regular performance in the city that the actors at
+last sought a place without their jurisdiction, and finally obtained the
+deserted building within the precincts of the dissolved monastery of the
+Blackfriars, and fitted some parts up for a theatre.
+
+In the preceding reigns there had been no public buildings exclusively
+appropriated to dramatic entertainment. The most common places of
+performance were the yards of the Chaucer-like hostels, in the various
+towns through which the actors wandered.
+
+Some of these inns are even yet remaining, although altered and
+modernized, in the city of London, and also along the Old Kent Road. The
+gateways of such houses formed one side of the quadrangle, whilst the
+balconies, being accessible from the various chambers, obviated all
+necessity of descending amongst the vulgar in the yard.
+
+In such galleries kings and nobles, the fierce Norman of the Crusades,
+the knight, the esquire, and the damsel of high decree, had leant over
+the rails in the olden time, and witnessed the miracle-plays and
+mysteries then exhibiting. Such for instance as the miracle-play of the
+Creation, wherein Adam and Eve appeared "in puris naturalibus," and
+were, as the play quaintly says, "NOT ASHAMED." The earliest of theatres
+were churches; the earliest performers, monks and friars; and for the
+most part their exhibitions being on religious subjects, such as the
+descent of our Saviour to liberate our first parents, John the Baptist
+and the prophets from the lower regions. On the accession of Henry the
+Eighth, acting had become an ordinary profession, and companies of
+players were attached to each town; but previous to the reign of the
+bluff monarch, plays on general subjects were unknown, yet long before
+that period it had been customary for great noblemen to have companies
+of players attached to their household.
+
+Such, then, is a short summary of theatrical affairs previous
+to the period in which Shakespeare startled the town by his
+productions,--making a single vault from the lowest depth of misrule and
+barbarity to the highest pinnacle of excellence in dramatic art and
+composition; and, apparently without any ostensible guide whereby to
+steer his course, at once striking out a path, so exquisitely conceived,
+so laden with perfumed flowers, so filled with romance and beauty, that
+all the world of after-times has bowed down in worshipful adoration. Of
+after-times, however, it is not our hint to speak. The sight and
+impression of Shakespeare's own play, in the infancy of his career,
+himself enacting a part, and speaking his own words, is what we have to
+look upon. To bring before the reader's eye that "poor player, who
+strutted his hour upon the stage, and then was heard no more." "_Heard
+no more!_"--his own words! How "rounded in the ear," and yet how strange
+to reflect upon.
+
+We have already said that the expected performance had on this occasion
+drawn together a considerable audience both from Court and city.
+
+Such was indeed the case, and taking into consideration in what
+consisted a considerable audience at that period, and when accommodation
+was at best but scant, the concourse of persons hieing to witness Master
+Shakespeare's new play was very great.
+
+The _élite_ of the Court, for the most part, took boat from their own
+residences, or from Westminster, where they waited within the Abbey
+walls for the arrival of the Queen. The citizens, on the contrary, came
+thronging through Paul's and Ludgate, and over Flete Bridge, and along
+Knight Ryder's Street, filling the open space before the Abbey,
+citywards, and cracking their jokes with each other on that side, whilst
+other nobles and their attendants being congregated about the water-gate
+or sauntering within the wall, (at that period extending along the
+Thames from Baynard Castle to Bridewell), presented a gay and brilliant
+appearance.
+
+All along this part and up to the point of entrance, through the various
+gateways and passages, until the theatre itself was reached, the actors
+had strewn fresh rushes, and to and fro upon these flags walked several
+whose names were famous in the world; and as they walked they debated of
+matters appertaining.
+
+And now, as the chimes sounded from Old Paul's proclaiming the hour of 4
+p.m., soft music was heard upon the water at some little distance, with
+the sullen boom of the kettle drum. Soon after which, boats containing
+the yeomen of the guard touched the Abbey stairs, the men as they landed
+falling in file by file in extended order beneath the various arches and
+along the passages; and shortly afterwards, as boat after boat
+discharged its brilliant freightage and shot off again, the Queen, with
+several of her ladies attendant, and the _élite_ of the Court, stepped
+on shore. As they took their way amidst the cloisters and gothic arches
+of that old building so darkly venerable, and besides whose walls flowed
+the broad Thames, it seemed singular to hear the echo of the gay
+courtier, to listen to the clash of weapon, and the measured tread of
+the guard, as they followed the royal Tudor, together with the mincing
+step and affected voice of the Court fop. On the other side, and in the
+same precincts was also to be heard the ribald jest of the 'prentice of
+Chepe, and the ringing laugh of the city madam, as they entered the
+theatre.
+
+Within, too, what was the sight there? Methinks our readers will be
+anxious to look within those walls, where their own Shakespeare was
+living, breathing, nay, at that moment, perhaps, dressing for his part,
+and about to fret his hour.
+
+The aspect of the interior, as it bursts upon the gazer's eye, is indeed
+curious.
+
+Here was no vast triumphal specimen of architecture; the whole seemed
+got up for the nonce. But oh! how exquisite--how characteristic of him
+who was then striving against so many difficulties.
+
+The partition-wall between two large apartments of the monastery had
+been cut through, so as to form the stage, the proscenium, and the
+circle. Nay, so rude was the whole construction, that, to a modern eye,
+it would have seemed only suited to some "play of ten words long,"
+wherein there was not "one word apt, one player fitted." And yet doth a
+single glance within this rude theatre present all we can expect to
+find. The boxes were a sort of gallery, along which stood and leant the
+gallants and ladies of the Court. The Queen and her own especial party
+being enthroned in ft sort of canopy in the centre--looking indeed very
+like the lady in the lobster.
+
+The rude throne on which she sat was merely railed off from the other
+seats, and standing behind her chair, on either hand, were several of
+her favourites. On her right stood Leicester, on her left Essex--both
+magnificent in look and apparel. Immediately behind her also, on the
+right of her chair, (stepping down whenever she addressed him), was Sir
+Philip Sidney. Beside him stood Sir Christopher Hatton, and Bacon was
+seated near, not being able to remain long on his gouty foot. The rich
+costume of these magnificent looking men, and their splendid jewels, and
+weapons, glittered in the reflection of the many torches held by some of
+the Queen's servants, and even several of the guard held flaming torches
+in their hands.
+
+In what would now be called the pit, were congregated the citizens. The
+members of the inns of court, etc., they stood (for there were no seats
+in that part of the theatre), leaned upon their rapiers, and intently
+_watched_, as it was then termed, the play.
+
+The stage, which was somewhat elevated above the pit, was on each side
+furnished with three-legged stools, and strewed with rushes and seated
+thereon, and even, (one or two of them throwing their careless lengths
+along), nay even smoking their diminutive pipes, were also several of
+the privileged of the Court. Raleigh was upon one side, Spenser on the
+other; my Lord Southampton was also half reclined upon the rushes,
+whilst others of the privileged sprawled about.
+
+Such was, indeed, a custom of the time (albeit it was exceedingly
+distasteful to the audience), as these gallants, whilst they swaggered
+with their rapiers, or combed their long curls, interfered frequently
+with the business of the hour, mewing like cats, hissing like serpents,
+tickling each other's ears with the rushes, and, if they had any pique
+against actor or author, "damning him utterlie." Nay, it was extremely
+fashionable at this period for a gallant to salute his friend in the
+boxes, in the midst of the performance, or carry on a loud conversation
+so as utterly to discontinue and distract the business of the hour, and
+being thus in the very midst of the actors, perhaps, himself and company
+would then get up and withdraw, making as much noise as possible. In
+addition to this was the rudeness of the "all licensed clowns," who
+laughed in order to set on the barren spectators to _laugh_ too, though,
+in the mean time, "some necessary question of the play had to be
+considered."
+
+On the present occasion, however, albeit the conversation was somewhat
+of the loudest, the company were necessitated to be somewhat restrained
+within the bounds of propriety out of respect to the Queen.
+
+The orchestra, we fear, must have _rather_ "split the ears of the
+groundlings." The performers were, for the most part, situated behind
+the scenes. It consisted principally of wind instruments and two
+kettle-drums, which, ever and anon, sounded out a wild flourish of
+martial music, whilst a viol-de-gamba and several fiddles occasionally
+created a sort of relief to the troubled ear.
+
+In our own times, indeed, magnificent as the whole scene must have
+appeared, it would have been criticised severely. The loud talking of
+those on the stage, the impertinence of the clowns, the rudeness and
+small dimensions of the stage, and whole theatre, and which latter
+indeed was calculated to give the actors a gigantic appearance, bringing
+them too close to the audience, would have been cavilled at. In addition
+to all this, was the lack of scenery and decorations; nay, so great was
+the dearth of painted scenery at this interesting period, that the spot
+on which the scene was supposed to occur, was indicated by a board or
+placard, upon which was written the particular locality.
+
+Still, with all those deficiencies, the whole aspect of the interior
+would have presented an extraordinary effect to a modern spectator.
+
+The Queen, beneath her canopy of state, for so was it be-fashioned; her
+splendid guard standing immediately beneath, and bearing "staff
+torches," which threw their glare upon the spectators, and lit up the
+Gothic architecture of that abbey playhouse. The stage itself being
+also, on this occasion, lighted by torches held by servitors having the
+royal arms emblazoned on their doublets. Then those choice spirits of
+the Court too, sitting or lying on either hand, and several of the
+gentlemen-pensioners on guard at each wing. Altogether, rude as was the
+theatre, the entire scene was, as we have already said, one of peculiar
+splendour. Meanwhile, during the few brief minutes before the curtain
+rises, a lively conversation was going on amongst the audience.
+
+"Ah, what, Sir Thomas Lucy, art thou, too, come to see the play
+to-night?" said Lord Burleigh to our old Warwickshire acquaintance, who
+was elbowing his way into the gallery amongst the _élite_. "By cock and
+pie, but 'tis long since thou and I have met at masque or revel."
+
+"Fie! my lord. 'Tis so indeed," returned the knight, "some twenty
+winters is it since we foregathered at Arundel Castle."
+
+"Go to, Sir Thomas," said Lord Burleigh, "By 'ur Lady, 'tis thirty years
+come Martinmas. Rememberest thou the revels there, what time we saw
+enacted in the great hall the Castle of Perseverance?"
+
+"Truly, I had forgotten that," said Sir Thomas Lucy. "Yet now I do
+remember me thereof."
+
+"Go to," said Lord Burleigh, "those were princely revels. Dost remember
+in the performance how rare it was to see the seven deadly sins do their
+parts?"
+
+"Ah, and how featly the dancers tripped it?" struck in Sir Christopher
+Hatton.
+
+"I do now remember me," said Sir Thomas, "of those deadly sins. Let me
+see, there was Pride, Wrath, Envy, Luxury, Sloth, and Gluttony. By the
+same token they came mounted on their hobbys, and assailed the castle."
+
+"Aye," said Hatton, "and then Humanum Genus (who defended it) was sore
+bested; truly it was excellent, and then came Mors, or Dreary Death, and
+took Humanum Genus and carried him off."
+
+"Aye, but then the fool, Sir Thomas!" said Burleigh, "rememberest thou
+the scurvy knave of a fool? By my fay, ha was the life o' the night.
+Truly, Sir Thomas, the fool was a most worthy fool; not altogether an
+ass,--eh?"
+
+"Ahem!" said Sir Thomas, who liked not the word ass, "methinks Her
+Majesty doth glance towards this part, nay, now she peradventure wisheth
+a word with you."
+
+"Go to," said Burleigh, "I will attend. Oh, that fool! methinks I had as
+lief go hang as go see a play without a fool in't. Oh! that ass, Sir
+Thomas; and Sir Thomas, and Lord Burleigh, and Hatton sidled up towards
+the Queen, and joined in the conversation carried on there upon
+theatrical subjects.
+
+"Your Majesty will understand," said Lord Revel (who was something of a
+fop), "that this Shakespeare hath a new style, which is very commendably
+excellent. A most perfect style, altogether his own. Hast seen anything
+yet of his producing, my Lord Burleigh?"
+
+My Lord Burleigh shook his head, an old custom with him. "I have not,"
+he replied, "but I hear great things of his poetry."
+
+"Go to," said the Queen, in answer to some remark of Sir Philip
+Sydney's. "Those matters, Sir Philip, were good, but here be better.
+Didst thou witness the former play of this man's writing, Sir Thomas
+Lucy?" she enquired of the Knight of Charlecote.
+
+"If it is so, please your Majesty, I did not," he returned.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, then, thou hadst a great loss. You heard of it?
+peradventure."
+
+"Truly, your Majesty, we hear not of such matters in Warwickshire as
+these your London plays," said Sir Thomas drily.
+
+"But you have heard of Master Shakespeare, and seen his verse? Nay,
+methinks you must have seen his verse."
+
+Sir Thomas coughed (he glanced at her Majesty in order to see if she was
+bantering him), "His verse, your Majesty," he said.
+
+"Truly so," said the Queen. "How like you Master Shakespeare's verse,
+Sir Thomas."
+
+"Very scurvily, in verity, what I have seen of it, that is to say.
+Ahem!"
+
+"That is singular," said the Queen. "Methinks there could hardly be a
+double opinion upon Master Shakespeare's verse. It is most exquisite and
+unmatchable."
+
+"I cannot say I have seen anything I particularly admire in it
+nevertheless," said Sir Thomas, drily.
+
+"What verse have you seen?" inquired the Queen. "Can you repeat a
+stanza?"
+
+"Ahem! Your Majesty," said Sir Thomas, "I am not altogether good at
+repeating poetry. I like it not. Sir Philip Sydney was about to observe
+something,--he understands these matters."
+
+"I am but saying to my Lord of Leicester," said Sir Philip, "that
+according to the present system, those stage matters are managed in a
+somewhat more rapid style than was wont to be the custom. Now, for
+instance, we must tax our imagination. For look ye, if in the play the
+ladies walk forth before one's eyes and gather flowers, what skills it
+but your Majesty is forthwith to imagine the stage a garden. By-and-by
+two wet mariners speak of shipwreck in the same place. Then indeed, are
+we to blame an we accept it not for a barren sand or rock. Upon the back
+of that cometh out a hideous monster with fire and smoke issuing from
+his nostrils; and then the miserable beholders are bound to take it for
+a cave, whilst in the meantime two armies flying in are represented by
+some half-a-dozen swords and bucklers, and then what hard heart will not
+receive it for a pitched field?"
+
+"By my fay, Sir Philip," said the Queen, "we must then have imaginations
+as fertile as him who writeth these changeful varieties."
+
+"Truly so, your Majesty," said Sir Philip, who was rather affected in
+his ordinary style. "Doubtless such sights are edifying, but then of
+time, madam,--of time,--we must be even more liberal, for look ye, if
+(as is not uncommon) two royal persons fall in love, we may see these
+lovers become parents of a chubby boy. Then, your Majesty, such boy
+becomes stolen and lost, and after many traverses he groweth to man's
+estate, falleth in love in time, and _in time_ is ready to marry
+and all this (an it so please ye) in some two hours' space."
+
+"Nay, Sir Philip," saith the Queen, " methinks you are now taking some
+pains to appeal to our imagination yourself, lest we should weary ere
+the performance commences. But, look ye, in good time the drums have
+ceased and the curtain rises."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER L.
+
+THE SCENIC HOUR.
+
+
+When the curtain rose, it discovered the representation of a private
+street, very rudely painted upon a sort of hanging screen at the back of
+the stage, with a couple of wings to match, and upon a board or placard
+was also written in good-sized characters an intimation for the benefit
+of the spectators, worded thus:--"Scene during the greater part of the
+play in Verona; once in ye-fifthe act, at Mantua," a flourish of
+trumpets meantime rung out as the stage was displayed, and one dressed
+in character as "Prologue," entered, and bowing low towards the royal
+box, delivered the well-known but now omitted argument of the piece:--
+
+     "Two households, both alike in dignity,
+     In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
+     From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
+     Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
+     From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
+     A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
+     Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows
+     Do, with their death, bury their parents' strife.
+     The fearful passage of their death mark'd love,
+     And the continuance of their parents's rage
+     Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,
+     Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage:
+     The which if you with patient ears attend,
+     What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."
+
+"Methinks, my Lord of Essex," said the Queen, who had listened with
+great interest to the words, "Master Prologue promiseth well. Marked you
+how much was contained in those few lines? And lo, here begins the
+piece."
+
+As the Queen spoke, Sampson and Gregory, with their swords and bucklers,
+and clad pretty much after the fashion of serving men of their own day,
+entered, and instantly commenced their animated dialogue.
+
+Not, however, be it understood "slubbered over" by inferior actors, as
+in our times, but with exceeding humour, and with force and emphasis in
+every word; for even these minor characters were performed by actors of
+great talent.
+
+Nothing could exceed the curiosity and interest in the audience even at
+this, the very commencement. The lively and sharp dialogue, the action
+so suited to the times in which the spectators lived; the animosity of
+the Capulet underlings towards the servitors of the Montagu family--and
+which bore so hardly upon several nobles present, whose followers
+frequently brawled and fought in the streets--produced a great effect;
+till, at length, as the lie was given, and Gregory, being prompted to
+remember his swashing _blow_, drew out his weapon, and the whole four
+engaged, the excitement, especially in the pit, was extraordinary. A
+murmur of delight was heard, and whilst some clapped their hands upon
+their rapiers, others shouted and seemed half inclined to jump upon the
+stage, and "fight on part and part." The entrance of Benvolio and
+Tybalt, however, produced a deep and silent attention.
+
+    "What, art thou drawn amongst these heartless hinds?
+    Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death."
+
+There was, indeed, now amongst the audience no inclination to pursue
+their accustomed practical jokes--no mewling of cats, squeaking of pigs,
+and tickling each other's ears with the rushes. The wondrous words of
+the poet held them in a state of enchantment. The nobles of the Court
+for the moment forgot the accustomed homage of eye and ear. Their
+bearded faces betrayed their interest, and the templars and students, as
+they stood leaning upon their heavy-hilted rapiers, sent their eyes upon
+the stage as if they could have devoured each line.
+
+Indeed, to have any ideas of the interest created, we most again call to
+the reader's remembrance how great was the contrast between that which
+_had been_ and that which _was_; and if the melody of the verse of
+Shakespeare can, in the present day, make such an impression whilst we
+have so many and such varied productions suited to the hour and the
+time, in how much more was it likely to strike the senses of all
+present, when it seemed to have descended at once, in all its glorious
+beauty, like the music of the spheres!
+
+There is that in theatrical representation, it has been observed by one
+of the greatest writers of our day, which perpetually awakens whatever
+of romance belongs to our characters. The comic wit, the strange art
+that gives such meaning to the poet's lightest word, the fair exciting
+life that is detailed before us, crowded into some little three
+hours--all that our most busy ambition could desire, love, enterprize,
+war, glory, the exaggeration of the sentiments which belong to the
+stage--like our own boldest movements.
+
+Meanwhile the interest increased momentarily. The audience, from the
+Queen down to the meanest person there, seemed held in a state of
+enchantment as the piece proceeded. How different was it already from
+anything they had ever conceived of theatrical representation! It was a
+picture of life, such as is in the order of nature; there was the
+buoyant spirit of youth in every line! The Knight of Charlecote even
+became young again; he cast his eyes for a moment around, and was
+edified at beholding the deep, the breathless attention of the audience.
+The royal Tudor, "with eye and ear attentive bent," the lovely faces of
+her attendant ladies, each thrust forward and eager to catch the words
+of the poet, and the fine features of the attendant cavaliers, lighted
+up and animated with an expression of deep interest; the whole
+assemblage seeming, he thought, to hang upon each word.
+
+As the eye of Sir Thomas again turned from the audience and rested upon
+the stage, he observed that the scene had been fresh placarded, and was
+now "a street in fair Verona." Indeed the serving-man who had announced
+to Lady Capulet, in the preceding scene, that "supper was served, Juliet
+asked for, the nurse cursed in the pantry, and everything in extremity,"
+had before his own exit changed the placard, and the next moment, as a
+gay party of revellers filled up the back of the stage, Romeo, Mercutio,
+and Benvolio, clad in masking costume, vizors in their hands, entered.
+
+The masquing robes of Mercutio were partially dashed aside as he spoke
+the few words which constitute his opening speech.
+
+    "Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance."
+
+At the same moment, too, the vizor which had bean held before his face
+was lowered, and as the glance of the torch-light fell upon his rich
+Italian dress and elegant figure, Sir Thomas started, whilst a murmur of
+applause ran through the theatre, gradually breaking into load plaudits,
+for in Mercutio they beheld the author of the piece--Shakespeare was on
+the stage.
+
+The applause, however, was hushed almost at its commencement in the
+interest of the scene, and then came those startling lines which have
+since become as household words:--
+
+    "O, then, I see Queen Mab has been with you."
+
+They came from the tongue of him who composed them, now uttered to an
+audience for the first time. Who shall attempt to describe their
+impression upon the hearers? Who shall describe the manner--the
+look--the utterance of him who then gave them? Shall we go too far if we
+say the world had since nothing to compare with that representation? The
+life, the brilliancy, the style of the character was suited to the
+actor. He was all fire, energy and spirit,--Mercutio was Shakespeare's
+self,--the most mercurial and spirited of the production of his comic
+muse; and the impressive manner in which he gave the words of the
+character, and their fire and brilliancy, his exquisite intonation, nay,
+the very dash of his look was irresistible.
+
+The Queen, as he finished his speech, glanced around her. "'Fore Heaven,
+my Lord of Essex," she said, "but is not this exquisite?"
+
+The answer of Essex was drowned in the applause which at the moment
+burst from all around as the graceful actor continued his part.
+
+To ourselves, perhaps, at this moment, it would appear extraordinary
+that even greater approbation and louder plaudits had not followed.
+Shakespeare upon the stage, and speaking his own words, would seem to
+call forth acclaiming shouts within the walls of that old monastic
+playhouse which should almost have rent its roof in twain. To ourselves
+it would seem that the spectators should have almost expired with their
+enthusiasm; that "throats of brass, inspired with iron lungs," should
+have greeted him. But, be it remembered, that, exquisite as the whole
+performance was, as yet the audience knew little of the man, that the
+consideration of years had to mature the judgment of the world. He was
+actually giving them that which was too exquisite for the rudeness of
+the age in which they lived.
+
+And so the play went on, new beauties every moment coming over the ears
+of that courtly audience, and at the same moment filling with delight
+those of inferior degree.
+
+Amongst the audience constituting the Court circle were two spectators
+who stood somewhat apart, and beneath the arched entrance which admitted
+to the rude gallery constituting the dress-circle. With folded arms they
+watched the performance with, if possible, greater interest than any
+there.
+
+They were an old and a young man, who had been drawn to see this
+performance from having heard the name of the author on their arrival in
+London. Both were from the neighbourhood of Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+(albeit they could scarce believe this play was the production of one
+whom they had long lost sight of), still they came.
+
+As the play proceeded they became convinced from the language that it
+was indeed the production of the youth they had formerly known.
+
+"By 'ur Lady," said Walter Arderne, "this must be our sometime friend!"
+
+"No man else could have written even what we have already heard," said
+Sir Hugh Clopton.
+
+"I am amazed," said Walter; "and yet I ought not, for well do I remember
+what the lad was."
+
+"Hist," said Sir Hugh, "the scene is changed. Ah! and see, too, yonder
+masquer just now speaking those lines of fire. Is it not he?"
+
+"It is himself!" said Walter. "O glorious fellow!"
+
+"Soft, good Walter," said Sir Hugh. "In God's name let us hear."
+
+As Mercutio finished his speech, the uncle and nephew looked at each
+other. The tears were in the eyes of Sir Hugh. "My poor Charlotte
+prophesied this," he said. "Rememberest thou her words about this
+Shakespeare when we first became acquainted with him?"
+
+"I do," said Walter; "and she was indeed the only one amongst us who
+fully appreciated his merits. Nay, from the very first, an you remember,
+she said he would one day surprise us."
+
+All further attempt to describe the progress of this play, and its
+effect upon the minds of the spectators, we feel to be a mere
+impertinence. It seems indeed to ourselves, as in imagination we after
+eye it, a play within a play--where all is like romance. The audience,
+that theatre, the players, that "foremost man of all the world" speaking
+his own words; all is like the fabric of some vision seen before,--a
+shadowy recollection of some brilliant hour set apart from the dull
+stream of life, and that too, during a glorious epoch.
+
+As the play proceeded, and the progress of Romeo's sudden passion
+developed itself, the thoughts of that stately Queen returned to her
+early youth, ere the sterner feeling of pride and power had obliterated
+all gentler sensations. She thought upon the days when she loved the
+handsome Sudley, with all the violence of a first passion.
+
+And if the royal Tudor and all around her were delighted with the
+delicious picture presented before them, in the halls of old Capulet,
+and the masque held there, they were still more charmed with the garden
+scene. They felt enchanted whilst they listened to the images of beauty
+which appear to have floated in such profusion before the poet's mind.
+
+The richness of that glorious Italian picture held them in a state of
+enchantment. It had the sweetness of the rose, and all its freshness in
+every line. All was bright as the moonlight which tipped with silver the
+fruit-tree tops of the orchard, and yet all was soft as a southern
+spring. The very air of that garden seemed to breath a transport of
+delight; one almost expected to hear the language of the nightingale's
+song. And then the refinement and delicacy of the author's conception of
+the female character delighted the hearers as they listened to the words
+of Juliet.
+
+    "Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,
+    Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
+    For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night.
+    Fain would I dwell on form, fain deny
+    What I have spoke--but farewell compliment;
+    Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say, ay,
+    And I will take thee at thy word. Yet, if thou swear'st,
+    Thou may'st prove false; at lovers' perjuries,
+    They say Jove laughs. Oh, gentle Romeo,
+    If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully;
+    Or, if thou think I am too quickly won,
+    I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay
+    So thou wilt woo: but else not for the world.
+    In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond;
+    And therefore thou may'st think my 'haviour light;
+    But trust me gentleman, I'll prove move true
+    Than those who have more cunning to be strange."
+
+"The world hath nothing like this," said Raleigh to Southampton.
+
+"'Tis heaven on this base earth," returned Southampton. "Said I not the
+master-mind of this man would produce wondrous matter?"
+
+"Nay," said Sir Courtley Flutter, who was an ancient fop of the first
+water, "'Fore Gad, my lords, 'tis indeed perfect paradise sent down upon
+us poor worldlings here. I feel inspired altogether--repaired as it
+were; my heart palpitates--my blood circulates! Ha! I am young again,
+positively in love myself. Look, how these exquisite ladies, with the
+Queen there, are overcome. Nay, my Lord Burleigh seems to have forgotten
+the cares o' the state, and Bacon his gout. An we have another such
+masque as that just now represented, Sir Christopher Hatton will
+assuredly fling out amongst the dancers, and give us a coranto."
+
+"By 'ur Lady!" said Sir Christopher, "I would ask no more beatitude in
+life, during the mighty changes of the world, than what appears in this
+changing drama, and the stuff of which it is composed. This lower world
+hath no such bliss. Let me see how went it:--'A hall, a hall,--give way,
+and foot it, girls!' Oh, 'twas exquisite stuff!"
+
+The limits of the chapter we have dedicated to a description of "the
+play" permits not of a full dilation upon all therein enacted, neither
+can we describe the particular excellence of each actor; for each and
+all performed their parts with a richness and appreciation of the
+author's meaning the very tradition of which seems to have worn out from
+the stage.
+
+To the want of scenery during this period we are perhaps indebted for
+many of those glorious descriptions with which the author has favoured
+the world in his works.
+
+One thing, and which with a more modern audience would have gone far to
+take from the delight experienced, was the circumstance of Juliet's
+being personated by a youth of some sixteen years of age. This, together
+with the shambling clowns, who, with loose gait and slippery tongue
+strolled about and vented their sourril jests amongst the audience,--one
+moment tagging idle rhymes together, and the next venting truths deep as
+the centre, shewing a most pitiful ambition to make themselves
+prominent. These circumstances, in some sort, took from the effect.
+
+As for Mercutio, the fire and dash of his character so excited the
+spectators that they could hardly contain themselves within bounds. He
+was like some bright exhalation, lending fire to the sphere in which he
+moved. And when, with the foot and hand, he gave the speech ending "Ah,
+the immortal passado! the punto reverso! the hay!" the Court gallants,
+the benchers of the temple, and the citizens, shouted with delight. His
+death took all by surprise, and his absence from the scene was felt as a
+shock of reality. It was an age of bright deeds and fierce doers, and
+accordingly there was a murmur of disapprobation and disappointment when
+"Tybalt, alive, in triumph," made his exit,--till, as Romeo breaks
+through his apathy, and, assuming some of the fire of his kinsman's
+spirit, fiercely encounters and kills "the envious Capulet," a shout of
+gratified vengeance filled the house. Queen Elizabeth had herself been
+delighted with Mercutio. "That was a character, my Lord of Essex," she
+said, "after my own heart. But he was too brilliant to last. His were
+the faults that travellers give the moon,--
+
+    "He shone too bright. But died, alas! too soon."
+
+"'Fore heaven, Sir Christopher Hatton," she continued, "we will not let
+Mercutio altogether die. An he was so brilliant that the author was
+enforced to kill him thus early, we will ourself raise him up. Go round,
+Sir Christopher, and summon that Shakespeare to our presence, in order
+that we may express to him our approbation of his efforts. What think
+ye, ladies," she continued, turning to her female attendants, "we will
+have both the character and the creator of the character beside us."
+
+Shakespeare accordingly, by royal command, entered the royal stand or
+box, where he knelt and kissed the Queen's hand. After which he remained
+beside her.
+
+And thus he stood on the right hand of the Queen with his face turned
+towards the royal countenance, his side towards the stage, and as the
+play proceeded, he received the compliments of Elizabeth, and answered
+the various questions she put to him. Nay, she ordered back whoever came
+so close as to inconvenience the poet, and seemed altogether delighted
+at having him so near her.
+
+"We will keep you beside us, Master Shakespeare," said she, "and whilst
+your play proceeds, you shall act as chorus, explaining what may seem
+wanting to our duller senses."
+
+Shakespeare bowed his thanks. "I attend your Highness," he said, "with
+all true duty,"--and thus he remained immovable as a statue during the
+remainder of the play, the mark of more than one bright glance from the
+fair bevy in attendance. This was the poet's triumphant hour, and yet
+the mind of the man was too great to be elevated beyond bounds.
+
+He knew "the art o' the Court," and the uncertain favour of the great;
+and that there was--
+
+    "Between that smile, he would aspire to,
+    That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
+    More pangs and fears, than wars or women have."
+
+Amongst the audience, there was a female bright and exquisite as one of
+the creations of that author's after years. She stood with an attendant,
+and almost concealed beneath one of the gothic arches of the building,
+and wore (as was indeed not uncommon at that period) a sort of masking
+costume. Her features, indeed, were so completely concealed by her mask
+that only her brilliant eyes were visible.
+
+It was one who, even at this early period of the poet's career, fully
+appreciated his genius and talents, and (like Charlotte Clopton) at once
+saw what the world would take years to discover. And what a sight was it
+for that private friend to behold! She saw him, to whom she owed so
+much, in his hour of triumph, and marked his expressive countenance as
+he stood beside the Queen. She marked, too, the surprise and delight
+pourtrayed upon the countenance of Walter Arderne and Sir Hugh Clopton,
+as they looked upon the poor player thus honoured in the presence of the
+mighty Tudor; and then she beheld with a smile, for she knew his story,
+the astonishment of Sir Thomas Lucy, as the knight's eyes wandered to
+the stage, and again returned to the figure of the sometime
+deer-stealer; and whilst his ears drank in the honeyed words of that
+poet, Sir Thomas felt he could forgive all his juvenile delinquencies,
+and longed to grasp him by the hand.
+
+"Pshaw," he said, "I have been an ass. I am an ass--_ergo_, we are all
+asses in comparison to this _one_ man, this Shakespeare."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LI.
+
+THE TAVERN.
+
+
+It was about an hour after the performance we have attempted to
+describe, that a solitary individual stood near the water-gate of the
+monastery of the Blackfriars. He stood, apparently lost in thought, and
+listening to the distant sound of music on the waters--the roll of the
+kettle-drum and the flourish of trumpet, as the Queen and her party
+returned towards St. James's.
+
+As Shakespeare stood thus alone (after having attended the Queen to the
+Abbey stairs, and seen her embark), all around seemed dark and sombre.
+The cloisters of that abbey no longer flashed in the torch-light; the
+theatre was empty and deserted; all that was brilliant had
+departed--vanished like the pleasures of the world, and left a dreary
+contrast behind him.
+
+"Oh, time," he thought to himself, "thou art the most indefatigable of
+things! The past is gone, the future to come, and the present becomes
+the past even while we attempt to define it,--like the flash of
+lightning, it exists and expires."
+
+His companions of the theatre had sought the genial license of the
+tavern, there to revel over the success of the night, and canvass the
+merits and demerits of what they had enacted; and whilst he, the poet
+himself, the idol of the hour, and whom all wished to have with them,
+felt at that moment unfitted for society.
+
+As he cast his eyes up at the "brave o'erhanging firmament, fretted with
+golden fire," he felt that "the wide, the universal theatre," was at
+that moment most congenial to his soul.
+
+Whilst numerous boats continued to pass and repass, many of them filled
+with companies who had witnessed the performance, he hailed one he
+observed disengaged; and after rowing to his own lodging, and changing
+his dress, he re-embarked.
+
+We have already stated that the mind of the man had not been elevated
+beyond bounds at the success he had achieved. To such a mind as
+Shakespeare's the prosperity of the hour was more likely to produce a
+degree of melancholy than any undue elevation. An incomprehensible
+feeling of contempt and distrust of all worldly success. Perhaps of all
+mortals this great man was the least given to vanity. The present hour
+would indeed seem to proclaim as much. He was on that night wished for,
+sought for, not only by many of the nobles who had witnessed his play,
+but his companions of the stage too sought for him to join their tavern
+revel after the performance, and several of the audience had even
+lingered about the doors, to gain a look at him as he came forth, whilst
+the unconscious poet, wrapped in his own thoughts, slowly floated down
+the river. Nay, so utterly careless was he of all he had effected, that
+the very play which had made so great a sensation scarcely existed but
+in the memories of the performers who had recited it.
+
+It had, previous to performance, been copied into lengths, as the
+several parts are technically denominated, and given to the actors to
+study, whilst the manuscript itself was left casting about amidst the
+properties of the theatre, to be searched for, if required, at the next
+performance.
+
+As the gentle Shakespeare, during the silent hour of night, passed
+slowly along the stream, his thoughts indeed were of other matters
+rather than his own particular affairs. The ripple of the water, the
+plash of the oars, the faint sound of music from afar, soothed his
+thoughts after the false exciting hour.
+
+        "Soft stillness and the night,
+    Became the touches of sweet harmony."
+
+Meantime, whilst the poet floats onwards, we must return to the city,
+and observe the events taking place immediately after the representation
+of his play.
+
+In a goodly room of a good-sized tavern, situated in the purlieus of Old
+St. Paul's, were congregated, on this night, many who had been
+spectators of the recent performance at the Blackfriars, and several
+other chance customers.
+
+Besides the more respectable merchants, who had put into the tavern
+after the play, there were several ruffling blades of the inns of Court,
+one or two bullying fellows whose moans and professions were extremely
+doubtful--a sort of Alsatian companions, "as ready to strike as to
+speak," who drank deep wherever they could obtain liquor, and diced
+whenever they could pick up a cully; and also several guests from the
+country.
+
+The Londoners, who constituted a party by themselves, sat at a table
+extending about half-way along the ample room; whilst two or three
+smaller tables were occupied by those parties who had sought the hostel
+on matters of business, and who transacted their affairs or enjoyed
+themselves apart from the rest.
+
+The aspect of the room shewed that it had been reduced to its present
+state from a more respectable occupation. The ample window which ran
+along one entire side, looked into a good-sized court: and on the
+capacious stone chimney was carved various coats-of-arms, and all sorts
+of herald devices and designs.
+
+Those guests who were apart from the sort of ordinary, or common table,
+were at the upper end of the room, and on either side the chimney. They
+carried on their conversation amongst each other, and were, for the most
+part, strangers to the town.
+
+At one of the smaller tables, placed quite up in the corner of the room,
+were seated a party of four individuals, and two of them being natives
+of the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, our readers are already acquainted
+with.
+
+This company consisted of Lawyer Grasp; a rich client, for whom he was
+professionally employed; a member of the Temple, with whom he was in
+consultation; and Master Doubletongue.
+
+Besides these, there were also four or five other persons seated upon
+the long bench beneath the window, and they also carried on their
+occupation apart from either the guests at the supper table, or the
+other parties in the room. Some two or three were deeply engaged in
+play, rattling the dice and staking their coin with an eagerness equal
+to the absorption of their comrades who watched the game.
+
+Such being the mixed nature of the assemblage, as two fresh guests
+entered the room and made their way to the upper end of it, the
+conversation of the various parties formed a sort of confused jargon,
+very like the cross-reading of a modern newspaper.
+
+Such as it was, it seemed greatly to interest the late arrivals, and, as
+they stood with their backs towards the fire-place, they lent an
+attentive ear, more especially to the conversation of Grasp and his
+small party, and a look of intelligence ever and anon passed between
+them.
+
+The table at which Grasp sat was covered with the produce of his eternal
+blue bag, and, as his quick moving fingers pointed to the various
+documents and deeds, he held forth with his accustomed volubility whilst
+every now and then a roar from the table, or a dispute amongst the
+dicers, interrupted his dissertations.
+
+"Here," he said to the Temple lawyer, "here we have the matter duly
+executed. And here," he continued, "I will prove our right."
+
+"Stay," said the Temple lawyer, "if I remember rightly, there is no
+mention of this place in the Conqueror's survey."
+
+"A fico for the Conqueror and his survey," cried Grasp; "trouble not
+yourself upon that subject; mark and perpend--from Geoffrey Clinton it
+descended to the Verduns in marriage with Leosceline, daughter of that
+same Geoffrey, as did also the manors of Brandon, and I take it--"
+
+"On my word," roared a tall Alsatian-looking fellow at the long table,
+"I take it that this Romeus and Julietta, or whatever else 'tis called,
+is the most exquisite piece ever submitted to a crowned head."
+
+"A pestilence seize Romulus and Julia," said Grasp; "how that fellow
+bawls. And now, sirs, that name Anselm de Clinton, of whom I was before
+speaking, was first enfeoffed thereof."
+
+"Up with his heels then," cried one of the dicers, as he threw. "Play.
+Ha! seven by Old Paul's. More sack, drawer!"
+
+"The fiend sack those dicers," said Grasp, "marry and amen; as I was
+saying, good sir, by a multitude of testimonies I can prove--"
+
+"A lie, knave, throw again." "Ha! ha!" roared another of the gamblers.
+
+"They are certified to hold it," continued Grasp, "of that family by the
+service of half a knight's fee, and they of the Earls of Warwick. Now my
+client here--"
+
+"A cheater, I'll be sworn. A murrain take thee!" cried another of the
+gamblers.
+
+"But how said ye," inquired the Temple lawyer, "that you became opposed
+to this Arderne? Methinks, when I last consulted you, you were employed
+and trusted by him."
+
+"At first, _only_ at first," said Grasp. "In virtue of my having
+informed him of his good fortune he did employ me,--entrusted me with
+management of his estates, and I did but eject--"
+
+"Cheatery, villany!" cried the dicer. "I'll not restore a dernier."
+
+"Pshaw," said Grasp, "I did but eject one or two of the poorer tenants,
+and put relatives of mine own into their holdings, when he ejected both
+them and myself. This, my good sir, I liked not, and, as upon careful
+examination I found one I thought more nearly related to the deceased,
+and the will distinctly says next of kin. I forthwith sought out my
+client; there now is our case."
+
+"The case is a good case, an exceeding good case, and so I said from the
+first," said the Templar. "You have this Arderne fairly upon the hip, an
+he pay not he must to jail, unless you give him time."
+
+"Not a day, not an hour," said Grasp; "we got a verdict in a former
+suit, and he shall incontinent to prison."
+
+"Such is the law of a verity," said the Templar, emptying his glass,
+filling his pipe, and turning now to regard the guests at the ordinary,
+as they seemed getting up a dispute upon the subject of the play they
+had witnessed.
+
+"I perfectly agree with you," said a person who sat opposite to the tall
+Alsatian, "in so far as regards the excellence of the play we have this
+night seen. But in respect of its newness to the world there I
+disagree."
+
+"How?" cried the other fiercely, "dost mean to affirm that such
+exquisite portraits as that lady who loved the youth Romeo, that
+brilliant Mercutio, and that hot-brained Tybalt were ever drawn by
+mortal man before? Didst ever behold any thing so like reality as that
+loquacious, secret, obsequious nurse, or the little Peter who carried
+her fan? Didst ever--"
+
+"Pshaw," said the other, "I quarrel not with your nurse, neither do I
+take exception at Peter,--what I say I will maintain with my rapier here
+or elsewhere. And thus it is: the subject-matter of that play is not new
+to the world. 'Tis manifestly constructed upon the novel of Italy,
+written by Luigi da Porto, a Venetian gentleman now deceased--gainsay
+that who will." And the student rose, drew up his tall form, twisted his
+mustachio, and looked fiercely around.
+
+"We shall assuredly have a riot here," said Grasp, looking up from the
+copy of a will he was perusing. "I like it not."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "'tis but a controversy upon a play. I saw the
+greater portion of it myself, and came away to my appointment here.
+'Twas but a paltry performance methought, full of bombast and fustian."
+
+"Was it not then liked?" inquired the Temple lawyer.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, I cannot answer for that," said Doubletongue. "I only
+know it liked me not."
+
+"Methinks," said the Templar, "you are hard to please, good Master
+Doubletongue. Master Shakespeare is somewhat of a favourite here."
+
+"Who, said ye?" exclaimed Grasp, looking over his glasses, and speaking
+with great rapidity. "Master Shakespeare--methinks I ought to know that
+name. Comes he from Warwickshire? Is he to be met withal? Canst tell me
+aught of Master Shakespeare? 'Fore Heaven, I have matter on hand with
+Master Shakespeare, an' his name be William, and he cometh from
+Stratford-upon-Avon."
+
+"I pr'ythee settle one thing at a time, my good Grasp," said the London
+lawyer. "Permit me to glance at that testament you was perusing once
+more."
+
+"Here 'tis," said Grasp. "Nay, you shall find that I do hear a brain;
+whoso trusts to Lawyer Grasp shall be--."
+
+"Ruined, hip and thigh," cried one of the dicers, hurling the dice-box
+at the head of his opponent, whilst, at the same time the disputants at
+the ordinary being also pretty well flushed, a general riot immediately
+ensued, and swords being drawn the whole room became a scene of
+confusion.
+
+The two guests who had last entered took advantage of this scene to
+press close upon the table at which Grasp and his party had been seated.
+They were both clad in the costume of sea-faring men of the period,
+their sea-caps so completely drawn over their heads that their features
+were not discernible, though one appeared a slight youth, and the other
+a middle aged and powerful man.
+
+As Grasp, in some alarm, seized upon his blue bag and withdrew more into
+the corner, the elder of the strangers, as if to keep from the fray,
+seated himself in the chair the lawyer had left, and whilst he puffed
+out huge volumes of smoke from his pipe, abstracted from amongst the
+papers the will the Templar had been perusing. Handing it then to his
+youthful companion, the latter seized a pen, and, unobserved, wrote a
+codicil to it. He then restored it to its place, and as the riot
+increased and Grasp seized upon his papers and thrust them into his bag,
+the pair took an opportunity of withdrawing as quietly as they had
+entered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LII.
+
+THE PLAYER IN HIS LODGING.
+
+
+All that Shakespeare had lately seen and gone through made considerable
+impression upon his mind. In the short period during which the national
+convulsion we have described was taking place, it seemed to him that he
+had lived whole years.
+
+Those events, and the great men which the stirring times had produced,
+seemed indeed to have passed before the poet, for the very purpose of
+finishing and perfecting the great mind of the man.
+
+He sat himself down on his return to London, and, as he thought over the
+past experience of his life, such a chaos of bright thoughts and
+wondrous images presented themselves before and seemed to overflow his
+brain, that, at first, it seemed utterly impossible to turn them to
+shape.
+
+Already had his "muse of fire" given him employment at various times,
+and even taken a dramatic shape; nay, the room he inhabited was filled
+with fragments--unfinished beginnings; and one or two of the novels of
+the period had been partially dramatized and then cast aside, after the
+inspiration which called them forth had, in other pursuits, been
+forgotten.
+
+His avocations as a player had too frequently led him into scenes of
+revelry. His way of life was still desultory. He knew not his own value.
+And whilst his brilliant wit and companionable qualities had kept him
+too much among the society of men in his own class, he had failed to
+carry out any of his bright conceptions. His companions hunted him,
+haunted him, took him from his own thoughts, and dragged him, even when
+satiated with revelry, into more company; for what party was complete
+amongst them that had not in it _that one_--that "foremost man of all
+the world."
+
+His poetry was beginning to be appreciated ere the national danger had
+fully occupied men's minds, and so fully employed them that all else for
+the time being was necessarily forgotten. He had written a poem
+peculiarly suited to the taste of the age, and which was greatly the
+fashion amongst the gay cavaliers of Elizabeth's Court. This he had
+dedicated to Lord Southampton, a nobleman, whose acquaintance he had
+made on the boards of the theatre. Added to this, some sonnets, which
+had almost by accident found their way into circulation (for no man was
+more careless or thoughtless of his own works than William Shakespeare)
+were greatly admired. Nay, the Queen had been so much struck with one or
+two of them, that she had shewn favour to the poet; and spoken words of
+encouragement in his ear.
+
+The starched and stately Tudor was indeed becoming extremely fond of
+dramatic representations, tedious and ill-contrived as they, for the
+most part, were; and now often frequented the theatre, in place of the
+bear and bull-baiting arenas. Besides his stage companions, also
+Shakespeare had, amongst his acquaintance, at this period of his life,
+some of the most brilliant of the courtiers--Sydney and Raleigh, Essex
+and Spenser, all were personally known to the gentle Willie. They sought
+his society for his wit; and they respected him for his fine feelings,
+his noble sentiments, and his universal knowledge. Nay, these great men
+felt an internal conviction, whilst in the society of Shakespeare, that
+great as they themselves were, this man, of almost unknown origin, was
+immeasurably their superior; that, had his station in life been more
+elevated and his opportunities greater, he might have risen to the
+highest eminence in the State. They saw in him--
+
+    "The courtier's, soldier's, scholar's eye, tongue, sword."
+
+The war was now for the present over, and amidst the general excitement
+around him, Shakespeare sat himself down to think upon all he had
+beheld. The quick result of such confederation our readers will as
+quickly imagine. The poet seized his pen,--
+
+    "Imagination bodied forth the form of things unknown."
+
+His pen "turned them to shape, and gave to airy nothing a local
+habitation and a name."
+
+Scarce had the joyous shouts for the glorious victory over the
+invincible Don subsided, ere the poet bad completed one of those
+finished productions which left all competition behind. Yet stop we here
+for a space in our narrative, even whilst the reader looks upon
+Shakespeare thus engaged.
+
+This is indeed a period in the man's life which most of us have sought
+for with the mind's eye.
+
+The living Shakespeare, still comparatively unknown, still
+disregarded--for, however he might have been appreciated by the very few
+who were acquainted with him at this time, the wide and universal
+theatre had yet to discover the greatness of the man. The living
+Shakespeare, employed in writing that language never equalled, never to
+be equalled, deserves somewhat of a pause to look upon. The room, the
+house, the chairs, the tables, each and all, require an especial
+description. Like his own Iachimo, we must "note the chamber. Such and
+such pictures. There the windows. Such the adornment of the bed. The
+arras and figures. Why such and such."
+
+Stay, then, gentle reader, if only for a brief space, and look upon the
+man--the gentle Shakespeare, as he was denominated amongst his
+familiars. He sits in a room, which to all appearance has belonged to a
+building of some pretensions in the palmy days of such edifices. The
+chamber is large, low in roof, and somewhat gloomy withal. A good-sized
+bay window, heavy in mullion, and which looks out upon the silver Thames
+beneath, affording a delicious view of the Surrey hills on the opposite
+side, gives light to (at least) one-half of the apartment. The morning
+sun streams through small diamond panes of many colours, which ornament
+the upper part of the casement, and is reflected in fainter hues, like
+a fading rainbow upon the oaken floor. The ceiling is richly carved. It
+displays the cunning skill of the architects of old. And on the heavy
+oaken beam, which traverses it, is cut from end to end the coats of arms
+of some city functionary of Old London, for the house (albeit it is now
+but partially inhabited by one or two of the actors of the Blackfriars
+theatre, and some portion of it even suffered to run to decay) has, in
+the preceding reign, belonged to one of the citizen princes--the
+merchants of Blackfriars. "The chimney-piece, south of the chamber," is
+elaborately carved, with gigantic figures, "exceedingly ugly;" and
+tapestry, (albeit it is somewhat faded), displaying pictorial scenes
+from scriptural and mythological history, hangs to the wall. One side
+has King David dancing before the ark; the other, "Cytherea hid in
+sedges."
+
+A massive oaken table stands near the fire-place; a high-backed chair on
+either hand, and two more in the embayment of the window; and an antique
+cabinet occupies a place directly opposite the chimney.
+
+The house, we have said, is situated on the river bank, and has once
+been occupied by a rich merchant, but is now let out in compartments.
+You ascend to the chamber which Shakespeare occupies, by a broad carved,
+oaken staircase, and advance along a vast passage which has rooms on
+either side.
+
+The autumn wind sighs, and soughs, in this old dwelling, as it rushes
+through the long passages from the water side. In such room our
+Shakespeare sits and writes. Sometime he stops and considers for a
+space--thinks, and thinks deeply. Then again his pen glides swiftly over
+the paper before him, and he writes like the wind. The table at which he
+is seated is but little removed from the embayment of the window, and
+his eye, ever and anon, glances out upon the rushing tide, and wanders
+over the opposite landscape, then consisting of green meadows and
+stunted trees.
+
+As he thus looks out upon the river, he sees boats filled with gay
+parties, cloaked and ruffed, and rapiered, attended by other boats,
+carrying musicians, who make the air resound with their melody--a gay
+and gallant sight, for these are courtiers going to Greenwich, or
+Mortlake, or Chelsea, such excursions being common in Elizabeth's day.
+
+As the poet writes, there seems no effort in the composition. His
+thoughts flow, for the most part, so easily, that it seems but the
+careless noting down of whatever comes uppermost. He writes as his own
+Falstaff speaks--as if almost without the trouble of thought. Anon, he
+smiles and pauses; then he rises from his high-backed chair, takes a
+turn through the room, and gives utterance to the conceit which has
+suddenly struck him. The actor predominates over the author at such a
+moment, and he recites aloud the recent thought, and which his "often
+rumination" upon, the extravagance of action, amongst his associates,
+has conjured up.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIII.
+
+THE POET AND HIS PATRON.
+
+
+Whilst he gives his thoughts tongue, the door opens, and a bulky form
+seems to fill up the entrance--no other, indeed, than our old Stratford
+acquaintance John Froth.
+
+"Ah! thou mad compound," said Froth, "and is such thy advice to the
+fraternity of the Blackfriars?"
+
+"It is," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"Then would we might see it approved in the acting," said Froth; "but
+'tis thrown away upon me, as thou know'st. I am not for the personation
+of aught requiring such rules. If I am to turn mummer, I must enact
+something fit for a man of my parts to appear in."
+
+"And therefore," said Shakespeare, "will I write a character fit only
+for thy huge bulk and greater follies."
+
+"Nay, by my fay," said Froth, "I thought thou hadst already put me into
+shape, for so hast thou promised any time these two months past."
+
+"'Tis better as it is," said Shakespeare, "for till I saw thy vagaries
+during this last affair with the Spaniard, thy arrant cowardice, thy
+shifts, for preferment, and then thy desire to keep out of action, I
+hardly could have displayed such a marvellous compound of frailty and
+flesh."
+
+"Trouble me not with the remembrance thereof," said Froth; "I received
+my guerdon, my remuneration, and that was the aim in end."
+
+"And which remuneration thou hast already dissipated in dice and
+liquor,--is't not so?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Thou hast spoken it, and not I," said Froth, "and so spoken it that I
+may hardly venture to gainsay it. Wilt furnish me forthwith a few crowns
+for present need, good William?"
+
+"The more readily," returned Shakespeare, as he handed him the coin, "as
+I would fain be rid o' thee. See'st thou not, thou idle reveller, that I
+am busy here with deep premeditated lines--with written matters
+studiously devised?"
+
+"Well, Will, I will hinder thee not. I will mar not thy labours. I will
+but fill me a chalice, and drink success to thy muse, and then to the
+tavern."
+
+So saying, Froth helped himself from the flask upon the table, and
+pledged the health of his friend, smacking his lips after the draught
+with a sense of ineffable relish.
+
+"Thou art a wondrous fellow, Will," he said, as he looked upon his
+friend; "thou wilt thrive. But, in sooth, envy already begins to dog thy
+heels. Green and Marlow like thee not, William; Green calls thee an
+upstart crow dressed with his feathers."
+
+"Ah!" said Shakespeare, smiling, "methinks Green hath little reason to
+speak thus, seeing I have imp'd his wing with some of my own feathers.
+He will scarce say that to my face."
+
+"Nay," said Froth, "I dare be sworn he will not, for many of them know
+thee too well to offer insult to thy face. Marlow too speaks of thee as
+that 'tiger's heart wrapped in a player's hide.'"
+
+"Well," said Shakespeare, "their sayings pass by me like the wind. I
+pr'ythee be nought awhile, if thou art to remain here, or else betake
+thyself to other haunts."
+
+"Farewell," said Froth; "you shall find me at the old haunt in Paul's
+whilst this coin holds out."
+
+Scarcely had Froth departed, ere the sound of horses was heard without,
+and a man of noble presence, dressed in the extreme of fashion of that
+age of brave attire, entered the room. Shakespeare instantly rose, and
+advanced to meet him.
+
+"I am proud to welcome my Lord of Southampton to my poor lodging," said
+the poet.
+
+"Nay, by my fay, not altogether so poor either," said the noble, looking
+around him. "I am glad to find thee removed from thy old haunt to so
+goodly a lodgment, good William."
+
+"And am I not indebted to your lordship's kind favour and friendship for
+being thus well lodged?" said Shakespeare. "When we first met, my lord,
+I was somewhat lower in estate than at the present time. A poor
+unfriended outcast; I do, indeed, owe thee much."
+
+"Not a whit," said the Earl; "you owe all to your own surpassing
+excellence. I am greatly charmed with thy Tarquin and Lucrece. Nay,
+Raleigh, Essex, and others do swear by it as the most exquisite thing
+extant. I, who know thee better, think even better of thee than shall
+here say."
+
+"You do me too much honour, my Lord," said Shakespeare; "like Venus and
+Adonis, (and which I had the honour of dedicating to you), Tarquin and
+Lucrece was but a first effort, when I was green in judgment. I shall
+hope better to deserve with more experience."
+
+"I pray you to inform me," said Lord Southampton, after a pause, "who
+and what is yonder companion of thine, and whom I met as I entered the
+house,--a gross, fat man?"
+
+Shakespeare smiled at the question. "A strange fellow, my Lord," he
+replied, "and who was known to me in my native town, and whom I have
+lately fallen in with here. Like myself, he was obliged to fly from
+Stratford, and being in some difficulties, I procured him employment in
+the theatres."
+
+"A somewhat bulky actor," said Lord Southampton, "is he not."
+
+"Nevertheless one whom I think even of giving a part to. The man is
+himself a character worth the studying, and if he exhibits himself
+before the curtain as he does in his true character, cannot fail to keep
+the audience in continual laughter. His peculiar humour, tone of voice,
+look, and jesture, coupled to such a person, are almost indescribable.
+Added to this, he is so extraordinary a mimic that no one of us can move
+or speak before him, but he carries their voice, look, mien, and motion
+into another company.
+
+"And yet upon the stage he may not be able to execute the same degree of
+perfection," said Southampton. "Some of your companions of the theatre,
+I have found prime fellows and witty knaves over their cups, and yet but
+heavy upon the boards."
+
+"Truly so, my lord," said Shakespeare; "this is one of Nature's secrets,
+and which I have observed. Necessary qualifications which cannot be well
+spared in an actor, oftimes exist in men of the profession; and yet,
+with the assistance of all these united, we see such persons come forth
+upon the boards but poor and barren. In writing a character for my
+friend, I shall avoid making him play off his ordinary parts, except to
+produce himself when I think he will tell forcibly."
+
+"I feel some curiosity to know this witty knave," said the noble
+"pr'ythee bring him with thee to Southampton House when next you come."
+
+"Providing your lordship can away with his grossness, and resist the
+attacks he is sure to make upon your purse," said Shakespeare, "you will
+be amused with him. But, unluckily, 'tis a familiar creature who makes
+himself enemies as easily as his humour delights."
+
+"And this new play of thine," said Southampton, "holds it still for next
+week?"
+
+"It does, my lord," said Shakespeare.
+
+"Then have I news for thee of price, good William," said Southampton.
+"The Queen intends to be present. She takes wondrous interest in all
+that thou dost, and has of late spoken most approvingly of thy efforts."
+
+"I am much bounden to her Majesty," returned the poet; "and there again
+must feel grateful to your lordship for having turned her eye of favour
+towards my unworthy efforts."
+
+"Thou hast sufficiently delighted us all, good William," said Lord
+Southampton; "and, if I am to judge by the mass of papers I behold here,
+you intend still further to delight us. Are these portions of manuscript
+pertaining to another production of the same sort?"
+
+"In truth, my lord," said Shakespeare, "they do in some sort tend that
+way. But at present I am somewhat desultory in my doings. I have so many
+plans, on so many subjects, that what you behold are but the rough notes
+of such ideas as pass current. The scraps are of all sorts; perhaps fit
+for little else but to be cast to the waves without."
+
+"Thou art, at least industrious," said Southampton, "and permit me to
+say, I believe not in the valueless quality of what I behold here. May I
+look upon one of these same unworthy scraps?" And Lord Southampton took
+up a fragment of paper containing some few lines of blank verse.
+
+At first he seemed disposed to read it cursorily, as one slightly
+curious to know what had employed the pen of his friend. The very first
+line, however, seemed to strike him, and he read the verse attentively
+from beginning to end. He then recommenced it, and read it more slowly,
+observing the wondrous force of the lines more and more as he did so. He
+then stopped and looked at the pleasant smiling countenance of the
+writer, so unassuming, so devoid of all self-conceit, and then he read
+aloud--
+
+    "Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back,
+    Wherein he puts alms for oblivion,
+    A great-siz'd monster of ingratitudes:
+    Those scraps are good deeds past: which are devour'd
+    As fast as they are made, forgot as soon
+    As done: Perseverance, dear my lord,
+    Keeps honour bright; To have done is to hang
+    Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail,
+    In monumental mockery. Take the instant way;
+    For honour travels in a strait so narrow,
+    Where one but goes abreast: keep then the path;
+    For emulation hath a thousand sons,
+    That one by one pursue. If you give way,
+    Or hedge aside from the direct forth right,
+    Like to an enter'd tide, they all rush by,
+    And leave you hindmost;--
+    Or, like a gallant horse fallen in first rank,
+    Lie there for pavement to the abject rear,
+    O'errun and trampled on. Then what do they in present,
+    Though less than yours in past, most o'ertop yours:
+    For time is like a fashionable host
+    That slighly shakes his parting guest by the hand;
+    And with his arms out-stretch'd as he would fly,
+    Grasps in the corner: Welcome ever smiles,
+    And farewell goes that sighing."
+
+"Why," he said, "thou hast written here a whole volume in a few brief
+lines. Not all the learning of the ancients ever produced so much in
+such compass. I will learn these lines, and have them ever before me. To
+what pertain they, good William?"
+
+Shakespeare smiled. "Nay, 'tis but a fragment," he said. "My often
+rumination supplies many such. I shall perhaps adopt them in a play I
+have been thinking of writing."
+
+"Thou wilt completely alter the old style of representation," said
+Southampton.
+
+"'Tis my purpose so to do," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"From what thou hast before shewn me," said Lord Southampton, "I think
+thou wilt do much. But bethink ye, William Shakespeare, albeit thou hast
+a quick wit and rapid pen, thou must not let things come hastily from
+thy hands. Good works, I take it, are plants of slow produce. The city
+lads and the inns of court have, I find, began to regard thee since thou
+hast remodelled the company of the Blackfriars. And hast thou,"
+continued the earl after a pause, "still the name purpose of becoming a
+part proprietor in the theatre here?"
+
+"Such is my ambition," said Shakespeare; "but that must be at a future
+period, when further success shall give warranty to my hopes."
+
+"Nay, want of means shall not baulk thee, good William," said Lord
+Southampton, "since I see plainly that more power will greatly
+facilitate the bringing forth thy inimitable works. Look," he continued,
+taking the pen Shakespeare had been writing with, and scrawling a few
+lines, "there is an order for a thousand pounds; present it to my
+steward when thou wilt, and 'tis thine. Nay, double the sum, if
+required."
+
+Shakespeare thanked his generous patron in terms of manly gratitude; and
+soon afterwards the noble, after appointing his poetic friend to visit
+him, took his leave.
+
+After the departure of Lord Southampton, the poet sat for some time,
+with his forehead leaning upon his hand, gazing upon the order his
+friend had given him.
+
+Between my Lord Southampton and Shakespeare there was the most sincere
+friendship. The young noble appreciated the genius of the man, and felt
+quite a veneration for him; whilst the poet honoured one possessed of
+the fine feelings and generous and heroic spirit belonging to a more
+early and chivalrous age.
+
+Since Shakespeare's flight from Stratford some time had now elapsed,
+during which he had not returned there. He had made a vow not to do so
+until he could re-appear under circumstances that would disarm the
+malevolence of his enemies; not until he had achieved a name. Oft-times
+had he written, and as often heard from his friends, sending them the
+greater portion of his earnings his efforts continually brought in. This
+was not the first gift of Lord Southampton; and a considerable sum he
+had before received had enabled him to settle his wife and children in
+comfortable circumstances in his native town. The money his noble friend
+had just now conferred upon him gave him a nearer prospect of revisiting
+Stratford be thought. And so the poet, with renewed energy, seized his
+pen, and again gave vent to his wondrous conceptions. As he writes, he
+remembers former days, and his thoughts revert again to his own sweet
+home and its neighbourhood, and again he dips his pen in his own heart.
+Then he revels in the recollection of those orgies amidst the choice
+spirits of Old London. Those tavern suppers in the quaint dark courts
+where the hostels of the crowded city are situated. Those secluded
+taverns of Old London town now, indeed, no longer to be found. The
+player's loved haunt, and where the rollicking 'prentice and even
+occasionally, the nobles of the Court congregated. Where he himself had
+fallen in with the Alsatian bully, the humourist, and all the varieties
+of the tavern haunter of the age; and from such he now draws his
+character, life-like and real, as if they walked and breathed and spoke
+before him.
+
+And so the first part of the day passes, and still Shakespeare writes,
+for the fit is upon him, and like many of his class, albeit he spends in
+whole weeks, at times in joviality, excursionising with his comrades to
+Windsor and Greenwich, and "dafling the world aside" with the idlest;
+still there comes upon the man fits of deep thought, which are only to
+be relieved by the pen.
+
+Whilst he writes, as the clanking tones of the clock of Barnard's Castle
+strike the sixth hour, the sound of a lute is heard in an adjoining
+apartment, accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIV.
+
+A CONSULTATION.
+
+
+As those dulcet sounds reached the ears of the poet, he laid down his
+pen and listened attentively. That voice, no rich in tone, so sweetly
+modulated, seemed deeply to affect him; and, as the song ceased, he rose
+and paced the apartment.
+
+Again, he bears a short prelude upon the instrument, and pushing aside
+the arras from the wall, he opened a sliding panel, leading into a
+narrow passage; one of those passages so peculiar to old buildings, and
+which communicate from chamber to chamber, oft-times along, one entire
+wing of such edifice.
+
+As he did so, the voice of the singer is again and again more plainly
+heard. How sweetly it sounds in that house, and at that hour, for the
+shadows are beginning to descend upon Old London.
+
+The poet stands transfixed. His glorious countenance so softened by the
+sorrowful notes of the musician, proclaim how powerfully the strains
+affect him--"He is never merry when he hears sweet music."
+
+Again the strains cease and all is silent, save the moaning of the wind
+without, and which hums through the casement like an Æolian harp. After
+a pause, the poet again withdrew the tapestry which hung before the
+doorway, and, traversing the passage, knocks gently against a small door
+which stood partially open at its extremity.
+
+A sweet voice bids him enter, and the next moment he is in the presence
+of a young and beautiful female. Traces of recent illness are to be
+observed upon her cheek, as she sits, half inclined, upon a sort of
+couch placed near the window of the apartment;--a small lamp, placed
+upon a table near, giving better light for an attendant female, who is
+occupied in knitting.
+
+The lady half rises, as the poet enters and as she does so, he sinks
+upon one knee, and respectfully kisses the hand she extends to him.
+
+Nothing, indeed, can exceed the respectful attention with which the poet
+stands in the presence of that female. He does not even take the chair,
+placed near the couch on which she is seated, till she requires him to
+do so. And well indeed might Shakespeare gaze with interest, and no less
+admiration, upon that lady, as she again reclined upon the couch from
+which she had half risen at his entrance.
+
+The perfect proportions of her form and features, softened as they both
+were in the subdued light of that antique apartment, rendered her in the
+eyes of the poet even more beautiful. Her dark hair fell in wavy
+ringlets upon her shoulders, and her large eyes beamed with an
+expression of sweetness and regard upon him, which made them full of
+peril to one so impassioned.
+
+Frankly and gracefully she again stretched forth her hand. "My kind
+preserver," she said, "my generous and noble friend; but that weakness
+keeps me a prisoner to my couch, 'tis I who ought to kneel to thee."
+
+"I heard the sweet tones, lady," said the poet, "which gave notice that
+I might approach."
+
+"Alas!" she replied, "how can I ever requite thy generosity? Had it been
+my fortune to fall into other hands, I might, indeed, have been unhappy;
+but thou, oh! thou art different from other mortals."
+
+"Beauty, lady," said Shakespeare, "provoketh thieves even sooner than
+gold. Nay, it is that beauty which has made fearful of trusting you in
+this evil town, save whilst I can myself guard over you. The wild and
+reckless spirits who dwell around us here, the desperate characters of
+many who, in their outward seeming, are of the virtuous, render a
+sojourn in this city unsafe, and therefore have I brought thee hither;
+and therefore have I constituted myself thy sole guardian till recovered
+strength shall enable you to take the journey you contemplate."
+
+"You will forgive me, then," said the lady, "that although I have
+related to you some portion of my story, I yet conceal my own, and the
+name of those connected with the tale".
+
+"I am in all thy friend and servant," said Shakespeare.
+
+"And now that I have somewhat recovered," she continued, "recall to me
+in how much I am indebted to you during my illness. The attendant you
+have furnished me with hath partially informed me of your goodness, but
+I would fain hear the recital from your own lips."
+
+"Your disguise," said Shakespeare, "whilst we journeyed hitherward,
+beguiled me, or I had never so far taxed your strength."
+
+"Ah! but that journey," said the lady, "so travelled, can one mile of
+it, think you, be forgotten?"
+
+"Nay," said the poet, smiting, "still can I not forgive myself. Those
+moonlight walks during our route have, I fear, wearied you."
+
+"Could it be possible," said the lady, "for mortal to feel fatigue
+amidst those scenes, I might have wearied."
+
+Shakespeare again smiled. He felt gratified at the compliment paid him.
+He was no perfect mortal, and to say that he could look coldly upon the
+glorious creature before him, would be to belie his nature. He could no
+more do so than he could have "held a fire in his hand by thinking of
+the frosty Caucasus." His finer feelings, however, rendered that
+unprotected female as safe whilst beneath his roof, as if she had been
+guarded by a host. He seated himself again beside her, and an he calmly
+and kindly regarded her exquisite form, whilst he again spoke, a bright
+and pure beam of divine expression was on his bearded face, an
+expression, which diffused a calm feeling of happiness and contentment
+over the soul of her who beheld it.
+
+The long crushed spirit of the lady felt the influence of his presence.
+
+"That I had in my ignorance of your sex somewhat overtaxed your strength
+during our journey," he said, "the result has shewn, since on our
+reaching London, you was seized with an illness which nearly cost your
+life."
+
+"I remember nothing," said the lady, "after our arrival at the hotel of
+the Globe."
+
+"Unluckily," said the poet, "it happened that some seamen who
+disembarked but a few days before had brought the plague into that
+neighbourhood. That disease in London is usually so dire in its effect,
+that, for mere suspicion, the inhabitants act as if for surety. Your
+ship-boy's semblance, and your illness, gave the host of the tavern a
+suspicion that you was infected, and he expelled us from his door. Nay,
+such was the rapidity with which the alarm travelled, that I found it
+impossible to procure a shelter for you in that neighbourhood; and it
+was whilst conveying you, still insensible, to the water-side, that I
+became suspicious of your sex. This discovery increased the difficulty
+of our situation, till I recollected an asylum in which I could safely
+carry you, and e'en procure the assistance of medicine. I remembered an
+old poor man, one so needy, starved, and miserable, that I had oft-times
+sought, and alleviated his condition. Nay, gratitude had prompted me so
+to do, since, in my own need, and when, alone and friendless, I first
+sought this town, he himself befriended me. To the habitation of this
+man, who indeed, possesses considerable skill in leechcraft, I conveyed
+you, and to his care, attention, and skill, for night and day did he
+watch over you, are you indebted for your life."
+
+"And whilst yourself also cared for me," said the lady, "still fearless
+of the tyrant fever with which I was burnt up; nay, you have since
+removed me hither, and so continued to guard over me. And all this in
+favour of one alike hopeless and friendless."
+
+"Such circumstances, lady," said the poet, "should in themselves alone
+suffice to enlist me in your service. But come," he continued, "we will
+no more of this. A letter I have just received from my sometime home, in
+Warwickshire, gives much of news. I have unfolded to you so much of my
+history, that I may now further inform you there is hope of once more
+revisiting the friends I left whilst in trouble and disgrace."
+
+"This is, indeed, pleasing intelligence," said his companion. "My own
+destination is in that neighbourhood."
+
+"To guard over you till I can safely convey you amongst those friends
+you have hinted at," said Shakespeare, "is my wish; nay, our exertions,
+and the generosity of a nobleman, my friend, has enabled me to complete
+a purchase I had in contemplation--a share in the neighbouring theatre
+here. I have also another play toward, and should it succeed in the
+represental, I will then attend on you with all true duty."
+
+"But your letter?" said the lady; "pardon my seeming curiosity. In
+happier days I have owned friends in the neighbourhood of your home.
+Speaks it of any resident around Stratford-upon-Avon?"
+
+"It does," said Shakespeare. "It is from my father, and gives much
+gossip of the locality. Amongst other matter it informs me of some
+difficulties a gentleman, my friend, has fallen into."
+
+"And his name," said the lady, "is Walter Arderne?"
+
+"The same," returned Shakespeare.
+
+The lady's face immediately became crimson, and then deadly pale. "And
+how then hath Walter Arderne fallen into difficulties?" she inquired.
+"Methought I heard from you, during our journey, that he had succeeded
+to great wealth."
+
+"It was even so," said Shakespeare, "but I fear I am again taxing your
+strength. You look somewhat pale."
+
+"'Tis nothing," said his fair companion. "Proceed, I beseech you, I am
+most anxious to know of the welfare of this Arderne."
+
+"The young man, then," continued Shakespeare, "it appears by the story,
+after coming into possession of this fortune, and many parks, and walks,
+and manors, in England, hath busied himself in various acts of goodness.
+Amongst other things he hath built alms-houses, hospitals, for the use
+of the afflicted."
+
+"To such a one," said the lady, "fortune should ever belong; but to your
+story. What more of this Arderne? Methinks I am overfond to hear of so
+much generosity."
+
+"There is little more to tell," said Shakespeare. "The sums he hath
+bestowed and the various charities he hath endowed, have involved him in
+difficulties. His virtues have served him but as enemies. Nay, he seems,
+I am grieved to say, on the brink of ruin; for, in addition to all I
+have enumerated, it appears he hath expended large sums during the
+invasion of the Spaniard, both in fitting out numerous ships, and
+enrolling and embodying men, all which vessels, through his desperate
+valour in leading them into the hot encounter, have been either
+destroyed or returned to port rent and beggared."
+
+"Nay, but," said the lady, "I am still in ignorance how this could
+possibly involve Walter Ardene in ruin. The fortune he inherited would
+have borne all this, methinks, and much more, without endamagement."
+
+"Truly so, lady," said Shakespeare; "but it hath suddenly transpired
+that Walter Arderne is not the lawful heir. A caitiff wretch, named
+Grasp, and whose ferrit eyes and evil spirit are always seeking
+mischief, hath, by dint of searching over worm-eaten deeds and musty
+parchments, hunting out tombstones, and manufacturing pedigrees, somehow
+found a nearer relation; and all the sums Master Arderne hath expended
+since the hour he came into possession, the law will enforce him to
+refund. This, together with the suits he is involved in, will go nigh to
+ruin both himself and his good uncle, Sir Hugh Clopton."
+
+"And this nearer kinsman!" said the lady. "Does your information extend
+so far as to name the person of such claimant?"
+
+"'Tis one who is the friend of a powerful noble," said Shakespeare, "of
+one whom it is dangerous to speak of in other terms but those of
+respect."
+
+"Methinks I can name him," said the lady. "It is one whose unbounded
+stomach and high ambition long soared towards a crown by marriage; one
+whose evil disposition would halt not to obtain power or riches,
+magnificent as his fortune already is. The Earl with the dark
+countenance and gloomy soul--he whom Sussex calls the Gipsey; the
+dangerous Leicester."
+
+"The same," said Shakespeare.
+
+"Nay, then, an Walter Arderne hath that noble for an enemy, let him
+beware the cup, as well as the law, for Leicester is sure to succeed by
+fair means or foul. He is the most successful dealer in poison in the
+kingdom."
+
+"Would to Heaven," said Shakespeare, "some help might be found; for the
+strait this generous man is like to be driven to sorely oppresses him!"
+
+"Let it no longer do so," said the lady. "Continue to inform me of the
+progress of events; I will be warranty for his safe extrication from all
+his difficulties."
+
+Shakespeare looked surprised; but he forbode remark; and soon after this
+conversation retired to his own lodging.
+
+After the interview, the poet reflected deeply upon the conversation
+which had taken place, and as he did so, many things which had not
+previously struck him forced themselves upon his mind regarding his
+mysterious friend, and which now enabled him in some sort to pluck out
+the heart of her mystery.
+
+During the time he had watched over her during her illness, and the
+delirium consequent upon it, she had uttered names which recalled former
+passages of his life. She had called upon Charlotte Clopton, and bade
+her leave the horrid charnel-house in which she had been entombed alive,
+and even named localities familiar to him in his native county.
+
+These things, whilst they contributed to elucidate her story, more
+deeply interested him. He saw she could appreciate a true heart and bold
+spirit in man, and could love with all the truth and innocence of a
+Juliet. There was in her no false pride or prudery, but unconscious of
+her own excellence, she was indeed one of those bright creatures so
+often bestowed where they are unvalued. Had such a one fallen to his own
+share, he thought, how would he have worshipped! But such was not to be.
+He who was the gentlest, the noblest of mankind, was not to be so
+companioned. His course was steered, at this period, alone. For him,
+high birth and bright excellence should have been reserved, because he
+so well could have appreciated them.
+
+There was, however, to be observed in this singular female a sort of
+character which even more interested him than her radiant beauty. With
+all her amiability, she possessed a determination of purpose, which made
+it impossible to control her designs. From what he could fathom of her
+intentions and her story, she seemed only anxious to confer or secure
+some important benefit to the individual she loved, and then to retire
+from the world, to enter some convent abroad, "and be for aye in shady
+cloister mew'd." And so, as the poet sat and thought over these matters,
+he again seized his pen, and wrote.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LV.
+
+ILL WEAVED AMBITION.
+
+
+The machinations of Pouncet Grasp had not been without their due effect.
+His evil disposition was as great as his industry, and his very face and
+form, twisted and contorted as both were, proclaimed the mind of the man
+as plainly as if he had carried a window in his breast.
+
+Few specimens of the human countenance presented indeed less of the
+divine about it than did that of the Stratford lawyer. The term _ugly as
+sin_ might, in verity, have been applied to him, for, when he was
+hatching any particular piece of rascality, the working of his features
+gave him a diabolical look.
+
+Not only had he succeeded in his design of weaving a web about Walter
+Arderne, and getting incarcerated within the walls of a prison for debt,
+but he even managed, by some strange underhand practice, to bring him
+under the suspicion of the Queen's council for treasonable matter. And
+yet, with all this malignancy of disposition, Grasp carried about him
+such an air of _bonhommie_ that, until he was found out, he was seldom
+distrusted. After he had, by the most careful approaches, (like a spider
+securing a victim in his web, who is too powerful to be openly
+attacked), fairly enmeshed Walter Arderne, he turned his thoughts upon
+his old Stratford enemy, William Shakespeare, and, whose whereabout he
+now had little difficulty in discovering, since after the successful
+performance of Romeo and Juliet, the author's name was in the mouths of
+many.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy had departed only few days before for Stratford, or
+Grasp would immediately have sought him out, and, as he himself was also
+on the eve of returning to Warwickshire, together with his new client,
+in order to take immediate possession of the inheritance succeeded to,
+he resolved to delay till his arrival the discovery he had made.
+
+Meanwhile, the situation of Arderne was sufficiently disagreeable. He
+was arrested for an enormous sum, and-when Sir Hugh Clopton sought to
+clear him of the difficulty, by making some great sacrifices, that good
+old man found, to his further dismay, that some secret foe had denounced
+his nephew as a conspirator against the life of the Queen.
+
+In Elizabeth's reign, those persons of condition who came under
+suspicion and were confined within the walls of a prison found it no
+easy matter to clear themselves, and some, even in the higher ranks of
+the nobility, without any sustained charge but "for mere suspicion, were
+treated as if for surety," finding their graves in the dismal chambers
+of the Tower.
+
+The news of the imprisonment of his early friend greatly troubled
+Shakespeare. He was just at this time contemplating a return to his
+native town, for now that he had so far achieved success, and felt
+within himself the power of future fame, the longing for home, added to
+the desire of once more embracing all he had dear there, he felt to be
+irresistible.
+
+To leave London, however, without an effort to serve his early friend
+was impossible. He visited Arderne in his prison, and afterwards sought
+Lord Leicester in order to interest that noble in his favour.
+
+The time was, however, somewhat out of joint for making a successful
+suit to Leicester at this moment. He was in one of those periodical fits
+of ill-temper which usually attacked him when his "high-reaching"
+schemes failed. He was out of favour with the Queen too, somewhat on the
+sudden, and so wide was the breach that, albeit he was seeking by some
+underhand contrivances to regain a place in her good graces, all his
+attempts were futile.
+
+To explain this to our readers, we must remind them that after the
+services of Leicester at Tilbury, Elizabeth had created for the
+favourite the office of Lord Lieutenant of England and Ireland; an
+office which would have invested him with greater power than any
+sovereign of this country had ever ventured to bestow on a subject. The
+patent for this unprecedented dignity was actually made out, and only
+awaited the royal signature, when Burleigh and Hatton, by their earnest
+remonstrances, deterred Her Majesty from investing him with such power.
+
+It was during the fit of rage consequent upon disappointment, that
+Leicester had behaved with a degree of intemperance so distasteful to
+Her Majesty, that she dismissed him in anger, and refused to be
+reconciled.
+
+The despondence which followed the violence of his rage on this occasion
+brought on an illness, from which he, in truth, never recovered.
+
+At the moment Shakespeare obtained an interview, he accordingly found
+the earl in so ill a frame of mind, that he refused to interest himself
+in favour of Walter Arderne.
+
+He was about, he said to quit London for his castle of Kenilworth, and
+was so utterly disgusted with Courts and all pertaining, that he vowed
+to Heaven he would no more return.
+
+As the poet looked in the face of this ambitious and still powerful
+noble, he thought it not unlikely his words would prove true; for the
+inroads of his peculiar disease were so apparent in his countenance,
+that the grisly tyrant seemed to have put his mark upon him.
+
+Leicester, at this period of his life, had grown bulky, and lost much of
+that striking beauty of face and form for which he had been so
+celebrated. His countenance shewed traces of his ungovernable temper and
+evil disposition; his hair, lately coal-black, had become a "sable
+silvered;" his frown had contracted into an habitual scowl; his dark
+complexion, and from which he had obtained the _sobriquet_ of "The
+Gipsey," had changed to a sickly yellow; his fine features had become
+bloated; and every part about him seemed blasted with premature age.
+
+As he rose from his seat during the interview, the poet observed that he
+looked the personification of an evil-disposed but powerful man. One who
+was torn by the fiend of avarice, the lust of power, and the chagrin of
+blasted ambition. The Court smile was gone for ever from that once
+pliant brow, and the scowl of hate seated in its stead.
+
+To the surprise of the poet, whilst he flatly refused interference on
+the subject of Arderne's imprisonment, he even seemed to experience
+satisfaction at that youth's danger. The poisonous mind of the most
+successful poisoner of the age was now recklessly displayed. He seemed
+to rejoice in the misfortunes of his fellow-men, whilst he felt that his
+own further success in life was ended. He was indeed at that moment
+sinking into the grave a hopeless unbeliever, "a bold bad man."
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy," he said, rudely and abruptly, "hath sought me on the
+subject of this Arderne, praying of me to intercede with the Queen. But
+I meddle not again with matters of state or the business of others. My
+health requires change from the pestilential vapour of this city. I have
+done with Courts and seek my castle at Kenilworth."
+
+Shakespeare bowed, and was about to withdraw, when Leicester turned and
+again spoke.
+
+"I advise you yourself, Master Shakespeare," he said, "to keep free of
+such matters. Peril not your present favour by mixing in treasonable
+affairs, and so farewell."
+
+"Nay, my Lord," said Shakespeare, "this gentleman, my friend, hath been
+most unjustly accused. He is one to whom I owe much love. I may not
+cease from making what interest I can in his favour."
+
+"And I tell thee then," said Leicester, imperiously, "that in me you
+will find an opponent in his cause; my interest lieth in the very
+opposite direction, since I am informed by a law-man of your native town
+that, in right of my wife, I can claim some of those estates in
+Warwickshire so lately in possession of this Arderne."
+
+Shakespeare felt surprised at this intimation, and immediately the
+interview terminated.
+
+There was evidently a secret enemy at work, he thought, as he left the
+house; and, as he passed through the gateway, he ran against a man who
+was entering.
+
+The poet was so wrapped in his own thoughts that he observed not the
+features of this person; but Grasp (for it was no less a person who was
+entering the courtyard) started at the well-known form of his sometime
+clerk, and, hesitating for the moment, seemed divided as to whether he
+should not defer his present business and follow the poet.
+
+Whilst he stood undecided, Shakespeare took boat, and so Grasp turned
+towards the building.
+
+"I shall find the pestilent fellow," he said, "and I shall also
+penetrate into the mystery of that fair Lindabrides who dwells beneath
+his roof, and masquerades about the city at nights. My certie, but I'll
+spoil his actings, his writings, his inditings, his poetizing, and
+rhapsodizing. I can myself indite, aye, and play a part, too, as well as
+he; and so, Master William Shakespeare, look to thyself, for thou art in
+jeopardy;" and so Grasp turned and proceeded, across the court of
+Leicester House rejoicing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVI.
+
+THE ASSOCIATES.
+
+
+So great were the talents possessed by Grasp for smelling out a plot,
+whether it existed or not, that he seemed peculiarly fitted for the
+period in which he lived, and in which conspiracies, either real or
+pretended, were so frequently agitating the kingdom.
+
+Plot and pestilence, indeed, during Elizabeth's reign seemed the
+bug-bears of the time. At one moment the Court was driven from its
+locality, by some of the attendants being seized at the very palace
+gates with some infectious disorder, and the next, some dark,
+evil-minded fanatic was apprehended, dagger in hand, almost in the very
+presence-chamber.
+
+Since the execution of the Queen of Scots those conspirators had been
+more hopeless of success; yet still, ever and anon, a new and dangerous
+attempt against the life of the Queen was brought to light.
+
+Just at the present period of our story, such a design was pounced on by
+Grasp; but, like all over-zealous persons, he was liable, in his
+eagerness, to run upon a wrong scent, and lose sight of the game he had
+started.
+
+It happened, during his visit to London at this time, and in an interval
+spared from his numerous avocations, (for Grasp was now a man in full
+business), that he, one night, amused himself by witnessing an execution
+in company with his friend Doubletongue.
+
+This execution was one possessing considerable interest, inasmuch as
+several criminals were to suffer for conscience-sake, and that was
+always a popular exhibition during Elizabeth's reign. Six were Catholic
+priests, who were hung, drawn, and quartered, for conspiring against the
+Queen's life. Two more were laymen, who, having embraced protestantism
+and returned to the old belief, were to be burned alive in company with
+a wretched atheist named Francis Wright, alias Kit Wyndham. Besides
+these there was one other named Word, who was to be executed for
+concealment of Catholics under suspicion of treason.
+
+The execution took place in Smithfield, and, like those of more modern
+times, when the cut-purse is seen to exercise his vocation beneath the
+gallows on which a fellow thief was struggling, so was treason watching
+within the scorching influence of the fire which burned these traitors.
+
+One Reginald Deville, an usurer and an informer, who also bore the
+appropriate cognomen of Reynard Devil, had tracked a suspicious
+character into Smithfield on this very night; a fanatic being, whose
+husband had been in the service of the Queen of Scots, and who, in the
+disguise of a man, was known to be in concealment in London for the
+purpose of assassinating Elizabeth.
+
+In the crowd, and during the excitement of the execution, Deville had
+lost sight of this person, almost at the moment he was about to gain
+assistance and pounce upon her; and, as he was prying about, he stumbled
+upon Grasp, whom he had formerly known.
+
+Now Grasp himself, besides his other business, occasionally did a little
+in the informing way. Such pursuit formed a sort of afterhour recreation
+with him. He and Doubletongue, at such times, hunted in couples, and as
+evil speaking, lying, and slander, were the peculiar talents of his
+friend, so the more covert villany was his own peculiar forte.
+
+The moment Reginald Deville stumbled upon Grasp and his friend, in his
+eagerness he half divulged the secret intelligence with which he was
+furnished.
+
+"Ah," he said, "my good friend Grasp, I am glad to meet. Hast seen a
+slight rakish figure pass this minute, wearing a cloak of scarlet serge,
+a red feather in his hat, a brace of petronels in his girdle, and drab
+trunks with hose to match?"
+
+Grasp was never at fault. "I have," he said hastily.
+
+"Which way went he, in God's name," said Deville. "Quick, or I lose a
+chance--he's worth the having, I can assure you."
+
+"I will put you upon his trail," said Grasp, "perhaps inform you where
+he haunts, an you promise half profits and tell me what's his crime."
+
+"Treason is his crime," said Deville, "'Tis a female in man's apparel,
+one Margaret Lambrun. Her husband died of grief after Queen Mary was
+executed. The woman was in the service of Mary, and hath resolved on the
+death of the Queen. I had secret intelligence from a cousin of my own in
+Scotland, and have been in pursuit for some days."
+
+"Well, then," said Grasp, "I can only tell you in return for your secret
+that your man, or woman rather, was here beside me in company with four
+others. Catholics, I dare be sworn, for they looked upon the burning of
+yonder priests with a devilish expression of horror, in place of viewing
+it as you and I. They marked me as I watched them, and they are off; but
+I heard one of them name some place in Blackfriars as where he resided."
+
+"How said ye," exclaimed Doubletongue, "in Blackfriars? then, by my fay,
+I think I can give ye a clue to this same female."
+
+"As how?" inquired Grasp, eagerly.
+
+"As thus," said Doubletongue. "Dost remember the night on which we
+consulted with Lawyer Quillet at the Blue Boar Inn?"
+
+"Truly so," said Grasp, "and what o' that?"
+
+"On that night I marked, although you did not, a couple of persons who
+kept themselves altogether apart from the other guests--a young and a
+middle-aged person. Nay, I especially marked the younger of the twain,
+and as I looked upon the tiny foot, the sparkling eyes, and the slender
+form, methinks I penetrated through the disguise worn, and beheld a
+female."
+
+"Ah! caitiff," said Grasp, "thou were't ever a devil to spy out a
+farthingale. And so--"
+
+"And so, I said to myself, where disguise is there mischief is meant,
+and I resolved to know more. Acting upon this resolve, albeit I lost
+sight of them during the riot which ensued in the tavern, I followed
+them out into the street, dodged them to their lair--"
+
+"And that is--?" inquired Deville impatiently.
+
+"In the Blackfriars, at a house down by the water-side, and which I can
+point out."
+
+"But thou may'st have been mistaken," said Grasp, "appearances may have
+deceived thee."
+
+"Not a whit," said Doubletongue. "I took some pains to make assurance;
+for, sooth to say, I was taken with this mysterious female. I watched
+about the house till I again saw her. I even ventured within, concealed
+myself during the absence of herself and him who seemed her protector,
+and I found in the room which she inhabited--"
+
+"What?" said Grasp, who expected a written list of the conspirators. "In
+God's name what did you find?"
+
+"Her doublet and hose," said Doubletongue. "The very pair of nether
+garments in which I had seen her masquerading at the Blue Boar the first
+night I beheld her."
+
+"Oh, monstrous!" said Grasp. "Tis, undoubtedly the person of whom you
+are in quest. See, the execution is over and the criminals burnt.
+Wherefore not at once, proceed to Blackfriars and identify the house?
+To-morrow we will procure assistance and pounce upon her;" and the two
+immediately pushed their way through the crowd and left Smithfield.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVII.
+
+THE POET AND HIS FRIENDS.
+
+
+The success of Shakespeare's play of Romeo and Juliet had placed him in
+a somewhat different situation amongst his companions of the theatre. By
+the majority he was immediately looked up to as a rising star, and
+whilst others again viewed him with increasing envy, there were one or
+two who were so much struck with the extraordinary merit of the
+composition that they already pronounced him the wonder of the age.
+
+Such, however, was the agitated state of the kingdom at the moment, and
+fears, factions, and jealousies, so absorbed the minds of men of all
+ranks, that except beyond the circle of his own professional brethren,
+and amongst his own immediate friends of the Court, my Lord of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, &c., the effect produced was,
+after all, but evanescent.
+
+The English nation at this time was yet struggling to emerge from
+barbarity. The philology of Italy had been transplanted hither in the
+reign of Henry the Eighth, and the learned languages cultivated by
+Lilly, Linacre, More, and others. Greek was now taught in some of the
+principal schools, and many of the learned read the Italian and Spanish
+poets. But still literature was even yet confined in a great measure to
+professed scholars, or persons of high rank. The body public was but
+gross and dark; and to read and write, an accomplishment valued
+according to its rarity.
+
+Thus, then, the people who witnessed the great curiosity of
+Shakespeare's new play hardly knew how to judge. It was welcome even to
+the most rude and vulgar; they looked at it with a sort of childish
+wonder. It was a delicious and startling change from the giants,
+dragons, and enchantments they had been used to. Nay, it even bid fair
+to supersede the interesting exhibition of the bear hugging the dog to
+death, or the bull driven into madness by agony. The show and bustle of
+the new play even charmed the rudesby's, who could scarce even
+comprehend the beauty and elegance of the poetry.
+
+It was on the morning of the same day on which Grasp had witnessed the
+execution in Smithfield, that Shakespeare made his unsuccessful
+application to the Earl of Leicester in behalf of his friend Arderne.
+After his interview with the fallen favourite, the poet returned, sad
+and somewhat out of sorts, to his new lodgings in Blackfriars. As was
+his wont on all occasions wherein his capacious mind had received an
+impression, he contemplated the object that had furnished it. Indeed,
+his interview with that ambitious courtier, whose whole life had been a
+mistake, had been to him a whole volume. "How wretched," he thought, "is
+that poor man that hangs on prince's favours!" and then he seized his
+pen and wrote,--
+
+                        "Fling away ambition,
+    By that sin fell the angels, how can man, then,
+    The image of his Maker, hope to rise by it."
+
+Whilst the poet wrote, as was not uncommonly the case, a whole levée of
+visitors continually interrupted his labours. This, however, was a
+circumstance that seemed rather to aid than disturb the current of his
+thoughts. He laid down his pen to laugh with the light-hearted, and he
+thrust aside his manuscript to listen to the more serious. He was all
+things with all men. The courtier, the soldier, the scholar, all and
+each found in him something to wonder at and admire. On this day, which
+was the sixth for the representation of his play, his visitors were
+numerous. In addition to many of his brother authors, several of the
+actors and other persons connected with the theatre, the Earl of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, and the poet Spenser, sought him
+in his lodging. Master Doubletongue too, who on this day had been
+seeking an opportunity of introducing himself into the house, as he met
+with some actor or other visitor coming out, hesitated as to the safety
+of such espial. Nay, he felt considerably astonished at the number and
+quality of the persons who seemed, as the day advanced, to come
+thronging about the locality.
+
+Whilst he continued watching for some person he appeared to expect, he
+beheld the open space in front of the house filled with the attendants
+of several nobles of the Court; their magnificent steeds, gaily
+caparisoned, being led up and down, or held by servitors with the
+emblazoned badges of the favourites of the Queen.
+
+It is indeed curious to consider the poet himself during the visit of
+these magnificoes, and who, in the enjoyment of his society, sought a
+new pleasure; visitors who, like himself, were elevated above "the
+common cry of curs," and, leaving their high rank out of the question,
+worthy of the friendship of Shakespeare. The poet himself, too, was
+perfectly at his ease in the company of these haughty nobles. He sat and
+conversed with them in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment.
+
+To attempt any description of the conversation carried on amongst these
+choice and master spirits of the age would be vain and ridiculous, since
+it exceeds the power of our pen to describe it. Nay, were it possible so
+to do, we must of necessity furnish forth to the world a dialogue such
+as is only to be found in the page of him who acted as the host to the
+assemblage.
+
+Let us look at the picture, for it is one worthy of regard. Shakespeare
+sits beneath the ample chimney, his table is before him, strewed with
+papers. He leans back in his chair; a divine expression, a sweet smile
+is on his bearded face. Opposite to him is his patron, Lord Southampton,
+his chin resting upon the hilt of his sheathed rapier, his eyes and ears
+intent upon the subject Shakespeare is speaking of. Beside Shakespeare,
+leaning his cheek upon his hand, his elbow upon the table, sits the
+magnificent Essex; he also is intently regarding the poet, admiration in
+his gaze. Standing somewhat behind Lord Southampton, his back against
+the carved chimney, is the poet Spenser. Raleigh sits within the
+embayment of the window; his plumed hat is carelessly thrown down beside
+him, and his quick, restless glance is ever and anon turned from the
+poet towards the different craft which pass and repass upon the Thames
+below. Beside these, _élite_ of the company, there is Tarleton, the
+comedian and Court fool, who, under cover of his folly, shoots his bolts
+upon all the party. One more addition, and the party is completed; and
+it is made up by the dissolute friend of the poet, the fat and jovial
+Froth.
+
+Whilst they are engaged in conversation, the drawer from an adjoining
+tavern enters with wine and other refreshments. From long-necked and
+quaint-looking bottles is poured the wines of Gascony and Spain. The
+means, too, and appliances for indulgence in Sir Walter's favourite weed
+is then handed round, and (as was the custom of the period) each guest
+takes a whiff; the thin blue smoke mounts into the air, and eddies about
+the carved ceiling; and, as the mirth and joviality of the party grows
+faster, time flies unheeded by, the shadows descend upon the Thames,
+again and again the bottles are renewed, and another day dawns upon the
+party, ere they recollect how the hours have fled.
+
+Can our readers wonder at this, when they remember of what that party
+consisted, and their entertainer? Those magnificoes had come to pay the
+poet a morning visit, and they had stayed half a day and one entire
+night. Shakespeare was their entertainer!
+
+As the first faint streaks of dawn began to "lace the severing clouds,"
+the poet stood alone in his apartment. His guests had left him, and his
+room shewed tokens of the revel they had been engaged in.
+
+The revellers had drank deep, for they were such as would be most likely
+to give themselves up to the peculiar enjoyment of the hour. Shakespeare
+had cheered the cup for them.
+
+As the glorious poet glanced upon the heap of empty flaskets, broken
+bottles, remnants of long-necked glasses, and capacious bowled pipes,
+together with all the _débris_ of a long-continued orgie, he smiled, and
+stepping to the lattice-window, threw it open, and stood to enjoy the
+refreshing breeze from the river.
+
+Whilst he stood and gazed upon the Thames, the boats containing his
+recent guests glided past, on their way to Greenwich; for Essex and
+Southampton, when they found themselves regularly set in for an orgie,
+had some time before sent away their steeds.
+
+They waved their hands an they passed, on observing the poet, and he
+remained listening to the music from the boat which followed the barge
+of Essex, as it grew fainter and fainter in the distance.
+
+As Shakespeare turned from the window, the arras near the fire-place was
+lifted, and two persons noiselessly entered. He started as he beheld
+them, for by the faint morning light he distinguished in one of them the
+beautiful female we have before remarked, dwelling beneath his roof; the
+other was our old friend Martin. Something more than ordinary he well
+knew must have caused her to enter the wing of the building he
+inhabited; in addition to which, he saw she was equipped in her
+masculine costume, and, together with her companion, prepared for a
+journey.
+
+"We have come to bid you farewell," she said, as the poet stepped up to
+her, and took her hand.
+
+"This is somewhat sudden," he returned. "I hoped to have been of your
+party into Warwickshire."
+
+"Certain spies, good Master Shakespeare," said Martin, "have it seems
+noted this lady's residence beneath your roof, and she has fallen under
+suspicion of treasonable matter."
+
+"Yes," said the lady, "my faithful friend and adviser here has
+discovered so much. My presence here might even compromise you, my kind
+friend and preserver. We have therefore resolved, at once, to set off on
+our journey."
+
+"And how then have you learnt this?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Nay, heed not my means of intelligence," said Martin. "Thou know'st I
+possess the secret of divination, or I could never have at last escaped
+the Spanish Inquisition, and discovered the residence of this lady in
+London. Suffice it we know our danger, and must fly."
+
+"And do you then still purpose seeking Kenilworth?" inquired Shakespeare
+of his beautiful friend.
+
+"I do," she replied. "Lady Leicester is my friend. She will, I trust,
+be able to do service to him we wish well to. My best hope is from that
+quarter."
+
+"I have already seen the Earl," said Shakespeare, "and my own
+expectations, in that quarter, touch ground."
+
+"From the Earl himself I never entertained a particle of hope," said the
+lady, "his Countess may, however, serve us, for she is my friend."
+
+"All good angels, then, speed you on your journey!" said Shakespeare. "I
+have myself other chances here. The Earl of Essex hath promised to speak
+with the Queen, ere another day passes, added to which, Lord Southampton
+and Sir Walter Raleigh have sworn to back his suit."
+
+"Have you, then, seen the Earl of Essex on this matter?" inquired
+Martin, in some surprise.
+
+"He and Lord Southampton were here but now," said Shakespeare, smiling,
+and pointing to the confused state of the apartment. "Behold the witness
+of their revel. Some ten minutes back they left me to take boat for
+Greenwich, where the Queen at present stays."
+
+"Farewell, then," said the lady sorrowing, "we dare no longer stay, may
+we soon meet again!"
+
+"Heaven grant it, fair excellence," said Shakespeare, "until I again
+revisit my home in Warwickshire, I shall have but small contentment. But
+until I see my friend out of jeopardy, and clear of imprisonment, I have
+neither home nor friends there."
+
+"'Tis like yourself," said the lady. "Farewell! We shall soon then meet,
+I trust. Walter Arderne once relieved from durance, and my task is
+effected."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVIII.
+
+STRATFORD AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.
+
+
+After absence from a well-known locality how fresh and verdant seems
+every spot there. The mind which has dwelt, again and again, upon every
+nook and corner, unmarked perhaps and unappreciated whilst in the
+neighbourhood, becomes enamoured absolutely of trivialities and trifles.
+How well doth the exile, eating the bitter bread of banishment, perhaps
+breathing the hot air of the tropics, many, many thousand leagues from
+the quiet village in which he first drew breath--how well doth he
+recollect, and dwell with fondness upon each street or lane of the
+village suburb, the school-boy spot, the home the wanderer longs for
+with an undying desire!
+
+And if such be the case, how anxiously, and even sadly, do we think upon
+those relatives and friends domesticated in the far-away home, and see
+them in their old-accustomed places. Relations so dear and friends so
+esteemed, yet, perhaps, never again to be met with in life, and
+therefore more cherished in our thoughts.
+
+And Shakespeare had oft-times felt this anxiety during the time his
+self-exile lasted. In his own mind he had resolved that, until he had
+"name and fame," he had "nothing at Stratford." Those dearly loved
+friends should not again look upon the unthrift younker; and unless the
+man redeemed the courses wild of the youth, he would no more return.
+
+How far he had already succeeded our readers have seen; and even the
+little world of Stratford began to feel pride in him they had before so
+lightly regarded.
+
+Master William Shakespeare, it was affirmed amongst the wise-acres of
+the Falcon Inn, had indited two several poems, some said three, of such
+exceeding merit, that they had afforded exceeding delight to the
+grandees and gallants of Elizabeth's court. Sonnets, too, innumerable,
+had fallen amongst the fair dames of the palace, like the perfumed
+flowers blown by the sweet south.
+
+Nay, William Shakespeare was said to be a favourite with the Queen
+herself. Two plays he had also produced--plays of most exquisite fancy.
+The Adonis of the Court,--the "wealthy-curled darling of the land," the
+favourite Essex, was his personal friend. My Lord Southampton his
+patron. And more than this, than these, than all, William Shakespeare
+had made money, thriven, purchased property, become a proprietor of one
+of the theatres in London.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, I wonder what made him ever go away from us?' said Master
+Mumble, the head-bailiff.
+
+"I always said there was something in him," said Master Lamb.
+
+"He was ever a clever dog though a mischievous one," said Cramboy.
+
+"Dost think he will come back amongst us?" inquired Teazle. "Methinks I
+long to look upon one who hath written three poems, a whole litany of
+sonnets, and two masques or mysteries."
+
+"An he do come amongst us again," said the head-bailiff, "I, for one,
+vote we make him master of the free school."
+
+"Nay," said Cramboy, "I know not how far to agree with you there, before
+we go to such lengths, let us peruse his works; there is some
+difference, my masters all, between teaching one's boys their _quis_,
+their _quæs_, and their _quods_, and writing jingling rhymes for the
+amusement of the Londoners and the Court."
+
+"Well," said the mayor, "we might make him parish-clerk. Something we
+ought to offer him, methinks, an he comes back amongst us. Body o' me,
+hath he not written two poems and a play? There be those amongst us who
+cannot even write their own names, much more a poem such as 'tis said
+this William Shakespeare hath produced."
+
+"Hath any one seen these poems you speak of?" inquired Master Scourge.
+
+"Truly, I believe mine host hath a copy of one brought from London by a
+gentleman of the Court, and left behind him. I saw it myself not a week
+ago and looked at the title-page, 'tis called Tartquin and Lucrece, a
+very clever book, if I may judge from the look of the binding."
+
+"We will see that poem," said the bailiff; and the host, being
+accordingly summoned, produced a small volume, which the head-bailiff
+with infinite gravity, after laying aside his pipe and adjusting his
+spectacles, proceeded to read. Scarcely, however, had he got through one
+verse ere he paused and looked over his glasses at the grave auditors
+who sat in judgment upon the production, whilst they themselves puffed
+out such clouds of smoke, that it appeared they were resolved the
+bailiff should scarce observe the impression produced.
+
+"You do not speak, my masters," said the head-bailiff, "have you heard?"
+
+"Perfectly," returned Master Cramboy.
+
+"And do you approve?" inquired the head-bailiff.
+
+"Ahem," said the mercer, "'Speak that I may know thee,' saith the
+proverb; proceed;" and the bailiff read another verse.
+
+"Fie! fie!" said Master Teazle, "what stuff is here? My service to you,
+my masters all, and a merry Christmas. How say you now to making Master
+William Shakespeare master of the free school,--eh?"
+
+"Shall I proceed any further?" inquired the head-bailiff.
+
+"Not a line," said Cramboy. "I feel quite scandalized. What a depraved
+taste the Court must have! Allow me, however to look at the binding of
+this volume," and Cramboy quietly noted down where the book was to be
+bought in order that he might procure and read it as soon as he could,
+the rest of the company quietly following his example.
+
+"Well," said John Peto, the tanner, "after all what is fame? Here hath
+our fellow-townsman gained much celebrity by such matter as we have
+heard. Trash, my masters; lies, conjured up by the fumes of sack and
+Canary. Marry, the lad hath a quick wit, I dare be sworn, but how he
+hath gotten himself into the good graces of the powerful by such matter
+I marvel."
+
+"I remember me," said Master Richard Coomb, (who was known amongst his
+co-mates by the sobriquet of Thin Beard, from the circumstance of his
+wearing a starved cane-coloured beard), "I remember me that our
+townsman, John Shakespeare, father of this William, had from his youth
+upwards, a quick and shrewd wit. Nay, by 'ur Lady, he must be about my
+own age; by the same token I played oft-times with him when he was a boy
+and living with his father at Snitterfield."
+
+"Aye," said Mumble, "he came to Stratford from Snitterfield. He held
+lands there when he was better off. Did'st know Richard Shakespeare,
+grandfather to this William? He was well to do, and had lands and beeves
+at Snitterfield."
+
+"I did know him," returned Coomb; "that is, I do remember me of him. By
+'ur Lady, a proper man of his hands as ever you would wish to look
+on,--aye, and a pleasant man to speak with too."
+
+"Did not your brother, John Coomb, accommodate Master John Shakespeare,
+at his need, with moneys, not long back?" inquired Cramboy.
+
+"In sooth did he," returned Thin Beard, "more than once, I can tell
+thee."
+
+"And did I not hear that John Coomb pressed him hard for repayment, and
+would have clapped him up in jail but for the debt being defrayed by
+this poet of our's,--this William his son,--so soon as he became aware
+of it?"
+
+"Nay, 'tis true enough," said Thin Beard; "I may not deny that my
+brother doth press hard for moneys due."
+
+"Go to," said Mumble; "we all know John Coomb and his usances well
+enough without your confession. 'Tis creditable to Master hath been
+given to courses wild. I like him better for his befriending his father
+than for his poetry."
+
+"Come," said the head bailiff, laying down his pipe, and rising from his
+chair, "Let us drink the health of our good townsman, since he hath so
+far done honour to the place of his birth. Who knows, he may do even
+better yet! We have not altogether approved of the production here
+before us, peradventure his songs and sonnets are in better taste than
+his lampoons. Fill, my masters, to the brim. Since the Queen delights to
+honour Master Shakespeare, here's his health, and may he soon return
+amongst us!"
+
+And if such was the feeling entertained towards the poet by the more
+mechanical portion of the community of Stratford, those of higher degree
+felt a proportionable share of respect, since they could better
+appreciate his merits.
+
+And now, having once more returned to the spot from whence we started,
+we must again revisit some of the localities in and around that sweet
+neighbourhood. Sir Hugh Clopton having also returned from London on
+business of import, is once more to be seen in his old dwelling.
+
+Since we last beheld him located there, many stirring events have
+transpired. His life, on the whole, has passed, since the action with
+the Armada, in ease and quietude. At the present moment, however, he is
+in some trouble, consequent upon the untoward events connected with his
+nephew. Nay, he has returned to London for the purpose of parting with
+all he possesses, so that he may but pay off the huge debts Walter
+Arderne has become liable for, and save him from the other difficulties
+he is surrounded by.
+
+It is now far advanced in the month of September. The season is wet and
+dreary,--one of those unhealthy seasons which produce much sickness
+throughout the land. The continued rain had flooded the country around.
+The roads, never at this period good, are now almost impassable. The
+woods are wrapped in mist, and the marsh lands a perfect sea.
+
+    "The fold stands empty in the drowned field,
+    And crows are fatted with the murrain flocks,
+    The nine men's morris is filled up with mud,
+    And the quaint mazes in the wanton green,
+    For lack of tread, are undistinguishable;
+    Whilst on old Hyem's chin and icy crown,
+    An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds,
+    Is, as in mockery, set."
+
+Sir Hugh, after conferance with his man of business, is preparing in a
+few days again to set off for London. A journey of such extent is,
+however, matter of some consideration and considerable danger at such a
+season, with weather so unpropitious.
+
+As the old knight looks out upon the chase, the gloom of the aspect adds
+to the gloom of his spirits.
+
+Such a prospect is always calculated to beget a certain share of
+despondency, even in the most cheerful temper, and Sir Hugh has had
+enough of sorrow in his time to make him rather a grave than a merry
+companion.
+
+The old knight, however, is not the man to give way to despair under
+circumstances like the present.
+
+"Goods news, an Heaven will," he said, as he suddenly descried a
+horseman, with head bent to the saddle-bow, come sparring against the
+driving wind, his cloak blown into a balloon, the mire and water flying
+into the air as he dashed across the chase towards the mansion.
+
+During the prevalence of heavy and continued rain, any object which
+enlivens the wet landscape, even in our own dull times, becomes of
+interest. In Elizabeth's day, when so many events of import were
+transpiring, and when news came but rarely to a country place, the
+arrival of a post as tho armed and heavily-accoutred horseman was
+called was of peculiar interest. He brought, perhaps, intelligence of
+the danger or death of those nearest and dearest, and now heard for the
+first time. He bore, perchance, some secret intelligence of warning,
+some caution against an imminent, deadly foe, some hint to put the seas
+between the receiver and his native land.
+
+To Sir Hugh the sight of the coming horseman, as he emerged from the
+belt of plantation, and dashed into the open chase, was fraught almost
+with alarm.
+
+"God grant," he said, an he strained his eyes to observe if he could
+recognize the features of the rider, "that this new comer may bring me
+good tidings of our Walter."
+
+The increasing gloom, however, for it was now evening, hindered the
+knight from recognizing the person of the horseman. He heard the clatter
+of the hoofs of the steed along the approach, and, as he threw open the
+door, the rider having dismounted, unceremoniously entered the room. The
+next moment his hand was caught in the iron gripe of Captain Fluellyn.
+
+"Thou hast news, Captain," said Sir Hugh, "news of import, or thou
+would'st scarce have left my nephew in his captivity?"
+
+"I _have_ news, good Sir Hugh," said the Captain; "and when I have in
+something recovered wind enough, I will unfold it to you!"
+
+"Good! an Heaven will," said Sir Hugh; "my nephew, good Captain--?"
+
+"Is well," returned the Captain, "and commends him to you. Nay, he is,
+in some sort, out of his difficulties--that is to say, in as far as the
+charge of treason goeth."
+
+"Nay, then, Heaven be praised for that!" said Sir Hugh, "for the other
+matter, the worst is but worldly loss."
+
+"We are not so sure of that, either," returned the Captain, "affairs
+have altogether taken a new turn. Your nephew hath desired my return at
+once to inform you thereof, so as to stop your making any sacrifice of
+property."
+
+"'Fore Heaven, this doth surprise me!" said the Knight, "but come, we
+will hear such matter at more leisure, and after you have refreshed
+yourself, for you seem to have ridden far and fast since morning."
+
+"I have," said the Captain. "I am stained with variation of each soil,
+'twist this seat of yours and the town of Oxford, and the ways are
+wondrous foul and hard to travel over, too. A cup of wine and a rasher
+will be welcome."
+
+"You shall have the best that Clopton can afford," said the Knight,
+hurrying out, and calling lustily to his servants to prepare the evening
+meal without delay.
+
+Accordingly, the Captain, having divested himself of his heavy
+riding-cloak, and removed the long petronels, rapier, and dagger from
+his side, was in a few minutes more seated cozily in a high-backed chair
+beneath the chimney, and opposite his host.
+
+Between the pair stood a small table, plentifully furnished with several
+sorts of wine. A glorious log of wood blazed upon the hearth, and whilst
+the servants brought in the refreshments which furnished forth the
+evening meal, the new comer between each mouthful delivered his news to
+the greedy ears of his host.
+
+"Many events of import have transpired," said he, as he at length pushed
+his plate from him, in token that the inner man was satisfied; "aye, and
+that too in the short period since you left London to arrange matters
+here. In the first place, I need not inform you that both yourself and
+Walter Arderne had a secret foe at Court."
+
+"Of that I have long been aware," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"Most probably," said the Captain. "A foe is generally found sooner or
+later, like the blind mole, by the effects of his progress; but I have
+unearthed this mole."
+
+"Good," said Sir Hugh, "that's a point gained any how."
+
+"Nay, more, I have discovered you have also a secret and powerful friend
+at Court, and the friend is more powerful than the foe. Witness the
+effects. Your nephew is released from all responsibility on the subject
+of the treasonable charge trumped up against him, and, as he himself
+bade me deliver to you, is in a fair way of getting rid also of other
+matters appertaining."
+
+"And how is this derived?" said Sir Hugh. "You amaze me with so much
+good news, I pray you expound unto me the names of these persons who
+have interested themselves for and against me and mine. Set this foe
+before me, that I may know him, good Captain. 'Fore Heaven, I am old,
+but I have still some skill in fence. Thou shalt bear a cartel to the
+caitiff."
+
+"It could be easily done," returned the Captain, filling his pipe and
+puffing out a volume of smoke.
+
+"'Fore gad, then," said Sir Hugh, lighting a fellow pipe, and performing
+upon it with equal gusto, "you shall find it shall be as promptly done."
+
+"Have you ever had personal quarrel with the Earl of Leicester?"
+inquired the Captain.
+
+"None, as I am a gentleman," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"And yet," said the Captain, "hath it been through his means that your
+nephew's late troubles have been brought to a serious issue, so indeed
+as to threaten his life as well as deprive him of his liberty."
+
+"Were he twenty times an earl," said Sir Hugh, "he shall answer it. Thou
+shalt seek him, Captain, in my name, and demand the why and wherefore."
+
+"I had much rather be excused," said the Captain, eyeing the gyrations
+of the smoke, and then peeping at Sir Hugh.
+
+"How?" said Sir Hugh. "Wilt not be then my friend, good Captain? Well,
+be it so, I will to my good neighbour, Sir Thomas Lucy. He is a man to
+beard fifty earls, be they ever so powerful."
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy could hardly do your message either," said the Captain.
+
+"Ha, say'st thou! Truly, then, thou knowest not the goodness and
+hot-valour of the knight of Charlecote; he is a true friend, and right
+honest. But wherefore should Sir Thomas refuse to carry a cartel to the
+Earl?"
+
+"Because Sir Thomas would scarce carry a cartel to one unable to reply
+to it," said the Captain. "The Earl of Leicester is dead. He died two
+nights back at Cornbury, on his way to Kenilworth. So much I learnt as I
+tarried at Oxford, where, moreover, I further heard strange rumours of
+the manner of his death."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy!" said Sir Hugh, "this doth indeed surprise me. What a
+world is this we live in. Dead, quotha! and mine enemy too! Well this is
+news, indeed. But then this friend at Court, good Captain? methinks I
+should not forget to ask for him."
+
+"Ahem!" said the Captain. "Of that, anon. Bless me! how heavily the rain
+beats against the casement. Foul weather this, good Sir Hugh, for
+travellers. Truly the night hath come down dark, as a wolf's mouth, and
+ways be both foul and dangerous."
+
+"Hast any friend on the road to-night, good Captain?" inquired Sir Hugh.
+
+"I was consorted," said the Captain, "as far as Oxford by one who
+over-rode me on the way soon after leaving London, and whom I left at
+Oxford with a purpose of following hitherward. He is a native of
+Stratford, and one of pleasanter mood I never travelled withal. The man,
+I think, you know."
+
+"And his name?" inquired Sir Hugh. "Come, fill your glass."
+
+"William Shakespeare," said the Captain. "He who wrote the play we saw
+in London."
+
+Sir Hugh laid down his pipe, and rose to his feet. "Is Shakespeare
+coming back?" he said. "'Fore Heaven, thou canst not think, my good
+friend the pleasure such information gives me. Thou canst not tell what
+I feel towards that young man--so little known, yet so well
+appreciated."
+
+"Ha," said the Captain, "so have I heard you say."
+
+"I have before named to thee," said Sir Hugh, "former passages in which
+my family became acquainted with this Shakespeare, and how we received
+an inestimable service from him in his early youth. And I tell thee now
+my very soul yearned to go to that man when in London and clasp him to
+my heart, but I was ashamed. I gave ear to the tales of his enemies; I
+believed him to have become worthless and an outcast in the world. And,
+as I shamed to take part with him in adversity, so I shame to see his
+face in his hour of triumph. But I love that man. Nay, I am old,
+Captain, but the words of his poetry, as we listened to it that night,
+yet ring in mine ears."
+
+"Truly then," said the Captain, whose rough nature was in something
+moved, "your friendship is not ill bestowed. This Shakespeare hath
+bestirred himself in your nephew's favour, and procured his release from
+the graver charge of treason. He hath interested the Queen, through my
+Lords of Essex and Southampton, and hath given me a clue by which I have
+discovered the villany of our Stratford lawyer here, Pouncet Grasp, the
+secret foe through whose influence the Earl of Leicester was made
+instrumental. Nay, Shakespeare hath been your good friend, Sir Hugh."
+
+"And is he in sooth coming back to Stratford?" said Sir Hugh, rubbing
+his hands. "In prosperity or adversity, he shall be welcome as if he
+were mine own son."
+
+"Truly," said the Captain, "I can in some sort almost feel the same
+towards this friend of thine, for never travelled I with one who so
+cheered the long miles 'twixt post and post. He was right pleasant and
+facetious all the miry way 'twixt Acton and Oxbridge. I wished the miles
+twice us long whilst we pricked across the waste land towards
+Beaconsfield. Neither wind nor rain, or mud or mire, could alter his
+merry mood, as, by night, we made our way towards Walting Town; and when
+we lost our route, and were nearly drowned in the marshes of Abingdon,
+he turned our danger into a jest. Nothing came amiss to this
+Shakespeare; he had a saying for every mistake, and a good word for
+every misfortune."
+
+"Such a comrade," said Sir Hugh, "were worth something on a journey."
+
+"Nay, Sir Hugh," returned the Captain, "I have travelled far and near,
+yet never met I with such another. By 'ur Lady, I have consorted with
+your Dane, drank with your Hollander, revelled with your Frenchman, and
+fought with your Spaniard, yet none did I ever find who could hold
+comparison with this man."
+
+"I marvel you came not on further together," said Sir Hugh, "since you
+so well relished his companionship."
+
+"He tarried, as I told you, at Oxford," returned the Captain, "where it
+seems he had appointed to meet other company. Nay, I myself also tarried
+one night at Oxford, to rest my horse. We put up at the hostel of the
+Crown, and, in sooth, a merrier night I never spent withal. This
+Shakespeare hath a peculiar art. He made himself familiar amidst the
+various guests, and drew them out to exhibit themselves after the most
+exquisite fashion. Nay, the hostess of the Crown was herself a woman of
+exceeding wit and beauty, and seemed to relish the society of the
+player."
+
+"I know that hostel," said Sir Hugh. "'Tis kept by one Davenant; and the
+hostess is indeed, as you say, 'a most sweet wench.'"[26]
+
+[Footnote 26: There is an anecdote extant in Oxfordshire, of the
+intimacy subsisting between this hostess and Shakespeare. Shakespeare is
+said to have always rested at the Crown, at Oxford, whilst _en route_
+from London to Stratford.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIX.
+
+KENILWORTH.
+
+
+Our readers, we doubt not, have for some time entertained a shrewd
+suspicion regarding the somewhat indistinct character latterly flitting
+about amongst the _dramatis personæ_ of our story. The Lady Clara de
+Mowbray, in her own proper person, has of late been but little seen in
+the twisted and ravelled skein of this history.
+
+The fortunes of him who is enshrined in all hearts, has of necessity
+thrown all minor characters into the shade.
+
+Nevertheless, the doings of so exquisite a creature as Clara de Mowbray,
+are worthy of the contemplation of our readers, for both in station and
+disposition she was considerably elevated above the ordinary fragments
+of the world.
+
+She was a being in whom the best elements were mingled that she might
+well have been the worshipped idol of the noblest of the other sex. And
+yet have we seen this female, by one of those curious chances so common
+in real life, left alone almost in the world, steering her course across
+the ocean of adventurous deeds, unknown, and, apparently, unappreciated.
+And is not thin oft-times the case? Do we not oft-times see in the world
+the most paltry portions of humanity, the most impudent and assuming?
+The moat common-place, the most vain, and the most unworthy, exacting
+the most homage? Nay, succeeding in life better than the good and
+virtuous?
+
+Clara de Mowbray was one worthy of an emperor's love; a creature we do
+occasionally, but rarely, meet with in the world; a sort of descended
+angel amongst mortals, sent apparently as the pattern, the model, for
+the baser worldlings to "dress themselves by." The world, however, would
+perhaps be likely to censure Clara, and her virtues to stand her but as
+enemies--her innocence and her regardlessness of form and ceremony, her
+recklessness of paltry opinion, be considered unmaidenly and bold! and
+so might the world think and say, for Clara possessed a spirit as
+undaunted in the resolve to carry out her projects as she was pure in
+heart and beautiful in person. If she had a fault it was her unbended
+determination to go through with any thing she once undertook. She was
+the creature of romance too, and altogether would have been better
+suited for a more romantic age than that in which she lived. Albeit her
+own times gave some scope for the exercise of her peculiarities.
+
+We have seen that from childhood she had loved Arderne; she had had so
+many opportunities of observing his excellence and worth, that spite of
+her better reason, and against hope, she had loved. It was one of those
+unselfish passions which hopes all for the being beloved, and nothing
+for self. She knew that the object of her thoughts had been engaged
+elsewhere, that his affections were buried in the tomb of Charlotte
+Clopton, but that altered not her feelings towards him a jot. Whilst he
+lived, it was something to breathe in the same hemisphere; and to add to
+his happiness and prosperity, even by stealth, was her study.
+
+Hence have we seen her in disguise seeking to deliver him from the
+horrors of captivity or starvation on a desolate shore. Herself enduring
+the extremity of mishap, and then rescued from captivity of the
+Spaniard. Hence have we seen her bequeathing, in the event of her own
+death, all she possessed upon the one so beloved, and hence have we
+seen her, and her extraordinary disposition revelled in such a
+situation, the disguised comrade, and then the guest of the wonderful
+man whose course of life it has been our task to follow. And hence we
+find her, up to the present period of our story, still bending all her
+energies to restore the fortunes and happiness of Walter Arderne.
+
+In all things, however, Clara de Mowbray, as we have before hinted,
+chose to follow her own notions comparatively unknown, certainly she
+thought unloved by the object of her affections. She shrank from all
+idea of being recognised as the benefactor of Arderne, lest he should
+consider himself bound to tender her the devotion of the life she had
+sought to save. She pursued, therefore, an extremely cautious and
+erratic mode in all her proceeding. Even Shakespeare, the friend, the
+wonderful man who had saved her from the Spaniard, she feared entirely
+to place confidence in. The poet, however, had carefully studied the
+character of this beautiful female, resolved to thwart her ultimate
+intentions regarding herself, and if possible, to make her happy.
+
+How strangely then flows the tide of human events. Clara de Mowbray
+alive, in health, and the real possessor of enormous wealth, was
+apparently dead to the world as to herself, her affections she thought
+unrequited. On the object of those affections she had conferred all her
+worldly goods, and herself she had intended to dedicate to Heaven.
+
+She was a Catholic, and she meant, as soon an she saw all her schemes in
+a fair way of completion, to seclude herself from the world. She had
+arranged matters so as to retire to a convent in Navarre. With Arderne
+the case was as singular. This youth, so much thought of for his
+excellent disposition, albeit he mourned the beautiful Clara as one
+dead, adored her memory as a reality, and, had he suspected her of being
+in life, would have put a girdle round the earth to find her out.
+
+    "Love like a shadow flies, when substation love pursues,
+    Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues."
+
+And that such should be the case,--that the melancholy Walter should
+become enamoured of what seemed but a shadow, is not surprising in a man
+of his disposition. The splendid domains be had succeeded to, the
+romance of the situation altogether, his remembrance of the sometime
+heiress of these broad lands, at last caused him to be so enamoured of
+her bare memory that the subject of her beauty formed the entire subject
+of his thoughts. It seemed to him that she haunted each dell and glided
+about the stately halls of her forefathers, sighed in the winds which
+swept around the battlements of her ancestry; and, indeed, pervaded
+every spot around the woods and groves she had conferred upon him. The
+remembrance of his former love was by a newer object quite obliterated.
+The good Walter, in short, became a sort of dreamy person. For hours
+together would he stand in the long gallery at Shottery, and
+contemplate the picture of Clara de Mowbray; and had not Grasp's
+machinations, by driving him from these thoughts and from possession of
+the domains, driven him from the haunts that engendered them, he would
+most probably have become a melancholy maniac or a misanthrope.
+
+Clara de Mowbray had in her early youth, beside the unfortunate
+Charlotte Clopton, one other dear and valued friend, the unhappy
+Countess of Leicester. This beautiful woman, whom the dark Earl had
+become enamoured of whilst her first husband was alive, he was reported
+to have "played most foully for." He was said, indeed to have poisoned
+Walter, Earl of Essex, in order to gain her hand.
+
+The sorrowful Countess, who had ample leisure to repent of her second
+marriage, had been greatly attached to Clara, and frequently when she
+could escape from the splendid cares, "the glistering grief," of her own
+home, had been wont to pour her sorrows into the ear of the heiress. She
+had consequently been the only person, except the eccentric Martin, who
+was the entire confident of Clara. She had known of her attachment, and
+also had been privy to her adventure in search of her lover; she also
+knew of her determination to retire from the world it she succeeded, and
+in common with the world, she imagined Clara had perished in the
+attempt; but as she had been sworn to secresy by her young friend, ere
+she departed, so she had faithfully kept counsel.
+
+Now, however, but a few days before the Earl of Leicester's death, to
+her astonishment, in the disguised individual who sought her at
+Kenilworth, the Countess beheld her dearly-loved friend, accompanied by
+the long lost Martin. How they had escaped from shipwreck and all the
+"portance of their travelled history," the Countess had small time to
+learn, for soon after their arrival she herself was summoned to the sick
+Earl at Cornbury Park.
+
+The Countess, however, had granted Clara the boon she asked,--a letter
+to the Queen in favour of Arderne; and this letter, together with the
+applications of Essex and Southampton, had procured Walter's release;
+after which, together with the faithful Martin, Clara again sought
+retirement at Kenilworth.
+
+And, oh! if that splendid record of pride and power could have spoken,
+what tales of sorrow and suffering, as well as of grandeur, what proofs
+of unbridled power could it have told. Those magnificent buildings of
+Leicester, where such princely revels had been held--how could they have
+uttered forth a wailing lament over the wickedness of unchecked and
+headstrong will! Those gaudy and tapestried chambers, the last built,
+the first to go to decay--how well could they have divulged the
+whispered deceit of human nature, the cunning and the baseness of the
+_parvenu_ Earl who reared them!
+
+For one hour those rooms had "blazed with light, and bray'd with
+minstrelsy," how many dark and melancholy weeks had they to tell of,
+whilst sorrow and whispered horror, and surmise that "dared not speak
+its fear," had reigned there! How had the very domestics feared the
+descending shadows in those vast rooms, and where the night-shriek
+"disturbed the curtain sleep!" Deeds of evil note had had their reign in
+those chambers. The wail of sorrow had been heard oft-times in the long
+winter's nights, in the dungeons of that castle; and, even to her who
+was the mistress there, that bright castle-lake, the fair scene without,
+all had been looked upon from those arched windows with eyes that marked
+not their beauty,--she, who was the wife of their possessor, slept there
+in fear.
+
+Through the instrumentality of Essex and Southampton, on becoming better
+known to those chivalrous men, Arderne had been so much liked, that they
+had introduced him to the Queen; and Elizabeth was so struck with his
+handsome form and gallant bearing, that she had taken him into favour,
+and employed him in her service.
+
+The national spirit of England had been so much, aroused by the Spanish
+invasion, that nothing less than some attempt at retaliation would
+satisfy the people. Don Anthonia, titular King of Portugal, was a
+suppliant at the English Court for assistance to establish him on the
+throne of his ancestors; and as Elizabeth rather relished the policy,
+albeit she liked not the cost of such a measure, she gave leave to her
+subjects to fit out an expedition for the liberation of Portugal from
+the Spanish yoke, always providing they did it at their own proper
+charge, she lending them ships of war.
+
+This expedition the valiant Arderne resolved, at a hint from the Queen,
+to join; and, albeit he was forbidden to have anything to do with it by
+the doating Queen, the rash and headstrong Essex also resolved to play
+the knight-errant, and, escaping from the silken fetters of his courtly
+mistress, as a simple volunteer accompany the expedition.
+
+Clara de Mowbray, meantime, was the guest of her early friend, Lettice,
+Countess of Leicester, at Kenilworth; the Countess, during the period of
+her mourning, being resident at the castle. Some three weeks had passed
+away since the Earl's death, and even in that short space, many events
+bad transpired. Arderne was released from all graver charges; Grasp,
+although discomfited, terrified and conscience-stricken, was still
+endeavouring to make a good fight for his client; and Shakespeare was
+returning to his wife and family. True to his resolve, after his own
+return to Stratford-upon-Avon, Grasp as soon as he recovered himself,
+had hastened to Charlecote with intelligence that the "sometime
+deer-stealer" was at length forthcoming, and would but Sir Thomas give
+fresh instructions, he, Grasp, would still pursue the delinquent, and
+bring him to condign punishment.
+
+Sir Thomas had, however, entirely changed his opinion upon the subject
+of the offence, it appeared. He had also changed his opinion of Grasp,
+and summoning his head-falconer, old Hubert, he desired him to call
+together several of his followers, and toss Grasp in a blanket in the
+park--the knight watching the operations with infinite gusto from his
+window.
+
+Such happiness, therefore, as usually falls to the share of mortals in
+this work-a-day world, may be supposed to have fallen to the share of
+many of tho individuals connected with our story.
+
+In outward seeming, such was, indeed the case.
+
+But perfect happiness is, in reality, beyond the reach of mortals. It is
+the green spot in the distance, and that on which we stand is ever but a
+sterile promontory.
+
+    "What we have not, still we strive to get,
+    And what we have, _forget_."
+
+It was one evening, about three weeks after Leicester's death, that the
+Countess and her interesting friend were seated in one of those
+magnificent apartments in the buildings to which the Earl had given his
+name.
+
+Few, as we have before said, as they gaze upon this now ruined shell,
+can have an adequate notion of its former state and grandeur. The
+buildings reared by that proud Earl, almost for the sole purpose of
+offering to the Queen the most sumptuous entertainment ever given by
+subject to sovereign, seemed, indeed, reared but for that one scene of
+pomp and grandeur, and afterwards to have remained a sad memento of the
+mutability of human greatness, and then sank unnoted to decay. As they
+had added their sum of more to that before enormous pile, so had they,
+in their vastness, remained almost too spacious for a subject's means.
+For the castle altogether, with its numerous flanking towers, and the
+additions which had been made to it from time to time seemed capable of
+containing an army within the roundure of its walls.
+
+As the Countess sat with her friend in one of the magnificent apartments
+of Leicester's Building, she listened to the recital Clara had to give
+of her own escape from death, when taken prisoner by the Spaniard.
+
+'Twas a delicious evening. The October winds sighed upon the lake
+without, and scattered the dried leaves from the woodland on the
+opposite shore. The setting sun shone like gold upon the turrets of the
+castle, and tinged the massive forest, as the Lady Clara glanced
+occasionally in the direction where lay Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+Countess marked that glance as she sat opposite to her friend and
+beneath the huge chimney, for the coldness of the season, and the size
+of the room, made the blazing fire upon the hearth anything but
+disagreeable.
+
+"And after enduring so much," said the Countess, "you mean then, to
+retire for ever from the world--you will forsake him for whom you have
+adventured life, fortune, reputation."
+
+"I forsake none," said Clara. "Who knows or cares for one so solitary in
+the world! I bequeath to him I most love, all my worldly goods--myself I
+dedicate to heaven."
+
+"There is one other," said the Countess, "and whom I have heard you
+mention in terms of admiration and respect--will not his persuasion
+avail."
+
+"He is indeed a man," said Clara, with enthusiasm, "one whose words
+might do much. But are you quite sure he would not rather approve than
+censure my resolve? He knows something of my story, but like yourself,
+he is bound by me to secresy whilst I remain in England."
+
+"Listen," said the Countess, "to what this friend has to urge;" and
+taking from a sort of cabinet a small packet, she read the following:--
+
+                      I.
+
+    "From fairest creatures we desire increase,
+        That thereby beauty's rose might never die.
+    But as the riper should by time decease,
+        His tender heir might bear his memory:
+    But then, contracted to thine own bright eyes,
+        Feed'st thy light's frame with self-substantial fuel,
+    Making a famine where abundance lies,
+        Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel,
+    Thou that art now the world's fresh ornament,
+        And only herald to the gaudy spring,
+    Within thine own bud buriest thy content,
+        And, tender churl, mak'st waste in niggarding,
+    Pity the world, or else this glutton be,
+    To eat the world's due, by the grave and thee.
+
+                     II.
+
+    When forty winters shall besiege thy brow,
+        And dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field,
+    Thy youth's proud livery, so gazed on now,
+        Will be a tatter'd weed, of small worth held:
+    Then, being ask'd where all thy beauty lies,
+        Where all the treasure of thy lusty days;
+    To say, within thine own deep sunken eyes,
+        Were an all-eating shame, and thriftless praise.
+    How much more praise deserved thy beauty's use,
+        If thou could'st answer--'This fair-child of mine
+    Shall sum my count, and make my old excuse,'--
+        Proving his beauty by succession thine.
+    This were to be new made, when thou art old,
+    And see thy blood warm, when thou feel'st it cold."
+
+There was a pause after the Countess had read these sonnets, and which
+she, in common with the entire Court circle, had been delighted with
+when they first appeared. The beauty of the poetry, like sweet music,
+placed a spell upon the pair; such verse in those lordly apartments had
+a double influence.
+
+As Clara gazed around upon the arrassed walls, and then glanced from the
+window upon the sweet scene without,--when she looked towards the home
+of the poet, the spirit of that man seemed to breath around. In some
+sort the Countess of Leicester felt this, for both these high-born
+ladies knew Shakespeare; his exquisite poetry had stolen over their
+hearts. They were of the few of their day who already appreciated him.
+
+"Your story, Clara," said Lady Leicester, at length breaking silence,
+"convinces me this generous man carries with him the remembrance of some
+early grief--some secret sorrow never to be expressed. I feel as firmly
+convinced of it, as that you yourself are the excited cause of those
+sonnets I have just perused. The time of their production and
+circulation amongst us by Essex and Southampton--the circumstances under
+which you was rescued by this Shakespeare from the Spaniard--his
+discovery of your true sex, and subsequent contemplation of your
+exquisite disposition, Clara, all confirm it. Heaven grant thou sweetest
+and best of women, that this poetic friend does not himself love, and
+whilst he has pleaded for license to inform his friend Arderne of your
+secret, has not indeed felt a pang sharp as the stilleto of the
+Italian."
+
+Clara started at the words of the Countess, and a slight flush suffused
+her check. The thought was, for the moment, fraught with pleasant
+reminiscences, but then feelings of alarm pervaded her, lest there
+should be in reality some truth in the suspicion of her friend. That
+man, so immeasurably above all other mortals, to love her--that man,
+whose influence seemed always to pervade every spot around her, where
+aught noble, refined, or chivalrous breathed--that man, without whose
+society, even granting she were wedded to him she loved, she must now
+experience a void, a blank. For be it remembered that Clara de Mowbray
+had, from circumstances, been the intimate, the companion of
+Shakespeare, knew his sentiments, been with him in the hour when poetry
+flowed from lip as well as pen; and that whilst she had listened, his
+words had produced thoughts and imaginings belonging to the fabled ages
+of the early world, in Crete, in Sparta, and in Thessaly.
+
+As the Countess remarked the effect her words had produced, she arose
+and walked to the window. How sad, she thought to herself, that the life
+of one so amiable should be an aimless one! How sad, that sorrow should
+inhabit that form where so much grace and beauty dwelt!
+
+Her thoughts, however, were speedily withdrawn from her friend, for at
+that moment the Major Domo, or steward of the Castle, his white wand in
+his hand, announced the arrival of a messenger from London bearing
+dispatches.
+
+"News," she said, as she took the several sealed packets and examined
+them. "News, Clara, and from my truant son."
+
+"The messenger, an it so please ye," said the steward, "announces the
+Earl is on his road hitherward, and with a goodly company."
+
+"'Tis even so," said Lady Leicester; "he writes me word he hath returned
+from Lisbon, where nothing but discomfort, sickness, and mortality
+attended the English army. Six out of eighteen thousand having already
+fallen victims to the climate."
+
+"And have you news of others present in that ill-omened expedition?"
+inquired Clara.
+
+"Nothing save that some of his companions of the expedition are with
+him. The Queen, I find, by another packet," said Lady Leicester, "is
+much blamed for permitting this expedition to be undertaken at all since
+it has thus failed. Nay, she hath been rated by Burleigh. The royal
+lioness is, therefore, chafed in spirit."
+
+"Ah! and here is another letter," continued the Countess, as she perused
+a somewhat curious document, as curiously worded, and after a fashion
+not uncommon at a period when, "in speaking of dangerous majesty," it
+was necessary to be guarded. The letter was brief and secret, partly in
+figures, and the Countess read it aloud to her friend:
+
+"Let not 1500[27] gain sight of 1000 till anger subdueth, or the hot
+blood of 1000 will chafe at what may peradventure follow; 1500 is
+wrathful, and the enemies of 1000 have worked during absence; keep,
+therefore, valour and worth employed till matters cool. Not only hath
+the disobedience of 1000 offended in the expedition, but 1500 hath seen
+a printed volume[28] of _t--t's_, title to _a--a_, a device, doubtless,
+of some crafty knave and enemy; 50 hath been committed this day to the
+tower."
+
+[Footnote 27: Elizabeth was expressed in those letters by the figures
+1500; Essex by 1000; _a--a_ was the crown.]
+
+[Footnote 28: A seditious Catholic publication, dedicated to Essex, to
+ruin him.]
+
+"I understand it not," said Clara. "Albeit it is plain enough to the
+eye, the sense is mysterious."
+
+"It speaks to me of danger to my gallant son," said the Countess with a
+sigh, "and is from a dear and true industrious friend. It means that the
+Queen is angry with my son, and we must, therefore, hold him here if
+possible. You must aid me in this Clara, and we must endeavour to make
+Kenilworth a pleasing prison to him for a brief space."
+
+"Thou knowest," said Clara, "that I am thy guest under promise of strict
+incognito; thou knowest, dear Lettice, that I am strict in my resolve to
+remain unknown."
+
+"I know thou art proud in spirit, Clara, as becomes one of the princely
+line of Plantagenet. But 'tis a mother who asks thee to aid her in
+keeping her darling son from danger. Heaven knows I have little heart
+for revelling just now, but something we must invent to detain Essex at
+Kenilworth till the danger blows over."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LX.
+
+THE RETURN.
+
+
+     Our readers must now again look upon the town of Stratford,
+     whilst the bright mid-day sun shines upon its roof and
+     chimneys, mid glitters like innumerable diamonds upon its
+     multitudinous windows.
+
+With one of those sudden changes so common to our climate, the damp
+weather has cleared up, and turned to frost. The air is light and
+cheerful, and a hoary tinge is given to all around.
+
+How sweetly rural are the quiet old towns of England, as the approaching
+winter begins to give us that cozy anticipation of the comforts and
+fire-side enjoyments to come with the snow and the bracing blast.
+
+In Elizabeth's day, when the season was fraught with games and revels,
+each house in the quaint-looking street seemed to promise its
+hospitality. The citizens' wives, as they bustled through the street,
+appeared to experience this feeling. The native burghers seemed to
+accost each other with a more cordial greeting. The change, even in the
+open country, albeit it is sterile, and the "one red leaf" is all that
+dances on the tall tree, is so seasonable, that it is grateful. The
+human mortals love the coming winter. Its change seems to freshen up all
+around. Even the old crone, shivering in the ingle neuk, looks with a
+renewed feeling of pleasure upon the frosted pane, and listens to the
+sound of the wind without with a kind of enjoyable feeling as she turns
+her eye again upon the bright hearth-log. Its very crackle seems to
+chirp of Christmas festivities--"to tell of youthful prime," and those
+departed days of lusty bachelorship and maiden coyness, with all the
+romps and revels of the time. And then, with the changeful current of
+thought, as remembrance dwells upon the many departed, amidst the many
+known,--then comes the more sombre picture, the superstitions of the old
+age, the sheeted ghost, the evil genius, the witch, and the thrice-told
+tale of Gramarie--those cherished remembrances of the hallowed period
+
+    "Wherein the Saviour's birth was celebrated."
+
+Stratford, so picturesque in its old-world look, so peculiarly English,
+is just now putting on its winter garb.
+
+A couple of days subsequent to that on which Captain Fluellyn arrived at
+Clopton, whilst the inhabitants progressed the streets, they seemed once
+more filled with the import of recent news. Rumour, in the absence of
+all assured information, with all its exaggeration of circumstance, was
+afloat amongst them. The great difficulty amidst the variety of
+information was to gain the real story which had arrived. Grasp, who
+had suddenly returned, had brought it; but then Grasp, who was hardly to
+be believed on his oath, had shut himself up the moment he arrived, and
+would see no one. Certain, however, it was (for everybody said it) that
+another desperate attempt had been made upon the life of the Queen. By
+some it was reported she had been stabbed; by others that she had been
+shot. Master Doubletongue went so far as to say that she was both dead
+and buried! But as such surmise amounted to treason, he was ordered by
+the head-bailiff to go about and deny all he had asserted, the drummer
+of the town being sent round with him, in order that he might proclaim
+himself a liar at every corner.
+
+Those of our readers who have an eye for the picturesque can, we dare
+say, imagine the High Street of Stratford-upon-Avon at this season of
+the year, peopled thus with inhabitants clad in their quaint costume,
+their short cloaks, doublets, and high-crowned hats. Those respectable,
+dignified, and grave-looking men, progressing with an assured and
+stately step, cane in hand, not hurrying about, as at the present day,
+but greeting each other with something of ceremony in their deportment.
+Many of them stand in groups of three or four and discuss the news,
+whilst the good wives of the town, albeit they are few in number, for it
+was not considered over seemly for the sober sort of females to be much
+upon the tramp, are also to be observed in their wide-brimmed hats,
+mufflers and kirtles, passing and repassing along the highway.
+
+The street altogether has, with the beetling stories on either hand, the
+clear frosty air, and the costumed figures, with here and there a red
+cloak amongst other sad-coloured suits, altogether the appearance of a
+winter view in an old Dutch painting.
+
+The news is of import, and all seem impressed with it--for, in
+Elizabeth's day, so much importance was attached to the life of the
+Queen by her Protestant subjects, that man looked grave and anxious at
+such a rumour as the present. Public safety and the prosperity of the
+nation seemed to hang upon her life.
+
+Grasp, albeit he was slightly regarded in the town, was called on
+several times, but no one could gain admittance at Grasp's. He seemed to
+have rammed up his doors against the world. He was sick, engaged, not
+within, not to be molested. Meanwhile, as the day passed and the evening
+approached, a light and gentle fall of snow seemed to herald the coming
+winter weather. And as light thickened, the sharp and rapid sound of an
+approaching horseman is heard at a distance on the Warwick road. Let us
+listen to the sound, as the sharp spur of that rider urges on his steed;
+now from a rapid trot to a gallop, and then again apparently he pulls up
+to a slower pace.
+
+'Tis sweet to hear, in the still evening, the sound of hoofs on the hard
+road, mellowed by distance, now clattering along, loud and sharp, and
+now again so indistinct as to be almost lost to the ear.
+
+One or two of the townsfolk have walked forth to meet that traveller and
+inquire the news, and at length he nears the suburb, spurs on his steed,
+and enters the inn; an event in the annals of that place which, could
+the inhabitants have appreciated it, would have doubtless been
+sufficiently noted.
+
+He came comparatively unknown amongst them, that horseman, unannounced
+even to his own family. He thought not of his own importance, he knew it
+not, yet not a building, could it have spoken and felt, but would, we
+think, have uttered a note of joy. The very bells of the old tower
+should have rung out a joyous peal, and the hollow steeple of the guild
+of the Holy Cross have cracked with the reverberation of the sound.
+
+Nay, we can almost wonder that the inhabitants did not, one and all, go
+forth to greet the rider in the high-crowned hat, long boots, ample
+cloak, and the long petronels in his girdle, for, take him for all in
+all, Stratford will never look upon his like again. His capable eye
+glanced down the High Street, as he rode; a tear glistened on his cheek
+as he beheld its well-known aspect, and then he spurred his steed, and
+rode up Henley Street. A few moments more and he was in the midst of his
+relatives. William Shakespeare had returned to Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXI.
+
+THE DISCOMFITED SCRIVENER.
+
+
+     Grasp's return home was somewhat more sudden than he had
+     intended. He returned indeed in an exceedingly discomfited and
+     excited state.
+
+His friend Dismal was the only person who had gained access to him, and
+that but for a few moments. During the interview, however, Dismal had
+gathered from Doubletongue, who also arrived in all haste, that great
+events had transpired in London, of one sort or other. But so
+extraordinary and so perturbed did both the lawyer and his friend seem,
+that except certain incoherent expressions about an attempt upon the
+Queen's life, a spectre he himself had beheld, and various allusions to
+poison, assassination, death, destruction, and utter ruin. Dismal
+completely failed in discovering the exact news the travellers had to
+tall, and hence the variety of reports circulated through the town.
+Something certainly seemed to have gone all wrong with the lawyer. His
+friend Doubletongue had never seen him so put out, and altogether he
+feared that his wits were going.
+
+To explain the meaning of this agitated and nervous state of the worthy
+Stratford lawyer, we must go back a few paces in our history.
+
+Grasp, then, it will be remembered, whilst in London, had considerably
+extended his practice. He had apparently involved Walter Arderne in
+ruin; he had even carried on his intrigues so as to make the dark Earl,
+he of Leicester, a party concerned in his plot. For Grasp had given the
+Earl a hint about certain abbey lands and a manor near Kenilworth, which
+would fall to the said Earl in the event of Arderne's decease. He had
+ferreted out the existence of a plot, by means of which he hoped to rise
+to great preferment; and he had succeeded in beguiling a simple-minded
+gentleman, resident in Warwickshire, that he was indeed the real and
+undisputed heir to the estates of the before-named Clara de Mowbray, and
+actually by bribery, and using all sorts of villainy, got a verdict in
+such person's favour, and placed him in possession of some portion of
+the property.
+
+Somehow or other, however, like the labours of the alchemist, which at
+the moment of projection are frequently overthrown by the bursting of
+some vessel containing the divine elixir, so all Grasp's schemes seemed
+unaccountably blown to the winds, and himself discomfited.
+
+Acting upon wrong information, he had followed a female, who travelled
+in male disguise, as far as Oxford, where he lost all trace of her; and
+whilst he tarried at the City of Palaces, an express overtook him, with
+directions to hasten with all speed to Cornbury Park, where the Earl of
+Leicester was then lying sick, having arrived there by easy stages on
+the way to Kenilworth, a few days before.
+
+Now, Grasp, since his first introduction to the Earl of Leicester, had
+made such considerable advances in that bad man's good graces, that the
+Earl had sent an express for him, in order to make some alterations in
+his will.
+
+Grasp accordingly set forth, leaving directions that Sir Humphrey
+Graball, the gentleman who was disputing the succession of the Mowbray
+estates, and Master Quillett, the Temple lawyer, and with whom he had
+arranged a meeting at Oxford, should follow him to Cornbury. For Grasp
+argued very wisely, that both the matters of business apertaining to the
+Earl's claim, and the concoction of a new will, might be arranged at one
+and the same time.
+
+The will of the sick and fallen favourite, had we space to dilate upon
+it, would perhaps be well worthy of contemplation. That part of it
+especially in which he bequeathed a costly legacy to his royal
+mistress--the bequest being wrapped up in a preamble of honeyed words,
+being not the least curious part of the document.
+
+It was night when the Earl finished his business with Grasp, and the
+bleak winds of September sounded through the park of Cornbury, as the
+lawyer, after the interview, sat with the before-named client and the
+Templar, in a small apartment of the mansion. It was a dark hour, and a
+certain feeling of awe seemed to pervade that household.
+
+The overgrown and fallen courtier lying helpless and hopeless, alike
+body and soul. His "ill-weaved ambition" shrank to the smallest
+span--his parks, his walks, his manors forsaking him. His swollen body,
+a thing abhorrent even to himself. That beautiful Countess too,
+attending upon him without love; and whilst duty called her to the side
+of him who had so vilely used her, the selfish courtier even envying her
+the life and health she enjoyed.
+
+Nothing however, could exceed the elation of Grasp. He beheld in
+prospect a glorious array of difficulties and litigation consequent upon
+the matters he was engaged in; and most of all the success of his
+machinations in favour of Sir Humphrey Graball, and his succession to
+the manors of Mowbray, promised him endless profits.
+
+"Sir Humphrey is altogether an easy simpleton," he said, "a most weak
+and debile man, and can as easily be led by the nose as an ass. Ergo, I
+shall thrive."
+
+Accordingly, as Grasp sat with his client discussing matters of moment,
+whilst they relieved their labours by occasional indulgence in the good
+wine of the house, amongst other papers called for, was the will of the
+Lady Clara de Mowbray--an instrument we have, on a former occasion seen
+in his possession. There is always a secret horror suitable to the time,
+when in some antique apartment, and, by night, men meet together to
+peruse the musty documents which speak the last wishes of those within
+the tomb, more especially when sickness and those signs which foretell
+the ending of mortality pervade the habitation. On this rough night
+
+    "The owl shrieked, the fatal bellman
+    Which gives the sternest good night."
+
+Suddenly, as Grasp glanced upon that will, he became, as it were,
+transfixed. At the same moment a sort of hubbub seemed to pervade the
+house. In place of the silence which the sick Earl had commanded there
+was suddenly heard an opening and shutting of doors--a summons of
+persons in all haste, and something apparently of dreadful import in
+agitation.
+
+Grasp, however, heeded it not. He seemed still engrossed with the
+parchment before him. He held it back at arm's length; he drew it close
+to his nose; he uttered an exclamation of astonishment, and the word
+"codicil" escaped, as one of the domestics rushed into tho room to
+announce that the Earl was dying in fearful agony.
+
+Without heeding the news, Grasp fled from the room, rushed to the
+stable, mounted his horse, and rode off for Oxford. With the will still
+in his hand, the excited lawyer dismounted from his steed, and strode
+into the tavern, where, heeding not the assembled guests, he threw
+himself into a vacant seat, with the air of one possessed by a demon.
+And, again, with fearful eye, regarded the instrument he hold in his
+hand.
+
+"Can such things be?" he said. "Can the dead return to life, or is it
+the evil one himself who thus palters with my sight and senses?"
+
+The tavern was on this night tolerably well filled with guests. One of
+them, who was seated opposite to the lawyer, was a person of a most
+expressive and pleasant style of countenance. His conversation and wit
+had indeed been setting the whole assemblage, gentle and simple, in
+roars, during the entire evening--the host and hostess of the tavern
+being not the least amused.
+
+The advent of Grasp in his perturbed state, his extraordinary grimaces,
+his abstracted demeanour, and his travel-stained appearance altogether,
+called forth from this person so many curious remarks, that the laughter
+which had for the moment been interrupted by his entrance was renewed
+tenfold at Grasp's expense, till, as on unfixing his gaze from the
+basilisk he seemed to hold in his hand, he looked round upon the
+assemblage, and then steadily regarded his tormentor, he beheld himself
+face to face with the old subject of his former enmity--Master William
+Shakespeare.
+
+"There is no rest for the wicked," saith the old proverb; and the
+renewed roar which followed the expression of Grasp's countenance at
+this sudden recognition, was actually driving him from the room, when
+Doubletongue, who had followed his friend, suddenly entered, and
+whispered something in his ear.
+
+"Poisoned say ye?" exclaimed Grasp, starting in surprise; "my Lord of
+Leicester deceased--dead--defunct, and thus suddenly? Poisoned, say ye?
+Art sure 'tis the Countess you mean?"
+
+"No, 'tis the Earl himself," said Doubletongue; "and your having been
+with him just before, together with your sudden departure, hath raised a
+suspicion among the household that----"
+
+"'Fore heaven, what mean ye?" said Grasp. "They surely suspect not that
+I had ought to do with the poisoning of my Lord of Leicester? There must
+have been some dire mistake in the matter. 'Fore heaven, I shall be
+hanged through this mistake!" and Grasp immediately left the room,
+bribed the ostler to procure him a fresh horse, and set off with all
+speed towards Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+Scarce had he gained a dozen miles when he came up with a couple of
+riders progressing the same road as himself. Company was ever welcome in
+those days, and the horsemen gladly acceded to his request to be allowed
+to ride in their escort.
+
+The habitual caution of the lawyer, however, caused him to cast certain
+searching glances at his companions as often as the moon's light gave
+him opportunity of doing so, and ere long he became almost confirmed in
+the belief that in one of the armed riders he was accompanying he had
+fallen in with the identical female in male apparel whom he had before
+been in search of. There was comfort, at all events, in this
+supposition, and as they emerged from the dark covert of a wood they had
+been progressing through, he managed to push his horse between them and
+gain a good look at their features. And here again Grasp apparently
+beheld that which renewed his former perturbation. The face of the rider
+he first encountered wore the actual expression of one he had reason to
+believe had long been dead, and as he turned his startled glance upon
+the other, he beheld the exact lineaments of Clara de Mowbray. Pale she
+looked, as if her features were of sculptured alabaster; but as she
+turned her countenance full upon him, he could not be mistaken in their
+identity.
+
+Conscience had already made a coward of Grasp--his clear spirit was
+puddled. The deep sea had apparently cast up the dead to discomfort him,
+and clapping spars to his steed, he fled onwards on his route towards
+Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXII.
+
+OLD FRIENDS.
+
+
+Our story now draws towards conclusion, and we once more return to the
+point from which we at first started. Clopton Hall, after so many years
+of gloom, may now be said to have quite resumed that appearance of
+hospitality and prosperity as when we first beheld it in the early
+passages of our story, and ere disease, death, and misery, had so
+prevailed there.
+
+For the first time for many years its rooms and offices, its stalls,
+kennels, and falconries, were all tenanted. After so many vicissitudes
+and strange events, in which its inmates had been separated, and became
+wanderers in the world, such of them as were in being were again
+assembled within its old walls.
+
+The coming Christmas, that season so ceremoniously observed at the
+period, promised again to be the harbinger of festive scenes and old
+world rites of hospitality.
+
+The old knight, for the first time for many years, seemed really to hold
+up his head, and glance around him with feelings of pride and
+contentment. His dearly beloved nephew was again with him; he had just
+come from over sea with Essex, and having left the Earl on the road
+towards Kenilworth, had galloped forward to Clopton.
+
+In addition to this, too, which seemed to give Sir Hugh as much content
+as astonishment, that tried old friend, the trusty and shrewd Martin,
+who had so long been mourned as dead there, had suddenly reappeared at
+Clopton.
+
+The old knight could scarce contain himself within bounds as he looked
+upon the pair. 'Twas hardly to be thought of, so much of contentment,
+after having so long been a lonesome mourner; for one way or other, Sir
+Hugh had now been in trouble so many years, that his happiness almost
+alarmed him, lest something should turn up to mar it afresh.
+
+It was on the evening of the day on which we have introduced our readers
+to the inmates of Kenilworth that Martin and Arderne, together with
+others connected with our story, were seated beneath the hospitable roof
+of Sir Hugh.
+
+To describe the unmixed pleasure experienced by these good and amiable
+friends on that evening exceeds the power of our pen; albeit we may
+attempt to describe some portion of the conversation which took place.
+Few things, we opine, are more gratifying than to glance upon a circle
+of true friends, so bound together as the ones in question, and on this
+occasion the party consisted of some half-dozen individuals, for,
+besides those we have already named, the circle contained the worthy
+Captain Fluellyn, and, "though last, not least," William Shakespeare sat
+a guest beneath that old chimney.
+
+'Twas indeed a goodly fellowship, and in which, though perhaps 'tis a
+rare thing to say, where six mortals quaffed a loving cup together, not
+a particle of envy, hatred, or uncharitableness, pervaded.
+
+The divine expression of Shakespeare's face, as he sipped the ruby
+liquor, the noble countenance of Arderne, as he glanced first at one and
+then another of the friends around, the excitement of the old host, as
+he pushed the cup about, the quaint look of the shrewd Martin, and the
+bluff, jovial style of the sea captain, as he puffed away at his
+capacious pipe, our readers must imagine. They sat in a circle round the
+huge log upon the hearth, and each and all had something to relate or
+something to listen to of stirring interest, for as each spoke of his
+own adventures, 'twas as if some brother told the tale.
+
+"Your story, good Martin," said Shakespeare, as Martin paused after
+telling some portion of his adventure and escape from the Spaniard, "on
+mine own authority I would hardly dare avouch. 'Tis like some of those
+events in real life which scarce pass even in fiction."
+
+"I dare be sworn on't," said Martin. "'Tis an over credulous and yet
+unbelieving world this, an' I may so word it, a mad world, my masters,
+and yet, ha, ha, 'tis a pleasant world, too. Aye, and this not
+altogether so bad a way of passing the time in't. What says the song,
+
+    "'Tis merry in hall when beards wag all,
+    And welcome merry Christmas."
+
+"I pr'ythee, good friend," said Arderne, "continue the narrative of this
+tragedy; for I must needs call that a tragedy which comprehends the loss
+of so exquisite a lady as Clara de Mowbray."
+
+"Aye, truly so," said Martin; "that was a sigh, indeed, Master Walter.
+Sighing, however, is of little avail when the object is beyond reach.
+'Tis too true an evil; the Lady Clara is lost to us."
+
+"Thou did'st, however, aid her escape from that burning carrick?" said
+Fluellyn, "and in which, indeed, we all suffered with those we saw
+suffer. 'Twas a fearful sight."
+
+"I take some credit to say I did so," returned Martin, dallying with his
+glass, and looking at the red flame of the fire through the ruby liquor.
+"Ah, ah, methinks I see those overweening Dons grilling in their
+treasure ship at this moment. I did aid in the lady's escape by the same
+token, I myself caused the conflagration that aided our escape; I
+myself, in my immaculate valour, destroyed the enemy, as Drake hath it,
+I singed the Dons' whiskers with a vengeance. Ha, ha."
+
+"Tell us the manner of the exploit," said Shakespeare, who, by the way,
+had heard it from other lips.
+
+"In few, then," said Martin, "and to continue from where I left. You are
+to know that the commander of the carrick no sooner beheld us upon his
+deck than he was about to cast us off again, and into the roaring sea.
+As he seized, however, upon my companion in misfortune, lo! you, he
+discovered he had prisoner of a female. The stately Don upon this
+steadily regarded his prisoner, and became struck all on a heap with her
+beauty. He then transferred his gaze to me, and (albeit he saw nothing
+extremely feminine, or even beautiful in my outward form) he was pleased
+to extend his clemency to us both. In few the blood of the Castillian
+was inflamed at the sight of the exquisite Clara; and, whilst the two
+ships lay glaring upon each other, we were both hurried down below,
+there to remain till more leisure should enable the magnifico to pay
+personal attention to us. My fate, doubtless, was to have been the sea.
+My companion's, perhaps, even worse. Whatever fate, however, was in
+store for us at the hands of the Don, we determined in no wise to submit
+to it. The cabin in which we were confined had a window in roar of the
+carrick. Without that window hung a boat. My companion got into that
+boat, and after I myself had lighted a bonfire in the cabin, and placed
+several barrels of gunpowder in very dangerous proximity thereto, I
+managed to lower that boat after getting into it, and finally, to cut
+her adrift. The blow-up of the barrels, and the gloom of the coming
+night, effectually diverted attention from our frail craft, as we
+mounted upon the crest of wave after wave. As we did so, we were
+horrified spectators of the scene of terror we had caused. One moment
+the burning ship was lifted on high, like some huge beacon, and the nest
+lost in the deep valley of waters. Thus did we escape, for that time,
+the death and dishonour that awaited us, and, weak and debile ministers,
+destroyed our foes at one and the same time. But oh," continued Martin,
+"conceive us, my masters all, wanderers upon that vast heaving world, in
+a rotten carcase of a boat--no knowledge where to steer for, no
+knowledge how to steer, if we knew where to steer--no expectation but
+death. Do I not seem to ye like one sitting here telling of things
+imagined in a dream? That heaving water, in which our boat could scarce
+live--those roaring winds, which almost stopped our very breathing in
+their violence--that lady, whose form every sea drenched, and who for
+two long nights endured this extremity of dire distress."
+
+"And died she so?" inquired Arderne.
+
+"Not a whit," said Martin. "Her's was a miserable strait to be reduced
+to; but her spirit was great. She had scarce time to die. She helped me
+to bale out the waters, as they continually washed into our boat. She
+shared my small portion of biscuit with me, and she drank from the
+flasket I filched from the cabin when we escaped from the ship; and so
+she lived, good sir, lived to be picked up in the dreary waste of
+waters. For, look ye, we had constructed a sort of sail, when the wind
+moderated, and that betrayed us to the companion of the carrick we had
+burned. Yes, we were descried and picked up by another Don, commanded by
+another courageous Captain of Compliments, and forthwith carried off to
+the country of the Spaniard."
+
+"And that lady," said Arderne. "Pr'ythee, good Martin, follow out your
+story. Her fate I dread to ask, and yet would learn."
+
+"Nay," said Martin, archly, "methinks mine own fate might in some sort
+interest my hearers. But truly I seem not to command much attention in
+this story of adventure: and yet I showed myself courageous, and aided
+the weaker vessel too."
+
+Shakespeare smiled, and a look passed between him and Martin. "'Tis the
+duty of doublet and hose to show itself courageous to petticoat," he
+said. "We are naturally given to pity the young and beautiful, rather
+than the strong and sturdy. Besides, thou hast escaped, art here to
+avouch it thyself."
+
+"And so may that lady, for aught I know to the contrary," said Martin.
+
+"How!" exclaimed Arderne. "Escaped! Methought she died, died in Spain."
+
+"It may be so," said Martin, "but I never said it. When we arrived in
+Spain, we were both clapped up as heretics between the walls of the
+Inquisition, where, doubtless, I for one should have died upon the rack,
+but that I was eventually made useful at the oar. My companion's fate I
+cannot further avouch. I myself was rescued whilst helping against my
+will, to invade my native land, amongst other galley slaves. The craft
+we worked in was captured by one of Frobisher's vessels, and in that
+vessel I was forthwith carried to the Indies after the fight, and in
+that vessel have I returned; and here I am once more at Clopton."
+
+"Nay then," said Arderne, "if such be the case, thou hast but momentarily
+raised my hope and dashed it again, good Martin. Had that lady lived,
+and were I of all kingdoms king, I would give all for but one scattered
+smile of one so excellent."
+
+The narration of Martin caused a sudden check to the previous hilarity
+of the company, since it recalled to most there the loss of kindred or
+relatives in former days.
+
+Shakespeare, as he glanced around, remembered former scenes of mingled
+grief and joy in that house; the melancholy of Arderne was a melancholy
+of his own, the sundry contemplation of his mishaps and misfortunes,
+founded, as he then thought, principally upon the loss of one, who when
+alive, was unappreciated; whilst the captain and Martin also, in pure
+melancholy and troubled brain puffed away at their pipes with double
+vigour.
+
+"Come," said Sir Hugh, who observed this gloomy fit stealing over his
+party, "we trifle time when we sorrow for what is past and irrevocable.
+It draws toward supper time. Remember, neighbours and friends, this is
+the first time of our meeting together after long years and much misery.
+Gloom shall not hold sovereign sway over Clopton again, an I can drive
+it hence. Music ho!" he said, rising and clapping his hands. "'Fore
+heaven, nephew, we will e'en be jovial to-night. Have we not Shakespeare
+here, and can'st forget those scenes he furnished forth at the
+Blackfriars? Come, let music play, and serve the supper, lads!"
+
+The custom of the period permitted this in the halls of the great. Many
+of the nobles and even gentry of condition kept up a sort of orchestra
+or band composed of their own domestics or servitors, and which gave a
+degree of enjoyment to their entertainment unknown to modern times. The
+sweet tones of the instruments kept off that starched etiquette, that
+awkward stiffness oft-times felt during the intervals of conversation,
+that struggle for wit that came not when called for, it filled up the
+evening, and the soft strains of melody engendered bright thoughts,
+whilst they soothed the mind at the same time. Whatever of romance is in
+our character is called forth at such a time by music.
+
+And so the party sat around the festive board in their quaint costume,
+old and young, poet and philosopher, whilst as the musicians puffed at
+tho French horn, and drew forth dulcet sounds from those antiquated
+stringed instruments, serving-men hastened about, trencher in hand, and
+bearing liquor on their salvers. Topics of conversation were plentiful,
+for still flowed the tide of interest concerning each other's separate
+fortunes during their career, and the jest's propriety lay in the ears
+of those who listened, whilst Shakespeare was the speaker.
+
+Sir Hugh promised his friends a merry Christmas at Clopton; a Christmas
+observed with all due observance of the time.
+
+In Elizabeth's day, most people, even of the higher grade of society,
+kept comparatively early hours. Those who dined at eleven and twelve,
+necessarily supped at five or six. The supper too, was the most festive
+meal, and most enjoyed; and when the season of the year, or old custom,
+gave warranty, your old English host not unfrequently kept wassail all
+night long.
+
+On the present occasion the old Knight felt inclined to drink deep and
+sit late. He seemed resolved for a carouse. Martin and Shakespeare
+banded about their quaint sayings, and Sir Hugh seemed to revel in the
+idea of a merry Christmas at Clopton, observed with all due observance
+of the time; an observance, which in Warwickshire at that day was looked
+upon by old and young, rich and poor, with a feeling of enjoyment and
+love amounting to a passion. Every sport was got up with religious
+fervour; every old-world custom regarded with a veneration unknown to
+our own squalid days.
+
+Christmas Day was at hand, and the old Knight talked of it like a child
+talks of a new toy; but whilst he spoke of good cheer and wine and
+wassail to set before his guests, a reeking post arrived, inviting
+himself and all consorting him to a feast held during the Christmas week
+at Kenilworth. The Countess of Leicester greeting her friend Sir Hugh,
+bade him welcome to her poor house of Kenilworth, to come with hawk and
+hound, kith, kindred and friends presently consorting him.
+
+The Countess of Leicester was one in whom Sir Hugh had much interest.
+She was the daughter of his old friend, Lettice, Lady Knolleys, sister
+to Carey, Lord Hundsdon.
+
+The Knight pitied her for her misfortune in marrying the evil-minded
+Leicester, for he had indeed loved her with a paternal affection; albeit
+the troublous current of his own life had lately hindered him from
+seeing much of her.
+
+Under these circumstances, Sir Hugh felt delighted with the invitation,
+and resolved, if his party agreed, to accept it.
+
+"How say ye, lads," he said, "shall we to this feast? Methinks I should
+like hugely to visit Kenilworth, and my charming friend, after so many
+years of absence. How say ye, Walter, shall we dine once more beneath
+the towers of old John of Gaunt, and Geoffrey Clinton?"
+
+The company, as a matter of course, left it to their entertainer to
+accept or refuse, as he thought best.
+
+"I am for a revel and a brawl any bow," said Martin, "now I have come
+once more to a Christian land. Be it at Clopton or Kenilworth, all's one
+to Martin."
+
+And so the party resolved to join in the Christmas revels at
+Kenilworth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIII.
+
+WHICH ENDS THIS STRANGE EVENTFUL HISTORY.
+
+
+The festival held at Kenilworth on occasion of Christmas-tide, was not
+on such an extended scale as on former occasions had been customary
+there, when Norman kings feasted and kept wassail, and when "kettle-drum
+and trumpet brayed out the triumph of their pledge."
+
+In Elizabeth's reign, however, when a noble held a festival in his own
+halls, the entertainment was sufficiently magnificent, and conducted
+with all the observances of older times.
+
+The late demise of the dark Earl, of necessity curtailed the
+hospitalities: yet, still the enjoined rites of the period gave the
+Countess an excuse for some circumstance, some little pageantry of the
+season. Her brilliant son, too, "the glass of fashion and the mould of
+form," was to be with her. And, albeit the party she invited to meet him
+was but small, still it was composed of some of the _élite_ of the
+country round. Almost all entertainments of this period partook of the
+dramatic character, the taste for such was universal; and it seemed,
+indeed, as if he who was in reality to create the drama in England, had
+sprung up just at this period to supply the want of that which wan so
+imperfect, to substitute his own brilliant conceptions for those heavy
+long-winded stupid exhibitions then in vogue.
+
+With all her power of persuasion, the Countess had not been able to
+persuade her friend, Clara de Mowbray, to promise her presence and
+participation during the intended festivities. All she could obtain
+being a promise, that, as that lady's departure was fixed to take place
+in a few days, she would remain over Christmas-eve; as on that night the
+Countess had invited Shakespeare to be present.
+
+The fair Clara had before taken leave of her friend the poet in
+Stratford; but still, to see him at Kenilworth, and during the gaieties
+enacted there, would, she felt, be a great treat.
+
+The Countess resolved to receive her son in the great hall of the
+Castle, an apartment which, those who have carefully perused the
+building will doubtless remember,--eighty-six feet long by forty-five in
+width. It had, some few years before, beheld those fierce vanities, what
+time Leicester, "with pomp, with triumph, and with revelling,"
+entertained the Queen and her followers for seventeen successive days;
+and now, all in that lighted hall was green with holly and winter
+ornaments. The large bow window was festooned with "rarest mistletoe,"
+the various arms and trophies were covered with green boughs, whilst the
+white-hall, the presence-chamber, and other rooms of which nothing now
+remains but the fragments of walls and the staircases which led to
+them, were lighted up and ornamented for the nonce. There is ever
+something cheering in the aspect of all around at this period of the
+year; something bright and joyous in the country, when old Hymns "with
+his icy crown," seems to wield his severe sceptre and pervade the scene;
+when cottage and castle, lake and forest,--all are bound down by the
+sharp and biting frost. The good fellowship of the world seems then more
+rife, and Christian feeling and brotherly love to prevail. Perhaps, the
+good cheer enjoyed, and expectation of more to be enjoyed, openeth the
+heart of men. At Kenilworth, all was hospitality. The Countess was soon
+to give up possession to Ambrose, Earl of Warwick, her late husband's
+brother; and she resolved to quit the neighborhood in no niggardly
+fashion. Butts of ale were broached for the poor in the villages and
+hamlets around, and oxen and sheep were roasted. The young Earl was
+expected on the eve of Christmas-day, and his popularity was just then
+so great, especially in that neighbourhood, that the coming of royalty
+itself could scarce have made a greater sensation.
+
+The day was one of excitement to the Countess. Dearly she loved that
+brilliant Noble, and well she knew the dizzy pinnacle on which he stood.
+Her fears even then anticipated that ruin which was to ensue. Conversant
+with "the art o' the Court," and the dangerous mood of Majesty, she saw
+already a dark cloud in perspective. Nay, that which she was now about
+to do, namely, to receive her son, and entertain him beneath the towers
+of Kenilworth, when it came to be known, would be attended with danger.
+The Queen liked not interference with her pleasures or her purposes. She
+was at that moment seeking to beguile the tedium of the favourite's
+absence by visiting the seats of her different nobles; and during which
+her irritability was but too apparent. He, the adored, the magnificent,
+should on his arrival in England, have bent the knee in all haste, and
+asked pardon for his truant disposition. But he was haughty and rash as
+his queenly relative. The day had been one of excitement to the fair
+Countess. There is ever something to be thought of and arranged, even by
+the great. The Earl was to dine _en route_ with his array at Rugby, and
+afterwards ride forward to Kenilworth, so as to join the select friends
+invited to meet him. In Elizabeth's day nothing was more thought of than
+dancing and playing (says Rowland White), and the invitation given by
+Lady Leicester might have parodied that of Capulet to his friends. There
+came Sir John de Astley and his wife and daughters, the noble knight of
+Clopton and his friends consorting, the Lord de la Warde and his
+beauteous sisters, the Lady widow of Lord Falconberg, good Master
+Murdake and his nieces, Sir Thomas Lucy and his lovely daughters, the
+Lady Wolvey, and the lively Throckmorton. These guests, for the most
+part, were in the castle, but more were expected as the evening
+advanced.
+
+Mistress Bridges, the most beautiful of the Queen's maids of honour, she
+whom Essex loved, and of whom the Queen was so jealous that she is said
+to have publicly struck her; Blount, too, the lover of the Countess of
+Leicester, and the Lady Katharine Howard, all were expected to grace the
+assemblage. And, at length, as the Countess and her guests awaited the
+hour in the great hall, the trumpet from the gate-house announced the
+Earl's arrival.
+
+It was a brilliant sight to behold;--that gallant youth amidst the
+associates he brought with him. The magnificent Essex, looking some
+paladin of romance, came forth from amidst the glittering band, and
+gracefully saluted his handsome mother. A something regal was in his
+look, which suited well with that magnificent hall.
+
+Nay, 'twas almost the last occasion on which those buildings entertained
+so noble an assemblage: they seem to have afterwards fallen to decay, as
+though later times and fashions would be unsuited to their grandeur--as
+though their work was done--their hour passed away.
+
+On this night, however, as Essex and his followers entered, there came
+one individual with a somewhat smaller party, whose presence was more
+worthy of note than oven the Plantagenet Kings who had dwelt there--one
+whose name would live
+
+    "Spite of cormorant devouring time,
+    The heir to all eternity."
+
+He passed on with Sir Hugh Clopton and others of lesser note; and after
+exchanging a few words with the noble hostess, he perused the assembled
+company at his leisure. As he did so, he entered the building called the
+White Hall, and stood for a moment to gaze upon all around, for such a
+scene was likely to make a deep impression upon his mind. Softly the
+sounds of music floated through those vast rooms, and where all he
+beheld spoke of the past, and conjured up scenes he has himself
+impressed upon us all. For when, indeed, doth sweet music in lordly
+chambers, or in solitude, steal upon the ear, but imagination bodies
+forth those scenes which Shakespeare, and Shakespeare alone, is
+identified with. All the poetry of life is associated in those charming
+ideas. The man himself seems to glide around us. At such hour--assembled
+amidst the lovely and the high-born, amidst minstrelsy and lighted
+halls, there doth his glorious spirit seem to pervade.
+
+And so Shakespeare passed on amidst the company, and quietly took his
+way through the gorgeous rooms.
+
+It was evident the poet had before visited those chambers, for he
+appeared familiar with the various passages he passed through, till at
+length he reached a room at the extremity of the buildings. Here he
+stopped, and quietly regarded the apartment, which in its magnificent
+style might well have furnished forth the description he has left us in
+his own Cymbeline, for Shakespeare adopted in many of his descriptions
+the costume of the time.
+
+Whilst he stood, a small door opened, and a figure, lovely as his own
+Juliet, advanced towards him. It was Clara de Mowbray! She uttered an
+exclamation of joy when she beheld the poet, and in an instant was at
+his side. The poet took her hand and led her to a seat, and the pair
+held converse together for some time.
+
+Whilst they did so, it was evident the tongue of that poor player made
+some impression on his fair hearer.
+
+"Marriage is a matter of more worth, lady," he said, as he at length
+rose from his seat; "than to be dealt in by attorneyship. You consent to
+an interview with my friend."
+
+Clara, whose eyes were bent upon the ground in deep thought, glanced
+quickly upon Shakespeare. There was no mistaking the expression of that
+face. He was gazing upon her with feelings of mingled admiration and
+regret. The next moment, as if unwilling again to meet her glance, he
+turned and hastily left the apartment.
+
+A few minutes more, and the Countess of Leicester entered the room,
+accompanied by a tall cavalier, clad in mourning costume. The sad
+expression, however, which for many months had suited with his habit,
+now however gave place to surprise, joy and admiration; and Walter
+Arderne beheld the living original of the portrait his eyes had loved to
+dwell upon. He knelt at the feet of Clara de Mowbray.
+
+Our story is now so far ended. The sequel may be gathered "by what went
+before." Time and space alloweth not of dilation upon the gay revel held
+that night in the halls of Kenilworth. Shakespeare, whose mind was but
+ill-fitted for revelry, soon afterwards left the castle.
+
+For some reason, which we are unable to explain, he felt unfitted for
+society. He left the hall of Kenilworth, and in the free air gave vent
+to the feelings with which he was oppressed. In the woods of Stoneleigh,
+the dawn found him, despite the coldness of the season, laying along
+"under an oak, whose boughs were mossed with age," and "high top-bald
+with dry antiquity." And as his eye glanced from heaven to earth--from
+earth to heaven, whilst the deer swept by,[29] his imagination bodied
+forth the forms of Jaques and Rosalind in Arden.
+
+[Footnote 29: Amongst the few traditions concerning Shakespeare, in
+Warwickshire, there is one which was kindly communicated to me by a
+nobleman resident there, namely, that he wrote the character of Jaques,
+in the park of Stoneleigh.]
+
+About a fortnight subsequent to the revel at Kenilworth, a noble-looking
+cavalier, accompanied by a lady (both mounted and attended by a numerous
+retinue,) rode on to the green before old Hathaway's cottage at
+Shottery. The cavalier and the lady dismounted, and left their horses
+with the attendants, and as they approached the cottage, they conversed
+upon the subject of some dearly-loved friend.
+
+"I offered him," said Walter Arderne, "in your name, dearest Clara, half
+of what we possess, so he would but remain with us here; but the spirit
+of the man is great, and he will pursue his fortunes after his own
+fashion. Listen to what himself says;" and Arderne produced a letter,
+which he read an extract from, worded somewhat thus:--
+
+"The portion of time I have spent amongst my companions of the theatre
+has made me desire to continue in my vocation. The success I have
+already achieved gives warranty to my expectations. I have friends, to,
+as thou knowest, amongst the nobles of the Court; and the spirit of my
+father, which I think is within me, leads me to think I can yet go on
+towards even a higher fortune than this that I have reached. In few, I
+could not with contentment at this period of my life sit down here in
+Stratford. My residence will be at my old haunt, where I shall hope yet
+to see those I so dearly love."
+
+"In London, then, we will see him, Walter," said the lady.
+
+"We will so," returned Arderne. "After our marriage, Clara, we will yet
+hope to visit our friend."
+
+And should our readers also wish to visit the poet, amidst his
+associates of the theatre in London, we will also follow him to his old
+haunt in Paul's.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+***** This file should be named 34796-8.txt or 34796-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/7/9/34796/
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/34796-8.zip b/34796-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d60056
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796-8.zip
diff --git a/34796-h.zip b/34796-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae2172c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796-h.zip
diff --git a/34796-h/34796-h.htm b/34796-h/34796-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1ef0dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796-h/34796-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,19591 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<!-- $Id: header.txt 236 2009-12-07 18:57:00Z vlsimpson $ -->
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of William Shakespeare, by Captain Curling,.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+p {
+    margin-top: .75em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    margin-bottom: .75em;
+}
+
+hr {
+    width: 33%;
+    margin-top: 2em;
+    margin-bottom: 2em;
+    margin-left: auto;
+    margin-right: auto;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+table {
+    margin-left: auto;
+    margin-right: auto;
+}
+
+.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+    /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+    position: absolute;
+    left: 92%;
+    font-size: smaller;
+    text-align: right;
+} /* page numbers */
+
+.linenum {
+    position: absolute;
+    top: auto;
+    left: 4%;
+} /* poetry number */
+
+.blockquot {
+    margin-left: 5%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+.sidenote {
+    width: 20%;
+    padding-bottom: .5em;
+    padding-top: .5em;
+    padding-left: .5em;
+    padding-right: .5em;
+    margin-left: 1em;
+    float: right;
+    clear: right;
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    font-size: smaller;
+    color: black;
+    background: #eeeeee;
+    border: dashed 1px;
+}
+
+.bb       {border-bottom: solid 2px;}
+
+.bl       {border-left: solid 2px;}
+
+.bt       {border-top: solid 2px;}
+
+.br       {border-right: solid 2px;}
+
+.bbox     {border: solid 2px;}
+
+.center   {text-align: center;}
+
+.smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+.u        {text-decoration: underline;}
+
+.caption  {font-weight: bold;}
+
+/* Images */
+.figcenter   {
+    margin: auto;
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+.figleft {
+    float: left;
+    clear: left;
+    margin-left: 0;
+    margin-bottom: 1em;
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    margin-right: 1em;
+    padding: 0;
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+.figright {
+    float: right;
+    clear: right;
+    margin-left: 1em;
+    margin-bottom:
+    1em;
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    margin-right: 0;
+    padding: 0;
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+/* Footnotes */
+.footnotes        {border: dashed 1px;}
+
+.footnote         {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;}
+
+.footnote .label  {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;}
+
+.fnanchor {
+    vertical-align: super;
+    font-size: .8em;
+    text-decoration:
+    none;
+}
+
+/* Poetry */
+.poem {
+    margin-left:10%;
+    margin-right:10%;
+    text-align: left;
+}
+
+.poem br {display: none;}
+
+.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;}
+
+.poem span.i0 {
+    display: block;
+    margin-left: 0em;
+    padding-left: 3em;
+    text-indent: -3em;
+}
+
+.poem span.i2 {
+    display: block;
+    margin-left: 2em;
+    padding-left: 3em;
+    text-indent: -3em;
+}
+
+.poem span.i4 {
+    display: block;
+    margin-left: 4em;
+    padding-left: 3em;
+    text-indent: -3em;
+}
+    .poem span.i1     {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i10     {display: block; margin-left: 10em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i12     {display: block; margin-left: 12em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i13     {display: block; margin-left: 13em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i14     {display: block; margin-left: 14em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i18     {display: block; margin-left: 18em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i19     {display: block; margin-left: 19em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i20     {display: block; margin-left: 20em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i5     {display: block; margin-left: 5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i6     {display: block; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i8     {display: block; margin-left: 8em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+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: William Shakespeare as he lived.
+       An Historical Tale
+
+Author: Henry Curling
+
+Release Date: December 30, 2010 [EBook #34796]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h1>WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE</h1>
+
+<h2>AS HE LIVED.</h2>
+
+<h3>An Historical Tale.</h3>
+
+<h2>BY CAPTAIN CURLING,</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Author of "John of England." "Soldier of Fortune."</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Sweet are the uses of adversity,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wears yet a precious jewel in his head."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><i>As you Like it.</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<h3><i>WARWICK</i>:</h3>
+
+<h3>H. T. COOKE &amp; SON, PUBLISHERS, HIGH STREET.</h3>
+
+<h3>(COPYRIGHT.)</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The nature of the following work is sufficiently indicated by the title.
+In it the most interesting portions of the career of Shakespeare, taken
+from the best accredited sources, are brought forward in a pleasing
+narrative, the dialogue being in the style of the Elizabethan period.</p>
+
+<p>Throughout the work the writer has endeavoured, amidst a great deal of
+stirring incident, and a subordinate tale of much interest, to place the
+Poet constantly before the reader, whether on or off the scene. The
+story commences when he was about seventeen years of age, and carries
+him through some of the eventful "chances" of that glorious epoch which
+called forth his own "muse of fire," and caused him to ascend "the
+brightest heaven of invention;" and, after showing him the sharp "uses
+of adversity," leaves him at the moment of success, whilst Elizabeth and
+the entire Court-circle are turned to him whose matchless genius has
+just enchanted them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<p>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. A Forest Scene</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. The Youthful Shakespeare</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. Charlotte Clopton</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. The Family of the Cloptons</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. A Domestic Party in Elizabeth's Day</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. A Disagreeable Visitor</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. Plots and Counterplots</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. Stratford-upon-Avon</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. The Tavern</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. The Churchyard of Stratford-upon-Avon</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. The Stratford Lawyer</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. The Sonnet</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. Mother and Son</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. The Lovers</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. Charlecote</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. The Attack</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. The Capture</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. A Revel at Clopton</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. The Plague at Stratford</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX. More Trouble at Clopton</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI. Domestic Affliction</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII. Bereavement</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII. The Vault</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV. The Village Fete&mdash;Ann Hathaway</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV. The Twelfth-tide Revelry</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI. The Misled Wanderer</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII. The Suitor</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII. Shottery Hall</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX. The Lovers</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX. The Adventurers</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI. The Benedict</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII. The Hostel</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII. The Deer Stealers</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV. The Adventure</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV. More Matter for a May Morning</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI. The Lampoon</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII. The Garden</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII. The Flight to London</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX. Old London</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL. The Poor Player</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI. The Tavern Revel</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII. More Strange than True</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII. England on the Defensive</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV. The Boar's Head, in East Cheap</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV. The Camp at Tilbury</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI. The Invincible Armada</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII. The Player at Court</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII. Sir Thomas Lucy in London</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIX">CHAPTER XLIX. The Theatre of the Blackfriars</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_L">CHAPTER L. The Scenic Hour</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LI">CHAPTER LI. The Tavern</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LII">CHAPTER LII. The Player in his Lodging</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LIII">CHAPTER LIII. The Poet and his Patron</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LIV">CHAPTER LIV. A Consultation</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LV">CHAPTER LV. Ill Weaved Ambition</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LVI">CHAPTER LVI. The Associates</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LVII">CHAPTER LVII. The Poet and his Friends</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LVIII">CHAPTER LVIII. Stratford and its Neighbourhood</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LIX">CHAPTER LIX. Kenilworth</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LX">CHAPTER LX. The Return</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LXI">CHAPTER LXI. The Discomfited Scrivener</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LXII">CHAPTER LXII. Old Friends</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_LXIII">CHAPTER LXIII. Which ends this strange eventful History</a><br />
+</p>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED,</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Stratford-upon-Avon, and Queen Elizabeth</span>.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>A FOREST SCENE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was one morning, during the reign of Elizabeth, that a youth, clad in
+a grey cloth doublet and hose (the usual costume of the respectable
+country tradesman or apprentice in England), took his early morning
+stroll in the vicinity of a small town in Warwickshire.</p>
+
+<p>Lovely as is the scenery in almost every part of this beautiful county,
+which exhibits, perhaps, the most park-like and truly English picture in
+our island, it was (at the period of our story) far more beautiful than
+in its present state or cultivated improvement.</p>
+
+<p>The thick and massive foliage of its woods, in Elizabeth's day, were to
+be seen in all the luxuriance of their native wildness, unpruned,
+unthinned, untouched by the hand of man, representing in their bowery
+beauty the wild uncontrolled woodlands of Britain, when waste, and wold,
+and swamp, and thicket constituted all.</p>
+
+<p>The fern-clad undulations and forest glades around, too, at this period,
+were peopled by the wild and herded deer&mdash;those "poor, dappled
+fools&mdash;the native burghers of the desert city"&mdash;which, couched in their
+own confines, their antlered heads alone seen in some sequestered spot
+amongst the long grass, gave an additional charm to the locality they
+haunted, in all the freedom of unmolested range, from park to forest,
+and from glade to thicket.</p>
+
+<p>In these bosky bournes and sylvan retreats, unmolested then by the axe
+of an encroaching population; nay, almost untrodden, save by the
+occasional forester or the fierce outlaw; the gnarled oaks threw their
+broad arms over the mossy carpet, giving so deep a shade in many parts,
+that the rays of the mid-day sun were almost intercepted, and the silent
+forest seemed dark, shadowy, and massive, as when the stately tramp of
+the soldiery of Rome sounded beneath its boughs.</p>
+
+<p>As the youth cleared the enclosures in the immediate vicinity of the
+town, and brushed the dew from the bladed grass on nearing the more
+sylvan scene, the deep tones of the clock, from the old dark tower of
+the church, struck the third hour. The sound arrested him; he paused,
+and turning, gazed for some moments upon the buildings now seen emerging
+from the mint of early morning. At this hour no sign of life&mdash;no stir
+was to be observed in the town.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The cricket sang, and man's o'er-labour'd sense<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Repaired itself by rest."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Although the youth looked upon a scene familiar to his eye (for it was
+the place of his birth, and from whence as yet his truant steps had
+scarcely measured a score of miles), his capable eye dwelt upon every
+point of interest and beauty in the surrounding picture.</p>
+
+<p>He had reached the age when the poetry of life begins to be felt; when
+an incipient longing for society of the softer sex, and an anxiety to
+look well in the eyes of the fair; to deserve well of woman, and to be
+thought a sort of soldier-servant and defender of beauty, is mixed up
+with the sterner ambitions of manhood.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps few forms would have been more likely to captivate the fancy of
+the other sex than the figure and face of this youth, as he stood at
+gaze in the clear morning air, and contemplated the landscape around. In
+shape, he was slightly but elegantly formed, and his well-knit limbs
+were seen to advantage in the close-fitting but homely suit he wore.
+Added to this figure of a youthful Apollo, was a countenance of genius,
+intelligence, and beauty, peculiarly indicative of the mind of the
+owner. His costume, we have already said, was homely; it was, indeed,
+but one remove from the dress of the common man of the period. A gray
+doublet of coarse cloth, edged or guarded with black, and tight-fitting
+trunks and hose of the same material; to those were added a common felt
+hat with steeple crown, and shoes without rosettes. In his hand he
+carried a stout quarter-staff, shod with iron at either end. No costume,
+however, could disguise or alter the nobility of look and gallant
+bearing of that youth. After regarding the view presented to him in the
+clear morning air for some moments, he turned, leaped the last enclosure
+which pertained to the suburbs of the town, and pursued his way through
+a wild chase or park, avoiding the more thick woods on his right.</p>
+
+<p>How slight and trivial are sometimes the accidents which control the
+fate of man!</p>
+
+<p>On setting out from his own home, the stripling had intended to traverse
+the woodlands which lay between his native town and Warwick, in order to
+keep an appointment he had made with some youthful associates of the
+latter place&mdash;some wild and reckless young men with whom he had lately
+become acquainted. The church clock, however, whilst it informed him he
+had anticipated the hour, determined him to change his intention of
+going straight to the trysting-place, and he turned his steps in a
+different direction. He therefore left the deep woodlands on his right,
+and sought the enclosures of Clopton Hall.</p>
+
+<p>This change of purpose, in all probability, saved the life of the
+handsome lad. As he turned from the woodlands on his right, and sought
+the fern-clad chase and plantations in which Clopton Hall is embosomed,
+a tall, fierce-looking man, clad in the well-worn suit of a ranger or
+forester, stepped from the thick cover. As he did so, the forester
+lowered a cross-bow, with which he had been taking a steady aim at the
+stripling, from his shoulder, and stood and watched him till he
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Now the red pestilence strike him," said the man. "He has again escaped
+me. But an I give him not the death of a fat buck ere many days are over
+his head, may my bow-string be the halter that hangs me."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, comrade," said a second forester, at that moment coming forward,
+"believe me, 'tis better as it is; thou must e'en drop this business,
+and satisfy thy revenge by a less matter than murder. I half suspected
+thy intent, and, therefore, have I followed thee. Come," he continued,
+"thou must, I say, forgive the affront this lad has put upon thee."</p>
+
+<p>"May the fiend take me then!" returned the ruffian.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, thou art most likely the property of St. Nicholas methinks.
+Whatsoever thou dost," said the other, "certainly he will catch thee by
+the back if thou should harm this youngster."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, look ye," said his fellow. "Have I not reason for what I do? The
+varlet (who I shrewdly suspect hath an eye upon the deer) constantly
+haunts our woods. Not a nook, not a secluded corner, not a thicket but
+he knows of, and explores. At all hours of the day, and even at night,
+have I caught sight of him wandering alone. Sometimes I have seen him,
+lying along, book in hand, under a huge oak, in Fullbrook wood; at other
+times I have watched him as he stood in the twilight beside the brook,
+which flows through Charlecote Park. As often as I have tried to gain
+speech with and warn him from our haunts, he has been ware of me;
+plunging into the covert (nimble as a stag), so escaped.</p>
+
+<p>"Once, however, I came warily behind him while he stood watching the
+deer as they swept along a glade in Fullbrook; and heard him repeating
+words which rivetted me to the spot, nay almost took from me the power
+of accosting him. Not, however, to be outworded by a boy, I pounced upon
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to!" said the other laughing, "then you collared him, I suppose, and
+took him off to the head-ranger to give an account of his trespass.
+Was't not so! Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall hear," returned the ranger. "At first I felt too much respect
+to rebuke him. There was something in his look I could not away with. He
+seemed somewhat angered too at being molested and caught by surprise;
+and there was that in his eye which could look down a lion, methought.
+After awhile, however, I gave him some of my mind, threatened to report
+his trespass to the knight our master, and to give him a taste of the
+stocks, or the cage."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said his fellow, laughing. "You said well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, 'twas not so good either, as it turned out," said the ranger.</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" inquired his comrade.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he took my rebuke mildly at first, merely saying he sought not to
+molest the game, but only to enjoy the liberty, freedom, and leisure of
+the wild woods."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," interrupted the other, "between ourselves, that seems natural
+enough. But, an all the lads in the country were to do the same, they
+would soon drive the deer from their haunts, and render our trade a poor
+one."</p>
+
+<p>"So I told him; and that I should not be so easy the next time I caught
+him straying in our woods. Nay, that I would then, indeed, cudgel him
+like a dog."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! and how took he that threat?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mass! I would you could have seen how he took it," said the irate
+ranger, "for I shall never forget the change it wrought. He looked at me
+with an eye of fire, reared himself up like a startled steed, and railed
+on me in such terms as I think never man either heard or spoke before.
+Nay, an I had not known he was the son of a trader here in Stratford, I
+had taken him for the heir of some grandee, for never heard I before
+such a tongue, or such words of fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to!" said the other; "and how answered ye that?"</p>
+
+<p>"At first I felt awed; but, when he dared me but to raise a finger in
+the way of assault, and stirred my wrath so, that I laid hands on him,
+he struck me to the earth; when I rose, and again attacked him, despite
+my skill at quarter-staff, he cudgelled me to his heart's content."</p>
+
+<p>"What, yonder lad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, yonder boy! His strength and skill were so great that, had I not
+cried <i>peccavi</i>, I had died under his blows."</p>
+
+<p>"And for this you are resolved to shoot him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am! I cannot forget the disgrace of his quarter-staff. My very bones
+ache now at the bare remembrance."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, but thou must forget it, comrade," said the other; "for to shoot
+him, look ye, might get the rangers all into trouble. He hath, you see,
+gone out of our bounds this morning; but let us follow, and if we find
+him we will both beat him. As far as that goes, I am your man. 'Tis
+allowable, and in the way of business. But for shooting the lad&mdash;fie
+on't! 'tis cowardly and dangerous. Ever while you live, forbear your
+bullet on a defenceless person."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, be it so!" said his fellow. "I agree. He hath had the best of me,
+for once in his life. But, at least, will I be revenged:&mdash;blow for
+blow."</p>
+
+<p>"Hath he good friends, said ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"None of note."</p>
+
+<p>"What then is his father?"</p>
+
+<p>"The wool-comber who dwells in Henley Street."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough! Now let us but catch him, and by 'r lady, we'll beat him so
+that he shall scarce disport his curiosity amongst our woods again."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but if we kill him?" said the other, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then must our master bear us out; we are hired to keep off all lurking
+knaves. By fair means or foul, it must be done. An we kill him, we'll
+e'en knock over a buck, and lay it to's charge. Swear we caught him
+red-handed in the fact, and there an end."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE YOUTHFUL SHAKESPEARE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>About a couple of hours after the above conversation between the two
+rangers, the subject of it might have been seen lying along, "like a
+dropt acorn," book in hand, under cover of the thick belt of plantation
+skirting the grounds of Clopton Hall. Occasionally, his gaze would turn
+upon the huge twisted chimneys and casements of the building, just now
+beginning to show symptoms of life. The thin blue smoke mounted into the
+clear air, and the diamond panes of the windows glittered in the morning
+sun. At this period the sports of the field formed the almost daily
+avocation of the country gentlemen in England. Men rose with the sun,
+and with hawk and hound and steed commenced the day at once. Scarce was
+the substantial breakfast thought of till it had been earned in the free
+air, amidst the woods and glades. Accordingly, as our student lay perdue
+in the covert, he beheld the falconer of the household of Clopton with
+the ready hawk, the grooms with the caparisoned steeds, the coupled
+hounds, and all the paraphernalia of the field.</p>
+
+<p>The family of the Cloptons were not altogether unknown to the youth, and
+the hall being only a mile from the town, Sir Hugh was a sort of patron
+of Stratford, and in constant intercourse with the inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>As his party had oft-times ridden through the streets, our hero had
+scarce failed to remark amongst the cavalcade a beautiful female of some
+seventeen years of age. This fair vision, who with hawk on hand, looked
+some nymph or goddess of the chase, was, indeed, the only daughter of
+Sir Hugh Clopton.</p>
+
+<p>To one of the ardent and poetic soul of our young friend, the mere
+passing glance of so exquisite a creature as Charlotte Clopton had
+suggested more than one sonnet descriptive of her beauty. Yes, the
+glance of the lowly poet from beneath the pent-house which constituted
+the shop of his father, had called forth verses which, even at this
+early period of his life, surpassed all that ever had been penned; and
+Charlotte Clopton first caused him to write a stanza in praise of
+beauty. At this early period of his life, too, his fine mind teemed with
+the germs of those thoughts which, in afterdays, brought forth so many
+lovely flowers. The impression of his own passionate feelings in youth
+furnished him with the ideas from which to pourtray the exquisitely
+tender scenes of his after-life.</p>
+
+<p>To a youth of spirit, the sight of preparation for the sports of the
+field was full of excitement. Most men love the chase, but mostly those
+of a bold determined courage.</p>
+
+<p>Participation in the sports of people of condition was, however, denied
+to the lad, as his condition in life barred him from aught beside the
+sight of others so engaged. His capacious mind conceived, however, at a
+glance, all the mysteries of wood-craft, and his truant disposition
+leading him to become a frequent trespasser, the haunts and habits of
+the wild denizens of the woods were familiar to him.</p>
+
+<p>If, therefore, he was debarred from following the chase himself, he
+loved to see the hunt sweep by&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When the skies, the fountains, every region near,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seemed all one mutual cry."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In addition to this, there was an insatiable craving after information
+of every kind. He had been educated at the Free School of his native
+town, and had far outstripped all competitors in such lore as the
+academy afforded, and he now perused every book he could procure, making
+himself master of the subjects they treated of with wonderful facility.
+He was drinking in knowledge (if we may so term it) wherever it could be
+reached; whilst, in his truant hours, no shrub, no herb, no plant in
+nature escaped his piercing ken.</p>
+
+<p>His exquisite imagination, unfettered and free as the air he breathed in
+the lovely scenery of his native country, created worlds of fancy, and
+peopled them with beings which only himself could have conceived. In the
+solitude of the deep woods he loved to dream away the hours.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"On hill or dale, forest or mead,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By paved fountain, or by rushy brook,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>it was his wont to imagine the elfin crew, as they "danced their
+ringlets to the whistling wind."</p>
+
+<p>It was observed, too, amongst his youthful associates, that he seemed to
+know things by intuition. Those who were brought up to the different
+mechanical trades in the town or neighbourhood found in him a master of
+the craft at which they had worked. "Whence comes this knowledge," they
+inquired of each other, "and where hath he found time to pick it up?"
+"Body o' me," his father would oft-times say, "but where hath our
+William learnt all this lore? Thus worded too! Master Cramboy, of the
+Free School, albeit he comes here continually to supper, and uses
+monstrous learned words in his discourse, never tells us of such things
+as this lad discourses to us." Neither was all this superfluous
+knowledge, "ill inhabited like Jove in a thatched house." He was already
+a poet, turned things to shape, and gave to airy nothing</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A local habitation and a name."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>CHARLOTTE CLOPTON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Clopton Hall was situated in a sort of wild chase, or park, in which
+hundreds of broad, short-stemmed oaks grew at distant intervals; and
+through this chase a deep trench had been cut in former days by the
+legions of Rome, the thick plantation which formed the belt immediately
+around the house being just in rear of the Roman ditch.</p>
+
+<p>The hawking party, on this morning, as they gradually assembled and
+mounted their steeds in the court of the mansion, rode through the
+gate-house, along the avenue and into the chase. Here they breathed
+their coursers and careered about till Sir Hugh had mustered the
+different servitors and attendants appertaining to a matter of so much
+moment as his morning diversion, and was ready to go forth.</p>
+
+<p>As they did so, the youth noticed the lady he had before seen, and whose
+exquisite form had made some slight impression upon his imagination.
+Nothing could be more skilful than the way in which she managed her
+horse, he thought&mdash;nothing more lovely and graceful than she altogether
+appeared. The steed she rode was a magnificent animal, and one which
+none but a most perfect horsewoman could have backed; and as he plunged,
+and "yerked out his heels," he shewed his delight at being in the free
+air, and proved "the metal of his pasture."</p>
+
+<p>It was a fair sight to behold one so delicately formed as that lady
+restrain the ferocity, and, by her noble horsemanship, reduce to
+subjection the wild spirit of that courser; and so thought the studious
+boy in the gray jerkin.</p>
+
+<p>Well, however, as she had hitherto managed the animal, now that it was
+growing even more excited by the number of horses around, it seemed
+every instant becoming more and more unruly. It was in vain that a tall
+handsome cavalier, who had kept an anxious eye for some time upon the
+movements of her horse, now spurred his own steed beside the lady, and
+kept near her bridle-rein. The brute reared, and stood for a few
+moments, striking wildly with his fore feet. After a while, however, and
+whilst all sat in helpless alarm, the lady still keeping her seat, the
+steed recovered himself, plunged forwards, and bolted from the party.</p>
+
+<p>Few situations could be more perilous than that which Charlotte Clopton
+now found herself in; few more distressing to the spectators to witness;
+since to attempt aid is oft-times to hasten the catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>To follow a runaway steed, in the hope of overtaking it is, perhaps, one
+of the worst plans that can be adopted, as the very companionship of the
+pursuing horse is sure to urge on and accelerate the pace of the flyer.</p>
+
+<p>Yet this course the tall dark cavalier (who seemed Charlotte Clopton's
+principal esquire) unhappily adopted.</p>
+
+<p>As he beheld the maddened horse tearing across the park, swerving
+amongst the oak trees, and threatening every instant to dash out the
+brains of the rider amongst the branches, he set spurs to his own
+courser, and galloped after her. It was in vain that Sir Hugh shouted to
+him to return. In vain he roared and railed, and called to him that he
+would murder his child by such folly.</p>
+
+<p>The lady, however, kept her seat. She managed even to guide her steed
+into the more open part of the chase. For (like the mariner in the
+storm) she well knew that whilst the tempest roars loudest, the open sea
+gives the vessel the better chance.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of the horse following, however, totally ruined her plan, and
+rendered her own steed more determined. He flung aside, turned from the
+direction his rider had coaxed him into, and galloped towards the spot
+where our hero was standing amidst the trees. It was by no means
+difficult to conjecture that destruction to the beautiful creature, thus
+borne along as if on one of the "couriers of the air," was almost
+inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>The next minute, as the youth of the grey doublet, in a state of
+breathless anxiety, stood and watched this race, himself concealed in
+the thick foliage, the horse (like some wild deer seeking cover) plunged
+headlong into the Roman ditch.</p>
+
+<p>The entrenchment was of considerable depth, so that both steed and
+rider, for the moment, disappeared below the grassy ridge. It was,
+however, but for a moment: the next, the maddened steed sprung up the
+opposite bank.</p>
+
+<p>The rider was, however, no longer on his back: she had been cast
+headlong from the saddle, and our hero saw, with terror, that her
+riding-gear was entangled on the saddle, and that she was being dragged
+along the ground by its side.</p>
+
+<p>But few minutes of exposure to such a situation, and that sweet face had
+been spurned out of the form of humanity, and her delicate limbs broken,
+torn, and lacerated. But the youth (although he saw at once that it
+would be vain to attempt to arrest the powerful brute by seizing the
+bridle) in a moment resolved upon a bolder measure. As the horse neared
+him, he rushed from his concealment and (ere it could swerve from his
+reach), with the full swing of his heavy quarter-staff, struck the
+animal full upon its forehead, and with the iron at the extremity of his
+weapon, fractured its skull.</p>
+
+<p>So truly and well was the blow delivered, that the steed fell as if
+struck by a butcher's pole-axe, and the next instant was a quivering
+carcase upon the grass.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment the achiever of this deed had unsheathed the sharp
+dagger he wore at his waist-belt, cut away the entangled garment of the
+lady from the saddle, and was kneeling beside her insensible form. As he
+did so, he felt that he could have spent hours in gazing upon those
+lovely features.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the cavalier who had followed (but who reined up his horse
+when he observed the steed of the lady dash down the slope, and then
+remained gazing on all that followed in a state of utter helplessness),
+as soon as he beheld the extraordinary manner in which she had been
+succoured, again set spurs to his horse.</p>
+
+<p>Dashing recklessly across the Roman trench, he galloped to the spot, and
+throwing himself from the saddle, snatched the lady from the supporting
+arms of her rescuer.</p>
+
+<p>There was a retiring diffidence, an innate modesty about the youth who
+had aided the lady, which kept him from intrusion. Nevertheless, he felt
+hurt at the manner in which the handsome cavalier had snatched her from
+his arms. His indomitable spirit prompted him almost to thrust back that
+officious friend, and like Valentine, exclaim&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thurio, give place, or else embrace thy death;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I dare thee but to look upon my love!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The next moment, however, remembrance of his own condition, and the
+station in life of her he had saved, flashed across his brain. He drew a
+pace or two back, and recollected how far removed he was from her he had
+so promptly succoured. As for the attendant cavalier, he seemed to see
+nothing but the still insensible form he hung over. "Oh! thank heaven.
+Oh! thank heaven, she breathes," he said wildly, "she is not dead&mdash;speak
+to me, Charlotte&mdash;speak but one word to your poor cousin, if but to
+assure him of your safety."</p>
+
+<p>"I think she is recovering, fair sir," said the youth, again
+approaching. "See, she opens her eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"She does&mdash;she does!" said the cavalier, as he raised her in his arms.
+"I would we had a few drops of water to sprinkle in her face; 'twould do
+much towards hastening her recovery."</p>
+
+<p>"That shall she soon have," said the youth; and darting off, he hastened
+towards a rivulet, which, brawling along on the other side of the
+plantation, ran through the marsh land beyond, and emptied itself into
+the Avon.</p>
+
+<p>Taking off his high-crowned hat, he dipped it in the stream, and
+returned as speedily. As he did so he observed that Sir Hugh Clopton,
+and such of his party as were mounted, had now reached the spot; whilst
+the fair Charlotte, having regained her senses, was clasped in her fond
+father's arms.</p>
+
+<p>Handing the water to one of the attendants, he again drew back, and
+leaning upon his quarter-staff, stood regarding the party unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now praise be to heaven for this mercy," said Sir Hugh. "In my pride
+and joy of thee, my Charlotte, I bred yonder steed for thy especial use.
+I thought to see thee mounted as no other damsel in Warwickshire, and
+see the result. Ha, by my halidame, I swear to thee, that had not the
+brute perished in his own wilfulness I had killed him with this hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, blame not my poor Fairy," said the lady; "he did but follow the
+bent of his joyous spirit, when he found himself in the fresh pasture.
+'Twas thy timely succour, coz," she said, turning to the tall cavalier
+beside her, "which I suspect saved me when I fell."</p>
+
+<p>"By my troth then, nephew," said the old knight, grasping the youth's
+hand, "'twas well done of thee, and thou hast redeemed thy first fault
+in following the runaway horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, uncle," said the cavalier, "I fear me I have redeemed no fault,
+neither deserve I any praise. I saw my fair cousin cast headlong to the
+earth, and then dragged beneath the heels of yonder horse. No mortal
+help, it appeared, could avail her. I felt the blood rush to my brain; I
+was about to fall from my saddle, when lo, a lad stepped from beside the
+trunk of yonder oak, I heard a heavy crashing blow, I saw Fairy fall as
+if pierced by a bullet in the brain, and I found thee, Charlotte, saved.
+And that reminds me," continued the cavalier, looking round, "he who did
+this gallant deed was this moment by my side."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, say'st thou, Walter," said the burly knight, "where, then, be this
+lad whom we have not even thanked for his service? Stand back, my
+masters."</p>
+
+<p>As Sir Hugh spoke the attendants fell back, and discovered the graceful
+figure of the youth in the grey doublet, as he leant beside the tree.
+The old knight immediately stepped up, and grasping the youth by the
+hand, led him into the circle, whilst the young cavalier was more fully
+describing to the lady the bold and instantaneous manner in which she
+had been rescued.</p>
+
+<p>The youth sank on one knee, and taking the lady's hand, pressed it to
+his lips. "Believe me, lady," he said, "the delight I experience in
+serving one so fair and exquisite, a thousand times o'erpays the duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, gad a mercy," said the old knight, "thou art a high-flown
+champion, methinks. Nevertheless, lad, we are indebted to thee in more
+than we can either dilate on, or thou listen to with patience fasting.
+Let us return to the house, my masters all.</p>
+
+<p>"Come Sir Knight of the quarter-staff," he continued, "'fore gad, we'll
+not part with thee till we have learnt how to do thee good service.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet stay," he said, as he was preparing to mount, and whilst steadily
+regarding the youth, "art not of the town here? Have I not seen thy
+goodly visage somewhere in Stratford? Troth have I. Why man, thou art
+the son of my respected neighbour, the wool-comber in Henley
+Street&mdash;John Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"His eldest son, an it so please ye," said the youth, blushing.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Heaven, and so thou art!" said Sir Hugh. "And what, good
+Philip?&mdash;is not thy name Philip?"</p>
+
+<p>"William," said the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"And what good wind, then, good William Shakespeare, hath blown thee so
+opportunely this morning to our neighbourhood?"</p>
+
+<p>"Marry, the same wind, good Sir Hugh," said a tall, dark-looking man,
+dressed in the habiliments of a forester, and accompanied by a companion
+quite as ill-favoured as himself, and who at this moment thrust himself
+into the circle: "the same ill wind, Sir Hugh, that makes him haunt
+every wood and dell in the county."</p>
+
+<p>This interruption somewhat startled the party. Sir Hugh turned and
+looked at him with surprise, whilst the object of the remark of the
+forester in an instant confronted the man. "Thou art an insolent
+caitiff," he said, "thus to speak of one of whom thou knowest nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"An I know nothing of thee," said the forester contemptuously, "'tis
+more than my comrade here can testify. By the same token, thou has
+stolen upon his forest-walk, 'will he, nill he,' and beaten him on his
+own beat, as it were, and so put him to shame."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am as like to do the same by thee with the like provocation,"
+returned young Shakespeare. "Thy comrade laid hands upon me, and
+dishonoured me by a blow. For the which," he continued, significantly,
+"<i>I beat him.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"And for which," returned the forester, "we have followed thee hither;
+and, time and opportunity serving, will return the beating with
+interest. Thou art warned, so look to thyself, and keep from our woods
+in future."</p>
+
+<p>"Gramercy," said Sir Hugh, now interrupting the dispute, "but what saucy
+companions are these?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are outlying keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote, Sir Hugh,"
+said the man, doffing his hat, and making a leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Outlying, I think, by'r Lady," said Sir Hugh, "in every sense of the
+word. Thou hast railed on thyself, Sir Ranger, in accusing this youth of
+the offence of trespass, since thou art even now thyself trespassing
+here, and putting an affront upon a youth whom it is our pleasure to
+hold in good esteem. Begone, lest I give my people a hint to cudgel thee
+for thy presumption."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then our master shall hear of it," said the keeper; "an thou
+encouragest those who lurch upon his grounds, the sword must settle it."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis with thy master I <i>will</i> settle it, thou arrant knave," said Sir
+Hugh; "I talk not with such caitiffs."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet dost thou take up with yonder son of a trader in Stratford
+town," said the fellow, with a sneer. "'Want of company,' saith the
+proverb. Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hark ye, sirrah!" said young Shakespeare (like lightning seizing the
+keeper by the green frock, and forcing him up to the dead horse),
+"trader or noble, I warn thee to put no further affront upon me before
+this fair company; for, by the hand that brained yon steed, I can as
+easily teach thee as awful a lesson. Begone!" he continued. "I am alike
+ready to meet thee on thine own or other grounds, singly or together,
+with quarter-staff, or rapier and target."</p>
+
+<p>The man looked cowed, he glanced towards his comrade, and both
+disappeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FAMILY OF THE CLOPTONS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>To Charlotte Clopton the introduction of the stranger youth, the
+relation her cousin gave of his opportune appearance, and the ready
+manner in which he had rescued her, seemed like some dream.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, under circumstances such as she now for the first time beheld
+the youthful poet, he was scarcely to be regarded, we opine, by a lady's
+eye with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>Rendered insensible, as we have seen, by her severe fall, on recovery
+she found herself almost miraculously saved from a dreadful death.
+Whilst he who had rescued her, appeared to have come to her assistance
+"like some descended god."</p>
+
+<p>"Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?" The heart of Charlotte
+was from that moment hopelessly, irrecoverably, lost.</p>
+
+<p>The family of the Cloptons was of ancient descent. Sir Hugh was a
+widower, having no other offspring but the daughter we have already
+introduced to our readers. Of suitors doubtless the fair Charlotte might
+have had plenty and to spare; for, when broad lands are coupled with
+exceeding beauty,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"From the four corners of the earth they come<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To kiss the shrine."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh had, however, made election for his daughter, of one who had
+been her companion from childhood, a cousin of her own, Walter Arderne.
+This young man, who was now about two and twenty years of age,
+absolutely doated on his affianced bride. His fortune was ample, and the
+woods of Arderne could be seen from the grounds of Clopton. Added to
+this he was extremely handsome, of a most amiable and generous
+disposition, brave as the steel he wore, and "complete in all good grace
+to grace a gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>And yet withal, although Charlotte loved him as a brother, esteemed him
+as a friend, and had been taught to regard him as her future husband, to
+entertain any more tender feelings towards him she found impossible.</p>
+
+<p>Still, Walter Arderne being thus the constant companion, the affianced
+husband of Charlotte, although numerous other cavaliers saw, and seeing,
+admired, their brief bow was soon made. They saw&mdash;they were smitten by
+the blind bow-boy&mdash;but they felt that the prize was appropriated
+worthily and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Few men, indeed, were more worthy of a lady's eye than Walter Arderne.
+Gentle, generous, and frank, as we have before described him&mdash;rich and
+handsome withal&mdash;it seems scarcely possible that his fair cousin could
+fail in returning the strong love he felt for her. Yet so it was, and
+whether this love "chosen by another's eye" was distasteful to her, or
+that she thought the near relationship any bar to a more tender feeling,
+it is certain the very thought of her betrothment was disagreeable.
+Still Walter had been her friend, her companion, and her champion from
+childhood's hour, and under his fostering care and tuition she had
+become a sort of Dian of the woods and groves. Dearly did she love the
+bounding steed and the chase: the wild, the wold, the hawk, and the free
+air.</p>
+
+<p>Her father's wishes also were law to her, and as she found it would be a
+terrible disappointment to him were she to own her dislike to a marriage
+with her cousin, she had suffered the engagement to remain unchallenged.</p>
+
+<p>For centuries the Cloptons had seemed a doomed race; as if some ban was
+upon them they had been strangely unlucky by flood and field. Gentle by
+birth, noble in spirit, and in the enjoyment of all the world could
+give, they seemed doomed to be unfortunate. There was even a melancholy
+about the old hall itself consequent upon the mishaps and disasters that
+appeared the hereditary portion of the family. The sons were brave,
+their banner ever in the van, but they fell early in the fight. The
+daughters were chaste as they were beautiful, but an early grave had
+almost always closed over them. Nay, the villagers called the old
+manor-house the house of mourning, so invariably had most of its
+numerous occupants been swept off. An old legend (they affirmed)
+proclaimed this near extinction of the line of Clopton, and that the
+hall would be unlucky whilst their race continued its owners.</p>
+
+<p>The brave old knight, gentle and even-tempered as he was, and whom on
+ordinary provocation it was difficult to anger, was peculiarly sensitive
+on this subject. Any allusion to the wild legend from a servitor, or
+rustic on his estate, would be sure to be followed by displeasure or
+dismissal; whilst mention of it from one in his own rank would have been
+considered equivalent to an invitation to the dark walk at the end of
+the pleasance, armed with rapier and dagger.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh had beheld his children fade away, apparently of hereditary
+disease, one after another in their early youth; all except the
+beautiful Charlotte, the pledge of a second marriage, and whose mother
+had died soon after giving birth to this their only child, and he was in
+consequence tremblingly alive to the slightest alarm of accident or
+illness. It was under such circumstances that Sir Hugh, in accepting the
+guardianship of his nephew, had learned to look upon the well-favoured
+Walter almost with the eye of a parent, and had set his heart upon a
+marriage between him and his lovely child.</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, too, had young Shakespeare performed the piece
+of service we have described,&mdash;a service beyond reward (as the old
+knight worded it), beyond aught he had to bestow; and it was under such
+circumstances that the youth became an occasional visitor at Clopton
+Hall, where he was admitted on an equality with the inmates, and
+received in a manner perhaps no other circumstances would have been
+likely to lead to.</p>
+
+<p>The line drawn between persons of different condition in life was then
+more strictly kept, and more accurately defined than in our own day. But
+the good sense of Sir Hugh led him to appreciate superior attainments
+wherever they were to be found. The ignorance of youth proceeded, he
+thought, from idleness; the continuance of ignorance in manhood from
+pride&mdash;the pride which is less ashamed of being ignorant than of seeking
+instruction. At Clopton, therefore, men of worth were received, even
+though of low estate.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>A DOMESTIC PARTY IN ELIZABETH'S DAY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the evening of the day on which the accident had happened to
+Charlotte Clopton, that lady, together with her father, her cousin
+Walter, and young Shakespeare, were assembled in an ample apartment at
+Clopton Hall, situate on the ground floor, the windows looking out upon
+the lovely pleasure-grounds in the rear of the building. The youth had
+spent the entire day at the hall, and in the society of those to whom he
+had rendered so great a service.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed any person (albeit he might not so well deserve consideration by
+this good family) would still have been a cherished guest; nay, even an
+"unmannered churl," under the same circumstances, would have been
+tolerated and made much of; but in this lad, Sir Hugh and his family
+found something so extraordinary, so superior, and of so amiable a
+disposition, that it appeared a blessing and an honour to have him as an
+associate beneath their roof.</p>
+
+<p>Those who can associate with persons above them in rank, it has been
+said, and yet neither disgust or affront them by over-familiarity, or
+disgrace themselves by servility, prove that they are as much gentlemen
+by nature as their companions are by rank and station. If our readers
+wish to picture the youthful Shakespeare's first introduction into
+"worshipful society," and amongst people of condition of his day, and
+where he received those first impressions from which some of his
+delicious scenes have been drawn, they must imagine to themselves a
+large and somewhat gloomy oak-pannelled room, whose principal ornament
+is the huge elaborately-carved chimney-piece, which, in truth, seems to
+occupy one entire side of the apartment, and appears inclined also to
+march into the very centre thereof. The apartment (albeit it was, as we
+have said, by no means stinted to space, and had an exceeding quiet,
+retired, and comfortable look withal) was by no means constructed or
+fashioned after the more approved style of modern architecture. The
+ceiling was somewhat low, traversed by an enormous beam, and cut and
+carved elaborately, displaying fruits and flowers, heraldic devices of
+the brave, and all those extraordinary and grotesque figures which the
+cunning architects of old were so fond of inventing. On the side of the
+apartment opposite the huge chimney-piece, and on which side hung
+several scowling and bearded portraits, stood a sort of spinnet or
+harpsichord, and beside that leant an instrument, fashioned somewhat
+like a bass viol of the present day, but of a more curious form, and
+elaborately inlaid with ivory, a viol-de-gamba, an instrument then much
+in vogue. Two ample casements which opened inwards, and which were
+festooned by creeping plants, the eglantine and sweet jessamine, and
+which casements, as we have before said, looked into the green and
+bowery garden, and through which the soft evening breeze of May breathed
+the most exquisite perfume, gave a sort of green and fairy light to the
+interior. A heavy oaken table with enormous legs was placed near the
+window. Upon it were to be seen a silver salver, with several bottles of
+antique and most exquisite pattern, containing liquors of comfortable
+appearance and delicious flavour. These were flanked by high glasses of
+Venetian workmanship. In addition to these articles, several high-backed
+cane-bottomed chairs and one or two stools formed the remaining
+furniture of the room, and which, in comparison with our own
+over-crowded style, would perhaps have been termed only half furnished.</p>
+
+<p>Nic-nacs there were few or none. Two or three dull-faced miniature
+mirrors, looking all frame, hung heavily against the pannelling, and
+even a cross-bow, several rapiers, one or two matchlocks, and other
+weapons of ancient fashion, were to be observed; whilst, to complete the
+picture, on the ample hearth (although the room constituted what in the
+present day would have been called the withdrawing-room of the mansion)
+sprawled several of the smaller dogs then used in field sports, and an
+enormous hound, sufficiently large and powerful to pull down a stag; and
+in the enjoyment of the sight and flavour of the good wines placed
+before him, sat the portly form of the master of the house. Beside the
+open window stood the youthful cavalier Walter Arderne, and on one of
+the oaken lockers or benches in the embrazure of the casement, was
+seated Charlotte Clopton. As she leant her cheek upon her hand, one
+moment she gazed abstractedly into the bowery garden, the next her eyes
+wandered into the softened light of the interior of the apartment, and
+rested upon the features of her deliverer, young Shakespeare. This youth
+stood beside the spinnet, and (unconscious of the sensation his
+narrative produced upon the ears and hearts of his hearers, and of the
+beauty of the description) was giving them the plot of a tale in verse
+which he had that morning been perusing, when the lady's danger
+interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>He related the story briefly, but in such language that his listeners
+were wrapt by the recital. He even accompanied his description by some
+action, and where he wished to impress his hearers more especially he
+endeavoured to recollect and repeat the lines of the poem, piecing out
+the story, when memory failed him, with such verses as he made for the
+nonce.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to these, the principal personages of our chapter, there was
+one other individual in the room, who (albeit he occupied the background
+of the scene, being crouched up in a corner) is also deserving of a
+description.</p>
+
+<p>This was a sort of hanger-on, or appendage to the establishments of the
+old families of condition in England not then quite extinct&mdash;a sort of
+good familiar creature, attached to the master of the house principally,
+and indifferently familiar with all and sundry, in doors and out&mdash;a sort
+of humorist&mdash;a privileged, seeming half idiotic, though in reality
+extremely shrewd and clever companion, who used his folly "like a
+stalking-horse, under cover of which, he shot his wit;" but who was
+indeed more the friend than the fool of the family, and oft-times
+consulted on matters of moment by the good knight.</p>
+
+<p>This individual, clad in somewhat fantastic costume, fashioned by
+himself, be it understood, and which it was his especial pleasure to
+wear, (for Sir Hugh would by no means have forced any one in his
+establishment to wear motley,) was seated in a huge high-backed
+arm-chair, in a corner of the apartment, where, with his legs drawn up
+under him on the cushion, his hands clasped together over his breast,
+and his thumbs in his mouth, he kept a shrewd eye upon the other
+occupants; the long ears of his cap every now and then, as they shook
+with a sort of nervous twitch of the head, alone proclaiming that he was
+not some stuffed ornament, occupying the position it was his wont
+usually to choose in the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The story Shakespeare had related seemed to have made an impression on
+his own youthful mind. It professed to pourtray that baneful passion
+jealousy&mdash;a passion which, when once indulged, is the inevitable
+destroyer of conjugal happiness. It formed one of the old romances then
+in vogue amongst such as delighted in reading of the sort; for in those
+days of leisure, sobriety, and lack of excitement amongst females in the
+country, reading, spinning, embroidery, and other ornamental needlework,
+principally occupied the hours of the elder; and out-door amusements and
+music the younger. Those females who were given to literature, however,
+would, in our times, have indeed been considered learned, since many
+(albeit they eschewed light reading) understood both the Greek and Latin
+tongues to perfection, and many were no less skilful in the Spanish,
+Italian, and French.</p>
+
+<p>In the narration of this story, and whilst (as we have said) young
+Shakespeare gave his own version, might have been observed gleams of
+that mighty genius which was, in after-times, to astonish the world.</p>
+
+<p>His relation had, indeed, much of the fire and descriptive beauty which
+he afterwards threw into every line of his writings. He called up before
+his hearers the fiery openness of the injured husband; boundless in
+confidence, ardent in affection. He touched upon the soft and gentle
+simplicity of the victim; her consciousness of innocence; and her
+slowness to suspect she could be suspected. And, lastly, he described
+the clever devil, the fiend-like and malignant accuser, with matchless
+power.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed the enormity of the crime of adultery, and upon which this story
+touched so forcibly, was in after days (as our readers doubtless
+recollect) made by the great dramatic moralist the subject of not less
+than four of his finished productions.</p>
+
+<p>Another thing remarkable, and which struck all present, was the facility
+with which, by a touch as it were, he ever and anon (and as if by some
+incomprehensible magic of description) impressed the climate and
+country, the manners and customs of the actors in this romance, upon the
+hearers.</p>
+
+<p>The relation had, indeed, seemed to the auditors like a dramatic
+performance. The melody of the speaker's voice, and the lines he
+uttered, left his audience as we sometimes feel after the scenic hour.
+There was a want of some soother of the excitement produced.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight felt this. He took his viol-de-gamba and drew his bow
+lightly across the strings, producing that silver and somewhat solemn
+sound which those who have heard the instrument so well remember&mdash;sounds
+suited to the hour, age, and scene, and which give their own impressions
+of days long passed away.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Charlotte," said Sir Hugh, after executing one of the pieces of
+music then in vogue, "now a madrigal in which all can join. This youth
+hath put a spell upon us with his sad story. Come, a madrigal; and after
+that our evening meal in the garden, beneath the mulberry-tree. Do thou
+take the first, whilst I and Walter chime in second and third, and
+Martin shall e'en do his best to help us."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, uncle," said Martin, jerking out his legs straight before him,
+then putting them to the ground gently, and then lightly executing a
+sort of somersault and coming forward, "I pr'ythee hold me excused. I
+shall but spoil your music: my voice is rugged. I am not gifted to sing
+squealingly with a lady. A psalm or so at church, or a quaver after
+supper I can execute; but my voice is like the howl of an Irish wolf
+when I sing a part with the lady Charlotte: blessings on her celestial
+throat."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, as she seated herself, "thou wilt not
+refuse when I tell thee it is to pleasure our new friend, to whom we owe
+so much."</p>
+
+<p>Martin glanced quickly upon Shakespeare, as she said this, and then
+slowly turned his eye upon the young lady.</p>
+
+<p>He stroked his chin knowingly, and seemed to be considering them both
+very curiously. "Truly so," he said, "we do indeed owe much to this lad.
+May God requite the debt." So saying, the familiar walked to the window,
+and, looking affectionately in the handsome face of Walter, as he stood
+leaning against the casement and regarding Charlotte, he put his arm
+through that of the young cavalier, and remained beside him whilst the
+madrigal was sung; his own fine bass voice coming in with singular
+effect, and belying his modest assertion of incompetency.</p>
+
+<p>To say that the voice of the lovely Charlotte delighted Shakespeare
+would be to say little; he felt ravished and enchanted, and it left an
+impression upon the young poet which he never forgot from that hour!</p>
+
+<p>And oh! how calmly, how contentedly, and how quietly flowed the hours of
+private life even during such a reign of glory as that of the great and
+good Queen Bess!</p>
+
+<p>In those days the whirl of events, the increasing villany of the world,
+the petty doings of the actors in this vale of tears, the very minutiæ
+of crime and sin, the most paltry acts "committed on this ball of
+earth," in town, city, village, and hamlet were not as now, printed and
+published and blown into every corner of the kingdom, a few hours after
+commission. Even the leading events of the day, the acts of the great
+amongst the nations of the earth, and all the stirring deeds going on in
+the world, and which shook and overturned thrones; even these travelled
+slowly, and though posts "came tiring on," still rumour, full of
+tongues, made oft-times many slanderous reports ere the true one was
+manifest.</p>
+
+<p>To the country gentleman his domain was his little world, his court,
+wherein he received the homage of his neighbouring dependents and
+tenants.</p>
+
+<p>The charm of life consisted in these pursuits, those associations&mdash;nay
+even those superstitions, and those antiquated customs which modern
+utilitarianism has driven from the world. Whilst, as we have said,
+mighty events shook the nation, men continued to pursue their even way
+in that station of life in which it had pleased Heaven to call them.</p>
+
+<p>After the madrigal, the old knight, with the viol-de-gamba clutched
+between his legs, fell fast asleep, his wonted custom in the evening;
+and having gently relieved him from all care of the instrument by
+withdrawing it from his custody, Charlotte invited the trio to a stroll
+in the garden, where they held converse upon various matters,
+occasionally interrupted in their discourse by the quaint sayings and
+witticisms of the shrewd Martin.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>A DISAGREEABLE VISITOR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>'Twas a pleasing picture, that old knight taking his evening nap in his
+oak pannelled room, so quiet and so retired, so undisturbed, except by
+the cooing of the wood-pigeon, or the distant bay of the hound in the
+kennel.</p>
+
+<p>The evening breeze sighed drearily through the branches of the gigantic
+cedar-tree in the garden, and whispered softly through the luxuriant
+plants and shrubs which hung about the diamond-paned windows.</p>
+
+<p>'Tis a sweet time that evening hour, in an old mansion far removed from
+the bustle of the world. The oak floor, too, in the centre of the
+apartment, was coloured faintly by the many tints reflected through the
+stained glass in the upper compartments of the windows, and where the
+arms and crest of the Cloptons were variously multiplied and emblazoned.
+The dark polished oak of the huge chimney-piece, as the shadows of
+evening descended, seemed framed of iron or ebony, the grotesque
+figures, here and there ornamenting the higher parts, with their
+demoniac faces and satyr-like bodies, seeming ready to pounce upon
+whoever came within their reach.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the old knight enjoyed his siesta, every now and then giving a
+sort of start in his deep sleep, or a prolonged snore, and then
+twitching his muscular face and changing his position, the door of the
+apartment was gently opened, and a tall shadowy figure, after hesitating
+for a few moments at the threshold, and looking round, entered
+cautiously, and approaching the sleeper stood and gazed long and fixedly
+at his countenance.</p>
+
+<p>What a contrast might a looker-on have observed in those two faces!&mdash;the
+one round, ruddy, redolent of health, and shewing no traces of guilt or
+care; the other worn, pale, anxious, and cadaverous-looking. The broad
+brim of the stranger's hat was drawn down and pulled low over his
+forehead, his dark and grizzled hair looked thin and perished, matching
+well with the iron gray of his complexion, and his forked beard,
+presenting altogether a worn and haggard appearance, a man of dark
+passions, evil thoughts, and sinister disposition.</p>
+
+<p>After gazing for some time at Sir Hugh, the stranger laid his heavy
+gauntlet upon his shoulder and suddenly awoke him.</p>
+
+<p>The knight opened his eyes, stared at the dark countenance so suddenly
+presented to him for a few moments, and then starting up, stepped a pace
+or two back and laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier.</p>
+
+<p>The grim stranger smiled at the startled look of the old knight, "Fear
+me not, Sir Hugh," he said. "I come not with intent to do thee harm."</p>
+
+<p>"Fear thee," said Sir Hugh contemptuously, "wherefore should I fear? But
+thou comest upon me in my secure hour here&mdash;and I know thee not. Stand
+off, lest I smite thee."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be a poor reception for an old friend," said the other,
+smiling a grim smile.</p>
+
+<p>"An old friend!" said Sir Hugh, in tones of surprise; "truly then thou
+art an old friend with a new face. May heaven protect me, if ever I
+looked upon that white-livered visage of thine before."</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou quite sure of that, Sir Hugh Clopton?" said the stranger.
+"Look again; time and care and climate have written, I dare be sworn,
+strange defeatures in my face, but yet methinks twenty years ago the
+name of Parry was not altogether unknown at Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"Parry!" said Sir Hugh, starting; "art thou Gilbert Parry? and what doth
+the banished traitor Parry within my walls? Hence, sirrah; I wish for
+the companionship of no man polluted with crimes such as thine."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, soft, Sir Hugh," said the visitor, "I come with credentials from
+one thou darest not slight. Look ye, I am bearer of a letter from the
+Nuncio Campeggio, and I demand speech with Father Eustace, who dwells in
+thy house here."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh again started; he took the letter from the hand of his visitor,
+and read it attentively.</p>
+
+<p>"Truly," he said, "the letter is as thou say'st. In it I find I am
+ordered to give thee shelter here for the space of one week; affording
+thee and those with whom thou consortest such secresy and seclusion as
+thou may'st desire. I dare not deny the hospitality so enjoined, but in
+good sooth I had as lief thou had'st sought it elsewhere, Gilbert
+Parry."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis well," said Parry, taking his riding-cloak from his shoulders;
+"Clopton hath secret chambers, I know, as well as that devoted servants
+of the Catholic Church dwell beneath its roof."</p>
+
+<p>"May I not know," inquired Sir Hugh, "of the business which employs the
+talents of Gilbert Parry, and makes the Pope's Nuncio his introducer
+within my walls?"</p>
+
+<p>"At more fitting opportunity perchance thou mayest," returned Parry,
+whose manner had become more assured after he observed the impression
+the letter he had delivered had made; "at the present moment I require
+rest and refreshment."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh said no more; he stepped to a concealed pannel beside the huge
+chimney-piece, and drawing it aside, ushered his guest into a small
+closet-like apartment, and then carefully closed the pannel again. A
+narrow winding staircase ascended from this small room into the chamber
+above, and which was only known or used by Sir Hugh himself, together
+with Martin and the priest, who occasionally visited at the Hall.</p>
+
+<p>After entering, Sir Hugh signed to his guest to ascend the staircase.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt find every accommodation here in this chamber," he said, "and
+refreshment shall be served to thee by one I can trust. Father Eustace
+is at present absent from Clopton, but to-morrow I expect he will
+return."</p>
+
+<p>"I would confer with him without delay," said Parry, "so soon as he
+returns."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said Sir Hugh, retiring from the apartment, and descending
+the stairs; seeming, as he did so, by his manner, not sorry to withdraw
+from the companionship of his new guest.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had descended into the small apartment we have before
+described, he paused for a few moments, and then unlocked and opened a
+low postern door, which admitted into the garden, and, guided by the
+voices of his daughter and her party in the distance, immediately sought
+them.</p>
+
+<p>It was by no means uncommon for the Catholics, during this reign, to
+hold secret intercourse with each other after the fashion we have just
+described, going from house to house with the utmost care; the more
+violent and remorseless making it their practice to seek refuge
+oft-times amongst the quieter gentry, and, under cover of their
+respectability, carrying on their designs with greater security.</p>
+
+<p>In pursuance of such custom, Sir Hugh's new visitor had now sought
+shelter at Clopton. He had, on that same evening, arrived at Stratford
+in company with others, and immediately on dismounting from his horse,
+had walked across the meadows, entered the grounds, and being well
+acquainted with the localities, introduced himself into the house
+without being seen by any one.</p>
+
+<p>When Sir Hugh joined his daughter and her party, there was a something
+of anxiety upon his brow which was not usual with him. But so deeply
+interested were Charlotte and Walter Arderne with the conversation of
+their new formed acquaintance, that they observed it not. The quick eye,
+however, of the shrewd Martin (who so well knew his old master's habits)
+saw at a glance that something had puddled the clear spirit of the
+knight; and advancing towards him, they walked apart and held converse
+together.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there ill news toward?" said Martin. "Something I perceive hath
+disturbed you, and broken in upon your slumbers."</p>
+
+<p>"I have had a visitor, Martin," said Sir Hugh; "one with whom I had long
+closed the accounts of acquaintanceship as a dangerous companion."</p>
+
+<p>"Know I the man?" inquired Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"Like myself you did so," returned Sir Hugh; "but evil courses drove him
+from the country some years back. You remember Gilbert Parry?"</p>
+
+<p>"What," said Martin, "he who was condemned to death as a traitor some
+five years ago, and to whom the Queen graciously granted a free pardon?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same. He hath been with me just now."</p>
+
+<p>"He was ever a restless dangerous knave," said Martin; "his visit might
+well have been spared. I trust it was a short one."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "he hath claimed the hospitality of Clopton on
+matters of moment connected with holy mother Church, and hath shewn me
+letters from the Nuncio Campeggio, and from Ragazoni at Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"He comes from abroad, then, I dare be sworn," said Martin, "and on no
+good errand depend on't, and he makes Clopton his place of residence on
+his first arrival, in order to be in security whilst he spies into the
+localities, and sounds his instruments; ah, and by my fay, 'tis a crafty
+and a dangerous companion, whose designs may get us into trouble. But an
+I dive not into his contrivances I would I might never taste hippocras
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"I would have thee do so, Martin, if it be possible," said Sir Hugh,
+"for I like not such guests; albeit, their visits are sanctioned and
+enjoined by the mighty in our Church. Nay, it was but last week I had a
+visit from Ralph Somerville, of Warwick, who held me in dangerous
+converse a whole hour, upon the necessity of smiting all heretics and
+persecutors. His discourses on religious matters shewed a distempered
+brain. Troth, I was glad to be rid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis strange," said Martin, "to behold the spirit which everywhere
+actuates those who profess more religion than their neighbours, both
+Protestants and Catholics. By my faith, men will dispute upon the
+subject, cut a throat for religion, indite most learned matter
+appertaining,&mdash;anything but live for it."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis even so, Martin," said Sir Hugh with a sigh, "and therefore doth
+it behove us, and all those who are not of this bigoted and intolerant
+spirit, to guard our hearths from the danger of such association. A
+presentiment of evil is upon my mind since this man's coming, which I
+cannot shake off. Be it thy business to look to his wants this evening.
+To-morrow Father Eustace returns, and we shall then know more about his
+designs."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, that Eustace!" muttered Martin to himself. "Hath he ever seen this
+man?" he inquired aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"I think not," said Sir Hugh; "they have never met to my knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough," said Martin; "leave him to me. Now break we off, and let us
+join our party. See where the lady Charlotte leads her two attendant
+swains toward the house yonder. This new-found friend, Sir Hugh,"
+continued Martin, "this youth, whose merits seem so far beyond his
+fortunes, is he likely to remain long at Clopton?"</p>
+
+<p>"He tarries here to-night, Martin," said Sir Hugh, "and shall be ever
+welcome. We are deeply his debtor."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph," said Martin significantly, "I supposed as much, and I suppose
+it must even be so,&mdash;<i>but</i>&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>England, up to the period of Elizabeth's reign, at which our story has
+now arrived, had been blessed in the enjoyment of the most absolute
+security.</p>
+
+<p>The scene, however, was now beginning to change, and multiplied dangers
+to threaten the maiden Queen from various quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Scotland and its affairs gave Elizabeth continued uneasiness, and every
+new revolution amongst the wild and turbulent nobles of that rude land
+caused her fresh anxiety, because that country alone being not separated
+from England by sea, and bordering on all the Catholic and malcontent
+countries, afforded her enemies an easy mode of annoying her.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more romantic, wild, and extravagant than the stories
+which those of the English who had penetrated far north brought back of
+the state of the nation, and the manners and disposition of the
+inhabitants; and which, if they were to be believed, described the
+chieftains in the hill countries as living amidst their wild and savage
+retainers in a singular style of feudal grandeur and semi-barbarism.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, such was, in reality, the nature of the rude Highlanders in the
+remoter districts of Scotland, that, for an Englishman to attempt to
+penetrate into their fastnesses, would have been attended with the same
+difficulty and danger as at the present time a journey into the centre
+of Africa is exposed to. So that to the generality of the English nation
+the interior of Scotland was a <i>terra incognita</i>; whilst the dark and
+ominous rumours continually floating about, pictured the very court
+itself of that distracted country in a most strange and unnatural light.
+Murders, conspiracies, rebellions, and every sort of consequence upon
+misrule and headstrong passion, seemed the every-day occurrence there.</p>
+
+<p>In Ireland, too, (where the inhabitants were equally wild, reckless, and
+opposite to England,) every invader found ready auxiliaries.</p>
+
+<p>Alienated by religious prejudices, that nation hated the English with a
+peculiar and deadly animosity; an animosity which has rankled in their
+breasts up to the present time, and caused the shedding of rivulets of
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>The anxiety of the Queen, on account of the attempts of the English
+Catholics, never ceased during the course of her reign, and was at this
+period greater than ever: whilst the continued revolutions happening to
+all the neighbouring kingdoms were the source of her continued
+apprehension Plots after plots were concocted in all quarters against
+her life, and which were being as constantly brought to light by one
+extraordinary chance or another.</p>
+
+<p>The Cloptons, as we have seen, were members of the Church of Rome,
+though they were of the milder sort of Catholics, steering clear of all
+those intrigues and conspiracies which the more bigoted of their
+persuasion were so continually engaged in.</p>
+
+<p>They were, indeed, well thought of and regarded by the government and
+the queen, and the good Sir Hugh was beloved and respected by all
+parties. Still the iron rule of the Church of Rome was upon him and his
+household, and held him under subjection. Many, therefore, were the
+narrow escapes he had experienced from being drawn into the violent and
+bloody plots and conspiracies the more dangerous and bigoted members of
+his creed had already been engaged in.</p>
+
+<p>In a former chapter our readers have seen a person of this latter sort
+arrive stealthily at the Hall, and fasten himself upon the secret
+hospitality of Sir Hugh, in virtue of the powerful letters he produced.</p>
+
+<p>What the designs of this man might be it was impossible to fathom, and
+Sir Hugh well knew that from the circumstance of his being himself
+considered but a mild and luke-warm Catholic by the more zealous and
+violent party, (although he might be made use of,) he would scarcely be
+initiated by them into their secrets.</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, the faithful Martin, (whose devotion towards
+the family of his old friend and patron amounted to a species of
+worship,) in taking upon himself the office of attendant upon the
+unwelcome guest, resolved to play the spy upon him at the same time,
+and, if possible, pluck out the heart of his mystery. The absence of the
+priest (who frequently resided at the Hall) favoured this design; and
+(on leaving Sir Hugh) Martin ascended to the apartment usually occupied
+by Father Eustace, where he doffed his motley coat, and induing the
+garments of the priest, suddenly presented himself before Parry.</p>
+
+<p>The talent for humour possessed by this singular being made his design
+peculiarly agreeable to him, for to play a part (even under dangerous
+circumstances) was quite in accordance with his disposition.</p>
+
+<p>On entering he found the object of his visit seated upon the small
+truckle bed with which the room was accommodated, and which (except two
+chairs) was all the furniture in it&mdash;the bed standing in a recess.</p>
+
+<p>The room itself was one of those small, curious chambers peculiar to the
+buildings of the Catholic gentry during this and the subsequent reign.
+It seemed evidently to have been contrived for purposes of seclusion and
+concealment, and was more like the cell of a monastery than a chamber in
+a private dwelling. Cribbed, as it seemed to have been, out of some
+corner of the edifice, where an apartment would never have been thought
+of; the only light by which this closet-like room was illuminated in the
+day-time being from a small concealed window, so contrived as not to be
+visible from the grounds without.</p>
+
+<p>So deep in his own contemplations was the occupant of this chamber,
+that, at first, he did not observe the entrance of the disguised Martin.
+When he did so, however, he quickly started to his feet, and the riding
+cloak which he had unfastened slipping from his shoulders shewed that he
+was armed (as the phrase goes) to the very teeth. Rapier and dagger were
+by his side, a pair of the huge, ill-contrived, petronels of the period
+at his waist, and in place of a shirt it was evident that he wore a sort
+of hauberk of linked steel beneath his upper garments; in fact, a more
+dangerous-looking and dishevelled companion the shrewd Martin had seldom
+beheld.</p>
+
+<p>"The peace of Heaven be upon thee, my son," said Martin, as the visitor
+confronted him.</p>
+
+<p>"Such peace as Heaven wills," returned the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Those who have to do the work are not permitted peace of mind or body
+in this world. Art thou him to whom I am secretly commended at Clopton,
+the good Father Eustace?"</p>
+
+<p>"Such is the name men usually give the wearer of these garments of the
+Church, my son," returned Martin. "I would they clove to the body of a
+more worthy representative."</p>
+
+<p>"The business I have with thee, good father," said Parry, "is of that
+dangerous and imminent nature that I may not trust to thy word alone. I
+must be furnished with proof of thy identity. Sir Hugh Clopton affirmed
+but now that Father Eustace was at present absent from the Hall."</p>
+
+<p>"I have but now returned," said Martin, "and immediately have sought
+thee out by Sir Hugh's desire. What you have to communicate can either
+be withheld or given freely, I seek not to know the secret of others.
+Letters of import, as I learn, hath procured thee a secret asylum here,
+without which, as thou art aware, thou could'st not have been received,
+neither can I hold converse with thee, unless thou canst shew such
+documents or explain the reasons of thy coming hither."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough said, father," returned Parry, thrown off his guard, "those
+documents thou shalt have; meantime hear the reasons which have moved me
+to this visit, and my intent in seeking thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Proceed," said Martin, seating himself, whilst the other walked
+restlessly up and down the small room, apparently carried away by the
+violence of his own thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou knowest my early history," he said, "and how that after being an
+undutiful son, a sabbath-breaker, and a blasphemer, the devil lured me
+to the commission of crimes by which my life was forfeited to the laws?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard these things," said Martin, "and such part of the story
+needs no repetition. The Queen granted you a free pardon, for which you
+are doubtless grateful, and resolved in making amends?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had resolved on doing so," said Parry, "and hoped for days of
+repentance and happiness, but none came, as you shall hear. The fiend
+still held possession. I wandered about in woods and solitary places,
+for the sight of my fellow creatures was horrible to me. Nay, I thought
+every one seemed happy but myself, and the evil one constantly whispered
+that there was no mercy for Gilbert Parry. Again, therefore, I sought
+society, gave the reins to my evil desires, and myself up to evil ways,
+and again conscience troubled me. I had rest neither by night nor day. I
+feared the night, lest the enemy should take me before morning. I tried
+to pray, but could not. I passed whole days as if my body had been
+pricked down irrecoverably, persuaded the fiend was in my apartment.
+Nay, my very body was in flames. To cry for help was vain, no relief
+came, and I was ever filled with evil thoughts. Such, holy father, were
+the torments I endured for five years. At length it appeared to me that
+this state of persecution arose from some cause in which I was called
+upon to exert myself. Then considered I of the persecuted state of our
+religion, and that I was called upon to strike a blow for its welfare.
+In short I resolved to do a deed which (by destroying the great enemy of
+our Church) should obtain for me the crown of martyrdom."</p>
+
+<p>"Proceed, my son," said Martin, who, seated with his chin upon his
+doubled fists, was listening to and contemplating the excited Parry with
+the utmost attention. "Proceed, my son, wherefore dost thou stop?"</p>
+
+<p>The narrator of his own troubled thoughts regarded Martin with a deep
+and searching look. "Methought I saw a devilish smile upon thy face," he
+said sternly. "Is the relation of such things subject of ridicule?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather of pity," said Martin; "I smiled to think that a whip and a dark
+room might have dispelled such phantoms. The most absurd doctrines are
+not without such evidence as martyrdom can produce."</p>
+
+<p>"You think, then," said Parry, "that penance and flagellation were
+required?"</p>
+
+<p>"Call it so, an if you will," said Martin, "fasting is good for
+digestion, and real pain for imaginary suffering. Doubtless you lived
+well whilst this frenzy lasted. You was, you say, leading a wild life,
+perhaps drunk one-half of the twenty-four hours, and mad the other. A
+bad state of the stomach produces fumes upon the brain. I would have
+exorcised the fiend by blood-letting, blisters, purgation, and
+purification. But proceed, you was about to say what this continued
+spiritual ague wrought you to."</p>
+
+<p>"The cutting off of one who is the bitter enemy of our creed, the
+usurper of the throne of these realms," said Parry, "the putting to
+death of Elizabeth Tudor."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah," said Martin, "methought 'twould tend that way. She to whom you
+are indebted for a life, is to pay the forfeit of life for her
+clemency."</p>
+
+<p>"And you disapprove of my project, then?" inquired Parry.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I said not so much, did I?" returned the shrewd Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"But you inferred so much, did you not?" again inquired Parry.</p>
+
+<p>"Mayhap I did, mayhap I did not," said Martin, who saw by the eye of
+Parry that his own situation, thus shut up with such a man, and under
+false colours, was somewhat perilous, especially as Parry in his excited
+state begun to fumble with the poniard at his waist. Martin in short now
+saw that his companion was mad. Under such circumstances to shew fear or
+distrust is to perish.</p>
+
+<p>"In trusting Father Eustace," said Parry, placing himself between Martin
+and the door, "I was led to expect I should find one ready in every way
+to forward and aid so great a design. Such was the assurance I received
+from Ragazoni. I brook no prevarication, priest; neither will I run the
+risk of betrayal." So saying, Parry drew his dagger from the sheath,
+looking at Martin at the same time with the ferocity of a tiger ready to
+spring.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not often that ministers of the Holy Mother Church are threatened
+thus," said Martin coolly, and without altering his position.</p>
+
+<p>"I will drive my dagger to the heart of every member of this household,"
+said Parry, "rather than endanger the success of my project."</p>
+
+<p>"That in itself would ruin the project, as far as you are its executor,"
+returned Martin, "since you would be likely to be apprehended and suffer
+for your violence."</p>
+
+<p>"Swear upon the hilt of my poniard not to divulge what I have just
+related," said Parry, becoming somewhat less excited, and thrusting his
+dagger close to the mouth of Martin. "Swear."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to do so," said Martin, quietly moving the steel from its
+close proximity to his lips, "with one reservation however, that Sir
+Hugh Clopton is to be informed of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Parry, seeming to reflect, and as suddenly changing from his
+excited state to comparative calmness, "was I not told to take the
+advice of Father Eustace, as to the propriety of making Sir Hugh Clopton
+acquainted with this design? And you advise such measure, do you,
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Most assuredly; for what other purpose have you sought his roof?"</p>
+
+<p>"For the purpose," said Parry, "of being in the vicinity of others
+cognizant of my design in this country, and of conferring with yourself
+in security, since my steps and motions, until I took refuge in
+Warwickshire, have been closely watched."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," returned Martin. "Now, wilt follow my advice since you have been
+sent to seek it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will," said Parry.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus it is," said Martin; "dismiss all further thoughts connected with
+your design to-night: partake of the refreshments I have brought with
+me, and then seek the repose you so much need. <i>To-morrow</i> we will talk
+further, taking Sir Hugh into our counsels; and so I take my leave." As
+he said this Martin rose, and was about to pass Parry, carefully making
+a circuit so as to get between him and the door, the latter following
+him as he did so with a doubtful eye.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a different man from the person I was led to expect in Father
+Eustace," said Parry, still dallying with his drawn dagger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am as you see me," said Martin, "true to my word and to the master I
+serve."</p>
+
+<p>"And you swear not to divulge?" said Parry.</p>
+
+<p>"Except to Sir Hugh&mdash;I swear," said Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said Parry, sheathing his dagger and stepping aside. "Good
+night, father."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow early I will again be with you," said Martin. "Good night",
+and the next moment he was outside the small apartment.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the skirts of the county of Warwick (saith a modern author), situated
+on the low meadowy banks of a river, there is a little quiet country
+town, boasting nothing to attract the attention of the traveller but a
+fine church and one or two antique buildings with elaborately carved
+fronts of wood or stone, in the peaceful streets. There would seem to be
+little traffic in that place, and the passing traveller, ignorant of the
+locality, would scarcely cast a second look around. But whisper its name
+into his ear, and, hand in hand with his ignorance, his apathy will
+straightway depart. He will stop his horse; he will descend from the
+saddle; he will explore those quiet streets, he will enter more than one
+of the houses in that little town; he will visit that old church, he
+will pause reverentially before its monuments; he will carry away with
+him some notes&mdash;perhaps some sketches; and remember what he saw and what
+he felt that day to the very close of his life. Indeed you will seldom
+fail to see, even in that quiet little town, small groups of people on
+whose faces and in whose demeanour you will recognize the stranger
+stamp. There is something to see in those unfrequented streets; and they
+have come a long way to see it. What wonder! The town is
+Stratford-upon-Avon.</p>
+
+<p>Such is indeed Stratford-upon-Avon at the present time. But in the
+sixteenth century it presented a somewhat different aspect.</p>
+
+<p>The different towns in England, at this latter period, were just
+beginning to emerge from their state of primitive rudeness and
+irregularity, and the houses to be distinguished for a style of
+architectural beauty and comfort as dwellings, which has not since been
+improved or exceeded.</p>
+
+<p>The various contentions and intestine jars which had, almost up to the
+reign of Elizabeth, drained the population, and kept men from all
+peaceful occupations and improvements, and in consequence of which the
+squalor of their dwellings and tenements were but one degree improved
+from the rudeness of the Norman period, was now to give place to a style
+which, if but one tenement remain to us in a town of the present age, we
+look at it with delight and admiration. Stratford-upon-Avon then, in the
+year 1584, might be said to partake largely of both these styles. In
+some parts were to be seen those irregular ill-built wooden tenements,
+little removed from the hut of the Norman citizen. These standing apart,
+and without regard to streets, formed the abode of the poorer sort of
+inhabitants, and chiefly constituted the suburbs; whilst several regular
+streets were to be found composed of handsome, strong-built,
+heavily-timbered, and substantial dwellings, having their shops
+encroaching into the streets; their beetling storeys above; their long
+passages running backwards, with ample yards and gardens in rear; and
+their low-roofed wide-chimneyed, secluded, and comfortable rooms,
+secured by massive iron-studded doors, and accommodated with heavy
+cumbrous articles of furniture.</p>
+
+<p>Here and there too, in the midst, were to be seen the mouldering remains
+of some dark monastic building of a former day. The walls of edifices,
+built in the dark ages of monkish intolerance, whose grated windows and
+low-arched doors told of the Saxon and the Dane, when, save the
+splendour of religious architecture, there was nothing between the hut
+and the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more rural and picturesque than Stratford-upon-Avon on
+a bright summer's day. Its streets, as we have before partially
+described, and (as was mostly the case in unwalled towns at this period)
+were, except in the very centre of the town, composed of houses
+detached at irregular intervals, many of the edifices being partially
+screened by the luxuriant trees which shadowed their fronts, and grew in
+the gardens in rear: added to this, in the suburban thoroughfares of
+this town, it was not uncommon to find a clump of tall elms or oaks
+growing in the very centre of the road, beneath whose boughs the rude
+bench, the horse-trough, and the creaking sign proclaimed the immediate
+vicinity of the smaller hostel.</p>
+
+<p>If the traveller looked from the town, he beheld the high road he was to
+traverse on leaving it, o'ercanopied by the forest scene without, whilst
+on entering the suburbs, the sloping roof, gable ends, and heavy
+chimneys were only here and there to be caught sight of amongst the
+living verdure in which they were embosomed.</p>
+
+<p>Besides this, as he proceeded, the picture was added to by the various
+signs of the several trades, which proclaimed the occupation of the
+indwellers, and before many of the houses were placed long benches on
+which, in fine weather, the townsfolk were to be found seated,
+conversing cozily together in their quaint-cut doublets and
+steeple-crowned hats. Large tubs of water also, by order of the chief
+magistrate, were placed beside each dwelling, as a precautionary
+preventative against the spread of fire amongst these stout-timbered
+edifices. The highways, however, even in the outskirts of the town, were
+by no means so well cared for as in our own times, and in foul weather,
+in place of a well-paved or Macadamized thoroughfare, the road was
+knee-deep in mud, and cut up fearfully with cart wheels and other
+traffic of the time.</p>
+
+<p>In what would now be called a small and somewhat mean-looking dwelling,
+but which in the reign of Elizabeth constituted the habitation of a good
+substantial citizen, resided John Shakespeare, a dealer in wool in
+Stratford-upon-Avon. The house itself had nothing in its outward
+appearance to recommend it, except the strength of its build and the
+stoutness of its timbers.</p>
+
+<p>It was neither "a goodly dwelling or a rich." Its rooms were both
+stinted to space and somewhat low in roof. But little did its inmates
+suspect that from the mere legend of one of its indwellers having first
+drawn breath beneath its roof, that house would create more interest in
+the world than the most magnificent palace the world contained, and that
+in after-ages the four corners of the earth would send forth votaries to
+see, to worship, and to offer adoration at its shrine. And still less
+did its occupants imagine that in the person of one of their own
+children they possessed a treasure, whose very name, unthought of and
+slightly regarded as he then was, would prove dearer than Pluto's mine,
+more rich than gold.</p>
+
+<p>Let us for a moment take a glance at the interior of this hallowed
+residence, and view it at the precise period of time to which the minds
+of those who now visit it are wont to revert; and when he who was in
+after-times to throw so great an interest over every cupboard, corner,
+and cranny of its stout-timbered walls, was in life, and dwelling idly
+in its apartments.</p>
+
+<p>In an inner apartment of the ground-floor was seated on a high-backed
+oaken chair, a female of some thirty years of age. If the reader has
+ever bestowed his attention upon the portrait Rubens has left us of his
+first wife, it will save much trouble in the description, since both in
+feature and figure this very handsome middle-aged female was the
+counterpart presentment of that portrait.</p>
+
+<p>Opposite to her, and apparently engaged with books and accounts
+pertaining to his business, pen in hand, and inditing what, in the
+present day, would be called a cramped piece of penmanship, sits a very
+comely and respectable-looking man. Nay, if we look closely at him we
+shall pronounce him to be a splendid specimen of an Englishman, both in
+countenance and figure. His face is exceedingly handsome, the complexion
+of a rich brown, the features high and aquiline, hair of a dark auburn,
+slightly tinged with grey, whilst a close-clipped curly beard worn round
+the chin, and a thick moustachio on the upper lip, complete the picture
+of one of those true-born English yeomen whose ancestors drew their
+arrows to the ear in the fields of Cressey, Poietiers, and Agincourt. If
+our readers then look upon this pair they will behold the father and
+mother of England's pride and glory, John and Joan Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>In the female there is a dignity of look and manner which seems somewhat
+out of keeping with so lowly a home as the one we find her in. She looks
+one whose presence would have better suited the hall than the cottage.
+One come of gentle blood, and born to fortune instead of being the wife
+of a tradesman in a country town, handsome and genteel-looking as nature
+hath made that husband.&mdash;Such is in truth the case, as John Shakespeare
+married one of the daughters and heirs of Arden of Wellingcote, in the
+county of Warwick.</p>
+
+<p>This pair, however, were not the only occupants of the small inner
+apartment in which we have found them, as some half-a-dozen curly-headed
+varlets, male and female, of various ages, from three to ten, were
+sitting and sprawling about the floor, clambering upon chairs,
+exercising their lungs in concert, and ever and anon calling forth a
+short reproof or a caress from their handsome parents.</p>
+
+<p>After a while, the wool-comber shuts up his books, places his pen in the
+inkstand, and folding his arms, remains wrapt in deep meditation.</p>
+
+<p>There is something of care and anxiety in his countenance. His thoughts
+and cogitations, as he occasionally glances upon his good-looking
+spouse, and then watches the young fry upon the floor, become more
+troubled; and, apparently to hide the growing heaviness of his brow, he
+rises, walks into the shop in front, reaches down his steeple-crowned
+hat, and looks forth into the street,&mdash;the little curly brood breaking
+cover as he opens the door, and bounding joyously into the sunshine in
+the streets.</p>
+
+<p>As they do so, they are met, caught up, and kissed, (at least the
+younger ones,) by their elder brother, just now returning to his home.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Will, good Will," cries one, "where have you been tarrying so
+long?" "Naughty truant Willy," cries another, "you've been rambling over
+to Warwick with Dick, the tanner's wild son, duck-hunting, I dare be
+sworn." "Nay," cries a third, "I know he has been otter-hunting all
+night in the river; see his staff is red with blood. Yon have brought us
+some skins, good William, hast thou not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, in good sooth, you varlets," said the elder brother, entering the
+door with the whole fry clinging round him, "I have neither wild fowl
+from the marshes, nor otters from the river; for none have I been in
+search of. I come home empty-handed this afternoon, for which you must
+forgive me."</p>
+
+<p>"And where, then, hast thou been, William?" said his father, somewhat
+gravely. "This idle wandering life of thine will, I fear me, lead to
+nothing. Master Pouncet Grasp has fairly given me warning that he will
+have no more to do with thee. He complains that you keep no regular
+hours; you heed no orders or directions he gives; that you set him at
+naught, in sooth, and make his other lads more idle than yourself. Nay,
+he says you spoil his parchments, spill his ink in waste, and that, in
+truth, he must either be ruined or be rid of thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon the miserable scrivener," returned William, laughing. "I did
+but pen a stanza in place of drawing a lease, and lo! he has never
+forgotten it. But, in good sooth, dear father," continued the youth, "I
+fear me I shall never thrive in the office of Pouncet Grasp. I find the
+dry work of a copying-clerk but an idle waste of the life Heaven hath
+blessed me with. I was not formed to draw leases, wills, and other
+tenures and tricks of lawcraft.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Between two hawks, which flies the higher pitch,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Between two dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Between two girls, which hath the merrier eye&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I have, perchance, some shallow spirit of judgment;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But in the nice sharp quillets of the law,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Good faith, I am no wiser than a jackdaw."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Thou canst rhapsodize at a good rate, my son," said the father, "that I
+well know. But in good truth thou must turn over a new leaf with Lawyer
+Grasp, or he will turn thee off, William!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," urged the youth, "since we have entered upon this matter, I must
+tell thee, father, that never since the pupil age of Adam was there poor
+wight more unfitted for a lawyer than myself; my pen runs riot when I
+put it upon parchment; I cannot indite the undoing of the widow and the
+orphan, even when the <i>foul</i> copy lies before my nose. I turn a writ
+into a love-song, and when I should copy out an ejectment, lo! I find I
+have penned the words of a madrigal."</p>
+
+<p>"The more the pity, William," said the father, "for to speak sooth to
+thee, I find myself by no means in so thriving a condition as I could
+wish. There be a many of us now in family, great and small. Business
+slackens with me, and in good sooth, lad, an I do not better in the
+next three months than I have done the last, I may e'en close my books,
+shut the house, and stick up bills to let the premises. Ruin, William,
+stares me in the face, if matters mend not anon. A bad time such for you
+to be thinking of changing from the vocation I have placed you in."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither would I think of changing, father," returned the son, "did I
+think that, by remaining <i>in</i> the law, I could help you or advance
+myself. But believe me, so opposite is the dull routine of the desk, so
+abhorrent to my soul is the craft of a lawyer, that rather than follow
+such a calling I would take the sword my grandsire won at Bosworth, and
+seek a livelihood in any place where men cut throats in the way of
+profession. Those were sad times, father, but they were stirring times,
+those days of York and Lancaster, when&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Trenching war channell'd our fields,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And bruised our flowrets with the armed hoofs<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of hostile paces."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As the youth uttered this with something of a theatrical air, and giving
+the words great force by his utterance, his father looked at him with
+considerable curiosity. "Now, by my halidame," he said, "I cannot half
+fathom thee, William. Truly thou art a riddle to make out. Seeming fit
+for nothing, and yet good at all things. I would I knew, in good sooth,
+what to put thee to."</p>
+
+<p>The lad smiled. "Nay," he said, "I must not be undutiful towards one so
+good. I will then continue to try and please this godless lawyer till
+something better turns up. And now I must tell thee I have made a friend
+of one well known to thee, and who is willing to serve us in requital
+for some little service he hath received at my hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom dost thou speak, William?" inquired the father.</p>
+
+<p>"Of Sir Hugh Clopton," returned the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, and thou hast made friends of Sir Hugh and his family," said John
+Shakespeare, "thou hast done thyself good service, and, mayhap, he may
+advance thee in life: though what he will find thee fit for, William, I
+wot not."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, father," said William, "I confess myself but a tattered
+prodigal, only fitted to eat draff and husks. Nevertheless, an thou wilt
+but admit me, I would fain join these hungry varlets at their evening
+meal, and beg a blessing of my honoured mother, whose sweet face I have
+scarce looked at these two days past."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, come thy ways in, thou scoffer," said John Shakespeare,
+good-naturedly. "I defy the evil one to be angry with such a madcap as
+thou art."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Master John Shakespeare turned and entered the house, his
+eldest son following with all his little brothers and sisters clinging
+to him&mdash;one upon his back, another in his arms, and the remainder
+pulling at the skirts of his coarse gray doublet.</p>
+
+<p>To picture the private hours of the great is a difficult, as well as a
+thankless, task we opine, since oft-times more is expected than is in
+reality to be found; and our readers will scarce be contented to find
+the youthful Shakespeare&mdash;in all the freedom, amiability, and kindness
+of his disposition&mdash;the great, the illustrious, the unmatchable&mdash;the
+mere playmate of his little brothers and sisters, and, whilst sitting
+beneath the huge chimney in that small dark room, as he watches the
+preparation for the evening meal, engaged in a joyous game of romps.</p>
+
+<p>Yet such is the case. The gentle William, despite the greatness of his
+spirit and the waywardness of his disposition, which seems inclined to
+settle to nothing, is the darling of that home circle, the joy of his
+brothers and sisters, and, when at home, entering into all their little
+amusements and pastimes with heart and hand,&mdash;nay, their nurse when
+sick, and even assisting his mother oft-times in her little attentions
+towards them,&mdash;ere he himself, in all "the unyoked humour of his
+idleness," sallies out to join his youthful associates of the town.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers will, therefore, not be surprised to find that great mind,
+which in a single line could send a thrill through the soul of his
+readers, intent upon an infantine game in the "ingle neuk."</p>
+
+<p>The pecuniary difficulties John Shakespeare had hinted at to his son
+were consequent upon his having maintained a somewhat "more swelling
+port than his faint means would grant continuance." No man in Stratford
+was better thought of or more respected than neighbour Shakespeare.
+There was something about him so well bred and so superior to his
+station in life, that he bore with him a degree of influence seldom
+granted except to rank and fortune.</p>
+
+<p>The chief magistrate of the body corporate of Stratford was in the early
+charters called the high bailiff. This office Master John Shakespeare
+had filled some few years previous to the date of our story, and the
+execution of such office had led him into expenses which he had since in
+vain tried to abridge. "To some men, their virtues stand them but as
+enemies," and thus the good and companionable qualities of Master
+Shakespeare, notwithstanding his domestic habits, were so greatly
+esteemed that his hospitality was taxed accordingly, and his hearth
+seldom unhonoured by guests after business hours. Nay, at no hour was
+the little back parlour of his house entirely free from the gossiping
+neighbour who came down to talk over the politics of the town, or
+discuss the latest floating rumour of the stirring events of Elizabeth's
+reign.</p>
+
+<p>Newspaper intelligence, we have said, there was none at this period,
+and, in the absence of such a vehicle for information, men's mouths were
+filled with any stirring tidings, and they donned their castors and
+hurried about in a country town, stuffing each other's ears with false
+reports, and frightening the place from its propriety when any event of
+particular import happened.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">"From Rumour's tongues<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They brought smooth comforts false, worse than true wrongs."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Heard ye the news, neighbour Shakespeare?" said Master Doubletongue the
+mercer, entering the small parlour we have attempted to describe, and
+joining the family circle. "Heard ye the news to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good or bad be it?" said John Shakespeare smiling, "it would have been
+curious news an it had travelled hither before you brought it, neighbour
+Doubletongue. Come, sit, man, sit, fill your cup and give us your news.
+What! hath Dame Illwill been brought to bed of twins, or how goes the
+story?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, neighbour," returned Doubletongue, who was one of the veriest
+scandal-mongers in Stratford, "Dame Illwill hath not produced twins,
+neither do I think she will produce the half of twins. By the same
+token, I heard the Leech say, 'twas after all but a dropsy that had
+caused all this scandal in her disfavour. But body o'me, heard ye not
+the news just now brought to town?"</p>
+
+<p>"That Dame Illwill's affair is likely to end in a bottle of smoke? why,
+man, thou hast just told us as much."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Doubletongue, taking off his cap like one who found he had in
+him wherewithal to interest his auditor, "then I <i>see</i> you have not
+heard the news. Ergo, the news is mine to give."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I take it, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "there are but two
+ways, either to give or to retain it. Come, another cup will perhaps
+help its deliverance."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Doubletongue, who but half relished the lack of excitement
+his intended communication seemed to make, "you will scarce keep the
+native colour in your cheek, neighbour, when I do tell ye what's afloat
+to-night. The affair, then, gossips, is thus&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Whose affair?" interrupted John Shakespeare, "not the one you just now
+spoke of?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I hint anything?" inquired Doubletongue.</p>
+
+<p>"About a certain female you did," said John Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Of illustrious rank?" said Doubletongue. "Why, then you <i>have</i> heard?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have heard what you have just told us," said John Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"The news?"</p>
+
+<p>"The news."</p>
+
+<p>"What! of Queen Elizabeth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Heaven forbid we should sit to hear such words uttered about our
+gracious Queen," said John Shakespeare with much solemnity. "'Tis even
+dangerous to breathe such a scandal in such a quarter."</p>
+
+<p>"Then of whom were we speaking?" said Doubletongue. "I gave no news. I
+have none to give out concerning our gracious&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Of Dame Illwill, I thought you spoke?" said John Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Dame Illwill," said Doubletongue, contemptuously, "who cares about Dame
+Illwill? and who, think ye, neighbour, would trouble themselves to stab
+her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Stab her!" said John Shakespeare, "who talked of stabbing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Doubletongue; "its my own news, man. It's what I am come to
+propound, to expound, and to promulgate. Only you will not bear with me.
+The Queen is stabbed, killed, and murdered; our good and gracious Queen
+hath been murdered, I say; now, there is my news."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven forbid!" said John Shakespeare, starting to his feet. "That
+would bode ill luck to England at this moment. Heard you this report,
+Master Cramboy?" he continued, addressing another of the townsmen who
+entered at the moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Which report, and whence derived, neighbour?" said Cramboy (who was
+master of the free-school at Stratford); "for there be many rumours just
+now come into town; the difficulty is to get the true one."</p>
+
+<p>"That relating to the death of the Queen by the hand of an assassin,"
+returned John Shakespeare, "and just now given us by neighbour
+Doubletongue here."</p>
+
+<p>"Where gott'st thou <i>that</i> news, goodman Doubletongue?" said the
+schoolmaster, with considerable asperity in his manner, "and how came
+you to take upon yourself to promulgate, disseminate, and divulge such a
+fable?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Doubletongue, who stood somewhat in awe of the pedant, "I
+know no harm in relating what I have just heard from neighbour Suddle of
+our town."</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon the barbarmonger," said Cramboy, "He is ever inventing one lie
+or other; I advise thee to shut thy ears against all his monstrous
+conceptions, and thy door against his visits. Know'st thou not, simple
+mercer as thou art, that to imagine the Queen's death is treasonable as
+to attempt <i>her life</i>. Ergo, thou hast committed, or rather aided in
+spreading the contagion of matter containing treason, and art <i>particeps
+criminis</i> with that lying knave Suddle, who goeth about seeking whom he
+may deceive."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Doubletongue, "if such be the case, I will myself go about
+to retrace my steps, and gainsay all I have said."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere best you did so," said Cramboy, "with the addition, Master
+Doubletongue, that for the future the good folks are never to believe
+any rumours either you or Suddle may bring them. And harkee, neighbour,
+when you are asked the real state of the case, you can tell your friends
+that it is not the Queen who has been stabbed, but the Prince of Orange.
+For that is the actual verity."</p>
+
+<p>"Body o'me, but that is it, then, is it?" said Doubletongue: "well then,
+there has been a royal personage murdered, after all. Grant that, my
+veracity; grant that, and God be praised, therefore, I am not then
+altogether a liar. But stay, an I obey your first injunctions, good
+Master Cramboy, who will believe this second report at my hands? I shall
+scarce be credited, methinks."</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better, neighbour," said Cramboy; "the less men credit in
+these days of trouble, always excepting holy writ, and the more they
+keep to their own affairs, the better for them. And therefore go <i>not</i>
+about <i>at all</i>; but sit ye down and fill your tankard, whilst I expound
+what really hath happened."</p>
+
+<p>"One way or other, we shall at last learn the rights of this matter,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing; "you said but now, Master Cramboy, that
+the Prince of Orange hath been murdered?"</p>
+
+<p>"At Delft, by the hands of a misguided fanatic, such is the awful story,
+John Shakespeare. For what saith the book? 'Villany that is vigilant
+will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumbereth.' One Balthazar
+Gerard, a Burgundian, it seems has long entertained this design against
+the Prince of Orange, and, in order to destroy that famous restorer of
+religious liberty, has, at the same time, sacrificed his own life. On my
+word," continued the pedant, "these Jesuits are fearful fellows, and
+will murder us all in the end. Nay, it is affirmed the Spanish arms are
+making rapid progress in the Netherlands, and that Antwerp is ta'en.
+Truly, the Prince of Parma carries all before him in those parts. Nay,
+'tis further said the States are reduced to such extremity, that they
+have sent an ambassador to London to offer to acknowledge our blessed
+Queen for their sovereign, providing always she will grant them her
+protection and assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"And there it is," said Master Doubletongue, "there hath not been so
+bloody a wild beast seen ravening, burning, and destroying us poor
+Protestants, as that terrible Spaniard Philip since the world began.
+Heaven keep us from his hot pincers, his thumb-screws, his iron boots,
+his hostile intrigues, and cruel enterprises!"</p>
+
+<p>"Amen, neighbour, say I," returned Master Cramboy, "though I marvel much
+you will allow your tongue so much liberty, neighbour, seeing that, as I
+firmly believe, Philip of Spain hath a paid spy and intelligencer in
+every town of the kingdom. Nay, his wicked designs are said to be fully
+directed against England at this moment."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust no paid spy is to be found within my house, neighbour Cramboy,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing, "so that my worthy friend Doubletongue
+is quite at liberty to rail upon the Spaniard to his heart's content
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"I meant nothing but in the way of caution to our good neighbour," said
+the pedant, "and whose tongue would be much the better for an occasional
+bridle, whilst the unrighteous are in sight. By the same token there are
+at this moment some half-dozen strangers staying at the hostel of the
+Checquers, whom none of us can fathom. Master Mumble, the headborough,
+talks of paying them a visit, and putting them to their purgation.
+Truly, we are in a dangerous condition, neighbour, and it behoves every
+one to look well to the main chance."</p>
+
+<p>"I think with you," said John Shakespeare, "that our prospects seem not
+so fair as hitherto they have seemed. There is no question but that
+Philip of Spain, with all the power of his united empire, will fall upon
+England anon. His sole aim is the entire subjection of the Protestants.
+But come, since your news hath driven off my wife and all her children,
+let us even walk down to the Falcon and discuss these matters further.
+'Tis now eight o'clock, and I dare be sworn the Dolphin parlour is well
+filled with guests. Heaven keep our blessed Queen in its own safety, for
+an these paid spies and jesuitical villains should hit her life, I fear
+me we shall be devoured by the wolf of Spain."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Master Shakespeare rose, and accompanied by his son and two
+fellow-townsmen, took their hats and sallied forth.</p>
+
+<p>During the foregoing discussion so many bumpers had been tossed off by
+the two newsmongers, that Master Doubletongue was becoming a trifle
+double-sighted, whilst the pedant, who was sufficiently domineering over
+his neighbours on most occasions, was now rendered doubly important and
+overbearing.</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks, Will," whispered the elder Shakespeare to his son, "you had
+better give Master Doubletongue the aid of your guidance, lest he
+measure his length in the gutter. He seems somewhat flustered, and
+inclined to quarrel with the road for not being of sufficient width."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank ye, good William, thank ye," said the mercer, as he availed
+himself of the youth's assistance, "the causeway seems progressive
+to-night, the stones wherewith it is paved, ever and anon, do rise up to
+salute my nostrils, and there they come again."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said Cramboy, "neighbour
+Doubletongue has been fuddled every night before curfew, for the last
+twenty years of his life, and has not yet learnt to carry his liquor
+seemly. An the watch pass us they will be scandalized at his condition,
+and take us all up for being drunk at unseasonable hours in the streets.
+I pr'ythee, good William, convey him to his own door, and deposit him in
+safety there."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TAVERN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the pair reached the Falcon, they found a goodly assemblage in the
+"Dolphin" parlour of that hostel. This apartment was appropriated to a
+certain clique of jolly companions in the town, who often met together
+after business hours,&mdash;a sapient and most self-important fraternity,
+which in our own times would have been designated a sort of club. They
+were indifferently ignorant upon all subjects unconnected with their
+respective trades and callings, and according to their ignorance was
+their importance and self-conceit.</p>
+
+<p>Matters connected with their own town and county it was their especial
+privilege, they thought, to discuss, but affairs in general, and the
+politics of the world, were also brought under consideration. Their
+oracle, or as we should at present term him, president, was one Master
+Michael Teazle, the clothier, who, in his wisdom and his care, sought in
+his various harangues to "dress the threadbare state of the commonwealth
+and turn it, and set a new nap upon it,"&mdash;generally concluding, like
+Cade, that the Queen's council were no good workmen, and that he
+himself, being a working-man, could best understand the management of
+the State.</p>
+
+<p>This man was, in fact, a somewhat extraordinary individual, and in
+possession of considerable talent; one who, in our own times, would have
+most likely been either a popular sectarian preacher, or a violent
+demagogue. But in Elizabeth's day, there being no proper vent for the
+effusion of such a spirit, he was merely the oracle of his gossiping
+society of his own town. Too indolent for real and useful work, he
+neglected his own business to spy into the affairs of his neighbours,
+and too dissipated for any profitable employment; except that he was
+kept from utter ruin by an industrious wife, he would, with all his wise
+saws, have starved.</p>
+
+<p>The piece of news which had in the present instance reached Stratford,
+had called forth from Master Teazle a considerable harangue upon the
+state of the country, and the imminent danger Her Majesty's government,
+her own life, and the safety of themselves individually, were exposed to
+from the intrigues of the Catholics; and in taking upon him to expound
+what <i>had</i> already been done, he took upon him also to say what <i>should</i>
+be done.</p>
+
+<p>"I maintain, my masters all," said he, "that these Jesuits should be
+pistolled like mad dogs wherever one can light upon them; for look ye,
+are they not educated, and brought up, and fed, and nourished, in
+superstition and bigotry? Are they not infused with a bitter hatred
+against our Queen, whom they treat as an usurper, a schismatic, a
+heretic, a persecutor of the orthodox, and one excommunicated and made
+horrible by the <i>ridiculous</i> Pope." Here he stopped and looked around
+with great importance. "Nay," he resumed, "look but upon this affair of
+the Prince of Orange! Sedition, rebellion, and assassination are the
+expedients by which they effect their purposes."</p>
+
+<p>"For mine own part," said Master Lambe, the glover, "I know not
+precisely in what consists a Jesuit."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, lament therefore," said Teazle, "since not to know <i>in what</i>
+consists a Jesuit, is not to know the danger to be apprehended <i>from</i> a
+Jesuit."</p>
+
+<p>"Expound unto us, neighbour," said goodman Hyde, the tanner, "what is
+your version of such a wild beast?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wild beast is a bad term to apply to a Jesuit," said Teazle, "as you
+will see by the story. To propound what is a Jesuit, we must e'en go
+back to the order of Jesuits founded at Douay by Philip of Spain; and
+thus it is:&mdash;he erected a seminary for Catholics to send their children
+to, in order that they might be brought up, and educated with a view to
+the crown of martyrdom. Neither to be deterred by danger nor fatigue
+from maintaining their principles. And into the breasts of these pupils
+is instilled the most inveterate hatred against Protestant England in
+general, and Stratford town in particular; and to our blessed Queen
+nothing but poison, steel, and perdition. Ahem!"</p>
+
+<p>"There art thou wrong, brother," said Master Cramboy. "The order of
+Jesuits was erected when the Pope perceived that his lazy monks and
+beggarly friars sufficed no longer to defend the Church, and that the
+unquiet spirit of the age required something more keen, active, and
+erudite to defend it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, neighbour, well," said Teazle, (who was generally somewhat in awe
+of the learning of the pedant), "I sit corrected. Be it, however, as it
+may, you will bear with me in holding that prevarication, and every
+stratagem which serves their ghostly purposes, are the especial
+privileges of the Order."</p>
+
+<p>"Thereafter, as may be," said Cramboy; "we will discuss that point anon.
+Meanwhile, thou art right, insomuch that the seminary you have
+mentioned, and which the Cardinal of Lorraine has imitated at Rheims,
+and the Pope has also followed the example of at Rome, are all under the
+direction of Jesuits&mdash;violent, intolerant, and dangerous. And,
+therefore, may Heaven bless our glorious Queen, who put that caitiff
+Campion to the rack so lately, and broke his bones under the very nose
+of the Duke of Alencon, whilst he was making suit for her hand in
+marriage."</p>
+
+<p>"A decent hint to him of the sort of martyrdom he might expect in case
+his suit was a successful one," said John Shakespeare, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"A grievous martyrdom had all England suffered, an the French duke had
+prospered," said Teazle.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere best not to pursue that theme, neighbour," said Master Lambe,
+"lest we run into dangerous ground, like Charles Arundel Stubbs, of
+Lincoln's Inn, who wrote a book, and called it 'The Gulph in which
+England was to be swallowed by the French marriage,' and lost his right
+hand, as a libeller, for his pains."</p>
+
+<p>"A severe sentence upon a loyal subject," said Cramboy, "for look ye how
+Stubbs bore his punishment! I was there, and saw him suffer. He took his
+hat off with his left hand, and waving it over his head, cried, 'God
+save good Queen Elizabeth!' Methinks the right hand of such a man would
+have been better unlopped. It might have done good service hereafter."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to, my masters, 'enough said is soonest mended,' as the old saw
+goes. An I were the Queen, after what has happened, I would take Spain
+by the beard," said Teazle; "for look ye, my masters all, how that king
+of red-hot ploughshares and burning pincers groweth more powerful daily.
+Already hath he made himself lord of Portugal, and gained settlements in
+the Indies; not only arrogating to himself the commerce of those
+regions, but all the princes of Italy, and even the Pope of Rome, are
+reduced to subjection beneath his sway. Austria and Germany, too, are
+connected with, and ready to supply him with troops at his beck. See,
+too, how the bloated toad sitteth upon his throne, swelling and
+sweltering in wealth as well as bigotry; with all the treasures of the
+Western Ind in his diadem."</p>
+
+<p>"O' my word, neighbour," said Master Lambe, "an such be the case I
+should be chary, an I were the Queen, of chasing such a swollen reptile,
+lest he spit poison upon me, and burnt me up with the breath of his
+powerful nostrils; methinks, an I were Her Majesty, I should be careful
+how I gave my crown to the chance of battle with such an enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to, neighbour," returned Teazle, "thou lookest but along thy nose,
+and no farther. See'st thou not that what <i>must</i> come <i>will</i> come; and
+<i>will</i> come, may come when most <i>unwelcome</i>. Now, an I were the Queen, I
+would take Philip of Spain by the nose at once, ere the Netherlands
+relapse again into servitude, assailed as they are by those veteran
+armies employed against them. By my manhood, I say Elizabeth should at
+once trust to her people, and assault the whole force of the Catholic
+monarch ere it grow so great that it will swallow up the world. Nay, an
+I were appointed general-in-chief, I would conduct an army over to
+Holland, and deliver the country from the danger at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "you have heard a rumour
+that some such measure has in truth been thought of. A power of
+dauntless spirits are, it is said, at this moment assembling under the
+Earl of Leicester."</p>
+
+<p>"A fico for the Earl of Leicester," said Teazle; "pr'ythee what sort of
+a soldier is he to oppose against the experienced captains and sturdy
+infantry of Spain? Now, an I had been called to name the man fit for
+such command I should have named&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thyself," said Cramboy. "Ah, ah! a very pretty piece of soldiership we
+should have in thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast said it, not I, neighbour," returned Teazle. "<i>But</i>, an I had
+said myself, I had at least named one quite as equal to the emergency of
+the case as the man of rings and carcanets, of broaches and feathers,
+thou hast just named."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks 'twere wise not to pursue such comparison further," said
+Master Lambe; "'twere best for those to speak civily of the bear who are
+such near neighbours to his hold, lest the ragged staff reach our
+coxcombs."</p>
+
+<p>"What gentlemen of note are engaged in this expedition?" inquired
+Cramboy.</p>
+
+<p>"I hear," said John Shakespeare, "that he carries with him a glorious
+retinue, being accompanied by the young Earl of Essex, Lords Audley and
+North, Sir William Russell, Sir Thomas Shirly, Sir Arthur Basset, Sir
+Walter Waller, and Sir Gervase Clifton, added to which five hundred
+gentlemen ride in his select troop."</p>
+
+<p>"Still do I maintain," said Teazle, "that the selection of my Lord of
+Leicester is not a good one; he possesses neither courage nor capacity
+equal to the task, and were I in presence of the Queen, with the Earl
+leaning at the back of her chair, I would say the same."</p>
+
+<p>"And how would you speak of those in commission with him?" inquired
+Cramboy, "To begin with Essex, what think you of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"As of one better to be led than to lead. Essex is a brave boy
+doubtless, and a clever, but then he is rash, headstrong, and
+unweighing. Curb him never so little and he flings up in your teeth.
+Give him his head and he knocks out his own brains."</p>
+
+<p>"What of Lords Audley and North?"</p>
+
+<p>"Put into the scale against the other one and their weight will about
+weigh against his lightness. Ergo, the three together are as naught."</p>
+
+<p>"And how say ye to Sir William Russell?"</p>
+
+<p>"But so so. Marry a good blade and a stout man, a proper fellow of his
+hands. But for brains the accompt is very minute indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"How of Sir Arthur Basset?"</p>
+
+<p>"As of one fitter to feat in a couranto, at court, than trail a pike in
+the Low Countries."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, 'tis vain to say more," said Cramboy, "since of the whole
+five hundred in my Lord of Leicester's troops I dare be sworn, in thy
+opinion, there is not one fit to wield a rapier or poise a caliver."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast again said it, neighbour, and not I," returned Teazle.
+"Though in sooth, an I had, I had not been far out."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis well then," said Cramboy, "that in maritime affairs a better
+selection hath been made. Heard ye, my masters all, that Sir Francis
+Drake hath been appointed Admiral, with a fleet of twenty sail and two
+thousand three hundred volunteers, besides seamen to serve in it? They
+have already sailed for the West Indies against the Spaniards. How like
+ye that piece of news?"</p>
+
+<p>"That likes me somewhat better," said Teazle, "and I can venture to
+predict some good to accrue therefrom. Drake is the man to make the
+settlements smoke for it. He will burn, sack, and destroy all along the
+Spanish main, whilst the other will but make a sort of harnessed masque
+through the Low Countries. Such is my poor opinion, and time will prove
+in how much it is correct. So fill a cup to Sir Francis Drake, another
+for our gracious Queen, and one more for Stratford town. Huzza! huzza!
+huzza!"</p>
+
+<p>After this loyal outbreak there was a short pause. This was at last
+broken by neighbour Dismal, who (albeit he drank his quantum at these
+meetings) seldom spoke much, and when he did so generally threw a gloom
+over the whole assemblage. He always had, however, his <i>one say</i>, which
+was a sort of concentration of the worst piece of news he could collect
+for the nonce. And as he was a man of undoubted veracity, unless he was
+pretty well assured of the truth of what he uttered, he never uttered it
+at all.</p>
+
+<p>This usually gave his <i>one wisdom</i> a most startling air of gloom and
+horror, and when he rose to speak, or even coughed his preliminary ahem,
+he was honoured by the most startling silence. On the present occasion
+he prepared to broach the subject matter with peculiar solemnity,
+actually rising from his seat, and, as he steadied himself with both
+hands upon the table, delivering himself, somewhat after the following
+lively fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Neighbours all," he said, "I have listened to the discussion of the
+foregoing matter with considerable interest. Our good neighbour, Teazle,
+hath handled the subject of the proposed expedition in very able style.
+He hath been replied to quite as cleverly by my learned and worthy
+Fellow-townsman, Cramboy. Such discussions are, however, at the present
+moment, methinks, better left to those whom they most concern, inasmuch
+as subjects of nearer interest to <i>ourselves</i>, it doth appear to me,
+more nearly concern <i>ourselves</i>. Neighbours, I know I have been accused
+of being a kill joy, a melancholy man. Some call me Goodman Death: and
+the little boys hoot at me, as I walk at night, and say, 'There goeth
+Goodman Bones.' Nevertheless, I have been merry twice or once ere now. I
+was merry on the day I married Mistress Dismal, and I was merry the day
+I buried her. I was also merry when my father died, and left me in
+possession of his business. But I cannot say I am merry just at this
+time. Neighbours and jovial friends, I will conclude my speech briefly
+and heartily. By the same token, I wish you all your healths, and, at
+the same time, hope we may some of us meet here again next week <i>well</i>
+and <i>happy</i>. How far we are likely to do so is another matter, and of
+that you will be better able to judge when I tell you that The Plague is
+in Stratford-upon-Avon at the present moment!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHURCHYARD OF STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>After young Shakespeare had safely deposited Goodman Doubletongue at his
+own door, and left him in charge of the good housewife, he turned his
+steps towards the Falcon, with the intent of rejoining his father there,
+and hearing the news of the town; for the son and sire were upon the
+delightful terms we sometimes, though not often, may observe between
+parent and child.</p>
+
+<p>In both the elements of high character were so mixed that there could be
+no drawback to their love: they were more like companions of the same
+age than father and son. The same tastes, the same pursuits, the same
+high spirit and honourable feelings pervaded both.</p>
+
+<p>Certes, the mind of one was of a far more extraordinary character than
+that of the other, but that in no degree lessened the feeling of respect
+and love young Shakespeare felt for his father, and that father's
+example and influence helped to form the man.</p>
+
+<p>Always the creature of impulse, the youth, after conveying Master
+Doubletongue home, as he neared the Falcon, suddenly resolved to turn
+his steps in another direction; and, in place of listening, in the hot
+sanded parlour of the hostel, to the discussions of the Stratford
+wise-acres, whilst he felt the influence of the balmy breeze of night
+upon his cheek, he passed the hostel and strolled towards the outskirts
+of the town. He felt indeed that the hour was more fitted for communion
+with his own thoughts than listening to the ridiculous dogmas and
+politics of the goodly fellowship of the Falcon.</p>
+
+<p>Since his visit to Clopton a new scene had opened to him, and his
+feelings had become somewhat changed. He had beheld, nay, become
+intimately acquainted with a being of a superior order to any he had yet
+met with, and in the lovely and amiable Charlotte Clopton he had found
+that perfect specimen of female excellence which his imagination had,
+even at this early period of his life, loved to picture. Nay, perhaps,
+had he not in youth thus beheld some such bright excellence&mdash;some such
+reality of his conceptions&mdash;we might have wanted those delineations of
+grace and purity, those fairest flowers of perfect excellence&mdash;the
+Viola, Miranda, Desdemona, Juliet, and the sweetest Imogene of his
+maturer years.</p>
+
+<p>To see and to feel the influence of companionship even for a couple of
+days with the fair Charlotte, so soft in manner, so fair in form and
+feature, so anxious to express her feelings of gratitude for service
+rendered, and not to love her, was impossible. And during his visit the
+bright face of the young lad might have been observed beaming with
+admiration and affectionate regard upon Charlotte as she sang and
+accompanied herself upon the spinnet, and which, had it been noticed by
+her betrothed, might have perhaps caused some sparks of jealousy and
+uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>It was lucky, however, in young Shakespeare's case, that the great mind
+of the youth came to his aid in this situation, and whilst in company
+with her of whom even a previous glance had called forth his admiration.
+During his visit he had also comprehended the politics of the family he
+was introduced amongst. He beheld the thorough gentleman, the confiding
+honourable old cavalier, the knight <i>sans peur et sans reproche</i>, in Sir
+Hugh Clopton. He saw the youthful esquire, the lusty bachelor, the free
+open-hearted, brave, and devoted servant, the lover, whose whole soul
+and every thought were upon his fair mistress, in Walter Arderne; whilst
+in that cunningest pattern of excelling nature, the lovely Charlotte,
+he saw one far removed from his own sphere of life. So much so, indeed,
+that "it were all one, that he should love some bright particular star,"
+"and think to wed it," she was so much above him. So thought the modest
+youth. And yet again it was easy for him also to observe that the strong
+affection of the lady's suitor was unrequited, and his feelings
+unreturned, save by those of esteem and friendship. Under these
+circumstances, we say, the strong sense of the youth came to his aid,
+and, if it did not hinder him from falling desperately in love, it
+somewhat curbed his feelings, and hindered him from discovering them to
+the object of his admiration. He felt the barb of the arrow rankle in
+his heart; but his pride and proper feeling helped him to subdue, and
+conceal the smart. So true it is that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"As in the sweetest bud<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The eating canker dwells, so eating love<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Inhabits in the finest wits of all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>We fear it must be acknowledged that the youthful poet, at this period
+of his life, was of a most untamed and wandering disposition; that his
+life and his employments were rather desultory; and that when once his
+steps turned towards the wild scenery which so abounded around his
+native town, all was forgotten of home duties, and engagements
+pertaining thereto.</p>
+
+<p>This must, however, be excused in one whose mind was of so extraordinary
+a character.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst other haunts which young Shakespeare loved to frequent at times,
+and even when the shadows of night gave a more solemn feeling to its
+precincts, was the churchyard of his native town. And perhaps those who
+have lingered, and looked upon that sweet scene during night's silent
+reign, whilst the moon has silvered the tops of the surrounding trees,
+and the waters of the Avon mirrored the beautiful structure on its
+banks, will better understand the feelings of young Shakespeare in such
+a place. Things more than mortal seem to steal upon the heart, and
+thoughts of early and shadowy recollection to haunt the mind.</p>
+
+<p>Let those who have not visited this locality at "the witching hour,"
+take a stroll into the ancient churchyard of Stratford. Let them feel
+the influence of the man everywhere around them, and imagine him at such
+a time. Let them look up at those demoniac heads which the cunning
+architects of the Norman period have carved on every coigne of vantage,
+together with the shadowy grandeur of the walls and buttresses.</p>
+
+<p>Let them glance over the verdant mounds and the mossy tombstones of the
+silent tenants around, and then ask themselves what were the thoughts
+engendered in such locality? Have they not some dark and shadowy
+conceptions of Elsineur? Doth not the postern of the old churchyard wall
+open to admit the Monkish procession for the obsequies of the fair
+Ophelia, with all the pomp and circumstance of the times? Do they not
+see before them the whole scene, and hear the words of the distracted
+Laertes as he stands beside the open grave of his sister:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Lay her i' the earth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And from her fair and unpolluted flesh<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A minist'ring angel shall my sister be,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When thou liest howling."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Or, in that moonlight scene of beauty, and whilst the reverential awe it
+engenders steals upon the heart, doth not some remembrance of Juliet's
+tomb, the hour, and the deeds therein performed, float over the mind,
+and the words of him who sleeps so near recur?</p>
+
+<p>Those, we say, who can feel this impression, can best imagine the
+influence the hour, and the hallowed spot, had upon the youthful mind of
+him who in after-life was to draw upon such feelings in order to produce
+the scenes we have mentioned. At the present time, and whilst young
+Shakespeare took his way through the churchyard, the feeling of awe
+which is sure to pervade the mind, more or less, in such a place, was
+peculiarly impressed upon him. It seemed a presentiment of some evil to
+come, which he could not shake off. He stopped and gazed around, and a
+chaos of wild thoughts and imaginings coursed one another through his
+brain as he did so. Within that sacred pile the knightly and the noble,
+the soldier of the cross, the fierce Norman, and the proud Churchman
+were entombed,&mdash;"<i>hearsed in death</i>,"&mdash;the very men who had lived in the
+days he was so fond of dwelling on; those fierce times of contention and
+civil butchery.</p>
+
+<p>The associations connected with such a scene are indeed peculiar; the
+beings of a former age in all the panoply of war re-appear, and (as we
+gaze upon the architectural beauty of the holy edifices they have left
+behind them) we love to imagine their steel-clad forms,&mdash;their deep
+devotion; whilst remembrance of their heroic acts in the field is mixed
+up with the superstition and feelings of their day.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the youthful Shakespeare gazed upon the mounds, and the mossy
+tombstones, and the soft flowing river; as he listened to the dreary
+whisper of the breeze through the trees, a feeling of awe crept over
+him, and his imagination reverted to the world of spirits&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When churchyards yawned and graves stood tenantless."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The living stood alone amongst the dead. Slowly he took his way, that
+extraordinary youth: his thoughts and conceptions seemed a wonder to
+himself; at one moment he gazed upwards at the o'erhanging firmament,
+"that majestical roof, fretted with golden fire;" then he stood upon the
+margin of the flowing river, and watched its waves, as they passed
+onwards and were lost in the distance, like the hours passing into
+eternity, and mingling with those before the flood. <i>What were those
+thoughts</i> at that hour and period of his life? who could write them, or
+could he himself have described them? <i>We think not</i>&mdash;perhaps he may
+have himself given us something nearly akin. He may <i>have</i> then thought
+with his own Prospero&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The solemn temples, the great globe itself,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And like this unsubstantial pageant faded,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As dreams are made of, and our little life<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is rounded with a sleep."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Man holds strange communion with himself in such a sanctuary. "The
+present horror of the time suits with it." There is even a sort of
+fascination to the spot, and a longing, a yearning after something
+supernatural. Even the hoot of the owl, or the cloistered flight of the
+bat, hath a charm in character.</p>
+
+<p>Such, perhaps, were the thoughts of this youth, for he lingered long in
+the churchyard wrapt in his own imaginings. At length, as he heard an
+approaching footstep along the path, he slowly turned from the sacred
+edifice, leaped the wall, and sought the woods of Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>As young Shakespeare left the churchyard, the person whose approach had
+interrupted his meditations slowly walked up to the porch of the church.</p>
+
+<p>As the new comer turned, on reaching the porch, the clock from the tower
+sounded the first hour after midnight; a deep and clanking note which
+swam over the adjoining fields and was lost in fainter replications.
+"'Tis the hour," said he, "and now for the man."</p>
+
+<p>The midnight visitor was apparently a tall figure, wearing the long
+riding cloak of the period, and which completely enveloped his form,
+whilst his broad-brimmed hat, and the sable plumes with which it was
+ornamented, as effectually shadowed his features.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the hour," he said, as the iron tongue sounded from the tower.
+"And now for this unsafe partisan." A low whistle (as if from some
+person lying perdue without the wall of the churchyard) was almost
+immediately heard, and in a few minutes another footstep was also to be
+distinguished as if from the town.</p>
+
+<p>The figure in the cloak immediately advanced towards the approaching
+sounds, and as he did so he freed his right arm from his cloak, and,
+pulling it more completely over the left shoulder, felt that his rapier
+was easy in the sheath, that his other weapons were free to his hand,
+and also that the dagger in his girdle was handy to his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>Readiness in the use of the various weapons (at that time a part of the
+costume of a completely dressed cavalier) was one of the accomplishments
+of a gentleman, and the steps and bearing of the person we have
+described (although but partially distinguishable in the shade of the
+tall trees of the churchyard) proclaimed that he was a person of some
+condition.</p>
+
+<p>He walked slowly and deliberately down the path towards the gate, so
+that by the time he had traversed half its length, the swinging sound of
+its opening and closing proclaimed that the person advancing had passed
+into the churchyard. The moon at this moment had become hidden behind
+one of the dark clouds which seemed to threaten a coming storm, so that
+(in the deepened gloom of the avenue) the tall cavalier (although the
+closing gate and approaching footsteps proclaimed the proximity of the
+new comer) could not at the moment distinguish him.</p>
+
+<p>There seemed no desire for concealment on the part of either, as they
+walked boldly past each other. Only a close observer might have observed
+in the motions of each considerable caution and distrust. The hand
+closed over the hilt of the half-drawn dagger, and each gave the other
+what sailors term a wide berth in passing.</p>
+
+<p>The gloom of the place, at this moment indeed, completely hindered the
+features of either party from being distinguished even in passing;
+nevertheless, as they moved by, each stared the other in the face with a
+sharp and piercing eye, and after having passed a few paces, both
+simultaneously wheeled round and retraced their steps. As they did so,
+the first comer repeated in a low tone a single word, as if to himself,
+which was immediately answered by the other, and both turned; a sign
+then passed between them; some mysterious signal, perhaps, like the
+words they had uttered, only known to the parties themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Gilbert Charnock!" said the first comer. "Is't not he?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same," returned the other; "and dost not thou answer to-night to
+the name of Gifford?"</p>
+
+<p>"Right," said the first; "you have come at the hour named."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sworn to do so," replied Charnock.</p>
+
+<p>"And are you armed to do as sworn to do?" inquired Gifford.</p>
+
+<p>"I am, if on trial the object of our meeting here is found to be
+dangerous to the cause."</p>
+
+<p>"He has been found so," said Gifford.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet our friend. One joined heart and hand in that cause. And yet to
+die by our hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Either he or ourselves, besides others implicated in the plot: nay, the
+cause itself demands the sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>"And he will be here to meet us?" inquired Charnock.</p>
+
+<p>"He has sworn it."</p>
+
+<p>"Which of us is to deal with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why this question? The lot was drawn by you."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough: and he is even now in concealment at Sir Hugh Clopton's. Is't
+not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"So far I traced him by the mad acts he hath committed since leaving
+France, and by which conduct our faction is placed in jeopardy."</p>
+
+<p>"But come; it still wants several minutes of the appointed time. Walk
+aside here, and I will tell you in how much the man is unfortunate in
+his position. You know the circumstance of his coming amongst us, and
+how he undertook to be the instrument, the steel, the dagger, as it
+were, by which our arch enemy was to be reached."</p>
+
+<p>"I do, and how he refused to share the glory of the enterprise with
+others, and resolving to take the whole upon himself, suddenly and
+secretly set off, without further circumstance."</p>
+
+<p>"There shone out the dangerous madness of the man," returned the other,
+"and by-and-by comes a reaction, by which we are all endangered, as
+thus: it appears that on his arrival in England this Parry was as
+suddenly seized with scruples, and under influence thereof he goes about
+to certain gentlemen, to advise with them as to the propriety of his
+undertaking this pious act. Luckily, it seems, he hath, as yet,
+consulted with men who are deemed at least safe, or we ourselves had
+scarce been here to-night. By some he was told that the enterprise was
+criminal and impious; whilst others, again, applauded it. Nay, even
+Ragazoni, the Nuncio, and the Pope himself (to whom he wrote a letter),
+desired him to persist in his resolution."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks that such authority might have satisfied his scruples."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a whit as you shall hear; for so deeply did the fiend palter with
+him in favour of the heretic Elizabeth, that even when he had
+opportunity twice, thrice, nay, a dozen times repeated, he could not
+strike the blow."</p>
+
+<p>"The evil one surely mounts guard over that iron-hearted woman," said
+Gifford, "or she could never have escaped the many designs set on foot
+to cut her off."</p>
+
+<p>"One would think it," returned Charnock, "and in the instance I am
+speaking of, she seems to have been specially guarded by some familiar;
+inasmuch as although Parry, albeit he managed matters so well that he
+gained an introduction and a private audience of the Queen, no sooner
+did he find himself in the presence, than his scruples returned with so
+much force, that he commenced an exhortation in place of driving his
+dagger to her heart; and after praying of her to tender her life, and
+grant us Catholics more indulgence in the exercise of our religion, he
+actually informed her there were numerous conspiracies at that moment
+formed against her."</p>
+
+<p>"And how escaped he being apprehended and examined?" inquired Gifford.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there consists the marvel," returned Charnock; "but it seems the
+Queen looked upon him as a harmless maniac, and took little account of
+what he uttered. She trusted for safety to God and to her people's love,
+she said, and so dismissed him."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed," continued Charnock, "it seems then, that the interview for the
+time completely prostrated all Parry's energies; and lest he should be
+tempted, as he owned, by the opportunities he found of approaching her
+ere his words could have effect, he always came to court unprovided with
+any offensive weapon."</p>
+
+<p>"And then he afterwards relapsed into his former violence; was't not
+so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was. He returned to France, saw the Nuncio and Ragazoni, became
+again confirmed in his first intent, and has again recrossed to England,
+where his madness and his extravagant conduct are likely to compromise
+all his friends. Nay, an he is not speedily silenced, we shall assuredly
+perish by the gibbet."</p>
+
+<p>During the foregoing conversation of the conspirators, thus met in the
+seclusion of the churchyard of Stratford, (a trysting place they had
+fixed on as more likely than any other to be unmolested by the prying
+eyes and ears of the curious,) they had slowly traversed round the
+sacred edifice; and now, as the taller stranger finished his discourse,
+they arrived at the north porch, and stood concealed in its shadow.</p>
+
+<p>"We seek an edifice dedicated to the service of religion for a strange
+and awful purpose," said Gifford, as he gazed along the footpath leading
+from the church.</p>
+
+<p>"Since it is to serve the purposes of the true religion," said Charnock,
+"let us trust to the greatness of the cause to sanctify our doings. Hast
+thou any scruples?"</p>
+
+<p>"None," said Gifford. "But time passes. How, if our man fail?"</p>
+
+<p>"That would bode us ill," said Charnock; "though I think it unlikely
+that he will do so. Between the hours of one and two was the time I
+appointed him to be here, and he swore to me that he would not fail."</p>
+
+<p>"And how didst thou get opportunity of speech with him?" inquired
+Gifford.</p>
+
+<p>"By following him to Clopton soon after his arrival; where I gained an
+interview, and bade him hither in the name of our leader. Hark, the
+signal; 'tis he!" and the two conspirators advanced along the path,
+whilst at the same time footsteps were heard.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STRATFORD LAWYER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The arrival of strangers to take up their abode for any length of time
+in such a town as Stratford-upon-Avon, always furnished matter of
+curiosity and speculation amongst the inhabitants. The neighbours were
+known to each other so well, and there was comparatively so little
+travel, that a certain degree of suspicion attached to all new-comers in
+those dangerous days. When any of the townsmen had business, even a few
+miles off, it was usual for them to arrange matters go that two or three
+might travel in company. Neighbour Fustian, the hosier, having business
+in Warwick, agreed to travel the road in company with neighbour Lambe,
+the glover, whose trade made him a visitor to Coventry, whilst the
+latter stayed the convenience of mine host of the Falcon, who was,
+peradventure, bound for the latter town, and all three, mounted and
+armed, went and returned in company, rather than trust purse and person
+singly to the chances of the road.</p>
+
+<p>Robbing on the highway, although by no means so common as in the
+preceding reign, was still frequent. The woods were thick in this part
+of Warwickshire, and the gentlemen of the shade found it easy to elude
+pursuit after a highway robbery. Nay, but a few short years before, and
+during the York and Lancaster feuds, which had deluged the land with
+blood; what with disbanded men-at-arms, thieves, and caitiffs of one
+sort or other, the roads were but cut-throat defiles, and the country
+round a continued battle-field.</p>
+
+<p>So that during the troublous reign of Henry VI. it had been especially
+ordered, that between the towns of Coventry, Warwick, and
+Stratford-upon-Avon, the highways should be widened, by cutting down
+trees on either hand, in order that travellers and wayfarers might have
+more room to defend themselves against the numerous robbers and caitiffs
+infesting those parts.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning following the transactions we have recorded in the
+foregoing chapter, there were several subjects of interest commented
+upon and discussed in the little back room which constituted the office
+of one Pouncet Grasp, the head-lawyer of the town. One was the sojourn
+of several strangers, whom no one knew anything about, at one of the
+hostels: another was a dark and alarming rumour of a suspicious sort of
+illness having broken out in the suburbs: and another was the
+circumstance of a man, having all the appearance of a person of
+condition, having been found, stabbed in several places, and lying, with
+the pockets of his doublet rifled, a stiffened and unhandsome corse, in
+the road leading to the ferry beyond the church.</p>
+
+<p>Master Pouncet Grasp himself was seated upon a high stool near the
+window of his office, which looked into a green and bowery garden,
+having at its further extremity a most pleasant bowling-green; the river
+just to be distinguished in the distance beyond, amongst the marshy
+meadows.</p>
+
+<p>Some two or three clerks were seated in different parts of the
+apartment, all busily engaged, pen in hand, scrawling strange
+hieroglyphics upon certain sheets of parchment before them, making a
+dreadful sound of incessant scribbling with their pens.</p>
+
+<p>Master Grasp himself, the monarch of all he surveyed, and an especial
+tyrant over the unfortunate clerks he presided over, was the only
+personage in that small apartment who seemed to have freedom of thought
+and motion, and license to take his attention from the crackling
+parchments beneath his nose.</p>
+
+<p>If our readers have ever taken the trouble to picture to themselves the
+clerk of Chatham, with his pen and ink-horn hung round his neck, they
+will have some idea of the figure of our Stratford lawyer in his own
+office. Only that, whereas we imagine the clerk of Chatham to have been
+a sort of dreamy, drawling person, Master Pouncet was rather more swift,
+sententious, and mercurial. Law had sharpened his wit, irritated his
+temper, levelled his honesty, and urged his avarice.</p>
+
+<p>Any one to have watched him when alone in his glory, and only seen by
+his clerks, would have taken him to be half insane. The moment, however,
+a client or a stranger appeared, he put on a new face and a demeanour
+suited to the occasion; appearing wise in council, amiable in
+disposition, and staid and sober in manners, whereas before he had been
+like a chattering ape irritated with a hot chestnut.</p>
+
+<p>"Now do I wonder who these strangers may be," he said, leaving off his
+writing and jumping round in his seat; "truly I must run down to goodman
+Doubletongue and confer with him on the subject. Will Shakespeare," he
+said, jumping back again, "get thee down to&mdash;&mdash;Ah, I forgot that
+pestilent Shakespeare hath not been to the office for a whole week. Ah,
+the caitiff! Oh, the villain! See, too," he said, opening his desk and
+searching amongst his papers, "the vile rubbish he inditeth when he is
+here in place of copying what is set before him. What! you grin there,
+do ye? driving wights that ye are. Grin, my masters, <i>whilst ye work</i>,
+an ye list. But, an ye <i>leave off</i> to grin, see an I brain ye not with
+this ruler. Shakespeare&mdash;ah, a pretty name that, and a precious hounding
+scamp is the fellow that owns it. Here's goodly stuff toward! Here's
+loves of the gods and goddesses for you! Here's Venus, Adonis, Cytherea,
+hid in the rushes; Proserpina and Pluto, besides half a dozen heathen
+deities, devils, satyrs, and demigods, all dancing the hays in a lump!"
+So saying, Pouncet Grasp turned over the leaves of a sort of manuscript
+poem, written upon a quantity of backs of letters and dirty sheets of
+paper, and, after glancing through the contents, sent them fluttering
+and flying at the head of one of his clerks.</p>
+
+<p>"There," said he, "that's the way my ink is spoiled, and my documents
+destroyed. I suppose now, that your friend and crony there," he
+continued, addressing himself to the young man at whose head he had
+thrown the manuscript, "I suppose your unintelligible friend calls that
+incomprehensible and unaccountable rubbish a sort of rough draught of a
+poem. I'm not learned in such productions, but methinks he that wrote of
+such lewd doings ought to be whipped at the cart's tail, or put in the
+stocks at least."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not aware," said the youth addressed, (and who under cover of his
+industry had been laughing all the time Master Grasp was reading the
+poem), "I was not aware William Shakespeare has ever written a poem
+about the gods."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Si-lence</i>," cried Grasp, sticking his pen behind his ear and looking
+fierce, as he wheeled round and faced about, first to one and then to
+another of his clerks. "<i>Si-lence</i>, ye scoundrel scribblers, or by the
+Lord Harry&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The clerk, who knew from experience the irritable nature of his
+taskmaster, took the hint and redoubled his exertions with the pen and
+parchment before him, only occasionally, as he stole a furtive glance at
+his companions and observed the lawyer's attention in another direction,
+lolling out his tongue or executing a hideous grimace at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I pr'ythee, sirs, inform me," said Grasp, again interrupting the
+silence he had commanded, "when was that mad-headed ape last in this
+office?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom was it your pleasure to speak?" inquired the youth who had
+received the compliment of the poem at his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom should I speak, sinner that I am, but of him of whom I <i>last
+spoke</i>&mdash;that incomprehensible, uncontrollable varlet&mdash;that scribbler of
+bad verse&mdash;that idle companion of thine?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was here but yesterday," said the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"Yesterday!" said Grasp, "why I <i>saw</i> him not; I <i>heard</i> him not;
+neither did he indite a line of that I left for him to work at."</p>
+
+<p>"He was fetched away almost as soon as he came," said the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"Fetched away! who should fetch William Shakespeare away I trow, and
+from my house, without leave, licence, and permission granted <i>from</i> and
+<i>by</i> me to take the person of the said Shakespeare?"</p>
+
+<p>"Master Walter Arderne, from the Hall, called for him, and they went
+away together," said the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Arderne, an called for one of my lads here! why what's in the
+wind now I trow, and why sent ye not to the Falcon for me, ye sinner?"</p>
+
+<p>"He asked not for you, sir," returned the lad, "he asked for William
+Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"Now the fiend take thee for a stupid dolt," said Grasp; "what an if he
+did ask for William Shakespeare, of course it was me he wished to confer
+with; only, as he found I was out, he inquired for the first idiot who
+had sense enough to take his message, and the chance fell upon the
+greatest scrape-grace and the most consummate ape in the whole lot.</p>
+
+<p>"Miserable sinner that I am! That varlet hath forgotten to deliver the
+message he received from Master Arderne. Who knoweth the import of such
+message, so entrusted, and confided, and given, and&mdash;and&mdash;lost perhaps
+for ever?&mdash;&mdash;Ah! and&mdash;&mdash;Peradventure Sir Hugh Clopton hath been seized
+with apoplexy, and I have been sent for to confer about his will, or
+mayhap Master Arderne hath wished for my advice, anent drawing up the
+articles of marriage betwixt himself and that most beautified of young
+ladies his cousin.&mdash;&mdash;Or, peradventure the match may have been broken
+off, and he may wish for my advice on the let and hindrance thereof.
+Nay, it is impossible to say in how much I am deteriorated and damaged,
+both in purse, person, and reputation by the mistakes, misconduct, and
+mismanagement of that pestilent conglomeration of vices, idleness, and
+villany&mdash;that scurvy companion, that ill favoured&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"William Shakespeare, I suppose you mean," said that youth himself, who
+at the moment entered unperceived, and stood smiling at the door whilst
+he listened to the scurrility of Grasp. "Nay, finish your sentence, and
+fill up the measure of your abuse, master-mine," said Shakespeare,
+advancing towards Grasp, who seemed struck all of a heap by his
+presence. "I have heard it is your pleasure to rail upon me behind my
+back, and, as I well know I deserve some slight portion of your anger, I
+am as well content to receive it myself, in place of its being put upon
+these lads, my fellows."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, good William," said the lawyer (whose excitement seemed to have
+vanished in a most unaccountable manner, in the presence of his clerk);
+"I named you not, I meant you not, I spoke not your name, that I am
+aware of. At least not at this precise moment. Did I name our good
+William lads? Did I couple his name&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you did, I care not," said the youth, "since (as I have before said)
+I feel myself in some sort deserving of your censure. The law suiteth
+not my disposition, neither can I give my mind up to its dry study. I
+wrong thee, Master Grasp, when I attempt to serve thee, and I should use
+oceans of ink and reams of paper ere I learnt even how to serve a writ
+properly. It is easier to pretend to be what we are not, than hide what
+we really are, Master Grasp, and I will be content to be under
+imputation of those ill names you have given me, provided you add not
+lawyer to the number; only, in as much as you have favoured me with
+those terms, we must be content to part. I do not <i>beat thee</i>, Master
+Grasp, because thou art weak in body, and somewhat old; but I do warn
+thee not to couple my name in future, when you speak of me, with those
+opprobrious epithets you have just used. I am no villain at least, and
+so farewell for ever, Master Grasp." And Shakespeare turned abruptly and
+left the office.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said the lawyer; "here's a
+large mouth, here's a goodly gentleman: a stipendiary, a stripling, a
+mere school-boy, who hath scarce been two months in my office, and to
+rebel, and take himself off thus. Well, be it so. I am well rid of the
+rebel, but an I have him not on the hip ere long, my name is not Grasp.
+And now I forgot to demand of him the message sent to me from Clopton
+Hall. My boots! my boots!" he called to the serving-wench, "and tell
+Davey to clap saddle upon Sorrel. Troth I will ride to Clopton, and
+inquire me of the steward what's amiss there."</p>
+
+<p>When the serving-man brought the lawyer his boots, he announced a client
+in waiting. "One to advise with your worship," said the man, "upon
+matters of import, as he saith."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Grasp, "what manner of man, Davey man, and where
+from,&mdash;&mdash;what's his name too?"</p>
+
+<p>"A would not give his name, but a said he were from Warwick," said
+Davey.</p>
+
+<p>"From Warwick, Davey? eh? Right, good Davey. I do expect one from
+Warwick to-day,&mdash;I had forgotten as much&mdash;and so you showed him into the
+front chamber?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, master," said Davey.</p>
+
+<p>"And is all in order in that apartment, Davey?"</p>
+
+<p>"It be so," said Davey.</p>
+
+<p>"Papers, parchments, deeds, and strong boxes, all in their places,
+Davey?" inquired Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, master, like nest-eggs. He! he! he!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you told him I was engaged with another client on business of
+import,&mdash;of immense import,&mdash;eh, Davey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Trust I for that!" said Davey.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, then, take him a cup of wine, Davey. Tell him I will see him the
+moment I am disengaged, and then bring me hither my capon and tankard.
+And d'ye hear,&mdash;after you have done that, mount Sorrel yourself, and
+ride over to Clopton; make some excuse to introduce yourself into the
+servants' hall, and just take a look, and observe if there be anything
+out of the common there. You understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"He! he! hap I do," said Davey, with a knowing wink, as he hurried out
+to execute his several commissions.</p>
+
+<p>When the important little lawyer condescended to give audience to the
+particular client his serving-man David had announced, he found himself
+in company with a tall aristocratic-looking person, dressed in the
+somewhat faded appointments of a military man of the period: that is to
+say, he wore the leathern doublet usually covered by the breast-plate
+and back-piece, the stains upon it showing it had seen much service in
+the field as well as the table, whilst the scarf and jingling spur still
+farther denoted the profession of arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Algernon Neville!" said the man of parchment, as soon as the
+striking figure of the visitor saluted his eye on entering the room. "I
+would your honour had sent in your name. I should hardly have kept you
+so long in waiting here. Body o' me, I had no idea it was your
+honourable self."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor much desire so to find it, I dare be sworn, Grasp," said the
+visitor. "But, sooth to say, I am come to thee again, and upon the same
+errand as when I last was here."</p>
+
+<p>"Advice, eh?" said Grasp; "truly your honour shall have it,&mdash;the best I
+can give."</p>
+
+<p>"I am bounden to thee, good Grasp," said the visitor, "for thy advice;
+but there was, as thou knowest, something else I required of thee
+besides thy advice, good as it doubtless was."</p>
+
+<p>"Moneys?" said Grasp. "Truly I am not likely to forget I did also
+advance certain moneys,&mdash;moneys you required to take you over to
+Scotland."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, if I require more moneys," said the visitor, "can you
+accommodate me again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Marry can I," said Grasp; "what sum does your honour require?"</p>
+
+<p>The visitor hesitated. He looked shrewdly at Grasp, and taking the pen
+from the inkstand marked on a piece of paper several figures.</p>
+
+<p>"I want that," he said, handing the paper to Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Mass, a round sum!" said Grasp; "but upon such security as you can give
+you shall have it, honoured sir. Nay, double an you want it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, gad a-mercy!" said the visitor, in some surprise, "hast thou been
+the Virginian voyage since I saw thee last? Rich thou hast always been
+since I knew thee, but so ready to part with thy moneys I never knew
+thee before."</p>
+
+<p>"Your honour will pardon me for the simile," said Grasp; "but there are
+a sort of men who are fortune's favourites, and who like cats ever light
+upon their legs. Your honour hath surely heard a piece of news which
+nearly concerns you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know of no news likely to effect my fortunes," said the visitor,
+"having but lately arrived in England. Hast thou anything of import to
+communicate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Body o' me," said Grasp, "why, I concluded you <i>had heard</i>, or I had
+communicated it immediately I saw you! Know you not the Earl of
+Westmoreland is dead!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, is this true?" said Neville, starting.</p>
+
+<p>"True as that your honour is his next heir," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"And where died he?" inquired the visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"In Italy, where he hath been long in exile, as thou know'st."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Neville, "this is somewhat unlucky!"</p>
+
+<p>"Unlucky?" said Grasp. "Heard ye ever the like o' that! What can be
+unlucky that bodes your honour so much good? You are in fact and in
+right, <i>de facto et de jure</i>, next heir to the earldom of Westmoreland."</p>
+
+<p>"Would that I had known of this but yesterday!" said Neville,
+abstractedly; "'twould have spared me from participating in this last
+business."</p>
+
+<p>"Did your honour observe anything?" said Grasp, staring at his visitor,
+who seemed wrapped in the thought and cogitations consequent upon the
+news he had just heard.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis no matter," he muttered at length to himself, "I will betray them
+all. Harkee, good Grasp," he continued, after a considerable pause,
+"'tis quite true, that which thou say'st. I am next heir to the title
+and estate of Westmoreland. But it follows not, therefore, that I shall
+succeed to them, as I am in disgrace and under suspicion. Could I indeed
+do some acceptable service to the Queen, I might recover those estates
+and honours forfeited by the rebellion of the earl just now deceased."</p>
+
+<p>"That were, indeed, a way to recover," said Grasp; "but does your honour
+know of any acceptable service that might do yourself honour and her
+majesty pleasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Neville, "and you can aid me in it; but I warn you, it is
+attended with danger."</p>
+
+<p>"In aiding you I serve the Queen, it seems," said Grasp, "Is't not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is so," said Neville.</p>
+
+<p>"Ergo, it is profitable," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so," said Neville.</p>
+
+<p>"Then am I content to encounter the danger," said Grasp, "since I am
+well aware that titles, honours, and profit are not to be gained without
+some sort of risk; and now tell us, honoured sir, what is to be done."</p>
+
+<p>"To discover a plot and arrest the traitors," said Neville.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Grasp, with alacrity, "that were indeed a circumstance. An
+you could find such a matter as a ready-made plot, and light upon a nest
+of traitors, I should say you were in luck's way, as usual, good Master
+Neville."</p>
+
+<p>"I can do both, good Grasp," said Neville, "and that not a thousand
+miles from this town; nay, not a thousand yards from this house."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, say'st thou," said Grasp, "not a thousand yards from this house? As
+sure as my name is Grasp, your words point at the strangers who have
+been for the last two days playing at hide-and-seek at the Checquers. Am
+I right, good sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are," said Neville.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, praise be to my sagacity," said Grasp, "I all along suspected
+those mysterious men of being evil-doers. There is treason and concealed
+villany in their very shadows as they glide about. What is the nature of
+their designs and their intent, good Master Neville? are they emissaries
+of the Spaniard? or are they&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Let it suffice, their intentions are dangerous to the safety of the
+Queen, and they are secretly drawing into their conspiracy many Catholic
+gentlemen in this county who are discontented with the present
+government. Nay, five of them are sworn by the most binding oaths to
+sacrifice themselves to the service of taking the life of the Queen."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, the villains!" said Grasp, rubbing his hands with delight at the
+prospect of being accessory to the discovery of a conspiracy of so much
+magnitude. "Oh, the caitiffs! a plot to destroy our blessed Queen, and
+ruin the nation! now that's what I call worth living to hear of. I'm a
+made man, that's clear."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but," said Neville, "we must go warily to work, good Grasp; and I
+must damp the exuberance of thy glee a trifle, inasmuch as this business
+is likely to implicate and deprive thee perhaps of a client of thine."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Grasp, his countenance falling a little, "that's rather bad,
+who is the man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast taken my breath away," said Grasp, recoiling a pace or two.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton, whom men call the good Sir Hugh, engaged in such a
+bloodthirsty and jesuitical plot as this? Are you quite sure, honoured
+sir, of the correctness of what you utter?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite sure that some of those engaged and deeply pledged to
+assassinate the Queen have been in hiding at Clopton Hall within the
+last two days. Nay, I shall be able to identify several of the best
+Catholic families in this county, as having been in correspondence with
+emissaries in Scotland, not only to assassinate Elizabeth, but to set
+the Queen of Scots at liberty, and place the crown upon her head."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, this is glorious," said Grasp; "the plot does indeed thicken, as
+the saying is. The fiend take the good Sir Hugh; I would sacrifice fifty
+such clients, and see them hanged, drawn, and quartered into the
+bargain, for such a chance as this. And now let us lay our heads
+together, and consult how to capture these bloody-minded conspirators
+with most advantage to our own proper selves. How shall we proceed,
+honoured sir? Shall we rouse the whole <i>posse comitatus</i>, and attack the
+house in which these miscreants are engendering, and hatching, and
+concocting those horrors; or, shall we go incontinent, and give secret
+intelligence to Sir Thomas Lucy at Charlecote?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I must leave to your discretion, good Grasp," said Neville. "Your
+part must be to secure them ere twenty-four hours have elapsed.
+Meantime, I must ride post haste to London, and give information to the
+Queen or her ministers of the whole affair."</p>
+
+<p>"I would your worship would remain here, and capture the caitiffs,
+whilst I proceed up to town with information," said Grasp. "Methinks, as
+you are a man of <i>war</i>, and I am a man of <i>law</i>, that would be the most
+proper arrangement."</p>
+
+<p>"By no means," said Neville. "Manage the matter as I have told thee. Do
+it well and effectually, and reward is sure to follow to us both. It is
+essential that I should myself gain favour by the discovery, and if I
+should succeed to the estates and title of Westmoreland, I shall not
+forget the service you have rendered. Be wary, and prosper. Farewell."
+So saying, the visitor hastily took his leave, and a few minutes
+afterwards was riding furiously towards Warwick, on his way to London.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, there's a bloody-minded and dangerous Jesuit for you," said Grasp
+to himself. "He thinks I know not that he's a Catholic, I suppose, and
+that I cannot guess he has been as deep in this vile plot as the rest of
+them. But I do bear a brain, and I can perceive that the death of his
+relation hath completely turned his conscience, and now, in place of
+helping to murder the Queen, he's going to hang up all his associates,
+by turning evidence. A bad world, my masters, and bad folks in it! But
+then it's by the bad I gain and thrive; bickerings, quarrellings,
+evil-speaking, lying, and slander, plots, counterplots, conspiracies,
+hangings, and headings, are my especial good. So now to consider and
+contrive this matter. Let me see&mdash;I instantly hasten off to the high
+bailiff, get together a sufficient body of his men, and then, my
+masters, look to yourselves! A plot to kill the Queen, subvert the
+Government, and burn the whole kingdom in an <i>auto-da-fé</i>! By all that's
+good, the business will not be effected without blood-letting on both
+sides! Let me see, who have we of approved valour and conduct to aid us
+in this capture? There's Master John Shakespeare; he's a good man and a
+true one, that will thrust in, and smite hard. His grandsire did good
+service at Bosworth Field. Then there's Goodman Rivett, the armourer; he
+hath an arm of might, and a heart of steel,&mdash;him will I also look up, an
+we need special men. Then there's&mdash;Yet," continued Grasp, pausing, and
+considering the matter, "methinks, after all, it would be better to put
+the affair at once into the management of Sir Thomas Lucy. Yes, I will
+incontinently and instantaneously proceed to Charlecote, and do so. Let
+me see; 'tis now about one hour after noon. I shall catch the proud
+knight just before he takes his post-prandium ride."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Grasp donned his hat, and prepared for his visit to
+Charlecote.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SONNET.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Shakespeare took leave of his newly-found friends at Clopton, he
+left a deep impression behind him.</p>
+
+<p>There was a feeling amongst the trio, which two of them at least could
+not understand; so greatly had the youth's manners struck them, so
+forcible was the interest he had created; whilst the third and most
+interesting of the party found that the handsome lad had unconsciously
+robbed her of her heart.</p>
+
+<p>"By 'r Lady," said the old knight, "yonder stripling is one of the most
+singular companions I ever met; without being in the least forward in
+manners, he somehow impresses one with a feeling of inferiority I cannot
+understand. He's an extraordinary youth, my masters; and, an he turn not
+out something beyond the common, I am not a Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"How well he talks on all subjects!" said Arderne; "and yet how modest
+doth he seem!"</p>
+
+<p>"How beautiful were those verses he wrote this morning!" said Charlotte.</p>
+
+<p>"If he did write them," said Martin, "lady mine; <i>for mark ye</i>, they may
+be the offspring of another brain."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>If</i> he wrote them! Martin," said Charlotte: "why, who else could have
+written them, think ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not another as well as he, lady mine?" said Martin, archly; "what
+one man can do, another might effect. Methinks one older and more
+learned must have indited those lines."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Charlotte, "I know not wherefore, but sure I feel that none
+but he could have penned that sonnet."</p>
+
+<p>"Gramercy," said Martin, "this is to have an opinion of merit, indeed!
+Doth that stripling, that hero of the quarter-staff, seem to you, Master
+Walter," he continued, shrewdly glancing at Arderne, "to have so much
+merit that none other can come up to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I confess the lad hath made a singular impression upon me," said
+Arderne, "an impression I cannot shake off or understand. I never was in
+company with so amiable a youth before."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hear his verse again," said Sir Hugh. "Come, Martin, thou hast a
+voice, thou shalt read it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem," said Martin. "I am no hand at a stanza; I shall mar the good
+verse, I fear me. Nevertheless, I will essay it."</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">THE SONNET.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Who will believe my verse in time to come,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">If it were filled with your most high deserts?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Though yet, Heaven knows, it is but as a tomb<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Which hides your life, and shews not half your parts.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If I could write the beauty of your eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And in fresh numbers, number all your graces,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The age to come would say, this poet lies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So should my papers, yellow'd with their age,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And your true rights be termed a poet's rage,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And stretched metre of an antique song:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But where some child of yours alive that time,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You should live twice,&mdash;in it, and in my rhyme.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh was a man of parts. He was a man, too, of strong sense, and,
+for the age in which he lived, might have been esteemed and accounted a
+learned man withal.</p>
+
+<p>Had he chosen to be more of a courtier, and his creed been different, he
+might have risen to some eminence as a statesman.</p>
+
+<p>He felt considerable astonishment, and expressed no less admiration, at
+the beauty of the verses just recited.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, by my fay, good Martin," said he, "I do somewhat lean to thy
+opinion in the matter, inasmuch as it seemeth scarce possible so young a
+lad could have penned such stanzas. Nay, by our Lady, I know not where
+to look amongst our old poets in order to find aught to equal those
+lines."</p>
+
+<p>"Then where hath the lad gotten them from?" said Arderne. "Peradventure
+he hath fetched them from some recent book of songs and sonnets; they
+say young Spencer hath lately written."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not in Spencer's vein," said Charlotte; "and since we have so far
+discussed the matter, I must needs say that I can almost vouch for his
+having written them."</p>
+
+<p>"Ho! ho!" said Martin, with a shrewd look. "La! you there now. Come,
+tell us the when, the where, and the how, Lady Charlotte. Let us have
+the circumstances under which this sonnet was written, since yon confess
+to so much knowledge of the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, blushing; "it was by accident I
+discovered so much. Walter and myself had been walking under the shade
+of the tall trees at the end of the garden, when I observed the youth
+standing, with arms folded, and gazing upon us in the arbour at its
+extremity. As we leisurely approached him, I saw him tear a leaf from a
+small book he held in his hand, and write something in it. When we
+entered the arbour and joined him, in putting up his book, he dropped
+the stray leaf, upon which he had been writing, and I own I was wicked
+enough to let it lie, and secure it after he had left us."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Sir Hugh, "the lad is certainly a youth of merit, and I
+feel bound to befriend him in what I can. We must bethink us, Walter, in
+what way we can serve him materially."</p>
+
+<p>"He is at present, as he tells me," said Arderne, "a clerk or writer in
+the service of Lawyer Grasp; albeit he liketh not the drudgery and
+confinement of such a life."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder not thereat," said Sir Hugh; "since to sentence a lad of so
+much genius to be a scrivener's clerk, is like putting my best bred
+palfrey into a mill, or shutting up a soaring falcon in a thrush's cage.
+We must do something for him, Walter, for we owe much to him."</p>
+
+<p>Such were the kind intentions of the good Sir Hugh towards one to whom
+he felt under considerable obligations, and doubtless he who had caused
+those grateful feelings would have felt the benefit of them from one so
+well off in the world. "Wishing well, however, hath not a body in it;"
+and our intents of to-day are oft-times marred by the events of
+to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p>The promises of the powerful are oft-times a sort of "satire upon the
+softness of prosperity;" and in a few days the good Sir Hugh was himself
+involved in difficulties which made him oblivious of all, save
+honourable extrication from their labyrinth.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation which had taken place regarding the sonnet, occurred on
+the day following that on which young Shakespeare had left the Hall: a
+day made more memorable to two of the inmates, from the circumstance of
+the unwelcome visit of Gilbert Parry, and which it is our purpose now
+again to refer to, in order to explain certain other matters
+appertaining.</p>
+
+<p>It will doubtless be remembered by our readers that the shrewd Martin
+had played the spy upon the insane conspirator, and succeeded in making
+himself complete master of his horrid and perilous intentions.
+Intentions, the more dangerous to all who were in the slightest degree
+implicated, as the bloody designs and desperate projects which were
+suspected to be in existence against the Queen on all sides, had
+determined Elizabeth's council to make terrible examples of all whom
+they might discover. To the good Sir Hugh, however, the danger likely to
+accrue to his own person was the least consideration; and when the
+faithful Martin, accordingly, on the following morning, informed him of
+the intentions of the visitor and his own suspicions of his sanity, the
+good knight was struck with consternation. It was early morning when
+Martin told his tale to his patron, and when the old knight having just
+descended, was making the round of his kennel and falconry, and the
+relation at once filled him with terror, pity, and indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"I will incontinently visit this dangerous caitiff," he said, "and if I
+find matters as bad as you say, I will take means to secure him and
+prevent mischief. If he be indeed mad, it is my duty, as a Christian
+man, to lay him under restraint; but if he be sane and resolved on such
+attempt, I swear to thee I will arrest him with my own hand, and deliver
+him over to justice."</p>
+
+<p>"Beware!" said Martin, stopping him as he was hastening off in search of
+his visitor. "Beware, good master mine, how you introduce yourself alone
+into the den of a tiger. This fellow is dangerous in the extreme; and on
+the slightest hint of your knowledge and disapproval of his designs,
+will fly upon you and attempt your life. A madman I have heard say, in
+his furious fits, hath twice the strength of one in possession of
+reason."</p>
+
+<p>"I value not his madness a maravedi," said Sir Hugh, whose anger was
+predominant at the moment. "A murderous caitiff and condemned felon thus
+to introduce himself into my house! By our Lady's grace, an he draw
+weapon or lift hand against me, I will smite him in the teeth with my
+dagger, and kill him like the reptile at my foot."</p>
+
+<p>"At least, let me accompany you," said Martin, who saw that the angry
+spirit so seldom aroused was now predominant, and therefore the more
+resistless.</p>
+
+<p>"Follow an ye list," said Sir Hugh, "but I tell thee I am quite able to
+cope with such a fellow, and equal to arrest him if I find his purpose
+treasonable;" so saying, and followed by the faithful Martin, Sir Hugh
+re-entered the house, and the pair, introducing themselves into the
+secret wing of the mansion, immediately ascended into the chamber in
+which Parry had been shewn the night before.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh was the first to enter, and, with the angry spot upon his brow,
+after hastily glancing round the small room advanced to the bed and
+pulled open the curtain with no very gentle hand.</p>
+
+<p>The bed, however, was unoccupied, and the room tenantless, although the
+crumpled state of the coverlid of the couch and pillows shewed that the
+occupant had thrown himself upon it during some part of the night at
+least.</p>
+
+<p>"There is the form," said Sir Hugh, "but the game is off."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no saying where such a customer may have crept to," said
+Martin, peeping under the bed, then getting up on one of the chairs and
+looking out of the small window upon the roof. "The man I am sure is as
+mad as a March hare; let us descend and see if he is any where secreted
+in the small apartment below."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh accordingly descended, and (both together) searched in every
+closet and hiding hole with which the place was accommodated, but the
+bird had certainly flown, having, without doubt, passed into the garden
+by the small postern door which opened on the inside.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding into the garden they searched through its walks and alleys,
+but the object of their search was no where to be found, and the small
+door which opened in the thick high wall at its extremity, and admitted
+into the thick plantations beyond, being wide open, they naturally
+concluded their visitor had fairly decamped in his insane mood as
+unceremoniously as he had entered. Sir Hugh, however (although he could
+not but feel relieved at the absence of the dangerous intruder), felt
+considerable annoyance at the whole circumstance. He was oppressed with
+the knowledge of the maniac's treason, and which, notwithstanding the
+powerful letter brought to him from the Nuncio Campeggio, he was
+resolved to divulge to the Queen's council. At the same time he also
+determined to do nothing rashly. Father Eustace was expected in a few
+hours, and must be consulted, whilst Martin, meanwhile, undertook to
+endeavour to trace the madman and observe his motions if possible.</p>
+
+<p>In such a case delays are dangerous, as the good Sir Hugh found, for
+Parry, whose vagaries had alarmed some of those connected with the
+dangerous plot, having been met with in Stratford, and then followed to
+Clopton, was lured into a secret appointment and put to silence with at
+least half a dozen wounds; and the whole affair in a few short hours
+after was in progress of being fully divulged. Of this, however, Sir
+Hugh was not likely to become acquainted, till the news reached him in
+an unpleasant shape. The circumstance of a man having been killed just
+without the town was by no means an uncommon event; and as Martin had
+failed in tracing Parry, and Father Eustace's return was delayed, except
+that there was a degree of mystery attached to the appearance and
+disappearance of the visitor, in a few days the circumstance was almost
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, whilst, with swift passage, events were hastening onwards, and
+which were to involve some of the <i>dramatis personæ</i> of our story in
+the perils and miseries of life, how calmly and how treacherously flowed
+on the even tenor of their hours. Mischief, as we have seen, was afoot;
+a secret society, consisting of one or two dangerous fanatics, resident
+in the county of Warwick, an Irish gentleman of rank, and several other
+desperadoes, had met, as we have before hinted, at one of the low
+hostels in the town of Stratford, and which locality they had chosen for
+some reason best known to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>These men, involved in a desperate enterprise, and sworn to devote
+themselves to death one by one, till they had achieved it, whilst they
+sought to increase the number of their associates, found danger even in
+the overzeal&mdash;the frenzied enthusiasm&mdash;of one of their own instruments,
+whilst another was about to prove false and betray them; nay, at the
+very moment when, like the alchemist of old, their toils were to be
+rewarded with progression, the vessel containing the elixir was to
+burst, and destroy all within its influence.</p>
+
+<p>These emissaries were at work in various directions,&mdash;secretly,
+stealthily. They had friends in France, in Spain, in Italy, in Flanders
+even; the day and the hour at which the first attempt was to be made was
+fixed; the very hooftreads of the horse which carried the unscrupulous
+Neville towards his design, in imagination, were counted by them; whilst
+he who was then, as his associates supposed, hastening towards this
+purpose, from a sudden change having taken place in his before desperate
+fortunes, was indeed posting to London; not, as he had sworn, in order
+to make essay upon the life of Elizabeth, but to betray the whole plot
+to the council, to aggrandize himself, and give to the gibbet and the
+executioner's knife, his sometime friends.</p>
+
+<p>And such are the inscrutable ways by which Providence works out His
+ends: such is the wisdom of the Great Director of events, and such are
+the vain designs of man. Ever driving headlong onwards, hastened by evil
+passions, obstinacy, wickedness, and pride, to inevitable
+destruction;&mdash;destroyed by their own villanous devices, thirsting for
+blood, grasping at riches, feeding absolutely on each other, the wicked
+perish miserably.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MOTHER AND SON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Those of our readers who have visited Stratford-upon-Avon, and looked
+upon the house in Henley Street, that house which has caused so great an
+interest in the world, will remember the lattice-windowed room in its
+upper floor, that room in which (as their eyes have glanced around its
+walls) their feelings have perhaps been excited almost unto the shedding
+of tears;&mdash;that room in which some portion of the early youth of him
+whose idea is enshrined in the hearts of all who speak our English
+tongue, was passed.</p>
+
+<p>It is mid-day, and seated in that room are a mother and an elder son.
+The mother is employed in some sort of curious work, whilst her baby is
+cradled, and asleep at her side. Spinning perhaps, like "the spinsters
+and the knitters of the sun,"&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Weaving her threads with bones,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>lace-making; and as she works, she chants some old ditty,&mdash;some song,
+"that dallies with the innocence of love, like the old age."</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Come away, come away, death,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And in sad cypress let me be laid;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fly away, fly away, breath,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I am slain by a fair cruel maid:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">O, prepare it&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My part of death no one so true<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Did share it.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Not a flower, not a flower, sweet,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">On my black coffin let there be strewn;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Not a friend, not a friend, greet<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">My poor corpse, where my bones shall be thrown;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A thousand, thousand sighs to save,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Lay me, O where<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sad true lover ne'er find my grave,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">To weep there."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>And whilst she sings, the youth, her son, seated upon a stool at her
+feet, is deeply engaged in perusing the goodly-sized volume he holds
+upon his knees.</p>
+
+<p>Such is the picture. The sun streams through the diamond panes of that
+ample window, and gives a glowing tint to the red curtains of the old
+square-topped bedstead, and other cumbrous articles of furniture; the
+high-backed chairs, and the heavy oaken table in the background. What
+would the illustrious of the world,&mdash;what would the most honoured in the
+world's esteem, of our own day, for arts, for arms, or for
+learning,&mdash;what would they give for <i>one</i> glance into "the dark backward
+and abysm of time,"&mdash;but <i>one</i> glance, so to see that mother and her
+son;&mdash;that mother who implanted grace in her child; that child whose
+high spirit had been tamed and cultivated by her influence? And what,
+indeed, should we all be, saith a great writer, but for the influence of
+women in our youth?</p>
+
+<p>They give us life, and they also give us the life of the soul. How many
+things do we learn of them as sons, lovers, or friends?</p>
+
+<p>The youthful Shakespeare loved to hold sweet converse with his handsome
+mother, and whom he loved so well. From her conversation, in his boyhood
+he had taken his first impressions of things: from her legendary
+stories, (so sweetly related,) he had gathered many facts of history. In
+winter's tedious nights, how oft had she pictured to him all she had
+heard from her own parents, of the York and Lancastrian wars, and the
+horrors to which England had been reduced&mdash;"Discord in every state,
+discord in every family!" From her's, and from his father's relations,
+over the winter's fire, were gathered the boy's first impressions of
+those fierce English, whose characteristics (according to their foes)
+were force of pride, and obstinacy&mdash;those doggedly resolute, those
+invincibly cool islanders, who, in all their splendour of their feudal
+pride, had so often walked through the vasty fields of France, as if in
+some harnessed masque, eating up the lands on all sides, and still
+fighting onwards in their own joyless way: burning, slaying, and
+destroying for so many centuries, till they made captive at Agincourt,
+not only of the French king, but the very realm.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas thus the boy had learnt his first lesson in the history of his
+country, not either exactly as a lesson, but in the homely popular form
+of a winter night's tale, as the simple story, or faith of a mother.</p>
+
+<p>And what we thus inbibe with the milk we suck, and with our growing
+blood, is a living thing as it were, and what the boy loved to listen to
+as a simple story, the youth loved to follow out as a study. He reads of
+the events his mother has told him of, and given him a taste for, in the
+chronicled history of the wars of the time; whilst the little of life
+and splendour he has already seen, in the brilliant era in which he
+lives, has given him, even now, an impression of the pride, pomp, and
+circumstance of the Norman period.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, the mind of the boy had been moulded by his mother, and a great
+deal of his just appreciation of women, and his delineations of the
+exquisite females he has drawn, are derived from the impressions she has
+given him.</p>
+
+<p>As he reads from the thick volume, in which he learnt more accurately
+the facts, and date, of the history of his own country, he occasionally
+pauses to listen to his mother's song, to gaze up in her face, and to
+question her upon some point he has arrived at, and which he remembers
+to have heard her relate before.</p>
+
+<p>Music and singing were much more cultivated (even amongst the humble
+classes) than in our own times, in England, and where indeed they are
+now scarcely cultivated at all. The sweet old songs "of the old age,"
+are for the most part lost to us, they have departed with the quainter
+dwellings in which they were warbled.</p>
+
+<p>In those days the strains which floated through the halls of the great,
+and the notes which were heard in the low-roofed apartments of the
+citizen, were calculated to soothe and quiet the passions of man. In our
+own times they are meant to arouse and excite&mdash;they are a whirl, a
+discordant noise. The lullabys which the mother chanted as she worked,
+were scraps of songs, great favourites at the time, and afterwards
+adapted from the recollection of the hearer in some of his works:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Take, oh, take those lips away,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">That so sweetly were forsworn,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And those eyes, the break of day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Lights that do mislead the morn.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But my kisses bring again,&mdash;bring again,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seals of love, but seal'd in vain,&mdash;seal'd in vain."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>Not only the history of his own land, and which all ranks at this period
+were lamentably ignorant in, did the youthful Shakespeare receive the
+rudiments of from his mother; but she loved to amuse him with those
+stories of romance she had learned from her own parents, and which had
+been handed down from the chivalric ages, when the female of high degree
+was the teacher of youth. The great lady&mdash;"of exalted rank and
+inaccessible,"&mdash;who cultivates the mind of the youthful page&mdash;a mother,
+a sister, a guardian angel, and yet of such high degree, that she seems
+(in the austerity of her counsels, and the difficulties to be overcome,
+ere her favour can be gained) too great even to receive the adoration of
+him whose service costs so many sighs. Till in the end, as the
+accomplished knight is produced, the incarnation of merit and grace all
+fades away before the powerful god.</p>
+
+<p>The youth achieves greatness, and becomes lord of that beautiful lady,
+her dark castle, and her broad domain, "with shadowy forests, and with
+champions rich."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LOVERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>But three days had intervened since young Shakespeare's introduction to
+Clopton Hall, and again he was a visitor there.</p>
+
+<p>Although his own desire for the society of its amiable inmates might
+reasonably have led the youth to repeat his visit, his better judgment
+would have hindered him from so soon returning to Clopton, had he not
+been led to do so by Walter Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>That young man felt so great a desire to renew his acquaintance with the
+youthful poet, that he had sought him out on the day following his
+visit; and had, indeed, been with him every succeeding day in the
+interval.</p>
+
+<p>To one so amiable in disposition and so generous in sentiment as Walter
+Arderne, the difference in station between himself and friend was no bar
+to intimacy. Indeed, he felt so much in every way his own inferiority,
+whilst in company with this singular new acquaintance, that it seemed
+when in his society as if the condescension was on the other side. At
+the same time the joyous spirit of the youthful Shakespeare, and a spice
+of reckless daring in his disposition, gave an additional charm to his
+companionship. So that intimacy, which (amongst many) has been the
+source of the deadliest enmity, in this case led to the firmest
+friendship.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not wherefore, good William," said Arderne, as they slowly
+wended their way towards Clopton, "but towards thee my feelings of
+friendship and attachment are greater than is ordinarily experienced
+between men not connected by blood. I am by birth thy superior, my
+prospects in life are more brilliant than thine, I mix with the choice
+spirits of the country here, and yet (albeit I am looked on as a wit, a
+setter of exploits, a leader of diversions, a good blade, and a
+sportsman), yet, somehow, my genius seems rebuked when in thy presence;
+I feel myself as it were naught. Nay, despite thy sober suit of homely
+cut and fashion, there is a superiority in every look, tone, and
+movement of thine, which I feel and wonder at."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Shakespeare, "this is something too much, good sir. 'Tis
+your love and friendship which makes you think thus. Be assured, the gay
+and gallant Walter Arderne can never be outshone by so quiet, so
+unobtrusive a wight as myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, so thou say'st," returned Arderne; "but why is it that I feel this
+veneration on so short an acquaintance with a mere boy? Thy converse is
+different from that of men even of learning and great attainments. There
+is a force, a feeling in every word thou utterest, which makes its
+impression. Yes, there is a manner about thee, William Shakespeare,
+which is inexplicable; whilst thy slightest remark upon the most trivial
+flowret in the hedgerow seems to me worth all the uttered wisdom of the
+schools."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then," said Shakespeare, laughing, "thou art but flouting me, good
+Master Walter."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, thou art an extraordinary youth, good William, and the way thou
+hast drawn out the different characters we have met with as we walked
+the streets even to-day, and made them display their peculiarities and
+their follies, is as singular as all else pertaining to thee."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst they held converse thus, Walter Arderne and his new friend drew
+near to the garden and pleasure-grounds of the Hall. As they did so, the
+eyes of the lover detected his mistress in the distance. She was slowly
+pacing along one of the walks, and perusing some verses written upon a
+small scrap of paper. Arderne stopped as soon as he saw Charlotte
+Clopton, and as he watched her graceful form amidst the trees, he seemed
+for the moment wrapped in his own thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Were it not," he said, after a pause, and turning to his youthful
+friend, "were it not that I so entirely love thee, good William, were it
+not that even in our short acquaintance I so highly esteem thee, I
+should hesitate to bring one so superior to myself in contact with her I
+adore; and were it not that thy superiority is so great, I should scorn
+to own such a feeling to thee, William Shakespeare, lest I compromised
+my own station by such thoughts. 'Tis strange, but so it is; and to any
+one but thee, I should have shamed to give my thoughts tongue on such a
+subject."</p>
+
+<p>Ardorne sighed as he said this, and again looked towards the object of
+his ardent affection. "She loves me not," he said, "'tis vain for me to
+suppose she does. Her manner, despite her willingness to oblige her
+father, and even to persuade herself she feels inclination to wed with
+me, too plainly shews I have little or no real interest in her heart.
+Had I but thy winning tongue and gift of speech, good William, I might
+do much. Nay, it were good that thou shouldst plead for me, and tell her
+of the violence of my passion; and thou shalt do it too."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said his friend, "that would be somewhat out of the usual course
+of wooing. I pray you hold me excused in this Master Arderne."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a whit," said Arderne, "the thought is a good one. Women oft-times
+are led to prize that which those they think well of value,&mdash;to open
+their eyes and see clearly the hugeness of an affection they have not
+before appreciated."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know not how to woo a maid for myself," said his friend, "since I
+have never yet made suit to one, how, then, am I to play the suitor for
+so accomplished a cavalier; I who hath not ever seen the court?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tush, tush, man," said Arderne, "there's ne'er a courtier of them all
+could match thee, I dare be sworn."</p>
+
+<p>And thus did the boy poet&mdash;the lover under circumstances so peculiar,
+spend another day at Clopton Hall, and where all he saw gave him a
+second impression of life in a different sphere to that in which he had
+hitherto moved. True to the whimsical project which had suddenly seized
+him, Walter Arderne left his friend with a fair opportunity of pleading
+for him to the fair Charlotte.</p>
+
+<p>"When thou art tired of examining those worm-eaten volumes," he said to
+Shakespeare, "I dare be sworn thou wilt find Mistress Charlotte in her
+favourite arbour in the garden. Sir Hugh and myself are promised forth
+this morning. Farewell, therefore, for the present."</p>
+
+<p>Our readers will readily imagine that the renewal of acquaintance
+between this youthful pair would be likely to ripen the growing
+affection they felt for each other. Concealment, however, seemed to both
+a matter of necessity. Neither dared to own, even to themselves, that
+they loved. Pride came to the aid of each. In one it was the pride which
+fears even the shadow of suspicion; in the other it was the pride of
+birth. The pride of ancestry, however, is soonest subdued in such cases;
+that of conscience is more difficult for the blind god to overcome.</p>
+
+<p>And the youthful poet and the exquisite Charlotte found themselves
+thrown together, where every scene of beauty around them was conducive
+to the growth of their passion.</p>
+
+<p>The locality has oft-times much to do with love.</p>
+
+<p>The lady, in all her glowing beauty, seemed even more lovely amidst her
+own shadowy groves, with the time-honoured towers of her ancestors
+looking majestic in the distance. The perfume from the sweetly-scented
+shrubs and flowrets, the whisper of the soft breeze through the
+luxuriant trees, the cooing of the wood-pigeons in the distant
+plantation, the hum of the bees, and the plash of the fountain, each and
+all were felt by one who was so prone to feel.</p>
+
+<p>And he himself who walked beside that beautiful girl, thus surrounded by
+all the appliances of rank and station, how did he appear in her eyes in
+his lowly suit? Had he nothing to recommend him, and did he seem
+unfitted for the companionship of one so much more elevated in station?
+Did he appear to feel himself out of place or abashed by all he saw? We
+think not. The lady looked upon that face of youthful beauty; the soft
+curly hair even then thin upon the high forehead, the features so
+beautifully formed and so expressive; that eye so soft, and yet at times
+so full of fire, and whose glance was like the lightning's flash; the
+small beautifully-formed and downy moustache upon the upper lip; and all
+this, added to a figure which for grace and symmetry might have vied
+with a Grecian statue. And as she looked and listened to his sweet and
+honied sentences, she felt that all around would darken down to naked
+waste without his society. The conversation of him who but a few days
+before she would have passed without perhaps deigning to look upon,
+seemed to have opened a new world to her. Such is love,&mdash;that most
+fantastic of passions, which is said to be but once felt, and once felt
+never forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>The affections of women are perhaps easier won than those of men. They
+are commonly more disinterested, and "prize not quality of dirty lands."
+Seldom do we find that women display such open heartlessness, such acts
+of infidelity, as men.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For however we do praise ourselves,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Our fancies are more giddy and infirm,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">More longing, wavering, sooner lost and won,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Than woman's are."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>That the fair Charlotte should, on better knowledge, more fully
+appreciate the merits of her companion, we of latter days, who imagine
+the man from his works alone, can hardly wonder at; and the
+peculiarities of the position of the lovers made her, falling
+desperately in love, the less extraordinary. Had the youth of inferior
+degree presumed upon the favourable impression he could not help seeing
+he had made, the pride of the lady might have better befriended her. But
+there was ever a certain reserve about him, when matters seemed verging
+towards their issue, which perplexed and somewhat piqued her.</p>
+
+<p>The expression of his eyes, when occasionally she detected him gazing
+upon her, was hardly to be mistaken, but then his respectful reserve
+would as suddenly return.</p>
+
+<p>This was, however, a state of things which could not last, and perhaps,
+of all men, the ardent, the impassioned Shakespeare, in his early youth,
+was the most unlikely person to withstand such a strife as he was
+exposed to, and come off victorious, however honour, and friendship,
+and pride, might come to his aid. The knowledge that he was beloved by
+the fair creature beside him, the locality, the opportunity afforded him
+of expressing his own feelings, altogether, even in this his second
+visit, nearly made shipwreck of all his good intentions, and once or
+twice he was about to seize the hand of the fair Charlotte, and after
+owning the ardour of his affection, fly from the spot for ever.</p>
+
+<p>He, however, during this visit did manage to contain and conceal his
+passion; nay, he even performed the office of friendship which had been
+entrusted to him, and as he spoke of the fair lady's betrothed husband,
+he praised him for those good qualities he had already found him to
+possess, and spoke of him as one worthy the love and regard of any
+woman, however excellent and high in station. This was a theme, however,
+which he perceived was somewhat unwelcome, and the beauty grew wayward
+as he pursued it. With girlish tact she beat him from his theme, as
+often as he renewed it, and sought to lure him to other subjects more
+congenial to her thoughts whilst in his society. Nay, perhaps had he
+studied how best to advance his own suit to her he could not have hit
+upon a way more likely to succeed.</p>
+
+<p>The fair Charlotte was piqued at what she considered his insensibility,
+and without considering what she did, she almost let him understand that
+it would have been much more grateful to her to have heard the speaker's
+own merits extolled than those of Master Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," she said, with a sigh, as she glanced archly from her fringed
+lids, whilst her eyes were cast down in mock solemnity, "and yet I
+should be ungrateful were I not to join in your praises towards my bold
+coz, for in good sooth I am indebted to him for many of the
+accomplishments I possess. He hath taught me to fly my hawk with e'er a
+cavalier in Warwickshire. Nay, I think I could even shoe my palfrey as
+well as ride him, if necessary. I am sure I could train a hound as well
+as himself, and, as for the treatment of the poor brutes in all their
+ailments, that I am confident I understand quite as much as old Hubert,
+the head huntsman, or any of his underlings. Now, all these matters I
+have been fairly taught and perfected in by my cousin, therefore see an
+I be not under obligation indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"And is such, the praise that one so true of heart and hand deserves?"
+said Shakespeare. "Methinks, in this world, where so much silliness,
+selfishness, vanity, and falsehood exists, a perfect cavalier, without
+fault and honest, open and free too as he is brave and handsome,
+deserves more praise from the lips of beauty than for paltry knowledge
+you have ascribed to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Paltry knowledge!" said Charlotte, laughing, "what call ye paltry? Why,
+these accomplishments I have enumerated to thee are the essentials of a
+country gentleman, as necessary for the woods and fields as dancing,
+dicing, and swearing are for the town. But methinks 'tis somewhat early
+for you to have taken note of the silliness and falsehood existing in
+the world; one so young can scarce have observed such matters, I should
+have thought."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, good lady," said Shakespeare, "what may be in the world at
+large I am, indeed, for the most part ignorant in. But our good town of
+Stratford hath in itself some fair specimens of the human mortal, which
+he who hath eyes to mark, and brains to consider, may easily profit by,
+and lay up in his memory."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks so shrewd an observer, and so keen withal, may chance to find
+us all fair mark for the shafts of his wit," returned Charlotte; "we
+shall learn to fear you, young sir, an ye prove so hard upon your
+neighbours."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, fair lady," said Shakespeare, "my observations hath only had to do
+with those in my own sphere of life. The little I have seen as yet in a
+higher grade, hath been glanced at during my boyhood at the Free School
+of my native town. Nay, if I may venture to judge, I should say that the
+same vices, the same ambitions, the same petty feelings, jealousies, and
+envious heart-burnings, are to be observed in the smaller circle of a
+charity-school and its rulers, as are to be observed in the great and
+universal theatre of the world. Amongst those who rule, we do not always
+find examples of unerring goodliness, grace, and virtue, but rather
+intolerance and pride, and in most others ill-will, conceit, envy,
+hatred, and uncharitableness; large promise; much of puritanism, but a
+plentiful lack of true merit."</p>
+
+<p>During this visit, the fair Charlotte, who was all joyous anxiety to
+contribute to the amusement of her guest, made the round of the kennel
+and the falconry, in order to initiate him into the mysteries of the
+management of some of her pets.</p>
+
+<p>In those days, as we have before hinted, men of all ranks took delight
+in out-door sports and diversions. Their amusements were, for the most
+part, in the open air, and the chase, and the terms of wood-craft were
+ever mixed up in their conversation. The veriest lout in his holiday
+excursion loved to see his mongrel cur hunt the meadows and marshes for
+game, or catch the cony in the extensive warrens which then existed
+around. The youthful Shakespeare, it may therefore be well imagined, was
+passionately fond of seeking the haunts of the game, abundant as it was
+in the neighbourhood of his native town. Under these circumstances the
+sporting establishment at Clopton was looked over with considerable
+interest by him, and as the fair Charlotte petted the favourite hawk
+which usually graced her wrist, she taught him the several terms of
+falconry, and even explained how the various grades of men in the old
+time were recognized by their hawks. "An eagle," she said, "is for an
+emperor; a gerfalcon is due to a king; a falcon-gentle and a
+tercel-gentle, these be for a prince; a falcon of the rook is for a
+duke; the falcon peregrine for a belted earl; your bustard is for a
+baron; a sacret for a knight, and a lanair is for a squire; and then,"
+said Charlotte, as she continued to count up further varieties, "we have
+the goshawk for the yeoman, the spave hawk for Sir Priest, a muskyte for
+a holy-water clerk, and a kestrel for a knave or varlet."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst thus situated and employed, how swift is the growth of love
+between two beings of disposition and character such as we have
+described. As the youthful poet watched the expressive face of the
+beautiful girl beside him, whilst she spoke so eloquently upon a subject
+of interest to her, and as she gave herself up to the management of her
+falcon, or played with and fondled her favourite dogs, he became more
+fascinated with her artlessness and beauty. He marked the natural grace
+of her movements, as, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment, she
+entered into the excitement of the hour. He observed the nymph-like
+figure, the glowing face, the luxuriant tresses uncontrolled in the soft
+breeze, and he listened with delight to the joyous and ringing laugh;
+and as he beheld her thus, his admiration was touched with sadness, for
+he thought that all this elegance and beauty was far removed from his
+hopes. "One fading moment's mirth" perchance was bought "with twenty
+watchful, weary, tedious nights."</p>
+
+<p>Attended by the head falconer and one or two of his men, as they
+followed the flight of Charlotte's hawk, they had extended their ramble
+to some considerable distance beyond the chace, and the mid-day sun was
+so oppressive, that they returned through the thick and shadowy woods,
+which on one side extended to within a short distance of the Hall. And
+here too&mdash;as the grasshopper uttered his peculiar chirp in the prickling
+gorse and thorn, and as the sweet scent of the fern pervaded the
+air&mdash;these unfrequented glades gave rise to thoughts only incident to
+fresh and stainless youth ere the blunter feelings of riper years rob us
+of their verdant freshness.</p>
+
+<p>Images of vernal brightness floated before the poet's mind, and feelings
+of youth, and hope, and joy were blended with the thoughts of her he
+loved: images such as Shakespeare could alone have conceived. And she
+who was the object of that love, as she listened to the sportive gaiety
+of his words, during this ramble, and as he called forth the elves and
+fairies of his brilliant imagination, she felt as if wandering in a
+magic grove and breathing the sweet odours of an elfin bower: and then,
+again, he peopled the glades with bright forms, fresh and lusty as in
+the first ages of the world. And when he himself parted from his fair
+companion on reaching the Hall, and he returned again through the
+plantations of Clopton, he sought out each spot which Charlotte had
+seemed most interested in, and dwelt upon each look, and tone, and word,
+she had uttered. 'Twas indeed a midsummer day's dream, a situation in
+which he was carried from the reality of the present, to the realms of
+fancy, a dream that haunted him in after years. The thoughts and
+imaginings which pervaded the mind of the youthful Shakespeare, during
+these moments, were what perhaps he himself would have failed in
+describing.</p>
+
+<p>Few of us can convey in words the heavenly images which float in
+celestial ether, as it were, through the brain. We feel in the feeble
+attempt the unsufficing medium of language. Words are but the clayed
+embodiment of the swift thought. The thought itself is the essence of
+the soul&mdash;poetry unspeakable. We cannot word that which is divine.
+Language has no power to render again the shadowy dream&mdash;the musing
+reverie.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst under the influence of feelings such as these, the society and
+the haunts of men were uncongenial to the poetic youth, and he usually
+sought out the wildest scenes of his native country. Over park, over
+pale, he bounded, and the keepers, who caught sight of him occasionally
+in their forest walks, failed in arresting him in his rambles.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>CHARLECOTE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In a former chapter we have seen the sharp and sententious Lawyer Grasp,
+in the act of girding up his loins and preparing to set forth upon a
+somewhat important mission: a matter, indeed, not likely to be effected
+without some little danger to all concerned in its execution. The shrewd
+lawyer, however, to say the least of him, was not altogether devoid of
+courage, and, albeit his valour was modified by a certain degree of
+discretion, he loved to be first when anything was to be gained by
+leading the van.</p>
+
+<p>In the present instance he thought he spied a good chance of promotion,
+both as regarding his instrumentality in apprehending or gaining notice
+of a dangerous plot, but he also hoped to make a profitable intimacy
+with the proud owner of Charlecote: and, as he spurred his palfry
+onwards, visions of suits, and testaments, and title deeds, and strong
+boxes, pertaining to the domain he was entering, floated through his
+brain in rapid succession.</p>
+
+<p>Plots and complots, conspiracies, and secret meetings to kill a queen,
+were, indeed, in his eye, as nothing, unless pertaining to the
+advancement of one small person who wrote himself attorney in the town
+of Stratford: and who hoped, one day, to be the richest and greatest man
+there. The world around was nothing: the covering sky was nothing;
+England was nothing, except as pertaining to Master Pouncet Grasp; nay,
+so long as the small circle of air around his own proper person was
+wholesome and fit for the purposes of respiration, it would have been
+all the same to him if the atmosphere in general were infected with the
+plague. He was, indeed, without question, the most selfish little
+caitiff that ever drove a quill upon parchment.</p>
+
+<p>Charlecote, the residence of Sir Thomas Lucy, was one of those vast,
+irregularly built, but picturesque looking mansions, which gives
+impression, at first sight, of the architectural style of the Tudors.
+Redolent of red brick picked out with white, full of large bay windows,
+beetling balconies, twisted chimneys, gable ends, and gate-houses. A
+magnificent structure looking like a brick-built palace, situate in the
+midst of the most luxuriant foliage; which partially concealed its
+multitudinous offices, its falconries, its dog-kennels, and its
+thick-walled gardens.</p>
+
+<p>As Grasp, therefore, approached this curious building, he beheld its
+embattled towers and massive chimneys embosomed in ancient trees of vast
+size, and most soft and lovely foliage. Nothing, perhaps, could be more
+impressive than the whole scene. The vast park studded with mossed
+trees, and the herded deer couched in the fern, beneath the shade. The
+gigantic avenue, flourishing in all the grandeur of its undecayed age,
+and each particular tree throwing its deep shadow upon the grassy carpet
+beneath, with the lordly mansion only partially seen at its extremity.</p>
+
+<p>As Grasp entered this gloomy, but majestic avenue, he drew bridle, and
+paused for a few moments to reassure himself, and consider matters over,
+and as he did so, he became impressed with the deep and solemn silence
+reigning around, a silence only occasionally interrupted by the baying
+howl from the kennel, an occasional winding note from the huntsman's
+bugle, or the clear ringing sound of the old clock from the tower of the
+red brick gate-house.</p>
+
+<p>As the little lawyer gazed around, a sort of awe crept over his paltry
+soul, he became at each step more deeply impressed with the greatness of
+the man he was about to approach, and from the wealth he saw around him,
+he began to consider whether he himself was worthy of coming into the
+presence of one so mighty. For Grasp's idol was money, the only
+Providence he believed in or worshipped.</p>
+
+<p>Added to this he knew from report the aristocratic and exclusive
+disposition of Sir Thomas, his haughty bearing towards his inferiors,
+and his dislike of intrusion, and he began to doubt whether the knight
+might take it well, that he had come thus in person to communicate with
+him, more especially as he himself had very lately been engaged in a
+suit against Sir Thomas, instituted by one of the tradesmen of
+Stratford, and in which Grasp, by trickery, had managed to get a verdict
+against the great man.</p>
+
+<p>In short, as Grasp approached the house, he began to feel that he would
+almost rather have demanded an interview with Queen Elizabeth herself,
+than with the owner of the domain of Charlecote. He even began to doubt,
+whether (if Sir Thomas should happen to catch sight of him before an
+opportunity offered for introducing his important mission) the proud
+knight would not either order his attendants to whip him out of the
+park-gates, or perhaps even set his hounds upon him and hunt him through
+the grounds. These thoughts and apprehensions the more forcibly
+impressed themselves upon his mind, as the caitiff was well aware he
+fully deserved as much at Sir Thomas's hands.</p>
+
+<p>However, the business he was upon at length outweighed all other
+considerations, and setting spurs to his sorry nag, he hastened onwards
+and neared the house.</p>
+
+<p>As he did so he found that he had timed his visit exactly as he had
+anticipated, and that Sir Thomas and his family were about to take their
+afternoon excursion. For (amongst his other peculiarities) the old
+knight was exceedingly punctual and precise in all his doing, keeping
+the even tenor of his way, and timing his different movements as exactly
+as the clock in the tower of his gate-house was true to the dial in the
+pleasaunce. As Grasp therefore approached he beheld the palfreys and
+attendants of the family party, mustering in front of the mansion,&mdash;a
+goodly sight to look on, and which made Grasp open his eyes as he beheld
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas, like most others in the country at this period, was one of
+those proud men who like to do every thing with circumstance and parade,
+and accordingly if he only rode across the park to shoot a buck, he
+usually was attended by a round dozen of his keepers and servants.</p>
+
+<p>At the present time, as he was about to take his afternoon ride, and
+perhaps pay a formal visit to one or two of his immediate neighbours,
+his party, including his own family and the attendant serving-men,
+amounted to about a score. The sight was a gallant one,&mdash;such as in our
+own times we may behold represented upon the artist's canvass, or during
+the scenic hour, but never again with all its circumstance in real life.
+There were assembled the serving men and attendants, with the three
+white Lucys embroidered in silver upon their green hunting-frocks. The
+head falconer, clad in a sort of loose frock of scarlet cloth; the
+keepers carrying the hawks upon a stand, and several attendant grooms
+with the knight's favourite dogs in their charge. For, as with men of
+this sort the sports of the field was the chief occupation of life, so
+the companionship of their dogs and hounds seemed almost necessary to
+their enjoyment; they seldom made a journey without the favourite hawk
+or hound, and they as seldom rode to take the air on the most ordinary
+occasions, without being provided with the means of striking any game
+they might put up in their route. The hawk upon the wrist was as
+necessary also to the lady, as the spur upon the heel to the knight. The
+most interesting part of the present display, however, and that which
+struck the little lawyer with a sort of dread, was the sporting old
+knight himself, and his three daughters, as they came forth and mounted
+their steeds.</p>
+
+<p>There was, indeed, something about Sir Thomas Lucy, that, to a man of
+Grasp's sort, seemed unapproachable, incomprehensible, and even awful.
+His tall gaunt figure, clad in his hunting-frock of scarlet cloth
+embroidered with gold, with all the tasselled appointments to match&mdash;the
+long leather gauntlets upon his hands&mdash;and the high russet boots upon
+his legs, were well matched by the grey hair and peaked beard, the
+aquiline features, and the pale complexion of the stern-looking old
+knight. In fact, there was a something inexpressibly noble in the
+appearance of that grey old man. He looked one of the Norman knights of
+the crusading times returned to his halls,&mdash;so pale, so wan, so antique,
+and yet withal so knightly in his bearing. The hand seemed formed for
+the rapier, the head for the helm, the heel for the spur. If the little
+lawyer felt at the moment somewhat impressed with the appearance of the
+old knight, now that he was about to approach him, he was no less struck
+with the grace and beauty of his daughters. They seemed to his eye, at
+that moment (and as he regarded them, seated upon their palfreys),
+creatures of a superior race to the generality of human mortals;
+celestial beings, with "beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear."</p>
+
+<p>In fact, Grasp was so feelingly impressed with a sense of inferiority as
+he approached the presence of the Knight of Charlecote, that once or
+twice he was about to wheel his steed, and return as he had come.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed he certainly had done so, had not the old knight suddenly caught
+sight of him, just as he came into the open space in which the party was
+assembled, and fixed him like a basilisk.</p>
+
+<p>It happened unluckily for Grasp, that the avenue was not often made a
+thoroughfare for any but visitors to the Hall, and accordingly, the
+apparition of the meagre-looking lawyer, clad in a sad-coloured suit,
+carrying a little bag in his hand, and bowing to the pommel of his
+saddle every step he took, rather struck Sir Thomas Lucy with
+astonishment. The knight had just at that precise moment thrown his leg
+over his palfrey, and settled his gaunt person fairly in the demipique,
+or war-saddle, it was his usual wont to use, when he espied the lawyer;
+and the effect upon both was like the boa-constrictor suddenly coming in
+sight of its prey. The lawyer seemed transfixed for the moment, whilst
+the magnifico, with his movements arrested, regarded him with a stern
+and curious eye.</p>
+
+<p>At length Sir Thomas signed to one of his attendants to approach, and,
+pointing to the lawyer, desired him to inquire into the meaning of the
+intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"Inquire me of yonder man," said the knight, "wherefore he hath
+approached the house on this side, and which it is our desire to keep
+secluded from public resort, and the eyes of the common and popular."</p>
+
+<p>"He hath business of great import, and craves an immediate and private
+audience with your worship," said the serving-man, after communicating
+with Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Hath he a name?" said Sir Thomas.</p>
+
+<p>"He had rather your worship heard his business first and his name
+afterwards," said the serving-man, "so much did he inform me when I made
+inquiry; but I rather think it is Master Grasp, the lawyer of
+Stratford."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas winced. "And what doth Master Grasp, the lawyer of Statford
+require with Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?" dryly he said. "Inquire me
+out his business; and if he tell it not, convey him round to the proper
+entrance for people of his sort; and, d'ye hear? wait on him out."</p>
+
+<p>During this colloquy, the lawyer had gained somewhat of his
+self-sufficiency, and, dismounting, approached Sir Thomas, and ventured
+to accost him.</p>
+
+<p>"Will your honourable worship," he said, "favour me with a hearing at
+this unseasonable moment, upon matters of high import, connected with
+the safety of our gracious Sovereign the Queen and the welfare of the
+whole realm?"</p>
+
+<p>"If thy communication be of so much importance as that," said the
+knight, "it behoves me, as a true subject, to give attention to it. The
+body public and the safety of the realm demand so much of us."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a matter of so much importance," said Grasp, "that it concerns all
+who wish not to be burned, racked, whipped, beaten, and otherwise
+tormented to death by the Spaniard. 'Tis no less a matter, Sir Thomas
+Lucy, than a discovery I have made of a nest of traitors, who are, at
+this moment, assembled together, at Stratford, for the purpose of
+contriving the murder of our Queen and the delivery of the kingdom into
+the hands of Philip of Spain."</p>
+
+<p>Grasp delivered this piece of intelligence with so much eagerness and
+vehemence, that he had approached quite close to Sir Thomas, in his
+anxiety that his news should not be overheard, and the old knight was in
+something impressed with its importance. He, however, drew back from too
+close contact with the Stratford lawyer, warning him to remove a little
+further from his person.</p>
+
+<p>"Your communication is doubtless of the utmost importance," he said
+coolly, as he prepared to dismount; "we will instantly hear all you have
+to say. Nevertheless, confine your eagerness to serve Her Majesty within
+proper bounds." So saying, Sir Thomas dismounted from his palfry, and
+coolly desiring his daughters to continue their ride, led the way into
+the house, and, followed by Grasp, entered his private study.</p>
+
+<p>The loyalty of the man would not permit him to pause a moment, as soon
+as he fully comprehended the nature of the business. He took two turns
+up and down the apartment; and then ordered the head-keeper to be
+summoned into his presence. "I will arrest these miscreants with my own
+proper hand and with my own people," he said, "instantly, without a
+moment's delay. Meantime, I will send over to my good neighbour, Sir
+Hugh Clopton, and inform him of it, so that he may meet me at Stratford
+on my arrival there, and aid me in this capture. Not so much," he
+continued to himself, "that I require his assistance, as that he may
+partake with me in the honour of cutting the throats of such vile
+wretches, an they resist lawful authority."</p>
+
+<p>"May it please your worship," said Grasp, "there is a thing, I omitted
+to say, and which I had said, only that I feared its knowledge would
+most heartily grieve, astonish, and dismay your worship."</p>
+
+<p>"You have already both astonished and somewhat grieved us," said Sir
+Thomas, "in delivering the piece of intelligence you came here charged
+withal. In how far you may be further able to dismay us, we may be
+perhaps permitted to doubt: nevertheless, we would fain be made
+acquainted with the nature of this omitted circumstance."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Grasp, "your worship spoke of him as aiding and
+assisting in the capture of these bloody-minded conspirators."</p>
+
+<p>"I did so," said Sir Thomas. "Said I not well, good Master Grasp?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your worship hath the gift of saying well," returned Grasp, who found
+himself gaining ground, he thought, in Sir Thomas's good graces. "But I
+grieve to say that Sir Hugh lieth under the imputation of being deeply
+implicated in this plot."</p>
+
+<p>"How!" said Sir Thomas, losing something of austerity in his surprise.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton implicated in such a hellish conspiracy as this you
+have named? Had any man holding rank equal or superior to mine own, said
+so much, Master Pouncet Grasp, he had lied under the imputation of a
+liar and a caitiff at my hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Grasp, "I ask your worship's pardon, I had it from him who
+gave me the clue to the whole matter,&mdash;the honourable gentleman I told
+you of,&mdash;the right honourable Master Walter Neville."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, rather, the arch traitor&mdash;the doubly dishonourable villain
+Neville, who goeth about to purchase benefit for himself by the blood of
+his party. An such a man be your informant? Credit me, the information
+is incorrect. I listen not therefore to it, it is naught."</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, whilst Sir Thomas held converse thus with Grasp, he had at the
+same time, in the most quiet and business-like way, been encasing
+himself in one or two pieces of defensive armour which had hung at hand,
+behind the great chair on which he usually sat. Taking down a richly
+inlaid breast-plate, and which he had worn in his youth in the wars of
+the Low Countries, he fitted it on with care and precision, as one to
+whom the business of arming was a habit of easiness. He then indued a
+cumbrous back-piece to match, buckled the shoulder-straps without
+assistance, and girded the whole tightly together with an embroidered
+belt round his waist. After which (laying aside the light rapier he
+usually wore), he adopted a stout, heavy-hilted, and somewhat ponderous
+blade, and thrusting a pair of enormous petronels and his dagger into
+his girdle, stept forth into the centre of the apartment completely
+equipped for the business on hand, and looking, what our readers of the
+present day would have termed, as perfect a specimen of Don Quixote de
+la Mancha as they could have wished to behold.</p>
+
+<p>Those who looked upon his tall gaunt form and sinewy limbs, however,
+might see that, eccentric as was his appearance, he would be rather an
+awkward customer to engage with or offer an affront to; and so thought
+Grasp, when he beheld the knight's military toilette completed.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, a sort of unpleasant feeling began to creep over him; a
+presentiment of hard knocks, bullets, and grievous wounds suddenly
+pervaded his mind, as he looked upon this military figure clattering
+about in his cuirass, and coolly selecting his ponderous weapons for the
+nonce. For Grasp, it must be remembered, (albeit he lived in stirring
+times,) was a man of peace, and whose whole life nearly had been passed
+in a small dark back office in the town of Warwick, where he had been
+brought up and initiated in all the tricks of his craft.</p>
+
+<p>However, as he had been the exciting cause of Sir Thomas's taking the
+affair upon his hands, and as he knew the knight would be likely to make
+a clean business of it, he felt that now to hold back would be to lose
+all the advantage he had previously promised himself.</p>
+
+<p>Could he but manage to be exceedingly prominent and useful in this
+capture, he felt certain that it would lead on to fortune.</p>
+
+<p>"I have never yet fought," he said to himself, "except with my pen. Now
+I am going to wield a weapon which, if it be only half as deadly and
+destructive in my hands, I shall make unpleasant work withal. But, in
+good sooth, I feel as though I had rather <i>prepare</i> the writ than
+<i>serve</i> it in the present case."</p>
+
+<p>So eager was Sir Thomas to pursue the adventure, and make capture of the
+conspirators with his own hand, that he tarried not for any of the
+customary formalities.</p>
+
+<p>He resolved to take all responsibility upon himself, and "standing to no
+repairs," swoop upon the culprits. Accordingly, having mustered the
+serving-men he had warned for this service, and seen to their efficiency
+in regard to weapons with a military eye, the whole party wheeled out of
+the gate-house of Charlecote and took their way towards Stratford.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ATTACK.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Many of our readers, who have searched with curious eye through the
+various localities and peculiar points of interest at Stratford, will
+doubtless recollect a small antiquated-looking inn, situated on the
+Avon's bank,&mdash;a building whose outward favour and stout-timbered walls,
+together with its massive chimneys and general appearance, would
+proclaim it to have been a house of some mark in its day.</p>
+
+<p>At the period of our story this building had degenerated from a goodly
+farm-house to a hostel called the Checquers, and was the house of
+entertainment generally used by the commoner sort of wayfarers. It was a
+house altogether of no very good repute, in which the brawl and the
+night-shriek might be occasionally heard by the more respectable
+dwellers in the town,&mdash;a house often visited too by the watch, and
+carefully looked after by the authorities.</p>
+
+<p>It was a dwelling also often changing owners, and had been lately taken
+by a stranger, a dark, taciturn, evil-looking host, whose appearance
+nobody liked, consequently he was but ill supported.</p>
+
+<p>In short, since the present landlord had been its occupant, save and
+except an occasional guest who appeared to have arrived from foreign
+parts, and departed as quickly and silently as he had come, the
+Checquers was almost without guests. So that, albeit its former
+dissolute repute might be said to have departed from it, the inn had now
+assumed a mysterious sort of note, and was as celebrated for closed
+doors and quietude, as it had before been for riot and open debauchery.
+Some said the landlord was a Jesuit; others, that he was an emissary of
+the Spaniard; whilst others again affirmed he was both the one and the
+other, and all agreed that he was an ill-favoured, unneighbourly, and
+exceedingly disagreeable person.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this hostel, Master Neville and his associates had previously
+taken up their quarters, and here they had been frequently visited
+during the dark hours by certain cavaliers who hitherto had seldom
+remained till dawn.</p>
+
+<p>Master Muddlework, the head constable of the town, had considered it
+consistent with his duty twice to visit the Checquers, in order to
+observe these suspicious-looking strangers, but each time he had done so
+he had failed in finding anything to fasten his suspicions upon; so that
+whether a good look-out was kept, and the major portion of the strangers
+had concealed themselves, or that they were really absent at the moment
+of his visit, the functionary had, as we have said, quite failed in
+observing anything unusual or particular; except it was the mysterious
+quietude and closed-up doors and shutters of the sometime rollicking
+hostel.</p>
+
+<p>In short, nothing could exceed the degree of interest with which this
+inn and its occupants were at this moment regarded,&mdash;an interest which
+had become general throughout the town, all on a sudden apparently, and
+it was towards this hostel, as our readers doubtless are aware, that Sir
+Thomas Lucy and his party were now advancing.</p>
+
+<p>To the suggestion of Grasp, that it would be better, he thought, to wait
+till the shadows of evening had descended before they approached the
+town, Sir Thomas gave a decided negative. All dark doings, he said, were
+foreign to his nature. He had proceeded by the shortest and most
+expeditious route towards his design, as in duty bound, the moment he
+heard of this vile assemblage, and, Heaven willing, he would proceed as
+straight to the capture of the caitiffs.</p>
+
+<p>With military precision and precaution, however, he gave directions so
+as to ensure the more sure success of his undertaking, and halting for a
+few moments in the road, he divided his party in twain, sending one
+portion full trot forwards, with orders to make a slight detour, and
+enter the town on the further side, whilst he so timed his own movements
+as to come within hail of the suspicious hostel at the precise moment
+his other party approached it.</p>
+
+<p>This done, according to previous concert, the two portions extending
+from the right and left, in a moment completed a very pretty cordon
+around the hostel; so that not a mouse could shew its nose outside the
+walls without being seen. Quickly as this movement had been executed, it
+had been as quickly seen by the inmates apparently; for the door in the
+rear, which had been open the moment before, was immediately closed and
+secured.</p>
+
+<p>This proceeding convinced Sir Thomas in a moment that the inmates of the
+hostel kept a good look-out, and at the same time led him to suspect
+what he indeed quickly found, namely, a desperate resistance. Such
+indeed might reasonably be expected, for the vigilance of the Queen's
+council was at this time so keen, and the various plots of the day so
+continually being discovered by one chance or other, that there was
+small hope of success, unless the utmost secresy was maintained.</p>
+
+<p>Ordering his party instantly to dismount, (whilst the horses were put in
+charge of a small reserve,) Sir Thomas drew back and desired Grasp to
+advance to the fore door of the Checquers, and demand admittance in
+form.</p>
+
+<p>"An it so please your worship," said Grasp, "I had rather not take upon
+myself so much of the responsibility of the action as that would amount
+to. Your honour is a justice of the peace, and may therefore reasonably
+take the lead. I will follow and bear witness to the lawfulness of
+whatsoever it may please your valour to perform; but I had rather not
+strike the first blow."</p>
+
+<p>"Or receive it either, I believe," said Sir Thomas, <i>sotto voce</i>. "'Tis
+well," he added aloud, and immediately setting spurs to his palfrey, he
+was, the next moment, beside the strong iron-studded front-door of the
+hostel, which he struck forcibly with the butt-end of his riding-whip.</p>
+
+<p>As he expected, the door was fastened, and to his repeated summons no
+answer was returned. At length he uplifted his voice, and in a loud
+tone, demanded instant admittance in the Queen's name. Upon this the
+lattice-window was thrown open, and a man's head appeared at it,&mdash;a
+pale, cadaverous-looking wretch, with long lank hair, and glassy and
+excited eye.</p>
+
+<p>"What seek you here?" he said. "There is death in the house, and the
+doors are closed against visitors to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Let them open to those who come in the Queen's name," said Sir Thomas.
+"I come to seize the persons of all within this house. Dead or alive, it
+matters not, I will arrest the bodies of all here consorting and
+assembling."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said the man, "and who then art thou, thus commissioned, and from,
+whom hast thou such authority?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote," returned the knight, "and if I
+mistake not, thou art Ralph Somerville, of Warwick."</p>
+
+<p>"And how if we refuse you admittance?" said Somerville. "How then, Sir
+Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will make forcible entry," said Sir Thomas, "and those who
+oppose me must be content with the mishaps that attend such procedure."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what are we accused, that we are thus molested in our retirement?"
+said Somerville.</p>
+
+<p>"Of high treason, in conspiring to take the life of our blessed and
+gracious Queen Elizabeth," said Sir Thomas.</p>
+
+<p>"Then receive the wages of your service, heretic," said Somerville, at
+the same moment discharging the contents of a petronel full in Sir
+Thomas's visage.</p>
+
+<p>The weapon was thrust so near to the face of the knight that the powder
+blackened his features, but the ball, luckily, just missed his head, and
+passing downwards on his cuirass, glanced off harmless.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis well," he said, with his usual coolness, as Somerville immediately
+closed the window. "Forwards, men, and force the doors instantly."</p>
+
+<p>The house had, apparently, been prepared in anticipation of such an
+assault; for, as the party advanced to the attack, several calivers were
+discharged from loop-holes, which had been made in the walls at the
+upper part, and two of Sir Thomas's men were shot dead ere they could
+reach the doors.</p>
+
+<p>As the remainder, however, did so, they found the entrance so strongly
+barricaded that their efforts to get in were fruitless; whilst at the
+same time they were exposed to the bullets of those within during the
+attempt. Sir Thomas saw this in a moment, as he rode about
+superintending the affair, and indeed drawing several discharges from
+the besieged upon his own person.</p>
+
+<p>With military quickness and decision he immediately dismounted, and
+rallying some half-a-dozen of his men who were bearing back from the hot
+fire of the besieged, he seized upon a ladder which he espied lying near
+a sort of outhouse in the rear. This he ordered his people to man on
+either side, and leading them on, sword in hand, they rushed with
+terrible force against the back door of the hostel, giving it such a
+shock, that door and lintels together were nearly unshipped.</p>
+
+<p>"Another rush," cried Sir Thomas; "one more, and we have them!"</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly on dashed the men with this novel battering-ram, and again
+and again they assailed the door. Any one who could have observed Grasp
+at this moment, would have doubtless considered that he had suddenly
+gone mad, since what between his anxiety to be amongst the first, and
+near Sir Thomas Lucy, and his mortal fear of the whistling balls, he cut
+a most ridiculous figure. One moment he rushed forward, with the party
+who were using the ladder as a battering-ram; the next, as the sharp
+report of a well-loaded caliver jarred his ears, he fairly bolted off,
+turning again when he had gained a few paces to the rear, flourishing
+his blue bag, and shouting at the assailants with all his might, to
+break in and take the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>"Serve the warrant, take the body, seize the person!&mdash;Take them dead or
+alive!" he cried, as he jumped about. Meantime the ladder, being well
+and chivalrously managed, at about the fourth rush carried in the door,
+and Sir Thomas, with portentous strength, carried his body along with it
+into the kitchen of the inn, a petronel in one hand and his heavy rapier
+in the other, closely followed by his men. Contrary to his expectations,
+however, the apartment was empty; "Guard the entrance!" he cried, as he
+dashed into the next apartment. "The villains will escape us yet! Kill
+whoever attempts to get out!"</p>
+
+<p>Rapidly, and followed by his men, Sir Thomas made search through the
+lower portion of the hostel, without, however, finding a soul, although
+it was evident they had but the moment before escaped, the rooms being
+filled with the smoke of their discharged fire-arms. Glancing round
+upon his followers, who were now for the most part within the hostel, he
+directed them instantly to search the upper flooring, whilst he kept
+guard below.</p>
+
+<p>This was, however, more easily said than done. The staircase was found
+to be impracticable, being barricaded by a large quantity of faggots,
+which had been drawn up and jammed tightly together.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Grasp, whose ferret eyes were everywhere at once, "may I
+never draw an inference again, if I do not think the rogues have
+ascended by a ladder through yonder trap, and then drawn the ladder up
+after them."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, and whilst all paused to consider the next move, the
+barrels of several calivers were thrust through as many holes which had
+been perforated through the ceiling, and a very lively discharge was
+kept up upon Sir Thomas and his party, which killing one of the men,
+quickly sent Grasp and the rest out of the doors; Grasp, who in his
+hurry and agitation being the last, closing the door behind him, and
+actually shutting Sir Thomas up alone amongst his foes.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven bless and preserve us all from conspirators," said the lawyer,
+jumping about and wringing his hands, as he hastily glanced amongst the
+scared domestics, "they have shot, killed, and destroyed the knight of
+Charlecote, as sure as I am a sinner! Sir Thomas Lucy is certainly
+murdered outright by this nest of vipers, for I see him not amongst us
+here?"</p>
+
+<p>Confusion and dismay, indeed, sufficiently pervaded the attacking party.
+They readily imagined their lord and master was slain, and to the horror
+of such a catastrophe was added their doubts as to what was next to be
+done; so that whilst some drew off from the near vicinity of tho house,
+others mounted their horses, and set off full cry to the town to get
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>In short, the assaulters felt the want of a second in command. They were
+struck with dread at the supposed death of their leader, and the head
+falconer being killed also, there was no one to lead them, to the
+recovery even of the old knight's body, if he was indeed shot, or his
+rescue, if only wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Grasp, however, did all he could to exhort some half-a-dozen who
+remained to make another attempt, to gain the interior. But the men very
+wisely demurred.</p>
+
+<p>"Who think ye is to enter yonder dark place, to be killed like a fox in
+a hole?" said one.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said another, "the matter is now none of ours to meddle with. If
+our master be killed by these villains, some one else must take it up,
+we have no further warranty to go forward; all we can do is to wait till
+assistance comes from the town."</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this colloquy, (and which had hardly taken as many
+moments as words used,) to the astonishment of the speakers, the sound
+of firing again commenced within the dwelling,&mdash;quick, short, and
+rapid, sounded the shots; whilst the old inn, as the gazers regarded
+it, although it seemed convulsed with internal discord, remained closed
+up, and its exterior undisturbed as if nothing extraordinary was going
+on. At the same moment, too, shouts and sounds from the town proclaimed
+that the townsfolk were coming to the scene of action.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad he here," said Grasp, "what may this portend? The miscreants surely
+cannot be contending against each other, and cutting their own throats
+from sheer disappointment at being discovered in their villany!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, and in the midst of these speculations upon the matter,
+the door opened, and enveloped in a volume of smoke, which burst out
+with him, begrimed too with soot and dirt, appeared Sir Thomas himself,
+who instantly closing the door after him, and coughing violently from
+the effects of the fumigation he had endured, waved his sword for his
+people again to advance.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAPTURE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>To account for this appearance we must return to the knight after he had
+been shut up within the hostel.</p>
+
+<p>As he had never for a moment intended to give ground, he was in no wise
+daunted at being thus left alone, and as the closing of the door shut
+out the glare of light, it most probably was the means of saving his
+life, for could those above have distinctly seen and levelled their
+pieces at him, they would have shot him like a wolf in a trap. For the
+moment all was quiet, and casting his eyes round the gloomy kitchen Sir
+Thomas spied the remains of a fire in the grate, whilst fearful and
+hurried whispers, gradually growing louder and more vehement above his
+head, proclaimed that the conspirators were in earnest consultation.</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment's delay, Sir Thomas (by aid of the fire on the hearth,
+and such combustibles as he could hastily collect) set to work with
+might and main, and lighted up a blazing bonfire in the very middle of
+the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The rushes with which the floor was partially strewed, materially
+assisted the blaze, and heaping chairs and other less cumbrous articles
+upon it, whilst the astonished conspirators fired at him through the
+loop-holes, he soon effected a very alarming conflagration.</p>
+
+<p>It was lucky for the knight that the construction of such a measure of
+defence, as that of perforating an upper floor to fire through,
+necessarily precludes any precision in taking aim, as it is almost
+impossible in a small opening of the sort, to get a good sight whilst
+levelling downwards, and consequently, although a continued discharge
+took place, whilst the knight busied himself in getting up the
+conflagration, although the balls flew about his ears and buried
+themselves in the floor at his feet, not one struck him.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances, and whilst the conspirators were ignorant
+that the combustion which already became disagreeably apparent to them
+was being effected by one person, their persevering foe completed his
+arrangements, and jerking his powder flask into the flames, quickly
+opened the door, and as he could no longer remain safely within, coolly
+walked out.</p>
+
+<p>Reassured by his appearance, those of his followers who were at hand
+hastened to the support of the knight, who instantly directed Grasp to
+proceed round to the door on the other side, with several of the men,
+and make instant capture of any of the conspirators who attempted to
+escape on that side.</p>
+
+<p>"I have smoked the traitors in their den," said he, "and anon we shall
+have them swarming out. Make prisoners of all you can secure. Hurt none
+who yield, but suffer none to escape. If they resist, kill."</p>
+
+<p>The anxiety of Grasp to see these mysterious plotters almost overcame
+his personal apprehensions. He therefore hastened round with the men
+under his charge, and in a few minutes the conflagration within forced
+the besieged to attempt a sortie. The door before which Sir Thomas had
+posted himself was thrown open, and (as smoke and flame gushed out)
+forth rushed half a dozen men so completely begrimed in soot that their
+features were scarcely distinguishable.</p>
+
+<p>The conspirators evidently had made up their minds to a desperate effort
+at escape, for they dashed to the right and left sword in hand, cutting
+at all who opposed them.</p>
+
+<p>"Yield thee, caitiff," cried Sir Thomas, flinging himself upon the
+foremost, and seizing him by the collar of his doublet with an iron
+grip, before he could strike a blow. "Yield thee, miscreant, in the
+Queen's name!"</p>
+
+<p>The man accosted attempted to stab Sir Thomas with his dagger, but the
+knight dragged him headlong down, and stepping a pace or two back, at
+the same time absolutely flinging him to his men, rushed upon the next
+in the same manner, and, in this way, capturing three with his own hand,
+whilst his followers kept them in play.</p>
+
+<p>The scene we have described fully exemplified the nature of a period in
+which deeds of violence and bloodshed, consequent upon the seditious and
+superstitious bigotry of both religions, were by no means uncommon,
+breaking out too, as they oft-times did, in the midst of apparent
+tranquility.</p>
+
+<p>Close upon the doors, in rear of the hostel, and at which the
+conspirators made their principal efforts at escape, stood Sir Thomas
+himself backed up by several of his men, conspicuous from his tall form
+and his activity in cutting down all who refused to yield. Somewhat
+removed, and at a safer distance, were to be seen a crowd of the
+townsfolk, with a portion of the town guard and the head bailiff, who
+had hastened to the scene upon the alarm of the encounter, accompanied
+by a legion of old women and idle boys. These, as they learned the
+nature of the business in hand, became proportionably excited against
+the conspirators, whom they seemed inclined to tear in pieces so soon as
+they could fairly get at them with safety to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! the miserable sinners," said Dame Patch. "I thought no good was
+going on down yonder, with all their silence, secret meetings, and
+keeping us women from amongst them."</p>
+
+<p>"I always said there was a plot hatching to blow up the town and kill
+every Protestant in it," cried Doubletongue. "God save Sir Thomas. See,
+there's the last of the rogues down and being bound hand and foot!"</p>
+
+<p>Such was indeed the case, and, except Somerville and another of the
+conspirators who escaped Grasp and his party, the whole (amounting to
+seven individuals) were down or captured, and, being bound, were
+delivered into the hands of the bailiff for safe custody.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was the business done, and the capture fairly effected, than
+the eccentric character of the knight of Charlecote again displayed
+itself. He had borne himself manfully during the fight, and as one
+worthy of his crusading ancestors, but his hauteur and reserve
+immediately succeeded to the violence of action.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing together his people, he gave directions for the removal of the
+wounded into the town, where their hurts could be looked to. After which
+he mounted his horse, and calling for a cup of wine, he lifted his hat,
+and drank to the health of the Queen, the discomfit of the Spaniards,
+and the confusion of all Jesuits. After which he turned his horse's head
+from the Checquers, now filled with the idle and the curious, who had
+managed to extinguish the fire, and rode off towards Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but how am I to dispose of these prisoners, Sir Thomas?" said the
+head bailiff, stopping him as he passed. "I should also like to learn
+the exact nature of the matter which hath led to this capture and the
+death of these people around us here."</p>
+
+<p>"Of that you will better learn," said Sir Thomas, dryly, "by applying to
+your townsman there&mdash;Lawyer Grasp; and all further circumstances
+connected with them, I opine you will speedily be made acquainted with
+by the Queen's council, as I am myself led to believe by what Master
+Grasp hath informed me."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Sir Thomas bowed to the head bailiff, and rode away from the
+scene of his achievements.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A REVEL AT CLOPTON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the night which followed the action we have described, and which the
+inhabitants of Stratford long afterwards called the fray of the
+Checquers, Sir Hugh Clopton held an old accustomed feast at his house.
+The entertainment was given in honour of his daughter's birthday, the
+maiden having just completed her seventeenth year; and on this
+interesting occasion most of the old knightly families of the county of
+Warwickshire graced the scene. There came the Astleys of Hill Moreton,
+the De la Wards of Newton, the Clintons of Badsley, the Walshes of
+Mereden, the Blenknaps of Knoll, the Wellesbourns of Hastang, the
+Comptons of Compton Winyate, the Sheldons of Beoley, the Attwoods, and
+many other nobles, whose names now, like those once owning them, in all
+the pride of ancestral honours, are obliterated from the muster-roll of
+the living, and long forgotten in the very domains which owned them as
+lords; and last, though by no means least, came the knight of Charlecote
+and his lady, and their two lovely daughters.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a goodly assemblage of the rank, youth, and beauty of the
+county of Warwick of that period. The old folks stately in manner and
+formal in costume; the men, looking in their starch ruffs, short cloaks
+and trunks, quaint cut doublets and peaked beards; and the women, in
+their jewelled stomachers and farthingales, like so many old portraits
+stepping forth from their frames; whilst the youth of both sexes, in all
+the bravery of that age of brave attire, glittered in silks and satins,
+gold and embroidery, bright jewels and richly mounted weapons. Nothing,
+indeed, could exceed the gallant look of the cavaliers who trod a
+measure in the dance, except it were the loveliness of their bright
+partners. Those youthful and fresh female buds of England, so celebrated
+for their native beauty; fair, and blooming, and swan-like in their
+graceful carriage&mdash;"earth-treading stars, that make dark heaven bright."</p>
+
+<p>The music rang out from a sort of a temporary orchestra, formed at one
+end of the hall, arched over and festooned with sweet flowers and green
+shrubs. It consisted mostly of stringed instruments, which gave forth a
+silver sound, accompanied by the deep tones of the bassoon and the
+occasional flourish of the horn, and whilst the dancers trod a measure,
+and the different guests, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment,
+wandered about, how sweetly the strains floated through those
+oak-panelled rooms, reverberating in the long corridors and passages,
+and, mellowed by distance, thrummed in the upper rooms.</p>
+
+<p>It mingled with the whispered softness of the lover's tongue, sounding
+doubly sweet by night. It added to the charm of beauty, as she listened
+to the flattering tale, till the coyness of the half-won maiden seemed
+to relax in music; and the glittering cavalier, with renewed hope, led
+her to the dance.</p>
+
+<p>How inferior is the fussy and excited style of our own days compared
+with such a scene as this, where all was open-hearted gaiety and
+enjoyment, where, without effort, all was dignified, and brilliant, and
+picturesque.</p>
+
+<p>The very serving-men and maids, ranged in a long row at the lower end of
+the hall, seemed to add to the effect of the picture. The men in their
+rich liveries with heraldic badge upon the sleeve; the maids, all in one
+sort of costume, fitting and becoming for their station in life; nay,
+the orchestra itself was a picture, composed as it was of respectable
+personages from the town of Stratford, grave-looking, bearded, and
+staid, working away at their different instruments, as if it was a
+matter of national pride and import,&mdash;the celebration of the fair
+Charlotte's natal day. Each in his quaint-cut doublet and scarlet hose.
+How they clutched at the bass-viol, those fat citizens, and glowed with
+the strains they produced; how the fiddlers jerked and worked at their
+bows, with heads going, and feet keeping time: how the puffed cheek of
+the horn-blowers seemed to grow distended to the degree of exploding;
+and how the eyes of the whole party seemed to roll about in agony, and
+follow the dancers as their strains excited them to fresh efforts; and
+how resolutely, ever and anon, they paused to take a long pull at the
+huge flagons placed within their reach; returning to their instruments
+with renewed vigour, and stamping to keep time, as if sitting still was
+almost too great an effort, and they longed to jump up, and fling out
+amongst the best there; urging one another to quicker movements and
+louder strains as the liquor mounted and the evening wore on.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst that gay and brilliant throng there was one whose whole soul
+seemed wrapped in melody. The soft tones of the floating minstrelsy
+seemed to steal upon his heart. He stood apart from all: aloof in person
+as in mind, leaning against one of the quaint-cut ornaments of the room.
+As his eye wandered amongst the gay dancers, his countenance was at
+times lighted up by an expression which seemed divine. The greatness of
+his soul shone out in his glorious countenance, and yet, save by two
+persons, he was all unmarked.</p>
+
+<p>It was the boy poet, the youthful Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>Walter Arderne, who felt that no assemblage could be complete which
+wanted the presence of his friend, no hour enjoyed but in his company,
+had brought him again to Clopton, where he mingled in the scene, not so
+much a guest as a spectator. And yet unknown as unmarked, or, if
+regarded, perhaps but calling forth a passing remark upon his good
+looks, how greatly did that youth feel himself the superior of all
+there, elevated as some of them were in station. The fineness and
+acuteness of organic sensibility made him alive to all the mighty world
+of ear and eye. Nothing escaped him; and yet feeling this within
+himself, and in strength of mind a demigod, in profundity of view a
+prophet,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> he moved amongst the throng, as if unconscious of being more
+than the most unassuming servitor in attendance. Gentle and open in
+manner as a child.</p>
+
+
+<p>The good Sir Hugh welcomed him to his house, and presented him to two of
+his oldest friends, as one to whom he owed much. "A goodly lad," he
+said, "and of exceeding promise; a ripe and ready wit, sirs. By 'r Lady,
+but he hath the knack of making me laugh till my face is like a wet
+napkin. Nay, and he inditeth rhymes, too, it would do you good to hear.
+A poet, I'll assure ye, sirs, already, and a rare one, too. Go thy ways,
+lad; go thy ways. 'Fore Heaven we owe thee much, and hope to requite
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"A young friend," said Arderne, to one of the ladies with whom he
+danced, and as he pointed the unconscious poet out to her, whilst
+standing at the lower end of the hall. "A young friend who, though in
+humble life, seems to me of somewhat extraordinary character, and in
+whom I am greatly interested. He unites in his genius the utmost
+elevation and the utmost depth; and the most foreign, and even
+irreconcilable properties subsist in him together. I cannot describe to
+you the delight I experience in the companionship of that youth." The
+lady glanced her eye towards the part of the hall indicated by Walter
+Arderne, as he mentioned his friend. It was but a glance, and she
+observed the person indicated. The words humble life was, however, quite
+sufficient to destroy all interest in the bosom of the beauty, for Clara
+de Mowbray (albeit she was both lovely and amiable) partook, in some
+sort, of the pride of her race. Added to this, she was the victim of an
+unrequited passion, and save for the tall handsome form and expressive
+features of her partner, she had no eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have imagined, from all I have this night beheld," she said,
+"there was but one in this room, nay, in this world, who could take up
+even a moment of your care or thoughts, fair sir. This new-found friend
+must, indeed, be a rare specimen, if he can wean your eyes for a moment
+from Charlotte Clopton. But that, indeed," she added, with a sigh, "is
+as it should be; she is, I think, to-night more beautiful than ever!"</p>
+
+<p>Walter sighed, and unconsciously his glance wandered in search of his
+betrothed. "You are a shrewd observer, lady," he said, looking full in
+her expressive face,&mdash;and indeed, except Charlotte Clopton, whose beauty
+was of a different character, Clara de Mowbray was one of the most
+beautiful women in the county. "You are a great observer, lady," he
+said, "and yet you have failed to observe how much your own beauty
+excites admiration from all present to-night. Nay, I am not blind
+myself, however much I may lie under the imputation with which you have
+charged me."</p>
+
+<p>"To love is no such heavy sin, Sir Arderne," said the lady, "an if it
+were so, you would indeed require sufficing penance and absolution,
+since you are a very votary to the blind god."</p>
+
+<p>"And she to whom my vows are given," he said, "is she not worthy of an
+emperor's love?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is worthy of the love of him who seeks her hand," said Clara,
+somewhat sadly. "She is my dear and early friend, and I could not wish
+greater happiness to her than in that store. Unless the emperor were
+Walter Arderne, and the empire he inherited here in Warwickshire. I
+conclude Charlotte would scarce become an empress."</p>
+
+<p>"You speak not this as you think," said Arderne, doubtfully, yet
+delighted at so much confirmation from one of the intimate friends of
+his beloved Charlotte.</p>
+
+<p>"I speak as I feel," said Clara; "I know the worth of both, and how
+well both deserve; and yet methinks youth and valour should not
+altogether succumb to Cupid. Were I a man, I should seek for action and
+to be worthy in <i>deed</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The youth gazed with increasing admiration upon the radiant face of the
+lady. He almost doubted whether its exceeding loveliness did not equal
+that of his betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," he said, gaily, turning towards his new friend, who at the moment
+approached, "give us assurance, gentle Shakespeare, we that are in love;
+and teach this lady to respect the passion."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare looked full at the lady; he seemed struck with the beauty of
+her face and form. "Love, first learned in a lady's eyes," he said,
+gaily,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Lives not alone immured in the brain;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But with the motion of all elements,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Courses as swift as thought in every power;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And gives to every power a double power,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Above their functions and their offices,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Never durst poet touch a pen to write,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Until his ink were temper'd with love's sighs."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"That is indeed a singular being!" said the lady, gazing after the youth
+as he passed through the crowd and quitted the room. "Who and what is
+he?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis him of whom I just now spoke," said Arderne; "but come, let us
+seek Charlotte Clopton; I thought I saw her leave the room but now to
+seek the purer air of the gardens. I will tell thee more of our
+acquaintance with this youth as we go."</p>
+
+<p>It was a bright and lovely night, and, with all the freedom and licence
+of the age, many of the younger guests had sought the pleasure-grounds
+and gardens of the Hall, whilst their more staid guardians and parents
+held converse within doors.</p>
+
+<p>Here and there was to be seen a group seated or reclined upon the velvet
+turf, whilst others paced up and down the terrace, or disappeared and
+were lost in the dark walks, till the joyous strains of the orchestra
+within again recalled them to the dance.</p>
+
+<p>If the quick eyes of love had enabled the lady Clara to observe the
+object to which Walter Arderne's thoughts were that night fixed, the
+same observation had failed in shewing her on whom the affections of her
+rival was centred.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, although Charlotte Clopton, both from her beauty and her
+position as the heroine of the night, was necessarily the observed of
+all observers, and her hand sought for by every cavalier in the room,
+those who looked closely at her might have observed a tinge of
+melancholy in her countenance, and a restlessness about her which shewed
+she was not in the enjoyment of her own content. To herself hardly dared
+she own it, as her restless glance traversed the room, but she felt that
+one minute's conversation with her romantic friend,&mdash;nay, one word, or
+but an exchanged glance,&mdash;would be worth all the gallant speeches she
+endured from the gayer cavaliers by whom she was surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>This new friend, however, had not once approached her on that night. He
+had studiously kept in the background, and although he had, unobserved,
+caught sight of her, he had even carefully avoided those parts of the
+room in which she was engaged with her various partners and friends.
+Nay, the pleasure he experienced in the gay and festive scene, like that
+of the fair Charlotte, was tinged with an occasional melancholy; a soft
+and dreamy sadness mingled with the brighter thoughts called into play
+by the sight of beauty and the strains of music.</p>
+
+<p>With such feelings he quitted the house, and passed into the gardens of
+the Hall, those lovely grounds looking, as they did, so fair and soft,
+in the bright moonlight. And how often do we find it thus in life! How
+oft do we see the most worthy wending his way unnoticed, unobserved,
+unappreciated, and unknown, whilst the giddy, the frivolous, the vain,
+and even the vile, are sunning themselves in the smiles of patronage and
+favour, playing their fantastic tricks, and swollen with the success
+their cringing falsehood has attained, whilst patient merit, scorning
+the rout, passes on unsought.</p>
+
+<p>The night, as Lorenzo words it, was but the daylight sick, "it looked a
+little paler." The youthful poet threw himself upon a grassy bank,
+shadowed by trees, and as the sounds of music crept upon his ears,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"Soft stillness, and the night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Became the touches of sweet harmony."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And what indeed were the thoughts and imaginings the scene and hour gave
+rise to?&mdash;Thoughts softened by the sweet breath of a summer's night,
+loaded with perfume, and bearing harmony from the distance. At such
+moment the mind reverts to days long past, or even revels in the fabled
+ages of the early world. In such a night as this,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And they did make no noise; in such a night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Troilus, methinks, mounted the Trojan walls<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Where Cressid lay."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"In such a night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon the wild sea-banks, and waved her love<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To come again to Carthage."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It was whilst Shakespeare remained thus sequestered and alone, and in
+the indulgence of the thoughts produced by such a situation, that the
+company had sought the gardens; and the walks, and alleys, the green
+slopes, and mossed banks, became suddenly peopled with bright forms, and
+which in a moment gave another and gayer aspect, and a totally different
+turn to the entire scene. The stillness, and the sweet touches of
+distant music, and which had so stolen upon his heart, was now changed
+to the sounds of laughter and loud conversation. In the shaded walks
+were now to be seen some tall form, clad in brave attire; his jewelled
+hat and gay plume bent down as he conversed with the lady at his side,
+and, in the open space before him, the different groups lent a lustre to
+the gardens which only gay costume and forms of beauty can give. As he
+remarked the scene before him, the joyous and sportive throng thus
+revelling in happiness,&mdash;the very heavens "thick inlaid with patinos of
+bright gold," he presently observed a dark and ominous cloud slowly and
+stealthily mounting, as it were, from the south. It seemed to emerge
+from the distant woods like a pall, and&mdash;as if emblematic of the
+short-lived days of mortals&mdash;gradually stole over one side of the
+heavens.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, that flaunting throng was like the pleasures of the world. "Those
+clouds were like its coming cares." Whilst he watched their slow
+development, a light footstep approached, and Charlotte Clopton stood
+before him.</p>
+
+<p>Was it his fancy, or was it that the silver brightness falling on the
+spot on which she stood, gave an ethereal appearance to the beautiful
+girl, a ghost-like and shadowy look, which, for the moment, struck him
+with a sort of awe? He arose from his recumbent posture, and, as he did
+so, he observed she was unusually pale. Nay, as he gazed upon that sweet
+face and form, he could not help seeing that it was with difficulty she
+kept herself from falling.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear me, lady," he said, (struck with sudden alarm,) "you are not
+well?"</p>
+
+<p>"A feeling of illness has indeed come over me," said Charlotte, "and
+which I cannot entirely shake off. I thought the air of the gardens
+would have taken it away, but it has not done so."</p>
+
+<p>"Suffer me to lead you in," said Shakespeare, taking her hand, "perhaps
+some cordial will restore you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not so," said Charlotte; "I have sought this spot as I knew it was a
+favourite one with you. I felt you would be here, and that I must see
+you. I know not wherefore, but a presentiment of evil is upon me. I feel
+as if I spoke to thee this night for the last time."</p>
+
+<p>There was a wildness in the manner of Charlotte Clopton, as she said
+this, which increased the anxiety of her admirer, and, as he saw that
+she was really suffering from some sudden feeling of illness, he again
+entreated her to seek the house. She, however, again refused. "I have
+sought this opportunity to speak to you," she said, "for I felt I must
+do so; nay, I feel as if I should die unless I unburthened myself to
+one I so highly esteem, one to whom I owe so much, one so noble and so
+good; nay, were it to any but to thee, (generous and sweet in
+disposition as thou art, William Shakespeare,) I should shame to say so
+much. But well I know that none can know thee and refrain from loving;
+can trust thee and repent."</p>
+
+<p>To say that the youthful poet could hear this from a being so beautiful,
+and not forget all the resolutions he had previously made to subdue and
+conceal his passion, would be to describe one of those over-perfect
+mortals existing only in the imagination of the prudish.</p>
+
+<p>William Shakespeare was no such perfection of a hero; he had sought to
+quench his love's hot fire,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Lest it should burn above the bounds of reason."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The intense feelings of youth, however, and which in after-life led him
+so forcibly to pourtray the passion he felt, now completely overcame all
+his prudential resolves.</p>
+
+<p>The being he had thought so much above him, and in secret loved, had
+confessed her feelings. He was instantly lost to every thing but his
+love for her. Its hopelessness, its seeming treachery towards his new
+and generous friend, all were forgotten as he gazed upon Charlotte and
+returned her vows. And yet, what was this love, so pure, so unselfish,
+so unlikely ever to meet with reward? It rather lacked, even at its
+commencement, the rapturous intoxication of hope, and seemed, even at
+the moment of its mutual confidence, to partake of the bitterness of
+certain disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the various groups had been enjoying themselves in the grounds,
+the heavens had become gradually overcast, till one entire portion was
+mantled with the darksome veil now rapidly extending; distant rumbling
+peals, too, like the sound of heavy ordnance from afar, and large heavy
+drops of rain, gave notice of the coming storm. This, together with the
+renewed sound of music, warned the revellers around again to seek the
+shelter of the Hall, and, as Charlotte Clopton heard her name called,
+the lovers too felt that they must part. Yet still they lingered, and
+had more to say.</p>
+
+<p>The voice of Martin, however, calling upon Charlotte, who had now been
+suddenly missed from amongst the guests, and sought for in the house,
+recalled them to the necessity of separating. Their parting seemed a sad
+one, and although the feeling of illness Charlotte had previously felt
+had now partially left her, she still felt a sensation of langour and a
+weight upon her spirits she could not account for.</p>
+
+<p>Her lover observed this, and that her cheek, ordinarily so full of
+bloom, was deadly pale, giving her dark brown tresses a still darker
+shade, and he parted from her with an ill divining soul.</p>
+
+<p>In his present frame of mind Shakespeare felt no longer any desire to
+witness the gaieties within doors, and yet he found it impossible to
+tear himself away from the gardens. He loved to breathe the neighbouring
+air, and as he listened to the music, he tried to fancy her he loved
+still adding to the grace and beauty of the assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he thus remained lost in his own thoughts, the threatened storm
+suddenly burst forth. The thunder crashed over head, and the lightning
+darted along the walks and alleys of the gardens, and then came the
+rain, rushing upon the earth like a cataract, suddenly bursting bounds.</p>
+
+<p>These sounds were mingled with the tread of horses' hoofs as they
+clattered into the stable-yard, and then came a short and rapid word of
+command. A few minutes more and the music ceased; rapid and hurried
+footsteps were heard, as of guests suddenly departing, coupled with
+lamentations and sounds of alarm. The mirth of the assemblage seemed
+suddenly to have been marred, and their good cheer spoiled, and such
+indeed was the case.</p>
+
+<p>In the very midst of the revel, and whilst the festive cup was drained
+around to the health of Sir Hugh and his fair child, that child had
+again been seized with illness and fainted.</p>
+
+<p>Attributing it to the heat and excitement she had undergone, Sir Hugh
+bore her to her couch, and as she soon recovered from her swoon he again
+sought his guests.</p>
+
+<p>When he did so, he observed that during his absence the party had been
+increased by the addition of some half a dozen cavaliers completely
+armed, and as he entered the room the chief of the party stepped up to
+him, and laid his hand upon his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh Clopton, of Clopton," he said, in a loud voice, "I arrest thee
+of high treason, in the name of our most sovereign lady the Queen."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PLAGUE AT STRATFORD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The swift passage of events, and which it has taken some little time to
+record, has necessarily obliged us to omit mention of several minor
+characters of our story, but who, nevertheless, have been playing their
+parts upon the stage as well as those of greater note and import.
+Amongst others, Master Dismal, whose cue it seemed to ferret out all
+sorts of disagreeables and who seemed to batton upon horrors, had not
+failed to follow up the hint promulgated at the Falcon regarding the
+sickness which had appeared in the town.</p>
+
+<p>At the period of our story the plague was no uncommon visitor in the
+different towns in England, and awful were the consequences of such
+visitation when it appeared.</p>
+
+<p>In cases of this sort when some dire disease breaks out amongst the poor
+and ignorant, they generally at first conceal it. Struck with dismay,
+they yet resolve to doubt the suspicious appearance till confirmation of
+its reality drives them to disclosure.</p>
+
+<p>The plague was indeed so much dreaded at this time, that those first
+infected were looked upon with as much horror and dislike as if they
+were absolutely guilty of its production.</p>
+
+<p>The very suspicion of its appearance was sufficient to frighten the town
+from its propriety. The inhabitants withdrew from the businesses and
+pleasures of life like snails within their shells. Each feared his
+neighbour, and all around was distrust and dread. It was this fear,
+together with the unclean state of the town, and most of the houses in
+it, which made the pestilence so quick and be fatal in its effects.
+Evils, it has been said, are more to be dreaded from the suddenness of
+their attack than from their magnitude or duration. In the storms of
+life those that are foreseen are half overcome.</p>
+
+<p>This disease, however, was in general as formidable and as difficult to
+get rid of in a town, as its coining was sudden and unexpected. It was
+like the wind which sailors term the tiffoon, pouncing upon the vessel
+like an eagle upon the prey, and paralyzing the victim at once.</p>
+
+<p>Master Dismal had received intelligence of this visitation by an
+anonymous communication, written upon a dirty scrap of paper, and which
+had been one night thrown in at his window.</p>
+
+<p>The scrawl was in such strange hieroglyphics, and so vaguely worded,
+that any other person beside himself would have failed in hitting upon
+its hidden meaning; but the busy-body had a peculiar facility in
+deciphering and discovering horrors. Nay, his visitations amongst his
+neighbours and townsfolk were generally looked upon by them as a sure
+harbinger of evil in one shape or other. He was a sort of stormy petrel
+in the town, a forerunner of danger and despair. He even loved to watch
+the progress of misery and disease, contemplating the ills mankind are
+subject to, with a philosophic eye.</p>
+
+<p>If a whole family were to be swept off, his visits continued as long as
+the disease lasted amongst them; and he made his entrance and took his
+leave with the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, it was his recreation to study the maladies and miseries "the
+poor compounded clay, man, is heir to." Accidents and wounds, and indeed
+every sort of infliction his neighbours were subject to, it was his
+humour to watch curiously,&mdash;nay, he was even interested in the sight of
+a felon's ear, nailed to the cart wheel, whilst a knave set in the
+stocks, or a vagabond whipped through the town, was a matter of
+reflection, and a spectacle to be hunted after: and when Dame Patch was
+placed upon the cuckin stool, and then ducked in the Avon for lying and
+slander, he was observed next day to pay her a visit of condolence,
+whilst some affirmed that he had even remained a whole week in her
+dwelling to offer her consolation in her distress.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to these peculiarities, we need hardly mention that the
+funeral bell was at any time a grateful sound to his ears, seldom
+failing to call him forth from his home, whatever his employment might
+happen to be.</p>
+
+<p>Then again he loved to contemplate a batch of dirty urchins, in all the
+enjoyment of mud and mire, freedom and mischief, revelling in
+undisturbed possession of the kennel or the road, and to speculate upon
+the chances against one-third of them reaching maturity, or their
+probable fate if they did so.</p>
+
+<p>Following the clue given him by the anonymous communication, and which
+he had received a few hours before he announced the news it contained at
+the Falcon, he had made a search through the locality hinted at. The
+note, which was vaguely and notoriously worded, had pointed to some
+house in the suburbs; and, after duly calling over the different persona
+whom he considered likely to have been the writer of the billet, he
+fixed it upon a crazy, half insane fellow, living in a lone house in
+Henley Street.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, when the shadows of evening descended, he went prying
+about, and peeping into all the windows, and listening at all the doors
+on either side that street. "Wat Murdake," he said to himself, "is a
+maniac,&mdash;a dangerous fellow at times, having fits of violence quite
+awful to look on. He killed his wife with a shoemaker's awl, pierced her
+ear when she was asleep,&mdash;at least, so it is said, and he confesses it
+even now in his ravings,&mdash;but that's nought. Many an old host that I
+know would be glad to do the same, if they dared, for the women do drive
+men to desperate deeds with that unruly member, the tongue. Wat Murdake
+is a dangerous fellow at times, and exceedingly mad always, but then he
+is pretty cunning, and keepeth a sure eye upon his neighbour. An I
+cannot find these plague spots, I will seek him and make inquiry, for
+'tis good I saw into the matter at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! what's that I hear? A scream? No, it's only a child squalling, and
+the mother singing it to sleep with a merry song. There's no misery
+there. So pass we on to the next. What's that, a groan? No, it's a
+fellow practising on the bass-viol. All right I trow there; where music
+<i>is</i>, contentment rests, and no plague. What's this?" he continued,
+listening at the next house, "lamentations and words of woe? No, it's
+man and wife quarrelling. Ah! and there they go to blows. There is no
+real misery there, but what they make for themselves; they've plague
+enough, but not the plague I seek. Pass we on again. What's here? the
+bones rattling? Yes, dicing, drinking, and brawl. It's not there.
+It <i>may</i> come to that, but they don't begin <i>so</i>. There'll be
+death, perhaps, in the house, but it will be by violence, <i>not
+disease</i>&mdash;to-night, to-morrow, perhaps; who knows? And so Master Dismal
+passed on from door to door, taking his cue of good or ill from the
+employment of the inmates of the different houses. At length he came to
+a lone, squalid-looking hut, the last but one in the street, standing in
+its own untrimmed and neglected garden; a ruin with walls so rent as to
+shew one-half of its heavy-beamed rooms in a skeleton state; the
+remainder being patched up to expel the wind and rain, and reclaimed, as
+it were, in a slovenly manner, from the general state of decay.
+The toad sat and croaked in the long damp grass, and the lizard crawled
+over the muddy pathway to the door, as Dismal stopped and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"This looks like business," he said, "I quite forgot this house of
+ill-omen. Ah! what a dirty-mantled pond in the garden! Here we have it,
+sure enough! there's no mistaking these sounds! Let me see, this is the
+residence of Smite Drear and his family, the most drunken,
+ill-conducted, dirty, evil-minded lot in all Warwickshire&mdash;the man a
+vile caitiff, a puritan whose tongue is ruin; the woman a slanderer
+also, and a termagant; the children thieves, liars, and imps of ill.
+<i>I'm sure it's here</i>; <i>I know it's here</i>; it <i>must</i> be here; it <i>ought</i>
+to be here; it <i>is</i> here. Yea, and here it <i>is</i>, sure enough! If I could
+only get a peep into the interior, I should know in a minute. Let me
+see; where's my pouncet-box? Ah! there's another groan, and the sob of a
+female! I hear some one praying too; rather unusual <i>that</i>, I trow. I
+must go in. <i>But no</i>, I cannot <i>get</i> in, the door is fastened; I'll
+knock."</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before the summons of Master Dismal was answered. But
+at last the owner of the hovel removed a broken shutter from an upper
+window, and thrusting out his head, growled a malediction upon the
+person disturbing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Pass on," he said, "and trouble us not."</p>
+
+<p>"I would crave permission," said Dismal, "to pay a visit on matters&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Crave</i> nothing here," said Drear, "<i>Seek</i> nothing here. Sickness and
+death are within our doors: we are accursed."</p>
+
+<p>"I would fain offer consolation, and observe the nature of your
+illness," said Dismal. "I would inform the leech, or even summon <i>other</i>
+aid in your need."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it speaks?" said Drear, thrusting his head further out. "All, I
+see! Hence, screech-owl&mdash;bird of ill; hence, wretch, lest I come down
+and beat thee! Hence, hound, whose bark never boded aught but death to
+the sick man. We wanted but thy visit to make us certain of our fate."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Drear violently put up his shutter and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Dismal, "you may talk, my master, till you've tired yourself.
+But I know all about it now. If I cannot get <i>in</i>, by my troth I'll take
+care to put a sign which shall hinder you from getting <i>out</i>. Plague or
+no plague, I'll cause them to look in upon you who have authority to do
+so." So saying. Master Dismal took a large lump of red ochre from his
+pocket, and with considerable care marked up a broad red cross upon the
+door. He then, as he knew it was about the hour the watch passed,
+quietly withdrew to the opposite side of the street, and ensconsing
+himself behind the buttress of a wall, waited the event.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time the watch came up; they passed Master Dismal where he
+stood without discovering him and then proceeded to the very end of the
+street. According to their custom (in making the rounds at night) they
+then halted, ordered their pikes, trimmed their lights, and stood at
+ease for a few minutes, ere they returned down the other side of the
+street; examining each door they passed by holding up the light they
+carried.</p>
+
+<p>At the first tenement they found nothing extraordinary, the fellow who
+carried the light, which was a sort of cresset at the end of a bar of
+iron, held it aloft, and as its lurid glare fell upon the house, it
+displayed its walls clear as in open daylight. "All right, pass," said
+the head constable, and so they passed on to the next.</p>
+
+<p>Here the constable carrying the cresset was merely about to raise it and
+pass on, when, as he did so, the whole party were arrested in speechless
+alarm by a sign they knew too well from former visitation. "The plague!"
+said the first, in a voice modulated almost to a whisper. "The plague!"
+said the second, "why I heard not of it before." "The searcher's mark,"
+said the second, "I knew not that he had been sent out." "Advance your
+light again, Diccon," said a third, "and observe if the house be
+padlocked up." "I see no fastening," said Diccon, "and yet, 'tis the
+searcher's mark, sure enough; pass on, in heaven's name, comrades;" and
+on passed the watch, no longer with measured tread, but with accelerated
+and fearful steps, to inform the headborough of what they had seen:
+Master Dismal stealing after them in a state of the most exuberant glee
+at his own conceit and its success.</p>
+
+<p>The spread of the disease, as was usual at this period, was extremely
+rapid. Indeed, it had risen to some height in the town before the
+authorities would consent to believe it really existed. In such cases,
+and in former days, precautionary measures were seldom thought of. Men
+drove off all thought of the evil; when they found it was really amongst
+them, or what they feared, they kept to themselves. At first they turned
+sulky under the infliction, if we may so term it, barring up their doors
+and deserting the streets; they avoided each other as much as possible,
+seeking air and recreation and forgetfulness by taking to the wastes and
+commons around. Leaving their homes by the back doors, they almost
+deserted the streets in search of the necessaries of life. As it grew
+worse the town seemed depopulated, even before the disease had time to
+work, so empty were its streets.</p>
+
+<p>But a few days had passed since all the out-door sports and diversions
+of the age and the season had been in full play. Those gay and jovial
+May-day games, in the quaint mazes of the wanton green; those rural
+fêtes and diversions&mdash;the wakes and revels&mdash;the May-pole dances&mdash;the
+parties of pleasure&mdash;into the shadowy desert unfrequented woods, and
+which the peasantry of old were so fond of, all had ceased as it were on
+the instant. The human mortals feared each other, a secret
+dread&mdash;however each member of a family kept the native colour of his
+cheek&mdash;was in the heart of each. The very air seemed infected, and tho
+aspect of the town took a ghastly hue. It smelt of death, men thought.
+Business stopped in it. No markets were attended. No strangers passed
+through it. It was a place infected, avoided, accursed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>MORE TROUBLE AT CLOPTON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile, as misfortunes seldom come but in battalions, Sir Hugh
+Clopton (even before he had heard of the appearance of the disease) had
+been arrested of high treason, and carried off to London with several
+other gentlemen of condition in the county, and who had likewise been
+mixed up in the confession of Master Walter Neville.</p>
+
+<p>It is indeed hardly possible to describe the dire confusion which ensued
+upon this unexpected event taking place on the night of the feast at
+Clopton Hall. Sir Hugh himself was the only person of his household and
+family who seemed to retain his self-command. Walter Arderne would, at
+first, have fain struck down the Queen's officer and expelled his men.
+The faithful Martin was almost distraught. The serving men and retainers
+were scared and indignant at the same time; and the guests in a state of
+astonishment and dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"Heed it not, my masters all," said Sir Hugh, "'tis a mistake
+altogether. I a traitor to our blessed Queen! pah. I would she had but
+such traitors in all her foes; methinks I know where this matter
+originates, and shall set it right upon examination."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so," said the officer; "Nevertheless, there is one other I am to
+secure within your household, but my people have just learnt he hath
+fled on our approach."</p>
+
+<p>"In the name of Heaven," said Sir Hugh, "who else lays under this
+strange misconception?"</p>
+
+<p>"A priest but lately come from over sea, commonly called Father
+Eustace," said the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Eustace!" said Sir Hugh, "why he was here but now. Is he too accused?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is," said the officer, "and must, if possible, be apprehended; some
+of my party have followed on his trail."</p>
+
+<p>"Any more of my family, household, or personal friends implicated?" said
+Sir Hugh, somewhat bitterly. "I trust I shall set my accuser, whoever he
+be, before my rapier's point, when I promise him such mercy as it
+affords <i>no more</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel sorry to put any force upon you, Sir Hugh," said the officer,
+"especially before this goodly company, but my orders are peremptory,
+and I must convey you to Warwick to-night; to-morrow with all speed
+towards London."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "good sir, you but express my own wishes in this
+matter. To the Tower with me at once. An there be any limb or member o'
+my body found guilty of this sin&mdash;torture it: an the Queen find that my
+head hath entertained a thought against her&mdash;off with it: an my heart
+hath conceived treason&mdash;tear it out. To horse then in God's name, and
+let us put on without delay."</p>
+
+<p>And truly did the good Sir Hugh bespeak himself, whilst most of the
+guests standing in amaze around, and, with tears in their eyes, beheld
+him made prisoner, and conveyed from his own domain. Under the
+circumstances in which he found himself, it was a great relief to the
+good knight that his daughter was saved from the grief and misery of
+seeing and taking leave of him.</p>
+
+<p>The coming of the officers and the arrest of her father it was hastily
+arranged should be carefully concealed, and her attendants were enjoined
+to say that a sudden summons from the Queen had obliged Sir Hugh
+instantly to depart.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime the faithful Martin undertook to remain in watchful attendance
+upon her, whilst Arderne, whose feelings would not permit him to stay
+behind, accompanied the party in charge of the old knight, and whom he
+swore never to leave till he was again at liberty.</p>
+
+<p>"I will gain audience of the Queen," he said, "instantly, and not leave
+the Court until I know the vile traducer who hath thus denounced thee,
+uncle. Thou a traitor, indeed! Thou soul of honour, loyalty and truth!
+Treason hath no existence&mdash;no place to hide in aught where thou
+abidest."</p>
+
+<p>And thus (as is oft the case in life) the scene became on the sudden
+overcast. At the moment of its brightness&mdash;the gaiety, the splendour,
+and the happiness of the party were dashed; whilst those who had met
+together with light hearts and fantastic spirits, dispersed with evil
+foreboding and slow and heavy footsteps.</p>
+
+<p>In a party of this sort, in Warwickshire, it was customary oft-times to
+keep up the revel till dawn, whilst every nook and corner of the
+dwelling was made available for those of the guests who chose to remain
+afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>With the good old English hospitality which despised form, Sir Hugh had
+previously arranged for many of his most intimate friends to stay a few
+days at Clopton and partake in the sport his preserves afforded. The
+dogs and falcons were to have been put in requisition, and the heronry
+and the thick covers around beat for game.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed two or three did remain at Clopton the next day; not for the
+purpose of recreating themselves with the old knight's hawks, but from
+their anxiety about the illness of the fair Charlotte, and in the hope
+of seeing her re-appear from her room with renewed health.</p>
+
+<p>Such, however, was not to be the case, as she grew rapidly worse, and it
+was found necessary to summon the leech from Stratford. Soon after his
+arrival, the faithful Martin, with a face of alarm, took upon himself to
+dismiss the guests. His charge, he said, was extremely ill. Her
+complaint was pronounced by the leech to be both infectious and
+dangerous, and under such circumstances, it was advisable for them to
+shorten their visit. "Neither should I be acting rightly," he added, "if
+I concealed it, although the rumour may possibly be without foundation,
+but I have just heard the plague hath broken out in Stratford."</p>
+
+<p>Thus were the halls of Clopton&mdash;and which but a few short hours before
+had displayed such a scene of gaiety and revelling,&mdash;as suddenly changed
+to gloom and melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>The domestics seemed to glide about with noiseless step, hardly having
+heart to arrange the different rooms, so that many of them were left in
+the confusion and disarray they had been in when the mirth of the party
+was so suddenly interrupted; and, if the succeeding day was fraught with
+melancholy, the night was filled with terrors. Strange and awful sounds
+were heard in some of the rooms. Sounds which none could account for or
+discover the meaning of, although, at first attributing them to natural
+causes, the domestics made search through those parts of the house where
+they had been heard.</p>
+
+<p>Coming thus at a time of grief and misfortune, and following sickness
+and the rumours of so dire a disease as the plague, these sounds had an
+ominous and awful appearance. The domestics, much as they loved their
+employers, and commiserated them in their present distress, were so much
+scared, that several fled from the Hall to their own homes; and, as the
+mysterious sounds continued night after night growing more violent, and
+even extending from the part of the house to which they had at first
+been confined; with the exception of two or three of the upper servants,
+the numerous domestics of the establish meat had almost all deserted it.</p>
+
+<p>The faithful Martin was sorely troubled. Living in an age when men's
+minds were easily affected by superstitious terrors, and a general
+belief existed in supernatural agency, he however possessed an uncommon
+degree of firmness and mental energy. At first he tried to laugh at the
+terrors and complaints of the different servants, as they brought
+continued reports of dreadful sounds existing in the western wing of the
+Hall, and where the secret hiding-places existed. Then, as his own ears
+confirmed their reports, he shut himself up, well armed, for a whole
+night in the apartments where the spirit was said to be most
+troublesome.</p>
+
+<p>On this night, which was the third after the departure of Sir Hugh, the
+sounds were most terrific and awful. As if the evil genius of the house
+of Clopton was either rejoicing over the present state of the family, or
+impatient for their utter destruction, it seemed inclined to drive the
+inmates to despair by its violence.</p>
+
+<p>Martin, having thrown himself upon the bed in the apartment we have
+before seen tenanted by the maniac Parry, was reclining in a half-dozing
+state, a couple of huge petronels in his belt and a drawn rapier upon
+tho table, when he was suddenly conscious of some one entering the room,
+and sitting down beside the bed.</p>
+
+<p>As he had carefully locked the door he was in something surprised at
+this visitation; but suspecting that some influence from without was at
+work, and distrusting the Jesuitical priest Eustace, after a while he
+quietly and cautiously rose, and then leaping suddenly from the bed,
+confronted the supposed visitant petronel in hand.</p>
+
+<p>To his astonishment, however, no person was there,&mdash;"He looked but on a
+stool." The door, which had been violently burst in, was still wide
+open, but no one was in the room besides himself. This was the more
+extraordinary as Martin was confident he had distinctly heard the person
+enter, and with swift step passing into the apartment, seat itself by
+his bedside. Nay, so quick and sudden seemed the visit, that though a
+bold and determined man, Martin had felt paralyzed and unable to move
+for the first minute or two. His heart beat violently; he was certain
+some one was within a few inches of him as he lay, and yet he could not
+move a limb; till at length, shaking off the feeling, he rose to
+confront the intruder. Pistol in hand, he looked in every part of the
+small room, "searching impossible places" in his anxiety. He then
+descended the narrow staircase, and looked into every nook and corner of
+the apartment beneath, but found not even a cobweb amiss.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to his couch he re-fastened the door, trimmed his lamp, placed
+it in the chair beside his bed, examined his petronel, and again lay
+down with the weapon firmly grasped in his hand. "If there be any deceit
+in this," he said to himself, "and which I feel inclined to believe is
+the case, I will make sure work of it with the practiser. A bullet
+through his heart or lungs, will lay his ghostship in the Red Sea."</p>
+
+<p>There had never been much good feeling in existence between the shrewd
+Martin and the priest Eustace. At the present moment the former held the
+Jesuit in especial dislike. He had a suspicion that the difficulties in
+which Sir Hugh was now placed, arose from some intrigues of the priest,
+whom he knew to be of an unscrupulous and designing nature. The present
+noises he conceived to be some contrivance of this iron-hearted bigot,
+in order to scare the servants of the establishment from that wing of
+the building, and he accordingly resolved to make a severe example of
+whoever he detected. This idea nerved him to so great a degree, that the
+extraordinary sounds he heard at first failed in completely frightening
+him. The situation, however, was not altogether a pleasant one. The
+silence, the loneliness, the dangerous illness of his favourite
+Charlotte, the peril in which the old knight was placed, all crowded
+themselves upon his imagination as he lay and watched.</p>
+
+<p>For some time nothing occurred to disturb his melancholy reflections,
+reflections which at length took him from the present horror of the
+time; and led on to other thoughts, till, at length, the heavy summons
+of sleep began to weigh upon his eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the clock from the old tower in the stabling struck two.
+Scarcely had it done so when a distant whirling sound was heard; it
+seemed at first like a rushing wind stirring the trees in the shrubbery
+without, and steadily advancing towards the house. It increased in sound
+as it did so, till it appeared to enter the house, and rushing up the
+staircase with fearful violence the door again was dashed open with a
+tremendous burst, the lamp was extinguished at the same moment, and the
+room seemed filled with some strange and unnatural visitants.</p>
+
+<p>Starting up at the moment of the door being burst in, Martin discharged
+his pistol full at the entrance, and at the very instant the light was
+extinguished. He then jumped, sword in hand, into the middle of the
+room, whilst a rushing sound, as of persons moving about, was all around
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The darkness, added to the horrors of his situation, almost unmanned the
+bold Martin, and spite of his determined character his heart now beat
+violently and his hair bristled on his head. Nay, so impressed was he
+with the idea that some spectral beings were in the apartment, and even
+in his own vicinity,&mdash;nay, perhaps, that the enemy of mankind was at his
+very elbow and about to clutch him, that, as he uttered a hasty prayer
+for the protection of Heaven, he executed several furious backstrokes
+round the apartment, cutting a huge gash in the bed furniture,
+demolishing the back of an elaborately carved oaken chair, and bringing
+down a cumbrous mirror, smashed into a dozen pieces with as many blows.
+Indeed, the natural sounds of this ruin in some measure did away with
+the awe the supernatural noises had created. There is always some relief
+in action in such cases. The coward, for instance, makes use of his
+legs, in the midst of apprehension, the brave man takes to his arms, and
+as the strange sounds gradually subsided, seeming to traverse through
+the rooms below in their progress, Martin ceased from his exertions.</p>
+
+<p>He was, however, now completely converted to the opinion of the
+domestics that there was something most strange and most unnatural in
+this visitation. He felt awed and struck with dread, and, lowering the
+point of his weapon, he stood in the centre of the apartment listening
+attentively as the noise passed through the lower rooms. "There is
+surely something in all this," he said to himself, "which is beyond my
+comprehension. 'Tis a sound of warning. I fear me some dire misfortune
+is in store. Peradventure Sir Hugh is dead: great Heaven, perhaps
+executed on the scaffold! Alas, my poor Charlotte! But no, it cannot be
+so. Heaven help us in our need, for we seem a doomed people here."</p>
+
+<p>A deep sigh sounded close to his ears as he finished his soliloquy, so
+heavy, so long drawn, and so startling, that his blood curdled in his
+veins. He felt that he could no longer remain in the apartment, and
+hastily leaving it he descended the stairs, and opening the sliding
+pannel, passed into the rooms usually habited when Sir Hugh was at home.</p>
+
+<p>Here he felt in something reassured, and groping his way to the door
+which admitted to the garden, he threw it open and sought relief in the
+free air.</p>
+
+<p>The night was dark and a drizzling rain descended; he stepped on to the
+grass-plat and looked up at the apartment of his sick charge. A light
+was in the room, a pale and sickly gleam, which seemed to speak of
+watching and woe at that dead hour. As he passed beneath the window he
+thought he perceived a figure gliding away, but the night was too dark
+for him to be quite certain; still he felt sure that he had seen the
+outline of a form which, gloomy as was the night, he recognized.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis he, I feel assured," said Martin. "I cannot mistake that form,
+even so indistinctly seen, for there is none other like him. Alas! alas!
+'tis even so. He watches her window even in such a night as this. I saw
+they loved each other from the first. Well, we are in the hands of
+heaven, and 'tis wrong to murmur. If our ills are reparable, to complain
+is ungrateful; if irremediable, 'tis vain. Whatever happens must have
+first pleased God, and most pleased him; or it had not happened. There
+is no affliction which resignation cannot conquer or death cure."</p>
+
+<p>As Martin resigned himself to this comfortable doctrine he turned and
+re-entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>The dawn was now beginning to break, and he resolved to knock at the
+chamber door of the invalid and make some inquiry after her.</p>
+
+<p>The first grey tint of morning began to render objects in the room
+visible as he passed through it. There stood the spinnet upon which
+Charlotte had so lately played, the music-book open. There was her lute
+lying beside the music, and where it had been laid on the night of the
+party, and beside that lay the hood and jesses of her favourite hawk.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Martin regarded these remembrances of one now unable to use or
+enjoy them, a pang of grief shot through his heart, that sorrowful
+feeling with which we look upon the relics of the dead, and whom we have
+loved dearly when in life; and with that feeling came the conviction
+that she who once played so sweetly on that instrument, and so bravely
+wore those trappings of her gallant bird,&mdash;she, the young, the
+beautiful, was already parted perhaps for ever from the pleasures of the
+earth,&mdash;sick, prostrate, dying,&mdash;nay, even at that moment perhaps dead.</p>
+
+<p>With heavy heart and evil foreboding he ascended the great staircase and
+sought Charlotte's room. His step was heard by the nurse who attended on
+the invalid, and gently opening the door she came forth to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>The nurse was one of the old servants of the family; she was pale as
+death Martin observed as he advanced along the corridor. "We have had a
+fearful night," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"But your charge?" said Martin, "I trust in Heaven she is better."</p>
+
+<p>"Worse, Martin, worse," she replied; "worse than I can bring myself to
+tell thee. She is now asleep, but hath been delirious all the night."</p>
+
+<p>"Now the gods help us," said Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"Amen," said the nurse; "she hath raved much and talked wildly. To thee,
+Martin, I will confess it, she hath spoken much of one she loves."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare to say so," said Martin, musing.</p>
+
+<p>"But not of <i>him</i> of whom she should so speak," said the nurse.</p>
+
+<p>"Not of him our good old master would like to have heard her speak in
+such loving terms. Mayhap I should surprise you were I to say on whom
+her affections seem fixed."</p>
+
+<p>"I think not," said Martin, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"You think not?" said the nurse, "and wherefore?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I know her secret as well as if she had told it me," said
+Martin. "I have seen it from the first."</p>
+
+<p>"Hark!" said the nurse, "she is again in one of those fits. Hear you
+that name, and thus called on."</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Martin; "'tis as I thought. May I see her? Methinks I
+cannot be satisfied till I look upon her sweet face, if but for a
+moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Remain here whilst I go in, and I will then summon you," said the
+nurse. "Ah me, 'tis very sad!" and the nurse passed into the room,
+closing the door behind her.</p>
+
+<p>Martin seated himself on the bench beneath the window at the end of the
+corridor, and as he gazed upon the portraits of the Clopton family
+hanging on either hand, his reflections became even more saddened. In
+that array of beautiful females and noble-looking cavaliers, how many
+died early! Amongst those scowling and bearded men of middle age,
+arrayed in all the panoply of war, how many had perished in their
+harness! There was Hugo de Clopton, the crusader, the fiercest of a
+brave race, who had smote even a crowned king in Palestine rather than
+brook dishonour. There was the templar, who had died at the stake in
+France, true to his vow; and Blanch Clopton, whom the lascivious John
+had solicited in vain, and who had been celebrated at tilt and tourney
+throughout Christendom as "La belle des belles."</p>
+
+<p>Each and all of these portraits, it seemed to him, had a curious history
+attached to them&mdash;a sad and stern tale in life's romance&mdash;and as he sat
+and regarded them he thought upon their descendant now lying sick in
+their close vicinity&mdash;her father accused of treason and a prisoner, at a
+time so inopportune.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange," he thought to himself, "that this family, so noble in
+disposition, so high in their sense of honour, should seem thus marked
+out and pursued by fate.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis true the good Sir Hugh hath been called, by the clergy of his own
+persuasion, but a luke-warm member of the true Church; an irreligious
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Eustace hath upbraided him with leaning towards heresy; and the
+Protestant churchmen at Stratford, again, hath accused him of being
+neither of the one religion or the other&mdash;altogether a heathen.</p>
+
+<p>"These churchmen are both men, however, who wrangle and fight so much
+about religion, vice and virtue, that they have no time to practice
+either the one or the other; whilst the good Sir Hugh hath, during life,
+been so fully engaged in acts of benevolence, that saving the hours he
+hath spent amongst his horses and dogs, he hath indeed little leisure to
+think about such controversies."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Martin sat thus chewing the cud of bitter fancy, the old
+attendant returned to him. "She again sleeps," she said, weeping, and
+you may look upon her sweet face once more. "But oh, Martin, I fear me we
+are indeed in trouble; you will scarce behold that countenance, even yet
+so beautiful, without terror."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she already so changed?" said Martin. "In the name of Heaven, what
+can be her complaint?"</p>
+
+<p>"No noise," said the attendant, "but go in, and judge for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Martin returned. Horror was in his countenance. "Her
+face is filled with livid spots!" he said. "We are indeed unhappy; she
+has caught&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The plague," said the nurse, as Martin hesitated, apparently unable to
+repeat the words. "The plague; 'tis even so, and she will not outlive
+this day."</p>
+
+<p>"I will hasten to Stratford, and bid the leech again visit her
+instantly," said Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere best," said the attendant, "be quick; but I fear me it is of
+little avail." And Martin, with fearful and hasty steps, left the
+corridor, and descended to the stabling of the Hall.</p>
+
+<p>Besides Martin and the attending nurse, there was one other who watched
+with anxiety over the fate of the poor invalid, and who, albeit
+circumstances made it unpleasing to him openly to display the interest
+he felt, yet who sought in every way to gather some tidings of her state
+of health.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst the general trouble in which the town was now involved, private
+griefs were less thought of, and consequently, although the inhabitants
+of the Hall were, by the good folks of Stratford-upon-Avon, known to be
+in some strait, whilst everybody was in apprehension for himself,
+commiseration there was little of, and intercourse there was none. Nay,
+the small remaining portion of domestics at Clopton had become so
+greatly alarmed by the visitation of the previous night, that they
+neglected their duties on this day, and remaining huddled together in
+the servants' hall, meditated altogether deserting the locality.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the supernatural sounds, they were now scared by a
+suspicion of the nature of the disease which had seized their young
+lady.</p>
+
+<p>It was under such circumstances that, when Martin descended to the
+stables in order to dispatch a messenger for the doctor, he could at
+first find no one willing to undertake the message.</p>
+
+<p>"I would willingly do anything I could to benefit the young lady," said
+one, "but I am about to leave the Hall."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot go into the town," said another, "for it is said that death is
+rife in its streets; and the folks are stricken as they walk. It would
+be a tempting of the disease an I were to run into it."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay! we have had warning enough here," said another; "and albeit I
+respect Sir Hugh, I fear to remain, after what we have heard last night.
+Besides, if the truth must out, I believe the sickness hath come to
+Clopton; and folks must look to themselves. I have friends at
+Kenilworth, and I must seek them. They say too, that Sir Hugh hath been
+found guilty of a conspiracy against the life of the Queen, and I like
+it not."</p>
+
+<p>"Hounds!" said Martin&mdash;"unworthy even to tend upon the generous animals
+you are hired to feed. Begone! pack&mdash;seek another roof, where you can
+batten on cold bits, and return kindness with base ingratitude." So
+saying, Martin saddled one of the steeds, and mounting himself, galloped
+into the town.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>DOMESTIC AFFLICTIONS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It is evening&mdash;damp, dreary, and heavy, like the day which has preceded
+it.</p>
+
+<p>An unwholesome closeness pervades the air; a heavy drizzling rain
+descends from the clouds upon the earth, enveloping all around in a
+dense mist, which hides the surrounding scenery.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving his home, the youthful Shakespeare takes his way across the
+meadows, in which our readers may remember to have first seen him in the
+opening chapter of this story. His step, however, is less buoyant, and
+his heart is heavier than on that occasion. The clouds, which drive
+steadily on, are not less gloomy than his presentiments. Sickness and
+misery are amongst the neighbours he leaves; sickness and sorrow are
+amongst those he seeks.</p>
+
+<p>Yet still as that youth wends onwards, now crossing through the fern
+(laden and heavy with moisture,) now diving into the thick plantations
+which lead into the chase of Clopton, nothing escapes his notice. The
+crow, "as it wings to the rocky wood," in the thickening light,&mdash;the
+coney, as it flashes into the cover,&mdash;the darting lizard, as it
+disappears in the thick fern,&mdash;the stoat and weasel, as they pounce upon
+their prey in the brake, all are noted by him.</p>
+
+<p>His mind was oppressed and desponding, but it was a mind which no
+circumstances could entirely destroy the elasticity of, even for a
+moment. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods," it hath been said
+by a modern poet; and there is society where none intrudes. But perhaps
+the feeling of pleasure experienced amidst solitude and sylvan scenery
+is only really and intensely felt by men of extraordinary parts and
+poetical imagination.</p>
+
+<p>The fairest glade, and the wildest haunts of the untamed denizens of the
+woods, it was young Shakespeare's great delight to seek out and ponder
+amidst.</p>
+
+<p>At the present moment he felt that no locality would soothe the sadness
+of his thoughts so well as the leafy covert he was in.</p>
+
+<p>Even whilst the heavy rain was pattering amidst the foliage, and
+dropping from the surcharged boughs; the air misty and moist; and the
+darksome glade rendered more gloomy by the murky atmosphere, there was
+indeed to his eye and mind, something fresh to be remarked around in the
+changeful hue of the herbs, plants, and thick foliage, as the driving
+clouds constantly varied them; nay (as we have said,) the gloomy and
+dull aspect of the wood at that moment better suited his troubled
+thoughts than a more bright and splendid scene.</p>
+
+<p>Some slight intimation of the troubles of his friends at the Hall had
+reached him; he had received a hint of the arrest of Sir Hugh, and the
+absence of his friend Arderne. He also knew that the fair Charlotte was
+unwell; and naturally attributing her illness to the shock she had
+received at the arrest of her father, he hoped that a few days would
+restore her to health. Still a presentiment of evil, and which he
+conceived was consequent upon the unhappy state of the town in which he
+had lived, pervaded his mind.</p>
+
+<p>He had occasionally visited the neighbourhood of the Hall, and made some
+inquiry after the inmates; but in the absence of the good knight, and
+his friend Arderne, he had not considered it consistent with propriety
+to introduce himself into the house, coming as he did from a place
+infected with the plague.</p>
+
+<p>On this evening, however, he resolved to gain some more assured tidings
+of those he felt so much interested in; and after pondering upon the
+matter, he resolved to approach the hall.</p>
+
+<p>There was a solitude and silence about the house, as he gazed at it from
+the belt of plantation by which he approached, that he could not account
+for. No smoke ascended, from those huge twisted chimneys; no sound (save
+an occasional dismal and long-drawn howl) came from the kennel. No
+person was to be seen, as of yore, flitting about, engaged in the
+numerous avocations of their daily duties. All looked dull and deserted.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the court in rear, and proceeded to the stabling. The stables
+were for the most part empty, the steeds had been turned into the chase,
+and deserted by their attendants. He looked into the falconry; the hawks
+were upon the perch, and apparently well fed and attended to, for at
+that period a falconer would have as soon deserted his children as his
+hawks, but the attendants were at the moment absent; they had fled from
+the Hall, and located themselves in some out-buildings in the woods. As
+he entered the house, the same appearance of desertion struck his eye.
+He passed through a long passage, and gained the hall. There hung the
+old tattered banners, the unscoured armour, and the antlered heads of
+several large stags,&mdash;stags of ten,&mdash;all spoke of recent occupation and
+use. The cross-bow lay where it had been thrown a few days before; the
+thick hawking gauntlets and the dog-couples were mingled with whips and
+spurs, bits and bridles, and all the <i>mélange</i> of the chase and the
+country gentleman's occupation, but of servants or inhabitants there was
+no sign. He passed into the oak-pannelled room where he had first
+enjoyed the society of the family, and learned to love them for their
+worth. All looked desolate. The solitude and silence around made his
+presence seem an intrusion. The innate modesty of his disposition
+overcame his anxiety to hear tidings of the invalid. He felt as if
+prying into the secret sorrows of the owner of the mansion, and was
+about to withdraw, when the door opened, and Martin entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>Martin started as he recognised the visitor, and a slight frown seemed
+to cross his brow. He was a curious compound, that man. He half disliked
+the youth for the virtues he at the same time admired in him, and which
+he saw had also won the love of the daughter of his patron, and which
+under no circumstance he considered could lead to a happy result,&mdash;now,
+however, all was at an end.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," he said, "art <i>thou</i> here? Art thou come to Clopton when all else
+desert it?"</p>
+
+<p>"My anxiety to learn tidings of the family hath made me an intruder on
+your privacy," said Shakespeare. "I hope&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We have no hope," said Martin; "and you are not wise in coming hither.
+Yon have surely heard of our misery. Charlotte Clopton is dying. Dying
+of the plague. The nurse has just caught it of her and sickens too. All
+have fled from the Hall."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments more, and Shakespeare had sprung up the great staircase,
+and sought the chamber of the invalid, Martin hastening after him, and
+in vain urging him not to enter her room. "The disease is of the most
+malignant character," he said. "The leech hath left the house unable to
+do us any good. 'Tis but a tempting of Providence to enter the room. I
+pr'ythee have thought upon your own safety."</p>
+
+<p>"Perish all thoughts of self and safety!" said Shakespeare, dashing his
+hat upon the floor as he entered the chamber. "O fairest flower," he
+said, "cut down and blighted in thy budding beauty, do I indeed behold
+thee again thus&mdash;so soon to part with thee for ever?"</p>
+
+<p>He knelt down beside her bed, took her hand, and carried it to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Her long luxuriant tresses, which had escaped from the ribbon that bound
+them, covered the white pillow like a cloud, and half-concealed her
+face. She raised herself as she recognised the voice, and, parting her
+hair, gazes eagerly in his face. "Thou art come then," she said; "once
+more come? Oh, blessings on thee for it. I have wished for thee; dreamt
+of thee; called for thee; and thou art come at last to set mine eye.
+What happiness to look upon thy face once more&mdash;even in death! And yet,"
+she said, as she held him from her, "there is danger in your being here,
+I heard them whisper to each other of the plague."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, believe it not!" said Shakespeare; "there is no sign of such
+disease about thee. Thou wilt live, dearest lady. Cast but from your
+mind these sad thoughts, and you will yet recover."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so," said Charlotte; "I feel as if I had not many moments on earth,
+and yet I know I shall not harm thee, for I have beheld the story of thy
+life in my troubled dreams. I have seen thee unknown, unthought of,
+unhonoured in the world. And then I saw thee enshrined in such a blaze
+of glory as no mortal ever before attained on earth:&mdash;the wonder of ages
+to come. Thy very name alone, whispered in thy lowly home, William
+Shakespeare, will make bearded men weep. Yes," she continued,
+vehemently, "I beheld thy figure standing upon an eminence so high above
+thy fellow-mortals, that, though all were striving to ascend towards
+thee, none could come beyond the plain on which that mountain stood."</p>
+
+<p>The tears fell from the youth's eyes as he buried his face upon the
+coverlid of the couch, and listened to what he considered the prophetic
+ravings of delirium; and then he again raised his head and gazed upon
+her. There were no traces of disease to be observed in that bright form
+as he did so. The subdued light of the chamber gave her the appearance
+of a marble monument. In the abandonment of her grief, she had raised
+herself on one arm, and her beauty seemed even more dazzling.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">"'Twas beauty<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Too rich for use, for earth too dear."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The livid spots, which had so alarmed the nurse and Martin, had
+disappeared from her face. Her rounded shoulder and bosom were like the
+sculptured alabaster&mdash;rendered yet more white and polished by the soft,
+dark tresses, by which they were partially covered.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have lived for thee," she said, "to have but served thee; to
+have made the paltry riches I own, available to thy genius."</p>
+
+<p>As she uttered this, she sank down sobbing upon the couch. Shakespeare,
+in an agony of grief, tried to raise and recover her, but she sank
+quickly into insensibility: and when he laid her down again upon her
+pillow, as he looked upon her, he saw she was dead!</p>
+
+<p>Dead! but without the ghastly appearance which the grisly tyrant stamps
+upon his prey.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Death, that had sucked the honey of her breath,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Had yet no power upon her beauty.<br /></span>
+<span class="i6">Beauty's ensign yet<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Was crimson on her lips and in her cheeks,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Death's pale flag was not advanced there."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>BEREAVEMENT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One week has elapsed since the events narrated in the last chapter. The
+house of Clopton is shut up, empty, deserted. The good Sir Hugh is again
+at liberty; but the seas flow between him and Britain. After having been
+examined by Lord Hunsden, Sir Christopher Hatton, and Sir Francis
+Walsingham, three members of the Privy Council, he was released from
+confinement. The conspirators, all excepting the priest Eustace, who had
+escaped, and through whose intrigues the good knight had become an
+object of suspicion to the Council, were condemned to death and executed
+in Old Palace Yard two days after. With eager haste, and tarrying at
+each post but to obtain fresh horses, Sir Hugh and Walter Arderne had
+(immediately on the release of the former) galloped as hard as spur and
+bridle could urge on their steeds towards Clopton. Unluckily they passed
+Martin in the night on the road near Oxford, as he was hastening towards
+London with the intention of breaking the news of Charlotte's death to
+them.</p>
+
+<p>One letter had, in a measure, prepared the good knight to find his
+daughter dangerously ill; but as in those days, both the inditing and
+conveying a packet was a matter of considerable time and toil, letters
+were by no means so sure of coming to hand, or so speedily delivered as
+in latter times.</p>
+
+<p>So that the unhappy knight arrived at the Hall to find desolation where
+he had left plenty. His house was shut up&mdash;&mdash;his daughter dead. She had
+died of the plague, it was said; and with fearful haste, by order of the
+authorities of the neighbouring town, had been buried.</p>
+
+<p>It far exceeds the descriptive power of our pen to paint the grief,
+horror, and despair of the good Sir Hugh and his nephew. For the moment
+they seemed stupified with excess of misery. They then threw themselves
+into each other's arms, and wept in their desolation, till the very
+violence of their grief in some sort relieved them.</p>
+
+<p>'Tis extraordinary how the human mind, after a time, accommodates itself
+to the dispensations of Providence, however hard to bear. It was greatly
+in favour of the mourners that they had in each other subjects of
+anxiety. Each felt the hard lot of the other; and as each watched the
+deep sorrow of his companion, the very feelings and disposition to
+afford comfort, and urge patience and resignation, in some sort took
+from them the poignancy of their own feelings.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight, after wandering about the house in a state of
+bewilderment for the first twenty-four hours after his arrival, became
+calmer, and seemed inclined to force himself to take an interest in his
+old occupations.</p>
+
+<p>He visited, on the evening of the second day, the kennel and the
+falconry, accompanied by Arderne, and made the rounds of the different
+buildings and offices. Neither of them spoke much to each other, except
+an occasional word as they came upon some object of deep interest in
+connexion with her who was gone. "Look!" said Sir Hugh, as with
+quivering lips and tears rolling down his muscular cheeks and grey
+beard, he pointed to Charlotte's favourite hawk&mdash;a gallant bird, which
+sat and plumed itself upon its perch, "look!" said he, in tremulous
+accents&mdash;&mdash;he could say no more; but in the utterance of that word what
+an agony of grief was expressed. Arderne, too, felt his chest heave, and
+the tears course each other down his cheeks, as he regarded the hawk.
+But the sight of the brave old knight struggling to master his grief for
+his sake, relieved the poignancy of his own sorrow. "Come, uncle," said
+he, "we must to the stables. Tarry not here. There is much to be looked
+after, and which wants your care. The attendants seem to have deserted
+their charge, and the stalls are for the most part empty;" and so they
+pursued their search around. When they came to the stable, if objects
+were wanting to produce the sharp pang of grief, here again they were to
+be found&mdash;objects peculiarly adapted to give the most intense feelings
+of sorrow, as they were associated with those accomplishments in his
+daughter, which the knight had held in the most estimation. There hung
+the gay trappings of her favourite steed, and there stood the steed
+itself, which the falconer had kept in its stall&mdash;a milk-white and
+perfect courser; and in the stable beside the manger, lay Charlotte's
+favourite hound&mdash;the dog, in her absence having apparently sought
+consolation in the companionship of the horse he had so often
+accompanied to the field.</p>
+
+<p>The horse turned and neighed inquiringly, it appeared, to the old
+knight; and the dog shook himself clear of the straw, and bounding out
+of the stall, put his fore-legs upon Sir Hugh's breast, and seemed to
+ask for his mistress, and then it stood down, as if conscious of the
+fruitlessness of the query; and throwing up its great head, uttered a
+long melancholy howl.</p>
+
+<p>The good knight regarded the dog for a moment in silence. He stepped up
+to the white steed; and as it put its nose affectionately in his face,
+he kissed it again and again. He then sought for his own saddle; and
+saddling and bridling the horse, he led it forth into the yard, followed
+by the hound.</p>
+
+<p>As Walter observed the knight's movements, he quietly saddled his own
+steed, and they both set out together, and without a word took the road
+to Stratford. There was no necessity for Walter to inquire of his uncle
+their destination. He felt assured that the knight was about to visit
+his daughter's grave.</p>
+
+<p>Although Sir Hugh had however endeavoured to resign himself to the
+decrees of Providence, and bear with fortitude the dire affliction which
+had visited his house, he found it impossible to pursue the usual tenor
+of his former life; the charm of existence seemed fled for ever&mdash;"life
+was as tedious as a twice-told tale." It seemed to him, that in the
+listless way in which he was pursuing his daily avocations, he was
+beginning over again. He rode forth without purpose, and pursued his
+route as chance or his steed directed.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily this had been foreseen by a true industrious friend, one who,
+since the return of Sir Hugh to Clopton, had been sorely missed in his
+need by the good knight.</p>
+
+<p>The faithful Martin, on his arrival in London, on finding that Sir Hugh
+had been liberated, and had returned to Clopton, was struck with dismay,
+inasmuch as he immediately surmised the shock the knight would be likely
+to receive on so immediately returning to his desolate home.</p>
+
+<p>Sudden and quick in all his resolves, he sought out a friend at Court,
+and one who was under some little obligation to him for former services
+rendered. This was no less a person than Sir Christopher Hatton, a
+distinguished personal favourite of the Queen; a gentleman who owed his
+rise absolutely to his exceeding good gifts in the elegant
+accomplishment of dancing, and who walking into favour by a corranto,
+gradually gained ground in her Majesty's further affections by his
+activity in the galliard, capering higher and higher into the Royal
+estimation at each subsequent demivolt, till he successively attained
+the posts of Gentleman Pensioner, Captain of the Guard,
+Vice-Chamberlain, and Lord Chancellor. This gentleman, who
+(notwithstanding the oddness of his rise) was in reality a man of most
+amiable disposition, possessed a mind less biassed by the prejudices of
+his age than most of his contemporaries; and this most estimable man the
+faithful Martin sought out.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Martin, "hath been badly used in this matter;
+and inasmuch as his arrest and absence hath in some measure, by removing
+him from the government of his house at a time of sickness and distress,
+caused him much misery, the which his presence and management might have
+possibly obviated. I think the Queen is bound to shew him some sort of
+assistance in his great grief."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless," said Sir Christopher, who was at that moment engaged in
+arranging a quick measure for the viol-de-gamba, and which he meant to
+adapt some exceeding curious steps to at the masque given by the
+Templars to Her Majesty on that very night, "doubtless, good Martin.
+Only shew me in what way I can serve the good knight Sir Hugh, and look
+upon it as done."</p>
+
+<p>"Why look ye," said Martin, "Sir Hugh is a man having as great
+excellence is his arms as you, Sir Christopher, are so celebrated for in
+the legs. Now if you could intercede for him with Her Majesty, so that
+the good knight might be appointed to some command in the Low Countries,
+the violence of action might do away with the poignancy of his grief,
+and force him from his home."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear me this is rather a delicate matter to broach unto Her Majesty,"
+said Sir Christopher.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," said Martin, "consider the miserable condition of this poor
+gentleman: make it your own case. Think, Sir Christopher, if you was to
+be bereft of all&mdash;of favour, fortune, influence at Court."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh hath lost nothing of all this," interrupted Sir Christopher.
+"He hath lost no fortune and favour and influence at Court: he never had
+or sought for either the one or the other."</p>
+
+<p>"But he hath lost his child," said Martin, "which is all these to him."</p>
+
+<p>"In my case," said Sir Christopher, "I should <i>not</i> consider myself so
+utterly miserable were I to lose all you have mentioned. As long as I am
+lord of this presence," he continued, looking at the reflection of his
+exceeding handsome face in the mirror, and then regarding his
+well-turned leg and small foot, "I should not lack advancement. There
+are other Courts besides the Court of Elizabeth&mdash;other lands besides
+Britain&mdash;where a man's good gifts might be properly estimated;" and as
+Sir Christopher said this, he threw out his right foot, and pointed his
+toe with grace and effect.</p>
+
+<p>"And there it is," said Martin; "bereft of favour and fortune, you would
+still have something to fall back upon, Sir Christopher. But how if a
+sudden twist were to dislocate that slim ancle, and the joint were ever
+after to be like the callous hock of a foundered steed? How then would
+you push your fortune?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then I should be utterly discomfited," said Sir Christopher,
+laughing; "foundered in good earnest&mdash;toe and heel&mdash;hip and thigh."</p>
+
+<p>"And such is the condition of Sir Hugh," said Martin, "unless we can
+give a fresh fillip to his depressed spirits, and teach him to forget
+his griefs; he will despair, and despairing, die."</p>
+
+<p>"I see the urgency of the matter," said Sir Christopher; "Her Majesty
+may lose a good blade in the stout knight, were he to die of grief. He
+hath received wrong, but he shall have speedy redress. Come to me
+to-morrow, good Martin&mdash;early, good Martin&mdash;my life upon it, I will in
+some sort content you."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, a few days after Sir Hugh had returned to his desolate
+home, and when he was beginning, even more than at first, to feel the
+sense of his utter loneliness, and the heaviness of his irreparable
+loss, Martin unexpectedly returned, and, full of apparent haste and the
+urgency and importance of his business, presented a sealed commission
+from Sir Christopher Hatton.</p>
+
+<p>The good knight was seated in the old oak-panelled room, where we have
+first introduced him to our readers. His viol-de-gamba was in his hand,
+and he was listlessly executing an air which was a favourite with his
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Those who have heard the tones of this obsolete instrument will readily
+remember its silver sweetness&mdash;tones which seemed peculiar to the age,
+floating with a delicious softness through those old apartments, and
+seeming, as they filled hall and corridor, to die away in echoing
+vibration; so soothing and so melancholy; so well adapted to soften the
+poignancy of the old man's grief, that, as he finished the measure, the
+tears coursed one another down his cheeks. Martin (who had stopped to
+listen to the strains for a moment) as the old knight laid down his bow,
+immediately stepped up to him and presented his packet.</p>
+
+<p>The first meeting of the friends, as Martin had surmised, caused
+considerable emotion to both; but Martin concealed his own feelings
+under an affectation of despatch, and dashing the tear from his eye,
+bade the knight peruse the packet with which he had been entrusted,
+without delay.</p>
+
+<p>"From whom and whence?" said Sir Hugh. "Methinks I had rather defer
+matters of business till another opportunity. There be many sealed
+letters I have received the last two days now lying in the hall, and
+which I have no heart to open or peruse; for what have I to do with
+affairs of the world? what interest have I in life or its businesses?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless," said Martin, "this commission must be read, inasmuch as
+it cometh from one whose behests are to be obeyed. 'Tis from the Queen;
+and if I mistake not, Her Majesty requires your instant employment in
+her service. There is work to be done with spur and rapier, and you must
+undertake it."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay then," said the knight, whose ardour was in a moment aroused at the
+prospect of military duty, "there never yet was a Clopton found wanting
+when he should serve his sovereign in the field: mine eyes are somewhat
+dim, good Martin, peruse the letter, and give me the substance of its
+contents."</p>
+
+<p>"In how long a time," said Martin, after glancing at the letter, the
+contents of which he well knew, "can you be ready to set forth from
+hence, good master mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as steed is saddled and led forth, and weapon girded on, I am
+prepared to mount," said Sir Hugh, "what other preparation doth a
+soldier want, good Martin?" "Alas!" he continued, looking round, "I have
+now nothing here to take leave of; nothing to care for. In the world I
+am nothing, and unless Her Majesty's services require continuance of my
+life, 'twere better I were gathered to my forefathers." Thus then was
+Sir Hugh, through the instrumentality of Martin, dispatched forthwith to
+join the expedition under the Earl of Leicester against the Spaniards.
+He came up with the Earl just as he had sat down before Zutphen, where
+the circumstance of war and the bustle of the camp, in a great measure
+alleviated the sorrows of the good old man.</p>
+
+<p>With Walter Arderne, however, Martin had a more difficult part to play.
+He thought it wise to separate the uncle and nephew, because the
+constant sight of each other only served to remind them of their loss.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore, after the knight's departure, urged upon Walter the
+necessity there was for his not wearing out his youth in shapeless
+idleness. "There be many ways for a man to rise to distinction in the
+world at the present moment," said Martin, "and let ambition be now your
+mistress, good Walter."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said Arderne, "thou canst not feel for me, good friend, because
+thou hast never felt the desolation I feel. Ambition and all other
+passions are dead within me."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Martin. "Men that live <i>in</i> the world must be <i>of</i> the
+world. The health of the mind is of far more consequence to us than the
+health of the body. The Ardernes were never yet drivellers. Go forth,
+man, like your forefathers. I in some sort feel anguish of mind, as well
+as thou; but I give not way to it. Afflictions are sent by Providence.
+Let your head contrive and your hand execute, and you will forget your
+particular griefs in blows given and taken; nay, the time is coming when
+we shall all have to belt on the brand&mdash;that I foresee plainly enough.
+The Spaniard despises all other nations except the English; we have the
+honour of his hate because he cannot despise us; and we shall shortly
+feel the weight of his whole force against us. Of that you may rely."</p>
+
+<p>"And whither, then, would you have me go?" said Arderne. "You objected
+to my accompanying my uncle; what course do you point out for me, so
+poor in spirit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, look ye," said Martin, "there is an expedition now about to set
+sail for the purpose of attacking the Spaniards in the Indies. Men's
+mouths were full of it when I was near the Court. Two thousand three
+hundred volunteers, besides seamen, are enrolled under Sir Francis
+Drake. The success of the Spaniards and Portuguese in both Indies, and
+the wonders seen in these islands, have influenced the imagination of
+all men of spirit; an I were you, I would join this expedition,&mdash;see
+this new world and its strange inhabitants, and witness the matters said
+to exist there."</p>
+
+<p>"And when would you have me to depart?" inquired Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"What time is better than the present?" said Martin. "How long doth the
+soldier require to get under arms, when he receives the order to fall
+in?"</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks," said Arderne, "I have many places to visit and take leave
+of, ere I can quit them, perhaps for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Take no leave of them at all," said Martin. "When you return, they will
+be fresh and fairer in your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"I have one friend, amongst the many I care not to see again, whom I
+must see and take leave of," said Arderne; "one whom I would fain spend
+some time with ere we part."</p>
+
+<p>"Know I him?" inquired Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"You have seen him often," said Arderne, "but you know him not. She who
+is gone knew him and valued him. 'Tis of her I would speak with him."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere best not," said Martin; "but (sith I do know the friend you
+speak of,) I cannot object. There is a kind of character in him I never
+found in other men. To part with such a one without seeing again is, I
+grant ye, hard. I give ye one day to spend with your friend, and then
+you must promise to depart for London."</p>
+
+<p>"I promise it," said Arderne, who already felt relief from being, as it
+were, driven into action,&mdash;&mdash;"I promise it, good friend, and the day
+after to-morrow I will depart from Clopton,&mdash;&mdash;depart, perhaps, never to
+return."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said Martin; "well-resolved and resolutely! I expect great
+things of this expedition, and thy conduct in it. You are just the age
+to adventure. In youth, we are apt to trust ourselves overmuch; and
+others too little when old. At thy time of life thou art just between
+the two extremes. The proper season for action; <i>ergo</i>, thou wilt
+thrive."</p>
+
+<p>It was evening when this conversation took place at Clopton, and gloom
+and melancholy still reigned supreme there. Perhaps the feelings of
+Martin and his young friend were even more depressed, inasmuch as they
+had a melancholy task to perform ere they left the place.</p>
+
+<p>The good old servant, who we have before seen in attendance upon
+Charlotte, either from over-exertion or want of rest, had fallen sick
+just before her charge died. It was supposed at the time that she had
+taken the plague; such, however, was not the case, as she lingered on
+for some days after the young lady's death, and died at last, apparently
+of grief for the loss of her favourite mistress.</p>
+
+<p>Before the death of this old domestic, she had requested of Martin that
+she might be buried in the vault with her beloved young mistress: and
+the request having been acceded to, this very evening was fixed on for
+the funeral. Arderne paced up and down the room (after the conversation
+we have just recorded) for some time in silence. He then turned to
+Martin. "I have been thinking deeply of what you just now urged to me,"
+he said. "The force of it is so impressed upon my mind, that I am
+resolved at once to take my departure from Clopton. The place seems,
+since my resolve, to be hateful to me. To-night I will go forth; for
+since this matter has gone so far, I cannot bear again to sleep at
+Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis well," said Martin; "just as I would advise."</p>
+
+<p>"And this friend?" said Arderne, "in whom I am so much interested. Thou
+likest him not, or I would bid thee tell him in how much I feel desirous
+of serving him; and that I commend him to thy especial favour."</p>
+
+<p>"How know you I like not that youth?" said Martin. "I never said so, did
+I?"</p>
+
+<p>"I surmised it from your manner," said Arderne. "You seemed to look
+askance upon him, as it were."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I had my own reasons for such seeming," said Martin; "and if I
+had so, those reasons are now naught. There is no farther cause for
+them. Believe me, he you call your friend, is one who, if I mistake not,
+will some day rise to great eminence. And he live to any age, the world
+will hear something of him, for he hath the brains of half a score of us
+common mortals, with all his modest look, and beardless cheek."</p>
+
+<p>"Then to you I will intrust the task of saying farewell to him," said
+Arderne, "for, methinks, on reflection, it will but aggravate my
+feelings to see him again, since I am so suddenly to depart."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said Martin; "I accept the office."</p>
+
+<p>"In one hour, then, we will say adieu, good friend," said Arderne,
+wringing Martin's hand. "This night I would fain dedicate to her we both
+loved; to-morrow shall find me far from Clopton."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE VAULT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It is night, and the moon sheds a pale and sickly light over the silent
+streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, and the surrounding meadows and
+woodlands.</p>
+
+<p>Is it that the idea of pestilence and death being rife in that silent
+town gives its streets so sickly and melancholy a look&mdash;a sort of
+unnatural and unwholesome glare&mdash;or is the surrounding air, impregnated
+as it seems with disease, of a more rarified and peculiar character?</p>
+
+<p>The square, thick-ribbed, and embattled tower of the guild of the Holy
+Cross, with its Norman windows and grotesque ornaments, alone looks dark
+in shadow. The streets and windows of the various houses seem to glance
+white and spectral. The tower of the distant church hath a ghastly look,
+and the very tombstones of the dead seem also more white and ghostly;
+whilst a thick mist from the river rises like a cloud in the background.</p>
+
+<p>Silence reigns supreme. Not a breath of wind stirs the foliage of the
+trees upon the margin of the river, or bends the long dank grass growing
+amongst the graves.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the distant sound of a horse's hoof-tread disturbs the deep
+silence, and a solitary horseman, riding through the deserted streets of
+the town, approached the churchyard, and dismounting, after fastening
+his steed, entered it.</p>
+
+<p>He takes his way slowly and with measured tread towards a vault attached
+to the church. His cheek is pale and haggard, and the large round tears
+course one another down it. It is Walter Arderne; he has come to spend
+the last hours he intends remaining in the vicinity of Stratford, beside
+the vault containing the remains of his beloved Charlotte.</p>
+
+<p>The plague which raged in Stratford this year was now at its height.
+Already one-fifth of the inhabitants had fallen victims; and it was the
+custom, as much as possible, to bury the dead unobserved at night.</p>
+
+<p>The remains of the domestic who had died at Clopton Hall were to be
+buried on this night after midnight; and as Walter Arderne knew the
+hour, he had preceded the corpse, intending to descend into the vault
+and gaze upon the remains of her he had so loved in life.</p>
+
+<p>His feelings were, indeed, at the moment, wrought to a pitch of
+intensity. He felt that he could scarcely wait with patience for the
+coming of the body and the opening of the vault, so eager was he to
+descend.</p>
+
+<p>"O Time," he said, as with folded arms, he stood gazing at the dark
+grating of the vault, "thy wings are of lightning in our pleasures; but
+thou creepest with feet of lead to the sorrowful and weary. And yet
+thou, who dost constantly move onwards, overcoming all things in thy
+flight, wilt at last conquer even death itself; thou, most subtle and
+insatiable of depredators, wilt at last take all."</p>
+
+<p>A heavy rumbling sound interrupted the meditation of the mourner. It was
+the vehicle containing the body of the domestic from Clopton, and which,
+in its progress, had gathered up other bodies in the town on that night
+to be interred.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony was performed without the usual formalities, and in all
+haste. Walter drew aside as the buriers, preceded by the sexton,
+approached and opened the vault. They ignited their torches previous to
+descending the flight of steps, and when they did so a cry of horror and
+alarm proceeded from the sexton, who had first entered the vault, and he
+rushed out, whilst those who had followed seemed equally
+horror-stricken. They threw down the corpse, after a glance at the
+interior, and fled.</p>
+
+<p>Walter, who had quietly followed, was struck with dread. He stopped, and
+taking up one of the torches, descended into the vault; when a dreadful
+sight presented itself,&mdash;a sight which, as long as memory held a seat in
+his brain, remained there.</p>
+
+<p>The vault was situate deep below the surface. On hastening down the
+steps Walter held his torch on high, and when about half-way its rays
+fell upon a figure, which, like some sheeted ghost, leant against the
+damp walls.</p>
+
+<p>Arderne was brave as the steel he wore, but at first he stopped and
+hesitated, whilst the door of the vault closing behind him added to the
+horror of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>As he continued to regard this startling object, the light becoming more
+steady, he recognised the features of the figure.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" he said, "do I behold aright, or do mine eyes play false?"</p>
+
+<p>With horror in his features he approached nearer, and became confirmed
+in his first suspicion. It was Charlotte Clopton. She was dressed in her
+grave-clothes, as she had been consigned to the tomb. She appeared to
+have been but a short time dead, and in the agonies of despair, hunger,
+or, perhaps, madness, consequent upon the dreadful situation, she had
+bitten a large piece from her round white shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>When the buriers of the dead returned, somewhat reassured by collecting
+all their number together, they found Walter in a swoon, with the body
+of Charlotte fast locked in his embrace. Separating them, they replaced
+the body in the coffin, and conveying Walter to upper air, closed up the
+vault for ever.</p>
+
+<p>As the day broke, a tall cavalier rode slowly out of Stratford. The
+raven plumes of his hat almost shadowed his pale face, and his ample
+riding-cloak completely enveloped his form.</p>
+
+<p>He reined up his steed as soon as he had cleared the suburbs, and gazed
+long and fixedly for some time at the handsome spire of the church. He
+then turned his steed, dashed the spurs into its flanks, and galloped
+like a madman along the Warwick road.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE VILLAGE FETE.&mdash;ANNE HATHAWAY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It is extraordinary how speedily the human mind recovers its elasticity
+after being bent down to the earth, as it were, with the weight of care.</p>
+
+<p>Let the reader glide over some four or five months from the date of the
+transactions we have first narrated, and again look upon
+Stratford-upon-Avon. No trace remains of the deadly scourge which had so
+recently raged in the town; nay, even but small remembrance is to be
+observed in the visages or trappings and suite of the surviving
+citizens (now again mixing in the business of life and the pleasures of
+the world) of those relations and friends <i>put to bed with a shovel</i>.
+The fact was, that the plague was a constant visitor at this period, and
+fear of infection the bugbear of the time.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> The visitation, however,
+being over, the inhabitants came forth again with renewed zest. They
+fluttered about like "summer flies i' the shambles," and sunned
+themselves in the anticipation of brighter days to come. It seemed quite
+a delight to walk the streets, where all looked so happy and contented.
+And yet how small indeed is the portion of life really and truly enjoyed
+by the poor compounded clay, man! Youth refuses to be happy in the
+present moment, and looks forward to future joys, never perhaps to be
+realized. Old age, again, takes a backward glance, and sighs over what
+has passed; whilst manhood (which appears to be occupied with the
+present moment) in reality is oft-times forming vague determinations for
+happiness at some future period when time shall serve.</p>
+
+
+<p>Master Dismal had experienced a perfect state of contemplative
+contentment during the recent visitation; he might now sit himself down
+and retire for a space, he thought; his researches had been most
+incessant, and his attendance upon his neighbours most praiseworthy; he
+could almost have written a treatise upon all he had beheld and studied;
+he had seen out no less than three sapient doctors during the progress
+of the plague, and could indeed, from his gathered experience, have
+himself practised the healing art as well as the remaining one. Now,
+however, that his vocation was over, for the present at least, and the
+inhabitants full of enjoyment, he determined to enjoy himself amongst
+them. It was exactly the twelfth day after Christmas-day that the thread
+of our story is resumed. A sort of village festival was held at the
+hamlet of Shottery, about a mile distant from Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+as several of Master Dismal's neighbours were hieing thither with light
+hearts and joyous spirits, thither he bent his steps also. "Who knows
+what sports may be toward?" he said, as he called for Lawyer Grasp and
+Master Doubletongue, on his way. "Peradventure I may be of some service;
+for albeit I do not wish to anticipate accidents or offences, the last
+wake I was present at, which was at the shearing-feast at Kenilworth
+Green, there were more heads broken by the lads of Coventry and Warwick
+than I can tell you. Nay, Dick, the smith, got such a fall at the
+wrestling, that he never joyed after. Yes, he, died in three weeks. Aye,
+and Ralph Roughhead had his spine wrenched by the back trick."</p>
+
+<p>In Elizabeth's day, when the bold peasantry of England did recreate
+themselves, their sports and pastimes were most joyous. Except in such a
+case as we have just described, and in which the hand of sickness bore
+them hard, their hearths were for the most part free from the withering
+cares of our own improving times. Light-hearted and jovial, they kept up
+the old world sports and pastimes which had been handed down from their
+forefathers. Those quaint games and rural diversions so frequently
+carried on in the green fields and bosky woods. Those cozy fire-side
+diversions which extended alike from the cottage ingle neuk to the
+manorial hall and the castle court.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the popular customs then in use had their origin in remote
+antiquity. The well-known custom of making presents upon New-Year's-day
+in England is as old, for instance, as the period in which the Romans
+sojourned in Britain, and by whom it was introduced amongst us. Amongst
+the Saxons the first of the new year was observed with great ceremony
+and hilarity, and in the reign of Alfred a law was made that the twelve
+days following Christmas-day should be kept as festivals. This is the
+original of our twelfth-day feast, and which, in Elizabeth's reign, and
+long afterwards, was kept with something more of jovial circumstance
+than is now customary. For what says Herrick&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For sports, for pagentrie and plays,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou hast thy eves and holy days.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy wakes, thy quintels, here thou hast:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy May-pole, too, with garlands vast.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy morrice dance, thy Whitsun ale,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy shearing feasts which never fail;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy harvest home, thy wassaile bowle<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That's tost up after fox-i'th-hole;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy mummeries, thy twelfe-tide kings,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And queens; thy Christmas revellings."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>When Master Dismal reached Shottery, he found a goodly assemblage
+collected together enjoying themselves in various ways upon the green. A
+whole sheep, which had been given to the inhabitants of the hamlet by
+Sir Thomas Lucy, who possessed property there, was roasting before a
+huge fire. A company of morris-dancers, dressed in a sort of eastern or
+Moorish costume, and covered with bells, were capering away, toeing and
+heeling, and keeping time, their truncheons also bedecked with hawks'
+bells, and making a tremendous jingling.</p>
+
+<p>Then the May-pole, decked with evergreens and berries, and surmounted
+with misletoe, had its joyous party dancing, and running, and threading,
+and laughing, till the green rang again. The lads were all in holiday
+trim, their short becoming jackets belted tightly round the waist, their
+trunks and well-fitting hose forming part of their picturesque costume.
+The lasses were also dressed for the most part in one style&mdash;the neat
+made boddice and the short stuff petticoat, so becoming to the female
+figure, and in which they looked handsomer even than if bedizened with
+lace and silk, and tricked out with jewellery. The glow of exercise was
+in their cheeks, and the forms of many there, as they sported in all the
+unchecked freedom of innocent enjoyment, would have been worthy studies
+for the artist's pencil.</p>
+
+<p>The children of the village, who are seldom behindhand when diversions
+are in full force, had also their part in the performance. Tricked out
+in all sorts of scraps of frippery, and costumed for the nonce, they
+revived, in their own way, the Christmas-day pastimes, and bringing out
+the hobby-horse, the green dragon, and all the paraphernalia which had
+done service on the former occasion, they renewed (in small) the sports
+they had then and there beheld. The dragon flapped his wings, the knight
+engaged him, the merryman and the old pantaloon took equal numbers of
+adherents, and "fought on part and part." The snow-balls flew fast and
+furious, and loud and dire were the shouts and hallooing of the
+combatants. Then came the feast in the open air, for in those days men
+and women shrank not from the winter blast during their holiday sports,
+and after that the cup went round, the dance was renewed, and the
+twelfth-tide kings and queens were introduced in all their grandeur.</p>
+
+<p>The village of Shottery was a lovely specimen of a rural hamlet in the
+days of Elizabeth. It consisted then but of some half-a-dozen houses or
+hamlets, which, sequestered amongst the deep woodlands, and each with
+its little orchard in rear, and its pretty flower-garden, formed a
+delicious picture.</p>
+
+<p>Except, indeed, that the homesteads were of a more recent build, (having
+superseded the ruder sort of huts, one or two of which, however, yet
+remained,) Shottery seemed as sequestered and out of the way of the busy
+world as when, many hundred years back, Offa, King of the Mercians,
+granted its meadow to the church of Worcester.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the actors in the different games, there were also many
+spectators, who stood about and occasionally mingled amongst the lads
+and lasses of the village; and amongst these visitors were several
+foresters or keepers belonging to the domains of the gentry around.</p>
+
+<p>These men, as was generally the case when they met together at the
+different wakes, fairs, and country diversions, got up a shooting-match
+at the edge of the green. Warwickshire was always famous for its
+bow-men, and the caliver had not so entirely superseded the cloth-yard
+shaft but that it was yet a dear diversion amongst the peasantry. The
+cross-bow, it is true, was mostly in use, but the longbow was still much
+practised. The remembrance of its destructive powers, and the battles it
+had won in the "vasty fields of France," was yet ripe in the mouths and
+memories of the old host, when he told his winter tale; nay, even yet we
+shall find in this delightful province some remnant of the longbow in
+almost every hamlet: there are indeed more archery meetings in
+Warwickshire alone than in all the other counties of England put
+together.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the many specimens of rural beauty enjoying themselves in the
+dance, there was one female who especially attracted the gaze of all
+assembled.</p>
+
+<p>Pouncet Grasp (who had wandered over with Master Dismal and others to
+enjoy the scene, and, at the same time, see a client he had in the
+hamlet) seemed especially struck with her. Nay, even Master Dismal
+pronounced her of exceeding good proportions, and most comely features.
+He had never seen a fairer form, he affirmed, chiselled upon a tomb.
+"What a lovely corpse she would make!" he said, with professional
+enthusiasm; "an it please Heaven to take her early, and before age
+withered up her rounded limbs, and whitened her glossy black hair."</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon it," said Master Doubletongue; "thy voice is like a screech
+owl's! Yonder lass will live to make wild work with the hearts of some
+of the village swains before she dies, for all her cherubim looks. I
+shall make shrewd inquiry about her. I'll wager a flagon there's some
+scandal to be heard. I never knew a well-favoured maiden yet, but her
+neighbours said something of her;" and here Master Doubletongue
+whispered in Grasp's ear, at which the lawyer laughed and winked his
+eye, as much as to say, "Ah, Master Doubletongue, you're a wag, but
+you're not far out either."</p>
+
+<p>"An I might get yonder sweet-faced lass for a partner," said Grasp, who
+was a trifle roguish when out of his office; "methinks I could like to
+shake a toe amongst the circle."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Doubletongue, "I'm clearly with you there, neighbour; what a
+trim ancle she hath! By the mass, the keen wind which blows me into an
+ague here, shews her figure off to advantage. Accost her, Grasp, accost
+her! Methinks I should like to hear the voice which issues from so
+pretty a mouth."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Grasp, "I am somewhat diffident at speaking to a young
+lass where so many of her companions are around her. Do thou accost her,
+Master Doubletongue, and I'll be near to back you. See, the dance is
+finished, and she comes this way."</p>
+
+<p>"You trip it featly, fair Mistress," said Doubletongue, as the damsel,
+whose appearance had so struck them, approached with two other maidens.
+"Will you join hands with me? Methinks I should like to join issue in
+the dance, and tread a measure with so fair a partner."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, gentle sir," said the maid, laughing; "but I do not use to
+dance with any save those I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Right," said a tall athletic-looking forester. "What do lawyers want
+dancing with village girls&mdash;Eh? Go to, Master Grasp, mate with your own
+degree. Fair mistress Anne," said he to the maiden, "you must be mine
+for the next dance."</p>
+
+<p>The maiden shrank back with a look of dislike at the tall forester,
+which Grasp observing, interpreted it as a preference for himself as a
+partner.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art but a rude companion," said he; "and I would fain have the
+maiden's answer without thy counsel; she'll have none of thy partnership
+any how, I trow."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Doubletongue; "she wisheth not to have the scandal of such a
+partner. Go, fellow&mdash;go."</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw!" said the forester, "what a brace of old crones thou art&mdash;go,
+get thee down to the hostel yonder, and warm thee with a cup of wine, or
+an extra flannel shirt! Dance, quotha, and with such a lass as Anne
+Hathaway&mdash;Ha! Ha! Why, there's not a caper left in the pair of ye. Go,
+ye gray beards, go, or by my faith I'll make ye both dance to some other
+tune."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, neighbour," said Doubletongue, who liked not the athletic make
+and savage look of the forester, "let us budge and exchange no more
+words with this scurvy companion. For, look ye there, the girl and he
+understand each other, depend on't. They are well matched. I know the
+fellow. He's a keeper of Sir Thomas Lucy's, and one of the greatest
+ruffians in the country."</p>
+
+<p>But the village maiden evidently did not relish the companionship of the
+tall forester. She turned and would have tripped off with her two female
+companions without more controversy. The forester, however, who seemed
+somewhat flushed with good liquor, seized her by the hand, and insisted
+upon her being his partner.</p>
+
+<p>"If I must dance with thee, Diccon, why I must," she said, as she was
+led by the rude keeper to another party; "but it is ungentle of thee to
+force me to do so against my free inclination."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art ever thus coy with me, Anne," said the forester, "and ever
+avoidest my company. Why dost use me thus, when I have sworn an hundred
+times I would die to serve thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"I like thee not, and would have no further words with thee," said the
+maiden. "Thy presence poisons my delight. I have told thee so I know not
+how oft. I pr'ythee prove the love thou dost profess, by leaving me."</p>
+
+<p>"Beware I shew thee not how love can turn to hate," said the dark
+forester, bitterly. "Thou shalt not spurn me thus for nothing. Come,
+thou shalt dance," and forthwith the forester led the maiden out to join
+the dancers.</p>
+
+<p>Gazing upon the revellers, and at no great distance from the spot where
+the forester and his unwilling partner danced, stood a youth, apparently
+about seventeen years of age. He leaned upon a stout staff, and regarded
+the dancers with a countenance so melancholy, that it was evident
+(although he listened to the pipe and tabor, and watched the glee of the
+revellers) he had no part in their enjoyment. It was young Shakespeare:
+he had been absent some time from his native town&mdash;no one knew where he
+had sojourned, or what part of the world he had visited during this
+sequestration of himself from a neighbourhood recent events had rendered
+so full of melancholy associations. He had occasionally given his
+parents intimation by a few lines, or some message, of his welfare, and
+had but a few days before returned to Stratford.</p>
+
+<p>It is not to be supposed, that one so full of observation would fail in
+remarking the very handsome female we have described. "The prettiest
+low-born lass that ever ran on the green sward."</p>
+
+<p>With a melancholy mind he had bent his steps that day towards Shottery.
+Such revels as the present he had before oft-times taken part in, and
+now (albeit he was in no mood for joviality), with the feeling and
+desire to observe the happiness of others, he had remained to look upon
+the sports.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts, indeed, were sad enough. He had lost his good friends from
+Clopton, after the terrible affliction of their house. He had been left
+alone after having tasted the sweets of their society, and this too in
+the midst of misery and disease. 'Tis true, that owing to the good
+management of his parents, and their being of more careful habits than
+the generality of the neighbours in their condition of life, they had
+kept the disease from their hearth, and for that he had reason to be
+thankful. But, added to the feeling of melancholy which the events we
+have before narrated had caused, was the knowledge that his father's
+circumstances were daily growing worse, and he felt too that he himself,
+although he had reached a time of life when he ought to be doing
+something, was without purse, profession, or prospect.</p>
+
+<p>These thoughts, however, gradually gave place to interest in the
+surrounding scene. His was a mind and disposition which could scarcely
+witness the happiness of others without partaking of their joy, and
+gradually he became more and more interested. As he continued to observe
+the beautiful villager (for she was in the full blossom of her charms),
+he noticed that she seemed uneasy with her partner, and averse to his
+rough attentions. Watching more closely, he observed the overbearing
+style of the forester, and the increasing timidity of the maiden. That
+was enough for him. He moved nearer to them, and as the dance finished,
+he stepped up and accosted her.</p>
+
+<p>"Your hand, fair maiden," he said, gently taking her hand in his. "But
+that I think you have fatigued yourself, I would dance with you."</p>
+
+<p>There was so much sweetness in his voice and expression, as he said
+this, and his action was so gentle, that the maid resigned her hand,
+and, as she gazed at his handsome face, she unconsciously put her arm in
+his, and adopted him as her protector. In such cases the parties
+understood each other in a moment.</p>
+
+<p>If there is one thing more likely than another to excite a desperate
+quarrel amongst men, it is rivalry in the affairs of love and gallantry.
+The veriest cur upon four legs can hardly brook being cut out
+unceremoniously before the eyes of his favourite, and to the tall
+forester, with the forbidding countenance, the fact of being thus
+outbraved by a stripling, was matter, at first, of astonishment more
+than anger. The fellow was a sort of champion too, one hired and kept by
+the knight of Charlecote as a sort of terror to evil-doers in his parks
+and preserves; an impudent, reckless, and quarrelsome companion; one
+whom most of the youths present would fain have avoided fastening a
+quarrel upon, inasmuch as he had kept the ring on Kenilworth Green for a
+whole Christmas, against all comers, a few years before.</p>
+
+<p>Slightly bowing her head in courtesy, Anne Hathaway would have tripped
+off with her new friend and protector, but the keeper was not the man
+likely to put up with so unceremonious a parting. He stepped on a few
+paces, and presently overtook them.</p>
+
+<p>"How now, young Master," he said to Shakespeare, "methinks you carry
+this matter as bravely as rudely? A word with you ere you walk off so
+quietly with my partner there."</p>
+
+<p>As Anne, in some alarm, had rather urged her protector on, the forester
+unconsciously laid his hand upon his arm to detain him.</p>
+
+<p>The youth snatched his arm quickly away. "Lay no fist of thine on me,
+sirrah," said he, "as many words as you like, but touch not my doublet."</p>
+
+<p>Th« forester looked surprised at the eye of fire with which Shakespeare
+regarded him.</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore not?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Simply," reiterated Shakespeare, "because your putting affront upon me
+will oblige me to wipe off such rudeness by a blow of my staff."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a bold young springald as ever it was my lot to fall in with,"
+said the forester, stepping a pace back and regarding his rival with a
+scowling look; "and by my fay, for your inches, as likely a young fellow
+as ere I looked upon, well limbed and clean made as a good bred colt.
+But I must take this sauciness out of thee. I cannot sing small before
+so young a champion; come," he continued, "unhand the lass, lest I pluck
+her from thee, or rather thee from her."</p>
+
+<p>"The maiden seeks her home for a space," said Shakespeare, "and I attend
+her; after that I will hold converse with thee. Fear not," he whispered
+to his fair companion, as she shrank back in alarm at the threatening
+aspect of the forester, "this is but a drunken dissolute fellow, and I
+shall be able to protect you from his violence, depend on it. Those who
+threaten loudly are oftentimes but weak in action."</p>
+
+<p>The pair were again about to move off. But the evident aversion of the
+maiden to the rude forester was indeed gall and wormwood to him, and
+roused him to stop her progress homeward.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Mistress Anne," he said, "you carry it not thus with your gallant;
+come, I will bring you to your cot myself," and as he said this, he
+stretched forth his hand, and would have rudely seized her by the arm,
+but Shakespeare, who had anticipated something of the sort, dealt him so
+severe a blow over the knuckles with the staff he carried, that the hand
+fell powerless, and the forester, with a cry of pain, started back for
+the moment unable to return the blow.</p>
+
+<p>"Make amongst your companions," said the youth, "I must bide this act
+now, for good or ill. I have struck the first blow."</p>
+
+<p>The controversy had, indeed, already collected several spectators; "A
+ring, a ring!" they cried. "Here's Black Dick challenged to a bout at
+quarter-staff by a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha," said Grasp, who had come up amongst others, and now pushed into
+the circle, "assault and battery here, eh? Keep back, my masters all;
+keep out of range, lest we get a flout from their cudgels. There'll be
+smashing work anon, for look you, yonder's my wild slip of a
+sometime-clerk, John Shakespeare's unthrift son. He's going to catch it
+this time, and right glad am I therefore. Stand back, Master Dismal,
+stand back. Ah, there they go at it right merrily."</p>
+
+<p>"I see evident chance of a broken skull in this business," said Dismal.
+"That fellow with the green frock seldom amuses himself by a set-to in
+the ring but he either maims or lames his adversary for life."</p>
+
+<p>The parties indeed had quickly engaged, for as speedily as the forester
+could shake the numbness from his fingers, he dealt a most
+uncompromising blow at his adversary, which had it taken effect would
+certainly have knocked out his brains. But the youth received it on his
+staff with great coolness, and shifting his right hand, returned it as
+swiftly. The forester in an instant lost his temper; he rushed upon his
+opponent with the intention of seizing him in his powerful grip, and
+throwing him to the earth; but he received so severe a check full in the
+teeth as he did so, that he stopped short, and shook his head with rage
+and pain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well struck," cried the villagers, "Black Dick has met his match!"</p>
+
+<p>Coolness and self-possession will always tell in a combat of this sort.</p>
+
+<p>The temper once lost, the conflict within tells more against the
+combatant than the blows of his adversary. Every available function is
+over-exerted and blind rage baffles the skill.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was with the bulky forester. Strong drink and violent anger
+rendered him tremulous as he fought. He dealt his blows thick as hail,
+most maliciously, and without any regard to the rules of such a combat.
+He would have killed his opponent if he could, and so young Shakespeare
+found, and dealt with him accordingly, quite aware that the slightest
+mistake on his own part would result in his either being killed or lamed
+for life. The youth, who in reality possessed greater strength than his
+appearance seemed to warrant, kept well away from the shower of blows,
+till his antagonist was completely out of breath. He then stood more up
+to him, returned his blows with interest, and at length dealt him so
+severe a stroke on the head, that the forester reeled under the shock
+and almost fell.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing but his own consummate skill could, however, have saved young
+Shakespeare up to this time from the fury of his antagonist. Nothing now
+but his own chivalrous feeling could have saved his antagonist from a
+severer lesson than he actually received at his hands.</p>
+
+<p>The blow he gave the forester, and which struck him on the head, for the
+moment placed him at his mercy. The strong ruffian reeled and nearly
+fell, and as he still endeavoured to smite furiously with his weapon, it
+flew out of his hand, and he was at the mercy of his antagonist, who
+immediately dropped the end of his staff upon the ground, and waited for
+him to recover it.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment several of the forester's comrades, who had been shooting
+at a target at the edge of the Green, attracted by the sound of the
+fray, came up. They were enraged at beholding the discomfiture of their
+companion, whose opponent they seemed inclined to handle roughly; and
+the villagers immediately taking part with Shakespeare, a general fight
+ensued, and with the true English bull-dog resolution, blows with fist
+and stick resounded on all sides. Master Grasp was overturned and trod
+under foot, swearing action and imprisonment against all and sundry the
+combatants. Master Dismal was fain to betake himself to flight, and
+Doubletongue said, as he made off also, that such a scene was a scandal
+to the whole country; whilst the village maidens, in a state of alarm,
+stood looking on at a distance, and calling to their lovers, cousins,
+and brothers, to desist for the love of heaven and their own sweet
+sakes.</p>
+
+<p>In short, such was the rage of the combatants,&mdash;the keepers being for
+the most part Gloucestershire men, and objects of dislike to the
+Shottery lads,&mdash;that it seemed more than probable lives would be lost
+ere the matter ended.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the fray, however, a stately-looking man, mounted upon a
+large grey horse, accompanied by a couple of cavaliers, and attended by
+half-a-dozen serving-men, or falconers, rode up to the scene of action.
+The badge worn upon the arms of the attendants bore the same device as
+that upon the coats of several of the foresters engaged, being three
+white lucies, or pike-fish, and the spectators immediately recognised
+Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner did the knight observe the nature of the business in hand, and
+his own people engaged, than he clapped spurs to his horse, and dashing
+into the midst of the fray, called, in a voice of thunder, to the
+combatants to desist, overturning at the same time, with the shoulder of
+his horse, the two first persons he came in contact with.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me the names, Huntsman," he said, turning to the man who seemed
+his own particular attendant, "of all in my service engaged in this
+disgraceful riot. Now, I will not only discharge, but punish them
+severely!"</p>
+
+<p>"May so please your honour," said one of the foresters, "we are not
+altogether so much in fault as you may imagine. One of our comrades hath
+been assailed and beaten, and we did but take his part here, when all
+set upon us."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you here at all, caitiffs?" said Sir Thomas, "when ye
+should be in your walk in Fulbrook Park. Whilst such fellows as you
+dance and fight at wakes and fairs, my park is broken, and my game
+killed and carried off."</p>
+
+<p>"We came but in to-day to drink your honour's health, hearing you had
+given a sheep for the revels," said the chop-fallen keeper.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall drink the health of another employer henceforth," said the
+knight; "and who is the person you say hath beaten your fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"A youth, who hath more than once done the like," said the keeper; "one
+whom I myself have oft-times caught in our Woods and warrens, and as
+continually warned off."</p>
+
+<p>"His name?" said Sir Thomas. "Let me know his name, and I will take
+sharp measures with him an I catch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare," said the keeper; "he hath beaten me myself some time
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, "'tis well. I will remember. Hath the
+fellow no Christian name?"</p>
+
+<p>"William, your honour," said the forester; "the elder son of John
+Shakespeare, of Stratford."</p>
+
+<p>"William Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, with emphasis. "'Tis well. Now
+point this William Shakespeare out to me, if he be present on the
+Green."</p>
+
+<p>"If your honour looks but amongst the knot of men yonder," said the
+forester, "you cannot fail but see him."</p>
+
+<p>"What, is it that fellow there with the broad shoulders and long back?
+By my fay, a strong and able caitiff."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so," said the keeper, "'tis the youth standing next him, in the
+gray doublet."</p>
+
+<p>"Fetch him hither," said Sir Thomas; "I would speak with him."</p>
+
+<p>As young Shakespeare approached Sir Thomas, the knight regarded him with
+a scrutinizing and searching eye.</p>
+
+<p>"A goodly stripling," he said, turning to Sir Jacob Astley, of Hill
+Morton, one of the gentlemen with him, "a goodly stripling, and a bold
+looking withal."</p>
+
+<p>"It hath been notified to me, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, addressing
+Shakespeare with infinite stateliness and hauteur, "that you are much
+given to evil ways, inasmuch as you are wont to make frequent trespass
+upon my parks and woods hereabouts; and that, too, to the detriment of
+my property and the disturbance of my deer."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry such rumours have reached you," said Shakespeare coolly,
+"since there is, I fear me, some sort of foundation for them. I <i>have</i>
+trespassed in your woods. Albeit, I have never intentionally molested
+the deer."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you have the grace to confess so much," said Sir Thomas; "but
+sith you have not disturbed my deer, you have, at least, beaten my
+foresters during your trespass, and again to-day have you repeated the
+offence."</p>
+
+<p>"Your foresters rated me in ungentle terms," said Shakespeare; "railed
+at, and bestowed vile epithets upon me. Nay, even laid hands on me."</p>
+
+<p>"They are hired by me so to do," said Sir Thomas. "Their roughness is
+their virtue; and <i>by</i> such roughness are they told to deter all
+trespassers and poachers from my parks and warrens."</p>
+
+<p>"I am no poacher, to be so railed at and roughly treated," said
+Shakespeare coolly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, henceforth come no more into my woods," said Sir Thomas,
+preparing to ride off, "lest I give directions to have thee used in a
+more rough fashion than heretofore."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot promise that," said Shakespeare, "since I am much given to
+wandering; and, truth to say, I know not exactly which are, and which
+are not, your grounds. I would not willingly anger Sir Thomas Lucy, of
+Charlecote, <i>but</i> an he keeps men for the preservation of the game, and
+the amusement of himself, methinks such men have small right to domineer
+and tyrannize over those of poorer sort, who seek but the free air and
+the wild woodlands."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art over bold and insolent for thy years," said Sir Thomas; "I
+will have thee whipped and imprisoned the next time my men take thee. So
+come not in Charlecote woods an ye be wise." And Sir Thomas, who found
+his choler getting high, put spurs to his palfrey, and, after ordering
+his keeper to quit the Green, rode off with his company.</p>
+
+<p>It would be difficult to describe the expression of mingled acorn,
+contempt, and ridicule which was expressed upon the countenance of
+Shakespeare, as he regarded the departing figure of the knight of
+Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>He stood for some moments leaning upon his staff, looking upon the party
+as they rode off the Green and disappeared in the woods. He then turned
+his glance contemptuously upon the keeper, and laughing to himself as he
+repeated the words, "whipped and imprisoned," turned and was about to
+leave the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall meet again," said the keeper, in a deriding tone. "I know we
+shall."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I can avoid it," said Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"An we do," said the keeper, "you hear what is in store for you."</p>
+
+<p>"He you serve can hardly tell what is in store for himself, much more
+for another," said Shakespeare, "an he could have done so, he had
+prophesied thy likely reward both here and elsewhere."</p>
+
+<p>"What would that be?" inquired the keeper, coming close to the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"Present beating, if again insolent," said Shakespeare, "and the gallows
+in reversion."</p>
+
+<p>The keeper drew back; he remembered his comrade's discomfiture, and the
+skill the youth had displayed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, fare thee well," he said, "we shall cry quits anon. An Sir Thomas
+keep word with thee we shall lay thee by the heels yet."</p>
+
+<p>"And, an he keep word with thee, he will have one knave the less in his
+service. Adieu, I waste time and speech upon thee." So saying,
+Shakespeare turned his back upon the forester, who, joining his
+companions, after exchanging a few angry words with their late
+opponents, they left the Green, and the sports were resumed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWELFTH-TIDE REVELRY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The rudeness of the keepers and their overbearing style towards the
+villagers, was by no means an uncommon occurrence. Backed up by their
+employers to display as much roughness towards all trespassers as they
+chose, the foresters were usually a coarse and brutal set. They were
+mostly chosen too, at this period, for courage, strength, and skill with
+their weapons; consequently when they came into collision with the
+peasantry, the latter frequently had the worst of it, and the conflict
+seldom ended without serious consequences.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, several of the village lads assembled vowed war
+to the knife against the men they had fought with. They had so often
+experienced their <i>outrécuidance</i> and overbearing rudeness, that they
+swore to annoy them in every possible way they could.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Thomas Lucy," said Ralph Coulter, "doth ever take part against us,
+let his men use us vilely as they may; nay, we shall soon have no leave
+to step either to the right or to the left from the beaten road. For
+look ye, an we steal but into the meadows to whisper a word into a fair
+lass's ear, we are warned off, and ordered to keep the path; an we take
+a dog to hunt the ducks in the stream, we are threatened with
+imprisonment for poaching."</p>
+
+<p>"As well do the thing at once as be blamed for it," said another
+peasant; "who'll go down with me to-night, and shoot a buck in
+Fulbrook?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have with you for one, say I," said Ralph Coulter, "an we miss the buck
+and hit the keeper, so much the better shot."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, this is but folly," said a third, "and may bring all into trouble,
+so to speak before strangers; you do but jest, I trow! Look ye, we are
+overheard too."</p>
+
+<p>"An ye mean this lad who hath so well cudgelled Black Dick," said
+Coulter, "I dare be sworn he is not a sneak to turn informer upon us."
+"Wilt take a part and bring in a buck some night? Me thinks it would be
+rare sport," he continued, addressing Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Marry will I," said Shakespeare, whose daring disposition was instantly
+aroused at the idea of the exploit. "Any night you like I should dearly
+love to do some despite towards those overweening knaves."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Coulter, "we shall talk further of it anon; meantime see
+the dancing is over, and the indoors diversions are beginning. I am for
+old Hathaway's orchard and the cider revel."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am for goodman Thorne's," said another; and so the party
+separated.</p>
+
+<p>The shadows of a January's evening were now beginning to descend over
+the surrounding scene, and the several parties to retire to their
+different homesteads, there to continue their twelfth-tide diversions,
+and to partake of such fare as the good wives had prepared for the
+swains accompanying their daughters home.</p>
+
+<p>Young Shakespeare, who had made acquaintance with Ralph Coulter,
+accordingly accompanied him to the cottage of Master Hathaway, where he
+again met with the handsome Anne, and renewed his acquaintance with her.</p>
+
+<p>The maiden indeed seemed nothing loth to receive his attention, for his
+handsome figure and gallant conduct had already made some impression
+upon her.</p>
+
+<p>According to an ancient custom in this and other counties of "Merrie
+England," Master Hathaway assembled his guests in the principal
+apartment of his domicile, a good-sized and comfortable-looking room,
+and which (as was usual in those days) served the jolly yeoman for
+"parlour, and kitchen, and hall." There was the huge gaping chimney,
+with its comfortable bench on either hand, together with those stout
+timbered rafters and oaken beams at the roof, from which hung such store
+of bacon and other good things appertaining. There was the
+diamond-paned-window and its seat beneath, with the stout timbered
+doors, the high-backed chairs, and the one massive and cumbrous oaken
+table, and which seemed from its thick supporters to be fixed into the
+floor, or growing out of it; and there sat the grandsire in his old
+accustomed seat under the chimney, "sans eyes, sans taste, sans teeth,
+sans everything," yet looking with some sort of recognition upon the
+sports he had witnessed, man and boy, for near a century in that very
+room. In short, it was a perfect picture of rural comfort and old world
+contentment that kitchen and its appurtenances, filled as it was with
+those happy, smiling, and rosy maidens, and their stout-limbed ruddy
+village swains.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Master Hathaway had assembled his guests and family, he
+filled a huge pitcher with cider, and the whole party, young and old,
+male and female, filed out into the orchard in rear of the cottage. Here
+they immediately took hands around one of the best apple trees, and
+dancing round it, the whole company hailed the veteran in the following
+doggrel, in the gladsome feeling of their light hearts, flinging and
+capering, shouting and hallooing, like so many bacchanals.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"All hail to thee, thou old apple-tree,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whence thou may'st bud, and whence thou may'st blow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And whence thou may'st bear apples enow.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Bonnets-full! caps-full!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Bushel-bushel-sacks-full,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And our pockets-full eke also;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Here's for thee, thou old apple-tree, huzza! huzza!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Whilst this was being sung, the females of the party, seizing the
+opportunity of the jug passing round, made their escape within doors;
+and then the joint intended for supper being clapped upon the spit, the
+doors were all immediately made fast. Meantime Master Hathaway, having
+finished his "all hail" to the patriarch of the apple family, bestowed a
+libation on its mossed stem from the remains of the cider, and then, at
+the head of his party, made the tour of his orchard, singing the same
+exquisite piece of doggrel over again.</p>
+
+<p>This done, as the sharp and biting blast of a January night began to be
+apparent, and the snow to fall, the whole of the men assembled filed off
+to the house. Here (according to the custom of the time and the sport
+toward) the doors were found to have been secured by the female portions
+of the revellers; and they were put through the ceremony of a formal
+demand for admittance, and as formal a denial.</p>
+
+<p>Exposed to the pitiless pelting of the snow-storm, whilst the damsels
+jeered them at advantage from the casement, they were told that no lock
+could be turned, no bolt withdrawn, until one amongst their party
+(himself a guest and a bachelor) could guess the name of the joint
+roasting upon the spit.</p>
+
+<p>"And what guerdon," inquired Shakespeare, "to him who guesseth the
+same?"</p>
+
+<p>"The best portion of the joint," said Dame Hathaway, "the first draught
+from the cider with the toast and hissing crab in it, and a kiss from
+the comeliest lass in the company."</p>
+
+<p>"The latter reward, then, at least, I claim," said Shakespeare; "for an
+you have not spitted the chine to-night, I would I might never see a
+porker again."</p>
+
+<p>The scream of laughter with which this was received, (the withdrawal of
+the bolts, and the rush of the lasses to hide themselves from the
+penalty incurred), proclaimed that the guesser had made a lucky hit; and
+Shakespeare, in right of his guess, entered first to claim and obtain
+the reward.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers need scarcely be informed that the handsome daughter of the
+host was the maiden sought for and selected; and that Anne Hathaway
+received on this night the first kiss from William Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>In the games which were to follow this ceremony, the more mirth
+displayed was superstitiously imagined to give greater promise of a full
+apple season that year, and accordingly, fast and furious grew the fun.</p>
+
+<p>If we were to say that young Shakespeare entered into these revels with
+feelings of unmingled enjoyment, we should indeed belie him.</p>
+
+<p>As he looked upon the joyous faces around him, he felt delighted at the
+scene; and as his eye occasionally met that of the handsome Anne, he
+certainly at each glance felt more and more struck with her beauty; yet,
+still the remembrance of Charlotte Clopton, and the dear friends he had
+lost, over and anon "stopped the career of laughter with a sigh," and
+he, at such moments, felt almost unfitted for the scene.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, a charm to one of his disposition in these old wild
+rites and superstitions; and, as after midnight the revellers sat round
+the hearth, and each one was called upon for the tale of grammarie, the
+ghost story, or the fairy tale, he at length gave himself up to the
+enjoyment of the hour and season.</p>
+
+<p>The peasantry of our times have scarce an idea of the enjoyment
+consequent upon the old creeds and superstitions of their forefathers.
+Their dispositions are soured, their lives squalid, their style brutal,
+and in comparison to the good old English peasant, the jovial hearty
+yeoman of Elizabeth's day, they are a miserable race. The innocence of
+the old age is fled, and 'tis now all driving harshness, and hard
+selfish utilitarianism.</p>
+
+<p>Our fairy creed, amongst other things of more moment, and which was wont
+to be so cherished amongst the superstitions of the peasantry, is gone
+from their memories.</p>
+
+<p>Not a sprite is left to skim the cream from the bowl,&mdash;not a silver
+piece is now ever lent to the <i>favoured</i> maiden, <i>without the rate of
+interest</i>, and found by her at early dawn.</p>
+
+<p>Puck and Robin Goodfellow, and all their elfin throng, <i>have fled ever</i>
+from the scene. At the period of our story, however, these imaginary
+beings held a prominent place in the minds of our rural populations.
+Nay, so firmly was the existence of these <i>elfins of power</i> believed in,
+and so much influence were they supposed to have over mortals <i>for good
+or ill</i>, that many an old crone spoke with bated breath when she named
+the merry or mischievous pranks of Robin Goodfellow. Many a bold youth
+glanced with eye of fear at the acknowledged haunt of the fay in the
+forest glade, and many a maiden held the household sprite in religious
+awe, as she swept her kitchen at early dawn.</p>
+
+<p>That such feelings and superstitions were idle and ridiculous (amongst
+the bold peasantry of England in a former age) is true. Still, they gave
+a charm to each shadowy grove and unfrequented wood, and caused an
+interest in the different wild scenes of beauty where the elfin crew,
+"those merry wanderers of the night," were wont to hold their moonlight
+revels, and dance their ringlets to the whistling wind, which to our own
+times is unknown.</p>
+
+<p>The more noisy sports of the night had finished. The party, nothing
+loth, for even pleasure is fatiguing, were now seated round the blazing
+hearth. To noise and loud laughter succeeded the cough of the crone&mdash;the
+saw of the old man's tale&mdash;the tale "of woeful ages long ago betide,"
+and the chirp of the cricket; whilst the ruddy glow of the fire was
+reflected upon the faces and forms of tho listeners sitting around. The
+maidens, too, crept more closely to their admiring swains, as they
+glanced fearfully behind during the progress of the tale; more than one
+kiss was taken on the sly, by way of assurance against the spectre. The
+last pipkin of good liquor simmered upon the hearth, and, in short, it
+was now the very "sweet o' the night."</p>
+
+<p>To Shakespeare this was a delightful moment. His mind seized upon the
+secret feelings of the assemblage. He saw them in their ignorance and
+superstition: and though conscious of his own superiority over the rude
+throng, "sitting 'mongst men like a descended god,"&mdash;nay, in after days,
+remembering these meetings and the feelings they had engendered, he
+founded an elfin world of his own on the traditions of the peasantry,
+and clothed them in the ever-living flowers of his own exuberant fancy.
+Yes, he who was to astonish the universal world, sat in that cottage
+like one lost in a dream&mdash;a dream which these simple superstitions had
+conjured up. The snow-storm still rattled on the casement, the fire grew
+dim on the hearth, the room darkened down, the wind whistled without,
+and sounded drear amongst the mossed trees in old Hathaway's orchard, as
+he listened, and, as his arm stole round the waist of the sweet Anne, he
+forgot his recent troubles, and already felt himself half in love,
+whilst the tale and the song still went on.</p>
+
+<p>That gentle and unassuming mortal was the last person to presume upon
+his own feelings and knowledge; he felt pleased and delighted with the
+company he was thrown amongst, and extracted amusement and instruction
+from the veriest clod-pate there. Perhaps the enjoyment of the circle
+was the more perfect, too, from the growing storm, which as it rattled
+sharply against the casements, added to the comfort within, by the
+apparent discomfort without.</p>
+
+<p>Remembrance lingers o'er such scenes, and the lapse of time gives them
+an interest which at the period they scarcely seemed to possess. Yes,
+time hallows in after days the scene and hour, and softens the
+remembrance of it even as age softens the touches of a picture.</p>
+
+<p>"Ugh-ugh," coughed the old grandsire, when called upon for his story.
+"There have been many tales told of Robin Goodfellow in my young days,
+an I could but remember them. Nay, I can recollect myself sad pranks he
+used to play. Both him and Hobgoblin, as we used to call t'other sprite.
+In those days the witches were more plentiful than now, though their
+evil deeds are rife enow at all times&mdash;God 'ild us; but even the witches
+themselves were no more terrible than was Robin and his rout. Mass, I
+wish I could remember one half of the merry jests, mad pranks, and
+mischiefs he used to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, grandsire," said Anne Hathaway, "but this Robin doth no harm now,
+except it to be to knaves and queans, as he is Oberon's own son, so his
+royal father hath enjoined him not to harm the good and thrifty."</p>
+
+<p>"Of a verity," said the elder Hathaway, "such is the case in some sort.
+Nevertheless, Anne, in my time, sad pranks have been played in the night
+season by Robin."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, and as many good turns done too by him in mine," said old dame
+Hathaway. "What, hath not the elf oft-times ground the malt, swept clean
+the house, and washed all the children's faces in the night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," said the other, "and pinched the maids black and blue for
+laziness; and even carried them out fast asleep into the green meadows
+in the night, and led poor wayfarers out of the way to perish in some
+deep wash."<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>"Well, well," said Master Hathaway, "cleanliness and thrift, and a good
+hunk of bread in one's pouch, will do much; not only to keep off the
+elf, but to keep one from hungering in the quagmire, for what saith the
+rhyme."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thy fairy elves who thee mislead with stories<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Into the mire, then at thy folly smile,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Yea, clap their hands for joy. Were I used so;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I should shake hands with them, and turn their foe.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Old country folks, who pixie leading fear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bear bread about them to prevent that harm!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Come, tell us, grandsire," said Anne, "how you met the fairies coming
+one night from Monkspath."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad-a-mercy, lass, I had almost forgotten all about it," said the old
+host, who indeed had most likely dreamt the adventure one night in his
+cups, and then related it till he himself believed it was a fact. "Why,
+you see, when I was a yonker, there were terrible deeds done in England.
+We didn't live then so peaceable-like, as we do now, under our blessed
+Queen Elizabeth. A man's life in those days warn't thought o' so much
+value as in ourn; by the same token, stabbing, smashing, hanging, and
+heading, and all sorts of wild work, were the order of the day,&mdash;more
+the pity. We hadn't then either such goodly dwellings, at least so many
+on 'em. Men were men then, and hadn't such luxuries as now. Ugh-ugh,
+Gad-a-mercy! I have seen the time when we used to sleep o' nights in the
+open fields as comfortably as under a roof. Nay, we hadn't such beds
+either then. A shake-down of the fern, or a clean bed of straw, with a
+log of wood for the head, was enow for most folks. I struck a good
+strike for Harry at Bosworth Field what time old Shakespeare&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," interrupted John Hathaway, "Bosworth bye and bye. The
+fairy story now, father."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I war only going to say that yonder lad's grandfather (old
+Shakespeare of Stratford) could have borne me out, had he been alive,
+since he war at the battle of Bosworth too. Both he and I were together,
+jammed in amongst the spearmen, when King Richard pressed up on his
+white horse, and nearly struck young Richmond down. Mass, he were a
+fierce devil that day, and raged like a fiend. Richmond, I remember,
+bore back, as well as he might, an Richard had not been beaten off by
+the good knights around, the hot king had fairly brained him. Two I saw
+him fell with my own eyes ere he was forced away. Ah, he were a goodly
+sight to look on that day; and if deeds of daring and good soldiership
+could ha gotten the day, Richard had had it. He wore his crown upon his
+helmet, I remember, and (albins men liked him not) by my fay, he looked
+a king. No man that lived and beheld him but saw that."</p>
+
+<p>"But the fairies, grandsire, the fairies?" said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well; bide a bit. Where war I? Ah, I see. I had a mad horse in
+Shottery&mdash;what time I came back from Leicestershire&mdash;and I would fain
+have sold him; so I e'en rode him along with some other youngsters to
+Kenilworth Green, where there war a wake holden underneath the abbey
+walls. Folks spoke darkly of old Kenilworth then. Now I'm told there be
+rare new buildings reared up there."</p>
+
+<p>"There are," said Ralph Coulter. "A fine new castle hath been built by
+the Earl, glorious to look on, and called Leicester's Buildings, and
+ornamented, that it would do you good to look on 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said the elder Hathaway, "times are changed hugely. At the time I
+speak of old Clinton's Tower was ornamented and hung with the bodies of
+caitiffs, traitors, and outlaws; for the whole country round was full of
+disturbance, famine, and war. Howbeit, as I was saying, I went to
+Kenilworth to sell my sorrel nag; but I couldn't do so. So after I had
+taken a draught at the Leicester Arms there, I rode away to a relation I
+had at Monkspath. Travelling was very unsafe then, as you may
+believe&mdash;worse than now-a-days&mdash;and I hastened on to get through the
+woods before nightfall; and when I had got within about a mile of
+Monkspath, I saw a man, just as it began to grow twilight, coming
+towards me. He was dressed in a bright green doublet, and either my
+eyes deceived me, or the good liquor of the hostel made me see double,
+but he had a sort of <i>familiar</i> flitting at his back. He was very small
+in make and height, and wore a bright golden bugle at his waist. My
+horse stopped of himself as the little man came up, and seemed all of a
+tremble, and wouldn't pass him nohow; so I dismounted, and tried to lead
+him past. But it wur all one; the horse wur fixed as firm as one of the
+old oaks beside us. 'Will you sell that brute?' said the little hunter.
+''Tis what I wish,' I answered. 'It is very ugly: is it a cow or a
+horse?' said the little man. 'He was a horse a minute ago,' I answered;
+'but now he seems turned to stone: I can't make him go, no wise.' 'My
+people have got him fast,' said the little man; 'he can't go. What do
+you ask for him?' inquired the little wretch. 'Fifteen pieces,' I said.
+'There's thirty,' said the little man. 'Now stand aside whilst I mount.'
+So saying, the little gentleman gave me the thirty pieces, and got upon
+the horse. No sooner had he done so than the beast went mad outright, I
+thought. He flew about, capered, and kicked out his heels, as if a flame
+of fire had lighted on his crupper. I ran to get out of the way, for
+fear of being struck, and when I turned, lo, horse and man were clean
+gone&mdash;sink into the earth as it were, and vanished, leaving me in the
+greatest of terror and confusion; whilst a wild and beautiful strain&mdash;a
+sort of hollow winding note of a bugle&mdash;seemed to pass through the air."</p>
+
+<p>"Strange," said several of the listeners. "Was it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as I had a little recovered myself," continued the quaint old
+man, "I hastened on to Monkspath, and sought my relation. He took me to
+an old monk belonging to the abbey beside the castle, to whom I told the
+story, and asked his advice about the money, and whether I might use it.
+The monk gave me leave to use one-half the money, provided I gave him t'
+other half; 'for,' said he, 'as you in no way circumvented or
+endeavoured to cheat the buyer, be he witch, devil, or fairy, you are
+fully entitled to what you asked. The other fifteen pieces,' said he, 'I
+will lay up in store for the use of our abbey.' On this assurance I was
+well satisfied, so I hastened to get out the purse the little gentleman
+had given me; but the worst of it all was that no purse could I find; my
+pocket was empty, my purse gone, and the monk rated at me for a knave,
+whilst my relation laughed at me for a fool."</p>
+
+<p>"He, he, he&mdash;ugh&mdash;O dear&mdash;O dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"And the horse," said Anne&mdash;"the horse? you forgot the horse,
+grandfather."</p>
+
+<p>"The horse&mdash;oh, ah, true enough&mdash;the horse. Why I found him, on my
+return home here, grazing quietly in the orchard, with his saddle turned
+under his belly, and covered with mud and mire, as if he had been drawn
+through all the mosses and sloughs between this and Coventry."</p>
+
+<p>"And you was not at all flustered that night?" said Shakespeare. "Pardon
+the question, But I thought the little man in green might have treated
+you to an extra cup."</p>
+
+<p>"Body o' me,&mdash;what I drunk! Not a whit. I had had just enough to make me
+all right. I'd a drunk about as much that night as I have to-night, or
+perhaps a quart more."</p>
+
+<p>"And who do you then suppose the buyer was?" inquired Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Who?" said the old host, "why, who but Robin Goodfellow, his own self!
+Who else should it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"True," said Shakespeare, laughing; "there's no question on't."</p>
+
+<p>"A song, a song," said Dick, the shepherd. "Let fair Mistress Anne sing
+the song about Robin."</p>
+
+<p>Anne Hathaway accordingly, in a marvellously sweet voice, and to the old
+tune of Dulcina, sang some verses, which, although not word for word the
+same, in some sort were like the following stanzas:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">I.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">From Oberon, in fairy land,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">The king of ghosts and shadows there,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Mad Robin I, at his command,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Am sent to view the night sports here.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What revel rout<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It kept about<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I will o'ersee<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And merry be<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In every corner where I go,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And make good sport with ho, ho, ho!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">II.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When house or hearth doth sluttish lie,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">I pinch the maidens black and blue;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The bed-clothes from the bed pull I,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And lay them naked all to view.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Twixt sleep and wake<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I do them take,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And on the clay-cold floor them throw;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If out they cry,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then forth I fly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And loudly laugh I, ho, ho, ho.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">III.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">By wells and rills, in meadows green<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">We nightly dance out hey-day guise<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And to our fairy king and queen<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">We dance our moonlight minstrelsies.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When larks 'gin sing<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Away we fling,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And babes new-born steal as we go,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An elf instead<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We leave in bed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And wind out-laughing, ho, ho, ho!<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<p>How much longer Mistress Anne Hathaway's song might have continued it is
+impossible to say, but as she finished the last verse steps were heard
+without the door, followed by sounds, as if some one in a faint voice
+demanded admittance, and then a dull heavy blow, like a person falling,
+and which shook the door violently.</p>
+
+<p>The wind piped loud and drear, whilst all paused and listened, and
+presently a deep groan, which appeared to come into the very room from
+beneath the door, still further startled the party.</p>
+
+<p>The village maidens were too much frightened to cry out, but each threw
+herself into the arms of the swain next her, whilst Master Hathaway rose
+from his seat, and Shakespeare felt obliged to bestow a kiss upon the
+ripe lips of Anne, in order to reassure her.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad-a-mercy," said Hathaway, "'tis surely Robin himself come amongst
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Dame Hathaway, "this comes of singing ribald songs to offend
+him. Now the good year; what shall we do to appease the sprite? Ah,
+mercy on me, there is another groan, as I am a true woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Some one is surely in distress," said Shakespeare, rising, "suffer me
+to unbar the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Troth, I'd rather not," said Hathaway; "since it may be a device of the
+evil one to come amongst us."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but it may be some wayfarer lost or misled on this inclement
+night," said Shakespeare. "A few minutes' neglect may cause death. I
+pr'ythee allow me to open and look out. There are enough of us here," he
+continued, smiling at the horror-stricken peasants, "to cudgel Puck and
+all his crew."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Shakespeare stepped across to the door, and, drawing the
+bolts, quickly opened it, when the body of a man to all appearance dead,
+rolled into the apartment.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MISLED WANDERER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The visitation we have just described caused a sufficiently startling
+interruption to the cozy comfort of the entire party. Young Shakespeare
+started back in some surprise, and the whole circle, springing from
+their seats, stood gazing upon the object so suddenly introduced amongst
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The villagers looked upon the visitation as something supernatural, and
+were afraid to move; but Shakespeare, after closing the door, with main
+force against the driving wind and snow, stooped down and examined the
+object at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Move the log upon the hearth, Master Hathaway," he said, "and make it
+send up a flame, so that I may see better. Ah, 'tis as I thought, some
+poor devil caught in the storm. He seems dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Dead!" cried Dame Hathaway, regaining courage, when she found the
+visitor was not a fairy, or perhaps Robin Goodfellow in <i>propriâ
+personâ</i>. "Dead! Gad-a-mercy, how dreadful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Best warm his inside," said Master Hathaway, approaching. "Here, let us
+drag him close to the fire, and give him something to drink."</p>
+
+<p>Suiting the action to the word, Master Hathaway took the inanimate body
+by the shoulders, and, drawing it before the fire, laid it along upon
+the hearth,&mdash;a ghastly object,&mdash;appearing, in the blazing light, the
+prostrate form of what had once been a tall strong man. The face was
+now, however, pinched and ghastly, and the limbs already stiffening.</p>
+
+<p>The readiest remedy at hand being a portion of the hot cider, with the
+hissing crab in it, some was immediately poured down the throat of the
+prostrate wayfarer, whilst all hands set to work to draw off the heavy
+boots, and divest him of some of his outer garments, in order to rub and
+chafe his body. In the progress of this operation it became apparent
+that the person of the visitor had been exposed to all the vicissitudes
+of flood and field; since the mud frozen upon his outer garments, and
+the peat-moss which was incrusted upon his long boots, doublet, and torn
+belt, showed that he had wandered through more than one morass in his
+progress.</p>
+
+<p>He was evidently a person of condition, as was apparent from his dress,
+which, torn and soiled as it was, proclaimed the rank of the wearer, by
+its fashion. He was completely armed too, having a long heavy sword in
+his belt, and poniard in his girdle.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said old Hathaway, as he gazed upon the man's face, after pouring
+a draught of hot cider down his throat; "I surely know that
+countenance."</p>
+
+<p>"See, he's coming to," said Dame Hathaway; "he opens his eyes, aye, and
+his mouth too. Give him more liquor."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis so," said Hathaway, after regarding the prostrate form; "I thought
+I knew that face. Dame," said he, calling his wife aside, "this is a
+somewhat dangerous visitor, inasmuch as he is one whom it is considered
+treason to shelter."</p>
+
+<p>"And who then is it, husband?" inquired the Dame.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis Eustace the priest," whispered Hathaway, "who used to lie up at
+Clopton, and through whom 'tis said the old knight got into so much
+trouble. His coming bodes no good to us, I fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad be here" said Dame Hathaway, "that's ill tidings to give us on a
+twelfth-night, or rather morn. But be he priest or sinner, traitor or
+faitour, or whatever else he may turn out, we cannot do otherwise than
+help him in his present need."</p>
+
+<p>"Right," said Hathaway; "we must shelter the man, that's certain."</p>
+
+<p>In accordance to this humane resolve, and which was indeed at the period
+sufficiently hazardous, the priest was conveyed up stairs, and laid upon
+a four-post bed. But although every attention was paid to him, it was
+soon apparent that his hours were numbered.</p>
+
+<p>Calling Dame Hathaway to his bed side, as he somewhat recovered, the
+priest desired that Master Hathaway might be summoned.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear me your kindness, good Master Hathaway," he said, "may possibly
+get you into misfortune; and were I able to rise and leave your cottage,
+I would rather do so, than lay you under the danger of succouring me."</p>
+
+<p>"Heed it not," said the good farmer, "a belated wayfarer should ever
+find shelter in an Englishman's cottage."</p>
+
+<p>"But, in me," said the priest, "you behold a man condemned to death, and
+whom the officers of justice are now in search of."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you only as one in need," returned the farmer. "Those who search
+know for what they search. You are welcome to my roof whilst needing it.
+When you no longer need it, go forth."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never leave it alive," said the priest. "Listen whilst I relate
+the causes which have driven me to this extremity."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Hathaway, "sleep would do you more good. But an it pleases
+you to be a talker, I am all attention."</p>
+
+<p>"You doubtless know me," said the priest, "and so much of my history as
+led me to fly from Clopton what time the good Sir Hugh was arrested and
+sent to the Tower."</p>
+
+<p>"Hap I do, hap I don't," said the farmer. "Take another sip of the warm
+sack my dame hands you, and go on from thence. At least I've heard of
+the events of that night."</p>
+
+<p>"I escaped pursuit on that night," said the priest. "They sought me in
+the south, but I fled north, across the border, and took refuge in
+Scotland."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said old Hathaway, "I dare be sworn there you found plenty of your
+own sort. Scot and plot hath rhymed together pretty often during this
+reign."</p>
+
+<p>"It hath," said Eustace; "and I speedily entered into a plot there."</p>
+
+<p>"One you found ready-made to your hand," said Hathaway; "Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did," said the priest. "I fell in, whilst in the mountains, with one
+Morgan, also a fugitive from England: he introduced me to Babington,
+Savage, and others, who were zealous Catholics, and engaged in a project
+for dethroning Elizabeth, and restoring by force of arms the exercise of
+the ancient and true religion. The Pope, the Spaniard, and the Duke of
+Guise, had all emissaries amongst this company. I, however, persuaded
+them of the vanity of any attempts upon the kingdom, so long as one so
+prudent and popular as Elizabeth was suffered to live. An assassination,
+an insurrection, and an invasion, must at one and the same time be
+attempted, I told them, that they saw at once the force of my arguments.
+We met, during this discussion, in an old castle situate in Strathdon,
+and called Corgarff&mdash;a wild and desolate place. To you who dwell in
+fertile and pleasant England, my good folks," continued the priest, "the
+aspect of the wild region in which we held our meetings, would have
+appeared sufficiently terrible. No shrub, no tree, not a blade of grass
+was to be seen on this drear mountain land. Nothing but blasted heath,
+rocky glens, and deep morasses. The people wild, desperate and fearful,
+as the land they inhabit."</p>
+
+<p>"In few," continued the priest, "having assumed the disguise of a
+soldier, and the name of Geffrey, I left this place for England, with
+the purpose of obtaining a secret interview with the Queen of Scots,
+during her imprisonment. This opportunity I found whilst the queen was
+in custody of Sir Amias Paulet, rigorous as that confinement was. To her
+I communicated tidings, that on the event of Elizabeth's death, her own
+deliverance would be attempted; all the zealous Catholics would fly to
+arms, and that foreign forces taking advantage of the general confusion,
+would fix her upon the English throne, and re-establish the Catholic
+religion."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas! what terrible doings you who meddle with religious matters
+think upon," said Master Hathaway; "better to kneel down under the blue
+sky, and worship God without form and ceremony, if such is to be upheld
+by treason and bloodshed, from one end of the kingdom to the other."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! thou speakest wiser than thou art aware of," said the father,
+"and after a life of intrigue and dark underhand doings, in death I find
+that all such measures are but a serving the cause of the devil, in
+place of doing our duty towards God."</p>
+
+<p>The dying priest now became so faint and exhausted that he could
+scarcely proceed.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel," he said, "the hand of death rapidly approaching, and bitterly
+doth it now weigh upon my soul, that I have in some sort aided the
+enemies of my country in raising that dreadful tempest which sooner or
+later must now fall upon the land."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly a heavy weight to lay upon the breast of a sick man," said
+Hathaway, shuddering. "And how then came you thus?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our scheme," said the priest, "was discovered. Nay, it had been all
+along known. The Queen of Scots approved the project, and even when we
+were ripe and ready for action, one of our party, named Ballard was
+seized. This indeed so alarmed us, that finding we were also strictly
+watched wherever we went, we dispersed in parties, and under cover of
+night, and in various disguises, we fled from London a week back.</p>
+
+<p>"Of all who were engaged, however, and we numbered fifteen individuals,
+all, I have since learned in the different towns where I have ventured,
+have been taken, some in woods, some in barns and outhouses where they
+sought shelter; nay, I have myself lain in concealment beneath the straw
+in the barn adjoining your cottage here for the last few days. This
+morning I stole out, and whilst you were engaged with your village
+dance, I endeavoured to reach a secret refuge known to me at Clopton,
+and which place I concluded was uninhabited. Unexpectedly, however, I
+found as I entered the private part of the mansion, that I was mistaken.
+I was encountered by one Martin Delville, who it seems hath remained in
+charge of the hall. He attempted to seize me, and in defending myself, I
+received a shot in the breast. Still I managed to escape, and wandering
+through the country, I endeavoured to find some place of refuge, some
+roof where I might be sheltered. Faint with loss of blood, I still held
+onwards in the hope of reaching Stratford, but a dancing light, which at
+one moment seemed to await my coming, and the next went bounding from
+me, and by following which I have been more than once nearly drowned, at
+length led me back to the spot from whence I had started. As the light
+vanished from my eyes, its place was supplied by the distant appearance
+of your comfortable fire, seen through the casement, and the driving
+snow. I but managed to reach your door, and that was all&mdash;life is fast
+ebbing away with the blood that flows from my wound."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, cheer up," said Dame Hathaway, "perhaps it may not be so bad; I
+have some Friar's balsam here at hand which will do wonderful things."</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, goodwife," said Hathaway, "I see death in his face. He
+bleeds inwardly as thou see'st, and is almost choked. Not all the friars
+that ever lived could save him, and to speak truth he hath had already
+quite enough to do with such cattle, for see what sloughs and pitfalls
+they have led him into."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Dame Hathaway, "it was Robin Goodfellow, you see, who led
+him into all these sloughs and pitfalls he describes, and at length
+brought him to our door."</p>
+
+<p>"Robin Goodfellow, or Robin Badfellow,"<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> said old Hathaway&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+
+
+<p>"Hist, hist!" said Dame Hathaway, "never abuse Robin if you wish to
+thrive."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go to," said her husband, "the man is sped, and there's an end.
+Do thou and Anne remain with him whilst I go down to the lads below.
+'Tis almost dawn. Alas, alas! this is a sad finish to our twelfth-tide
+sports; but we must still not suffer our guests to depart without their
+breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>As Hathaway spoke, he descended to the apartment below, where the guests
+were still sitting around the fire, and discussing matters appertaining
+to the appearance of the misled wayfarer, and telling of woeful tales
+and dire stories, which suited the hour and the circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>At old Hathaway's re-appearance amongst the circle, all were set to work
+to clear up the apartment, put it to rights, and prepare for the
+breakfast it was customary to partake of before the company finally
+broke up. The first faint streaks of dawn were beginning to appear as
+they departed. The snow-storm had cleared up, the diamond panes of the
+windows were fretted with frozen crystals, and as old Hathaway threw
+open the door and looked forth, the trees in the orchard were heaving
+with congealed snow, the ground was covered with the same white sheet,
+icicles hung in clusters from the roofs of the outhouses, and all around
+was softened and rounded by one white feathery crust. In short, it was
+one of those delicious winter mornings so often seen after a driving
+dreary and tempestuous night,&mdash;&mdash;a morning in which the old world look
+of the buildings and barns around, seen in the clear wintry air, and the
+while flaky look of the country, gives so delightful an aspect to a
+rural hamlet.</p>
+
+<p>Old Hyems seems then to smile as benignantly as he can,&mdash;&mdash;to have
+smoothed the icy furrows of his brow, and consented to give to human
+mortals a slight respite, ere he fetches from the frozen bosom of the
+north more cutting blasts and angry winds.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Then icicles hang by the wall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And Dick, the shepherd, blows his nail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then Tom bears logs into the hall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And milk comes frozen home in pail.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When blood is nipp'd, and ways are foul,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then nightly sings the staring owl,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Tu-whit</i>, <i>to-who</i>, a merry note,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While greasy Joan doth keel the pot."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SUITOR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The confession of the dying priest will doubtless recall to our readers
+the state of England at this period. Matters indeed were fast hastening
+towards that great event of Elizabeth's reign, which, for its mighty
+import, and the magnificence of its preparation, is, perhaps, without a
+parallel in the history of the country. The minds of men indeed were at
+this time fully impressed with the certainty of some great and terrible
+convulsion being at hand. It seemed that a fearful storm was surely and
+slowly gathering above their heads, and which, sooner or later, was to
+burst upon the land like some torrent breaking bounds. There was no
+occasion for men to ask each other from whence this ruin was to come.
+The great enemy of the country,&mdash;the haughty, vindictive, and cruel foe
+of England at this period, was the iron-hearted bigot of Spain: and upon
+Spain were the eyes of all men turned with apprehension. 'Twas the
+general theme of conversation, the all-absorbing topic of the day; and
+torture, murder, and every sort of evil that fiends could inflict upon
+the inhabitants of a conquered country was to be expected, should a
+successful invasion take place. Yes; Spain was then the bugbear of
+nearly every Englishman's fire-side. One or two startling events,
+however, which made men "whisper one another in the ear," were to take
+place, ere this grand convulsion shook the nation; and yet, amidst the
+anxieties consequent upon such a state of things, it is curious how
+mankind continue the even tenor of their lives.</p>
+
+<p>The twelfth-tide revel at Shottery had introduced young Shakespeare to
+some new acquaintance in that place. Amidst the youths he had met there,
+he found one or two lads of spirit; and, as he bent his steps across the
+fields towards the village, he would fain have persuaded himself that it
+was to renew his acquaintance with them that he had set forth. Ere he
+had reached the village, however, he felt obliged to confess that the
+real desire of his heart was neither for the companionship of the lads
+of the village, nor to learn tidings of the wounded priest, but really
+and truly to see again and hold converse with the handsome Anne.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Oh heaven, were man but constant<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He were perfect. That one error<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fills him with faults."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Mortals indeed are prone to error; and he whom we reverence as the
+greatest of men, was no more secure from the failings the flesh in heir
+to than his fellows. In truth, the youthful Shakespeare was again in
+love.</p>
+
+<p>Those of the most generous sentiments and finest feelings are perhaps
+more subject to this passion; for,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Eating love inhabits in the finest wits of all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It is not to be supposed that the melancholy fate of the beautiful
+Charlotte was so soon and entirely forgotten; but youth is not the
+season for ever-during melancholy. Bright thoughts will then spring up
+amidst the most gloomy recollections; and if one thing more than another
+can soothe the cares, and help to "pluck from the memory a rooted
+sorrow," it is the sweet companionship of woman in all the brilliancy of
+her glowing charms: and so thought Shakespeare as he took his way across
+those pleasant fields betwixt his own town and Shottery. "Yes," he said,
+as he came within sight of old Hathaway's cottage,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"To heal all grief, to cure all care,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Turn foulest night to fairest day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To breathe delight, Anne <i>Hath a way</i>."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In youth we are more prone to fancy one elder than ourselves. The modest
+lad seems to look up to the full-blown woman, and to feel that his
+attentions, if received, are bestowed upon a worthy object; that he is
+indebted to her who consents to regard one so inferior (as at that
+moment he conceives himself) for women profess, in general, whatever
+they may feel, a contempt for the attentions of a mere boy, as they term
+the lad of seventeen or eighteen&mdash;a foolish lad, whom we laught at for
+his simple folly and childish admiration. This is dangerous sophistry,
+however, for a fair maid to indulge in.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle period of life the fancy of the lover strays towards the
+fresh and budding flower, and the coy maiden is often sought out for a
+wife. In age, alas, 'tis but second childishness.</p>
+
+<p>When Shakespeare reached the cottage of Master Hathaway, he felt his
+heart palpitate as he knocked at the door. His was a new acquaintance,
+and he hardly knew how the good yeoman might receive a visit so soon
+repeated. The voice of the old dame, however, bidding him come in,
+reassured him, and he lifted the latch and entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Master Shakespeare," said the old dame, who was sitting at her
+spinning-wheel, "troth am I right glad to see thee. My husband and I
+have been oft-times talking of you since the night you was here."</p>
+
+<p>"And the goodman," said Shakespeare, "is he hearty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Troth is he, and away to Warwick to-day with Goodman Coulter, Hodge the
+smith, and others."</p>
+
+<p>"And your fair daughter?" said Shakespeare; "I see her not here. How
+fares she?"</p>
+
+<p>"A little dashed in spirit with this matter you wot of&mdash;the wayfarer
+whom we had to bury yesterday," said the dame.</p>
+
+<p>"He is then dead. I thought his end was near."</p>
+
+<p>"He died soon after you left," said Dame Hathaway. "The crowner sat on's
+body, and the man Martin from the Hall was examined with Lawyer Grasp
+and Master Dismal, and the man were known to be an escaped traitor. And
+so he's buried in a hole like a dog; and there's an end. And a good end
+too, if men will go about to compass such mischief as he seems to have
+been hatching all his life."</p>
+
+<p>"And fair Mistress Anne," said Shakespeare, "is she too busied like
+yourself, 'weaving her thread with bones'?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Dame Hathaway, "though she is occupied, she is out in the
+orchard with Mopsy, and Lawyer Grasp, and Master Doubletongue."</p>
+
+<p>"Grasp!" exclaimed Shakespeare, as a sort of strange feeling shot across
+him; "what doth the scrivener at Shottery?"</p>
+
+<p>The dame smiled, knowingly. "The bright day hath brought him forth
+mayhap," said she.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the bright day that brings forth the adder," said Shakespeare;
+"and that Doubletongue too. I am sorry they are acquainted with Mistress
+Anne."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so?" said the dame. "Master Grasp is rich. He hath store of moneys
+'tis said. He hath been saying some pretty things to Anne; nay, in good
+sooth I think he, <i>in some sort</i>, affects her."</p>
+
+<p>"May the pestilence strike the crafty knave!" said Shakespeare to
+himself, as a slight pang of jealousy shot through his breast. "He
+affect the handsome Anne Hathaway!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know Master Grasp?" said Dame Hathaway, inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Shakespeare, drily.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought as much," said the good dame, "for I heard his discourse to
+Anne, and, sooth to say, he did not speak well of you; nay, he speaks
+vilely of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank Heaven, therefore," said Shakespeare, smiling; "the praise of the
+wicked is less to be coveted than their censure. By your leave I will
+seek your daughter in the orchard."</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you do," said Dame Hathaway, "and bid them in to dinner."</p>
+
+<p>When Shakespeare entered the orchard he found the two damsels engaged in
+removing apples from a sort of store-house erected at the further end of
+it, to another outhouse nearer to the dwelling; and, as the two elderly
+swains had gallantly volunteered to assist them in their labours, the
+damsels were amusing themselves by taxing their good-nature and strength
+to the utmost.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly as the youth strolled amongst the tree towards them, he
+beheld the unhappy Grasp bent double under the weight of an enormous
+basket, so filled with apples that he could scarce stagger beneath it,
+whilst Anne Hathaway, with both hands, was still piling up more fruit.
+Master Doubletongue was similarly loaded, and both the maidens were
+laughing till their sides ached at the rueful figures their patient
+lovers exhibited.</p>
+
+<p>The situation was indeed felt by the suitors as sufficiently ridiculous,
+and when they saw some one approaching both would fain have thrown down
+their burthens if they had been able.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I pray thee, Good Mistress Anne," said Grasp, "give me not the
+entire produce of the orchard at one turn. I am neither Hercules nor
+Atlas. My back is well nigh broke, as well as my heart, by your cruelty.
+I would fain stand upright. Heaven relieve me," he muttered to himself,
+"from this pestilent load."</p>
+
+<p>"My strength sufficeth not to remove so large a load," said Anne, still
+laughing, "all I can do is to take them out by degrees, as I have placed
+them <i>one by one</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"I should die ere relieved by so slow a process," said Grasp. "Oh, my
+back, my weary back is cramped with long suffering and weight of
+apples."</p>
+
+<p>"Then trudge off, and throw them into yonder wood-house," said Anne.
+"I'll never entertain your services if you are thus idle."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot budge a foot," said Grasp, "I am, as it were, rooted in the
+snow. Heaven help me."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop whilst I give you this small basketfull," said Anne, emptying more
+apples into the load.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, I can no longer bear it," said Grasp; and he sank upon his
+knees, whilst both the lasses kept piling more apples upon his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I am utterly foredone, and must fain succumb," said Grasp; "my better
+parts are vanquished, lo, I fall," and, as he sank under his burthen,
+the huge load rolled in heaps around him.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be crushed, altogether crushed and flattened like a
+shrove-groat shilling," said Master Doubletongue. "I pray you, fair
+damsel, to help me down with this burthen. I would fain do my best in
+your service, but I am not able, I find, to do the work of a younger
+man."</p>
+
+<p>But the saucy maidens, having brought their two admirers to their
+present doleful state, as soon as they saw young Shakespeare
+approaching, ran, shrieking with laughter to meet him, leaving their
+swains to extricate themselves as they best could.</p>
+
+<p>"I do perceive that I am made an exceeding ass of by this lively
+virgin," said Grasp, gathering himself up from amongst the rolling
+apples; "nevertheless her comeliness and favour hath quite entamed my
+spirits to her worship. I would fain contract a marriage, and the good
+yeoman her father is right willing to receive me for a son-in-law."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said Doubletongue, "should greatly like to wive also, an I
+could achieve the maiden Mopsy. Mass, but she is fresh as an April morn,
+and strong as a porter. Would to Heaven she had relieved me of this
+burthen ere she fled! Help me down with it, good Grasp, an you love me."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was that I saw approaching when the maidens deserted us?" inquired
+Grasp. "See, they are now returning with him into the house, without so
+much as 'I thank ye,' for all we have done for them."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis surely young Shakespeare," said Doubletongue, "your sometime
+clerk."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, the young scapegallows," said Grasp, "by my fay, and so it is. His
+presence here bodes no good to my suit, and I have already possessed
+Mistress Anne with my opinion of him. Nay, Sir Thomas Lucy hath spoken
+with me about him, too. The dare-devil lad hath somehow offended Sir
+Thomas, and he vows to deal hardly with him an he can catch him
+trespassing on his domain. I'll stir him further to't."</p>
+
+<p>"He hath trespassed upon our domains here too, I think, and carried off
+my sweet friend Mopsy," said Doubletongue. "I'll abuse the varlet
+where'er I come."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou canst not say worse of him than he deserves," said Grasp; "an I
+can but once catch him tripping, I'll be his ruin yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks we bad better wend our steps back to Stratford this morning,"
+said Doubletongue. "I am sore wearied, and sorely nipped with the cold
+blast. The pestilence seize this Shakespeare, I had rather not encounter
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"I would we were both rid of him," said Grasp; "albeit I am somewhat
+sorry to leave him in the company of the fair Anne; such a
+smooth-tongued varlet is sufficient to corrupt a whole village."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us slink by and get a peep in at the window," said Doubletongue;
+and the worthy pair of friends left the orchard.</p>
+
+<p>On that evening a youth and a village maiden were soon strolling quietly
+along the footpath leading from Shottery to Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+youth, with head inclined, was telling a soft tale in the ear of his
+companion&mdash;a tale such as evidently was pleasing to her, for her
+handsome face was radiant with smiles. There was something in the step
+and bearing of both which proclaimed them superior to the common ran of
+mortals: albeit their costume was but a degree removed from, and in
+somewhat better taste than that of the peasant of the period. Both were
+extremely handsome, and it was evident they were lovers, inasmuch as
+(although the occasional passer seldom failed to stop and turn to regard
+them) they were so entirely wrapped in each other's society that they
+seemed lost to all external objects.</p>
+
+<p>As they reached a part of the path which in crossed by the high road,
+they stopped, and a stately knight, accompanied by two ladies, and
+attended by several mounted serving men, rode by. The ladies seemed
+struck with the form of the handsome maiden; and the cavalier, after
+passing, turned and leant upon the cantle of his saddle, and steadily
+regarded the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis he," said the Knight of Charlecote, to himself, "and the girl is
+Hathaway's daughter. 'Tis pity she should mate with so reckless a
+youth."</p>
+
+<p>"Who, said ye, they are?" inquired the elder daughter of Sir Thomas;
+"methinks I have seen the youth at Clopton Hall."</p>
+
+<p>"See him when and where thou wilt, Alicia," returned the knight, "I fear
+me you will have seen but a graceless suitor, from all I have learned
+through the scrivener Grasp. 'Tis the wool-comber's eldest son, young
+Shakespeare of Stratford."</p>
+
+<p>After this brief discourse, the party rode on.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SHOTTERY HALL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>With lovers, days, weeks, and months pass swiftly by. The fair and witty
+Rosalind is made to tell us, however, that time trots hard with a young
+maid, between the contract of her marriage and the day it is solemnized,
+for "if the interim be but a se'night, time's pace is so hard, that it
+seems the length of seven years."</p>
+
+<p>With the swifter foot of time, however, during the even course of love
+between young Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, we shall pace over some few
+months in our history.</p>
+
+<p>Angry winter must be supposed to have departed; the fields and meadows
+to have thrown off his livery, and the woodland scene around
+Stratford-upon-Avon, to be dressed in the green investiture of the
+coming spring.</p>
+
+<p>The hard pace of time therefore must be now imagined to be progressing
+with the fair Anne, inasmuch as she has been wooed and won by the
+youthful Shakespeare. She is indeed between the contract of her marriage
+and its solemnization.</p>
+
+<p>It was one lovely evening, about this period of our story, that an
+exceedingly handsome female was sitting pensive and melancholy in her
+own apartment at Shottery Hall, a large mansion situated just without
+the village.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers have before had a glimpse of this lady, during the eventful
+night of the party at Clopton, what time she was engaged in the dance
+with Walter Arderne. Clara de Mowbray had indeed, been one of the
+intimate friends of the fair Charlotte, her confidant and associate from
+childhood. She was herself an orphan, and possessed of great wealth; and
+although but one-and-twenty years of age, seemed to have already given
+up the pleasures of the world, and dedicated her days to good and
+charitable deeds in and around her own neighbourhood. She was,
+therefore, as a matter of course, the lady patroness of the little
+village near which she dwelt.</p>
+
+<p>Whether it was that she mourned over the fate of the early friend, whose
+death had been attended with such awful and melancholy circumstances, or
+whether the loss of her parents had left a sad impression upon her
+spirits, we cannot tell; but certain it is, that Clara de Mowbray seemed
+to labour under some secret and deep-seated grief, which rendered
+society a burden to her.</p>
+
+<p>As she sat on this evening in her own apartment, her attendant announced
+a maiden from the village, who was desirous of seeing her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the handsome Anne Hathaway&mdash;&mdash;is it not?" inquired Clara. "Indeed
+I sent to request she would come hither."</p>
+
+<p>"It is, lady," returned the attendant.</p>
+
+<p>"Set a chair for her here beside the window, and wait on her in."</p>
+
+<p>"They tell me she is soon to be wedded," said the attendant, as she
+brushed the chair with her apron, "and that she hath refused a good
+offer for the sake of her present lover."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard as much," said the lady; "and 'tis of that I would speak
+with her."</p>
+
+<p>The Lady Clara had known Anne Hathaway from childhood, consequently,
+there was little of form or ceremony between her and the more humble
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I have sent for you, Anne," said Clara, as soon as the damsel entered,
+"to talk about your future prospects. I have been so great a recluse,
+that I have only just heard of your intended marriage. I trust you will
+be happy, Anne."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, lady," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you <i>think so</i>?" inquired Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"Wherefore should I not, lady?" inquired Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"There are one or two things," continued the lady, "I have heard of your
+betrothed, which leads me to ask the question, Anne; and also because we
+are old friends, and I love you. In the first place, I hear your suitor
+is younger than yourself. Is't not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is, lady," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"And I hear also that he is of no calling; that he is poor, and his
+friends needy."</p>
+
+<p>"All that you have said is true," said Anne Hathaway; "<i>but</i>&mdash;" and she
+paused.</p>
+
+<p>"But you are in love," said Clara. "Well, I suppose there is no advice I
+can give you which will avail against that argument. I would have you,
+however, consider well; and (as I know neither of the parties) I cannot
+judge in how far your own judgment is right in this matter."</p>
+
+<p>"I would you could see the two together," said Anne, smiling, "you would
+then have little left to urge in favour of my richer suitor."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!" said Clara, smiling; "yet one word more, Anne. I hear the
+youth&mdash;let me see, how is he named?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare," said Anne, "William Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, I hear that this lover of yours&mdash;this young Shakespeare, is
+of a daring spirit; that he associates with youths as reckless as
+himself; and that, in very sooth, he bears altogether a character for
+idleness even in the town where he dwells."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you charge him with in particular?" said Anne, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nothing more than I have hinted at," said Clara. "He is slightly
+regarded by the townsfolk of Stratford, from his idle propensities. If
+there be a bear to be baited at Kenilworth Green, who so sure to be
+there as this younker. If there is a wrestling-match and a bull-baiting
+at Coventry, thither is your swain sure to go. If there be, in short, a
+wake or fair, or revel, in this or the adjoining county, young
+Shakespeare is as certain to be seen upon the Green as those resident on
+the spot. Nay, I have been told that he hath himself beaten one of our
+Warwickshire champions here at Shottery last Christmas, and that he is
+giving to poaching withal."</p>
+
+<p>"In respect ye have named his delight in all sort of out-door sports,
+you are right, lady," said Anne; "but that he is given to poaching is a
+malicious rumour."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Clara, "I see your affections are set upon this match, and
+far be it from me to oppose your will. I too well know the misery of
+blighted love. Heaven guard you, Anne. Ere you wed, it would please me
+to see <i>the youth</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"You have seen him," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember him not," said Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas at Clopton you met with him," said Anne. "William hath told me he
+met you on the night of that unhappy ball, and that Master Walter
+Arderne shewed you to him in the room."</p>
+
+<p>Clara started. She then said, in some surprise, "Did your lover know
+Walter, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were sworn friends, lady," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare!" said Clara. "'Tis a name I remember. Was not the youth
+who saved Charlotte Clopton from death in the park called Shakespeare?
+If so, him indeed have I met at Clopton, and have heard both Charlotte
+and Walter Arderne speak of."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the same youth, lady," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed," said Clara; "that doth indeed surprise me;" and Clara remained
+for some time lost in deep thought. "I have a relic," she said, "of
+Charlotte's given me by Martin, and which was much treasured by poor
+Charlotte. 'Tis a small piece of verse of exquisite beauty. If I
+recollect rightly, Martin told me it was written by this lad&mdash;this lover
+of yours. Stay, I will shew it you;" and Clara, after searching in a
+small casket, brought forth a scrap of paper with some verses written on
+it, which she read aloud, and then handed to Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not much given to poetry," said Anne, smiling; "but I see by the
+character they are written by William; but methinks I should have known
+them for his by other tokens. He often repeats such verse in our walks.
+He hath written scores of such pieces as the one I now hold in my hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, I cannot wondor at what I have heard," said the lady;
+"neither am I surprised at such a man being the friend of Walter
+Arderne. There is one thing more I would ask," said Clara, blushing.
+"You know my secret, Anne, and can perhaps give me some news of him you
+wot of, through means of your lover. Where now is Walter Arderne?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall grieve you, lady, if I say that for some time no accounts have
+been received of him, and it is greatly feared he hath perished amongst
+the adventurers with whom he left England."</p>
+
+<p>"How is this news derived?" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"William hath learnt so much from Martin, whom he has occasionally seen
+whilst Martin remained at Clopton; but latterly Martin seemed to grow
+uneasy, and as reports were circulated relative to the loss of that part
+of the expedition with which Master Arderne sailed, he at length left
+Clopton, where he had been residing almost alone, and went to London.
+Whilst there he met some of the adventurers who had returned with Sir
+Francis Drake, and of them he heard dire accounts of the dangers and
+hardships they had encountered. From them too he learned that Walter
+Arderne had greatly distinguished himself amongst the followers of
+Christopher Carlisle at the taking of St. Jago, near Cape de Verde; that
+he had afterwards sailed for Hispaniola, and assaulted and taken St.
+Domingo. He was also heard of on the coast of Florida; and it was at the
+burning of one of the towns, either St. Anthony or St. Helens, on that
+coast, that Master Arderne is supposed to have perished."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he then not seen and identified amongst the slain or wounded?"
+inquired Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears not," said Anne. "The expedition, with the exception of some
+smaller ships separated from them in a storm, sailed along the coast o£
+Virginia, where they found the remains of a colony previously planted
+there by Sir Walter Raleigh, and which had almost gone to decay. The
+miserable remnant of adventurers," continued Anne, "who were found by
+Sir Francis Drake at this place, and who are described to have appeared
+more like living mummies than Christian men, abandoned their settlement,
+and prevailed on Sir Francis Drake to bring them to England."</p>
+
+<p>"And have no further tidings been since heard?" inquired Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing certain. A small portion of the fleet which separated from
+Drake's squadron after this, and sailed along the coast of Florida,
+inflamed with rage against the Spaniards and the riches they had already
+gained, after a short cruise, returned with an account of their having
+observed a wreck near Raleigh's ruined colony;<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> and that they had even
+seen some individuals apparently again located there. They had, however,
+steadily pursued their course without inquiry; albeit they judged this
+wreck to have been one of the ships Walter Arderne had held command in."</p>
+
+
+
+<p>"So then," said Clara, "these unfortunate men may have been left to
+perish, exposed to all the vicissitudes of war and climate, and
+half-naked in an enemy's country!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis to be feared so," returned Anne, "although the dreadful mortality
+which the climate produced amongst Drake's followers is but a feeble
+restraint on the avidity and sanguine expectation of the young
+adventurers of England; nay, other expeditions are said to be about to
+set sail; should it be so, that coast may be again visited."</p>
+
+<p>"And this you have learnt from your lover?" said Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"I have, lady; he loves to talk to me in our walks about the wonders
+seen in these islands of the sea in the far West. I would you could hear
+him describe what he has learnt from one or two of the youths who have
+adventured and returned: how they have seen and landed upon islands
+inhabited by people of wondrous appearance; islands full of strange
+sounds, and in which the most ravishing melody floated in the air, the
+musicians being spirits and invisible to sight."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks," said Clara, "I should much like to hear your lover's account
+of such wonders."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, so interested is he in these accounts, and the riches to be found
+on the Spanish main, that had I not over-ruled his design, he would
+himself have adventured this year with Martin Frobisher."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard something of Frobisher's former expedition," said Clara.
+"What were the particulars?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I can but inform you as I have learned it from the lips of
+others," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"They set out, I have heard," said Clara, "for the purpose of
+discovering a passage to Cataia, in the Indies, by the north-west seas.
+I do not myself quite understand such matters, but I believe they sailed
+beyond Friesland, where they came in sight of land inhabited by strange
+and savage people. In this land they discovered some black substance
+like sea-coal, and on their return showed it to a goldsmith in London,
+and he found it to be rich in gold ore, was't not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was, lady," said Anne; "this encouraged Martin Frobisher to make a
+second voyage, when he freighted two vessels home with this black
+stone, and his project is now so risen in credit that he is about to set
+sail a third time, with fifteen goodly vessels; nay, had I not used my
+influence, as I before said, William Shakespeare had surely adventured
+amongst the crew."</p>
+
+<p>"And so would you as surely have lost a lover, as he would have lost his
+venture," said Clara. "I have no opinion of these wild schemes&mdash;and yet
+I have half a mind to fit out an expedition and venture myself in quest
+of a treasure."</p>
+
+<p>"You, lady!" said Anne; "but you are not serious?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was never more so," said Clara.</p>
+
+<p>As she said this, Clara rose from her seat&mdash;a hint to her visitor that
+the interview had lasted long enough.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet stay," she said, as Anne was about to depart. "We have been long
+friends, Anne Hathaway, and if I find the choice you have made a worthy
+one, I will befriend you both. One thing I have forgotten to mention,
+and that is the report I have heard of this match between you and young
+Shakespeare being disapproved of by your father. Is that also true?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lover is at present poor," said Anne.</p>
+
+<p>"Enough," said Clara. "Farewell, Anne, I intend leaving Shottery for
+some time, but when I return, remember you have a friend in me. Here,"
+she continued, "is a present I had intended to have given you after your
+marriage. Take it now, as we shall not meet again for many months. I
+leave Shottery to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>And so the friends parted.</p>
+
+<p>The fair Clara remained buried in thought for some time after the
+departure of Anne Hathaway.</p>
+
+<p>At length she arose from her seat, and her eye fell upon the sonnet she
+had received from Martin. "The verse is indeed beautiful," she said.
+"Happy, happy Anne, how much is thy lot to be envied! In thy rank in
+life there is little impediment to the affections. Thou lovest and art
+beloved again: there is no drawback in regard to inequality, or matching
+in degree. The village lad loves and chooses his mate as the turtle,
+unembarrassed by wealth or worldly interest. This youth must, however,
+be in mind at least far superior. Well, thy prospect is a happy one!
+Whilst mine, alas! he I love is perhaps lost in the watery wastes of
+unknown seas&mdash;perhaps starving on some desert shore."</p>
+
+<p>As Clara thus indulged her melancholy thoughts, she rang a small silver
+bell, and desired her attendant to summon to her presence the steward or
+major-domo of her household.</p>
+
+<p>"Hubert," she said, "I am about to leave Shottery for London. My horses
+have of late had but idle times, and an excursion will do them good. I
+ride with twenty followers."</p>
+
+<p>The orders of Clara were law with Hubert. He therefore bowed; and she
+continued, "I take this strong escort," she said, "because I shall have
+great charge with me in gold and diamonds. To you I will at once
+confess the purpose of my journey to London, and my farther intentions
+when there. I am about myself to fit out an expedition to the coast of
+Florida, and in person to visit the strange lands said to exist in the
+New World."</p>
+
+<p>"In choosing amongst my people," she continued, "pick out those youths
+who you think would be likely to volunteer for such an exploit."</p>
+
+<p>"And when do we depart, lady?" inquired the steward.</p>
+
+<p>"The day after to-morrow," said Clara.</p>
+
+<p>And again the steward bowed, and then withdrew.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LOVERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The very name of the New World during the reign of Elizabeth, was
+suggestive of boundless wealth, and the wildest hopes of gain. The
+islands already visited by the adventurers of the period, were said to
+be scenes of enchantment&mdash;a sort of demi-paradise, where the most lovely
+Indian females wandered about in all the innocence of the golden age.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the idea men entertained of the New World, as it was then
+called, and in consequence, albeit those who had returned from this land
+of promise, presented in their own worn appearance but small
+encouragement to others to try fortune in their boasted region; still
+the voyage, as it was designated <i>par excellence</i>, was in great repute
+amongst the "rash, inconsiderate, and fiery voluntaries" of Elizabeth's
+reign. And, under these circumstances, sea-faring men of all sorts, and
+even those who had never beheld the sea, occasionally made up the file
+as soldiers for the various expeditions in vogue. The hardships and
+dangers these men encountered beneath the hot sun of the tropics at this
+time; their endurance under difficulties, whilst exposed to privation in
+their marches through unknown forests, defiles, and mountains, is
+wonderful to contemplate. Nay, perhaps, the very difficulties to be
+encountered, and the watery wastes to be traversed, even enhanced the
+desire these desperadoes felt in undertaking the venture; added also to
+this spirit of enterprise, and the prospect men behold in the sunny
+distance, of lovely lands, and scenes of enchantment in the bright
+islands they thought to find, there was in the breast of the Englishman
+at this period a rankling and deep-seated hatred of the Spaniard&mdash;then
+the stoutest soldier of the civilized world&mdash;a foe not only worthy in
+that day of the Englishman's sword, but who bore away from him the palm
+of soldiership, and, of whom, he felt in some sort jealous. The
+Spaniard, at the same time, whilst he had been drilled into wonderful
+efficiency by long conflict with the Moors, the French, and Italians,
+surpassed all other men in the qualities which conquer kingdoms, even at
+fearful odds.</p>
+
+<p>The Spanish hidalgo still possessed all the chivalry of the crusader,
+with augmented bigotry and superstition. Fighting was his element, and
+greed of gold and religious fanaticism his stimulants. His pride was
+beyond description. He was&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The man of compliment, a most illustrious wight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A man of fire, new words, fashion's own knight."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>'Twas against soldiers of this stamp that such men us Drake were now
+waging war. The stern hearts and iron fists of his sailors and
+men-at-arms, were turned against wretches, whose cruel hearts had shewn
+no mercy to the harmless Indian; and fierce, bloody, remorseless, was
+the conflict when the Englishmen met the Don.</p>
+
+<p>The great success of the Spaniard in both the Indies, too, was an
+additional stimulant to the emulation of the English adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>He was indeed considered a hero, who returned safe from the horrors of
+murderous conflict, mid the sack and siege of town and settlement in the
+tropics. His sun-burnt visage was gazed on with curiosity; and his
+account also of hardships endured amidst swamp and thicket, together
+with exaggerated circumstance of horrid animals, fearful reptiles, and
+wonderous beings in human form, was listened to with awe and wonder.</p>
+
+<p>The morning Clara had fixed on for her departure dawned brightly. Hill
+and dale, and wood and park, were faintly gilded with the early morning
+sun; she looked around, and sighed as she reflected, that perhaps for
+the last time she beheld the domain of her ancestors.</p>
+
+<p>As her party left the grounds of Shottery and took their way through the
+village, she reined up her palfrey, and, with her female attendant,
+remained a few minutes behind. She then turned her horse towards Anne
+Hathaway's cottage, and, as the road ran close beside it, she resolved
+to pass the dwelling of her rustic friend, and perhaps see her for a
+moment and bid her again farewell. As she did so, she observed two
+youths advancing along the road. They carried cross-bows in their hands,
+and seemed bound for the woodlands.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not the slighter of those youth's Anne's lover?" inquired Clara of
+an attendant, as the young men entered the garden of old Hathaway's
+cottage.</p>
+
+<p>"It is, lady," said the attendant. "Yon handsome lad is William
+Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen!" said Clara; "he is awakening his mistress with a song." And as
+the lady drew bridle under shelter of the tall trees beside the cottage,
+they heard a beautiful voice accompanied by a sort of lute, singing
+these <i>now</i> well-known words.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Hark! hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And Ph[oe]bus 'gins arise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His steeds to water at those springs<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">On chalic'd flowers that lies;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And winking Mary-buds begin<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">To ope their golden eyes<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With everything that pretty bin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">My lady, sweet, arise.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Arise, arise."<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>The beauty of the verse, and the sweetness of the singer's voice,
+completely fixed Clara to the spot; and, as she listened anxiously for
+another verse, she heard the lattice open, and the voice of Anne join in
+conversation with her lover. Clara felt extremely anxious again to see
+one who had been the friend of Walter Arderne, and she determined to
+accost the youth. When she rode round, however, to the front of the
+cottage, he was gone on his way, and afterwards with his companion might
+have been observed, concealed in the woods at Fulbrook. Together they
+lay in the thick covert and watched a sequestered stag, a bolt from
+Shakespear's cross-bow had wounded, and which he was again endeavouring
+to gain a shot at. 'Twas his first poaching offence; and whilst he lay
+thus crouching in the thick brake, and again sought to get near the
+stag, his comrade, Dick Snare, kept watch somewhat aloof, lest the
+keepers came upon them unawares.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime slowly and sadly the maiden of high degree turned her horse's
+head from the scenes of her childhood. She felt desolate amidst her
+plenteous fields and domains, whilst the humble friend of her childhood,
+the village companion, the poor cottager, seamed happy in all the world
+could bestow worth coveting; and as Clara turned from the cottage, the
+handsome Anne, unconscious of her near proximity, was intently perusing
+some verses which Shakespeare had thrown in at her window as he
+departed,&mdash;verses addressed to herself.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">I.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Would ye be taught, ye feather'd throng,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With love's sweet notes to grace your song,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To pierce the heart with thrilling lay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Listen to mine, Anne Hathaway.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She hath a way to sing so clear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ph[oe]bus might, wondering, stop to hear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To melt the sad, make blithe the gay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And nature charm, Anne hath a way.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">She hath a way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Anne Hathaway,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To breathe delight, Anne Hathaway.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">II.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When Envy's breath and ranc'rous tooth<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Do soil and bite fair worth and truth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And merit to distress betray,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To soothe the heart, Anne hath a way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She hath a way to chase despair,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To heal all grief, to cure all care,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Turn foulest night to fairest day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou know'st, fond heart, Anne hath a way.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">She hath a way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Anne Hathaway,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To make grief bliss, Anne hath a way."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ADVENTURERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>About three weeks after the departure of Clara de Mowbray, a
+stout-timbered vessel, built after the peculiar fashion of the time, and
+yet in something improved in its construction from the unwieldy craft in
+general use, might have been observed beating up against wind and tide
+on the Kentish coast. The weather, for the time of the year, was
+unusually rough, and to a heavy rolling sea was added a driving rain,
+and a roaring gale of wind. There is considerable danger, too, as the
+mariner well knows, around him on this part of the coast. His craft has
+been driven out of its course, and the fearful Goodwins are close at
+hand; still labours on, however, that gallant barque, manned by stout
+English adventurers. She is trying, amidst the driving rain and furious
+winds, to make out the mouth of the Sandwich haven; and, whilst her
+timbers creak, and the blast whistles amongst her rigging, a delicious
+strain of melody seems to float around her. The notes of a lute are
+heard by the sailors accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness; and,
+as it issues from the cabin of the vessel, it sounds as if some angel is
+trying to soothe the fury of the winds and waves.</p>
+
+<p>Dangerous as is this part of the coast, even in the present time, when
+its perils are so well marked out to the navigator, at the period of our
+story, it was, by comparison, almost an unknown sea. No secure harbour
+was then constructed close opposite the Goodwins. No buoys and revolving
+lights pointed out the dangerous proximity of rocks and shoals; those
+dread quicksands, whose depths retain the wrecked treasures of
+successive ages; sands which</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Will not bear our enemy's boats,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But suck them up to the top-mast."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Bravely, however, keeps on that labouring barque. One moment she seems
+engulphed in the boiling waters, and the mist rolls over the spot where
+her hull was last tossing. The next she is trembling upon the crested
+wave, and again about to be hurled from its summit into the waters
+beneath.</p>
+
+<p>One eye there is, on board, which seems especially to watch over
+her,&mdash;an eye which calmly scans every part around, watches every cord of
+her rigging, and rectifies every mishap consequent upon the violence of
+the gale.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, on the waist, the deck, the poop, are to be seen, besides the
+sailors who work the vessel, lying, sitting, and holding on by the
+ropes, the forms of fierce and bearded men, clad in the buff leathern
+dress which formed the usual costume of warriors of the period, their
+half-armour being doffed during their voyage along the coast.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the eye of the chief, as the driving rain for the moment seems
+to subside, catches sight of a range of white foam. Another and another
+follow after, till they seem to overtake each other, and mingle in a
+perfect cauldron of boiling sea.</p>
+
+<p>Then his voice sounds amidst the roar of winds and waters&mdash;the sails
+flap&mdash;the cordage strains&mdash;and every eye looks anxious, and every heart
+beats quicker; for that moment is to decide whether the living, and
+warlike freightage, are to ride safely past the gulf, or to be sucked
+down amidst the depths of the awful Goodwins.</p>
+
+<p>As the chief mariner leaps upon the bulwark of the vessel, and, grasping
+the rigging, looks out upon the boiling sea, a slight and graceful youth
+has emerged from the cabin, and placed himself beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"We are in peril," said he, in a low voice; "these are the fatal sands
+you thought you had safely passed an hour ago."</p>
+
+<p>But the mariner for the moment heeds not the question of his superior.
+His whole attention is given to his craft, and the horrible depths she
+is every minute apparently about to be engulphed in.</p>
+
+<p>It was an awful moment for one so young and delicate-looking as that
+boy. Yet his cheek blanches not at the prospect of a death so fearful.
+He clings to the slippery ropes, and awaits the event with a courage
+worthy of one of firmer frame and maturer years; whilst the vessel,
+dashing amidst the waves, still holds stoutly on.</p>
+
+<p>As she did so the mariner leapt down, and, as his feet again touched the
+deck of his craft, he drew a long breath.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas a fearful moment," he said, "I ne'er before looked down whilst so
+close upon the eternal bed of many a tall and stately vessel. 'Twas a
+moment that told of life or death."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis passed, then," said the youth; "see, we are driving away from
+yonder white gallopers, who seem to course each other in an endless
+chase."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis passed, <i>for this time</i>," said the mariner; "but we are on a
+fearful coast on such an evening as this. Methought I know each foot of
+these waters; but in such a driving gale 'tis scarce possible to know
+our course."</p>
+
+<p>"And what then will you do?" inquired the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"Still make for the mouth of the haven I told you of," said the captain;
+"and which leads us to safety, if we can hit it."</p>
+
+<p>"No easy matter, methinks," said the youth, "in such a gale, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, I do not despair," returned the mariner. "My youth has
+been passed upon these very seas. But this is no weather for your
+Excellency," he continued respectfully, taking the youth's hand, and
+leading him towards the cabin of the half-decked vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget I am the commander in this expedition," said the youth,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Only of the land-forces," said the mariner, returning the smile; "the
+vessel, by our compact, I am to be captain of."</p>
+
+<p>Half-an-hour after this conversation and the gallant barque was quietly
+and slowly winding its course along the muddy stream which flows up to
+the Dutch-built Cinque Port situated at this part of the coast.</p>
+
+<p>The Cinque Ports in Elizabeth's day, albeit their grandeur had in a
+great measure departed from them, were still of great importance to the
+nation. There was a pride and pomposity of manner still to be found
+amongst the barons, and burgesses, and townsfolk, which had descended to
+them from, their warlike ancestry, during the days when kings honoured
+them with their especial favour, and granted them privileges and
+immunities unknown to other towns. With all the pride of their mail-clad
+ancestry, therefore, and whose constant sufferance had been sack and
+siege, fire and slaughter, the more peaceful Cinque Porter of
+Elizabeth's day considered himself still a sort of a <i>magnifico</i>. 'Tis
+true that in place of the chain-mail and two-handed weapons of the
+iron-men of the Norman period, whose only trade was war, the present
+race were clad in the high-crown hat, the short cloak, and the full
+trunks of the well-dealing merchant. Yet still, albeit the portly,
+lank-haired, Flemish-looking burgher stood upon his gentility as he
+walked the key of this muddy haven, yet still, we say, steel corslet and
+military pride was not altogether laid aside, and the <i>trade of
+merchandize</i> had not entirely superseded efficiency in the <i>trade of
+war</i>.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning following the night on which the strange barque entered
+the haven of Sandwich, two portly townsmen greeted each other in the
+Fish Market.</p>
+
+<p>"What vessel was that same which crept up last night and lies moored
+before the Fisher's Gate?" inquired neighbour De Bock of Master Cramp.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't observe," said Cramp. "She looks queer, methinks. There's an
+armed sentinel upon her deck, to keep any one from leaving her without
+license, and another man-at-arms upon the shore with loaded caliver, who
+walks up and down forsooth, as who should say, keep off Sir Curious, and
+pry not too closely into our affairs."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she from Holland, think ye?" inquired De Bock.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say nay to that," said Cramp.</p>
+
+<p>"Is she from London, laden with serge, baize, and flannel, think ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather opine not."</p>
+
+<p>"What is her rig, neighbour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nondescript, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"What is her build?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indescribable, I should say."</p>
+
+<p>"Hath she any freight at all on board?"</p>
+
+<p>"As far as I can judge, she hath a freight."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Principally arms of various sorts&mdash;rapier and dagger pike and arqebus."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, sayst thou? Then must she be seized, and her destination inquired
+into."</p>
+
+<p>"That might cause some sort of controversy&mdash;some arbitration&mdash;since each
+weapon I have named hath a man tacked to it, and a hand to exercise it."</p>
+
+<p>"What, is she then filled with armed men, neighbour?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is. So much have I learned by looking down at her just now from the
+tower of St. Clement's Church."</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Gad, she may be a Spaniard then."</p>
+
+<p>"I think nay to that, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Or a pirate?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>There</i> thou <i>hast it</i>; methinks she <i>is</i> a pirate. Nay, certes she is
+a pirate who has been forced to take shelter in our haven by yesterday's
+gale."</p>
+
+<p>"My life upon't thou art right. Let's e'en go look upon her, and then to
+the mayor with our report." And the worthy burgesses immediately
+threaded the narrow streets, and approached the Fisher's Gate, which
+looks upon the flats on the Thanet side of the town.</p>
+
+<p>Just within the Fisher's Gate, and in the narrow lane which leads down
+to it from the town, there is still to be seen an ancient hostel called
+the Checquers. Its low arched doors, its narrow passages, its
+comfortable sanded parlour, its ample kitchen, diamond paned windows,
+and small comfortable rooms, low in roof, and ponderous in beam, bespeak
+its early date. It had been the hostel of the Fisher's Gate full half a
+century before the period of our story.</p>
+
+<p>If curiosity was a ruling passion with the two burgesses, love of good
+liquor was equally strong, and accordingly as they necessarily passed
+this old hostel, they turned in for their morning's draught.</p>
+
+<p>As they did so, they found it was occupied by two persons belonging to
+the very vessel which had so much excited their curiosity. One was a
+slight and effeminate looking youth, of most graceful form, and features
+of exceeding beauty. His long curled ringlets hung over either shoulder,
+which, as it was not the fashion of the day, rendered his appearance
+even more remarkable. His dress, although it bespoke the sea-faring man,
+was evidently fashioned after his own whim. Perhaps it was more in the
+style of the Venetian sailor than the English sea-faring man. Such as it
+was, however, it added much to the graceful beauty of him who wore it;
+and as it was accompanied by a certain rakish swagger, an assumed easy
+manner, the appearance of the juvenile stranger altogether considerably
+astonished the two grave, staid, and simple-minded Cinque Port
+functionaries, who entered the hostel.</p>
+
+<p>The companion of the youth was a man in no way remarkable, except for
+his high forehead, intelligent countenance, and well-knit and somewhat
+athletic form. His costume was that of a sort of amphibious adventurer
+of the period, half sailor, half soldier&mdash;a man equally serviceable
+either on the deck of his vessel, or in the tented field, and alike
+trained to the arts and man[oe]uvres of war on the rampart or in the
+trench, on horseback or on foot. His twisted-hilted and long rapier was
+carried in a broad buff belt; his gauntlets reached to his elbow; his
+thick leathern doublet carried the marks of the breast-plate he wore on
+service, and the wide-topped boots reached his full trunks, like those
+of a fisherman of the present time.</p>
+
+<p>The youth before-named occupied an arm chair, situated near a table on
+which the appliances for a substantial breakfast were placed, and which
+he occupied in a sort of lounging, jaunty style, ever and anon picking a
+small portion from the plate before him, and conveying it to his lips
+with the point of his richly-guarded dagger, the whilst his stalwart
+comrade applied himself to the viands like one who especially relished a
+good meal.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Excellency," said this latter sailor, without seeming to notice
+the entrance of the native burghers of the town, "scarce seems to have
+found the benefit of these Kentish breezes. Your appetite is somewhat
+dainty this morning, methinks; and yet this bread is white as the
+snowflake, and sweet and wholesome withal. Let me give you the veriest
+taste of this Canary wine, 'twill coax you into trying yonder pastie."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank thee, good Captain Fluellyn,"<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> returned the youth, "I cannot
+bear Canary so early. Indeed, my breakfast is already made; I eat but
+slightly in the morning. At dinner I will drink with ye turn and turn
+about, an you list, till your brain reels like a top."</p>
+
+
+<p>"Ah, so thou ever sayest," returned the Captain, "but when dinner comes
+your Excellency still evades the wine-cup."</p>
+
+<p>The title given to the youthful navigator, his distinguished appearance,
+and the luxuries by which he was surrounded, rather astonished the
+natives as they observed the pair.</p>
+
+<p>It was plain that the silver goblets from which they drank, and the
+elaborately ornamented plates and dishes upon which the viands were
+served, together with the handsome case of liquors, all of which
+belonged to a sort of canteen which stood open near the table, must have
+been brought for the use of this noble from the ship then lying but a
+few yards off.</p>
+
+<p>The curiosity, therefore, of the two townsmen was considerably excited
+to know who and what he was, and as both himself and the stalwart
+captain continued their conversation and meal without taking the
+slightest notice of their presence, their self-importance was a trifle
+injured, and Master De Bock addressed himself to the handsome sailor.</p>
+
+<p>"If I may crave permission of interrupting your exertions for a moment,"
+he said, stepping up to the table, "I would fain know if our presence
+here is intrusive, and, if so, I would crave permission to retire with
+my worthy townsman here."</p>
+
+<p>At this sage address from the lank-haired round-faced burgher, the tall
+captain laid down the small dagger with which he was helping himself to
+a portion of the savory pastie before him, and, twisting the end of his
+moustache, stared at him for a few moments, and then throwing himself
+back in his chair, looked inquiringly into the face of his companion.</p>
+
+<p>The youth was evidently inclined to laugh; there was, indeed, a sort of
+twinkle in his eye as he returned the stare of the sea-captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it your Countship's pleasure to be private?" at length, said the
+latter, as the burgher stood gazing with his fishy eye upon the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"We do in some sort court seclusion," said the Count, "and to that end,
+have engaged and hired this hostel, for the especial use of ourselves
+and followers during the stay of our vessel in yonder haven."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I signify the same unto these worthy traders?" said the Captain.</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship hath himself spoken it," said the burgess, "we take our
+leave. May we, however, crave to know the honoured title of the
+distinguished personage visiting our town, and the name of the vessel in
+which he has arrived? It is necessary we should convey to his honour the
+mayor intelligence of such visitation, in order that he may wait upon
+his lordship in proper form."</p>
+
+<p>The youth again smiled. "I am myself called," he said, "'the Count of
+the Saxon shore.' The vessel in which I am passenger is named the
+'Phantom,' commanded by this worthy gentleman, my esteemed friend
+Captain Fluellyn, a gallant seaman, who hath sailed with Drake, and
+fought the Spaniard by sea and land."</p>
+
+<p>Upon this introduction, the Captain thought it necessary to rise from
+his chair, and bow to the two townsmen in due form, which they as
+formally returned. After which, at a sign from the Count, he offered
+them a glass of Canary from the high-necked bottle upon the table.</p>
+
+<p>"The Count of the Saxon shore," said De Bock, smacking his lips with
+ineffable relish as he sat down the glass. "That is, indeed, an ancient
+title, and one I knew not was still in existence. Doth your lordship
+claim to be lineally descended from tho Roman whose authority extended
+in former days along this coast, and whose castle walls are still to be
+seen at hand here, and called Rugulbium or Reculver?"</p>
+
+<p>"By the father's aide, most assuredly," said the Count. "Maternally, I
+am of Kentish extraction, since, on the female side I claim descent from
+the god Woden, whose effigy was as you know, or ought to know, enthroned
+upon the hill a mile westward of your town, and called to this day
+Wodnesborough."</p>
+
+<p>"A most respectable lineage," said tho burgess, quite awe-struck at so
+glorious a descent. "His worship the mayor, attended by the hogmace, the
+supervisor of the gutters, the several beadles in commission within our
+walls, will have the honour of waiting upon your lordship forthwith."</p>
+
+<p>"The honour will be to us," said the Count, rising and bowing as the
+burgesses were about to leave the apartment. "For the next four hours we
+shall be engaged here in consulting with our gallant friend, and certain
+messengers we expect to arrive; after that, if it so please your mayor,
+we will receive him."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Captain," said the Count, reseating himself, "since we have
+got rid of those cane-bearded worthies, and you have finished your
+meal, we will, if it so please ye, discuss certain matters appertaining
+to this venture of ours."</p>
+
+<p>"I am all readiness to give attention, Sir Count," said the Captain,
+also sitting himself comfortably in his chair, and drawing the case of
+liquors close beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, then, I trust you clearly comprehend my intentions
+in this voyage?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think as much," said the Captain, filling his glass; "nevertheless,
+perhaps you will oblige me by repeating your wishes?"</p>
+
+<p>"My voyage, then, I would have you to understand, is more a voyage of
+discovery than of profit. I neither wish to work mines, nor burn and
+sack towns. I would avoid all chance, if possible, of coming into
+collision with the Spaniard; and, unless I see occasion for other
+course, I would rather fly from, than seek an enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said the Captain, "you scarce gave out so much before. This
+somewhat exceeds what I expected. The Falcon is constructed after some
+improved notions of my own, and will assuredly outstrip any vessel upon
+the seas; but I like not to be always upon the wing. You forget I am one
+of Drake's first comrades, and have learned to love powder as devotedly
+as I hate the Spaniard. Body o' me, I shall lose what reputation I have
+gained! We shall be taken for little else besides knaves and cowards."</p>
+
+<p>"You will find me ready enough to fight where fighting is my cue,"
+interrupted the Count; "and if our voyage is successful, I will be
+myself an East and West Indies to you, inasmuch as you shall never again
+be obliged to seek fortune in the wide seas. And now we understand one
+another perfectly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your last argument is all-powerful," said the Captain. "I admire your
+love of adventure, coupled as it is with so much humanity, and am yours
+for the voyage, making peace or war as you affect either the one or the
+other. Nevertheless, I may as well remind your lordship, ere you embark
+on the enterprise, that we sailors of Drake and Frobisher, since the
+time we have interfered with the Spaniard, have a proverb, that there
+'is no peace beyond the line.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard so much," said the Count, "and now methinks, whilst we
+wait here for the person appointed to join us, a short history of your
+adventures in these seas would serve to while away the hours."</p>
+
+<p>"The history of my life might prove both distasteful and tedious to
+you," said the Captain; "but a brief account of it is at your service.
+Where shall I begin?"</p>
+
+<p>Just as the sea captain was about to commence his narrative, and whilst
+he refilled his pipe with the weed he professed such veneration for, the
+sharp-ringing sound of horse's hoofs were heard beneath the arch of the
+gate-house, which indeed was so close to the old hostel that it almost
+formed a part of the building.</p>
+
+<p>At this period there was no drawbridge across the stream which separated
+the town from the Island of Thanet, and communication was kept up by a
+ferry-boat, which plied exactly opposite the Fisher's Gate.</p>
+
+<p>As the horseman was ferried across, he hailed the craft which had caused
+so much curiosity to the Sandwegians.</p>
+
+<p>"Hillo, ho, ho! Falcon there! Is the Count on board?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gone on shore," was the brief answer returned.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain on board?" inquired the horseman.</p>
+
+<p>"Ashore with the Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Where do they lodge?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the hostel within yonder gateway."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the horseman, after landing, rode straight up to the
+Checquers, and unceremoniously entered the apartment in which the Count
+and Captain were seated.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome, good Martin," said the Count, rising, "you see we keep time
+and tryst here."</p>
+
+<p>"I am here at my time," said the traveller.</p>
+
+<p>"I am right glad you have so soon joined us," said the Count; "for,
+sooth to say, both the Captain and myself are most anxious to be on the
+broad waves of the Atlantic."</p>
+
+<p>"Our necessaries are by this time on board," said the Captain; "and as
+this honourable person makes up the file of gentlemen engaged for the
+expedition, what stays us, but we warp out to sea at once? In an hour I
+will undertake to be under weigh."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said the Count. "In an hour myself and friend will be on
+board."</p>
+
+<p>And the Captain rose, and, after another cup of Canary, proceeded to his
+ship.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you succeeded in learning any fresh tidings?" said the Count to
+our old friend Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"I have journeyed far, and in something profited by my travel," said
+Martin. "I have visited the Netherlands, and also been in Warwickshire,
+since I met you in London, and now I keep tryste, and am here as
+appointed."</p>
+
+<p>"You are ever worthy and zealous in the cause of your friends," returned
+the Count; "what are your tidings?"</p>
+
+<p>"Briefly, then," said Martin, "I have reason to believe the good Walter
+lives; but, if such be the case, he is prisoner to the Spaniard&mdash;the
+worst sort of captivity&mdash;since he is in the hands of those who know no
+touch of pity, and are incensed against the English. This letter will
+better inform you of his situation."</p>
+
+<p>The Count took the letter and perused it. "We will speed to his
+assistance," he said, as he refolded it. "And, now, how goes all in
+Warwickshire. Hath Sir Hugh Clopton returned?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of Warwickshire I have not much news to give," said Martin. "Sir Hugh
+is still in the Low Countries. At Shottery all is as usual. Your steward
+commends him to you. Yet, stay, there is some further news of your own
+neighbourhood. Your old playmate, Anne Hathaway, is married to young
+Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"That I concluded must have taken place," said the Count, "since, when I
+left Shottery, they were to be united in a few days. I trust she will be
+happy. The bridegroom is, however, somewhat young to make a steady
+husband. I think I have heard you say you knew something of the lad:
+report speaks of him as a wild youth."</p>
+
+<p>"Report is in something correct, I believe," said Martin. "To say I knew
+him well would be to say more than I should be warranted in affirming.
+What I did know of that young man served me for matter of reflection.
+For his wildness I cannot offer excuse, except that he hath a mounting
+spirit; nay, I will venture to affirm, that had your expedition been
+delayed a week, he would have joined in it."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis better as it is," said the Count, "I would not that my good friend
+Anne should so soon lose her husband."</p>
+
+<p>"There is, however," continued Martin, "startling news from London, and
+which I rather think I am the first to announce in this town, as I
+over-rode a foundered post between this place and Canterbury. The Queen
+of Scots, 'tis said, is again involved in a dangerous conspiracy to
+destroy our brave mistress, Queen Elizabeth."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BENEDICT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The course of events connected with our story has necessarily obliged us
+to deviate from the locality in which we have heretofore progressed. We
+must, however, now again, after such brief excursion, return to the spot
+from whence we started, and as the sun shines brightly upon park and
+field, and wooded glade, once more look upon fair and fertile
+Warwickshire.</p>
+
+<p>Sweet Stratford-upon-Avon! those who know thee, and know thee well&mdash;who
+have lingered in thy old-world streets, and wandered in thy
+neighbourhood, breathing the scented air which smells so wooingly
+amongst the shadowy groves and unfrequented glades around, will
+acknowledge that there is no place in England, for situation and beauty,
+thy superior.</p>
+
+<p>There is a freshness in thy neighbourhood, a quiet beauty in thy
+streets, a cozy comfort in many of thy dwellings, and a venerable and
+impressive grandeur in thy religious edifices, belonging alone to an
+English town of good and ancient descent. Was a stranger to be dropped
+suddenly in the centre of this town, whilst he looked around, and noted
+the sweet aspect of the locality he had so suddenly arrived in,
+methinks he would say to himself that he had reached a spot noted and
+celebrated in the world's esteem beyond most others in the kingdom. Yes,
+in this rural picture we think the stranger might find all these
+peculiar features characteristic of the old haunts in which Englishmen
+of a former age dwelt so happily. Those verdant villages, which made the
+English, however much they loved military adventure the whilst they
+formed the hosts of kings in the vasty fields of France, look back from
+the splendour of the tented field upon their own pleasant woodlands and
+quiet homes with fond yearning.</p>
+
+<p>Tuck of drum might sound, the horn's sweet note be carried by the
+evening breeze, as it floated over some stricken field during those
+splendid wars of the Edwards and Henries. The gonfalon might flutter,
+and the knight, with all his train, ride stately amidst the white range
+of tents; the archer might lean upon his bow and gaze upon the splendour
+of the host. But the noble, and the knight, and the peasant-born soldier
+of England, alike sighed in his heart of hearts for the hour that was to
+see his foreign marches over, and himself amidst the scenes of his
+island home.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"That England hedged in with the main,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That precious gem set in the silver sea."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>If then our readers love fair Warwickshire, and admire the grandeur and
+beauty of its scenery as we do, they will scarce be angry with us for
+again leading them back toward Stratford-upon-Avon.</p>
+
+<p>And Shakespeare is married. One great event of his life is passed. He
+dwells with his wife in his native town; beyond the precincts of which
+he is comparatively unknown, or, being known, but little regarded.</p>
+
+<p>He is scarcely more than eighteen years of age, and his wife is
+four-and-twenty. Their means are small, and their comforts few. The
+prospect before them is not of the brightest, but they are young, and in
+youth all seems beautiful because all is new. A female, however, of
+twenty-four, wedded to a youth of eighteen&mdash;<i>a mere boy</i>, as she terms
+him&mdash;will be likely to have her own way in everything; at least she will
+try to have it, and that is almost as bad. We fear, too, the blooming
+Anne is a "little shrew." She hath a high spirit withal, and we opine
+that her tastes and dispositions are not in exact accordance with those
+of her youthful husband. He is all imagination&mdash;all fire, energy, and
+spirit; whilst she is more matter of fact. The gods have certainly not
+made her poetical, and she thanks the gods therefore. And then her age.
+Beautiful as she is in face and form, she is not matched in respect of
+years, and she knows it.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Too old, by heaven; let still the woman take<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An elder than herself&mdash;so wears she to him,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So sways she level in her husband's heart."<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<p>William Shakespeare had married in opposition to the advice of his
+parents. The handsome Anne had done the same in regard to her's. Such
+cases are by no means rare in their walk of life. The present is all
+that is considered, the future unthought of. Old folks do sometimes,
+however, know more than young ones give them credit for; and in this
+instance they prognosticated the match would not be a happy one.</p>
+
+<p>That the youthful poet felt some sort of disappointment when he found
+how widely his disposition and tastes differed from the companion he had
+chosen, there can be little doubt.</p>
+
+<p>His extraordinary flights of genius, his wondrous conceptions, she had
+no part in. She, indeed, could scarce understand them; and that which
+she could not comprehend she looked upon as the rhapsodizing of a boy.
+Even those beautiful descriptions, and the music of his honeyed vows,
+for Shakespeare, although married, was still a lover, were now listened
+to without the smile of appreciation. "Alas!" he said to himself, "maids
+are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives."
+In short, the youthful poet found that he had matched unhappily. There
+was little sympathy in feeling, although there might have been in
+choice; and so their loves passed</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Brief as the lightning in the collied night."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>They dwelt in Henley Street, in the house next to that in which the
+youth's parents inhabited; and he occasionally assisted his father in
+his business as a dealer in wool.</p>
+
+<p>In Stratford, at this time, there was a knot of young fellows celebrated
+for little else beside their idleness, their wit, and their reckless
+daring. One or two of these were apprenticed to different trades in the
+town. One had made the voyage, and returned a reckless desperado,
+although a jovial and most amusing companion; another had served for a
+brief space in the Low Countries, "the land of pike and caliver," where
+finding hard knocks more plentiful than either pay or promotion, and his
+courage none of the greatest, he had deserted his colours, and returned
+home with a marvellous capacity for imbibing strong liquors, and
+relating wondrous stories of his own exploits whilst a soldier:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Of healths <i>five</i> fathom deep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of palisadoes, frontiers, parapets,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And all the current of the heady fight."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>With these youths young Shakespeare had before been in the habit of
+associating. Their eccentricity amused him; there was a kind of
+character in their lives which he loved to contemplate. Before his
+marriage he had loved however to indulge his thoughts a good deal alone,
+to wander and meditate amidst the delicious scenery in the
+neighbourhood. Now it was somewhat different, he had home and its duties
+to attend to, besides matters connected with his father's business, to
+keep him from so continually excursionizing as heretofore.</p>
+
+<p>His meetings with these choice and master spirits, these jolly
+companions who "daffed the world aside, and bid it pass," were,
+therefore, for the most part, in after hours, and when the business of
+the day was over.</p>
+
+<p>Besides these lads of mettle, there was another person whose company
+young Shakespeare had of late much affected, and in whose society he
+found a perfect fund of entertainment, a feeling which was quite mutual,
+as this friend was of a capacity as fully to appreciate the
+extraordinary talents and delightful society of the juvenile poet, as
+the latter was to enjoy the wit and humour of his entertainer.</p>
+
+<p>This person, who was a resident at Stratford, although not a native
+there, was a most singular compound. He was possessed of some property
+in the town; but his expenditure was generally greater than his means
+warranted, and he was consequently obliged often to eke out his funds by
+laying his companions under contribution. He was ever in difficulties,
+and yet ever jovial, hospitable, and with his friends around him. His
+eccentricity, his wit, and his follies were a continual feast to young
+Shakespeare; his absurdities, and the scrapes he got into, a continual
+tax upon his intimates to get him respectably clear of. By the sober and
+puritanical of the townsfolk he was detested, for he made them the
+subject of his biting jests. By the respectable citizen he was feared as
+an intimate, for his tongue was a continual libel upon all his
+acquaintance. By the more light-hearted and careless, who laughed <i>with</i>
+him and <i>at</i> him, he was tolerated, and even sought after, for his
+amusing qualities.</p>
+
+<p>In his person, the man was its singular as in his disposition&mdash;fat, and
+unwieldy in figure; he was upwards of six feet in height, with a round
+ruddy face, in which the laughing features were lost amidst the
+puffed-out cheeks and double chin&mdash;a sort of figure and face, which
+looked as if the owner had been fat and full of jollity at the time of
+his birth, and gone on increasing up to his present age.</p>
+
+<p>What was the history of his former life none could tell, for he had come
+a stranger to the town. Some said, however, that in his youth he had
+been engaged in the wars of the Netherlands, and cashiered for
+cowardice; others affirmed that he was the discarded steward of some
+noble, dismissed for arrant knavery and dishonest practices; whilst by
+others, again, he was said to have been the host of a low tavern,
+situated in the purlieus of Whitefriars of London, and, that having
+amassed a small competency, he had since pretty well dissipated it, and
+was now living at Stratford to be out of the way.</p>
+
+<p>Be that, however, as it may, at the period of our story he resided at a
+sort of tavern or hostel, situated in the suburbs of the town, and which
+hostel himself and yoke fellows principally occupied, leading a roaring,
+rollicking life, to the great scandal of the more steady portions of the
+community.</p>
+
+<p>In this society young Shakespeare heard many things which considerably
+augmented his store of knowledge. The soldier described "the toil o' the
+war," and the abuses of the service he had been in, where "preferment
+went by letter and affection." The adventurer told of seas, "whose
+yeasty waves confound and swallow navigation up;" of islands full of
+noises, and peopled by strange monsters; and the fat host spoke of the
+"cities usuries," "the art o' the Court," and the adventures and
+intrigues himself had been the hero of in various localities from his
+youth upwards.</p>
+
+<p>In proportion to the pleasure young Shakespeare took in this society,
+was the dislike entertained for it by his wife; for the character of the
+presiding genius of the tavern she was well aware of, together with his
+loudness for, and capacity of, imbibing strong liquors, and carrying
+them steadily. His professed libertinism, and light opinion of the whole
+sex,&mdash;his impudent boast of favours received from several of the good
+dames of the town, and the various cudgellings he had received from
+their husbands&mdash;each and all of those matters had been industriously
+poured into her ear by her female gossipers, with the additional
+information, that the unwieldy gentleman, notwithstanding his unfitness
+for such exploits, was much given to walking, or rather riding, by
+moonlight; and, with his more active friends, making free with a stray
+haunch occasionally, at the expense of the neighbouring gentry. Nay, it
+was even affirmed, that some of the midnight excursions of himself and
+followers had not been entirely for the purpose of coney-catching and
+deer-stealing, but that more than once they had stopped certain
+travellers between Coventry and Warwick, and eased them of their cash.</p>
+
+<p>As he was, however, well known to be one of the most arrant cowards that
+ever buckled on a rapier, this latter story was for the most part
+disbelieved, as far as he was concerned.</p>
+
+<p>Be that as it may, the companionship of the eccentric John Froth, and
+his yoke-fellows was not likely to lead a youth of the free,
+unsuspicious, and generous disposition of young Shakespeare into any
+good employment, and that his wife well knew and as roundly told him of.
+Had her advice been well-timed, and gently given, perhaps it might have
+produced its effect; but unhappily, the fair Anne possessed a shrewd
+temper and little tact.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"In bed he slept not for her urging it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At board he fed not, for her urging it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Alone, it was the subject of her theme;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In company she often glanced at it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And therefore came it that the man was wretched. In short, his sleep was
+hindered by her railings; his head made light, and his meat sauced with
+her upbraidings; so that he was driven, for relief, to associate the
+more with the very companions his wife was so jealous of.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Sweet recreation barred, what doth ensue,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But moody and dull melancholy&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The venom clamours of a jealous woman,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Perhaps one great charm young Shakespeare felt in the society of his fat
+friend, was the faculty he seemed to possess of enjoying every moment of
+his life to the utmost. He turned everything to mirth. Nothing could for
+a moment damp his spirits, unless his fears for his own personal safety
+were aroused; and, even then, he was the more amusing, from the very
+absurdity of his apprehensions, labouring, as he did, to persuade those
+who so well knew his infirmity, of the heroic nature of his
+disposition.</p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, in consequence of the amusement to be derived from this
+latter failing, that he had been once or twice invited by his companions
+to join in several of their poaching expeditions. The state of alarm he
+had been in, and the difficulties his associates had led him into,
+having furnished, even himself, with an endless theme of amusement after
+the exploit was over.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOSTEL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>At the present time, when every street and thoroughfare of a country
+town has its public-house filled with the noisy refuse of an
+overwhelming population, and absolutely roaring with ribaldry, many of
+our readers have but a faint idea of the quiet comfort and cozy
+appearance of a hostel in the olden time. Its ample kitchen hung around
+with articles and implements of the good wife's occupation, the chance
+guests, for the most part, assembled in such apartment, and the quiet
+retirement of its other rooms, engaged, as they not unfrequently were,
+by some well-to-do retired person, half sportsman, half soldier, who
+paid his shot weekly, and was dependent upon chance customers, and mine
+host, for companionship.</p>
+
+<p>Such guest not unfrequently dubbed himself gentleman, upon the strength
+of possessing a half-starved steed and a couple of greyhounds. Sportsman
+he was, of course, for every man professed knowledge of, and had a taste
+for, field sports, when England was less cultivated, and her woods and
+wastes teemed with game.</p>
+
+<p>The tavern we have named as the residence of Master Froth, was called
+the Lucy Arms, because upon its sign were displayed the three white pike
+fish, or lucies, which had been the cognomen of the knights of
+Charlecote from the time of the Crusades downwards.</p>
+
+<p>Inn signs were, indeed, in former days for the most part of an heraldic
+character. Many of the town residences of the nobility and the great
+ecclesiastics were sometimes called inns, and in the front of them the
+family arms displayed. Such inns afterwards became appropriated to the
+purpose of the hostel, and the armorial decorations retained, under the
+denomination of signs, directed the guest to them as places of
+accommodation and refreshment. This we retain even in the present
+degenerate age, the signs of the white, red, black, and golden lions of
+the Crusades; and the blue boars, golden crosses, swans, dragons, and
+dolphins, which ornamented the knightly helmet or shield, now do duty at
+the entrance of the beer-shop.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thus chances mock and changes fill the cup of alteration."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It was one evening in the merry month of May, about a year after the
+marriage of young Shakespeare, that Jack Froth, and several of his
+associates, were assembled at the Lucy Arms.</p>
+
+<p>The apartment in which they were congregated was one which Froth had
+appropriated to his own especial use,&mdash;a good-sized room, whose windows
+looked into the orchard in rear of the hostel, one of those sweet and
+verdant orchards peculiar to the time, and which are now, for the most
+part, destroyed; but which, in Elizabeth's day, were attached to every
+goodly dwelling, or hostel, in a country town.</p>
+
+<p>A half-open door, on one side of the apartment, gave a peep into a
+smaller room, in which, as the sun streamed from the lattice-window, its
+rays fell upon, and lighted up, the deep red curtains and square-topped
+hangings of an antique bed; and at the same time gilded the high-backed
+chairs with which the room was furnished.</p>
+
+<p>On the ample hearth of the first-named apartment two enormous
+deer-hounds were to be seen, sprawling at full length, their occasional
+disturbed sleep, and short sharp bark, shewing that their dreams were of
+the woodland and the chase.</p>
+
+<p>The occupants of the room were five in number. They were seated round a
+massive oaken table, which placed near the window, gave them a delicious
+view of the green and bowery orchard.</p>
+
+<p>The fat and jovial Froth, "the lord o' the feast," as he leaned back in
+his strong oaken chair, whilst he occasionally looked out upon the
+orchard, listened to the recital of some verses his opposite neighbour
+was reading aloud. Seated directly opposite the window was a tall thin
+man, of about five-and-twenty years of age, clad in the faded suit of an
+officer of pikemen, an enormous rapier tacked to his waist, with dagger
+to match. His chair being drawn so close to the table that he sat
+bolt-upright, and, as he dallied with the glass he ever and anon carried
+to his lips, he also listened with attention to the words of the poem.</p>
+
+<p>Opposite to him sat another man, about thirty years of age, clad in a
+tawdry suit, which in our own days would have been shrewdly suspected of
+having done duty on the boards of a theatre. Beside him, with apron
+doffed, and his cap thrown aside, sat mine host of the tavern&mdash;a portly
+and jolly-looking companion.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the party assembled, and, as the reader finished the fragment
+of verse, his hearers seemed so much interested in its recital that for
+some moments there was a pause of expectation. It was like the expiring
+sound of sweet music, which has a soothing effect upon the listener,
+making him long for a renewal of the melody.</p>
+
+<p>"There is more?" said Froth, inquiringly, as he turned his eye upon the
+reader.</p>
+
+<p>"No more have I written," said young Shakespeare, who was indeed the
+reader of the poetry; "nor deemed I this deformed offspring of my brain
+worthy of notice."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I pr'ythee, good William," said Froth, "repair thy voice by
+another draught of Canary, and give the two first verses over again."</p>
+
+<p>"Has my verse, then, so much pleased you?" inquired Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"It hath more than pleased, it has delighted me," said Froth; "so to't
+again, lad."</p>
+
+<p>"Two verses you shall have," said Shakespeare, smiling, "but no more."
+And he again read from his manuscript the following lines of a poem he
+had that morning commenced writing,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Even as the sun with purple-coloured face&mdash;"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"'Fore gad, bully host," interrupted Froth, "but thy countenance at this
+moment, round, fiery, and covered with huge angry welks and knobs, must
+have suggested that line. Was't not so, sweet William; didst thou not
+call the sun's face purple-coloured from the reflection of our host's
+mulberry visage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go to, go to," said the host; "'fore gad, if my face took but a tithe
+of the good vivers to keep it in colour that thine doth, I were
+altogether a ruined landlord."</p>
+
+<p>"I cry you mercy, good William," said Froth; "proceed with thy stanzas.
+Mine host here is one of those prating knaves who would rather talk than
+listen, let who will be the orator."</p>
+
+<p>And the poet again read from his manuscript,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Even as the sun with purple-coloured face<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Had ta'en his last leave of the weeping morn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Rose cheeked, Adonis hied him to the chase;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Hunting he loved, but love he laugh'd to scorn.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sick-thoughted Venus makes amain unto him,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And, like a bold-faced suitor, 'gins to woo him.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Thrice fairer than myself'&mdash;thus she begun;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'The field's chief flower, sweet above compare,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stain to all nymphs, more lovely than a man,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">More white and red than doves or roses are.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nature that made thee with herself at strife,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Saith that the world hath ending with thy life.'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"And how call ye the poem?" inquired Froth, as young Shakespeare
+finished the second verse, and then thrust the paper into the breast of
+his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>"I think of calling it 'Venus and Adonis,'" he said, "for fault of a
+better name."</p>
+
+<p>"Call it what thou wilt, lad," said Froth, "'tis a glorious
+commencement. Like everything else thou dost, 'tis excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha," said Pierce Caliver, "thou art full of thy ropery, Froth; thou
+word'st him, thou word'st him. See, he blusheth at thy praise."</p>
+
+<p>"I word him not, but as I mean," said Froth; "an his cheek blusheth,
+'tis more than thine was ever guilty of. I hate flattery as I hate an
+unfilled flasket in the woodlands at midnight. He hath but one fault,
+that lad."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, a fault," said Caliver, "can Will Shakespeare own a fault in thy
+eyes? I pr'ythee let's hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, 'tis not a fault, either, 'tis a misfortune," said Froth, "he's
+married."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad-a-mercy, that is indeed a scrape to get into!" said Ralph Careless.
+"I have been twice across the Atlantic, escaped shipwreck as often, been
+left for dead amongst the burning huts of a Spanish settlement; and yet
+have I never had such an escape as when I offered marriage to the Widow
+Crooke, and she altered her mind a week before the day fixed."</p>
+
+<p>"That widow must be worthy looking on too," said Froth; "for truly her
+own escape exceedeth all thine put together."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" said Careless.</p>
+
+<p>"In escaping from thee," returned Froth.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, the evil-favoured old hag," said Careless; "but she escaped not
+altogether scot-free either, since I drew a handsome forfeit ere I
+consented to let her break off."</p>
+
+<p>"Had she given thee all she possessed," said Froth, "so she kept herself
+free of thee, she had the luck on't; but, come, the very name of
+marriage hath made our good William here a melancholy man. Oh! 'tis
+monstrous that tying together of couples for life, to claw and tear like
+a brace of tabbies cast over a clothes' line! Said I well, William? Why,
+fill again, and pass the flasket."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Shakespeare, "wooing, wedding, and repenting is, after all,
+but a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinque pace. The first suit is hot
+and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as fantastical; the wedding
+mannerly and modest;<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> and then comes repentance, and with his two
+logs fallen into a cinque pace, faster and faster, till he sink into his
+grave."</p>
+
+
+<p>"Methinks, bullies," said the Host, "since we are on the subject of
+matrimony, that we must quaff a health for the nonce. Heard'st thou not
+that our good William here is the honoured father of a fair son&mdash;a
+goodly boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, by St. Jago and charge Spain!" said Caliver, "and is it so? Why,
+then fill to the brim, my masters all;" and the health of the infant was
+pledged in flowing bumpers of Canary. After which, the long-necked
+glasses were flourished to a loud huzza, and being cast overhead,
+smashed upon the rushes with which the apartment was strewed.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Froth, "thou shalt give us a song, William&mdash;a song of
+thine own, for what man amidst us could produce a verse worthy of thee
+to sing? Come, warble, and let it be to thine own words, Will."</p>
+
+<p>"A song&mdash;a song!" said Caliver; "give us one, William, in praise of the
+wine-cup."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare smiled, and then sang:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Come, thou monarch of the vine,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Plumpy Bacchus, with pink eyne;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In thy vats our cares be drown'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Cup us, till the world go round,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Cup us, till the world go round."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Whilst the chorus was ringing out, till every room in the hostel echoed
+with it, another individual entered the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The new comer was a tall, good-looking youth, clad in a worn leathern
+jerkin, which seemed as if it had endured the worst spite of the
+elements, and done duty in the woods for many years. His russet boots
+were drawn up to the thigh, and his well-worn wide-brimmed beaver was
+without feather or ornament, except a large assortment of fish-hooks,
+with the horse-hair twisted around it. In short, he looked what he
+really was&mdash;a dissolute hanger-on of a country town, and yet a good
+fellow withal, one given to the sports of the field, without means or
+license to pursue them&mdash;one of Diana's foresters, a poacher, a professed
+deer-stealer.</p>
+
+<p>"You keep a goodly revel here, my masters," said he, drawing a chair,
+and seating himself unceremoniously at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! what, Diccon Snare, is it thou, thou wandering knight of the hollow
+woods?" said Froth. "By my troth, thou art welcome; fill thyself a
+chalice for the nonce. How goes all at Warwick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I scarcely know," said Snare, "since I have not been there for some
+days. If I have news at all, it is of these parts, and farther afield.
+There is work for you to-night an ye listen. The old Pike of Charlecote
+hath ridden forth, and taken in his train some thirty followers. The
+moon is up to be sure, but then the woodlands are but badly watched."</p>
+
+<p>"And how know'st thou this, thou sworn enemy of an outlying stag?"
+inquired Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"How know I it? Why, from sure intelligence, and careful watching. How
+else should I know my trade?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, thou hast served a pretty apprenticeship to the poaching trade,
+Diccon, that's certain," said Froth, "as the hangman's brand can
+testify! And what takes Sir Thomas to town with so strong an escort?"</p>
+
+<p>"It seems there is more trouble at Court about the Queen of Scots," said
+Snare, "and her name is again mixed up with all sorts of intrigues and
+plots against our Queen. My Lord of Leicester hath stroked the beard of
+consideration upon the matter, and set on foot an association for the
+nonce. They are sworn keepers of the Queen's safety in life, and doubly
+sworn to revenge her death, should she fall by these malignant
+conspirators. A great many of the gentry around have gone up to join in
+this association, whilst the Queen of Scots is again placed in more
+severe keeping."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" said Froth, "I heard somewhat of this before; and so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And so," continued Snare, "Sir Thomas in great state hath set forth
+towards town, and sleeps to-night at Kenilworth, where the great
+Bear-ward at present lies."</p>
+
+<p>"So that several of his foresters follow in his train, eh! is't so?"</p>
+
+<p>"They do; he rides in state, for, as thou knowest, 'tis the pride of the
+old Pike to be followed by a whole troop. I saw him pass along the road
+as I lay perdue in the covert. Twenty of his fellows in coat and badge,
+with green and yellow feathers in their hats,<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> and as many falconers
+to make up the train."</p>
+
+
+<p>"And that in truth makes a fair field for us," said Shakespeare. "What
+say ye, my masters all? Shall we be minions of the moon to-night? Shall
+we strike a buck at Charlecote?"</p>
+
+<p>To men of the wild and peculiar disposition of the assembled party,
+nothing could be more pleasant than an excursion of the sort.</p>
+
+<p>A midnight visit to the woodlands was by no means an uncommon
+circumstance in their lives; but hitherto they had pursued their sport
+in localities somewhat more removed from the town in which they dwelt.
+To the bold and imaginative Shakespeare, as his eye glanced into the
+moonlit orchard, the excursion had charms known only to himself. He had
+once or twice before watched the deer in the glades of Fulbrook, and he
+now joined in the expedition heart and hand.</p>
+
+<p>Preparations were accordingly forthwith commenced, and the entire party
+made themselves ready for an exploit, which in those days, and with such
+men, was attended with something more of circumstance than in our own.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, a large closet in the bedchamber of the portly Froth
+was ransacked for such change of garment as was necessary for pushing
+through the more thick and tangled cover. Cross-bows and other weapons
+of the chase were then lugged out, and, amongst other articles, a sort
+of theatrical dress was produced; and being carefully packed up, was
+strapped upon the shoulder of Diccon Snare, to be used as occasion might
+serve.</p>
+
+<p>This latter article of apparel had been purloined from the wardrobe of a
+company of masquers, who were in the habit of visiting Stratford. It was
+neither more nor less than the dress of "<i>Mors, or dreary Death</i>," a
+character then enacting in one of the tedious moral plays of the period.</p>
+
+<p>It was fashioned so as to represent a skeleton; and seen in the
+woodlands in the night, would be likely to scare a forester out of his
+wits, and consequently, should the party be molested during their
+exploit, enables them to escape without collision or discovery.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the party had indued their forest gear, the curfew
+proclaimed that it was time for them to set out; and once more seating
+themselves round the board, they arranged their plan of proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my masters all," said Froth, "a cup to hearten us, and another to
+the success of our venture, and then to horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him whose courage fails remain here," said Caliver; "and let those
+to horse whose feet cannot prop up their bodies."</p>
+
+<p>"No scoffing, lads," said Froth. "Thou knowest I am not able to travel
+on foot so far, or so fast as thou art; but in the field, I have twice
+thy skill at a shot."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard thee say so often," said Caliver. "To-night I hope to see
+a specimen of thy skill."</p>
+
+<p>"Thus be it, then," said Snare. "You and I, Will Shakespeare will go
+straight to Charlecote Park. By 'ur Lady! we'll strike the best buck in
+the herd. You, Froth, being mounted, will accompany us, and remain
+without the park in readiness to receive the deer when we have struck
+it. You, Careless and Caliver, will walk apart lower down, and give us
+notice in case of approach."</p>
+
+<p>"I like not that lying-out work, and alone too," said Froth. "The last
+time I played receiver on Wolvey Heath, I was nearly captured. He that
+dies a martyr, 'tis said, proves that he is not a knave. But, methinks,
+'tis not so sure that he proves himself no fool."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore art thou and Will Shakespeare to have the best of the
+sport?" said Careless. "Methinks, since you say the chase is left to
+take care of itself to-night, we might all four be strikers, and make a
+good venture on't."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Snare, "be it as you will. Will Shakespeare here is sound in
+wind and limb. You are both of ye but broken-down hacks at best, and, if
+you take my advice, will lie perdue without the palings; for, an we be
+molested, we shall have a smart run for it, I promise ye."</p>
+
+<p>Having made their arrangements and laid the plot of their proceedings,
+the party soon after divided, and left the hostel by different doors.
+Shakespeare, Snare, and Froth, the latter mounted on horseback, and
+disguised in a sort of countryman's frock, took the road; whilst Caliver
+and Careless, leaving by the back door, crossed the orchard, and making
+a slight detour to the right, joined them about a mile from the town.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the party left the Lucy Arms a quarter of an hour ere
+Pouncet Grasp, accompanied by Master Doubletongue and a couple of
+ill-looking companions, entered it.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Grasp, peering about, and snifting like a terrier dog in
+search of a rabbit; "ah, Host, is your honoured guest, Master John
+Froth, within?"</p>
+
+<p>The host of the Lucy Arms had an instinctive dread and a most
+unalterable dislike to the lawyer. He considered a visit from him little
+inferior in omen to that of a visit from the plague. He accordingly
+busied himself about some matter or other, and pretended not to observe
+Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Not within?&mdash;eh, Host?" said the latter, making a sign to his two
+attendants, who immediately planted themselves at the front and back
+doors of the premises. "I am sorely unlucky in my visits. Host. An it
+please you, permit me to observe <i>myself</i> if Master John Froth hath in
+reality gone abroad."</p>
+
+<p>"Hast thou business, Master Grasp," inquired the Host, "with mine
+honoured guest to-night? If so, I take it the best way would be to
+confide it to me, or call again. I have said it: Master John Froth
+<i>hath</i> gone forth to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Business," said Grasp; "ah, to be sure; 'business, like time, stays for
+no man,' as the saying goes. Why, yes, I have a slight trifle of
+business; albeit I may not confide it to thee. Certes, I <i>will</i> call
+again. Wilt thou meantime draw me a tankard ere I depart?"</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the host busied himself in drawing the liquor called for, and
+which he immediately set about, in the hope of speedily getting rid of
+the trio, Grasp sauntered into the passage, and peeped into the private
+apartment of Froth, in order to be sure he was really out, and then
+whispered to his two neighbours to make a shew of leaving the house by
+the back way, and quietly conceal themselves in the orchard.</p>
+
+<p>That done, he returned to the kitchen, drank off his liquor, and bade
+the host good night.</p>
+
+<p>Scarce had he gone a dozen paces, however, ere he returned stealthily,
+and watching without the window till the host for some purpose left the
+kitchen, he very quietly re-entered it, and concealed himself there.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DEER STEALERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Lucy family we have already had occasion to notice as descended from
+an ancient and honourable house. They might indeed say with Christopher
+Sly&mdash;"We came in with Richard Conqueror," since they have in truth,
+occupied an important position in England for many centuries.</p>
+
+<p>The mansion of Charlecote, at the period of our story, stood in the
+midst of a park or chase much greater in extent than at the present
+time.</p>
+
+<p>The ground plan of the building forms in shape the Roman capital letter
+E, perhaps in compliment to the virgin Queen, with whose arms it is
+decorated. The soft and gentle Avon gliding at the base, and the park,
+which immediately surrounded the building, was shadowed by oaks of great
+age, which gradually gave place to brake and thicket, almost
+impenetrable in some parts to aught save the hound or the game he
+followed. This again was relieved at intervals by open spaces of great
+beauty, in which the fern grew in wild luxuriance, and hundreds of brood
+short-stemmed oaks, at distant intervals, threw their huge branches over
+the green surface, as if rejoicing in their unconfined luxuriance. In
+such spots, so bright and fresh in the pale light of the moon, the fern
+decked with liquid dew, and the branches of the trees glittering with
+bright drops, the fairies might well be imagined to hold their
+sequestered revels.</p>
+
+<p>Every glade and bosky bourne, every tree and fern-clad undulation, was a
+scene peculiarly adapted to the elfin and the fay. They seemed to tell,
+in their sweetness, and their unmolested seclusion, of the innocent
+ages of an early world, when faun and satyr, and nymph and dryad,
+revelled in the open glade, or reposed on the mossed bank beneath the
+sheltering boughs.</p>
+
+<p>Stealthily, and with the utmost caution, not a word even whispered, but
+communicating to each other by signs as they advanced, young Shakespeare
+and Diccon Snare slowly emerged from the more thick cover upon one of
+these picturesque glades, and took their stand behind a huge oak&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"An oak whose boughs were moss'd with age,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And big top bald with dry antiquity."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"We near the herd," said Shakespeare, in a gentle whisper to his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"We do so," said Snare, "a few yards more and we shall get within shot,
+thanks to our care in gaming the wind, and, look, ye, there they be! You
+can just see their antlered heads above the long white grass in yonder
+open space."</p>
+
+<p>"We must be wary in our approach," said Shakespeare, in a whisper;
+"tread softly, that the blind mole may not hear a footfall."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere best to lay along and drag ourselves to yonder blasted oak,"
+said Snare. "Be careful and keep where the fern is less thick. The
+slightest unnatural movement of the herbage, and they are off."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Snare lay flat on the ground, and began to worm himself
+towards the tree he had mentioned, Shakespeare doing the same and
+following close in his wake; and so quietly and cautiously did they
+continue their serpent-like course, that a looker-on would hardly have
+discovered the track they took except by the occasional movements of the
+long grass and fern.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the crafty Snare lay perfectly quiet for a few
+moments, and then cautiously raising his bare head, looked forth to see
+if the herd were still unconscious of their approach.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more lovely than the entire scene, as it was looked
+upon by Shakespeare. Before and around him lay the wild chase, the deer
+couched "in their own confines," and nearly hidden in the long thick
+grass of ages&mdash;himself in a spot which, except under the peculiar
+circumstance in which he sought it, he could scarce have beheld the game
+so near,&mdash;those magnificent and antlered monarchs of waste, be it
+remembered. For in Elizabeth's day, and in the extensive parks of the
+great, the stag was a wilder and fiercer creature than the same animal
+domesticated as they are, from the confined space in which they are
+necessarily kept.</p>
+
+<p>The danger attendant on the situation also lent its charm to one of his
+bold and ardent spirit. As his eye glanced amidst the magnificent
+scenery, his imagination was instantly carried back to the days of the
+early English kings, when Britain was one entire forest, waste or wold;
+and when, even at an after period, the conquering Norman had lain waste
+whole districts to give room for the chase. Then again, with the
+shifting change of thought, his imagination bodied forth the fabled
+beings of an earlier age. The mossed carpet on which he stood, the
+venerable trees around, the sweet scent of the fern, and the perfumed
+air of the fresh forest, as the dews of summer night fell around him,
+suggested those magnificent thoughts, peculiar to himself, and which in
+after life produced descriptions unequalled for beauty in any age. He
+was</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"With Hercules and Cadmus,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When in a wood of Crete they bay'd the bear<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With hounds of Sparta.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Besides the groves,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The skies, the fountains, every region near<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seemed all one mutual cry."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Meantime whilst the mind of Shakespeare was impressed with the beauty of
+the situation, as well as interested in the sport, the less imaginative
+Snare, with his whole soul intent upon slaughter, and with all the
+cunning of his craft, his body flattened against the huge tree, one hand
+keeping his companion back, the other grasping his cross-bow, again
+cautiously peered out into the glade before him.</p>
+
+<p>This was a moment of intense interest to the deer-stealers. They found
+themselves so close upon the wild and magnificent animals that they
+could see their slightest movement.</p>
+
+<p>There is indeed, something inexpressibly exciting to the hunter or the
+deer stalker in thus finding himself in the midst of the herd, a spy
+upon them in their security, conscious at the same time that the
+slightest movement or mistake on his own part will ruin the hours of
+toil he has previously spent in gaining his position.</p>
+
+<p>A magnificent stag lay a little to the right, and nearest to
+Shakespeare; he touched his companion lightly on the shoulder, and by a
+sign signified that he meant to fire at it.</p>
+
+<p>Snare stretched his neck and peeped over his shoulder. As he did so,
+Shakespeare saw, that with the instinctive knowledge and jealousy of
+their nature, the herd were becoming aware that danger was in their
+close vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant their heads were thrown back, the next moment Snare heard
+at some distance that short guttural noise, so peculiar to the deer at
+particular seasons of the year, and as the splendid animal upon which
+Shakespeare had fixed his eye caught the sound, it leaped to its feet
+and bounded from the spot, the whole herd in an instant also flying like
+the wind towards the cover, seemed to vanish into the mists of night;
+but ere his companion could stay his hand, Shakespeare had raised his
+bow to his shoulder and fired. The shot struck the deer just behind the
+shoulder, and the animal bounding into the air, fell struggling amongst
+the fern.</p>
+
+<p>"Hark!" said Snare, as the same guttural sounds were again heard in the
+woods. "You should not have fired. 'Tis the signal from our comrades.
+The keepers are at hand."</p>
+
+<p>"May the fiend take them," said Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"So say I," returned Snare; "but an we take not especial care, they will
+take us; for look ye, the startled herd will sweep by them yonder, and
+they will be upon us anon; and see, that huge beast is kicking and
+struggling like a dying ox,&mdash;quick, good William, strike roundly in and
+cut his throat."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Snare gave all his attention to the direction in which the
+sounds came, whilst Shakespeare, dashing upon the stag, seized the
+animal by the horns. There was then a short and desperate struggle, and
+with his sharp dagger he cut the creature's throat. He then as swiftly
+rejoined his companion. Scarcely had he done so ere they were both aware
+of the approach of the keepers, who having observed the affrighted herd,
+and at the same time noticed the peculiar sounds given by the watchers,
+and which were somewhat out of season, came directly upon them.</p>
+
+<p>"We might easily shew them a clean pair of heels, and join the bulky
+Froth without the palings," whispered Snare; "but we must have yonder
+beast at all hazards; and we can but make a fight of it if it come to
+the worst. Down with thee, good Will, flat in the fern. Here they
+come&mdash;I see them plainly in yonder glade." So saying, Snare threw
+himself on the ground close beside Shakespeare, and immediately
+divesting himself of his jerkin and hat, rose up again a most grisly
+object&mdash;neither more nor less than Mors, or Dreary Death. Meanwhile the
+rangers came quickly on, four in number, and each armed with cross-bows
+and a short barbed, spear.</p>
+
+<p>They advanced to within about a bow-shot from the tree behind which
+Snare and Shakespeare were concealed, when the former, slowly gliding
+from behind its stern, advanced directly upon them.</p>
+
+<p>The first sight of such an apparition, seen but indistinctly amongst the
+huge boughs, brought the whole party to a stand. They but half made out
+its hideous outline, when it emerged into the clear moonlight, and
+seemed gliding upon them, "a bare-ribbed death, horrible to sight." To
+say the keepers were frightened would be to say little. They were at
+first paralysed, and then turning, they fled like the wind; whilst Snare
+immediately again threw himself flat on his face, and was lost to sight
+amongst the fern; so that, as the keepers looked back whilst they fled,
+the apparition had apparently vanished into the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Rejoining Shakespeare, Snare now resumed his outward garment; and taking
+advantage of the panic, both hastily approached the deer, and securing
+its legs, fastened them on a quarter-staff which they had supported on
+their shoulders, they then hastened across the glade.</p>
+
+<p>So soon as they had gained the park palings, and which at this period,
+and at this part, ran across a deep sandy lane, they threw down their
+burden; and casting themselves on the ground to regain breath after
+their rapid flight, listened attentively. In a few moments a huge
+broad-backed countryman, clad in the loose frock of a miller's man,
+mounted upon a strong-jointed horse, and carrying an empty sack on the
+pommel of the saddle, rode past.</p>
+
+<p>"You ride late, Master Miller," said Shakespeare, as he clambered over
+the palings.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay; rather I ride early, Master Forester," returned the other. "Hast
+anything for the mill to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, good Froth," said Shakespeare; "but is there a clear coast?"</p>
+
+<p>"By the mass! I think there be. Be quick, however, for three of Sir
+Thomas's fellows have passed this spot not a quarter of an hour back."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said Shakespeare. "Then hand me thy meal bag." And the horseman
+threw his sack to Shakespeare, as Snare at the same moment heaved the
+carcase of the deer over the paling, and then following himself, the
+sack was quickly drawn over the body of the deer, and it was thrown
+across the horse, the trio making the best of their way along the deep
+sandy lane towards Stratford.</p>
+
+<p>As they emerged from the lane upon a rushy mead, and left the boundary
+of the park, a low whistle was heard, which they answered. Soon
+afterwards they were joined by their companions, and enveloped in mists
+of the swampy ground they traversed.</p>
+
+<p>It was about the hour when "night is at odds with morning which is
+which" that the party we have before seen assembled at the Lucy Arms
+once more entered its hospitable doors. Quietly, and with considerable
+caution, however, they stole in, one of them bearing upon his shoulders,
+nay, round his neck as it were, with the hind and fore legs protruding
+before him, the carcase of a goodly stag. This latter bent his tall
+form, as he was ushered into the kitchen of the hostel, and threw his
+heavy burthen upon the floor, whilst his companions and mine host, by
+the light of the fire, and in great glee, proceeded to examine it.</p>
+
+<p>"By 'ur Lady, a fine beast," said the host. "Why, Will Shakespeare, this
+is even a better night's work than when you shot that beast in
+Fulbrook."</p>
+
+<p>"A stag of ten, my masters all," said Froth. "'Fore gad, I am well nigh
+exhausted with long fasting and sharp watching. A cup of wine, mine
+host, a cup of wine to Sir Thomas Lucy's health."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the host produced his wine, and Froth and Careless seated
+themselves on the settle beneath the chimney, Snare and Shakespeare were
+busily engaged in skinning the stag, which having quickly accomplished,
+they as speedily cut it up, and disposed of the several portions in such
+places of security and concealment us the host pointed out. After which,
+the skin and the antlered head were thrust into the meal-bag, and
+carried into the orchard, where Shakespeare dug a hole and buried it.</p>
+
+<p>That done they returned to the kitchen, and mine host having spread a
+table and furnished it with liquors, some rashers were cut from the
+carcase of the door, and fried, and eaten with a relish only known to
+men who had spent a night in the forest glades watching and killing the
+stag from which they were taken.</p>
+
+<p>"By 'ur Lady, my lads," said Froth, as he washed down these delicious
+morsels, hot from the fire, with large draughts of mine host's best ale,
+"this is the best part of the night's work. I like not that lonely
+watching beneath the moon's rays. Give me the tankard and a savoury
+collop after the deed is done, and spare me the toil of the action. And
+yet, lads, an I had met yonder caitiff-keepers, I should have found them
+in work, I promise ye."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt," said Caliver; "it would have taken them all four to have
+carried thy fat paunch to the cage."</p>
+
+<p>"I taken to the cage!" said Froth, "I would have cudgelled them to
+mummy."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, Cavaliere," said the host, "thou would'st have smote, thou would'st
+have feined, thou would'st have traversed, eh, ere limbo should have
+held thy portly body? And that reminds me, Lawyer Grasp, with two imps
+of the evil one, was here to-night inquiring for thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Froth, turning rather blank, and setting down the tankard.
+"The peaking knave, then, hath entered the action against me for Master
+Doubletongue's debt. Would I had been at home, my lads, we would have
+tossed the caitiff in a blanket."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Host," said Pierce Caliver, "I had rather myself not come in
+contact with that Grasp; by the same token, I owe moneys too. Therefore
+keep fast your doors while I am within them."</p>
+
+<p>"My hand upon it," said the host; "I will keep all fast till noon; and
+none shall have egress or regress. Said I well, lads, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"You did, Host," said Careless, "for I, too, would as lief walk with the
+receipt of fernseed by daylight."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, my lads all," said Snare, "let us have one song, and then a
+nap; after that to seek our several destinations. I am for Warwick when
+day breaks."</p>
+
+<p>"And I for Monkspath," said Careless.</p>
+
+<p>"And I for Stoneleigh," said Caliver.</p>
+
+<p>"And I for home," said Shakespeare, with a look of mock solemnity,
+"where&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Where thou wilt be finely clapper-clawed for being out all night," said
+the host. "Such it is to be a married man&mdash;ha! ha! A young man married
+is a man that's marred. But truly, Will, thou art not yet married; thou
+canst hit a buck by moonlight with the best of us; so, I pry'thee, give
+us that song of thine about the horns, and we'll all join in chorus."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare accordingly commenced the following glee. Snare and the
+others taking part, and joining chorus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><i>Shak.</i>   What shall he have that killed the deer?<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a><br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Snare.</i>  His leather skin and horns to wear.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Shak.</i>   Then sing him home.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>Chorus.</i>   Take thou no scorn, to wear the horn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i8">It was a crest ere thou wast born,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Shak.</i>   Thy father's father wore it.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Snare.</i>  And thy own father bore it.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>Chorus.</i>   The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i8">Is not a thing to laugh to scorn.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>The first faint light of the breaking dawn, as it gradually appeared
+through the diamond-paned window, found the entire party wrapped in
+slumber.</p>
+
+<p>The fat and jovial Froth, with his huge legs stretched out before him,
+his portly body thrown back, and the tankard fast-clutched in his hand,
+showed by his apoplectic breathing, the heaviness of his slumbers.</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare, somewhat fatigued by the night's exertions, sat opposite,
+with his head on his folded arms.</p>
+
+<p>Snare was down full length before the expired fire upon the hearth; and
+the others were disposed on either side.</p>
+
+<p>Not a sound was heard, except the prolonged chorus of the sleepers, and
+the chirping of the cricket; when from beneath a large table at the
+farther end of the kitchen, and where he had lain concealed, the head of
+Pouncet Grasp was protruded. Stealthily, and with the greatest caution,
+he listened to the heavy breathing of the sleepers. He then as carefully
+emerged from his hiding-place, and stole on tip-toe towards the party,
+identifying each individual as he did so, and putting down his name in a
+small tablet he drew from the breast of his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh," he whispered to himself, as he closed the tablets, after
+writing down the name of William Shakespeare; "here is a precious nest
+of ye."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! ah!" he continued, as he stepped to the door, and carefully opening
+it, looked back ere he departed. "Here's a delicious job for a man to
+stumble upon! A good night's work you have made on't, Master William
+Shakespeare, have ye? Yes, and a precious piece of work have ye all made
+on't. A Star-Chamber matter will Sir Thomas make of this, as sure as my
+name is Grasp." So saying, he quietly opened the back door, and stole
+out to join the followers whom he had left in the orchard.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I call the other men, and make the capture, Master Grasp?"
+inquired one of his myrmidons in a whisper. "Not to-night, good Giles,"
+said the lawyer. "By no means to-night. There is a precious fellowship
+within there; and they may capture us! Besides, I have found out a
+plot&mdash;a monstrous plot&mdash;a damnable plot&mdash;and yet a lovely plot&mdash;a most
+sweet piece of villany!"</p>
+
+<p>"A monstrous plot!" said the constable; "What is't, another conspiracy
+to murder the Queen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Worse," said Grasp. "Now, listen and perpend. Thou knowest Sir Thomas
+Lucy hath of late lost more than one deer?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said the constable.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, an he hath lost them, I have found them."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" eagerly inquired the constable.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, in this veritable inn," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"And when?" inquired the constable.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, now, even now: go to&mdash;see what it is to bear a brain."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, Master Grasp," said the constable, "if the case, I also have
+a discovery to tell of."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Grasp, "what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whilst we lay perdue in yonder corner of the orchard. But, stay, dost
+see that tree there with the spade against it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Grasp, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"With that spade, and under the third tree in line therewith, did Will
+Shakespeare dig a hole this night, and into that hole did Diccon Snare
+bury a something concealed in a sack."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! say'st thou; by my faith the skin of the stolen deer," said Grasp,
+"as I'm a lawyer. Let us mark the tree; and now, my lads, I have ye
+emmeshed in a lovely web. No noise, ye knaves," he continued to his men,
+"but get through the hedge and away."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! Master William Shakespeare," he said, as he followed his two
+ill-looking myrmidons. "Now, will I to Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote,
+knight and magistrate, and then will we let the law loose upon ye."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ADVENTURE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our situation as recorder of events connected with this history, whilst
+it enables us to look from an elevated position upon those connected
+with our story, enables us also to transport our readers, with a
+thought, from pole to pole. Nay, we can even rival the swift flight of
+Puck, if we so will it, and "put a girdle round about the earth in
+somewhat less than forty minutes."</p>
+
+<p>In virtue of this power, we therefore take leave to transport our
+readers upon the "sightless couriers of the air," and bid them look down
+upon the main of waters several thousand miles from the scene of our
+last chapter&mdash;even to the watery wastes which wash the coast of Florida.</p>
+
+<p>A small speck&mdash;an atom&mdash;is seen slowly and laboriously making its way
+over the broad waves of the Atlantic. Steadily and beautifully, as we
+obtain a nearer view, does she seem to mount upon the rolling surge, and
+then again sink down into the vale of waters, almost lost to sight
+between the liquid mountains which follow each other in succession,
+apparently from end to end of the world.</p>
+
+<p>How awfully grand is the situation! How curious to consider is the
+intellect, courage, and perseverance of those who guide that barque
+through such an unknown waste! The dreadful winds roaring above them,
+and beneath the multitudinous waters descending, "where fathom line
+would never find the ground," one touch of an unseen rock, one bolt
+starting in the vessel's hull, one unmarked and uncared-for blast of
+wind, one spark alighting in a crevice, and that vessel and all that it
+contains, unknown, unseen, is resolved into the vast tide, and washed
+amidst the atoms contained in its dark waters. Months have passed since
+the Falcon left the river which flows up to that old Dutch-built Cinque
+Port where our readers may remember to have last seen her. Steadily hath
+the wanderer held on day after day, through fair and foul, into the dark
+waste, alone, like some atom upon the surface, and still breasting the
+wave, as if eternity was before her in those rolling seas.</p>
+
+<p>Strange that the spirit of adventure should sustain men in such a
+hopeless-looking wilderness! That the desire of finding new worlds, or
+their greed after gold, should take them from all they hold dear in
+their own land. Such, however, is the motive which actuates the major
+part of the crew of that labouring barque, whilst to one alone amongst
+them, and who seems the chief of the party, the secret spring which is
+indeed the prime mover of the adventure, is love.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful Count, then, whilst he leads on his followers under the
+idea of new discoveries, great gains, and hatred of the Spaniard, is, in
+truth, seeking for one who has either perished by wreck or starvation,
+or is still living in hopeless abandonment or captivity, somewhere
+amongst these far-away seas.</p>
+
+<p>One only confidant is aware of the secret motive, and that person is our
+old acquaintance Martin. If then we look within the hull of this small
+craft, we shall find its interior peopled by some sixty stern-looking
+and bearded wanderers, high in courage, stern in resolve, the captain
+and crew who work the vessel, the eccentric and faithful Martin, and one
+female in disguise, the latter "a count of wealth as well as quality,"
+to all appearance, and who, as proprietor of the vessel and loader of
+the expedition, seeks ostensibly but to pursue his love of adventure.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the inferiority of size, form, and fashion of this
+vessel, and the unknown ocean they traverse, the Falcon and her warlike
+fraughtage have boon boating about for many a weary week.</p>
+
+<p>It was after being exposed to one of the fearful hurricanes so frequent
+in these seas, that we now look upon the Falcon and her devoted crew.
+Tempest-tossed as they had been for some weeks, to their great relief
+they at length began to find themselves approaching land, and by the
+delicious fragrance with which the air was loaded&mdash;an air which seemed
+as if it blew from some garden abounding with sweet flowers&mdash;they found
+themselves amongst "the still vext Bermothees," where they resolved to
+remain for a short time in order to refit.</p>
+
+<p>Strange and unnatural appearances, however, whilst in this, as it first
+seemed, region of paradise, so astonished the sailors, that after a
+brief sojourn, the Count was necessitated to hasten his departure&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The Isle seemed full of noises,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sounds and sweet airs, that gave delight, and hurt not."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The sailors, too, with characteristic superstition, declared they heard
+strange voices commanding them to leave the shore,<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> and, as if to
+enforce their orders, a dreadful storm of thunder and lightning seemed
+to rend the very heavens, and darkness settled as a pall around them.
+Fearful shapes too were said to glare through the murky atmosphere
+around the ship, and the apparition of the ominous flame, called by
+seamen "Castor and Pollux," flitted above the mast. These portents were
+the prelude to a yet more tremendous storm, which threatening to swallow
+up the little vessel, eventually drove her on an island which runs
+parallel nearly to the coast of Carolina.</p>
+
+
+<p>The Count here disembarked, and refreshed his followers, by rest amidst
+woods and groves of tall cedar trees, around whose trunks wild vines
+hung in festoons, and the grape seemed so natural to the soil, that the
+clusters covered the ground and dipt into the ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Again they put to sea, and again they made a strange land filled with
+new wonders. Here, whilst the adventurers sought the interior of a
+country they had been led to believe contained cities in which the
+houses were studded with pearl, the Count and his immediate attendants
+sought the ruined colony from which Drake had carried off the remnant of
+followers, previously left by Sir Walter Raleigh. "They after riches
+hunt; he after love." The dangers and difficulties encountered by both
+parties it would be difficult to picture; for hunger, heat, wounds, and
+disease were the portion of the adventurers of Elizabeth's day. Through
+gloomy swamps they penetrated, and through interminable forests they
+hewed their way. Many were pierced by the poisoned shaft of the Indian,
+many died of despair, and many were the victims of serpents, reptiles,
+and savage beasts; whilst others again died of loathsome diseases
+unknown in their native land.</p>
+
+<p>Still the Count, the faithful Martin, and their immediate followers held
+on. They had gained some tidings by which they learnt that it party of
+wrecked seamen had been carried captive by the natives to a city in the
+interior of the country; and they resolved to reach them, or perish in
+the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas indeed an edifying sight to behold the stripling youth who led
+that small band. One evidently nurtured in luxury and ease, enduring the
+extremity of danger, fatigue, hardship, and privation, and lending a
+fire to his jaded followers by his heroic fortitude and example. What
+mattered it him, that for days hundreds of half-naked Indians, with
+their clubs and bows, hovered around his mail-clad band. One moment
+swarming to the close attack, the next showering flights of arrows from
+the distance. Still himself and party were resolved to penetrate to the
+rescue of their countrymen or die; and the little band at length reached
+the place they sought.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas lucky for the young Count that he had steeled his mind to bear
+disappointment when he donned the light cuirass which adorned his
+breast; for himself and followers, on arriving at the capital of the
+country, found literally nothing to repay their toil. In place of
+boundless wealth and temples of the sun, the adventurers found a
+wretched Indian town, which had been sacked and partially burned by a
+detachment of Spanish soldiers, and who had apparently carried off those
+they sought as prisoners to their ship.</p>
+
+<p>Here again, therefore, the Christian fortitude of the young Count
+supported his followers. "Murmur at nothing, comrades," he said. "If our
+ills are repairable, it is ungrateful; if otherwise, it is vain. There
+is comfort yet. The Spaniard is assailable, and the Falcon swift of
+pinion; we will return, embark, and swoop upon the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>Well knowing that the Spaniards always went into the Gulf of Mexico by
+St. Domingo and Hispaniola, and directed their homeward course by the
+Gulf of Florida, where they found a continued coast on the west side,
+trending away north, and then standing to the east to make for Spain,
+the Captain of the Falcon directed his course accordingly; and guided by
+report of some barques he fell in with, managed to gain sight of the
+very vessel they were in search of.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniard was a huge carrack loaded with treasure; and when the
+English vessel sighted her, she was labouring heavily in a gale, and
+which the lighter and better-built Falcon rode with ease. Displaying his
+flag, the Count instantly gave orders to bear down and near the enemy;
+and disregarding the increasing winds which now blow almost a hurricane,
+the two vessels encountered each other.</p>
+
+<p>How strange it seemed that amidst the fury of the elements, and which in
+a few short hours might overwhelm both vessels in the deep, the natural
+hatred the crews bore each other should urge on and help the
+destruction. And still more edifying was the gallantry with which the
+smaller English vessel bore down upon the huge golden prize, received
+her heavy fire, and, crashing upon her, whilst they were locked
+together, attempted to storm her bulwarks, and gain a footing on her
+deck. Then might have been seen a fearful sight,&mdash;amidst the tearing of
+masts and rigging consequent upon the vessels being locked together for
+the moment, and whilst they were simultaneously heaved upon each wave,
+was heard the ringing sound of musketry, the clash of weapons, and the
+despairing cry of agony, mingled with rattling sails and roaring wind.</p>
+
+<p>Enveloped in smoke, none knew whether they were sinking amidst the dire
+confusion and horrible sounds around. Navigation was suspended whilst
+rage lasted, until the vessels separating with the increasing violence
+of the storm, in a crippled state, and, as if pausing for want of power
+to renew the fight, they were now gradually driven from each other. Not
+as they had met, however, did they part. In the confusion of the fight,
+and owing to their tearing apart ere the English adventurers could
+master the Spanish craft, and which by their valour and impetuosity they
+had nearly accomplished, several had fallen into the hands of the
+Spaniard, whilst a similar capture had also been made by the Falcon.</p>
+
+<p>The young Count and Martin were unluckily amongst those left upon the
+deck of the Spanish vessel, and one or two of the before wrecked
+sailors, of whom the Count was in search, together with some Spaniards
+of condition, were the prize of the English.</p>
+
+<p>This was a dire consummation to the crew of the Falcon after all their
+toils. The Spaniard was known to be a cruel devil on the high seas. The
+prisoners would be tortured or made to walk the plank. In addition to
+this, there was no possibility of rescue or renewal of the fight in such
+a sea, and in so crippled a state. Both vessels, therefore, lay rolling
+upon the waters, the crews glaring at each other till night.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding their crippled state, the Captain of the Falcon, with
+the characteristic industry of the English suitor, sat about preparing
+for a renewal of the engagement, and, after giving a multitude of
+directions, he found time to address himself to a tall noble-looking
+cavalier, who seemed the principal of those whom the chance of war had
+introduced into his vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an unlucky issue to our adventure, Seignor," he said, "unless
+we can repair the mischief by a second fight."</p>
+
+<p>"A lucky one for me, good Captain," returned the cavalier, "I was forced
+with other prisoners upon the deck of yonder Spaniard, and ordered to
+fight against you, my own country men. In the <i>melée</i> I managed to gain
+a footing upon your craft. Another day had perhaps seen us all committed
+to the deep."</p>
+
+<p>"Whilst I," said the Captain, "in gaining that for which I adventured in
+this voyage, have lost my venture by losing my employer. Is not thy name
+Arderne,&mdash;Walter Arderne?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is," said the cavalier, in some surprise, "How have you discovered
+so much?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are those in this vessel who know you," said the Captain; "men
+from your own neighbourhood, and who are the followers of the owner of
+this craft, a noble gentleman who set sail from England for the very
+purpose of discovering and rescuing certain of his countrymen said to be
+cast away on the coast of Florida."</p>
+
+<p>"You still more astonish me," said Arderne. "What was the name of this
+person?"</p>
+
+<p>"My employer, and who has unluckily become a captive in yonder carrack,
+is called the Count Falanara, a noble having large estates in
+Warwickshire."</p>
+
+<p>"We have no such name, or proprietor of land, in that county," said
+Arderne; "you have been deceived."</p>
+
+<p>"In some sort I think so," said Captain Fluellyn; "will you favour me by
+stepping into the cabin of this noble, and in which, until his absence
+gave me opportunity of entering, I have never yet been?"</p>
+
+<p>So saying, the Captain led the way into the small cabin the Count had
+occupied during the voyage, which had been fitted up under his own
+directions.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more elegant than the interior of this cabin; the
+curtains of the small sleeping-berth were of common silk, fringed with
+gold; the window beneath which the waves rippled was elaborately carved,
+and also framed and gilt; a splendid mirror of small dimensions, being
+framed in gold, ornamented the opposite side; the lamp which was
+suspended from the ceiling was also of pure gold; an elaborately-carved
+seat, with velvet cushions, was opposite the small round table fastened
+in the centre of the cabin, and upon it was placed a lute. In short,
+everything shewed that the recent occupier was a person of somewhat
+effeminate tastes and habits, and so the Captain seemed to think. "A
+soft nest," he said, "for one vowed to adventure, and the dangers of the
+New World. One would think a noble possessing the means for luxuries
+such as these need scarcely seek for treasure."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so," said Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," said the Captain, "it all depends upon the treasure sought.
+This Count, as you have said, hath in some sort put a cheat upon me;
+inasmuch, Master Arderne, as he was not what he seemed."</p>
+
+<p>"True," said Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"These things are not the usual accompaniments of a sailor, or a rude
+son of adventure," said the Captain, somewhat contemptuously, touching
+the lute and the framed mirror with the end of his sheathed rapier. "On
+my first acquaintance with this youth&mdash;this noble&mdash;and when I took
+instructions anent our voyage, I looked upon him as a coward. He was for
+avoiding all unnecessary danger and collision with an enemy. Subsequent
+events, however, and his endurance under toil, and his ardour after that
+he sought, caused me to change that opinion. A week ago, as I listened
+to the melody of the voice which accompanied yonder lute, it suddenly
+struck me the Count was a female."</p>
+
+<p>"A female!" said Arderne. "Had she no familiar friend&mdash;no confidant with
+her&mdash;who was aware of her real name, think ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"She had," returned the Captain, "a shrewd and faithful friend, who
+seemed her confidant; albeit, I could make him out as little as I could
+his superior. He also is captured or lost in the confusion."</p>
+
+<p>"We must take that vessel, Captain, or perish!" said Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"We will at least do our best," said the Captain, preparing to leave the
+cabin, and look to the exertions of his men. But at that moment a sudden
+cry arose in the vessel, which made both him and Arderne hasten their
+steps. The Spaniard was on fire.</p>
+
+<p>This was indeed a terrible consummation. The night was dark&mdash;the burning
+vessel some miles off.</p>
+
+<p>Regardless of the billows rolling mountains high, Arderne and a resolute
+company got out the boats of the Falcon, and attempted to approach the
+blazing vessel.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas, however, all in vain. The conflagration rapidly increased; so
+that ere the boats neared her, she was on fire in many places; her
+ordnance thundering off as the flames reached them, rendering it
+impossible to approach near. That several escaped in their boats was
+likely; but the English sailors, in spite of Arderne's desire to keep
+near, rowed back to tho Falcon, whence they remained gazing upon the
+flaming craft&mdash;a terrific spectacle thus seen by night. The shape,
+cordage, masts, her high and towering poop, and all her gilded
+furniture, displayed in the hot flames, as if some painter had drawn out
+every portion.</p>
+
+<p>All night and part of the next day did the haughty-looking Spaniard
+burn, till she was consumed to the water's edge, and then, as the Falcon
+neared her, there arose ever and anon a column of smoke from the rolling
+sea, consequent upon the close decks, full of spices, exploding under
+water, and which the fire had not taken hold of.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>MORE MATTER FOR A MAY MORNING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Stratford-upon-Avon, like most country towns, possessed at this period,
+amongst other and worthier inhabitants, a certain amount of fragments,
+who were indeed in themselves nothing, but who wished to make
+themselves, as they fancied themselves, something.</p>
+
+<p>Those stuck-up portions of humanity, besides being extremely chaste in
+their ideas of propriety, were perhaps the most intolerant and
+unforgiving Christians in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Brotherly love and charity were as often and as forcible in their mouths
+as real humanity was wanting in their hearts. Did a poor maiden err, and
+allowed her failing to be discovered, she was to be utterly cast out,
+abandoned, destroyed&mdash;no redemption allowed. Did a youth but shew the
+germs of a generous spirit, and fling out never so little, he was to be
+hunted down as one of the wild and wicked, irrecoverably disowned, and
+driven from society. Such folks are, as we have said, always to be found
+in a small community of citizens&mdash;the unwholesome impurity which
+circulates in its veins and arteries, and poisons by degrees the stream
+of its life.</p>
+
+<p>Should any of these envious censors happen to observe one whom they
+consider of mark and likelihood beyond the common herd, they endeavour
+to make shipwreck of such superiority, by nipping it in the bud. They
+feel conscious of their own common-place inferiority. They know
+themselves in reality nothing, and they resolve to reduce, if they can,
+the superiority of others to their own level, or to trample and destroy
+it utterly, if possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Such a commodity of warm slaves" in Stratford had for some time looked
+with evil eye upon young Shakespeare. There was a superiority about him
+which, as it was more observable to their envy, they could by no means
+behold with quietude. They regarded him with a rankling dislike, and
+received, invented, or promulgated with avidity any thing they could
+gather to his disadvantage.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers will perhaps think it odd, that one so young should already
+have found enemies in his native town. They will, however, remember,
+that "Envy always dogs merit at the heels," and that Shakespeare, as he
+was no common person, was at the same time the most open, generous, and
+unsuspicious of mortals&mdash;a man likely to expose himself to censure, and
+care little about it either.</p>
+
+<p>Back-wounding calumny, as he well knew, "the whitest virtue strikes."
+With every aggravation of circumstance, therefore, the somewhat
+desultory life young Shakespeare led, became canvassed by these good
+citizens of Stratford.</p>
+
+<p>He was noted as one of irreclaimably wild and dissolute habits&mdash;"quoted
+and signed to do some deed of shame;" and through the industry of Grasp
+and Doubletongue, the Charlecote exploit got wind all over the
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner did Grasp hear of the return of Sir Thomas Lucy from
+Kenilworth, and which happened a few days after the adventure, than he
+hastened over to Charlecote, and demanding audience of the stately
+knight, laid all he knew before him.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers will readily picture to themselves the ire of Sir Thomas on
+hearing this piece of intelligence, and which, as Grasp related the
+conversation he had heard whilst lying in perdue at the hostel, plainly
+shewed the knight that his park had been broke, and his deer shot under
+his very nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" he said, as he rose from his chair, and looked forth into the
+lovely chase; "and is it so? and are we bearded thus? Now, I will teach
+these knaves a lesson they shall not easily forget! The <i>outrécuidance</i>
+of that wild young fellow&mdash;that young Shakespeare, it shall go hard, but
+I will punish. A slight touch of the whip would do much towards turning
+so fiery a spirit. Ah! and what then, nothing but my parks, my woods,
+and my forest-walks will suffice for the recreation of that young
+springald.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Grasp, I am much bounden to you for this intelligence. At once
+we will proceed against the whole gang of desperadoes. Let me see your
+list again. Ah! I see. And now, with regard to the Lucy Arms, we will
+begin there first. No more shall that swaggering Host make mine own
+property the den in which these ruffians congregate, and lay their plots
+to rob and plunder me."</p>
+
+<p>"Master Fillpot was soliciting a fresh lease of the Lucy Arms, was he
+not, honoured Sir?" inquired Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"He was so," said Sir Thomas. "His lease expired last Midsummer, and I
+was about to renew it. I will renew it with a vengeance, Master Grasp,
+as you shall see anon."</p>
+
+<p>"Marry and amen," said Grasp. "The Lucy Arms, grieved am I to say it,
+since they are pertaining to so honourable a house, hath been for some
+time a sign of disrepute in the town, a rallying point for certain
+dissolute and shameless characters to assemble at."</p>
+
+<p>"They shall no longer be so," said. Sir Thomas, ringing a small bell on
+his table, "We will incontinently proceed there. Let the head keeper be
+sought immediately," he said to the domestic, who answered the summons.</p>
+
+<p>"He awaits in the court with the hawks, Sir Thomas," said the domestic.</p>
+
+<p>"Order him hither," said the knight, "and inform the ladies I shall not
+go to the marshes this morning. I have business at Stratford which will
+employ me till after noon."</p>
+
+<p>The man bowed and withdrew, and immediately afterwards the head keeper,
+a tall, athletic-looking man, holding his falcon on his glove, entered
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Your fellows keep good watch, Oswald," said the knight. "During my
+absence at Kenilworth, I have been again robbed; one of the best bucks
+in the park has been stolen."</p>
+
+<p>"I heard not of it, Sir Thomas," returned the falconer.</p>
+
+<p>"So it appears," returned the knight. "Nevertheless it hath been done;
+by the same token, this worthy, honest person saw the deer brought to
+the kitchen of the Lucy Arms at Stratford, where it was skinned, cut up,
+and actually some part of it eaten by William Shakespeare and his
+companions."</p>
+
+<p>"You amaze me," said the keeper; "on that night some of those I left in
+charge of the park were scared by a horrible apparition, the same which
+has been sometimes seen in the chase of Kenilworth, and so alarmed Roger
+Watchum, the Earl's head keeper, that he took it as a warning of death,
+and never joyed after. It hath grievously scared our people too, and
+they are afraid to go out at night, except in couples."</p>
+
+<p>"Let them quit my service in couples then," said Sir Thomas, "since they
+are such cowardly hounds, and do you put a bullet through that ghost
+wherever you find it. I am well served by fellows who, scared by a
+shadow, run scampering about the woods, and leave the deer to the mercy
+of caitiffs and common robbers the whilst."</p>
+
+<p>The head keeper well knew the stern disposition of his master, he
+therefore only bowed and waited further orders, whilst Sir Thomas walked
+up and down the apartment for some minutes without speaking. After a
+while, however, he again addressed the keeper.</p>
+
+<p>"Go, sirrah," he said, "get together half a score of my out-door
+serving-men with pick and crow-bar. Send them forward to the Town-end at
+Stratford; and do thou and half a dozen of thy fellows, prepare to
+attend <i>me</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Master Grasp," he said, "we will take your's, and the
+depositions of the men you have brought with you, who saw this
+Shakespeare in the act of burying the buck's-hide in the orchard of the
+Lucy Arms."</p>
+
+<p>Meantime whilst these transactions were taking place at Charlecote, the
+unconscious delinquents were again assembled at the hostel, where we
+fear, it must be confessed, more mischief was being plotted against the
+quieter portions of the community.</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of mischief, and the love of sport, was, after all, the chief
+mover of the whole party. They enjoyed those stolen pleasures, and,
+indeed, doubly relished the banquets they furnished forth, from the very
+circumstances of their being so procured.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, the presiding genius of the tavern&mdash;the jovial
+Froth, with Pierce, Caliver, and Careless, were the parties assembled in
+the parlour of the Lucy Arms.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas the time, according to the magnificent wight Armado, "when beasts
+most graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that nourishment which
+is called supper,"&mdash;about the sixth hour.</p>
+
+<p>The meal was accompanied by sauce of the best quality, hunger, and
+savoured by good humour and hilarity. It consisted of a smoking haunch
+from the very buck we have already heard so much controversy about, and
+which was washed down by large draughts of liquor, various in kind, and
+exquisite in flavour.</p>
+
+<p>It would have done the reader's heart good to have beheld mine host of
+the tavern, with the sleeves of his doublet tucked up, standing at the
+table to carve the savoury joint, and whilst he ever and anon partook of
+a morsel and pledged his guests in a bumper, waiting upon them and
+uttering his quaint sayings.</p>
+
+<p>William Shakespeare and Diccon Snare had promised to be of the party on
+this evening, but from some cause or other which was unexplained,
+neither had kept the appointment.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the supper was finished, the haunch devoured down to the very
+bone, the napkin was removed, and the sparkling liquors in their
+quaint-cut bottles and flasks being placed upon the board, the party sat
+in for a carouse. They had all been over to Warwick on that day, and
+pleasure and action gave a zest to the evening's entertainment and the
+enjoyment of the hour; still the absence of Shakespeare and Snare made
+the evening's enjoyment, after all, seem incomplete. There was a feeling
+of something wanting to crown the joy of the party; for those who had
+once been in the society of the delightful Will, would be likely,
+without knowing the extent of their feelings at the moment, to
+experience a terrible void if he disappointed them.</p>
+
+<p>The assemblage, however, were not men to allow the hours to hang on
+hand; and in the hope and expectation that their friends would join
+them, they carried on the war in jovial style. Their jests principally
+were levelled against Sir Thomas Lucy, whose rude and overbearing
+keepers they were the more pleased at gaining a triumph over; inasmuch
+as one or two of their own party had before been severely punished for
+offences against the game laws&mdash;offences, which men of their sort looked
+upon in the light of no offence at all, and rather as a sort of feather
+in their caps, anything but a theft; or, if a theft, a species of
+stealing which those of spirit, and ranking as gentlemen, had a right to
+indulge in: for what says the old doggrel?</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Harry and I in youth long since<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Did doughty deeds, but some nonsense;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We read our books, we sang our song,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We stole a deer; nor thought it wrong;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To cut a purse deserves but hanging,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To steal a deer gets merely banging."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha!" said the Host. "Art thou there, bullies? Why, then, confusion
+to these Bohemian tartars! and we lads of mettle will still feast at
+their expense. What we must hedge, we must lurch. An we are borne down
+by the vile in spirit, we must resort to cozenage,&mdash;we must filch,&mdash;we
+must steal,&mdash;we must coney catch,&mdash;we must cozen the dappled deer from
+the fern."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly thou art in the right, Host," said Froth; "but I most especially
+marvel what keepeth the jovial Will to-night. He struck the buck, and
+should be at the carving of the haunch. We lack him&mdash;we lack him much.
+By my fay! the cup lacks flavour, whilst expectation is thus defeated.
+Oh, 'tis a glorious boy! Come, lads, let us in his absence cheer our
+spirits with a catch. Give us Will's own song of the horns: an we have
+not himself, we'll have his verse." And the party sang,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"1. What shall we have that kill the deer?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">2. His leathern skin and horns to wear.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">3. Then sing him home.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Take thou no scorn to wear the horn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">It was a crest ere thou wast born."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The chorus was trolled out again and again, the singers applauding their
+own exertions vigorously, by repeated raps upon the table. Mine Host sat
+with his hands clasped before him, his head keeping time with drunken
+precision:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is not a thing to laugh to scorn."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>When just at this moment the whole company were startled by an
+apparition nearly as appalling in appearance as the spectre they had
+themselves scared the keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy with in Charlecote, and
+which indeed was neither more nor less than Sir Thomas Lucy himself.</p>
+
+<p>The knight advanced a few paces into the room, accompanied by several of
+his men, and stood to regard the party. Mine host was the first to catch
+sight of him, and the lusty chorus he was trolling out died away in a
+faint quaver, and as the rest of the company, following the direction of
+his staring eyes, turned and beheld the tall knight, conscience made
+cowards of them all, and, with a desperate rush, they endeavoured to get
+out of the room. Two dashed into the sleeping-chamber of Froth, whence
+they escaped into the orchard, whilst mine host, Caliver, and Careless,
+bolted through the open window.</p>
+
+<p>Following the example of these latter fugitives, Froth made also an
+attempt to escape by the window, but his huge body became fixed like a
+wedge, as he endeavoured to throw himself forwards upon the grass
+without, and his nether man presented so fair a mark that the irate
+knight pointing him out to his head keeper, the sturdy forester stepped
+up, and by a most industrious application of his hunting-whip, so
+stimulated the exertions of Froth, that, bellowing with pain, he at last
+managed to get through the opening.</p>
+
+<p>If the stately knight had been given to mirth, the sight of this swollen
+porpoise, during his efforts to escape,&mdash;his huge legs kicking at his
+tormentor,&mdash;his great body fast jammed,&mdash;would have furnished him with
+laughter for some minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas, however, was too irate to be so moved; he sought for proof
+of the guilt of the parties in this their sanctum, and, quickly
+proceeding to overhaul the lodgement of Froth, he found sufficient
+evidence of their poaching propensities; cross-bows, matchlocks, and
+snares of various sorts, were rummaged out and brought to light; and
+even the costume of Dreary Death, and other disguises, were produced. In
+fact, the query which had been often suggested by some of the more staid
+neighbours of the vicinity, as to how the swash-bucklers and rollicking
+blades constituting the society of the Lucy Arms, managed to live,
+was brought to light. They lived by their exertions on the road
+and the glade. They were squires of the night's body&mdash;Diana's
+foresters&mdash;gentlemen of the shade.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was Sir Thomas fully satisfied on this point than he retired
+from the interior, and, mounting his horse, ordered the men awaiting him
+at the town-end to be summoned.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Grasp," he said, "I have more than once given this caitiff host
+notice to quit, and he hath still hung on and craved to remain my
+tenant. You have seen him this day evacuate the premises of his own free
+will, and I will now give my own people possession."</p>
+
+<p>Thus saying, Sir Thomas ordered his men to enter the hostel, and proceed
+to unroof it,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> after which he desired them with pick and spade to
+demolish and destroy as much as they could effect that night, and in the
+morning to return and level the Lucy Arms with the ground. That done, he
+reiterated his commands to the obsequious Grasp to proceed against the
+whole party as aiders and abetters in the robbery&mdash;William Shakespeare,
+in particular, as principal. To <i>prosecute</i> and <i>persecute</i> with the
+utmost rigour of the law. After which he turned his horse, and, grave
+and stately, attended by his keepers, rode off to Charlecote.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LAMPOON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the morning of the day on which Sir Thomas paid a visit to the Lucy
+Arms, William Shakespeare, seated in a small parlour at the back of his
+house, was employed reading from a somewhat bulky volume certain matters
+which appeared deeply to interest him.</p>
+
+<p>So much so, indeed, that albeit his attention was often called from the
+subject of his studies by the little crowing baby he held in one arm;
+still he ever returned with renewed avidity to devour a few more pages,
+as often as the playful infant gave him an opportunity of doing so.</p>
+
+<p>The volume Shakespeare was reading from was a thick squat folio, then
+some thirty years printed, and called Hall's Chronicles. Many and
+various were the histories contained in this thick volume; and the deep
+interest young Shakespeare felt in their perusal, and the impression
+they made upon his mind, may be imagined when we enumerate them as set
+forth. First, then, there was "the unquiet time of King Henry ye
+Fourth." That was indeed a stirring page in England's history, "when
+trenching war channelled her fields," and intestine jars and civil
+butchery "daubed her lips with her own children's blood."</p>
+
+<p>Then followed the victorious acts of King Henry the Fifth&mdash;a glorious
+epoch&mdash;a "record of fair act," and which, as we read of, he already saw
+before him, "the warlike Hal, in the vasty fields of France,"</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Assuming the port of Mars, and at his heels<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Leash'd in, like hounds, famine, fire, and sword,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Crouching for employment."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Then came the troublous season of King Henry the Sixth, when</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Cropp'd were the flower-de-luces in our arms,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And England's cost one-half was cut away."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Then followed the boisterous reign of King Edward the Fourth, the
+pitiful life of King Edward the Fifth, the tragical doings of King
+Richard the Third, the "politic governance" of King Henry the Seventh,
+the triumphant reign of King Henry the Eighth.</p>
+
+<p>How diligently young Shakespeare perused this book; and how carefully he
+remembered the impression made upon his mind, his after-life has shewn
+us.</p>
+
+<p>At the present moment, like many a less elevated genius, his studies
+were disturbed by civil discord, domestic brawls, and the matters of
+every-day life around him.</p>
+
+<p>Such, however, was the fine disposition of the man, that it took much to
+disturb the serenity of his temper and the equanimity of his mind.</p>
+
+<p>We have seen that, in the amiability of his disposition, he was
+snatching an hour's leisure from the business in which he was engaged,
+and helping to nurse his child whilst pursuing his studies. This
+employment in itself would but have enhanced the pleasure afforded by
+such study. But unluckily (albeit he gave as little attention thereto as
+possible) he was at the same time subjected to the observation and sharp
+rebuke of his somewhat shrewish better half.</p>
+
+<p>The stolen hours spent with his associates of the Lucy Arms had caused
+him a series of lectures and upbraidings, which completely ship-wrecked
+his domestic peace.</p>
+
+<p>All this be suffered in silence, for, as he could not compromise his
+companions by disclosing their confederacy in his deer-stealing exploit,
+he wisely held big tongue; not that he, however, deemed it right to keep
+secret counsel from the wife of his bosom; but in this case, where
+others were concerned, honour bound his tongue. In his own words he
+could have told her&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"That he knew her wise, but yet no further wise<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than William Shakespeare's wife. Constant she was,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But yet a woman: and for secrecy<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No lady closer, for he well believed<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She would not utter what she did not know,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And so far would he trust the gentle Anne."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In the present instance the gentle Anne appeared determined to have a
+serious quarrel with her husband. She flatly told him she would never
+rest till she had discovered where and with whom he had passed the
+night; and her upbraidings, as is frequently the case with females in
+her station of life, were by no means mild.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The venom'd clamours of a jealous woman<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And William Shakespeare found it, and accordingly at length his patience
+gave way, and he arose, laid aside his book, placed his child in the
+cradle, and notwithstanding his stomach warned him it was near the
+dinner hour, he donned his castor, left the small apartment, and was
+about to leave his house for the Lucy Arms, when, just as he reached the
+door, he beheld Diccon Snare.</p>
+
+<p>Dismounting from his horse, Snare entered the front-room of
+Shakespeare's house; and having desired the lad to whom he gave charge
+of the steed to lead it round to the shed in rear, he closed the door
+behind him carefully, and then threw himself into a chair, as one who
+had ridden far and fast since he had taken to the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>"There is ill news abroad, Will," said he; "the Charlecote business is
+blown&mdash;Sir Thomas Lucy knows all. That much concerns you, for you are
+made the principal in the affair. Other matter hath also come out
+regarding some transactions in which Caliver and Careless are concerned.
+Caliver is in custody. Careless hath escaped, and, as I am not
+altogether exempt, I am for London with all speed."</p>
+
+<p>"For myself I care nothing," said Shakespeare; "but for Pierce, Caliver,
+and Careless, I am grieved. But whence is all this derived?"</p>
+
+<p>"I met one of Grasp's lads at Kenilworth this morning," said Snare, "who
+with an officer was searching for Caliver; he gave me a hint to convey
+intelligence to the lads of the Lucy Arms; and I have ridden hard to
+give you the first notice."</p>
+
+<p>"This doth indeed look ugly," said Shakespeare. "Sir Thomas hath ever
+held me in his hate, and undeservedly so. Wherefore he hath this
+dislike, I partly guess; now he has me on the hip, I doubt not he will
+do his utmost against me. But I pry'thee come in, Snare, you look pale,
+and lack refreshment. Our meal is about to be served."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but," said Snare, "your wife, Will,&mdash;she likes me not; nay, she
+forbade my coming hither last Martinmas."</p>
+
+<p>"Heed it not," said Shakespeare, smiling; "believe me, she meant not
+what she said. A friend both tired, hungry, and in need of shelter,
+shall never be turned fasting from my door. Besides, hath not thy love
+brought thee hither to warn me? Tush, man! Do you tell me of a woman's
+tongue&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"That gives not half so great a blow to the ear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As doth a chestnut in a farmer's fire."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And Shakespeare threw open the door, and ushered his friend Snare into
+the inner-room, where they found the dinner spread, and the wife not
+best pleased at having to tarry.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a word of matters appertaining," he whispered to Snare, as they
+entered. "Mistress Anne will not endure thee long, Diccon. After the
+meal is finished, she will take herself off to the upper-room."</p>
+
+<p>Snare therefore followed his friend, and looking somewhat scared, made a
+leg, and paid his compliments to the hostess as he best could.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas exactly as Shakespeare had surmised. The handsome Anne, whose brow
+grew somewhat contracted when she saw her husband usher in Snare, left
+the pair to themselves, as soon as she had finished her meal.</p>
+
+<p>After her departure, Shakespeare placed liquor before his guest; and
+over a social glass they debated seriously of their affairs.</p>
+
+<p>The high spirit of Shakespeare, however, would not permit of his long
+remaining under dominion of care or apprehension; and, under influence
+of a cup or two of Canary, he began to rail upon Sir Thomas, and lash
+him alternately.</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon the clod-pate," he said; "his brains are as thick as
+Tewkesbury mustard. He imprison me&mdash;he have me whipped! Pshaw! I laugh
+at the dull ass! I will make him a jest to the whole country!"</p>
+
+<p>"O' my word, Will, he will be more likely to drive thee from it," said
+Snare; "for Launcelot Quill, Grasp's head clerk, vows he never saw man
+more angered than the old knight is against thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Tush, man!" said Shakespeare, "never tell me of his anger. Let him do
+his spite. He hath already done me several ill turns, from the bare
+suspicion that I have broke his park. Now, I doubt not, he will fine,
+imprison, and what not, if he can but catch me! Come, another cup, and
+then to inform our companions of the Lucy Arms of this matter. Best,
+however, clap-to the outer door, and make all fast," he said, rising and
+drawing the bolt across the fore-door, "lest this Cavaliero Justice hath
+already let loose his myrmidons against me. Ha! ha!" he continued,
+reseating himself, "he a Justice of the Peace!&mdash;he a Parliament Member!
+Why, I will fashion a better justice after supper out of a
+cheese-paring. I pr'ythee, Snare, reach me that ink-horn. I will write a
+lampoon upon the peaking Cornuto, and fasten it up against his
+park-gates&mdash;I will, indeed, lad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but Will," urged Snare, "thou wilt scarce venture, daring dog as
+thou art, further to irritate the knight? I tell thee, being married and
+settled here, this business will already go far to ruin thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Ruin me!" said Shakespeare, somewhat bitterly. "Ruin me, saidst thou?
+Why, man, dost think me in a thriving condition here in Stratford?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not entirely so," said Snare, looking around; "I would I could see thy
+nest better feathered, Will, and I trust I shall yet do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I think it not," said Shakespeare; "business decreases apace with me. I
+am called wild, inattentive, dissolute,&mdash;nay, I have had one or two
+slight misunderstandings with my family; and, as thou sayest, this last
+business and the rancorous hatred of Sir Thomas, will go hard with your
+poor friend. But, come, here we have a couplet or two in his condign
+praise: for a taste&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A parliament member, a justice of peace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At home a poor scarecrow, at London an asse;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If lowsie is Lucy, as same volke miscalle it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then Lucy is lowsie whatever befall it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"'Fore heaven, Will, stop," said Snare, laughing, "Thou hast indeed
+touched up the knight; thou hast tied him to a post, and wilt lash him
+into madness."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but stay," said Shakespeare, "I will give him another stanza yet.
+Hearkee to this:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"He thinks himself great.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Yet an asse in his state,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We allowe by his ears but with asses to mate;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If Lucy is lowsie as some volke miscalle it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then sing lowsie Lucy, whatever befall it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Snare, "an thou stick that up, thou hadst better put the
+seas between thyself and Britain. The Knight of Charlecote will be
+driven stark staring mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Shakespeare, "we shall see how matters progress. If Sir
+Thomas bears me hard, as true as thy name is Diccon Snare, I will nail
+this lampoon to his park-gates, and have it sung to filthy tunes through
+the town."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GARDEN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was one bright morning, a few days after the events we have recorded
+that a gay and gallant-looking party rode into the grounds of Clopton
+and approached the Hall.</p>
+
+<p>The mansion, which had for some time remained shut up, now appeared to
+be resuming something of its former state. Its latticed windows were
+once more open, whilst servants were to be seen moving about the offices
+and gardens, and even the bark and bay of dogs were heard in the kennel.</p>
+
+<p>The good Sir Hugh had suddenly returned to his home from the Low
+Countries. Time had gradually ameliorated his deep grief, and restored
+the equilibrium of his mind. He felt tired of camps and military
+service, and his thoughts turned to the green woods and sweet scenes of
+his own home.</p>
+
+<p>A feeling we suspect which almost all soldiers, however much ambition
+and the love of profession may keep them in harness, more or less
+experience. There is a period in the lives of all men in which the
+occupations of a country life form a sort of recreation after the toils
+and cares of the world. That which we disregard in youth, amidst the
+gaieties and frivolities and ambitions of life, in age seems to come as
+a natural repose. A wise provision of nature, and which in earlier
+times was perhaps better exemplified. To youth, the bright weapon, the
+helm, the shield, and the defence. To riper age, the plough, the hoe,
+and the dibble.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh had returned to his sweet home, and, albeit a settled
+melancholy was on his spirits, he could better enjoy that home now that
+absence had rendered it less painful to him to look upon, and he
+returned with renewed zest to his old employments. He was in his garden,
+giving directions to his gardener about the different plants, and
+flowers, and shrubs, and turning over in his mind the varieties which in
+his daughter's time she had loved to cultivate&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">"Daffodils<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That come before the swallow dares, and take<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The winds of March with beauty. Violets dim,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That die unmarried, ere they can behold<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bright Ph[oe]bus in his strength."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He was busied amongst his "somewhat o'erweeded garden," when an
+attendant announced that Sir Thomas and Lady Lucy were advancing towards
+the house, with the intention, no doubt, of paying him a formal visit on
+his return. Upon which the good Sir Hugh set his dibble in the earth,
+smoothed down the cuffs of his doublet, belted on the long rapier, which
+he had laid aside upon the walk when he commenced work, and, adjusting
+his short cloak and starched ruff, entered his house to receive these
+distinguished guests.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Lucy, in the kindness of his heart, had hastened to pay a
+visit to his old friend the moment he heard of his arrival, and, well
+knowing there would be many things to excite the feelings of Sir Hugh on
+his return, he was resolved to carry him back to Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>"I will have no denial, Sir Hugh," he said, "I have come hither to bring
+ye forth to Charlecote. We have wanted you long, and by my fay we cannot
+away without ye."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but," said Sir Hugh, "I am but now returned. Methinks in a few
+days I should be more prepared to leave home again."</p>
+
+<p>"Prepare me nothing," said Sir Thomas. "What the good-year, dost think
+we will let thee sit down to a solitary meal here, when we have shot the
+buck, and dressed the haunch on purpose for thee? Come, man, Lady Lucy
+takes no denial; and, see, my daughters are here to fetch thee."</p>
+
+<p>There was no resisting this, so Sir Hugh, sighing as he glanced upon the
+lovely daughters of his neighbour, ordered out his steed at once.</p>
+
+<p>It was a lovely morning, as the party rode through the grounds of
+Clopton, and emerged upon the road to Stratford. Many matters were
+discussed by the two friends after their long separation.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas rode, as was customary at the period, with his falcon on his
+glove, his falconers being in attendance. Nay, even the ladies carried
+their favourite hawks, which they petted, and even talked to as they
+rode; a favourable opportunity for giving them wing being not altogether
+neglected occasionally.</p>
+
+<p>"We must have a day on't in the marshes, Sir Hugh," said the Knight of
+Charlecote, "and you must away with me next week to the Cotswold Hills,
+to the coursing, Sir Hugh. By 'ur Lady, I have a pup of old Snowball,
+which, an I am not mistaken, will win the match. 'Tis a goodly cur, I
+promise ye."</p>
+
+<p>"I will see him run," said Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>"And that reminds me," said Sir Thomas, "to tell thee I have of late
+been much molested by a knot of young fellows breaking my parks and
+shooting my deer."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, the caitiffs," said Sir Hugh, "can'st not take them?"</p>
+
+<p>"In sooth can I, and will trounce them too. One, especially, have I
+marked for punishment; and my lawyer hath him in hand. A wild lad of the
+town here, named Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare!" said Sir Hugh; "not young William Shakespeare, the eldest
+son of the wool-comber?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same," said Thomas. "I shall impound the knave ere many hours more
+are over his head."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I am truly sorry to hear this," said Sir Hugh, "for I have reason
+to think well of that lad."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis more than any one else hath, then," said Sir Thomas. "He hath been
+a bitter thorn in my side for some time."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, you surprise me; hath he then so altered since I left these
+parts?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not that," said Sir Thomas; "but I well know he hath the
+reputation of the wildest young fellow in the neighbourhood."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then I am utterly astonished," said Sir Hugh. "We must talk
+further of this matter; and I must see if I cannot get you to over-look,
+in some sort, young Shakespeare's offence."</p>
+
+<p>"I would do much to pleasure you," said the Knight of Charlecote; "but
+my lawyer hath instruction to prosecute him with rigour. I was resolved
+to make a Star Chamber matter o't. If he be, however, so much favoured
+by thee, my good friend, we must look to't. But come, here we are at
+Charlecote. Ha!" he continued, pulling up his steed suddenly; "what have
+we nailed up against the gate? Dismount, Hubald!" he said to the
+Falconer, "take it down, man, and read it, and see what 'tis."</p>
+
+<p>The head Falconer dismounted, and approaching the gates, took down a
+good sized placard written in large characters, a single glance at which
+seemed to cover him with dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, in the name of wonder?" said the Knight. "Read, man, read;
+don't stand glaring like a driveller. Is my place placarded for sale?"</p>
+
+<p>"An it so please ye," said the Falconer, "a gnat hath gotten into my
+eye, and I cannot well make it out. 'Tis a verse, too, and I cannot read
+a verse anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a knave," said the Knight. "Read, I tell thee. I am curious to
+know what such documents can have to do with my gates. Read, I say,
+without more circumstance." And accordingly the Falconer, like one
+affrighted at his own voice, and in doleful tones drawled out the
+following couplet:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A parliament member, a justice of peace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If Lucy is&mdash;"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Ahem! 'If Lucy is&mdash;'" And the Falconer stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"Proceed, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, with the calmness of concentrated
+rage; "proceed, a God's name!" And again the Falconer read&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"If Lucy is lowsey as some folk miscall it,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then lowsey is Lucy whatever befall it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>To paint the ire and astonishment of Sir Thomas would be difficult.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's goodly stuff toward," he said, as the Falconer stopped after the
+four first lines, and stood looking as much scared as if he had himself
+been guilty of the composition. "This, then, Sir Hugh, is doubtless the
+production of thy witty friend. A pestilence strike such wit! say I.
+Here, hand me the paper. Now may the fiend take me, an I do not give him
+his full deserts for this insult." And cramming the placard into the
+bosom of his doublet, to be read carefully and at more leisure, Sir
+Thomas put spurs to his horse and rode into the courtyard of his
+mansion.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FLIGHT TO LONDON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A week has elapsed since Sir Hugh Clopton paid his visit to Charlecote.
+He has been a few days returned to his own home again, and is filled
+with pleasurable sensations on account of a letter just received from
+London, and announcing the arrival there of his nephew, Walter Arderne.
+The ship in which Walter has received a passage home is called the
+"Falcon," it is lying at Deptford; and the letter from the nephew to the
+uncle treats of strange matter; and promises, when they meet, still
+stranger news, connected with his escape, and safe return to England. A
+postscript adds, that as Walter has returned naked, as it were, to his
+native land, and has little to delay him preparatory to his returning to
+Clopton, his strong love for his uncle, "sharp as his spur," will help
+him on his road as fast as his horse can bring him. One only drawback is
+there to the contentment of Sir Hugh, and that is the account his nephew
+gives of the loss of the faithful Martin.</p>
+
+<p>Still (although Sir Hugh felt more happy at this intelligence than he
+had been for some time) he did not let his feelings interfere with a
+project he had conceived after his return home, of going into Stratford
+in order to pay a visit to John Shakespeare, in Henley Street. The good
+Sir Hugh felt, that however much the son of the wool-comber might have
+disgraced himself, at any rate he himself was in duty bound to try and
+befriend him. "A deer-stealer," he said, as he mounted his horse and
+rode forth, "and given to all unluckiness in catching hares and rabbits
+too; and then that biting satire nailed against the park-gates, and
+stuck up all over the town: nay, 'twas too bad, and that is the truth
+on't. Here, too," he continued, (fumbling in the pocket of his doublet,)
+"is a vile ballad I bought of an old hag, who was bawling it through the
+streets of Stratford but yesterday. Let me see what saith the doggrel:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Sir Thomas was too covetous<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To covet so much deer,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When horns enough upon his head,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Most plainly did appear."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"By 'ur Lady, but 'tis sad stuff; and here be more&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Had not his worship one deer left?<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">What then? he had a wife,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Took pains enough to find him horns<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Should last him during life."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Ah, a very simple lad, and a wilful. Had it not been for these
+things&mdash;these scraps of bad verse&mdash;I could have made matters up, I dare
+be sworn." And Sir Hugh (who by this time had reached Henley Street)
+dismounted, and entered the house of the wool-comber.</p>
+
+<p>How well the Knight of Charlecote had bestirred himself, and how well he
+had been assisted in his prosecution of the deer-stealers by the
+wretched Grasp, was evident, since Sir Hugh found that Snare was in jail
+at Warwick, Caliver in durance at Coventry, and that William Shakespeare
+had fled.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, Shakespeare had fled from Stratford-upon-Avon. How trivial a
+circumstance did that seem at the time! Except his own family, none
+seemed to know or care much about him. A mere youth was driven from his
+home to avoid punishment for a trifling indiscretion; persecuted by a
+man of high and chivalrous feeling, and who knew him not, but by the ill
+report of the vile; a man who, had he but suspected the great worth and
+brilliant genius of the fugitive, would have been one of the first to
+befriend, in place of injuring and driving him, alone and friendless,
+from his home. And that act, whilst it lent an imperishable <i>eclat</i> to
+his own name, was, perhaps, the exciting cause of the greatness of the
+offender.</p>
+
+<p>It was dark night when Shakespeare left his home. The resolve was
+suddenly taken: his high spirit could not brook the thought of
+degradation and punishment at the suit of the Knight of Charlecote. The
+misrepresentations, the misconceptions, and the absurd reports of the
+Stratford noodles, had disgusted him; and (even amidst the laughter
+caused by the lampoon affixed to the gates of Charlecote) he fled from
+the town.</p>
+
+<p>Added to these feelings, there was the natural ambition which a young
+man, a husband, and a father, entertained to enter into some wider
+sphere of action, find where the talents he possessed might be brought
+into play. Domestic difference, too, and undeserved reproach,&mdash;or, if
+<i>deserved</i>, ill-timed, galled his spirit, and his gentle nature rebelled
+against the treatment he had received. The fire in the flint, 'tis said,
+"shows not till it be struck."</p>
+
+<p>'Twas night when he left his home. To his mother alone had he confided
+his intent, and to her he had entrusted the care of both wife and
+children. 'Twas two hours past midnight when he donned his hat and
+cloak, took his quarter-staff in his hand, and prepared to start.</p>
+
+<p>Gently he ascended the stairs, and entered his sleeping-room. The
+handsome Ann was buried in a deep sleep; and as one snowy arm encircled
+her infant, her dark-brown locks lay like a cloud upon the pillow. What
+a picture of rustic English beauty did she present! One kiss of her
+parted lips, and he descended the stairs, and let himself out by the
+back-door.</p>
+
+<p>He was obliged to be cautious as he crossed the orchard, and gained the
+open fields in rear of his dwelling. It would, however, we opine, have
+been somewhat dangerous had the emissaries of Grasp molested him on this
+night, as his spirit, although bruised, was not broken, and he would
+have been a difficult person to capture. Ere he left the orchard, he
+turned and looked long and fixedly at his own and his father's dwelling.
+He felt that, perhaps, he might never again behold the sloping roofs
+which covered relatives so dear. All, save one (his mother), were buried
+in deep sleep, and unconscious of his flight. A minute more, and he was
+gone from his native town. Hurrying onwards over the meadows and
+woodlands&mdash;avoiding the high-road&mdash;across the country towards
+Warwick&mdash;"over park, over pale&mdash;through brake, through briar." Without
+any fixed notion as to his route, London was his destination; and with a
+mind ill at ease, the solitude of the woods was most congenial to his
+thoughts. Thus he traversed, alone and at night, the first few miles of
+that delicious and park-like scene between his native town and Warwick;
+and still, as his steps were destined towards the latter town, old
+haunts, and points of interest, lured him from the direct line; and the
+breaking dawn found him standing, leaning upon his staff, on Blacklow
+Hill&mdash;a spot, we dare say, well known to the majority of our readers.
+The sweetness of this locality, and the delicious scene around, for the
+moment took him from his own particular griefs; his mind reverted to the
+terrible deed of stern and wild justice it had been the scene of.</p>
+
+<p>In the hollow of the rock beneath his feet, Piers Gaveston, the minion
+of Edward the Second, had met his sudden fate.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst the fern and on the mossed face of the rugged rock were still to
+be seen the name of the victim, and the date in which the deed had been
+done, rudely cut at the moment of the execution.</p>
+
+
+<h4>1311.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Piers Gaveston,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Earl of Cornwall,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Beheaded.</span></h4>
+
+<p>Around him were the oaks of the Druids; in the distance, embosomed in
+softest verdure, gray with age, and softened in the mists of early dawn,
+were the towers of the magnificent Warwick.</p>
+
+<p>On right, on left, were the deep woodlands, at this period covering
+nearly all Warwickshire like a huge forest. 'Twas a scene peculiarly
+adapted to call forth all the chivalrous feelings and historical
+recollection of such a being. The distant rush of the water from the
+monastic mill at Guy's Cliff, a sound which the monks of the adjoining
+abbey in bygone times had loved to hear, soothed the melancholy of his
+soul;&mdash;a sort of dreamy and shadowy remembrance of ages "long ago
+betide;"&mdash;a feeling as if the gazer upon such a scene had been familiar
+with the iron men who lived in feudal pride, and owned those towers in
+bygone days, stole upon him. He stood upon the domain of that mighty
+Earl of Warwick, "the putter up and plucker down of kings;" the blast of
+whose bugle in that county had often assembled thousands, "all
+furnished, all in arms." In thought he followed the proud baron in all
+his stirring career. Knight and esquire and vassal, a "jolly troop of
+English" swept by with tuck of drum and colours spread; and then he saw
+the mighty earl dying amidst the dust and blood of Barnet:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"His parks, his walks, his manors, that he had,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Even these forsaking him; and, of all his lands,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nothing left him but his body's length."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Any one who could have looked upon that youthful poet at the moment,
+might have surmised the Shakespeare after-times has been wont to
+picture. There was the divine expression,&mdash;the countenance <i>once seen</i>,
+even in a portrait, never to be forgotten; the eye of fire, "glancing
+from heaven to earth;" the splendid form, with head thrown back and foot
+advanced. And thus he stood upon Blacklow Hill&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A combination and a form, indeed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To give the world assurance of a man."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Not like a fugitive flying from the paltry spite of a scrivener set on
+by a country squire, but like the herald mercury.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"New lighted on a heaven-kissing hill."<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Long did the fugitive linger in this spot, till&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">"Light thickened, and the crow<br /></span>
+<span class="i6">Wing'd to the rocky wood."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He then, as hunger forced him from his retreat, crossed the meadows, and
+entering the town of Warwick, sought an old hostel situate in the
+suburbs. No sooner did he enter this town, than he began to find himself
+one remove from the dull seclusion of his native place. The streets
+seemed all alive; a huge bonfire was a-light in the market-place, and
+hundreds of the rough sons of toil were assembled around, and in the
+adjoining thoroughfares.</p>
+
+<p>Another diabolical conspiracy of the Jesuits had been discovered, and
+their designs frustrated. The news had just travelled to Warwick, and
+all was exultation, execration, and wild riot; whilst, added to this was
+a whispered rumour that the Queen of Scots was to be immediately brought
+to trial for participation in the plot. Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Amias
+Paulet, and Edward Barker,&mdash;it was said at the Castle,&mdash;had waited upon
+Mary, informing her of the commission to try her, and also that Mary had
+refused to submit to an examination before subjects. Thus, then, all was
+excitement, stir, and bustle, as Shakespeare, unmarked by all, passed
+through the streets of Warwick and entered, the market-place,&mdash;a scene,
+perhaps, not quite so rude and riotous as in earlier times in that old
+town, yet still sufficiently characteristic of the period.</p>
+
+<p>At one side of the market a company of fleshers, butchers, and half-clad
+hangers-on, reeking with the "uncleanly savours of the slaughter-house,"
+threw up their sweaty night-caps, and urged their savage mastiffs to the
+charge, whilst an unlucky bear, tied to a strong stake, hugged and bit
+and bellowed with the agony of the attack. At another part a rout of
+fellows were to be seen wrestling and playing at quarter-staff; others,
+as they sprawled before a low hostel, were dicing and drinking, whilst a
+whole company danced and shouted around a bonfire, in which the effigies
+of Philip of Spain, tied back to back to a shaven monk, were being
+burnt. At another part of the market a considerable crowd was gathered
+around a sort of rhyming pedlar,&mdash;a tatterdemalion poet, who said, and
+shouted, and sang, the latest news, the newest ballad, and the last
+lampoon made upon Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A Parliament member, a justice of peace&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Passing through this crowd, and gathering from several knots of the
+citizens much of the stirring news, Shakespeare entered a small tavern
+situate in the outskirts of the town, near the Priory walls, where,
+although he found less bustle, there was yet a decent assemblage of
+guests. Here again he had opportunity of hearing those events which at
+the moment interested the kingdom from one end to the other. Violent
+philippics were levelled against Mary of Scotland, Philip of Spain, the
+Pope, and all communicating and consorting with them. The Queen of
+Scots, it was asserted by one of the travellers, had been found guilty
+of writing a letter to Philip, in which she offered to transfer all
+England to the Spaniard should her son refuse to embrace the Catholic
+faith. Another guest affirmed she had entered into a conspiracy against
+her own son, and instigated agents to seize his person and deliver him
+into the hands of the Pope, or the King of Spain.</p>
+
+<p>As the fugitive sat beneath the huge chimney, and listened to the noisy
+debate of these politicians, amidst the hum of voices, and with the
+names of Walsingham, Babington, Burleigh, Hatton, Leicester, and others,
+ringing in his ears, he fell asleep, and with his arms folded, his head
+dropping upon his breast, his feet stretched out upon the hearth, his
+quarter-staff fast clutched in his arms, in company with others snoring
+in different parts of the apartment, did he pass the first hours of the
+night on which he fled from Stratford.</p>
+
+<p>It was by no means an uncommon occurrence in Elizabeth's day for guests
+and wayfarers at a hostel of this sort <i>so</i> to pass the night. Your
+traveller oft-times took his supper, folded his arms, drew his cloak
+around him, and slept in his boots and doublet when on a journey. The
+comfort of a good bed, as in our own day upon the road, was by no means
+thought so necessary. Nay, during the reign of Henry the Eighth, the
+peasant slept upon the floor with a log of wood for a pillow; and a
+comfortable bed to the hardy English peasant or the yeoman was a luxury
+indeed. The traveller, therefore, who meant to be early on the road,
+paid his shot over-night, and departed with "the first cock."
+Accordingly, the morning broke as Shakespeare brushed the dew from the
+grass some miles from Warwick, and the sun shone out brightly as he
+neared the towers of Kenilworth, then in all its pride and magnificence.
+The parks, and woods, and chase of this fortress were well known to the
+poet; and the beautiful little village, with its priory situated close
+to the walls, amidst verdant meadows, and surrounded with thick and
+massive foliage, had been a favourite haunt. Here, when a school-boy, he
+had accompanied his father, what time the Earl of Leicester entertained
+Queen Elizabeth for seventeen days, "with pomp, with triumph, and with
+revelling." And here he had taken his first impression of regal pride
+and power. At the same time he also got an inkling of the theatrical
+diversions then in vogue; for hither came the Coventry men, and acted an
+ancient play upon the green&mdash;a play long used or represented in their
+antique city, and called "Hock's Tuesday," and in which the Dane, after
+a formal engagement, was discomfited. Here, too, us he stood upon the
+margin of the castle-lake, he beheld another pageant, in which</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Arion,<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> on a dolphin's back,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Uttered such dulcet and harmonious breath,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That the rude lake grew civil at her song."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<p>Many other rough, sports, too, had he seen on this occasion and on this
+spot; the gracious Queen, sitting patiently the whilst, "kindly giving
+her thanks to the actors for nothing."</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Her sport to take what they mistook,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And what poor duty could not do,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Noble respect took it in might, not merit;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And where she saw them shiver and look pale,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Make periods in the midst of sentences,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Throttle their practis'd accents in their fears,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And in conclusion dumbly breaking off,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Out of their silence did she pick a welcome,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And in the modesty of fearful duty<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She read as much, as from the rattling tongue<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of saucy and audacious eloquence."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare turned from the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, the scene
+was by no means new to him, yet still it made considerable impression
+upon his mind; the huge castle and its flanking walls and towers, and
+the buildings which had been added to it during various reigns,
+altogether made up a pile of feudal grandeur such as was hardly to be
+equalled in the kingdom. There stood the new and magnificent buildings
+of the favourite Leicester&mdash;the towers of old John of Gaunt,
+"time-honoured Lancaster,"&mdash;the lodgings of King Henry the Eighth&mdash;the
+old bower of Cæsar, (built by Geoffrey de Clinton,) the tilt-yard, the
+swan tower, the water tower, Lunn's tower, Fountain tower, Saintlow
+tower, and Mervyn's bower. There was the plaisance, the orchard, the
+huge court, the garden, the glassy lake, and the wild and magnificent
+chase. All these, much as they had been impressed upon the mind of
+Shakespeare in former rambles, seemed doubly interesting and impressive
+now that lie was leaving the scene, perhaps for ever, without purse,
+profession, or prospect. Nay, should he meet some outlaw or common
+robber on the road, he might have said, with his own Valentine&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A man I am, crossed with adversity,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My riches are these poor habiliments,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of which, if you should here disfurnish me,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You take the sum and substance that I have."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Those who have left the home and haunts of their childhood, and all
+there so dearly loved, can best describe the feeling of desolation which
+the one solitary wanderer for the first time feels, and which each mile
+seems to add to. He who has first embarked for a distant clime, leaving
+all worth living for, to "make a hazard of new fortunes in the world,"
+can best remember "how slow his soul sailed on, how swift his ship."</p>
+
+<p>When Shakespeare left the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, all was strange
+and new to him; and he might then be said to have entered upon "the wide
+and universal theatre."</p>
+
+<p>All travel at this period was performed on horseback. Roads were foul,
+ill-made, and difficult; so much so, that in winter a man might have
+been dead in London three mouths before his next heir at York heard the
+news. The towns and villages, too, were then few, small, and far apart;
+and as Shakespeare inquired his weary way onwards, how sweet in
+remembrance seemed the bowery beauty of that sequestered spot he had
+quitted&mdash;sweet Stratford! and where he knew every face he met, where he
+saw and mixed with his own family every day, every hour. Sometimes, as
+he lay along, and rested beneath the shade of melancholy boughs, he
+loved to ponder upon those dearly-loved relatives, and imagine what they
+were doing, what they thought of his absence, and whether they missed
+him. His mother, too, she who had always so loved her first-born, who
+could read his high desert, and appreciate his brilliant talents, when
+all else passed him by, how would she miss him!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Oh this will make my mother die of grief."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The tears would then course one another down his cheek, and he would
+start up and hurry onwards again. He had no fixed route, but inquired
+his way from village to town, and from hamlet to city. His good
+constitution, and out-door habits, made it no hardship to him to pass
+the night upon the mossed bank in the open air. The cottage afforded him
+refreshment, and the thin drink of the shepherd from his bottle was
+oft-times offered in return for a few minutes' conversation upon the
+wold; the hawthorn bush the shade in which he rested; and thus he
+proceeded onwards in his flight, purposely deviating from the direct
+road, as well from inclination as that he felt it likely some search
+might be made after him either by friends or enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The few coins he had in his pocket when he started were soon expended,
+and he experienced at times, during his progress, the pangs of hunger
+without the means of allaying it, and this perhaps was an ordeal
+Shakespeare was fated to go through. He was destined to feel the "uses
+of adversity" ere he rose, by his own mighty efforts, above the world.
+He was to see human nature in all its varieties. To experience the
+depressing weight of poverty, ere he surmounted his worldly cares, as
+the lion shakes the dew-drops from his mane. Adversity was to be the
+finishing school of his studies&mdash;nature the book presented. In this
+school he took his degree, and which all the learning of the ancients,
+all the pedants of the antique world would have failed in teaching him.
+Nor was his attention confined to the actions of men as he mingled
+amongst them. He was the exact surveyor of the inanimate world as he
+travelled through it, and his descriptions in after-life were grafted
+from the contemplation of things as they really existed.</p>
+
+<p>To a solitary traveller on foot at this period there was considerable
+peril. The resolute ruffian, the "resolved villain," who lived by
+levying contributions on the road, was often to be met with. Nay, even
+strong parties of travellers were frequently attacked, and robbed, and
+murdered, 'twixt town and town. Still all unarmed, except the stout
+staff he carried in his hand, and the small dagger worn at his girdle,
+and which served to cut up the food he ate, Shakespeare held on his way.
+The lowly ruffian as he emerged from the thick cover which overhung the
+road occasionally scowled upon him as he passed, and then let him
+proceed unquestioned. There was something in the eye, which met his
+glance, which told the robber of hard blows and desperate resistance,
+whilst the unfurnished manner in which he travelled promised little in
+the shape of booty. Once or twice the wayfarer had joined a party of
+carriers, who, with other travellers in their company, were going the
+same route, but, as he frequently diverged from the road, he soon lost
+such companionship and made his way alone, through by-roads and foul
+ways, and across the dreary wastes and commons, at that period extending
+occasionally for many miles. It was on the fourth evening of his journey
+that, having made a long detour from the main road, he again came into
+it about five miles from Stoney Stratford. The day had been lovely, he
+had wandered far, and as he laid himself down beneath some huge trees
+and watched the bright track of the setting sun, he fell into a sound
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas "the middle summer's spring." The bank upon which he lay looked a
+perfect haunt of the elfin crew, but whether or not, on <i>this</i> night,
+Shakespeare dreamt a <i>dream of Midsummer</i>, or whether he dreamt at all,
+we are unable to say. Whilst he slept, however, he was suddenly awakened
+by the sound of voices near.</p>
+
+<p>As he opened his eyes, by the moon's light he observed three persons
+standing a few yards from him. The spot on which he reclined was so
+shadowed by the overhanging branches and thick with fern that he had
+himself been undiscovered, and a few moments' observation convinced him
+that the men he beheld were "squires of the night's booty." Their heavy
+boots, their soiled doublets, the rusted breast-plates they wore, their
+slouched hats, and untrimmed beards, altogether indeed convinced him
+they were thieves.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he regarded the ill-favoured trio they descended from the
+overhanging bank into the road, where they were joined by a fourth
+person, who stole from the covert on the other side, and for some
+minutes remained in conversation with them. The situation was not
+without its interest, albeit it was fraught with danger to Shakespeare.
+He had, indeed, unconsciously intruded himself into the trysting place
+of a band of robbers, and, as he rose to his feet and removed somewhat
+behind the tree, he watched them narrowly.</p>
+
+<p>They were evidently laying in wait for passengers, as he more than once
+observed one of the party throw himself flat upon the road, with his ear
+to the ground, in order to listen for the tread of hoofs. To remain
+behind the oak (whose antique root peeped out upon the overhanging bank)
+would have been dangerous. Still, as he resolved closely to watch these
+men, he cautiously withdrew into the deeper cover of the trees. As he
+did so his head struck against some obstacle pendant from one of the
+boughs, and, as he raised his eyes, he beheld the dead body of a man
+suspended, a ghastly object thus seen in the gloom, and which
+sufficiently shewed the evil nature of the neighbourhood. He had, in
+fact, reached a spot called the "Crooked Wood," a part of the road at
+that period famous for robbery and murder, and the bodies of several
+malefactors were hung <i>in terrorem</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Shuddering at the sight, he withdrew from the vicinity of this object,
+which swinging backwards and forwards looked yet more horrible in the
+deep gloom. The next moment he heard the distant sound of hoofs upon the
+rood, and at the same time observed the figures beneath drawing
+cautiously off on either hand, concealing themselves completely in the
+deep shadows, one only remaining prostrate in the very middle of the
+highway. Although the horsemen approached rapidly, it was some time ere
+they neared the spot; now the clatter of hoofs appearing close at hand,
+and then (as some turn in the road intervened) again for some moments
+totally lost to the ear.</p>
+
+<p>At length they advanced down the hill which led immediately into this
+dark defile. Two horsemen he distinguished; the foremost immediately
+reined up his horse, and signed to his companion to do the same. The
+heart of Shakespeare beat quickly as he observed one of the travellers
+dismount and stoop down to render assistance to the prostrate form
+before him. As he did so the robber suddenly grasped the traveller by
+the throat and pulled him down, at the same moment his three companions
+darted like lightning from either side of the road; whilst two assailed
+the horseman, the third aided their comrade to despatch the traveller
+who had been entrapped.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle was desperate: the mounted cavalier had in an instant
+unsheathed his long rapier, and manfully defended himself; and the woods
+around rang to the blows of the combatants. Meanwhile the prostrate
+traveller, whose horse had galloped off at the commencement of the fray,
+was also in an unpleasant plight. This latter, being a powerful man, had
+more than once heaved himself up by main force, and nearly cleared
+himself from his adversaries. But, with heavy blows and desperate
+exertions, they at length succeeded in pinning him down. In an instant,
+however, the fallen man succeeded in drawing a pistol from his belt, and
+discharged it into the body of one of his opponents.</p>
+
+<p>All this happened in as short a time as it has taken the reader to
+peruse it. Life and death, in such deadly conflict, in taken and
+received by the combatants like the lightning's flash; and, albeit the
+travellers straggled manfully, yet a very few minutes sufficed to tell
+against the leaser party. The horseman was on the point of being dragged
+from his saddle, and his fellow-traveller was growing exhausted with the
+violence of action. At that moment, however, a heavy blow fractured the
+skull of the ruffian who hold the bridle-rein of the rearing steed, and
+as the new combatant afterwards opposed himself to the robber, who had
+by this time succeeded in bringing the rider to the ground, after a
+short and rapid combat, the latter turned and fled.</p>
+
+<p>This turned the tide of battle instantaneously in favour of the
+travellers, and as in oft-times the case in such conflicts, it ended in
+the same rapid manner in which it had commenced. The travellers stood
+panting with their recent exertions, and whilst three bodies lay before
+them in the road, thou: deliverer, leaning upon his heavy quarter-staff,
+stood regarding one of them with curious eye.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, after the person, who seemed by his appearance the principal
+of the travellers, had somewhat recovered himself, he stepped up to the
+hero of the quarter-staff, and poured forth his thanks for the service
+rendered.</p>
+
+<p>"We are indebted to you for no less than our lives," he said, "and would
+fain repay the obligation by something more acceptable than thanks."</p>
+
+<p>The moon was at the moment hidden, but as Shakespeare caught a nearer
+view of the features of the speaker, he plucked his own hat over his
+brow, and withdrew still further into the shadow of the trees. At the
+same time he courteously refused all requital for the aid he had
+rendered.</p>
+
+<p>"Can we do nothing to requite this favour?" said the taller Cavalier.</p>
+
+<p>"You can," said Shakespeare, "since, if I guess aright, your name is
+Arderne, and you go towards Stratford-upon-Avon."</p>
+
+<p>"Such is my name," said the traveller. "How can I serve you?"</p>
+
+<p>"By giving this token," said Shakespeare, tearing a leaf from a small
+tablet he earned in his breast, and writing a few words on it.</p>
+
+<p>"No more?" inquired the traveller, endeavouring to get a better view of
+the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell those to whom you give the token," said Shakespeare, "that he who
+sends it is in life and health&mdash;no more."</p>
+
+<p>"But will you not bear us company?" said Arderne. "This place seems
+dangerous, and alone you may be met by others of the gang."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis no matter," said Shakespeare; "I cannot consort with thee. Our
+paths to-night, as through life, lie in different directions. Farewell!"
+and hastily darting off, he was quickly lost in the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange," said Walter Arderne, as he glanced closely at the small slip
+of paper in his hand, and which the moon's light now gave him an
+opportunity of reading. "Ah! this paper is directed to the wool-comber
+in Henley Street. Methought I knew the voice. 'Twas then William
+Shakespeare who so opportunely befriended us."</p>
+
+<p>So much was Arderne surprised at this meeting, that he would fain have
+followed Shakespeare, but his companion dissuaded him.</p>
+
+<p>"The man is gone suddenly as he came," said he, "and we are not wise to
+remain longer in this place. Come," he continued, as Walter remained
+looking in the direction his sometime friend had taken, "let us on, and
+endeavour to catch our horses. We may be met again in this dark pass,
+and, by my fay, it is not every night in the week a man meets with
+a&mdash;let me see&mdash;How called ye this friend in need?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare," said Arderne, whilst he still lingered in the hope of
+catching another glimpse of his deliverer&mdash;"William Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Shakespeare!" said the blunt Fluellyn, sheathing his rapier. "Truly
+so; but come on, a' God's name, I say; for 'tis not every wood at
+midnight that can produce a Shakespeare."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>OLD LONDON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our scene shifts now from the pleasant fields and sylvan retreats in
+which we have so long lingered, and changes to the great metropolis of
+England&mdash;London, in the olden time&mdash;a vastly different place, as our
+readers are doubtless well aware, both in size and aspect, from the same
+metropolis of the present day; since three parts of that which is now
+crowded with houses, intersected with streets and squares, and crammed
+with an overwhelming population, was then the haunt of the deer, the
+form of the hare, the park, the thicket, and the chace.</p>
+
+<p>It is curious to imagine the appearance of this metropolis in
+Elizabeth's day. Its peculiar houses, with their sloping roofs and
+beetling stories, its narrow thoroughfares, and the variety of antique
+buildings, which still remained to tell the tale of former reigns,
+altogether producing a picturesque and beautiful effect, such as our
+readers have doubtless often dwelt on with pleasure in the old paintings
+of the time. Added also to the peculiar architectural beauty of that
+day, many of the better sort of edifices being detached, surrounded with
+tall trees, and standing within the rounding of their own gardens,
+presented a delicious and bowery appearance ere the very interior of the
+city was reached. The silver Thames, too, at this period, still flowed
+for the most part through green banks, until its tide passed the dark
+gates of the Tower, when for a small space the buildings were reared
+one upon another, as if they had apparently been thrust forward from the
+more crowded parts, and only hindered from toppling into the stream by
+the piles and heavy timbers of the crushed-up cabins underneath.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the whole together, seen from the water, with their diamond-paned
+bay-windows encroaching over the stream, looked like the bulk-heads of
+innumerable vessels crammed and cast in confusion along the margin of
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>After passing this crowded mass, however, and which, in Elizabeth's
+reign, stretched out for a short distance, the eye of the passenger was
+again relieved by edifices both of a noble appearance, and by no means
+stinted to space, the banks even at this part of the river occasionally
+displaying a verdant appearance, and such buildings standing in their
+own proper grounds. For instance, the very important hostel of the Three
+Cranes, with its porch, its huge chimneys, and its ample rooms, was
+reared upon the grassy bank, its deep bay-windows looking out upon the
+stream. The frowning towers and dark water-gate of Barnard's Castle next
+appeared. Then came the ominous-looking tower of Bridewell. A few
+strokes of the oar, and the pleasant gardens of the White Friars met the
+eye. Then came the Temple Gardens, and after them the pile of buildings,
+with battlement and strong tower, called the Sanoye; after that, amongst
+many other important edifices, were to be seen the castellated towers of
+Duresme Place, York Place, the Courts, the Starre Chamber, Westminster
+Hall, with a sort of pier running out from the open court in front, and
+the Parliament House; then came the huge Abbey of Westminster, not as
+now, choked up by encroaching squalor, but standing in its magnificence
+in the midst of verdant meadows; and lastly came the Queen's Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>On the Surrey side, the aspect of the Thames and its banks would have
+yet more surprised a modern eye, since there the wind still sighed
+amongst the reeds and long grass of centuries. On Lambeth Marsh stood
+the palace and church, together with some two dozen straggling edifices.
+But the Oxen's low was heard along the whole of that over-crowded part,
+so well known to the Londoner of the present day, and now so teeming
+with a squalid and overwhelming population. All along the banks on this
+side, trees and gardens, with an occasional row of houses, a goodly
+edifice, or a countryfied hostel were to be seen until the passenger
+came to Winchester Place, St. Mary Over, and London Bridge, with the
+gate-houses, towers, and multitudinous buildings, built all along it.
+Nay, the spectator, standing upon the top of one of the towers of the
+bridge and looking beyond the great blackened wall of Old London, beheld
+a large tract called the Spital Fyelds, in which the sheep fed beneath
+the shade of tall trees. Bishopgate Street, too, with its one long
+straggling thoroughfare, seemed a trifling village. In Finsburie Fyeld
+stood the windmill, and the kennel for hounds. Clerkenwell seemed but a
+single church with its surrounding wall. Gray's Inn Lane appeared a
+remote thoroughfare, leading to the open country, and Broad St. Jiles
+was a trifling village; whilst in Convent Garden, then completely
+surrounded by a high and massive wall, stood a single edifice&mdash;the
+Convent, from which it took its name, and beyond it green meadows
+studded with trees.</p>
+
+<p>Such, then, were the environs of London, at the period of which we
+write. Its interior we shall perhaps again have occasion to speak of
+during the progress of our story.</p>
+
+<p>It was on the afternoon of the fifth day from his leaving
+Stratford-upon-Avon, that William Shakespeare, standing upon Hampstead
+Hill, looked upon London for the first time. The spot on which he stood
+(albeit it has now, like others we have mentioned, become one vast
+region of brick and mortar) was then studded with oaks, which had
+perhaps witnessed the gathering of the knightly and the noble for the
+Crusades. Immediately on his right, was the massive buttressed wall,
+inclosing the grounds of a half castellated and moated residence, a
+country seat of the Earl of Southampton.</p>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare stood thus and gazed down upon the metropolis, he beheld
+many of those time-honoured edifices, yet remaining, which he had read
+of whilst studying the history of his native land.</p>
+
+<p>Long did the future poet gaze upon the scene before him, and the setting
+sun was pouring down his softened glories, and bathing tower, and
+steeple, and wall, in a flood of molten gold, as he entered the suburbs.
+Suburbs which the traveller of the present day would have likened more
+to a row of hucksters' shops, or temporary buildings run up for a fair,
+than the outskirts of a great city.</p>
+
+<p>Far as the eye could reach were to be seen those pent-house stalls,
+which, projecting into the highways, displayed the different articles of
+the different trades and occupations of the indwellers, and which being
+relieved by innumerable signs, tubs, long benches, stalls, smiths'
+forges, and quaint-looking inns or hostels, gave a most picturesque and
+diversified appearance to the whole.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been a singular sight to behold that friendless young man,
+wending his way along the suburban streets of Old London. The dust of
+many miles upon his worn shoes, his spirits weary, and, like his own
+Touchstone, his legs weary too, and not a cross in his pocket. He was in
+London now, and the hard selfishness of the citizen he found somewhat
+different from the good-natured hospitality of the cottager. His last
+coin had been spent that morning, and he was weary and hungry withal.
+Yet still the first sight of the streets of London, as he gradually got
+into the interior, so much interested him, that he forgot both hunger
+and weariness and kept wandering on.</p>
+
+<p>To the right he turned, now stopping to admire some relics of the days
+of the Plantagenets; and then to the left, now looking up at some
+edifice whose beetling stories, projecting over the street above, so
+nearly met a corresponding edifice on the opposite side, that the
+inhabitants might almost have shaken hands out of the upper floor
+windows. The increasing bustle of the great town he was every step
+becoming more involved in, he at first disregarded, being wholly taken
+up with the buildings he passed, and the curiosities every moment
+presented to his view. Occasionally, too, his attention was arrested by
+a group of cavaliers, dressed in all the magnificence of the period, as
+they rode gallantly through the streets. Then again, the furtive glance
+of the merry-eyed citizen's daughter, and which she threw at the
+exceeding handsome, though somewhat country-clad young man, as she
+tripped down some narrow passage, arrested him.</p>
+
+<p>These matters caused Shakespeare ever and anon to stop and consider
+curiously, and, as he gazed around, the continual passers as constantly
+interrupted the current of his meditations.</p>
+
+<p>Then he was rudely thrust from the causeway, as a swaggering party,
+ruffling and rustling in "unpaid-for-silks," and attended by a whole
+retinue of followers, passed on towards the court-end of the town,
+talking loud, swearing gallantly, and even singing snatches of songs as
+they progressed; elbowing the men from, and thrusting the females as
+unceremoniously to, the wall. Their huge trunks and short cloaks
+fluttering in the wind, their chains and various ornaments glittering in
+the sun, and the feathers in their high-crowned hats brushing the
+overhanging stories of the houses as they walked.</p>
+
+<p>All these varieties, so new to the pedestrian, continually excited his
+curiosity, more especially as, from the conversation of several
+citizens, he found that rumours of events of importance were filling
+men's minds with the anticipation of events to come.</p>
+
+<p>"Heard ye the news, neighbour," said one staid-looking burgher, "just
+brought in from Milford Haven? A Spanish fleet hath been sighted off
+those parts."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, neighbour," said another, "I heard not of the Spaniard. They do
+say, however, that the Duke of Guise hath landed in Sussex with a strong
+army."</p>
+
+<p>"And I heard," continued a third, "that the Scot hath made an irruption
+into England. Nay, 'tis even whispered that Queen Mary hath escaped, and
+that the northern countries, have, in sooth, commenced an insurrection."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, and harkee, neighbours all," said a fourth, "only let it go no
+further, I heard tell in Paul's to-day of a new conspiracy to
+assassinate our good Queen Elizabeth, and set on foot, 'tis said, by
+L'Aubespine, the French Ambassador. Nay, I can tell thee that a mob hath
+beset the Frenchman's house, and he hath been ordered to quit the
+kingdom without delay. Aye, and 'tis said the Queen is much troubled
+with these things; that she keeps close, and much alone; that she
+muttereth much to herself, and seems in great tribulation."</p>
+
+<p>"Not much wonder, either," said another, "'Tis certain she is in great
+terror and perplexity; and if she hesitate much longer to order the
+execution of the Queen of Scots, the kingdom will be burnt up in an
+<i>auto-da-fé</i>."</p>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare listened to these rumours he still continued to wander on
+amidst the labyrinth of lanes, alleys, and buildings in which he found
+himself. Now he progressed through a dense mass of wooden tenements
+called Shoe Lane, the streets crooked and narrow, and overshadowed by a
+perpetual twilight, from the abutments overhead, rising, as we before
+said, story above story, until they almost closed upon each other. Then,
+again, he turned down another street, retraced his steps, wandered back
+through Crow Lane into Gifford Street, and was brought up by the huge
+black-looking mass constituting Old London Wall. Grazing up at the
+ramparts of this dark boundary, he made his way along the Old Bailey,
+passed through Lud's Gate, and found himself in the large open space in
+which stood the then gothic-looking structure of St. Paul's. Here he
+found a large concourse of people, men, women, and children, leaping,
+shouting, and holding a sort of revel around a huge bonfire kindled just
+at the part called Ave Maria, whilst a second rout were collecting in
+the vicinity of a sort of stage erected opposite the houses named
+Paternoster Row.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning upon his staff, in the shade of the old gothic building, he
+gazed upon the scene before him as the chimes rung out from the tower.
+He stood apart from that crowd alone, unknowing any, unknown to all, on
+a spot now covered by the vast building since reared upon those ancient
+foundations: and, as he stood, he looked upon a scene which called up
+associations no longer likely to be engendered in such locality; for all
+is gone which could impress the mind with the times in which he himself
+lived, or with the deeds of a former age.</p>
+
+<p>The edifice itself, at that period, told of monkish intolerance and
+monastic grandeur; when the knightly and the noble bowed their necks,
+and walked bare-headed on the flags beneath, and even kings did penance
+amongst the mean and miserable at its shrine.</p>
+
+<p>He was amidst the mighty dead&mdash;the men of whom he had read in his home
+at Stratford! The Norman kings, in all the pomp and circumstance of
+their feudal pride, had walked upon that spot. Then, again, as he seated
+himself upon an ancient tomb, his thoughts turned upon his own welfare
+and prospects, and he began to ask himself, for the first time since his
+arrival in London, what course he was to pursue? Now that he had reached
+this aim and end of his journey, what was he in reality the better for
+it? He knew no one: he had neglected to make inquiries of his own
+friends as to persons to whom he might have got a recommendation; and
+money&mdash;the best friend of the traveller&mdash;he had none. But then, he was
+in London. "Truly so," he thought to himself. "The more fool for being
+there, when in the country he was in a better place." And then he
+thought of home, of wife, children, and other relations, and then his
+heart softened, and he wept. Yes! there, amidst the bustle of Old
+Paul's, whilst the Londoners recreated themselves before a sort of
+moveable stage, on which certain dramatic representations were exhibited
+to the gaping crowd on one side, and the bonfire raged on the other, and
+all was uproar and hilarity,&mdash;there did Shakespeare sit and weep, "in
+pure melancholy and troubled brain." At length, overcome with weariness,
+he leant back against an old tomb, and fell asleep amidst the hubbub.</p>
+
+<p>And, as he slept, came swaggering by, the gay fop&mdash;the gallant of the
+city&mdash;the tavern-haunter&mdash;the ruffler&mdash;and the bully. Then paced by the
+more staid and sober citizens, "merchants our well-dealing countrymen;"
+but they stopped not to glance upon the tired stranger. Then came
+flaunting along, tempted out by the beauty of the evening, the city
+madam with her gossip, the merry wives of Chepe; and, as they passed,
+they stopped for a moment to glance upon the well-knit limbs and
+handsome face of the homeless Shakespeare. They marked his travelled
+look, his dusty shoes, and his worn doublet, and they felt inclined to
+arouse him, and ask the cause of that pallid cheek, and his sleeping in
+the open air at such an hour. But then, a titter from the rude gallant
+as he passed, sent them forward amidst the throng. Then came the
+cut-purse, as the shadows deepened, and he stole a furtive glance around
+the dark old building. But the night was not far enough advanced for him
+safely to rifle the pockets of the sleeper, or slit his windpipe
+unobserved; and so Shakespeare slept on amidst the throng. Quietly,
+sweetly did he slumber, until, as night approached, the crowd gradually
+dispersed, the stage disappeared, and all deepened down. Soundly,
+heavily, slept that wonderful man amidst scenes which he was ere long to
+render famous in all time. One touch of his pen was to picture Old
+Paul's and Lud's Town, as no other could picture them. He was to revel
+in these scenes amidst which he now unconsciously slumbered, so as no
+mortal ever revelled before. He was to call up those bright kings, and
+all the glittering host, and shew them in harness, as they had lived,
+and to render all that would else have been unknown in Old London&mdash;a
+dream of delight. Nay, those even who dwelt hard by in East Cheap, knew
+not East Cheap; and London itself was to have an interest lent to it,
+such as the dwellers in it at that moment little thought of. And so
+Shakespeare slept the sleep of weariness&mdash;of "weariness which snores
+upon the flint."</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by, an old poor man, clad in scraps and tatters, "his whole
+apparel built upon pins," his ragged beard descending to his waist, and
+carrying a filthy wallet on his back, as he poked about, and picked up
+bones in the churchyard, came and looked upon him, and after a few
+moments' contemplation, stirred him with the end of his staff and awoke
+him. "Best not sleep here so late, young master," he said; "'tis
+unsafe."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare rubbed his eyes, stared at the crooked object before him,
+and thanked him for the caution. "I have," he said, "no cause for fear,
+since I have nothing to lose. Nevertheless, I thank thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing to fear!" said the tatterdemalion, "nothing to lose! What call
+ye nothing? Have ye not life to lose? Have ye not clothes? By my troth!
+there be those haunting Paul's at night, young man, that will take the
+one for the sake of the other, and so rob ye of both."</p>
+
+<p>"Both are valueless, or at least worth little," said Shakespeare,
+smiling. "Hark, the chimes! how sweetly they sound."</p>
+
+<p>"Sweeter to those who hear them in a good bed," said the man. "They are
+the midnight chimes! wherefore dost thou not seek thy home, young
+master?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should seek that which I should hardly find," said Shakespeare. "I
+have no home, good friend, at least, not in London."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither home nor coin?" said the aged man.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither one nor the other," returned Shakespeare; "and but a few hours
+old in London."</p>
+
+<p>"But you've friends here?" inquired the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor in that as in all else," returned Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Wilt come with me?" said the old man; "I can find thee a roof for one
+night, perhaps food too."</p>
+
+<p>"I almost die for food," said Shakespeare; "and thankfully follow thee."
+And so the tatterdemalion led the way from St. Paul's, and Shakespeare
+followed him.</p>
+
+<p>Through dark alleys and curious thoroughfares did that lean old man
+thread his way, ever and anon, as he trampled along and turned the
+corner of some fresh street, stopping for a moment to observe if his
+follower took the right turn, where so many closes, alleys, and courts
+existed; for as they made their way to the water-side, he occasionally
+came amongst houses so thickly and irregularly placed, that, by night,
+he himself could scarcely thread the labyrinth. Passing through
+Dowe-gate, Bush-lane, and Pudynge-lane, he at last stopped before a
+house in Bylyngsgate. The tenement before which the old man stopped
+would have been termed in our own days but a shed, since, seen from the
+street, it apparently consisted but of one large bay window, thrust out
+from a square wooden building, a large brick chimney sprouting out in
+rear.</p>
+
+<p>On opening the door, which was situated within a sort of blind alley on
+one side, the proprietor of the domicile signed to his guest to follow,
+and entered the one apartment, which indeed constituted the entire
+dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>Not only was it the parlour, kitchen, and sleeping-apartment of the
+occupants, but, as the guest glanced around it, he observed, by the
+light of a lamp placed on a table near the window, that it was fitted up
+as a sort of laboratory; and its walls being accommodated with shelves,
+were crowded with vials, gallipots, and vessels of antique formation,
+containing precious unguents, filters, and compounds, perhaps in the
+present day no longer to be found in the Pharmacop&oelig;ia. In addition to
+this, there was also means for experimentalising in the deep science of
+alchemy,&mdash;all which was apparent from the crucibles, retorts, and other
+vessels scattered around the hearth. Such as the apartment was, the
+needy-looking hollow-eyed proprietor, and who, Shakespeare surmised was
+a medical practitioner of that squalid neighbourhood, welcomed his guest
+to his poor dwelling; and with an alacrity which was hardly to be
+expected from his appearance, placed wine and refreshment before him;
+and then opening an ample closet at the further end of the apartment,
+shewed him a mattress on which he could repose for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"I have little to offer, young master," he said; "and seldom offer that
+little. But I saw that in your face which interested me as you slept.
+You reminded me of a bright youth, my hope in better days, my only son,
+long since dead; and as I watched thy countenance, I read a bright
+fortune in store for thee."</p>
+
+<p>And Shakespeare wrung the hand of that old man, so needy-looking and
+pinched, and slept without fear under his roof, in the then dangerous
+locality of Bylyngsgate, and where perhaps he might never again awake
+alive.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL"></a>CHAPTER XL.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE POOR PLAYER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On the morning which followed the events narrated in the foregoing
+chapter, the traveller took leave of the exceedingly poor but kind old
+man who had so hospitably sheltered him. He thanked him for his
+goodness, and bestowed upon him a small ring, which he took from his
+finger, the only trifle of value in his possession. And that old host
+attended his guest to the door, and bestowed his blessing upon him, and
+followed him with his eyes as he wended his way along the narrow
+thoroughfare, and then still stood and looked in the direction he had
+gone long after he was out of sight. And then he turned with a sigh and
+re-entered his dwelling. "All, well-a-day," he said, "we may grub on in
+misery for years and years, and forget the goodly beings we have known
+in youth and happiness, outliving all that we loved and honoured in the
+world, and still amidst the contaminating filth of poverty and woe pass
+our weary lives, and then some superior specimen of goodness and grace
+as suddenly revives in our recollection of the beings we have seen in
+bygone times. What would I give, an I were amongst the crowned monarchs
+of the world, to have yonder youth to companion me? To hear his words,
+as I have this morning heard them? to see him as I have seen him but
+now, within this lowly hovel?" And then the old man took the platter
+from which his guest had eaten, and washed it and put it aside, and set
+back the three-legged stool on which Shakespeare had sat, and then he
+wept as he said to himself, "An if I look not upon him again, I will
+keep these as relics, never to be used by others, for, God forgive me,
+but I think, as I recollect his words, that yonder man was something
+more than mortal." And then the old man examined the gold ring his guest
+presented him with, and as he did so, he gradually approached the
+crucible upon the fire, and again he looked upon the gift, and,
+hesitating for a moment as his eye fell upon the crucible, he sighed and
+dropped the ring into it.</p>
+
+<p>It is evening, and the sun shines upon the banks of the Thames on the
+Surrey side.</p>
+
+<p>The scenic hour oft-times presents to our readers such a picture as we
+now invite them to look upon. The houses on this side the river are both
+irregularly placed and situated, as we have before described, namely,
+standing here and there apart, amidst trees and gardens, and
+occasionally neighboured by some edifice of a bygone time, and whose
+build speaks of monastic grandeur and castellated defence.</p>
+
+<p>Looking from the grassy bank upon the Thames at this part, we behold the
+stream rushing impetuously through innumerable arches of a dark
+heavy-built bridge&mdash;a bridge which frowns with towers and turrets of
+curious form and ancient architecture, and which turrets and towers are
+graced and garnished with the ghastly heads of criminals and traitors
+lately executed.</p>
+
+<p>As the red glare of the evening sun falls upon those buildings, it is
+reflected in the innumerable windows with which they are accommodated,
+at the same time it displays each "coign of vantage," each grated
+embrasure, each coping-stone, buttress, and battlement of the
+complicated structure in colours of gold.</p>
+
+<p>The arch and flanking tower, and the iron portcullis and cresset, are
+all there as if in a heated furnace.</p>
+
+<p>Turning again towards the shore as we stand upon the bank, after passing
+the ancient edifices called Winchester Place, we behold a long row of
+buildings near the water's edge, and somewhat removed in the open apace
+behind them, a curiously constructed and somewhat ugly building of a
+round form. On its top is a small and quaint-looking structure&mdash;a sort
+of "<i>match-case to a common 'larum bell</i>"&mdash;and the whole surmounted by a
+flag, on which is written "<i>The Globe</i>." A few shrubs and stunted trees
+are immediately around this building: and the space beyond that, for
+about half a bow-shot, is gravelled, and even, in some parts, strewed
+with fresh rushes recently cut from the river's bank.</p>
+
+<p>Some fifty yards to the left of this is a rival structure, composed of
+stakes and high palings&mdash;a sort of stockade, round which flutter
+half-a-dozen little markers or flags; and over the gateway which admits
+into the arena, is written in large characters the words "<i>The Bull
+Bayting</i>."</p>
+
+<p>A little removed from the former of these buildings, stands a hostel of
+the commoner sort, with its garden in rear, several goodly trees before
+its porch, and a bowling-green pleasantly shadowed. Benches are before
+this inn, and also under the trees, and the actors upon the scene are
+both many and rather uncommon in appearance.</p>
+
+<p>The inn is indeed the haunt of those persons who find employment in the
+two houses of entertainment we have described. The hangers-on of the
+Globe Theatre, and the employés of the Bull and Bear-bayting, men of a
+character and disposition somewhat peculiar. They are indeed, many of
+them, <i>sui generis</i>, something in style and demeanour between the
+magnifico and the mountebank, and yet amongst them are men of appearance
+and talent worthy of a better station.</p>
+
+<p>As they congregate about this rallying-point, they seem the very genii
+of idleness; and, in their listless indifference, above the doings and
+events of this work-a-day world.</p>
+
+<p>Here a fellow, with his beaver cocked, and swaggering gait, throws out
+his arm, in order to display a cloak of three-piled velvet, whilst his
+toes are seen peeping from the foot of an ample russet boot. There a
+comrade, evidently "a horse of the same colour," an "affected
+fantastico," points a toe in attitude, twists a moustache with a grace,
+plays off a gauntlet with a flourish, and struts "like chanticleer i'
+the sun." These are the magnificoes of the walk. Then come a crowd of
+under-strappers, whose vocation is in their very look, who even play
+their parts hourly, and <i>live</i> in character&mdash;either aping the grandee,
+the gallant, the swaggerer, or the lisping idiotic driveller; the clowns
+and jesters making up the file.</p>
+
+<p>Each speaks with an accompanying gesture, and walks with a circumstance.
+Some have a sort of sad hilarity, and utter dull jokes with a grave
+brow, or laugh <i>in a sort</i>. They even wear a ceremonious observance
+towards each other, and look upon the world in general in an inferior
+light. The free-masonry of bombast is rife amongst the fellowship. If
+one hands the tankard to his fellow, standing with mine host beneath the
+porch, he does so with a flourish, and receives it again cross-handed.
+In short, as they are seen congregated about their haunt, or place of
+call, they seem uninterested in the common-place events of the world as
+other men. Their ideas are inflated and dreamy; their world, their
+kingdom, is their theatre, and their lives felt to be but passed whilst
+they strut their hour before the admiring throng. "The best actors in
+the world, either for scene individable, or poem unlimited." "Seneca
+could not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light for them." Whilst these
+characters walk and talk, flourish and attitudinize, a trumpet sounds
+from the roof of the round building first described, at which some
+amongst them seem to start like the war-horse aroused; others pay their
+shot to mine host; others again wave a hand gracefully to the buxom
+landlady at the latticed window; and all take their way to the theatre.
+They are indeed summoned to prepare for the scenic hour, to rehearse
+their parts&mdash;such as those parts are.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst these men there were, as we have hinted, some individuals of a
+superior stamp, men of high attainments, considering the period in which
+they lived, and who, finding no vent for the talents they were in
+possession of, passed their hours amongst the choice spirits of the
+Globe.</p>
+
+<p>There was a romance in the lives of some of these latter, in keeping
+with their appearance; and one or two had attempted a higher flight, and
+endeavoured to improve the style of dramatic composition. Nor had they
+altogether failed, for many dramas had been written by them possessing
+real and absolute excellence.</p>
+
+<p>Scarce half-an-hour had elapsed after the trumpet sounded from the
+Globe, when a man passed through the various portals upon London Bridge;
+and, as chance directed, turning to the left upon the Surrey side of the
+river, quickly took his way amongst the ancient buildings then lining
+the bank.</p>
+
+<p>Wearied and faint from lack of food&mdash;for he had been all day wandering
+through the streets of London,&mdash;he stopped beside the Norman structure,
+built during the crusades by William Pont de l'Arche, and called St-Mary
+Ouer.</p>
+
+<p>The curious in antiquities will, we fear, look in vain for any vestige
+of this remnant of the early English, which nevertheless, in Elizabeth's
+day, with its church and monastery, extended down to the very edge of
+the Thames.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning upon his staff, undecided in which direction to turn his steps,
+Shakespeare stopped beside the dark walls of this ancient edifice; and,
+after gazing upon the building with interest for some moments, entered
+the porch of the old monastery.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he remained there, several cavaliers on horseback rode past&mdash;gay
+youths, tricked out in all the extravagance of that age of extravagant
+costume; their loud laughter, and joyous converse, as they careered
+along, shewing that their spirits were gay as their habits. They came
+from the bridge over which he himself had just crossed, and took their
+way along the massive wall then skirting the antique buildings of
+Winchester Place.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Shakespeare continued to remark the several parties occasionally
+passing, he also observed that boats, containing companies of ladies,
+also put into a small landing-place near at hand; and these latter
+parties took the same direction the horsemen had gone.</p>
+
+<p>The beauty of the evening, the fresh air from the river, the monastic
+grandeur of the old buildings, and the cheerful appearance of the
+various companies he at the moment beheld, somewhat revived his drooping
+spirits. He felt it impossible to be quite unhappy, whilst all around
+was gay, and the scene so lovely.</p>
+
+<p>Listlessly he continued to watch the various boats; and as the parties
+disembarked and passed on, in their thoughtless hilarity, he arose, and
+bent his steps in the same direction.</p>
+
+<p>He passed through the open field along that strong buttressed wall, then
+inclosing Winchester Place; and a few paces brought him to the close
+vicinity of a building, around which several persons at that moment were
+congregated&mdash;the Globe Theatre. The place and scene altogether
+interested him, and again he stopped to observe the throng, and which,
+as it altogether presented a somewhat singular appearance, we shall
+ourselves stop with him to observe.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance of the building was accommodated with benches on either
+side, on which were seated various of the hangers-on of the
+establishment, and one or two of the actors, waiting for their call.
+Amongst those, a couple of clowns or fools were conspicuous; and as they
+uttered their witticisms, and performed divers tricks, for the amusement
+of themselves and their companions, they collected an audience without,
+which frequently recruited those within&mdash;cracking their jokes, and
+familiarizing themselves with the various companies as they came up.
+These were, indeed, the all-licensed fools of the time, and without
+whose presence and aid no performance was considered perfect; they bore
+off, in some sort, the tedium of the long dialogue then in vogue.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Shakespeare stood to regard the scene before him, the flourish of
+drum and trumpet within the building recalled those motley-minded gentry
+and their companions to their various duties; and at the same moment a
+gay party of mounted cavaliers approached, dismounted, and entered.</p>
+
+<p>Still that tired stranger, as he stood beside the portals of the
+theatre, continued to feel an interest in all that was going on there.
+The merry glance of the citizen's wife, as she passed in,&mdash;the answering
+look of the gallant as he followed,&mdash;the gay and flaunting party from
+the Court-end of the town,&mdash;the loud laugh, the sharp rebuke, the coarse
+jest, the retort courteous, and the counter-check quarrelsome,&mdash;all were
+there.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by a couple of cavaliers, splendidly mounted and magnificently
+apparelled, came galloping up. They dismounted at the door, and the one
+nearest Shakespeare threw the rein of his steed to him, and desired him
+to hold the horse, at the same moment thrusting a silver coin into the
+youth's hand. His companion meanwhile had confided his charger to the
+care of one of the employés of the theatre, and the next moment both
+these gallants were within the Globe. They had passed so quickly, that
+Shakespeare found himself in possession of the coin and the steed, ere
+he had time fully to observe the person of the cavalier who had favoured
+him with his custody.</p>
+
+<p>As he looked at the money, a slight blush tinged his cheek, but he
+repressed the feeling of shame which at first intruded itself, as he
+reflected the money was honestly come by. He then looked more curiously
+upon the noble animal intrusted to his charge.</p>
+
+<p>Passionately fond of a horse, like most men bred and born in the
+country, he examined its points with interest. It was in truth a noble
+animal, answering in every point the description he has himself given of
+a perfect courser:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">"Round hoofed, short-pointed, fetlocks shag and long,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">High chest, short ears, straight legs, and passing strong,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Look, what a horse should have, he did not lack."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Pulling the arched neck of the noble steed, he then led him towards the
+man holding its fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"Know you the owner of this goodly horse?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>The man was evidently a sort of character, a swaggerer who wished to
+pass for a gentleman and a soldier, albeit his elbows were ragged, and
+his whole dress patched and furbished up.</p>
+
+<p>"Know I Master Edmund Spencer?" he said, looking contemptuously upon
+Shakespeare. "Where canst thou have lived, boy, to ask the question.
+Best inquire me next for the rider of <i>this</i> nag, Sir Walter Raleigh.
+Thou knowest not the choice spirits of the Court. Ergo, thou art strange
+to the town."</p>
+
+<p>"I am, in sooth, a stranger to the town," said Shakespeare; "but a few
+hours old in it."</p>
+
+<p>"And from whence?" inquired the other.</p>
+
+<p>"From Warwickshire," returned Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"The county I know," returned the other; "my grandsire was of Warwick,
+eke also. Hast coin in pouch, camarado mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have," said Shakespeare, producing the silver piece given him by
+Spenser the moment before.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" said the other, "then will we adventure to yonder hostel in search
+of liquor and food wherewith to repair ourselves, for sooth to say thou
+lookest both pale and hungry. Come ye of the Ardens of Warwickshire?"</p>
+
+<p>"One way I do," said Shakespeare. "But Arden is not my name. Call me
+William."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis no matter," said the other; "thou art a proper fellow of thy
+hands, and I have taken a fancy for thy companionship. Lead on thy steed
+good William; a cup of Canary and a toast will cheer thee."</p>
+
+<p>And thus did Shakespeare make a friend and procure the refreshments he
+so much required, and with the poor player sitting beside him on the
+bench, whilst they held the horses beneath the tree, under the influence
+of "the good familiar creature, wine," he unbosomed himself to this new
+comrade.</p>
+
+<p>"I will befriend thee in all I can," said the player, and who in truth,
+being but a sorry stick, was himself rarely employed, "I will myself
+advocate thy fortunes, good rustic," he continued. "I do spy in thy face
+and figure marvellous proper attributes for certain parts, for the which
+we are in want of actors. Ah, by Apollo! thou hast the limbs, and thews,
+and form, to captivate the fancy of ladies fair."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI"></a>CHAPTER XLI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TAVERN REVEL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The general aspect of London in the reign of Elizabeth is so singular
+when contrasted with the same great metropolis of our own day, that we
+must again refer to it.</p>
+
+<p>The houses in the heart of the city, like those in the suburbs, were
+still chiefly built of wood, or of wood and brick; the poverty of their
+appearance being the more apparent from their being, ever and anon,
+relieved by the stately and massive building of former days. The dark
+monastery, the massive wall, or the castellated edifice, were constantly
+to be seen amidst streets so crooked and narrow, and so dismal from the
+abutments overhead, that foreigners, as they threaded their way, and
+amidst damp and wind, are said to have likened London to the vale of
+death. In wet weather the streets were especially dismal, and so
+prevalent were consumption and pestilence that bonfires were oft-times
+kindled in order to purify the air and avert the plague. Nay, even kites
+and ravens were to be seen hopping about the various thoroughfares,
+being kept by many inhabitants for the purpose of devouring the filth.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing, indeed, could well exceed the contrast during Elizabeth's reign
+between the splendid, though somewhat barbaresque, magnificence of the
+mansions of the nobles and gentry, and the houses of the commoner sort
+of people. Yet still, although the houses of the citizens were for the
+most part poor and ill-contrived, yet every now and then would be found
+amongst them, the dwelling of some richer trader which broke the
+uniformity of the general mass; such edifice having a quantity of gable
+ends at all heights and in all directions, with chimneys of fantastic
+shape and profuse ornament, and covered with decorations; the
+multitudinous frames in its windows completed the picture.</p>
+
+<p>These were the dwellings of some of the merchant-princes of the town,
+whose strongly-barred and iron-studded doors showed that where wealth
+was to be found defence was necessary against the lawless spirits
+roaming through the dark thoroughfares at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Another contrast to the filthy, unpaved, and uncared-for state of the
+streets and thoroughfares at this period, was the costly style in which
+many of the houses were ornamented on any occasion of rejoicing or
+pageantry. At such times every window and pent-house was garnished with
+banners and strips of tapestry, or hung with rich fragments of velvet,
+damask, or silk, whilst the city functionaries and the various companies
+"in robe and furred gown," and attended by a host of proper fellows,
+apparelled in silk and chain of gold, contributed to make up the show.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning which followed the night Shakespeare made acquaintance
+with the poor player he awoke in a small, low roofed apartment in the
+upper floor of the hostel of the Globe. He felt himself considerably
+refreshed, and rising from his truckle bed he threw open the window and
+looked forth upon the well wooded hills of Surrey, It was a pleasant
+picture at that time, and the inn itself, being of considerable size,
+presented a stirring and bustling scene. Immediately beneath him was the
+ample stable-yard, with long rows of out-buildings and sheds
+appropriated to the varieties of cattle usually driven from the country
+on certain days of the week, the horses of the carriers being on one
+side, and the stabling for those of travellers of a better sort on the
+other. Then there were other buildings appropriate to the large
+quantities of poultry which it was customary at this period to rear,
+besides the ample dove-cot, which stood beyond the bowery garden, and
+which harboured such flights of pigeons that their rush through the air
+was heard at considerable distance as they wheeled and circled about.</p>
+
+<p>"Tired nature's great restorer, balmy sleep," had laid so heavily upon
+the wanderer that it was somewhat late when he awoke, and the bustle in
+the inn-yard below proclaimed that the business of the day had
+commenced.</p>
+
+<p>Returning from the window he sat himself down on the bed to consider his
+prospects. After awhile he took from an inside pocket of his doublet a
+small roll of paper. It was an unfinished poem, "the first heir of his
+invention," and which he had carefully preserved and brought with him,
+intending to finish and, if possible, get it into print at some future
+opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>The composition seemed to please him, for his countenance brightened as
+he read it, and he quickly lost all thought of self in the thoughts
+conjured up. Taking out his tablets, for pen and ink were articles not
+so readily found at hand as in our own times, as he gazed upon the
+well-wooded hills in the distance "burnished with the morning sun," he
+added the following stanza to his poem&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Lo, here the gentle lark, weary of rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">From his moist cabinet mounts up on high.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And wakes the morning, from whose silver breast<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The sun arises in his majesty;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who doth the world so gloriously behold,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That cedar tops and hills seem burnished gold."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he thus commenced when a slight tap at his door disturbed
+him, and his new friend the player entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! by St. Paul," said the player, "have we writers here? How, Sir
+traveller, inditest thou thus early? I aroused thee not&mdash;I called thee
+not&mdash;I disturbed thee not; for much toil maketh the limbs weary, and I
+would have thee, good rustic, freshened and refreshened. But lad, I find
+thee up and working with brain and pencil. Come&mdash;I have brought thee a
+chalice for thy morning draught. Indue thy habiliments&mdash;descend to the
+lower world&mdash;and I will take thee before Master Marlow, who will,
+peradventure, find thee apt, and capable of preferment."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare thanked the player, whose bombast considerably amused him;
+and putting up his poem, accompanied him to the common apartment of the
+tavern, then filled with a motley assemblage. After procuring something
+by way of a breakfast, which the remaining portion of the money given
+him the night before enabled him to do, he accompanied his new
+acquaintance over to the Globe.</p>
+
+<p>Early as was the hour, the business of the morning had commenced, and
+many of the actors engaged in rehearsing a new play.</p>
+
+<p>The scene altogether was a new and striking one, and instantly engaged
+his attention.</p>
+
+<p>As his eye took the whole interior in its glance, a forcible impression
+was made upon his mind. The stage&mdash;the rude half-circle of seats and
+benches, seen thus in the shadowy light admitted from several small
+openings&mdash;the various picturesque figures sitting and lounging about,
+some of them being on the centre of the stage, and rehearsing their
+parts&mdash;the melody of the tragic rhythm&mdash;all impressed him. He even, at
+the moment, conceived a visionary project of one day making the means
+and appliances he beheld around subservient to his own mighty
+conceptions. In an instant, the want of something long sought seemed
+found; and then again, as he looked round, and his mind grasped the
+possibility of his project he said to himself&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"But, can this cock-pit hold<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The vasty fields of France? or may we cram<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Within this wooden O, the very casques<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That did affright the air at Agincourt?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Whether it could or not, he was not then permitted further to consider.
+The possibility of such an event, time was to show; and in the meanwhile
+the player disturbing the current of his thoughts, tapped him on the
+shoulder, and invited him to follow to a small apartment, situated on
+one side of the building, and which constituted a sort of manager's
+room.</p>
+
+<p>The proprietor of this apartment was at the moment engaged in the
+composition of a new piece; and as he wrote, he ever and anon rose from
+his seat, and with voice and gesture, recited a portion of his
+composition, though, perhaps, had he better known the man introduced
+into his presence, he would have been less verbose before him.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, he continued to rehearse in a ranting tone, sawing the air
+with his hand, and strutting up and down to give effect to the lines.</p>
+
+<p>During a pause of consideration, he observed the player and his
+companion, "Ah!" he said, "what wants that youth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pay and employment, good master mine," said the player.</p>
+
+<p>"Hath he wit?&mdash;can he speak?&mdash;are his legs strong?&mdash;arms pliant?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is young, strong, and of good parts," said the player&mdash;"I can avouch
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then will we find him in employment," said the manager; "he shall have
+charge of the foot-lights, and snuff the lamps." And so Shakespeare
+became attached to the theatre.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII"></a>CHAPTER XLII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In a former chapter we have seen Walter Arderne, after many and various
+adventures by flood and field, returning to the home and haunts of his
+childhood. The good and gallant youth (although from station and
+prospects he might reasonably have hoped for ease and happiness in life)
+had hitherto seemed but a step-son of fortune after all. And now, "like
+a younker and a prodigal" lean, rent, and tattered, having endured
+shipwreck and been sold to slavery by the insolent foe, by a sudden
+freak of fortune was once more safe in Warwickshire and with his beloved
+uncle at Clopton. The meeting between Sir Hugh and his nephew was
+extremely affecting. They were now all in all to each other, for both
+had experienced losses which to both were irreparable. The grief,
+however, they experienced for past sorrows had now considerably abated,
+so that they could hold converse upon bygone events and even find
+benefit from such communion.</p>
+
+<p>Still, when Walter looked around him in his old neighbourhood, like Sir
+Hugh when he had first returned, he felt at times a sense of desolation
+which was almost insupportable. The loss of his old and tried friend,
+the eccentric Martin, was also a heavy blow to him; and in addition to
+this the absence and delinquency of the singular friend, whose
+conversation had made so great an impression upon them all during their
+short acquaintance, especially grieved him. The breath of slander, when
+he came to inquire into the facts leading to young Shakespeare's
+departure, had rendered that youth's conduct so reckless and even
+criminal that Walter was us much surprised as grieved at all he heard.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a good thing," Mr. Doubletongue said, "that the <i>Ne'er-do-well</i>
+had made off with himself, or the Lord knew what he would be after next.
+Stealing of deer by night, and catching rabbits by day, would perhaps
+have been the least part of the story. Nay," he continued, "the lad
+(albeit he had a most comely female to wife) had as sharp an eye and as
+devilish a tongue for the lasses in Stratford as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>When the lawyer accordingly entered, he made so many contortions of
+body, and bent and bowed so often and so humbly to the three gentlemen,
+never even venturing to lift his eyes from the floor, that the Knight of
+Clopton desired him to desist from his prostrations, and deliver
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this Master Grasp muttered some words about his sorrow for past
+passages, and his desire to oblige the good Sir Hugh, and ended by
+depositing on the table the eternal blue bag he always carried; saying,
+as he did so, that he had no particular business at that moment with Sir
+Hugh Clapton at all.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, if such is the case," said Sir Hugh, "as I especially hate law
+and all appertaining, Master Grasp, as speedily an convenient, remove
+yourself from our premises."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Grasp, "good Sir Hugh, I pray you bear with me, since I come
+to bring joyful tidings to one <i>near</i> and <i>dear</i> to you&mdash;even your
+worshipful nephew there, Master Walter Arderne. And in order to convince
+you thereof, with permission, I will enter upon the matter at once." As
+he said this, Grasp emptied the contents of his bag upon the table, and
+forthwith began to fumble amongst a whole heap of parchments, strewing
+them about in most admired disorder.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad-be-here!" exclaimed the old knight, as he looked with astonishment
+upon the vast quantity of documents and deeds. "Here be matter enough to
+undo half the families in Warwickshire. 'Fore Heaven, I ne'er looked
+upon such a mass of parchments before. Lord help thee, Walter, and keep
+pen and ink out of thy hands, for an thou settest thy name to these
+deeds, thou'lt never be thine own man again. I pr'ythee," he continued
+to the lawyer, "leave sorting that mass, and explain thy business."</p>
+
+<p>Grasp, however, had now made good his footing, and produced his
+impression. And, as he pointed with fore-finger from paper to paper, he
+began to recapitulate the various tracts of land, domains, and estates
+and all and sundry thereunto belonging, with messuages, tenements, and
+matters appertaining, so rapidly that Sir Hugh stood aghast, with eyes
+starting and face of wonder, as he listened.</p>
+
+<p>At length, the knight put a stop to it all with a voice of thunder, and
+insisted upon a more clear demonstration of the matter in hand. "What,
+in the fiend's name," he said, "hath my nephew to do with your heirs
+male, your tenures, domains, your castles, windmills, your fee-simples,
+your tails and entails, your arable lands, wastes, commons, fishponds,
+and woodlands, and all the litany of impertinence you have been
+jittering for the last half hour?"</p>
+
+<p>"In fact and in right," said Grasp, "<i>de facto</i> and <i>de jure</i>, all and
+every thing hath your nephew to do herewith."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" said Arderne. "I know nought about the lands you have named,
+unless it be that here, in Warwickshire, I have heard such places
+exist."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, as sure as they exist, they to all appearance are at this
+moment your own, good Master Arderne," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Mine?" said Arderne. "The man is mad. I pray you explain."</p>
+
+<p>"I will so," said the lawyer. "May I be permitted to sit in this
+presence."</p>
+
+<p>"Take a chair," said Sir Hugh. And the lawyer accordingly seated
+himself, wiped his glasses, and commenced again.</p>
+
+<p>"You doubtless are aware that, by the father's side, you can claim
+kindred with the noble house of Plantagenet," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a far-away relationship then," said Arderne. "Nevertheless I
+believe such is the case; but what of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know it well enough, good Master Arderne," said Grasp; "for it is a
+thing to thank God and to be proud of; and you also know that the Lady
+Clara de Mowbray was also akin to you. As thus:&mdash;Geoffrey Plantagenet
+wedded with&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, a truce with all matter of that sort," interrupted Arderne. "I
+know my lineage well as thou canst tell it me, Master Grasp. But what of
+Clara de Mowbray? Granting I am her distant kinsman, and distant indeed
+must the relationship be&mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless it is true, as I am in a condition to prove," said Grasp.
+"Nay, not only are you her kinsman, but you are her sole remaining
+kinsman, and to obviate all controversy about succession, she hath
+constituted and appointed you her sole heir."</p>
+
+<p>"You do, indeed, astonish me," said Arderne; "is then the beautiful
+Clara de Mowbray dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis so rumoured, set down, and given out," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"She is said to have gone to foreign parts," said Sir Hugh; "died she
+there!"</p>
+
+<p>"She did," said Grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! my poor daughter's dear and only friend!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. And
+then there was a pause of some moments amongst the party, whilst Grasp,
+whose heart was as hard and dry as the parchment he idolized, became
+again so deeply involved amongst his papers, that he seemed to lose
+sight of everything else around him; nay, even Sir Hugh and Arderne
+seemed totally to have forgotten his presence. Arderne, indeed, was lost
+in the thoughts this intelligence had conjured up. He called to mind the
+exceeding beauty of the high-born lady who thus had made him the heir to
+all her vast possessions; and as he did so, many little passages between
+them, during his intimacy with his cousin Charlotte, flashed across his
+brain. At length, as his eye fell upon Grasp, he again questioned him.</p>
+
+<p>"You were apparently employed," he said, "by the Lady Clara de Mowbray
+as her lawyer, Master Grasp?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had that honour," said Grasp. "I was the instrument by which, under
+direction of her major-domo, or house steward, she gathered in her
+various rents. May I hope for a continuance of favour for the like, from
+your honour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Know you the circumstances of the lady's decease, and where she died?"
+inquired Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Grasp, "inasmuch as having been bound for the term of one
+year to keep the circumstances pertaining to the event secret; that time
+having now expired, I am at liberty to divulge to this honoured company
+all I know thereof."</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you to proceed," said Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"It seemeth, then," said Grasp, "as I am given to understand by the
+steward or major-domo before-named, that since the melancholy fate of
+the daughter of the honoured master of this house, and who was (under
+favour for mentioning it) buried alive&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How! buried alive?" said the captain, laying down his pipe, whilst Sir
+Hugh groaned aloud, rose from his seat, and walked to the window, and
+Walter Arderne started as if he had received a bullet through his brain.</p>
+
+<p>"Buried alive!" iterated Grasp, as he watched his auditors with the
+utmost satisfaction and curiosity. "I conceive it is no libel to say so
+much, <i>inasmuch</i> as it is well known, and has indeed made some talk at
+the time."</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you," said Arderne sternly, "to continue your relation, without
+further circumstance. You pain us all by such unnecessary particulars."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Grasp, "I crave pardon; but as the particularly horrible
+nature of that young lady's end was in some sort necessary to what
+follows, I felt obliged, in some sort, to refer to it. Howbeit, I will
+now expedite my narrative, taking it from the events I have thus brought
+back to your remembrance. It seems, I say, that the particularly awful
+nature of the said Miss Charlotte Clopton's death made a great
+impression upon the mind of the before-named Lady Clara de Mowbray, and
+whose intimate friend the before-mentioned Charlotte was; and that
+moreover the said Clara de Mowbray mourned over her said friend's sad
+fate with strict observance of privacy for many months. Nay, that on the
+news first being told her of Mistress Charlotte's having been buried,
+she, in fact, shut herself up from all communion with the world."</p>
+
+<p>"We heard as much," said Arderne; "I pray you to proceed. She resided at
+Shottery Hall at that time I think?"</p>
+
+<p>"She did so," continued Grasp, "and where, somewhat on the sudden (as I
+learn from her confidential servant,&mdash;also my client,) she conceived the
+idea of changing the current of her thoughts and ameliorating her grief
+by seeing foreign lands. In pursuance of which design she fitted out a
+vessel, hired a crew, engaged a gentleman of approved valour as captain,
+and sailed for the New World."</p>
+
+<p>"How! said ye," exclaimed Captain Fluellyn, "fitted out a ship, engaged
+a crew and captain, and adventured to the New World?"</p>
+
+<p>"What ship did she sail in, Master Lawyer Rasp?"</p>
+
+<p>"Grasp, good sir, and it so please ye," said the lawyer.</p>
+
+<p>"What ship, quotha&mdash;let me see. I have a document here, signed by one of
+her followers, and which states the name of the ship, the number of her
+crew, the title of the said captain, and all thereunto appertaining and
+belonging. Ah! let me see," he continued, (fumbling about amongst his
+papers.) "the 'Eagle'&mdash;the 'Estridge'&mdash;the 'Heron'&mdash;the 'Hawk'&mdash;no, it
+was none of those. The&mdash;ah! here it is&mdash;the 'Falcon,' that was the
+vessel; Fluellyn, captain commanding; owner, Count Falconara."</p>
+
+<p>The Captain looked at Walter Arderne, in whose face was reflected the
+astonishment depicted in his own; and both, as if by common impulse,
+rose from their seats, and walked forth into the open air.</p>
+
+<p>Arderne took a turn along the dark walk which led to the rivulet at the
+bottom of the garden, ere he spoke. At length he approached the Captain
+(who, out of respect, had remained near the house).</p>
+
+<p>"This is a strange matter!" said Fluellyn.</p>
+
+<p>"It is indeed!" said Arderne. "It seems to me like something unreal. I
+can scarce believe that Clara de Mowbray hath perished in such a
+venture."</p>
+
+<p>"You knew the lady, then?" said the Captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I did," said Arderne. "She was the friend and intimate of Charlotte
+Clopton, she of whom ye have heard me speak, and consequently in former
+days much here; nay, she rented a mansion at Shottery for the purpose of
+being near her friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps" said the Captain, "for the purpose of being near her
+<i>friend's</i> friend. 'Tis evident she loved you, and you saw it not."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay!" said Arderne, "she knew I was betrothed to my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>"Tush, man! that mattered not amaravedi," said the Captain; "she loved
+you, spite of fate, and against hope. 'Tis not uncommon with women. She
+heard of your desolate condition through the worthy Martin; and (urged
+by her strong love) she persuaded him to adventure with her, in the hope
+of discovering and rescuing you from your desolate situation: so much I
+can myself answer for. How she bore herself in that adventure, I have
+also reason to know. All we required to know further was the name of
+this Count of quality, and, behold! we have it. Come&mdash;thou art at least
+a richer man by the knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"Would to Heaven," said Arderne mournfully, "she were in the enjoyment
+of her own wealth. I seem to make shipwreck of all that interest
+themselves in my welfare."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said the blunt Captain, "I doubt thee not, good Master Arderne.
+Such a woman were worthy of an emperor's love; one to worship in life,
+and evermore sigh for when dead. But come&mdash;no more sad brow and sighing
+breath. Thou art the likeliest man in all the country,&mdash;hast fair
+domains, castles, parks, and warrens, according to yonder scrivener.
+Such an one need not sigh for a wife methinks. Let us in, lest the old
+knight and the law-man fall to buffets, spite of the news brought."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Hugh must indeed not know of this," said Arderne, "at least, not at
+present; 'twould but revive his grief for Martin's loss. Over a cup of
+Canary after dinner we will relate the story."</p>
+
+<p>And thus did Walter Arderne become the possessor of many fair domains in
+Warwickshire and other countries; for as there was none at that time to
+dispute possession, and as their former possessor was fairly identified,
+and her death deposed to by more than one of her own followers, so there
+was nothing to hinder him in the succession.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, a certain degree at melancholy attached to the whole
+affair, which seemed to throw a gloom over the estates, as he in turn
+visited them,&mdash;a something wanting&mdash;a deserted look&mdash;an inexpressible
+feeling of dislike to assume the mastery and ownership of these fair and
+fertile lands. "I can even yet hardly reconcile to myself the right of
+proprietorship here," he said to Sir Hugh, as they looked forth one day
+from the towers at Hill Morton upon a vast chase below. "It seems to me
+that I am an interloper&mdash;an usurper here."</p>
+
+<p>"Tush&mdash;man!" said Sir Hugh; "this is to be overscrupulous. Take the good
+the gods send, and make no words on't."</p>
+
+<p>And thus matters rested quietly for days, weeks, and months, and then
+there arose matter which took the thoughts of men, throughout the land,
+from their own particular concerns, and (whilst the whole nation rang
+with the news) called up the energies of all.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh was with his nephew and friend when the first intimation of the
+certainty of this event reached Clopton. The day was hot, for it was
+just at the end of April, and the knight had ordered the dinner to be
+served in the hall, where they were enjoying the half hour after their
+meal "with pippins and cheese" and a whiff or two of the pleasant weed.</p>
+
+<p>The soothing influence of his pipe was just composing the old knight to
+sleep when the sharp sound of hoofs were heard in the court without, and
+a messenger, "bloody with sparring, fiery red with haste," came clanking
+into the presence.</p>
+
+<p>The sealed brief he handed to Sir Hugh&mdash;with the words, ride, ride,
+ride, upon the cover, in a few minutes after its perusal effectually
+dispelled the influence of the weed Sir Walter loved, inasmuch as it was
+from Sir Walter himself, and dated from Deptford.</p>
+
+<p>"Come forth, my old friend," said the letter, "the time hath arrived for
+all to be stirring, 'Tis now certain the Armada is about to sail. Let
+your nephew look to his command and bring up his companions. Our ships
+are ready for sea and men are wanted. 'Fore Heaven, <i>we will singe the
+Dons whiskers for him</i>,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> or smoke for it ourselves."</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII"></a>CHAPTER XLIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>ENGLAND ON THE DEFENSIVE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our story having now (with swift passage) glided o'er some two years, we
+arrive at a period in which all England was aroused by the alarm of a
+dreadful invasion.</p>
+
+<p>All corners that the eye of Heaven visited throughout the island were
+indeed frightened from their proprietary by the mighty preparation of
+the Spaniard,&mdash;a preparation of such vast magnitude that it shewed the
+determination of the foe to subdue, and put to indiscriminate slaughter,
+the whole population of the country, if possible exterminate heresy at
+one blow, and acquire eternal renown by reuniting the whole Christian
+world in the Catholic Communion. England at this period, it must be
+owned, was in a critical situation. A long peace had deprived it of all
+military discipline and experience. It was exposed to invasions from all
+quarters, as it was in reality neither fortified by art or nature;
+whilst the numerous Catholics, with which it still abounded, it was
+feared would be ready to join the invader the moment he succeeded in
+landing.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this, men began to consider the difference between the
+English and Spanish forces. To remember the overwhelming power of the
+naval force of the Spaniard, and the vast numbers, reputation, and
+veteran bravery of his armies, and then&mdash;as they sat and brooded over
+these matters&mdash;they reflected that the fate of England must be decided
+in two battles, one at sea and one on land. Deep and portentous were the
+thoughts and fears these things conjured up when the certainty of the
+visitation became apparent. Whole families, high and low, rich and poor,
+looked each other in the face with vacant horror and dire apprehension.
+From the hut to the castle, from the cottage to the baronial hall,
+spread the whispered fear. Not altogether the fear of being beaten in
+fair and open fight, but of being overwhelmed by the mighty power of a
+tremendous foe without chance of a successful defence. Nor is it to be
+wondered at, if the hearts of the islanders did quail at this juncture,
+when we remember the three years' preparation which (<i>now completed</i>)
+was about to be precipitated like a mighty torrent upon the shores of
+England.</p>
+
+<p>According to a letter of Sir John Hawkins, written at the time to Sir
+Francis Walsingham, the main strength of the Armada consisted in a
+squadron of fifty-four magnificent and invincible ships, embracing nine
+galleons of Portugal, twenty great argosies of Venice, twenty huge
+Biscayns, four large Galleasses, and a ship of the Duke of Florence of
+800 tons. Besides these were thirty smaller ships and thirty hulks,
+which, together with others, amounted to 132 ships and 20 caravals.</p>
+
+<p>On board this huge fleet were 8,766 mariners, and 21,855 soldiers,
+besides 2,088 galley-slaves; and in addition, the Armada contained
+stores for the army, cannon, double cannon, culverin, and field-pieces,
+7,000 muskets, 10,000 halberts, 56,000 quintals of gunpowder, and 12,000
+quintals of match. Nay, so confident were these overweening Spaniards of
+success, that their huge ships even contained horses, mules, carts,
+waggons, spades, mattocks, baskets, and everything necessary for
+settling upon the land they meant, at one blow, to conquer and enslave.</p>
+
+<p>Both fleet and army were also provided on a scale of unexampled
+profusion, and the officers who were to lead, and who were of the
+noblest families of Spain, even embarked their suites of attendants and
+their physicians. But, perhaps, the most galling accompaniment to the
+Englishman, and which this dread Armada, had provided itself with, was
+one hundred and eighty monks and Jesuits, carrying with them chains,
+wheels, racks, and whips to be employed in the conversion of those
+heretics they might choose to spare from the infliction of a cruel
+death. In fact, every part of the vast empire of the malignant Spaniard
+had resounded with "dreadful note of preparation and the noise of
+armaments," whilst all his ministers, generals, and admirals were
+sweating in aid of the design.</p>
+
+<p>But this was not all that England had to fear, for the Duke of Parma and
+Asmodeus of Savoy had also prepared in the Netherlands an army of 30,000
+men; whilst the Duke of Guise was conducting to the coast of Normandy
+12,000 troops, in order to embark and land on the west of England. So
+that in the Netherlands also the air resounded with the busy hammer of
+smiths and carpenters, collected in Flanders, Lower Germany, and the
+coasts of the Baltic, and who "making the night joint-labourer with the
+day," were engaged in the construction of vessels and flat-bottomed
+boats, for the transport of their infantry and cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>The hearts and minds of many for the moment quailed under the thought of
+this tremendous armament; whilst all Europe apprehended that England was
+doomed, and must be overwhelmed and enslaved.</p>
+
+<p>A deep gloom and a secret horror was indeed upon the hearts of all. They
+stooped, however, but for a moment beneath the tide, and then the whole
+nation seemed to start up at the imperious challenge of Spain, sword in
+hand, sheathed in complete steel.</p>
+
+<p>Not a county in England, not a town or village even, but seemed to rise
+simultaneously in arms&mdash;not a corner of the land but rang with
+preparation and muster, and awoke endeavour for defence! Nay, such was
+the incredible alacrity with which from shire to shire the soldiers were
+raised, and mustered and marched, that from Cornwall all along southward
+towards Kent, and thence eastward to Lincolnshire, (as the account of
+the period is worded) "was there a place to be doubted for the landing
+of these foreigners; but that within forty-eight hours, on horseback or
+on foot, 20,000 men, completely armed, with ammunition, provision, and
+carriages, commanded by the principal nobles of their counties, and
+captains of knowledge, would be ready to oppose them."</p>
+
+<p>In the interior, also, every man capable of bearing a weapon, rushed to
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>The green fields, near Tilbury in Essex, gleamed with the white tents of
+22,000 foot, and 2,000 horse, whilst another army, close at hand,
+counted 28,000 men.</p>
+
+<p>The narrow streets of London, too, resounded night and day with roll of
+drum and blast of trumpet; every church and tower and hall was rummaged
+for arms and armour. Each citizen stood in harness of proof. The armour,
+which had "hung unsecured by the walls" even from the Crusades, was
+taken down and put in requisition; and in addition to this, 10,000
+additional troops were raised within the walls, together with 5,000 more
+as a reserve.</p>
+
+<p>All this, however, against the overwhelming moral force of Philip, in
+the minds of many experienced men, was thought insufficient; and whilst
+the bold spirits of the leaders of the host led them to affirm that they
+were strong enough to cut to pieces the whole Spanish force the moment
+they land, there were others quite aware that the ocean was the element
+on which to meet the foe.</p>
+
+<p>"A mighty power," said the great Raleigh at the juncture, "in a goodly
+fleet of ships, and which neither foot nor horse can follow, cannot be
+desirable to land where it list in England; unless it be hindered and
+unconnected by a fleet of answerable strength." It was accordingly under
+advice of men of approved valour and conduct, that Elizabeth set about
+to equip a fleet suitable, as far as possible, to the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding, however, the almost incredible exertions made to meet
+the foe on the seas, the naval power of England seemed quite inadequate
+to resist so terrible an enemy upon the waters. All the sailors in
+England amounted to but 14,000 men, and the size of the shipping was so
+small that, with the exception of a few of the Queen's ships of war,
+there were not four vessels belonging to the merchants which exceeded
+400 tons. The royal navy consisted but of twenty-eight sail, many of
+them of small size, and indeed for the most part deserving the name of
+pinnaces rather than ships.</p>
+
+<p>To counterbalance this disproportion, however, the English felt
+consolation in the known dexterity and valour of her seamen, their
+constant custom of sailing in tempestuous seas, and being undeterred by
+the dangers of the element on which they had now to fight; a virtue
+which will ever render our glorious sailors more than a match for any
+foe.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this small navy, all the commercial towns in England
+furnished forth ships. The citizens of London fitted out and equipped
+thirty vessels, and the gentry and nobility hired, armed, and manned
+forty-three ships.</p>
+
+<p>Such then was the mighty preparation of the Spaniard, and such was the
+"awakened endeavour of England for defence,"&mdash;an endeavour perhaps
+without parallel in the history of our country, and which we have thus
+minutely brought to the recollection of our readers, because it was
+witnessed and keenly observed by one whose mighty mind seized upon
+whatever came within his piercing ken, and who, whilst he was the most
+careful of observers, was, at the same time, possessed of judgment as
+remarkable as his imagination and genius were wonderful; one who
+treasured up what he then beheld, although he stood, apparently, but as
+"a cypher to that great accompt;" and whilst he thus in reality, beheld
+"a kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the
+swelling scene," himself possessed&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A muse of fire; that would ascend<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The brightest heaven of invention;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>afterwards giving his observations to the world in descriptions of
+chivalrous grandeur, such as none other in any age has equalled. One who
+himself saw that brave fleet so hastily collected and prepared for the
+occasion.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"With silken streamers the young Phebus fanning,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And in them beheld,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon the hempen tackle, ship-boys climbing;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Heard the shrill whistle, which did order give,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To sounds confus'd. Beheld the threaden sails,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Borne with the invisible and creeping wind,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Draw the huge bottoms through the furrowed sea,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Breasting the lofty surge.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who stood upon the rivage and beheld<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A city as the inconstant billows dancing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For so appeared the fleet majestical."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Yes, whilst the choice-drawn cavaliers of Elizabeth's age stood in arms,
+and whilst, upon the waves rode those adventurous seamen, Shakespeare
+stood amongst the file, and as his capable eye marked the big muster,
+his heart beat with each roll of the drum, as it resounded amidst the
+narrow streets of old London.</p>
+
+<p>And what, indeed, must have appeared to such a man "this post haste and
+homage through the land," this "threatening of the threatener," this
+"pomp and circumstance of glorious war?" What must have been the
+feelings of that one man as he stood amidst the throng&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For who was he, whose chin was but enriched<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With one appearing hair, that would not follow<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Those culled and choice-drawn cavaliers?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He saw the daily and hourly preparation; he beheld the knightly and the
+noble "all plumed like ostriches;" he saw the closes, the streets and
+alleys of Lud's old town swarming with men-at-arms.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"He beheld the strict and most observant watch,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which nightly toiled the subject of the land:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The impress of shipwrights, whose sore task<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Did not divide the Sunday from the week:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And then he put himself in arms."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV"></a>CHAPTER XLIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BOAR'S HEAD IN EAST CHEAP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Whilst London, and indeed all England, was thus aroused by this sound of
+deadly preparation, a gay and jovial party sat carousing in one of the
+apartments of an antique tavern in East Cheap.</p>
+
+<p>They sat around a huge table situated in the centre of the apartment,
+and which was indifferently well furnished with savoury viands and
+generous wines; and a single glance sufficed to proclaim them the choice
+spirits of the tavern. Daring, reckless blades, companions who daffed
+the world aside, men heeding nothing, caring for nothing, dreading
+nothing, and to whom the spirit of the times was peculiarly delightful.
+They loved action, those revellers. Their lives were made up of the
+false fleeting excitement of some four hours' exhibition before the
+flickey foot-lights of a theatre. They were indeed actors all, but their
+vocation was over for the time amidst the excitement of the coming war.</p>
+
+<p>And as they sat at supper at one of their old haunts, the Boar's Head in
+East Cheap, they aroused the neighbourhood with their revelry. Amongst
+them, however, was one whose voice in an instant caused attention. When
+he spoke their clamour ceased, and whilst some envied, others wondered
+at, and one or two even disliked (for amongst men of this sort there is
+ever a something of jealousy) all listened to and sought to catch his
+slightest remark. Nor was it at all surprising that such should be the
+case, for this man, who had joined their company, and become an actor
+about a couple of years before, had made an extraordinary impression
+upon them all. He had come amongst them a stranger, a fugitive, and in
+distress. He had taken the meanest, the most subordinate parts in the
+dramatic representations then performing; but his words, appearance, and
+manners had been instantly recognized as something uncommon.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst those men, and whom he had accidentally, and as if by a sort of
+fate, at once fallen in with, were some who read character deeply and
+instantly, who caught peculiarities and appreciated talent at a glance.</p>
+
+<p>Such then is the association in which we again, after a brief interval
+look upon Shakespeare. The actor's of Elizabeth's day&mdash;a jovial racy
+set&mdash;men who could play the parts assigned them in the inn yard, or with
+the hawthorn-bush for a scene, and trust to their own good acting and
+energy to keep their audience amused.</p>
+
+<p>And these men had Shakespeare astonished by the genius and talents he
+possessed, whilst his conversation displayed the wildest sallies of
+fancy, the most brilliant wit, and the utmost depth of observation. In
+fact, he had become their oracle, their adviser, their leader. He had
+already altered and improved some of the rude scenes of their dramas,
+shewn them how to put them effectively upon the stage, taught them to
+suit the action to the word, and in short shewn a taste and genius for
+the profession that at once astonished and delighted all.</p>
+
+<p>To many it will doubtless appear strange and startling thus to mark
+Shakespeare down to a period of our island history, which for stirring
+import had never been exceeded, to find him thus, with his companions of
+the theatre, on the eve of so terrific an encounter as was then about to
+take place "between two mighty monarchies," to behold him a living,
+breathing man, at a moment when all England was aroused to beat off the
+invader from her shores, or fall and perish miserably beneath the yoke.</p>
+
+<p>The feeling of the thousands then in arms was as of one man; not an
+islander stood enranked with iron upon his breast, but owned a heart as
+brave and true as the weapon by his side; nay, every right arm felt a
+limb of steel, and each fist, as it grasped the rapier's hilt, was ready
+to rain its storm of blows upon the crests of the overweening Spaniard,
+and smite him dead upon the earth he came to invade. And such will it
+always be in "this sceptered isle."</p>
+
+<p>'Twas a picturesque-looking party that assemblage in the old room of the
+tavern in East Cheap. The chimes, sounding from the tower of St. Paul's,
+proclaimed the hour of midnight through an open casement which admitted
+the fresh and balmy breeze of May. In different parts of the room were
+to be seen portions of the arms and armour the wearers had cast aside
+when they sat down to their carouse,&mdash;the heavy rapier, the cuirass, the
+helmet, and the plumed hat are thrown carelessly into corners, whilst
+the story, the biting jest, and the song is heard:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"And let me the canakin, clink, clink, clink,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And let me the canakin clink,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A soldier's a man, and life's but a span,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Why then let a soldier drink."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>We have said that Shakespeare had obtained an influence amongst the men
+with whom he had become associated, and the present circumstance of this
+tavern meeting shews it,&mdash;"that tiger's heart wrapped in a player's
+hide, had stirred them up to join him in the present enterprise." The
+players have turned soldiers, and are about to seek service amongst the
+troops embarking with Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher. With the dawn they
+are to take boat, and drop down towards Tilbury Fort, where the Queen in
+person is to inspect her troops; and this night they hold perhaps their
+last revel in one of their old haunts, this night perhaps they drain
+their last cup in old London.</p>
+
+<p>Fast and furious grows the revel. The spirit of the time lends its charm
+to men so easily excited, so "of imagination all compact." They drink
+deep to the healths of the bold spirits of the day. To Lord Howard of
+Effingham, who commands upon the seas; to the Earl Leicester, who
+defends the capital at Tilbury; to Lord Seymour; to Lord Hunsdon; to the
+Queen,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Cup her till the world go round."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And then that <i>one man's</i> voice is heard, as he rises and drains his
+glass, and his tongue gives utterance to words which still more fire the
+hearts of his hearers. For he speaks of his native land:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"That England hedged in with the main,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That water-walled bulwark, still secure<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And confident from foreign purposes.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">England, that never did, nor ever shall<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Unless she first doth help to wound herself."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And now, as the breaking dawn sheds a faint and pale light upon tower,
+and church, and lofty roof, gradually redeeming the narrow and
+overshadowed streets from the gloom of night, the sounds of bustle are
+heard around. Then comes the rattle and roll of drum, the blast of horn,
+and the quick tramp of armed men. Up Fish-street Hill, down St. Magnus
+Corner, rattles and reverberates the rolling sheepskin; now it sounds
+dead and dull beneath the caves and penthouses of St. Margarit's and
+Pudding Lane; and now it beats loud and shrill as it emerges into Chepe,
+whilst Aldgate, and Houndsditch, and Hog Lane, and Tower Street, and
+Cornhill, and Budge Row, also are filled with replications of the
+clamour.</p>
+
+<p>As the tongue of war thus suddenly startles the ears of the revellers,
+they start from their seats, and hastily resume the defensive armour. A
+few minutes more and East Cheap seems filled with men, and all the
+crafts of London to have turned out and put themselves in arms. Then
+comes the short quick word of command, the halt and front, the trail of
+the puissant pike, and the ringing noise of caliver upon the hard
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as the Golden Cheap, as it was called, displays its rich treasures
+from each window, its cloth of gold and silver, and velvets of various
+hue, its arras and rich carpetings and silk, and, more than all, its
+comely wives and the handsome daughters of the wealthy burghers standing
+at the casements they have thus adorned,&mdash;then on come the levies
+destined for the defence of the coast, or about to embark in various
+ships, lying in the Thames, and which, passing through the double rank
+of the civic battalions, with quick pace and heavy tramp, turn towards
+London Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>As these sounds, we say, salute the ears of the revellers, they leave
+their flagons, and, hastily selecting their various arms and defensive
+armour, call lustily for something substantial else they join the
+newly-raised levies. They go forth to the war as to another
+revel,&mdash;those players. They vow to singe the whiskers of the overweening
+Don. And Shakespeare halloos them on.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"Hostess, my breakfast, come,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">O, I could wish this tavern were my drum."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV"></a>CHAPTER XLV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAMP AT TILBURY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>To describe minutely the magnificent force assembled at Tilbury, and the
+camp there, would be both a tedious and a twice-told tale. My Lord of
+Leicester (who had the ordering of all matters thereunto appertaining)
+had arranged things not altogether so unskilfully. It was at his
+instigation, and invitation too, that the Queen herself paid a visit to
+her troops there; for, says his letter to her on this occasion, "If it
+may please your Majesty, your army being about London, as at Stratford,
+East Ham, Hackney, and the villages thereabout, shall be not only a
+defence, but a ready supply to Essex and Kent, if need be. In the
+meantime your Majesty, to comfort this army, and the people of both
+these counties, may (if it so please you) spend some days to see both
+camps and forts." And so the bold Tudor, in martial array, visited the
+camp; and never, perhaps, did the world witness a more heroic sight. The
+glorious sun of a summer's day poured its rays upon a glittering host.
+Line beyond line they stood enranked on either side, and beyond the
+blockhouse, as the Queen landed; and as the drums rattled, and the
+cannon roared, when she stepped from her barge, down went ensign, and
+pike, and caliver.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Leicester and his officers received her on landing; and two
+thousand horse, dividing into two brigades, together with two thousand
+infantry, formed her immediate guard.</p>
+
+<p>The next day she reviewed her troops on the hill near Tilbury church,
+attended by the Earls of Leicester and Ormond. She wore a corslet of
+polished steel upon her breast, (a page bearing her plumed helm,) and
+thus, bare-headed, and carrying a marshal's truncheon in her hand, she
+rode through the ranks amidst the most deafening cheers; after which she
+harangued the host in a speech of considerable length.</p>
+
+<p>The scene was one likely to make a deep and lasting impression upon the
+minds of all who witnessed it. The assembled troops were, in
+themselves, worthy of note; for, besides the regular and trained
+infantry and cavalry of the period, there stood enranked, and <i>doing the
+duty of private volunteers</i>, some of the noblest in England. The gentry
+of the various counties had donned their harness, and come forth to do
+the duty of common soldiers; scarfed, and plumed, and belted, they stood
+there, resolved to lay down their life, ere they yielded one foot of
+their native land to the invader. As the Queen passed on amidst this
+steel-clad host, there was one who stood somewhat apart, and in an
+interval of the lines of infantry; he raised his voice amidst the
+general enthusiasm, as the royal Tudor rode along the rank near which he
+was posted; and then he lowered his weapon, and as he leaned upon it,
+keenly observed the whole scene.</p>
+
+<p>He saw that lion-hearted woman, and who had then borne the sceptre for
+thirty years; her body cleped in steel; her high pale forehead furrowed
+with care; her bright and piercing eye, and her majestic form unbent by
+the pressure of years. He saw her thus, mounted upon her magnificent
+steed, like a true daughter of the Plantagenet, vindicating the honour
+of her kingdom. He saw her thus, undismayed by the tremendous armament
+threatening her coast, pass on from rank to rank, "with cheerful
+semblance, and sweet majesty;" and as she rode&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A largess universal, like the sun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Her liberal eye did give to every one."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Those who have stood in the ranks of an English battalion can perhaps
+best imagine the proud feeling which must have animated the breast of
+Shakespeare at this moment. His eye passed rapidly over the glittering
+files, and then it dwelt with curiosity upon the stern features of the
+troops, as each glance was bent upon that one form, "so regal, so
+majestical;" and, as he looked upon the expression of those bearded
+men, he felt that no power which the invader could bring would be
+likely to subdue such a host. The English might be struck
+dead&mdash;blasted&mdash;annihilated by some wrathful bolt from the skies, but,
+unless the power of Heaven fought against them, no foreign force could
+subdue that <i>island-host</i> upon their own ground. And then, whilst he
+gazed upon this inspiriting sight, as the Queen passed off the ground,
+and took her way "so strongly guarded" amongst the innumerable white
+tents, a wild flourish of martial music floated through the air, the
+firm unbent forms of the soldiery relaxed, the sword point was lowered,
+the pike trailed, drum and fife sounded, and the various companies
+wheeled off then-several positions and followed through the camp. As
+column after column moved past, still that observant eye was rivetted
+upon them. The musqueteers in the front rank; the pikemen in a dense
+column behind; then came the cavalry, slow and stately, with a rushing
+ringing sound, the horses reined back to keep time to the trumpets'
+clang. Squadron after squadron, they moved past with stately pace and
+slow; the several leaders armed in steel, galloping up and down the
+ranks, and giving the word as they wheeled round and moved off the
+field. They were led by one scarce two-and-twenty years of age, who
+seemed, on his magnificent charger, with his beaver raised, "the prince
+of chivalry," the "arm and burgonet of men." The young Earl of Essex,
+just then in the zenith of his fame, and to whom the Queen had given
+command of the cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>And so the eye of the "poor player" pierced through the camp and
+witnessed all the "pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war;"
+himself, in his humble suit of buff, with buck and breast and helm of a
+common soldier, the greatest man there. He saw the tented field, so as
+only a nation's "endeavour for defence" could have shown it him. He
+mingled amongst tho white tents of the soldiery, and he visited the huts
+made of boughs of trees and poles, beneath which many of the gentry from
+the various counties and their followers were sheltered.</p>
+
+<p>At this period of his life his profusion had made him known to many of
+the nobles and leaders present, and those who fell in with him were
+pleased to have a word with "the pleasant Willie" amidst the excitement
+and bustle of the hour. As he turned from the scene, and, with his
+companions threaded his way amidst the crowd of soldiers, suttlers, and
+the other accompaniments of a huge army, he was met and accosted by one
+high in authority amongst the host.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Will Shakespeare," said the noble, "hast thou too put thyself in
+arms? 'Fore Heaven, man, thou shalt come with me to my tent. See, here
+is my Lord of Southampton, and other gallants, 'the very elements of the
+camp,' would fain have a rouse ere they wait upon the Queen. Come, man,
+a word from thee will spice the cup. No denial," continued the noble, as
+Shakespeare endeavoured to excuse himself on the plea of wishing to make
+on toward Dover that night. "No denial. Come, thou shalt cup us this day
+in the field. I could better lack the best of my followers on the day of
+battle than lose thee now we have once met here. What says't thou, my
+Lord of Southampton, thou canst not excuse the gentle William, eh?" And
+so it was late in the day ere Shakespeare left the tented field of
+Tilbury.</p>
+
+<p>When he did so he crossed over a bridge of boats and barges which had
+been drawn across the Thames at Gravesend. This bridge had been
+constructed for the purpose of opposing the passage of the invading
+fleet, should any portion of the expedition succeed in crossing the
+Nore, and to afford a means of communication for supplies of men and
+munition from Kent and Sussex.</p>
+
+<p>With two or three companions (and who, like himself, were resolved to
+hasten to the coast and, if possible, get on board some vessel at
+Dover,) Shakespeare hastened, after leaving Gravesend, along the Old
+Kent Road, then the most beaten track in England.</p>
+
+<p>Thus then, under circumstances so peculiar, the players found themselves
+in the county of Kent, that interesting county, which has been the
+battle-ground of the English for so many centuries, and which yet
+retains the ancient name Cæsar,<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> conferred upon it upwards of
+eighteen hundred years before.</p>
+
+<p>Much as was the traffic on this thoroughfare at the period of our story,
+the road was still in a very primitive state, thickly shadowed by trees
+on either side, ill kept and full of deep ruts and quagmires, whilst the
+country on either hand seemed one entire forest, and thus, amidst the
+bustle of the time, troops marching and counter-marching, "posts tiring
+on," pack-horses, and wains, and carriers occasionally overtaking them,
+Shakespeare took his way.</p>
+
+<p>We leave our readers to imagine the feelings of the poet as he passed
+along this, the old Roman road.</p>
+
+<p>As his eye pierced through the gloom, he beheld the road ascending
+through a leafy tunnel, and as he mounted a steep hill, he looked into
+the thick shadow on either hand, and then stopped and contemplated the
+place with a curious eye. It is more than probable, whilst he looked
+upon this locality, covered as it was with enormous trees, the road
+darkened by their shadow, the overhanging bank covered with fern, the
+crow winging to his nest, the moon just beginning to appear, that some
+passages he had perused in one of the old chronicles of England flashed
+across his brain, for in the scene thus beheld at so sweet an hour
+Shakespeare looked upon <span class="smcap">Gad's Hill</span>.</p>
+
+<p>And now, as the players left the woodlands, and descended the hill on
+the other side, a magnificent sight was presented to their
+view,&mdash;looking in the pale moonlight like some romantic view exhibited
+during the scenic hour, the Keep of Rochester, white and spectral,
+towered above the flanking walls that surrounded it; the rushing waters
+of the river flowing just beneath; the old picturesque town (then in
+comparison but a hamlet) lying dark and sombre on the left. 'Twas a
+scene that spake of former passages in Britain's history; and as
+Shakespeare looked upon it he felt the impression. There beneath him
+flowed the broad Medway, where the Britons had made their stand against
+the legions of Rome. On the bank, surrounded with battled towers,
+frowned the tower of the Norman Gundulph, now, as of yore, filled with
+glittering troops; the flaming cresset glaring from its walls, and
+reflected in the stream. The "panoply of war, grim-visaged, but glorious
+war," once again had revived its thick-ribbed towers. And in the old
+hostel of the Crown, Shakespeare and his troop slept that night,&mdash;a
+locality since immortalised, for 'tis <i>the inn-yard at Rochester</i>, of
+the scenic hour.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI"></a>CHAPTER XLVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE INVINCIBLE ARMADA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>At a time when every rank of men in England buried all party
+distinctions, and prepared with order, as well as vigour, to resist the
+violence of the invaders, the Catholics throughout the land were not
+found wanting. Many gentlemen of that sect, conscious that they could
+not justly expect either trust or authority, entered themselves as
+volunteers in the fleet or army, whilst many equipped ships at their own
+charge, and gave the command of them to Protestants; others again
+bestirred themselves, and animated their tenantry, servants, and
+neighbours to join in the defence.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst these, Sir Hugh Clopton and Walter Arderne had manfully
+bestirred themselves. Sir Hugh had mustered his servants and followers,
+and putting them under conduct of his good friend, Sir Thomas Lucy,
+marched off as a simple volunteer to Tilbury Camp, whilst Walter
+Arderne, with no less zeal, and tenfold means, (for be it remembered he
+was now the possessor of an enormous fortune,) had equipped several
+ships at his own charge, intending to join Sir Francis Drake.</p>
+
+<p>And thus having brought our readers to this period of general
+enthusiasm, we now almost lose sight of the individuals more immediately
+connected with our story in the universal excitement. The huge Armada,
+after having by a variety of reports seemed to threaten every foot of
+the coast in turn, was at length first discerned making its approach. A
+Dutch pirate brought intelligence to Plymouth that the Duke of Medina
+Sidonia was in reality in the English Channel. The captains and
+commanders of the English vessels were at the moment of this
+intelligence being brought playing at bowls at Plymouth; and Sir Francis
+Drake, with the true spirit of an English seaman, insisted upon playing
+out the game. "Play it out," my masters all, he said, "play it out. We
+have plenty of time to win the game first and beat the Spaniards
+afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>A south-west wind, however, blew so strongly at the moment that the
+vessels had considerable difficulty in warping out. At length, however,
+by the tremendous efforts of all hands, (for the anxiety of the troops
+and sailors to get at the enemy is hardly to be described,) the English
+ships were fairly at sea, and, with every sail set, bearing up for the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"And now sits expectant in the air,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>for whilst the sea bears upon its bosom the opposing fleets, the shores
+of England are bristling with the armed legions watching the event. The
+islanders standing "like greyhounds in the slips straining upon the
+start," and thus, whilst "borne by the invisible and creeping wind," the
+ships neared each other, was to be seen those characteristics of the
+islanders which furnished forth descriptions like the blast of trumpet
+to a Briton's ear.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"On! on! you noblest English,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whose blood is set from fathers of war proof!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fathers, that, like so many Alexanders,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Have, in these parts, from morn till even fought,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Dishonour not your mothers. Now attest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That those that you call'd fathers, did beget you;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Be copy now to men of grosser blood,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And teach them how to war."<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It is not our purpose fully to describe the action with, and the
+discomfiture of, the Huge Don, only such portions of the engagement as
+embraces the fate of those connected with our story being necessary.</p>
+
+<p>Suffice it then that the fleet of the mighty Spaniard came on slowly,
+awfully, and, according to the description given by Camden, so
+tremendous in appearance that the very winds seemed tired of propelling
+and the ocean groaned with its weight. That the English ships, dwarfs as
+they appeared by comparison, and few as they were in number, resolutely
+encountered, and, like bulldogs, which never leave the animal they are
+pitted against whilst life lasts, stuck to and worried the bloated Don
+till they completely pulled down his pride.</p>
+
+<p>The proximity of Plymouth to the Spanish coast had rendered it probable
+that that part of England would be selected by the enemy for his first
+attempt, and there accordingly the Queen had appointed as Guardian one
+of the noblest and most approved soldiers of her realm. That aspiring
+hero, the gallant Sir Walter Raleigh, in himself a host at such a
+moment, was appointed Lord-Warden of Plymouth, with office of
+Lieutenant-General of the county of Cornwall, and 5,000 men under him.</p>
+
+<p>No post or appointment on land, however, could satisfy such a man, when
+he himself knew the element on which the English ought to meet their
+foes was the sea. Accordingly, the blast of war and the thunder at the
+cannon found Sir Walter amidst the foremost, fighting hand to hand like
+some avenger, and covered with the smoke and blood of the hot encounter.
+Sir Walter, indeed, with a brilliant company of nobles and gentlemen,
+had left Plymouth in a small squadron, and quickly came up with the
+Spanish fleet. As they sighted the enemy, it was joined by a small force
+fitted out by Walter Arderne, and the two made into the midst of the
+fight.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding, however, the desperate valour of Sir Walter Raleigh,
+and which at times amounted to rashness, in the present instance he
+displayed his superior seamanship, and used discretion. He was aware
+that the lighter and less numerous vessels of the English had an
+advantage over the unwieldy Spanish galleons, provided the former
+avoided close quarters.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore ran near the floating castles of the enemy, and poured in
+his broadsides, whilst they found it almost impossible to bring their
+great ordnance to bear, ere he was off again. This plan of operation was
+adopted by the whole English fleet. Ever asunder, but always in motion,
+they took advantage of the wind to tack whenever they could most annoy
+the foe; pouring in broadside after broadside, and sheering off out of
+range of the Spanish guns, and then again boldly returning ere the
+latter could well reload; performing, as Sir Henry Wooton described it,
+a perfect morris-dance upon the water.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p>
+
+<p>It was in vain that the Spanish fleet bore down upon their antagonists,
+anxious, by bringing them to a closer action, at once to destroy them.
+The skilful English sailors avoided the contact by continually
+separating into small divisions. Six of the English ships, however, led
+by Sir Martin Frobisher and Lord Thomas Howard, were so disjoined from
+the rest, that the galleasses of the Armada came close upon them, and
+continued a desperate engagement for many hours. At the same time,
+another squadron of the English fiercely assailed the division of the
+Armada stationed to the westward; nay, such was the desperation of the
+English, that they in a short time disabled every ship in the line
+there.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst the storm of hurling iron, hid from one another by volumes of
+white smoke which hung upon the waters and enveloped everything around,
+two individuals sprang from their vessels, and, followed by their crews,
+sword in hand, clambered with desperate energy up the hull of one of the
+Spanish ships. The dense smoke on all sides is only relieved by the
+rapid volume of fire which seemed to pour out of every part of the
+Spaniard. The tearing of timbers, the shriek of agony, the cry of
+despair, and the deep curse, is answered by the wild joyous cheer of the
+jolly Briton. Amidst a storm of blows, the two leaders, the forlorn hope
+of the boarders, gaining the high deck of the Spanish craft, sprung upon
+the enemy's deck, where they were instantly followed by their
+strong-armed countrymen. What can resist, what can front them and live!
+Their blows are like the lightning's flash! Their force, strength, and
+ire, is terrible to look upon! They carve a passage; they bear down all
+before them! The deck of the Spaniard is slippery with blood; the
+thunder of the cannon is even hushed for the instant; and then is heard
+the ringing noise of hundreds hand-to-hand,&mdash;the cold dull smite of
+steel upon the body, the deadly curse, the cry of horror, and the shriek
+of death.</p>
+
+<p>During this terrible encounter, even whilst mounting the side of the
+Spanish vessel, the two men we have first described caught sight of, and
+recognised each other. In the face of him who sprang from a small craft
+called the Falcon, one of the sometime players of the Globe recognized
+Walter Arderne; and in that countenance beside him, although now with
+smoke and powder disguised "as if besmeared in hell," Arderne has for an
+instant recognised the features of one known in fair Warwickshire in
+happier days. They see, they recognized each other, but their thoughts
+are as the red flash of the artillery around them, and the next moment
+they are in the midst of blows and death. A contest of this sort, so
+fought and followed, is seldom of long duration. One side or other must
+generally be overborne; and, accordingly, the entire crew of the Spanish
+galleon were either driven to the poop of their vessel, or dead upon her
+decks. So numerous, however, were the Spaniards, that even in this
+desperate extremity they were formidable; and still the contest raged.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the <i>melée</i>, the player who we have before seen amongst
+the first to board the Spaniard, is now fighting hand-to-hand with the
+Spanish captain.</p>
+
+<p>Hard pressed, (for the rapier of the Englishman bears the <i>invincible</i>
+Don almost to the planks of his vessel,) the latter turns and flies
+below. Entering his cabin, he snatches up a pistol, and attempts to fire
+it into a huge barrel of gunpowder, and so blow up his vessel. Like
+lightning the Englishman strikes the pistol from his grasp, and calls
+upon him to yield.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniard, however, renews the contest like a tiger at bay. Rushing
+upon his foe, for the moment he bears him backward; he then as suddenly
+turns towards a youth who, crouched in one corner of the cabin, seemed
+terrified, and unable to protect himself. Him the Spaniard now rushes
+upon, and attempts to pierce with his rapier; but the Englishman again
+anticipates him, strikes the weapon aside, and pierces the <i>invincible</i>
+Don to the heart at the very moment the vessel is captured; and one loud
+English cheer fills the air. Curiosity and humanity leads the victor to
+approach the boy whom he had so opportunely saved. He drags from before
+him the body of the Spanish captain, bids the lad look up and fear
+nothing; but, overcome with the terrors of the situation, the lad had
+fainted. At this moment the cabin is filled with the excited
+captors&mdash;they are maddened with rage and blood, and ready to strike down
+all before them. Anxious for the poor boy, the gallant player lifts him
+up, throws him across his shoulder, and carries him upon deck, never
+leaving him till he has placed him in safety in his own vessel.</p>
+
+<p>Amidst the turmoil, confusion, and horror of such a scene, (for, of all
+battles, perhaps a sea-fight presents the most savage and desperate
+picture of warfare,) the "poor player," who had thus rescued the youth
+from death, and borne him to a place of comparative safety, had but
+small leisure to pay attention to him.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, as he placed him in the cabin of the English vessel, he
+could scarcely fail to observe his extreme beauty; and as the lad came
+to himself, and thanked his preserver, the player found, by his accent,
+that the lad was English born.</p>
+
+<p>Commending him, therefore, hastily to the care of some of the sailors at
+hand, (as his ear again caught the wild huzza of the victors,) the
+player again sprang upon the deck of his own ship, and the next moment
+was once more amidst the scene of death and slaughter&mdash;enveloped in
+smoke and fire&mdash;deafened with the roar of guns, and in the midst of
+crashing timbers and falling spars.</p>
+
+<p>The Spanish galleon had been captured ere he again reached her decks;
+but still on went those English red-handed from slaughter to slaughter,
+"with ladies' faces, and fierce dragon's spleens," they assailed ship
+after ship of the squadron they had become entangled with, and night
+only arrested the terrible encounter.</p>
+
+<p>Awful indeed is the destructive power of man, when once his rage is let
+loose upon his fellow. Those stately Spanish vessels, covered with
+gilding and ornament, and which had come heaving upon the wave, stately
+in movement, and beautiful in appearance as a bevy of swans, were now
+dismantled wrecks, blackened, half burnt, and, as if tortured into
+madness by their swift enemies, they vomited forth their fire at random,
+their shot flying over the heads of their adversaries, and hurting each
+other in the confusion of the scene.</p>
+
+<p>In other parts of the engagement the English had been equally
+industrious; and had it not been for the gross mismanagement of those in
+authority, and through whose parsimony the ships ran short of
+ammunition, the success would have been instantly followed up; as it
+was, the parsimony of the Queen might have cost her her crown, for
+thrice were the English baulked in the midst of success for want of
+ammunition, and obliged to take advantage of wind to get out of fire,
+and as often did they return, like avengers, to smite and destroy.</p>
+
+<p>The sequel of this glorious contest is too well known for us to dwell
+upon; only so far as it bears upon our story have we followed it. To
+that poor player, the intrepidity of demeanour, the confidence in the
+love of her subjects, and the activity and foresight of the royal Tudor,
+was not lost. He saw of what his own countrymen were capable; and when
+he dipped his pan in his own heart, and described deeds of knightly
+fame, he wrote as he felt.</p>
+
+<p>The noble Howard of Effingham, profiting by the faults of the Duke of
+Medina, and the difficulties experienced by the Spanish seamen in
+man&oelig;uvring their floating castles, made a terrible example of the
+enemy, and all around is crushing ruin, flight, and pursuit. Those ships
+which were scattered he followed, and the whole fleet of Medina was
+already vanquished and flying, when the elements effected the rest.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"So, by a roaring tempest as the flood,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A whole Armada of collected sail<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is scatter'd and disjoined from fellowship."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It was during the continuance of tho storm which followed, and whilst
+the few Spaniards who returned to their own shores were filling the ears
+of their countrymen with reports of the desperate valour of the English,
+and the tempestuous violence of the ocean which surrounded them, that
+two solitary travellers took their way along the old Kent road leading
+from Sandwich to Canterbury. Having quitted the ships in which they had
+arrived at the old Cinque Porte town, the two wayfarers were now making
+their way towards the metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>In our own times they would have come under the denomination of
+strollers, since one of them was in reality an actor, and, in the form
+of the other who walks by his side, our readers must recognise the youth
+rescued during the preceding action with the Armada.</p>
+
+<p>Light is the step and joyous the voice of that player. It almost cheers
+the heavy heart of the melancholy lad, his companion. Nay, it does, in
+some sort, apparently chase from his memory some rooted sorrow; for the
+large glowing orbs of the boy are oft-times turned towards the player as
+he speaks, and his step becomes more firm as they proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Scarce a mile has been traversed from the town, ere the eye of the
+player catches sight of a gray and massive ruin on his right, and the
+steps of both are turned towards it.</p>
+
+<p>Long lingered their footsteps beside that magnificent relic, and deeply
+ponders the player upon the surrounding scene.</p>
+
+<p>His companion listened to his words with breathless interest. The
+glittering helmets of the cohorts of Rome seem to pass within the arena.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, the spirit of the Roman, who reared the fortress, like a rock, upon
+that elevation, eighteen hundred years before, seems still to pervade
+the spot. There&mdash;where the thistle rears its lonely head, and the long
+grass of centuries waves in the wind&mdash;the shadowy forms of the imperial
+soldiery seem to glide by.</p>
+
+<p>"And such," said the youth, as he listened to the words of his
+companion, "is in truth the impression felt in each locality where the
+pick and spade of the Roman has left trace of his conquering arm. The
+feelings you have just described, the shadowy remembrance such locality
+seems to conjure up, I have oft-times felt whilst at Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>The player started. "At Clopton?" he said, as he looked curiously at the
+expressive countenance of his companion. In both there was a sort of
+dreamy recollection of having met before. "At Clopton, boy? True, there
+is a Roman trench in the park there. And so, then, thou knowest fair
+Warwickshire?"</p>
+
+<p>The youth sighed,&mdash;his usual answer when his companion, during their
+short acquaintance, had inquired his history. "I do," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"And know you Stratford-upon-Avon?" inquired the player.</p>
+
+<p>"But too well," answered the youth, again sighing.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said the player thoughtfully, "then well may I."</p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore?" said the lad, looking archly in his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I was born there," returned the player. "Have friends, wife, children
+at Stratford."</p>
+
+<p>"And your name?" inquired the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare, for fault of a better," said the player. And the pair soon
+afterwards left the Roman ruin and wended on towards London.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVII" id="CHAPTER_XLVII"></a>CHAPTER XLVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PLAYER AT COURT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>And now a new epoch seems to have arrived, and England (for the time
+being) may indeed be called "<i>merrie England</i>." The good old days of
+good Queen Bess are now in full force. The nation seems like a burly
+giant, who, lately weighed down by some heavy disease, and which it
+required all the strength of his constitution to surmount, suddenly
+finds himself again in health and strength.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now he breathes again, and can give audience to any tongue,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Speak il of what it may."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The enjoyment of the sometime invalid is tenfold from the sudden
+rebound. Earth and sea, air and sky, look doubly beautiful, and each
+hour is one of enjoyment. The whole nation revels in the excitement and
+the joyous feelings consequent upon its deliverance from a fearful yoke.
+The anticipation of dishonour, torture, and slavery, are no more. The
+overweening Spaniard, "that Armado hight," has been smitten with deadly
+vengeance, and all care is thrown to the winds. The Queen, the
+courtiers, the soldiers, sailors, citizens, nay, all the realm are
+dancing a galliard through the country. And of all those dancers none
+danced more vigorously, or cut higher capers, than the royal Tudor
+herself and her dancing chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Full oft within the spacious walls,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When he had fifty winters o'er him,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My grave lord-keeper led the brawls,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And seals and maces danced before him.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His bushy beard, and shoe-strings green,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">His high-crowned hat and satin doublet,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Moved the stout heart of England's Queen,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Though Pope and Spaniard could not trouble it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Leicester, Essex, Raleigh, and Hatton, the especial gallants of the
+Court, "glittering in golden coats like images," are amongst those
+revellers.</p>
+
+<p>In London and its environs, bear-baitings, bull-baitings, masques,
+morris dancers, theatrical exhibitions, and all sorts of diversions
+filled up the hours.</p>
+
+<p>Great crowds of noblemen and gentlemen (who had met the Queen on her
+landing at Westminster after the dispersion of the Armada) attended her
+to St. James's Palace, and, day after day, entertained her, "all
+furnished, all in arms," with tilts and tourneys.</p>
+
+<p>Fully did the English at this moment appreciate the merits of their
+Queen. She was extolled, glorified, and almost deified in the exuberance
+of their joy and loyalty.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p>
+
+<p>Oh that it came within the compass of our pen to describe the appearance
+of the Court. To introduce our reader, but for one short hour, within
+the walls of the palace; amidst that throng of princely gentlemen and
+stately dames clustered around one of the most gifted and extraordinary
+women that ever wielded a sceptre. Alas! the times are so changed, that
+the might, the magnificence of royalty, the grandeur of the scene
+within, and the halo shed around even the precincts of the palace, can
+scarcely be understood. The stately forms of the bearded yeomen; the
+glitter of the halbert, and the flash of weapons amidst tower and
+turret; the emblazoned doublet; the measured tread of men-at-arms on
+every post, and port, and passage; the lounging pages and servants, who
+throng the courts and offices; the hundreds of hangers-on upon royalty
+at this joyous period. The very sacred character of much that pertained
+to a palace seems to have vanished. The bold grandeur of the times seem
+to have departed with those cloistered and embattled buildings and the
+stately beings who inhabited them.</p>
+
+<p>The very precincts of the Court,&mdash;the "whereabout of royalty," seemed
+invested with a sacred character during the reign of Elizabeth. The
+stern grandeur which pervaded tho habitations of the terrible Harry, her
+father, still surrounded the various dwellings of the no less majestic
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers must now imagine the Court in all its splendour at that old
+palace whose gateway and flanking towers still bear the cognizance and
+initials of the burly Harry; not as now, however, where the echoes of
+the drum and trumpet which rings and rattles out upon occasion of pomp
+and parade, reverberated from the goodly dwellings and ample streets by
+which it is neighboured.</p>
+
+<p>St. James's palace, in Elizabeth's day, stood in the open country. It
+had been built upon the site of the dissolved hospital of St. James, by
+the bluff King, and its buttressed walls were surrounded by a sort of
+chase or park, the grounds of which to the north were, for the most
+part, wet and marshy. The heron flapped his wing in the pool where now
+the Green Park is situated, and amidst the tall trees upon the hill, at
+present called Bond Street, the deer couched in the fern. It was indeed
+a picturesque and noble building, exceeding handsome, as a writer of the
+sixteenth century describes it, built of brick, embattled for defence,
+and surrounded at the top with crenelles, the chase always green, and in
+which the Court can walk in summer. Indeed, every part around St.
+James's, built upon and populated as it now is, at the period of our
+story was the occasional haunt of Queen Elizabeth, where she rode,
+walked, and meditated, considered her household affairs, or disported
+with her ladies, her courtiers, and her lovers.</p>
+
+<p>And what a picture did the scene without the palace exhibit a few weeks
+after the dispersion of the Armada, and whilst many of these noblemen
+and gentry, who, at the moment remained in London, were in constant
+attendance upon the Queen, and endeavouring to outshine each other in
+their devices and designs.</p>
+
+<p>It is near the hour of noon; the sun shines upon tower and turret, and
+glances bright upon the arms of the various sentinels upon rampart and
+gateway. Within, the courtyard is crowded with men-at-arms and persons
+of all ranks passing in and out. And amongst these are the stately forms
+of many whom the page of history has had occasion to tell of. In the
+park without, numerous youthful cavaliers are careering about, mounted
+upon steeds splendidly caparisoned, whilst a mounted guard of honour
+stands enranked about a bow-shot in front of the principal entrance.
+Huntsmen and falconers too, bedight with the royal arms, their
+greyhounds in couples, and other dogs of the chase, are seen amidst the
+clank of arms, as the sentinels are relieved. Nay, the perfume of the
+scented courtiers pervade the air as they dismount and enter the palace.
+The steaming smell of hot dishes and savoury viands also salute the
+nostril, as cooks, scallions, servitors, and pages, are seen in the
+inner court leading from the kitchen, as the hour approaches for the
+royal banquet.</p>
+
+<p>Shift the scene to the interior, and a magnificent sight strikes the
+eye, "the presence strew'd." The walls are hung with rich tapestry, and
+on either hand are the nobles of the Court, "a glittering throng." The
+Queen is about to pass through, and all are bare-headed. What a picture
+do those men present! Cloaked, ruffed, and rapiered, their Very apparel
+and arms studded with jewels, their bearded faces, so celebrated for
+manly beauty,&mdash;for the Queen loves to look upon the handsomest men the
+age can produce,&mdash;and limbs, and thews, and features, are sure to find
+favour in her sight. Whilst the nobility stand thus enranked, (many of
+lesser note at the bottom of the chamber,) a gentleman usher, dressed in
+velvet, with a golden chain, suddenly appears, the doors are thrown
+open, and the majestic Tudor is announced as at hand.</p>
+
+<p>First come forth, with proud step and reared heads, some of those lately
+so celebrated in the "world's debate." Bare-headed, they have had
+especial and private audience in the presence. Raleigh, with hawk's eye
+and aquiline features, his very spirit glancing as he looks
+good-naturedly, but haughtily around. Then Essex, majestic in mien and
+regal-looking in demeanour, and seeming to carry on his dress the cost
+of whole manors. Then Leicester, splendid in person and dress, but with
+somewhat of a restless, uneasy, and sinister expression; dark as a
+gipsy, and so haughty and unbending in demeanour, that his countenance
+freezes the blood in the gazer's veins, and yet withal wearing a sort of
+smile, ever and anon, to shew his pearly teeth; his hand plays nervously
+with the hilt of his jewelled poniard, as he bows to the several nobles
+he recognises. And so they file in, and fall into line on either hand.</p>
+
+<p>And now, whatever of conversation, amidst the assemblage, has been going
+on, suddenly ceases; and each man standing erect, and with his
+embroidered cloak advanced somewhat over the left arm, the one hand upon
+the rapier's heavy hilt, the plumed hat in the other&mdash;with eyes of
+expectation, await the moment of the Queen's appearance. A flourish of
+twelve trumpets and two kettle-drums immediately ring and rattle out;
+the battle-axes of the gentlemen-at-arms are lowered; and, lo, the
+Majesty of England has passed the door.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth at this period of her reign was fifty-six years of age. Her
+face, although exceedingly majestic, shewed the deep furrows of
+care&mdash;the care which is the heir-loom of the diadem; her nose was
+somewhat hooked; her lips, narrow; her teeth, discoloured. In her ears
+she wore two enormous pearls with rich drops; and her small crown rested
+upon a mass of false red hair. Her bosom it was her pleasure to display
+uncovered (the custom of all English ladies before marriage); on her
+neck was a necklace of costly jewels. The dress she wore was of white
+silk, embroidered with enormous pearls, larger than beans. Over this
+dress she wore a costly mantle of coloured silk, shot with silver
+threads; and her long train was borne by a marchioness. In addition to
+all this, she wore, in place of a chain, a magnificent collar of gold
+and jewels. Her aspect upon the whole was at first sight pleasing; but
+on a steady view of her countenance, there was to be found the
+unendurable look of a line of kings. The eye that could gaze down a
+lion; the fierce glance of the royal Harry, was there; a glance which
+proclaimed the excitable nature of the Tudor blood.</p>
+
+<p>She remained stationary for a few brief moments as soon as she entered
+the room, and seemed to comprehend the whole assemblage in one rapid
+glance. She then advanced, with her bevy of attendant ladies, and, at
+her pleasure, spoke first to one and then another of the nobles present.
+To one or two giving her hand to kiss, as a mark of special favour, her
+favourites (albeit they had already been favoured with a private
+audience) being every now and then appealed to; whilst the moment her
+eye detected any person of peculiar note, or not immediately belonging
+to her circle, she fixed him like a basilisk.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Master Spenser," she said, as she stopped near the author of the
+"Faery Queen," "hast thou received the guerdon I promised thee for thy
+song yet? We rated Burleigh soundly for disobeying our orders, and
+bringing forth that jangling rhyme of thine, which touched our honour.
+Let me see how went it;" and the Queen repeated, with good emphasis and
+discretion, the words of the poet:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I was promised on a time.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To have reason for my rhyme:<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Since that time until this season,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I have had nor rhyme nor reason."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"The radiant Gloriana," said Spenser, "doth overmuch honour my poor
+couplet by repeating it; nevertheless the rhyme still hath reason. Of
+that, our shepherd of the ocean<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> can testify."</p>
+
+<p>"How! Raleigh," said the Queen, "hath not thy friend received the
+hundred pounds I promised him? This is overbold of Burleigh!" And the
+eye of the Queen shewed the lioness' glance as she looked around for
+the offender. Burleigh, however, had anticipated a storm, and sought the
+lower end of the room; meanwhile Raleigh, who seldom let an opportunity
+pass for pressing any suit he had to carry, replied that Spenser had as
+yet received nothing of the promised coin.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend is as unlucky as myself," he said; "for neither hath he
+received his guerdon, any more than I myself have obtained the grant of
+lands your gracious bounty half promised."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said the Queen, (who spite of her partiality for the wit, genius,
+and valour of the adventurous and daring knight, little relished his
+rapacity). "Ah!" she said, "what, that suit of the fields at Mitcham
+again? And when will you cease to be a beggar, Raleigh?"</p>
+
+<p>Raleigh saw he had half offended, but his impudence and readiness
+brought him through. "When your Majesty ceases to be a benefactress," he
+said, gracefully bowing.</p>
+
+<p>The angry spot left the Queen's brow. She smiled and shook her head.
+"Thou art an accomplished courtier," she said, as she passed on, "but
+thou gettest not the Mitcham meadows of us yet notwithstanding."</p>
+
+<p>"What mutterest thou, Tarleton?" she continued sharply, to one of the
+attendant clowns or comedians, whom she frequently admitted to her
+presence.</p>
+
+<p>"I mutter nothing that I will not stand to, Madona," said Tarleton; "and
+that which your Majesty calls muttering, was but an assurance to my
+gossip, Raleigh, of all he requires, Raleigh hath but to open his mouth,
+and the tid bits from your royal table are sure to be cast into it."</p>
+
+<p>"So!" said the Queen, rather angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," returned the bold jester, "Look but on my lord there&mdash;he of the
+dark eye and olive complexion. By my fay, he hath swollen to such a huge
+bulk in the sunshine of your royal eye, that anon we shall all be
+overwhelmed!"</p>
+
+<p>This sally of Tarleton's against the Earl of Leicester was received with
+a titter of applause, and Burleigh, who had indeed tutored the poor
+jester, greatly enjoyed it.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth saw the feeling, and affecting to hear it with unconcern,
+turned to another of the court fools. "Well, Pace," she said, "and now I
+suppose we shall hear from you also of our faults."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use of speaking of that which all the town is talking of?"
+growled Pace.</p>
+
+<p>Although the Queen permitted considerable license to men of this class,
+she was more deeply offended than she chose to shew, and passed on
+without another word. A few moments afterwards, however, both Pace and
+Tarleton were observed, at a hint from one of the gentlemen-at-arms, to
+quit the presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Bacon," said the Queen to her ample-browed Lord Keeper, "we are
+sorry to see thee still suffering from the old enemy, the gout. Remain
+not standing here, my lord; go sit thee down. We make use of your good
+head, not your bad legs!"</p>
+
+<p>Lord Bacon, nothing loth, bowed and hobbled off.</p>
+
+<p>"My Lord Bacon's soul lodgeth well," she observed to one of her ladies,
+"and truly do we honour him therefore. We are the enemy of all dwarfs
+and monsters in shape, and would have all appointments, either civil or
+military, bestowed on men of good appearance. What sayest thou?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certies, I am woman enough to be of your Majesty's opinion," answered
+the lady; "and yet your Majesty cannot always suit wit and judgment with
+a splendid dwelling: witness your royal choice of Sir Robert Cecil."</p>
+
+<p>"True," said the Queen, "Cecil hath both a mean look and an ugly
+expression; but we cannot want the crook back."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen now turned, and taking Leicester aside, held him for some time
+in conversation, during which all kept aloof. She then, as it was near
+the hour of dining, again passed down the line, still speaking to and
+noticing all she felt any inclination to propitiate, Leicester, Raleigh,
+and one or two of the more privileged courtiers following. As she passed
+into the second chamber, she observed amongst the <i>élite</i> several whose
+rank had not entitled them to be in the presence-chamber; and wherever
+her eye fell on a handsome face and form, she stopped and made inquiry
+concerning such persons.</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you, Mignonne," she said, turning to one of her ladies, "who is
+yonder handsome youth&mdash;he who stands there near the door?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not his name, Madam," said the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw," said the Queen, "I have ever those about me who are ignorant.
+Leicester," she continued, "what is the name of yonder youth?"</p>
+
+<p>"He whom your Majesty's eye hath fascinated, even to the crimsoning of
+his cheeks," said Leicester, "is Charles Blount."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said the Queen, "I could have sworn there was good blood in his
+veins. He is brother of Lord William Mountjoye, is he not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is, Madam," said Leicester, "his younger brother, and now studying
+at the inns of court. He was in Drake's ship, and did good service
+against the Spaniard."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Elizabeth, "by my fay, an he was with Drake, he was like to
+be where blows were rife. Bid him approach."</p>
+
+<p>The youth accordingly came forward and knelt to the Queen, who, still
+more struck by his handsome form and features, gave him her hand to
+kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"Come again to Court, good Master Blount," she said, "and I will bethink
+me of your future fortunes."</p>
+
+<p>The young man again blushed, and being extremely bashful, stammered some
+incoherent reply of thanks which, still more interested the Queen, and
+again she added words of encouragement.</p>
+
+<p>The Earls of Essex and Leicester smiled contemptuously, and Essex, who
+stood near the Queen, made some sneering remark, which was partially
+overheard. Not even, however, could the favourite Essex escape censure
+at such a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" she said (turning sharply upon him), "say'st thou, my Lord? Stand
+back, lest we teach you manners here."</p>
+
+<p>Essex bit his lip, but he was fain to obey, observing to my Lord
+Southampton "that every fool he thought was coming into favour."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Southampton, who stood near, "'tis fit we introduce
+something not altogether so silly, and there is one here to-day I much
+wish her Majesty to notice. Ha! and look ye, she hath already found
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom speak ye?" inquired Essex.</p>
+
+<p>"Of one well beloved by thee," said Southampton. "See thou not the man
+there standing amidst the throng, somewhat behind the beefeaters?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Essex. "'Tis Will Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, whilst Essex, whose proud spirit being somewhat chafed, had
+thus remained behind the royal party, the Queen passed on talking right
+and left as was her wont, and discussing matters of political interest
+with those near her. "We will think of this matter, my Lord of
+Effingham," she said, in answer to something that noble had said. "I am
+ready, as thou hast seen, to arm for defence, but I make no wars."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, your majesty should strike a blow at Spain ere he recover
+the effects of his discomfiture. I hear again of formidable preparations
+being in contemplation to avenge the destruction of his ships. Nay,
+Philip hath affirmed, and that on oath, that he will be revenged even if
+he is reduced to pawn the last candlestick on his altar."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my Lord," said the Queen, "if the dollars of silver and ingots of
+gold, and which the wretched Indians work for in their native mines,
+could effect the conquest of this realm, he would assuredly succeed, hut
+I fear him not. We have stout hearts and heavy blades here in England to
+oppose to his glittering coin. Whilst you yourself, Raleigh, Frobisher,
+Drake, and other daring spirits are ready for the sea, we shall hold our
+own, my Lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, your Majesty will, I trust, hear at a future opportunity
+what myself and my Lord of Essex have to urge in favour of an expedition
+against Spain."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be we will hear both," said the Queen, "but in truth Essex is
+hardly to be entrusted with command. His impetuosity requireth a bridle,
+my Lord, rather than a spur. He is the soul of chivalry, but rash as he
+is brave; and see you there now," she said, turning and looking after
+Essex, "I reproved him but with one word, and his choler is aroused even
+towards us, his benefactress."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen turned now to a tall, gaunt, but exceedingly noble looking old
+man, his costume partaking both of the soldier and the courtier. "Sir
+Thomas Lucy," she said, "we have heard of your gallantry during the
+action with the Armada. We thank, in your presence, all those gentlemen
+of fair Warwickshire for their alacrity in fitting out ships, and their
+bravery in fighting them. We heard of you Sir Thomas, in the hottest
+part of the battle."</p>
+
+<p>"And where your Highness shall ever find me when the foes of England are
+to be met," said the old knight, proudly, and at the same time rearing
+his head as he watched the progress of the royal Tudor, Presently,
+however, the countenance of Sir Thomas underwent a slight change, he
+seemed to start at some name her Majesty pronounced. His pale iron-gray
+visage became flushed; nay, had Sir Thomas received an insult in the
+presence, the expression of his countenance could not have more
+instantly changed. Slowly and with contracted brows, his eyes rested
+upon the person Her Majesty was speaking to, and that, indeed, not five
+paces from where he himself stood. He was fixed&mdash;astonished. He could
+scarcely believe his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"What! Master Shakespeare," said the Queen, as her eagle-eye caught
+sight of the poet standing amongst a crowd of officials, "and so thou
+too hast come to Court? We have not ourself yet seen thy last poem&mdash;thy
+Tarquin and Lucrece, but Raleigh and Essex have repeated some passages
+to us."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare bent his knee and presented a small roll of paper to the
+Queen, which she received graciously, and after glancing at it, "'tis
+well," she said, "we will, good William, be present." She then gave the
+poet her hand to kiss and passed through the door.</p>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare rose from his knee he was immediately accosted and
+congratulated by the Earls of Essex and Southampton, whilst many others
+of the Court came about him.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Lucy, meanwhile, continued to exhibit the utmost
+astonishment. The countenance of the poet he could hardly mistake. The
+name, too, he had caught the sound of, and in the person of one
+apparently on the most familiar terms with the grandees of Elizabeth's
+court, nay, one who was received with favour by the haughty Tudor
+herself, he saw the individual who had broke his park, stolen his deer,
+and decamped to avoid punishment for his offence.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst, therefore, Shakespeare stood amidst the glittering throng, Sir
+Thomas still continued rapt in astonishment. Proud as he himself was, he
+felt (in common with all country squires), that removed from his own
+little domain, and transplanted into the wondrous world of fashion of
+London, he was but a "cypher in the great accompt." But a small mite
+indeed, helping to swell the grandeur of the court.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A substitute shines brightly as a king<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Until a king be by, and then his state<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Empties itself (as doth an inland brook,)<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Into the main of waters."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"A parliament member," he muttered to himself, as the lampoon kept
+recurring to his mind, and as he watched the courtiers, so interested
+and so joyous, whilst in the influence of Shakespeare's wit. "It must be
+him&mdash;I am sure it's him&mdash;I know it's him&mdash;A justice of peace," he
+muttered: "at home a poor scarecrow. And on such terms here at court
+too! In London an ass," he continued, as he approached somewhat nearer,
+and took a more keen survey of the unconscious poet. "Yes, it is him
+sure enough; and yet&mdash;I'll make bold to make sure," and Sir Thomas
+accosted Sir Christopher Hatton, and inquired somewhat tartly, the name
+of the gentleman who seemed to keep the Lords Essex, Bacon, Leicester,
+and Sir Walter Raleigh, in such exceeding mirth.</p>
+
+<p>"His name?" said Hatton, who was himself hastening to the feast of wit,
+"Why, it's our Shakespeare, man&mdash;The gentle Will&mdash;Knowest thou not Will
+Shakespeare, the very element of wit and pleasantry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas. "Shakespeare! Thank you. Sir
+Christopher. Shakespeare! the element of wit and pleasantry! And what
+may be the present calling of this element of whit?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"His calling; why, he's an actor, Sir Thomas&mdash;a poet, and a right good
+one. A player, sir, and a writer of plays; one, too, who keeps us
+amused.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said Sir Thomas, "'Tis so, is it? Good!&mdash;an actor&mdash;a mummer&mdash;a
+morisco."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Sir Thomas," said Sir Christopher, "I'll make him known to thee;
+I'll assure you he's a rare fellow, this Will Shakespeare."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, la," said the knight truly. "I hold not acquaintance with
+mummers and wild moriscos. Farewell, Sir Christopher, I am away to
+Warwickshire. An ass, quotha. Well, this 'tis to have deer, and parks,
+and warrens&mdash;this 'tis to be a player. The world's turned athwart.
+Farewell, Sir Christopher, (he continued hurriedly to the dancing
+favorite,) fail not to come to Charlecote, we'll kill the buck
+there&mdash;eh?" And so Sir Thomas left the palace.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVIII" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII"></a>CHAPTER XLVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SIR THOMAS LUCY IN LONDON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The more Sir Thomas Lucy heard, during his sojourn in London on the
+subject that had so startled him at Court, the more he wondered.</p>
+
+<p>It was but a few days after he had caught a glimpse of the Warwickshire
+lad, whom he had hunted from his native town, that he found the name of
+William Shakespeare in the mouths of almost all he met. That his name
+should be at all subject of conversation at this precise moment, was
+indeed astonishing, considering the habits and pursuits of the
+generality of the Londoners. The warm citizens of London were for the
+most part a staid and grave set. The more juvenile were rude and rough;
+fond of athletic sports and out-door pastimes. They loved to see the
+bear tug and hug the hound; to witness the cruel conflict 'twixt mastiff
+and monkey; to see the bull driven to madness; or to shout over the bout
+at quarter-staff. Added to these pastimes it must be owned, however,
+that the patience with which they could sit at a (so-called) theatrical
+exhibition, and listen to the long-winded orations, speeches, and
+mysteries then in fashion, and which had been handed from their more
+ignorant ancestors, was a perfect marvel; for except that the fool or
+clown uttered here and there a conceit, a theatrical exhibition was a
+weary business. Shakespeare, who had now spent some time, in a sort of
+apprenticeship, amongst the players, had already altered this style; and
+just before the invasion of the Spaniards, he had perfectly astonished
+the town by producing a piece of his own writing&mdash;a play, which, albeit
+in our own time it is in comparison but slightly regarded, possessed in
+Elizabeth's day peculiar attractions. This play, which was called
+Pericles, had greatly delighted the Court and the city. It in some sort
+partook of the style of production most suited to the taste of the time,
+and prepared the way for more perfect productions.</p>
+
+<p>It is not therefore matter of so much surprise, that just at this
+precise moment, when the fierce revelry consequent upon the dispersion
+of the Armada was beginning to pall upon the "monster with uncounted
+heads," the circumstance of William Shakespeare being about to produce
+another play, should make some stir.</p>
+
+<p>As Sir Thomas passed through the Golden Chepe, he found, by the
+conversation of many whom he met, that the Queen intended to be at the
+Blackfriars Theatre that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>Now Sir Thomas had never in his life been inside a theatre in London. He
+had seen mysteries, mummeries, morris-dances, and Christmas revels in
+his own hall at Charlecote. But other sort of dramatic representation,
+in common with others of his class, he had no conception of or care
+for.</p>
+
+<p>"Diccon," he said to one of the attendants who walked behind him (for
+Sir Thomas always promenaded the town with half-a-dozen serving men at
+his back,) "What is this play we heard my Lord Keeper speaking of?"</p>
+
+<p>"Marry, Sir Thomas, it is a play written, I be informed, by one Sampson
+Beakspere of this town."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Sir Thomas, "Beakspere, said ye? Art sure that is the name?"</p>
+
+<p>"One cannot be sure of anything, an it so please ye, in this sink of
+iniquity," said Diccon, "where lying, thieving, and every sort of
+villany existeth in open daylight. Nay, one cannot be sure of finding
+one's throat hale and sound in the morning when one lays down at night.
+By the same token, at the hostel where I lay, they cut off the badge
+containing the three silver pike-fish from all our sleeves."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Beak</i>speare," said Sir Thomas, merely glancing at the denuded coat
+sleeve of his head serving-man. "Art sure it is not <i>Shake</i>speare,
+Diccon?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell your honour. Beakspere was the name I understood, but it
+may probably be Shakespeare. Nay, I should not be surprised even if it
+was the very fellow who stole your honour's deer and stuck up bills
+against our park-gates. Nothing is too bad for this town and the people
+in it. I would we were fairly back in Warwickshire."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas looked hard at his serving-man, so unusually talkative in his
+presence. "Amongst other things they do in this town, Diccon," he said
+sharply, "it seems they have taught you to drink more strong beer before
+breakfast than your brains can bear. Go to, sirrah; less circumstance
+when you answer." And the stately knight held his way along Chepe.</p>
+
+<p>On this morning he was intending to pay a visit to an old friend
+residing at Dowe-gate, and afterwards to take boat, at Styll-yard, and
+cross over to Bank-side, there to see the bear-bayting, and accordingly
+his serving-men turned down Bucklersbury, traversed Canwick Street, and
+completely bewildered themselves in East Chepe.</p>
+
+<p>These thoroughfares were somewhat strait and exceedingly intricate in
+Elizabeth's day, whilst the encroaching stories of the houses grazed the
+plumes on the tall knight's castor, as he walked, so much so that he was
+fain to hold down his head. By which proceeding he, ever and anon, run
+full butt against some tall fellow or other, receiving such abuse as
+rather kept his philosophy from rusting.</p>
+
+<p>"How now, thou mandrake, thou thin-faced gull!" said a tall man, dressed
+with great bravery, and who, accompanied by several others, was
+advancing from the water side; "how mean ye by that? Thou hast run thy
+hatchet visage full in my breast, and murdered my ruff, thou ass!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cry ye mercy, fair sir," said Sir Thomas, who was always the
+gentleman. "I am as ready to make amends, as I have unconsciously
+offended."</p>
+
+<p>"Offended, quotha," said the gallant, as he stood pluming himself, like
+a bird, and pinching out his crushed ruff, which starched with yellow
+starch stood out a foot at least from his neck. "Thou hast murdered my
+ruff, I tell thee, and shalt duly answer it."</p>
+
+<p>"Of a verity," said Sir Thomas, "an I have endamaged thy ruff I will pay
+thy laundress coin wherewith to re-stiffen it. An I have ruffled thine
+honour I will give the reparation with my rapier, always presuming thou
+art a gentleman of coat armour, and fit opponent for my poor person, for
+thy language, to say sooth, is foul, and thy manner coarse even for this
+foul town."</p>
+
+<p>"How speakest thou,&mdash;a gentleman and fit opponent for thee? Betake thee
+straight to thy weapon. Know I am a gentleman to the Earl of Leicester."</p>
+
+<p>"Diccon," said Sir Thomas, sheathing his half-drawn rapier and stepping
+aside, "this is thy business. Tell this caitiff, that the language and
+behaviour of a menial should be at least civilized when he encounters a
+gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Wilt not fight with me?" said the bully, who, together with his fellow,
+now rudely pressed upon the knight's party.</p>
+
+<p>"Not willingly will I fight with a scavenger," said Sir Thomas, "the
+quarrel shall be a good quarrel, for I will fasten it upon the Earl thy
+master. I stand aside here&mdash;smite him, Diccon&mdash;well, Diccon&mdash;lay on my
+men all, and clear a passage. I would pass on."</p>
+
+<p>Upon this the followers of Sir Thomas threw the round targets they
+carried on their left arms, before their breasts, and, spreading out
+over the whole width of the thoroughfare, drew their blades, and
+advancing upon the rude followers of the Earl of Leycester bore them
+back, so that Sir Thomas passed on his way to the bear-bayting.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIX" id="CHAPTER_XLIX"></a>CHAPTER XLIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE THEATRE OF THE BLACKFRIARS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In our times the profession of an actor presents a picture of
+uninterrupted drudgery and discomfort. In Elizabeth's day such was not
+the case. There was not then that continual craving after novelty, that
+constant production of pieces, written for the hour and the topic of the
+day, which gives an actor no rest. In comparison to our own race of
+actors (excellent as many of them are for the sort of work they have to
+do,) the actors of Elizabeth's day were a company of magnificoes,
+"proper fellows of their hands," and "tall gentlemen in their own
+esteem."</p>
+
+<p>The thing they took easily, and with a certain dignity of deportment. It
+was indeed edifying to see one of these goodly fellows with part in his
+hand, his plumed hat, "short cloak and slops," and eke his rapier,
+taking his early walk, either in the fields or on Bank Side, or
+peradventure hiring a boat at the Blackfriars, and thus gesticulating,
+with a short and diminutive bowled pipe in his mouth, studying the
+author's meaning to the letter, and <i>getting up his lengths</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes they went forth in companies, these men, to some favourite
+rural haunt, some delightfully situated hostel or tavern by the river's
+bank, or to the bowery woods near Richmond or Greenwich. On such
+occasions they would take boat, and make the river echo with their
+jokes, and puns, and witticisms, as they were wafted along on its glassy
+surface. At other times a select few would hire horses and beat up the
+towns of Windsor, Mortlake<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>, and other places which the occasional
+residence of the Court made more gay and populous; for these actors
+loved to haunt the whereabout of royalty. Their professional knowledge
+made them exceeding good companions too. Glorious fellows. And then how
+dearly too did "mine host of the tavern," enter into their joviality,
+and aid them in those little waggeries they were so prone to engage in.</p>
+
+<p>None but those who have mixed amongst actors of talent, and know them
+intimately, can have an idea of the charm of their society. The very
+characters they have to personate, good or ill, and the moralities
+taught in the pieces they are obliged to study, ought to, and does,
+render them better men. Their study also is to give peculiar effect to
+all they say and do. And oft-times with them the most common place
+sentence is pointed into something witty. They understand the "jest's
+prosperity," and in an instant they penetrated through the follies, the
+ignorance and the cunning of the common-place. Their ideas being for the
+most part free, unfettered, and unshackled by mercantile matters, their
+sentiments are ennobled by the study of those parts they have to
+perform.</p>
+
+<p>And oh, what fascination, what delight, what a world of itself, is the
+scenic hour! The romance of feeling, the inexpressible charm, belonging
+to that brilliant little period, none know but the actors themselves. It
+is oft-times their all of life; the rest is flat and stale? they live
+but for those few brief moments in which they glitter the observed of
+all observers, the admiration, the delight, nay, almost the envy of the
+audience. Like the lunatic, the lover, and the poet, they are "of
+imagination all compact." The actor has thrown himself into the author's
+conception. The poet's world is also the world of him who enacts the
+part the poet has written. He lives in his author's period, not only
+whilst acting, but whilst studying the part. The loves, the hates, the
+fears, the joys, the doing of all around are pertaining to himself&mdash;as
+if "'twas reality he felt."</p>
+
+<p>Some of these men were very noble fellows, (if we may so term it), noble
+at least in sentiment, if not in blood, and who would have scorned to
+perform the mean acts perpetrated by men in a class far above them. They
+knew, too, in what the point of honour consisted, and were "sudden and
+quick in quarrel" where they conceived themselves insulted; and it was
+this virtue in the better sort of the actors of Elizabeth's day which
+made them sought for, and associated with, by many of the best of the
+nobility. Nay, it must be remembered that at a somewhat later period of
+England's history, and when civil war "channelled her fields," the
+actors were, to a man, found enranked amongst the cavaliers, and
+fighting "on the party of the King." Their professional education taught
+them to "hold in hate the canting round-heads," and they fought and bled
+for the better cause.</p>
+
+<p>How dearly Shakespeare loved the scenic hour his own doings have, we
+think, proclaimed. The world around him, too, at the period in which he
+lived and wrote presented much that was grand and exciting. He had but
+to note what he observed in the vicinity of Elizabeth's Court, in order
+to pourtray some of his scenes.</p>
+
+<p>From the first moment of his introduction within the walls of the
+theatre, he had felt the fascination of the "scenic hour," and become
+captivated with the society of the actors, oven rude as the pieces were
+which he found them performing. To one of his own natural parts and
+brilliant wit, there was to be found an endless fund of amusement
+amongst such men. Their way of life also had its charm. How he loved
+those summer excursions amidst the sweet scenery of Old Windsor&mdash;those
+country revels in which he mingled amongst the rural throng, in all the
+sports and pastimes "of the old age." He had now been resident in London
+some time, and besides being noticed by many of the "choice and master
+spirits of the age," had become acquainted with some of the native
+burghers of the city, and their connexions in the country around.</p>
+
+<p>The amusements of the early portion of Elizabeth's reign for the most
+part consisted in her dearly-loved bull and bear-baiting, with
+occasionally the more refined masques and pageants. These latter,
+however, were of rare occurrence, and usually called forth by some
+exciting occasion, such for instance as the visit of a foreign
+ambassador, the celebration of a victory, or the return of some joyous
+festival. The votaries of the "deformed thief, Fashion," did not then
+herd together as now. Factions, jealousies, and fears together with the
+dangerous intrigues which the great carried on against each other, and
+which oft-times brought the heads of such contrivers to the block, kept
+the grandees apart. Added to which, those mediums of varied amusement
+which assemble the <i>élite</i> with one another in our own day, were not in
+existence.</p>
+
+<p>At the period in which our story had now arrived, however, an event was
+about to take place which made some little stir, and drew a large
+concourse from both Court and city into one focus.</p>
+
+<p>This was neither more nor less than a new play, written as was then
+said, by "a right pleasant and merry conceited companion," named William
+Shakespeare. It was to be enacted within the walls of an old monastery
+called the Blackfriars. The performance was entitled "The Lamentable
+Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet;" and so great was the interest created,
+that the Queen, with such of her Court as she chose should attend her on
+the occasion, had signified an intention of being present.</p>
+
+<p>It will doubtless appear somewhat extraordinary to many of our readers
+to find such a performance taking place within the walls of a religious
+edifice. But the civic authorities had so often opposed the
+representation of regular performance in the city that the actors at
+last sought a place without their jurisdiction, and finally obtained the
+deserted building within the precincts of the dissolved monastery of the
+Blackfriars, and fitted some parts up for a theatre.</p>
+
+<p>In the preceding reigns there had been no public buildings exclusively
+appropriated to dramatic entertainment. The most common places of
+performance were the yards of the Chaucer-like hostels, in the various
+towns through which the actors wandered.</p>
+
+<p>Some of these inns are even yet remaining, although altered and
+modernized, in the city of London, and also along the Old Kent Road. The
+gateways of such houses formed one side of the quadrangle, whilst the
+balconies, being accessible from the various chambers, obviated all
+necessity of descending amongst the vulgar in the yard.</p>
+
+<p>In such galleries kings and nobles, the fierce Norman of the Crusades,
+the knight, the esquire, and the damsel of high decree, had leant over
+the rails in the olden time, and witnessed the miracle-plays and
+mysteries then exhibiting. Such for instance as the miracle-play of the
+Creation, wherein Adam and Eve appeared "in puris naturalibus," and
+were, as the play quaintly says, "<span class="smcap">NOT ASHAMED</span>." The earliest of theatres
+were churches; the earliest performers, monks and friars; and for the
+most part their exhibitions being on religious subjects, such as the
+descent of our Saviour to liberate our first parents, John the Baptist
+and the prophets from the lower regions. On the accession of Henry the
+Eighth, acting had become an ordinary profession, and companies of
+players were attached to each town; but previous to the reign of the
+bluff monarch, plays on general subjects were unknown, yet long before
+that period it had been customary for great noblemen to have companies
+of players attached to their household.</p>
+
+<p>Such, then, is a short summary of theatrical affairs previous
+to the period in which Shakespeare startled the town by his
+productions,&mdash;making a single vault from the lowest depth of misrule and
+barbarity to the highest pinnacle of excellence in dramatic art and
+composition; and, apparently without any ostensible guide whereby to
+steer his course, at once striking out a path, so exquisitely conceived,
+so laden with perfumed flowers, so filled with romance and beauty, that
+all the world of after-times has bowed down in worshipful adoration. Of
+after-times, however, it is not our hint to speak. The sight and
+impression of Shakespeare's own play, in the infancy of his career,
+himself enacting a part, and speaking his own words, is what we have to
+look upon. To bring before the reader's eye that "poor player, who
+strutted his hour upon the stage, and then was heard no more." "<i>Heard
+no more!</i>"&mdash;his own words! How "rounded in the ear," and yet how strange
+to reflect upon.</p>
+
+<p>We have already said that the expected performance had on this occasion
+drawn together a considerable audience both from Court and city.</p>
+
+<p>Such was indeed the case, and taking into consideration in what
+consisted a considerable audience at that period, and when accommodation
+was at best but scant, the concourse of persons hieing to witness Master
+Shakespeare's new play was very great.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>élite</i> of the Court, for the most part, took boat from their own
+residences, or from Westminster, where they waited within the Abbey
+walls for the arrival of the Queen. The citizens, on the contrary, came
+thronging through Paul's and Ludgate, and over Flete Bridge, and along
+Knight Ryder's Street, filling the open space before the Abbey,
+citywards, and cracking their jokes with each other on that side, whilst
+other nobles and their attendants being congregated about the water-gate
+or sauntering within the wall, (at that period extending along the
+Thames from Baynard Castle to Bridewell), presented a gay and brilliant
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p>All along this part and up to the point of entrance, through the various
+gateways and passages, until the theatre itself was reached, the actors
+had strewn fresh rushes, and to and fro upon these flags walked several
+whose names were famous in the world; and as they walked they debated of
+matters appertaining.</p>
+
+<p>And now, as the chimes sounded from Old Paul's proclaiming the hour of 4
+p.m., soft music was heard upon the water at some little distance, with
+the sullen boom of the kettle drum. Soon after which, boats containing
+the yeomen of the guard touched the Abbey stairs, the men as they landed
+falling in file by file in extended order beneath the various arches and
+along the passages; and shortly afterwards, as boat after boat
+discharged its brilliant freightage and shot off again, the Queen, with
+several of her ladies attendant, and the <i>élite</i> of the Court, stepped
+on shore. As they took their way amidst the cloisters and gothic arches
+of that old building so darkly venerable, and besides whose walls flowed
+the broad Thames, it seemed singular to hear the echo of the gay
+courtier, to listen to the clash of weapon, and the measured tread of
+the guard, as they followed the royal Tudor, together with the mincing
+step and affected voice of the Court fop. On the other side, and in the
+same precincts was also to be heard the ribald jest of the 'prentice of
+Chepe, and the ringing laugh of the city madam, as they entered the
+theatre.</p>
+
+<p>Within, too, what was the sight there? Methinks our readers will be
+anxious to look within those walls, where their own Shakespeare was
+living, breathing, nay, at that moment, perhaps, dressing for his part,
+and about to fret his hour.</p>
+
+<p>The aspect of the interior, as it bursts upon the gazer's eye, is indeed
+curious.</p>
+
+<p>Here was no vast triumphal specimen of architecture; the whole seemed
+got up for the nonce. But oh! how exquisite&mdash;how characteristic of him
+who was then striving against so many difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>The partition-wall between two large apartments of the monastery had
+been cut through, so as to form the stage, the proscenium, and the
+circle. Nay, so rude was the whole construction, that, to a modern eye,
+it would have seemed only suited to some "play of ten words long,"
+wherein there was not "one word apt, one player fitted." And yet doth a
+single glance within this rude theatre present all we can expect to
+find. The boxes were a sort of gallery, along which stood and leant the
+gallants and ladies of the Court. The Queen and her own especial party
+being enthroned in ft sort of canopy in the centre&mdash;looking indeed very
+like the lady in the lobster.</p>
+
+<p>The rude throne on which she sat was merely railed off from the other
+seats, and standing behind her chair, on either hand, were several of
+her favourites. On her right stood Leicester, on her left Essex&mdash;both
+magnificent in look and apparel. Immediately behind her also, on the
+right of her chair, (stepping down whenever she addressed him), was Sir
+Philip Sidney. Beside him stood Sir Christopher Hatton, and Bacon was
+seated near, not being able to remain long on his gouty foot. The rich
+costume of these magnificent looking men, and their splendid jewels, and
+weapons, glittered in the reflection of the many torches held by some of
+the Queen's servants, and even several of the guard held flaming torches
+in their hands.</p>
+
+<p>In what would now be called the pit, were congregated the citizens. The
+members of the inns of court, etc., they stood (for there were no seats
+in that part of the theatre), leaned upon their rapiers, and intently
+<i>watched</i>, as it was then termed, the play.</p>
+
+<p>The stage, which was somewhat elevated above the pit, was on each side
+furnished with three-legged stools, and strewed with rushes and seated
+thereon, and even, (one or two of them throwing their careless lengths
+along), nay even smoking their diminutive pipes, were also several of
+the privileged of the Court. Raleigh was upon one side, Spenser on the
+other; my Lord Southampton was also half reclined upon the rushes,
+whilst others of the privileged sprawled about.</p>
+
+<p>Such was, indeed, a custom of the time (albeit it was exceedingly
+distasteful to the audience), as these gallants, whilst they swaggered
+with their rapiers, or combed their long curls, interfered frequently
+with the business of the hour, mewing like cats, hissing like serpents,
+tickling each other's ears with the rushes, and, if they had any pique
+against actor or author, "damning him utterlie." Nay, it was extremely
+fashionable at this period for a gallant to salute his friend in the
+boxes, in the midst of the performance, or carry on a loud conversation
+so as utterly to discontinue and distract the business of the hour, and
+being thus in the very midst of the actors, perhaps, himself and company
+would then get up and withdraw, making as much noise as possible. In
+addition to this was the rudeness of the "all licensed clowns," who
+laughed in order to set on the barren spectators to <i>laugh</i> too, though,
+in the mean time, "some necessary question of the play had to be
+considered."</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, however, albeit the conversation was somewhat
+of the loudest, the company were necessitated to be somewhat restrained
+within the bounds of propriety out of respect to the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>The orchestra, we fear, must have <i>rather</i> "split the ears of the
+groundlings." The performers were, for the most part, situated behind
+the scenes. It consisted principally of wind instruments and two
+kettle-drums, which, ever and anon, sounded out a wild flourish of
+martial music, whilst a viol-de-gamba and several fiddles occasionally
+created a sort of relief to the troubled ear.</p>
+
+<p>In our own times, indeed, magnificent as the whole scene must have
+appeared, it would have been criticised severely. The loud talking of
+those on the stage, the impertinence of the clowns, the rudeness and
+small dimensions of the stage, and whole theatre, and which latter
+indeed was calculated to give the actors a gigantic appearance, bringing
+them too close to the audience, would have been cavilled at. In addition
+to all this, was the lack of scenery and decorations; nay, so great was
+the dearth of painted scenery at this interesting period, that the spot
+on which the scene was supposed to occur, was indicated by a board or
+placard, upon which was written the particular locality.</p>
+
+<p>Still, with all those deficiencies, the whole aspect of the interior
+would have presented an extraordinary effect to a modern spectator.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen, beneath her canopy of state, for so was it be-fashioned; her
+splendid guard standing immediately beneath, and bearing "staff
+torches," which threw their glare upon the spectators, and lit up the
+Gothic architecture of that abbey playhouse. The stage itself being
+also, on this occasion, lighted by torches held by servitors having the
+royal arms emblazoned on their doublets. Then those choice spirits of
+the Court too, sitting or lying on either hand, and several of the
+gentlemen-pensioners on guard at each wing. Altogether, rude as was the
+theatre, the entire scene was, as we have already said, one of peculiar
+splendour. Meanwhile, during the few brief minutes before the curtain
+rises, a lively conversation was going on amongst the audience.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, what, Sir Thomas Lucy, art thou, too, come to see the play
+to-night?" said Lord Burleigh to our old Warwickshire acquaintance, who
+was elbowing his way into the gallery amongst the <i>élite</i>. "By cock and
+pie, but 'tis long since thou and I have met at masque or revel."</p>
+
+<p>"Fie! my lord. 'Tis so indeed," returned the knight, "some twenty
+winters is it since we foregathered at Arundel Castle."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to, Sir Thomas," said Lord Burleigh, "By 'ur Lady, 'tis thirty years
+come Martinmas. Rememberest thou the revels there, what time we saw
+enacted in the great hall the Castle of Perseverance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, I had forgotten that," said Sir Thomas Lucy. "Yet now I do
+remember me thereof."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Lord Burleigh, "those were princely revels. Dost remember
+in the performance how rare it was to see the seven deadly sins do their
+parts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, and how featly the dancers tripped it?" struck in Sir Christopher
+Hatton.</p>
+
+<p>"I do now remember me," said Sir Thomas, "of those deadly sins. Let me
+see, there was Pride, Wrath, Envy, Luxury, Sloth, and Gluttony. By the
+same token they came mounted on their hobbys, and assailed the castle."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," said Hatton, "and then Humanum Genus (who defended it) was sore
+bested; truly it was excellent, and then came Mors, or Dreary Death, and
+took Humanum Genus and carried him off."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, but then the fool, Sir Thomas!" said Burleigh, "rememberest thou
+the scurvy knave of a fool? By my fay, ha was the life o' the night.
+Truly, Sir Thomas, the fool was a most worthy fool; not altogether an
+ass,&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem!" said Sir Thomas, who liked not the word ass, "methinks Her
+Majesty doth glance towards this part, nay, now she peradventure wisheth
+a word with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Burleigh, "I will attend. Oh, that fool! methinks I had as
+lief go hang as go see a play without a fool in't. Oh! that ass, Sir
+Thomas; and Sir Thomas, and Lord Burleigh, and Hatton sidled up towards
+the Queen, and joined in the conversation carried on there upon
+theatrical subjects.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty will understand," said Lord Revel (who was something of a
+fop), "that this Shakespeare hath a new style, which is very commendably
+excellent. A most perfect style, altogether his own. Hast seen anything
+yet of his producing, my Lord Burleigh?"</p>
+
+<p>My Lord Burleigh shook his head, an old custom with him. "I have not,"
+he replied, "but I hear great things of his poetry."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said the Queen, in answer to some remark of Sir Philip
+Sydney's. "Those matters, Sir Philip, were good, but here be better.
+Didst thou witness the former play of this man's writing, Sir Thomas
+Lucy?" she enquired of the Knight of Charlecote.</p>
+
+<p>"If it is so, please your Majesty, I did not," he returned.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Heaven, then, thou hadst a great loss. You heard of it?
+peradventure."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, your Majesty, we hear not of such matters in Warwickshire as
+these your London plays," said Sir Thomas drily.</p>
+
+<p>"But you have heard of Master Shakespeare, and seen his verse? Nay,
+methinks you must have seen his verse."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas coughed (he glanced at her Majesty in order to see if she was
+bantering him), "His verse, your Majesty," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so," said the Queen. "How like you Master Shakespeare's verse,
+Sir Thomas."</p>
+
+<p>"Very scurvily, in verity, what I have seen of it, that is to say.
+Ahem!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is singular," said the Queen. "Methinks there could hardly be a
+double opinion upon Master Shakespeare's verse. It is most exquisite and
+unmatchable."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say I have seen anything I particularly admire in it
+nevertheless," said Sir Thomas, drily.</p>
+
+<p>"What verse have you seen?" inquired the Queen. "Can you repeat a
+stanza?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! Your Majesty," said Sir Thomas, "I am not altogether good at
+repeating poetry. I like it not. Sir Philip Sydney was about to observe
+something,&mdash;he understands these matters."</p>
+
+<p>"I am but saying to my Lord of Leicester," said Sir Philip, "that
+according to the present system, those stage matters are managed in a
+somewhat more rapid style than was wont to be the custom. Now, for
+instance, we must tax our imagination. For look ye, if in the play the
+ladies walk forth before one's eyes and gather flowers, what skills it
+but your Majesty is forthwith to imagine the stage a garden. By-and-by
+two wet mariners speak of shipwreck in the same place. Then indeed, are
+we to blame an we accept it not for a barren sand or rock. Upon the back
+of that cometh out a hideous monster with fire and smoke issuing from
+his nostrils; and then the miserable beholders are bound to take it for
+a cave, whilst in the meantime two armies flying in are represented by
+some half-a-dozen swords and bucklers, and then what hard heart will not
+receive it for a pitched field?"</p>
+
+<p>"By my fay, Sir Philip," said the Queen, "we must then have imaginations
+as fertile as him who writeth these changeful varieties."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so, your Majesty," said Sir Philip, who was rather affected in
+his ordinary style. "Doubtless such sights are edifying, but then of
+time, madam,&mdash;of time,&mdash;we must be even more liberal, for look ye, if
+(as is not uncommon) two royal persons fall in love, we may see these
+lovers become parents of a chubby boy. Then, your Majesty, such boy
+becomes stolen and lost, and after many traverses he groweth to man's
+estate, falleth in love in time, and <i>in time</i> is ready to marry
+and all this (an it so please ye) in some two hours' space."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Sir Philip," saith the Queen, " methinks you are now taking some
+pains to appeal to our imagination yourself, lest we should weary ere
+the performance commences. But, look ye, in good time the drums have
+ceased and the curtain rises."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_L" id="CHAPTER_L"></a>CHAPTER L.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SCENIC HOUR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the curtain rose, it discovered the representation of a private
+street, very rudely painted upon a sort of hanging screen at the back of
+the stage, with a couple of wings to match, and upon a board or placard
+was also written in good-sized characters an intimation for the benefit
+of the spectators, worded thus:&mdash;"Scene during the greater part of the
+play in Verona; once in ye-fifthe act, at Mantua," a flourish of
+trumpets meantime rung out as the stage was displayed, and one dressed
+in character as "Prologue," entered, and bowing low towards the royal
+box, delivered the well-known but now omitted argument of the piece:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">"Two households, both alike in dignity,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Do, with their death, bury their parents' strife.<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">The fearful passage of their death mark'd love,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And the continuance of their parents's rage<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage:<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">The which if you with patient ears attend,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Methinks, my Lord of Essex," said the Queen, who had listened with
+great interest to the words, "Master Prologue promiseth well. Marked you
+how much was contained in those few lines? And lo, here begins the
+piece."</p>
+
+<p>As the Queen spoke, Sampson and Gregory, with their swords and bucklers,
+and clad pretty much after the fashion of serving men of their own day,
+entered, and instantly commenced their animated dialogue.</p>
+
+<p>Not, however, be it understood "slubbered over" by inferior actors, as
+in our times, but with exceeding humour, and with force and emphasis in
+every word; for even these minor characters were performed by actors of
+great talent.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could exceed the curiosity and interest in the audience even at
+this, the very commencement. The lively and sharp dialogue, the action
+so suited to the times in which the spectators lived; the animosity of
+the Capulet underlings towards the servitors of the Montagu family&mdash;and
+which bore so hardly upon several nobles present, whose followers
+frequently brawled and fought in the streets&mdash;produced a great effect;
+till, at length, as the lie was given, and Gregory, being prompted to
+remember his swashing <i>blow</i>, drew out his weapon, and the whole four
+engaged, the excitement, especially in the pit, was extraordinary. A
+murmur of delight was heard, and whilst some clapped their hands upon
+their rapiers, others shouted and seemed half inclined to jump upon the
+stage, and "fight on part and part." The entrance of Benvolio and
+Tybalt, however, produced a deep and silent attention.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"What, art thou drawn amongst these heartless hinds?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>There was, indeed, now amongst the audience no inclination to pursue
+their accustomed practical jokes&mdash;no mewling of cats, squeaking of pigs,
+and tickling each other's ears with the rushes. The wondrous words of
+the poet held them in a state of enchantment. The nobles of the Court
+for the moment forgot the accustomed homage of eye and ear. Their
+bearded faces betrayed their interest, and the templars and students, as
+they stood leaning upon their heavy-hilted rapiers, sent their eyes upon
+the stage as if they could have devoured each line.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, to have any ideas of the interest created, we most again call to
+the reader's remembrance how great was the contrast between that which
+<i>had been</i> and that which <i>was</i>; and if the melody of the verse of
+Shakespeare can, in the present day, make such an impression whilst we
+have so many and such varied productions suited to the hour and the
+time, in how much more was it likely to strike the senses of all
+present, when it seemed to have descended at once, in all its glorious
+beauty, like the music of the spheres!</p>
+
+<p>There is that in theatrical representation, it has been observed by one
+of the greatest writers of our day, which perpetually awakens whatever
+of romance belongs to our characters. The comic wit, the strange art
+that gives such meaning to the poet's lightest word, the fair exciting
+life that is detailed before us, crowded into some little three
+hours&mdash;all that our most busy ambition could desire, love, enterprize,
+war, glory, the exaggeration of the sentiments which belong to the
+stage&mdash;like our own boldest movements.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the interest increased momentarily. The audience, from the
+Queen down to the meanest person there, seemed held in a state of
+enchantment as the piece proceeded. How different was it already from
+anything they had ever conceived of theatrical representation! It was a
+picture of life, such as is in the order of nature; there was the
+buoyant spirit of youth in every line! The Knight of Charlecote even
+became young again; he cast his eyes for a moment around, and was
+edified at beholding the deep, the breathless attention of the audience.
+The royal Tudor, "with eye and ear attentive bent," the lovely faces of
+her attendant ladies, each thrust forward and eager to catch the words
+of the poet, and the fine features of the attendant cavaliers, lighted
+up and animated with an expression of deep interest; the whole
+assemblage seeming, he thought, to hang upon each word.</p>
+
+<p>As the eye of Sir Thomas again turned from the audience and rested upon
+the stage, he observed that the scene had been fresh placarded, and was
+now "a street in fair Verona." Indeed the serving-man who had announced
+to Lady Capulet, in the preceding scene, that "supper was served, Juliet
+asked for, the nurse cursed in the pantry, and everything in extremity,"
+had before his own exit changed the placard, and the next moment, as a
+gay party of revellers filled up the back of the stage, Romeo, Mercutio,
+and Benvolio, clad in masking costume, vizors in their hands, entered.</p>
+
+<p>The masquing robes of Mercutio were partially dashed aside as he spoke
+the few words which constitute his opening speech.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the same moment, too, the vizor which had bean held before his face
+was lowered, and as the glance of the torch-light fell upon his rich
+Italian dress and elegant figure, Sir Thomas started, whilst a murmur of
+applause ran through the theatre, gradually breaking into load plaudits,
+for in Mercutio they beheld the author of the piece&mdash;Shakespeare was on
+the stage.</p>
+
+<p>The applause, however, was hushed almost at its commencement in the
+interest of the scene, and then came those startling lines which have
+since become as household words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"O, then, I see Queen Mab has been with you."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>They came from the tongue of him who composed them, now uttered to an
+audience for the first time. Who shall attempt to describe their
+impression upon the hearers? Who shall describe the manner&mdash;the
+look&mdash;the utterance of him who then gave them? Shall we go too far if we
+say the world had since nothing to compare with that representation? The
+life, the brilliancy, the style of the character was suited to the
+actor. He was all fire, energy and spirit,&mdash;Mercutio was Shakespeare's
+self,&mdash;the most mercurial and spirited of the production of his comic
+muse; and the impressive manner in which he gave the words of the
+character, and their fire and brilliancy, his exquisite intonation, nay,
+the very dash of his look was irresistible.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen, as he finished his speech, glanced around her. "'Fore Heaven,
+my Lord of Essex," she said, "but is not this exquisite?"</p>
+
+<p>The answer of Essex was drowned in the applause which at the moment
+burst from all around as the graceful actor continued his part.</p>
+
+<p>To ourselves, perhaps, at this moment, it would appear extraordinary
+that even greater approbation and louder plaudits had not followed.
+Shakespeare upon the stage, and speaking his own words, would seem to
+call forth acclaiming shouts within the walls of that old monastic
+playhouse which should almost have rent its roof in twain. To ourselves
+it would seem that the spectators should have almost expired with their
+enthusiasm; that "throats of brass, inspired with iron lungs," should
+have greeted him. But, be it remembered, that, exquisite as the whole
+performance was, as yet the audience knew little of the man, that the
+consideration of years had to mature the judgment of the world. He was
+actually giving them that which was too exquisite for the rudeness of
+the age in which they lived.</p>
+
+<p>And so the play went on, new beauties every moment coming over the ears
+of that courtly audience, and at the same moment filling with delight
+those of inferior degree.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the audience constituting the Court circle were two spectators
+who stood somewhat apart, and beneath the arched entrance which admitted
+to the rude gallery constituting the dress-circle. With folded arms they
+watched the performance with, if possible, greater interest than any
+there.</p>
+
+<p>They were an old and a young man, who had been drawn to see this
+performance from having heard the name of the author on their arrival in
+London. Both were from the neighbourhood of Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+(albeit they could scarce believe this play was the production of one
+whom they had long lost sight of), still they came.</p>
+
+<p>As the play proceeded they became convinced from the language that it
+was indeed the production of the youth they had formerly known.</p>
+
+<p>"By 'ur Lady," said Walter Arderne, "this must be our sometime friend!"</p>
+
+<p>"No man else could have written even what we have already heard," said
+Sir Hugh Clopton.</p>
+
+<p>"I am amazed," said Walter; "and yet I ought not, for well do I remember
+what the lad was."</p>
+
+<p>"Hist," said Sir Hugh, "the scene is changed. Ah! and see, too, yonder
+masquer just now speaking those lines of fire. Is it not he?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is himself!" said Walter. "O glorious fellow!"</p>
+
+<p>"Soft, good Walter," said Sir Hugh. "In God's name let us hear."</p>
+
+<p>As Mercutio finished his speech, the uncle and nephew looked at each
+other. The tears were in the eyes of Sir Hugh. "My poor Charlotte
+prophesied this," he said. "Rememberest thou her words about this
+Shakespeare when we first became acquainted with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do," said Walter; "and she was indeed the only one amongst us who
+fully appreciated his merits. Nay, from the very first, an you remember,
+she said he would one day surprise us."</p>
+
+<p>All further attempt to describe the progress of this play, and its
+effect upon the minds of the spectators, we feel to be a mere
+impertinence. It seems indeed to ourselves, as in imagination we after
+eye it, a play within a play&mdash;where all is like romance. The audience,
+that theatre, the players, that "foremost man of all the world" speaking
+his own words; all is like the fabric of some vision seen before,&mdash;a
+shadowy recollection of some brilliant hour set apart from the dull
+stream of life, and that too, during a glorious epoch.</p>
+
+<p>As the play proceeded, and the progress of Romeo's sudden passion
+developed itself, the thoughts of that stately Queen returned to her
+early youth, ere the sterner feeling of pride and power had obliterated
+all gentler sensations. She thought upon the days when she loved the
+handsome Sudley, with all the violence of a first passion.</p>
+
+<p>And if the royal Tudor and all around her were delighted with the
+delicious picture presented before them, in the halls of old Capulet,
+and the masque held there, they were still more charmed with the garden
+scene. They felt enchanted whilst they listened to the images of beauty
+which appear to have floated in such profusion before the poet's mind.</p>
+
+<p>The richness of that glorious Italian picture held them in a state of
+enchantment. It had the sweetness of the rose, and all its freshness in
+every line. All was bright as the moonlight which tipped with silver the
+fruit-tree tops of the orchard, and yet all was soft as a southern
+spring. The very air of that garden seemed to breath a transport of
+delight; one almost expected to hear the language of the nightingale's
+song. And then the refinement and delicacy of the author's conception of
+the female character delighted the hearers as they listened to the words
+of Juliet.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fain would I dwell on form, fain deny<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What I have spoke&mdash;but farewell compliment;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say, ay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And I will take thee at thy word. Yet, if thou swear'st,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou may'st prove false; at lovers' perjuries,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">They say Jove laughs. Oh, gentle Romeo,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or, if thou think I am too quickly won,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So thou wilt woo: but else not for the world.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And therefore thou may'st think my 'haviour light;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But trust me gentleman, I'll prove move true<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than those who have more cunning to be strange."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"The world hath nothing like this," said Raleigh to Southampton.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis heaven on this base earth," returned Southampton. "Said I not the
+master-mind of this man would produce wondrous matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Sir Courtley Flutter, who was an ancient fop of the first
+water, "'Fore Gad, my lords, 'tis indeed perfect paradise sent down upon
+us poor worldlings here. I feel inspired altogether&mdash;repaired as it
+were; my heart palpitates&mdash;my blood circulates! Ha! I am young again,
+positively in love myself. Look, how these exquisite ladies, with the
+Queen there, are overcome. Nay, my Lord Burleigh seems to have forgotten
+the cares o' the state, and Bacon his gout. An we have another such
+masque as that just now represented, Sir Christopher Hatton will
+assuredly fling out amongst the dancers, and give us a coranto."</p>
+
+<p>"By 'ur Lady!" said Sir Christopher, "I would ask no more beatitude in
+life, during the mighty changes of the world, than what appears in this
+changing drama, and the stuff of which it is composed. This lower world
+hath no such bliss. Let me see how went it:&mdash;'A hall, a hall,&mdash;give way,
+and foot it, girls!' Oh, 'twas exquisite stuff!"</p>
+
+<p>The limits of the chapter we have dedicated to a description of "the
+play" permits not of a full dilation upon all therein enacted, neither
+can we describe the particular excellence of each actor; for each and
+all performed their parts with a richness and appreciation of the
+author's meaning the very tradition of which seems to have worn out from
+the stage.</p>
+
+<p>To the want of scenery during this period we are perhaps indebted for
+many of those glorious descriptions with which the author has favoured
+the world in his works.</p>
+
+<p>One thing, and which with a more modern audience would have gone far to
+take from the delight experienced, was the circumstance of Juliet's
+being personated by a youth of some sixteen years of age. This, together
+with the shambling clowns, who, with loose gait and slippery tongue
+strolled about and vented their sourril jests amongst the audience,&mdash;one
+moment tagging idle rhymes together, and the next venting truths deep as
+the centre, shewing a most pitiful ambition to make themselves
+prominent. These circumstances, in some sort, took from the effect.</p>
+
+<p>As for Mercutio, the fire and dash of his character so excited the
+spectators that they could hardly contain themselves within bounds. He
+was like some bright exhalation, lending fire to the sphere in which he
+moved. And when, with the foot and hand, he gave the speech ending "Ah,
+the immortal passado! the punto reverso! the hay!" the Court gallants,
+the benchers of the temple, and the citizens, shouted with delight. His
+death took all by surprise, and his absence from the scene was felt as a
+shock of reality. It was an age of bright deeds and fierce doers, and
+accordingly there was a murmur of disapprobation and disappointment when
+"Tybalt, alive, in triumph," made his exit,&mdash;till, as Romeo breaks
+through his apathy, and, assuming some of the fire of his kinsman's
+spirit, fiercely encounters and kills "the envious Capulet," a shout of
+gratified vengeance filled the house. Queen Elizabeth had herself been
+delighted with Mercutio. "That was a character, my Lord of Essex," she
+said, "after my own heart. But he was too brilliant to last. His were
+the faults that travellers give the moon,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"He shone too bright. But died, alas! too soon."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"'Fore heaven, Sir Christopher Hatton," she continued, "we will not let
+Mercutio altogether die. An he was so brilliant that the author was
+enforced to kill him thus early, we will ourself raise him up. Go round,
+Sir Christopher, and summon that Shakespeare to our presence, in order
+that we may express to him our approbation of his efforts. What think
+ye, ladies," she continued, turning to her female attendants, "we will
+have both the character and the creator of the character beside us."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare accordingly, by royal command, entered the royal stand or
+box, where he knelt and kissed the Queen's hand. After which he remained
+beside her.</p>
+
+<p>And thus he stood on the right hand of the Queen with his face turned
+towards the royal countenance, his side towards the stage, and as the
+play proceeded, he received the compliments of Elizabeth, and answered
+the various questions she put to him. Nay, she ordered back whoever came
+so close as to inconvenience the poet, and seemed altogether delighted
+at having him so near her.</p>
+
+<p>"We will keep you beside us, Master Shakespeare," said she, "and whilst
+your play proceeds, you shall act as chorus, explaining what may seem
+wanting to our duller senses."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare bowed his thanks. "I attend your Highness," he said, "with
+all true duty,"&mdash;and thus he remained immovable as a statue during the
+remainder of the play, the mark of more than one bright glance from the
+fair bevy in attendance. This was the poet's triumphant hour, and yet
+the mind of the man was too great to be elevated beyond bounds.</p>
+
+<p>He knew "the art o' the Court," and the uncertain favour of the great;
+and that there was&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Between that smile, he would aspire to,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">More pangs and fears, than wars or women have."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Amongst the audience, there was a female bright and exquisite as one of
+the creations of that author's after years. She stood with an attendant,
+and almost concealed beneath one of the gothic arches of the building,
+and wore (as was indeed not uncommon at that period) a sort of masking
+costume. Her features, indeed, were so completely concealed by her mask
+that only her brilliant eyes were visible.</p>
+
+<p>It was one who, even at this early period of the poet's career, fully
+appreciated his genius and talents, and (like Charlotte Clopton) at once
+saw what the world would take years to discover. And what a sight was it
+for that private friend to behold! She saw him, to whom she owed so
+much, in his hour of triumph, and marked his expressive countenance as
+he stood beside the Queen. She marked, too, the surprise and delight
+pourtrayed upon the countenance of Walter Arderne and Sir Hugh Clopton,
+as they looked upon the poor player thus honoured in the presence of the
+mighty Tudor; and then she beheld with a smile, for she knew his story,
+the astonishment of Sir Thomas Lucy, as the knight's eyes wandered to
+the stage, and again returned to the figure of the sometime
+deer-stealer; and whilst his ears drank in the honeyed words of that
+poet, Sir Thomas felt he could forgive all his juvenile delinquencies,
+and longed to grasp him by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw," he said, "I have been an ass. I am an ass&mdash;<i>ergo</i>, we are all
+asses in comparison to this <i>one</i> man, this Shakespeare."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LI" id="CHAPTER_LI"></a>CHAPTER LI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TAVERN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was about an hour after the performance we have attempted to
+describe, that a solitary individual stood near the water-gate of the
+monastery of the Blackfriars. He stood, apparently lost in thought, and
+listening to the distant sound of music on the waters&mdash;the roll of the
+kettle-drum and the flourish of trumpet, as the Queen and her party
+returned towards St. James's.</p>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare stood thus alone (after having attended the Queen to the
+Abbey stairs, and seen her embark), all around seemed dark and sombre.
+The cloisters of that abbey no longer flashed in the torch-light; the
+theatre was empty and deserted; all that was brilliant had
+departed&mdash;vanished like the pleasures of the world, and left a dreary
+contrast behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, time," he thought to himself, "thou art the most indefatigable of
+things! The past is gone, the future to come, and the present becomes
+the past even while we attempt to define it,&mdash;like the flash of
+lightning, it exists and expires."</p>
+
+<p>His companions of the theatre had sought the genial license of the
+tavern, there to revel over the success of the night, and canvass the
+merits and demerits of what they had enacted; and whilst he, the poet
+himself, the idol of the hour, and whom all wished to have with them,
+felt at that moment unfitted for society.</p>
+
+<p>As he cast his eyes up at the "brave o'erhanging firmament, fretted with
+golden fire," he felt that "the wide, the universal theatre," was at
+that moment most congenial to his soul.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst numerous boats continued to pass and repass, many of them filled
+with companies who had witnessed the performance, he hailed one he
+observed disengaged; and after rowing to his own lodging, and changing
+his dress, he re-embarked.</p>
+
+<p>We have already stated that the mind of the man had not been elevated
+beyond bounds at the success he had achieved. To such a mind as
+Shakespeare's the prosperity of the hour was more likely to produce a
+degree of melancholy than any undue elevation. An incomprehensible
+feeling of contempt and distrust of all worldly success. Perhaps of all
+mortals this great man was the least given to vanity. The present hour
+would indeed seem to proclaim as much. He was on that night wished for,
+sought for, not only by many of the nobles who had witnessed his play,
+but his companions of the stage too sought for him to join their tavern
+revel after the performance, and several of the audience had even
+lingered about the doors, to gain a look at him as he came forth, whilst
+the unconscious poet, wrapped in his own thoughts, slowly floated down
+the river. Nay, so utterly careless was he of all he had effected, that
+the very play which had made so great a sensation scarcely existed but
+in the memories of the performers who had recited it.</p>
+
+<p>It had, previous to performance, been copied into lengths, as the
+several parts are technically denominated, and given to the actors to
+study, whilst the manuscript itself was left casting about amidst the
+properties of the theatre, to be searched for, if required, at the next
+performance.</p>
+
+<p>As the gentle Shakespeare, during the silent hour of night, passed
+slowly along the stream, his thoughts indeed were of other matters
+rather than his own particular affairs. The ripple of the water, the
+plash of the oars, the faint sound of music from afar, soothed his
+thoughts after the false exciting hour.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"Soft stillness and the night,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Became the touches of sweet harmony."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Meantime, whilst the poet floats onwards, we must return to the city,
+and observe the events taking place immediately after the representation
+of his play.</p>
+
+<p>In a goodly room of a good-sized tavern, situated in the purlieus of Old
+St. Paul's, were congregated, on this night, many who had been
+spectators of the recent performance at the Blackfriars, and several
+other chance customers.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the more respectable merchants, who had put into the tavern
+after the play, there were several ruffling blades of the inns of Court,
+one or two bullying fellows whose moans and professions were extremely
+doubtful&mdash;a sort of Alsatian companions, "as ready to strike as to
+speak," who drank deep wherever they could obtain liquor, and diced
+whenever they could pick up a cully; and also several guests from the
+country.</p>
+
+<p>The Londoners, who constituted a party by themselves, sat at a table
+extending about half-way along the ample room; whilst two or three
+smaller tables were occupied by those parties who had sought the hostel
+on matters of business, and who transacted their affairs or enjoyed
+themselves apart from the rest.</p>
+
+<p>The aspect of the room shewed that it had been reduced to its present
+state from a more respectable occupation. The ample window which ran
+along one entire side, looked into a good-sized court: and on the
+capacious stone chimney was carved various coats-of-arms, and all sorts
+of herald devices and designs.</p>
+
+<p>Those guests who were apart from the sort of ordinary, or common table,
+were at the upper end of the room, and on either side the chimney. They
+carried on their conversation amongst each other, and were, for the most
+part, strangers to the town.</p>
+
+<p>At one of the smaller tables, placed quite up in the corner of the room,
+were seated a party of four individuals, and two of them being natives
+of the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, our readers are already acquainted
+with.</p>
+
+<p>This company consisted of Lawyer Grasp; a rich client, for whom he was
+professionally employed; a member of the Temple, with whom he was in
+consultation; and Master Doubletongue.</p>
+
+<p>Besides these, there were also four or five other persons seated upon
+the long bench beneath the window, and they also carried on their
+occupation apart from either the guests at the supper table, or the
+other parties in the room. Some two or three were deeply engaged in
+play, rattling the dice and staking their coin with an eagerness equal
+to the absorption of their comrades who watched the game.</p>
+
+<p>Such being the mixed nature of the assemblage, as two fresh guests
+entered the room and made their way to the upper end of it, the
+conversation of the various parties formed a sort of confused jargon,
+very like the cross-reading of a modern newspaper.</p>
+
+<p>Such as it was, it seemed greatly to interest the late arrivals, and, as
+they stood with their backs towards the fire-place, they lent an
+attentive ear, more especially to the conversation of Grasp and his
+small party, and a look of intelligence ever and anon passed between
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The table at which Grasp sat was covered with the produce of his eternal
+blue bag, and, as his quick moving fingers pointed to the various
+documents and deeds, he held forth with his accustomed volubility whilst
+every now and then a roar from the table, or a dispute amongst the
+dicers, interrupted his dissertations.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," he said to the Temple lawyer, "here we have the matter duly
+executed. And here," he continued, "I will prove our right."</p>
+
+<p>"Stay," said the Temple lawyer, "if I remember rightly, there is no
+mention of this place in the Conqueror's survey."</p>
+
+<p>"A fico for the Conqueror and his survey," cried Grasp; "trouble not
+yourself upon that subject; mark and perpend&mdash;from Geoffrey Clinton it
+descended to the Verduns in marriage with Leosceline, daughter of that
+same Geoffrey, as did also the manors of Brandon, and I take it&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"On my word," roared a tall Alsatian-looking fellow at the long table,
+"I take it that this Romeus and Julietta, or whatever else 'tis called,
+is the most exquisite piece ever submitted to a crowned head."</p>
+
+<p>"A pestilence seize Romulus and Julia," said Grasp; "how that fellow
+bawls. And now, sirs, that name Anselm de Clinton, of whom I was before
+speaking, was first enfeoffed thereof."</p>
+
+<p>"Up with his heels then," cried one of the dicers, as he threw. "Play.
+Ha! seven by Old Paul's. More sack, drawer!"</p>
+
+<p>"The fiend sack those dicers," said Grasp, "marry and amen; as I was
+saying, good sir, by a multitude of testimonies I can prove&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A lie, knave, throw again." "Ha! ha!" roared another of the gamblers.</p>
+
+<p>"They are certified to hold it," continued Grasp, "of that family by the
+service of half a knight's fee, and they of the Earls of Warwick. Now my
+client here&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A cheater, I'll be sworn. A murrain take thee!" cried another of the
+gamblers.</p>
+
+<p>"But how said ye," inquired the Temple lawyer, "that you became opposed
+to this Arderne? Methinks, when I last consulted you, you were employed
+and trusted by him."</p>
+
+<p>"At first, <i>only</i> at first," said Grasp. "In virtue of my having
+informed him of his good fortune he did employ me,&mdash;entrusted me with
+management of his estates, and I did but eject&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Cheatery, villany!" cried the dicer. "I'll not restore a dernier."</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw," said Grasp, "I did but eject one or two of the poorer tenants,
+and put relatives of mine own into their holdings, when he ejected both
+them and myself. This, my good sir, I liked not, and, as upon careful
+examination I found one I thought more nearly related to the deceased,
+and the will distinctly says next of kin. I forthwith sought out my
+client; there now is our case."</p>
+
+<p>"The case is a good case, an exceeding good case, and so I said from the
+first," said the Templar. "You have this Arderne fairly upon the hip, an
+he pay not he must to jail, unless you give him time."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a day, not an hour," said Grasp; "we got a verdict in a former
+suit, and he shall incontinent to prison."</p>
+
+<p>"Such is the law of a verity," said the Templar, emptying his glass,
+filling his pipe, and turning now to regard the guests at the ordinary,
+as they seemed getting up a dispute upon the subject of the play they
+had witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>"I perfectly agree with you," said a person who sat opposite to the tall
+Alsatian, "in so far as regards the excellence of the play we have this
+night seen. But in respect of its newness to the world there I
+disagree."</p>
+
+<p>"How?" cried the other fiercely, "dost mean to affirm that such
+exquisite portraits as that lady who loved the youth Romeo, that
+brilliant Mercutio, and that hot-brained Tybalt were ever drawn by
+mortal man before? Didst ever behold any thing so like reality as that
+loquacious, secret, obsequious nurse, or the little Peter who carried
+her fan? Didst ever&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw," said the other, "I quarrel not with your nurse, neither do I
+take exception at Peter,&mdash;what I say I will maintain with my rapier here
+or elsewhere. And thus it is: the subject-matter of that play is not new
+to the world. 'Tis manifestly constructed upon the novel of Italy,
+written by Luigi da Porto, a Venetian gentleman now deceased&mdash;gainsay
+that who will." And the student rose, drew up his tall form, twisted his
+mustachio, and looked fiercely around.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall assuredly have a riot here," said Grasp, looking up from the
+copy of a will he was perusing. "I like it not."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Doubletongue, "'tis but a controversy upon a play. I saw the
+greater portion of it myself, and came away to my appointment here.
+'Twas but a paltry performance methought, full of bombast and fustian."</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not then liked?" inquired the Temple lawyer.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Heaven, I cannot answer for that," said Doubletongue. "I only
+know it liked me not."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks," said the Templar, "you are hard to please, good Master
+Doubletongue. Master Shakespeare is somewhat of a favourite here."</p>
+
+<p>"Who, said ye?" exclaimed Grasp, looking over his glasses, and speaking
+with great rapidity. "Master Shakespeare&mdash;methinks I ought to know that
+name. Comes he from Warwickshire? Is he to be met withal? Canst tell me
+aught of Master Shakespeare? 'Fore Heaven, I have matter on hand with
+Master Shakespeare, an' his name be William, and he cometh from
+Stratford-upon-Avon."</p>
+
+<p>"I pr'ythee settle one thing at a time, my good Grasp," said the London
+lawyer. "Permit me to glance at that testament you was perusing once
+more."</p>
+
+<p>"Here 'tis," said Grasp. "Nay, you shall find that I do hear a brain;
+whoso trusts to Lawyer Grasp shall be&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>"Ruined, hip and thigh," cried one of the dicers, hurling the dice-box
+at the head of his opponent, whilst, at the same time the disputants at
+the ordinary being also pretty well flushed, a general riot immediately
+ensued, and swords being drawn the whole room became a scene of
+confusion.</p>
+
+<p>The two guests who had last entered took advantage of this scene to
+press close upon the table at which Grasp and his party had been seated.
+They were both clad in the costume of sea-faring men of the period,
+their sea-caps so completely drawn over their heads that their features
+were not discernible, though one appeared a slight youth, and the other
+a middle aged and powerful man.</p>
+
+<p>As Grasp, in some alarm, seized upon his blue bag and withdrew more into
+the corner, the elder of the strangers, as if to keep from the fray,
+seated himself in the chair the lawyer had left, and whilst he puffed
+out huge volumes of smoke from his pipe, abstracted from amongst the
+papers the will the Templar had been perusing. Handing it then to his
+youthful companion, the latter seized a pen, and, unobserved, wrote a
+codicil to it. He then restored it to its place, and as the riot
+increased and Grasp seized upon his papers and thrust them into his bag,
+the pair took an opportunity of withdrawing as quietly as they had
+entered.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LII" id="CHAPTER_LII"></a>CHAPTER LII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PLAYER IN HIS LODGING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>All that Shakespeare had lately seen and gone through made considerable
+impression upon his mind. In the short period during which the national
+convulsion we have described was taking place, it seemed to him that he
+had lived whole years.</p>
+
+<p>Those events, and the great men which the stirring times had produced,
+seemed indeed to have passed before the poet, for the very purpose of
+finishing and perfecting the great mind of the man.</p>
+
+<p>He sat himself down on his return to London, and, as he thought over the
+past experience of his life, such a chaos of bright thoughts and
+wondrous images presented themselves before and seemed to overflow his
+brain, that, at first, it seemed utterly impossible to turn them to
+shape.</p>
+
+<p>Already had his "muse of fire" given him employment at various times,
+and even taken a dramatic shape; nay, the room he inhabited was filled
+with fragments&mdash;unfinished beginnings; and one or two of the novels of
+the period had been partially dramatized and then cast aside, after the
+inspiration which called them forth had, in other pursuits, been
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>His avocations as a player had too frequently led him into scenes of
+revelry. His way of life was still desultory. He knew not his own value.
+And whilst his brilliant wit and companionable qualities had kept him
+too much among the society of men in his own class, he had failed to
+carry out any of his bright conceptions. His companions hunted him,
+haunted him, took him from his own thoughts, and dragged him, even when
+satiated with revelry, into more company; for what party was complete
+amongst them that had not in it <i>that one</i>&mdash;that "foremost man of all
+the world."</p>
+
+<p>His poetry was beginning to be appreciated ere the national danger had
+fully occupied men's minds, and so fully employed them that all else for
+the time being was necessarily forgotten. He had written a poem
+peculiarly suited to the taste of the age, and which was greatly the
+fashion amongst the gay cavaliers of Elizabeth's Court. This he had
+dedicated to Lord Southampton, a nobleman, whose acquaintance he had
+made on the boards of the theatre. Added to this, some sonnets, which
+had almost by accident found their way into circulation (for no man was
+more careless or thoughtless of his own works than William Shakespeare)
+were greatly admired. Nay, the Queen had been so much struck with one or
+two of them, that she had shewn favour to the poet; and spoken words of
+encouragement in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>The starched and stately Tudor was indeed becoming extremely fond of
+dramatic representations, tedious and ill-contrived as they, for the
+most part, were; and now often frequented the theatre, in place of the
+bear and bull-baiting arenas. Besides his stage companions, also
+Shakespeare had, amongst his acquaintance, at this period of his life,
+some of the most brilliant of the courtiers&mdash;Sydney and Raleigh, Essex
+and Spenser, all were personally known to the gentle Willie. They sought
+his society for his wit; and they respected him for his fine feelings,
+his noble sentiments, and his universal knowledge. Nay, these great men
+felt an internal conviction, whilst in the society of Shakespeare, that
+great as they themselves were, this man, of almost unknown origin, was
+immeasurably their superior; that, had his station in life been more
+elevated and his opportunities greater, he might have risen to the
+highest eminence in the State. They saw in him&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The courtier's, soldier's, scholar's eye, tongue, sword."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The war was now for the present over, and amidst the general excitement
+around him, Shakespeare sat himself down to think upon all he had
+beheld. The quick result of such confederation our readers will as
+quickly imagine. The poet seized his pen,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Imagination bodied forth the form of things unknown."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>His pen "turned them to shape, and gave to airy nothing a local
+habitation and a name."</p>
+
+<p>Scarce had the joyous shouts for the glorious victory over the
+invincible Don subsided, ere the poet bad completed one of those
+finished productions which left all competition behind. Yet stop we here
+for a space in our narrative, even whilst the reader looks upon
+Shakespeare thus engaged.</p>
+
+<p>This is indeed a period in the man's life which most of us have sought
+for with the mind's eye.</p>
+
+<p>The living Shakespeare, still comparatively unknown, still
+disregarded&mdash;for, however he might have been appreciated by the very few
+who were acquainted with him at this time, the wide and universal
+theatre had yet to discover the greatness of the man. The living
+Shakespeare, employed in writing that language never equalled, never to
+be equalled, deserves somewhat of a pause to look upon. The room, the
+house, the chairs, the tables, each and all, require an especial
+description. Like his own Iachimo, we must "note the chamber. Such and
+such pictures. There the windows. Such the adornment of the bed. The
+arras and figures. Why such and such."</p>
+
+<p>Stay, then, gentle reader, if only for a brief space, and look upon the
+man&mdash;the gentle Shakespeare, as he was denominated amongst his
+familiars. He sits in a room, which to all appearance has belonged to a
+building of some pretensions in the palmy days of such edifices. The
+chamber is large, low in roof, and somewhat gloomy withal. A good-sized
+bay window, heavy in mullion, and which looks out upon the silver Thames
+beneath, affording a delicious view of the Surrey hills on the opposite
+side, gives light to (at least) one-half of the apartment. The morning
+sun streams through small diamond panes of many colours, which ornament
+the upper part of the casement, and is reflected in fainter hues, like
+a fading rainbow upon the oaken floor. The ceiling is richly carved. It
+displays the cunning skill of the architects of old. And on the heavy
+oaken beam, which traverses it, is cut from end to end the coats of arms
+of some city functionary of Old London, for the house (albeit it is now
+but partially inhabited by one or two of the actors of the Blackfriars
+theatre, and some portion of it even suffered to run to decay) has, in
+the preceding reign, belonged to one of the citizen princes&mdash;the
+merchants of Blackfriars. "The chimney-piece, south of the chamber," is
+elaborately carved, with gigantic figures, "exceedingly ugly;" and
+tapestry, (albeit it is somewhat faded), displaying pictorial scenes
+from scriptural and mythological history, hangs to the wall. One side
+has King David dancing before the ark; the other, "Cytherea hid in
+sedges."</p>
+
+<p>A massive oaken table stands near the fire-place; a high-backed chair on
+either hand, and two more in the embayment of the window; and an antique
+cabinet occupies a place directly opposite the chimney.</p>
+
+<p>The house, we have said, is situated on the river bank, and has once
+been occupied by a rich merchant, but is now let out in compartments.
+You ascend to the chamber which Shakespeare occupies, by a broad carved,
+oaken staircase, and advance along a vast passage which has rooms on
+either side.</p>
+
+<p>The autumn wind sighs, and soughs, in this old dwelling, as it rushes
+through the long passages from the water side. In such room our
+Shakespeare sits and writes. Sometime he stops and considers for a
+space&mdash;thinks, and thinks deeply. Then again his pen glides swiftly over
+the paper before him, and he writes like the wind. The table at which he
+is seated is but little removed from the embayment of the window, and
+his eye, ever and anon, glances out upon the rushing tide, and wanders
+over the opposite landscape, then consisting of green meadows and
+stunted trees.</p>
+
+<p>As he thus looks out upon the river, he sees boats filled with gay
+parties, cloaked and ruffed, and rapiered, attended by other boats,
+carrying musicians, who make the air resound with their melody&mdash;a gay
+and gallant sight, for these are courtiers going to Greenwich, or
+Mortlake, or Chelsea, such excursions being common in Elizabeth's day.</p>
+
+<p>As the poet writes, there seems no effort in the composition. His
+thoughts flow, for the most part, so easily, that it seems but the
+careless noting down of whatever comes uppermost. He writes as his own
+Falstaff speaks&mdash;as if almost without the trouble of thought. Anon, he
+smiles and pauses; then he rises from his high-backed chair, takes a
+turn through the room, and gives utterance to the conceit which has
+suddenly struck him. The actor predominates over the author at such a
+moment, and he recites aloud the recent thought, and which his "often
+rumination" upon, the extravagance of action, amongst his associates,
+has conjured up.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LIII" id="CHAPTER_LIII"></a>CHAPTER LIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE POET AND HIS PATRON.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Whilst he gives his thoughts tongue, the door opens, and a bulky form
+seems to fill up the entrance&mdash;no other, indeed, than our old Stratford
+acquaintance John Froth.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! thou mad compound," said Froth, "and is such thy advice to the
+fraternity of the Blackfriars?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is," returned Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Then would we might see it approved in the acting," said Froth; "but
+'tis thrown away upon me, as thou know'st. I am not for the personation
+of aught requiring such rules. If I am to turn mummer, I must enact
+something fit for a man of my parts to appear in."</p>
+
+<p>"And therefore," said Shakespeare, "will I write a character fit only
+for thy huge bulk and greater follies."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, by my fay," said Froth, "I thought thou hadst already put me into
+shape, for so hast thou promised any time these two months past."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis better as it is," said Shakespeare, "for till I saw thy vagaries
+during this last affair with the Spaniard, thy arrant cowardice, thy
+shifts, for preferment, and then thy desire to keep out of action, I
+hardly could have displayed such a marvellous compound of frailty and
+flesh."</p>
+
+<p>"Trouble me not with the remembrance thereof," said Froth; "I received
+my guerdon, my remuneration, and that was the aim in end."</p>
+
+<p>"And which remuneration thou hast already dissipated in dice and
+liquor,&mdash;is't not so?" inquired Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast spoken it, and not I," said Froth, "and so spoken it that I
+may hardly venture to gainsay it. Wilt furnish me forthwith a few crowns
+for present need, good William?"</p>
+
+<p>"The more readily," returned Shakespeare, as he handed him the coin, "as
+I would fain be rid o' thee. See'st thou not, thou idle reveller, that I
+am busy here with deep premeditated lines&mdash;with written matters
+studiously devised?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Will, I will hinder thee not. I will mar not thy labours. I will
+but fill me a chalice, and drink success to thy muse, and then to the
+tavern."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, Froth helped himself from the flask upon the table, and
+pledged the health of his friend, smacking his lips after the draught
+with a sense of ineffable relish.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art a wondrous fellow, Will," he said, as he looked upon his
+friend; "thou wilt thrive. But, in sooth, envy already begins to dog thy
+heels. Green and Marlow like thee not, William; Green calls thee an
+upstart crow dressed with his feathers."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Shakespeare, smiling, "methinks Green hath little reason to
+speak thus, seeing I have imp'd his wing with some of my own feathers.
+He will scarce say that to my face."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Froth, "I dare be sworn he will not, for many of them know
+thee too well to offer insult to thy face. Marlow too speaks of thee as
+that 'tiger's heart wrapped in a player's hide.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Shakespeare, "their sayings pass by me like the wind. I
+pr'ythee be nought awhile, if thou art to remain here, or else betake
+thyself to other haunts."</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell," said Froth; "you shall find me at the old haunt in Paul's
+whilst this coin holds out."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had Froth departed, ere the sound of horses was heard without,
+and a man of noble presence, dressed in the extreme of fashion of that
+age of brave attire, entered the room. Shakespeare instantly rose, and
+advanced to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am proud to welcome my Lord of Southampton to my poor lodging," said
+the poet.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, by my fay, not altogether so poor either," said the noble, looking
+around him. "I am glad to find thee removed from thy old haunt to so
+goodly a lodgment, good William."</p>
+
+<p>"And am I not indebted to your lordship's kind favour and friendship for
+being thus well lodged?" said Shakespeare. "When we first met, my lord,
+I was somewhat lower in estate than at the present time. A poor
+unfriended outcast; I do, indeed, owe thee much."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a whit," said the Earl; "you owe all to your own surpassing
+excellence. I am greatly charmed with thy Tarquin and Lucrece. Nay,
+Raleigh, Essex, and others do swear by it as the most exquisite thing
+extant. I, who know thee better, think even better of thee than shall
+here say."</p>
+
+<p>"You do me too much honour, my Lord," said Shakespeare; "like Venus and
+Adonis, (and which I had the honour of dedicating to you), Tarquin and
+Lucrece was but a first effort, when I was green in judgment. I shall
+hope better to deserve with more experience."</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you to inform me," said Lord Southampton, after a pause, "who
+and what is yonder companion of thine, and whom I met as I entered the
+house,&mdash;a gross, fat man?"</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare smiled at the question. "A strange fellow, my Lord," he
+replied, "and who was known to me in my native town, and whom I have
+lately fallen in with here. Like myself, he was obliged to fly from
+Stratford, and being in some difficulties, I procured him employment in
+the theatres."</p>
+
+<p>"A somewhat bulky actor," said Lord Southampton, "is he not."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless one whom I think even of giving a part to. The man is
+himself a character worth the studying, and if he exhibits himself
+before the curtain as he does in his true character, cannot fail to keep
+the audience in continual laughter. His peculiar humour, tone of voice,
+look, and jesture, coupled to such a person, are almost indescribable.
+Added to this, he is so extraordinary a mimic that no one of us can move
+or speak before him, but he carries their voice, look, mien, and motion
+into another company.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet upon the stage he may not be able to execute the same degree of
+perfection," said Southampton. "Some of your companions of the theatre,
+I have found prime fellows and witty knaves over their cups, and yet but
+heavy upon the boards."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so, my lord," said Shakespeare; "this is one of Nature's secrets,
+and which I have observed. Necessary qualifications which cannot be well
+spared in an actor, oftimes exist in men of the profession; and yet,
+with the assistance of all these united, we see such persons come forth
+upon the boards but poor and barren. In writing a character for my
+friend, I shall avoid making him play off his ordinary parts, except to
+produce himself when I think he will tell forcibly."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel some curiosity to know this witty knave," said the noble
+"pr'ythee bring him with thee to Southampton House when next you come."</p>
+
+<p>"Providing your lordship can away with his grossness, and resist the
+attacks he is sure to make upon your purse," said Shakespeare, "you will
+be amused with him. But, unluckily, 'tis a familiar creature who makes
+himself enemies as easily as his humour delights."</p>
+
+<p>"And this new play of thine," said Southampton, "holds it still for next
+week?"</p>
+
+<p>"It does, my lord," said Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Then have I news for thee of price, good William," said Southampton.
+"The Queen intends to be present. She takes wondrous interest in all
+that thou dost, and has of late spoken most approvingly of thy efforts."</p>
+
+<p>"I am much bounden to her Majesty," returned the poet; "and there again
+must feel grateful to your lordship for having turned her eye of favour
+towards my unworthy efforts."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast sufficiently delighted us all, good William," said Lord
+Southampton; "and, if I am to judge by the mass of papers I behold here,
+you intend still further to delight us. Are these portions of manuscript
+pertaining to another production of the same sort?"</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, my lord," said Shakespeare, "they do in some sort tend that
+way. But at present I am somewhat desultory in my doings. I have so many
+plans, on so many subjects, that what you behold are but the rough notes
+of such ideas as pass current. The scraps are of all sorts; perhaps fit
+for little else but to be cast to the waves without."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art, at least industrious," said Southampton, "and permit me to
+say, I believe not in the valueless quality of what I behold here. May I
+look upon one of these same unworthy scraps?" And Lord Southampton took
+up a fragment of paper containing some few lines of blank verse.</p>
+
+<p>At first he seemed disposed to read it cursorily, as one slightly
+curious to know what had employed the pen of his friend. The very first
+line, however, seemed to strike him, and he read the verse attentively
+from beginning to end. He then recommenced it, and read it more slowly,
+observing the wondrous force of the lines more and more as he did so. He
+then stopped and looked at the pleasant smiling countenance of the
+writer, so unassuming, so devoid of all self-conceit, and then he read
+aloud&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wherein he puts alms for oblivion,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A great-siz'd monster of ingratitudes:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Those scraps are good deeds past: which are devour'd<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As fast as they are made, forgot as soon<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As done: Perseverance, dear my lord,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Keeps honour bright; To have done is to hang<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In monumental mockery. Take the instant way;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For honour travels in a strait so narrow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Where one but goes abreast: keep then the path;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For emulation hath a thousand sons,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That one by one pursue. If you give way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or hedge aside from the direct forth right,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Like to an enter'd tide, they all rush by,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And leave you hindmost;&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or, like a gallant horse fallen in first rank,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Lie there for pavement to the abject rear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">O'errun and trampled on. Then what do they in present,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Though less than yours in past, most o'ertop yours:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For time is like a fashionable host<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That slighly shakes his parting guest by the hand;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And with his arms out-stretch'd as he would fly,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grasps in the corner: Welcome ever smiles,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And farewell goes that sighing."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Why," he said, "thou hast written here a whole volume in a few brief
+lines. Not all the learning of the ancients ever produced so much in
+such compass. I will learn these lines, and have them ever before me. To
+what pertain they, good William?"</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare smiled. "Nay, 'tis but a fragment," he said. "My often
+rumination supplies many such. I shall perhaps adopt them in a play I
+have been thinking of writing."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou wilt completely alter the old style of representation," said
+Southampton.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis my purpose so to do," returned Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"From what thou hast before shewn me," said Lord Southampton, "I think
+thou wilt do much. But bethink ye, William Shakespeare, albeit thou hast
+a quick wit and rapid pen, thou must not let things come hastily from
+thy hands. Good works, I take it, are plants of slow produce. The city
+lads and the inns of court have, I find, began to regard thee since thou
+hast remodelled the company of the Blackfriars. And hast thou,"
+continued the earl after a pause, "still the name purpose of becoming a
+part proprietor in the theatre here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Such is my ambition," said Shakespeare; "but that must be at a future
+period, when further success shall give warranty to my hopes."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, want of means shall not baulk thee, good William," said Lord
+Southampton, "since I see plainly that more power will greatly
+facilitate the bringing forth thy inimitable works. Look," he continued,
+taking the pen Shakespeare had been writing with, and scrawling a few
+lines, "there is an order for a thousand pounds; present it to my
+steward when thou wilt, and 'tis thine. Nay, double the sum, if
+required."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare thanked his generous patron in terms of manly gratitude; and
+soon afterwards the noble, after appointing his poetic friend to visit
+him, took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>After the departure of Lord Southampton, the poet sat for some time,
+with his forehead leaning upon his hand, gazing upon the order his
+friend had given him.</p>
+
+<p>Between my Lord Southampton and Shakespeare there was the most sincere
+friendship. The young noble appreciated the genius of the man, and felt
+quite a veneration for him; whilst the poet honoured one possessed of
+the fine feelings and generous and heroic spirit belonging to a more
+early and chivalrous age.</p>
+
+<p>Since Shakespeare's flight from Stratford some time had now elapsed,
+during which he had not returned there. He had made a vow not to do so
+until he could re-appear under circumstances that would disarm the
+malevolence of his enemies; not until he had achieved a name. Oft-times
+had he written, and as often heard from his friends, sending them the
+greater portion of his earnings his efforts continually brought in. This
+was not the first gift of Lord Southampton; and a considerable sum he
+had before received had enabled him to settle his wife and children in
+comfortable circumstances in his native town. The money his noble friend
+had just now conferred upon him gave him a nearer prospect of revisiting
+Stratford be thought. And so the poet, with renewed energy, seized his
+pen, and again gave vent to his wondrous conceptions. As he writes, he
+remembers former days, and his thoughts revert again to his own sweet
+home and its neighbourhood, and again he dips his pen in his own heart.
+Then he revels in the recollection of those orgies amidst the choice
+spirits of Old London. Those tavern suppers in the quaint dark courts
+where the hostels of the crowded city are situated. Those secluded
+taverns of Old London town now, indeed, no longer to be found. The
+player's loved haunt, and where the rollicking 'prentice and even
+occasionally, the nobles of the Court congregated. Where he himself had
+fallen in with the Alsatian bully, the humourist, and all the varieties
+of the tavern haunter of the age; and from such he now draws his
+character, life-like and real, as if they walked and breathed and spoke
+before him.</p>
+
+<p>And so the first part of the day passes, and still Shakespeare writes,
+for the fit is upon him, and like many of his class, albeit he spends in
+whole weeks, at times in joviality, excursionising with his comrades to
+Windsor and Greenwich, and "dafling the world aside" with the idlest;
+still there comes upon the man fits of deep thought, which are only to
+be relieved by the pen.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he writes, as the clanking tones of the clock of Barnard's Castle
+strike the sixth hour, the sound of a lute is heard in an adjoining
+apartment, accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LIV" id="CHAPTER_LIV"></a>CHAPTER LIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A CONSULTATION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As those dulcet sounds reached the ears of the poet, he laid down his
+pen and listened attentively. That voice, no rich in tone, so sweetly
+modulated, seemed deeply to affect him; and, as the song ceased, he rose
+and paced the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>Again, he bears a short prelude upon the instrument, and pushing aside
+the arras from the wall, he opened a sliding panel, leading into a
+narrow passage; one of those passages so peculiar to old buildings, and
+which communicate from chamber to chamber, oft-times along, one entire
+wing of such edifice.</p>
+
+<p>As he did so, the voice of the singer is again and again more plainly
+heard. How sweetly it sounds in that house, and at that hour, for the
+shadows are beginning to descend upon Old London.</p>
+
+<p>The poet stands transfixed. His glorious countenance so softened by the
+sorrowful notes of the musician, proclaim how powerfully the strains
+affect him&mdash;"He is never merry when he hears sweet music."</p>
+
+<p>Again the strains cease and all is silent, save the moaning of the wind
+without, and which hums through the casement like an Æolian harp. After
+a pause, the poet again withdrew the tapestry which hung before the
+doorway, and, traversing the passage, knocks gently against a small door
+which stood partially open at its extremity.</p>
+
+<p>A sweet voice bids him enter, and the next moment he is in the presence
+of a young and beautiful female. Traces of recent illness are to be
+observed upon her cheek, as she sits, half inclined, upon a sort of
+couch placed near the window of the apartment;&mdash;a small lamp, placed
+upon a table near, giving better light for an attendant female, who is
+occupied in knitting.</p>
+
+<p>The lady half rises, as the poet enters and as she does so, he sinks
+upon one knee, and respectfully kisses the hand she extends to him.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing, indeed, can exceed the respectful attention with which the poet
+stands in the presence of that female. He does not even take the chair,
+placed near the couch on which she is seated, till she requires him to
+do so. And well indeed might Shakespeare gaze with interest, and no less
+admiration, upon that lady, as she again reclined upon the couch from
+which she had half risen at his entrance.</p>
+
+<p>The perfect proportions of her form and features, softened as they both
+were in the subdued light of that antique apartment, rendered her in the
+eyes of the poet even more beautiful. Her dark hair fell in wavy
+ringlets upon her shoulders, and her large eyes beamed with an
+expression of sweetness and regard upon him, which made them full of
+peril to one so impassioned.</p>
+
+<p>Frankly and gracefully she again stretched forth her hand. "My kind
+preserver," she said, "my generous and noble friend; but that weakness
+keeps me a prisoner to my couch, 'tis I who ought to kneel to thee."</p>
+
+<p>"I heard the sweet tones, lady," said the poet, "which gave notice that
+I might approach."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" she replied, "how can I ever requite thy generosity? Had it been
+my fortune to fall into other hands, I might, indeed, have been unhappy;
+but thou, oh! thou art different from other mortals."</p>
+
+<p>"Beauty, lady," said Shakespeare, "provoketh thieves even sooner than
+gold. Nay, it is that beauty which has made fearful of trusting you in
+this evil town, save whilst I can myself guard over you. The wild and
+reckless spirits who dwell around us here, the desperate characters of
+many who, in their outward seeming, are of the virtuous, render a
+sojourn in this city unsafe, and therefore have I brought thee hither;
+and therefore have I constituted myself thy sole guardian till recovered
+strength shall enable you to take the journey you contemplate."</p>
+
+<p>"You will forgive me, then," said the lady, "that although I have
+related to you some portion of my story, I yet conceal my own, and the
+name of those connected with the tale".</p>
+
+<p>"I am in all thy friend and servant," said Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"And now that I have somewhat recovered," she continued, "recall to me
+in how much I am indebted to you during my illness. The attendant you
+have furnished me with hath partially informed me of your goodness, but
+I would fain hear the recital from your own lips."</p>
+
+<p>"Your disguise," said Shakespeare, "whilst we journeyed hitherward,
+beguiled me, or I had never so far taxed your strength."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! but that journey," said the lady, "so travelled, can one mile of
+it, think you, be forgotten?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said the poet, smiting, "still can I not forgive myself. Those
+moonlight walks during our route have, I fear, wearied you."</p>
+
+<p>"Could it be possible," said the lady, "for mortal to feel fatigue
+amidst those scenes, I might have wearied."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare again smiled. He felt gratified at the compliment paid him.
+He was no perfect mortal, and to say that he could look coldly upon the
+glorious creature before him, would be to belie his nature. He could no
+more do so than he could have "held a fire in his hand by thinking of
+the frosty Caucasus." His finer feelings, however, rendered that
+unprotected female as safe whilst beneath his roof, as if she had been
+guarded by a host. He seated himself again beside her, and an he calmly
+and kindly regarded her exquisite form, whilst he again spoke, a bright
+and pure beam of divine expression was on his bearded face, an
+expression, which diffused a calm feeling of happiness and contentment
+over the soul of her who beheld it.</p>
+
+<p>The long crushed spirit of the lady felt the influence of his presence.</p>
+
+<p>"That I had in my ignorance of your sex somewhat overtaxed your strength
+during our journey," he said, "the result has shewn, since on our
+reaching London, you was seized with an illness which nearly cost your
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember nothing," said the lady, "after our arrival at the hotel of
+the Globe."</p>
+
+<p>"Unluckily," said the poet, "it happened that some seamen who
+disembarked but a few days before had brought the plague into that
+neighbourhood. That disease in London is usually so dire in its effect,
+that, for mere suspicion, the inhabitants act as if for surety. Your
+ship-boy's semblance, and your illness, gave the host of the tavern a
+suspicion that you was infected, and he expelled us from his door. Nay,
+such was the rapidity with which the alarm travelled, that I found it
+impossible to procure a shelter for you in that neighbourhood; and it
+was whilst conveying you, still insensible, to the water-side, that I
+became suspicious of your sex. This discovery increased the difficulty
+of our situation, till I recollected an asylum in which I could safely
+carry you, and e'en procure the assistance of medicine. I remembered an
+old poor man, one so needy, starved, and miserable, that I had oft-times
+sought, and alleviated his condition. Nay, gratitude had prompted me so
+to do, since, in my own need, and when, alone and friendless, I first
+sought this town, he himself befriended me. To the habitation of this
+man, who indeed, possesses considerable skill in leechcraft, I conveyed
+you, and to his care, attention, and skill, for night and day did he
+watch over you, are you indebted for your life."</p>
+
+<p>"And whilst yourself also cared for me," said the lady, "still fearless
+of the tyrant fever with which I was burnt up; nay, you have since
+removed me hither, and so continued to guard over me. And all this in
+favour of one alike hopeless and friendless."</p>
+
+<p>"Such circumstances, lady," said the poet, "should in themselves alone
+suffice to enlist me in your service. But come," he continued, "we will
+no more of this. A letter I have just received from my sometime home, in
+Warwickshire, gives much of news. I have unfolded to you so much of my
+history, that I may now further inform you there is hope of once more
+revisiting the friends I left whilst in trouble and disgrace."</p>
+
+<p>"This is, indeed, pleasing intelligence," said his companion. "My own
+destination is in that neighbourhood."</p>
+
+<p>"To guard over you till I can safely convey you amongst those friends
+you have hinted at," said Shakespeare, "is my wish; nay, our exertions,
+and the generosity of a nobleman, my friend, has enabled me to complete
+a purchase I had in contemplation&mdash;a share in the neighbouring theatre
+here. I have also another play toward, and should it succeed in the
+represental, I will then attend on you with all true duty."</p>
+
+<p>"But your letter?" said the lady; "pardon my seeming curiosity. In
+happier days I have owned friends in the neighbourhood of your home.
+Speaks it of any resident around Stratford-upon-Avon?"</p>
+
+<p>"It does," said Shakespeare. "It is from my father, and gives much
+gossip of the locality. Amongst other matter it informs me of some
+difficulties a gentleman, my friend, has fallen into."</p>
+
+<p>"And his name," said the lady, "is Walter Arderne?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same," returned Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>The lady's face immediately became crimson, and then deadly pale. "And
+how then hath Walter Arderne fallen into difficulties?" she inquired.
+"Methought I heard from you, during our journey, that he had succeeded
+to great wealth."</p>
+
+<p>"It was even so," said Shakespeare, "but I fear I am again taxing your
+strength. You look somewhat pale."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing," said his fair companion. "Proceed, I beseech you, I am
+most anxious to know of the welfare of this Arderne."</p>
+
+<p>"The young man, then," continued Shakespeare, "it appears by the story,
+after coming into possession of this fortune, and many parks, and walks,
+and manors, in England, hath busied himself in various acts of goodness.
+Amongst other things he hath built alms-houses, hospitals, for the use
+of the afflicted."</p>
+
+<p>"To such a one," said the lady, "fortune should ever belong; but to your
+story. What more of this Arderne? Methinks I am overfond to hear of so
+much generosity."</p>
+
+<p>"There is little more to tell," said Shakespeare. "The sums he hath
+bestowed and the various charities he hath endowed, have involved him in
+difficulties. His virtues have served him but as enemies. Nay, he seems,
+I am grieved to say, on the brink of ruin; for, in addition to all I
+have enumerated, it appears he hath expended large sums during the
+invasion of the Spaniard, both in fitting out numerous ships, and
+enrolling and embodying men, all which vessels, through his desperate
+valour in leading them into the hot encounter, have been either
+destroyed or returned to port rent and beggared."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but," said the lady, "I am still in ignorance how this could
+possibly involve Walter Ardene in ruin. The fortune he inherited would
+have borne all this, methinks, and much more, without endamagement."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so, lady," said Shakespeare; "but it hath suddenly transpired
+that Walter Arderne is not the lawful heir. A caitiff wretch, named
+Grasp, and whose ferrit eyes and evil spirit are always seeking
+mischief, hath, by dint of searching over worm-eaten deeds and musty
+parchments, hunting out tombstones, and manufacturing pedigrees, somehow
+found a nearer relation; and all the sums Master Arderne hath expended
+since the hour he came into possession, the law will enforce him to
+refund. This, together with the suits he is involved in, will go nigh to
+ruin both himself and his good uncle, Sir Hugh Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"And this nearer kinsman!" said the lady. "Does your information extend
+so far as to name the person of such claimant?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis one who is the friend of a powerful noble," said Shakespeare, "of
+one whom it is dangerous to speak of in other terms but those of
+respect."</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks I can name him," said the lady. "It is one whose unbounded
+stomach and high ambition long soared towards a crown by marriage; one
+whose evil disposition would halt not to obtain power or riches,
+magnificent as his fortune already is. The Earl with the dark
+countenance and gloomy soul&mdash;he whom Sussex calls the Gipsey; the
+dangerous Leicester."</p>
+
+<p>"The same," said Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, an Walter Arderne hath that noble for an enemy, let him
+beware the cup, as well as the law, for Leicester is sure to succeed by
+fair means or foul. He is the most successful dealer in poison in the
+kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>"Would to Heaven," said Shakespeare, "some help might be found; for the
+strait this generous man is like to be driven to sorely oppresses him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let it no longer do so," said the lady. "Continue to inform me of the
+progress of events; I will be warranty for his safe extrication from all
+his difficulties."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare looked surprised; but he forbode remark; and soon after this
+conversation retired to his own lodging.</p>
+
+<p>After the interview, the poet reflected deeply upon the conversation
+which had taken place, and as he did so, many things which had not
+previously struck him forced themselves upon his mind regarding his
+mysterious friend, and which now enabled him in some sort to pluck out
+the heart of her mystery.</p>
+
+<p>During the time he had watched over her during her illness, and the
+delirium consequent upon it, she had uttered names which recalled former
+passages of his life. She had called upon Charlotte Clopton, and bade
+her leave the horrid charnel-house in which she had been entombed alive,
+and even named localities familiar to him in his native county.</p>
+
+<p>These things, whilst they contributed to elucidate her story, more
+deeply interested him. He saw she could appreciate a true heart and bold
+spirit in man, and could love with all the truth and innocence of a
+Juliet. There was in her no false pride or prudery, but unconscious of
+her own excellence, she was indeed one of those bright creatures so
+often bestowed where they are unvalued. Had such a one fallen to his own
+share, he thought, how would he have worshipped! But such was not to be.
+He who was the gentlest, the noblest of mankind, was not to be so
+companioned. His course was steered, at this period, alone. For him,
+high birth and bright excellence should have been reserved, because he
+so well could have appreciated them.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, to be observed in this singular female a sort of
+character which even more interested him than her radiant beauty. With
+all her amiability, she possessed a determination of purpose, which made
+it impossible to control her designs. From what he could fathom of her
+intentions and her story, she seemed only anxious to confer or secure
+some important benefit to the individual she loved, and then to retire
+from the world, to enter some convent abroad, "and be for aye in shady
+cloister mew'd." And so, as the poet sat and thought over these matters,
+he again seized his pen, and wrote.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LV" id="CHAPTER_LV"></a>CHAPTER LV.</h2>
+
+<h3>ILL WEAVED AMBITION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The machinations of Pouncet Grasp had not been without their due effect.
+His evil disposition was as great as his industry, and his very face and
+form, twisted and contorted as both were, proclaimed the mind of the man
+as plainly as if he had carried a window in his breast.</p>
+
+<p>Few specimens of the human countenance presented indeed less of the
+divine about it than did that of the Stratford lawyer. The term <i>ugly as
+sin</i> might, in verity, have been applied to him, for, when he was
+hatching any particular piece of rascality, the working of his features
+gave him a diabolical look.</p>
+
+<p>Not only had he succeeded in his design of weaving a web about Walter
+Arderne, and getting incarcerated within the walls of a prison for debt,
+but he even managed, by some strange underhand practice, to bring him
+under the suspicion of the Queen's council for treasonable matter. And
+yet, with all this malignancy of disposition, Grasp carried about him
+such an air of <i>bonhommie</i> that, until he was found out, he was seldom
+distrusted. After he had, by the most careful approaches, (like a spider
+securing a victim in his web, who is too powerful to be openly
+attacked), fairly enmeshed Walter Arderne, he turned his thoughts upon
+his old Stratford enemy, William Shakespeare, and, whose whereabout he
+now had little difficulty in discovering, since after the successful
+performance of Romeo and Juliet, the author's name was in the mouths of
+many.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas Lucy had departed only few days before for Stratford, or
+Grasp would immediately have sought him out, and, as he himself was also
+on the eve of returning to Warwickshire, together with his new client,
+in order to take immediate possession of the inheritance succeeded to,
+he resolved to delay till his arrival the discovery he had made.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the situation of Arderne was sufficiently disagreeable. He
+was arrested for an enormous sum, and-when Sir Hugh Clopton sought to
+clear him of the difficulty, by making some great sacrifices, that good
+old man found, to his further dismay, that some secret foe had denounced
+his nephew as a conspirator against the life of the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>In Elizabeth's reign, those persons of condition who came under
+suspicion and were confined within the walls of a prison found it no
+easy matter to clear themselves, and some, even in the higher ranks of
+the nobility, without any sustained charge but "for mere suspicion, were
+treated as if for surety," finding their graves in the dismal chambers
+of the Tower.</p>
+
+<p>The news of the imprisonment of his early friend greatly troubled
+Shakespeare. He was just at this time contemplating a return to his
+native town, for now that he had so far achieved success, and felt
+within himself the power of future fame, the longing for home, added to
+the desire of once more embracing all he had dear there, he felt to be
+irresistible.</p>
+
+<p>To leave London, however, without an effort to serve his early friend
+was impossible. He visited Arderne in his prison, and afterwards sought
+Lord Leicester in order to interest that noble in his favour.</p>
+
+<p>The time was, however, somewhat out of joint for making a successful
+suit to Leicester at this moment. He was in one of those periodical fits
+of ill-temper which usually attacked him when his "high-reaching"
+schemes failed. He was out of favour with the Queen too, somewhat on the
+sudden, and so wide was the breach that, albeit he was seeking by some
+underhand contrivances to regain a place in her good graces, all his
+attempts were futile.</p>
+
+<p>To explain this to our readers, we must remind them that after the
+services of Leicester at Tilbury, Elizabeth had created for the
+favourite the office of Lord Lieutenant of England and Ireland; an
+office which would have invested him with greater power than any
+sovereign of this country had ever ventured to bestow on a subject. The
+patent for this unprecedented dignity was actually made out, and only
+awaited the royal signature, when Burleigh and Hatton, by their earnest
+remonstrances, deterred Her Majesty from investing him with such power.</p>
+
+<p>It was during the fit of rage consequent upon disappointment, that
+Leicester had behaved with a degree of intemperance so distasteful to
+Her Majesty, that she dismissed him in anger, and refused to be
+reconciled.</p>
+
+<p>The despondence which followed the violence of his rage on this occasion
+brought on an illness, from which he, in truth, never recovered.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment Shakespeare obtained an interview, he accordingly found
+the earl in so ill a frame of mind, that he refused to interest himself
+in favour of Walter Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>He was about, he said to quit London for his castle of Kenilworth, and
+was so utterly disgusted with Courts and all pertaining, that he vowed
+to Heaven he would no more return.</p>
+
+<p>As the poet looked in the face of this ambitious and still powerful
+noble, he thought it not unlikely his words would prove true; for the
+inroads of his peculiar disease were so apparent in his countenance,
+that the grisly tyrant seemed to have put his mark upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Leicester, at this period of his life, had grown bulky, and lost much of
+that striking beauty of face and form for which he had been so
+celebrated. His countenance shewed traces of his ungovernable temper and
+evil disposition; his hair, lately coal-black, had become a "sable
+silvered;" his frown had contracted into an habitual scowl; his dark
+complexion, and from which he had obtained the <i>sobriquet</i> of "The
+Gipsey," had changed to a sickly yellow; his fine features had become
+bloated; and every part about him seemed blasted with premature age.</p>
+
+<p>As he rose from his seat during the interview, the poet observed that he
+looked the personification of an evil-disposed but powerful man. One who
+was torn by the fiend of avarice, the lust of power, and the chagrin of
+blasted ambition. The Court smile was gone for ever from that once
+pliant brow, and the scowl of hate seated in its stead.</p>
+
+<p>To the surprise of the poet, whilst he flatly refused interference on
+the subject of Arderne's imprisonment, he even seemed to experience
+satisfaction at that youth's danger. The poisonous mind of the most
+successful poisoner of the age was now recklessly displayed. He seemed
+to rejoice in the misfortunes of his fellow-men, whilst he felt that his
+own further success in life was ended. He was indeed at that moment
+sinking into the grave a hopeless unbeliever, "a bold bad man."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Thomas Lucy," he said, rudely and abruptly, "hath sought me on the
+subject of this Arderne, praying of me to intercede with the Queen. But
+I meddle not again with matters of state or the business of others. My
+health requires change from the pestilential vapour of this city. I have
+done with Courts and seek my castle at Kenilworth."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare bowed, and was about to withdraw, when Leicester turned and
+again spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"I advise you yourself, Master Shakespeare," he said, "to keep free of
+such matters. Peril not your present favour by mixing in treasonable
+affairs, and so farewell."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my Lord," said Shakespeare, "this gentleman, my friend, hath been
+most unjustly accused. He is one to whom I owe much love. I may not
+cease from making what interest I can in his favour."</p>
+
+<p>"And I tell thee then," said Leicester, imperiously, "that in me you
+will find an opponent in his cause; my interest lieth in the very
+opposite direction, since I am informed by a law-man of your native town
+that, in right of my wife, I can claim some of those estates in
+Warwickshire so lately in possession of this Arderne."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare felt surprised at this intimation, and immediately the
+interview terminated.</p>
+
+<p>There was evidently a secret enemy at work, he thought, as he left the
+house; and, as he passed through the gateway, he ran against a man who
+was entering.</p>
+
+<p>The poet was so wrapped in his own thoughts that he observed not the
+features of this person; but Grasp (for it was no less a person who was
+entering the courtyard) started at the well-known form of his sometime
+clerk, and, hesitating for the moment, seemed divided as to whether he
+should not defer his present business and follow the poet.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he stood undecided, Shakespeare took boat, and so Grasp turned
+towards the building.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall find the pestilent fellow," he said, "and I shall also
+penetrate into the mystery of that fair Lindabrides who dwells beneath
+his roof, and masquerades about the city at nights. My certie, but I'll
+spoil his actings, his writings, his inditings, his poetizing, and
+rhapsodizing. I can myself indite, aye, and play a part, too, as well as
+he; and so, Master William Shakespeare, look to thyself, for thou art in
+jeopardy;" and so Grasp turned and proceeded, across the court of
+Leicester House rejoicing.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LVI" id="CHAPTER_LVI"></a>CHAPTER LVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ASSOCIATES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>So great were the talents possessed by Grasp for smelling out a plot,
+whether it existed or not, that he seemed peculiarly fitted for the
+period in which he lived, and in which conspiracies, either real or
+pretended, were so frequently agitating the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>Plot and pestilence, indeed, during Elizabeth's reign seemed the
+bug-bears of the time. At one moment the Court was driven from its
+locality, by some of the attendants being seized at the very palace
+gates with some infectious disorder, and the next, some dark,
+evil-minded fanatic was apprehended, dagger in hand, almost in the very
+presence-chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Since the execution of the Queen of Scots those conspirators had been
+more hopeless of success; yet still, ever and anon, a new and dangerous
+attempt against the life of the Queen was brought to light.</p>
+
+<p>Just at the present period of our story, such a design was pounced on by
+Grasp; but, like all over-zealous persons, he was liable, in his
+eagerness, to run upon a wrong scent, and lose sight of the game he had
+started.</p>
+
+<p>It happened, during his visit to London at this time, and in an interval
+spared from his numerous avocations, (for Grasp was now a man in full
+business), that he, one night, amused himself by witnessing an execution
+in company with his friend Doubletongue.</p>
+
+<p>This execution was one possessing considerable interest, inasmuch as
+several criminals were to suffer for conscience-sake, and that was
+always a popular exhibition during Elizabeth's reign. Six were Catholic
+priests, who were hung, drawn, and quartered, for conspiring against the
+Queen's life. Two more were laymen, who, having embraced protestantism
+and returned to the old belief, were to be burned alive in company with
+a wretched atheist named Francis Wright, alias Kit Wyndham. Besides
+these there was one other named Word, who was to be executed for
+concealment of Catholics under suspicion of treason.</p>
+
+<p>The execution took place in Smithfield, and, like those of more modern
+times, when the cut-purse is seen to exercise his vocation beneath the
+gallows on which a fellow thief was struggling, so was treason watching
+within the scorching influence of the fire which burned these traitors.</p>
+
+<p>One Reginald Deville, an usurer and an informer, who also bore the
+appropriate cognomen of Reynard Devil, had tracked a suspicious
+character into Smithfield on this very night; a fanatic being, whose
+husband had been in the service of the Queen of Scots, and who, in the
+disguise of a man, was known to be in concealment in London for the
+purpose of assassinating Elizabeth.</p>
+
+<p>In the crowd, and during the excitement of the execution, Deville had
+lost sight of this person, almost at the moment he was about to gain
+assistance and pounce upon her; and, as he was prying about, he stumbled
+upon Grasp, whom he had formerly known.</p>
+
+<p>Now Grasp himself, besides his other business, occasionally did a little
+in the informing way. Such pursuit formed a sort of afterhour recreation
+with him. He and Doubletongue, at such times, hunted in couples, and as
+evil speaking, lying, and slander, were the peculiar talents of his
+friend, so the more covert villany was his own peculiar forte.</p>
+
+<p>The moment Reginald Deville stumbled upon Grasp and his friend, in his
+eagerness he half divulged the secret intelligence with which he was
+furnished.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," he said, "my good friend Grasp, I am glad to meet. Hast seen a
+slight rakish figure pass this minute, wearing a cloak of scarlet serge,
+a red feather in his hat, a brace of petronels in his girdle, and drab
+trunks with hose to match?"</p>
+
+<p>Grasp was never at fault. "I have," he said hastily.</p>
+
+<p>"Which way went he, in God's name," said Deville. "Quick, or I lose a
+chance&mdash;he's worth the having, I can assure you."</p>
+
+<p>"I will put you upon his trail," said Grasp, "perhaps inform you where
+he haunts, an you promise half profits and tell me what's his crime."</p>
+
+<p>"Treason is his crime," said Deville, "'Tis a female in man's apparel,
+one Margaret Lambrun. Her husband died of grief after Queen Mary was
+executed. The woman was in the service of Mary, and hath resolved on the
+death of the Queen. I had secret intelligence from a cousin of my own in
+Scotland, and have been in pursuit for some days."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," said Grasp, "I can only tell you in return for your secret
+that your man, or woman rather, was here beside me in company with four
+others. Catholics, I dare be sworn, for they looked upon the burning of
+yonder priests with a devilish expression of horror, in place of viewing
+it as you and I. They marked me as I watched them, and they are off; but
+I heard one of them name some place in Blackfriars as where he resided."</p>
+
+<p>"How said ye," exclaimed Doubletongue, "in Blackfriars? then, by my fay,
+I think I can give ye a clue to this same female."</p>
+
+<p>"As how?" inquired Grasp, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"As thus," said Doubletongue. "Dost remember the night on which we
+consulted with Lawyer Quillet at the Blue Boar Inn?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly so," said Grasp, "and what o' that?"</p>
+
+<p>"On that night I marked, although you did not, a couple of persons who
+kept themselves altogether apart from the other guests&mdash;a young and a
+middle-aged person. Nay, I especially marked the younger of the twain,
+and as I looked upon the tiny foot, the sparkling eyes, and the slender
+form, methinks I penetrated through the disguise worn, and beheld a
+female."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! caitiff," said Grasp, "thou were't ever a devil to spy out a
+farthingale. And so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And so, I said to myself, where disguise is there mischief is meant,
+and I resolved to know more. Acting upon this resolve, albeit I lost
+sight of them during the riot which ensued in the tavern, I followed
+them out into the street, dodged them to their lair&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And that is&mdash;?" inquired Deville impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"In the Blackfriars, at a house down by the water-side, and which I can
+point out."</p>
+
+<p>"But thou may'st have been mistaken," said Grasp, "appearances may have
+deceived thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a whit," said Doubletongue. "I took some pains to make assurance;
+for, sooth to say, I was taken with this mysterious female. I watched
+about the house till I again saw her. I even ventured within, concealed
+myself during the absence of herself and him who seemed her protector,
+and I found in the room which she inhabited&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?" said Grasp, who expected a written list of the conspirators. "In
+God's name what did you find?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her doublet and hose," said Doubletongue. "The very pair of nether
+garments in which I had seen her masquerading at the Blue Boar the first
+night I beheld her."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, monstrous!" said Grasp. "Tis, undoubtedly the person of whom you
+are in quest. See, the execution is over and the criminals burnt.
+Wherefore not at once, proceed to Blackfriars and identify the house?
+To-morrow we will procure assistance and pounce upon her;" and the two
+immediately pushed their way through the crowd and left Smithfield.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LVII" id="CHAPTER_LVII"></a>CHAPTER LVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE POET AND HIS FRIENDS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The success of Shakespeare's play of Romeo and Juliet had placed him in
+a somewhat different situation amongst his companions of the theatre. By
+the majority he was immediately looked up to as a rising star, and
+whilst others again viewed him with increasing envy, there were one or
+two who were so much struck with the extraordinary merit of the
+composition that they already pronounced him the wonder of the age.</p>
+
+<p>Such, however, was the agitated state of the kingdom at the moment, and
+fears, factions, and jealousies, so absorbed the minds of men of all
+ranks, that except beyond the circle of his own professional brethren,
+and amongst his own immediate friends of the Court, my Lord of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, &amp;c., the effect produced was,
+after all, but evanescent.</p>
+
+<p>The English nation at this time was yet struggling to emerge from
+barbarity. The philology of Italy had been transplanted hither in the
+reign of Henry the Eighth, and the learned languages cultivated by
+Lilly, Linacre, More, and others. Greek was now taught in some of the
+principal schools, and many of the learned read the Italian and Spanish
+poets. But still literature was even yet confined in a great measure to
+professed scholars, or persons of high rank. The body public was but
+gross and dark; and to read and write, an accomplishment valued
+according to its rarity.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, then, the people who witnessed the great curiosity of
+Shakespeare's new play hardly knew how to judge. It was welcome even to
+the most rude and vulgar; they looked at it with a sort of childish
+wonder. It was a delicious and startling change from the giants,
+dragons, and enchantments they had been used to. Nay, it even bid fair
+to supersede the interesting exhibition of the bear hugging the dog to
+death, or the bull driven into madness by agony. The show and bustle of
+the new play even charmed the rudesby's, who could scarce even
+comprehend the beauty and elegance of the poetry.</p>
+
+<p>It was on the morning of the same day on which Grasp had witnessed the
+execution in Smithfield, that Shakespeare made his unsuccessful
+application to the Earl of Leicester in behalf of his friend Arderne.
+After his interview with the fallen favourite, the poet returned, sad
+and somewhat out of sorts, to his new lodgings in Blackfriars. As was
+his wont on all occasions wherein his capacious mind had received an
+impression, he contemplated the object that had furnished it. Indeed,
+his interview with that ambitious courtier, whose whole life had been a
+mistake, had been to him a whole volume. "How wretched," he thought, "is
+that poor man that hangs on prince's favours!" and then he seized his
+pen and wrote,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">"Fling away ambition,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">By that sin fell the angels, how can man, then,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The image of his Maker, hope to rise by it."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Whilst the poet wrote, as was not uncommonly the case, a whole levée of
+visitors continually interrupted his labours. This, however, was a
+circumstance that seemed rather to aid than disturb the current of his
+thoughts. He laid down his pen to laugh with the light-hearted, and he
+thrust aside his manuscript to listen to the more serious. He was all
+things with all men. The courtier, the soldier, the scholar, all and
+each found in him something to wonder at and admire. On this day, which
+was the sixth for the representation of his play, his visitors were
+numerous. In addition to many of his brother authors, several of the
+actors and other persons connected with the theatre, the Earl of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, and the poet Spenser, sought him
+in his lodging. Master Doubletongue too, who on this day had been
+seeking an opportunity of introducing himself into the house, as he met
+with some actor or other visitor coming out, hesitated as to the safety
+of such espial. Nay, he felt considerably astonished at the number and
+quality of the persons who seemed, as the day advanced, to come
+thronging about the locality.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he continued watching for some person he appeared to expect, he
+beheld the open space in front of the house filled with the attendants
+of several nobles of the Court; their magnificent steeds, gaily
+caparisoned, being led up and down, or held by servitors with the
+emblazoned badges of the favourites of the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>It is indeed curious to consider the poet himself during the visit of
+these magnificoes, and who, in the enjoyment of his society, sought a
+new pleasure; visitors who, like himself, were elevated above "the
+common cry of curs," and, leaving their high rank out of the question,
+worthy of the friendship of Shakespeare. The poet himself, too, was
+perfectly at his ease in the company of these haughty nobles. He sat and
+conversed with them in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p>To attempt any description of the conversation carried on amongst these
+choice and master spirits of the age would be vain and ridiculous, since
+it exceeds the power of our pen to describe it. Nay, were it possible so
+to do, we must of necessity furnish forth to the world a dialogue such
+as is only to be found in the page of him who acted as the host to the
+assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>Let us look at the picture, for it is one worthy of regard. Shakespeare
+sits beneath the ample chimney, his table is before him, strewed with
+papers. He leans back in his chair; a divine expression, a sweet smile
+is on his bearded face. Opposite to him is his patron, Lord Southampton,
+his chin resting upon the hilt of his sheathed rapier, his eyes and ears
+intent upon the subject Shakespeare is speaking of. Beside Shakespeare,
+leaning his cheek upon his hand, his elbow upon the table, sits the
+magnificent Essex; he also is intently regarding the poet, admiration in
+his gaze. Standing somewhat behind Lord Southampton, his back against
+the carved chimney, is the poet Spenser. Raleigh sits within the
+embayment of the window; his plumed hat is carelessly thrown down beside
+him, and his quick, restless glance is ever and anon turned from the
+poet towards the different craft which pass and repass upon the Thames
+below. Beside these, <i>élite</i> of the company, there is Tarleton, the
+comedian and Court fool, who, under cover of his folly, shoots his bolts
+upon all the party. One more addition, and the party is completed; and
+it is made up by the dissolute friend of the poet, the fat and jovial
+Froth.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst they are engaged in conversation, the drawer from an adjoining
+tavern enters with wine and other refreshments. From long-necked and
+quaint-looking bottles is poured the wines of Gascony and Spain. The
+means, too, and appliances for indulgence in Sir Walter's favourite weed
+is then handed round, and (as was the custom of the period) each guest
+takes a whiff; the thin blue smoke mounts into the air, and eddies about
+the carved ceiling; and, as the mirth and joviality of the party grows
+faster, time flies unheeded by, the shadows descend upon the Thames,
+again and again the bottles are renewed, and another day dawns upon the
+party, ere they recollect how the hours have fled.</p>
+
+<p>Can our readers wonder at this, when they remember of what that party
+consisted, and their entertainer? Those magnificoes had come to pay the
+poet a morning visit, and they had stayed half a day and one entire
+night. Shakespeare was their entertainer!</p>
+
+<p>As the first faint streaks of dawn began to "lace the severing clouds,"
+the poet stood alone in his apartment. His guests had left him, and his
+room shewed tokens of the revel they had been engaged in.</p>
+
+<p>The revellers had drank deep, for they were such as would be most likely
+to give themselves up to the peculiar enjoyment of the hour. Shakespeare
+had cheered the cup for them.</p>
+
+<p>As the glorious poet glanced upon the heap of empty flaskets, broken
+bottles, remnants of long-necked glasses, and capacious bowled pipes,
+together with all the <i>débris</i> of a long-continued orgie, he smiled, and
+stepping to the lattice-window, threw it open, and stood to enjoy the
+refreshing breeze from the river.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he stood and gazed upon the Thames, the boats containing his
+recent guests glided past, on their way to Greenwich; for Essex and
+Southampton, when they found themselves regularly set in for an orgie,
+had some time before sent away their steeds.</p>
+
+<p>They waved their hands an they passed, on observing the poet, and he
+remained listening to the music from the boat which followed the barge
+of Essex, as it grew fainter and fainter in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>As Shakespeare turned from the window, the arras near the fire-place was
+lifted, and two persons noiselessly entered. He started as he beheld
+them, for by the faint morning light he distinguished in one of them the
+beautiful female we have before remarked, dwelling beneath his roof; the
+other was our old friend Martin. Something more than ordinary he well
+knew must have caused her to enter the wing of the building he
+inhabited; in addition to which, he saw she was equipped in her
+masculine costume, and, together with her companion, prepared for a
+journey.</p>
+
+<p>"We have come to bid you farewell," she said, as the poet stepped up to
+her, and took her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"This is somewhat sudden," he returned. "I hoped to have been of your
+party into Warwickshire."</p>
+
+<p>"Certain spies, good Master Shakespeare," said Martin, "have it seems
+noted this lady's residence beneath your roof, and she has fallen under
+suspicion of treasonable matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the lady, "my faithful friend and adviser here has
+discovered so much. My presence here might even compromise you, my kind
+friend and preserver. We have therefore resolved, at once, to set off on
+our journey."</p>
+
+<p>"And how then have you learnt this?" inquired Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, heed not my means of intelligence," said Martin. "Thou know'st I
+possess the secret of divination, or I could never have at last escaped
+the Spanish Inquisition, and discovered the residence of this lady in
+London. Suffice it we know our danger, and must fly."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you then still purpose seeking Kenilworth?" inquired Shakespeare
+of his beautiful friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I do," she replied. "Lady Leicester is my friend. She will, I trust,
+be able to do service to him we wish well to. My best hope is from that
+quarter."</p>
+
+<p>"I have already seen the Earl," said Shakespeare, "and my own
+expectations, in that quarter, touch ground."</p>
+
+<p>"From the Earl himself I never entertained a particle of hope," said the
+lady, "his Countess may, however, serve us, for she is my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"All good angels, then, speed you on your journey!" said Shakespeare. "I
+have myself other chances here. The Earl of Essex hath promised to speak
+with the Queen, ere another day passes, added to which, Lord Southampton
+and Sir Walter Raleigh have sworn to back his suit."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you, then, seen the Earl of Essex on this matter?" inquired
+Martin, in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"He and Lord Southampton were here but now," said Shakespeare, smiling,
+and pointing to the confused state of the apartment. "Behold the witness
+of their revel. Some ten minutes back they left me to take boat for
+Greenwich, where the Queen at present stays."</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell, then," said the lady sorrowing, "we dare no longer stay, may
+we soon meet again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven grant it, fair excellence," said Shakespeare, "until I again
+revisit my home in Warwickshire, I shall have but small contentment. But
+until I see my friend out of jeopardy, and clear of imprisonment, I have
+neither home nor friends there."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis like yourself," said the lady. "Farewell! We shall soon then meet,
+I trust. Walter Arderne once relieved from durance, and my task is
+effected."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LVIII" id="CHAPTER_LVIII"></a>CHAPTER LVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>STRATFORD AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>After absence from a well-known locality how fresh and verdant seems
+every spot there. The mind which has dwelt, again and again, upon every
+nook and corner, unmarked perhaps and unappreciated whilst in the
+neighbourhood, becomes enamoured absolutely of trivialities and trifles.
+How well doth the exile, eating the bitter bread of banishment, perhaps
+breathing the hot air of the tropics, many, many thousand leagues from
+the quiet village in which he first drew breath&mdash;how well doth he
+recollect, and dwell with fondness upon each street or lane of the
+village suburb, the school-boy spot, the home the wanderer longs for
+with an undying desire!</p>
+
+<p>And if such be the case, how anxiously, and even sadly, do we think upon
+those relatives and friends domesticated in the far-away home, and see
+them in their old-accustomed places. Relations so dear and friends so
+esteemed, yet, perhaps, never again to be met with in life, and
+therefore more cherished in our thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>And Shakespeare had oft-times felt this anxiety during the time his
+self-exile lasted. In his own mind he had resolved that, until he had
+"name and fame," he had "nothing at Stratford." Those dearly loved
+friends should not again look upon the unthrift younker; and unless the
+man redeemed the courses wild of the youth, he would no more return.</p>
+
+<p>How far he had already succeeded our readers have seen; and even the
+little world of Stratford began to feel pride in him they had before so
+lightly regarded.</p>
+
+<p>Master William Shakespeare, it was affirmed amongst the wise-acres of
+the Falcon Inn, had indited two several poems, some said three, of such
+exceeding merit, that they had afforded exceeding delight to the
+grandees and gallants of Elizabeth's court. Sonnets, too, innumerable,
+had fallen amongst the fair dames of the palace, like the perfumed
+flowers blown by the sweet south.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, William Shakespeare was said to be a favourite with the Queen
+herself. Two plays he had also produced&mdash;plays of most exquisite fancy.
+The Adonis of the Court,&mdash;the "wealthy-curled darling of the land," the
+favourite Essex, was his personal friend. My Lord Southampton his
+patron. And more than this, than these, than all, William Shakespeare
+had made money, thriven, purchased property, become a proprietor of one
+of the theatres in London.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Heaven, I wonder what made him ever go away from us?' said Master
+Mumble, the head-bailiff.</p>
+
+<p>"I always said there was something in him," said Master Lamb.</p>
+
+<p>"He was ever a clever dog though a mischievous one," said Cramboy.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost think he will come back amongst us?" inquired Teazle. "Methinks I
+long to look upon one who hath written three poems, a whole litany of
+sonnets, and two masques or mysteries."</p>
+
+<p>"An he do come amongst us again," said the head-bailiff, "I, for one,
+vote we make him master of the free school."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Cramboy, "I know not how far to agree with you there, before
+we go to such lengths, let us peruse his works; there is some
+difference, my masters all, between teaching one's boys their <i>quis</i>,
+their <i>quæs</i>, and their <i>quods</i>, and writing jingling rhymes for the
+amusement of the Londoners and the Court."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the mayor, "we might make him parish-clerk. Something we
+ought to offer him, methinks, an he comes back amongst us. Body o' me,
+hath he not written two poems and a play? There be those amongst us who
+cannot even write their own names, much more a poem such as 'tis said
+this William Shakespeare hath produced."</p>
+
+<p>"Hath any one seen these poems you speak of?" inquired Master Scourge.</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, I believe mine host hath a copy of one brought from London by a
+gentleman of the Court, and left behind him. I saw it myself not a week
+ago and looked at the title-page, 'tis called Tartquin and Lucrece, a
+very clever book, if I may judge from the look of the binding."</p>
+
+<p>"We will see that poem," said the bailiff; and the host, being
+accordingly summoned, produced a small volume, which the head-bailiff
+with infinite gravity, after laying aside his pipe and adjusting his
+spectacles, proceeded to read. Scarcely, however, had he got through one
+verse ere he paused and looked over his glasses at the grave auditors
+who sat in judgment upon the production, whilst they themselves puffed
+out such clouds of smoke, that it appeared they were resolved the
+bailiff should scarce observe the impression produced.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not speak, my masters," said the head-bailiff, "have you heard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," returned Master Cramboy.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you approve?" inquired the head-bailiff.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem," said the mercer, "'Speak that I may know thee,' saith the
+proverb; proceed;" and the bailiff read another verse.</p>
+
+<p>"Fie! fie!" said Master Teazle, "what stuff is here? My service to you,
+my masters all, and a merry Christmas. How say you now to making Master
+William Shakespeare master of the free school,&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I proceed any further?" inquired the head-bailiff.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a line," said Cramboy. "I feel quite scandalized. What a depraved
+taste the Court must have! Allow me, however to look at the binding of
+this volume," and Cramboy quietly noted down where the book was to be
+bought in order that he might procure and read it as soon as he could,
+the rest of the company quietly following his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said John Peto, the tanner, "after all what is fame? Here hath
+our fellow-townsman gained much celebrity by such matter as we have
+heard. Trash, my masters; lies, conjured up by the fumes of sack and
+Canary. Marry, the lad hath a quick wit, I dare be sworn, but how he
+hath gotten himself into the good graces of the powerful by such matter
+I marvel."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember me," said Master Richard Coomb, (who was known amongst his
+co-mates by the sobriquet of Thin Beard, from the circumstance of his
+wearing a starved cane-coloured beard), "I remember me that our
+townsman, John Shakespeare, father of this William, had from his youth
+upwards, a quick and shrewd wit. Nay, by 'ur Lady, he must be about my
+own age; by the same token I played oft-times with him when he was a boy
+and living with his father at Snitterfield."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," said Mumble, "he came to Stratford from Snitterfield. He held
+lands there when he was better off. Did'st know Richard Shakespeare,
+grandfather to this William? He was well to do, and had lands and beeves
+at Snitterfield."</p>
+
+<p>"I did know him," returned Coomb; "that is, I do remember me of him. By
+'ur Lady, a proper man of his hands as ever you would wish to look
+on,&mdash;aye, and a pleasant man to speak with too."</p>
+
+<p>"Did not your brother, John Coomb, accommodate Master John Shakespeare,
+at his need, with moneys, not long back?" inquired Cramboy.</p>
+
+<p>"In sooth did he," returned Thin Beard, "more than once, I can tell
+thee."</p>
+
+<p>"And did I not hear that John Coomb pressed him hard for repayment, and
+would have clapped him up in jail but for the debt being defrayed by
+this poet of our's,&mdash;this William his son,&mdash;so soon as he became aware
+of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, 'tis true enough," said Thin Beard; "I may not deny that my
+brother doth press hard for moneys due."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to," said Mumble; "we all know John Coomb and his usances well
+enough without your confession. 'Tis creditable to Master hath been
+given to courses wild. I like him better for his befriending his father
+than for his poetry."</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said the head bailiff, laying down his pipe, and rising from his
+chair, "Let us drink the health of our good townsman, since he hath so
+far done honour to the place of his birth. Who knows, he may do even
+better yet! We have not altogether approved of the production here
+before us, peradventure his songs and sonnets are in better taste than
+his lampoons. Fill, my masters, to the brim. Since the Queen delights to
+honour Master Shakespeare, here's his health, and may he soon return
+amongst us!"</p>
+
+<p>And if such was the feeling entertained towards the poet by the more
+mechanical portion of the community of Stratford, those of higher degree
+felt a proportionable share of respect, since they could better
+appreciate his merits.</p>
+
+<p>And now, having once more returned to the spot from whence we started,
+we must again revisit some of the localities in and around that sweet
+neighbourhood. Sir Hugh Clopton having also returned from London on
+business of import, is once more to be seen in his old dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>Since we last beheld him located there, many stirring events have
+transpired. His life, on the whole, has passed, since the action with
+the Armada, in ease and quietude. At the present moment, however, he is
+in some trouble, consequent upon the untoward events connected with his
+nephew. Nay, he has returned to London for the purpose of parting with
+all he possesses, so that he may but pay off the huge debts Walter
+Arderne has become liable for, and save him from the other difficulties
+he is surrounded by.</p>
+
+<p>It is now far advanced in the month of September. The season is wet and
+dreary,&mdash;one of those unhealthy seasons which produce much sickness
+throughout the land. The continued rain had flooded the country around.
+The roads, never at this period good, are now almost impassable. The
+woods are wrapped in mist, and the marsh lands a perfect sea.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The fold stands empty in the drowned field,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And crows are fatted with the murrain flocks,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The nine men's morris is filled up with mud,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the quaint mazes in the wanton green,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For lack of tread, are undistinguishable;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Whilst on old Hyem's chin and icy crown,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Is, as in mockery, set."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh, after conferance with his man of business, is preparing in a
+few days again to set off for London. A journey of such extent is,
+however, matter of some consideration and considerable danger at such a
+season, with weather so unpropitious.</p>
+
+<p>As the old knight looks out upon the chase, the gloom of the aspect adds
+to the gloom of his spirits.</p>
+
+<p>Such a prospect is always calculated to beget a certain share of
+despondency, even in the most cheerful temper, and Sir Hugh has had
+enough of sorrow in his time to make him rather a grave than a merry
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight, however, is not the man to give way to despair under
+circumstances like the present.</p>
+
+<p>"Goods news, an Heaven will," he said, as he suddenly descried a
+horseman, with head bent to the saddle-bow, come sparring against the
+driving wind, his cloak blown into a balloon, the mire and water flying
+into the air as he dashed across the chase towards the mansion.</p>
+
+<p>During the prevalence of heavy and continued rain, any object which
+enlivens the wet landscape, even in our own dull times, becomes of
+interest. In Elizabeth's day, when so many events of import were
+transpiring, and when news came but rarely to a country place, the
+arrival of a post as tho armed and heavily-accoutred horseman was
+called was of peculiar interest. He brought, perhaps, intelligence of
+the danger or death of those nearest and dearest, and now heard for the
+first time. He bore, perchance, some secret intelligence of warning,
+some caution against an imminent, deadly foe, some hint to put the seas
+between the receiver and his native land.</p>
+
+<p>To Sir Hugh the sight of the coming horseman, as he emerged from the
+belt of plantation, and dashed into the open chase, was fraught almost
+with alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"God grant," he said, an he strained his eyes to observe if he could
+recognize the features of the rider, "that this new comer may bring me
+good tidings of our Walter."</p>
+
+<p>The increasing gloom, however, for it was now evening, hindered the
+knight from recognizing the person of the horseman. He heard the clatter
+of the hoofs of the steed along the approach, and, as he threw open the
+door, the rider having dismounted, unceremoniously entered the room. The
+next moment his hand was caught in the iron gripe of Captain Fluellyn.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast news, Captain," said Sir Hugh, "news of import, or thou
+would'st scarce have left my nephew in his captivity?"</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> news, good Sir Hugh," said the Captain; "and when I have in
+something recovered wind enough, I will unfold it to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good! an Heaven will," said Sir Hugh; "my nephew, good Captain&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is well," returned the Captain, "and commends him to you. Nay, he is,
+in some sort, out of his difficulties&mdash;that is to say, in as far as the
+charge of treason goeth."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, then, Heaven be praised for that!" said Sir Hugh, "for the other
+matter, the worst is but worldly loss."</p>
+
+<p>"We are not so sure of that, either," returned the Captain, "affairs
+have altogether taken a new turn. Your nephew hath desired my return at
+once to inform you thereof, so as to stop your making any sacrifice of
+property."</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Heaven, this doth surprise me!" said the Knight, "but come, we
+will hear such matter at more leisure, and after you have refreshed
+yourself, for you seem to have ridden far and fast since morning."</p>
+
+<p>"I have," said the Captain. "I am stained with variation of each soil,
+'twist this seat of yours and the town of Oxford, and the ways are
+wondrous foul and hard to travel over, too. A cup of wine and a rasher
+will be welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have the best that Clopton can afford," said the Knight,
+hurrying out, and calling lustily to his servants to prepare the evening
+meal without delay.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the Captain, having divested himself of his heavy
+riding-cloak, and removed the long petronels, rapier, and dagger from
+his side, was in a few minutes more seated cozily in a high-backed chair
+beneath the chimney, and opposite his host.</p>
+
+<p>Between the pair stood a small table, plentifully furnished with several
+sorts of wine. A glorious log of wood blazed upon the hearth, and whilst
+the servants brought in the refreshments which furnished forth the
+evening meal, the new comer between each mouthful delivered his news to
+the greedy ears of his host.</p>
+
+<p>"Many events of import have transpired," said he, as he at length pushed
+his plate from him, in token that the inner man was satisfied; "aye, and
+that too in the short period since you left London to arrange matters
+here. In the first place, I need not inform you that both yourself and
+Walter Arderne had a secret foe at Court."</p>
+
+<p>"Of that I have long been aware," said Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Most probably," said the Captain. "A foe is generally found sooner or
+later, like the blind mole, by the effects of his progress; but I have
+unearthed this mole."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said Sir Hugh, "that's a point gained any how."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, more, I have discovered you have also a secret and powerful friend
+at Court, and the friend is more powerful than the foe. Witness the
+effects. Your nephew is released from all responsibility on the subject
+of the treasonable charge trumped up against him, and, as he himself
+bade me deliver to you, is in a fair way of getting rid also of other
+matters appertaining."</p>
+
+<p>"And how is this derived?" said Sir Hugh. "You amaze me with so much
+good news, I pray you expound unto me the names of these persons who
+have interested themselves for and against me and mine. Set this foe
+before me, that I may know him, good Captain. 'Fore Heaven, I am old,
+but I have still some skill in fence. Thou shalt bear a cartel to the
+caitiff."</p>
+
+<p>"It could be easily done," returned the Captain, filling his pipe and
+puffing out a volume of smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore gad, then," said Sir Hugh, lighting a fellow pipe, and performing
+upon it with equal gusto, "you shall find it shall be as promptly done."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever had personal quarrel with the Earl of Leicester?"
+inquired the Captain.</p>
+
+<p>"None, as I am a gentleman," said Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," said the Captain, "hath it been through his means that your
+nephew's late troubles have been brought to a serious issue, so indeed
+as to threaten his life as well as deprive him of his liberty."</p>
+
+<p>"Were he twenty times an earl," said Sir Hugh, "he shall answer it. Thou
+shalt seek him, Captain, in my name, and demand the why and wherefore."</p>
+
+<p>"I had much rather be excused," said the Captain, eyeing the gyrations
+of the smoke, and then peeping at Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>"How?" said Sir Hugh. "Wilt not be then my friend, good Captain? Well,
+be it so, I will to my good neighbour, Sir Thomas Lucy. He is a man to
+beard fifty earls, be they ever so powerful."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Thomas Lucy could hardly do your message either," said the Captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, say'st thou! Truly, then, thou knowest not the goodness and
+hot-valour of the knight of Charlecote; he is a true friend, and right
+honest. But wherefore should Sir Thomas refuse to carry a cartel to the
+Earl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because Sir Thomas would scarce carry a cartel to one unable to reply
+to it," said the Captain. "The Earl of Leicester is dead. He died two
+nights back at Cornbury, on his way to Kenilworth. So much I learnt as I
+tarried at Oxford, where, moreover, I further heard strange rumours of
+the manner of his death."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad-a-mercy!" said Sir Hugh, "this doth indeed surprise me. What a
+world is this we live in. Dead, quotha! and mine enemy too! Well this is
+news, indeed. But then this friend at Court, good Captain? methinks I
+should not forget to ask for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem!" said the Captain. "Of that, anon. Bless me! how heavily the rain
+beats against the casement. Foul weather this, good Sir Hugh, for
+travellers. Truly the night hath come down dark, as a wolf's mouth, and
+ways be both foul and dangerous."</p>
+
+<p>"Hast any friend on the road to-night, good Captain?" inquired Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>"I was consorted," said the Captain, "as far as Oxford by one who
+over-rode me on the way soon after leaving London, and whom I left at
+Oxford with a purpose of following hitherward. He is a native of
+Stratford, and one of pleasanter mood I never travelled withal. The man,
+I think, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"And his name?" inquired Sir Hugh. "Come, fill your glass."</p>
+
+<p>"William Shakespeare," said the Captain. "He who wrote the play we saw
+in London."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh laid down his pipe, and rose to his feet. "Is Shakespeare
+coming back?" he said. "'Fore Heaven, thou canst not think, my good
+friend the pleasure such information gives me. Thou canst not tell what
+I feel towards that young man&mdash;so little known, yet so well
+appreciated."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha," said the Captain, "so have I heard you say."</p>
+
+<p>"I have before named to thee," said Sir Hugh, "former passages in which
+my family became acquainted with this Shakespeare, and how we received
+an inestimable service from him in his early youth. And I tell thee now
+my very soul yearned to go to that man when in London and clasp him to
+my heart, but I was ashamed. I gave ear to the tales of his enemies; I
+believed him to have become worthless and an outcast in the world. And,
+as I shamed to take part with him in adversity, so I shame to see his
+face in his hour of triumph. But I love that man. Nay, I am old,
+Captain, but the words of his poetry, as we listened to it that night,
+yet ring in mine ears."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly then," said the Captain, whose rough nature was in something
+moved, "your friendship is not ill bestowed. This Shakespeare hath
+bestirred himself in your nephew's favour, and procured his release from
+the graver charge of treason. He hath interested the Queen, through my
+Lords of Essex and Southampton, and hath given me a clue by which I have
+discovered the villany of our Stratford lawyer here, Pouncet Grasp, the
+secret foe through whose influence the Earl of Leicester was made
+instrumental. Nay, Shakespeare hath been your good friend, Sir Hugh."</p>
+
+<p>"And is he in sooth coming back to Stratford?" said Sir Hugh, rubbing
+his hands. "In prosperity or adversity, he shall be welcome as if he
+were mine own son."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly," said the Captain, "I can in some sort almost feel the same
+towards this friend of thine, for never travelled I with one who so
+cheered the long miles 'twixt post and post. He was right pleasant and
+facetious all the miry way 'twixt Acton and Oxbridge. I wished the miles
+twice us long whilst we pricked across the waste land towards
+Beaconsfield. Neither wind nor rain, or mud or mire, could alter his
+merry mood, as, by night, we made our way towards Walting Town; and when
+we lost our route, and were nearly drowned in the marshes of Abingdon,
+he turned our danger into a jest. Nothing came amiss to this
+Shakespeare; he had a saying for every mistake, and a good word for
+every misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Such a comrade," said Sir Hugh, "were worth something on a journey."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Sir Hugh," returned the Captain, "I have travelled far and near,
+yet never met I with such another. By 'ur Lady, I have consorted with
+your Dane, drank with your Hollander, revelled with your Frenchman, and
+fought with your Spaniard, yet none did I ever find who could hold
+comparison with this man."</p>
+
+<p>"I marvel you came not on further together," said Sir Hugh, "since you
+so well relished his companionship."</p>
+
+<p>"He tarried, as I told you, at Oxford," returned the Captain, "where it
+seems he had appointed to meet other company. Nay, I myself also tarried
+one night at Oxford, to rest my horse. We put up at the hostel of the
+Crown, and, in sooth, a merrier night I never spent withal. This
+Shakespeare hath a peculiar art. He made himself familiar amidst the
+various guests, and drew them out to exhibit themselves after the most
+exquisite fashion. Nay, the hostess of the Crown was herself a woman of
+exceeding wit and beauty, and seemed to relish the society of the
+player."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that hostel," said Sir Hugh. "'Tis kept by one Davenant; and the
+hostess is indeed, as you say, 'a most sweet wench.'"<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LIX" id="CHAPTER_LIX"></a>CHAPTER LIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>KENILWORTH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our readers, we doubt not, have for some time entertained a shrewd
+suspicion regarding the somewhat indistinct character latterly flitting
+about amongst the <i>dramatis personæ</i> of our story. The Lady Clara de
+Mowbray, in her own proper person, has of late been but little seen in
+the twisted and ravelled skein of this history.</p>
+
+<p>The fortunes of him who is enshrined in all hearts, has of necessity
+thrown all minor characters into the shade.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the doings of so exquisite a creature as Clara de Mowbray,
+are worthy of the contemplation of our readers, for both in station and
+disposition she was considerably elevated above the ordinary fragments
+of the world.</p>
+
+<p>She was a being in whom the best elements were mingled that she might
+well have been the worshipped idol of the noblest of the other sex. And
+yet have we seen this female, by one of those curious chances so common
+in real life, left alone almost in the world, steering her course across
+the ocean of adventurous deeds, unknown, and, apparently, unappreciated.
+And is not thin oft-times the case? Do we not oft-times see in the world
+the most paltry portions of humanity, the most impudent and assuming?
+The moat common-place, the most vain, and the most unworthy, exacting
+the most homage? Nay, succeeding in life better than the good and
+virtuous?</p>
+
+<p>Clara de Mowbray was one worthy of an emperor's love; a creature we do
+occasionally, but rarely, meet with in the world; a sort of descended
+angel amongst mortals, sent apparently as the pattern, the model, for
+the baser worldlings to "dress themselves by." The world, however, would
+perhaps be likely to censure Clara, and her virtues to stand her but as
+enemies&mdash;her innocence and her regardlessness of form and ceremony, her
+recklessness of paltry opinion, be considered unmaidenly and bold! and
+so might the world think and say, for Clara possessed a spirit as
+undaunted in the resolve to carry out her projects as she was pure in
+heart and beautiful in person. If she had a fault it was her unbended
+determination to go through with any thing she once undertook. She was
+the creature of romance too, and altogether would have been better
+suited for a more romantic age than that in which she lived. Albeit her
+own times gave some scope for the exercise of her peculiarities.</p>
+
+<p>We have seen that from childhood she had loved Arderne; she had had so
+many opportunities of observing his excellence and worth, that spite of
+her better reason, and against hope, she had loved. It was one of those
+unselfish passions which hopes all for the being beloved, and nothing
+for self. She knew that the object of her thoughts had been engaged
+elsewhere, that his affections were buried in the tomb of Charlotte
+Clopton, but that altered not her feelings towards him a jot. Whilst he
+lived, it was something to breathe in the same hemisphere; and to add to
+his happiness and prosperity, even by stealth, was her study.</p>
+
+<p>Hence have we seen her in disguise seeking to deliver him from the
+horrors of captivity or starvation on a desolate shore. Herself enduring
+the extremity of mishap, and then rescued from captivity of the
+Spaniard. Hence have we seen her bequeathing, in the event of her own
+death, all she possessed upon the one so beloved, and hence have we
+seen her, and her extraordinary disposition revelled in such a
+situation, the disguised comrade, and then the guest of the wonderful
+man whose course of life it has been our task to follow. And hence we
+find her, up to the present period of our story, still bending all her
+energies to restore the fortunes and happiness of Walter Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>In all things, however, Clara de Mowbray, as we have before hinted,
+chose to follow her own notions comparatively unknown, certainly she
+thought unloved by the object of her affections. She shrank from all
+idea of being recognised as the benefactor of Arderne, lest he should
+consider himself bound to tender her the devotion of the life she had
+sought to save. She pursued, therefore, an extremely cautious and
+erratic mode in all her proceeding. Even Shakespeare, the friend, the
+wonderful man who had saved her from the Spaniard, she feared entirely
+to place confidence in. The poet, however, had carefully studied the
+character of this beautiful female, resolved to thwart her ultimate
+intentions regarding herself, and if possible, to make her happy.</p>
+
+<p>How strangely then flows the tide of human events. Clara de Mowbray
+alive, in health, and the real possessor of enormous wealth, was
+apparently dead to the world as to herself, her affections she thought
+unrequited. On the object of those affections she had conferred all her
+worldly goods, and herself she had intended to dedicate to Heaven.</p>
+
+<p>She was a Catholic, and she meant, as soon an she saw all her schemes in
+a fair way of completion, to seclude herself from the world. She had
+arranged matters so as to retire to a convent in Navarre. With Arderne
+the case was as singular. This youth, so much thought of for his
+excellent disposition, albeit he mourned the beautiful Clara as one
+dead, adored her memory as a reality, and, had he suspected her of being
+in life, would have put a girdle round the earth to find her out.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Love like a shadow flies, when substation love pursues,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And that such should be the case,&mdash;that the melancholy Walter should
+become enamoured of what seemed but a shadow, is not surprising in a man
+of his disposition. The splendid domains be had succeeded to, the
+romance of the situation altogether, his remembrance of the sometime
+heiress of these broad lands, at last caused him to be so enamoured of
+her bare memory that the subject of her beauty formed the entire subject
+of his thoughts. It seemed to him that she haunted each dell and glided
+about the stately halls of her forefathers, sighed in the winds which
+swept around the battlements of her ancestry; and, indeed, pervaded
+every spot around the woods and groves she had conferred upon him. The
+remembrance of his former love was by a newer object quite obliterated.
+The good Walter, in short, became a sort of dreamy person. For hours
+together would he stand in the long gallery at Shottery, and
+contemplate the picture of Clara de Mowbray; and had not Grasp's
+machinations, by driving him from these thoughts and from possession of
+the domains, driven him from the haunts that engendered them, he would
+most probably have become a melancholy maniac or a misanthrope.</p>
+
+<p>Clara de Mowbray had in her early youth, beside the unfortunate
+Charlotte Clopton, one other dear and valued friend, the unhappy
+Countess of Leicester. This beautiful woman, whom the dark Earl had
+become enamoured of whilst her first husband was alive, he was reported
+to have "played most foully for." He was said, indeed to have poisoned
+Walter, Earl of Essex, in order to gain her hand.</p>
+
+<p>The sorrowful Countess, who had ample leisure to repent of her second
+marriage, had been greatly attached to Clara, and frequently when she
+could escape from the splendid cares, "the glistering grief," of her own
+home, had been wont to pour her sorrows into the ear of the heiress. She
+had consequently been the only person, except the eccentric Martin, who
+was the entire confident of Clara. She had known of her attachment, and
+also had been privy to her adventure in search of her lover; she also
+knew of her determination to retire from the world it she succeeded, and
+in common with the world, she imagined Clara had perished in the
+attempt; but as she had been sworn to secresy by her young friend, ere
+she departed, so she had faithfully kept counsel.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, but a few days before the Earl of Leicester's death, to
+her astonishment, in the disguised individual who sought her at
+Kenilworth, the Countess beheld her dearly-loved friend, accompanied by
+the long lost Martin. How they had escaped from shipwreck and all the
+"portance of their travelled history," the Countess had small time to
+learn, for soon after their arrival she herself was summoned to the sick
+Earl at Cornbury Park.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess, however, had granted Clara the boon she asked,&mdash;a letter
+to the Queen in favour of Arderne; and this letter, together with the
+applications of Essex and Southampton, had procured Walter's release;
+after which, together with the faithful Martin, Clara again sought
+retirement at Kenilworth.</p>
+
+<p>And, oh! if that splendid record of pride and power could have spoken,
+what tales of sorrow and suffering, as well as of grandeur, what proofs
+of unbridled power could it have told. Those magnificent buildings of
+Leicester, where such princely revels had been held&mdash;how could they have
+uttered forth a wailing lament over the wickedness of unchecked and
+headstrong will! Those gaudy and tapestried chambers, the last built,
+the first to go to decay&mdash;how well could they have divulged the
+whispered deceit of human nature, the cunning and the baseness of the
+<i>parvenu</i> Earl who reared them!</p>
+
+<p>For one hour those rooms had "blazed with light, and bray'd with
+minstrelsy," how many dark and melancholy weeks had they to tell of,
+whilst sorrow and whispered horror, and surmise that "dared not speak
+its fear," had reigned there! How had the very domestics feared the
+descending shadows in those vast rooms, and where the night-shriek
+"disturbed the curtain sleep!" Deeds of evil note had had their reign in
+those chambers. The wail of sorrow had been heard oft-times in the long
+winter's nights, in the dungeons of that castle; and, even to her who
+was the mistress there, that bright castle-lake, the fair scene without,
+all had been looked upon from those arched windows with eyes that marked
+not their beauty,&mdash;she, who was the wife of their possessor, slept there
+in fear.</p>
+
+<p>Through the instrumentality of Essex and Southampton, on becoming better
+known to those chivalrous men, Arderne had been so much liked, that they
+had introduced him to the Queen; and Elizabeth was so struck with his
+handsome form and gallant bearing, that she had taken him into favour,
+and employed him in her service.</p>
+
+<p>The national spirit of England had been so much, aroused by the Spanish
+invasion, that nothing less than some attempt at retaliation would
+satisfy the people. Don Anthonia, titular King of Portugal, was a
+suppliant at the English Court for assistance to establish him on the
+throne of his ancestors; and as Elizabeth rather relished the policy,
+albeit she liked not the cost of such a measure, she gave leave to her
+subjects to fit out an expedition for the liberation of Portugal from
+the Spanish yoke, always providing they did it at their own proper
+charge, she lending them ships of war.</p>
+
+<p>This expedition the valiant Arderne resolved, at a hint from the Queen,
+to join; and, albeit he was forbidden to have anything to do with it by
+the doating Queen, the rash and headstrong Essex also resolved to play
+the knight-errant, and, escaping from the silken fetters of his courtly
+mistress, as a simple volunteer accompany the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Clara de Mowbray, meantime, was the guest of her early friend, Lettice,
+Countess of Leicester, at Kenilworth; the Countess, during the period of
+her mourning, being resident at the castle. Some three weeks had passed
+away since the Earl's death, and even in that short space, many events
+bad transpired. Arderne was released from all graver charges; Grasp,
+although discomfited, terrified and conscience-stricken, was still
+endeavouring to make a good fight for his client; and Shakespeare was
+returning to his wife and family. True to his resolve, after his own
+return to Stratford-upon-Avon, Grasp as soon as he recovered himself,
+had hastened to Charlecote with intelligence that the "sometime
+deer-stealer" was at length forthcoming, and would but Sir Thomas give
+fresh instructions, he, Grasp, would still pursue the delinquent, and
+bring him to condign punishment.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Thomas had, however, entirely changed his opinion upon the subject
+of the offence, it appeared. He had also changed his opinion of Grasp,
+and summoning his head-falconer, old Hubert, he desired him to call
+together several of his followers, and toss Grasp in a blanket in the
+park&mdash;the knight watching the operations with infinite gusto from his
+window.</p>
+
+<p>Such happiness, therefore, as usually falls to the share of mortals in
+this work-a-day world, may be supposed to have fallen to the share of
+many of tho individuals connected with our story.</p>
+
+<p>In outward seeming, such was, indeed the case.</p>
+
+<p>But perfect happiness is, in reality, beyond the reach of mortals. It is
+the green spot in the distance, and that on which we stand is ever but a
+sterile promontory.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"What we have not, still we strive to get,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And what we have, <i>forget</i>."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>It was one evening, about three weeks after Leicester's death, that the
+Countess and her interesting friend were seated in one of those
+magnificent apartments in the buildings to which the Earl had given his
+name.</p>
+
+<p>Few, as we have before said, as they gaze upon this now ruined shell,
+can have an adequate notion of its former state and grandeur. The
+buildings reared by that proud Earl, almost for the sole purpose of
+offering to the Queen the most sumptuous entertainment ever given by
+subject to sovereign, seemed, indeed, reared but for that one scene of
+pomp and grandeur, and afterwards to have remained a sad memento of the
+mutability of human greatness, and then sank unnoted to decay. As they
+had added their sum of more to that before enormous pile, so had they,
+in their vastness, remained almost too spacious for a subject's means.
+For the castle altogether, with its numerous flanking towers, and the
+additions which had been made to it from time to time seemed capable of
+containing an army within the roundure of its walls.</p>
+
+<p>As the Countess sat with her friend in one of the magnificent apartments
+of Leicester's Building, she listened to the recital Clara had to give
+of her own escape from death, when taken prisoner by the Spaniard.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas a delicious evening. The October winds sighed upon the lake
+without, and scattered the dried leaves from the woodland on the
+opposite shore. The setting sun shone like gold upon the turrets of the
+castle, and tinged the massive forest, as the Lady Clara glanced
+occasionally in the direction where lay Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+Countess marked that glance as she sat opposite to her friend and
+beneath the huge chimney, for the coldness of the season, and the size
+of the room, made the blazing fire upon the hearth anything but
+disagreeable.</p>
+
+<p>"And after enduring so much," said the Countess, "you mean then, to
+retire for ever from the world&mdash;you will forsake him for whom you have
+adventured life, fortune, reputation."</p>
+
+<p>"I forsake none," said Clara. "Who knows or cares for one so solitary in
+the world! I bequeath to him I most love, all my worldly goods&mdash;myself I
+dedicate to heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"There is one other," said the Countess, "and whom I have heard you
+mention in terms of admiration and respect&mdash;will not his persuasion
+avail."</p>
+
+<p>"He is indeed a man," said Clara, with enthusiasm, "one whose words
+might do much. But are you quite sure he would not rather approve than
+censure my resolve? He knows something of my story, but like yourself,
+he is bound by me to secresy whilst I remain in England."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," said the Countess, "to what this friend has to urge;" and
+taking from a sort of cabinet a small packet, she read the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">I.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"From fairest creatures we desire increase,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That thereby beauty's rose might never die.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But as the riper should by time decease,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">His tender heir might bear his memory:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But then, contracted to thine own bright eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Feed'st thy light's frame with self-substantial fuel,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Making a famine where abundance lies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thou that art now the world's fresh ornament,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And only herald to the gaudy spring,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Within thine own bud buriest thy content,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And, tender churl, mak'st waste in niggarding,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Pity the world, or else this glutton be,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To eat the world's due, by the grave and thee.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8">II.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When forty winters shall besiege thy brow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Thy youth's proud livery, so gazed on now,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Will be a tatter'd weed, of small worth held:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then, being ask'd where all thy beauty lies,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Where all the treasure of thy lusty days;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To say, within thine own deep sunken eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Were an all-eating shame, and thriftless praise.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How much more praise deserved thy beauty's use,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">If thou could'st answer&mdash;'This fair-child of mine<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Shall sum my count, and make my old excuse,'&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Proving his beauty by succession thine.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">This were to be new made, when thou art old,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And see thy blood warm, when thou feel'st it cold."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>There was a pause after the Countess had read these sonnets, and which
+she, in common with the entire Court circle, had been delighted with
+when they first appeared. The beauty of the poetry, like sweet music,
+placed a spell upon the pair; such verse in those lordly apartments had
+a double influence.</p>
+
+<p>As Clara gazed around upon the arrassed walls, and then glanced from the
+window upon the sweet scene without,&mdash;when she looked towards the home
+of the poet, the spirit of that man seemed to breath around. In some
+sort the Countess of Leicester felt this, for both these high-born
+ladies knew Shakespeare; his exquisite poetry had stolen over their
+hearts. They were of the few of their day who already appreciated him.</p>
+
+<p>"Your story, Clara," said Lady Leicester, at length breaking silence,
+"convinces me this generous man carries with him the remembrance of some
+early grief&mdash;some secret sorrow never to be expressed. I feel as firmly
+convinced of it, as that you yourself are the excited cause of those
+sonnets I have just perused. The time of their production and
+circulation amongst us by Essex and Southampton&mdash;the circumstances under
+which you was rescued by this Shakespeare from the Spaniard&mdash;his
+discovery of your true sex, and subsequent contemplation of your
+exquisite disposition, Clara, all confirm it. Heaven grant thou sweetest
+and best of women, that this poetic friend does not himself love, and
+whilst he has pleaded for license to inform his friend Arderne of your
+secret, has not indeed felt a pang sharp as the stilleto of the
+Italian."</p>
+
+<p>Clara started at the words of the Countess, and a slight flush suffused
+her check. The thought was, for the moment, fraught with pleasant
+reminiscences, but then feelings of alarm pervaded her, lest there
+should be in reality some truth in the suspicion of her friend. That
+man, so immeasurably above all other mortals, to love her&mdash;that man,
+whose influence seemed always to pervade every spot around her, where
+aught noble, refined, or chivalrous breathed&mdash;that man, without whose
+society, even granting she were wedded to him she loved, she must now
+experience a void, a blank. For be it remembered that Clara de Mowbray
+had, from circumstances, been the intimate, the companion of
+Shakespeare, knew his sentiments, been with him in the hour when poetry
+flowed from lip as well as pen; and that whilst she had listened, his
+words had produced thoughts and imaginings belonging to the fabled ages
+of the early world, in Crete, in Sparta, and in Thessaly.</p>
+
+<p>As the Countess remarked the effect her words had produced, she arose
+and walked to the window. How sad, she thought to herself, that the life
+of one so amiable should be an aimless one! How sad, that sorrow should
+inhabit that form where so much grace and beauty dwelt!</p>
+
+<p>Her thoughts, however, were speedily withdrawn from her friend, for at
+that moment the Major Domo, or steward of the Castle, his white wand in
+his hand, announced the arrival of a messenger from London bearing
+dispatches.</p>
+
+<p>"News," she said, as she took the several sealed packets and examined
+them. "News, Clara, and from my truant son."</p>
+
+<p>"The messenger, an it so please ye," said the steward, "announces the
+Earl is on his road hitherward, and with a goodly company."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis even so," said Lady Leicester; "he writes me word he hath returned
+from Lisbon, where nothing but discomfort, sickness, and mortality
+attended the English army. Six out of eighteen thousand having already
+fallen victims to the climate."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you news of others present in that ill-omened expedition?"
+inquired Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing save that some of his companions of the expedition are with
+him. The Queen, I find, by another packet," said Lady Leicester, "is
+much blamed for permitting this expedition to be undertaken at all since
+it has thus failed. Nay, she hath been rated by Burleigh. The royal
+lioness is, therefore, chafed in spirit."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! and here is another letter," continued the Countess, as she perused
+a somewhat curious document, as curiously worded, and after a fashion
+not uncommon at a period when, "in speaking of dangerous majesty," it
+was necessary to be guarded. The letter was brief and secret, partly in
+figures, and the Countess read it aloud to her friend:</p>
+
+<p>"Let not 1500<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> gain sight of 1000 till anger subdueth, or the hot
+blood of 1000 will chafe at what may peradventure follow; 1500 is
+wrathful, and the enemies of 1000 have worked during absence; keep,
+therefore, valour and worth employed till matters cool. Not only hath
+the disobedience of 1000 offended in the expedition, but 1500 hath seen
+a printed volume<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> of <i>t&mdash;t's</i>, title to <i>a&mdash;a</i>, a device, doubtless,
+of some crafty knave and enemy; 50 hath been committed this day to the
+tower."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand it not," said Clara. "Albeit it is plain enough to the
+eye, the sense is mysterious."</p>
+
+<p>"It speaks to me of danger to my gallant son," said the Countess with a
+sigh, "and is from a dear and true industrious friend. It means that the
+Queen is angry with my son, and we must, therefore, hold him here if
+possible. You must aid me in this Clara, and we must endeavour to make
+Kenilworth a pleasing prison to him for a brief space."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou knowest," said Clara, "that I am thy guest under promise of strict
+incognito; thou knowest, dear Lettice, that I am strict in my resolve to
+remain unknown."</p>
+
+<p>"I know thou art proud in spirit, Clara, as becomes one of the princely
+line of Plantagenet. But 'tis a mother who asks thee to aid her in
+keeping her darling son from danger. Heaven knows I have little heart
+for revelling just now, but something we must invent to detain Essex at
+Kenilworth till the danger blows over."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LX" id="CHAPTER_LX"></a>CHAPTER LX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RETURN.</h3>
+
+
+<blockquote><p>Our readers must now again look upon the town of Stratford,
+whilst the bright mid-day sun shines upon its roof and
+chimneys, mid glitters like innumerable diamonds upon its
+multitudinous windows.
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>With one of those sudden changes so common to our climate, the damp
+weather has cleared up, and turned to frost. The air is light and
+cheerful, and a hoary tinge is given to all around.</p>
+
+<p>How sweetly rural are the quiet old towns of England, as the approaching
+winter begins to give us that cozy anticipation of the comforts and
+fire-side enjoyments to come with the snow and the bracing blast.</p>
+
+<p>In Elizabeth's day, when the season was fraught with games and revels,
+each house in the quaint-looking street seemed to promise its
+hospitality. The citizens' wives, as they bustled through the street,
+appeared to experience this feeling. The native burghers seemed to
+accost each other with a more cordial greeting. The change, even in the
+open country, albeit it is sterile, and the "one red leaf" is all that
+dances on the tall tree, is so seasonable, that it is grateful. The
+human mortals love the coming winter. Its change seems to freshen up all
+around. Even the old crone, shivering in the ingle neuk, looks with a
+renewed feeling of pleasure upon the frosted pane, and listens to the
+sound of the wind without with a kind of enjoyable feeling as she turns
+her eye again upon the bright hearth-log. Its very crackle seems to
+chirp of Christmas festivities&mdash;"to tell of youthful prime," and those
+departed days of lusty bachelorship and maiden coyness, with all the
+romps and revels of the time. And then, with the changeful current of
+thought, as remembrance dwells upon the many departed, amidst the many
+known,&mdash;then comes the more sombre picture, the superstitions of the old
+age, the sheeted ghost, the evil genius, the witch, and the thrice-told
+tale of Gramarie&mdash;those cherished remembrances of the hallowed period</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Wherein the Saviour's birth was celebrated."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Stratford, so picturesque in its old-world look, so peculiarly English,
+is just now putting on its winter garb.</p>
+
+<p>A couple of days subsequent to that on which Captain Fluellyn arrived at
+Clopton, whilst the inhabitants progressed the streets, they seemed once
+more filled with the import of recent news. Rumour, in the absence of
+all assured information, with all its exaggeration of circumstance, was
+afloat amongst them. The great difficulty amidst the variety of
+information was to gain the real story which had arrived. Grasp, who
+had suddenly returned, had brought it; but then Grasp, who was hardly to
+be believed on his oath, had shut himself up the moment he arrived, and
+would see no one. Certain, however, it was (for everybody said it) that
+another desperate attempt had been made upon the life of the Queen. By
+some it was reported she had been stabbed; by others that she had been
+shot. Master Doubletongue went so far as to say that she was both dead
+and buried! But as such surmise amounted to treason, he was ordered by
+the head-bailiff to go about and deny all he had asserted, the drummer
+of the town being sent round with him, in order that he might proclaim
+himself a liar at every corner.</p>
+
+<p>Those of our readers who have an eye for the picturesque can, we dare
+say, imagine the High Street of Stratford-upon-Avon at this season of
+the year, peopled thus with inhabitants clad in their quaint costume,
+their short cloaks, doublets, and high-crowned hats. Those respectable,
+dignified, and grave-looking men, progressing with an assured and
+stately step, cane in hand, not hurrying about, as at the present day,
+but greeting each other with something of ceremony in their deportment.
+Many of them stand in groups of three or four and discuss the news,
+whilst the good wives of the town, albeit they are few in number, for it
+was not considered over seemly for the sober sort of females to be much
+upon the tramp, are also to be observed in their wide-brimmed hats,
+mufflers and kirtles, passing and repassing along the highway.</p>
+
+<p>The street altogether has, with the beetling stories on either hand, the
+clear frosty air, and the costumed figures, with here and there a red
+cloak amongst other sad-coloured suits, altogether the appearance of a
+winter view in an old Dutch painting.</p>
+
+<p>The news is of import, and all seem impressed with it&mdash;for, in
+Elizabeth's day, so much importance was attached to the life of the
+Queen by her Protestant subjects, that man looked grave and anxious at
+such a rumour as the present. Public safety and the prosperity of the
+nation seemed to hang upon her life.</p>
+
+<p>Grasp, albeit he was slightly regarded in the town, was called on
+several times, but no one could gain admittance at Grasp's. He seemed to
+have rammed up his doors against the world. He was sick, engaged, not
+within, not to be molested. Meanwhile, as the day passed and the evening
+approached, a light and gentle fall of snow seemed to herald the coming
+winter weather. And as light thickened, the sharp and rapid sound of an
+approaching horseman is heard at a distance on the Warwick road. Let us
+listen to the sound, as the sharp spur of that rider urges on his steed;
+now from a rapid trot to a gallop, and then again apparently he pulls up
+to a slower pace.</p>
+
+<p>'Tis sweet to hear, in the still evening, the sound of hoofs on the hard
+road, mellowed by distance, now clattering along, loud and sharp, and
+now again so indistinct as to be almost lost to the ear.</p>
+
+<p>One or two of the townsfolk have walked forth to meet that traveller and
+inquire the news, and at length he nears the suburb, spurs on his steed,
+and enters the inn; an event in the annals of that place which, could
+the inhabitants have appreciated it, would have doubtless been
+sufficiently noted.</p>
+
+<p>He came comparatively unknown amongst them, that horseman, unannounced
+even to his own family. He thought not of his own importance, he knew it
+not, yet not a building, could it have spoken and felt, but would, we
+think, have uttered a note of joy. The very bells of the old tower
+should have rung out a joyous peal, and the hollow steeple of the guild
+of the Holy Cross have cracked with the reverberation of the sound.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, we can almost wonder that the inhabitants did not, one and all, go
+forth to greet the rider in the high-crowned hat, long boots, ample
+cloak, and the long petronels in his girdle, for, take him for all in
+all, Stratford will never look upon his like again. His capable eye
+glanced down the High Street, as he rode; a tear glistened on his cheek
+as he beheld its well-known aspect, and then he spurred his steed, and
+rode up Henley Street. A few moments more and he was in the midst of his
+relatives. William Shakespeare had returned to Stratford-upon-Avon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LXI" id="CHAPTER_LXI"></a>CHAPTER LXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DISCOMFITED SCRIVENER.</h3>
+
+
+<blockquote><p>Grasp's return home was somewhat more sudden than he had
+intended. He returned indeed in an exceedingly discomfited and
+excited state.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>His friend Dismal was the only person who had gained access to him, and
+that but for a few moments. During the interview, however, Dismal had
+gathered from Doubletongue, who also arrived in all haste, that great
+events had transpired in London, of one sort or other. But so
+extraordinary and so perturbed did both the lawyer and his friend seem,
+that except certain incoherent expressions about an attempt upon the
+Queen's life, a spectre he himself had beheld, and various allusions to
+poison, assassination, death, destruction, and utter ruin. Dismal
+completely failed in discovering the exact news the travellers had to
+tall, and hence the variety of reports circulated through the town.
+Something certainly seemed to have gone all wrong with the lawyer. His
+friend Doubletongue had never seen him so put out, and altogether he
+feared that his wits were going.</p>
+
+<p>To explain the meaning of this agitated and nervous state of the worthy
+Stratford lawyer, we must go back a few paces in our history.</p>
+
+<p>Grasp, then, it will be remembered, whilst in London, had considerably
+extended his practice. He had apparently involved Walter Arderne in
+ruin; he had even carried on his intrigues so as to make the dark Earl,
+he of Leicester, a party concerned in his plot. For Grasp had given the
+Earl a hint about certain abbey lands and a manor near Kenilworth, which
+would fall to the said Earl in the event of Arderne's decease. He had
+ferreted out the existence of a plot, by means of which he hoped to rise
+to great preferment; and he had succeeded in beguiling a simple-minded
+gentleman, resident in Warwickshire, that he was indeed the real and
+undisputed heir to the estates of the before-named Clara de Mowbray, and
+actually by bribery, and using all sorts of villainy, got a verdict in
+such person's favour, and placed him in possession of some portion of
+the property.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow or other, however, like the labours of the alchemist, which at
+the moment of projection are frequently overthrown by the bursting of
+some vessel containing the divine elixir, so all Grasp's schemes seemed
+unaccountably blown to the winds, and himself discomfited.</p>
+
+<p>Acting upon wrong information, he had followed a female, who travelled
+in male disguise, as far as Oxford, where he lost all trace of her; and
+whilst he tarried at the City of Palaces, an express overtook him, with
+directions to hasten with all speed to Cornbury Park, where the Earl of
+Leicester was then lying sick, having arrived there by easy stages on
+the way to Kenilworth, a few days before.</p>
+
+<p>Now, Grasp, since his first introduction to the Earl of Leicester, had
+made such considerable advances in that bad man's good graces, that the
+Earl had sent an express for him, in order to make some alterations in
+his will.</p>
+
+<p>Grasp accordingly set forth, leaving directions that Sir Humphrey
+Graball, the gentleman who was disputing the succession of the Mowbray
+estates, and Master Quillett, the Temple lawyer, and with whom he had
+arranged a meeting at Oxford, should follow him to Cornbury. For Grasp
+argued very wisely, that both the matters of business apertaining to the
+Earl's claim, and the concoction of a new will, might be arranged at one
+and the same time.</p>
+
+<p>The will of the sick and fallen favourite, had we space to dilate upon
+it, would perhaps be well worthy of contemplation. That part of it
+especially in which he bequeathed a costly legacy to his royal
+mistress&mdash;the bequest being wrapped up in a preamble of honeyed words,
+being not the least curious part of the document.</p>
+
+<p>It was night when the Earl finished his business with Grasp, and the
+bleak winds of September sounded through the park of Cornbury, as the
+lawyer, after the interview, sat with the before-named client and the
+Templar, in a small apartment of the mansion. It was a dark hour, and a
+certain feeling of awe seemed to pervade that household.</p>
+
+<p>The overgrown and fallen courtier lying helpless and hopeless, alike
+body and soul. His "ill-weaved ambition" shrank to the smallest
+span&mdash;his parks, his walks, his manors forsaking him. His swollen body,
+a thing abhorrent even to himself. That beautiful Countess too,
+attending upon him without love; and whilst duty called her to the side
+of him who had so vilely used her, the selfish courtier even envying her
+the life and health she enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing however, could exceed the elation of Grasp. He beheld in
+prospect a glorious array of difficulties and litigation consequent upon
+the matters he was engaged in; and most of all the success of his
+machinations in favour of Sir Humphrey Graball, and his succession to
+the manors of Mowbray, promised him endless profits.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Humphrey is altogether an easy simpleton," he said, "a most weak
+and debile man, and can as easily be led by the nose as an ass. Ergo, I
+shall thrive."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, as Grasp sat with his client discussing matters of moment,
+whilst they relieved their labours by occasional indulgence in the good
+wine of the house, amongst other papers called for, was the will of the
+Lady Clara de Mowbray&mdash;an instrument we have, on a former occasion seen
+in his possession. There is always a secret horror suitable to the time,
+when in some antique apartment, and, by night, men meet together to
+peruse the musty documents which speak the last wishes of those within
+the tomb, more especially when sickness and those signs which foretell
+the ending of mortality pervade the habitation. On this rough night</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The owl shrieked, the fatal bellman<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Which gives the sternest good night."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as Grasp glanced upon that will, he became, as it were,
+transfixed. At the same moment a sort of hubbub seemed to pervade the
+house. In place of the silence which the sick Earl had commanded there
+was suddenly heard an opening and shutting of doors&mdash;a summons of
+persons in all haste, and something apparently of dreadful import in
+agitation.</p>
+
+<p>Grasp, however, heeded it not. He seemed still engrossed with the
+parchment before him. He held it back at arm's length; he drew it close
+to his nose; he uttered an exclamation of astonishment, and the word
+"codicil" escaped, as one of the domestics rushed into tho room to
+announce that the Earl was dying in fearful agony.</p>
+
+<p>Without heeding the news, Grasp fled from the room, rushed to the
+stable, mounted his horse, and rode off for Oxford. With the will still
+in his hand, the excited lawyer dismounted from his steed, and strode
+into the tavern, where, heeding not the assembled guests, he threw
+himself into a vacant seat, with the air of one possessed by a demon.
+And, again, with fearful eye, regarded the instrument he hold in his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Can such things be?" he said. "Can the dead return to life, or is it
+the evil one himself who thus palters with my sight and senses?"</p>
+
+<p>The tavern was on this night tolerably well filled with guests. One of
+them, who was seated opposite to the lawyer, was a person of a most
+expressive and pleasant style of countenance. His conversation and wit
+had indeed been setting the whole assemblage, gentle and simple, in
+roars, during the entire evening&mdash;the host and hostess of the tavern
+being not the least amused.</p>
+
+<p>The advent of Grasp in his perturbed state, his extraordinary grimaces,
+his abstracted demeanour, and his travel-stained appearance altogether,
+called forth from this person so many curious remarks, that the laughter
+which had for the moment been interrupted by his entrance was renewed
+tenfold at Grasp's expense, till, as on unfixing his gaze from the
+basilisk he seemed to hold in his hand, he looked round upon the
+assemblage, and then steadily regarded his tormentor, he beheld himself
+face to face with the old subject of his former enmity&mdash;Master William
+Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no rest for the wicked," saith the old proverb; and the
+renewed roar which followed the expression of Grasp's countenance at
+this sudden recognition, was actually driving him from the room, when
+Doubletongue, who had followed his friend, suddenly entered, and
+whispered something in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"Poisoned say ye?" exclaimed Grasp, starting in surprise; "my Lord of
+Leicester deceased&mdash;dead&mdash;defunct, and thus suddenly? Poisoned, say ye?
+Art sure 'tis the Countess you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, 'tis the Earl himself," said Doubletongue; "and your having been
+with him just before, together with your sudden departure, hath raised a
+suspicion among the household that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore heaven, what mean ye?" said Grasp. "They surely suspect not that
+I had ought to do with the poisoning of my Lord of Leicester? There must
+have been some dire mistake in the matter. 'Fore heaven, I shall be
+hanged through this mistake!" and Grasp immediately left the room,
+bribed the ostler to procure him a fresh horse, and set off with all
+speed towards Stratford-upon-Avon.</p>
+
+<p>Scarce had he gained a dozen miles when he came up with a couple of
+riders progressing the same road as himself. Company was ever welcome in
+those days, and the horsemen gladly acceded to his request to be allowed
+to ride in their escort.</p>
+
+<p>The habitual caution of the lawyer, however, caused him to cast certain
+searching glances at his companions as often as the moon's light gave
+him opportunity of doing so, and ere long he became almost confirmed in
+the belief that in one of the armed riders he was accompanying he had
+fallen in with the identical female in male apparel whom he had before
+been in search of. There was comfort, at all events, in this
+supposition, and as they emerged from the dark covert of a wood they had
+been progressing through, he managed to push his horse between them and
+gain a good look at their features. And here again Grasp apparently
+beheld that which renewed his former perturbation. The face of the rider
+he first encountered wore the actual expression of one he had reason to
+believe had long been dead, and as he turned his startled glance upon
+the other, he beheld the exact lineaments of Clara de Mowbray. Pale she
+looked, as if her features were of sculptured alabaster; but as she
+turned her countenance full upon him, he could not be mistaken in their
+identity.</p>
+
+<p>Conscience had already made a coward of Grasp&mdash;his clear spirit was
+puddled. The deep sea had apparently cast up the dead to discomfort him,
+and clapping spars to his steed, he fled onwards on his route towards
+Stratford-upon-Avon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LXII" id="CHAPTER_LXII"></a>CHAPTER LXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>OLD FRIENDS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our story now draws towards conclusion, and we once more return to the
+point from which we at first started. Clopton Hall, after so many years
+of gloom, may now be said to have quite resumed that appearance of
+hospitality and prosperity as when we first beheld it in the early
+passages of our story, and ere disease, death, and misery, had so
+prevailed there.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time for many years its rooms and offices, its stalls,
+kennels, and falconries, were all tenanted. After so many vicissitudes
+and strange events, in which its inmates had been separated, and became
+wanderers in the world, such of them as were in being were again
+assembled within its old walls.</p>
+
+<p>The coming Christmas, that season so ceremoniously observed at the
+period, promised again to be the harbinger of festive scenes and old
+world rites of hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight, for the first time for many years, seemed really to hold
+up his head, and glance around him with feelings of pride and
+contentment. His dearly beloved nephew was again with him; he had just
+come from over sea with Essex, and having left the Earl on the road
+towards Kenilworth, had galloped forward to Clopton.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this, too, which seemed to give Sir Hugh as much content
+as astonishment, that tried old friend, the trusty and shrewd Martin,
+who had so long been mourned as dead there, had suddenly reappeared at
+Clopton.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight could scarce contain himself within bounds as he looked
+upon the pair. 'Twas hardly to be thought of, so much of contentment,
+after having so long been a lonesome mourner; for one way or other, Sir
+Hugh had now been in trouble so many years, that his happiness almost
+alarmed him, lest something should turn up to mar it afresh.</p>
+
+<p>It was on the evening of the day on which we have introduced our readers
+to the inmates of Kenilworth that Martin and Arderne, together with
+others connected with our story, were seated beneath the hospitable roof
+of Sir Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>To describe the unmixed pleasure experienced by these good and amiable
+friends on that evening exceeds the power of our pen; albeit we may
+attempt to describe some portion of the conversation which took place.
+Few things, we opine, are more gratifying than to glance upon a circle
+of true friends, so bound together as the ones in question, and on this
+occasion the party consisted of some half-dozen individuals, for,
+besides those we have already named, the circle contained the worthy
+Captain Fluellyn, and, "though last, not least," William Shakespeare sat
+a guest beneath that old chimney.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas indeed a goodly fellowship, and in which, though perhaps 'tis a
+rare thing to say, where six mortals quaffed a loving cup together, not
+a particle of envy, hatred, or uncharitableness, pervaded.</p>
+
+<p>The divine expression of Shakespeare's face, as he sipped the ruby
+liquor, the noble countenance of Arderne, as he glanced first at one and
+then another of the friends around, the excitement of the old host, as
+he pushed the cup about, the quaint look of the shrewd Martin, and the
+bluff, jovial style of the sea captain, as he puffed away at his
+capacious pipe, our readers must imagine. They sat in a circle round the
+huge log upon the hearth, and each and all had something to relate or
+something to listen to of stirring interest, for as each spoke of his
+own adventures, 'twas as if some brother told the tale.</p>
+
+<p>"Your story, good Martin," said Shakespeare, as Martin paused after
+telling some portion of his adventure and escape from the Spaniard, "on
+mine own authority I would hardly dare avouch. 'Tis like some of those
+events in real life which scarce pass even in fiction."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare be sworn on't," said Martin. "'Tis an over credulous and yet
+unbelieving world this, an' I may so word it, a mad world, my masters,
+and yet, ha, ha, 'tis a pleasant world, too. Aye, and this not
+altogether so bad a way of passing the time in't. What says the song,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Tis merry in hall when beards wag all,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And welcome merry Christmas."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"I pr'ythee, good friend," said Arderne, "continue the narrative of this
+tragedy; for I must needs call that a tragedy which comprehends the loss
+of so exquisite a lady as Clara de Mowbray."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, truly so," said Martin; "that was a sigh, indeed, Master Walter.
+Sighing, however, is of little avail when the object is beyond reach.
+'Tis too true an evil; the Lady Clara is lost to us."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou did'st, however, aid her escape from that burning carrick?" said
+Fluellyn, "and in which, indeed, we all suffered with those we saw
+suffer. 'Twas a fearful sight."</p>
+
+<p>"I take some credit to say I did so," returned Martin, dallying with his
+glass, and looking at the red flame of the fire through the ruby liquor.
+"Ah, ah, methinks I see those overweening Dons grilling in their
+treasure ship at this moment. I did aid in the lady's escape by the same
+token, I myself caused the conflagration that aided our escape; I
+myself, in my immaculate valour, destroyed the enemy, as Drake hath it,
+I singed the Dons' whiskers with a vengeance. Ha, ha."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us the manner of the exploit," said Shakespeare, who, by the way,
+had heard it from other lips.</p>
+
+<p>"In few, then," said Martin, "and to continue from where I left. You are
+to know that the commander of the carrick no sooner beheld us upon his
+deck than he was about to cast us off again, and into the roaring sea.
+As he seized, however, upon my companion in misfortune, lo! you, he
+discovered he had prisoner of a female. The stately Don upon this
+steadily regarded his prisoner, and became struck all on a heap with her
+beauty. He then transferred his gaze to me, and (albeit he saw nothing
+extremely feminine, or even beautiful in my outward form) he was pleased
+to extend his clemency to us both. In few the blood of the Castillian
+was inflamed at the sight of the exquisite Clara; and, whilst the two
+ships lay glaring upon each other, we were both hurried down below,
+there to remain till more leisure should enable the magnifico to pay
+personal attention to us. My fate, doubtless, was to have been the sea.
+My companion's, perhaps, even worse. Whatever fate, however, was in
+store for us at the hands of the Don, we determined in no wise to submit
+to it. The cabin in which we were confined had a window in roar of the
+carrick. Without that window hung a boat. My companion got into that
+boat, and after I myself had lighted a bonfire in the cabin, and placed
+several barrels of gunpowder in very dangerous proximity thereto, I
+managed to lower that boat after getting into it, and finally, to cut
+her adrift. The blow-up of the barrels, and the gloom of the coming
+night, effectually diverted attention from our frail craft, as we
+mounted upon the crest of wave after wave. As we did so, we were
+horrified spectators of the scene of terror we had caused. One moment
+the burning ship was lifted on high, like some huge beacon, and the nest
+lost in the deep valley of waters. Thus did we escape, for that time,
+the death and dishonour that awaited us, and, weak and debile ministers,
+destroyed our foes at one and the same time. But oh," continued Martin,
+"conceive us, my masters all, wanderers upon that vast heaving world, in
+a rotten carcase of a boat&mdash;no knowledge where to steer for, no
+knowledge how to steer, if we knew where to steer&mdash;no expectation but
+death. Do I not seem to ye like one sitting here telling of things
+imagined in a dream? That heaving water, in which our boat could scarce
+live&mdash;those roaring winds, which almost stopped our very breathing in
+their violence&mdash;that lady, whose form every sea drenched, and who for
+two long nights endured this extremity of dire distress."</p>
+
+<p>"And died she so?" inquired Arderne.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a whit," said Martin. "Her's was a miserable strait to be reduced
+to; but her spirit was great. She had scarce time to die. She helped me
+to bale out the waters, as they continually washed into our boat. She
+shared my small portion of biscuit with me, and she drank from the
+flasket I filched from the cabin when we escaped from the ship; and so
+she lived, good sir, lived to be picked up in the dreary waste of
+waters. For, look ye, we had constructed a sort of sail, when the wind
+moderated, and that betrayed us to the companion of the carrick we had
+burned. Yes, we were descried and picked up by another Don, commanded by
+another courageous Captain of Compliments, and forthwith carried off to
+the country of the Spaniard."</p>
+
+<p>"And that lady," said Arderne. "Pr'ythee, good Martin, follow out your
+story. Her fate I dread to ask, and yet would learn."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Martin, archly, "methinks mine own fate might in some sort
+interest my hearers. But truly I seem not to command much attention in
+this story of adventure: and yet I showed myself courageous, and aided
+the weaker vessel too."</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare smiled, and a look passed between him and Martin. "'Tis the
+duty of doublet and hose to show itself courageous to petticoat," he
+said. "We are naturally given to pity the young and beautiful, rather
+than the strong and sturdy. Besides, thou hast escaped, art here to
+avouch it thyself."</p>
+
+<p>"And so may that lady, for aught I know to the contrary," said Martin.</p>
+
+<p>"How!" exclaimed Arderne. "Escaped! Methought she died, died in Spain."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so," said Martin, "but I never said it. When we arrived in
+Spain, we were both clapped up as heretics between the walls of the
+Inquisition, where, doubtless, I for one should have died upon the rack,
+but that I was eventually made useful at the oar. My companion's fate I
+cannot further avouch. I myself was rescued whilst helping against my
+will, to invade my native land, amongst other galley slaves. The craft
+we worked in was captured by one of Frobisher's vessels, and in that
+vessel I was forthwith carried to the Indies after the fight, and in
+that vessel have I returned; and here I am once more at Clopton."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay then," said Arderne, "if such be the case, thou hast but momentarily
+raised my hope and dashed it again, good Martin. Had that lady lived,
+and were I of all kingdoms king, I would give all for but one scattered
+smile of one so excellent."</p>
+
+<p>The narration of Martin caused a sudden check to the previous hilarity
+of the company, since it recalled to most there the loss of kindred or
+relatives in former days.</p>
+
+<p>Shakespeare, as he glanced around, remembered former scenes of mingled
+grief and joy in that house; the melancholy of Arderne was a melancholy
+of his own, the sundry contemplation of his mishaps and misfortunes,
+founded, as he then thought, principally upon the loss of one, who when
+alive, was unappreciated; whilst the captain and Martin also, in pure
+melancholy and troubled brain puffed away at their pipes with double
+vigour.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said Sir Hugh, who observed this gloomy fit stealing over his
+party, "we trifle time when we sorrow for what is past and irrevocable.
+It draws toward supper time. Remember, neighbours and friends, this is
+the first time of our meeting together after long years and much misery.
+Gloom shall not hold sovereign sway over Clopton again, an I can drive
+it hence. Music ho!" he said, rising and clapping his hands. "'Fore
+heaven, nephew, we will e'en be jovial to-night. Have we not Shakespeare
+here, and can'st forget those scenes he furnished forth at the
+Blackfriars? Come, let music play, and serve the supper, lads!"</p>
+
+<p>The custom of the period permitted this in the halls of the great. Many
+of the nobles and even gentry of condition kept up a sort of orchestra
+or band composed of their own domestics or servitors, and which gave a
+degree of enjoyment to their entertainment unknown to modern times. The
+sweet tones of the instruments kept off that starched etiquette, that
+awkward stiffness oft-times felt during the intervals of conversation,
+that struggle for wit that came not when called for, it filled up the
+evening, and the soft strains of melody engendered bright thoughts,
+whilst they soothed the mind at the same time. Whatever of romance is in
+our character is called forth at such a time by music.</p>
+
+<p>And so the party sat around the festive board in their quaint costume,
+old and young, poet and philosopher, whilst as the musicians puffed at
+tho French horn, and drew forth dulcet sounds from those antiquated
+stringed instruments, serving-men hastened about, trencher in hand, and
+bearing liquor on their salvers. Topics of conversation were plentiful,
+for still flowed the tide of interest concerning each other's separate
+fortunes during their career, and the jest's propriety lay in the ears
+of those who listened, whilst Shakespeare was the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Hugh promised his friends a merry Christmas at Clopton; a Christmas
+observed with all due observance of the time.</p>
+
+<p>In Elizabeth's day, most people, even of the higher grade of society,
+kept comparatively early hours. Those who dined at eleven and twelve,
+necessarily supped at five or six. The supper too, was the most festive
+meal, and most enjoyed; and when the season of the year, or old custom,
+gave warranty, your old English host not unfrequently kept wassail all
+night long.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion the old Knight felt inclined to drink deep and
+sit late. He seemed resolved for a carouse. Martin and Shakespeare
+banded about their quaint sayings, and Sir Hugh seemed to revel in the
+idea of a merry Christmas at Clopton, observed with all due observance
+of the time; an observance, which in Warwickshire at that day was looked
+upon by old and young, rich and poor, with a feeling of enjoyment and
+love amounting to a passion. Every sport was got up with religious
+fervour; every old-world custom regarded with a veneration unknown to
+our own squalid days.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas Day was at hand, and the old Knight talked of it like a child
+talks of a new toy; but whilst he spoke of good cheer and wine and
+wassail to set before his guests, a reeking post arrived, inviting
+himself and all consorting him to a feast held during the Christmas week
+at Kenilworth. The Countess of Leicester greeting her friend Sir Hugh,
+bade him welcome to her poor house of Kenilworth, to come with hawk and
+hound, kith, kindred and friends presently consorting him.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess of Leicester was one in whom Sir Hugh had much interest.
+She was the daughter of his old friend, Lettice, Lady Knolleys, sister
+to Carey, Lord Hundsdon.</p>
+
+<p>The Knight pitied her for her misfortune in marrying the evil-minded
+Leicester, for he had indeed loved her with a paternal affection; albeit
+the troublous current of his own life had lately hindered him from
+seeing much of her.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances, Sir Hugh felt delighted with the invitation,
+and resolved, if his party agreed, to accept it.</p>
+
+<p>"How say ye, lads," he said, "shall we to this feast? Methinks I should
+like hugely to visit Kenilworth, and my charming friend, after so many
+years of absence. How say ye, Walter, shall we dine once more beneath
+the towers of old John of Gaunt, and Geoffrey Clinton?"</p>
+
+<p>The company, as a matter of course, left it to their entertainer to
+accept or refuse, as he thought best.</p>
+
+<p>"I am for a revel and a brawl any bow," said Martin, "now I have come
+once more to a Christian land. Be it at Clopton or Kenilworth, all's one
+to Martin."</p>
+
+<p>And so the party resolved to join in the Christmas revels at
+Kenilworth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_LXIII" id="CHAPTER_LXIII"></a>CHAPTER LXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHICH ENDS THIS STRANGE EVENTFUL HISTORY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The festival held at Kenilworth on occasion of Christmas-tide, was not
+on such an extended scale as on former occasions had been customary
+there, when Norman kings feasted and kept wassail, and when "kettle-drum
+and trumpet brayed out the triumph of their pledge."</p>
+
+<p>In Elizabeth's reign, however, when a noble held a festival in his own
+halls, the entertainment was sufficiently magnificent, and conducted
+with all the observances of older times.</p>
+
+<p>The late demise of the dark Earl, of necessity curtailed the
+hospitalities: yet, still the enjoined rites of the period gave the
+Countess an excuse for some circumstance, some little pageantry of the
+season. Her brilliant son, too, "the glass of fashion and the mould of
+form," was to be with her. And, albeit the party she invited to meet him
+was but small, still it was composed of some of the <i>élite</i> of the
+country round. Almost all entertainments of this period partook of the
+dramatic character, the taste for such was universal; and it seemed,
+indeed, as if he who was in reality to create the drama in England, had
+sprung up just at this period to supply the want of that which wan so
+imperfect, to substitute his own brilliant conceptions for those heavy
+long-winded stupid exhibitions then in vogue.</p>
+
+<p>With all her power of persuasion, the Countess had not been able to
+persuade her friend, Clara de Mowbray, to promise her presence and
+participation during the intended festivities. All she could obtain
+being a promise, that, as that lady's departure was fixed to take place
+in a few days, she would remain over Christmas-eve; as on that night the
+Countess had invited Shakespeare to be present.</p>
+
+<p>The fair Clara had before taken leave of her friend the poet in
+Stratford; but still, to see him at Kenilworth, and during the gaieties
+enacted there, would, she felt, be a great treat.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess resolved to receive her son in the great hall of the
+Castle, an apartment which, those who have carefully perused the
+building will doubtless remember,&mdash;eighty-six feet long by forty-five in
+width. It had, some few years before, beheld those fierce vanities, what
+time Leicester, "with pomp, with triumph, and with revelling,"
+entertained the Queen and her followers for seventeen successive days;
+and now, all in that lighted hall was green with holly and winter
+ornaments. The large bow window was festooned with "rarest mistletoe,"
+the various arms and trophies were covered with green boughs, whilst the
+white-hall, the presence-chamber, and other rooms of which nothing now
+remains but the fragments of walls and the staircases which led to
+them, were lighted up and ornamented for the nonce. There is ever
+something cheering in the aspect of all around at this period of the
+year; something bright and joyous in the country, when old Hymns "with
+his icy crown," seems to wield his severe sceptre and pervade the scene;
+when cottage and castle, lake and forest,&mdash;all are bound down by the
+sharp and biting frost. The good fellowship of the world seems then more
+rife, and Christian feeling and brotherly love to prevail. Perhaps, the
+good cheer enjoyed, and expectation of more to be enjoyed, openeth the
+heart of men. At Kenilworth, all was hospitality. The Countess was soon
+to give up possession to Ambrose, Earl of Warwick, her late husband's
+brother; and she resolved to quit the neighborhood in no niggardly
+fashion. Butts of ale were broached for the poor in the villages and
+hamlets around, and oxen and sheep were roasted. The young Earl was
+expected on the eve of Christmas-day, and his popularity was just then
+so great, especially in that neighbourhood, that the coming of royalty
+itself could scarce have made a greater sensation.</p>
+
+<p>The day was one of excitement to the Countess. Dearly she loved that
+brilliant Noble, and well she knew the dizzy pinnacle on which he stood.
+Her fears even then anticipated that ruin which was to ensue. Conversant
+with "the art o' the Court," and the dangerous mood of Majesty, she saw
+already a dark cloud in perspective. Nay, that which she was now about
+to do, namely, to receive her son, and entertain him beneath the towers
+of Kenilworth, when it came to be known, would be attended with danger.
+The Queen liked not interference with her pleasures or her purposes. She
+was at that moment seeking to beguile the tedium of the favourite's
+absence by visiting the seats of her different nobles; and during which
+her irritability was but too apparent. He, the adored, the magnificent,
+should on his arrival in England, have bent the knee in all haste, and
+asked pardon for his truant disposition. But he was haughty and rash as
+his queenly relative. The day had been one of excitement to the fair
+Countess. There is ever something to be thought of and arranged, even by
+the great. The Earl was to dine <i>en route</i> with his array at Rugby, and
+afterwards ride forward to Kenilworth, so as to join the select friends
+invited to meet him. In Elizabeth's day nothing was more thought of than
+dancing and playing (says Rowland White), and the invitation given by
+Lady Leicester might have parodied that of Capulet to his friends. There
+came Sir John de Astley and his wife and daughters, the noble knight of
+Clopton and his friends consorting, the Lord de la Warde and his
+beauteous sisters, the Lady widow of Lord Falconberg, good Master
+Murdake and his nieces, Sir Thomas Lucy and his lovely daughters, the
+Lady Wolvey, and the lively Throckmorton. These guests, for the most
+part, were in the castle, but more were expected as the evening
+advanced.</p>
+
+<p>Mistress Bridges, the most beautiful of the Queen's maids of honour, she
+whom Essex loved, and of whom the Queen was so jealous that she is said
+to have publicly struck her; Blount, too, the lover of the Countess of
+Leicester, and the Lady Katharine Howard, all were expected to grace the
+assemblage. And, at length, as the Countess and her guests awaited the
+hour in the great hall, the trumpet from the gate-house announced the
+Earl's arrival.</p>
+
+<p>It was a brilliant sight to behold;&mdash;that gallant youth amidst the
+associates he brought with him. The magnificent Essex, looking some
+paladin of romance, came forth from amidst the glittering band, and
+gracefully saluted his handsome mother. A something regal was in his
+look, which suited well with that magnificent hall.</p>
+
+<p>Nay, 'twas almost the last occasion on which those buildings entertained
+so noble an assemblage: they seem to have afterwards fallen to decay, as
+though later times and fashions would be unsuited to their grandeur&mdash;as
+though their work was done&mdash;their hour passed away.</p>
+
+<p>On this night, however, as Essex and his followers entered, there came
+one individual with a somewhat smaller party, whose presence was more
+worthy of note than oven the Plantagenet Kings who had dwelt there&mdash;one
+whose name would live</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Spite of cormorant devouring time,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The heir to all eternity."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He passed on with Sir Hugh Clopton and others of lesser note; and after
+exchanging a few words with the noble hostess, he perused the assembled
+company at his leisure. As he did so, he entered the building called the
+White Hall, and stood for a moment to gaze upon all around, for such a
+scene was likely to make a deep impression upon his mind. Softly the
+sounds of music floated through those vast rooms, and where all he
+beheld spoke of the past, and conjured up scenes he has himself
+impressed upon us all. For when, indeed, doth sweet music in lordly
+chambers, or in solitude, steal upon the ear, but imagination bodies
+forth those scenes which Shakespeare, and Shakespeare alone, is
+identified with. All the poetry of life is associated in those charming
+ideas. The man himself seems to glide around us. At such hour&mdash;assembled
+amidst the lovely and the high-born, amidst minstrelsy and lighted
+halls, there doth his glorious spirit seem to pervade.</p>
+
+<p>And so Shakespeare passed on amidst the company, and quietly took his
+way through the gorgeous rooms.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident the poet had before visited those chambers, for he
+appeared familiar with the various passages he passed through, till at
+length he reached a room at the extremity of the buildings. Here he
+stopped, and quietly regarded the apartment, which in its magnificent
+style might well have furnished forth the description he has left us in
+his own Cymbeline, for Shakespeare adopted in many of his descriptions
+the costume of the time.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst he stood, a small door opened, and a figure, lovely as his own
+Juliet, advanced towards him. It was Clara de Mowbray! She uttered an
+exclamation of joy when she beheld the poet, and in an instant was at
+his side. The poet took her hand and led her to a seat, and the pair
+held converse together for some time.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst they did so, it was evident the tongue of that poor player made
+some impression on his fair hearer.</p>
+
+<p>"Marriage is a matter of more worth, lady," he said, as he at length
+rose from his seat; "than to be dealt in by attorneyship. You consent to
+an interview with my friend."</p>
+
+<p>Clara, whose eyes were bent upon the ground in deep thought, glanced
+quickly upon Shakespeare. There was no mistaking the expression of that
+face. He was gazing upon her with feelings of mingled admiration and
+regret. The next moment, as if unwilling again to meet her glance, he
+turned and hastily left the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes more, and the Countess of Leicester entered the room,
+accompanied by a tall cavalier, clad in mourning costume. The sad
+expression, however, which for many months had suited with his habit,
+now however gave place to surprise, joy and admiration; and Walter
+Arderne beheld the living original of the portrait his eyes had loved to
+dwell upon. He knelt at the feet of Clara de Mowbray.</p>
+
+<p>Our story is now so far ended. The sequel may be gathered "by what went
+before." Time and space alloweth not of dilation upon the gay revel held
+that night in the halls of Kenilworth. Shakespeare, whose mind was but
+ill-fitted for revelry, soon afterwards left the castle.</p>
+
+<p>For some reason, which we are unable to explain, he felt unfitted for
+society. He left the hall of Kenilworth, and in the free air gave vent
+to the feelings with which he was oppressed. In the woods of Stoneleigh,
+the dawn found him, despite the coldness of the season, laying along
+"under an oak, whose boughs were mossed with age," and "high top-bald
+with dry antiquity." And as his eye glanced from heaven to earth&mdash;from
+earth to heaven, whilst the deer swept by,<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> his imagination bodied
+forth the forms of Jaques and Rosalind in Arden.</p>
+
+<p>About a fortnight subsequent to the revel at Kenilworth, a noble-looking
+cavalier, accompanied by a lady (both mounted and attended by a numerous
+retinue,) rode on to the green before old Hathaway's cottage at
+Shottery. The cavalier and the lady dismounted, and left their horses
+with the attendants, and as they approached the cottage, they conversed
+upon the subject of some dearly-loved friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I offered him," said Walter Arderne, "in your name, dearest Clara, half
+of what we possess, so he would but remain with us here; but the spirit
+of the man is great, and he will pursue his fortunes after his own
+fashion. Listen to what himself says;" and Arderne produced a letter,
+which he read an extract from, worded somewhat thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The portion of time I have spent amongst my companions of the theatre
+has made me desire to continue in my vocation. The success I have
+already achieved gives warranty to my expectations. I have friends, to,
+as thou knowest, amongst the nobles of the Court; and the spirit of my
+father, which I think is within me, leads me to think I can yet go on
+towards even a higher fortune than this that I have reached. In few, I
+could not with contentment at this period of my life sit down here in
+Stratford. My residence will be at my old haunt, where I shall hope yet
+to see those I so dearly love."</p>
+
+<p>"In London, then, we will see him, Walter," said the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"We will so," returned Arderne. "After our marriage, Clara, we will yet
+hope to visit our friend."</p>
+
+<p>And should our readers also wish to visit the poet, amidst his
+associates of the theatre in London, we will also follow him to his old
+haunt in Paul's.</p>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> "Twelfth Night."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> This song, which, no doubt, was a favourite in its day, is
+inserted in Beaumont and Fletcher's "Bloody Brother."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Schegel's estimate of Shakespeare.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See Correspondence of Sir Christopher Hatton.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> All these were popular beliefs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Clobie's "Divine Glimpses." I adopt these lines because
+they allude to the curious old opinion, that bread carried about the
+person was a charm against tricks of Robin Goodfellow, though they bear
+date 1659.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> This song has been attributed to Ben Jonson, and in the old
+black-letter copies it is directed to be sung to the tune of Dulcina. As
+it embodies some of the freaks of Robin, I have given it here.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The sprite was sometimes so named at this period.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> This was the first attempt of the English to form such
+settlements; and although they have since surpassed all European
+nations, they had been so unsuccessful that they abandoned the place.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> "Cymbeline."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> A name at that time to be found at Stratford.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> "Twelfth Night."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> "Much ado about Nothing."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> People of condition in the country generally rode with
+numerous followers at the period.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> "As you like it."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Such an account was in reality given by the adventurers
+who sailed with Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the father of our plantations, and
+the brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, and who was lost in the storm
+following the portentous sounds we have described. Might not this very
+incident have suggested to Shakespeare the description of the island in
+the "Tempest."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> This sort of ejectment was not uncommon in Elizabeth's
+reign.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> The Earl, besides other things, had represented Arion on a
+dolphin, with rare music, whilst fireworks were seen in the air.
+Shakespeare, more than once, alludes to Arion on a dolphin's back. Might
+not these things have made early impression upon his mind?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> A saying of Sir Francis Drake's at this time.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Cæsar denominated this county, Cantium; time, therefore,
+has made no further alteration than in giving it an English sound.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> "Henry the Fifth."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Oldy's "Life of Raleigh."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Stow mentions a little jobbing tailor who absolutely went
+mad for love of, and died glorifying the perfections of the Queen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Raleigh.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Elizabeth, with her court, frequently moved to these
+places.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> There is an anecdote extant in Oxfordshire, of the
+intimacy subsisting between this hostess and Shakespeare. Shakespeare is
+said to have always rested at the Crown, at Oxford, whilst _en route_
+from London to Stratford.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Elizabeth was expressed in those letters by the figures
+1500; Essex by 1000; _a&mdash;a_ was the crown.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> A seditious Catholic publication, dedicated to Essex, to
+ruin him.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Amongst the few traditions concerning Shakespeare, in
+Warwickshire, there is one which was kindly communicated to me by a
+nobleman resident there, namely, that he wrote the character of Jaques,
+in the park of Stoneleigh.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+***** This file should be named 34796-h.htm or 34796-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/7/9/34796/
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/34796.txt b/34796.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d58328d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19179 @@
+Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+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: William Shakespeare as he lived.
+       An Historical Tale
+
+Author: Henry Curling
+
+Release Date: December 30, 2010 [EBook #34796]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                         WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
+
+                             AS HE LIVED.
+
+                         An Historical Tale.
+
+                         BY CAPTAIN CURLING,
+
+      AUTHOR OF "JOHN OF ENGLAND." "SOLDIER OF FORTUNE."
+
+
+    "Sweet are the uses of adversity,
+    Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,
+    Wears yet a precious jewel in his head."
+
+    _As you Like it._
+
+
+    _WARWICK_:
+
+    H. T. COOKE & SON, PUBLISHERS, HIGH STREET.
+
+    (COPYRIGHT.)
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The nature of the following work is sufficiently indicated by the title.
+In it the most interesting portions of the career of Shakespeare, taken
+from the best accredited sources, are brought forward in a pleasing
+narrative, the dialogue being in the style of the Elizabethan period.
+
+Throughout the work the writer has endeavoured, amidst a great deal of
+stirring incident, and a subordinate tale of much interest, to place the
+Poet constantly before the reader, whether on or off the scene. The
+story commences when he was about seventeen years of age, and carries
+him through some of the eventful "chances" of that glorious epoch which
+called forth his own "muse of fire," and caused him to ascend "the
+brightest heaven of invention;" and, after showing him the sharp "uses
+of adversity," leaves him at the moment of success, whilst Elizabeth and
+the entire Court-circle are turned to him whose matchless genius has
+just enchanted them.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I. A Forest Scene
+
+CHAPTER II. The Youthful Shakespeare
+
+CHAPTER III. Charlotte Clopton
+
+CHAPTER IV. The Family of the Cloptons
+
+CHAPTER V. A Domestic Party in Elizabeth's Day
+
+CHAPTER VI. A Disagreeable Visitor
+
+CHAPTER VII. Plots and Counterplots
+
+CHAPTER VIII. Stratford-upon-Avon
+
+CHAPTER IX. The Tavern
+
+CHAPTER X. The Churchyard of Stratford-upon-Avon
+
+CHAPTER XI. The Stratford Lawyer
+
+CHAPTER XII. The Sonnet
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Mother and Son
+
+CHAPTER XIV. The Lovers
+
+CHAPTER XV. Charlecote
+
+CHAPTER XVI. The Attack
+
+CHAPTER XVII. The Capture
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. A Revel at Clopton
+
+CHAPTER XIX. The Plague at Stratford
+
+CHAPTER XX. More Trouble at Clopton
+
+CHAPTER XXI. Domestic Affliction
+
+CHAPTER XXII. Bereavement
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. The Vault
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. The Village Fete--Ann Hathaway
+
+CHAPTER XXV. The Twelfth-tide Revelry
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. The Misled Wanderer
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. The Suitor
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. Shottery Hall
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. The Lovers
+
+CHAPTER XXX. The Adventurers
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. The Benedict
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. The Hostel
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. The Deer Stealers
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. The Adventure
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. More Matter for a May Morning
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. The Lampoon
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. The Garden
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII. The Flight to London
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX. Old London
+
+CHAPTER XL. The Poor Player
+
+CHAPTER XLI. The Tavern Revel
+
+CHAPTER XLII. More Strange than True
+
+CHAPTER XLIII. England on the Defensive
+
+CHAPTER XLIV. The Boar's Head, in East Cheap
+
+CHAPTER XLV. The Camp at Tilbury
+
+CHAPTER XLVI. The Invincible Armada
+
+CHAPTER XLVII. The Player at Court
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII. Sir Thomas Lucy in London
+
+CHAPTER XLIX. The Theatre of the Blackfriars
+
+CHAPTER L. The Scenic Hour
+
+CHAPTER LI. The Tavern
+
+CHAPTER LII. The Player in his Lodging
+
+CHAPTER LIII. The Poet and his Patron
+
+CHAPTER LIV. A Consultation
+
+CHAPTER LV. Ill Weaved Ambition
+
+CHAPTER LVI. The Associates
+
+CHAPTER LVII. The Poet and his Friends
+
+CHAPTER LVIII. Stratford and its Neighbourhood
+
+CHAPTER LIX. Kenilworth
+
+CHAPTER LX. The Return
+
+CHAPTER LXI. The Discomfited Scrivener
+
+CHAPTER LXII. Old Friends
+
+CHAPTER LXIII. Which ends this strange eventful History
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED,
+
+STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, AND QUEEN ELIZABETH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A FOREST SCENE.
+
+
+It was one morning, during the reign of Elizabeth, that a youth, clad in
+a grey cloth doublet and hose (the usual costume of the respectable
+country tradesman or apprentice in England), took his early morning
+stroll in the vicinity of a small town in Warwickshire.
+
+Lovely as is the scenery in almost every part of this beautiful county,
+which exhibits, perhaps, the most park-like and truly English picture in
+our island, it was (at the period of our story) far more beautiful than
+in its present state or cultivated improvement.
+
+The thick and massive foliage of its woods, in Elizabeth's day, were to
+be seen in all the luxuriance of their native wildness, unpruned,
+unthinned, untouched by the hand of man, representing in their bowery
+beauty the wild uncontrolled woodlands of Britain, when waste, and wold,
+and swamp, and thicket constituted all.
+
+The fern-clad undulations and forest glades around, too, at this period,
+were peopled by the wild and herded deer--those "poor, dappled
+fools--the native burghers of the desert city"--which, couched in their
+own confines, their antlered heads alone seen in some sequestered spot
+amongst the long grass, gave an additional charm to the locality they
+haunted, in all the freedom of unmolested range, from park to forest,
+and from glade to thicket.
+
+In these bosky bournes and sylvan retreats, unmolested then by the axe
+of an encroaching population; nay, almost untrodden, save by the
+occasional forester or the fierce outlaw; the gnarled oaks threw their
+broad arms over the mossy carpet, giving so deep a shade in many parts,
+that the rays of the mid-day sun were almost intercepted, and the silent
+forest seemed dark, shadowy, and massive, as when the stately tramp of
+the soldiery of Rome sounded beneath its boughs.
+
+As the youth cleared the enclosures in the immediate vicinity of the
+town, and brushed the dew from the bladed grass on nearing the more
+sylvan scene, the deep tones of the clock, from the old dark tower of
+the church, struck the third hour. The sound arrested him; he paused,
+and turning, gazed for some moments upon the buildings now seen emerging
+from the mint of early morning. At this hour no sign of life--no stir
+was to be observed in the town.
+
+    "The cricket sang, and man's o'er-labour'd sense
+    Repaired itself by rest."
+
+Although the youth looked upon a scene familiar to his eye (for it was
+the place of his birth, and from whence as yet his truant steps had
+scarcely measured a score of miles), his capable eye dwelt upon every
+point of interest and beauty in the surrounding picture.
+
+He had reached the age when the poetry of life begins to be felt; when
+an incipient longing for society of the softer sex, and an anxiety to
+look well in the eyes of the fair; to deserve well of woman, and to be
+thought a sort of soldier-servant and defender of beauty, is mixed up
+with the sterner ambitions of manhood.
+
+Perhaps few forms would have been more likely to captivate the fancy of
+the other sex than the figure and face of this youth, as he stood at
+gaze in the clear morning air, and contemplated the landscape around. In
+shape, he was slightly but elegantly formed, and his well-knit limbs
+were seen to advantage in the close-fitting but homely suit he wore.
+Added to this figure of a youthful Apollo, was a countenance of genius,
+intelligence, and beauty, peculiarly indicative of the mind of the
+owner. His costume, we have already said, was homely; it was, indeed,
+but one remove from the dress of the common man of the period. A gray
+doublet of coarse cloth, edged or guarded with black, and tight-fitting
+trunks and hose of the same material; to those were added a common felt
+hat with steeple crown, and shoes without rosettes. In his hand he
+carried a stout quarter-staff, shod with iron at either end. No costume,
+however, could disguise or alter the nobility of look and gallant
+bearing of that youth. After regarding the view presented to him in the
+clear morning air for some moments, he turned, leaped the last enclosure
+which pertained to the suburbs of the town, and pursued his way through
+a wild chase or park, avoiding the more thick woods on his right.
+
+How slight and trivial are sometimes the accidents which control the
+fate of man!
+
+On setting out from his own home, the stripling had intended to traverse
+the woodlands which lay between his native town and Warwick, in order to
+keep an appointment he had made with some youthful associates of the
+latter place--some wild and reckless young men with whom he had lately
+become acquainted. The church clock, however, whilst it informed him he
+had anticipated the hour, determined him to change his intention of
+going straight to the trysting-place, and he turned his steps in a
+different direction. He therefore left the deep woodlands on his right,
+and sought the enclosures of Clopton Hall.
+
+This change of purpose, in all probability, saved the life of the
+handsome lad. As he turned from the woodlands on his right, and sought
+the fern-clad chase and plantations in which Clopton Hall is embosomed,
+a tall, fierce-looking man, clad in the well-worn suit of a ranger or
+forester, stepped from the thick cover. As he did so, the forester
+lowered a cross-bow, with which he had been taking a steady aim at the
+stripling, from his shoulder, and stood and watched him till he
+disappeared.
+
+"Now the red pestilence strike him," said the man. "He has again escaped
+me. But an I give him not the death of a fat buck ere many days are over
+his head, may my bow-string be the halter that hangs me."
+
+"Nay, comrade," said a second forester, at that moment coming forward,
+"believe me, 'tis better as it is; thou must e'en drop this business,
+and satisfy thy revenge by a less matter than murder. I half suspected
+thy intent, and, therefore, have I followed thee. Come," he continued,
+"thou must, I say, forgive the affront this lad has put upon thee."
+
+"May the fiend take me then!" returned the ruffian.
+
+"Nay, thou art most likely the property of St. Nicholas methinks.
+Whatsoever thou dost," said the other, "certainly he will catch thee by
+the back if thou should harm this youngster."
+
+"Why, look ye," said his fellow. "Have I not reason for what I do? The
+varlet (who I shrewdly suspect hath an eye upon the deer) constantly
+haunts our woods. Not a nook, not a secluded corner, not a thicket but
+he knows of, and explores. At all hours of the day, and even at night,
+have I caught sight of him wandering alone. Sometimes I have seen him,
+lying along, book in hand, under a huge oak, in Fullbrook wood; at other
+times I have watched him as he stood in the twilight beside the brook,
+which flows through Charlecote Park. As often as I have tried to gain
+speech with and warn him from our haunts, he has been ware of me;
+plunging into the covert (nimble as a stag), so escaped.
+
+"Once, however, I came warily behind him while he stood watching the
+deer as they swept along a glade in Fullbrook; and heard him repeating
+words which rivetted me to the spot, nay almost took from me the power
+of accosting him. Not, however, to be outworded by a boy, I pounced upon
+him."
+
+"Go to!" said the other laughing, "then you collared him, I suppose, and
+took him off to the head-ranger to give an account of his trespass.
+Was't not so! Eh?"
+
+"You shall hear," returned the ranger. "At first I felt too much respect
+to rebuke him. There was something in his look I could not away with. He
+seemed somewhat angered too at being molested and caught by surprise;
+and there was that in his eye which could look down a lion, methought.
+After awhile, however, I gave him some of my mind, threatened to report
+his trespass to the knight our master, and to give him a taste of the
+stocks, or the cage."
+
+"Good," said his fellow, laughing. "You said well!"
+
+"Nay, 'twas not so good either, as it turned out," said the ranger.
+
+"How so?" inquired his comrade.
+
+"Why, he took my rebuke mildly at first, merely saying he sought not to
+molest the game, but only to enjoy the liberty, freedom, and leisure of
+the wild woods."
+
+"Well," interrupted the other, "between ourselves, that seems natural
+enough. But, an all the lads in the country were to do the same, they
+would soon drive the deer from their haunts, and render our trade a poor
+one."
+
+"So I told him; and that I should not be so easy the next time I caught
+him straying in our woods. Nay, that I would then, indeed, cudgel him
+like a dog."
+
+"Ha! ha! and how took he that threat?"
+
+"Mass! I would you could have seen how he took it," said the irate
+ranger, "for I shall never forget the change it wrought. He looked at me
+with an eye of fire, reared himself up like a startled steed, and railed
+on me in such terms as I think never man either heard or spoke before.
+Nay, an I had not known he was the son of a trader here in Stratford, I
+had taken him for the heir of some grandee, for never heard I before
+such a tongue, or such words of fire."
+
+"Go to!" said the other; "and how answered ye that?"
+
+"At first I felt awed; but, when he dared me but to raise a finger in
+the way of assault, and stirred my wrath so, that I laid hands on him,
+he struck me to the earth; when I rose, and again attacked him, despite
+my skill at quarter-staff, he cudgelled me to his heart's content."
+
+"What, yonder lad?"
+
+"Ay, yonder boy! His strength and skill were so great that, had I not
+cried _peccavi_, I had died under his blows."
+
+"And for this you are resolved to shoot him!"
+
+"I am! I cannot forget the disgrace of his quarter-staff. My very bones
+ache now at the bare remembrance."
+
+"Aye, but thou must forget it, comrade," said the other; "for to shoot
+him, look ye, might get the rangers all into trouble. He hath, you see,
+gone out of our bounds this morning; but let us follow, and if we find
+him we will both beat him. As far as that goes, I am your man. 'Tis
+allowable, and in the way of business. But for shooting the lad--fie
+on't! 'tis cowardly and dangerous. Ever while you live, forbear your
+bullet on a defenceless person."
+
+"Well, be it so!" said his fellow. "I agree. He hath had the best of me,
+for once in his life. But, at least, will I be revenged:--blow for
+blow."
+
+"Hath he good friends, said ye?"
+
+"None of note."
+
+"What then is his father?"
+
+"The wool-comber who dwells in Henley Street."
+
+"Enough! Now let us but catch him, and by 'r lady, we'll beat him so
+that he shall scarce disport his curiosity amongst our woods again."
+
+"Nay, but if we kill him?" said the other, with a sneer.
+
+"Then must our master bear us out; we are hired to keep off all lurking
+knaves. By fair means or foul, it must be done. An we kill him, we'll
+e'en knock over a buck, and lay it to's charge. Swear we caught him
+red-handed in the fact, and there an end."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE YOUTHFUL SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+About a couple of hours after the above conversation between the two
+rangers, the subject of it might have been seen lying along, "like a
+dropt acorn," book in hand, under cover of the thick belt of plantation
+skirting the grounds of Clopton Hall. Occasionally, his gaze would turn
+upon the huge twisted chimneys and casements of the building, just now
+beginning to show symptoms of life. The thin blue smoke mounted into the
+clear air, and the diamond panes of the windows glittered in the morning
+sun. At this period the sports of the field formed the almost daily
+avocation of the country gentlemen in England. Men rose with the sun,
+and with hawk and hound and steed commenced the day at once. Scarce was
+the substantial breakfast thought of till it had been earned in the free
+air, amidst the woods and glades. Accordingly, as our student lay perdue
+in the covert, he beheld the falconer of the household of Clopton with
+the ready hawk, the grooms with the caparisoned steeds, the coupled
+hounds, and all the paraphernalia of the field.
+
+The family of the Cloptons were not altogether unknown to the youth, and
+the hall being only a mile from the town, Sir Hugh was a sort of patron
+of Stratford, and in constant intercourse with the inhabitants.
+
+As his party had oft-times ridden through the streets, our hero had
+scarce failed to remark amongst the cavalcade a beautiful female of some
+seventeen years of age. This fair vision, who with hawk on hand, looked
+some nymph or goddess of the chase, was, indeed, the only daughter of
+Sir Hugh Clopton.
+
+To one of the ardent and poetic soul of our young friend, the mere
+passing glance of so exquisite a creature as Charlotte Clopton had
+suggested more than one sonnet descriptive of her beauty. Yes, the
+glance of the lowly poet from beneath the pent-house which constituted
+the shop of his father, had called forth verses which, even at this
+early period of his life, surpassed all that ever had been penned; and
+Charlotte Clopton first caused him to write a stanza in praise of
+beauty. At this early period of his life, too, his fine mind teemed with
+the germs of those thoughts which, in afterdays, brought forth so many
+lovely flowers. The impression of his own passionate feelings in youth
+furnished him with the ideas from which to pourtray the exquisitely
+tender scenes of his after-life.
+
+To a youth of spirit, the sight of preparation for the sports of the
+field was full of excitement. Most men love the chase, but mostly those
+of a bold determined courage.
+
+Participation in the sports of people of condition was, however, denied
+to the lad, as his condition in life barred him from aught beside the
+sight of others so engaged. His capacious mind conceived, however, at a
+glance, all the mysteries of wood-craft, and his truant disposition
+leading him to become a frequent trespasser, the haunts and habits of
+the wild denizens of the woods were familiar to him.
+
+If, therefore, he was debarred from following the chase himself, he
+loved to see the hunt sweep by--
+
+    "When the skies, the fountains, every region near,
+    Seemed all one mutual cry."
+
+In addition to this, there was an insatiable craving after information
+of every kind. He had been educated at the Free School of his native
+town, and had far outstripped all competitors in such lore as the
+academy afforded, and he now perused every book he could procure, making
+himself master of the subjects they treated of with wonderful facility.
+He was drinking in knowledge (if we may so term it) wherever it could be
+reached; whilst, in his truant hours, no shrub, no herb, no plant in
+nature escaped his piercing ken.
+
+His exquisite imagination, unfettered and free as the air he breathed in
+the lovely scenery of his native country, created worlds of fancy, and
+peopled them with beings which only himself could have conceived. In the
+solitude of the deep woods he loved to dream away the hours.
+
+    "On hill or dale, forest or mead,
+    By paved fountain, or by rushy brook,"
+
+it was his wont to imagine the elfin crew, as they "danced their
+ringlets to the whistling wind."
+
+It was observed, too, amongst his youthful associates, that he seemed to
+know things by intuition. Those who were brought up to the different
+mechanical trades in the town or neighbourhood found in him a master of
+the craft at which they had worked. "Whence comes this knowledge," they
+inquired of each other, "and where hath he found time to pick it up?"
+"Body o' me," his father would oft-times say, "but where hath our
+William learnt all this lore? Thus worded too! Master Cramboy, of the
+Free School, albeit he comes here continually to supper, and uses
+monstrous learned words in his discourse, never tells us of such things
+as this lad discourses to us." Neither was all this superfluous
+knowledge, "ill inhabited like Jove in a thatched house." He was already
+a poet, turned things to shape, and gave to airy nothing
+
+    "A local habitation and a name."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CHARLOTTE CLOPTON.
+
+
+Clopton Hall was situated in a sort of wild chase, or park, in which
+hundreds of broad, short-stemmed oaks grew at distant intervals; and
+through this chase a deep trench had been cut in former days by the
+legions of Rome, the thick plantation which formed the belt immediately
+around the house being just in rear of the Roman ditch.
+
+The hawking party, on this morning, as they gradually assembled and
+mounted their steeds in the court of the mansion, rode through the
+gate-house, along the avenue and into the chase. Here they breathed
+their coursers and careered about till Sir Hugh had mustered the
+different servitors and attendants appertaining to a matter of so much
+moment as his morning diversion, and was ready to go forth.
+
+As they did so, the youth noticed the lady he had before seen, and whose
+exquisite form had made some slight impression upon his imagination.
+Nothing could be more skilful than the way in which she managed her
+horse, he thought--nothing more lovely and graceful than she altogether
+appeared. The steed she rode was a magnificent animal, and one which
+none but a most perfect horsewoman could have backed; and as he plunged,
+and "yerked out his heels," he shewed his delight at being in the free
+air, and proved "the metal of his pasture."
+
+It was a fair sight to behold one so delicately formed as that lady
+restrain the ferocity, and, by her noble horsemanship, reduce to
+subjection the wild spirit of that courser; and so thought the studious
+boy in the gray jerkin.
+
+Well, however, as she had hitherto managed the animal, now that it was
+growing even more excited by the number of horses around, it seemed
+every instant becoming more and more unruly. It was in vain that a tall
+handsome cavalier, who had kept an anxious eye for some time upon the
+movements of her horse, now spurred his own steed beside the lady, and
+kept near her bridle-rein. The brute reared, and stood for a few
+moments, striking wildly with his fore feet. After a while, however, and
+whilst all sat in helpless alarm, the lady still keeping her seat, the
+steed recovered himself, plunged forwards, and bolted from the party.
+
+Few situations could be more perilous than that which Charlotte Clopton
+now found herself in; few more distressing to the spectators to witness;
+since to attempt aid is oft-times to hasten the catastrophe.
+
+To follow a runaway steed, in the hope of overtaking it is, perhaps, one
+of the worst plans that can be adopted, as the very companionship of the
+pursuing horse is sure to urge on and accelerate the pace of the flyer.
+
+Yet this course the tall dark cavalier (who seemed Charlotte Clopton's
+principal esquire) unhappily adopted.
+
+As he beheld the maddened horse tearing across the park, swerving
+amongst the oak trees, and threatening every instant to dash out the
+brains of the rider amongst the branches, he set spurs to his own
+courser, and galloped after her. It was in vain that Sir Hugh shouted to
+him to return. In vain he roared and railed, and called to him that he
+would murder his child by such folly.
+
+The lady, however, kept her seat. She managed even to guide her steed
+into the more open part of the chase. For (like the mariner in the
+storm) she well knew that whilst the tempest roars loudest, the open sea
+gives the vessel the better chance.
+
+The sound of the horse following, however, totally ruined her plan, and
+rendered her own steed more determined. He flung aside, turned from the
+direction his rider had coaxed him into, and galloped towards the spot
+where our hero was standing amidst the trees. It was by no means
+difficult to conjecture that destruction to the beautiful creature, thus
+borne along as if on one of the "couriers of the air," was almost
+inevitable.
+
+The next minute, as the youth of the grey doublet, in a state of
+breathless anxiety, stood and watched this race, himself concealed in
+the thick foliage, the horse (like some wild deer seeking cover) plunged
+headlong into the Roman ditch.
+
+The entrenchment was of considerable depth, so that both steed and
+rider, for the moment, disappeared below the grassy ridge. It was,
+however, but for a moment: the next, the maddened steed sprung up the
+opposite bank.
+
+The rider was, however, no longer on his back: she had been cast
+headlong from the saddle, and our hero saw, with terror, that her
+riding-gear was entangled on the saddle, and that she was being dragged
+along the ground by its side.
+
+But few minutes of exposure to such a situation, and that sweet face had
+been spurned out of the form of humanity, and her delicate limbs broken,
+torn, and lacerated. But the youth (although he saw at once that it
+would be vain to attempt to arrest the powerful brute by seizing the
+bridle) in a moment resolved upon a bolder measure. As the horse neared
+him, he rushed from his concealment and (ere it could swerve from his
+reach), with the full swing of his heavy quarter-staff, struck the
+animal full upon its forehead, and with the iron at the extremity of his
+weapon, fractured its skull.
+
+So truly and well was the blow delivered, that the steed fell as if
+struck by a butcher's pole-axe, and the next instant was a quivering
+carcase upon the grass.
+
+In another moment the achiever of this deed had unsheathed the sharp
+dagger he wore at his waist-belt, cut away the entangled garment of the
+lady from the saddle, and was kneeling beside her insensible form. As he
+did so, he felt that he could have spent hours in gazing upon those
+lovely features.
+
+Meanwhile, the cavalier who had followed (but who reined up his horse
+when he observed the steed of the lady dash down the slope, and then
+remained gazing on all that followed in a state of utter helplessness),
+as soon as he beheld the extraordinary manner in which she had been
+succoured, again set spurs to his horse.
+
+Dashing recklessly across the Roman trench, he galloped to the spot, and
+throwing himself from the saddle, snatched the lady from the supporting
+arms of her rescuer.
+
+There was a retiring diffidence, an innate modesty about the youth who
+had aided the lady, which kept him from intrusion. Nevertheless, he felt
+hurt at the manner in which the handsome cavalier had snatched her from
+his arms. His indomitable spirit prompted him almost to thrust back that
+officious friend, and like Valentine, exclaim--
+
+    "Thurio, give place, or else embrace thy death;
+    I dare thee but to look upon my love!"
+
+The next moment, however, remembrance of his own condition, and the
+station in life of her he had saved, flashed across his brain. He drew a
+pace or two back, and recollected how far removed he was from her he had
+so promptly succoured. As for the attendant cavalier, he seemed to see
+nothing but the still insensible form he hung over. "Oh! thank heaven.
+Oh! thank heaven, she breathes," he said wildly, "she is not dead--speak
+to me, Charlotte--speak but one word to your poor cousin, if but to
+assure him of your safety."
+
+"I think she is recovering, fair sir," said the youth, again
+approaching. "See, she opens her eyes."
+
+"She does--she does!" said the cavalier, as he raised her in his arms.
+"I would we had a few drops of water to sprinkle in her face; 'twould do
+much towards hastening her recovery."
+
+"That shall she soon have," said the youth; and darting off, he hastened
+towards a rivulet, which, brawling along on the other side of the
+plantation, ran through the marsh land beyond, and emptied itself into
+the Avon.
+
+Taking off his high-crowned hat, he dipped it in the stream, and
+returned as speedily. As he did so he observed that Sir Hugh Clopton,
+and such of his party as were mounted, had now reached the spot; whilst
+the fair Charlotte, having regained her senses, was clasped in her fond
+father's arms.
+
+Handing the water to one of the attendants, he again drew back, and
+leaning upon his quarter-staff, stood regarding the party unnoticed.
+
+"Now praise be to heaven for this mercy," said Sir Hugh. "In my pride
+and joy of thee, my Charlotte, I bred yonder steed for thy especial use.
+I thought to see thee mounted as no other damsel in Warwickshire, and
+see the result. Ha, by my halidame, I swear to thee, that had not the
+brute perished in his own wilfulness I had killed him with this hand."
+
+"Nay, blame not my poor Fairy," said the lady; "he did but follow the
+bent of his joyous spirit, when he found himself in the fresh pasture.
+'Twas thy timely succour, coz," she said, turning to the tall cavalier
+beside her, "which I suspect saved me when I fell."
+
+"By my troth then, nephew," said the old knight, grasping the youth's
+hand, "'twas well done of thee, and thou hast redeemed thy first fault
+in following the runaway horse."
+
+"Alas, uncle," said the cavalier, "I fear me I have redeemed no fault,
+neither deserve I any praise. I saw my fair cousin cast headlong to the
+earth, and then dragged beneath the heels of yonder horse. No mortal
+help, it appeared, could avail her. I felt the blood rush to my brain; I
+was about to fall from my saddle, when lo, a lad stepped from beside the
+trunk of yonder oak, I heard a heavy crashing blow, I saw Fairy fall as
+if pierced by a bullet in the brain, and I found thee, Charlotte, saved.
+And that reminds me," continued the cavalier, looking round, "he who did
+this gallant deed was this moment by my side."
+
+"Ha, say'st thou, Walter," said the burly knight, "where, then, be this
+lad whom we have not even thanked for his service? Stand back, my
+masters."
+
+As Sir Hugh spoke the attendants fell back, and discovered the graceful
+figure of the youth in the grey doublet, as he leant beside the tree.
+The old knight immediately stepped up, and grasping the youth by the
+hand, led him into the circle, whilst the young cavalier was more fully
+describing to the lady the bold and instantaneous manner in which she
+had been rescued.
+
+The youth sank on one knee, and taking the lady's hand, pressed it to
+his lips. "Believe me, lady," he said, "the delight I experience in
+serving one so fair and exquisite, a thousand times o'erpays the duty."
+
+"Why, gad a mercy," said the old knight, "thou art a high-flown
+champion, methinks. Nevertheless, lad, we are indebted to thee in more
+than we can either dilate on, or thou listen to with patience fasting.
+Let us return to the house, my masters all.
+
+"Come Sir Knight of the quarter-staff," he continued, "'fore gad, we'll
+not part with thee till we have learnt how to do thee good service.
+
+"Yet stay," he said, as he was preparing to mount, and whilst steadily
+regarding the youth, "art not of the town here? Have I not seen thy
+goodly visage somewhere in Stratford? Troth have I. Why man, thou art
+the son of my respected neighbour, the wool-comber in Henley
+Street--John Shakespeare."
+
+"His eldest son, an it so please ye," said the youth, blushing.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, and so thou art!" said Sir Hugh. "And what, good
+Philip?--is not thy name Philip?"
+
+"William," said the youth.
+
+"And what good wind, then, good William Shakespeare, hath blown thee so
+opportunely this morning to our neighbourhood?"
+
+"Marry, the same wind, good Sir Hugh," said a tall, dark-looking man,
+dressed in the habiliments of a forester, and accompanied by a companion
+quite as ill-favoured as himself, and who at this moment thrust himself
+into the circle: "the same ill wind, Sir Hugh, that makes him haunt
+every wood and dell in the county."
+
+This interruption somewhat startled the party. Sir Hugh turned and
+looked at him with surprise, whilst the object of the remark of the
+forester in an instant confronted the man. "Thou art an insolent
+caitiff," he said, "thus to speak of one of whom thou knowest nothing."
+
+"An I know nothing of thee," said the forester contemptuously, "'tis
+more than my comrade here can testify. By the same token, thou has
+stolen upon his forest-walk, 'will he, nill he,' and beaten him on his
+own beat, as it were, and so put him to shame."
+
+"And I am as like to do the same by thee with the like provocation,"
+returned young Shakespeare. "Thy comrade laid hands upon me, and
+dishonoured me by a blow. For the which," he continued, significantly,
+"_I beat him._"
+
+"And for which," returned the forester, "we have followed thee hither;
+and, time and opportunity serving, will return the beating with
+interest. Thou art warned, so look to thyself, and keep from our woods
+in future."
+
+"Gramercy," said Sir Hugh, now interrupting the dispute, "but what saucy
+companions are these?"
+
+"We are outlying keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote, Sir Hugh,"
+said the man, doffing his hat, and making a leg.
+
+"Outlying, I think, by'r Lady," said Sir Hugh, "in every sense of the
+word. Thou hast railed on thyself, Sir Ranger, in accusing this youth of
+the offence of trespass, since thou art even now thyself trespassing
+here, and putting an affront upon a youth whom it is our pleasure to
+hold in good esteem. Begone, lest I give my people a hint to cudgel thee
+for thy presumption."
+
+"Nay, then our master shall hear of it," said the keeper; "an thou
+encouragest those who lurch upon his grounds, the sword must settle it."
+
+"'Tis with thy master I _will_ settle it, thou arrant knave," said Sir
+Hugh; "I talk not with such caitiffs."
+
+"And yet dost thou take up with yonder son of a trader in Stratford
+town," said the fellow, with a sneer. "'Want of company,' saith the
+proverb. Eh?"
+
+"Hark ye, sirrah!" said young Shakespeare (like lightning seizing the
+keeper by the green frock, and forcing him up to the dead horse),
+"trader or noble, I warn thee to put no further affront upon me before
+this fair company; for, by the hand that brained yon steed, I can as
+easily teach thee as awful a lesson. Begone!" he continued. "I am alike
+ready to meet thee on thine own or other grounds, singly or together,
+with quarter-staff, or rapier and target."
+
+The man looked cowed, he glanced towards his comrade, and both
+disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE FAMILY OF THE CLOPTONS.
+
+
+To Charlotte Clopton the introduction of the stranger youth, the
+relation her cousin gave of his opportune appearance, and the ready
+manner in which he had rescued her, seemed like some dream.
+
+Indeed, under circumstances such as she now for the first time beheld
+the youthful poet, he was scarcely to be regarded, we opine, by a lady's
+eye with impunity.
+
+Rendered insensible, as we have seen, by her severe fall, on recovery
+she found herself almost miraculously saved from a dreadful death.
+Whilst he who had rescued her, appeared to have come to her assistance
+"like some descended god."
+
+"Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?" The heart of Charlotte
+was from that moment hopelessly, irrecoverably, lost.
+
+The family of the Cloptons was of ancient descent. Sir Hugh was a
+widower, having no other offspring but the daughter we have already
+introduced to our readers. Of suitors doubtless the fair Charlotte might
+have had plenty and to spare; for, when broad lands are coupled with
+exceeding beauty,
+
+    "From the four corners of the earth they come
+    To kiss the shrine."
+
+Sir Hugh had, however, made election for his daughter, of one who had
+been her companion from childhood, a cousin of her own, Walter Arderne.
+This young man, who was now about two and twenty years of age,
+absolutely doated on his affianced bride. His fortune was ample, and the
+woods of Arderne could be seen from the grounds of Clopton. Added to
+this he was extremely handsome, of a most amiable and generous
+disposition, brave as the steel he wore, and "complete in all good grace
+to grace a gentleman."
+
+And yet withal, although Charlotte loved him as a brother, esteemed him
+as a friend, and had been taught to regard him as her future husband, to
+entertain any more tender feelings towards him she found impossible.
+
+Still, Walter Arderne being thus the constant companion, the affianced
+husband of Charlotte, although numerous other cavaliers saw, and seeing,
+admired, their brief bow was soon made. They saw--they were smitten by
+the blind bow-boy--but they felt that the prize was appropriated
+worthily and withdrew.
+
+Few men, indeed, were more worthy of a lady's eye than Walter Arderne.
+Gentle, generous, and frank, as we have before described him--rich and
+handsome withal--it seems scarcely possible that his fair cousin could
+fail in returning the strong love he felt for her. Yet so it was, and
+whether this love "chosen by another's eye" was distasteful to her, or
+that she thought the near relationship any bar to a more tender feeling,
+it is certain the very thought of her betrothment was disagreeable.
+Still Walter had been her friend, her companion, and her champion from
+childhood's hour, and under his fostering care and tuition she had
+become a sort of Dian of the woods and groves. Dearly did she love the
+bounding steed and the chase: the wild, the wold, the hawk, and the free
+air.
+
+Her father's wishes also were law to her, and as she found it would be a
+terrible disappointment to him were she to own her dislike to a marriage
+with her cousin, she had suffered the engagement to remain unchallenged.
+
+For centuries the Cloptons had seemed a doomed race; as if some ban was
+upon them they had been strangely unlucky by flood and field. Gentle by
+birth, noble in spirit, and in the enjoyment of all the world could
+give, they seemed doomed to be unfortunate. There was even a melancholy
+about the old hall itself consequent upon the mishaps and disasters that
+appeared the hereditary portion of the family. The sons were brave,
+their banner ever in the van, but they fell early in the fight. The
+daughters were chaste as they were beautiful, but an early grave had
+almost always closed over them. Nay, the villagers called the old
+manor-house the house of mourning, so invariably had most of its
+numerous occupants been swept off. An old legend (they affirmed)
+proclaimed this near extinction of the line of Clopton, and that the
+hall would be unlucky whilst their race continued its owners.
+
+The brave old knight, gentle and even-tempered as he was, and whom on
+ordinary provocation it was difficult to anger, was peculiarly sensitive
+on this subject. Any allusion to the wild legend from a servitor, or
+rustic on his estate, would be sure to be followed by displeasure or
+dismissal; whilst mention of it from one in his own rank would have been
+considered equivalent to an invitation to the dark walk at the end of
+the pleasance, armed with rapier and dagger.
+
+Sir Hugh had beheld his children fade away, apparently of hereditary
+disease, one after another in their early youth; all except the
+beautiful Charlotte, the pledge of a second marriage, and whose mother
+had died soon after giving birth to this their only child, and he was in
+consequence tremblingly alive to the slightest alarm of accident or
+illness. It was under such circumstances that Sir Hugh, in accepting the
+guardianship of his nephew, had learned to look upon the well-favoured
+Walter almost with the eye of a parent, and had set his heart upon a
+marriage between him and his lovely child.
+
+Under such circumstances, too, had young Shakespeare performed the piece
+of service we have described,--a service beyond reward (as the old
+knight worded it), beyond aught he had to bestow; and it was under such
+circumstances that the youth became an occasional visitor at Clopton
+Hall, where he was admitted on an equality with the inmates, and
+received in a manner perhaps no other circumstances would have been
+likely to lead to.
+
+The line drawn between persons of different condition in life was then
+more strictly kept, and more accurately defined than in our own day. But
+the good sense of Sir Hugh led him to appreciate superior attainments
+wherever they were to be found. The ignorance of youth proceeded, he
+thought, from idleness; the continuance of ignorance in manhood from
+pride--the pride which is less ashamed of being ignorant than of seeking
+instruction. At Clopton, therefore, men of worth were received, even
+though of low estate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A DOMESTIC PARTY IN ELIZABETH'S DAY.
+
+
+On the evening of the day on which the accident had happened to
+Charlotte Clopton, that lady, together with her father, her cousin
+Walter, and young Shakespeare, were assembled in an ample apartment at
+Clopton Hall, situate on the ground floor, the windows looking out upon
+the lovely pleasure-grounds in the rear of the building. The youth had
+spent the entire day at the hall, and in the society of those to whom he
+had rendered so great a service.
+
+Indeed any person (albeit he might not so well deserve consideration by
+this good family) would still have been a cherished guest; nay, even an
+"unmannered churl," under the same circumstances, would have been
+tolerated and made much of; but in this lad, Sir Hugh and his family
+found something so extraordinary, so superior, and of so amiable a
+disposition, that it appeared a blessing and an honour to have him as an
+associate beneath their roof.
+
+Those who can associate with persons above them in rank, it has been
+said, and yet neither disgust or affront them by over-familiarity, or
+disgrace themselves by servility, prove that they are as much gentlemen
+by nature as their companions are by rank and station. If our readers
+wish to picture the youthful Shakespeare's first introduction into
+"worshipful society," and amongst people of condition of his day, and
+where he received those first impressions from which some of his
+delicious scenes have been drawn, they must imagine to themselves a
+large and somewhat gloomy oak-pannelled room, whose principal ornament
+is the huge elaborately-carved chimney-piece, which, in truth, seems to
+occupy one entire side of the apartment, and appears inclined also to
+march into the very centre thereof. The apartment (albeit it was, as we
+have said, by no means stinted to space, and had an exceeding quiet,
+retired, and comfortable look withal) was by no means constructed or
+fashioned after the more approved style of modern architecture. The
+ceiling was somewhat low, traversed by an enormous beam, and cut and
+carved elaborately, displaying fruits and flowers, heraldic devices of
+the brave, and all those extraordinary and grotesque figures which the
+cunning architects of old were so fond of inventing. On the side of the
+apartment opposite the huge chimney-piece, and on which side hung
+several scowling and bearded portraits, stood a sort of spinnet or
+harpsichord, and beside that leant an instrument, fashioned somewhat
+like a bass viol of the present day, but of a more curious form, and
+elaborately inlaid with ivory, a viol-de-gamba, an instrument then much
+in vogue. Two ample casements which opened inwards, and which were
+festooned by creeping plants, the eglantine and sweet jessamine, and
+which casements, as we have before said, looked into the green and
+bowery garden, and through which the soft evening breeze of May breathed
+the most exquisite perfume, gave a sort of green and fairy light to the
+interior. A heavy oaken table with enormous legs was placed near the
+window. Upon it were to be seen a silver salver, with several bottles of
+antique and most exquisite pattern, containing liquors of comfortable
+appearance and delicious flavour. These were flanked by high glasses of
+Venetian workmanship. In addition to these articles, several high-backed
+cane-bottomed chairs and one or two stools formed the remaining
+furniture of the room, and which, in comparison with our own
+over-crowded style, would perhaps have been termed only half furnished.
+
+Nic-nacs there were few or none. Two or three dull-faced miniature
+mirrors, looking all frame, hung heavily against the pannelling, and
+even a cross-bow, several rapiers, one or two matchlocks, and other
+weapons of ancient fashion, were to be observed; whilst, to complete the
+picture, on the ample hearth (although the room constituted what in the
+present day would have been called the withdrawing-room of the mansion)
+sprawled several of the smaller dogs then used in field sports, and an
+enormous hound, sufficiently large and powerful to pull down a stag; and
+in the enjoyment of the sight and flavour of the good wines placed
+before him, sat the portly form of the master of the house. Beside the
+open window stood the youthful cavalier Walter Arderne, and on one of
+the oaken lockers or benches in the embrazure of the casement, was
+seated Charlotte Clopton. As she leant her cheek upon her hand, one
+moment she gazed abstractedly into the bowery garden, the next her eyes
+wandered into the softened light of the interior of the apartment, and
+rested upon the features of her deliverer, young Shakespeare. This youth
+stood beside the spinnet, and (unconscious of the sensation his
+narrative produced upon the ears and hearts of his hearers, and of the
+beauty of the description) was giving them the plot of a tale in verse
+which he had that morning been perusing, when the lady's danger
+interrupted him.
+
+He related the story briefly, but in such language that his listeners
+were wrapt by the recital. He even accompanied his description by some
+action, and where he wished to impress his hearers more especially he
+endeavoured to recollect and repeat the lines of the poem, piecing out
+the story, when memory failed him, with such verses as he made for the
+nonce.
+
+In addition to these, the principal personages of our chapter, there was
+one other individual in the room, who (albeit he occupied the background
+of the scene, being crouched up in a corner) is also deserving of a
+description.
+
+This was a sort of hanger-on, or appendage to the establishments of the
+old families of condition in England not then quite extinct--a sort of
+good familiar creature, attached to the master of the house principally,
+and indifferently familiar with all and sundry, in doors and out--a sort
+of humorist--a privileged, seeming half idiotic, though in reality
+extremely shrewd and clever companion, who used his folly "like a
+stalking-horse, under cover of which, he shot his wit;" but who was
+indeed more the friend than the fool of the family, and oft-times
+consulted on matters of moment by the good knight.
+
+This individual, clad in somewhat fantastic costume, fashioned by
+himself, be it understood, and which it was his especial pleasure to
+wear, (for Sir Hugh would by no means have forced any one in his
+establishment to wear motley,) was seated in a huge high-backed
+arm-chair, in a corner of the apartment, where, with his legs drawn up
+under him on the cushion, his hands clasped together over his breast,
+and his thumbs in his mouth, he kept a shrewd eye upon the other
+occupants; the long ears of his cap every now and then, as they shook
+with a sort of nervous twitch of the head, alone proclaiming that he was
+not some stuffed ornament, occupying the position it was his wont
+usually to choose in the apartment.
+
+The story Shakespeare had related seemed to have made an impression on
+his own youthful mind. It professed to pourtray that baneful passion
+jealousy--a passion which, when once indulged, is the inevitable
+destroyer of conjugal happiness. It formed one of the old romances then
+in vogue amongst such as delighted in reading of the sort; for in those
+days of leisure, sobriety, and lack of excitement amongst females in the
+country, reading, spinning, embroidery, and other ornamental needlework,
+principally occupied the hours of the elder; and out-door amusements and
+music the younger. Those females who were given to literature, however,
+would, in our times, have indeed been considered learned, since many
+(albeit they eschewed light reading) understood both the Greek and Latin
+tongues to perfection, and many were no less skilful in the Spanish,
+Italian, and French.
+
+In the narration of this story, and whilst (as we have said) young
+Shakespeare gave his own version, might have been observed gleams of
+that mighty genius which was, in after-times, to astonish the world.
+
+His relation had, indeed, much of the fire and descriptive beauty which
+he afterwards threw into every line of his writings. He called up before
+his hearers the fiery openness of the injured husband; boundless in
+confidence, ardent in affection. He touched upon the soft and gentle
+simplicity of the victim; her consciousness of innocence; and her
+slowness to suspect she could be suspected. And, lastly, he described
+the clever devil, the fiend-like and malignant accuser, with matchless
+power.
+
+Indeed the enormity of the crime of adultery, and upon which this story
+touched so forcibly, was in after days (as our readers doubtless
+recollect) made by the great dramatic moralist the subject of not less
+than four of his finished productions.
+
+Another thing remarkable, and which struck all present, was the facility
+with which, by a touch as it were, he ever and anon (and as if by some
+incomprehensible magic of description) impressed the climate and
+country, the manners and customs of the actors in this romance, upon the
+hearers.
+
+The relation had, indeed, seemed to the auditors like a dramatic
+performance. The melody of the speaker's voice, and the lines he
+uttered, left his audience as we sometimes feel after the scenic hour.
+There was a want of some soother of the excitement produced.
+
+The old knight felt this. He took his viol-de-gamba and drew his bow
+lightly across the strings, producing that silver and somewhat solemn
+sound which those who have heard the instrument so well remember--sounds
+suited to the hour, age, and scene, and which give their own impressions
+of days long passed away.
+
+"Come, Charlotte," said Sir Hugh, after executing one of the pieces of
+music then in vogue, "now a madrigal in which all can join. This youth
+hath put a spell upon us with his sad story. Come, a madrigal; and after
+that our evening meal in the garden, beneath the mulberry-tree. Do thou
+take the first, whilst I and Walter chime in second and third, and
+Martin shall e'en do his best to help us."
+
+"Nay, uncle," said Martin, jerking out his legs straight before him,
+then putting them to the ground gently, and then lightly executing a
+sort of somersault and coming forward, "I pr'ythee hold me excused. I
+shall but spoil your music: my voice is rugged. I am not gifted to sing
+squealingly with a lady. A psalm or so at church, or a quaver after
+supper I can execute; but my voice is like the howl of an Irish wolf
+when I sing a part with the lady Charlotte: blessings on her celestial
+throat."
+
+"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, as she seated herself, "thou wilt not
+refuse when I tell thee it is to pleasure our new friend, to whom we owe
+so much."
+
+Martin glanced quickly upon Shakespeare, as she said this, and then
+slowly turned his eye upon the young lady.
+
+He stroked his chin knowingly, and seemed to be considering them both
+very curiously. "Truly so," he said, "we do indeed owe much to this lad.
+May God requite the debt." So saying, the familiar walked to the window,
+and, looking affectionately in the handsome face of Walter, as he stood
+leaning against the casement and regarding Charlotte, he put his arm
+through that of the young cavalier, and remained beside him whilst the
+madrigal was sung; his own fine bass voice coming in with singular
+effect, and belying his modest assertion of incompetency.
+
+To say that the voice of the lovely Charlotte delighted Shakespeare
+would be to say little; he felt ravished and enchanted, and it left an
+impression upon the young poet which he never forgot from that hour!
+
+And oh! how calmly, how contentedly, and how quietly flowed the hours of
+private life even during such a reign of glory as that of the great and
+good Queen Bess!
+
+In those days the whirl of events, the increasing villany of the world,
+the petty doings of the actors in this vale of tears, the very minutiae
+of crime and sin, the most paltry acts "committed on this ball of
+earth," in town, city, village, and hamlet were not as now, printed and
+published and blown into every corner of the kingdom, a few hours after
+commission. Even the leading events of the day, the acts of the great
+amongst the nations of the earth, and all the stirring deeds going on in
+the world, and which shook and overturned thrones; even these travelled
+slowly, and though posts "came tiring on," still rumour, full of
+tongues, made oft-times many slanderous reports ere the true one was
+manifest.
+
+To the country gentleman his domain was his little world, his court,
+wherein he received the homage of his neighbouring dependents and
+tenants.
+
+The charm of life consisted in these pursuits, those associations--nay
+even those superstitions, and those antiquated customs which modern
+utilitarianism has driven from the world. Whilst, as we have said,
+mighty events shook the nation, men continued to pursue their even way
+in that station of life in which it had pleased Heaven to call them.
+
+After the madrigal, the old knight, with the viol-de-gamba clutched
+between his legs, fell fast asleep, his wonted custom in the evening;
+and having gently relieved him from all care of the instrument by
+withdrawing it from his custody, Charlotte invited the trio to a stroll
+in the garden, where they held converse upon various matters,
+occasionally interrupted in their discourse by the quaint sayings and
+witticisms of the shrewd Martin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE VISITOR.
+
+
+'Twas a pleasing picture, that old knight taking his evening nap in his
+oak pannelled room, so quiet and so retired, so undisturbed, except by
+the cooing of the wood-pigeon, or the distant bay of the hound in the
+kennel.
+
+The evening breeze sighed drearily through the branches of the gigantic
+cedar-tree in the garden, and whispered softly through the luxuriant
+plants and shrubs which hung about the diamond-paned windows.
+
+'Tis a sweet time that evening hour, in an old mansion far removed from
+the bustle of the world. The oak floor, too, in the centre of the
+apartment, was coloured faintly by the many tints reflected through the
+stained glass in the upper compartments of the windows, and where the
+arms and crest of the Cloptons were variously multiplied and emblazoned.
+The dark polished oak of the huge chimney-piece, as the shadows of
+evening descended, seemed framed of iron or ebony, the grotesque
+figures, here and there ornamenting the higher parts, with their
+demoniac faces and satyr-like bodies, seeming ready to pounce upon
+whoever came within their reach.
+
+Whilst the old knight enjoyed his siesta, every now and then giving a
+sort of start in his deep sleep, or a prolonged snore, and then
+twitching his muscular face and changing his position, the door of the
+apartment was gently opened, and a tall shadowy figure, after hesitating
+for a few moments at the threshold, and looking round, entered
+cautiously, and approaching the sleeper stood and gazed long and fixedly
+at his countenance.
+
+What a contrast might a looker-on have observed in those two faces!--the
+one round, ruddy, redolent of health, and shewing no traces of guilt or
+care; the other worn, pale, anxious, and cadaverous-looking. The broad
+brim of the stranger's hat was drawn down and pulled low over his
+forehead, his dark and grizzled hair looked thin and perished, matching
+well with the iron gray of his complexion, and his forked beard,
+presenting altogether a worn and haggard appearance, a man of dark
+passions, evil thoughts, and sinister disposition.
+
+After gazing for some time at Sir Hugh, the stranger laid his heavy
+gauntlet upon his shoulder and suddenly awoke him.
+
+The knight opened his eyes, stared at the dark countenance so suddenly
+presented to him for a few moments, and then starting up, stepped a pace
+or two back and laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier.
+
+The grim stranger smiled at the startled look of the old knight, "Fear
+me not, Sir Hugh," he said. "I come not with intent to do thee harm."
+
+"Fear thee," said Sir Hugh contemptuously, "wherefore should I fear? But
+thou comest upon me in my secure hour here--and I know thee not. Stand
+off, lest I smite thee."
+
+"That would be a poor reception for an old friend," said the other,
+smiling a grim smile.
+
+"An old friend!" said Sir Hugh, in tones of surprise; "truly then thou
+art an old friend with a new face. May heaven protect me, if ever I
+looked upon that white-livered visage of thine before."
+
+"Art thou quite sure of that, Sir Hugh Clopton?" said the stranger.
+"Look again; time and care and climate have written, I dare be sworn,
+strange defeatures in my face, but yet methinks twenty years ago the
+name of Parry was not altogether unknown at Clopton."
+
+"Parry!" said Sir Hugh, starting; "art thou Gilbert Parry? and what doth
+the banished traitor Parry within my walls? Hence, sirrah; I wish for
+the companionship of no man polluted with crimes such as thine."
+
+"Nay, soft, Sir Hugh," said the visitor, "I come with credentials from
+one thou darest not slight. Look ye, I am bearer of a letter from the
+Nuncio Campeggio, and I demand speech with Father Eustace, who dwells in
+thy house here."
+
+Sir Hugh again started; he took the letter from the hand of his visitor,
+and read it attentively.
+
+"Truly," he said, "the letter is as thou say'st. In it I find I am
+ordered to give thee shelter here for the space of one week; affording
+thee and those with whom thou consortest such secresy and seclusion as
+thou may'st desire. I dare not deny the hospitality so enjoined, but in
+good sooth I had as lief thou had'st sought it elsewhere, Gilbert
+Parry."
+
+"'Tis well," said Parry, taking his riding-cloak from his shoulders;
+"Clopton hath secret chambers, I know, as well as that devoted servants
+of the Catholic Church dwell beneath its roof."
+
+"May I not know," inquired Sir Hugh, "of the business which employs the
+talents of Gilbert Parry, and makes the Pope's Nuncio his introducer
+within my walls?"
+
+"At more fitting opportunity perchance thou mayest," returned Parry,
+whose manner had become more assured after he observed the impression
+the letter he had delivered had made; "at the present moment I require
+rest and refreshment."
+
+Sir Hugh said no more; he stepped to a concealed pannel beside the huge
+chimney-piece, and drawing it aside, ushered his guest into a small
+closet-like apartment, and then carefully closed the pannel again. A
+narrow winding staircase ascended from this small room into the chamber
+above, and which was only known or used by Sir Hugh himself, together
+with Martin and the priest, who occasionally visited at the Hall.
+
+After entering, Sir Hugh signed to his guest to ascend the staircase.
+
+"Thou wilt find every accommodation here in this chamber," he said, "and
+refreshment shall be served to thee by one I can trust. Father Eustace
+is at present absent from Clopton, but to-morrow I expect he will
+return."
+
+"I would confer with him without delay," said Parry, "so soon as he
+returns."
+
+"Be it so," said Sir Hugh, retiring from the apartment, and descending
+the stairs; seeming, as he did so, by his manner, not sorry to withdraw
+from the companionship of his new guest.
+
+As soon as he had descended into the small apartment we have before
+described, he paused for a few moments, and then unlocked and opened a
+low postern door, which admitted into the garden, and, guided by the
+voices of his daughter and her party in the distance, immediately sought
+them.
+
+It was by no means uncommon for the Catholics, during this reign, to
+hold secret intercourse with each other after the fashion we have just
+described, going from house to house with the utmost care; the more
+violent and remorseless making it their practice to seek refuge
+oft-times amongst the quieter gentry, and, under cover of their
+respectability, carrying on their designs with greater security.
+
+In pursuance of such custom, Sir Hugh's new visitor had now sought
+shelter at Clopton. He had, on that same evening, arrived at Stratford
+in company with others, and immediately on dismounting from his horse,
+had walked across the meadows, entered the grounds, and being well
+acquainted with the localities, introduced himself into the house
+without being seen by any one.
+
+When Sir Hugh joined his daughter and her party, there was a something
+of anxiety upon his brow which was not usual with him. But so deeply
+interested were Charlotte and Walter Arderne with the conversation of
+their new formed acquaintance, that they observed it not. The quick eye,
+however, of the shrewd Martin (who so well knew his old master's habits)
+saw at a glance that something had puddled the clear spirit of the
+knight; and advancing towards him, they walked apart and held converse
+together.
+
+"Is there ill news toward?" said Martin. "Something I perceive hath
+disturbed you, and broken in upon your slumbers."
+
+"I have had a visitor, Martin," said Sir Hugh; "one with whom I had long
+closed the accounts of acquaintanceship as a dangerous companion."
+
+"Know I the man?" inquired Martin.
+
+"Like myself you did so," returned Sir Hugh; "but evil courses drove him
+from the country some years back. You remember Gilbert Parry?"
+
+"What," said Martin, "he who was condemned to death as a traitor some
+five years ago, and to whom the Queen graciously granted a free pardon?"
+
+"The same. He hath been with me just now."
+
+"He was ever a restless dangerous knave," said Martin; "his visit might
+well have been spared. I trust it was a short one."
+
+"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "he hath claimed the hospitality of Clopton on
+matters of moment connected with holy mother Church, and hath shewn me
+letters from the Nuncio Campeggio, and from Ragazoni at Paris."
+
+"He comes from abroad, then, I dare be sworn," said Martin, "and on no
+good errand depend on't, and he makes Clopton his place of residence on
+his first arrival, in order to be in security whilst he spies into the
+localities, and sounds his instruments; ah, and by my fay, 'tis a crafty
+and a dangerous companion, whose designs may get us into trouble. But an
+I dive not into his contrivances I would I might never taste hippocras
+again."
+
+"I would have thee do so, Martin, if it be possible," said Sir Hugh,
+"for I like not such guests; albeit, their visits are sanctioned and
+enjoined by the mighty in our Church. Nay, it was but last week I had a
+visit from Ralph Somerville, of Warwick, who held me in dangerous
+converse a whole hour, upon the necessity of smiting all heretics and
+persecutors. His discourses on religious matters shewed a distempered
+brain. Troth, I was glad to be rid of him."
+
+"'Tis strange," said Martin, "to behold the spirit which everywhere
+actuates those who profess more religion than their neighbours, both
+Protestants and Catholics. By my faith, men will dispute upon the
+subject, cut a throat for religion, indite most learned matter
+appertaining,--anything but live for it."
+
+"'Tis even so, Martin," said Sir Hugh with a sigh, "and therefore doth
+it behove us, and all those who are not of this bigoted and intolerant
+spirit, to guard our hearths from the danger of such association. A
+presentiment of evil is upon my mind since this man's coming, which I
+cannot shake off. Be it thy business to look to his wants this evening.
+To-morrow Father Eustace returns, and we shall then know more about his
+designs."
+
+"Ah, that Eustace!" muttered Martin to himself. "Hath he ever seen this
+man?" he inquired aloud.
+
+"I think not," said Sir Hugh; "they have never met to my knowledge."
+
+"Enough," said Martin; "leave him to me. Now break we off, and let us
+join our party. See where the lady Charlotte leads her two attendant
+swains toward the house yonder. This new-found friend, Sir Hugh,"
+continued Martin, "this youth, whose merits seem so far beyond his
+fortunes, is he likely to remain long at Clopton?"
+
+"He tarries here to-night, Martin," said Sir Hugh, "and shall be ever
+welcome. We are deeply his debtor."
+
+"Humph," said Martin significantly, "I supposed as much, and I suppose
+it must even be so,--_but_----"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS.
+
+
+England, up to the period of Elizabeth's reign, at which our story has
+now arrived, had been blessed in the enjoyment of the most absolute
+security.
+
+The scene, however, was now beginning to change, and multiplied dangers
+to threaten the maiden Queen from various quarters.
+
+Scotland and its affairs gave Elizabeth continued uneasiness, and every
+new revolution amongst the wild and turbulent nobles of that rude land
+caused her fresh anxiety, because that country alone being not separated
+from England by sea, and bordering on all the Catholic and malcontent
+countries, afforded her enemies an easy mode of annoying her.
+
+Nothing could be more romantic, wild, and extravagant than the stories
+which those of the English who had penetrated far north brought back of
+the state of the nation, and the manners and disposition of the
+inhabitants; and which, if they were to be believed, described the
+chieftains in the hill countries as living amidst their wild and savage
+retainers in a singular style of feudal grandeur and semi-barbarism.
+
+Nay, such was, in reality, the nature of the rude Highlanders in the
+remoter districts of Scotland, that, for an Englishman to attempt to
+penetrate into their fastnesses, would have been attended with the same
+difficulty and danger as at the present time a journey into the centre
+of Africa is exposed to. So that to the generality of the English nation
+the interior of Scotland was a _terra incognita_; whilst the dark and
+ominous rumours continually floating about, pictured the very court
+itself of that distracted country in a most strange and unnatural light.
+Murders, conspiracies, rebellions, and every sort of consequence upon
+misrule and headstrong passion, seemed the every-day occurrence there.
+
+In Ireland, too, (where the inhabitants were equally wild, reckless, and
+opposite to England,) every invader found ready auxiliaries.
+
+Alienated by religious prejudices, that nation hated the English with a
+peculiar and deadly animosity; an animosity which has rankled in their
+breasts up to the present time, and caused the shedding of rivulets of
+blood.
+
+The anxiety of the Queen, on account of the attempts of the English
+Catholics, never ceased during the course of her reign, and was at this
+period greater than ever: whilst the continued revolutions happening to
+all the neighbouring kingdoms were the source of her continued
+apprehension Plots after plots were concocted in all quarters against
+her life, and which were being as constantly brought to light by one
+extraordinary chance or another.
+
+The Cloptons, as we have seen, were members of the Church of Rome,
+though they were of the milder sort of Catholics, steering clear of all
+those intrigues and conspiracies which the more bigoted of their
+persuasion were so continually engaged in.
+
+They were, indeed, well thought of and regarded by the government and
+the queen, and the good Sir Hugh was beloved and respected by all
+parties. Still the iron rule of the Church of Rome was upon him and his
+household, and held him under subjection. Many, therefore, were the
+narrow escapes he had experienced from being drawn into the violent and
+bloody plots and conspiracies the more dangerous and bigoted members of
+his creed had already been engaged in.
+
+In a former chapter our readers have seen a person of this latter sort
+arrive stealthily at the Hall, and fasten himself upon the secret
+hospitality of Sir Hugh, in virtue of the powerful letters he produced.
+
+What the designs of this man might be it was impossible to fathom, and
+Sir Hugh well knew that from the circumstance of his being himself
+considered but a mild and luke-warm Catholic by the more zealous and
+violent party, (although he might be made use of,) he would scarcely be
+initiated by them into their secrets.
+
+Under such circumstances, the faithful Martin, (whose devotion towards
+the family of his old friend and patron amounted to a species of
+worship,) in taking upon himself the office of attendant upon the
+unwelcome guest, resolved to play the spy upon him at the same time,
+and, if possible, pluck out the heart of his mystery. The absence of the
+priest (who frequently resided at the Hall) favoured this design; and
+(on leaving Sir Hugh) Martin ascended to the apartment usually occupied
+by Father Eustace, where he doffed his motley coat, and induing the
+garments of the priest, suddenly presented himself before Parry.
+
+The talent for humour possessed by this singular being made his design
+peculiarly agreeable to him, for to play a part (even under dangerous
+circumstances) was quite in accordance with his disposition.
+
+On entering he found the object of his visit seated upon the small
+truckle bed with which the room was accommodated, and which (except two
+chairs) was all the furniture in it--the bed standing in a recess.
+
+The room itself was one of those small, curious chambers peculiar to the
+buildings of the Catholic gentry during this and the subsequent reign.
+It seemed evidently to have been contrived for purposes of seclusion and
+concealment, and was more like the cell of a monastery than a chamber in
+a private dwelling. Cribbed, as it seemed to have been, out of some
+corner of the edifice, where an apartment would never have been thought
+of; the only light by which this closet-like room was illuminated in the
+day-time being from a small concealed window, so contrived as not to be
+visible from the grounds without.
+
+So deep in his own contemplations was the occupant of this chamber,
+that, at first, he did not observe the entrance of the disguised Martin.
+When he did so, however, he quickly started to his feet, and the riding
+cloak which he had unfastened slipping from his shoulders shewed that he
+was armed (as the phrase goes) to the very teeth. Rapier and dagger were
+by his side, a pair of the huge, ill-contrived, petronels of the period
+at his waist, and in place of a shirt it was evident that he wore a sort
+of hauberk of linked steel beneath his upper garments; in fact, a more
+dangerous-looking and dishevelled companion the shrewd Martin had seldom
+beheld.
+
+"The peace of Heaven be upon thee, my son," said Martin, as the visitor
+confronted him.
+
+"Such peace as Heaven wills," returned the other.
+
+"Those who have to do the work are not permitted peace of mind or body
+in this world. Art thou him to whom I am secretly commended at Clopton,
+the good Father Eustace?"
+
+"Such is the name men usually give the wearer of these garments of the
+Church, my son," returned Martin. "I would they clove to the body of a
+more worthy representative."
+
+"The business I have with thee, good father," said Parry, "is of that
+dangerous and imminent nature that I may not trust to thy word alone. I
+must be furnished with proof of thy identity. Sir Hugh Clopton affirmed
+but now that Father Eustace was at present absent from the Hall."
+
+"I have but now returned," said Martin, "and immediately have sought
+thee out by Sir Hugh's desire. What you have to communicate can either
+be withheld or given freely, I seek not to know the secret of others.
+Letters of import, as I learn, hath procured thee a secret asylum here,
+without which, as thou art aware, thou could'st not have been received,
+neither can I hold converse with thee, unless thou canst shew such
+documents or explain the reasons of thy coming hither."
+
+"Enough said, father," returned Parry, thrown off his guard, "those
+documents thou shalt have; meantime hear the reasons which have moved me
+to this visit, and my intent in seeking thee."
+
+"Proceed," said Martin, seating himself, whilst the other walked
+restlessly up and down the small room, apparently carried away by the
+violence of his own thoughts.
+
+"Thou knowest my early history," he said, "and how that after being an
+undutiful son, a sabbath-breaker, and a blasphemer, the devil lured me
+to the commission of crimes by which my life was forfeited to the laws?"
+
+"I have heard these things," said Martin, "and such part of the story
+needs no repetition. The Queen granted you a free pardon, for which you
+are doubtless grateful, and resolved in making amends?"
+
+"I had resolved on doing so," said Parry, "and hoped for days of
+repentance and happiness, but none came, as you shall hear. The fiend
+still held possession. I wandered about in woods and solitary places,
+for the sight of my fellow creatures was horrible to me. Nay, I thought
+every one seemed happy but myself, and the evil one constantly whispered
+that there was no mercy for Gilbert Parry. Again, therefore, I sought
+society, gave the reins to my evil desires, and myself up to evil ways,
+and again conscience troubled me. I had rest neither by night nor day. I
+feared the night, lest the enemy should take me before morning. I tried
+to pray, but could not. I passed whole days as if my body had been
+pricked down irrecoverably, persuaded the fiend was in my apartment.
+Nay, my very body was in flames. To cry for help was vain, no relief
+came, and I was ever filled with evil thoughts. Such, holy father, were
+the torments I endured for five years. At length it appeared to me that
+this state of persecution arose from some cause in which I was called
+upon to exert myself. Then considered I of the persecuted state of our
+religion, and that I was called upon to strike a blow for its welfare.
+In short I resolved to do a deed which (by destroying the great enemy of
+our Church) should obtain for me the crown of martyrdom."
+
+"Proceed, my son," said Martin, who, seated with his chin upon his
+doubled fists, was listening to and contemplating the excited Parry with
+the utmost attention. "Proceed, my son, wherefore dost thou stop?"
+
+The narrator of his own troubled thoughts regarded Martin with a deep
+and searching look. "Methought I saw a devilish smile upon thy face," he
+said sternly. "Is the relation of such things subject of ridicule?"
+
+"Rather of pity," said Martin; "I smiled to think that a whip and a dark
+room might have dispelled such phantoms. The most absurd doctrines are
+not without such evidence as martyrdom can produce."
+
+"You think, then," said Parry, "that penance and flagellation were
+required?"
+
+"Call it so, an if you will," said Martin, "fasting is good for
+digestion, and real pain for imaginary suffering. Doubtless you lived
+well whilst this frenzy lasted. You was, you say, leading a wild life,
+perhaps drunk one-half of the twenty-four hours, and mad the other. A
+bad state of the stomach produces fumes upon the brain. I would have
+exorcised the fiend by blood-letting, blisters, purgation, and
+purification. But proceed, you was about to say what this continued
+spiritual ague wrought you to."
+
+"The cutting off of one who is the bitter enemy of our creed, the
+usurper of the throne of these realms," said Parry, "the putting to
+death of Elizabeth Tudor."
+
+"Ah, ah," said Martin, "methought 'twould tend that way. She to whom you
+are indebted for a life, is to pay the forfeit of life for her
+clemency."
+
+"And you disapprove of my project, then?" inquired Parry.
+
+"Nay, I said not so much, did I?" returned the shrewd Martin.
+
+"But you inferred so much, did you not?" again inquired Parry.
+
+"Mayhap I did, mayhap I did not," said Martin, who saw by the eye of
+Parry that his own situation, thus shut up with such a man, and under
+false colours, was somewhat perilous, especially as Parry in his excited
+state begun to fumble with the poniard at his waist. Martin in short now
+saw that his companion was mad. Under such circumstances to shew fear or
+distrust is to perish.
+
+"In trusting Father Eustace," said Parry, placing himself between Martin
+and the door, "I was led to expect I should find one ready in every way
+to forward and aid so great a design. Such was the assurance I received
+from Ragazoni. I brook no prevarication, priest; neither will I run the
+risk of betrayal." So saying, Parry drew his dagger from the sheath,
+looking at Martin at the same time with the ferocity of a tiger ready to
+spring.
+
+"'Tis not often that ministers of the Holy Mother Church are threatened
+thus," said Martin coolly, and without altering his position.
+
+"I will drive my dagger to the heart of every member of this household,"
+said Parry, "rather than endanger the success of my project."
+
+"That in itself would ruin the project, as far as you are its executor,"
+returned Martin, "since you would be likely to be apprehended and suffer
+for your violence."
+
+"Swear upon the hilt of my poniard not to divulge what I have just
+related," said Parry, becoming somewhat less excited, and thrusting his
+dagger close to the mouth of Martin. "Swear."
+
+"I am ready to do so," said Martin, quietly moving the steel from its
+close proximity to his lips, "with one reservation however, that Sir
+Hugh Clopton is to be informed of it."
+
+"Ah," said Parry, seeming to reflect, and as suddenly changing from his
+excited state to comparative calmness, "was I not told to take the
+advice of Father Eustace, as to the propriety of making Sir Hugh Clopton
+acquainted with this design? And you advise such measure, do you,
+father?"
+
+"Most assuredly; for what other purpose have you sought his roof?"
+
+"For the purpose," said Parry, "of being in the vicinity of others
+cognizant of my design in this country, and of conferring with yourself
+in security, since my steps and motions, until I took refuge in
+Warwickshire, have been closely watched."
+
+"Good," returned Martin. "Now, wilt follow my advice since you have been
+sent to seek it?"
+
+"I will," said Parry.
+
+"Thus it is," said Martin; "dismiss all further thoughts connected with
+your design to-night: partake of the refreshments I have brought with
+me, and then seek the repose you so much need. _To-morrow_ we will talk
+further, taking Sir Hugh into our counsels; and so I take my leave." As
+he said this Martin rose, and was about to pass Parry, carefully making
+a circuit so as to get between him and the door, the latter following
+him as he did so with a doubtful eye.
+
+"You are a different man from the person I was led to expect in Father
+Eustace," said Parry, still dallying with his drawn dagger.
+
+"I am as you see me," said Martin, "true to my word and to the master I
+serve."
+
+"And you swear not to divulge?" said Parry.
+
+"Except to Sir Hugh--I swear," said Martin.
+
+"Be it so," said Parry, sheathing his dagger and stepping aside. "Good
+night, father."
+
+"To-morrow early I will again be with you," said Martin. "Good night",
+and the next moment he was outside the small apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.
+
+
+On the skirts of the county of Warwick (saith a modern author), situated
+on the low meadowy banks of a river, there is a little quiet country
+town, boasting nothing to attract the attention of the traveller but a
+fine church and one or two antique buildings with elaborately carved
+fronts of wood or stone, in the peaceful streets. There would seem to be
+little traffic in that place, and the passing traveller, ignorant of the
+locality, would scarcely cast a second look around. But whisper its name
+into his ear, and, hand in hand with his ignorance, his apathy will
+straightway depart. He will stop his horse; he will descend from the
+saddle; he will explore those quiet streets, he will enter more than one
+of the houses in that little town; he will visit that old church, he
+will pause reverentially before its monuments; he will carry away with
+him some notes--perhaps some sketches; and remember what he saw and what
+he felt that day to the very close of his life. Indeed you will seldom
+fail to see, even in that quiet little town, small groups of people on
+whose faces and in whose demeanour you will recognize the stranger
+stamp. There is something to see in those unfrequented streets; and they
+have come a long way to see it. What wonder! The town is
+Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+Such is indeed Stratford-upon-Avon at the present time. But in the
+sixteenth century it presented a somewhat different aspect.
+
+The different towns in England, at this latter period, were just
+beginning to emerge from their state of primitive rudeness and
+irregularity, and the houses to be distinguished for a style of
+architectural beauty and comfort as dwellings, which has not since been
+improved or exceeded.
+
+The various contentions and intestine jars which had, almost up to the
+reign of Elizabeth, drained the population, and kept men from all
+peaceful occupations and improvements, and in consequence of which the
+squalor of their dwellings and tenements were but one degree improved
+from the rudeness of the Norman period, was now to give place to a style
+which, if but one tenement remain to us in a town of the present age, we
+look at it with delight and admiration. Stratford-upon-Avon then, in the
+year 1584, might be said to partake largely of both these styles. In
+some parts were to be seen those irregular ill-built wooden tenements,
+little removed from the hut of the Norman citizen. These standing apart,
+and without regard to streets, formed the abode of the poorer sort of
+inhabitants, and chiefly constituted the suburbs; whilst several regular
+streets were to be found composed of handsome, strong-built,
+heavily-timbered, and substantial dwellings, having their shops
+encroaching into the streets; their beetling storeys above; their long
+passages running backwards, with ample yards and gardens in rear; and
+their low-roofed wide-chimneyed, secluded, and comfortable rooms,
+secured by massive iron-studded doors, and accommodated with heavy
+cumbrous articles of furniture.
+
+Here and there too, in the midst, were to be seen the mouldering remains
+of some dark monastic building of a former day. The walls of edifices,
+built in the dark ages of monkish intolerance, whose grated windows and
+low-arched doors told of the Saxon and the Dane, when, save the
+splendour of religious architecture, there was nothing between the hut
+and the castle.
+
+Nothing could be more rural and picturesque than Stratford-upon-Avon on
+a bright summer's day. Its streets, as we have before partially
+described, and (as was mostly the case in unwalled towns at this period)
+were, except in the very centre of the town, composed of houses
+detached at irregular intervals, many of the edifices being partially
+screened by the luxuriant trees which shadowed their fronts, and grew in
+the gardens in rear: added to this, in the suburban thoroughfares of
+this town, it was not uncommon to find a clump of tall elms or oaks
+growing in the very centre of the road, beneath whose boughs the rude
+bench, the horse-trough, and the creaking sign proclaimed the immediate
+vicinity of the smaller hostel.
+
+If the traveller looked from the town, he beheld the high road he was to
+traverse on leaving it, o'ercanopied by the forest scene without, whilst
+on entering the suburbs, the sloping roof, gable ends, and heavy
+chimneys were only here and there to be caught sight of amongst the
+living verdure in which they were embosomed.
+
+Besides this, as he proceeded, the picture was added to by the various
+signs of the several trades, which proclaimed the occupation of the
+indwellers, and before many of the houses were placed long benches on
+which, in fine weather, the townsfolk were to be found seated,
+conversing cozily together in their quaint-cut doublets and
+steeple-crowned hats. Large tubs of water also, by order of the chief
+magistrate, were placed beside each dwelling, as a precautionary
+preventative against the spread of fire amongst these stout-timbered
+edifices. The highways, however, even in the outskirts of the town, were
+by no means so well cared for as in our own times, and in foul weather,
+in place of a well-paved or Macadamized thoroughfare, the road was
+knee-deep in mud, and cut up fearfully with cart wheels and other
+traffic of the time.
+
+In what would now be called a small and somewhat mean-looking dwelling,
+but which in the reign of Elizabeth constituted the habitation of a good
+substantial citizen, resided John Shakespeare, a dealer in wool in
+Stratford-upon-Avon. The house itself had nothing in its outward
+appearance to recommend it, except the strength of its build and the
+stoutness of its timbers.
+
+It was neither "a goodly dwelling or a rich." Its rooms were both
+stinted to space and somewhat low in roof. But little did its inmates
+suspect that from the mere legend of one of its indwellers having first
+drawn breath beneath its roof, that house would create more interest in
+the world than the most magnificent palace the world contained, and that
+in after-ages the four corners of the earth would send forth votaries to
+see, to worship, and to offer adoration at its shrine. And still less
+did its occupants imagine that in the person of one of their own
+children they possessed a treasure, whose very name, unthought of and
+slightly regarded as he then was, would prove dearer than Pluto's mine,
+more rich than gold.
+
+Let us for a moment take a glance at the interior of this hallowed
+residence, and view it at the precise period of time to which the minds
+of those who now visit it are wont to revert; and when he who was in
+after-times to throw so great an interest over every cupboard, corner,
+and cranny of its stout-timbered walls, was in life, and dwelling idly
+in its apartments.
+
+In an inner apartment of the ground-floor was seated on a high-backed
+oaken chair, a female of some thirty years of age. If the reader has
+ever bestowed his attention upon the portrait Rubens has left us of his
+first wife, it will save much trouble in the description, since both in
+feature and figure this very handsome middle-aged female was the
+counterpart presentment of that portrait.
+
+Opposite to her, and apparently engaged with books and accounts
+pertaining to his business, pen in hand, and inditing what, in the
+present day, would be called a cramped piece of penmanship, sits a very
+comely and respectable-looking man. Nay, if we look closely at him we
+shall pronounce him to be a splendid specimen of an Englishman, both in
+countenance and figure. His face is exceedingly handsome, the complexion
+of a rich brown, the features high and aquiline, hair of a dark auburn,
+slightly tinged with grey, whilst a close-clipped curly beard worn round
+the chin, and a thick moustachio on the upper lip, complete the picture
+of one of those true-born English yeomen whose ancestors drew their
+arrows to the ear in the fields of Cressey, Poietiers, and Agincourt. If
+our readers then look upon this pair they will behold the father and
+mother of England's pride and glory, John and Joan Shakespeare.
+
+In the female there is a dignity of look and manner which seems somewhat
+out of keeping with so lowly a home as the one we find her in. She looks
+one whose presence would have better suited the hall than the cottage.
+One come of gentle blood, and born to fortune instead of being the wife
+of a tradesman in a country town, handsome and genteel-looking as nature
+hath made that husband.--Such is in truth the case, as John Shakespeare
+married one of the daughters and heirs of Arden of Wellingcote, in the
+county of Warwick.
+
+This pair, however, were not the only occupants of the small inner
+apartment in which we have found them, as some half-a-dozen curly-headed
+varlets, male and female, of various ages, from three to ten, were
+sitting and sprawling about the floor, clambering upon chairs,
+exercising their lungs in concert, and ever and anon calling forth a
+short reproof or a caress from their handsome parents.
+
+After a while, the wool-comber shuts up his books, places his pen in the
+inkstand, and folding his arms, remains wrapt in deep meditation.
+
+There is something of care and anxiety in his countenance. His thoughts
+and cogitations, as he occasionally glances upon his good-looking
+spouse, and then watches the young fry upon the floor, become more
+troubled; and, apparently to hide the growing heaviness of his brow, he
+rises, walks into the shop in front, reaches down his steeple-crowned
+hat, and looks forth into the street,--the little curly brood breaking
+cover as he opens the door, and bounding joyously into the sunshine in
+the streets.
+
+As they do so, they are met, caught up, and kissed, (at least the
+younger ones,) by their elder brother, just now returning to his home.
+
+"Ah, Will, good Will," cries one, "where have you been tarrying so
+long?" "Naughty truant Willy," cries another, "you've been rambling over
+to Warwick with Dick, the tanner's wild son, duck-hunting, I dare be
+sworn." "Nay," cries a third, "I know he has been otter-hunting all
+night in the river; see his staff is red with blood. Yon have brought us
+some skins, good William, hast thou not?"
+
+"Nay, in good sooth, you varlets," said the elder brother, entering the
+door with the whole fry clinging round him, "I have neither wild fowl
+from the marshes, nor otters from the river; for none have I been in
+search of. I come home empty-handed this afternoon, for which you must
+forgive me."
+
+"And where, then, hast thou been, William?" said his father, somewhat
+gravely. "This idle wandering life of thine will, I fear me, lead to
+nothing. Master Pouncet Grasp has fairly given me warning that he will
+have no more to do with thee. He complains that you keep no regular
+hours; you heed no orders or directions he gives; that you set him at
+naught, in sooth, and make his other lads more idle than yourself. Nay,
+he says you spoil his parchments, spill his ink in waste, and that, in
+truth, he must either be ruined or be rid of thee."
+
+"Out upon the miserable scrivener," returned William, laughing. "I did
+but pen a stanza in place of drawing a lease, and lo! he has never
+forgotten it. But, in good sooth, dear father," continued the youth, "I
+fear me I shall never thrive in the office of Pouncet Grasp. I find the
+dry work of a copying-clerk but an idle waste of the life Heaven hath
+blessed me with. I was not formed to draw leases, wills, and other
+tenures and tricks of lawcraft.
+
+    "Between two hawks, which flies the higher pitch,
+    Between two dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,
+    Between two girls, which hath the merrier eye--
+    I have, perchance, some shallow spirit of judgment;
+    But in the nice sharp quillets of the law,
+    Good faith, I am no wiser than a jackdaw."
+
+"Thou canst rhapsodize at a good rate, my son," said the father, "that I
+well know. But in good truth thou must turn over a new leaf with Lawyer
+Grasp, or he will turn thee off, William!"
+
+"Nay," urged the youth, "since we have entered upon this matter, I must
+tell thee, father, that never since the pupil age of Adam was there poor
+wight more unfitted for a lawyer than myself; my pen runs riot when I
+put it upon parchment; I cannot indite the undoing of the widow and the
+orphan, even when the _foul_ copy lies before my nose. I turn a writ
+into a love-song, and when I should copy out an ejectment, lo! I find I
+have penned the words of a madrigal."
+
+"The more the pity, William," said the father, "for to speak sooth to
+thee, I find myself by no means in so thriving a condition as I could
+wish. There be a many of us now in family, great and small. Business
+slackens with me, and in good sooth, lad, an I do not better in the
+next three months than I have done the last, I may e'en close my books,
+shut the house, and stick up bills to let the premises. Ruin, William,
+stares me in the face, if matters mend not anon. A bad time such for you
+to be thinking of changing from the vocation I have placed you in."
+
+"Neither would I think of changing, father," returned the son, "did I
+think that, by remaining _in_ the law, I could help you or advance
+myself. But believe me, so opposite is the dull routine of the desk, so
+abhorrent to my soul is the craft of a lawyer, that rather than follow
+such a calling I would take the sword my grandsire won at Bosworth, and
+seek a livelihood in any place where men cut throats in the way of
+profession. Those were sad times, father, but they were stirring times,
+those days of York and Lancaster, when--
+
+    "Trenching war channell'd our fields,
+    And bruised our flowrets with the armed hoofs
+    Of hostile paces."
+
+As the youth uttered this with something of a theatrical air, and giving
+the words great force by his utterance, his father looked at him with
+considerable curiosity. "Now, by my halidame," he said, "I cannot half
+fathom thee, William. Truly thou art a riddle to make out. Seeming fit
+for nothing, and yet good at all things. I would I knew, in good sooth,
+what to put thee to."
+
+The lad smiled. "Nay," he said, "I must not be undutiful towards one so
+good. I will then continue to try and please this godless lawyer till
+something better turns up. And now I must tell thee I have made a friend
+of one well known to thee, and who is willing to serve us in requital
+for some little service he hath received at my hands."
+
+"Of whom dost thou speak, William?" inquired the father.
+
+"Of Sir Hugh Clopton," returned the youth.
+
+"Nay, and thou hast made friends of Sir Hugh and his family," said John
+Shakespeare, "thou hast done thyself good service, and, mayhap, he may
+advance thee in life: though what he will find thee fit for, William, I
+wot not."
+
+"Truly, father," said William, "I confess myself but a tattered
+prodigal, only fitted to eat draff and husks. Nevertheless, an thou wilt
+but admit me, I would fain join these hungry varlets at their evening
+meal, and beg a blessing of my honoured mother, whose sweet face I have
+scarce looked at these two days past."
+
+"Well, come thy ways in, thou scoffer," said John Shakespeare,
+good-naturedly. "I defy the evil one to be angry with such a madcap as
+thou art."
+
+So saying, Master John Shakespeare turned and entered the house, his
+eldest son following with all his little brothers and sisters clinging
+to him--one upon his back, another in his arms, and the remainder
+pulling at the skirts of his coarse gray doublet.
+
+To picture the private hours of the great is a difficult, as well as a
+thankless, task we opine, since oft-times more is expected than is in
+reality to be found; and our readers will scarce be contented to find
+the youthful Shakespeare--in all the freedom, amiability, and kindness
+of his disposition--the great, the illustrious, the unmatchable--the
+mere playmate of his little brothers and sisters, and, whilst sitting
+beneath the huge chimney in that small dark room, as he watches the
+preparation for the evening meal, engaged in a joyous game of romps.
+
+Yet such is the case. The gentle William, despite the greatness of his
+spirit and the waywardness of his disposition, which seems inclined to
+settle to nothing, is the darling of that home circle, the joy of his
+brothers and sisters, and, when at home, entering into all their little
+amusements and pastimes with heart and hand,--nay, their nurse when
+sick, and even assisting his mother oft-times in her little attentions
+towards them,--ere he himself, in all "the unyoked humour of his
+idleness," sallies out to join his youthful associates of the town.
+
+Our readers will, therefore, not be surprised to find that great mind,
+which in a single line could send a thrill through the soul of his
+readers, intent upon an infantine game in the "ingle neuk."
+
+The pecuniary difficulties John Shakespeare had hinted at to his son
+were consequent upon his having maintained a somewhat "more swelling
+port than his faint means would grant continuance." No man in Stratford
+was better thought of or more respected than neighbour Shakespeare.
+There was something about him so well bred and so superior to his
+station in life, that he bore with him a degree of influence seldom
+granted except to rank and fortune.
+
+The chief magistrate of the body corporate of Stratford was in the early
+charters called the high bailiff. This office Master John Shakespeare
+had filled some few years previous to the date of our story, and the
+execution of such office had led him into expenses which he had since in
+vain tried to abridge. "To some men, their virtues stand them but as
+enemies," and thus the good and companionable qualities of Master
+Shakespeare, notwithstanding his domestic habits, were so greatly
+esteemed that his hospitality was taxed accordingly, and his hearth
+seldom unhonoured by guests after business hours. Nay, at no hour was
+the little back parlour of his house entirely free from the gossiping
+neighbour who came down to talk over the politics of the town, or
+discuss the latest floating rumour of the stirring events of Elizabeth's
+reign.
+
+Newspaper intelligence, we have said, there was none at this period,
+and, in the absence of such a vehicle for information, men's mouths were
+filled with any stirring tidings, and they donned their castors and
+hurried about in a country town, stuffing each other's ears with false
+reports, and frightening the place from its propriety when any event of
+particular import happened.
+
+            "From Rumour's tongues
+    They brought smooth comforts false, worse than true wrongs."
+
+"Heard ye the news, neighbour Shakespeare?" said Master Doubletongue the
+mercer, entering the small parlour we have attempted to describe, and
+joining the family circle. "Heard ye the news to-night?"
+
+"Good or bad be it?" said John Shakespeare smiling, "it would have been
+curious news an it had travelled hither before you brought it, neighbour
+Doubletongue. Come, sit, man, sit, fill your cup and give us your news.
+What! hath Dame Illwill been brought to bed of twins, or how goes the
+story?"
+
+"Nay, neighbour," returned Doubletongue, who was one of the veriest
+scandal-mongers in Stratford, "Dame Illwill hath not produced twins,
+neither do I think she will produce the half of twins. By the same
+token, I heard the Leech say, 'twas after all but a dropsy that had
+caused all this scandal in her disfavour. But body o'me, heard ye not
+the news just now brought to town?"
+
+"That Dame Illwill's affair is likely to end in a bottle of smoke? why,
+man, thou hast just told us as much."
+
+"Ah," said Doubletongue, taking off his cap like one who found he had in
+him wherewithal to interest his auditor, "then I _see_ you have not
+heard the news. Ergo, the news is mine to give."
+
+"Then I take it, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "there are but two
+ways, either to give or to retain it. Come, another cup will perhaps
+help its deliverance."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, who but half relished the lack of excitement
+his intended communication seemed to make, "you will scarce keep the
+native colour in your cheek, neighbour, when I do tell ye what's afloat
+to-night. The affair, then, gossips, is thus----"
+
+"Whose affair?" interrupted John Shakespeare, "not the one you just now
+spoke of?"
+
+"Did I hint anything?" inquired Doubletongue.
+
+"About a certain female you did," said John Shakespeare.
+
+"Of illustrious rank?" said Doubletongue. "Why, then you _have_ heard?"
+
+"We have heard what you have just told us," said John Shakespeare.
+
+"The news?"
+
+"The news."
+
+"What! of Queen Elizabeth?"
+
+"Nay, Heaven forbid we should sit to hear such words uttered about our
+gracious Queen," said John Shakespeare with much solemnity. "'Tis even
+dangerous to breathe such a scandal in such a quarter."
+
+"Then of whom were we speaking?" said Doubletongue. "I gave no news. I
+have none to give out concerning our gracious----"
+
+"Of Dame Illwill, I thought you spoke?" said John Shakespeare.
+
+"Dame Illwill," said Doubletongue, contemptuously, "who cares about Dame
+Illwill? and who, think ye, neighbour, would trouble themselves to stab
+her?"
+
+"Stab her!" said John Shakespeare, "who talked of stabbing?"
+
+"I do," said Doubletongue; "its my own news, man. It's what I am come to
+propound, to expound, and to promulgate. Only you will not bear with me.
+The Queen is stabbed, killed, and murdered; our good and gracious Queen
+hath been murdered, I say; now, there is my news."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said John Shakespeare, starting to his feet. "That
+would bode ill luck to England at this moment. Heard you this report,
+Master Cramboy?" he continued, addressing another of the townsmen who
+entered at the moment.
+
+"Which report, and whence derived, neighbour?" said Cramboy (who was
+master of the free-school at Stratford); "for there be many rumours just
+now come into town; the difficulty is to get the true one."
+
+"That relating to the death of the Queen by the hand of an assassin,"
+returned John Shakespeare, "and just now given us by neighbour
+Doubletongue here."
+
+"Where gott'st thou _that_ news, goodman Doubletongue?" said the
+schoolmaster, with considerable asperity in his manner, "and how came
+you to take upon yourself to promulgate, disseminate, and divulge such a
+fable?"
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, who stood somewhat in awe of the pedant, "I
+know no harm in relating what I have just heard from neighbour Suddle of
+our town."
+
+"Out upon the barbarmonger," said Cramboy, "He is ever inventing one lie
+or other; I advise thee to shut thy ears against all his monstrous
+conceptions, and thy door against his visits. Know'st thou not, simple
+mercer as thou art, that to imagine the Queen's death is treasonable as
+to attempt _her life_. Ergo, thou hast committed, or rather aided in
+spreading the contagion of matter containing treason, and art _particeps
+criminis_ with that lying knave Suddle, who goeth about seeking whom he
+may deceive."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "if such be the case, I will myself go about
+to retrace my steps, and gainsay all I have said."
+
+"'Twere best you did so," said Cramboy, "with the addition, Master
+Doubletongue, that for the future the good folks are never to believe
+any rumours either you or Suddle may bring them. And harkee, neighbour,
+when you are asked the real state of the case, you can tell your friends
+that it is not the Queen who has been stabbed, but the Prince of Orange.
+For that is the actual verity."
+
+"Body o'me, but that is it, then, is it?" said Doubletongue: "well then,
+there has been a royal personage murdered, after all. Grant that, my
+veracity; grant that, and God be praised, therefore, I am not then
+altogether a liar. But stay, an I obey your first injunctions, good
+Master Cramboy, who will believe this second report at my hands? I shall
+scarce be credited, methinks."
+
+"So much the better, neighbour," said Cramboy; "the less men credit in
+these days of trouble, always excepting holy writ, and the more they
+keep to their own affairs, the better for them. And therefore go _not_
+about _at all_; but sit ye down and fill your tankard, whilst I expound
+what really hath happened."
+
+"One way or other, we shall at last learn the rights of this matter,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing; "you said but now, Master Cramboy, that
+the Prince of Orange hath been murdered?"
+
+"At Delft, by the hands of a misguided fanatic, such is the awful story,
+John Shakespeare. For what saith the book? 'Villany that is vigilant
+will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumbereth.' One Balthazar
+Gerard, a Burgundian, it seems has long entertained this design against
+the Prince of Orange, and, in order to destroy that famous restorer of
+religious liberty, has, at the same time, sacrificed his own life. On my
+word," continued the pedant, "these Jesuits are fearful fellows, and
+will murder us all in the end. Nay, it is affirmed the Spanish arms are
+making rapid progress in the Netherlands, and that Antwerp is ta'en.
+Truly, the Prince of Parma carries all before him in those parts. Nay,
+'tis further said the States are reduced to such extremity, that they
+have sent an ambassador to London to offer to acknowledge our blessed
+Queen for their sovereign, providing always she will grant them her
+protection and assistance."
+
+"And there it is," said Master Doubletongue, "there hath not been so
+bloody a wild beast seen ravening, burning, and destroying us poor
+Protestants, as that terrible Spaniard Philip since the world began.
+Heaven keep us from his hot pincers, his thumb-screws, his iron boots,
+his hostile intrigues, and cruel enterprises!"
+
+"Amen, neighbour, say I," returned Master Cramboy, "though I marvel much
+you will allow your tongue so much liberty, neighbour, seeing that, as I
+firmly believe, Philip of Spain hath a paid spy and intelligencer in
+every town of the kingdom. Nay, his wicked designs are said to be fully
+directed against England at this moment."
+
+"I trust no paid spy is to be found within my house, neighbour Cramboy,"
+said John Shakespeare, laughing, "so that my worthy friend Doubletongue
+is quite at liberty to rail upon the Spaniard to his heart's content
+here."
+
+"I meant nothing but in the way of caution to our good neighbour," said
+the pedant, "and whose tongue would be much the better for an occasional
+bridle, whilst the unrighteous are in sight. By the same token there are
+at this moment some half-dozen strangers staying at the hostel of the
+Checquers, whom none of us can fathom. Master Mumble, the headborough,
+talks of paying them a visit, and putting them to their purgation.
+Truly, we are in a dangerous condition, neighbour, and it behoves every
+one to look well to the main chance."
+
+"I think with you," said John Shakespeare, "that our prospects seem not
+so fair as hitherto they have seemed. There is no question but that
+Philip of Spain, with all the power of his united empire, will fall upon
+England anon. His sole aim is the entire subjection of the Protestants.
+But come, since your news hath driven off my wife and all her children,
+let us even walk down to the Falcon and discuss these matters further.
+'Tis now eight o'clock, and I dare be sworn the Dolphin parlour is well
+filled with guests. Heaven keep our blessed Queen in its own safety, for
+an these paid spies and jesuitical villains should hit her life, I fear
+me we shall be devoured by the wolf of Spain."
+
+So saying, Master Shakespeare rose, and accompanied by his son and two
+fellow-townsmen, took their hats and sallied forth.
+
+During the foregoing discussion so many bumpers had been tossed off by
+the two newsmongers, that Master Doubletongue was becoming a trifle
+double-sighted, whilst the pedant, who was sufficiently domineering over
+his neighbours on most occasions, was now rendered doubly important and
+overbearing.
+
+"Methinks, Will," whispered the elder Shakespeare to his son, "you had
+better give Master Doubletongue the aid of your guidance, lest he
+measure his length in the gutter. He seems somewhat flustered, and
+inclined to quarrel with the road for not being of sufficient width."
+
+"Thank ye, good William, thank ye," said the mercer, as he availed
+himself of the youth's assistance, "the causeway seems progressive
+to-night, the stones wherewith it is paved, ever and anon, do rise up to
+salute my nostrils, and there they come again."
+
+"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said Cramboy, "neighbour
+Doubletongue has been fuddled every night before curfew, for the last
+twenty years of his life, and has not yet learnt to carry his liquor
+seemly. An the watch pass us they will be scandalized at his condition,
+and take us all up for being drunk at unseasonable hours in the streets.
+I pr'ythee, good William, convey him to his own door, and deposit him in
+safety there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE TAVERN.
+
+
+When the pair reached the Falcon, they found a goodly assemblage in the
+"Dolphin" parlour of that hostel. This apartment was appropriated to a
+certain clique of jolly companions in the town, who often met together
+after business hours,--a sapient and most self-important fraternity,
+which in our own times would have been designated a sort of club. They
+were indifferently ignorant upon all subjects unconnected with their
+respective trades and callings, and according to their ignorance was
+their importance and self-conceit.
+
+Matters connected with their own town and county it was their especial
+privilege, they thought, to discuss, but affairs in general, and the
+politics of the world, were also brought under consideration. Their
+oracle, or as we should at present term him, president, was one Master
+Michael Teazle, the clothier, who, in his wisdom and his care, sought in
+his various harangues to "dress the threadbare state of the commonwealth
+and turn it, and set a new nap upon it,"--generally concluding, like
+Cade, that the Queen's council were no good workmen, and that he
+himself, being a working-man, could best understand the management of
+the State.
+
+This man was, in fact, a somewhat extraordinary individual, and in
+possession of considerable talent; one who, in our own times, would have
+most likely been either a popular sectarian preacher, or a violent
+demagogue. But in Elizabeth's day, there being no proper vent for the
+effusion of such a spirit, he was merely the oracle of his gossiping
+society of his own town. Too indolent for real and useful work, he
+neglected his own business to spy into the affairs of his neighbours,
+and too dissipated for any profitable employment; except that he was
+kept from utter ruin by an industrious wife, he would, with all his wise
+saws, have starved.
+
+The piece of news which had in the present instance reached Stratford,
+had called forth from Master Teazle a considerable harangue upon the
+state of the country, and the imminent danger Her Majesty's government,
+her own life, and the safety of themselves individually, were exposed to
+from the intrigues of the Catholics; and in taking upon him to expound
+what _had_ already been done, he took upon him also to say what _should_
+be done.
+
+"I maintain, my masters all," said he, "that these Jesuits should be
+pistolled like mad dogs wherever one can light upon them; for look ye,
+are they not educated, and brought up, and fed, and nourished, in
+superstition and bigotry? Are they not infused with a bitter hatred
+against our Queen, whom they treat as an usurper, a schismatic, a
+heretic, a persecutor of the orthodox, and one excommunicated and made
+horrible by the _ridiculous_ Pope." Here he stopped and looked around
+with great importance. "Nay," he resumed, "look but upon this affair of
+the Prince of Orange! Sedition, rebellion, and assassination are the
+expedients by which they effect their purposes."
+
+"For mine own part," said Master Lambe, the glover, "I know not
+precisely in what consists a Jesuit."
+
+"Why, then, lament therefore," said Teazle, "since not to know _in what_
+consists a Jesuit, is not to know the danger to be apprehended _from_ a
+Jesuit."
+
+"Expound unto us, neighbour," said goodman Hyde, the tanner, "what is
+your version of such a wild beast?"
+
+"Wild beast is a bad term to apply to a Jesuit," said Teazle, "as you
+will see by the story. To propound what is a Jesuit, we must e'en go
+back to the order of Jesuits founded at Douay by Philip of Spain; and
+thus it is:--he erected a seminary for Catholics to send their children
+to, in order that they might be brought up, and educated with a view to
+the crown of martyrdom. Neither to be deterred by danger nor fatigue
+from maintaining their principles. And into the breasts of these pupils
+is instilled the most inveterate hatred against Protestant England in
+general, and Stratford town in particular; and to our blessed Queen
+nothing but poison, steel, and perdition. Ahem!"
+
+"There art thou wrong, brother," said Master Cramboy. "The order of
+Jesuits was erected when the Pope perceived that his lazy monks and
+beggarly friars sufficed no longer to defend the Church, and that the
+unquiet spirit of the age required something more keen, active, and
+erudite to defend it."
+
+"Well, neighbour, well," said Teazle, (who was generally somewhat in awe
+of the learning of the pedant), "I sit corrected. Be it, however, as it
+may, you will bear with me in holding that prevarication, and every
+stratagem which serves their ghostly purposes, are the especial
+privileges of the Order."
+
+"Thereafter, as may be," said Cramboy; "we will discuss that point anon.
+Meanwhile, thou art right, insomuch that the seminary you have
+mentioned, and which the Cardinal of Lorraine has imitated at Rheims,
+and the Pope has also followed the example of at Rome, are all under the
+direction of Jesuits--violent, intolerant, and dangerous. And,
+therefore, may Heaven bless our glorious Queen, who put that caitiff
+Campion to the rack so lately, and broke his bones under the very nose
+of the Duke of Alencon, whilst he was making suit for her hand in
+marriage."
+
+"A decent hint to him of the sort of martyrdom he might expect in case
+his suit was a successful one," said John Shakespeare, laughing.
+
+"A grievous martyrdom had all England suffered, an the French duke had
+prospered," said Teazle.
+
+"'Twere best not to pursue that theme, neighbour," said Master Lambe,
+"lest we run into dangerous ground, like Charles Arundel Stubbs, of
+Lincoln's Inn, who wrote a book, and called it 'The Gulph in which
+England was to be swallowed by the French marriage,' and lost his right
+hand, as a libeller, for his pains."
+
+"A severe sentence upon a loyal subject," said Cramboy, "for look ye how
+Stubbs bore his punishment! I was there, and saw him suffer. He took his
+hat off with his left hand, and waving it over his head, cried, 'God
+save good Queen Elizabeth!' Methinks the right hand of such a man would
+have been better unlopped. It might have done good service hereafter."
+
+"Go to, my masters, 'enough said is soonest mended,' as the old saw
+goes. An I were the Queen, after what has happened, I would take Spain
+by the beard," said Teazle; "for look ye, my masters all, how that king
+of red-hot ploughshares and burning pincers groweth more powerful daily.
+Already hath he made himself lord of Portugal, and gained settlements in
+the Indies; not only arrogating to himself the commerce of those
+regions, but all the princes of Italy, and even the Pope of Rome, are
+reduced to subjection beneath his sway. Austria and Germany, too, are
+connected with, and ready to supply him with troops at his beck. See,
+too, how the bloated toad sitteth upon his throne, swelling and
+sweltering in wealth as well as bigotry; with all the treasures of the
+Western Ind in his diadem."
+
+"O' my word, neighbour," said Master Lambe, "an such be the case I
+should be chary, an I were the Queen, of chasing such a swollen reptile,
+lest he spit poison upon me, and burnt me up with the breath of his
+powerful nostrils; methinks, an I were Her Majesty, I should be careful
+how I gave my crown to the chance of battle with such an enemy."
+
+"Go to, neighbour," returned Teazle, "thou lookest but along thy nose,
+and no farther. See'st thou not that what _must_ come _will_ come; and
+_will_ come, may come when most _unwelcome_. Now, an I were the Queen, I
+would take Philip of Spain by the nose at once, ere the Netherlands
+relapse again into servitude, assailed as they are by those veteran
+armies employed against them. By my manhood, I say Elizabeth should at
+once trust to her people, and assault the whole force of the Catholic
+monarch ere it grow so great that it will swallow up the world. Nay, an
+I were appointed general-in-chief, I would conduct an army over to
+Holland, and deliver the country from the danger at once."
+
+"Perhaps, neighbour," said John Shakespeare, "you have heard a rumour
+that some such measure has in truth been thought of. A power of
+dauntless spirits are, it is said, at this moment assembling under the
+Earl of Leicester."
+
+"A fico for the Earl of Leicester," said Teazle; "pr'ythee what sort of
+a soldier is he to oppose against the experienced captains and sturdy
+infantry of Spain? Now, an I had been called to name the man fit for
+such command I should have named----"
+
+"Thyself," said Cramboy. "Ah, ah! a very pretty piece of soldiership we
+should have in thee."
+
+"Thou hast said it, not I, neighbour," returned Teazle. "_But_, an I had
+said myself, I had at least named one quite as equal to the emergency of
+the case as the man of rings and carcanets, of broaches and feathers,
+thou hast just named."
+
+"Methinks 'twere wise not to pursue such comparison further," said
+Master Lambe; "'twere best for those to speak civily of the bear who are
+such near neighbours to his hold, lest the ragged staff reach our
+coxcombs."
+
+"What gentlemen of note are engaged in this expedition?" inquired
+Cramboy.
+
+"I hear," said John Shakespeare, "that he carries with him a glorious
+retinue, being accompanied by the young Earl of Essex, Lords Audley and
+North, Sir William Russell, Sir Thomas Shirly, Sir Arthur Basset, Sir
+Walter Waller, and Sir Gervase Clifton, added to which five hundred
+gentlemen ride in his select troop."
+
+"Still do I maintain," said Teazle, "that the selection of my Lord of
+Leicester is not a good one; he possesses neither courage nor capacity
+equal to the task, and were I in presence of the Queen, with the Earl
+leaning at the back of her chair, I would say the same."
+
+"And how would you speak of those in commission with him?" inquired
+Cramboy, "To begin with Essex, what think you of him?"
+
+"As of one better to be led than to lead. Essex is a brave boy
+doubtless, and a clever, but then he is rash, headstrong, and
+unweighing. Curb him never so little and he flings up in your teeth.
+Give him his head and he knocks out his own brains."
+
+"What of Lords Audley and North?"
+
+"Put into the scale against the other one and their weight will about
+weigh against his lightness. Ergo, the three together are as naught."
+
+"And how say ye to Sir William Russell?"
+
+"But so so. Marry a good blade and a stout man, a proper fellow of his
+hands. But for brains the accompt is very minute indeed."
+
+"How of Sir Arthur Basset?"
+
+"As of one fitter to feat in a couranto, at court, than trail a pike in
+the Low Countries."
+
+"Nay, then, 'tis vain to say more," said Cramboy, "since of the whole
+five hundred in my Lord of Leicester's troops I dare be sworn, in thy
+opinion, there is not one fit to wield a rapier or poise a caliver."
+
+"Thou hast again said it, neighbour, and not I," returned Teazle.
+"Though in sooth, an I had, I had not been far out."
+
+"'Tis well then," said Cramboy, "that in maritime affairs a better
+selection hath been made. Heard ye, my masters all, that Sir Francis
+Drake hath been appointed Admiral, with a fleet of twenty sail and two
+thousand three hundred volunteers, besides seamen to serve in it? They
+have already sailed for the West Indies against the Spaniards. How like
+ye that piece of news?"
+
+"That likes me somewhat better," said Teazle, "and I can venture to
+predict some good to accrue therefrom. Drake is the man to make the
+settlements smoke for it. He will burn, sack, and destroy all along the
+Spanish main, whilst the other will but make a sort of harnessed masque
+through the Low Countries. Such is my poor opinion, and time will prove
+in how much it is correct. So fill a cup to Sir Francis Drake, another
+for our gracious Queen, and one more for Stratford town. Huzza! huzza!
+huzza!"
+
+After this loyal outbreak there was a short pause. This was at last
+broken by neighbour Dismal, who (albeit he drank his quantum at these
+meetings) seldom spoke much, and when he did so generally threw a gloom
+over the whole assemblage. He always had, however, his _one say_, which
+was a sort of concentration of the worst piece of news he could collect
+for the nonce. And as he was a man of undoubted veracity, unless he was
+pretty well assured of the truth of what he uttered, he never uttered it
+at all.
+
+This usually gave his _one wisdom_ a most startling air of gloom and
+horror, and when he rose to speak, or even coughed his preliminary ahem,
+he was honoured by the most startling silence. On the present occasion
+he prepared to broach the subject matter with peculiar solemnity,
+actually rising from his seat, and, as he steadied himself with both
+hands upon the table, delivering himself, somewhat after the following
+lively fashion.
+
+"Neighbours all," he said, "I have listened to the discussion of the
+foregoing matter with considerable interest. Our good neighbour, Teazle,
+hath handled the subject of the proposed expedition in very able style.
+He hath been replied to quite as cleverly by my learned and worthy
+Fellow-townsman, Cramboy. Such discussions are, however, at the present
+moment, methinks, better left to those whom they most concern, inasmuch
+as subjects of nearer interest to _ourselves_, it doth appear to me,
+more nearly concern _ourselves_. Neighbours, I know I have been accused
+of being a kill joy, a melancholy man. Some call me Goodman Death: and
+the little boys hoot at me, as I walk at night, and say, 'There goeth
+Goodman Bones.' Nevertheless, I have been merry twice or once ere now. I
+was merry on the day I married Mistress Dismal, and I was merry the day
+I buried her. I was also merry when my father died, and left me in
+possession of his business. But I cannot say I am merry just at this
+time. Neighbours and jovial friends, I will conclude my speech briefly
+and heartily. By the same token, I wish you all your healths, and, at
+the same time, hope we may some of us meet here again next week _well_
+and _happy_. How far we are likely to do so is another matter, and of
+that you will be better able to judge when I tell you that The Plague is
+in Stratford-upon-Avon at the present moment!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE CHURCHYARD OF STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.
+
+
+After young Shakespeare had safely deposited Goodman Doubletongue at his
+own door, and left him in charge of the good housewife, he turned his
+steps towards the Falcon, with the intent of rejoining his father there,
+and hearing the news of the town; for the son and sire were upon the
+delightful terms we sometimes, though not often, may observe between
+parent and child.
+
+In both the elements of high character were so mixed that there could be
+no drawback to their love: they were more like companions of the same
+age than father and son. The same tastes, the same pursuits, the same
+high spirit and honourable feelings pervaded both.
+
+Certes, the mind of one was of a far more extraordinary character than
+that of the other, but that in no degree lessened the feeling of respect
+and love young Shakespeare felt for his father, and that father's
+example and influence helped to form the man.
+
+Always the creature of impulse, the youth, after conveying Master
+Doubletongue home, as he neared the Falcon, suddenly resolved to turn
+his steps in another direction; and, in place of listening, in the hot
+sanded parlour of the hostel, to the discussions of the Stratford
+wise-acres, whilst he felt the influence of the balmy breeze of night
+upon his cheek, he passed the hostel and strolled towards the outskirts
+of the town. He felt indeed that the hour was more fitted for communion
+with his own thoughts than listening to the ridiculous dogmas and
+politics of the goodly fellowship of the Falcon.
+
+Since his visit to Clopton a new scene had opened to him, and his
+feelings had become somewhat changed. He had beheld, nay, become
+intimately acquainted with a being of a superior order to any he had yet
+met with, and in the lovely and amiable Charlotte Clopton he had found
+that perfect specimen of female excellence which his imagination had,
+even at this early period of his life, loved to picture. Nay, perhaps,
+had he not in youth thus beheld some such bright excellence--some such
+reality of his conceptions--we might have wanted those delineations of
+grace and purity, those fairest flowers of perfect excellence--the
+Viola, Miranda, Desdemona, Juliet, and the sweetest Imogene of his
+maturer years.
+
+To see and to feel the influence of companionship even for a couple of
+days with the fair Charlotte, so soft in manner, so fair in form and
+feature, so anxious to express her feelings of gratitude for service
+rendered, and not to love her, was impossible. And during his visit the
+bright face of the young lad might have been observed beaming with
+admiration and affectionate regard upon Charlotte as she sang and
+accompanied herself upon the spinnet, and which, had it been noticed by
+her betrothed, might have perhaps caused some sparks of jealousy and
+uneasiness.
+
+It was lucky, however, in young Shakespeare's case, that the great mind
+of the youth came to his aid in this situation, and whilst in company
+with her of whom even a previous glance had called forth his admiration.
+During his visit he had also comprehended the politics of the family he
+was introduced amongst. He beheld the thorough gentleman, the confiding
+honourable old cavalier, the knight _sans peur et sans reproche_, in Sir
+Hugh Clopton. He saw the youthful esquire, the lusty bachelor, the free
+open-hearted, brave, and devoted servant, the lover, whose whole soul
+and every thought were upon his fair mistress, in Walter Arderne; whilst
+in that cunningest pattern of excelling nature, the lovely Charlotte,
+he saw one far removed from his own sphere of life. So much so, indeed,
+that "it were all one, that he should love some bright particular star,"
+"and think to wed it," she was so much above him. So thought the modest
+youth. And yet again it was easy for him also to observe that the strong
+affection of the lady's suitor was unrequited, and his feelings
+unreturned, save by those of esteem and friendship. Under these
+circumstances, we say, the strong sense of the youth came to his aid,
+and, if it did not hinder him from falling desperately in love, it
+somewhat curbed his feelings, and hindered him from discovering them to
+the object of his admiration. He felt the barb of the arrow rankle in
+his heart; but his pride and proper feeling helped him to subdue, and
+conceal the smart. So true it is that--
+
+          "As in the sweetest bud
+    The eating canker dwells, so eating love
+    Inhabits in the finest wits of all."
+
+We fear it must be acknowledged that the youthful poet, at this period
+of his life, was of a most untamed and wandering disposition; that his
+life and his employments were rather desultory; and that when once his
+steps turned towards the wild scenery which so abounded around his
+native town, all was forgotten of home duties, and engagements
+pertaining thereto.
+
+This must, however, be excused in one whose mind was of so extraordinary
+a character.
+
+Amongst other haunts which young Shakespeare loved to frequent at times,
+and even when the shadows of night gave a more solemn feeling to its
+precincts, was the churchyard of his native town. And perhaps those who
+have lingered, and looked upon that sweet scene during night's silent
+reign, whilst the moon has silvered the tops of the surrounding trees,
+and the waters of the Avon mirrored the beautiful structure on its
+banks, will better understand the feelings of young Shakespeare in such
+a place. Things more than mortal seem to steal upon the heart, and
+thoughts of early and shadowy recollection to haunt the mind.
+
+Let those who have not visited this locality at "the witching hour,"
+take a stroll into the ancient churchyard of Stratford. Let them feel
+the influence of the man everywhere around them, and imagine him at such
+a time. Let them look up at those demoniac heads which the cunning
+architects of the Norman period have carved on every coigne of vantage,
+together with the shadowy grandeur of the walls and buttresses.
+
+Let them glance over the verdant mounds and the mossy tombstones of the
+silent tenants around, and then ask themselves what were the thoughts
+engendered in such locality? Have they not some dark and shadowy
+conceptions of Elsineur? Doth not the postern of the old churchyard wall
+open to admit the Monkish procession for the obsequies of the fair
+Ophelia, with all the pomp and circumstance of the times? Do they not
+see before them the whole scene, and hear the words of the distracted
+Laertes as he stands beside the open grave of his sister:--
+
+    "Lay her i' the earth,
+    And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
+    May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
+    A minist'ring angel shall my sister be,
+    When thou liest howling."
+
+Or, in that moonlight scene of beauty, and whilst the reverential awe it
+engenders steals upon the heart, doth not some remembrance of Juliet's
+tomb, the hour, and the deeds therein performed, float over the mind,
+and the words of him who sleeps so near recur?
+
+Those, we say, who can feel this impression, can best imagine the
+influence the hour, and the hallowed spot, had upon the youthful mind of
+him who in after-life was to draw upon such feelings in order to produce
+the scenes we have mentioned. At the present time, and whilst young
+Shakespeare took his way through the churchyard, the feeling of awe
+which is sure to pervade the mind, more or less, in such a place, was
+peculiarly impressed upon him. It seemed a presentiment of some evil to
+come, which he could not shake off. He stopped and gazed around, and a
+chaos of wild thoughts and imaginings coursed one another through his
+brain as he did so. Within that sacred pile the knightly and the noble,
+the soldier of the cross, the fierce Norman, and the proud Churchman
+were entombed,--"_hearsed in death_,"--the very men who had lived in the
+days he was so fond of dwelling on; those fierce times of contention and
+civil butchery.
+
+The associations connected with such a scene are indeed peculiar; the
+beings of a former age in all the panoply of war re-appear, and (as we
+gaze upon the architectural beauty of the holy edifices they have left
+behind them) we love to imagine their steel-clad forms,--their deep
+devotion; whilst remembrance of their heroic acts in the field is mixed
+up with the superstition and feelings of their day.
+
+Whilst the youthful Shakespeare gazed upon the mounds, and the mossy
+tombstones, and the soft flowing river; as he listened to the dreary
+whisper of the breeze through the trees, a feeling of awe crept over
+him, and his imagination reverted to the world of spirits--
+
+    "When churchyards yawned and graves stood tenantless."
+
+The living stood alone amongst the dead. Slowly he took his way, that
+extraordinary youth: his thoughts and conceptions seemed a wonder to
+himself; at one moment he gazed upwards at the o'erhanging firmament,
+"that majestical roof, fretted with golden fire;" then he stood upon the
+margin of the flowing river, and watched its waves, as they passed
+onwards and were lost in the distance, like the hours passing into
+eternity, and mingling with those before the flood. _What were those
+thoughts_ at that hour and period of his life? who could write them, or
+could he himself have described them? _We think not_--perhaps he may
+have himself given us something nearly akin. He may _have_ then thought
+with his own Prospero--
+
+    "The cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
+    The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
+    Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve;
+    And like this unsubstantial pageant faded,
+    Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
+    As dreams are made of, and our little life
+    Is rounded with a sleep."
+
+Man holds strange communion with himself in such a sanctuary. "The
+present horror of the time suits with it." There is even a sort of
+fascination to the spot, and a longing, a yearning after something
+supernatural. Even the hoot of the owl, or the cloistered flight of the
+bat, hath a charm in character.
+
+Such, perhaps, were the thoughts of this youth, for he lingered long in
+the churchyard wrapt in his own imaginings. At length, as he heard an
+approaching footstep along the path, he slowly turned from the sacred
+edifice, leaped the wall, and sought the woods of Charlecote.
+
+As young Shakespeare left the churchyard, the person whose approach had
+interrupted his meditations slowly walked up to the porch of the church.
+
+As the new comer turned, on reaching the porch, the clock from the tower
+sounded the first hour after midnight; a deep and clanking note which
+swam over the adjoining fields and was lost in fainter replications.
+"'Tis the hour," said he, "and now for the man."
+
+The midnight visitor was apparently a tall figure, wearing the long
+riding cloak of the period, and which completely enveloped his form,
+whilst his broad-brimmed hat, and the sable plumes with which it was
+ornamented, as effectually shadowed his features.
+
+"'Tis the hour," he said, as the iron tongue sounded from the tower.
+"And now for this unsafe partisan." A low whistle (as if from some
+person lying perdue without the wall of the churchyard) was almost
+immediately heard, and in a few minutes another footstep was also to be
+distinguished as if from the town.
+
+The figure in the cloak immediately advanced towards the approaching
+sounds, and as he did so he freed his right arm from his cloak, and,
+pulling it more completely over the left shoulder, felt that his rapier
+was easy in the sheath, that his other weapons were free to his hand,
+and also that the dagger in his girdle was handy to his grasp.
+
+Readiness in the use of the various weapons (at that time a part of the
+costume of a completely dressed cavalier) was one of the accomplishments
+of a gentleman, and the steps and bearing of the person we have
+described (although but partially distinguishable in the shade of the
+tall trees of the churchyard) proclaimed that he was a person of some
+condition.
+
+He walked slowly and deliberately down the path towards the gate, so
+that by the time he had traversed half its length, the swinging sound of
+its opening and closing proclaimed that the person advancing had passed
+into the churchyard. The moon at this moment had become hidden behind
+one of the dark clouds which seemed to threaten a coming storm, so that
+(in the deepened gloom of the avenue) the tall cavalier (although the
+closing gate and approaching footsteps proclaimed the proximity of the
+new comer) could not at the moment distinguish him.
+
+There seemed no desire for concealment on the part of either, as they
+walked boldly past each other. Only a close observer might have observed
+in the motions of each considerable caution and distrust. The hand
+closed over the hilt of the half-drawn dagger, and each gave the other
+what sailors term a wide berth in passing.
+
+The gloom of the place, at this moment indeed, completely hindered the
+features of either party from being distinguished even in passing;
+nevertheless, as they moved by, each stared the other in the face with a
+sharp and piercing eye, and after having passed a few paces, both
+simultaneously wheeled round and retraced their steps. As they did so,
+the first comer repeated in a low tone a single word, as if to himself,
+which was immediately answered by the other, and both turned; a sign
+then passed between them; some mysterious signal, perhaps, like the
+words they had uttered, only known to the parties themselves.
+
+"Gilbert Charnock!" said the first comer. "Is't not he?"
+
+"The same," returned the other; "and dost not thou answer to-night to
+the name of Gifford?"
+
+"Right," said the first; "you have come at the hour named."
+
+"I am sworn to do so," replied Charnock.
+
+"And are you armed to do as sworn to do?" inquired Gifford.
+
+"I am, if on trial the object of our meeting here is found to be
+dangerous to the cause."
+
+"He has been found so," said Gifford.
+
+"And yet our friend. One joined heart and hand in that cause. And yet to
+die by our hands."
+
+"Either he or ourselves, besides others implicated in the plot: nay, the
+cause itself demands the sacrifice."
+
+"And he will be here to meet us?" inquired Charnock.
+
+"He has sworn it."
+
+"Which of us is to deal with him?"
+
+"Why this question? The lot was drawn by you."
+
+"Enough: and he is even now in concealment at Sir Hugh Clopton's. Is't
+not so?"
+
+"So far I traced him by the mad acts he hath committed since leaving
+France, and by which conduct our faction is placed in jeopardy."
+
+"But come; it still wants several minutes of the appointed time. Walk
+aside here, and I will tell you in how much the man is unfortunate in
+his position. You know the circumstance of his coming amongst us, and
+how he undertook to be the instrument, the steel, the dagger, as it
+were, by which our arch enemy was to be reached."
+
+"I do, and how he refused to share the glory of the enterprise with
+others, and resolving to take the whole upon himself, suddenly and
+secretly set off, without further circumstance."
+
+"There shone out the dangerous madness of the man," returned the other,
+"and by-and-by comes a reaction, by which we are all endangered, as
+thus: it appears that on his arrival in England this Parry was as
+suddenly seized with scruples, and under influence thereof he goes about
+to certain gentlemen, to advise with them as to the propriety of his
+undertaking this pious act. Luckily, it seems, he hath, as yet,
+consulted with men who are deemed at least safe, or we ourselves had
+scarce been here to-night. By some he was told that the enterprise was
+criminal and impious; whilst others, again, applauded it. Nay, even
+Ragazoni, the Nuncio, and the Pope himself (to whom he wrote a letter),
+desired him to persist in his resolution."
+
+"Methinks that such authority might have satisfied his scruples."
+
+"Not a whit as you shall hear; for so deeply did the fiend palter with
+him in favour of the heretic Elizabeth, that even when he had
+opportunity twice, thrice, nay, a dozen times repeated, he could not
+strike the blow."
+
+"The evil one surely mounts guard over that iron-hearted woman," said
+Gifford, "or she could never have escaped the many designs set on foot
+to cut her off."
+
+"One would think it," returned Charnock, "and in the instance I am
+speaking of, she seems to have been specially guarded by some familiar;
+inasmuch as although Parry, albeit he managed matters so well that he
+gained an introduction and a private audience of the Queen, no sooner
+did he find himself in the presence, than his scruples returned with so
+much force, that he commenced an exhortation in place of driving his
+dagger to her heart; and after praying of her to tender her life, and
+grant us Catholics more indulgence in the exercise of our religion, he
+actually informed her there were numerous conspiracies at that moment
+formed against her."
+
+"And how escaped he being apprehended and examined?" inquired Gifford.
+
+"Ah, there consists the marvel," returned Charnock; "but it seems the
+Queen looked upon him as a harmless maniac, and took little account of
+what he uttered. She trusted for safety to God and to her people's love,
+she said, and so dismissed him."
+
+"Indeed," continued Charnock, "it seems then, that the interview for the
+time completely prostrated all Parry's energies; and lest he should be
+tempted, as he owned, by the opportunities he found of approaching her
+ere his words could have effect, he always came to court unprovided with
+any offensive weapon."
+
+"And then he afterwards relapsed into his former violence; was't not
+so?"
+
+"It was. He returned to France, saw the Nuncio and Ragazoni, became
+again confirmed in his first intent, and has again recrossed to England,
+where his madness and his extravagant conduct are likely to compromise
+all his friends. Nay, an he is not speedily silenced, we shall assuredly
+perish by the gibbet."
+
+During the foregoing conversation of the conspirators, thus met in the
+seclusion of the churchyard of Stratford, (a trysting place they had
+fixed on as more likely than any other to be unmolested by the prying
+eyes and ears of the curious,) they had slowly traversed round the
+sacred edifice; and now, as the taller stranger finished his discourse,
+they arrived at the north porch, and stood concealed in its shadow.
+
+"We seek an edifice dedicated to the service of religion for a strange
+and awful purpose," said Gifford, as he gazed along the footpath leading
+from the church.
+
+"Since it is to serve the purposes of the true religion," said Charnock,
+"let us trust to the greatness of the cause to sanctify our doings. Hast
+thou any scruples?"
+
+"None," said Gifford. "But time passes. How, if our man fail?"
+
+"That would bode us ill," said Charnock; "though I think it unlikely
+that he will do so. Between the hours of one and two was the time I
+appointed him to be here, and he swore to me that he would not fail."
+
+"And how didst thou get opportunity of speech with him?" inquired
+Gifford.
+
+"By following him to Clopton soon after his arrival; where I gained an
+interview, and bade him hither in the name of our leader. Hark, the
+signal; 'tis he!" and the two conspirators advanced along the path,
+whilst at the same time footsteps were heard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE STRATFORD LAWYER.
+
+
+The arrival of strangers to take up their abode for any length of time
+in such a town as Stratford-upon-Avon, always furnished matter of
+curiosity and speculation amongst the inhabitants. The neighbours were
+known to each other so well, and there was comparatively so little
+travel, that a certain degree of suspicion attached to all new-comers in
+those dangerous days. When any of the townsmen had business, even a few
+miles off, it was usual for them to arrange matters go that two or three
+might travel in company. Neighbour Fustian, the hosier, having business
+in Warwick, agreed to travel the road in company with neighbour Lambe,
+the glover, whose trade made him a visitor to Coventry, whilst the
+latter stayed the convenience of mine host of the Falcon, who was,
+peradventure, bound for the latter town, and all three, mounted and
+armed, went and returned in company, rather than trust purse and person
+singly to the chances of the road.
+
+Robbing on the highway, although by no means so common as in the
+preceding reign, was still frequent. The woods were thick in this part
+of Warwickshire, and the gentlemen of the shade found it easy to elude
+pursuit after a highway robbery. Nay, but a few short years before, and
+during the York and Lancaster feuds, which had deluged the land with
+blood; what with disbanded men-at-arms, thieves, and caitiffs of one
+sort or other, the roads were but cut-throat defiles, and the country
+round a continued battle-field.
+
+So that during the troublous reign of Henry VI. it had been especially
+ordered, that between the towns of Coventry, Warwick, and
+Stratford-upon-Avon, the highways should be widened, by cutting down
+trees on either hand, in order that travellers and wayfarers might have
+more room to defend themselves against the numerous robbers and caitiffs
+infesting those parts.
+
+On the morning following the transactions we have recorded in the
+foregoing chapter, there were several subjects of interest commented
+upon and discussed in the little back room which constituted the office
+of one Pouncet Grasp, the head-lawyer of the town. One was the sojourn
+of several strangers, whom no one knew anything about, at one of the
+hostels: another was a dark and alarming rumour of a suspicious sort of
+illness having broken out in the suburbs: and another was the
+circumstance of a man, having all the appearance of a person of
+condition, having been found, stabbed in several places, and lying, with
+the pockets of his doublet rifled, a stiffened and unhandsome corse, in
+the road leading to the ferry beyond the church.
+
+Master Pouncet Grasp himself was seated upon a high stool near the
+window of his office, which looked into a green and bowery garden,
+having at its further extremity a most pleasant bowling-green; the river
+just to be distinguished in the distance beyond, amongst the marshy
+meadows.
+
+Some two or three clerks were seated in different parts of the
+apartment, all busily engaged, pen in hand, scrawling strange
+hieroglyphics upon certain sheets of parchment before them, making a
+dreadful sound of incessant scribbling with their pens.
+
+Master Grasp himself, the monarch of all he surveyed, and an especial
+tyrant over the unfortunate clerks he presided over, was the only
+personage in that small apartment who seemed to have freedom of thought
+and motion, and license to take his attention from the crackling
+parchments beneath his nose.
+
+If our readers have ever taken the trouble to picture to themselves the
+clerk of Chatham, with his pen and ink-horn hung round his neck, they
+will have some idea of the figure of our Stratford lawyer in his own
+office. Only that, whereas we imagine the clerk of Chatham to have been
+a sort of dreamy, drawling person, Master Pouncet was rather more swift,
+sententious, and mercurial. Law had sharpened his wit, irritated his
+temper, levelled his honesty, and urged his avarice.
+
+Any one to have watched him when alone in his glory, and only seen by
+his clerks, would have taken him to be half insane. The moment, however,
+a client or a stranger appeared, he put on a new face and a demeanour
+suited to the occasion; appearing wise in council, amiable in
+disposition, and staid and sober in manners, whereas before he had been
+like a chattering ape irritated with a hot chestnut.
+
+"Now do I wonder who these strangers may be," he said, leaving off his
+writing and jumping round in his seat; "truly I must run down to goodman
+Doubletongue and confer with him on the subject. Will Shakespeare," he
+said, jumping back again, "get thee down to----Ah, I forgot that
+pestilent Shakespeare hath not been to the office for a whole week. Ah,
+the caitiff! Oh, the villain! See, too," he said, opening his desk and
+searching amongst his papers, "the vile rubbish he inditeth when he is
+here in place of copying what is set before him. What! you grin there,
+do ye? driving wights that ye are. Grin, my masters, _whilst ye work_,
+an ye list. But, an ye _leave off_ to grin, see an I brain ye not with
+this ruler. Shakespeare--ah, a pretty name that, and a precious hounding
+scamp is the fellow that owns it. Here's goodly stuff toward! Here's
+loves of the gods and goddesses for you! Here's Venus, Adonis, Cytherea,
+hid in the rushes; Proserpina and Pluto, besides half a dozen heathen
+deities, devils, satyrs, and demigods, all dancing the hays in a lump!"
+So saying, Pouncet Grasp turned over the leaves of a sort of manuscript
+poem, written upon a quantity of backs of letters and dirty sheets of
+paper, and, after glancing through the contents, sent them fluttering
+and flying at the head of one of his clerks.
+
+"There," said he, "that's the way my ink is spoiled, and my documents
+destroyed. I suppose now, that your friend and crony there," he
+continued, addressing himself to the young man at whose head he had
+thrown the manuscript, "I suppose your unintelligible friend calls that
+incomprehensible and unaccountable rubbish a sort of rough draught of a
+poem. I'm not learned in such productions, but methinks he that wrote of
+such lewd doings ought to be whipped at the cart's tail, or put in the
+stocks at least."
+
+"I was not aware," said the youth addressed, (and who under cover of his
+industry had been laughing all the time Master Grasp was reading the
+poem), "I was not aware William Shakespeare has ever written a poem
+about the gods."
+
+"_Si-lence_," cried Grasp, sticking his pen behind his ear and looking
+fierce, as he wheeled round and faced about, first to one and then to
+another of his clerks. "_Si-lence_, ye scoundrel scribblers, or by the
+Lord Harry----"
+
+The clerk, who knew from experience the irritable nature of his
+taskmaster, took the hint and redoubled his exertions with the pen and
+parchment before him, only occasionally, as he stole a furtive glance at
+his companions and observed the lawyer's attention in another direction,
+lolling out his tongue or executing a hideous grimace at him.
+
+"I pr'ythee, sirs, inform me," said Grasp, again interrupting the
+silence he had commanded, "when was that mad-headed ape last in this
+office?"
+
+"Of whom was it your pleasure to speak?" inquired the youth who had
+received the compliment of the poem at his head.
+
+"Of whom should I speak, sinner that I am, but of him of whom I _last
+spoke_--that incomprehensible, uncontrollable varlet--that scribbler of
+bad verse--that idle companion of thine?"
+
+"He was here but yesterday," said the lad.
+
+"Yesterday!" said Grasp, "why I _saw_ him not; I _heard_ him not;
+neither did he indite a line of that I left for him to work at."
+
+"He was fetched away almost as soon as he came," said the lad.
+
+"Fetched away! who should fetch William Shakespeare away I trow, and
+from my house, without leave, licence, and permission granted _from_ and
+_by_ me to take the person of the said Shakespeare?"
+
+"Master Walter Arderne, from the Hall, called for him, and they went
+away together," said the lad.
+
+"Master Arderne, an called for one of my lads here! why what's in the
+wind now I trow, and why sent ye not to the Falcon for me, ye sinner?"
+
+"He asked not for you, sir," returned the lad, "he asked for William
+Shakespeare."
+
+"Now the fiend take thee for a stupid dolt," said Grasp; "what an if he
+did ask for William Shakespeare, of course it was me he wished to confer
+with; only, as he found I was out, he inquired for the first idiot who
+had sense enough to take his message, and the chance fell upon the
+greatest scrape-grace and the most consummate ape in the whole lot.
+
+"Miserable sinner that I am! That varlet hath forgotten to deliver the
+message he received from Master Arderne. Who knoweth the import of such
+message, so entrusted, and confided, and given, and--and--lost perhaps
+for ever?----Ah! and----Peradventure Sir Hugh Clopton hath been seized
+with apoplexy, and I have been sent for to confer about his will, or
+mayhap Master Arderne hath wished for my advice, anent drawing up the
+articles of marriage betwixt himself and that most beautified of young
+ladies his cousin.----Or, peradventure the match may have been broken
+off, and he may wish for my advice on the let and hindrance thereof.
+Nay, it is impossible to say in how much I am deteriorated and damaged,
+both in purse, person, and reputation by the mistakes, misconduct, and
+mismanagement of that pestilent conglomeration of vices, idleness, and
+villany--that scurvy companion, that ill favoured----"
+
+"William Shakespeare, I suppose you mean," said that youth himself, who
+at the moment entered unperceived, and stood smiling at the door whilst
+he listened to the scurrility of Grasp. "Nay, finish your sentence, and
+fill up the measure of your abuse, master-mine," said Shakespeare,
+advancing towards Grasp, who seemed struck all of a heap by his
+presence. "I have heard it is your pleasure to rail upon me behind my
+back, and, as I well know I deserve some slight portion of your anger, I
+am as well content to receive it myself, in place of its being put upon
+these lads, my fellows."
+
+"Nay, good William," said the lawyer (whose excitement seemed to have
+vanished in a most unaccountable manner, in the presence of his clerk);
+"I named you not, I meant you not, I spoke not your name, that I am
+aware of. At least not at this precise moment. Did I name our good
+William lads? Did I couple his name--?"
+
+"If you did, I care not," said the youth, "since (as I have before said)
+I feel myself in some sort deserving of your censure. The law suiteth
+not my disposition, neither can I give my mind up to its dry study. I
+wrong thee, Master Grasp, when I attempt to serve thee, and I should use
+oceans of ink and reams of paper ere I learnt even how to serve a writ
+properly. It is easier to pretend to be what we are not, than hide what
+we really are, Master Grasp, and I will be content to be under
+imputation of those ill names you have given me, provided you add not
+lawyer to the number; only, in as much as you have favoured me with
+those terms, we must be content to part. I do not _beat thee_, Master
+Grasp, because thou art weak in body, and somewhat old; but I do warn
+thee not to couple my name in future, when you speak of me, with those
+opprobrious epithets you have just used. I am no villain at least, and
+so farewell for ever, Master Grasp." And Shakespeare turned abruptly and
+left the office.
+
+"Now that's what I call a circumstance," said the lawyer; "here's a
+large mouth, here's a goodly gentleman: a stipendiary, a stripling, a
+mere school-boy, who hath scarce been two months in my office, and to
+rebel, and take himself off thus. Well, be it so. I am well rid of the
+rebel, but an I have him not on the hip ere long, my name is not Grasp.
+And now I forgot to demand of him the message sent to me from Clopton
+Hall. My boots! my boots!" he called to the serving-wench, "and tell
+Davey to clap saddle upon Sorrel. Troth I will ride to Clopton, and
+inquire me of the steward what's amiss there."
+
+When the serving-man brought the lawyer his boots, he announced a client
+in waiting. "One to advise with your worship," said the man, "upon
+matters of import, as he saith."
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, "what manner of man, Davey man, and where
+from,----what's his name too?"
+
+"A would not give his name, but a said he were from Warwick," said
+Davey.
+
+"From Warwick, Davey? eh? Right, good Davey. I do expect one from
+Warwick to-day,--I had forgotten as much--and so you showed him into the
+front chamber?"
+
+"I did, master," said Davey.
+
+"And is all in order in that apartment, Davey?"
+
+"It be so," said Davey.
+
+"Papers, parchments, deeds, and strong boxes, all in their places,
+Davey?" inquired Grasp.
+
+"Yes, master, like nest-eggs. He! he! he!"
+
+"And you told him I was engaged with another client on business of
+import,--of immense import,--eh, Davey?"
+
+"Trust I for that!" said Davey.
+
+"Good, then, take him a cup of wine, Davey. Tell him I will see him the
+moment I am disengaged, and then bring me hither my capon and tankard.
+And d'ye hear,--after you have done that, mount Sorrel yourself, and
+ride over to Clopton; make some excuse to introduce yourself into the
+servants' hall, and just take a look, and observe if there be anything
+out of the common there. You understand?"
+
+"He! he! hap I do," said Davey, with a knowing wink, as he hurried out
+to execute his several commissions.
+
+When the important little lawyer condescended to give audience to the
+particular client his serving-man David had announced, he found himself
+in company with a tall aristocratic-looking person, dressed in the
+somewhat faded appointments of a military man of the period: that is to
+say, he wore the leathern doublet usually covered by the breast-plate
+and back-piece, the stains upon it showing it had seen much service in
+the field as well as the table, whilst the scarf and jingling spur still
+farther denoted the profession of arms.
+
+"Master Algernon Neville!" said the man of parchment, as soon as the
+striking figure of the visitor saluted his eye on entering the room. "I
+would your honour had sent in your name. I should hardly have kept you
+so long in waiting here. Body o' me, I had no idea it was your
+honourable self."
+
+"Nor much desire so to find it, I dare be sworn, Grasp," said the
+visitor. "But, sooth to say, I am come to thee again, and upon the same
+errand as when I last was here."
+
+"Advice, eh?" said Grasp; "truly your honour shall have it,--the best I
+can give."
+
+"I am bounden to thee, good Grasp," said the visitor, "for thy advice;
+but there was, as thou knowest, something else I required of thee
+besides thy advice, good as it doubtless was."
+
+"Moneys?" said Grasp. "Truly I am not likely to forget I did also
+advance certain moneys,--moneys you required to take you over to
+Scotland."
+
+"And now, if I require more moneys," said the visitor, "can you
+accommodate me again?"
+
+"Marry can I," said Grasp; "what sum does your honour require?"
+
+The visitor hesitated. He looked shrewdly at Grasp, and taking the pen
+from the inkstand marked on a piece of paper several figures.
+
+"I want that," he said, handing the paper to Grasp.
+
+"Mass, a round sum!" said Grasp; "but upon such security as you can give
+you shall have it, honoured sir. Nay, double an you want it."
+
+"Why, gad a-mercy!" said the visitor, in some surprise, "hast thou been
+the Virginian voyage since I saw thee last? Rich thou hast always been
+since I knew thee, but so ready to part with thy moneys I never knew
+thee before."
+
+"Your honour will pardon me for the simile," said Grasp; "but there are
+a sort of men who are fortune's favourites, and who like cats ever light
+upon their legs. Your honour hath surely heard a piece of news which
+nearly concerns you?"
+
+"I know of no news likely to effect my fortunes," said the visitor,
+"having but lately arrived in England. Hast thou anything of import to
+communicate?"
+
+"Body o' me," said Grasp, "why, I concluded you _had heard_, or I had
+communicated it immediately I saw you! Know you not the Earl of
+Westmoreland is dead!"
+
+"Nay, is this true?" said Neville, starting.
+
+"True as that your honour is his next heir," said Grasp.
+
+"And where died he?" inquired the visitor.
+
+"In Italy, where he hath been long in exile, as thou know'st."
+
+"Ah!" said Neville, "this is somewhat unlucky!"
+
+"Unlucky?" said Grasp. "Heard ye ever the like o' that! What can be
+unlucky that bodes your honour so much good? You are in fact and in
+right, _de facto et de jure_, next heir to the earldom of Westmoreland."
+
+"Would that I had known of this but yesterday!" said Neville,
+abstractedly; "'twould have spared me from participating in this last
+business."
+
+"Did your honour observe anything?" said Grasp, staring at his visitor,
+who seemed wrapped in the thought and cogitations consequent upon the
+news he had just heard.
+
+"'Tis no matter," he muttered at length to himself, "I will betray them
+all. Harkee, good Grasp," he continued, after a considerable pause,
+"'tis quite true, that which thou say'st. I am next heir to the title
+and estate of Westmoreland. But it follows not, therefore, that I shall
+succeed to them, as I am in disgrace and under suspicion. Could I indeed
+do some acceptable service to the Queen, I might recover those estates
+and honours forfeited by the rebellion of the earl just now deceased."
+
+"That were, indeed, a way to recover," said Grasp; "but does your honour
+know of any acceptable service that might do yourself honour and her
+majesty pleasure?"
+
+"I do," said Neville, "and you can aid me in it; but I warn you, it is
+attended with danger."
+
+"In aiding you I serve the Queen, it seems," said Grasp, "Is't not so?"
+
+"It is so," said Neville.
+
+"Ergo, it is profitable," said Grasp.
+
+"It is so," said Neville.
+
+"Then am I content to encounter the danger," said Grasp, "since I am
+well aware that titles, honours, and profit are not to be gained without
+some sort of risk; and now tell us, honoured sir, what is to be done."
+
+"To discover a plot and arrest the traitors," said Neville.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, with alacrity, "that were indeed a circumstance. An
+you could find such a matter as a ready-made plot, and light upon a nest
+of traitors, I should say you were in luck's way, as usual, good Master
+Neville."
+
+"I can do both, good Grasp," said Neville, "and that not a thousand
+miles from this town; nay, not a thousand yards from this house."
+
+"Ah, say'st thou," said Grasp, "not a thousand yards from this house? As
+sure as my name is Grasp, your words point at the strangers who have
+been for the last two days playing at hide-and-seek at the Checquers. Am
+I right, good sir?"
+
+"You are," said Neville.
+
+"Now, praise be to my sagacity," said Grasp, "I all along suspected
+those mysterious men of being evil-doers. There is treason and concealed
+villany in their very shadows as they glide about. What is the nature of
+their designs and their intent, good Master Neville? are they emissaries
+of the Spaniard? or are they----"
+
+"Let it suffice, their intentions are dangerous to the safety of the
+Queen, and they are secretly drawing into their conspiracy many Catholic
+gentlemen in this county who are discontented with the present
+government. Nay, five of them are sworn by the most binding oaths to
+sacrifice themselves to the service of taking the life of the Queen."
+
+"Oh, the villains!" said Grasp, rubbing his hands with delight at the
+prospect of being accessory to the discovery of a conspiracy of so much
+magnitude. "Oh, the caitiffs! a plot to destroy our blessed Queen, and
+ruin the nation! now that's what I call worth living to hear of. I'm a
+made man, that's clear."
+
+"Nay, but," said Neville, "we must go warily to work, good Grasp; and I
+must damp the exuberance of thy glee a trifle, inasmuch as this business
+is likely to implicate and deprive thee perhaps of a client of thine."
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, his countenance falling a little, "that's rather bad,
+who is the man?"
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton."
+
+"Thou hast taken my breath away," said Grasp, recoiling a pace or two.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton, whom men call the good Sir Hugh, engaged in such a
+bloodthirsty and jesuitical plot as this? Are you quite sure, honoured
+sir, of the correctness of what you utter?"
+
+"I am quite sure that some of those engaged and deeply pledged to
+assassinate the Queen have been in hiding at Clopton Hall within the
+last two days. Nay, I shall be able to identify several of the best
+Catholic families in this county, as having been in correspondence with
+emissaries in Scotland, not only to assassinate Elizabeth, but to set
+the Queen of Scots at liberty, and place the crown upon her head."
+
+"Nay, this is glorious," said Grasp; "the plot does indeed thicken, as
+the saying is. The fiend take the good Sir Hugh; I would sacrifice fifty
+such clients, and see them hanged, drawn, and quartered into the
+bargain, for such a chance as this. And now let us lay our heads
+together, and consult how to capture these bloody-minded conspirators
+with most advantage to our own proper selves. How shall we proceed,
+honoured sir? Shall we rouse the whole _posse comitatus_, and attack the
+house in which these miscreants are engendering, and hatching, and
+concocting those horrors; or, shall we go incontinent, and give secret
+intelligence to Sir Thomas Lucy at Charlecote?"
+
+"That I must leave to your discretion, good Grasp," said Neville. "Your
+part must be to secure them ere twenty-four hours have elapsed.
+Meantime, I must ride post haste to London, and give information to the
+Queen or her ministers of the whole affair."
+
+"I would your worship would remain here, and capture the caitiffs,
+whilst I proceed up to town with information," said Grasp. "Methinks, as
+you are a man of _war_, and I am a man of _law_, that would be the most
+proper arrangement."
+
+"By no means," said Neville. "Manage the matter as I have told thee. Do
+it well and effectually, and reward is sure to follow to us both. It is
+essential that I should myself gain favour by the discovery, and if I
+should succeed to the estates and title of Westmoreland, I shall not
+forget the service you have rendered. Be wary, and prosper. Farewell."
+So saying, the visitor hastily took his leave, and a few minutes
+afterwards was riding furiously towards Warwick, on his way to London.
+
+"Now, there's a bloody-minded and dangerous Jesuit for you," said Grasp
+to himself. "He thinks I know not that he's a Catholic, I suppose, and
+that I cannot guess he has been as deep in this vile plot as the rest of
+them. But I do bear a brain, and I can perceive that the death of his
+relation hath completely turned his conscience, and now, in place of
+helping to murder the Queen, he's going to hang up all his associates,
+by turning evidence. A bad world, my masters, and bad folks in it! But
+then it's by the bad I gain and thrive; bickerings, quarrellings,
+evil-speaking, lying, and slander, plots, counterplots, conspiracies,
+hangings, and headings, are my especial good. So now to consider and
+contrive this matter. Let me see--I instantly hasten off to the high
+bailiff, get together a sufficient body of his men, and then, my
+masters, look to yourselves! A plot to kill the Queen, subvert the
+Government, and burn the whole kingdom in an _auto-da-fe_! By all that's
+good, the business will not be effected without blood-letting on both
+sides! Let me see, who have we of approved valour and conduct to aid us
+in this capture? There's Master John Shakespeare; he's a good man and a
+true one, that will thrust in, and smite hard. His grandsire did good
+service at Bosworth Field. Then there's Goodman Rivett, the armourer; he
+hath an arm of might, and a heart of steel,--him will I also look up, an
+we need special men. Then there's--Yet," continued Grasp, pausing, and
+considering the matter, "methinks, after all, it would be better to put
+the affair at once into the management of Sir Thomas Lucy. Yes, I will
+incontinently and instantaneously proceed to Charlecote, and do so. Let
+me see; 'tis now about one hour after noon. I shall catch the proud
+knight just before he takes his post-prandium ride."
+
+So saying, Grasp donned his hat, and prepared for his visit to
+Charlecote.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE SONNET.
+
+
+When Shakespeare took leave of his newly-found friends at Clopton, he
+left a deep impression behind him.
+
+There was a feeling amongst the trio, which two of them at least could
+not understand; so greatly had the youth's manners struck them, so
+forcible was the interest he had created; whilst the third and most
+interesting of the party found that the handsome lad had unconsciously
+robbed her of her heart.
+
+"By 'r Lady," said the old knight, "yonder stripling is one of the most
+singular companions I ever met; without being in the least forward in
+manners, he somehow impresses one with a feeling of inferiority I cannot
+understand. He's an extraordinary youth, my masters; and, an he turn not
+out something beyond the common, I am not a Clopton."
+
+"How well he talks on all subjects!" said Arderne; "and yet how modest
+doth he seem!"
+
+"How beautiful were those verses he wrote this morning!" said Charlotte.
+
+"If he did write them," said Martin, "lady mine; _for mark ye_, they may
+be the offspring of another brain."
+
+"_If_ he wrote them! Martin," said Charlotte: "why, who else could have
+written them, think ye?"
+
+"Why not another as well as he, lady mine?" said Martin, archly; "what
+one man can do, another might effect. Methinks one older and more
+learned must have indited those lines."
+
+"Nay," said Charlotte, "I know not wherefore, but sure I feel that none
+but he could have penned that sonnet."
+
+"Gramercy," said Martin, "this is to have an opinion of merit, indeed!
+Doth that stripling, that hero of the quarter-staff, seem to you, Master
+Walter," he continued, shrewdly glancing at Arderne, "to have so much
+merit that none other can come up to him?"
+
+"I confess the lad hath made a singular impression upon me," said
+Arderne, "an impression I cannot shake off or understand. I never was in
+company with so amiable a youth before."
+
+"Let us hear his verse again," said Sir Hugh. "Come, Martin, thou hast a
+voice, thou shalt read it."
+
+"Ahem," said Martin. "I am no hand at a stanza; I shall mar the good
+verse, I fear me. Nevertheless, I will essay it."
+
+                    THE SONNET.
+
+    Who will believe my verse in time to come,
+      If it were filled with your most high deserts?
+    Though yet, Heaven knows, it is but as a tomb
+      Which hides your life, and shews not half your parts.
+    If I could write the beauty of your eyes,
+      And in fresh numbers, number all your graces,
+    The age to come would say, this poet lies,
+      Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces,
+    So should my papers, yellow'd with their age,
+      Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue;
+    And your true rights be termed a poet's rage,
+      And stretched metre of an antique song:
+    But where some child of yours alive that time,
+    You should live twice,--in it, and in my rhyme.
+
+Sir Hugh was a man of parts. He was a man, too, of strong sense, and,
+for the age in which he lived, might have been esteemed and accounted a
+learned man withal.
+
+Had he chosen to be more of a courtier, and his creed been different, he
+might have risen to some eminence as a statesman.
+
+He felt considerable astonishment, and expressed no less admiration, at
+the beauty of the verses just recited.
+
+"Now, by my fay, good Martin," said he, "I do somewhat lean to thy
+opinion in the matter, inasmuch as it seemeth scarce possible so young a
+lad could have penned such stanzas. Nay, by our Lady, I know not where
+to look amongst our old poets in order to find aught to equal those
+lines."
+
+"Then where hath the lad gotten them from?" said Arderne. "Peradventure
+he hath fetched them from some recent book of songs and sonnets; they
+say young Spencer hath lately written."
+
+"'Tis not in Spencer's vein," said Charlotte; "and since we have so far
+discussed the matter, I must needs say that I can almost vouch for his
+having written them."
+
+"Ho! ho!" said Martin, with a shrewd look. "La! you there now. Come,
+tell us the when, the where, and the how, Lady Charlotte. Let us have
+the circumstances under which this sonnet was written, since yon confess
+to so much knowledge of the matter."
+
+"Nay, Martin," said Charlotte, blushing; "it was by accident I
+discovered so much. Walter and myself had been walking under the shade
+of the tall trees at the end of the garden, when I observed the youth
+standing, with arms folded, and gazing upon us in the arbour at its
+extremity. As we leisurely approached him, I saw him tear a leaf from a
+small book he held in his hand, and write something in it. When we
+entered the arbour and joined him, in putting up his book, he dropped
+the stray leaf, upon which he had been writing, and I own I was wicked
+enough to let it lie, and secure it after he had left us."
+
+"Well," said Sir Hugh, "the lad is certainly a youth of merit, and I
+feel bound to befriend him in what I can. We must bethink us, Walter, in
+what way we can serve him materially."
+
+"He is at present, as he tells me," said Arderne, "a clerk or writer in
+the service of Lawyer Grasp; albeit he liketh not the drudgery and
+confinement of such a life."
+
+"I wonder not thereat," said Sir Hugh; "since to sentence a lad of so
+much genius to be a scrivener's clerk, is like putting my best bred
+palfrey into a mill, or shutting up a soaring falcon in a thrush's cage.
+We must do something for him, Walter, for we owe much to him."
+
+Such were the kind intentions of the good Sir Hugh towards one to whom
+he felt under considerable obligations, and doubtless he who had caused
+those grateful feelings would have felt the benefit of them from one so
+well off in the world. "Wishing well, however, hath not a body in it;"
+and our intents of to-day are oft-times marred by the events of
+to-morrow.
+
+The promises of the powerful are oft-times a sort of "satire upon the
+softness of prosperity;" and in a few days the good Sir Hugh was himself
+involved in difficulties which made him oblivious of all, save
+honourable extrication from their labyrinth.
+
+The conversation which had taken place regarding the sonnet, occurred on
+the day following that on which young Shakespeare had left the Hall: a
+day made more memorable to two of the inmates, from the circumstance of
+the unwelcome visit of Gilbert Parry, and which it is our purpose now
+again to refer to, in order to explain certain other matters
+appertaining.
+
+It will doubtless be remembered by our readers that the shrewd Martin
+had played the spy upon the insane conspirator, and succeeded in making
+himself complete master of his horrid and perilous intentions.
+Intentions, the more dangerous to all who were in the slightest degree
+implicated, as the bloody designs and desperate projects which were
+suspected to be in existence against the Queen on all sides, had
+determined Elizabeth's council to make terrible examples of all whom
+they might discover. To the good Sir Hugh, however, the danger likely to
+accrue to his own person was the least consideration; and when the
+faithful Martin, accordingly, on the following morning, informed him of
+the intentions of the visitor and his own suspicions of his sanity, the
+good knight was struck with consternation. It was early morning when
+Martin told his tale to his patron, and when the old knight having just
+descended, was making the round of his kennel and falconry, and the
+relation at once filled him with terror, pity, and indignation.
+
+"I will incontinently visit this dangerous caitiff," he said, "and if I
+find matters as bad as you say, I will take means to secure him and
+prevent mischief. If he be indeed mad, it is my duty, as a Christian
+man, to lay him under restraint; but if he be sane and resolved on such
+attempt, I swear to thee I will arrest him with my own hand, and deliver
+him over to justice."
+
+"Beware!" said Martin, stopping him as he was hastening off in search of
+his visitor. "Beware, good master mine, how you introduce yourself alone
+into the den of a tiger. This fellow is dangerous in the extreme; and on
+the slightest hint of your knowledge and disapproval of his designs,
+will fly upon you and attempt your life. A madman I have heard say, in
+his furious fits, hath twice the strength of one in possession of
+reason."
+
+"I value not his madness a maravedi," said Sir Hugh, whose anger was
+predominant at the moment. "A murderous caitiff and condemned felon thus
+to introduce himself into my house! By our Lady's grace, an he draw
+weapon or lift hand against me, I will smite him in the teeth with my
+dagger, and kill him like the reptile at my foot."
+
+"At least, let me accompany you," said Martin, who saw that the angry
+spirit so seldom aroused was now predominant, and therefore the more
+resistless.
+
+"Follow an ye list," said Sir Hugh, "but I tell thee I am quite able to
+cope with such a fellow, and equal to arrest him if I find his purpose
+treasonable;" so saying, and followed by the faithful Martin, Sir Hugh
+re-entered the house, and the pair, introducing themselves into the
+secret wing of the mansion, immediately ascended into the chamber in
+which Parry had been shewn the night before.
+
+Sir Hugh was the first to enter, and, with the angry spot upon his brow,
+after hastily glancing round the small room advanced to the bed and
+pulled open the curtain with no very gentle hand.
+
+The bed, however, was unoccupied, and the room tenantless, although the
+crumpled state of the coverlid of the couch and pillows shewed that the
+occupant had thrown himself upon it during some part of the night at
+least.
+
+"There is the form," said Sir Hugh, "but the game is off."
+
+"There is no saying where such a customer may have crept to," said
+Martin, peeping under the bed, then getting up on one of the chairs and
+looking out of the small window upon the roof. "The man I am sure is as
+mad as a March hare; let us descend and see if he is any where secreted
+in the small apartment below."
+
+Sir Hugh accordingly descended, and (both together) searched in every
+closet and hiding hole with which the place was accommodated, but the
+bird had certainly flown, having, without doubt, passed into the garden
+by the small postern door which opened on the inside.
+
+Proceeding into the garden they searched through its walks and alleys,
+but the object of their search was no where to be found, and the small
+door which opened in the thick high wall at its extremity, and admitted
+into the thick plantations beyond, being wide open, they naturally
+concluded their visitor had fairly decamped in his insane mood as
+unceremoniously as he had entered. Sir Hugh, however (although he could
+not but feel relieved at the absence of the dangerous intruder), felt
+considerable annoyance at the whole circumstance. He was oppressed with
+the knowledge of the maniac's treason, and which, notwithstanding the
+powerful letter brought to him from the Nuncio Campeggio, he was
+resolved to divulge to the Queen's council. At the same time he also
+determined to do nothing rashly. Father Eustace was expected in a few
+hours, and must be consulted, whilst Martin, meanwhile, undertook to
+endeavour to trace the madman and observe his motions if possible.
+
+In such a case delays are dangerous, as the good Sir Hugh found, for
+Parry, whose vagaries had alarmed some of those connected with the
+dangerous plot, having been met with in Stratford, and then followed to
+Clopton, was lured into a secret appointment and put to silence with at
+least half a dozen wounds; and the whole affair in a few short hours
+after was in progress of being fully divulged. Of this, however, Sir
+Hugh was not likely to become acquainted, till the news reached him in
+an unpleasant shape. The circumstance of a man having been killed just
+without the town was by no means an uncommon event; and as Martin had
+failed in tracing Parry, and Father Eustace's return was delayed, except
+that there was a degree of mystery attached to the appearance and
+disappearance of the visitor, in a few days the circumstance was almost
+forgotten.
+
+Meantime, whilst, with swift passage, events were hastening onwards, and
+which were to involve some of the _dramatis personae_ of our story in
+the perils and miseries of life, how calmly and how treacherously flowed
+on the even tenor of their hours. Mischief, as we have seen, was afoot;
+a secret society, consisting of one or two dangerous fanatics, resident
+in the county of Warwick, an Irish gentleman of rank, and several other
+desperadoes, had met, as we have before hinted, at one of the low
+hostels in the town of Stratford, and which locality they had chosen for
+some reason best known to themselves.
+
+These men, involved in a desperate enterprise, and sworn to devote
+themselves to death one by one, till they had achieved it, whilst they
+sought to increase the number of their associates, found danger even in
+the overzeal--the frenzied enthusiasm--of one of their own instruments,
+whilst another was about to prove false and betray them; nay, at the
+very moment when, like the alchemist of old, their toils were to be
+rewarded with progression, the vessel containing the elixir was to
+burst, and destroy all within its influence.
+
+These emissaries were at work in various directions,--secretly,
+stealthily. They had friends in France, in Spain, in Italy, in Flanders
+even; the day and the hour at which the first attempt was to be made was
+fixed; the very hooftreads of the horse which carried the unscrupulous
+Neville towards his design, in imagination, were counted by them; whilst
+he who was then, as his associates supposed, hastening towards this
+purpose, from a sudden change having taken place in his before desperate
+fortunes, was indeed posting to London; not, as he had sworn, in order
+to make essay upon the life of Elizabeth, but to betray the whole plot
+to the council, to aggrandize himself, and give to the gibbet and the
+executioner's knife, his sometime friends.
+
+And such are the inscrutable ways by which Providence works out His
+ends: such is the wisdom of the Great Director of events, and such are
+the vain designs of man. Ever driving headlong onwards, hastened by evil
+passions, obstinacy, wickedness, and pride, to inevitable
+destruction;--destroyed by their own villanous devices, thirsting for
+blood, grasping at riches, feeding absolutely on each other, the wicked
+perish miserably.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MOTHER AND SON.
+
+
+Those of our readers who have visited Stratford-upon-Avon, and looked
+upon the house in Henley Street, that house which has caused so great an
+interest in the world, will remember the lattice-windowed room in its
+upper floor, that room in which (as their eyes have glanced around its
+walls) their feelings have perhaps been excited almost unto the shedding
+of tears;--that room in which some portion of the early youth of him
+whose idea is enshrined in the hearts of all who speak our English
+tongue, was passed.
+
+It is mid-day, and seated in that room are a mother and an elder son.
+The mother is employed in some sort of curious work, whilst her baby is
+cradled, and asleep at her side. Spinning perhaps, like "the spinsters
+and the knitters of the sun,"--
+
+    "Weaving her threads with bones,"
+
+lace-making; and as she works, she chants some old ditty,--some song,
+"that dallies with the innocence of love, like the old age."
+
+    "Come away, come away, death,
+      And in sad cypress let me be laid;
+    Fly away, fly away, breath,
+      I am slain by a fair cruel maid:
+    My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,
+              O, prepare it--
+    My part of death no one so true
+              Did share it.
+
+    Not a flower, not a flower, sweet,
+      On my black coffin let there be strewn;
+    Not a friend, not a friend, greet
+      My poor corpse, where my bones shall be thrown;
+    A thousand, thousand sighs to save,
+              Lay me, O where
+    Sad true lover ne'er find my grave,
+              To weep there."[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: "Twelfth Night."]
+
+And whilst she sings, the youth, her son, seated upon a stool at her
+feet, is deeply engaged in perusing the goodly-sized volume he holds
+upon his knees.
+
+Such is the picture. The sun streams through the diamond panes of that
+ample window, and gives a glowing tint to the red curtains of the old
+square-topped bedstead, and other cumbrous articles of furniture; the
+high-backed chairs, and the heavy oaken table in the background. What
+would the illustrious of the world,--what would the most honoured in the
+world's esteem, of our own day, for arts, for arms, or for
+learning,--what would they give for _one_ glance into "the dark backward
+and abysm of time,"--but _one_ glance, so to see that mother and her
+son;--that mother who implanted grace in her child; that child whose
+high spirit had been tamed and cultivated by her influence? And what,
+indeed, should we all be, saith a great writer, but for the influence of
+women in our youth?
+
+They give us life, and they also give us the life of the soul. How many
+things do we learn of them as sons, lovers, or friends?
+
+The youthful Shakespeare loved to hold sweet converse with his handsome
+mother, and whom he loved so well. From her conversation, in his boyhood
+he had taken his first impressions of things: from her legendary
+stories, (so sweetly related,) he had gathered many facts of history. In
+winter's tedious nights, how oft had she pictured to him all she had
+heard from her own parents, of the York and Lancastrian wars, and the
+horrors to which England had been reduced--"Discord in every state,
+discord in every family!" From her's, and from his father's relations,
+over the winter's fire, were gathered the boy's first impressions of
+those fierce English, whose characteristics (according to their foes)
+were force of pride, and obstinacy--those doggedly resolute, those
+invincibly cool islanders, who, in all their splendour of their feudal
+pride, had so often walked through the vasty fields of France, as if in
+some harnessed masque, eating up the lands on all sides, and still
+fighting onwards in their own joyless way: burning, slaying, and
+destroying for so many centuries, till they made captive at Agincourt,
+not only of the French king, but the very realm.
+
+'Twas thus the boy had learnt his first lesson in the history of his
+country, not either exactly as a lesson, but in the homely popular form
+of a winter night's tale, as the simple story, or faith of a mother.
+
+And what we thus inbibe with the milk we suck, and with our growing
+blood, is a living thing as it were, and what the boy loved to listen to
+as a simple story, the youth loved to follow out as a study. He reads of
+the events his mother has told him of, and given him a taste for, in the
+chronicled history of the wars of the time; whilst the little of life
+and splendour he has already seen, in the brilliant era in which he
+lives, has given him, even now, an impression of the pride, pomp, and
+circumstance of the Norman period.
+
+Yes, the mind of the boy had been moulded by his mother, and a great
+deal of his just appreciation of women, and his delineations of the
+exquisite females he has drawn, are derived from the impressions she has
+given him.
+
+As he reads from the thick volume, in which he learnt more accurately
+the facts, and date, of the history of his own country, he occasionally
+pauses to listen to his mother's song, to gaze up in her face, and to
+question her upon some point he has arrived at, and which he remembers
+to have heard her relate before.
+
+Music and singing were much more cultivated (even amongst the humble
+classes) than in our own times, in England, and where indeed they are
+now scarcely cultivated at all. The sweet old songs "of the old age,"
+are for the most part lost to us, they have departed with the quainter
+dwellings in which they were warbled.
+
+In those days the strains which floated through the halls of the great,
+and the notes which were heard in the low-roofed apartments of the
+citizen, were calculated to soothe and quiet the passions of man. In our
+own times they are meant to arouse and excite--they are a whirl, a
+discordant noise. The lullabys which the mother chanted as she worked,
+were scraps of songs, great favourites at the time, and afterwards
+adapted from the recollection of the hearer in some of his works:
+
+    "Take, oh, take those lips away,
+     That so sweetly were forsworn,--
+    And those eyes, the break of day,
+     Lights that do mislead the morn.
+    But my kisses bring again,--bring again,
+    Seals of love, but seal'd in vain,--seal'd in vain."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: This song, which, no doubt, was a favourite in its day, is
+inserted in Beaumont and Fletcher's "Bloody Brother."]
+
+Not only the history of his own land, and which all ranks at this period
+were lamentably ignorant in, did the youthful Shakespeare receive the
+rudiments of from his mother; but she loved to amuse him with those
+stories of romance she had learned from her own parents, and which had
+been handed down from the chivalric ages, when the female of high degree
+was the teacher of youth. The great lady--"of exalted rank and
+inaccessible,"--who cultivates the mind of the youthful page--a mother,
+a sister, a guardian angel, and yet of such high degree, that she seems
+(in the austerity of her counsels, and the difficulties to be overcome,
+ere her favour can be gained) too great even to receive the adoration of
+him whose service costs so many sighs. Till in the end, as the
+accomplished knight is produced, the incarnation of merit and grace all
+fades away before the powerful god.
+
+The youth achieves greatness, and becomes lord of that beautiful lady,
+her dark castle, and her broad domain, "with shadowy forests, and with
+champions rich."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE LOVERS.
+
+
+But three days had intervened since young Shakespeare's introduction to
+Clopton Hall, and again he was a visitor there.
+
+Although his own desire for the society of its amiable inmates might
+reasonably have led the youth to repeat his visit, his better judgment
+would have hindered him from so soon returning to Clopton, had he not
+been led to do so by Walter Arderne.
+
+That young man felt so great a desire to renew his acquaintance with the
+youthful poet, that he had sought him out on the day following his
+visit; and had, indeed, been with him every succeeding day in the
+interval.
+
+To one so amiable in disposition and so generous in sentiment as Walter
+Arderne, the difference in station between himself and friend was no bar
+to intimacy. Indeed, he felt so much in every way his own inferiority,
+whilst in company with this singular new acquaintance, that it seemed
+when in his society as if the condescension was on the other side. At
+the same time the joyous spirit of the youthful Shakespeare, and a spice
+of reckless daring in his disposition, gave an additional charm to his
+companionship. So that intimacy, which (amongst many) has been the
+source of the deadliest enmity, in this case led to the firmest
+friendship.
+
+"I know not wherefore, good William," said Arderne, as they slowly
+wended their way towards Clopton, "but towards thee my feelings of
+friendship and attachment are greater than is ordinarily experienced
+between men not connected by blood. I am by birth thy superior, my
+prospects in life are more brilliant than thine, I mix with the choice
+spirits of the country here, and yet (albeit I am looked on as a wit, a
+setter of exploits, a leader of diversions, a good blade, and a
+sportsman), yet, somehow, my genius seems rebuked when in thy presence;
+I feel myself as it were naught. Nay, despite thy sober suit of homely
+cut and fashion, there is a superiority in every look, tone, and
+movement of thine, which I feel and wonder at."
+
+"Nay," said Shakespeare, "this is something too much, good sir. 'Tis
+your love and friendship which makes you think thus. Be assured, the gay
+and gallant Walter Arderne can never be outshone by so quiet, so
+unobtrusive a wight as myself."
+
+"Ah, so thou say'st," returned Arderne; "but why is it that I feel this
+veneration on so short an acquaintance with a mere boy? Thy converse is
+different from that of men even of learning and great attainments. There
+is a force, a feeling in every word thou utterest, which makes its
+impression. Yes, there is a manner about thee, William Shakespeare,
+which is inexplicable; whilst thy slightest remark upon the most trivial
+flowret in the hedgerow seems to me worth all the uttered wisdom of the
+schools."
+
+"Nay, then," said Shakespeare, laughing, "thou art but flouting me, good
+Master Walter."
+
+"Truly, thou art an extraordinary youth, good William, and the way thou
+hast drawn out the different characters we have met with as we walked
+the streets even to-day, and made them display their peculiarities and
+their follies, is as singular as all else pertaining to thee."
+
+Whilst they held converse thus, Walter Arderne and his new friend drew
+near to the garden and pleasure-grounds of the Hall. As they did so, the
+eyes of the lover detected his mistress in the distance. She was slowly
+pacing along one of the walks, and perusing some verses written upon a
+small scrap of paper. Arderne stopped as soon as he saw Charlotte
+Clopton, and as he watched her graceful form amidst the trees, he seemed
+for the moment wrapped in his own thoughts.
+
+"Were it not," he said, after a pause, and turning to his youthful
+friend, "were it not that I so entirely love thee, good William, were it
+not that even in our short acquaintance I so highly esteem thee, I
+should hesitate to bring one so superior to myself in contact with her I
+adore; and were it not that thy superiority is so great, I should scorn
+to own such a feeling to thee, William Shakespeare, lest I compromised
+my own station by such thoughts. 'Tis strange, but so it is; and to any
+one but thee, I should have shamed to give my thoughts tongue on such a
+subject."
+
+Ardorne sighed as he said this, and again looked towards the object of
+his ardent affection. "She loves me not," he said, "'tis vain for me to
+suppose she does. Her manner, despite her willingness to oblige her
+father, and even to persuade herself she feels inclination to wed with
+me, too plainly shews I have little or no real interest in her heart.
+Had I but thy winning tongue and gift of speech, good William, I might
+do much. Nay, it were good that thou shouldst plead for me, and tell her
+of the violence of my passion; and thou shalt do it too."
+
+"Nay," said his friend, "that would be somewhat out of the usual course
+of wooing. I pray you hold me excused in this Master Arderne."
+
+"Not a whit," said Arderne, "the thought is a good one. Women oft-times
+are led to prize that which those they think well of value,--to open
+their eyes and see clearly the hugeness of an affection they have not
+before appreciated."
+
+"But I know not how to woo a maid for myself," said his friend, "since I
+have never yet made suit to one, how, then, am I to play the suitor for
+so accomplished a cavalier; I who hath not ever seen the court?"
+
+"Tush, tush, man," said Arderne, "there's ne'er a courtier of them all
+could match thee, I dare be sworn."
+
+And thus did the boy poet--the lover under circumstances so peculiar,
+spend another day at Clopton Hall, and where all he saw gave him a
+second impression of life in a different sphere to that in which he had
+hitherto moved. True to the whimsical project which had suddenly seized
+him, Walter Arderne left his friend with a fair opportunity of pleading
+for him to the fair Charlotte.
+
+"When thou art tired of examining those worm-eaten volumes," he said to
+Shakespeare, "I dare be sworn thou wilt find Mistress Charlotte in her
+favourite arbour in the garden. Sir Hugh and myself are promised forth
+this morning. Farewell, therefore, for the present."
+
+Our readers will readily imagine that the renewal of acquaintance
+between this youthful pair would be likely to ripen the growing
+affection they felt for each other. Concealment, however, seemed to both
+a matter of necessity. Neither dared to own, even to themselves, that
+they loved. Pride came to the aid of each. In one it was the pride which
+fears even the shadow of suspicion; in the other it was the pride of
+birth. The pride of ancestry, however, is soonest subdued in such cases;
+that of conscience is more difficult for the blind god to overcome.
+
+And the youthful poet and the exquisite Charlotte found themselves
+thrown together, where every scene of beauty around them was conducive
+to the growth of their passion.
+
+The locality has oft-times much to do with love.
+
+The lady, in all her glowing beauty, seemed even more lovely amidst her
+own shadowy groves, with the time-honoured towers of her ancestors
+looking majestic in the distance. The perfume from the sweetly-scented
+shrubs and flowrets, the whisper of the soft breeze through the
+luxuriant trees, the cooing of the wood-pigeons in the distant
+plantation, the hum of the bees, and the plash of the fountain, each and
+all were felt by one who was so prone to feel.
+
+And he himself who walked beside that beautiful girl, thus surrounded by
+all the appliances of rank and station, how did he appear in her eyes in
+his lowly suit? Had he nothing to recommend him, and did he seem
+unfitted for the companionship of one so much more elevated in station?
+Did he appear to feel himself out of place or abashed by all he saw? We
+think not. The lady looked upon that face of youthful beauty; the soft
+curly hair even then thin upon the high forehead, the features so
+beautifully formed and so expressive; that eye so soft, and yet at times
+so full of fire, and whose glance was like the lightning's flash; the
+small beautifully-formed and downy moustache upon the upper lip; and all
+this, added to a figure which for grace and symmetry might have vied
+with a Grecian statue. And as she looked and listened to his sweet and
+honied sentences, she felt that all around would darken down to naked
+waste without his society. The conversation of him who but a few days
+before she would have passed without perhaps deigning to look upon,
+seemed to have opened a new world to her. Such is love,--that most
+fantastic of passions, which is said to be but once felt, and once felt
+never forgotten.
+
+The affections of women are perhaps easier won than those of men. They
+are commonly more disinterested, and "prize not quality of dirty lands."
+Seldom do we find that women display such open heartlessness, such acts
+of infidelity, as men.
+
+    "For however we do praise ourselves,
+    Our fancies are more giddy and infirm,
+    More longing, wavering, sooner lost and won,
+          Than woman's are."
+
+That the fair Charlotte should, on better knowledge, more fully
+appreciate the merits of her companion, we of latter days, who imagine
+the man from his works alone, can hardly wonder at; and the
+peculiarities of the position of the lovers made her, falling
+desperately in love, the less extraordinary. Had the youth of inferior
+degree presumed upon the favourable impression he could not help seeing
+he had made, the pride of the lady might have better befriended her. But
+there was ever a certain reserve about him, when matters seemed verging
+towards their issue, which perplexed and somewhat piqued her.
+
+The expression of his eyes, when occasionally she detected him gazing
+upon her, was hardly to be mistaken, but then his respectful reserve
+would as suddenly return.
+
+This was, however, a state of things which could not last, and perhaps,
+of all men, the ardent, the impassioned Shakespeare, in his early youth,
+was the most unlikely person to withstand such a strife as he was
+exposed to, and come off victorious, however honour, and friendship,
+and pride, might come to his aid. The knowledge that he was beloved by
+the fair creature beside him, the locality, the opportunity afforded him
+of expressing his own feelings, altogether, even in this his second
+visit, nearly made shipwreck of all his good intentions, and once or
+twice he was about to seize the hand of the fair Charlotte, and after
+owning the ardour of his affection, fly from the spot for ever.
+
+He, however, during this visit did manage to contain and conceal his
+passion; nay, he even performed the office of friendship which had been
+entrusted to him, and as he spoke of the fair lady's betrothed husband,
+he praised him for those good qualities he had already found him to
+possess, and spoke of him as one worthy the love and regard of any
+woman, however excellent and high in station. This was a theme, however,
+which he perceived was somewhat unwelcome, and the beauty grew wayward
+as he pursued it. With girlish tact she beat him from his theme, as
+often as he renewed it, and sought to lure him to other subjects more
+congenial to her thoughts whilst in his society. Nay, perhaps had he
+studied how best to advance his own suit to her he could not have hit
+upon a way more likely to succeed.
+
+The fair Charlotte was piqued at what she considered his insensibility,
+and without considering what she did, she almost let him understand that
+it would have been much more grateful to her to have heard the speaker's
+own merits extolled than those of Master Arderne.
+
+"And yet," she said, with a sigh, as she glanced archly from her fringed
+lids, whilst her eyes were cast down in mock solemnity, "and yet I
+should be ungrateful were I not to join in your praises towards my bold
+coz, for in good sooth I am indebted to him for many of the
+accomplishments I possess. He hath taught me to fly my hawk with e'er a
+cavalier in Warwickshire. Nay, I think I could even shoe my palfrey as
+well as ride him, if necessary. I am sure I could train a hound as well
+as himself, and, as for the treatment of the poor brutes in all their
+ailments, that I am confident I understand quite as much as old Hubert,
+the head huntsman, or any of his underlings. Now, all these matters I
+have been fairly taught and perfected in by my cousin, therefore see an
+I be not under obligation indeed."
+
+"And is such, the praise that one so true of heart and hand deserves?"
+said Shakespeare. "Methinks, in this world, where so much silliness,
+selfishness, vanity, and falsehood exists, a perfect cavalier, without
+fault and honest, open and free too as he is brave and handsome,
+deserves more praise from the lips of beauty than for paltry knowledge
+you have ascribed to him."
+
+"Paltry knowledge!" said Charlotte, laughing, "what call ye paltry? Why,
+these accomplishments I have enumerated to thee are the essentials of a
+country gentleman, as necessary for the woods and fields as dancing,
+dicing, and swearing are for the town. But methinks 'tis somewhat early
+for you to have taken note of the silliness and falsehood existing in
+the world; one so young can scarce have observed such matters, I should
+have thought."
+
+"Pardon me, good lady," said Shakespeare, "what may be in the world at
+large I am, indeed, for the most part ignorant in. But our good town of
+Stratford hath in itself some fair specimens of the human mortal, which
+he who hath eyes to mark, and brains to consider, may easily profit by,
+and lay up in his memory."
+
+"Methinks so shrewd an observer, and so keen withal, may chance to find
+us all fair mark for the shafts of his wit," returned Charlotte; "we
+shall learn to fear you, young sir, an ye prove so hard upon your
+neighbours."
+
+"Nay, fair lady," said Shakespeare, "my observations hath only had to do
+with those in my own sphere of life. The little I have seen as yet in a
+higher grade, hath been glanced at during my boyhood at the Free School
+of my native town. Nay, if I may venture to judge, I should say that the
+same vices, the same ambitions, the same petty feelings, jealousies, and
+envious heart-burnings, are to be observed in the smaller circle of a
+charity-school and its rulers, as are to be observed in the great and
+universal theatre of the world. Amongst those who rule, we do not always
+find examples of unerring goodliness, grace, and virtue, but rather
+intolerance and pride, and in most others ill-will, conceit, envy,
+hatred, and uncharitableness; large promise; much of puritanism, but a
+plentiful lack of true merit."
+
+During this visit, the fair Charlotte, who was all joyous anxiety to
+contribute to the amusement of her guest, made the round of the kennel
+and the falconry, in order to initiate him into the mysteries of the
+management of some of her pets.
+
+In those days, as we have before hinted, men of all ranks took delight
+in out-door sports and diversions. Their amusements were, for the most
+part, in the open air, and the chase, and the terms of wood-craft were
+ever mixed up in their conversation. The veriest lout in his holiday
+excursion loved to see his mongrel cur hunt the meadows and marshes for
+game, or catch the cony in the extensive warrens which then existed
+around. The youthful Shakespeare, it may therefore be well imagined, was
+passionately fond of seeking the haunts of the game, abundant as it was
+in the neighbourhood of his native town. Under these circumstances the
+sporting establishment at Clopton was looked over with considerable
+interest by him, and as the fair Charlotte petted the favourite hawk
+which usually graced her wrist, she taught him the several terms of
+falconry, and even explained how the various grades of men in the old
+time were recognized by their hawks. "An eagle," she said, "is for an
+emperor; a gerfalcon is due to a king; a falcon-gentle and a
+tercel-gentle, these be for a prince; a falcon of the rook is for a
+duke; the falcon peregrine for a belted earl; your bustard is for a
+baron; a sacret for a knight, and a lanair is for a squire; and then,"
+said Charlotte, as she continued to count up further varieties, "we have
+the goshawk for the yeoman, the spave hawk for Sir Priest, a muskyte for
+a holy-water clerk, and a kestrel for a knave or varlet."
+
+Whilst thus situated and employed, how swift is the growth of love
+between two beings of disposition and character such as we have
+described. As the youthful poet watched the expressive face of the
+beautiful girl beside him, whilst she spoke so eloquently upon a subject
+of interest to her, and as she gave herself up to the management of her
+falcon, or played with and fondled her favourite dogs, he became more
+fascinated with her artlessness and beauty. He marked the natural grace
+of her movements, as, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment, she
+entered into the excitement of the hour. He observed the nymph-like
+figure, the glowing face, the luxuriant tresses uncontrolled in the soft
+breeze, and he listened with delight to the joyous and ringing laugh;
+and as he beheld her thus, his admiration was touched with sadness, for
+he thought that all this elegance and beauty was far removed from his
+hopes. "One fading moment's mirth" perchance was bought "with twenty
+watchful, weary, tedious nights."
+
+Attended by the head falconer and one or two of his men, as they
+followed the flight of Charlotte's hawk, they had extended their ramble
+to some considerable distance beyond the chace, and the mid-day sun was
+so oppressive, that they returned through the thick and shadowy woods,
+which on one side extended to within a short distance of the Hall. And
+here too--as the grasshopper uttered his peculiar chirp in the prickling
+gorse and thorn, and as the sweet scent of the fern pervaded the
+air--these unfrequented glades gave rise to thoughts only incident to
+fresh and stainless youth ere the blunter feelings of riper years rob us
+of their verdant freshness.
+
+Images of vernal brightness floated before the poet's mind, and feelings
+of youth, and hope, and joy were blended with the thoughts of her he
+loved: images such as Shakespeare could alone have conceived. And she
+who was the object of that love, as she listened to the sportive gaiety
+of his words, during this ramble, and as he called forth the elves and
+fairies of his brilliant imagination, she felt as if wandering in a
+magic grove and breathing the sweet odours of an elfin bower: and then,
+again, he peopled the glades with bright forms, fresh and lusty as in
+the first ages of the world. And when he himself parted from his fair
+companion on reaching the Hall, and he returned again through the
+plantations of Clopton, he sought out each spot which Charlotte had
+seemed most interested in, and dwelt upon each look, and tone, and word,
+she had uttered. 'Twas indeed a midsummer day's dream, a situation in
+which he was carried from the reality of the present, to the realms of
+fancy, a dream that haunted him in after years. The thoughts and
+imaginings which pervaded the mind of the youthful Shakespeare, during
+these moments, were what perhaps he himself would have failed in
+describing.
+
+Few of us can convey in words the heavenly images which float in
+celestial ether, as it were, through the brain. We feel in the feeble
+attempt the unsufficing medium of language. Words are but the clayed
+embodiment of the swift thought. The thought itself is the essence of
+the soul--poetry unspeakable. We cannot word that which is divine.
+Language has no power to render again the shadowy dream--the musing
+reverie.
+
+Whilst under the influence of feelings such as these, the society and
+the haunts of men were uncongenial to the poetic youth, and he usually
+sought out the wildest scenes of his native country. Over park, over
+pale, he bounded, and the keepers, who caught sight of him occasionally
+in their forest walks, failed in arresting him in his rambles.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+CHARLECOTE.
+
+
+In a former chapter we have seen the sharp and sententious Lawyer Grasp,
+in the act of girding up his loins and preparing to set forth upon a
+somewhat important mission: a matter, indeed, not likely to be effected
+without some little danger to all concerned in its execution. The shrewd
+lawyer, however, to say the least of him, was not altogether devoid of
+courage, and, albeit his valour was modified by a certain degree of
+discretion, he loved to be first when anything was to be gained by
+leading the van.
+
+In the present instance he thought he spied a good chance of promotion,
+both as regarding his instrumentality in apprehending or gaining notice
+of a dangerous plot, but he also hoped to make a profitable intimacy
+with the proud owner of Charlecote: and, as he spurred his palfry
+onwards, visions of suits, and testaments, and title deeds, and strong
+boxes, pertaining to the domain he was entering, floated through his
+brain in rapid succession.
+
+Plots and complots, conspiracies, and secret meetings to kill a queen,
+were, indeed, in his eye, as nothing, unless pertaining to the
+advancement of one small person who wrote himself attorney in the town
+of Stratford: and who hoped, one day, to be the richest and greatest man
+there. The world around was nothing: the covering sky was nothing;
+England was nothing, except as pertaining to Master Pouncet Grasp; nay,
+so long as the small circle of air around his own proper person was
+wholesome and fit for the purposes of respiration, it would have been
+all the same to him if the atmosphere in general were infected with the
+plague. He was, indeed, without question, the most selfish little
+caitiff that ever drove a quill upon parchment.
+
+Charlecote, the residence of Sir Thomas Lucy, was one of those vast,
+irregularly built, but picturesque looking mansions, which gives
+impression, at first sight, of the architectural style of the Tudors.
+Redolent of red brick picked out with white, full of large bay windows,
+beetling balconies, twisted chimneys, gable ends, and gate-houses. A
+magnificent structure looking like a brick-built palace, situate in the
+midst of the most luxuriant foliage; which partially concealed its
+multitudinous offices, its falconries, its dog-kennels, and its
+thick-walled gardens.
+
+As Grasp, therefore, approached this curious building, he beheld its
+embattled towers and massive chimneys embosomed in ancient trees of vast
+size, and most soft and lovely foliage. Nothing, perhaps, could be more
+impressive than the whole scene. The vast park studded with mossed
+trees, and the herded deer couched in the fern, beneath the shade. The
+gigantic avenue, flourishing in all the grandeur of its undecayed age,
+and each particular tree throwing its deep shadow upon the grassy carpet
+beneath, with the lordly mansion only partially seen at its extremity.
+
+As Grasp entered this gloomy, but majestic avenue, he drew bridle, and
+paused for a few moments to reassure himself, and consider matters over,
+and as he did so, he became impressed with the deep and solemn silence
+reigning around, a silence only occasionally interrupted by the baying
+howl from the kennel, an occasional winding note from the huntsman's
+bugle, or the clear ringing sound of the old clock from the tower of the
+red brick gate-house.
+
+As the little lawyer gazed around, a sort of awe crept over his paltry
+soul, he became at each step more deeply impressed with the greatness of
+the man he was about to approach, and from the wealth he saw around him,
+he began to consider whether he himself was worthy of coming into the
+presence of one so mighty. For Grasp's idol was money, the only
+Providence he believed in or worshipped.
+
+Added to this he knew from report the aristocratic and exclusive
+disposition of Sir Thomas, his haughty bearing towards his inferiors,
+and his dislike of intrusion, and he began to doubt whether the knight
+might take it well, that he had come thus in person to communicate with
+him, more especially as he himself had very lately been engaged in a
+suit against Sir Thomas, instituted by one of the tradesmen of
+Stratford, and in which Grasp, by trickery, had managed to get a verdict
+against the great man.
+
+In short, as Grasp approached the house, he began to feel that he would
+almost rather have demanded an interview with Queen Elizabeth herself,
+than with the owner of the domain of Charlecote. He even began to doubt,
+whether (if Sir Thomas should happen to catch sight of him before an
+opportunity offered for introducing his important mission) the proud
+knight would not either order his attendants to whip him out of the
+park-gates, or perhaps even set his hounds upon him and hunt him through
+the grounds. These thoughts and apprehensions the more forcibly
+impressed themselves upon his mind, as the caitiff was well aware he
+fully deserved as much at Sir Thomas's hands.
+
+However, the business he was upon at length outweighed all other
+considerations, and setting spurs to his sorry nag, he hastened onwards
+and neared the house.
+
+As he did so he found that he had timed his visit exactly as he had
+anticipated, and that Sir Thomas and his family were about to take their
+afternoon excursion. For (amongst his other peculiarities) the old
+knight was exceedingly punctual and precise in all his doing, keeping
+the even tenor of his way, and timing his different movements as exactly
+as the clock in the tower of his gate-house was true to the dial in the
+pleasaunce. As Grasp therefore approached he beheld the palfreys and
+attendants of the family party, mustering in front of the mansion,--a
+goodly sight to look on, and which made Grasp open his eyes as he beheld
+it.
+
+Sir Thomas, like most others in the country at this period, was one of
+those proud men who like to do every thing with circumstance and parade,
+and accordingly if he only rode across the park to shoot a buck, he
+usually was attended by a round dozen of his keepers and servants.
+
+At the present time, as he was about to take his afternoon ride, and
+perhaps pay a formal visit to one or two of his immediate neighbours,
+his party, including his own family and the attendant serving-men,
+amounted to about a score. The sight was a gallant one,--such as in our
+own times we may behold represented upon the artist's canvass, or during
+the scenic hour, but never again with all its circumstance in real life.
+There were assembled the serving men and attendants, with the three
+white Lucys embroidered in silver upon their green hunting-frocks. The
+head falconer, clad in a sort of loose frock of scarlet cloth; the
+keepers carrying the hawks upon a stand, and several attendant grooms
+with the knight's favourite dogs in their charge. For, as with men of
+this sort the sports of the field was the chief occupation of life, so
+the companionship of their dogs and hounds seemed almost necessary to
+their enjoyment; they seldom made a journey without the favourite hawk
+or hound, and they as seldom rode to take the air on the most ordinary
+occasions, without being provided with the means of striking any game
+they might put up in their route. The hawk upon the wrist was as
+necessary also to the lady, as the spur upon the heel to the knight. The
+most interesting part of the present display, however, and that which
+struck the little lawyer with a sort of dread, was the sporting old
+knight himself, and his three daughters, as they came forth and mounted
+their steeds.
+
+There was, indeed, something about Sir Thomas Lucy, that, to a man of
+Grasp's sort, seemed unapproachable, incomprehensible, and even awful.
+His tall gaunt figure, clad in his hunting-frock of scarlet cloth
+embroidered with gold, with all the tasselled appointments to match--the
+long leather gauntlets upon his hands--and the high russet boots upon
+his legs, were well matched by the grey hair and peaked beard, the
+aquiline features, and the pale complexion of the stern-looking old
+knight. In fact, there was a something inexpressibly noble in the
+appearance of that grey old man. He looked one of the Norman knights of
+the crusading times returned to his halls,--so pale, so wan, so antique,
+and yet withal so knightly in his bearing. The hand seemed formed for
+the rapier, the head for the helm, the heel for the spur. If the little
+lawyer felt at the moment somewhat impressed with the appearance of the
+old knight, now that he was about to approach him, he was no less struck
+with the grace and beauty of his daughters. They seemed to his eye, at
+that moment (and as he regarded them, seated upon their palfreys),
+creatures of a superior race to the generality of human mortals;
+celestial beings, with "beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear."
+
+In fact, Grasp was so feelingly impressed with a sense of inferiority as
+he approached the presence of the Knight of Charlecote, that once or
+twice he was about to wheel his steed, and return as he had come.
+
+Indeed he certainly had done so, had not the old knight suddenly caught
+sight of him, just as he came into the open space in which the party was
+assembled, and fixed him like a basilisk.
+
+It happened unluckily for Grasp, that the avenue was not often made a
+thoroughfare for any but visitors to the Hall, and accordingly, the
+apparition of the meagre-looking lawyer, clad in a sad-coloured suit,
+carrying a little bag in his hand, and bowing to the pommel of his
+saddle every step he took, rather struck Sir Thomas Lucy with
+astonishment. The knight had just at that precise moment thrown his leg
+over his palfrey, and settled his gaunt person fairly in the demipique,
+or war-saddle, it was his usual wont to use, when he espied the lawyer;
+and the effect upon both was like the boa-constrictor suddenly coming in
+sight of its prey. The lawyer seemed transfixed for the moment, whilst
+the magnifico, with his movements arrested, regarded him with a stern
+and curious eye.
+
+At length Sir Thomas signed to one of his attendants to approach, and,
+pointing to the lawyer, desired him to inquire into the meaning of the
+intrusion.
+
+"Inquire me of yonder man," said the knight, "wherefore he hath
+approached the house on this side, and which it is our desire to keep
+secluded from public resort, and the eyes of the common and popular."
+
+"He hath business of great import, and craves an immediate and private
+audience with your worship," said the serving-man, after communicating
+with Grasp.
+
+"Hath he a name?" said Sir Thomas.
+
+"He had rather your worship heard his business first and his name
+afterwards," said the serving-man, "so much did he inform me when I made
+inquiry; but I rather think it is Master Grasp, the lawyer of
+Stratford."
+
+Sir Thomas winced. "And what doth Master Grasp, the lawyer of Statford
+require with Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?" dryly he said. "Inquire me
+out his business; and if he tell it not, convey him round to the proper
+entrance for people of his sort; and, d'ye hear? wait on him out."
+
+During this colloquy, the lawyer had gained somewhat of his
+self-sufficiency, and, dismounting, approached Sir Thomas, and ventured
+to accost him.
+
+"Will your honourable worship," he said, "favour me with a hearing at
+this unseasonable moment, upon matters of high import, connected with
+the safety of our gracious Sovereign the Queen and the welfare of the
+whole realm?"
+
+"If thy communication be of so much importance as that," said the
+knight, "it behoves me, as a true subject, to give attention to it. The
+body public and the safety of the realm demand so much of us."
+
+"'Tis a matter of so much importance," said Grasp, "that it concerns all
+who wish not to be burned, racked, whipped, beaten, and otherwise
+tormented to death by the Spaniard. 'Tis no less a matter, Sir Thomas
+Lucy, than a discovery I have made of a nest of traitors, who are, at
+this moment, assembled together, at Stratford, for the purpose of
+contriving the murder of our Queen and the delivery of the kingdom into
+the hands of Philip of Spain."
+
+Grasp delivered this piece of intelligence with so much eagerness and
+vehemence, that he had approached quite close to Sir Thomas, in his
+anxiety that his news should not be overheard, and the old knight was in
+something impressed with its importance. He, however, drew back from too
+close contact with the Stratford lawyer, warning him to remove a little
+further from his person.
+
+"Your communication is doubtless of the utmost importance," he said
+coolly, as he prepared to dismount; "we will instantly hear all you have
+to say. Nevertheless, confine your eagerness to serve Her Majesty within
+proper bounds." So saying, Sir Thomas dismounted from his palfry, and
+coolly desiring his daughters to continue their ride, led the way into
+the house, and, followed by Grasp, entered his private study.
+
+The loyalty of the man would not permit him to pause a moment, as soon
+as he fully comprehended the nature of the business. He took two turns
+up and down the apartment; and then ordered the head-keeper to be
+summoned into his presence. "I will arrest these miscreants with my own
+proper hand and with my own people," he said, "instantly, without a
+moment's delay. Meantime, I will send over to my good neighbour, Sir
+Hugh Clopton, and inform him of it, so that he may meet me at Stratford
+on my arrival there, and aid me in this capture. Not so much," he
+continued to himself, "that I require his assistance, as that he may
+partake with me in the honour of cutting the throats of such vile
+wretches, an they resist lawful authority."
+
+"May it please your worship," said Grasp, "there is a thing, I omitted
+to say, and which I had said, only that I feared its knowledge would
+most heartily grieve, astonish, and dismay your worship."
+
+"You have already both astonished and somewhat grieved us," said Sir
+Thomas, "in delivering the piece of intelligence you came here charged
+withal. In how far you may be further able to dismay us, we may be
+perhaps permitted to doubt: nevertheless, we would fain be made
+acquainted with the nature of this omitted circumstance."
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Grasp, "your worship spoke of him as aiding and
+assisting in the capture of these bloody-minded conspirators."
+
+"I did so," said Sir Thomas. "Said I not well, good Master Grasp?"
+
+"Your worship hath the gift of saying well," returned Grasp, who found
+himself gaining ground, he thought, in Sir Thomas's good graces. "But I
+grieve to say that Sir Hugh lieth under the imputation of being deeply
+implicated in this plot."
+
+"How!" said Sir Thomas, losing something of austerity in his surprise.
+"Sir Hugh Clopton implicated in such a hellish conspiracy as this you
+have named? Had any man holding rank equal or superior to mine own, said
+so much, Master Pouncet Grasp, he had lied under the imputation of a
+liar and a caitiff at my hands."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "I ask your worship's pardon, I had it from him who
+gave me the clue to the whole matter,--the honourable gentleman I told
+you of,--the right honourable Master Walter Neville."
+
+"Say, rather, the arch traitor--the doubly dishonourable villain
+Neville, who goeth about to purchase benefit for himself by the blood of
+his party. An such a man be your informant? Credit me, the information
+is incorrect. I listen not therefore to it, it is naught."
+
+Meantime, whilst Sir Thomas held converse thus with Grasp, he had at the
+same time, in the most quiet and business-like way, been encasing
+himself in one or two pieces of defensive armour which had hung at hand,
+behind the great chair on which he usually sat. Taking down a richly
+inlaid breast-plate, and which he had worn in his youth in the wars of
+the Low Countries, he fitted it on with care and precision, as one to
+whom the business of arming was a habit of easiness. He then indued a
+cumbrous back-piece to match, buckled the shoulder-straps without
+assistance, and girded the whole tightly together with an embroidered
+belt round his waist. After which (laying aside the light rapier he
+usually wore), he adopted a stout, heavy-hilted, and somewhat ponderous
+blade, and thrusting a pair of enormous petronels and his dagger into
+his girdle, stept forth into the centre of the apartment completely
+equipped for the business on hand, and looking, what our readers of the
+present day would have termed, as perfect a specimen of Don Quixote de
+la Mancha as they could have wished to behold.
+
+Those who looked upon his tall gaunt form and sinewy limbs, however,
+might see that, eccentric as was his appearance, he would be rather an
+awkward customer to engage with or offer an affront to; and so thought
+Grasp, when he beheld the knight's military toilette completed.
+
+Nay, a sort of unpleasant feeling began to creep over him; a
+presentiment of hard knocks, bullets, and grievous wounds suddenly
+pervaded his mind, as he looked upon this military figure clattering
+about in his cuirass, and coolly selecting his ponderous weapons for the
+nonce. For Grasp, it must be remembered, (albeit he lived in stirring
+times,) was a man of peace, and whose whole life nearly had been passed
+in a small dark back office in the town of Warwick, where he had been
+brought up and initiated in all the tricks of his craft.
+
+However, as he had been the exciting cause of Sir Thomas's taking the
+affair upon his hands, and as he knew the knight would be likely to make
+a clean business of it, he felt that now to hold back would be to lose
+all the advantage he had previously promised himself.
+
+Could he but manage to be exceedingly prominent and useful in this
+capture, he felt certain that it would lead on to fortune.
+
+"I have never yet fought," he said to himself, "except with my pen. Now
+I am going to wield a weapon which, if it be only half as deadly and
+destructive in my hands, I shall make unpleasant work withal. But, in
+good sooth, I feel as though I had rather _prepare_ the writ than
+_serve_ it in the present case."
+
+So eager was Sir Thomas to pursue the adventure, and make capture of the
+conspirators with his own hand, that he tarried not for any of the
+customary formalities.
+
+He resolved to take all responsibility upon himself, and "standing to no
+repairs," swoop upon the culprits. Accordingly, having mustered the
+serving-men he had warned for this service, and seen to their efficiency
+in regard to weapons with a military eye, the whole party wheeled out of
+the gate-house of Charlecote and took their way towards Stratford.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE ATTACK.
+
+
+Many of our readers, who have searched with curious eye through the
+various localities and peculiar points of interest at Stratford, will
+doubtless recollect a small antiquated-looking inn, situated on the
+Avon's bank,--a building whose outward favour and stout-timbered walls,
+together with its massive chimneys and general appearance, would
+proclaim it to have been a house of some mark in its day.
+
+At the period of our story this building had degenerated from a goodly
+farm-house to a hostel called the Checquers, and was the house of
+entertainment generally used by the commoner sort of wayfarers. It was a
+house altogether of no very good repute, in which the brawl and the
+night-shriek might be occasionally heard by the more respectable
+dwellers in the town,--a house often visited too by the watch, and
+carefully looked after by the authorities.
+
+It was a dwelling also often changing owners, and had been lately taken
+by a stranger, a dark, taciturn, evil-looking host, whose appearance
+nobody liked, consequently he was but ill supported.
+
+In short, since the present landlord had been its occupant, save and
+except an occasional guest who appeared to have arrived from foreign
+parts, and departed as quickly and silently as he had come, the
+Checquers was almost without guests. So that, albeit its former
+dissolute repute might be said to have departed from it, the inn had now
+assumed a mysterious sort of note, and was as celebrated for closed
+doors and quietude, as it had before been for riot and open debauchery.
+Some said the landlord was a Jesuit; others, that he was an emissary of
+the Spaniard; whilst others again affirmed he was both the one and the
+other, and all agreed that he was an ill-favoured, unneighbourly, and
+exceedingly disagreeable person.
+
+It was at this hostel, Master Neville and his associates had previously
+taken up their quarters, and here they had been frequently visited
+during the dark hours by certain cavaliers who hitherto had seldom
+remained till dawn.
+
+Master Muddlework, the head constable of the town, had considered it
+consistent with his duty twice to visit the Checquers, in order to
+observe these suspicious-looking strangers, but each time he had done so
+he had failed in finding anything to fasten his suspicions upon; so that
+whether a good look-out was kept, and the major portion of the strangers
+had concealed themselves, or that they were really absent at the moment
+of his visit, the functionary had, as we have said, quite failed in
+observing anything unusual or particular; except it was the mysterious
+quietude and closed-up doors and shutters of the sometime rollicking
+hostel.
+
+In short, nothing could exceed the degree of interest with which this
+inn and its occupants were at this moment regarded,--an interest which
+had become general throughout the town, all on a sudden apparently, and
+it was towards this hostel, as our readers doubtless are aware, that Sir
+Thomas Lucy and his party were now advancing.
+
+To the suggestion of Grasp, that it would be better, he thought, to wait
+till the shadows of evening had descended before they approached the
+town, Sir Thomas gave a decided negative. All dark doings, he said, were
+foreign to his nature. He had proceeded by the shortest and most
+expeditious route towards his design, as in duty bound, the moment he
+heard of this vile assemblage, and, Heaven willing, he would proceed as
+straight to the capture of the caitiffs.
+
+With military precision and precaution, however, he gave directions so
+as to ensure the more sure success of his undertaking, and halting for a
+few moments in the road, he divided his party in twain, sending one
+portion full trot forwards, with orders to make a slight detour, and
+enter the town on the further side, whilst he so timed his own movements
+as to come within hail of the suspicious hostel at the precise moment
+his other party approached it.
+
+This done, according to previous concert, the two portions extending
+from the right and left, in a moment completed a very pretty cordon
+around the hostel; so that not a mouse could shew its nose outside the
+walls without being seen. Quickly as this movement had been executed, it
+had been as quickly seen by the inmates apparently; for the door in the
+rear, which had been open the moment before, was immediately closed and
+secured.
+
+This proceeding convinced Sir Thomas in a moment that the inmates of the
+hostel kept a good look-out, and at the same time led him to suspect
+what he indeed quickly found, namely, a desperate resistance. Such
+indeed might reasonably be expected, for the vigilance of the Queen's
+council was at this time so keen, and the various plots of the day so
+continually being discovered by one chance or other, that there was
+small hope of success, unless the utmost secresy was maintained.
+
+Ordering his party instantly to dismount, (whilst the horses were put in
+charge of a small reserve,) Sir Thomas drew back and desired Grasp to
+advance to the fore door of the Checquers, and demand admittance in
+form.
+
+"An it so please your worship," said Grasp, "I had rather not take upon
+myself so much of the responsibility of the action as that would amount
+to. Your honour is a justice of the peace, and may therefore reasonably
+take the lead. I will follow and bear witness to the lawfulness of
+whatsoever it may please your valour to perform; but I had rather not
+strike the first blow."
+
+"Or receive it either, I believe," said Sir Thomas, _sotto voce_. "'Tis
+well," he added aloud, and immediately setting spurs to his palfrey, he
+was, the next moment, beside the strong iron-studded front-door of the
+hostel, which he struck forcibly with the butt-end of his riding-whip.
+
+As he expected, the door was fastened, and to his repeated summons no
+answer was returned. At length he uplifted his voice, and in a loud
+tone, demanded instant admittance in the Queen's name. Upon this the
+lattice-window was thrown open, and a man's head appeared at it,--a
+pale, cadaverous-looking wretch, with long lank hair, and glassy and
+excited eye.
+
+"What seek you here?" he said. "There is death in the house, and the
+doors are closed against visitors to-day."
+
+"Let them open to those who come in the Queen's name," said Sir Thomas.
+"I come to seize the persons of all within this house. Dead or alive, it
+matters not, I will arrest the bodies of all here consorting and
+assembling."
+
+"Ah," said the man, "and who then art thou, thus commissioned, and from,
+whom hast thou such authority?"
+
+"I am Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote," returned the knight, "and if I
+mistake not, thou art Ralph Somerville, of Warwick."
+
+"And how if we refuse you admittance?" said Somerville. "How then, Sir
+Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote?"
+
+"Then I will make forcible entry," said Sir Thomas, "and those who
+oppose me must be content with the mishaps that attend such procedure."
+
+"Of what are we accused, that we are thus molested in our retirement?"
+said Somerville.
+
+"Of high treason, in conspiring to take the life of our blessed and
+gracious Queen Elizabeth," said Sir Thomas.
+
+"Then receive the wages of your service, heretic," said Somerville, at
+the same moment discharging the contents of a petronel full in Sir
+Thomas's visage.
+
+The weapon was thrust so near to the face of the knight that the powder
+blackened his features, but the ball, luckily, just missed his head, and
+passing downwards on his cuirass, glanced off harmless.
+
+"'Tis well," he said, with his usual coolness, as Somerville immediately
+closed the window. "Forwards, men, and force the doors instantly."
+
+The house had, apparently, been prepared in anticipation of such an
+assault; for, as the party advanced to the attack, several calivers were
+discharged from loop-holes, which had been made in the walls at the
+upper part, and two of Sir Thomas's men were shot dead ere they could
+reach the doors.
+
+As the remainder, however, did so, they found the entrance so strongly
+barricaded that their efforts to get in were fruitless; whilst at the
+same time they were exposed to the bullets of those within during the
+attempt. Sir Thomas saw this in a moment, as he rode about
+superintending the affair, and indeed drawing several discharges from
+the besieged upon his own person.
+
+With military quickness and decision he immediately dismounted, and
+rallying some half-a-dozen of his men who were bearing back from the hot
+fire of the besieged, he seized upon a ladder which he espied lying near
+a sort of outhouse in the rear. This he ordered his people to man on
+either side, and leading them on, sword in hand, they rushed with
+terrible force against the back door of the hostel, giving it such a
+shock, that door and lintels together were nearly unshipped.
+
+"Another rush," cried Sir Thomas; "one more, and we have them!"
+
+Accordingly on dashed the men with this novel battering-ram, and again
+and again they assailed the door. Any one who could have observed Grasp
+at this moment, would have doubtless considered that he had suddenly
+gone mad, since what between his anxiety to be amongst the first, and
+near Sir Thomas Lucy, and his mortal fear of the whistling balls, he cut
+a most ridiculous figure. One moment he rushed forward, with the party
+who were using the ladder as a battering-ram; the next, as the sharp
+report of a well-loaded caliver jarred his ears, he fairly bolted off,
+turning again when he had gained a few paces to the rear, flourishing
+his blue bag, and shouting at the assailants with all his might, to
+break in and take the rebels.
+
+"Serve the warrant, take the body, seize the person!--Take them dead or
+alive!" he cried, as he jumped about. Meantime the ladder, being well
+and chivalrously managed, at about the fourth rush carried in the door,
+and Sir Thomas, with portentous strength, carried his body along with it
+into the kitchen of the inn, a petronel in one hand and his heavy rapier
+in the other, closely followed by his men. Contrary to his expectations,
+however, the apartment was empty; "Guard the entrance!" he cried, as he
+dashed into the next apartment. "The villains will escape us yet! Kill
+whoever attempts to get out!"
+
+Rapidly, and followed by his men, Sir Thomas made search through the
+lower portion of the hostel, without, however, finding a soul, although
+it was evident they had but the moment before escaped, the rooms being
+filled with the smoke of their discharged fire-arms. Glancing round
+upon his followers, who were now for the most part within the hostel, he
+directed them instantly to search the upper flooring, whilst he kept
+guard below.
+
+This was, however, more easily said than done. The staircase was found
+to be impracticable, being barricaded by a large quantity of faggots,
+which had been drawn up and jammed tightly together.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, whose ferret eyes were everywhere at once, "may I
+never draw an inference again, if I do not think the rogues have
+ascended by a ladder through yonder trap, and then drawn the ladder up
+after them."
+
+At this moment, and whilst all paused to consider the next move, the
+barrels of several calivers were thrust through as many holes which had
+been perforated through the ceiling, and a very lively discharge was
+kept up upon Sir Thomas and his party, which killing one of the men,
+quickly sent Grasp and the rest out of the doors; Grasp, who in his
+hurry and agitation being the last, closing the door behind him, and
+actually shutting Sir Thomas up alone amongst his foes.
+
+"Heaven bless and preserve us all from conspirators," said the lawyer,
+jumping about and wringing his hands, as he hastily glanced amongst the
+scared domestics, "they have shot, killed, and destroyed the knight of
+Charlecote, as sure as I am a sinner! Sir Thomas Lucy is certainly
+murdered outright by this nest of vipers, for I see him not amongst us
+here?"
+
+Confusion and dismay, indeed, sufficiently pervaded the attacking party.
+They readily imagined their lord and master was slain, and to the horror
+of such a catastrophe was added their doubts as to what was next to be
+done; so that whilst some drew off from the near vicinity of tho house,
+others mounted their horses, and set off full cry to the town to get
+assistance.
+
+In short, the assaulters felt the want of a second in command. They were
+struck with dread at the supposed death of their leader, and the head
+falconer being killed also, there was no one to lead them, to the
+recovery even of the old knight's body, if he was indeed shot, or his
+rescue, if only wounded.
+
+Grasp, however, did all he could to exhort some half-a-dozen who
+remained to make another attempt, to gain the interior. But the men very
+wisely demurred.
+
+"Who think ye is to enter yonder dark place, to be killed like a fox in
+a hole?" said one.
+
+"Nay," said another, "the matter is now none of ours to meddle with. If
+our master be killed by these villains, some one else must take it up,
+we have no further warranty to go forward; all we can do is to wait till
+assistance comes from the town."
+
+In the midst of this colloquy, (and which had hardly taken as many
+moments as words used,) to the astonishment of the speakers, the sound
+of firing again commenced within the dwelling,--quick, short, and
+rapid, sounded the shots; whilst the old inn, as the gazers regarded
+it, although it seemed convulsed with internal discord, remained closed
+up, and its exterior undisturbed as if nothing extraordinary was going
+on. At the same moment, too, shouts and sounds from the town proclaimed
+that the townsfolk were coming to the scene of action.
+
+"Gad he here," said Grasp, "what may this portend? The miscreants surely
+cannot be contending against each other, and cutting their own throats
+from sheer disappointment at being discovered in their villany!"
+
+At this moment, and in the midst of these speculations upon the matter,
+the door opened, and enveloped in a volume of smoke, which burst out
+with him, begrimed too with soot and dirt, appeared Sir Thomas himself,
+who instantly closing the door after him, and coughing violently from
+the effects of the fumigation he had endured, waved his sword for his
+people again to advance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE CAPTURE.
+
+
+To account for this appearance we must return to the knight after he had
+been shut up within the hostel.
+
+As he had never for a moment intended to give ground, he was in no wise
+daunted at being thus left alone, and as the closing of the door shut
+out the glare of light, it most probably was the means of saving his
+life, for could those above have distinctly seen and levelled their
+pieces at him, they would have shot him like a wolf in a trap. For the
+moment all was quiet, and casting his eyes round the gloomy kitchen Sir
+Thomas spied the remains of a fire in the grate, whilst fearful and
+hurried whispers, gradually growing louder and more vehement above his
+head, proclaimed that the conspirators were in earnest consultation.
+
+Without a moment's delay, Sir Thomas (by aid of the fire on the hearth,
+and such combustibles as he could hastily collect) set to work with
+might and main, and lighted up a blazing bonfire in the very middle of
+the apartment.
+
+The rushes with which the floor was partially strewed, materially
+assisted the blaze, and heaping chairs and other less cumbrous articles
+upon it, whilst the astonished conspirators fired at him through the
+loop-holes, he soon effected a very alarming conflagration.
+
+It was lucky for the knight that the construction of such a measure of
+defence, as that of perforating an upper floor to fire through,
+necessarily precludes any precision in taking aim, as it is almost
+impossible in a small opening of the sort, to get a good sight whilst
+levelling downwards, and consequently, although a continued discharge
+took place, whilst the knight busied himself in getting up the
+conflagration, although the balls flew about his ears and buried
+themselves in the floor at his feet, not one struck him.
+
+Under these circumstances, and whilst the conspirators were ignorant
+that the combustion which already became disagreeably apparent to them
+was being effected by one person, their persevering foe completed his
+arrangements, and jerking his powder flask into the flames, quickly
+opened the door, and as he could no longer remain safely within, coolly
+walked out.
+
+Reassured by his appearance, those of his followers who were at hand
+hastened to the support of the knight, who instantly directed Grasp to
+proceed round to the door on the other side, with several of the men,
+and make instant capture of any of the conspirators who attempted to
+escape on that side.
+
+"I have smoked the traitors in their den," said he, "and anon we shall
+have them swarming out. Make prisoners of all you can secure. Hurt none
+who yield, but suffer none to escape. If they resist, kill."
+
+The anxiety of Grasp to see these mysterious plotters almost overcame
+his personal apprehensions. He therefore hastened round with the men
+under his charge, and in a few minutes the conflagration within forced
+the besieged to attempt a sortie. The door before which Sir Thomas had
+posted himself was thrown open, and (as smoke and flame gushed out)
+forth rushed half a dozen men so completely begrimed in soot that their
+features were scarcely distinguishable.
+
+The conspirators evidently had made up their minds to a desperate effort
+at escape, for they dashed to the right and left sword in hand, cutting
+at all who opposed them.
+
+"Yield thee, caitiff," cried Sir Thomas, flinging himself upon the
+foremost, and seizing him by the collar of his doublet with an iron
+grip, before he could strike a blow. "Yield thee, miscreant, in the
+Queen's name!"
+
+The man accosted attempted to stab Sir Thomas with his dagger, but the
+knight dragged him headlong down, and stepping a pace or two back, at
+the same time absolutely flinging him to his men, rushed upon the next
+in the same manner, and, in this way, capturing three with his own hand,
+whilst his followers kept them in play.
+
+The scene we have described fully exemplified the nature of a period in
+which deeds of violence and bloodshed, consequent upon the seditious and
+superstitious bigotry of both religions, were by no means uncommon,
+breaking out too, as they oft-times did, in the midst of apparent
+tranquility.
+
+Close upon the doors, in rear of the hostel, and at which the
+conspirators made their principal efforts at escape, stood Sir Thomas
+himself backed up by several of his men, conspicuous from his tall form
+and his activity in cutting down all who refused to yield. Somewhat
+removed, and at a safer distance, were to be seen a crowd of the
+townsfolk, with a portion of the town guard and the head bailiff, who
+had hastened to the scene upon the alarm of the encounter, accompanied
+by a legion of old women and idle boys. These, as they learned the
+nature of the business in hand, became proportionably excited against
+the conspirators, whom they seemed inclined to tear in pieces so soon as
+they could fairly get at them with safety to themselves.
+
+"Oh! the miserable sinners," said Dame Patch. "I thought no good was
+going on down yonder, with all their silence, secret meetings, and
+keeping us women from amongst them."
+
+"I always said there was a plot hatching to blow up the town and kill
+every Protestant in it," cried Doubletongue. "God save Sir Thomas. See,
+there's the last of the rogues down and being bound hand and foot!"
+
+Such was indeed the case, and, except Somerville and another of the
+conspirators who escaped Grasp and his party, the whole (amounting to
+seven individuals) were down or captured, and, being bound, were
+delivered into the hands of the bailiff for safe custody.
+
+No sooner was the business done, and the capture fairly effected, than
+the eccentric character of the knight of Charlecote again displayed
+itself. He had borne himself manfully during the fight, and as one
+worthy of his crusading ancestors, but his hauteur and reserve
+immediately succeeded to the violence of action.
+
+Drawing together his people, he gave directions for the removal of the
+wounded into the town, where their hurts could be looked to. After which
+he mounted his horse, and calling for a cup of wine, he lifted his hat,
+and drank to the health of the Queen, the discomfit of the Spaniards,
+and the confusion of all Jesuits. After which he turned his horse's head
+from the Checquers, now filled with the idle and the curious, who had
+managed to extinguish the fire, and rode off towards Charlecote.
+
+"Nay, but how am I to dispose of these prisoners, Sir Thomas?" said the
+head bailiff, stopping him as he passed. "I should also like to learn
+the exact nature of the matter which hath led to this capture and the
+death of these people around us here."
+
+"Of that you will better learn," said Sir Thomas, dryly, "by applying to
+your townsman there--Lawyer Grasp; and all further circumstances
+connected with them, I opine you will speedily be made acquainted with
+by the Queen's council, as I am myself led to believe by what Master
+Grasp hath informed me."
+
+So saying, Sir Thomas bowed to the head bailiff, and rode away from the
+scene of his achievements.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A REVEL AT CLOPTON.
+
+
+On the night which followed the action we have described, and which the
+inhabitants of Stratford long afterwards called the fray of the
+Checquers, Sir Hugh Clopton held an old accustomed feast at his house.
+The entertainment was given in honour of his daughter's birthday, the
+maiden having just completed her seventeenth year; and on this
+interesting occasion most of the old knightly families of the county of
+Warwickshire graced the scene. There came the Astleys of Hill Moreton,
+the De la Wards of Newton, the Clintons of Badsley, the Walshes of
+Mereden, the Blenknaps of Knoll, the Wellesbourns of Hastang, the
+Comptons of Compton Winyate, the Sheldons of Beoley, the Attwoods, and
+many other nobles, whose names now, like those once owning them, in all
+the pride of ancestral honours, are obliterated from the muster-roll of
+the living, and long forgotten in the very domains which owned them as
+lords; and last, though by no means least, came the knight of Charlecote
+and his lady, and their two lovely daughters.
+
+It was indeed a goodly assemblage of the rank, youth, and beauty of the
+county of Warwick of that period. The old folks stately in manner and
+formal in costume; the men, looking in their starch ruffs, short cloaks
+and trunks, quaint cut doublets and peaked beards; and the women, in
+their jewelled stomachers and farthingales, like so many old portraits
+stepping forth from their frames; whilst the youth of both sexes, in all
+the bravery of that age of brave attire, glittered in silks and satins,
+gold and embroidery, bright jewels and richly mounted weapons. Nothing,
+indeed, could exceed the gallant look of the cavaliers who trod a
+measure in the dance, except it were the loveliness of their bright
+partners. Those youthful and fresh female buds of England, so celebrated
+for their native beauty; fair, and blooming, and swan-like in their
+graceful carriage--"earth-treading stars, that make dark heaven bright."
+
+The music rang out from a sort of a temporary orchestra, formed at one
+end of the hall, arched over and festooned with sweet flowers and green
+shrubs. It consisted mostly of stringed instruments, which gave forth a
+silver sound, accompanied by the deep tones of the bassoon and the
+occasional flourish of the horn, and whilst the dancers trod a measure,
+and the different guests, in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment,
+wandered about, how sweetly the strains floated through those
+oak-panelled rooms, reverberating in the long corridors and passages,
+and, mellowed by distance, thrummed in the upper rooms.
+
+It mingled with the whispered softness of the lover's tongue, sounding
+doubly sweet by night. It added to the charm of beauty, as she listened
+to the flattering tale, till the coyness of the half-won maiden seemed
+to relax in music; and the glittering cavalier, with renewed hope, led
+her to the dance.
+
+How inferior is the fussy and excited style of our own days compared
+with such a scene as this, where all was open-hearted gaiety and
+enjoyment, where, without effort, all was dignified, and brilliant, and
+picturesque.
+
+The very serving-men and maids, ranged in a long row at the lower end of
+the hall, seemed to add to the effect of the picture. The men in their
+rich liveries with heraldic badge upon the sleeve; the maids, all in one
+sort of costume, fitting and becoming for their station in life; nay,
+the orchestra itself was a picture, composed as it was of respectable
+personages from the town of Stratford, grave-looking, bearded, and
+staid, working away at their different instruments, as if it was a
+matter of national pride and import,--the celebration of the fair
+Charlotte's natal day. Each in his quaint-cut doublet and scarlet hose.
+How they clutched at the bass-viol, those fat citizens, and glowed with
+the strains they produced; how the fiddlers jerked and worked at their
+bows, with heads going, and feet keeping time: how the puffed cheek of
+the horn-blowers seemed to grow distended to the degree of exploding;
+and how the eyes of the whole party seemed to roll about in agony, and
+follow the dancers as their strains excited them to fresh efforts; and
+how resolutely, ever and anon, they paused to take a long pull at the
+huge flagons placed within their reach; returning to their instruments
+with renewed vigour, and stamping to keep time, as if sitting still was
+almost too great an effort, and they longed to jump up, and fling out
+amongst the best there; urging one another to quicker movements and
+louder strains as the liquor mounted and the evening wore on.
+
+Amongst that gay and brilliant throng there was one whose whole soul
+seemed wrapped in melody. The soft tones of the floating minstrelsy
+seemed to steal upon his heart. He stood apart from all: aloof in person
+as in mind, leaning against one of the quaint-cut ornaments of the room.
+As his eye wandered amongst the gay dancers, his countenance was at
+times lighted up by an expression which seemed divine. The greatness of
+his soul shone out in his glorious countenance, and yet, save by two
+persons, he was all unmarked.
+
+It was the boy poet, the youthful Shakespeare.
+
+Walter Arderne, who felt that no assemblage could be complete which
+wanted the presence of his friend, no hour enjoyed but in his company,
+had brought him again to Clopton, where he mingled in the scene, not so
+much a guest as a spectator. And yet unknown as unmarked, or, if
+regarded, perhaps but calling forth a passing remark upon his good
+looks, how greatly did that youth feel himself the superior of all
+there, elevated as some of them were in station. The fineness and
+acuteness of organic sensibility made him alive to all the mighty world
+of ear and eye. Nothing escaped him; and yet feeling this within
+himself, and in strength of mind a demigod, in profundity of view a
+prophet,[3] he moved amongst the throng, as if unconscious of being more
+than the most unassuming servitor in attendance. Gentle and open in
+manner as a child.
+
+[Footnote 3: Schegel's estimate of Shakespeare.]
+
+The good Sir Hugh welcomed him to his house, and presented him to two of
+his oldest friends, as one to whom he owed much. "A goodly lad," he
+said, "and of exceeding promise; a ripe and ready wit, sirs. By 'r Lady,
+but he hath the knack of making me laugh till my face is like a wet
+napkin. Nay, and he inditeth rhymes, too, it would do you good to hear.
+A poet, I'll assure ye, sirs, already, and a rare one, too. Go thy ways,
+lad; go thy ways. 'Fore Heaven we owe thee much, and hope to requite
+it."
+
+"A young friend," said Arderne, to one of the ladies with whom he
+danced, and as he pointed the unconscious poet out to her, whilst
+standing at the lower end of the hall. "A young friend who, though in
+humble life, seems to me of somewhat extraordinary character, and in
+whom I am greatly interested. He unites in his genius the utmost
+elevation and the utmost depth; and the most foreign, and even
+irreconcilable properties subsist in him together. I cannot describe to
+you the delight I experience in the companionship of that youth." The
+lady glanced her eye towards the part of the hall indicated by Walter
+Arderne, as he mentioned his friend. It was but a glance, and she
+observed the person indicated. The words humble life was, however, quite
+sufficient to destroy all interest in the bosom of the beauty, for Clara
+de Mowbray (albeit she was both lovely and amiable) partook, in some
+sort, of the pride of her race. Added to this, she was the victim of an
+unrequited passion, and save for the tall handsome form and expressive
+features of her partner, she had no eyes.
+
+"I should have imagined, from all I have this night beheld," she said,
+"there was but one in this room, nay, in this world, who could take up
+even a moment of your care or thoughts, fair sir. This new-found friend
+must, indeed, be a rare specimen, if he can wean your eyes for a moment
+from Charlotte Clopton. But that, indeed," she added, with a sigh, "is
+as it should be; she is, I think, to-night more beautiful than ever!"
+
+Walter sighed, and unconsciously his glance wandered in search of his
+betrothed. "You are a shrewd observer, lady," he said, looking full in
+her expressive face,--and indeed, except Charlotte Clopton, whose beauty
+was of a different character, Clara de Mowbray was one of the most
+beautiful women in the county. "You are a great observer, lady," he
+said, "and yet you have failed to observe how much your own beauty
+excites admiration from all present to-night. Nay, I am not blind
+myself, however much I may lie under the imputation with which you have
+charged me."
+
+"To love is no such heavy sin, Sir Arderne," said the lady, "an if it
+were so, you would indeed require sufficing penance and absolution,
+since you are a very votary to the blind god."
+
+"And she to whom my vows are given," he said, "is she not worthy of an
+emperor's love?"
+
+"She is worthy of the love of him who seeks her hand," said Clara,
+somewhat sadly. "She is my dear and early friend, and I could not wish
+greater happiness to her than in that store. Unless the emperor were
+Walter Arderne, and the empire he inherited here in Warwickshire. I
+conclude Charlotte would scarce become an empress."
+
+"You speak not this as you think," said Arderne, doubtfully, yet
+delighted at so much confirmation from one of the intimate friends of
+his beloved Charlotte.
+
+"I speak as I feel," said Clara; "I know the worth of both, and how
+well both deserve; and yet methinks youth and valour should not
+altogether succumb to Cupid. Were I a man, I should seek for action and
+to be worthy in _deed_."
+
+The youth gazed with increasing admiration upon the radiant face of the
+lady. He almost doubted whether its exceeding loveliness did not equal
+that of his betrothed.
+
+"Ah," he said, gaily, turning towards his new friend, who at the moment
+approached, "give us assurance, gentle Shakespeare, we that are in love;
+and teach this lady to respect the passion."
+
+Shakespeare looked full at the lady; he seemed struck with the beauty of
+her face and form. "Love, first learned in a lady's eyes," he said,
+gaily,
+
+    "Lives not alone immured in the brain;
+    But with the motion of all elements,
+    Courses as swift as thought in every power;
+    And gives to every power a double power,
+    Above their functions and their offices,
+    Never durst poet touch a pen to write,
+    Until his ink were temper'd with love's sighs."
+
+"That is indeed a singular being!" said the lady, gazing after the youth
+as he passed through the crowd and quitted the room. "Who and what is
+he?"
+
+"'Tis him of whom I just now spoke," said Arderne; "but come, let us
+seek Charlotte Clopton; I thought I saw her leave the room but now to
+seek the purer air of the gardens. I will tell thee more of our
+acquaintance with this youth as we go."
+
+It was a bright and lovely night, and, with all the freedom and licence
+of the age, many of the younger guests had sought the pleasure-grounds
+and gardens of the Hall, whilst their more staid guardians and parents
+held converse within doors.
+
+Here and there was to be seen a group seated or reclined upon the velvet
+turf, whilst others paced up and down the terrace, or disappeared and
+were lost in the dark walks, till the joyous strains of the orchestra
+within again recalled them to the dance.
+
+If the quick eyes of love had enabled the lady Clara to observe the
+object to which Walter Arderne's thoughts were that night fixed, the
+same observation had failed in shewing her on whom the affections of her
+rival was centred.
+
+Indeed, although Charlotte Clopton, both from her beauty and her
+position as the heroine of the night, was necessarily the observed of
+all observers, and her hand sought for by every cavalier in the room,
+those who looked closely at her might have observed a tinge of
+melancholy in her countenance, and a restlessness about her which shewed
+she was not in the enjoyment of her own content. To herself hardly dared
+she own it, as her restless glance traversed the room, but she felt that
+one minute's conversation with her romantic friend,--nay, one word, or
+but an exchanged glance,--would be worth all the gallant speeches she
+endured from the gayer cavaliers by whom she was surrounded.
+
+This new friend, however, had not once approached her on that night. He
+had studiously kept in the background, and although he had, unobserved,
+caught sight of her, he had even carefully avoided those parts of the
+room in which she was engaged with her various partners and friends.
+Nay, the pleasure he experienced in the gay and festive scene, like that
+of the fair Charlotte, was tinged with an occasional melancholy; a soft
+and dreamy sadness mingled with the brighter thoughts called into play
+by the sight of beauty and the strains of music.
+
+With such feelings he quitted the house, and passed into the gardens of
+the Hall, those lovely grounds looking, as they did, so fair and soft,
+in the bright moonlight. And how often do we find it thus in life! How
+oft do we see the most worthy wending his way unnoticed, unobserved,
+unappreciated, and unknown, whilst the giddy, the frivolous, the vain,
+and even the vile, are sunning themselves in the smiles of patronage and
+favour, playing their fantastic tricks, and swollen with the success
+their cringing falsehood has attained, whilst patient merit, scorning
+the rout, passes on unsought.
+
+The night, as Lorenzo words it, was but the daylight sick, "it looked a
+little paler." The youthful poet threw himself upon a grassy bank,
+shadowed by trees, and as the sounds of music crept upon his ears,
+
+            "Soft stillness, and the night,
+    Became the touches of sweet harmony."
+
+And what indeed were the thoughts and imaginings the scene and hour gave
+rise to?--Thoughts softened by the sweet breath of a summer's night,
+loaded with perfume, and bearing harmony from the distance. At such
+moment the mind reverts to days long past, or even revels in the fabled
+ages of the early world. In such a night as this,
+
+    "When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees
+    And they did make no noise; in such a night,
+    Troilus, methinks, mounted the Trojan walls
+    And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents
+    Where Cressid lay."
+
+And,
+
+                  "In such a night,
+    Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,
+    Upon the wild sea-banks, and waved her love
+    To come again to Carthage."
+
+It was whilst Shakespeare remained thus sequestered and alone, and in
+the indulgence of the thoughts produced by such a situation, that the
+company had sought the gardens; and the walks, and alleys, the green
+slopes, and mossed banks, became suddenly peopled with bright forms, and
+which in a moment gave another and gayer aspect, and a totally different
+turn to the entire scene. The stillness, and the sweet touches of
+distant music, and which had so stolen upon his heart, was now changed
+to the sounds of laughter and loud conversation. In the shaded walks
+were now to be seen some tall form, clad in brave attire; his jewelled
+hat and gay plume bent down as he conversed with the lady at his side,
+and, in the open space before him, the different groups lent a lustre to
+the gardens which only gay costume and forms of beauty can give. As he
+remarked the scene before him, the joyous and sportive throng thus
+revelling in happiness,--the very heavens "thick inlaid with patinos of
+bright gold," he presently observed a dark and ominous cloud slowly and
+stealthily mounting, as it were, from the south. It seemed to emerge
+from the distant woods like a pall, and--as if emblematic of the
+short-lived days of mortals--gradually stole over one side of the
+heavens.
+
+Yes, that flaunting throng was like the pleasures of the world. "Those
+clouds were like its coming cares." Whilst he watched their slow
+development, a light footstep approached, and Charlotte Clopton stood
+before him.
+
+Was it his fancy, or was it that the silver brightness falling on the
+spot on which she stood, gave an ethereal appearance to the beautiful
+girl, a ghost-like and shadowy look, which, for the moment, struck him
+with a sort of awe? He arose from his recumbent posture, and, as he did
+so, he observed she was unusually pale. Nay, as he gazed upon that sweet
+face and form, he could not help seeing that it was with difficulty she
+kept herself from falling.
+
+"I fear me, lady," he said, (struck with sudden alarm,) "you are not
+well?"
+
+"A feeling of illness has indeed come over me," said Charlotte, "and
+which I cannot entirely shake off. I thought the air of the gardens
+would have taken it away, but it has not done so."
+
+"Suffer me to lead you in," said Shakespeare, taking her hand, "perhaps
+some cordial will restore you?"
+
+"Not so," said Charlotte; "I have sought this spot as I knew it was a
+favourite one with you. I felt you would be here, and that I must see
+you. I know not wherefore, but a presentiment of evil is upon me. I feel
+as if I spoke to thee this night for the last time."
+
+There was a wildness in the manner of Charlotte Clopton, as she said
+this, which increased the anxiety of her admirer, and, as he saw that
+she was really suffering from some sudden feeling of illness, he again
+entreated her to seek the house. She, however, again refused. "I have
+sought this opportunity to speak to you," she said, "for I felt I must
+do so; nay, I feel as if I should die unless I unburthened myself to
+one I so highly esteem, one to whom I owe so much, one so noble and so
+good; nay, were it to any but to thee, (generous and sweet in
+disposition as thou art, William Shakespeare,) I should shame to say so
+much. But well I know that none can know thee and refrain from loving;
+can trust thee and repent."
+
+To say that the youthful poet could hear this from a being so beautiful,
+and not forget all the resolutions he had previously made to subdue and
+conceal his passion, would be to describe one of those over-perfect
+mortals existing only in the imagination of the prudish.
+
+William Shakespeare was no such perfection of a hero; he had sought to
+quench his love's hot fire,
+
+    "Lest it should burn above the bounds of reason."
+
+The intense feelings of youth, however, and which in after-life led him
+so forcibly to pourtray the passion he felt, now completely overcame all
+his prudential resolves.
+
+The being he had thought so much above him, and in secret loved, had
+confessed her feelings. He was instantly lost to every thing but his
+love for her. Its hopelessness, its seeming treachery towards his new
+and generous friend, all were forgotten as he gazed upon Charlotte and
+returned her vows. And yet, what was this love, so pure, so unselfish,
+so unlikely ever to meet with reward? It rather lacked, even at its
+commencement, the rapturous intoxication of hope, and seemed, even at
+the moment of its mutual confidence, to partake of the bitterness of
+certain disappointment.
+
+Whilst the various groups had been enjoying themselves in the grounds,
+the heavens had become gradually overcast, till one entire portion was
+mantled with the darksome veil now rapidly extending; distant rumbling
+peals, too, like the sound of heavy ordnance from afar, and large heavy
+drops of rain, gave notice of the coming storm. This, together with the
+renewed sound of music, warned the revellers around again to seek the
+shelter of the Hall, and, as Charlotte Clopton heard her name called,
+the lovers too felt that they must part. Yet still they lingered, and
+had more to say.
+
+The voice of Martin, however, calling upon Charlotte, who had now been
+suddenly missed from amongst the guests, and sought for in the house,
+recalled them to the necessity of separating. Their parting seemed a sad
+one, and although the feeling of illness Charlotte had previously felt
+had now partially left her, she still felt a sensation of langour and a
+weight upon her spirits she could not account for.
+
+Her lover observed this, and that her cheek, ordinarily so full of
+bloom, was deadly pale, giving her dark brown tresses a still darker
+shade, and he parted from her with an ill divining soul.
+
+In his present frame of mind Shakespeare felt no longer any desire to
+witness the gaieties within doors, and yet he found it impossible to
+tear himself away from the gardens. He loved to breathe the neighbouring
+air, and as he listened to the music, he tried to fancy her he loved
+still adding to the grace and beauty of the assemblage.
+
+Whilst he thus remained lost in his own thoughts, the threatened storm
+suddenly burst forth. The thunder crashed over head, and the lightning
+darted along the walks and alleys of the gardens, and then came the
+rain, rushing upon the earth like a cataract, suddenly bursting bounds.
+
+These sounds were mingled with the tread of horses' hoofs as they
+clattered into the stable-yard, and then came a short and rapid word of
+command. A few minutes more and the music ceased; rapid and hurried
+footsteps were heard, as of guests suddenly departing, coupled with
+lamentations and sounds of alarm. The mirth of the assemblage seemed
+suddenly to have been marred, and their good cheer spoiled, and such
+indeed was the case.
+
+In the very midst of the revel, and whilst the festive cup was drained
+around to the health of Sir Hugh and his fair child, that child had
+again been seized with illness and fainted.
+
+Attributing it to the heat and excitement she had undergone, Sir Hugh
+bore her to her couch, and as she soon recovered from her swoon he again
+sought his guests.
+
+When he did so, he observed that during his absence the party had been
+increased by the addition of some half a dozen cavaliers completely
+armed, and as he entered the room the chief of the party stepped up to
+him, and laid his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton, of Clopton," he said, in a loud voice, "I arrest thee
+of high treason, in the name of our most sovereign lady the Queen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE PLAGUE AT STRATFORD.
+
+
+The swift passage of events, and which it has taken some little time to
+record, has necessarily obliged us to omit mention of several minor
+characters of our story, but who, nevertheless, have been playing their
+parts upon the stage as well as those of greater note and import.
+Amongst others, Master Dismal, whose cue it seemed to ferret out all
+sorts of disagreeables and who seemed to batton upon horrors, had not
+failed to follow up the hint promulgated at the Falcon regarding the
+sickness which had appeared in the town.
+
+At the period of our story the plague was no uncommon visitor in the
+different towns in England, and awful were the consequences of such
+visitation when it appeared.
+
+In cases of this sort when some dire disease breaks out amongst the poor
+and ignorant, they generally at first conceal it. Struck with dismay,
+they yet resolve to doubt the suspicious appearance till confirmation of
+its reality drives them to disclosure.
+
+The plague was indeed so much dreaded at this time, that those first
+infected were looked upon with as much horror and dislike as if they
+were absolutely guilty of its production.
+
+The very suspicion of its appearance was sufficient to frighten the town
+from its propriety. The inhabitants withdrew from the businesses and
+pleasures of life like snails within their shells. Each feared his
+neighbour, and all around was distrust and dread. It was this fear,
+together with the unclean state of the town, and most of the houses in
+it, which made the pestilence so quick and be fatal in its effects.
+Evils, it has been said, are more to be dreaded from the suddenness of
+their attack than from their magnitude or duration. In the storms of
+life those that are foreseen are half overcome.
+
+This disease, however, was in general as formidable and as difficult to
+get rid of in a town, as its coining was sudden and unexpected. It was
+like the wind which sailors term the tiffoon, pouncing upon the vessel
+like an eagle upon the prey, and paralyzing the victim at once.
+
+Master Dismal had received intelligence of this visitation by an
+anonymous communication, written upon a dirty scrap of paper, and which
+had been one night thrown in at his window.
+
+The scrawl was in such strange hieroglyphics, and so vaguely worded,
+that any other person beside himself would have failed in hitting upon
+its hidden meaning; but the busy-body had a peculiar facility in
+deciphering and discovering horrors. Nay, his visitations amongst his
+neighbours and townsfolk were generally looked upon by them as a sure
+harbinger of evil in one shape or other. He was a sort of stormy petrel
+in the town, a forerunner of danger and despair. He even loved to watch
+the progress of misery and disease, contemplating the ills mankind are
+subject to, with a philosophic eye.
+
+If a whole family were to be swept off, his visits continued as long as
+the disease lasted amongst them; and he made his entrance and took his
+leave with the doctor.
+
+In fact, it was his recreation to study the maladies and miseries "the
+poor compounded clay, man, is heir to." Accidents and wounds, and indeed
+every sort of infliction his neighbours were subject to, it was his
+humour to watch curiously,--nay, he was even interested in the sight of
+a felon's ear, nailed to the cart wheel, whilst a knave set in the
+stocks, or a vagabond whipped through the town, was a matter of
+reflection, and a spectacle to be hunted after: and when Dame Patch was
+placed upon the cuckin stool, and then ducked in the Avon for lying and
+slander, he was observed next day to pay her a visit of condolence,
+whilst some affirmed that he had even remained a whole week in her
+dwelling to offer her consolation in her distress.
+
+In addition to these peculiarities, we need hardly mention that the
+funeral bell was at any time a grateful sound to his ears, seldom
+failing to call him forth from his home, whatever his employment might
+happen to be.
+
+Then again he loved to contemplate a batch of dirty urchins, in all the
+enjoyment of mud and mire, freedom and mischief, revelling in
+undisturbed possession of the kennel or the road, and to speculate upon
+the chances against one-third of them reaching maturity, or their
+probable fate if they did so.
+
+Following the clue given him by the anonymous communication, and which
+he had received a few hours before he announced the news it contained at
+the Falcon, he had made a search through the locality hinted at. The
+note, which was vaguely and notoriously worded, had pointed to some
+house in the suburbs; and, after duly calling over the different persona
+whom he considered likely to have been the writer of the billet, he
+fixed it upon a crazy, half insane fellow, living in a lone house in
+Henley Street.
+
+Accordingly, when the shadows of evening descended, he went prying
+about, and peeping into all the windows, and listening at all the doors
+on either side that street. "Wat Murdake," he said to himself, "is a
+maniac,--a dangerous fellow at times, having fits of violence quite
+awful to look on. He killed his wife with a shoemaker's awl, pierced her
+ear when she was asleep,--at least, so it is said, and he confesses it
+even now in his ravings,--but that's nought. Many an old host that I
+know would be glad to do the same, if they dared, for the women do drive
+men to desperate deeds with that unruly member, the tongue. Wat Murdake
+is a dangerous fellow at times, and exceedingly mad always, but then he
+is pretty cunning, and keepeth a sure eye upon his neighbour. An I
+cannot find these plague spots, I will seek him and make inquiry, for
+'tis good I saw into the matter at once.
+
+"Ah! what's that I hear? A scream? No, it's only a child squalling, and
+the mother singing it to sleep with a merry song. There's no misery
+there. So pass we on to the next. What's that, a groan? No, it's a
+fellow practising on the bass-viol. All right I trow there; where music
+_is_, contentment rests, and no plague. What's this?" he continued,
+listening at the next house, "lamentations and words of woe? No, it's
+man and wife quarrelling. Ah! and there they go to blows. There is no
+real misery there, but what they make for themselves; they've plague
+enough, but not the plague I seek. Pass we on again. What's here? the
+bones rattling? Yes, dicing, drinking, and brawl. It's not there.
+It _may_ come to that, but they don't begin _so_. There'll be
+death, perhaps, in the house, but it will be by violence, _not
+disease_--to-night, to-morrow, perhaps; who knows? And so Master Dismal
+passed on from door to door, taking his cue of good or ill from the
+employment of the inmates of the different houses. At length he came to
+a lone, squalid-looking hut, the last but one in the street, standing in
+its own untrimmed and neglected garden; a ruin with walls so rent as to
+shew one-half of its heavy-beamed rooms in a skeleton state; the
+remainder being patched up to expel the wind and rain, and reclaimed, as
+it were, in a slovenly manner, from the general state of decay.
+The toad sat and croaked in the long damp grass, and the lizard crawled
+over the muddy pathway to the door, as Dismal stopped and listened.
+
+"This looks like business," he said, "I quite forgot this house of
+ill-omen. Ah! what a dirty-mantled pond in the garden! Here we have it,
+sure enough! there's no mistaking these sounds! Let me see, this is the
+residence of Smite Drear and his family, the most drunken,
+ill-conducted, dirty, evil-minded lot in all Warwickshire--the man a
+vile caitiff, a puritan whose tongue is ruin; the woman a slanderer
+also, and a termagant; the children thieves, liars, and imps of ill.
+_I'm sure it's here_; _I know it's here_; it _must_ be here; it _ought_
+to be here; it _is_ here. Yea, and here it _is_, sure enough! If I could
+only get a peep into the interior, I should know in a minute. Let me
+see; where's my pouncet-box? Ah! there's another groan, and the sob of a
+female! I hear some one praying too; rather unusual _that_, I trow. I
+must go in. _But no_, I cannot _get_ in, the door is fastened; I'll
+knock."
+
+It was some time before the summons of Master Dismal was answered. But
+at last the owner of the hovel removed a broken shutter from an upper
+window, and thrusting out his head, growled a malediction upon the
+person disturbing him.
+
+"Pass on," he said, "and trouble us not."
+
+"I would crave permission," said Dismal, "to pay a visit on matters----"
+
+"_Crave_ nothing here," said Drear, "_Seek_ nothing here. Sickness and
+death are within our doors: we are accursed."
+
+"I would fain offer consolation, and observe the nature of your
+illness," said Dismal. "I would inform the leech, or even summon _other_
+aid in your need."
+
+"Who is it speaks?" said Drear, thrusting his head further out. "All, I
+see! Hence, screech-owl--bird of ill; hence, wretch, lest I come down
+and beat thee! Hence, hound, whose bark never boded aught but death to
+the sick man. We wanted but thy visit to make us certain of our fate."
+
+So saying, Drear violently put up his shutter and withdrew.
+
+"Ah," said Dismal, "you may talk, my master, till you've tired yourself.
+But I know all about it now. If I cannot get _in_, by my troth I'll take
+care to put a sign which shall hinder you from getting _out_. Plague or
+no plague, I'll cause them to look in upon you who have authority to do
+so." So saying. Master Dismal took a large lump of red ochre from his
+pocket, and with considerable care marked up a broad red cross upon the
+door. He then, as he knew it was about the hour the watch passed,
+quietly withdrew to the opposite side of the street, and ensconsing
+himself behind the buttress of a wall, waited the event.
+
+In a short time the watch came up; they passed Master Dismal where he
+stood without discovering him and then proceeded to the very end of the
+street. According to their custom (in making the rounds at night) they
+then halted, ordered their pikes, trimmed their lights, and stood at
+ease for a few minutes, ere they returned down the other side of the
+street; examining each door they passed by holding up the light they
+carried.
+
+At the first tenement they found nothing extraordinary, the fellow who
+carried the light, which was a sort of cresset at the end of a bar of
+iron, held it aloft, and as its lurid glare fell upon the house, it
+displayed its walls clear as in open daylight. "All right, pass," said
+the head constable, and so they passed on to the next.
+
+Here the constable carrying the cresset was merely about to raise it and
+pass on, when, as he did so, the whole party were arrested in speechless
+alarm by a sign they knew too well from former visitation. "The plague!"
+said the first, in a voice modulated almost to a whisper. "The plague!"
+said the second, "why I heard not of it before." "The searcher's mark,"
+said the second, "I knew not that he had been sent out." "Advance your
+light again, Diccon," said a third, "and observe if the house be
+padlocked up." "I see no fastening," said Diccon, "and yet, 'tis the
+searcher's mark, sure enough; pass on, in heaven's name, comrades;" and
+on passed the watch, no longer with measured tread, but with accelerated
+and fearful steps, to inform the headborough of what they had seen:
+Master Dismal stealing after them in a state of the most exuberant glee
+at his own conceit and its success.
+
+The spread of the disease, as was usual at this period, was extremely
+rapid. Indeed, it had risen to some height in the town before the
+authorities would consent to believe it really existed. In such cases,
+and in former days, precautionary measures were seldom thought of. Men
+drove off all thought of the evil; when they found it was really amongst
+them, or what they feared, they kept to themselves. At first they turned
+sulky under the infliction, if we may so term it, barring up their doors
+and deserting the streets; they avoided each other as much as possible,
+seeking air and recreation and forgetfulness by taking to the wastes and
+commons around. Leaving their homes by the back doors, they almost
+deserted the streets in search of the necessaries of life. As it grew
+worse the town seemed depopulated, even before the disease had time to
+work, so empty were its streets.
+
+But a few days had passed since all the out-door sports and diversions
+of the age and the season had been in full play. Those gay and jovial
+May-day games, in the quaint mazes of the wanton green; those rural
+fetes and diversions--the wakes and revels--the May-pole dances--the
+parties of pleasure--into the shadowy desert unfrequented woods, and
+which the peasantry of old were so fond of, all had ceased as it were on
+the instant. The human mortals feared each other, a secret
+dread--however each member of a family kept the native colour of his
+cheek--was in the heart of each. The very air seemed infected, and tho
+aspect of the town took a ghastly hue. It smelt of death, men thought.
+Business stopped in it. No markets were attended. No strangers passed
+through it. It was a place infected, avoided, accursed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+MORE TROUBLE AT CLOPTON.
+
+
+Meanwhile, as misfortunes seldom come but in battalions, Sir Hugh
+Clopton (even before he had heard of the appearance of the disease) had
+been arrested of high treason, and carried off to London with several
+other gentlemen of condition in the county, and who had likewise been
+mixed up in the confession of Master Walter Neville.
+
+It is indeed hardly possible to describe the dire confusion which ensued
+upon this unexpected event taking place on the night of the feast at
+Clopton Hall. Sir Hugh himself was the only person of his household and
+family who seemed to retain his self-command. Walter Arderne would, at
+first, have fain struck down the Queen's officer and expelled his men.
+The faithful Martin was almost distraught. The serving men and retainers
+were scared and indignant at the same time; and the guests in a state of
+astonishment and dismay.
+
+"Heed it not, my masters all," said Sir Hugh, "'tis a mistake
+altogether. I a traitor to our blessed Queen! pah. I would she had but
+such traitors in all her foes; methinks I know where this matter
+originates, and shall set it right upon examination."
+
+"I hope so," said the officer; "Nevertheless, there is one other I am to
+secure within your household, but my people have just learnt he hath
+fled on our approach."
+
+"In the name of Heaven," said Sir Hugh, "who else lays under this
+strange misconception?"
+
+"A priest but lately come from over sea, commonly called Father
+Eustace," said the officer.
+
+"Eustace!" said Sir Hugh, "why he was here but now. Is he too accused?"
+
+"He is," said the officer, "and must, if possible, be apprehended; some
+of my party have followed on his trail."
+
+"Any more of my family, household, or personal friends implicated?" said
+Sir Hugh, somewhat bitterly. "I trust I shall set my accuser, whoever he
+be, before my rapier's point, when I promise him such mercy as it
+affords _no more_."
+
+"I feel sorry to put any force upon you, Sir Hugh," said the officer,
+"especially before this goodly company, but my orders are peremptory,
+and I must convey you to Warwick to-night; to-morrow with all speed
+towards London."
+
+"Nay," said Sir Hugh, "good sir, you but express my own wishes in this
+matter. To the Tower with me at once. An there be any limb or member o'
+my body found guilty of this sin--torture it: an the Queen find that my
+head hath entertained a thought against her--off with it: an my heart
+hath conceived treason--tear it out. To horse then in God's name, and
+let us put on without delay."
+
+And truly did the good Sir Hugh bespeak himself, whilst most of the
+guests standing in amaze around, and, with tears in their eyes, beheld
+him made prisoner, and conveyed from his own domain. Under the
+circumstances in which he found himself, it was a great relief to the
+good knight that his daughter was saved from the grief and misery of
+seeing and taking leave of him.
+
+The coming of the officers and the arrest of her father it was hastily
+arranged should be carefully concealed, and her attendants were enjoined
+to say that a sudden summons from the Queen had obliged Sir Hugh
+instantly to depart.
+
+Meantime the faithful Martin undertook to remain in watchful attendance
+upon her, whilst Arderne, whose feelings would not permit him to stay
+behind, accompanied the party in charge of the old knight, and whom he
+swore never to leave till he was again at liberty.
+
+"I will gain audience of the Queen," he said, "instantly, and not leave
+the Court until I know the vile traducer who hath thus denounced thee,
+uncle. Thou a traitor, indeed! Thou soul of honour, loyalty and truth!
+Treason hath no existence--no place to hide in aught where thou
+abidest."
+
+And thus (as is oft the case in life) the scene became on the sudden
+overcast. At the moment of its brightness--the gaiety, the splendour,
+and the happiness of the party were dashed; whilst those who had met
+together with light hearts and fantastic spirits, dispersed with evil
+foreboding and slow and heavy footsteps.
+
+In a party of this sort, in Warwickshire, it was customary oft-times to
+keep up the revel till dawn, whilst every nook and corner of the
+dwelling was made available for those of the guests who chose to remain
+afterwards.
+
+With the good old English hospitality which despised form, Sir Hugh had
+previously arranged for many of his most intimate friends to stay a few
+days at Clopton and partake in the sport his preserves afforded. The
+dogs and falcons were to have been put in requisition, and the heronry
+and the thick covers around beat for game.
+
+Indeed two or three did remain at Clopton the next day; not for the
+purpose of recreating themselves with the old knight's hawks, but from
+their anxiety about the illness of the fair Charlotte, and in the hope
+of seeing her re-appear from her room with renewed health.
+
+Such, however, was not to be the case, as she grew rapidly worse, and it
+was found necessary to summon the leech from Stratford. Soon after his
+arrival, the faithful Martin, with a face of alarm, took upon himself to
+dismiss the guests. His charge, he said, was extremely ill. Her
+complaint was pronounced by the leech to be both infectious and
+dangerous, and under such circumstances, it was advisable for them to
+shorten their visit. "Neither should I be acting rightly," he added, "if
+I concealed it, although the rumour may possibly be without foundation,
+but I have just heard the plague hath broken out in Stratford."
+
+Thus were the halls of Clopton--and which but a few short hours before
+had displayed such a scene of gaiety and revelling,--as suddenly changed
+to gloom and melancholy.
+
+The domestics seemed to glide about with noiseless step, hardly having
+heart to arrange the different rooms, so that many of them were left in
+the confusion and disarray they had been in when the mirth of the party
+was so suddenly interrupted; and, if the succeeding day was fraught with
+melancholy, the night was filled with terrors. Strange and awful sounds
+were heard in some of the rooms. Sounds which none could account for or
+discover the meaning of, although, at first attributing them to natural
+causes, the domestics made search through those parts of the house where
+they had been heard.
+
+Coming thus at a time of grief and misfortune, and following sickness
+and the rumours of so dire a disease as the plague, these sounds had an
+ominous and awful appearance. The domestics, much as they loved their
+employers, and commiserated them in their present distress, were so much
+scared, that several fled from the Hall to their own homes; and, as the
+mysterious sounds continued night after night growing more violent, and
+even extending from the part of the house to which they had at first
+been confined; with the exception of two or three of the upper servants,
+the numerous domestics of the establish meat had almost all deserted it.
+
+The faithful Martin was sorely troubled. Living in an age when men's
+minds were easily affected by superstitious terrors, and a general
+belief existed in supernatural agency, he however possessed an uncommon
+degree of firmness and mental energy. At first he tried to laugh at the
+terrors and complaints of the different servants, as they brought
+continued reports of dreadful sounds existing in the western wing of the
+Hall, and where the secret hiding-places existed. Then, as his own ears
+confirmed their reports, he shut himself up, well armed, for a whole
+night in the apartments where the spirit was said to be most
+troublesome.
+
+On this night, which was the third after the departure of Sir Hugh, the
+sounds were most terrific and awful. As if the evil genius of the house
+of Clopton was either rejoicing over the present state of the family, or
+impatient for their utter destruction, it seemed inclined to drive the
+inmates to despair by its violence.
+
+Martin, having thrown himself upon the bed in the apartment we have
+before seen tenanted by the maniac Parry, was reclining in a half-dozing
+state, a couple of huge petronels in his belt and a drawn rapier upon
+tho table, when he was suddenly conscious of some one entering the room,
+and sitting down beside the bed.
+
+As he had carefully locked the door he was in something surprised at
+this visitation; but suspecting that some influence from without was at
+work, and distrusting the Jesuitical priest Eustace, after a while he
+quietly and cautiously rose, and then leaping suddenly from the bed,
+confronted the supposed visitant petronel in hand.
+
+To his astonishment, however, no person was there,--"He looked but on a
+stool." The door, which had been violently burst in, was still wide
+open, but no one was in the room besides himself. This was the more
+extraordinary as Martin was confident he had distinctly heard the person
+enter, and with swift step passing into the apartment, seat itself by
+his bedside. Nay, so quick and sudden seemed the visit, that though a
+bold and determined man, Martin had felt paralyzed and unable to move
+for the first minute or two. His heart beat violently; he was certain
+some one was within a few inches of him as he lay, and yet he could not
+move a limb; till at length, shaking off the feeling, he rose to
+confront the intruder. Pistol in hand, he looked in every part of the
+small room, "searching impossible places" in his anxiety. He then
+descended the narrow staircase, and looked into every nook and corner of
+the apartment beneath, but found not even a cobweb amiss.
+
+Returning to his couch he re-fastened the door, trimmed his lamp, placed
+it in the chair beside his bed, examined his petronel, and again lay
+down with the weapon firmly grasped in his hand. "If there be any deceit
+in this," he said to himself, "and which I feel inclined to believe is
+the case, I will make sure work of it with the practiser. A bullet
+through his heart or lungs, will lay his ghostship in the Red Sea."
+
+There had never been much good feeling in existence between the shrewd
+Martin and the priest Eustace. At the present moment the former held the
+Jesuit in especial dislike. He had a suspicion that the difficulties in
+which Sir Hugh was now placed, arose from some intrigues of the priest,
+whom he knew to be of an unscrupulous and designing nature. The present
+noises he conceived to be some contrivance of this iron-hearted bigot,
+in order to scare the servants of the establishment from that wing of
+the building, and he accordingly resolved to make a severe example of
+whoever he detected. This idea nerved him to so great a degree, that the
+extraordinary sounds he heard at first failed in completely frightening
+him. The situation, however, was not altogether a pleasant one. The
+silence, the loneliness, the dangerous illness of his favourite
+Charlotte, the peril in which the old knight was placed, all crowded
+themselves upon his imagination as he lay and watched.
+
+For some time nothing occurred to disturb his melancholy reflections,
+reflections which at length took him from the present horror of the
+time; and led on to other thoughts, till, at length, the heavy summons
+of sleep began to weigh upon his eyelids.
+
+At this moment the clock from the old tower in the stabling struck two.
+Scarcely had it done so when a distant whirling sound was heard; it
+seemed at first like a rushing wind stirring the trees in the shrubbery
+without, and steadily advancing towards the house. It increased in sound
+as it did so, till it appeared to enter the house, and rushing up the
+staircase with fearful violence the door again was dashed open with a
+tremendous burst, the lamp was extinguished at the same moment, and the
+room seemed filled with some strange and unnatural visitants.
+
+Starting up at the moment of the door being burst in, Martin discharged
+his pistol full at the entrance, and at the very instant the light was
+extinguished. He then jumped, sword in hand, into the middle of the
+room, whilst a rushing sound, as of persons moving about, was all around
+him.
+
+The darkness, added to the horrors of his situation, almost unmanned the
+bold Martin, and spite of his determined character his heart now beat
+violently and his hair bristled on his head. Nay, so impressed was he
+with the idea that some spectral beings were in the apartment, and even
+in his own vicinity,--nay, perhaps, that the enemy of mankind was at his
+very elbow and about to clutch him, that, as he uttered a hasty prayer
+for the protection of Heaven, he executed several furious backstrokes
+round the apartment, cutting a huge gash in the bed furniture,
+demolishing the back of an elaborately carved oaken chair, and bringing
+down a cumbrous mirror, smashed into a dozen pieces with as many blows.
+Indeed, the natural sounds of this ruin in some measure did away with
+the awe the supernatural noises had created. There is always some relief
+in action in such cases. The coward, for instance, makes use of his
+legs, in the midst of apprehension, the brave man takes to his arms, and
+as the strange sounds gradually subsided, seeming to traverse through
+the rooms below in their progress, Martin ceased from his exertions.
+
+He was, however, now completely converted to the opinion of the
+domestics that there was something most strange and most unnatural in
+this visitation. He felt awed and struck with dread, and, lowering the
+point of his weapon, he stood in the centre of the apartment listening
+attentively as the noise passed through the lower rooms. "There is
+surely something in all this," he said to himself, "which is beyond my
+comprehension. 'Tis a sound of warning. I fear me some dire misfortune
+is in store. Peradventure Sir Hugh is dead: great Heaven, perhaps
+executed on the scaffold! Alas, my poor Charlotte! But no, it cannot be
+so. Heaven help us in our need, for we seem a doomed people here."
+
+A deep sigh sounded close to his ears as he finished his soliloquy, so
+heavy, so long drawn, and so startling, that his blood curdled in his
+veins. He felt that he could no longer remain in the apartment, and
+hastily leaving it he descended the stairs, and opening the sliding
+pannel, passed into the rooms usually habited when Sir Hugh was at home.
+
+Here he felt in something reassured, and groping his way to the door
+which admitted to the garden, he threw it open and sought relief in the
+free air.
+
+The night was dark and a drizzling rain descended; he stepped on to the
+grass-plat and looked up at the apartment of his sick charge. A light
+was in the room, a pale and sickly gleam, which seemed to speak of
+watching and woe at that dead hour. As he passed beneath the window he
+thought he perceived a figure gliding away, but the night was too dark
+for him to be quite certain; still he felt sure that he had seen the
+outline of a form which, gloomy as was the night, he recognized.
+
+"'Tis he, I feel assured," said Martin. "I cannot mistake that form,
+even so indistinctly seen, for there is none other like him. Alas! alas!
+'tis even so. He watches her window even in such a night as this. I saw
+they loved each other from the first. Well, we are in the hands of
+heaven, and 'tis wrong to murmur. If our ills are reparable, to complain
+is ungrateful; if irremediable, 'tis vain. Whatever happens must have
+first pleased God, and most pleased him; or it had not happened. There
+is no affliction which resignation cannot conquer or death cure."
+
+As Martin resigned himself to this comfortable doctrine he turned and
+re-entered the house.
+
+The dawn was now beginning to break, and he resolved to knock at the
+chamber door of the invalid and make some inquiry after her.
+
+The first grey tint of morning began to render objects in the room
+visible as he passed through it. There stood the spinnet upon which
+Charlotte had so lately played, the music-book open. There was her lute
+lying beside the music, and where it had been laid on the night of the
+party, and beside that lay the hood and jesses of her favourite hawk.
+
+Whilst Martin regarded these remembrances of one now unable to use or
+enjoy them, a pang of grief shot through his heart, that sorrowful
+feeling with which we look upon the relics of the dead, and whom we have
+loved dearly when in life; and with that feeling came the conviction
+that she who once played so sweetly on that instrument, and so bravely
+wore those trappings of her gallant bird,--she, the young, the
+beautiful, was already parted perhaps for ever from the pleasures of the
+earth,--sick, prostrate, dying,--nay, even at that moment perhaps dead.
+
+With heavy heart and evil foreboding he ascended the great staircase and
+sought Charlotte's room. His step was heard by the nurse who attended on
+the invalid, and gently opening the door she came forth to meet him.
+
+The nurse was one of the old servants of the family; she was pale as
+death Martin observed as he advanced along the corridor. "We have had a
+fearful night," she said.
+
+"But your charge?" said Martin, "I trust in Heaven she is better."
+
+"Worse, Martin, worse," she replied; "worse than I can bring myself to
+tell thee. She is now asleep, but hath been delirious all the night."
+
+"Now the gods help us," said Martin.
+
+"Amen," said the nurse; "she hath raved much and talked wildly. To thee,
+Martin, I will confess it, she hath spoken much of one she loves."
+
+"I dare to say so," said Martin, musing.
+
+"But not of _him_ of whom she should so speak," said the nurse.
+
+"Not of him our good old master would like to have heard her speak in
+such loving terms. Mayhap I should surprise you were I to say on whom
+her affections seem fixed."
+
+"I think not," said Martin, significantly.
+
+"You think not?" said the nurse, "and wherefore?"
+
+"Because I know her secret as well as if she had told it me," said
+Martin. "I have seen it from the first."
+
+"Hark!" said the nurse, "she is again in one of those fits. Hear you
+that name, and thus called on."
+
+"I do," said Martin; "'tis as I thought. May I see her? Methinks I
+cannot be satisfied till I look upon her sweet face, if but for a
+moment."
+
+"Remain here whilst I go in, and I will then summon you," said the
+nurse. "Ah me, 'tis very sad!" and the nurse passed into the room,
+closing the door behind her.
+
+Martin seated himself on the bench beneath the window at the end of the
+corridor, and as he gazed upon the portraits of the Clopton family
+hanging on either hand, his reflections became even more saddened. In
+that array of beautiful females and noble-looking cavaliers, how many
+died early! Amongst those scowling and bearded men of middle age,
+arrayed in all the panoply of war, how many had perished in their
+harness! There was Hugo de Clopton, the crusader, the fiercest of a
+brave race, who had smote even a crowned king in Palestine rather than
+brook dishonour. There was the templar, who had died at the stake in
+France, true to his vow; and Blanch Clopton, whom the lascivious John
+had solicited in vain, and who had been celebrated at tilt and tourney
+throughout Christendom as "La belle des belles."
+
+Each and all of these portraits, it seemed to him, had a curious history
+attached to them--a sad and stern tale in life's romance--and as he sat
+and regarded them he thought upon their descendant now lying sick in
+their close vicinity--her father accused of treason and a prisoner, at a
+time so inopportune.
+
+"Strange," he thought to himself, "that this family, so noble in
+disposition, so high in their sense of honour, should seem thus marked
+out and pursued by fate.
+
+"'Tis true the good Sir Hugh hath been called, by the clergy of his own
+persuasion, but a luke-warm member of the true Church; an irreligious
+man.
+
+"Nay, Eustace hath upbraided him with leaning towards heresy; and the
+Protestant churchmen at Stratford, again, hath accused him of being
+neither of the one religion or the other--altogether a heathen.
+
+"These churchmen are both men, however, who wrangle and fight so much
+about religion, vice and virtue, that they have no time to practice
+either the one or the other; whilst the good Sir Hugh hath, during life,
+been so fully engaged in acts of benevolence, that saving the hours he
+hath spent amongst his horses and dogs, he hath indeed little leisure to
+think about such controversies."
+
+Whilst Martin sat thus chewing the cud of bitter fancy, the old
+attendant returned to him. "She again sleeps," she said, weeping, and
+you may look upon her sweet face once more. "But oh, Martin, I fear me we
+are indeed in trouble; you will scarce behold that countenance, even yet
+so beautiful, without terror."
+
+"Is she already so changed?" said Martin. "In the name of Heaven, what
+can be her complaint?"
+
+"No noise," said the attendant, "but go in, and judge for yourself."
+
+In a few moments Martin returned. Horror was in his countenance. "Her
+face is filled with livid spots!" he said. "We are indeed unhappy; she
+has caught----"
+
+"The plague," said the nurse, as Martin hesitated, apparently unable to
+repeat the words. "The plague; 'tis even so, and she will not outlive
+this day."
+
+"I will hasten to Stratford, and bid the leech again visit her
+instantly," said Martin.
+
+"'Twere best," said the attendant, "be quick; but I fear me it is of
+little avail." And Martin, with fearful and hasty steps, left the
+corridor, and descended to the stabling of the Hall.
+
+Besides Martin and the attending nurse, there was one other who watched
+with anxiety over the fate of the poor invalid, and who, albeit
+circumstances made it unpleasing to him openly to display the interest
+he felt, yet who sought in every way to gather some tidings of her state
+of health.
+
+Amidst the general trouble in which the town was now involved, private
+griefs were less thought of, and consequently, although the inhabitants
+of the Hall were, by the good folks of Stratford-upon-Avon, known to be
+in some strait, whilst everybody was in apprehension for himself,
+commiseration there was little of, and intercourse there was none. Nay,
+the small remaining portion of domestics at Clopton had become so
+greatly alarmed by the visitation of the previous night, that they
+neglected their duties on this day, and remaining huddled together in
+the servants' hall, meditated altogether deserting the locality.
+
+In addition to the supernatural sounds, they were now scared by a
+suspicion of the nature of the disease which had seized their young
+lady.
+
+It was under such circumstances that, when Martin descended to the
+stables in order to dispatch a messenger for the doctor, he could at
+first find no one willing to undertake the message.
+
+"I would willingly do anything I could to benefit the young lady," said
+one, "but I am about to leave the Hall."
+
+"I cannot go into the town," said another, "for it is said that death is
+rife in its streets; and the folks are stricken as they walk. It would
+be a tempting of the disease an I were to run into it."
+
+"Nay! we have had warning enough here," said another; "and albeit I
+respect Sir Hugh, I fear to remain, after what we have heard last night.
+Besides, if the truth must out, I believe the sickness hath come to
+Clopton; and folks must look to themselves. I have friends at
+Kenilworth, and I must seek them. They say too, that Sir Hugh hath been
+found guilty of a conspiracy against the life of the Queen, and I like
+it not."
+
+"Hounds!" said Martin--"unworthy even to tend upon the generous animals
+you are hired to feed. Begone! pack--seek another roof, where you can
+batten on cold bits, and return kindness with base ingratitude." So
+saying, Martin saddled one of the steeds, and mounting himself, galloped
+into the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+DOMESTIC AFFLICTIONS.
+
+
+It is evening--damp, dreary, and heavy, like the day which has preceded
+it.
+
+An unwholesome closeness pervades the air; a heavy drizzling rain
+descends from the clouds upon the earth, enveloping all around in a
+dense mist, which hides the surrounding scenery.
+
+Leaving his home, the youthful Shakespeare takes his way across the
+meadows, in which our readers may remember to have first seen him in the
+opening chapter of this story. His step, however, is less buoyant, and
+his heart is heavier than on that occasion. The clouds, which drive
+steadily on, are not less gloomy than his presentiments. Sickness and
+misery are amongst the neighbours he leaves; sickness and sorrow are
+amongst those he seeks.
+
+Yet still as that youth wends onwards, now crossing through the fern
+(laden and heavy with moisture,) now diving into the thick plantations
+which lead into the chase of Clopton, nothing escapes his notice. The
+crow, "as it wings to the rocky wood," in the thickening light,--the
+coney, as it flashes into the cover,--the darting lizard, as it
+disappears in the thick fern,--the stoat and weasel, as they pounce upon
+their prey in the brake, all are noted by him.
+
+His mind was oppressed and desponding, but it was a mind which no
+circumstances could entirely destroy the elasticity of, even for a
+moment. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods," it hath been said
+by a modern poet; and there is society where none intrudes. But perhaps
+the feeling of pleasure experienced amidst solitude and sylvan scenery
+is only really and intensely felt by men of extraordinary parts and
+poetical imagination.
+
+The fairest glade, and the wildest haunts of the untamed denizens of the
+woods, it was young Shakespeare's great delight to seek out and ponder
+amidst.
+
+At the present moment he felt that no locality would soothe the sadness
+of his thoughts so well as the leafy covert he was in.
+
+Even whilst the heavy rain was pattering amidst the foliage, and
+dropping from the surcharged boughs; the air misty and moist; and the
+darksome glade rendered more gloomy by the murky atmosphere, there was
+indeed to his eye and mind, something fresh to be remarked around in the
+changeful hue of the herbs, plants, and thick foliage, as the driving
+clouds constantly varied them; nay (as we have said,) the gloomy and
+dull aspect of the wood at that moment better suited his troubled
+thoughts than a more bright and splendid scene.
+
+Some slight intimation of the troubles of his friends at the Hall had
+reached him; he had received a hint of the arrest of Sir Hugh, and the
+absence of his friend Arderne. He also knew that the fair Charlotte was
+unwell; and naturally attributing her illness to the shock she had
+received at the arrest of her father, he hoped that a few days would
+restore her to health. Still a presentiment of evil, and which he
+conceived was consequent upon the unhappy state of the town in which he
+had lived, pervaded his mind.
+
+He had occasionally visited the neighbourhood of the Hall, and made some
+inquiry after the inmates; but in the absence of the good knight, and
+his friend Arderne, he had not considered it consistent with propriety
+to introduce himself into the house, coming as he did from a place
+infected with the plague.
+
+On this evening, however, he resolved to gain some more assured tidings
+of those he felt so much interested in; and after pondering upon the
+matter, he resolved to approach the hall.
+
+There was a solitude and silence about the house, as he gazed at it from
+the belt of plantation by which he approached, that he could not account
+for. No smoke ascended, from those huge twisted chimneys; no sound (save
+an occasional dismal and long-drawn howl) came from the kennel. No
+person was to be seen, as of yore, flitting about, engaged in the
+numerous avocations of their daily duties. All looked dull and deserted.
+
+He entered the court in rear, and proceeded to the stabling. The stables
+were for the most part empty, the steeds had been turned into the chase,
+and deserted by their attendants. He looked into the falconry; the hawks
+were upon the perch, and apparently well fed and attended to, for at
+that period a falconer would have as soon deserted his children as his
+hawks, but the attendants were at the moment absent; they had fled from
+the Hall, and located themselves in some out-buildings in the woods. As
+he entered the house, the same appearance of desertion struck his eye.
+He passed through a long passage, and gained the hall. There hung the
+old tattered banners, the unscoured armour, and the antlered heads of
+several large stags,--stags of ten,--all spoke of recent occupation and
+use. The cross-bow lay where it had been thrown a few days before; the
+thick hawking gauntlets and the dog-couples were mingled with whips and
+spurs, bits and bridles, and all the _melange_ of the chase and the
+country gentleman's occupation, but of servants or inhabitants there was
+no sign. He passed into the oak-pannelled room where he had first
+enjoyed the society of the family, and learned to love them for their
+worth. All looked desolate. The solitude and silence around made his
+presence seem an intrusion. The innate modesty of his disposition
+overcame his anxiety to hear tidings of the invalid. He felt as if
+prying into the secret sorrows of the owner of the mansion, and was
+about to withdraw, when the door opened, and Martin entered the room.
+
+Martin started as he recognised the visitor, and a slight frown seemed
+to cross his brow. He was a curious compound, that man. He half disliked
+the youth for the virtues he at the same time admired in him, and which
+he saw had also won the love of the daughter of his patron, and which
+under no circumstance he considered could lead to a happy result,--now,
+however, all was at an end.
+
+"Ah," he said, "art _thou_ here? Art thou come to Clopton when all else
+desert it?"
+
+"My anxiety to learn tidings of the family hath made me an intruder on
+your privacy," said Shakespeare. "I hope----"
+
+"We have no hope," said Martin; "and you are not wise in coming hither.
+Yon have surely heard of our misery. Charlotte Clopton is dying. Dying
+of the plague. The nurse has just caught it of her and sickens too. All
+have fled from the Hall."
+
+A few moments more, and Shakespeare had sprung up the great staircase,
+and sought the chamber of the invalid, Martin hastening after him, and
+in vain urging him not to enter her room. "The disease is of the most
+malignant character," he said. "The leech hath left the house unable to
+do us any good. 'Tis but a tempting of Providence to enter the room. I
+pr'ythee have thought upon your own safety."
+
+"Perish all thoughts of self and safety!" said Shakespeare, dashing his
+hat upon the floor as he entered the chamber. "O fairest flower," he
+said, "cut down and blighted in thy budding beauty, do I indeed behold
+thee again thus--so soon to part with thee for ever?"
+
+He knelt down beside her bed, took her hand, and carried it to his lips.
+
+Her long luxuriant tresses, which had escaped from the ribbon that bound
+them, covered the white pillow like a cloud, and half-concealed her
+face. She raised herself as she recognised the voice, and, parting her
+hair, gazes eagerly in his face. "Thou art come then," she said; "once
+more come? Oh, blessings on thee for it. I have wished for thee; dreamt
+of thee; called for thee; and thou art come at last to set mine eye.
+What happiness to look upon thy face once more--even in death! And yet,"
+she said, as she held him from her, "there is danger in your being here,
+I heard them whisper to each other of the plague."
+
+"Oh, believe it not!" said Shakespeare; "there is no sign of such
+disease about thee. Thou wilt live, dearest lady. Cast but from your
+mind these sad thoughts, and you will yet recover."
+
+"Not so," said Charlotte; "I feel as if I had not many moments on earth,
+and yet I know I shall not harm thee, for I have beheld the story of thy
+life in my troubled dreams. I have seen thee unknown, unthought of,
+unhonoured in the world. And then I saw thee enshrined in such a blaze
+of glory as no mortal ever before attained on earth:--the wonder of ages
+to come. Thy very name alone, whispered in thy lowly home, William
+Shakespeare, will make bearded men weep. Yes," she continued,
+vehemently, "I beheld thy figure standing upon an eminence so high above
+thy fellow-mortals, that, though all were striving to ascend towards
+thee, none could come beyond the plain on which that mountain stood."
+
+The tears fell from the youth's eyes as he buried his face upon the
+coverlid of the couch, and listened to what he considered the prophetic
+ravings of delirium; and then he again raised his head and gazed upon
+her. There were no traces of disease to be observed in that bright form
+as he did so. The subdued light of the chamber gave her the appearance
+of a marble monument. In the abandonment of her grief, she had raised
+herself on one arm, and her beauty seemed even more dazzling.
+
+                      "'Twas beauty
+    Too rich for use, for earth too dear."
+
+The livid spots, which had so alarmed the nurse and Martin, had
+disappeared from her face. Her rounded shoulder and bosom were like the
+sculptured alabaster--rendered yet more white and polished by the soft,
+dark tresses, by which they were partially covered.
+
+"I would have lived for thee," she said, "to have but served thee; to
+have made the paltry riches I own, available to thy genius."
+
+As she uttered this, she sank down sobbing upon the couch. Shakespeare,
+in an agony of grief, tried to raise and recover her, but she sank
+quickly into insensibility: and when he laid her down again upon her
+pillow, as he looked upon her, he saw she was dead!
+
+Dead! but without the ghastly appearance which the grisly tyrant stamps
+upon his prey.
+
+    "Death, that had sucked the honey of her breath,
+    Had yet no power upon her beauty.
+                 Beauty's ensign yet
+    Was crimson on her lips and in her cheeks,
+    And Death's pale flag was not advanced there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+BEREAVEMENT.
+
+
+One week has elapsed since the events narrated in the last chapter. The
+house of Clopton is shut up, empty, deserted. The good Sir Hugh is again
+at liberty; but the seas flow between him and Britain. After having been
+examined by Lord Hunsden, Sir Christopher Hatton, and Sir Francis
+Walsingham, three members of the Privy Council, he was released from
+confinement. The conspirators, all excepting the priest Eustace, who had
+escaped, and through whose intrigues the good knight had become an
+object of suspicion to the Council, were condemned to death and executed
+in Old Palace Yard two days after. With eager haste, and tarrying at
+each post but to obtain fresh horses, Sir Hugh and Walter Arderne had
+(immediately on the release of the former) galloped as hard as spur and
+bridle could urge on their steeds towards Clopton. Unluckily they passed
+Martin in the night on the road near Oxford, as he was hastening towards
+London with the intention of breaking the news of Charlotte's death to
+them.
+
+One letter had, in a measure, prepared the good knight to find his
+daughter dangerously ill; but as in those days, both the inditing and
+conveying a packet was a matter of considerable time and toil, letters
+were by no means so sure of coming to hand, or so speedily delivered as
+in latter times.
+
+So that the unhappy knight arrived at the Hall to find desolation where
+he had left plenty. His house was shut up----his daughter dead. She had
+died of the plague, it was said; and with fearful haste, by order of the
+authorities of the neighbouring town, had been buried.
+
+It far exceeds the descriptive power of our pen to paint the grief,
+horror, and despair of the good Sir Hugh and his nephew. For the moment
+they seemed stupified with excess of misery. They then threw themselves
+into each other's arms, and wept in their desolation, till the very
+violence of their grief in some sort relieved them.
+
+'Tis extraordinary how the human mind, after a time, accommodates itself
+to the dispensations of Providence, however hard to bear. It was greatly
+in favour of the mourners that they had in each other subjects of
+anxiety. Each felt the hard lot of the other; and as each watched the
+deep sorrow of his companion, the very feelings and disposition to
+afford comfort, and urge patience and resignation, in some sort took
+from them the poignancy of their own feelings.
+
+The old knight, after wandering about the house in a state of
+bewilderment for the first twenty-four hours after his arrival, became
+calmer, and seemed inclined to force himself to take an interest in his
+old occupations.
+
+He visited, on the evening of the second day, the kennel and the
+falconry, accompanied by Arderne, and made the rounds of the different
+buildings and offices. Neither of them spoke much to each other, except
+an occasional word as they came upon some object of deep interest in
+connexion with her who was gone. "Look!" said Sir Hugh, as with
+quivering lips and tears rolling down his muscular cheeks and grey
+beard, he pointed to Charlotte's favourite hawk--a gallant bird, which
+sat and plumed itself upon its perch, "look!" said he, in tremulous
+accents----he could say no more; but in the utterance of that word what
+an agony of grief was expressed. Arderne, too, felt his chest heave, and
+the tears course each other down his cheeks, as he regarded the hawk.
+But the sight of the brave old knight struggling to master his grief for
+his sake, relieved the poignancy of his own sorrow. "Come, uncle," said
+he, "we must to the stables. Tarry not here. There is much to be looked
+after, and which wants your care. The attendants seem to have deserted
+their charge, and the stalls are for the most part empty;" and so they
+pursued their search around. When they came to the stable, if objects
+were wanting to produce the sharp pang of grief, here again they were to
+be found--objects peculiarly adapted to give the most intense feelings
+of sorrow, as they were associated with those accomplishments in his
+daughter, which the knight had held in the most estimation. There hung
+the gay trappings of her favourite steed, and there stood the steed
+itself, which the falconer had kept in its stall--a milk-white and
+perfect courser; and in the stable beside the manger, lay Charlotte's
+favourite hound--the dog, in her absence having apparently sought
+consolation in the companionship of the horse he had so often
+accompanied to the field.
+
+The horse turned and neighed inquiringly, it appeared, to the old
+knight; and the dog shook himself clear of the straw, and bounding out
+of the stall, put his fore-legs upon Sir Hugh's breast, and seemed to
+ask for his mistress, and then it stood down, as if conscious of the
+fruitlessness of the query; and throwing up its great head, uttered a
+long melancholy howl.
+
+The good knight regarded the dog for a moment in silence. He stepped up
+to the white steed; and as it put its nose affectionately in his face,
+he kissed it again and again. He then sought for his own saddle; and
+saddling and bridling the horse, he led it forth into the yard, followed
+by the hound.
+
+As Walter observed the knight's movements, he quietly saddled his own
+steed, and they both set out together, and without a word took the road
+to Stratford. There was no necessity for Walter to inquire of his uncle
+their destination. He felt assured that the knight was about to visit
+his daughter's grave.
+
+Although Sir Hugh had however endeavoured to resign himself to the
+decrees of Providence, and bear with fortitude the dire affliction which
+had visited his house, he found it impossible to pursue the usual tenor
+of his former life; the charm of existence seemed fled for ever--"life
+was as tedious as a twice-told tale." It seemed to him, that in the
+listless way in which he was pursuing his daily avocations, he was
+beginning over again. He rode forth without purpose, and pursued his
+route as chance or his steed directed.
+
+Luckily this had been foreseen by a true industrious friend, one who,
+since the return of Sir Hugh to Clopton, had been sorely missed in his
+need by the good knight.
+
+The faithful Martin, on his arrival in London, on finding that Sir Hugh
+had been liberated, and had returned to Clopton, was struck with dismay,
+inasmuch as he immediately surmised the shock the knight would be likely
+to receive on so immediately returning to his desolate home.
+
+Sudden and quick in all his resolves, he sought out a friend at Court,
+and one who was under some little obligation to him for former services
+rendered. This was no less a person than Sir Christopher Hatton, a
+distinguished personal favourite of the Queen; a gentleman who owed his
+rise absolutely to his exceeding good gifts in the elegant
+accomplishment of dancing, and who walking into favour by a corranto,
+gradually gained ground in her Majesty's further affections by his
+activity in the galliard, capering higher and higher into the Royal
+estimation at each subsequent demivolt, till he successively attained
+the posts of Gentleman Pensioner, Captain of the Guard,
+Vice-Chamberlain, and Lord Chancellor. This gentleman, who
+(notwithstanding the oddness of his rise) was in reality a man of most
+amiable disposition, possessed a mind less biassed by the prejudices of
+his age than most of his contemporaries; and this most estimable man the
+faithful Martin sought out.
+
+"Sir Hugh Clopton," said Martin, "hath been badly used in this matter;
+and inasmuch as his arrest and absence hath in some measure, by removing
+him from the government of his house at a time of sickness and distress,
+caused him much misery, the which his presence and management might have
+possibly obviated. I think the Queen is bound to shew him some sort of
+assistance in his great grief."
+
+"Doubtless," said Sir Christopher, who was at that moment engaged in
+arranging a quick measure for the viol-de-gamba, and which he meant to
+adapt some exceeding curious steps to at the masque given by the
+Templars to Her Majesty on that very night, "doubtless, good Martin.
+Only shew me in what way I can serve the good knight Sir Hugh, and look
+upon it as done."
+
+"Why look ye," said Martin, "Sir Hugh is a man having as great
+excellence is his arms as you, Sir Christopher, are so celebrated for in
+the legs. Now if you could intercede for him with Her Majesty, so that
+the good knight might be appointed to some command in the Low Countries,
+the violence of action might do away with the poignancy of his grief,
+and force him from his home."
+
+"I fear me this is rather a delicate matter to broach unto Her Majesty,"
+said Sir Christopher.
+
+"And yet," said Martin, "consider the miserable condition of this poor
+gentleman: make it your own case. Think, Sir Christopher, if you was to
+be bereft of all--of favour, fortune, influence at Court."
+
+"Sir Hugh hath lost nothing of all this," interrupted Sir Christopher.
+"He hath lost no fortune and favour and influence at Court: he never had
+or sought for either the one or the other."
+
+"But he hath lost his child," said Martin, "which is all these to him."
+
+"In my case," said Sir Christopher, "I should _not_ consider myself so
+utterly miserable were I to lose all you have mentioned. As long as I am
+lord of this presence," he continued, looking at the reflection of his
+exceeding handsome face in the mirror, and then regarding his
+well-turned leg and small foot, "I should not lack advancement. There
+are other Courts besides the Court of Elizabeth--other lands besides
+Britain--where a man's good gifts might be properly estimated;" and as
+Sir Christopher said this, he threw out his right foot, and pointed his
+toe with grace and effect.
+
+"And there it is," said Martin; "bereft of favour and fortune, you would
+still have something to fall back upon, Sir Christopher. But how if a
+sudden twist were to dislocate that slim ancle, and the joint were ever
+after to be like the callous hock of a foundered steed? How then would
+you push your fortune?"
+
+"Nay, then I should be utterly discomfited," said Sir Christopher,
+laughing; "foundered in good earnest--toe and heel--hip and thigh."
+
+"And such is the condition of Sir Hugh," said Martin, "unless we can
+give a fresh fillip to his depressed spirits, and teach him to forget
+his griefs; he will despair, and despairing, die."
+
+"I see the urgency of the matter," said Sir Christopher; "Her Majesty
+may lose a good blade in the stout knight, were he to die of grief. He
+hath received wrong, but he shall have speedy redress. Come to me
+to-morrow, good Martin--early, good Martin--my life upon it, I will in
+some sort content you."
+
+Accordingly, a few days after Sir Hugh had returned to his desolate
+home, and when he was beginning, even more than at first, to feel the
+sense of his utter loneliness, and the heaviness of his irreparable
+loss, Martin unexpectedly returned, and, full of apparent haste and the
+urgency and importance of his business, presented a sealed commission
+from Sir Christopher Hatton.
+
+The good knight was seated in the old oak-panelled room, where we have
+first introduced him to our readers. His viol-de-gamba was in his hand,
+and he was listlessly executing an air which was a favourite with his
+daughter.
+
+Those who have heard the tones of this obsolete instrument will readily
+remember its silver sweetness--tones which seemed peculiar to the age,
+floating with a delicious softness through those old apartments, and
+seeming, as they filled hall and corridor, to die away in echoing
+vibration; so soothing and so melancholy; so well adapted to soften the
+poignancy of the old man's grief, that, as he finished the measure, the
+tears coursed one another down his cheeks. Martin (who had stopped to
+listen to the strains for a moment) as the old knight laid down his bow,
+immediately stepped up to him and presented his packet.
+
+The first meeting of the friends, as Martin had surmised, caused
+considerable emotion to both; but Martin concealed his own feelings
+under an affectation of despatch, and dashing the tear from his eye,
+bade the knight peruse the packet with which he had been entrusted,
+without delay.
+
+"From whom and whence?" said Sir Hugh. "Methinks I had rather defer
+matters of business till another opportunity. There be many sealed
+letters I have received the last two days now lying in the hall, and
+which I have no heart to open or peruse; for what have I to do with
+affairs of the world? what interest have I in life or its businesses?"
+
+"Nevertheless," said Martin, "this commission must be read, inasmuch as
+it cometh from one whose behests are to be obeyed. 'Tis from the Queen;
+and if I mistake not, Her Majesty requires your instant employment in
+her service. There is work to be done with spur and rapier, and you must
+undertake it."
+
+"Nay then," said the knight, whose ardour was in a moment aroused at the
+prospect of military duty, "there never yet was a Clopton found wanting
+when he should serve his sovereign in the field: mine eyes are somewhat
+dim, good Martin, peruse the letter, and give me the substance of its
+contents."
+
+"In how long a time," said Martin, after glancing at the letter, the
+contents of which he well knew, "can you be ready to set forth from
+hence, good master mine?"
+
+"As soon as steed is saddled and led forth, and weapon girded on, I am
+prepared to mount," said Sir Hugh, "what other preparation doth a
+soldier want, good Martin?" "Alas!" he continued, looking round, "I have
+now nothing here to take leave of; nothing to care for. In the world I
+am nothing, and unless Her Majesty's services require continuance of my
+life, 'twere better I were gathered to my forefathers." Thus then was
+Sir Hugh, through the instrumentality of Martin, dispatched forthwith to
+join the expedition under the Earl of Leicester against the Spaniards.
+He came up with the Earl just as he had sat down before Zutphen, where
+the circumstance of war and the bustle of the camp, in a great measure
+alleviated the sorrows of the good old man.
+
+With Walter Arderne, however, Martin had a more difficult part to play.
+He thought it wise to separate the uncle and nephew, because the
+constant sight of each other only served to remind them of their loss.
+
+He therefore, after the knight's departure, urged upon Walter the
+necessity there was for his not wearing out his youth in shapeless
+idleness. "There be many ways for a man to rise to distinction in the
+world at the present moment," said Martin, "and let ambition be now your
+mistress, good Walter."
+
+"Alas!" said Arderne, "thou canst not feel for me, good friend, because
+thou hast never felt the desolation I feel. Ambition and all other
+passions are dead within me."
+
+"Go to," said Martin. "Men that live _in_ the world must be _of_ the
+world. The health of the mind is of far more consequence to us than the
+health of the body. The Ardernes were never yet drivellers. Go forth,
+man, like your forefathers. I in some sort feel anguish of mind, as well
+as thou; but I give not way to it. Afflictions are sent by Providence.
+Let your head contrive and your hand execute, and you will forget your
+particular griefs in blows given and taken; nay, the time is coming when
+we shall all have to belt on the brand--that I foresee plainly enough.
+The Spaniard despises all other nations except the English; we have the
+honour of his hate because he cannot despise us; and we shall shortly
+feel the weight of his whole force against us. Of that you may rely."
+
+"And whither, then, would you have me go?" said Arderne. "You objected
+to my accompanying my uncle; what course do you point out for me, so
+poor in spirit?"
+
+"Why, look ye," said Martin, "there is an expedition now about to set
+sail for the purpose of attacking the Spaniards in the Indies. Men's
+mouths were full of it when I was near the Court. Two thousand three
+hundred volunteers, besides seamen, are enrolled under Sir Francis
+Drake. The success of the Spaniards and Portuguese in both Indies, and
+the wonders seen in these islands, have influenced the imagination of
+all men of spirit; an I were you, I would join this expedition,--see
+this new world and its strange inhabitants, and witness the matters said
+to exist there."
+
+"And when would you have me to depart?" inquired Arderne.
+
+"What time is better than the present?" said Martin. "How long doth the
+soldier require to get under arms, when he receives the order to fall
+in?"
+
+"Methinks," said Arderne, "I have many places to visit and take leave
+of, ere I can quit them, perhaps for ever."
+
+"Take no leave of them at all," said Martin. "When you return, they will
+be fresh and fairer in your eyes."
+
+"I have one friend, amongst the many I care not to see again, whom I
+must see and take leave of," said Arderne; "one whom I would fain spend
+some time with ere we part."
+
+"Know I him?" inquired Martin.
+
+"You have seen him often," said Arderne, "but you know him not. She who
+is gone knew him and valued him. 'Tis of her I would speak with him."
+
+"'Twere best not," said Martin; "but (sith I do know the friend you
+speak of,) I cannot object. There is a kind of character in him I never
+found in other men. To part with such a one without seeing again is, I
+grant ye, hard. I give ye one day to spend with your friend, and then
+you must promise to depart for London."
+
+"I promise it," said Arderne, who already felt relief from being, as it
+were, driven into action,----"I promise it, good friend, and the day
+after to-morrow I will depart from Clopton,----depart, perhaps, never to
+return."
+
+"Good!" said Martin; "well-resolved and resolutely! I expect great
+things of this expedition, and thy conduct in it. You are just the age
+to adventure. In youth, we are apt to trust ourselves overmuch; and
+others too little when old. At thy time of life thou art just between
+the two extremes. The proper season for action; _ergo_, thou wilt
+thrive."
+
+It was evening when this conversation took place at Clopton, and gloom
+and melancholy still reigned supreme there. Perhaps the feelings of
+Martin and his young friend were even more depressed, inasmuch as they
+had a melancholy task to perform ere they left the place.
+
+The good old servant, who we have before seen in attendance upon
+Charlotte, either from over-exertion or want of rest, had fallen sick
+just before her charge died. It was supposed at the time that she had
+taken the plague; such, however, was not the case, as she lingered on
+for some days after the young lady's death, and died at last, apparently
+of grief for the loss of her favourite mistress.
+
+Before the death of this old domestic, she had requested of Martin that
+she might be buried in the vault with her beloved young mistress: and
+the request having been acceded to, this very evening was fixed on for
+the funeral. Arderne paced up and down the room (after the conversation
+we have just recorded) for some time in silence. He then turned to
+Martin. "I have been thinking deeply of what you just now urged to me,"
+he said. "The force of it is so impressed upon my mind, that I am
+resolved at once to take my departure from Clopton. The place seems,
+since my resolve, to be hateful to me. To-night I will go forth; for
+since this matter has gone so far, I cannot bear again to sleep at
+Clopton."
+
+"'Tis well," said Martin; "just as I would advise."
+
+"And this friend?" said Arderne, "in whom I am so much interested. Thou
+likest him not, or I would bid thee tell him in how much I feel desirous
+of serving him; and that I commend him to thy especial favour."
+
+"How know you I like not that youth?" said Martin. "I never said so, did
+I?"
+
+"I surmised it from your manner," said Arderne. "You seemed to look
+askance upon him, as it were."
+
+"Perhaps I had my own reasons for such seeming," said Martin; "and if I
+had so, those reasons are now naught. There is no farther cause for
+them. Believe me, he you call your friend, is one who, if I mistake not,
+will some day rise to great eminence. And he live to any age, the world
+will hear something of him, for he hath the brains of half a score of us
+common mortals, with all his modest look, and beardless cheek."
+
+"Then to you I will intrust the task of saying farewell to him," said
+Arderne, "for, methinks, on reflection, it will but aggravate my
+feelings to see him again, since I am so suddenly to depart."
+
+"Be it so," said Martin; "I accept the office."
+
+"In one hour, then, we will say adieu, good friend," said Arderne,
+wringing Martin's hand. "This night I would fain dedicate to her we both
+loved; to-morrow shall find me far from Clopton."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE VAULT.
+
+
+It is night, and the moon sheds a pale and sickly light over the silent
+streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, and the surrounding meadows and
+woodlands.
+
+Is it that the idea of pestilence and death being rife in that silent
+town gives its streets so sickly and melancholy a look--a sort of
+unnatural and unwholesome glare--or is the surrounding air, impregnated
+as it seems with disease, of a more rarified and peculiar character?
+
+The square, thick-ribbed, and embattled tower of the guild of the Holy
+Cross, with its Norman windows and grotesque ornaments, alone looks dark
+in shadow. The streets and windows of the various houses seem to glance
+white and spectral. The tower of the distant church hath a ghastly look,
+and the very tombstones of the dead seem also more white and ghostly;
+whilst a thick mist from the river rises like a cloud in the background.
+
+Silence reigns supreme. Not a breath of wind stirs the foliage of the
+trees upon the margin of the river, or bends the long dank grass growing
+amongst the graves.
+
+Suddenly the distant sound of a horse's hoof-tread disturbs the deep
+silence, and a solitary horseman, riding through the deserted streets of
+the town, approached the churchyard, and dismounting, after fastening
+his steed, entered it.
+
+He takes his way slowly and with measured tread towards a vault attached
+to the church. His cheek is pale and haggard, and the large round tears
+course one another down it. It is Walter Arderne; he has come to spend
+the last hours he intends remaining in the vicinity of Stratford, beside
+the vault containing the remains of his beloved Charlotte.
+
+The plague which raged in Stratford this year was now at its height.
+Already one-fifth of the inhabitants had fallen victims; and it was the
+custom, as much as possible, to bury the dead unobserved at night.
+
+The remains of the domestic who had died at Clopton Hall were to be
+buried on this night after midnight; and as Walter Arderne knew the
+hour, he had preceded the corpse, intending to descend into the vault
+and gaze upon the remains of her he had so loved in life.
+
+His feelings were, indeed, at the moment, wrought to a pitch of
+intensity. He felt that he could scarcely wait with patience for the
+coming of the body and the opening of the vault, so eager was he to
+descend.
+
+"O Time," he said, as with folded arms, he stood gazing at the dark
+grating of the vault, "thy wings are of lightning in our pleasures; but
+thou creepest with feet of lead to the sorrowful and weary. And yet
+thou, who dost constantly move onwards, overcoming all things in thy
+flight, wilt at last conquer even death itself; thou, most subtle and
+insatiable of depredators, wilt at last take all."
+
+A heavy rumbling sound interrupted the meditation of the mourner. It was
+the vehicle containing the body of the domestic from Clopton, and which,
+in its progress, had gathered up other bodies in the town on that night
+to be interred.
+
+The ceremony was performed without the usual formalities, and in all
+haste. Walter drew aside as the buriers, preceded by the sexton,
+approached and opened the vault. They ignited their torches previous to
+descending the flight of steps, and when they did so a cry of horror and
+alarm proceeded from the sexton, who had first entered the vault, and he
+rushed out, whilst those who had followed seemed equally
+horror-stricken. They threw down the corpse, after a glance at the
+interior, and fled.
+
+Walter, who had quietly followed, was struck with dread. He stopped, and
+taking up one of the torches, descended into the vault; when a dreadful
+sight presented itself,--a sight which, as long as memory held a seat in
+his brain, remained there.
+
+The vault was situate deep below the surface. On hastening down the
+steps Walter held his torch on high, and when about half-way its rays
+fell upon a figure, which, like some sheeted ghost, leant against the
+damp walls.
+
+Arderne was brave as the steel he wore, but at first he stopped and
+hesitated, whilst the door of the vault closing behind him added to the
+horror of the situation.
+
+As he continued to regard this startling object, the light becoming more
+steady, he recognised the features of the figure.
+
+"Oh!" he said, "do I behold aright, or do mine eyes play false?"
+
+With horror in his features he approached nearer, and became confirmed
+in his first suspicion. It was Charlotte Clopton. She was dressed in her
+grave-clothes, as she had been consigned to the tomb. She appeared to
+have been but a short time dead, and in the agonies of despair, hunger,
+or, perhaps, madness, consequent upon the dreadful situation, she had
+bitten a large piece from her round white shoulder.
+
+When the buriers of the dead returned, somewhat reassured by collecting
+all their number together, they found Walter in a swoon, with the body
+of Charlotte fast locked in his embrace. Separating them, they replaced
+the body in the coffin, and conveying Walter to upper air, closed up the
+vault for ever.
+
+As the day broke, a tall cavalier rode slowly out of Stratford. The
+raven plumes of his hat almost shadowed his pale face, and his ample
+riding-cloak completely enveloped his form.
+
+He reined up his steed as soon as he had cleared the suburbs, and gazed
+long and fixedly for some time at the handsome spire of the church. He
+then turned his steed, dashed the spurs into its flanks, and galloped
+like a madman along the Warwick road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE VILLAGE FETE.--ANNE HATHAWAY.
+
+
+It is extraordinary how speedily the human mind recovers its elasticity
+after being bent down to the earth, as it were, with the weight of care.
+
+Let the reader glide over some four or five months from the date of the
+transactions we have first narrated, and again look upon
+Stratford-upon-Avon. No trace remains of the deadly scourge which had so
+recently raged in the town; nay, even but small remembrance is to be
+observed in the visages or trappings and suite of the surviving
+citizens (now again mixing in the business of life and the pleasures of
+the world) of those relations and friends _put to bed with a shovel_.
+The fact was, that the plague was a constant visitor at this period, and
+fear of infection the bugbear of the time.[4] The visitation, however,
+being over, the inhabitants came forth again with renewed zest. They
+fluttered about like "summer flies i' the shambles," and sunned
+themselves in the anticipation of brighter days to come. It seemed quite
+a delight to walk the streets, where all looked so happy and contented.
+And yet how small indeed is the portion of life really and truly enjoyed
+by the poor compounded clay, man! Youth refuses to be happy in the
+present moment, and looks forward to future joys, never perhaps to be
+realized. Old age, again, takes a backward glance, and sighs over what
+has passed; whilst manhood (which appears to be occupied with the
+present moment) in reality is oft-times forming vague determinations for
+happiness at some future period when time shall serve.
+
+[Footnote 4: See Correspondence of Sir Christopher Hatton.]
+
+Master Dismal had experienced a perfect state of contemplative
+contentment during the recent visitation; he might now sit himself down
+and retire for a space, he thought; his researches had been most
+incessant, and his attendance upon his neighbours most praiseworthy; he
+could almost have written a treatise upon all he had beheld and studied;
+he had seen out no less than three sapient doctors during the progress
+of the plague, and could indeed, from his gathered experience, have
+himself practised the healing art as well as the remaining one. Now,
+however, that his vocation was over, for the present at least, and the
+inhabitants full of enjoyment, he determined to enjoy himself amongst
+them. It was exactly the twelfth day after Christmas-day that the thread
+of our story is resumed. A sort of village festival was held at the
+hamlet of Shottery, about a mile distant from Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+as several of Master Dismal's neighbours were hieing thither with light
+hearts and joyous spirits, thither he bent his steps also. "Who knows
+what sports may be toward?" he said, as he called for Lawyer Grasp and
+Master Doubletongue, on his way. "Peradventure I may be of some service;
+for albeit I do not wish to anticipate accidents or offences, the last
+wake I was present at, which was at the shearing-feast at Kenilworth
+Green, there were more heads broken by the lads of Coventry and Warwick
+than I can tell you. Nay, Dick, the smith, got such a fall at the
+wrestling, that he never joyed after. Yes, he, died in three weeks. Aye,
+and Ralph Roughhead had his spine wrenched by the back trick."
+
+In Elizabeth's day, when the bold peasantry of England did recreate
+themselves, their sports and pastimes were most joyous. Except in such a
+case as we have just described, and in which the hand of sickness bore
+them hard, their hearths were for the most part free from the withering
+cares of our own improving times. Light-hearted and jovial, they kept up
+the old world sports and pastimes which had been handed down from their
+forefathers. Those quaint games and rural diversions so frequently
+carried on in the green fields and bosky woods. Those cozy fire-side
+diversions which extended alike from the cottage ingle neuk to the
+manorial hall and the castle court.
+
+Many of the popular customs then in use had their origin in remote
+antiquity. The well-known custom of making presents upon New-Year's-day
+in England is as old, for instance, as the period in which the Romans
+sojourned in Britain, and by whom it was introduced amongst us. Amongst
+the Saxons the first of the new year was observed with great ceremony
+and hilarity, and in the reign of Alfred a law was made that the twelve
+days following Christmas-day should be kept as festivals. This is the
+original of our twelfth-day feast, and which, in Elizabeth's reign, and
+long afterwards, was kept with something more of jovial circumstance
+than is now customary. For what says Herrick--
+
+    "For sports, for pagentrie and plays,
+    Thou hast thy eves and holy days.
+    Thy wakes, thy quintels, here thou hast:
+    Thy May-pole, too, with garlands vast.
+    Thy morrice dance, thy Whitsun ale,
+    Thy shearing feasts which never fail;
+    Thy harvest home, thy wassaile bowle
+    That's tost up after fox-i'th-hole;
+    Thy mummeries, thy twelfe-tide kings,
+    And queens; thy Christmas revellings."
+
+When Master Dismal reached Shottery, he found a goodly assemblage
+collected together enjoying themselves in various ways upon the green. A
+whole sheep, which had been given to the inhabitants of the hamlet by
+Sir Thomas Lucy, who possessed property there, was roasting before a
+huge fire. A company of morris-dancers, dressed in a sort of eastern or
+Moorish costume, and covered with bells, were capering away, toeing and
+heeling, and keeping time, their truncheons also bedecked with hawks'
+bells, and making a tremendous jingling.
+
+Then the May-pole, decked with evergreens and berries, and surmounted
+with misletoe, had its joyous party dancing, and running, and threading,
+and laughing, till the green rang again. The lads were all in holiday
+trim, their short becoming jackets belted tightly round the waist, their
+trunks and well-fitting hose forming part of their picturesque costume.
+The lasses were also dressed for the most part in one style--the neat
+made boddice and the short stuff petticoat, so becoming to the female
+figure, and in which they looked handsomer even than if bedizened with
+lace and silk, and tricked out with jewellery. The glow of exercise was
+in their cheeks, and the forms of many there, as they sported in all the
+unchecked freedom of innocent enjoyment, would have been worthy studies
+for the artist's pencil.
+
+The children of the village, who are seldom behindhand when diversions
+are in full force, had also their part in the performance. Tricked out
+in all sorts of scraps of frippery, and costumed for the nonce, they
+revived, in their own way, the Christmas-day pastimes, and bringing out
+the hobby-horse, the green dragon, and all the paraphernalia which had
+done service on the former occasion, they renewed (in small) the sports
+they had then and there beheld. The dragon flapped his wings, the knight
+engaged him, the merryman and the old pantaloon took equal numbers of
+adherents, and "fought on part and part." The snow-balls flew fast and
+furious, and loud and dire were the shouts and hallooing of the
+combatants. Then came the feast in the open air, for in those days men
+and women shrank not from the winter blast during their holiday sports,
+and after that the cup went round, the dance was renewed, and the
+twelfth-tide kings and queens were introduced in all their grandeur.
+
+The village of Shottery was a lovely specimen of a rural hamlet in the
+days of Elizabeth. It consisted then but of some half-a-dozen houses or
+hamlets, which, sequestered amongst the deep woodlands, and each with
+its little orchard in rear, and its pretty flower-garden, formed a
+delicious picture.
+
+Except, indeed, that the homesteads were of a more recent build, (having
+superseded the ruder sort of huts, one or two of which, however, yet
+remained,) Shottery seemed as sequestered and out of the way of the busy
+world as when, many hundred years back, Offa, King of the Mercians,
+granted its meadow to the church of Worcester.
+
+Besides the actors in the different games, there were also many
+spectators, who stood about and occasionally mingled amongst the lads
+and lasses of the village; and amongst these visitors were several
+foresters or keepers belonging to the domains of the gentry around.
+
+These men, as was generally the case when they met together at the
+different wakes, fairs, and country diversions, got up a shooting-match
+at the edge of the green. Warwickshire was always famous for its
+bow-men, and the caliver had not so entirely superseded the cloth-yard
+shaft but that it was yet a dear diversion amongst the peasantry. The
+cross-bow, it is true, was mostly in use, but the longbow was still much
+practised. The remembrance of its destructive powers, and the battles it
+had won in the "vasty fields of France," was yet ripe in the mouths and
+memories of the old host, when he told his winter tale; nay, even yet we
+shall find in this delightful province some remnant of the longbow in
+almost every hamlet: there are indeed more archery meetings in
+Warwickshire alone than in all the other counties of England put
+together.
+
+Amongst the many specimens of rural beauty enjoying themselves in the
+dance, there was one female who especially attracted the gaze of all
+assembled.
+
+Pouncet Grasp (who had wandered over with Master Dismal and others to
+enjoy the scene, and, at the same time, see a client he had in the
+hamlet) seemed especially struck with her. Nay, even Master Dismal
+pronounced her of exceeding good proportions, and most comely features.
+He had never seen a fairer form, he affirmed, chiselled upon a tomb.
+"What a lovely corpse she would make!" he said, with professional
+enthusiasm; "an it please Heaven to take her early, and before age
+withered up her rounded limbs, and whitened her glossy black hair."
+
+"Out upon it," said Master Doubletongue; "thy voice is like a screech
+owl's! Yonder lass will live to make wild work with the hearts of some
+of the village swains before she dies, for all her cherubim looks. I
+shall make shrewd inquiry about her. I'll wager a flagon there's some
+scandal to be heard. I never knew a well-favoured maiden yet, but her
+neighbours said something of her;" and here Master Doubletongue
+whispered in Grasp's ear, at which the lawyer laughed and winked his
+eye, as much as to say, "Ah, Master Doubletongue, you're a wag, but
+you're not far out either."
+
+"An I might get yonder sweet-faced lass for a partner," said Grasp, who
+was a trifle roguish when out of his office; "methinks I could like to
+shake a toe amongst the circle."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "I'm clearly with you there, neighbour; what a
+trim ancle she hath! By the mass, the keen wind which blows me into an
+ague here, shews her figure off to advantage. Accost her, Grasp, accost
+her! Methinks I should like to hear the voice which issues from so
+pretty a mouth."
+
+"Go to," said Grasp, "I am somewhat diffident at speaking to a young
+lass where so many of her companions are around her. Do thou accost her,
+Master Doubletongue, and I'll be near to back you. See, the dance is
+finished, and she comes this way."
+
+"You trip it featly, fair Mistress," said Doubletongue, as the damsel,
+whose appearance had so struck them, approached with two other maidens.
+"Will you join hands with me? Methinks I should like to join issue in
+the dance, and tread a measure with so fair a partner."
+
+"Thanks, gentle sir," said the maid, laughing; "but I do not use to
+dance with any save those I know."
+
+"Right," said a tall athletic-looking forester. "What do lawyers want
+dancing with village girls--Eh? Go to, Master Grasp, mate with your own
+degree. Fair mistress Anne," said he to the maiden, "you must be mine
+for the next dance."
+
+The maiden shrank back with a look of dislike at the tall forester,
+which Grasp observing, interpreted it as a preference for himself as a
+partner.
+
+"Thou art but a rude companion," said he; "and I would fain have the
+maiden's answer without thy counsel; she'll have none of thy partnership
+any how, I trow."
+
+"No," said Doubletongue; "she wisheth not to have the scandal of such a
+partner. Go, fellow--go."
+
+"Pshaw!" said the forester, "what a brace of old crones thou art--go,
+get thee down to the hostel yonder, and warm thee with a cup of wine, or
+an extra flannel shirt! Dance, quotha, and with such a lass as Anne
+Hathaway--Ha! Ha! Why, there's not a caper left in the pair of ye. Go,
+ye gray beards, go, or by my faith I'll make ye both dance to some other
+tune."
+
+"Come, neighbour," said Doubletongue, who liked not the athletic make
+and savage look of the forester, "let us budge and exchange no more
+words with this scurvy companion. For, look ye there, the girl and he
+understand each other, depend on't. They are well matched. I know the
+fellow. He's a keeper of Sir Thomas Lucy's, and one of the greatest
+ruffians in the country."
+
+But the village maiden evidently did not relish the companionship of the
+tall forester. She turned and would have tripped off with her two female
+companions without more controversy. The forester, however, who seemed
+somewhat flushed with good liquor, seized her by the hand, and insisted
+upon her being his partner.
+
+"If I must dance with thee, Diccon, why I must," she said, as she was
+led by the rude keeper to another party; "but it is ungentle of thee to
+force me to do so against my free inclination."
+
+"Thou art ever thus coy with me, Anne," said the forester, "and ever
+avoidest my company. Why dost use me thus, when I have sworn an hundred
+times I would die to serve thee?"
+
+"I like thee not, and would have no further words with thee," said the
+maiden. "Thy presence poisons my delight. I have told thee so I know not
+how oft. I pr'ythee prove the love thou dost profess, by leaving me."
+
+"Beware I shew thee not how love can turn to hate," said the dark
+forester, bitterly. "Thou shalt not spurn me thus for nothing. Come,
+thou shalt dance," and forthwith the forester led the maiden out to join
+the dancers.
+
+Gazing upon the revellers, and at no great distance from the spot where
+the forester and his unwilling partner danced, stood a youth, apparently
+about seventeen years of age. He leaned upon a stout staff, and regarded
+the dancers with a countenance so melancholy, that it was evident
+(although he listened to the pipe and tabor, and watched the glee of the
+revellers) he had no part in their enjoyment. It was young Shakespeare:
+he had been absent some time from his native town--no one knew where he
+had sojourned, or what part of the world he had visited during this
+sequestration of himself from a neighbourhood recent events had rendered
+so full of melancholy associations. He had occasionally given his
+parents intimation by a few lines, or some message, of his welfare, and
+had but a few days before returned to Stratford.
+
+It is not to be supposed, that one so full of observation would fail in
+remarking the very handsome female we have described. "The prettiest
+low-born lass that ever ran on the green sward."
+
+With a melancholy mind he had bent his steps that day towards Shottery.
+Such revels as the present he had before oft-times taken part in, and
+now (albeit he was in no mood for joviality), with the feeling and
+desire to observe the happiness of others, he had remained to look upon
+the sports.
+
+His thoughts, indeed, were sad enough. He had lost his good friends from
+Clopton, after the terrible affliction of their house. He had been left
+alone after having tasted the sweets of their society, and this too in
+the midst of misery and disease. 'Tis true, that owing to the good
+management of his parents, and their being of more careful habits than
+the generality of the neighbours in their condition of life, they had
+kept the disease from their hearth, and for that he had reason to be
+thankful. But, added to the feeling of melancholy which the events we
+have before narrated had caused, was the knowledge that his father's
+circumstances were daily growing worse, and he felt too that he himself,
+although he had reached a time of life when he ought to be doing
+something, was without purse, profession, or prospect.
+
+These thoughts, however, gradually gave place to interest in the
+surrounding scene. His was a mind and disposition which could scarcely
+witness the happiness of others without partaking of their joy, and
+gradually he became more and more interested. As he continued to observe
+the beautiful villager (for she was in the full blossom of her charms),
+he noticed that she seemed uneasy with her partner, and averse to his
+rough attentions. Watching more closely, he observed the overbearing
+style of the forester, and the increasing timidity of the maiden. That
+was enough for him. He moved nearer to them, and as the dance finished,
+he stepped up and accosted her.
+
+"Your hand, fair maiden," he said, gently taking her hand in his. "But
+that I think you have fatigued yourself, I would dance with you."
+
+There was so much sweetness in his voice and expression, as he said
+this, and his action was so gentle, that the maid resigned her hand,
+and, as she gazed at his handsome face, she unconsciously put her arm in
+his, and adopted him as her protector. In such cases the parties
+understood each other in a moment.
+
+If there is one thing more likely than another to excite a desperate
+quarrel amongst men, it is rivalry in the affairs of love and gallantry.
+The veriest cur upon four legs can hardly brook being cut out
+unceremoniously before the eyes of his favourite, and to the tall
+forester, with the forbidding countenance, the fact of being thus
+outbraved by a stripling, was matter, at first, of astonishment more
+than anger. The fellow was a sort of champion too, one hired and kept by
+the knight of Charlecote as a sort of terror to evil-doers in his parks
+and preserves; an impudent, reckless, and quarrelsome companion; one
+whom most of the youths present would fain have avoided fastening a
+quarrel upon, inasmuch as he had kept the ring on Kenilworth Green for a
+whole Christmas, against all comers, a few years before.
+
+Slightly bowing her head in courtesy, Anne Hathaway would have tripped
+off with her new friend and protector, but the keeper was not the man
+likely to put up with so unceremonious a parting. He stepped on a few
+paces, and presently overtook them.
+
+"How now, young Master," he said to Shakespeare, "methinks you carry
+this matter as bravely as rudely? A word with you ere you walk off so
+quietly with my partner there."
+
+As Anne, in some alarm, had rather urged her protector on, the forester
+unconsciously laid his hand upon his arm to detain him.
+
+The youth snatched his arm quickly away. "Lay no fist of thine on me,
+sirrah," said he, "as many words as you like, but touch not my doublet."
+
+Th" forester looked surprised at the eye of fire with which Shakespeare
+regarded him.
+
+"And wherefore not?" he said.
+
+"Simply," reiterated Shakespeare, "because your putting affront upon me
+will oblige me to wipe off such rudeness by a blow of my staff."
+
+"Thou art a bold young springald as ever it was my lot to fall in with,"
+said the forester, stepping a pace back and regarding his rival with a
+scowling look; "and by my fay, for your inches, as likely a young fellow
+as ere I looked upon, well limbed and clean made as a good bred colt.
+But I must take this sauciness out of thee. I cannot sing small before
+so young a champion; come," he continued, "unhand the lass, lest I pluck
+her from thee, or rather thee from her."
+
+"The maiden seeks her home for a space," said Shakespeare, "and I attend
+her; after that I will hold converse with thee. Fear not," he whispered
+to his fair companion, as she shrank back in alarm at the threatening
+aspect of the forester, "this is but a drunken dissolute fellow, and I
+shall be able to protect you from his violence, depend on it. Those who
+threaten loudly are oftentimes but weak in action."
+
+The pair were again about to move off. But the evident aversion of the
+maiden to the rude forester was indeed gall and wormwood to him, and
+roused him to stop her progress homeward.
+
+"Nay, Mistress Anne," he said, "you carry it not thus with your gallant;
+come, I will bring you to your cot myself," and as he said this, he
+stretched forth his hand, and would have rudely seized her by the arm,
+but Shakespeare, who had anticipated something of the sort, dealt him so
+severe a blow over the knuckles with the staff he carried, that the hand
+fell powerless, and the forester, with a cry of pain, started back for
+the moment unable to return the blow.
+
+"Make amongst your companions," said the youth, "I must bide this act
+now, for good or ill. I have struck the first blow."
+
+The controversy had, indeed, already collected several spectators; "A
+ring, a ring!" they cried. "Here's Black Dick challenged to a bout at
+quarter-staff by a boy."
+
+"Ha," said Grasp, who had come up amongst others, and now pushed into
+the circle, "assault and battery here, eh? Keep back, my masters all;
+keep out of range, lest we get a flout from their cudgels. There'll be
+smashing work anon, for look you, yonder's my wild slip of a
+sometime-clerk, John Shakespeare's unthrift son. He's going to catch it
+this time, and right glad am I therefore. Stand back, Master Dismal,
+stand back. Ah, there they go at it right merrily."
+
+"I see evident chance of a broken skull in this business," said Dismal.
+"That fellow with the green frock seldom amuses himself by a set-to in
+the ring but he either maims or lames his adversary for life."
+
+The parties indeed had quickly engaged, for as speedily as the forester
+could shake the numbness from his fingers, he dealt a most
+uncompromising blow at his adversary, which had it taken effect would
+certainly have knocked out his brains. But the youth received it on his
+staff with great coolness, and shifting his right hand, returned it as
+swiftly. The forester in an instant lost his temper; he rushed upon his
+opponent with the intention of seizing him in his powerful grip, and
+throwing him to the earth; but he received so severe a check full in the
+teeth as he did so, that he stopped short, and shook his head with rage
+and pain.
+
+"Well struck," cried the villagers, "Black Dick has met his match!"
+
+Coolness and self-possession will always tell in a combat of this sort.
+
+The temper once lost, the conflict within tells more against the
+combatant than the blows of his adversary. Every available function is
+over-exerted and blind rage baffles the skill.
+
+Thus it was with the bulky forester. Strong drink and violent anger
+rendered him tremulous as he fought. He dealt his blows thick as hail,
+most maliciously, and without any regard to the rules of such a combat.
+He would have killed his opponent if he could, and so young Shakespeare
+found, and dealt with him accordingly, quite aware that the slightest
+mistake on his own part would result in his either being killed or lamed
+for life. The youth, who in reality possessed greater strength than his
+appearance seemed to warrant, kept well away from the shower of blows,
+till his antagonist was completely out of breath. He then stood more up
+to him, returned his blows with interest, and at length dealt him so
+severe a stroke on the head, that the forester reeled under the shock
+and almost fell.
+
+Nothing but his own consummate skill could, however, have saved young
+Shakespeare up to this time from the fury of his antagonist. Nothing now
+but his own chivalrous feeling could have saved his antagonist from a
+severer lesson than he actually received at his hands.
+
+The blow he gave the forester, and which struck him on the head, for the
+moment placed him at his mercy. The strong ruffian reeled and nearly
+fell, and as he still endeavoured to smite furiously with his weapon, it
+flew out of his hand, and he was at the mercy of his antagonist, who
+immediately dropped the end of his staff upon the ground, and waited for
+him to recover it.
+
+At this moment several of the forester's comrades, who had been shooting
+at a target at the edge of the Green, attracted by the sound of the
+fray, came up. They were enraged at beholding the discomfiture of their
+companion, whose opponent they seemed inclined to handle roughly; and
+the villagers immediately taking part with Shakespeare, a general fight
+ensued, and with the true English bull-dog resolution, blows with fist
+and stick resounded on all sides. Master Grasp was overturned and trod
+under foot, swearing action and imprisonment against all and sundry the
+combatants. Master Dismal was fain to betake himself to flight, and
+Doubletongue said, as he made off also, that such a scene was a scandal
+to the whole country; whilst the village maidens, in a state of alarm,
+stood looking on at a distance, and calling to their lovers, cousins,
+and brothers, to desist for the love of heaven and their own sweet
+sakes.
+
+In short, such was the rage of the combatants,--the keepers being for
+the most part Gloucestershire men, and objects of dislike to the
+Shottery lads,--that it seemed more than probable lives would be lost
+ere the matter ended.
+
+In the midst of the fray, however, a stately-looking man, mounted upon a
+large grey horse, accompanied by a couple of cavaliers, and attended by
+half-a-dozen serving-men, or falconers, rode up to the scene of action.
+The badge worn upon the arms of the attendants bore the same device as
+that upon the coats of several of the foresters engaged, being three
+white lucies, or pike-fish, and the spectators immediately recognised
+Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote.
+
+No sooner did the knight observe the nature of the business in hand, and
+his own people engaged, than he clapped spurs to his horse, and dashing
+into the midst of the fray, called, in a voice of thunder, to the
+combatants to desist, overturning at the same time, with the shoulder of
+his horse, the two first persons he came in contact with.
+
+"Give me the names, Huntsman," he said, turning to the man who seemed
+his own particular attendant, "of all in my service engaged in this
+disgraceful riot. Now, I will not only discharge, but punish them
+severely!"
+
+"May so please your honour," said one of the foresters, "we are not
+altogether so much in fault as you may imagine. One of our comrades hath
+been assailed and beaten, and we did but take his part here, when all
+set upon us."
+
+"And what do you here at all, caitiffs?" said Sir Thomas, "when ye
+should be in your walk in Fulbrook Park. Whilst such fellows as you
+dance and fight at wakes and fairs, my park is broken, and my game
+killed and carried off."
+
+"We came but in to-day to drink your honour's health, hearing you had
+given a sheep for the revels," said the chop-fallen keeper.
+
+"You shall drink the health of another employer henceforth," said the
+knight; "and who is the person you say hath beaten your fellow?"
+
+"A youth, who hath more than once done the like," said the keeper; "one
+whom I myself have oft-times caught in our Woods and warrens, and as
+continually warned off."
+
+"His name?" said Sir Thomas. "Let me know his name, and I will take
+sharp measures with him an I catch him."
+
+"Shakespeare," said the keeper; "he hath beaten me myself some time
+back."
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, "'tis well. I will remember. Hath the
+fellow no Christian name?"
+
+"William, your honour," said the forester; "the elder son of John
+Shakespeare, of Stratford."
+
+"William Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas, with emphasis. "'Tis well. Now
+point this William Shakespeare out to me, if he be present on the
+Green."
+
+"If your honour looks but amongst the knot of men yonder," said the
+forester, "you cannot fail but see him."
+
+"What, is it that fellow there with the broad shoulders and long back?
+By my fay, a strong and able caitiff."
+
+"Not so," said the keeper, "'tis the youth standing next him, in the
+gray doublet."
+
+"Fetch him hither," said Sir Thomas; "I would speak with him."
+
+As young Shakespeare approached Sir Thomas, the knight regarded him with
+a scrutinizing and searching eye.
+
+"A goodly stripling," he said, turning to Sir Jacob Astley, of Hill
+Morton, one of the gentlemen with him, "a goodly stripling, and a bold
+looking withal."
+
+"It hath been notified to me, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, addressing
+Shakespeare with infinite stateliness and hauteur, "that you are much
+given to evil ways, inasmuch as you are wont to make frequent trespass
+upon my parks and woods hereabouts; and that, too, to the detriment of
+my property and the disturbance of my deer."
+
+"I am sorry such rumours have reached you," said Shakespeare coolly,
+"since there is, I fear me, some sort of foundation for them. I _have_
+trespassed in your woods. Albeit, I have never intentionally molested
+the deer."
+
+"I am glad you have the grace to confess so much," said Sir Thomas; "but
+sith you have not disturbed my deer, you have, at least, beaten my
+foresters during your trespass, and again to-day have you repeated the
+offence."
+
+"Your foresters rated me in ungentle terms," said Shakespeare; "railed
+at, and bestowed vile epithets upon me. Nay, even laid hands on me."
+
+"They are hired by me so to do," said Sir Thomas. "Their roughness is
+their virtue; and _by_ such roughness are they told to deter all
+trespassers and poachers from my parks and warrens."
+
+"I am no poacher, to be so railed at and roughly treated," said
+Shakespeare coolly.
+
+"Well, henceforth come no more into my woods," said Sir Thomas,
+preparing to ride off, "lest I give directions to have thee used in a
+more rough fashion than heretofore."
+
+"I cannot promise that," said Shakespeare, "since I am much given to
+wandering; and, truth to say, I know not exactly which are, and which
+are not, your grounds. I would not willingly anger Sir Thomas Lucy, of
+Charlecote, _but_ an he keeps men for the preservation of the game, and
+the amusement of himself, methinks such men have small right to domineer
+and tyrannize over those of poorer sort, who seek but the free air and
+the wild woodlands."
+
+"Thou art over bold and insolent for thy years," said Sir Thomas; "I
+will have thee whipped and imprisoned the next time my men take thee. So
+come not in Charlecote woods an ye be wise." And Sir Thomas, who found
+his choler getting high, put spurs to his palfrey, and, after ordering
+his keeper to quit the Green, rode off with his company.
+
+It would be difficult to describe the expression of mingled acorn,
+contempt, and ridicule which was expressed upon the countenance of
+Shakespeare, as he regarded the departing figure of the knight of
+Charlecote.
+
+He stood for some moments leaning upon his staff, looking upon the party
+as they rode off the Green and disappeared in the woods. He then turned
+his glance contemptuously upon the keeper, and laughing to himself as he
+repeated the words, "whipped and imprisoned," turned and was about to
+leave the spot.
+
+"We shall meet again," said the keeper, in a deriding tone. "I know we
+shall."
+
+"Not if I can avoid it," said Shakespeare.
+
+"An we do," said the keeper, "you hear what is in store for you."
+
+"He you serve can hardly tell what is in store for himself, much more
+for another," said Shakespeare, "an he could have done so, he had
+prophesied thy likely reward both here and elsewhere."
+
+"What would that be?" inquired the keeper, coming close to the youth.
+
+"Present beating, if again insolent," said Shakespeare, "and the gallows
+in reversion."
+
+The keeper drew back; he remembered his comrade's discomfiture, and the
+skill the youth had displayed.
+
+"Well, fare thee well," he said, "we shall cry quits anon. An Sir Thomas
+keep word with thee we shall lay thee by the heels yet."
+
+"And, an he keep word with thee, he will have one knave the less in his
+service. Adieu, I waste time and speech upon thee." So saying,
+Shakespeare turned his back upon the forester, who, joining his
+companions, after exchanging a few angry words with their late
+opponents, they left the Green, and the sports were resumed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE TWELFTH-TIDE REVELRY.
+
+
+The rudeness of the keepers and their overbearing style towards the
+villagers, was by no means an uncommon occurrence. Backed up by their
+employers to display as much roughness towards all trespassers as they
+chose, the foresters were usually a coarse and brutal set. They were
+mostly chosen too, at this period, for courage, strength, and skill with
+their weapons; consequently when they came into collision with the
+peasantry, the latter frequently had the worst of it, and the conflict
+seldom ended without serious consequences.
+
+On the present occasion, several of the village lads assembled vowed war
+to the knife against the men they had fought with. They had so often
+experienced their _outrecuidance_ and overbearing rudeness, that they
+swore to annoy them in every possible way they could.
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy," said Ralph Coulter, "doth ever take part against us,
+let his men use us vilely as they may; nay, we shall soon have no leave
+to step either to the right or to the left from the beaten road. For
+look ye, an we steal but into the meadows to whisper a word into a fair
+lass's ear, we are warned off, and ordered to keep the path; an we take
+a dog to hunt the ducks in the stream, we are threatened with
+imprisonment for poaching."
+
+"As well do the thing at once as be blamed for it," said another
+peasant; "who'll go down with me to-night, and shoot a buck in
+Fulbrook?"
+
+"Have with you for one, say I," said Ralph Coulter, "an we miss the buck
+and hit the keeper, so much the better shot."
+
+"Nay, this is but folly," said a third, "and may bring all into trouble,
+so to speak before strangers; you do but jest, I trow! Look ye, we are
+overheard too."
+
+"An ye mean this lad who hath so well cudgelled Black Dick," said
+Coulter, "I dare be sworn he is not a sneak to turn informer upon us."
+"Wilt take a part and bring in a buck some night? Me thinks it would be
+rare sport," he continued, addressing Shakespeare.
+
+"Marry will I," said Shakespeare, whose daring disposition was instantly
+aroused at the idea of the exploit. "Any night you like I should dearly
+love to do some despite towards those overweening knaves."
+
+"Well," said Coulter, "we shall talk further of it anon; meantime see
+the dancing is over, and the indoors diversions are beginning. I am for
+old Hathaway's orchard and the cider revel."
+
+"And I am for goodman Thorne's," said another; and so the party
+separated.
+
+The shadows of a January's evening were now beginning to descend over
+the surrounding scene, and the several parties to retire to their
+different homesteads, there to continue their twelfth-tide diversions,
+and to partake of such fare as the good wives had prepared for the
+swains accompanying their daughters home.
+
+Young Shakespeare, who had made acquaintance with Ralph Coulter,
+accordingly accompanied him to the cottage of Master Hathaway, where he
+again met with the handsome Anne, and renewed his acquaintance with her.
+
+The maiden indeed seemed nothing loth to receive his attention, for his
+handsome figure and gallant conduct had already made some impression
+upon her.
+
+According to an ancient custom in this and other counties of "Merrie
+England," Master Hathaway assembled his guests in the principal
+apartment of his domicile, a good-sized and comfortable-looking room,
+and which (as was usual in those days) served the jolly yeoman for
+"parlour, and kitchen, and hall." There was the huge gaping chimney,
+with its comfortable bench on either hand, together with those stout
+timbered rafters and oaken beams at the roof, from which hung such store
+of bacon and other good things appertaining. There was the
+diamond-paned-window and its seat beneath, with the stout timbered
+doors, the high-backed chairs, and the one massive and cumbrous oaken
+table, and which seemed from its thick supporters to be fixed into the
+floor, or growing out of it; and there sat the grandsire in his old
+accustomed seat under the chimney, "sans eyes, sans taste, sans teeth,
+sans everything," yet looking with some sort of recognition upon the
+sports he had witnessed, man and boy, for near a century in that very
+room. In short, it was a perfect picture of rural comfort and old world
+contentment that kitchen and its appurtenances, filled as it was with
+those happy, smiling, and rosy maidens, and their stout-limbed ruddy
+village swains.
+
+As soon as Master Hathaway had assembled his guests and family, he
+filled a huge pitcher with cider, and the whole party, young and old,
+male and female, filed out into the orchard in rear of the cottage. Here
+they immediately took hands around one of the best apple trees, and
+dancing round it, the whole company hailed the veteran in the following
+doggrel, in the gladsome feeling of their light hearts, flinging and
+capering, shouting and hallooing, like so many bacchanals.
+
+    "All hail to thee, thou old apple-tree,
+    Whence thou may'st bud, and whence thou may'st blow,
+    And whence thou may'st bear apples enow.
+        Bonnets-full! caps-full!
+        Bushel-bushel-sacks-full,
+        And our pockets-full eke also;
+    Here's for thee, thou old apple-tree, huzza! huzza!"
+
+Whilst this was being sung, the females of the party, seizing the
+opportunity of the jug passing round, made their escape within doors;
+and then the joint intended for supper being clapped upon the spit, the
+doors were all immediately made fast. Meantime Master Hathaway, having
+finished his "all hail" to the patriarch of the apple family, bestowed a
+libation on its mossed stem from the remains of the cider, and then, at
+the head of his party, made the tour of his orchard, singing the same
+exquisite piece of doggrel over again.
+
+This done, as the sharp and biting blast of a January night began to be
+apparent, and the snow to fall, the whole of the men assembled filed off
+to the house. Here (according to the custom of the time and the sport
+toward) the doors were found to have been secured by the female portions
+of the revellers; and they were put through the ceremony of a formal
+demand for admittance, and as formal a denial.
+
+Exposed to the pitiless pelting of the snow-storm, whilst the damsels
+jeered them at advantage from the casement, they were told that no lock
+could be turned, no bolt withdrawn, until one amongst their party
+(himself a guest and a bachelor) could guess the name of the joint
+roasting upon the spit.
+
+"And what guerdon," inquired Shakespeare, "to him who guesseth the
+same?"
+
+"The best portion of the joint," said Dame Hathaway, "the first draught
+from the cider with the toast and hissing crab in it, and a kiss from
+the comeliest lass in the company."
+
+"The latter reward, then, at least, I claim," said Shakespeare; "for an
+you have not spitted the chine to-night, I would I might never see a
+porker again."
+
+The scream of laughter with which this was received, (the withdrawal of
+the bolts, and the rush of the lasses to hide themselves from the
+penalty incurred), proclaimed that the guesser had made a lucky hit; and
+Shakespeare, in right of his guess, entered first to claim and obtain
+the reward.
+
+Our readers need scarcely be informed that the handsome daughter of the
+host was the maiden sought for and selected; and that Anne Hathaway
+received on this night the first kiss from William Shakespeare.
+
+In the games which were to follow this ceremony, the more mirth
+displayed was superstitiously imagined to give greater promise of a full
+apple season that year, and accordingly, fast and furious grew the fun.
+
+If we were to say that young Shakespeare entered into these revels with
+feelings of unmingled enjoyment, we should indeed belie him.
+
+As he looked upon the joyous faces around him, he felt delighted at the
+scene; and as his eye occasionally met that of the handsome Anne, he
+certainly at each glance felt more and more struck with her beauty; yet,
+still the remembrance of Charlotte Clopton, and the dear friends he had
+lost, over and anon "stopped the career of laughter with a sigh," and
+he, at such moments, felt almost unfitted for the scene.
+
+There was, however, a charm to one of his disposition in these old wild
+rites and superstitions; and, as after midnight the revellers sat round
+the hearth, and each one was called upon for the tale of grammarie, the
+ghost story, or the fairy tale, he at length gave himself up to the
+enjoyment of the hour and season.
+
+The peasantry of our times have scarce an idea of the enjoyment
+consequent upon the old creeds and superstitions of their forefathers.
+Their dispositions are soured, their lives squalid, their style brutal,
+and in comparison to the good old English peasant, the jovial hearty
+yeoman of Elizabeth's day, they are a miserable race. The innocence of
+the old age is fled, and 'tis now all driving harshness, and hard
+selfish utilitarianism.
+
+Our fairy creed, amongst other things of more moment, and which was wont
+to be so cherished amongst the superstitions of the peasantry, is gone
+from their memories.
+
+Not a sprite is left to skim the cream from the bowl,--not a silver
+piece is now ever lent to the _favoured_ maiden, _without the rate of
+interest_, and found by her at early dawn.
+
+Puck and Robin Goodfellow, and all their elfin throng, _have fled ever_
+from the scene. At the period of our story, however, these imaginary
+beings held a prominent place in the minds of our rural populations.
+Nay, so firmly was the existence of these _elfins of power_ believed in,
+and so much influence were they supposed to have over mortals _for good
+or ill_, that many an old crone spoke with bated breath when she named
+the merry or mischievous pranks of Robin Goodfellow. Many a bold youth
+glanced with eye of fear at the acknowledged haunt of the fay in the
+forest glade, and many a maiden held the household sprite in religious
+awe, as she swept her kitchen at early dawn.
+
+That such feelings and superstitions were idle and ridiculous (amongst
+the bold peasantry of England in a former age) is true. Still, they gave
+a charm to each shadowy grove and unfrequented wood, and caused an
+interest in the different wild scenes of beauty where the elfin crew,
+"those merry wanderers of the night," were wont to hold their moonlight
+revels, and dance their ringlets to the whistling wind, which to our own
+times is unknown.
+
+The more noisy sports of the night had finished. The party, nothing
+loth, for even pleasure is fatiguing, were now seated round the blazing
+hearth. To noise and loud laughter succeeded the cough of the crone--the
+saw of the old man's tale--the tale "of woeful ages long ago betide,"
+and the chirp of the cricket; whilst the ruddy glow of the fire was
+reflected upon the faces and forms of tho listeners sitting around. The
+maidens, too, crept more closely to their admiring swains, as they
+glanced fearfully behind during the progress of the tale; more than one
+kiss was taken on the sly, by way of assurance against the spectre. The
+last pipkin of good liquor simmered upon the hearth, and, in short, it
+was now the very "sweet o' the night."
+
+To Shakespeare this was a delightful moment. His mind seized upon the
+secret feelings of the assemblage. He saw them in their ignorance and
+superstition: and though conscious of his own superiority over the rude
+throng, "sitting 'mongst men like a descended god,"--nay, in after days,
+remembering these meetings and the feelings they had engendered, he
+founded an elfin world of his own on the traditions of the peasantry,
+and clothed them in the ever-living flowers of his own exuberant fancy.
+Yes, he who was to astonish the universal world, sat in that cottage
+like one lost in a dream--a dream which these simple superstitions had
+conjured up. The snow-storm still rattled on the casement, the fire grew
+dim on the hearth, the room darkened down, the wind whistled without,
+and sounded drear amongst the mossed trees in old Hathaway's orchard, as
+he listened, and, as his arm stole round the waist of the sweet Anne, he
+forgot his recent troubles, and already felt himself half in love,
+whilst the tale and the song still went on.
+
+That gentle and unassuming mortal was the last person to presume upon
+his own feelings and knowledge; he felt pleased and delighted with the
+company he was thrown amongst, and extracted amusement and instruction
+from the veriest clod-pate there. Perhaps the enjoyment of the circle
+was the more perfect, too, from the growing storm, which as it rattled
+sharply against the casements, added to the comfort within, by the
+apparent discomfort without.
+
+Remembrance lingers o'er such scenes, and the lapse of time gives them
+an interest which at the period they scarcely seemed to possess. Yes,
+time hallows in after days the scene and hour, and softens the
+remembrance of it even as age softens the touches of a picture.
+
+"Ugh-ugh," coughed the old grandsire, when called upon for his story.
+"There have been many tales told of Robin Goodfellow in my young days,
+an I could but remember them. Nay, I can recollect myself sad pranks he
+used to play. Both him and Hobgoblin, as we used to call t'other sprite.
+In those days the witches were more plentiful than now, though their
+evil deeds are rife enow at all times--God 'ild us; but even the witches
+themselves were no more terrible than was Robin and his rout. Mass, I
+wish I could remember one half of the merry jests, mad pranks, and
+mischiefs he used to do."
+
+"Nay, grandsire," said Anne Hathaway, "but this Robin doth no harm now,
+except it to be to knaves and queans, as he is Oberon's own son, so his
+royal father hath enjoined him not to harm the good and thrifty."
+
+"Of a verity," said the elder Hathaway, "such is the case in some sort.
+Nevertheless, Anne, in my time, sad pranks have been played in the night
+season by Robin."
+
+"Aye, and as many good turns done too by him in mine," said old dame
+Hathaway. "What, hath not the elf oft-times ground the malt, swept clean
+the house, and washed all the children's faces in the night?"
+
+"Aye," said the other, "and pinched the maids black and blue for
+laziness; and even carried them out fast asleep into the green meadows
+in the night, and led poor wayfarers out of the way to perish in some
+deep wash."[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: All these were popular beliefs.]
+
+"Well, well," said Master Hathaway, "cleanliness and thrift, and a good
+hunk of bread in one's pouch, will do much; not only to keep off the
+elf, but to keep one from hungering in the quagmire, for what saith the
+rhyme."[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Clobie's "Divine Glimpses." I adopt these lines because
+they allude to the curious old opinion, that bread carried about the
+person was a charm against tricks of Robin Goodfellow, though they bear
+date 1659.]
+
+    "Thy fairy elves who thee mislead with stories
+    Into the mire, then at thy folly smile,
+    Yea, clap their hands for joy. Were I used so;
+    I should shake hands with them, and turn their foe.
+    Old country folks, who pixie leading fear,
+    Bear bread about them to prevent that harm!"
+
+"Come, tell us, grandsire," said Anne, "how you met the fairies coming
+one night from Monkspath."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy, lass, I had almost forgotten all about it," said the old
+host, who indeed had most likely dreamt the adventure one night in his
+cups, and then related it till he himself believed it was a fact. "Why,
+you see, when I was a yonker, there were terrible deeds done in England.
+We didn't live then so peaceable-like, as we do now, under our blessed
+Queen Elizabeth. A man's life in those days warn't thought o' so much
+value as in ourn; by the same token, stabbing, smashing, hanging, and
+heading, and all sorts of wild work, were the order of the day,--more
+the pity. We hadn't then either such goodly dwellings, at least so many
+on 'em. Men were men then, and hadn't such luxuries as now. Ugh-ugh,
+Gad-a-mercy! I have seen the time when we used to sleep o' nights in the
+open fields as comfortably as under a roof. Nay, we hadn't such beds
+either then. A shake-down of the fern, or a clean bed of straw, with a
+log of wood for the head, was enow for most folks. I struck a good
+strike for Harry at Bosworth Field what time old Shakespeare----"
+
+"Well, well," interrupted John Hathaway, "Bosworth bye and bye. The
+fairy story now, father."
+
+"Nay, I war only going to say that yonder lad's grandfather (old
+Shakespeare of Stratford) could have borne me out, had he been alive,
+since he war at the battle of Bosworth too. Both he and I were together,
+jammed in amongst the spearmen, when King Richard pressed up on his
+white horse, and nearly struck young Richmond down. Mass, he were a
+fierce devil that day, and raged like a fiend. Richmond, I remember,
+bore back, as well as he might, an Richard had not been beaten off by
+the good knights around, the hot king had fairly brained him. Two I saw
+him fell with my own eyes ere he was forced away. Ah, he were a goodly
+sight to look on that day; and if deeds of daring and good soldiership
+could ha gotten the day, Richard had had it. He wore his crown upon his
+helmet, I remember, and (albins men liked him not) by my fay, he looked
+a king. No man that lived and beheld him but saw that."
+
+"But the fairies, grandsire, the fairies?" said Anne.
+
+"Well, well; bide a bit. Where war I? Ah, I see. I had a mad horse in
+Shottery--what time I came back from Leicestershire--and I would fain
+have sold him; so I e'en rode him along with some other youngsters to
+Kenilworth Green, where there war a wake holden underneath the abbey
+walls. Folks spoke darkly of old Kenilworth then. Now I'm told there be
+rare new buildings reared up there."
+
+"There are," said Ralph Coulter. "A fine new castle hath been built by
+the Earl, glorious to look on, and called Leicester's Buildings, and
+ornamented, that it would do you good to look on 'em."
+
+"Ah," said the elder Hathaway, "times are changed hugely. At the time I
+speak of old Clinton's Tower was ornamented and hung with the bodies of
+caitiffs, traitors, and outlaws; for the whole country round was full of
+disturbance, famine, and war. Howbeit, as I was saying, I went to
+Kenilworth to sell my sorrel nag; but I couldn't do so. So after I had
+taken a draught at the Leicester Arms there, I rode away to a relation I
+had at Monkspath. Travelling was very unsafe then, as you may
+believe--worse than now-a-days--and I hastened on to get through the
+woods before nightfall; and when I had got within about a mile of
+Monkspath, I saw a man, just as it began to grow twilight, coming
+towards me. He was dressed in a bright green doublet, and either my
+eyes deceived me, or the good liquor of the hostel made me see double,
+but he had a sort of _familiar_ flitting at his back. He was very small
+in make and height, and wore a bright golden bugle at his waist. My
+horse stopped of himself as the little man came up, and seemed all of a
+tremble, and wouldn't pass him nohow; so I dismounted, and tried to lead
+him past. But it wur all one; the horse wur fixed as firm as one of the
+old oaks beside us. 'Will you sell that brute?' said the little hunter.
+''Tis what I wish,' I answered. 'It is very ugly: is it a cow or a
+horse?' said the little man. 'He was a horse a minute ago,' I answered;
+'but now he seems turned to stone: I can't make him go, no wise.' 'My
+people have got him fast,' said the little man; 'he can't go. What do
+you ask for him?' inquired the little wretch. 'Fifteen pieces,' I said.
+'There's thirty,' said the little man. 'Now stand aside whilst I mount.'
+So saying, the little gentleman gave me the thirty pieces, and got upon
+the horse. No sooner had he done so than the beast went mad outright, I
+thought. He flew about, capered, and kicked out his heels, as if a flame
+of fire had lighted on his crupper. I ran to get out of the way, for
+fear of being struck, and when I turned, lo, horse and man were clean
+gone--sink into the earth as it were, and vanished, leaving me in the
+greatest of terror and confusion; whilst a wild and beautiful strain--a
+sort of hollow winding note of a bugle--seemed to pass through the air."
+
+"Strange," said several of the listeners. "Was it not?"
+
+"As soon as I had a little recovered myself," continued the quaint old
+man, "I hastened on to Monkspath, and sought my relation. He took me to
+an old monk belonging to the abbey beside the castle, to whom I told the
+story, and asked his advice about the money, and whether I might use it.
+The monk gave me leave to use one-half the money, provided I gave him t'
+other half; 'for,' said he, 'as you in no way circumvented or
+endeavoured to cheat the buyer, be he witch, devil, or fairy, you are
+fully entitled to what you asked. The other fifteen pieces,' said he, 'I
+will lay up in store for the use of our abbey.' On this assurance I was
+well satisfied, so I hastened to get out the purse the little gentleman
+had given me; but the worst of it all was that no purse could I find; my
+pocket was empty, my purse gone, and the monk rated at me for a knave,
+whilst my relation laughed at me for a fool."
+
+"He, he, he--ugh--O dear--O dear!"
+
+"And the horse," said Anne--"the horse? you forgot the horse,
+grandfather."
+
+"The horse--oh, ah, true enough--the horse. Why I found him, on my
+return home here, grazing quietly in the orchard, with his saddle turned
+under his belly, and covered with mud and mire, as if he had been drawn
+through all the mosses and sloughs between this and Coventry."
+
+"And you was not at all flustered that night?" said Shakespeare. "Pardon
+the question, But I thought the little man in green might have treated
+you to an extra cup."
+
+"Body o' me,--what I drunk! Not a whit. I had had just enough to make me
+all right. I'd a drunk about as much that night as I have to-night, or
+perhaps a quart more."
+
+"And who do you then suppose the buyer was?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Who?" said the old host, "why, who but Robin Goodfellow, his own self!
+Who else should it be?"
+
+"True," said Shakespeare, laughing; "there's no question on't."
+
+"A song, a song," said Dick, the shepherd. "Let fair Mistress Anne sing
+the song about Robin."
+
+Anne Hathaway accordingly, in a marvellously sweet voice, and to the old
+tune of Dulcina, sang some verses, which, although not word for word the
+same, in some sort were like the following stanzas:--
+
+               I.
+
+    From Oberon, in fairy land,
+      The king of ghosts and shadows there,
+    Mad Robin I, at his command,
+      Am sent to view the night sports here.
+    What revel rout
+    It kept about
+
+    I will o'ersee
+    And merry be
+    In every corner where I go,
+    And make good sport with ho, ho, ho!
+
+              II.
+
+    When house or hearth doth sluttish lie,
+      I pinch the maidens black and blue;
+    The bed-clothes from the bed pull I,
+      And lay them naked all to view.
+    'Twixt sleep and wake
+    I do them take,
+    And on the clay-cold floor them throw;
+    If out they cry,
+    Then forth I fly,
+    And loudly laugh I, ho, ho, ho.
+
+             III.
+
+    By wells and rills, in meadows green
+      We nightly dance out hey-day guise
+    And to our fairy king and queen
+      We dance our moonlight minstrelsies.
+    When larks 'gin sing
+    Away we fling,
+    And babes new-born steal as we go,
+    An elf instead
+    We leave in bed,
+    And wind out-laughing, ho, ho, ho![7]
+
+[Footnote 7: This song has been attributed to Ben Jonson, and in the old
+black-letter copies it is directed to be sung to the tune of Dulcina. As
+it embodies some of the freaks of Robin, I have given it here.]
+
+How much longer Mistress Anne Hathaway's song might have continued it is
+impossible to say, but as she finished the last verse steps were heard
+without the door, followed by sounds, as if some one in a faint voice
+demanded admittance, and then a dull heavy blow, like a person falling,
+and which shook the door violently.
+
+The wind piped loud and drear, whilst all paused and listened, and
+presently a deep groan, which appeared to come into the very room from
+beneath the door, still further startled the party.
+
+The village maidens were too much frightened to cry out, but each threw
+herself into the arms of the swain next her, whilst Master Hathaway rose
+from his seat, and Shakespeare felt obliged to bestow a kiss upon the
+ripe lips of Anne, in order to reassure her.
+
+"Gad-a-mercy," said Hathaway, "'tis surely Robin himself come amongst
+us."
+
+"Ah!" said Dame Hathaway, "this comes of singing ribald songs to offend
+him. Now the good year; what shall we do to appease the sprite? Ah,
+mercy on me, there is another groan, as I am a true woman."
+
+"Some one is surely in distress," said Shakespeare, rising, "suffer me
+to unbar the door."
+
+"Troth, I'd rather not," said Hathaway; "since it may be a device of the
+evil one to come amongst us."
+
+"Nay, but it may be some wayfarer lost or misled on this inclement
+night," said Shakespeare. "A few minutes' neglect may cause death. I
+pr'ythee allow me to open and look out. There are enough of us here," he
+continued, smiling at the horror-stricken peasants, "to cudgel Puck and
+all his crew."
+
+So saying, Shakespeare stepped across to the door, and, drawing the
+bolts, quickly opened it, when the body of a man to all appearance dead,
+rolled into the apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE MISLED WANDERER.
+
+
+The visitation we have just described caused a sufficiently startling
+interruption to the cozy comfort of the entire party. Young Shakespeare
+started back in some surprise, and the whole circle, springing from
+their seats, stood gazing upon the object so suddenly introduced amongst
+them.
+
+The villagers looked upon the visitation as something supernatural, and
+were afraid to move; but Shakespeare, after closing the door, with main
+force against the driving wind and snow, stooped down and examined the
+object at his feet.
+
+"Move the log upon the hearth, Master Hathaway," he said, "and make it
+send up a flame, so that I may see better. Ah, 'tis as I thought, some
+poor devil caught in the storm. He seems dead."
+
+"Dead!" cried Dame Hathaway, regaining courage, when she found the
+visitor was not a fairy, or perhaps Robin Goodfellow in _propria
+persona_. "Dead! Gad-a-mercy, how dreadful!"
+
+"Best warm his inside," said Master Hathaway, approaching. "Here, let us
+drag him close to the fire, and give him something to drink."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, Master Hathaway took the inanimate body
+by the shoulders, and, drawing it before the fire, laid it along upon
+the hearth,--a ghastly object,--appearing, in the blazing light, the
+prostrate form of what had once been a tall strong man. The face was
+now, however, pinched and ghastly, and the limbs already stiffening.
+
+The readiest remedy at hand being a portion of the hot cider, with the
+hissing crab in it, some was immediately poured down the throat of the
+prostrate wayfarer, whilst all hands set to work to draw off the heavy
+boots, and divest him of some of his outer garments, in order to rub and
+chafe his body. In the progress of this operation it became apparent
+that the person of the visitor had been exposed to all the vicissitudes
+of flood and field; since the mud frozen upon his outer garments, and
+the peat-moss which was incrusted upon his long boots, doublet, and torn
+belt, showed that he had wandered through more than one morass in his
+progress.
+
+He was evidently a person of condition, as was apparent from his dress,
+which, torn and soiled as it was, proclaimed the rank of the wearer, by
+its fashion. He was completely armed too, having a long heavy sword in
+his belt, and poniard in his girdle.
+
+"Ah!" said old Hathaway, as he gazed upon the man's face, after pouring
+a draught of hot cider down his throat; "I surely know that
+countenance."
+
+"See, he's coming to," said Dame Hathaway; "he opens his eyes, aye, and
+his mouth too. Give him more liquor."
+
+"'Tis so," said Hathaway, after regarding the prostrate form; "I thought
+I knew that face. Dame," said he, calling his wife aside, "this is a
+somewhat dangerous visitor, inasmuch as he is one whom it is considered
+treason to shelter."
+
+"And who then is it, husband?" inquired the Dame.
+
+"'Tis Eustace the priest," whispered Hathaway, "who used to lie up at
+Clopton, and through whom 'tis said the old knight got into so much
+trouble. His coming bodes no good to us, I fear."
+
+"Gad be here" said Dame Hathaway, "that's ill tidings to give us on a
+twelfth-night, or rather morn. But be he priest or sinner, traitor or
+faitour, or whatever else he may turn out, we cannot do otherwise than
+help him in his present need."
+
+"Right," said Hathaway; "we must shelter the man, that's certain."
+
+In accordance to this humane resolve, and which was indeed at the period
+sufficiently hazardous, the priest was conveyed up stairs, and laid upon
+a four-post bed. But although every attention was paid to him, it was
+soon apparent that his hours were numbered.
+
+Calling Dame Hathaway to his bed side, as he somewhat recovered, the
+priest desired that Master Hathaway might be summoned.
+
+"I fear me your kindness, good Master Hathaway," he said, "may possibly
+get you into misfortune; and were I able to rise and leave your cottage,
+I would rather do so, than lay you under the danger of succouring me."
+
+"Heed it not," said the good farmer, "a belated wayfarer should ever
+find shelter in an Englishman's cottage."
+
+"But, in me," said the priest, "you behold a man condemned to death, and
+whom the officers of justice are now in search of."
+
+"I know you only as one in need," returned the farmer. "Those who search
+know for what they search. You are welcome to my roof whilst needing it.
+When you no longer need it, go forth."
+
+"I shall never leave it alive," said the priest. "Listen whilst I relate
+the causes which have driven me to this extremity."
+
+"Go to," said Hathaway, "sleep would do you more good. But an it pleases
+you to be a talker, I am all attention."
+
+"You doubtless know me," said the priest, "and so much of my history as
+led me to fly from Clopton what time the good Sir Hugh was arrested and
+sent to the Tower."
+
+"Hap I do, hap I don't," said the farmer. "Take another sip of the warm
+sack my dame hands you, and go on from thence. At least I've heard of
+the events of that night."
+
+"I escaped pursuit on that night," said the priest. "They sought me in
+the south, but I fled north, across the border, and took refuge in
+Scotland."
+
+"Ah!" said old Hathaway, "I dare be sworn there you found plenty of your
+own sort. Scot and plot hath rhymed together pretty often during this
+reign."
+
+"It hath," said Eustace; "and I speedily entered into a plot there."
+
+"One you found ready-made to your hand," said Hathaway; "Eh?"
+
+"I did," said the priest. "I fell in, whilst in the mountains, with one
+Morgan, also a fugitive from England: he introduced me to Babington,
+Savage, and others, who were zealous Catholics, and engaged in a project
+for dethroning Elizabeth, and restoring by force of arms the exercise of
+the ancient and true religion. The Pope, the Spaniard, and the Duke of
+Guise, had all emissaries amongst this company. I, however, persuaded
+them of the vanity of any attempts upon the kingdom, so long as one so
+prudent and popular as Elizabeth was suffered to live. An assassination,
+an insurrection, and an invasion, must at one and the same time be
+attempted, I told them, that they saw at once the force of my arguments.
+We met, during this discussion, in an old castle situate in Strathdon,
+and called Corgarff--a wild and desolate place. To you who dwell in
+fertile and pleasant England, my good folks," continued the priest, "the
+aspect of the wild region in which we held our meetings, would have
+appeared sufficiently terrible. No shrub, no tree, not a blade of grass
+was to be seen on this drear mountain land. Nothing but blasted heath,
+rocky glens, and deep morasses. The people wild, desperate and fearful,
+as the land they inhabit."
+
+"In few," continued the priest, "having assumed the disguise of a
+soldier, and the name of Geffrey, I left this place for England, with
+the purpose of obtaining a secret interview with the Queen of Scots,
+during her imprisonment. This opportunity I found whilst the queen was
+in custody of Sir Amias Paulet, rigorous as that confinement was. To her
+I communicated tidings, that on the event of Elizabeth's death, her own
+deliverance would be attempted; all the zealous Catholics would fly to
+arms, and that foreign forces taking advantage of the general confusion,
+would fix her upon the English throne, and re-establish the Catholic
+religion."
+
+"Alas! alas! what terrible doings you who meddle with religious matters
+think upon," said Master Hathaway; "better to kneel down under the blue
+sky, and worship God without form and ceremony, if such is to be upheld
+by treason and bloodshed, from one end of the kingdom to the other."
+
+"Alas! thou speakest wiser than thou art aware of," said the father,
+"and after a life of intrigue and dark underhand doings, in death I find
+that all such measures are but a serving the cause of the devil, in
+place of doing our duty towards God."
+
+The dying priest now became so faint and exhausted that he could
+scarcely proceed.
+
+"I feel," he said, "the hand of death rapidly approaching, and bitterly
+doth it now weigh upon my soul, that I have in some sort aided the
+enemies of my country in raising that dreadful tempest which sooner or
+later must now fall upon the land."
+
+"Truly a heavy weight to lay upon the breast of a sick man," said
+Hathaway, shuddering. "And how then came you thus?"
+
+"Our scheme," said the priest, "was discovered. Nay, it had been all
+along known. The Queen of Scots approved the project, and even when we
+were ripe and ready for action, one of our party, named Ballard was
+seized. This indeed so alarmed us, that finding we were also strictly
+watched wherever we went, we dispersed in parties, and under cover of
+night, and in various disguises, we fled from London a week back.
+
+"Of all who were engaged, however, and we numbered fifteen individuals,
+all, I have since learned in the different towns where I have ventured,
+have been taken, some in woods, some in barns and outhouses where they
+sought shelter; nay, I have myself lain in concealment beneath the straw
+in the barn adjoining your cottage here for the last few days. This
+morning I stole out, and whilst you were engaged with your village
+dance, I endeavoured to reach a secret refuge known to me at Clopton,
+and which place I concluded was uninhabited. Unexpectedly, however, I
+found as I entered the private part of the mansion, that I was mistaken.
+I was encountered by one Martin Delville, who it seems hath remained in
+charge of the hall. He attempted to seize me, and in defending myself, I
+received a shot in the breast. Still I managed to escape, and wandering
+through the country, I endeavoured to find some place of refuge, some
+roof where I might be sheltered. Faint with loss of blood, I still held
+onwards in the hope of reaching Stratford, but a dancing light, which at
+one moment seemed to await my coming, and the next went bounding from
+me, and by following which I have been more than once nearly drowned, at
+length led me back to the spot from whence I had started. As the light
+vanished from my eyes, its place was supplied by the distant appearance
+of your comfortable fire, seen through the casement, and the driving
+snow. I but managed to reach your door, and that was all--life is fast
+ebbing away with the blood that flows from my wound."
+
+"Nay, cheer up," said Dame Hathaway, "perhaps it may not be so bad; I
+have some Friar's balsam here at hand which will do wonderful things."
+
+"It's no use, goodwife," said Hathaway, "I see death in his face. He
+bleeds inwardly as thou see'st, and is almost choked. Not all the friars
+that ever lived could save him, and to speak truth he hath had already
+quite enough to do with such cattle, for see what sloughs and pitfalls
+they have led him into."
+
+"Nay," said Dame Hathaway, "it was Robin Goodfellow, you see, who led
+him into all these sloughs and pitfalls he describes, and at length
+brought him to our door."
+
+"Robin Goodfellow, or Robin Badfellow,"[8] said old Hathaway----
+
+[Footnote 8: The sprite was sometimes so named at this period.]
+
+"Hist, hist!" said Dame Hathaway, "never abuse Robin if you wish to
+thrive."
+
+"Well, go to," said her husband, "the man is sped, and there's an end.
+Do thou and Anne remain with him whilst I go down to the lads below.
+'Tis almost dawn. Alas, alas! this is a sad finish to our twelfth-tide
+sports; but we must still not suffer our guests to depart without their
+breakfast."
+
+As Hathaway spoke, he descended to the apartment below, where the guests
+were still sitting around the fire, and discussing matters appertaining
+to the appearance of the misled wayfarer, and telling of woeful tales
+and dire stories, which suited the hour and the circumstance.
+
+At old Hathaway's re-appearance amongst the circle, all were set to work
+to clear up the apartment, put it to rights, and prepare for the
+breakfast it was customary to partake of before the company finally
+broke up. The first faint streaks of dawn were beginning to appear as
+they departed. The snow-storm had cleared up, the diamond panes of the
+windows were fretted with frozen crystals, and as old Hathaway threw
+open the door and looked forth, the trees in the orchard were heaving
+with congealed snow, the ground was covered with the same white sheet,
+icicles hung in clusters from the roofs of the outhouses, and all around
+was softened and rounded by one white feathery crust. In short, it was
+one of those delicious winter mornings so often seen after a driving
+dreary and tempestuous night,----a morning in which the old world look
+of the buildings and barns around, seen in the clear wintry air, and the
+while flaky look of the country, gives so delightful an aspect to a
+rural hamlet.
+
+Old Hyems seems then to smile as benignantly as he can,----to have
+smoothed the icy furrows of his brow, and consented to give to human
+mortals a slight respite, ere he fetches from the frozen bosom of the
+north more cutting blasts and angry winds.
+
+    "Then icicles hang by the wall,
+      And Dick, the shepherd, blows his nail,
+    Then Tom bears logs into the hall,
+      And milk comes frozen home in pail.
+    When blood is nipp'd, and ways are foul,
+    Then nightly sings the staring owl,
+    _Tu-whit_, _to-who_, a merry note,
+    While greasy Joan doth keel the pot."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE SUITOR.
+
+
+The confession of the dying priest will doubtless recall to our readers
+the state of England at this period. Matters indeed were fast hastening
+towards that great event of Elizabeth's reign, which, for its mighty
+import, and the magnificence of its preparation, is, perhaps, without a
+parallel in the history of the country. The minds of men indeed were at
+this time fully impressed with the certainty of some great and terrible
+convulsion being at hand. It seemed that a fearful storm was surely and
+slowly gathering above their heads, and which, sooner or later, was to
+burst upon the land like some torrent breaking bounds. There was no
+occasion for men to ask each other from whence this ruin was to come.
+The great enemy of the country,--the haughty, vindictive, and cruel foe
+of England at this period, was the iron-hearted bigot of Spain: and upon
+Spain were the eyes of all men turned with apprehension. 'Twas the
+general theme of conversation, the all-absorbing topic of the day; and
+torture, murder, and every sort of evil that fiends could inflict upon
+the inhabitants of a conquered country was to be expected, should a
+successful invasion take place. Yes; Spain was then the bugbear of
+nearly every Englishman's fire-side. One or two startling events,
+however, which made men "whisper one another in the ear," were to take
+place, ere this grand convulsion shook the nation; and yet, amidst the
+anxieties consequent upon such a state of things, it is curious how
+mankind continue the even tenor of their lives.
+
+The twelfth-tide revel at Shottery had introduced young Shakespeare to
+some new acquaintance in that place. Amidst the youths he had met there,
+he found one or two lads of spirit; and, as he bent his steps across the
+fields towards the village, he would fain have persuaded himself that it
+was to renew his acquaintance with them that he had set forth. Ere he
+had reached the village, however, he felt obliged to confess that the
+real desire of his heart was neither for the companionship of the lads
+of the village, nor to learn tidings of the wounded priest, but really
+and truly to see again and hold converse with the handsome Anne.
+
+    "Oh heaven, were man but constant
+    He were perfect. That one error
+    Fills him with faults."
+
+Mortals indeed are prone to error; and he whom we reverence as the
+greatest of men, was no more secure from the failings the flesh in heir
+to than his fellows. In truth, the youthful Shakespeare was again in
+love.
+
+Those of the most generous sentiments and finest feelings are perhaps
+more subject to this passion; for,
+
+    "Eating love inhabits in the finest wits of all."
+
+It is not to be supposed that the melancholy fate of the beautiful
+Charlotte was so soon and entirely forgotten; but youth is not the
+season for ever-during melancholy. Bright thoughts will then spring up
+amidst the most gloomy recollections; and if one thing more than another
+can soothe the cares, and help to "pluck from the memory a rooted
+sorrow," it is the sweet companionship of woman in all the brilliancy of
+her glowing charms: and so thought Shakespeare as he took his way across
+those pleasant fields betwixt his own town and Shottery. "Yes," he said,
+as he came within sight of old Hathaway's cottage,
+
+    "To heal all grief, to cure all care,
+    Turn foulest night to fairest day,
+    To breathe delight, Anne _Hath a way_."
+
+In youth we are more prone to fancy one elder than ourselves. The modest
+lad seems to look up to the full-blown woman, and to feel that his
+attentions, if received, are bestowed upon a worthy object; that he is
+indebted to her who consents to regard one so inferior (as at that
+moment he conceives himself) for women profess, in general, whatever
+they may feel, a contempt for the attentions of a mere boy, as they term
+the lad of seventeen or eighteen--a foolish lad, whom we laught at for
+his simple folly and childish admiration. This is dangerous sophistry,
+however, for a fair maid to indulge in.
+
+In the middle period of life the fancy of the lover strays towards the
+fresh and budding flower, and the coy maiden is often sought out for a
+wife. In age, alas, 'tis but second childishness.
+
+When Shakespeare reached the cottage of Master Hathaway, he felt his
+heart palpitate as he knocked at the door. His was a new acquaintance,
+and he hardly knew how the good yeoman might receive a visit so soon
+repeated. The voice of the old dame, however, bidding him come in,
+reassured him, and he lifted the latch and entered.
+
+"Ah, Master Shakespeare," said the old dame, who was sitting at her
+spinning-wheel, "troth am I right glad to see thee. My husband and I
+have been oft-times talking of you since the night you was here."
+
+"And the goodman," said Shakespeare, "is he hearty?"
+
+"Troth is he, and away to Warwick to-day with Goodman Coulter, Hodge the
+smith, and others."
+
+"And your fair daughter?" said Shakespeare; "I see her not here. How
+fares she?"
+
+"A little dashed in spirit with this matter you wot of--the wayfarer
+whom we had to bury yesterday," said the dame.
+
+"He is then dead. I thought his end was near."
+
+"He died soon after you left," said Dame Hathaway. "The crowner sat on's
+body, and the man Martin from the Hall was examined with Lawyer Grasp
+and Master Dismal, and the man were known to be an escaped traitor. And
+so he's buried in a hole like a dog; and there's an end. And a good end
+too, if men will go about to compass such mischief as he seems to have
+been hatching all his life."
+
+"And fair Mistress Anne," said Shakespeare, "is she too busied like
+yourself, 'weaving her thread with bones'?"
+
+"No," said Dame Hathaway, "though she is occupied, she is out in the
+orchard with Mopsy, and Lawyer Grasp, and Master Doubletongue."
+
+"Grasp!" exclaimed Shakespeare, as a sort of strange feeling shot across
+him; "what doth the scrivener at Shottery?"
+
+The dame smiled, knowingly. "The bright day hath brought him forth
+mayhap," said she.
+
+"'Tis the bright day that brings forth the adder," said Shakespeare;
+"and that Doubletongue too. I am sorry they are acquainted with Mistress
+Anne."
+
+"Why so?" said the dame. "Master Grasp is rich. He hath store of moneys
+'tis said. He hath been saying some pretty things to Anne; nay, in good
+sooth I think he, _in some sort_, affects her."
+
+"May the pestilence strike the crafty knave!" said Shakespeare to
+himself, as a slight pang of jealousy shot through his breast. "He
+affect the handsome Anne Hathaway!"
+
+"You know Master Grasp?" said Dame Hathaway, inquiringly.
+
+"I do," said Shakespeare, drily.
+
+"I thought as much," said the good dame, "for I heard his discourse to
+Anne, and, sooth to say, he did not speak well of you; nay, he speaks
+vilely of you."
+
+"Thank Heaven, therefore," said Shakespeare, smiling; "the praise of the
+wicked is less to be coveted than their censure. By your leave I will
+seek your daughter in the orchard."
+
+"I pray you do," said Dame Hathaway, "and bid them in to dinner."
+
+When Shakespeare entered the orchard he found the two damsels engaged in
+removing apples from a sort of store-house erected at the further end of
+it, to another outhouse nearer to the dwelling; and, as the two elderly
+swains had gallantly volunteered to assist them in their labours, the
+damsels were amusing themselves by taxing their good-nature and strength
+to the utmost.
+
+Accordingly as the youth strolled amongst the tree towards them, he
+beheld the unhappy Grasp bent double under the weight of an enormous
+basket, so filled with apples that he could scarce stagger beneath it,
+whilst Anne Hathaway, with both hands, was still piling up more fruit.
+Master Doubletongue was similarly loaded, and both the maidens were
+laughing till their sides ached at the rueful figures their patient
+lovers exhibited.
+
+The situation was indeed felt by the suitors as sufficiently ridiculous,
+and when they saw some one approaching both would fain have thrown down
+their burthens if they had been able.
+
+"Nay, I pray thee, Good Mistress Anne," said Grasp, "give me not the
+entire produce of the orchard at one turn. I am neither Hercules nor
+Atlas. My back is well nigh broke, as well as my heart, by your cruelty.
+I would fain stand upright. Heaven relieve me," he muttered to himself,
+"from this pestilent load."
+
+"My strength sufficeth not to remove so large a load," said Anne, still
+laughing, "all I can do is to take them out by degrees, as I have placed
+them _one by one_!"
+
+"I should die ere relieved by so slow a process," said Grasp. "Oh, my
+back, my weary back is cramped with long suffering and weight of
+apples."
+
+"Then trudge off, and throw them into yonder wood-house," said Anne.
+"I'll never entertain your services if you are thus idle."
+
+"I cannot budge a foot," said Grasp, "I am, as it were, rooted in the
+snow. Heaven help me."
+
+"Stop whilst I give you this small basketfull," said Anne, emptying more
+apples into the load.
+
+"Nay, then, I can no longer bear it," said Grasp; and he sank upon his
+knees, whilst both the lasses kept piling more apples upon his head.
+
+"I am utterly foredone, and must fain succumb," said Grasp; "my better
+parts are vanquished, lo, I fall," and, as he sank under his burthen,
+the huge load rolled in heaps around him.
+
+"I shall be crushed, altogether crushed and flattened like a
+shrove-groat shilling," said Master Doubletongue. "I pray you, fair
+damsel, to help me down with this burthen. I would fain do my best in
+your service, but I am not able, I find, to do the work of a younger
+man."
+
+But the saucy maidens, having brought their two admirers to their
+present doleful state, as soon as they saw young Shakespeare
+approaching, ran, shrieking with laughter to meet him, leaving their
+swains to extricate themselves as they best could.
+
+"I do perceive that I am made an exceeding ass of by this lively
+virgin," said Grasp, gathering himself up from amongst the rolling
+apples; "nevertheless her comeliness and favour hath quite entamed my
+spirits to her worship. I would fain contract a marriage, and the good
+yeoman her father is right willing to receive me for a son-in-law."
+
+"And I," said Doubletongue, "should greatly like to wive also, an I
+could achieve the maiden Mopsy. Mass, but she is fresh as an April morn,
+and strong as a porter. Would to Heaven she had relieved me of this
+burthen ere she fled! Help me down with it, good Grasp, an you love me."
+
+"Who was that I saw approaching when the maidens deserted us?" inquired
+Grasp. "See, they are now returning with him into the house, without so
+much as 'I thank ye,' for all we have done for them."
+
+"'Tis surely young Shakespeare," said Doubletongue, "your sometime
+clerk."
+
+"Oh, the young scapegallows," said Grasp, "by my fay, and so it is. His
+presence here bodes no good to my suit, and I have already possessed
+Mistress Anne with my opinion of him. Nay, Sir Thomas Lucy hath spoken
+with me about him, too. The dare-devil lad hath somehow offended Sir
+Thomas, and he vows to deal hardly with him an he can catch him
+trespassing on his domain. I'll stir him further to't."
+
+"He hath trespassed upon our domains here too, I think, and carried off
+my sweet friend Mopsy," said Doubletongue. "I'll abuse the varlet
+where'er I come."
+
+"Thou canst not say worse of him than he deserves," said Grasp; "an I
+can but once catch him tripping, I'll be his ruin yet."
+
+"Methinks we bad better wend our steps back to Stratford this morning,"
+said Doubletongue. "I am sore wearied, and sorely nipped with the cold
+blast. The pestilence seize this Shakespeare, I had rather not encounter
+him."
+
+"I would we were both rid of him," said Grasp; "albeit I am somewhat
+sorry to leave him in the company of the fair Anne; such a
+smooth-tongued varlet is sufficient to corrupt a whole village."
+
+"Let us slink by and get a peep in at the window," said Doubletongue;
+and the worthy pair of friends left the orchard.
+
+On that evening a youth and a village maiden were soon strolling quietly
+along the footpath leading from Shottery to Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+youth, with head inclined, was telling a soft tale in the ear of his
+companion--a tale such as evidently was pleasing to her, for her
+handsome face was radiant with smiles. There was something in the step
+and bearing of both which proclaimed them superior to the common ran of
+mortals: albeit their costume was but a degree removed from, and in
+somewhat better taste than that of the peasant of the period. Both were
+extremely handsome, and it was evident they were lovers, inasmuch as
+(although the occasional passer seldom failed to stop and turn to regard
+them) they were so entirely wrapped in each other's society that they
+seemed lost to all external objects.
+
+As they reached a part of the path which in crossed by the high road,
+they stopped, and a stately knight, accompanied by two ladies, and
+attended by several mounted serving men, rode by. The ladies seemed
+struck with the form of the handsome maiden; and the cavalier, after
+passing, turned and leant upon the cantle of his saddle, and steadily
+regarded the youth.
+
+"'Tis he," said the Knight of Charlecote, to himself, "and the girl is
+Hathaway's daughter. 'Tis pity she should mate with so reckless a
+youth."
+
+"Who, said ye, they are?" inquired the elder daughter of Sir Thomas;
+"methinks I have seen the youth at Clopton Hall."
+
+"See him when and where thou wilt, Alicia," returned the knight, "I fear
+me you will have seen but a graceless suitor, from all I have learned
+through the scrivener Grasp. 'Tis the wool-comber's eldest son, young
+Shakespeare of Stratford."
+
+After this brief discourse, the party rode on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+SHOTTERY HALL.
+
+
+With lovers, days, weeks, and months pass swiftly by. The fair and witty
+Rosalind is made to tell us, however, that time trots hard with a young
+maid, between the contract of her marriage and the day it is solemnized,
+for "if the interim be but a se'night, time's pace is so hard, that it
+seems the length of seven years."
+
+With the swifter foot of time, however, during the even course of love
+between young Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, we shall pace over some few
+months in our history.
+
+Angry winter must be supposed to have departed; the fields and meadows
+to have thrown off his livery, and the woodland scene around
+Stratford-upon-Avon, to be dressed in the green investiture of the
+coming spring.
+
+The hard pace of time therefore must be now imagined to be progressing
+with the fair Anne, inasmuch as she has been wooed and won by the
+youthful Shakespeare. She is indeed between the contract of her marriage
+and its solemnization.
+
+It was one lovely evening, about this period of our story, that an
+exceedingly handsome female was sitting pensive and melancholy in her
+own apartment at Shottery Hall, a large mansion situated just without
+the village.
+
+Our readers have before had a glimpse of this lady, during the eventful
+night of the party at Clopton, what time she was engaged in the dance
+with Walter Arderne. Clara de Mowbray had indeed, been one of the
+intimate friends of the fair Charlotte, her confidant and associate from
+childhood. She was herself an orphan, and possessed of great wealth; and
+although but one-and-twenty years of age, seemed to have already given
+up the pleasures of the world, and dedicated her days to good and
+charitable deeds in and around her own neighbourhood. She was,
+therefore, as a matter of course, the lady patroness of the little
+village near which she dwelt.
+
+Whether it was that she mourned over the fate of the early friend, whose
+death had been attended with such awful and melancholy circumstances, or
+whether the loss of her parents had left a sad impression upon her
+spirits, we cannot tell; but certain it is, that Clara de Mowbray seemed
+to labour under some secret and deep-seated grief, which rendered
+society a burden to her.
+
+As she sat on this evening in her own apartment, her attendant announced
+a maiden from the village, who was desirous of seeing her.
+
+"'Tis the handsome Anne Hathaway----is it not?" inquired Clara. "Indeed
+I sent to request she would come hither."
+
+"It is, lady," returned the attendant.
+
+"Set a chair for her here beside the window, and wait on her in."
+
+"They tell me she is soon to be wedded," said the attendant, as she
+brushed the chair with her apron, "and that she hath refused a good
+offer for the sake of her present lover."
+
+"I have heard as much," said the lady; "and 'tis of that I would speak
+with her."
+
+The Lady Clara had known Anne Hathaway from childhood, consequently,
+there was little of form or ceremony between her and the more humble
+friend.
+
+"I have sent for you, Anne," said Clara, as soon as the damsel entered,
+"to talk about your future prospects. I have been so great a recluse,
+that I have only just heard of your intended marriage. I trust you will
+be happy, Anne."
+
+"I hope so, lady," said Anne.
+
+"And do you _think so_?" inquired Clara.
+
+"Wherefore should I not, lady?" inquired Anne.
+
+"There are one or two things," continued the lady, "I have heard of your
+betrothed, which leads me to ask the question, Anne; and also because we
+are old friends, and I love you. In the first place, I hear your suitor
+is younger than yourself. Is't not so?"
+
+"It is, lady," said Anne.
+
+"And I hear also that he is of no calling; that he is poor, and his
+friends needy."
+
+"All that you have said is true," said Anne Hathaway; "_but_--" and she
+paused.
+
+"But you are in love," said Clara. "Well, I suppose there is no advice I
+can give you which will avail against that argument. I would have you,
+however, consider well; and (as I know neither of the parties) I cannot
+judge in how far your own judgment is right in this matter."
+
+"I would you could see the two together," said Anne, smiling, "you would
+then have little left to urge in favour of my richer suitor."
+
+"Indeed!" said Clara, smiling; "yet one word more, Anne. I hear the
+youth--let me see, how is he named?"
+
+"Shakespeare," said Anne, "William Shakespeare."
+
+"Well, then, I hear that this lover of yours--this young Shakespeare, is
+of a daring spirit; that he associates with youths as reckless as
+himself; and that, in very sooth, he bears altogether a character for
+idleness even in the town where he dwells."
+
+"What do you charge him with in particular?" said Anne, smiling.
+
+"Nay, nothing more than I have hinted at," said Clara. "He is slightly
+regarded by the townsfolk of Stratford, from his idle propensities. If
+there be a bear to be baited at Kenilworth Green, who so sure to be
+there as this younker. If there is a wrestling-match and a bull-baiting
+at Coventry, thither is your swain sure to go. If there be, in short, a
+wake or fair, or revel, in this or the adjoining county, young
+Shakespeare is as certain to be seen upon the Green as those resident on
+the spot. Nay, I have been told that he hath himself beaten one of our
+Warwickshire champions here at Shottery last Christmas, and that he is
+giving to poaching withal."
+
+"In respect ye have named his delight in all sort of out-door sports,
+you are right, lady," said Anne; "but that he is given to poaching is a
+malicious rumour."
+
+"Well," said Clara, "I see your affections are set upon this match, and
+far be it from me to oppose your will. I too well know the misery of
+blighted love. Heaven guard you, Anne. Ere you wed, it would please me
+to see _the youth_."
+
+"You have seen him," said Anne.
+
+"I remember him not," said Clara.
+
+"'Twas at Clopton you met with him," said Anne. "William hath told me he
+met you on the night of that unhappy ball, and that Master Walter
+Arderne shewed you to him in the room."
+
+Clara started. She then said, in some surprise, "Did your lover know
+Walter, then?"
+
+"They were sworn friends, lady," said Anne.
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Clara. "'Tis a name I remember. Was not the youth
+who saved Charlotte Clopton from death in the park called Shakespeare?
+If so, him indeed have I met at Clopton, and have heard both Charlotte
+and Walter Arderne speak of."
+
+"'Tis the same youth, lady," said Anne.
+
+"Indeed," said Clara; "that doth indeed surprise me;" and Clara remained
+for some time lost in deep thought. "I have a relic," she said, "of
+Charlotte's given me by Martin, and which was much treasured by poor
+Charlotte. 'Tis a small piece of verse of exquisite beauty. If I
+recollect rightly, Martin told me it was written by this lad--this lover
+of yours. Stay, I will shew it you;" and Clara, after searching in a
+small casket, brought forth a scrap of paper with some verses written on
+it, which she read aloud, and then handed to Anne.
+
+"I am not much given to poetry," said Anne, smiling; "but I see by the
+character they are written by William; but methinks I should have known
+them for his by other tokens. He often repeats such verse in our walks.
+He hath written scores of such pieces as the one I now hold in my hand."
+
+"Nay, then, I cannot wondor at what I have heard," said the lady;
+"neither am I surprised at such a man being the friend of Walter
+Arderne. There is one thing more I would ask," said Clara, blushing.
+"You know my secret, Anne, and can perhaps give me some news of him you
+wot of, through means of your lover. Where now is Walter Arderne?"
+
+"I shall grieve you, lady, if I say that for some time no accounts have
+been received of him, and it is greatly feared he hath perished amongst
+the adventurers with whom he left England."
+
+"How is this news derived?" she said.
+
+"William hath learnt so much from Martin, whom he has occasionally seen
+whilst Martin remained at Clopton; but latterly Martin seemed to grow
+uneasy, and as reports were circulated relative to the loss of that part
+of the expedition with which Master Arderne sailed, he at length left
+Clopton, where he had been residing almost alone, and went to London.
+Whilst there he met some of the adventurers who had returned with Sir
+Francis Drake, and of them he heard dire accounts of the dangers and
+hardships they had encountered. From them too he learned that Walter
+Arderne had greatly distinguished himself amongst the followers of
+Christopher Carlisle at the taking of St. Jago, near Cape de Verde; that
+he had afterwards sailed for Hispaniola, and assaulted and taken St.
+Domingo. He was also heard of on the coast of Florida; and it was at the
+burning of one of the towns, either St. Anthony or St. Helens, on that
+coast, that Master Arderne is supposed to have perished."
+
+"Was he then not seen and identified amongst the slain or wounded?"
+inquired Clara.
+
+"It appears not," said Anne. "The expedition, with the exception of some
+smaller ships separated from them in a storm, sailed along the coast oL
+Virginia, where they found the remains of a colony previously planted
+there by Sir Walter Raleigh, and which had almost gone to decay. The
+miserable remnant of adventurers," continued Anne, "who were found by
+Sir Francis Drake at this place, and who are described to have appeared
+more like living mummies than Christian men, abandoned their settlement,
+and prevailed on Sir Francis Drake to bring them to England."
+
+"And have no further tidings been since heard?" inquired Clara.
+
+"Nothing certain. A small portion of the fleet which separated from
+Drake's squadron after this, and sailed along the coast of Florida,
+inflamed with rage against the Spaniards and the riches they had already
+gained, after a short cruise, returned with an account of their having
+observed a wreck near Raleigh's ruined colony;[9] and that they had even
+seen some individuals apparently again located there. They had, however,
+steadily pursued their course without inquiry; albeit they judged this
+wreck to have been one of the ships Walter Arderne had held command in."
+
+[Footnote 9: This was the first attempt of the English to form such
+settlements; and although they have since surpassed all European
+nations, they had been so unsuccessful that they abandoned the place.]
+
+"So then," said Clara, "these unfortunate men may have been left to
+perish, exposed to all the vicissitudes of war and climate, and
+half-naked in an enemy's country!"
+
+"'Tis to be feared so," returned Anne, "although the dreadful mortality
+which the climate produced amongst Drake's followers is but a feeble
+restraint on the avidity and sanguine expectation of the young
+adventurers of England; nay, other expeditions are said to be about to
+set sail; should it be so, that coast may be again visited."
+
+"And this you have learnt from your lover?" said Clara.
+
+"I have, lady; he loves to talk to me in our walks about the wonders
+seen in these islands of the sea in the far West. I would you could hear
+him describe what he has learnt from one or two of the youths who have
+adventured and returned: how they have seen and landed upon islands
+inhabited by people of wondrous appearance; islands full of strange
+sounds, and in which the most ravishing melody floated in the air, the
+musicians being spirits and invisible to sight."
+
+"Methinks," said Clara, "I should much like to hear your lover's account
+of such wonders."
+
+"Nay, so interested is he in these accounts, and the riches to be found
+on the Spanish main, that had I not over-ruled his design, he would
+himself have adventured this year with Martin Frobisher."
+
+"I have heard something of Frobisher's former expedition," said Clara.
+"What were the particulars?"
+
+"Nay, I can but inform you as I have learned it from the lips of
+others," said Anne.
+
+"They set out, I have heard," said Clara, "for the purpose of
+discovering a passage to Cataia, in the Indies, by the north-west seas.
+I do not myself quite understand such matters, but I believe they sailed
+beyond Friesland, where they came in sight of land inhabited by strange
+and savage people. In this land they discovered some black substance
+like sea-coal, and on their return showed it to a goldsmith in London,
+and he found it to be rich in gold ore, was't not so?"
+
+"It was, lady," said Anne; "this encouraged Martin Frobisher to make a
+second voyage, when he freighted two vessels home with this black
+stone, and his project is now so risen in credit that he is about to set
+sail a third time, with fifteen goodly vessels; nay, had I not used my
+influence, as I before said, William Shakespeare had surely adventured
+amongst the crew."
+
+"And so would you as surely have lost a lover, as he would have lost his
+venture," said Clara. "I have no opinion of these wild schemes--and yet
+I have half a mind to fit out an expedition and venture myself in quest
+of a treasure."
+
+"You, lady!" said Anne; "but you are not serious?"
+
+"I was never more so," said Clara.
+
+As she said this, Clara rose from her seat--a hint to her visitor that
+the interview had lasted long enough.
+
+"Yet stay," she said, as Anne was about to depart. "We have been long
+friends, Anne Hathaway, and if I find the choice you have made a worthy
+one, I will befriend you both. One thing I have forgotten to mention,
+and that is the report I have heard of this match between you and young
+Shakespeare being disapproved of by your father. Is that also true?"
+
+"My lover is at present poor," said Anne.
+
+"Enough," said Clara. "Farewell, Anne, I intend leaving Shottery for
+some time, but when I return, remember you have a friend in me. Here,"
+she continued, "is a present I had intended to have given you after your
+marriage. Take it now, as we shall not meet again for many months. I
+leave Shottery to-morrow."
+
+And so the friends parted.
+
+The fair Clara remained buried in thought for some time after the
+departure of Anne Hathaway.
+
+At length she arose from her seat, and her eye fell upon the sonnet she
+had received from Martin. "The verse is indeed beautiful," she said.
+"Happy, happy Anne, how much is thy lot to be envied! In thy rank in
+life there is little impediment to the affections. Thou lovest and art
+beloved again: there is no drawback in regard to inequality, or matching
+in degree. The village lad loves and chooses his mate as the turtle,
+unembarrassed by wealth or worldly interest. This youth must, however,
+be in mind at least far superior. Well, thy prospect is a happy one!
+Whilst mine, alas! he I love is perhaps lost in the watery wastes of
+unknown seas--perhaps starving on some desert shore."
+
+As Clara thus indulged her melancholy thoughts, she rang a small silver
+bell, and desired her attendant to summon to her presence the steward or
+major-domo of her household.
+
+"Hubert," she said, "I am about to leave Shottery for London. My horses
+have of late had but idle times, and an excursion will do them good. I
+ride with twenty followers."
+
+The orders of Clara were law with Hubert. He therefore bowed; and she
+continued, "I take this strong escort," she said, "because I shall have
+great charge with me in gold and diamonds. To you I will at once
+confess the purpose of my journey to London, and my farther intentions
+when there. I am about myself to fit out an expedition to the coast of
+Florida, and in person to visit the strange lands said to exist in the
+New World."
+
+"In choosing amongst my people," she continued, "pick out those youths
+who you think would be likely to volunteer for such an exploit."
+
+"And when do we depart, lady?" inquired the steward.
+
+"The day after to-morrow," said Clara.
+
+And again the steward bowed, and then withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE LOVERS.
+
+
+The very name of the New World during the reign of Elizabeth, was
+suggestive of boundless wealth, and the wildest hopes of gain. The
+islands already visited by the adventurers of the period, were said to
+be scenes of enchantment--a sort of demi-paradise, where the most lovely
+Indian females wandered about in all the innocence of the golden age.
+
+Such was the idea men entertained of the New World, as it was then
+called, and in consequence, albeit those who had returned from this land
+of promise, presented in their own worn appearance but small
+encouragement to others to try fortune in their boasted region; still
+the voyage, as it was designated _par excellence_, was in great repute
+amongst the "rash, inconsiderate, and fiery voluntaries" of Elizabeth's
+reign. And, under these circumstances, sea-faring men of all sorts, and
+even those who had never beheld the sea, occasionally made up the file
+as soldiers for the various expeditions in vogue. The hardships and
+dangers these men encountered beneath the hot sun of the tropics at this
+time; their endurance under difficulties, whilst exposed to privation in
+their marches through unknown forests, defiles, and mountains, is
+wonderful to contemplate. Nay, perhaps, the very difficulties to be
+encountered, and the watery wastes to be traversed, even enhanced the
+desire these desperadoes felt in undertaking the venture; added also to
+this spirit of enterprise, and the prospect men behold in the sunny
+distance, of lovely lands, and scenes of enchantment in the bright
+islands they thought to find, there was in the breast of the Englishman
+at this period a rankling and deep-seated hatred of the Spaniard--then
+the stoutest soldier of the civilized world--a foe not only worthy in
+that day of the Englishman's sword, but who bore away from him the palm
+of soldiership, and, of whom, he felt in some sort jealous. The
+Spaniard, at the same time, whilst he had been drilled into wonderful
+efficiency by long conflict with the Moors, the French, and Italians,
+surpassed all other men in the qualities which conquer kingdoms, even at
+fearful odds.
+
+The Spanish hidalgo still possessed all the chivalry of the crusader,
+with augmented bigotry and superstition. Fighting was his element, and
+greed of gold and religious fanaticism his stimulants. His pride was
+beyond description. He was--
+
+    "The man of compliment, a most illustrious wight,
+    A man of fire, new words, fashion's own knight."
+
+'Twas against soldiers of this stamp that such men us Drake were now
+waging war. The stern hearts and iron fists of his sailors and
+men-at-arms, were turned against wretches, whose cruel hearts had shewn
+no mercy to the harmless Indian; and fierce, bloody, remorseless, was
+the conflict when the Englishmen met the Don.
+
+The great success of the Spaniard in both the Indies, too, was an
+additional stimulant to the emulation of the English adventurers.
+
+He was indeed considered a hero, who returned safe from the horrors of
+murderous conflict, mid the sack and siege of town and settlement in the
+tropics. His sun-burnt visage was gazed on with curiosity; and his
+account also of hardships endured amidst swamp and thicket, together
+with exaggerated circumstance of horrid animals, fearful reptiles, and
+wonderous beings in human form, was listened to with awe and wonder.
+
+The morning Clara had fixed on for her departure dawned brightly. Hill
+and dale, and wood and park, were faintly gilded with the early morning
+sun; she looked around, and sighed as she reflected, that perhaps for
+the last time she beheld the domain of her ancestors.
+
+As her party left the grounds of Shottery and took their way through the
+village, she reined up her palfrey, and, with her female attendant,
+remained a few minutes behind. She then turned her horse towards Anne
+Hathaway's cottage, and, as the road ran close beside it, she resolved
+to pass the dwelling of her rustic friend, and perhaps see her for a
+moment and bid her again farewell. As she did so, she observed two
+youths advancing along the road. They carried cross-bows in their hands,
+and seemed bound for the woodlands.
+
+"Is not the slighter of those youth's Anne's lover?" inquired Clara of
+an attendant, as the young men entered the garden of old Hathaway's
+cottage.
+
+"It is, lady," said the attendant. "Yon handsome lad is William
+Shakespeare."
+
+"Listen!" said Clara; "he is awakening his mistress with a song." And as
+the lady drew bridle under shelter of the tall trees beside the cottage,
+they heard a beautiful voice accompanied by a sort of lute, singing
+these _now_ well-known words.
+
+    "Hark! hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
+      And Phoebus 'gins arise,
+    His steeds to water at those springs
+      On chalic'd flowers that lies;
+    And winking Mary-buds begin
+      To ope their golden eyes
+    With everything that pretty bin,
+      My lady, sweet, arise.
+         Arise, arise."[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: "Cymbeline."]
+
+The beauty of the verse, and the sweetness of the singer's voice,
+completely fixed Clara to the spot; and, as she listened anxiously for
+another verse, she heard the lattice open, and the voice of Anne join in
+conversation with her lover. Clara felt extremely anxious again to see
+one who had been the friend of Walter Arderne, and she determined to
+accost the youth. When she rode round, however, to the front of the
+cottage, he was gone on his way, and afterwards with his companion might
+have been observed, concealed in the woods at Fulbrook. Together they
+lay in the thick covert and watched a sequestered stag, a bolt from
+Shakespear's cross-bow had wounded, and which he was again endeavouring
+to gain a shot at. 'Twas his first poaching offence; and whilst he lay
+thus crouching in the thick brake, and again sought to get near the
+stag, his comrade, Dick Snare, kept watch somewhat aloof, lest the
+keepers came upon them unawares.
+
+Meantime slowly and sadly the maiden of high degree turned her horse's
+head from the scenes of her childhood. She felt desolate amidst her
+plenteous fields and domains, whilst the humble friend of her childhood,
+the village companion, the poor cottager, seamed happy in all the world
+could bestow worth coveting; and as Clara turned from the cottage, the
+handsome Anne, unconscious of her near proximity, was intently perusing
+some verses which Shakespeare had thrown in at her window as he
+departed,--verses addressed to herself.
+
+                    I.
+
+    "Would ye be taught, ye feather'd throng,
+    With love's sweet notes to grace your song,
+    To pierce the heart with thrilling lay,
+    Listen to mine, Anne Hathaway.
+    She hath a way to sing so clear,
+    Phoebus might, wondering, stop to hear;
+    To melt the sad, make blithe the gay,
+    And nature charm, Anne hath a way.
+          She hath a way,
+          Anne Hathaway,
+    To breathe delight, Anne Hathaway.
+
+                   II.
+
+    "When Envy's breath and ranc'rous tooth
+    Do soil and bite fair worth and truth,
+    And merit to distress betray,
+    To soothe the heart, Anne hath a way;
+    She hath a way to chase despair,
+    To heal all grief, to cure all care,
+    Turn foulest night to fairest day,
+    Thou know'st, fond heart, Anne hath a way.
+          She hath a way,
+          Anne Hathaway,
+    To make grief bliss, Anne hath a way."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE ADVENTURERS.
+
+
+About three weeks after the departure of Clara de Mowbray, a
+stout-timbered vessel, built after the peculiar fashion of the time, and
+yet in something improved in its construction from the unwieldy craft in
+general use, might have been observed beating up against wind and tide
+on the Kentish coast. The weather, for the time of the year, was
+unusually rough, and to a heavy rolling sea was added a driving rain,
+and a roaring gale of wind. There is considerable danger, too, as the
+mariner well knows, around him on this part of the coast. His craft has
+been driven out of its course, and the fearful Goodwins are close at
+hand; still labours on, however, that gallant barque, manned by stout
+English adventurers. She is trying, amidst the driving rain and furious
+winds, to make out the mouth of the Sandwich haven; and, whilst her
+timbers creak, and the blast whistles amongst her rigging, a delicious
+strain of melody seems to float around her. The notes of a lute are
+heard by the sailors accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness; and,
+as it issues from the cabin of the vessel, it sounds as if some angel is
+trying to soothe the fury of the winds and waves.
+
+Dangerous as is this part of the coast, even in the present time, when
+its perils are so well marked out to the navigator, at the period of our
+story, it was, by comparison, almost an unknown sea. No secure harbour
+was then constructed close opposite the Goodwins. No buoys and revolving
+lights pointed out the dangerous proximity of rocks and shoals; those
+dread quicksands, whose depths retain the wrecked treasures of
+successive ages; sands which
+
+    "Will not bear our enemy's boats,
+    But suck them up to the top-mast."
+
+Bravely, however, keeps on that labouring barque. One moment she seems
+engulphed in the boiling waters, and the mist rolls over the spot where
+her hull was last tossing. The next she is trembling upon the crested
+wave, and again about to be hurled from its summit into the waters
+beneath.
+
+One eye there is, on board, which seems especially to watch over
+her,--an eye which calmly scans every part around, watches every cord of
+her rigging, and rectifies every mishap consequent upon the violence of
+the gale.
+
+Meanwhile, on the waist, the deck, the poop, are to be seen, besides the
+sailors who work the vessel, lying, sitting, and holding on by the
+ropes, the forms of fierce and bearded men, clad in the buff leathern
+dress which formed the usual costume of warriors of the period, their
+half-armour being doffed during their voyage along the coast.
+
+Suddenly the eye of the chief, as the driving rain for the moment seems
+to subside, catches sight of a range of white foam. Another and another
+follow after, till they seem to overtake each other, and mingle in a
+perfect cauldron of boiling sea.
+
+Then his voice sounds amidst the roar of winds and waters--the sails
+flap--the cordage strains--and every eye looks anxious, and every heart
+beats quicker; for that moment is to decide whether the living, and
+warlike freightage, are to ride safely past the gulf, or to be sucked
+down amidst the depths of the awful Goodwins.
+
+As the chief mariner leaps upon the bulwark of the vessel, and, grasping
+the rigging, looks out upon the boiling sea, a slight and graceful youth
+has emerged from the cabin, and placed himself beside him.
+
+"We are in peril," said he, in a low voice; "these are the fatal sands
+you thought you had safely passed an hour ago."
+
+But the mariner for the moment heeds not the question of his superior.
+His whole attention is given to his craft, and the horrible depths she
+is every minute apparently about to be engulphed in.
+
+It was an awful moment for one so young and delicate-looking as that
+boy. Yet his cheek blanches not at the prospect of a death so fearful.
+He clings to the slippery ropes, and awaits the event with a courage
+worthy of one of firmer frame and maturer years; whilst the vessel,
+dashing amidst the waves, still holds stoutly on.
+
+As she did so the mariner leapt down, and, as his feet again touched the
+deck of his craft, he drew a long breath.
+
+"'Twas a fearful moment," he said, "I ne'er before looked down whilst so
+close upon the eternal bed of many a tall and stately vessel. 'Twas a
+moment that told of life or death."
+
+"'Tis passed, then," said the youth; "see, we are driving away from
+yonder white gallopers, who seem to course each other in an endless
+chase."
+
+"'Tis passed, _for this time_," said the mariner; "but we are on a
+fearful coast on such an evening as this. Methought I know each foot of
+these waters; but in such a driving gale 'tis scarce possible to know
+our course."
+
+"And what then will you do?" inquired the youth.
+
+"Still make for the mouth of the haven I told you of," said the captain;
+"and which leads us to safety, if we can hit it."
+
+"No easy matter, methinks," said the youth, "in such a gale, eh?"
+
+"Nevertheless, I do not despair," returned the mariner. "My youth has
+been passed upon these very seas. But this is no weather for your
+Excellency," he continued respectfully, taking the youth's hand, and
+leading him towards the cabin of the half-decked vessel.
+
+"You forget I am the commander in this expedition," said the youth,
+smiling.
+
+"Only of the land-forces," said the mariner, returning the smile; "the
+vessel, by our compact, I am to be captain of."
+
+Half-an-hour after this conversation and the gallant barque was quietly
+and slowly winding its course along the muddy stream which flows up to
+the Dutch-built Cinque Port situated at this part of the coast.
+
+The Cinque Ports in Elizabeth's day, albeit their grandeur had in a
+great measure departed from them, were still of great importance to the
+nation. There was a pride and pomposity of manner still to be found
+amongst the barons, and burgesses, and townsfolk, which had descended to
+them from, their warlike ancestry, during the days when kings honoured
+them with their especial favour, and granted them privileges and
+immunities unknown to other towns. With all the pride of their mail-clad
+ancestry, therefore, and whose constant sufferance had been sack and
+siege, fire and slaughter, the more peaceful Cinque Porter of
+Elizabeth's day considered himself still a sort of a _magnifico_. 'Tis
+true that in place of the chain-mail and two-handed weapons of the
+iron-men of the Norman period, whose only trade was war, the present
+race were clad in the high-crown hat, the short cloak, and the full
+trunks of the well-dealing merchant. Yet still, albeit the portly,
+lank-haired, Flemish-looking burgher stood upon his gentility as he
+walked the key of this muddy haven, yet still, we say, steel corslet and
+military pride was not altogether laid aside, and the _trade of
+merchandize_ had not entirely superseded efficiency in the _trade of
+war_.
+
+On the morning following the night on which the strange barque entered
+the haven of Sandwich, two portly townsmen greeted each other in the
+Fish Market.
+
+"What vessel was that same which crept up last night and lies moored
+before the Fisher's Gate?" inquired neighbour De Bock of Master Cramp.
+
+"I can't observe," said Cramp. "She looks queer, methinks. There's an
+armed sentinel upon her deck, to keep any one from leaving her without
+license, and another man-at-arms upon the shore with loaded caliver, who
+walks up and down forsooth, as who should say, keep off Sir Curious, and
+pry not too closely into our affairs."
+
+"Is she from Holland, think ye?" inquired De Bock.
+
+"I should say nay to that," said Cramp.
+
+"Is she from London, laden with serge, baize, and flannel, think ye?"
+
+"I rather opine not."
+
+"What is her rig, neighbour?"
+
+"Nondescript, I think."
+
+"What is her build?"
+
+"Indescribable, I should say."
+
+"Hath she any freight at all on board?"
+
+"As far as I can judge, she hath a freight."
+
+"And what is it?"
+
+"Principally arms of various sorts--rapier and dagger pike and arqebus."
+
+"Ha, sayst thou? Then must she be seized, and her destination inquired
+into."
+
+"That might cause some sort of controversy--some arbitration--since each
+weapon I have named hath a man tacked to it, and a hand to exercise it."
+
+"What, is she then filled with armed men, neighbour?"
+
+"She is. So much have I learned by looking down at her just now from the
+tower of St. Clement's Church."
+
+"'Fore Gad, she may be a Spaniard then."
+
+"I think nay to that, too."
+
+"Or a pirate?"
+
+"_There_ thou _hast it_; methinks she _is_ a pirate. Nay, certes she is
+a pirate who has been forced to take shelter in our haven by yesterday's
+gale."
+
+"My life upon't thou art right. Let's e'en go look upon her, and then to
+the mayor with our report." And the worthy burgesses immediately
+threaded the narrow streets, and approached the Fisher's Gate, which
+looks upon the flats on the Thanet side of the town.
+
+Just within the Fisher's Gate, and in the narrow lane which leads down
+to it from the town, there is still to be seen an ancient hostel called
+the Checquers. Its low arched doors, its narrow passages, its
+comfortable sanded parlour, its ample kitchen, diamond paned windows,
+and small comfortable rooms, low in roof, and ponderous in beam, bespeak
+its early date. It had been the hostel of the Fisher's Gate full half a
+century before the period of our story.
+
+If curiosity was a ruling passion with the two burgesses, love of good
+liquor was equally strong, and accordingly as they necessarily passed
+this old hostel, they turned in for their morning's draught.
+
+As they did so, they found it was occupied by two persons belonging to
+the very vessel which had so much excited their curiosity. One was a
+slight and effeminate looking youth, of most graceful form, and features
+of exceeding beauty. His long curled ringlets hung over either shoulder,
+which, as it was not the fashion of the day, rendered his appearance
+even more remarkable. His dress, although it bespoke the sea-faring man,
+was evidently fashioned after his own whim. Perhaps it was more in the
+style of the Venetian sailor than the English sea-faring man. Such as it
+was, however, it added much to the graceful beauty of him who wore it;
+and as it was accompanied by a certain rakish swagger, an assumed easy
+manner, the appearance of the juvenile stranger altogether considerably
+astonished the two grave, staid, and simple-minded Cinque Port
+functionaries, who entered the hostel.
+
+The companion of the youth was a man in no way remarkable, except for
+his high forehead, intelligent countenance, and well-knit and somewhat
+athletic form. His costume was that of a sort of amphibious adventurer
+of the period, half sailor, half soldier--a man equally serviceable
+either on the deck of his vessel, or in the tented field, and alike
+trained to the arts and manoeuvres of war on the rampart or in the
+trench, on horseback or on foot. His twisted-hilted and long rapier was
+carried in a broad buff belt; his gauntlets reached to his elbow; his
+thick leathern doublet carried the marks of the breast-plate he wore on
+service, and the wide-topped boots reached his full trunks, like those
+of a fisherman of the present time.
+
+The youth before-named occupied an arm chair, situated near a table on
+which the appliances for a substantial breakfast were placed, and which
+he occupied in a sort of lounging, jaunty style, ever and anon picking a
+small portion from the plate before him, and conveying it to his lips
+with the point of his richly-guarded dagger, the whilst his stalwart
+comrade applied himself to the viands like one who especially relished a
+good meal.
+
+"Your Excellency," said this latter sailor, without seeming to notice
+the entrance of the native burghers of the town, "scarce seems to have
+found the benefit of these Kentish breezes. Your appetite is somewhat
+dainty this morning, methinks; and yet this bread is white as the
+snowflake, and sweet and wholesome withal. Let me give you the veriest
+taste of this Canary wine, 'twill coax you into trying yonder pastie."
+
+"I thank thee, good Captain Fluellyn,"[11] returned the youth, "I cannot
+bear Canary so early. Indeed, my breakfast is already made; I eat but
+slightly in the morning. At dinner I will drink with ye turn and turn
+about, an you list, till your brain reels like a top."
+
+[Footnote 11: A name at that time to be found at Stratford.]
+
+"Ah, so thou ever sayest," returned the Captain, "but when dinner comes
+your Excellency still evades the wine-cup."
+
+The title given to the youthful navigator, his distinguished appearance,
+and the luxuries by which he was surrounded, rather astonished the
+natives as they observed the pair.
+
+It was plain that the silver goblets from which they drank, and the
+elaborately ornamented plates and dishes upon which the viands were
+served, together with the handsome case of liquors, all of which
+belonged to a sort of canteen which stood open near the table, must have
+been brought for the use of this noble from the ship then lying but a
+few yards off.
+
+The curiosity, therefore, of the two townsmen was considerably excited
+to know who and what he was, and as both himself and the stalwart
+captain continued their conversation and meal without taking the
+slightest notice of their presence, their self-importance was a trifle
+injured, and Master De Bock addressed himself to the handsome sailor.
+
+"If I may crave permission of interrupting your exertions for a moment,"
+he said, stepping up to the table, "I would fain know if our presence
+here is intrusive, and, if so, I would crave permission to retire with
+my worthy townsman here."
+
+At this sage address from the lank-haired round-faced burgher, the tall
+captain laid down the small dagger with which he was helping himself to
+a portion of the savory pastie before him, and, twisting the end of his
+moustache, stared at him for a few moments, and then throwing himself
+back in his chair, looked inquiringly into the face of his companion.
+
+The youth was evidently inclined to laugh; there was, indeed, a sort of
+twinkle in his eye as he returned the stare of the sea-captain.
+
+"Is it your Countship's pleasure to be private?" at length, said the
+latter, as the burgher stood gazing with his fishy eye upon the youth.
+
+"We do in some sort court seclusion," said the Count, "and to that end,
+have engaged and hired this hostel, for the especial use of ourselves
+and followers during the stay of our vessel in yonder haven."
+
+"Shall I signify the same unto these worthy traders?" said the Captain.
+
+"His lordship hath himself spoken it," said the burgess, "we take our
+leave. May we, however, crave to know the honoured title of the
+distinguished personage visiting our town, and the name of the vessel in
+which he has arrived? It is necessary we should convey to his honour the
+mayor intelligence of such visitation, in order that he may wait upon
+his lordship in proper form."
+
+The youth again smiled. "I am myself called," he said, "'the Count of
+the Saxon shore.' The vessel in which I am passenger is named the
+'Phantom,' commanded by this worthy gentleman, my esteemed friend
+Captain Fluellyn, a gallant seaman, who hath sailed with Drake, and
+fought the Spaniard by sea and land."
+
+Upon this introduction, the Captain thought it necessary to rise from
+his chair, and bow to the two townsmen in due form, which they as
+formally returned. After which, at a sign from the Count, he offered
+them a glass of Canary from the high-necked bottle upon the table.
+
+"The Count of the Saxon shore," said De Bock, smacking his lips with
+ineffable relish as he sat down the glass. "That is, indeed, an ancient
+title, and one I knew not was still in existence. Doth your lordship
+claim to be lineally descended from tho Roman whose authority extended
+in former days along this coast, and whose castle walls are still to be
+seen at hand here, and called Rugulbium or Reculver?"
+
+"By the father's aide, most assuredly," said the Count. "Maternally, I
+am of Kentish extraction, since, on the female side I claim descent from
+the god Woden, whose effigy was as you know, or ought to know, enthroned
+upon the hill a mile westward of your town, and called to this day
+Wodnesborough."
+
+"A most respectable lineage," said tho burgess, quite awe-struck at so
+glorious a descent. "His worship the mayor, attended by the hogmace, the
+supervisor of the gutters, the several beadles in commission within our
+walls, will have the honour of waiting upon your lordship forthwith."
+
+"The honour will be to us," said the Count, rising and bowing as the
+burgesses were about to leave the apartment. "For the next four hours we
+shall be engaged here in consulting with our gallant friend, and certain
+messengers we expect to arrive; after that, if it so please your mayor,
+we will receive him."
+
+"And now, Captain," said the Count, reseating himself, "since we have
+got rid of those cane-bearded worthies, and you have finished your
+meal, we will, if it so please ye, discuss certain matters appertaining
+to this venture of ours."
+
+"I am all readiness to give attention, Sir Count," said the Captain,
+also sitting himself comfortably in his chair, and drawing the case of
+liquors close beside him.
+
+"In the first place, then, I trust you clearly comprehend my intentions
+in this voyage?"
+
+"I think as much," said the Captain, filling his glass; "nevertheless,
+perhaps you will oblige me by repeating your wishes?"
+
+"My voyage, then, I would have you to understand, is more a voyage of
+discovery than of profit. I neither wish to work mines, nor burn and
+sack towns. I would avoid all chance, if possible, of coming into
+collision with the Spaniard; and, unless I see occasion for other
+course, I would rather fly from, than seek an enemy."
+
+"But," said the Captain, "you scarce gave out so much before. This
+somewhat exceeds what I expected. The Falcon is constructed after some
+improved notions of my own, and will assuredly outstrip any vessel upon
+the seas; but I like not to be always upon the wing. You forget I am one
+of Drake's first comrades, and have learned to love powder as devotedly
+as I hate the Spaniard. Body o' me, I shall lose what reputation I have
+gained! We shall be taken for little else besides knaves and cowards."
+
+"You will find me ready enough to fight where fighting is my cue,"
+interrupted the Count; "and if our voyage is successful, I will be
+myself an East and West Indies to you, inasmuch as you shall never again
+be obliged to seek fortune in the wide seas. And now we understand one
+another perfectly?"
+
+"Your last argument is all-powerful," said the Captain. "I admire your
+love of adventure, coupled as it is with so much humanity, and am yours
+for the voyage, making peace or war as you affect either the one or the
+other. Nevertheless, I may as well remind your lordship, ere you embark
+on the enterprise, that we sailors of Drake and Frobisher, since the
+time we have interfered with the Spaniard, have a proverb, that there
+'is no peace beyond the line.'"
+
+"I have heard so much," said the Count, "and now methinks, whilst we
+wait here for the person appointed to join us, a short history of your
+adventures in these seas would serve to while away the hours."
+
+"The history of my life might prove both distasteful and tedious to
+you," said the Captain; "but a brief account of it is at your service.
+Where shall I begin?"
+
+Just as the sea captain was about to commence his narrative, and whilst
+he refilled his pipe with the weed he professed such veneration for, the
+sharp-ringing sound of horse's hoofs were heard beneath the arch of the
+gate-house, which indeed was so close to the old hostel that it almost
+formed a part of the building.
+
+At this period there was no drawbridge across the stream which separated
+the town from the Island of Thanet, and communication was kept up by a
+ferry-boat, which plied exactly opposite the Fisher's Gate.
+
+As the horseman was ferried across, he hailed the craft which had caused
+so much curiosity to the Sandwegians.
+
+"Hillo, ho, ho! Falcon there! Is the Count on board?"
+
+"Gone on shore," was the brief answer returned.
+
+"Captain on board?" inquired the horseman.
+
+"Ashore with the Count."
+
+"Where do they lodge?"
+
+"At the hostel within yonder gateway."
+
+Accordingly, the horseman, after landing, rode straight up to the
+Checquers, and unceremoniously entered the apartment in which the Count
+and Captain were seated.
+
+"Welcome, good Martin," said the Count, rising, "you see we keep time
+and tryst here."
+
+"I am here at my time," said the traveller.
+
+"I am right glad you have so soon joined us," said the Count; "for,
+sooth to say, both the Captain and myself are most anxious to be on the
+broad waves of the Atlantic."
+
+"Our necessaries are by this time on board," said the Captain; "and as
+this honourable person makes up the file of gentlemen engaged for the
+expedition, what stays us, but we warp out to sea at once? In an hour I
+will undertake to be under weigh."
+
+"Be it so," said the Count. "In an hour myself and friend will be on
+board."
+
+And the Captain rose, and, after another cup of Canary, proceeded to his
+ship.
+
+"Have you succeeded in learning any fresh tidings?" said the Count to
+our old friend Martin.
+
+"I have journeyed far, and in something profited by my travel," said
+Martin. "I have visited the Netherlands, and also been in Warwickshire,
+since I met you in London, and now I keep tryste, and am here as
+appointed."
+
+"You are ever worthy and zealous in the cause of your friends," returned
+the Count; "what are your tidings?"
+
+"Briefly, then," said Martin, "I have reason to believe the good Walter
+lives; but, if such be the case, he is prisoner to the Spaniard--the
+worst sort of captivity--since he is in the hands of those who know no
+touch of pity, and are incensed against the English. This letter will
+better inform you of his situation."
+
+The Count took the letter and perused it. "We will speed to his
+assistance," he said, as he refolded it. "And, now, how goes all in
+Warwickshire. Hath Sir Hugh Clopton returned?"
+
+"Of Warwickshire I have not much news to give," said Martin. "Sir Hugh
+is still in the Low Countries. At Shottery all is as usual. Your steward
+commends him to you. Yet, stay, there is some further news of your own
+neighbourhood. Your old playmate, Anne Hathaway, is married to young
+Shakespeare."
+
+"That I concluded must have taken place," said the Count, "since, when I
+left Shottery, they were to be united in a few days. I trust she will be
+happy. The bridegroom is, however, somewhat young to make a steady
+husband. I think I have heard you say you knew something of the lad:
+report speaks of him as a wild youth."
+
+"Report is in something correct, I believe," said Martin. "To say I knew
+him well would be to say more than I should be warranted in affirming.
+What I did know of that young man served me for matter of reflection.
+For his wildness I cannot offer excuse, except that he hath a mounting
+spirit; nay, I will venture to affirm, that had your expedition been
+delayed a week, he would have joined in it."
+
+"'Tis better as it is," said the Count, "I would not that my good friend
+Anne should so soon lose her husband."
+
+"There is, however," continued Martin, "startling news from London, and
+which I rather think I am the first to announce in this town, as I
+over-rode a foundered post between this place and Canterbury. The Queen
+of Scots, 'tis said, is again involved in a dangerous conspiracy to
+destroy our brave mistress, Queen Elizabeth."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+THE BENEDICT.
+
+
+The course of events connected with our story has necessarily obliged us
+to deviate from the locality in which we have heretofore progressed. We
+must, however, now again, after such brief excursion, return to the spot
+from whence we started, and as the sun shines brightly upon park and
+field, and wooded glade, once more look upon fair and fertile
+Warwickshire.
+
+Sweet Stratford-upon-Avon! those who know thee, and know thee well--who
+have lingered in thy old-world streets, and wandered in thy
+neighbourhood, breathing the scented air which smells so wooingly
+amongst the shadowy groves and unfrequented glades around, will
+acknowledge that there is no place in England, for situation and beauty,
+thy superior.
+
+There is a freshness in thy neighbourhood, a quiet beauty in thy
+streets, a cozy comfort in many of thy dwellings, and a venerable and
+impressive grandeur in thy religious edifices, belonging alone to an
+English town of good and ancient descent. Was a stranger to be dropped
+suddenly in the centre of this town, whilst he looked around, and noted
+the sweet aspect of the locality he had so suddenly arrived in,
+methinks he would say to himself that he had reached a spot noted and
+celebrated in the world's esteem beyond most others in the kingdom. Yes,
+in this rural picture we think the stranger might find all these
+peculiar features characteristic of the old haunts in which Englishmen
+of a former age dwelt so happily. Those verdant villages, which made the
+English, however much they loved military adventure the whilst they
+formed the hosts of kings in the vasty fields of France, look back from
+the splendour of the tented field upon their own pleasant woodlands and
+quiet homes with fond yearning.
+
+Tuck of drum might sound, the horn's sweet note be carried by the
+evening breeze, as it floated over some stricken field during those
+splendid wars of the Edwards and Henries. The gonfalon might flutter,
+and the knight, with all his train, ride stately amidst the white range
+of tents; the archer might lean upon his bow and gaze upon the splendour
+of the host. But the noble, and the knight, and the peasant-born soldier
+of England, alike sighed in his heart of hearts for the hour that was to
+see his foreign marches over, and himself amidst the scenes of his
+island home.
+
+    "That England hedged in with the main,
+    That precious gem set in the silver sea."
+
+If then our readers love fair Warwickshire, and admire the grandeur and
+beauty of its scenery as we do, they will scarce be angry with us for
+again leading them back toward Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+And Shakespeare is married. One great event of his life is passed. He
+dwells with his wife in his native town; beyond the precincts of which
+he is comparatively unknown, or, being known, but little regarded.
+
+He is scarcely more than eighteen years of age, and his wife is
+four-and-twenty. Their means are small, and their comforts few. The
+prospect before them is not of the brightest, but they are young, and in
+youth all seems beautiful because all is new. A female, however, of
+twenty-four, wedded to a youth of eighteen--_a mere boy_, as she terms
+him--will be likely to have her own way in everything; at least she will
+try to have it, and that is almost as bad. We fear, too, the blooming
+Anne is a "little shrew." She hath a high spirit withal, and we opine
+that her tastes and dispositions are not in exact accordance with those
+of her youthful husband. He is all imagination--all fire, energy, and
+spirit; whilst she is more matter of fact. The gods have certainly not
+made her poetical, and she thanks the gods therefore. And then her age.
+Beautiful as she is in face and form, she is not matched in respect of
+years, and she knows it.
+
+    "Too old, by heaven; let still the woman take
+    An elder than herself--so wears she to him,
+    So sways she level in her husband's heart."[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: "Twelfth Night."]
+
+William Shakespeare had married in opposition to the advice of his
+parents. The handsome Anne had done the same in regard to her's. Such
+cases are by no means rare in their walk of life. The present is all
+that is considered, the future unthought of. Old folks do sometimes,
+however, know more than young ones give them credit for; and in this
+instance they prognosticated the match would not be a happy one.
+
+That the youthful poet felt some sort of disappointment when he found
+how widely his disposition and tastes differed from the companion he had
+chosen, there can be little doubt.
+
+His extraordinary flights of genius, his wondrous conceptions, she had
+no part in. She, indeed, could scarce understand them; and that which
+she could not comprehend she looked upon as the rhapsodizing of a boy.
+Even those beautiful descriptions, and the music of his honeyed vows,
+for Shakespeare, although married, was still a lover, were now listened
+to without the smile of appreciation. "Alas!" he said to himself, "maids
+are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives."
+In short, the youthful poet found that he had matched unhappily. There
+was little sympathy in feeling, although there might have been in
+choice; and so their loves passed
+
+    "Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,
+    Brief as the lightning in the collied night."
+
+They dwelt in Henley Street, in the house next to that in which the
+youth's parents inhabited; and he occasionally assisted his father in
+his business as a dealer in wool.
+
+In Stratford, at this time, there was a knot of young fellows celebrated
+for little else beside their idleness, their wit, and their reckless
+daring. One or two of these were apprenticed to different trades in the
+town. One had made the voyage, and returned a reckless desperado,
+although a jovial and most amusing companion; another had served for a
+brief space in the Low Countries, "the land of pike and caliver," where
+finding hard knocks more plentiful than either pay or promotion, and his
+courage none of the greatest, he had deserted his colours, and returned
+home with a marvellous capacity for imbibing strong liquors, and
+relating wondrous stories of his own exploits whilst a soldier:--
+
+    "Of healths _five_ fathom deep,
+    Of palisadoes, frontiers, parapets,
+    And all the current of the heady fight."
+
+With these youths young Shakespeare had before been in the habit of
+associating. Their eccentricity amused him; there was a kind of
+character in their lives which he loved to contemplate. Before his
+marriage he had loved however to indulge his thoughts a good deal alone,
+to wander and meditate amidst the delicious scenery in the
+neighbourhood. Now it was somewhat different, he had home and its duties
+to attend to, besides matters connected with his father's business, to
+keep him from so continually excursionizing as heretofore.
+
+His meetings with these choice and master spirits, these jolly
+companions who "daffed the world aside, and bid it pass," were,
+therefore, for the most part, in after hours, and when the business of
+the day was over.
+
+Besides these lads of mettle, there was another person whose company
+young Shakespeare had of late much affected, and in whose society he
+found a perfect fund of entertainment, a feeling which was quite mutual,
+as this friend was of a capacity as fully to appreciate the
+extraordinary talents and delightful society of the juvenile poet, as
+the latter was to enjoy the wit and humour of his entertainer.
+
+This person, who was a resident at Stratford, although not a native
+there, was a most singular compound. He was possessed of some property
+in the town; but his expenditure was generally greater than his means
+warranted, and he was consequently obliged often to eke out his funds by
+laying his companions under contribution. He was ever in difficulties,
+and yet ever jovial, hospitable, and with his friends around him. His
+eccentricity, his wit, and his follies were a continual feast to young
+Shakespeare; his absurdities, and the scrapes he got into, a continual
+tax upon his intimates to get him respectably clear of. By the sober and
+puritanical of the townsfolk he was detested, for he made them the
+subject of his biting jests. By the respectable citizen he was feared as
+an intimate, for his tongue was a continual libel upon all his
+acquaintance. By the more light-hearted and careless, who laughed _with_
+him and _at_ him, he was tolerated, and even sought after, for his
+amusing qualities.
+
+In his person, the man was its singular as in his disposition--fat, and
+unwieldy in figure; he was upwards of six feet in height, with a round
+ruddy face, in which the laughing features were lost amidst the
+puffed-out cheeks and double chin--a sort of figure and face, which
+looked as if the owner had been fat and full of jollity at the time of
+his birth, and gone on increasing up to his present age.
+
+What was the history of his former life none could tell, for he had come
+a stranger to the town. Some said, however, that in his youth he had
+been engaged in the wars of the Netherlands, and cashiered for
+cowardice; others affirmed that he was the discarded steward of some
+noble, dismissed for arrant knavery and dishonest practices; whilst by
+others, again, he was said to have been the host of a low tavern,
+situated in the purlieus of Whitefriars of London, and, that having
+amassed a small competency, he had since pretty well dissipated it, and
+was now living at Stratford to be out of the way.
+
+Be that, however, as it may, at the period of our story he resided at a
+sort of tavern or hostel, situated in the suburbs of the town, and which
+hostel himself and yoke fellows principally occupied, leading a roaring,
+rollicking life, to the great scandal of the more steady portions of the
+community.
+
+In this society young Shakespeare heard many things which considerably
+augmented his store of knowledge. The soldier described "the toil o' the
+war," and the abuses of the service he had been in, where "preferment
+went by letter and affection." The adventurer told of seas, "whose
+yeasty waves confound and swallow navigation up;" of islands full of
+noises, and peopled by strange monsters; and the fat host spoke of the
+"cities usuries," "the art o' the Court," and the adventures and
+intrigues himself had been the hero of in various localities from his
+youth upwards.
+
+In proportion to the pleasure young Shakespeare took in this society,
+was the dislike entertained for it by his wife; for the character of the
+presiding genius of the tavern she was well aware of, together with his
+loudness for, and capacity of, imbibing strong liquors, and carrying
+them steadily. His professed libertinism, and light opinion of the whole
+sex,--his impudent boast of favours received from several of the good
+dames of the town, and the various cudgellings he had received from
+their husbands--each and all of those matters had been industriously
+poured into her ear by her female gossipers, with the additional
+information, that the unwieldy gentleman, notwithstanding his unfitness
+for such exploits, was much given to walking, or rather riding, by
+moonlight; and, with his more active friends, making free with a stray
+haunch occasionally, at the expense of the neighbouring gentry. Nay, it
+was even affirmed, that some of the midnight excursions of himself and
+followers had not been entirely for the purpose of coney-catching and
+deer-stealing, but that more than once they had stopped certain
+travellers between Coventry and Warwick, and eased them of their cash.
+
+As he was, however, well known to be one of the most arrant cowards that
+ever buckled on a rapier, this latter story was for the most part
+disbelieved, as far as he was concerned.
+
+Be that as it may, the companionship of the eccentric John Froth, and
+his yoke-fellows was not likely to lead a youth of the free,
+unsuspicious, and generous disposition of young Shakespeare into any
+good employment, and that his wife well knew and as roundly told him of.
+Had her advice been well-timed, and gently given, perhaps it might have
+produced its effect; but unhappily, the fair Anne possessed a shrewd
+temper and little tact.
+
+    "In bed he slept not for her urging it,
+    At board he fed not, for her urging it,
+    Alone, it was the subject of her theme;
+    In company she often glanced at it."
+
+And therefore came it that the man was wretched. In short, his sleep was
+hindered by her railings; his head made light, and his meat sauced with
+her upbraidings; so that he was driven, for relief, to associate the
+more with the very companions his wife was so jealous of.
+
+    "Sweet recreation barred, what doth ensue,
+    But moody and dull melancholy--
+    Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair;
+    The venom clamours of a jealous woman,
+    Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."
+
+Perhaps one great charm young Shakespeare felt in the society of his fat
+friend, was the faculty he seemed to possess of enjoying every moment of
+his life to the utmost. He turned everything to mirth. Nothing could for
+a moment damp his spirits, unless his fears for his own personal safety
+were aroused; and, even then, he was the more amusing, from the very
+absurdity of his apprehensions, labouring, as he did, to persuade those
+who so well knew his infirmity, of the heroic nature of his
+disposition.
+
+It was, indeed, in consequence of the amusement to be derived from this
+latter failing, that he had been once or twice invited by his companions
+to join in several of their poaching expeditions. The state of alarm he
+had been in, and the difficulties his associates had led him into,
+having furnished, even himself, with an endless theme of amusement after
+the exploit was over.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE HOSTEL.
+
+
+At the present time, when every street and thoroughfare of a country
+town has its public-house filled with the noisy refuse of an
+overwhelming population, and absolutely roaring with ribaldry, many of
+our readers have but a faint idea of the quiet comfort and cozy
+appearance of a hostel in the olden time. Its ample kitchen hung around
+with articles and implements of the good wife's occupation, the chance
+guests, for the most part, assembled in such apartment, and the quiet
+retirement of its other rooms, engaged, as they not unfrequently were,
+by some well-to-do retired person, half sportsman, half soldier, who
+paid his shot weekly, and was dependent upon chance customers, and mine
+host, for companionship.
+
+Such guest not unfrequently dubbed himself gentleman, upon the strength
+of possessing a half-starved steed and a couple of greyhounds. Sportsman
+he was, of course, for every man professed knowledge of, and had a taste
+for, field sports, when England was less cultivated, and her woods and
+wastes teemed with game.
+
+The tavern we have named as the residence of Master Froth, was called
+the Lucy Arms, because upon its sign were displayed the three white pike
+fish, or lucies, which had been the cognomen of the knights of
+Charlecote from the time of the Crusades downwards.
+
+Inn signs were, indeed, in former days for the most part of an heraldic
+character. Many of the town residences of the nobility and the great
+ecclesiastics were sometimes called inns, and in the front of them the
+family arms displayed. Such inns afterwards became appropriated to the
+purpose of the hostel, and the armorial decorations retained, under the
+denomination of signs, directed the guest to them as places of
+accommodation and refreshment. This we retain even in the present
+degenerate age, the signs of the white, red, black, and golden lions of
+the Crusades; and the blue boars, golden crosses, swans, dragons, and
+dolphins, which ornamented the knightly helmet or shield, now do duty at
+the entrance of the beer-shop.
+
+    "Thus chances mock and changes fill the cup of alteration."
+
+It was one evening in the merry month of May, about a year after the
+marriage of young Shakespeare, that Jack Froth, and several of his
+associates, were assembled at the Lucy Arms.
+
+The apartment in which they were congregated was one which Froth had
+appropriated to his own especial use,--a good-sized room, whose windows
+looked into the orchard in rear of the hostel, one of those sweet and
+verdant orchards peculiar to the time, and which are now, for the most
+part, destroyed; but which, in Elizabeth's day, were attached to every
+goodly dwelling, or hostel, in a country town.
+
+A half-open door, on one side of the apartment, gave a peep into a
+smaller room, in which, as the sun streamed from the lattice-window, its
+rays fell upon, and lighted up, the deep red curtains and square-topped
+hangings of an antique bed; and at the same time gilded the high-backed
+chairs with which the room was furnished.
+
+On the ample hearth of the first-named apartment two enormous
+deer-hounds were to be seen, sprawling at full length, their occasional
+disturbed sleep, and short sharp bark, shewing that their dreams were of
+the woodland and the chase.
+
+The occupants of the room were five in number. They were seated round a
+massive oaken table, which placed near the window, gave them a delicious
+view of the green and bowery orchard.
+
+The fat and jovial Froth, "the lord o' the feast," as he leaned back in
+his strong oaken chair, whilst he occasionally looked out upon the
+orchard, listened to the recital of some verses his opposite neighbour
+was reading aloud. Seated directly opposite the window was a tall thin
+man, of about five-and-twenty years of age, clad in the faded suit of an
+officer of pikemen, an enormous rapier tacked to his waist, with dagger
+to match. His chair being drawn so close to the table that he sat
+bolt-upright, and, as he dallied with the glass he ever and anon carried
+to his lips, he also listened with attention to the words of the poem.
+
+Opposite to him sat another man, about thirty years of age, clad in a
+tawdry suit, which in our own days would have been shrewdly suspected of
+having done duty on the boards of a theatre. Beside him, with apron
+doffed, and his cap thrown aside, sat mine host of the tavern--a portly
+and jolly-looking companion.
+
+Such was the party assembled, and, as the reader finished the fragment
+of verse, his hearers seemed so much interested in its recital that for
+some moments there was a pause of expectation. It was like the expiring
+sound of sweet music, which has a soothing effect upon the listener,
+making him long for a renewal of the melody.
+
+"There is more?" said Froth, inquiringly, as he turned his eye upon the
+reader.
+
+"No more have I written," said young Shakespeare, who was indeed the
+reader of the poetry; "nor deemed I this deformed offspring of my brain
+worthy of notice."
+
+"Then I pr'ythee, good William," said Froth, "repair thy voice by
+another draught of Canary, and give the two first verses over again."
+
+"Has my verse, then, so much pleased you?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"It hath more than pleased, it has delighted me," said Froth; "so to't
+again, lad."
+
+"Two verses you shall have," said Shakespeare, smiling, "but no more."
+And he again read from his manuscript the following lines of a poem he
+had that morning commenced writing,--
+
+    "Even as the sun with purple-coloured face--"
+
+"'Fore gad, bully host," interrupted Froth, "but thy countenance at this
+moment, round, fiery, and covered with huge angry welks and knobs, must
+have suggested that line. Was't not so, sweet William; didst thou not
+call the sun's face purple-coloured from the reflection of our host's
+mulberry visage?"
+
+"Go to, go to," said the host; "'fore gad, if my face took but a tithe
+of the good vivers to keep it in colour that thine doth, I were
+altogether a ruined landlord."
+
+"I cry you mercy, good William," said Froth; "proceed with thy stanzas.
+Mine host here is one of those prating knaves who would rather talk than
+listen, let who will be the orator."
+
+And the poet again read from his manuscript,--
+
+    "Even as the sun with purple-coloured face
+      Had ta'en his last leave of the weeping morn,
+    Rose cheeked, Adonis hied him to the chase;
+      Hunting he loved, but love he laugh'd to scorn.
+    Sick-thoughted Venus makes amain unto him,
+    And, like a bold-faced suitor, 'gins to woo him.
+    'Thrice fairer than myself'--thus she begun;
+      'The field's chief flower, sweet above compare,
+    Stain to all nymphs, more lovely than a man,
+     More white and red than doves or roses are.
+    Nature that made thee with herself at strife,
+    Saith that the world hath ending with thy life.'"
+
+"And how call ye the poem?" inquired Froth, as young Shakespeare
+finished the second verse, and then thrust the paper into the breast of
+his doublet.
+
+"I think of calling it 'Venus and Adonis,'" he said, "for fault of a
+better name."
+
+"Call it what thou wilt, lad," said Froth, "'tis a glorious
+commencement. Like everything else thou dost, 'tis excellent."
+
+"Ha, ha," said Pierce Caliver, "thou art full of thy ropery, Froth; thou
+word'st him, thou word'st him. See, he blusheth at thy praise."
+
+"I word him not, but as I mean," said Froth; "an his cheek blusheth,
+'tis more than thine was ever guilty of. I hate flattery as I hate an
+unfilled flasket in the woodlands at midnight. He hath but one fault,
+that lad."
+
+"Ah, a fault," said Caliver, "can Will Shakespeare own a fault in thy
+eyes? I pr'ythee let's hear it."
+
+"Nay, 'tis not a fault, either, 'tis a misfortune," said Froth, "he's
+married."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy, that is indeed a scrape to get into!" said Ralph Careless.
+"I have been twice across the Atlantic, escaped shipwreck as often, been
+left for dead amongst the burning huts of a Spanish settlement; and yet
+have I never had such an escape as when I offered marriage to the Widow
+Crooke, and she altered her mind a week before the day fixed."
+
+"That widow must be worthy looking on too," said Froth; "for truly her
+own escape exceedeth all thine put together."
+
+"How so?" said Careless.
+
+"In escaping from thee," returned Froth.
+
+"Nay, the evil-favoured old hag," said Careless; "but she escaped not
+altogether scot-free either, since I drew a handsome forfeit ere I
+consented to let her break off."
+
+"Had she given thee all she possessed," said Froth, "so she kept herself
+free of thee, she had the luck on't; but, come, the very name of
+marriage hath made our good William here a melancholy man. Oh! 'tis
+monstrous that tying together of couples for life, to claw and tear like
+a brace of tabbies cast over a clothes' line! Said I well, William? Why,
+fill again, and pass the flasket."
+
+"Nay," said Shakespeare, "wooing, wedding, and repenting is, after all,
+but a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinque pace. The first suit is hot
+and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as fantastical; the wedding
+mannerly and modest;[13] and then comes repentance, and with his two
+logs fallen into a cinque pace, faster and faster, till he sink into his
+grave."
+
+[Footnote 13: "Much ado about Nothing."]
+
+"Methinks, bullies," said the Host, "since we are on the subject of
+matrimony, that we must quaff a health for the nonce. Heard'st thou not
+that our good William here is the honoured father of a fair son--a
+goodly boy?"
+
+"Ah, by St. Jago and charge Spain!" said Caliver, "and is it so? Why,
+then fill to the brim, my masters all;" and the health of the infant was
+pledged in flowing bumpers of Canary. After which, the long-necked
+glasses were flourished to a loud huzza, and being cast overhead,
+smashed upon the rushes with which the apartment was strewed.
+
+"And now," said Froth, "thou shalt give us a song, William--a song of
+thine own, for what man amidst us could produce a verse worthy of thee
+to sing? Come, warble, and let it be to thine own words, Will."
+
+"A song--a song!" said Caliver; "give us one, William, in praise of the
+wine-cup."
+
+Shakespeare smiled, and then sang:
+
+    "Come, thou monarch of the vine,
+    Plumpy Bacchus, with pink eyne;
+    In thy vats our cares be drown'd,
+    With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
+    Cup us, till the world go round,
+    Cup us, till the world go round."
+
+Whilst the chorus was ringing out, till every room in the hostel echoed
+with it, another individual entered the apartment.
+
+The new comer was a tall, good-looking youth, clad in a worn leathern
+jerkin, which seemed as if it had endured the worst spite of the
+elements, and done duty in the woods for many years. His russet boots
+were drawn up to the thigh, and his well-worn wide-brimmed beaver was
+without feather or ornament, except a large assortment of fish-hooks,
+with the horse-hair twisted around it. In short, he looked what he
+really was--a dissolute hanger-on of a country town, and yet a good
+fellow withal, one given to the sports of the field, without means or
+license to pursue them--one of Diana's foresters, a poacher, a professed
+deer-stealer.
+
+"You keep a goodly revel here, my masters," said he, drawing a chair,
+and seating himself unceremoniously at the table.
+
+"Ha! what, Diccon Snare, is it thou, thou wandering knight of the hollow
+woods?" said Froth. "By my troth, thou art welcome; fill thyself a
+chalice for the nonce. How goes all at Warwick?"
+
+"I scarcely know," said Snare, "since I have not been there for some
+days. If I have news at all, it is of these parts, and farther afield.
+There is work for you to-night an ye listen. The old Pike of Charlecote
+hath ridden forth, and taken in his train some thirty followers. The
+moon is up to be sure, but then the woodlands are but badly watched."
+
+"And how know'st thou this, thou sworn enemy of an outlying stag?"
+inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"How know I it? Why, from sure intelligence, and careful watching. How
+else should I know my trade?"
+
+"Nay, thou hast served a pretty apprenticeship to the poaching trade,
+Diccon, that's certain," said Froth, "as the hangman's brand can
+testify! And what takes Sir Thomas to town with so strong an escort?"
+
+"It seems there is more trouble at Court about the Queen of Scots," said
+Snare, "and her name is again mixed up with all sorts of intrigues and
+plots against our Queen. My Lord of Leicester hath stroked the beard of
+consideration upon the matter, and set on foot an association for the
+nonce. They are sworn keepers of the Queen's safety in life, and doubly
+sworn to revenge her death, should she fall by these malignant
+conspirators. A great many of the gentry around have gone up to join in
+this association, whilst the Queen of Scots is again placed in more
+severe keeping."
+
+"Ha!" said Froth, "I heard somewhat of this before; and so--"
+
+"And so," continued Snare, "Sir Thomas in great state hath set forth
+towards town, and sleeps to-night at Kenilworth, where the great
+Bear-ward at present lies."
+
+"So that several of his foresters follow in his train, eh! is't so?"
+
+"They do; he rides in state, for, as thou knowest, 'tis the pride of the
+old Pike to be followed by a whole troop. I saw him pass along the road
+as I lay perdue in the covert. Twenty of his fellows in coat and badge,
+with green and yellow feathers in their hats,[14] and as many falconers
+to make up the train."
+
+[Footnote 14: People of condition in the country generally rode with
+numerous followers at the period.]
+
+"And that in truth makes a fair field for us," said Shakespeare. "What
+say ye, my masters all? Shall we be minions of the moon to-night? Shall
+we strike a buck at Charlecote?"
+
+To men of the wild and peculiar disposition of the assembled party,
+nothing could be more pleasant than an excursion of the sort.
+
+A midnight visit to the woodlands was by no means an uncommon
+circumstance in their lives; but hitherto they had pursued their sport
+in localities somewhat more removed from the town in which they dwelt.
+To the bold and imaginative Shakespeare, as his eye glanced into the
+moonlit orchard, the excursion had charms known only to himself. He had
+once or twice before watched the deer in the glades of Fulbrook, and he
+now joined in the expedition heart and hand.
+
+Preparations were accordingly forthwith commenced, and the entire party
+made themselves ready for an exploit, which in those days, and with such
+men, was attended with something more of circumstance than in our own.
+
+In the first place, a large closet in the bedchamber of the portly Froth
+was ransacked for such change of garment as was necessary for pushing
+through the more thick and tangled cover. Cross-bows and other weapons
+of the chase were then lugged out, and, amongst other articles, a sort
+of theatrical dress was produced; and being carefully packed up, was
+strapped upon the shoulder of Diccon Snare, to be used as occasion might
+serve.
+
+This latter article of apparel had been purloined from the wardrobe of a
+company of masquers, who were in the habit of visiting Stratford. It was
+neither more nor less than the dress of "_Mors, or dreary Death_," a
+character then enacting in one of the tedious moral plays of the period.
+
+It was fashioned so as to represent a skeleton; and seen in the
+woodlands in the night, would be likely to scare a forester out of his
+wits, and consequently, should the party be molested during their
+exploit, enables them to escape without collision or discovery.
+
+By the time the party had indued their forest gear, the curfew
+proclaimed that it was time for them to set out; and once more seating
+themselves round the board, they arranged their plan of proceedings.
+
+"Now, my masters all," said Froth, "a cup to hearten us, and another to
+the success of our venture, and then to horse."
+
+"Let him whose courage fails remain here," said Caliver; "and let those
+to horse whose feet cannot prop up their bodies."
+
+"No scoffing, lads," said Froth. "Thou knowest I am not able to travel
+on foot so far, or so fast as thou art; but in the field, I have twice
+thy skill at a shot."
+
+"I have heard thee say so often," said Caliver. "To-night I hope to see
+a specimen of thy skill."
+
+"Thus be it, then," said Snare. "You and I, Will Shakespeare will go
+straight to Charlecote Park. By 'ur Lady! we'll strike the best buck in
+the herd. You, Froth, being mounted, will accompany us, and remain
+without the park in readiness to receive the deer when we have struck
+it. You, Careless and Caliver, will walk apart lower down, and give us
+notice in case of approach."
+
+"I like not that lying-out work, and alone too," said Froth. "The last
+time I played receiver on Wolvey Heath, I was nearly captured. He that
+dies a martyr, 'tis said, proves that he is not a knave. But, methinks,
+'tis not so sure that he proves himself no fool."
+
+"And wherefore art thou and Will Shakespeare to have the best of the
+sport?" said Careless. "Methinks, since you say the chase is left to
+take care of itself to-night, we might all four be strikers, and make a
+good venture on't."
+
+"Nay," said Snare, "be it as you will. Will Shakespeare here is sound in
+wind and limb. You are both of ye but broken-down hacks at best, and, if
+you take my advice, will lie perdue without the palings; for, an we be
+molested, we shall have a smart run for it, I promise ye."
+
+Having made their arrangements and laid the plot of their proceedings,
+the party soon after divided, and left the hostel by different doors.
+Shakespeare, Snare, and Froth, the latter mounted on horseback, and
+disguised in a sort of countryman's frock, took the road; whilst Caliver
+and Careless, leaving by the back door, crossed the orchard, and making
+a slight detour to the right, joined them about a mile from the town.
+
+Scarcely had the party left the Lucy Arms a quarter of an hour ere
+Pouncet Grasp, accompanied by Master Doubletongue and a couple of
+ill-looking companions, entered it.
+
+"Ah," said Grasp, peering about, and snifting like a terrier dog in
+search of a rabbit; "ah, Host, is your honoured guest, Master John
+Froth, within?"
+
+The host of the Lucy Arms had an instinctive dread and a most
+unalterable dislike to the lawyer. He considered a visit from him little
+inferior in omen to that of a visit from the plague. He accordingly
+busied himself about some matter or other, and pretended not to observe
+Grasp.
+
+"Not within?--eh, Host?" said the latter, making a sign to his two
+attendants, who immediately planted themselves at the front and back
+doors of the premises. "I am sorely unlucky in my visits. Host. An it
+please you, permit me to observe _myself_ if Master John Froth hath in
+reality gone abroad."
+
+"Hast thou business, Master Grasp," inquired the Host, "with mine
+honoured guest to-night? If so, I take it the best way would be to
+confide it to me, or call again. I have said it: Master John Froth
+_hath_ gone forth to-night."
+
+"Business," said Grasp; "ah, to be sure; 'business, like time, stays for
+no man,' as the saying goes. Why, yes, I have a slight trifle of
+business; albeit I may not confide it to thee. Certes, I _will_ call
+again. Wilt thou meantime draw me a tankard ere I depart?"
+
+Whilst the host busied himself in drawing the liquor called for, and
+which he immediately set about, in the hope of speedily getting rid of
+the trio, Grasp sauntered into the passage, and peeped into the private
+apartment of Froth, in order to be sure he was really out, and then
+whispered to his two neighbours to make a shew of leaving the house by
+the back way, and quietly conceal themselves in the orchard.
+
+That done, he returned to the kitchen, drank off his liquor, and bade
+the host good night.
+
+Scarce had he gone a dozen paces, however, ere he returned stealthily,
+and watching without the window till the host for some purpose left the
+kitchen, he very quietly re-entered it, and concealed himself there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE DEER STEALERS.
+
+
+The Lucy family we have already had occasion to notice as descended from
+an ancient and honourable house. They might indeed say with Christopher
+Sly--"We came in with Richard Conqueror," since they have in truth,
+occupied an important position in England for many centuries.
+
+The mansion of Charlecote, at the period of our story, stood in the
+midst of a park or chase much greater in extent than at the present
+time.
+
+The ground plan of the building forms in shape the Roman capital letter
+E, perhaps in compliment to the virgin Queen, with whose arms it is
+decorated. The soft and gentle Avon gliding at the base, and the park,
+which immediately surrounded the building, was shadowed by oaks of great
+age, which gradually gave place to brake and thicket, almost
+impenetrable in some parts to aught save the hound or the game he
+followed. This again was relieved at intervals by open spaces of great
+beauty, in which the fern grew in wild luxuriance, and hundreds of brood
+short-stemmed oaks, at distant intervals, threw their huge branches over
+the green surface, as if rejoicing in their unconfined luxuriance. In
+such spots, so bright and fresh in the pale light of the moon, the fern
+decked with liquid dew, and the branches of the trees glittering with
+bright drops, the fairies might well be imagined to hold their
+sequestered revels.
+
+Every glade and bosky bourne, every tree and fern-clad undulation, was a
+scene peculiarly adapted to the elfin and the fay. They seemed to tell,
+in their sweetness, and their unmolested seclusion, of the innocent
+ages of an early world, when faun and satyr, and nymph and dryad,
+revelled in the open glade, or reposed on the mossed bank beneath the
+sheltering boughs.
+
+Stealthily, and with the utmost caution, not a word even whispered, but
+communicating to each other by signs as they advanced, young Shakespeare
+and Diccon Snare slowly emerged from the more thick cover upon one of
+these picturesque glades, and took their stand behind a huge oak--
+
+    "An oak whose boughs were moss'd with age,
+    And big top bald with dry antiquity."
+
+"We near the herd," said Shakespeare, in a gentle whisper to his
+companion.
+
+"We do so," said Snare, "a few yards more and we shall get within shot,
+thanks to our care in gaming the wind, and, look, ye, there they be! You
+can just see their antlered heads above the long white grass in yonder
+open space."
+
+"We must be wary in our approach," said Shakespeare, in a whisper;
+"tread softly, that the blind mole may not hear a footfall."
+
+"'Twere best to lay along and drag ourselves to yonder blasted oak,"
+said Snare. "Be careful and keep where the fern is less thick. The
+slightest unnatural movement of the herbage, and they are off."
+
+So saying, Snare lay flat on the ground, and began to worm himself
+towards the tree he had mentioned, Shakespeare doing the same and
+following close in his wake; and so quietly and cautiously did they
+continue their serpent-like course, that a looker-on would hardly have
+discovered the track they took except by the occasional movements of the
+long grass and fern.
+
+Every now and then the crafty Snare lay perfectly quiet for a few
+moments, and then cautiously raising his bare head, looked forth to see
+if the herd were still unconscious of their approach.
+
+Nothing could be more lovely than the entire scene, as it was looked
+upon by Shakespeare. Before and around him lay the wild chase, the deer
+couched "in their own confines," and nearly hidden in the long thick
+grass of ages--himself in a spot which, except under the peculiar
+circumstance in which he sought it, he could scarce have beheld the game
+so near,--those magnificent and antlered monarchs of waste, be it
+remembered. For in Elizabeth's day, and in the extensive parks of the
+great, the stag was a wilder and fiercer creature than the same animal
+domesticated as they are, from the confined space in which they are
+necessarily kept.
+
+The danger attendant on the situation also lent its charm to one of his
+bold and ardent spirit. As his eye glanced amidst the magnificent
+scenery, his imagination was instantly carried back to the days of the
+early English kings, when Britain was one entire forest, waste or wold;
+and when, even at an after period, the conquering Norman had lain waste
+whole districts to give room for the chase. Then again, with the
+shifting change of thought, his imagination bodied forth the fabled
+beings of an earlier age. The mossed carpet on which he stood, the
+venerable trees around, the sweet scent of the fern, and the perfumed
+air of the fresh forest, as the dews of summer night fell around him,
+suggested those magnificent thoughts, peculiar to himself, and which in
+after life produced descriptions unequalled for beauty in any age. He
+was
+
+    "With Hercules and Cadmus,
+    When in a wood of Crete they bay'd the bear
+    With hounds of Sparta.
+          Besides the groves,
+    The skies, the fountains, every region near
+    Seemed all one mutual cry."
+
+Meantime whilst the mind of Shakespeare was impressed with the beauty of
+the situation, as well as interested in the sport, the less imaginative
+Snare, with his whole soul intent upon slaughter, and with all the
+cunning of his craft, his body flattened against the huge tree, one hand
+keeping his companion back, the other grasping his cross-bow, again
+cautiously peered out into the glade before him.
+
+This was a moment of intense interest to the deer-stealers. They found
+themselves so close upon the wild and magnificent animals that they
+could see their slightest movement.
+
+There is indeed, something inexpressibly exciting to the hunter or the
+deer stalker in thus finding himself in the midst of the herd, a spy
+upon them in their security, conscious at the same time that the
+slightest movement or mistake on his own part will ruin the hours of
+toil he has previously spent in gaining his position.
+
+A magnificent stag lay a little to the right, and nearest to
+Shakespeare; he touched his companion lightly on the shoulder, and by a
+sign signified that he meant to fire at it.
+
+Snare stretched his neck and peeped over his shoulder. As he did so,
+Shakespeare saw, that with the instinctive knowledge and jealousy of
+their nature, the herd were becoming aware that danger was in their
+close vicinity.
+
+In an instant their heads were thrown back, the next moment Snare heard
+at some distance that short guttural noise, so peculiar to the deer at
+particular seasons of the year, and as the splendid animal upon which
+Shakespeare had fixed his eye caught the sound, it leaped to its feet
+and bounded from the spot, the whole herd in an instant also flying like
+the wind towards the cover, seemed to vanish into the mists of night;
+but ere his companion could stay his hand, Shakespeare had raised his
+bow to his shoulder and fired. The shot struck the deer just behind the
+shoulder, and the animal bounding into the air, fell struggling amongst
+the fern.
+
+"Hark!" said Snare, as the same guttural sounds were again heard in the
+woods. "You should not have fired. 'Tis the signal from our comrades.
+The keepers are at hand."
+
+"May the fiend take them," said Shakespeare.
+
+"So say I," returned Snare; "but an we take not especial care, they will
+take us; for look ye, the startled herd will sweep by them yonder, and
+they will be upon us anon; and see, that huge beast is kicking and
+struggling like a dying ox,--quick, good William, strike roundly in and
+cut his throat."
+
+So saying, Snare gave all his attention to the direction in which the
+sounds came, whilst Shakespeare, dashing upon the stag, seized the
+animal by the horns. There was then a short and desperate struggle, and
+with his sharp dagger he cut the creature's throat. He then as swiftly
+rejoined his companion. Scarcely had he done so ere they were both aware
+of the approach of the keepers, who having observed the affrighted herd,
+and at the same time noticed the peculiar sounds given by the watchers,
+and which were somewhat out of season, came directly upon them.
+
+"We might easily shew them a clean pair of heels, and join the bulky
+Froth without the palings," whispered Snare; "but we must have yonder
+beast at all hazards; and we can but make a fight of it if it come to
+the worst. Down with thee, good Will, flat in the fern. Here they
+come--I see them plainly in yonder glade." So saying, Snare threw
+himself on the ground close beside Shakespeare, and immediately
+divesting himself of his jerkin and hat, rose up again a most grisly
+object--neither more nor less than Mors, or Dreary Death. Meanwhile the
+rangers came quickly on, four in number, and each armed with cross-bows
+and a short barbed, spear.
+
+They advanced to within about a bow-shot from the tree behind which
+Snare and Shakespeare were concealed, when the former, slowly gliding
+from behind its stern, advanced directly upon them.
+
+The first sight of such an apparition, seen but indistinctly amongst the
+huge boughs, brought the whole party to a stand. They but half made out
+its hideous outline, when it emerged into the clear moonlight, and
+seemed gliding upon them, "a bare-ribbed death, horrible to sight." To
+say the keepers were frightened would be to say little. They were at
+first paralysed, and then turning, they fled like the wind; whilst Snare
+immediately again threw himself flat on his face, and was lost to sight
+amongst the fern; so that, as the keepers looked back whilst they fled,
+the apparition had apparently vanished into the earth.
+
+Rejoining Shakespeare, Snare now resumed his outward garment; and taking
+advantage of the panic, both hastily approached the deer, and securing
+its legs, fastened them on a quarter-staff which they had supported on
+their shoulders, they then hastened across the glade.
+
+So soon as they had gained the park palings, and which at this period,
+and at this part, ran across a deep sandy lane, they threw down their
+burden; and casting themselves on the ground to regain breath after
+their rapid flight, listened attentively. In a few moments a huge
+broad-backed countryman, clad in the loose frock of a miller's man,
+mounted upon a strong-jointed horse, and carrying an empty sack on the
+pommel of the saddle, rode past.
+
+"You ride late, Master Miller," said Shakespeare, as he clambered over
+the palings.
+
+"Nay; rather I ride early, Master Forester," returned the other. "Hast
+anything for the mill to-night?"
+
+"I have, good Froth," said Shakespeare; "but is there a clear coast?"
+
+"By the mass! I think there be. Be quick, however, for three of Sir
+Thomas's fellows have passed this spot not a quarter of an hour back."
+
+"Good!" said Shakespeare. "Then hand me thy meal bag." And the horseman
+threw his sack to Shakespeare, as Snare at the same moment heaved the
+carcase of the deer over the paling, and then following himself, the
+sack was quickly drawn over the body of the deer, and it was thrown
+across the horse, the trio making the best of their way along the deep
+sandy lane towards Stratford.
+
+As they emerged from the lane upon a rushy mead, and left the boundary
+of the park, a low whistle was heard, which they answered. Soon
+afterwards they were joined by their companions, and enveloped in mists
+of the swampy ground they traversed.
+
+It was about the hour when "night is at odds with morning which is
+which" that the party we have before seen assembled at the Lucy Arms
+once more entered its hospitable doors. Quietly, and with considerable
+caution, however, they stole in, one of them bearing upon his shoulders,
+nay, round his neck as it were, with the hind and fore legs protruding
+before him, the carcase of a goodly stag. This latter bent his tall
+form, as he was ushered into the kitchen of the hostel, and threw his
+heavy burthen upon the floor, whilst his companions and mine host, by
+the light of the fire, and in great glee, proceeded to examine it.
+
+"By 'ur Lady, a fine beast," said the host. "Why, Will Shakespeare, this
+is even a better night's work than when you shot that beast in
+Fulbrook."
+
+"A stag of ten, my masters all," said Froth. "'Fore gad, I am well nigh
+exhausted with long fasting and sharp watching. A cup of wine, mine
+host, a cup of wine to Sir Thomas Lucy's health."
+
+Whilst the host produced his wine, and Froth and Careless seated
+themselves on the settle beneath the chimney, Snare and Shakespeare were
+busily engaged in skinning the stag, which having quickly accomplished,
+they as speedily cut it up, and disposed of the several portions in such
+places of security and concealment us the host pointed out. After which,
+the skin and the antlered head were thrust into the meal-bag, and
+carried into the orchard, where Shakespeare dug a hole and buried it.
+
+That done they returned to the kitchen, and mine host having spread a
+table and furnished it with liquors, some rashers were cut from the
+carcase of the door, and fried, and eaten with a relish only known to
+men who had spent a night in the forest glades watching and killing the
+stag from which they were taken.
+
+"By 'ur Lady, my lads," said Froth, as he washed down these delicious
+morsels, hot from the fire, with large draughts of mine host's best ale,
+"this is the best part of the night's work. I like not that lonely
+watching beneath the moon's rays. Give me the tankard and a savoury
+collop after the deed is done, and spare me the toil of the action. And
+yet, lads, an I had met yonder caitiff-keepers, I should have found them
+in work, I promise ye."
+
+"No doubt," said Caliver; "it would have taken them all four to have
+carried thy fat paunch to the cage."
+
+"I taken to the cage!" said Froth, "I would have cudgelled them to
+mummy."
+
+"Ha, Cavaliere," said the host, "thou would'st have smote, thou would'st
+have feined, thou would'st have traversed, eh, ere limbo should have
+held thy portly body? And that reminds me, Lawyer Grasp, with two imps
+of the evil one, was here to-night inquiring for thee."
+
+"Ah!" said Froth, turning rather blank, and setting down the tankard.
+"The peaking knave, then, hath entered the action against me for Master
+Doubletongue's debt. Would I had been at home, my lads, we would have
+tossed the caitiff in a blanket."
+
+"Nay, Host," said Pierce Caliver, "I had rather myself not come in
+contact with that Grasp; by the same token, I owe moneys too. Therefore
+keep fast your doors while I am within them."
+
+"My hand upon it," said the host; "I will keep all fast till noon; and
+none shall have egress or regress. Said I well, lads, eh?"
+
+"You did, Host," said Careless, "for I, too, would as lief walk with the
+receipt of fernseed by daylight."
+
+"And now, my lads all," said Snare, "let us have one song, and then a
+nap; after that to seek our several destinations. I am for Warwick when
+day breaks."
+
+"And I for Monkspath," said Careless.
+
+"And I for Stoneleigh," said Caliver.
+
+"And I for home," said Shakespeare, with a look of mock solemnity,
+"where----"
+
+"Where thou wilt be finely clapper-clawed for being out all night," said
+the host. "Such it is to be a married man--ha! ha! A young man married
+is a man that's marred. But truly, Will, thou art not yet married; thou
+canst hit a buck by moonlight with the best of us; so, I pry'thee, give
+us that song of thine about the horns, and we'll all join in chorus."
+
+Shakespeare accordingly commenced the following glee. Snare and the
+others taking part, and joining chorus:--
+
+    _Shak._   What shall he have that killed the deer?[15]
+    _Snare._  His leather skin and horns to wear.
+    _Shak._   Then sing him home.
+      _Chorus._   Take thou no scorn, to wear the horn,
+                       It was a crest ere thou wast born,
+    _Shak._   Thy father's father wore it.
+    _Snare._  And thy own father bore it.
+      _Chorus._   The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,
+                       Is not a thing to laugh to scorn.
+
+[Footnote 15: "As you like it."]
+
+The first faint light of the breaking dawn, as it gradually appeared
+through the diamond-paned window, found the entire party wrapped in
+slumber.
+
+The fat and jovial Froth, with his huge legs stretched out before him,
+his portly body thrown back, and the tankard fast-clutched in his hand,
+showed by his apoplectic breathing, the heaviness of his slumbers.
+
+Shakespeare, somewhat fatigued by the night's exertions, sat opposite,
+with his head on his folded arms.
+
+Snare was down full length before the expired fire upon the hearth; and
+the others were disposed on either side.
+
+Not a sound was heard, except the prolonged chorus of the sleepers, and
+the chirping of the cricket; when from beneath a large table at the
+farther end of the kitchen, and where he had lain concealed, the head of
+Pouncet Grasp was protruded. Stealthily, and with the greatest caution,
+he listened to the heavy breathing of the sleepers. He then as carefully
+emerged from his hiding-place, and stole on tip-toe towards the party,
+identifying each individual as he did so, and putting down his name in a
+small tablet he drew from the breast of his doublet.
+
+"Oh, oh," he whispered to himself, as he closed the tablets, after
+writing down the name of William Shakespeare; "here is a precious nest
+of ye."
+
+"Ah! ah!" he continued, as he stepped to the door, and carefully opening
+it, looked back ere he departed. "Here's a delicious job for a man to
+stumble upon! A good night's work you have made on't, Master William
+Shakespeare, have ye? Yes, and a precious piece of work have ye all made
+on't. A Star-Chamber matter will Sir Thomas make of this, as sure as my
+name is Grasp." So saying, he quietly opened the back door, and stole
+out to join the followers whom he had left in the orchard.
+
+"Shall I call the other men, and make the capture, Master Grasp?"
+inquired one of his myrmidons in a whisper. "Not to-night, good Giles,"
+said the lawyer. "By no means to-night. There is a precious fellowship
+within there; and they may capture us! Besides, I have found out a
+plot--a monstrous plot--a damnable plot--and yet a lovely plot--a most
+sweet piece of villany!"
+
+"A monstrous plot!" said the constable; "What is't, another conspiracy
+to murder the Queen?"
+
+"Worse," said Grasp. "Now, listen and perpend. Thou knowest Sir Thomas
+Lucy hath of late lost more than one deer?"
+
+"I do," said the constable.
+
+"Well, an he hath lost them, I have found them."
+
+"Where?" eagerly inquired the constable.
+
+"Here, in this veritable inn," said Grasp.
+
+"And when?" inquired the constable.
+
+"Why, now, even now: go to--see what it is to bear a brain."
+
+"Nay, then, Master Grasp," said the constable, "if the case, I also have
+a discovery to tell of."
+
+"Ah!" said Grasp, "what is it?"
+
+"Whilst we lay perdue in yonder corner of the orchard. But, stay, dost
+see that tree there with the spade against it?"
+
+"I do," said Grasp, eagerly.
+
+"With that spade, and under the third tree in line therewith, did Will
+Shakespeare dig a hole this night, and into that hole did Diccon Snare
+bury a something concealed in a sack."
+
+"Ha! say'st thou; by my faith the skin of the stolen deer," said Grasp,
+"as I'm a lawyer. Let us mark the tree; and now, my lads, I have ye
+emmeshed in a lovely web. No noise, ye knaves," he continued to his men,
+"but get through the hedge and away."
+
+"Ha! ha! Master William Shakespeare," he said, as he followed his two
+ill-looking myrmidons. "Now, will I to Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote,
+knight and magistrate, and then will we let the law loose upon ye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+THE ADVENTURE.
+
+
+Our situation as recorder of events connected with this history, whilst
+it enables us to look from an elevated position upon those connected
+with our story, enables us also to transport our readers, with a
+thought, from pole to pole. Nay, we can even rival the swift flight of
+Puck, if we so will it, and "put a girdle round about the earth in
+somewhat less than forty minutes."
+
+In virtue of this power, we therefore take leave to transport our
+readers upon the "sightless couriers of the air," and bid them look down
+upon the main of waters several thousand miles from the scene of our
+last chapter--even to the watery wastes which wash the coast of Florida.
+
+A small speck--an atom--is seen slowly and laboriously making its way
+over the broad waves of the Atlantic. Steadily and beautifully, as we
+obtain a nearer view, does she seem to mount upon the rolling surge, and
+then again sink down into the vale of waters, almost lost to sight
+between the liquid mountains which follow each other in succession,
+apparently from end to end of the world.
+
+How awfully grand is the situation! How curious to consider is the
+intellect, courage, and perseverance of those who guide that barque
+through such an unknown waste! The dreadful winds roaring above them,
+and beneath the multitudinous waters descending, "where fathom line
+would never find the ground," one touch of an unseen rock, one bolt
+starting in the vessel's hull, one unmarked and uncared-for blast of
+wind, one spark alighting in a crevice, and that vessel and all that it
+contains, unknown, unseen, is resolved into the vast tide, and washed
+amidst the atoms contained in its dark waters. Months have passed since
+the Falcon left the river which flows up to that old Dutch-built Cinque
+Port where our readers may remember to have last seen her. Steadily hath
+the wanderer held on day after day, through fair and foul, into the dark
+waste, alone, like some atom upon the surface, and still breasting the
+wave, as if eternity was before her in those rolling seas.
+
+Strange that the spirit of adventure should sustain men in such a
+hopeless-looking wilderness! That the desire of finding new worlds, or
+their greed after gold, should take them from all they hold dear in
+their own land. Such, however, is the motive which actuates the major
+part of the crew of that labouring barque, whilst to one alone amongst
+them, and who seems the chief of the party, the secret spring which is
+indeed the prime mover of the adventure, is love.
+
+The youthful Count, then, whilst he leads on his followers under the
+idea of new discoveries, great gains, and hatred of the Spaniard, is, in
+truth, seeking for one who has either perished by wreck or starvation,
+or is still living in hopeless abandonment or captivity, somewhere
+amongst these far-away seas.
+
+One only confidant is aware of the secret motive, and that person is our
+old acquaintance Martin. If then we look within the hull of this small
+craft, we shall find its interior peopled by some sixty stern-looking
+and bearded wanderers, high in courage, stern in resolve, the captain
+and crew who work the vessel, the eccentric and faithful Martin, and one
+female in disguise, the latter "a count of wealth as well as quality,"
+to all appearance, and who, as proprietor of the vessel and loader of
+the expedition, seeks ostensibly but to pursue his love of adventure.
+
+In consequence of the inferiority of size, form, and fashion of this
+vessel, and the unknown ocean they traverse, the Falcon and her warlike
+fraughtage have boon boating about for many a weary week.
+
+It was after being exposed to one of the fearful hurricanes so frequent
+in these seas, that we now look upon the Falcon and her devoted crew.
+Tempest-tossed as they had been for some weeks, to their great relief
+they at length began to find themselves approaching land, and by the
+delicious fragrance with which the air was loaded--an air which seemed
+as if it blew from some garden abounding with sweet flowers--they found
+themselves amongst "the still vext Bermothees," where they resolved to
+remain for a short time in order to refit.
+
+Strange and unnatural appearances, however, whilst in this, as it first
+seemed, region of paradise, so astonished the sailors, that after a
+brief sojourn, the Count was necessitated to hasten his departure--
+
+    "The Isle seemed full of noises,
+    Sounds and sweet airs, that gave delight, and hurt not."
+
+The sailors, too, with characteristic superstition, declared they heard
+strange voices commanding them to leave the shore,[16] and, as if to
+enforce their orders, a dreadful storm of thunder and lightning seemed
+to rend the very heavens, and darkness settled as a pall around them.
+Fearful shapes too were said to glare through the murky atmosphere
+around the ship, and the apparition of the ominous flame, called by
+seamen "Castor and Pollux," flitted above the mast. These portents were
+the prelude to a yet more tremendous storm, which threatening to swallow
+up the little vessel, eventually drove her on an island which runs
+parallel nearly to the coast of Carolina.
+
+[Footnote 16: Such an account was in reality given by the adventurers
+who sailed with Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the father of our plantations, and
+the brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, and who was lost in the storm
+following the portentous sounds we have described. Might not this very
+incident have suggested to Shakespeare the description of the island in
+the "Tempest."]
+
+The Count here disembarked, and refreshed his followers, by rest amidst
+woods and groves of tall cedar trees, around whose trunks wild vines
+hung in festoons, and the grape seemed so natural to the soil, that the
+clusters covered the ground and dipt into the ocean.
+
+Again they put to sea, and again they made a strange land filled with
+new wonders. Here, whilst the adventurers sought the interior of a
+country they had been led to believe contained cities in which the
+houses were studded with pearl, the Count and his immediate attendants
+sought the ruined colony from which Drake had carried off the remnant of
+followers, previously left by Sir Walter Raleigh. "They after riches
+hunt; he after love." The dangers and difficulties encountered by both
+parties it would be difficult to picture; for hunger, heat, wounds, and
+disease were the portion of the adventurers of Elizabeth's day. Through
+gloomy swamps they penetrated, and through interminable forests they
+hewed their way. Many were pierced by the poisoned shaft of the Indian,
+many died of despair, and many were the victims of serpents, reptiles,
+and savage beasts; whilst others again died of loathsome diseases
+unknown in their native land.
+
+Still the Count, the faithful Martin, and their immediate followers held
+on. They had gained some tidings by which they learnt that it party of
+wrecked seamen had been carried captive by the natives to a city in the
+interior of the country; and they resolved to reach them, or perish in
+the attempt.
+
+'Twas indeed an edifying sight to behold the stripling youth who led
+that small band. One evidently nurtured in luxury and ease, enduring the
+extremity of danger, fatigue, hardship, and privation, and lending a
+fire to his jaded followers by his heroic fortitude and example. What
+mattered it him, that for days hundreds of half-naked Indians, with
+their clubs and bows, hovered around his mail-clad band. One moment
+swarming to the close attack, the next showering flights of arrows from
+the distance. Still himself and party were resolved to penetrate to the
+rescue of their countrymen or die; and the little band at length reached
+the place they sought.
+
+'Twas lucky for the young Count that he had steeled his mind to bear
+disappointment when he donned the light cuirass which adorned his
+breast; for himself and followers, on arriving at the capital of the
+country, found literally nothing to repay their toil. In place of
+boundless wealth and temples of the sun, the adventurers found a
+wretched Indian town, which had been sacked and partially burned by a
+detachment of Spanish soldiers, and who had apparently carried off those
+they sought as prisoners to their ship.
+
+Here again, therefore, the Christian fortitude of the young Count
+supported his followers. "Murmur at nothing, comrades," he said. "If our
+ills are repairable, it is ungrateful; if otherwise, it is vain. There
+is comfort yet. The Spaniard is assailable, and the Falcon swift of
+pinion; we will return, embark, and swoop upon the enemy."
+
+Well knowing that the Spaniards always went into the Gulf of Mexico by
+St. Domingo and Hispaniola, and directed their homeward course by the
+Gulf of Florida, where they found a continued coast on the west side,
+trending away north, and then standing to the east to make for Spain,
+the Captain of the Falcon directed his course accordingly; and guided by
+report of some barques he fell in with, managed to gain sight of the
+very vessel they were in search of.
+
+The Spaniard was a huge carrack loaded with treasure; and when the
+English vessel sighted her, she was labouring heavily in a gale, and
+which the lighter and better-built Falcon rode with ease. Displaying his
+flag, the Count instantly gave orders to bear down and near the enemy;
+and disregarding the increasing winds which now blow almost a hurricane,
+the two vessels encountered each other.
+
+How strange it seemed that amidst the fury of the elements, and which in
+a few short hours might overwhelm both vessels in the deep, the natural
+hatred the crews bore each other should urge on and help the
+destruction. And still more edifying was the gallantry with which the
+smaller English vessel bore down upon the huge golden prize, received
+her heavy fire, and, crashing upon her, whilst they were locked
+together, attempted to storm her bulwarks, and gain a footing on her
+deck. Then might have been seen a fearful sight,--amidst the tearing of
+masts and rigging consequent upon the vessels being locked together for
+the moment, and whilst they were simultaneously heaved upon each wave,
+was heard the ringing sound of musketry, the clash of weapons, and the
+despairing cry of agony, mingled with rattling sails and roaring wind.
+
+Enveloped in smoke, none knew whether they were sinking amidst the dire
+confusion and horrible sounds around. Navigation was suspended whilst
+rage lasted, until the vessels separating with the increasing violence
+of the storm, in a crippled state, and, as if pausing for want of power
+to renew the fight, they were now gradually driven from each other. Not
+as they had met, however, did they part. In the confusion of the fight,
+and owing to their tearing apart ere the English adventurers could
+master the Spanish craft, and which by their valour and impetuosity they
+had nearly accomplished, several had fallen into the hands of the
+Spaniard, whilst a similar capture had also been made by the Falcon.
+
+The young Count and Martin were unluckily amongst those left upon the
+deck of the Spanish vessel, and one or two of the before wrecked
+sailors, of whom the Count was in search, together with some Spaniards
+of condition, were the prize of the English.
+
+This was a dire consummation to the crew of the Falcon after all their
+toils. The Spaniard was known to be a cruel devil on the high seas. The
+prisoners would be tortured or made to walk the plank. In addition to
+this, there was no possibility of rescue or renewal of the fight in such
+a sea, and in so crippled a state. Both vessels, therefore, lay rolling
+upon the waters, the crews glaring at each other till night.
+
+Notwithstanding their crippled state, the Captain of the Falcon, with
+the characteristic industry of the English suitor, sat about preparing
+for a renewal of the engagement, and, after giving a multitude of
+directions, he found time to address himself to a tall noble-looking
+cavalier, who seemed the principal of those whom the chance of war had
+introduced into his vessel.
+
+"This is an unlucky issue to our adventure, Seignor," he said, "unless
+we can repair the mischief by a second fight."
+
+"A lucky one for me, good Captain," returned the cavalier, "I was forced
+with other prisoners upon the deck of yonder Spaniard, and ordered to
+fight against you, my own country men. In the _melee_ I managed to gain
+a footing upon your craft. Another day had perhaps seen us all committed
+to the deep."
+
+"Whilst I," said the Captain, "in gaining that for which I adventured in
+this voyage, have lost my venture by losing my employer. Is not thy name
+Arderne,--Walter Arderne?"
+
+"It is," said the cavalier, in some surprise, "How have you discovered
+so much?"
+
+"There are those in this vessel who know you," said the Captain; "men
+from your own neighbourhood, and who are the followers of the owner of
+this craft, a noble gentleman who set sail from England for the very
+purpose of discovering and rescuing certain of his countrymen said to be
+cast away on the coast of Florida."
+
+"You still more astonish me," said Arderne. "What was the name of this
+person?"
+
+"My employer, and who has unluckily become a captive in yonder carrack,
+is called the Count Falanara, a noble having large estates in
+Warwickshire."
+
+"We have no such name, or proprietor of land, in that county," said
+Arderne; "you have been deceived."
+
+"In some sort I think so," said Captain Fluellyn; "will you favour me by
+stepping into the cabin of this noble, and in which, until his absence
+gave me opportunity of entering, I have never yet been?"
+
+So saying, the Captain led the way into the small cabin the Count had
+occupied during the voyage, which had been fitted up under his own
+directions.
+
+Nothing could be more elegant than the interior of this cabin; the
+curtains of the small sleeping-berth were of common silk, fringed with
+gold; the window beneath which the waves rippled was elaborately carved,
+and also framed and gilt; a splendid mirror of small dimensions, being
+framed in gold, ornamented the opposite side; the lamp which was
+suspended from the ceiling was also of pure gold; an elaborately-carved
+seat, with velvet cushions, was opposite the small round table fastened
+in the centre of the cabin, and upon it was placed a lute. In short,
+everything shewed that the recent occupier was a person of somewhat
+effeminate tastes and habits, and so the Captain seemed to think. "A
+soft nest," he said, "for one vowed to adventure, and the dangers of the
+New World. One would think a noble possessing the means for luxuries
+such as these need scarcely seek for treasure."
+
+"Truly so," said Arderne.
+
+"And yet," said the Captain, "it all depends upon the treasure sought.
+This Count, as you have said, hath in some sort put a cheat upon me;
+inasmuch, Master Arderne, as he was not what he seemed."
+
+"True," said Arderne.
+
+"These things are not the usual accompaniments of a sailor, or a rude
+son of adventure," said the Captain, somewhat contemptuously, touching
+the lute and the framed mirror with the end of his sheathed rapier. "On
+my first acquaintance with this youth--this noble--and when I took
+instructions anent our voyage, I looked upon him as a coward. He was for
+avoiding all unnecessary danger and collision with an enemy. Subsequent
+events, however, and his endurance under toil, and his ardour after that
+he sought, caused me to change that opinion. A week ago, as I listened
+to the melody of the voice which accompanied yonder lute, it suddenly
+struck me the Count was a female."
+
+"A female!" said Arderne. "Had she no familiar friend--no confidant with
+her--who was aware of her real name, think ye?"
+
+"She had," returned the Captain, "a shrewd and faithful friend, who
+seemed her confidant; albeit, I could make him out as little as I could
+his superior. He also is captured or lost in the confusion."
+
+"We must take that vessel, Captain, or perish!" said Arderne.
+
+"We will at least do our best," said the Captain, preparing to leave the
+cabin, and look to the exertions of his men. But at that moment a sudden
+cry arose in the vessel, which made both him and Arderne hasten their
+steps. The Spaniard was on fire.
+
+This was indeed a terrible consummation. The night was dark--the burning
+vessel some miles off.
+
+Regardless of the billows rolling mountains high, Arderne and a resolute
+company got out the boats of the Falcon, and attempted to approach the
+blazing vessel.
+
+'Twas, however, all in vain. The conflagration rapidly increased; so
+that ere the boats neared her, she was on fire in many places; her
+ordnance thundering off as the flames reached them, rendering it
+impossible to approach near. That several escaped in their boats was
+likely; but the English sailors, in spite of Arderne's desire to keep
+near, rowed back to tho Falcon, whence they remained gazing upon the
+flaming craft--a terrific spectacle thus seen by night. The shape,
+cordage, masts, her high and towering poop, and all her gilded
+furniture, displayed in the hot flames, as if some painter had drawn out
+every portion.
+
+All night and part of the next day did the haughty-looking Spaniard
+burn, till she was consumed to the water's edge, and then, as the Falcon
+neared her, there arose ever and anon a column of smoke from the rolling
+sea, consequent upon the close decks, full of spices, exploding under
+water, and which the fire had not taken hold of.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+MORE MATTER FOR A MAY MORNING.
+
+
+Stratford-upon-Avon, like most country towns, possessed at this period,
+amongst other and worthier inhabitants, a certain amount of fragments,
+who were indeed in themselves nothing, but who wished to make
+themselves, as they fancied themselves, something.
+
+Those stuck-up portions of humanity, besides being extremely chaste in
+their ideas of propriety, were perhaps the most intolerant and
+unforgiving Christians in the world.
+
+Brotherly love and charity were as often and as forcible in their mouths
+as real humanity was wanting in their hearts. Did a poor maiden err, and
+allowed her failing to be discovered, she was to be utterly cast out,
+abandoned, destroyed--no redemption allowed. Did a youth but shew the
+germs of a generous spirit, and fling out never so little, he was to be
+hunted down as one of the wild and wicked, irrecoverably disowned, and
+driven from society. Such folks are, as we have said, always to be found
+in a small community of citizens--the unwholesome impurity which
+circulates in its veins and arteries, and poisons by degrees the stream
+of its life.
+
+Should any of these envious censors happen to observe one whom they
+consider of mark and likelihood beyond the common herd, they endeavour
+to make shipwreck of such superiority, by nipping it in the bud. They
+feel conscious of their own common-place inferiority. They know
+themselves in reality nothing, and they resolve to reduce, if they can,
+the superiority of others to their own level, or to trample and destroy
+it utterly, if possible.
+
+"Such a commodity of warm slaves" in Stratford had for some time looked
+with evil eye upon young Shakespeare. There was a superiority about him
+which, as it was more observable to their envy, they could by no means
+behold with quietude. They regarded him with a rankling dislike, and
+received, invented, or promulgated with avidity any thing they could
+gather to his disadvantage.
+
+Our readers will perhaps think it odd, that one so young should already
+have found enemies in his native town. They will, however, remember,
+that "Envy always dogs merit at the heels," and that Shakespeare, as he
+was no common person, was at the same time the most open, generous, and
+unsuspicious of mortals--a man likely to expose himself to censure, and
+care little about it either.
+
+Back-wounding calumny, as he well knew, "the whitest virtue strikes."
+With every aggravation of circumstance, therefore, the somewhat
+desultory life young Shakespeare led, became canvassed by these good
+citizens of Stratford.
+
+He was noted as one of irreclaimably wild and dissolute habits--"quoted
+and signed to do some deed of shame;" and through the industry of Grasp
+and Doubletongue, the Charlecote exploit got wind all over the
+neighbourhood.
+
+No sooner did Grasp hear of the return of Sir Thomas Lucy from
+Kenilworth, and which happened a few days after the adventure, than he
+hastened over to Charlecote, and demanding audience of the stately
+knight, laid all he knew before him.
+
+Our readers will readily picture to themselves the ire of Sir Thomas on
+hearing this piece of intelligence, and which, as Grasp related the
+conversation he had heard whilst lying in perdue at the hostel, plainly
+shewed the knight that his park had been broke, and his deer shot under
+his very nose.
+
+"Ha!" he said, as he rose from his chair, and looked forth into the
+lovely chase; "and is it so? and are we bearded thus? Now, I will teach
+these knaves a lesson they shall not easily forget! The _outrecuidance_
+of that wild young fellow--that young Shakespeare, it shall go hard, but
+I will punish. A slight touch of the whip would do much towards turning
+so fiery a spirit. Ah! and what then, nothing but my parks, my woods,
+and my forest-walks will suffice for the recreation of that young
+springald.
+
+"Master Grasp, I am much bounden to you for this intelligence. At once
+we will proceed against the whole gang of desperadoes. Let me see your
+list again. Ah! I see. And now, with regard to the Lucy Arms, we will
+begin there first. No more shall that swaggering Host make mine own
+property the den in which these ruffians congregate, and lay their plots
+to rob and plunder me."
+
+"Master Fillpot was soliciting a fresh lease of the Lucy Arms, was he
+not, honoured Sir?" inquired Grasp.
+
+"He was so," said Sir Thomas. "His lease expired last Midsummer, and I
+was about to renew it. I will renew it with a vengeance, Master Grasp,
+as you shall see anon."
+
+"Marry and amen," said Grasp. "The Lucy Arms, grieved am I to say it,
+since they are pertaining to so honourable a house, hath been for some
+time a sign of disrepute in the town, a rallying point for certain
+dissolute and shameless characters to assemble at."
+
+"They shall no longer be so," said. Sir Thomas, ringing a small bell on
+his table, "We will incontinently proceed there. Let the head keeper be
+sought immediately," he said to the domestic, who answered the summons.
+
+"He awaits in the court with the hawks, Sir Thomas," said the domestic.
+
+"Order him hither," said the knight, "and inform the ladies I shall not
+go to the marshes this morning. I have business at Stratford which will
+employ me till after noon."
+
+The man bowed and withdrew, and immediately afterwards the head keeper,
+a tall, athletic-looking man, holding his falcon on his glove, entered
+the room.
+
+"Your fellows keep good watch, Oswald," said the knight. "During my
+absence at Kenilworth, I have been again robbed; one of the best bucks
+in the park has been stolen."
+
+"I heard not of it, Sir Thomas," returned the falconer.
+
+"So it appears," returned the knight. "Nevertheless it hath been done;
+by the same token, this worthy, honest person saw the deer brought to
+the kitchen of the Lucy Arms at Stratford, where it was skinned, cut up,
+and actually some part of it eaten by William Shakespeare and his
+companions."
+
+"You amaze me," said the keeper; "on that night some of those I left in
+charge of the park were scared by a horrible apparition, the same which
+has been sometimes seen in the chase of Kenilworth, and so alarmed Roger
+Watchum, the Earl's head keeper, that he took it as a warning of death,
+and never joyed after. It hath grievously scared our people too, and
+they are afraid to go out at night, except in couples."
+
+"Let them quit my service in couples then," said Sir Thomas, "since they
+are such cowardly hounds, and do you put a bullet through that ghost
+wherever you find it. I am well served by fellows who, scared by a
+shadow, run scampering about the woods, and leave the deer to the mercy
+of caitiffs and common robbers the whilst."
+
+The head keeper well knew the stern disposition of his master, he
+therefore only bowed and waited further orders, whilst Sir Thomas walked
+up and down the apartment for some minutes without speaking. After a
+while, however, he again addressed the keeper.
+
+"Go, sirrah," he said, "get together half a score of my out-door
+serving-men with pick and crow-bar. Send them forward to the Town-end at
+Stratford; and do thou and half a dozen of thy fellows, prepare to
+attend _me_."
+
+"And now, Master Grasp," he said, "we will take your's, and the
+depositions of the men you have brought with you, who saw this
+Shakespeare in the act of burying the buck's-hide in the orchard of the
+Lucy Arms."
+
+Meantime whilst these transactions were taking place at Charlecote, the
+unconscious delinquents were again assembled at the hostel, where we
+fear, it must be confessed, more mischief was being plotted against the
+quieter portions of the community.
+
+The spirit of mischief, and the love of sport, was, after all, the chief
+mover of the whole party. They enjoyed those stolen pleasures, and,
+indeed, doubly relished the banquets they furnished forth, from the very
+circumstances of their being so procured.
+
+On the present occasion, the presiding genius of the tavern--the jovial
+Froth, with Pierce, Caliver, and Careless, were the parties assembled in
+the parlour of the Lucy Arms.
+
+'Twas the time, according to the magnificent wight Armado, "when beasts
+most graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that nourishment which
+is called supper,"--about the sixth hour.
+
+The meal was accompanied by sauce of the best quality, hunger, and
+savoured by good humour and hilarity. It consisted of a smoking haunch
+from the very buck we have already heard so much controversy about, and
+which was washed down by large draughts of liquor, various in kind, and
+exquisite in flavour.
+
+It would have done the reader's heart good to have beheld mine host of
+the tavern, with the sleeves of his doublet tucked up, standing at the
+table to carve the savoury joint, and whilst he ever and anon partook of
+a morsel and pledged his guests in a bumper, waiting upon them and
+uttering his quaint sayings.
+
+William Shakespeare and Diccon Snare had promised to be of the party on
+this evening, but from some cause or other which was unexplained,
+neither had kept the appointment.
+
+Meanwhile the supper was finished, the haunch devoured down to the very
+bone, the napkin was removed, and the sparkling liquors in their
+quaint-cut bottles and flasks being placed upon the board, the party sat
+in for a carouse. They had all been over to Warwick on that day, and
+pleasure and action gave a zest to the evening's entertainment and the
+enjoyment of the hour; still the absence of Shakespeare and Snare made
+the evening's enjoyment, after all, seem incomplete. There was a feeling
+of something wanting to crown the joy of the party; for those who had
+once been in the society of the delightful Will, would be likely,
+without knowing the extent of their feelings at the moment, to
+experience a terrible void if he disappointed them.
+
+The assemblage, however, were not men to allow the hours to hang on
+hand; and in the hope and expectation that their friends would join
+them, they carried on the war in jovial style. Their jests principally
+were levelled against Sir Thomas Lucy, whose rude and overbearing
+keepers they were the more pleased at gaining a triumph over; inasmuch
+as one or two of their own party had before been severely punished for
+offences against the game laws--offences, which men of their sort looked
+upon in the light of no offence at all, and rather as a sort of feather
+in their caps, anything but a theft; or, if a theft, a species of
+stealing which those of spirit, and ranking as gentlemen, had a right to
+indulge in: for what says the old doggrel?
+
+    "Harry and I in youth long since
+    Did doughty deeds, but some nonsense;
+    We read our books, we sang our song,
+    We stole a deer; nor thought it wrong;
+    To cut a purse deserves but hanging,
+    To steal a deer gets merely banging."
+
+"Ha, ha!" said the Host. "Art thou there, bullies? Why, then, confusion
+to these Bohemian tartars! and we lads of mettle will still feast at
+their expense. What we must hedge, we must lurch. An we are borne down
+by the vile in spirit, we must resort to cozenage,--we must filch,--we
+must steal,--we must coney catch,--we must cozen the dappled deer from
+the fern."
+
+"Truly thou art in the right, Host," said Froth; "but I most especially
+marvel what keepeth the jovial Will to-night. He struck the buck, and
+should be at the carving of the haunch. We lack him--we lack him much.
+By my fay! the cup lacks flavour, whilst expectation is thus defeated.
+Oh, 'tis a glorious boy! Come, lads, let us in his absence cheer our
+spirits with a catch. Give us Will's own song of the horns: an we have
+not himself, we'll have his verse." And the party sang,--
+
+   "1. What shall we have that kill the deer?
+    2. His leathern skin and horns to wear.
+    3. Then sing him home.
+          Take thou no scorn to wear the horn,
+          It was a crest ere thou wast born."
+
+The chorus was trolled out again and again, the singers applauding their
+own exertions vigorously, by repeated raps upon the table. Mine Host sat
+with his hands clasped before him, his head keeping time with drunken
+precision:
+
+    "The horn, the horn, the lusty horn,
+    Is not a thing to laugh to scorn."
+
+When just at this moment the whole company were startled by an
+apparition nearly as appalling in appearance as the spectre they had
+themselves scared the keepers of Sir Thomas Lucy with in Charlecote, and
+which indeed was neither more nor less than Sir Thomas Lucy himself.
+
+The knight advanced a few paces into the room, accompanied by several of
+his men, and stood to regard the party. Mine host was the first to catch
+sight of him, and the lusty chorus he was trolling out died away in a
+faint quaver, and as the rest of the company, following the direction of
+his staring eyes, turned and beheld the tall knight, conscience made
+cowards of them all, and, with a desperate rush, they endeavoured to get
+out of the room. Two dashed into the sleeping-chamber of Froth, whence
+they escaped into the orchard, whilst mine host, Caliver, and Careless,
+bolted through the open window.
+
+Following the example of these latter fugitives, Froth made also an
+attempt to escape by the window, but his huge body became fixed like a
+wedge, as he endeavoured to throw himself forwards upon the grass
+without, and his nether man presented so fair a mark that the irate
+knight pointing him out to his head keeper, the sturdy forester stepped
+up, and by a most industrious application of his hunting-whip, so
+stimulated the exertions of Froth, that, bellowing with pain, he at last
+managed to get through the opening.
+
+If the stately knight had been given to mirth, the sight of this swollen
+porpoise, during his efforts to escape,--his huge legs kicking at his
+tormentor,--his great body fast jammed,--would have furnished him with
+laughter for some minutes.
+
+Sir Thomas, however, was too irate to be so moved; he sought for proof
+of the guilt of the parties in this their sanctum, and, quickly
+proceeding to overhaul the lodgement of Froth, he found sufficient
+evidence of their poaching propensities; cross-bows, matchlocks, and
+snares of various sorts, were rummaged out and brought to light; and
+even the costume of Dreary Death, and other disguises, were produced. In
+fact, the query which had been often suggested by some of the more staid
+neighbours of the vicinity, as to how the swash-bucklers and rollicking
+blades constituting the society of the Lucy Arms, managed to live,
+was brought to light. They lived by their exertions on the road
+and the glade. They were squires of the night's body--Diana's
+foresters--gentlemen of the shade.
+
+No sooner was Sir Thomas fully satisfied on this point than he retired
+from the interior, and, mounting his horse, ordered the men awaiting him
+at the town-end to be summoned.
+
+"Master Grasp," he said, "I have more than once given this caitiff host
+notice to quit, and he hath still hung on and craved to remain my
+tenant. You have seen him this day evacuate the premises of his own free
+will, and I will now give my own people possession."
+
+Thus saying, Sir Thomas ordered his men to enter the hostel, and proceed
+to unroof it,[17] after which he desired them with pick and spade to
+demolish and destroy as much as they could effect that night, and in the
+morning to return and level the Lucy Arms with the ground. That done, he
+reiterated his commands to the obsequious Grasp to proceed against the
+whole party as aiders and abetters in the robbery--William Shakespeare,
+in particular, as principal. To _prosecute_ and _persecute_ with the
+utmost rigour of the law. After which he turned his horse, and, grave
+and stately, attended by his keepers, rode off to Charlecote.
+
+[Footnote 17: This sort of ejectment was not uncommon in Elizabeth's
+reign.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE LAMPOON.
+
+
+On the morning of the day on which Sir Thomas paid a visit to the Lucy
+Arms, William Shakespeare, seated in a small parlour at the back of his
+house, was employed reading from a somewhat bulky volume certain matters
+which appeared deeply to interest him.
+
+So much so, indeed, that albeit his attention was often called from the
+subject of his studies by the little crowing baby he held in one arm;
+still he ever returned with renewed avidity to devour a few more pages,
+as often as the playful infant gave him an opportunity of doing so.
+
+The volume Shakespeare was reading from was a thick squat folio, then
+some thirty years printed, and called Hall's Chronicles. Many and
+various were the histories contained in this thick volume; and the deep
+interest young Shakespeare felt in their perusal, and the impression
+they made upon his mind, may be imagined when we enumerate them as set
+forth. First, then, there was "the unquiet time of King Henry ye
+Fourth." That was indeed a stirring page in England's history, "when
+trenching war channelled her fields," and intestine jars and civil
+butchery "daubed her lips with her own children's blood."
+
+Then followed the victorious acts of King Henry the Fifth--a glorious
+epoch--a "record of fair act," and which, as we read of, he already saw
+before him, "the warlike Hal, in the vasty fields of France,"
+
+    "Assuming the port of Mars, and at his heels
+    Leash'd in, like hounds, famine, fire, and sword,
+    Crouching for employment."
+
+Then came the troublous season of King Henry the Sixth, when
+
+    "Cropp'd were the flower-de-luces in our arms,
+    And England's cost one-half was cut away."
+
+Then followed the boisterous reign of King Edward the Fourth, the
+pitiful life of King Edward the Fifth, the tragical doings of King
+Richard the Third, the "politic governance" of King Henry the Seventh,
+the triumphant reign of King Henry the Eighth.
+
+How diligently young Shakespeare perused this book; and how carefully he
+remembered the impression made upon his mind, his after-life has shewn
+us.
+
+At the present moment, like many a less elevated genius, his studies
+were disturbed by civil discord, domestic brawls, and the matters of
+every-day life around him.
+
+Such, however, was the fine disposition of the man, that it took much to
+disturb the serenity of his temper and the equanimity of his mind.
+
+We have seen that, in the amiability of his disposition, he was
+snatching an hour's leisure from the business in which he was engaged,
+and helping to nurse his child whilst pursuing his studies. This
+employment in itself would but have enhanced the pleasure afforded by
+such study. But unluckily (albeit he gave as little attention thereto as
+possible) he was at the same time subjected to the observation and sharp
+rebuke of his somewhat shrewish better half.
+
+The stolen hours spent with his associates of the Lucy Arms had caused
+him a series of lectures and upbraidings, which completely ship-wrecked
+his domestic peace.
+
+All this be suffered in silence, for, as he could not compromise his
+companions by disclosing their confederacy in his deer-stealing exploit,
+he wisely held big tongue; not that he, however, deemed it right to keep
+secret counsel from the wife of his bosom; but in this case, where
+others were concerned, honour bound his tongue. In his own words he
+could have told her--
+
+    "That he knew her wise, but yet no further wise
+    Than William Shakespeare's wife. Constant she was,
+    But yet a woman: and for secrecy
+    No lady closer, for he well believed
+    She would not utter what she did not know,
+    And so far would he trust the gentle Anne."
+
+In the present instance the gentle Anne appeared determined to have a
+serious quarrel with her husband. She flatly told him she would never
+rest till she had discovered where and with whom he had passed the
+night; and her upbraidings, as is frequently the case with females in
+her station of life, were by no means mild.
+
+    "The venom'd clamours of a jealous woman
+    Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth."
+
+And William Shakespeare found it, and accordingly at length his patience
+gave way, and he arose, laid aside his book, placed his child in the
+cradle, and notwithstanding his stomach warned him it was near the
+dinner hour, he donned his castor, left the small apartment, and was
+about to leave his house for the Lucy Arms, when, just as he reached the
+door, he beheld Diccon Snare.
+
+Dismounting from his horse, Snare entered the front-room of
+Shakespeare's house; and having desired the lad to whom he gave charge
+of the steed to lead it round to the shed in rear, he closed the door
+behind him carefully, and then threw himself into a chair, as one who
+had ridden far and fast since he had taken to the saddle.
+
+"There is ill news abroad, Will," said he; "the Charlecote business is
+blown--Sir Thomas Lucy knows all. That much concerns you, for you are
+made the principal in the affair. Other matter hath also come out
+regarding some transactions in which Caliver and Careless are concerned.
+Caliver is in custody. Careless hath escaped, and, as I am not
+altogether exempt, I am for London with all speed."
+
+"For myself I care nothing," said Shakespeare; "but for Pierce, Caliver,
+and Careless, I am grieved. But whence is all this derived?"
+
+"I met one of Grasp's lads at Kenilworth this morning," said Snare, "who
+with an officer was searching for Caliver; he gave me a hint to convey
+intelligence to the lads of the Lucy Arms; and I have ridden hard to
+give you the first notice."
+
+"This doth indeed look ugly," said Shakespeare. "Sir Thomas hath ever
+held me in his hate, and undeservedly so. Wherefore he hath this
+dislike, I partly guess; now he has me on the hip, I doubt not he will
+do his utmost against me. But I pry'thee come in, Snare, you look pale,
+and lack refreshment. Our meal is about to be served."
+
+"Nay, but," said Snare, "your wife, Will,--she likes me not; nay, she
+forbade my coming hither last Martinmas."
+
+"Heed it not," said Shakespeare, smiling; "believe me, she meant not
+what she said. A friend both tired, hungry, and in need of shelter,
+shall never be turned fasting from my door. Besides, hath not thy love
+brought thee hither to warn me? Tush, man! Do you tell me of a woman's
+tongue--
+
+    "That gives not half so great a blow to the ear,
+    As doth a chestnut in a farmer's fire."
+
+And Shakespeare threw open the door, and ushered his friend Snare into
+the inner-room, where they found the dinner spread, and the wife not
+best pleased at having to tarry.
+
+"Not a word of matters appertaining," he whispered to Snare, as they
+entered. "Mistress Anne will not endure thee long, Diccon. After the
+meal is finished, she will take herself off to the upper-room."
+
+Snare therefore followed his friend, and looking somewhat scared, made a
+leg, and paid his compliments to the hostess as he best could.
+
+'Twas exactly as Shakespeare had surmised. The handsome Anne, whose brow
+grew somewhat contracted when she saw her husband usher in Snare, left
+the pair to themselves, as soon as she had finished her meal.
+
+After her departure, Shakespeare placed liquor before his guest; and
+over a social glass they debated seriously of their affairs.
+
+The high spirit of Shakespeare, however, would not permit of his long
+remaining under dominion of care or apprehension; and, under influence
+of a cup or two of Canary, he began to rail upon Sir Thomas, and lash
+him alternately.
+
+"Out upon the clod-pate," he said; "his brains are as thick as
+Tewkesbury mustard. He imprison me--he have me whipped! Pshaw! I laugh
+at the dull ass! I will make him a jest to the whole country!"
+
+"O' my word, Will, he will be more likely to drive thee from it," said
+Snare; "for Launcelot Quill, Grasp's head clerk, vows he never saw man
+more angered than the old knight is against thee."
+
+"Tush, man!" said Shakespeare, "never tell me of his anger. Let him do
+his spite. He hath already done me several ill turns, from the bare
+suspicion that I have broke his park. Now, I doubt not, he will fine,
+imprison, and what not, if he can but catch me! Come, another cup, and
+then to inform our companions of the Lucy Arms of this matter. Best,
+however, clap-to the outer door, and make all fast," he said, rising and
+drawing the bolt across the fore-door, "lest this Cavaliero Justice hath
+already let loose his myrmidons against me. Ha! ha!" he continued,
+reseating himself, "he a Justice of the Peace!--he a Parliament Member!
+Why, I will fashion a better justice after supper out of a
+cheese-paring. I pr'ythee, Snare, reach me that ink-horn. I will write a
+lampoon upon the peaking Cornuto, and fasten it up against his
+park-gates--I will, indeed, lad!"
+
+"Nay, but Will," urged Snare, "thou wilt scarce venture, daring dog as
+thou art, further to irritate the knight? I tell thee, being married and
+settled here, this business will already go far to ruin thee."
+
+"Ruin me!" said Shakespeare, somewhat bitterly. "Ruin me, saidst thou?
+Why, man, dost think me in a thriving condition here in Stratford?"
+
+"Not entirely so," said Snare, looking around; "I would I could see thy
+nest better feathered, Will, and I trust I shall yet do so."
+
+"I think it not," said Shakespeare; "business decreases apace with me. I
+am called wild, inattentive, dissolute,--nay, I have had one or two
+slight misunderstandings with my family; and, as thou sayest, this last
+business and the rancorous hatred of Sir Thomas, will go hard with your
+poor friend. But, come, here we have a couplet or two in his condign
+praise: for a taste--
+
+    "A parliament member, a justice of peace,
+    At home a poor scarecrow, at London an asse;
+    If lowsie is Lucy, as same volke miscalle it,
+    Then Lucy is lowsie whatever befall it."
+
+"'Fore heaven, Will, stop," said Snare, laughing, "Thou hast indeed
+touched up the knight; thou hast tied him to a post, and wilt lash him
+into madness."
+
+"Nay, but stay," said Shakespeare, "I will give him another stanza yet.
+Hearkee to this:
+
+    "He thinks himself great.
+    Yet an asse in his state,
+    We allowe by his ears but with asses to mate;
+    If Lucy is lowsie as some volke miscalle it,
+    Then sing lowsie Lucy, whatever befall it."
+
+"Nay," said Snare, "an thou stick that up, thou hadst better put the
+seas between thyself and Britain. The Knight of Charlecote will be
+driven stark staring mad."
+
+"Well," said Shakespeare, "we shall see how matters progress. If Sir
+Thomas bears me hard, as true as thy name is Diccon Snare, I will nail
+this lampoon to his park-gates, and have it sung to filthy tunes through
+the town."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE GARDEN.
+
+
+It was one bright morning, a few days after the events we have recorded
+that a gay and gallant-looking party rode into the grounds of Clopton
+and approached the Hall.
+
+The mansion, which had for some time remained shut up, now appeared to
+be resuming something of its former state. Its latticed windows were
+once more open, whilst servants were to be seen moving about the offices
+and gardens, and even the bark and bay of dogs were heard in the kennel.
+
+The good Sir Hugh had suddenly returned to his home from the Low
+Countries. Time had gradually ameliorated his deep grief, and restored
+the equilibrium of his mind. He felt tired of camps and military
+service, and his thoughts turned to the green woods and sweet scenes of
+his own home.
+
+A feeling we suspect which almost all soldiers, however much ambition
+and the love of profession may keep them in harness, more or less
+experience. There is a period in the lives of all men in which the
+occupations of a country life form a sort of recreation after the toils
+and cares of the world. That which we disregard in youth, amidst the
+gaieties and frivolities and ambitions of life, in age seems to come as
+a natural repose. A wise provision of nature, and which in earlier
+times was perhaps better exemplified. To youth, the bright weapon, the
+helm, the shield, and the defence. To riper age, the plough, the hoe,
+and the dibble.
+
+Sir Hugh had returned to his sweet home, and, albeit a settled
+melancholy was on his spirits, he could better enjoy that home now that
+absence had rendered it less painful to him to look upon, and he
+returned with renewed zest to his old employments. He was in his garden,
+giving directions to his gardener about the different plants, and
+flowers, and shrubs, and turning over in his mind the varieties which in
+his daughter's time she had loved to cultivate--
+
+                        "Daffodils
+    That come before the swallow dares, and take
+    The winds of March with beauty. Violets dim,
+    But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes
+    Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses
+    That die unmarried, ere they can behold
+    Bright Phoebus in his strength."
+
+He was busied amongst his "somewhat o'erweeded garden," when an
+attendant announced that Sir Thomas and Lady Lucy were advancing towards
+the house, with the intention, no doubt, of paying him a formal visit on
+his return. Upon which the good Sir Hugh set his dibble in the earth,
+smoothed down the cuffs of his doublet, belted on the long rapier, which
+he had laid aside upon the walk when he commenced work, and, adjusting
+his short cloak and starched ruff, entered his house to receive these
+distinguished guests.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy, in the kindness of his heart, had hastened to pay a
+visit to his old friend the moment he heard of his arrival, and, well
+knowing there would be many things to excite the feelings of Sir Hugh on
+his return, he was resolved to carry him back to Charlecote.
+
+"I will have no denial, Sir Hugh," he said, "I have come hither to bring
+ye forth to Charlecote. We have wanted you long, and by my fay we cannot
+away without ye."
+
+"Nay, but," said Sir Hugh, "I am but now returned. Methinks in a few
+days I should be more prepared to leave home again."
+
+"Prepare me nothing," said Sir Thomas. "What the good-year, dost think
+we will let thee sit down to a solitary meal here, when we have shot the
+buck, and dressed the haunch on purpose for thee? Come, man, Lady Lucy
+takes no denial; and, see, my daughters are here to fetch thee."
+
+There was no resisting this, so Sir Hugh, sighing as he glanced upon the
+lovely daughters of his neighbour, ordered out his steed at once.
+
+It was a lovely morning, as the party rode through the grounds of
+Clopton, and emerged upon the road to Stratford. Many matters were
+discussed by the two friends after their long separation.
+
+Sir Thomas rode, as was customary at the period, with his falcon on his
+glove, his falconers being in attendance. Nay, even the ladies carried
+their favourite hawks, which they petted, and even talked to as they
+rode; a favourable opportunity for giving them wing being not altogether
+neglected occasionally.
+
+"We must have a day on't in the marshes, Sir Hugh," said the Knight of
+Charlecote, "and you must away with me next week to the Cotswold Hills,
+to the coursing, Sir Hugh. By 'ur Lady, I have a pup of old Snowball,
+which, an I am not mistaken, will win the match. 'Tis a goodly cur, I
+promise ye."
+
+"I will see him run," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"And that reminds me," said Sir Thomas, "to tell thee I have of late
+been much molested by a knot of young fellows breaking my parks and
+shooting my deer."
+
+"Ah, the caitiffs," said Sir Hugh, "can'st not take them?"
+
+"In sooth can I, and will trounce them too. One, especially, have I
+marked for punishment; and my lawyer hath him in hand. A wild lad of the
+town here, named Shakespeare."
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Hugh; "not young William Shakespeare, the eldest
+son of the wool-comber?"
+
+"The same," said Thomas. "I shall impound the knave ere many hours more
+are over his head."
+
+"Nay, I am truly sorry to hear this," said Sir Hugh, "for I have reason
+to think well of that lad."
+
+"'Tis more than any one else hath, then," said Sir Thomas. "He hath been
+a bitter thorn in my side for some time."
+
+"Truly, you surprise me; hath he then so altered since I left these
+parts?"
+
+"I know not that," said Sir Thomas; "but I well know he hath the
+reputation of the wildest young fellow in the neighbourhood."
+
+"Nay, then I am utterly astonished," said Sir Hugh. "We must talk
+further of this matter; and I must see if I cannot get you to over-look,
+in some sort, young Shakespeare's offence."
+
+"I would do much to pleasure you," said the Knight of Charlecote; "but
+my lawyer hath instruction to prosecute him with rigour. I was resolved
+to make a Star Chamber matter o't. If he be, however, so much favoured
+by thee, my good friend, we must look to't. But come, here we are at
+Charlecote. Ha!" he continued, pulling up his steed suddenly; "what have
+we nailed up against the gate? Dismount, Hubald!" he said to the
+Falconer, "take it down, man, and read it, and see what 'tis."
+
+The head Falconer dismounted, and approaching the gates, took down a
+good sized placard written in large characters, a single glance at which
+seemed to cover him with dismay.
+
+"What is it, in the name of wonder?" said the Knight. "Read, man, read;
+don't stand glaring like a driveller. Is my place placarded for sale?"
+
+"An it so please ye," said the Falconer, "a gnat hath gotten into my
+eye, and I cannot well make it out. 'Tis a verse, too, and I cannot read
+a verse anyhow."
+
+"Thou art a knave," said the Knight. "Read, I tell thee. I am curious to
+know what such documents can have to do with my gates. Read, I say,
+without more circumstance." And accordingly the Falconer, like one
+affrighted at his own voice, and in doleful tones drawled out the
+following couplet:--
+
+    "A parliament member, a justice of peace,
+    At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass.
+    If Lucy is--"
+
+"Ahem! 'If Lucy is--'" And the Falconer stopped.
+
+"Proceed, sirrah," said Sir Thomas, with the calmness of concentrated
+rage; "proceed, a God's name!" And again the Falconer read--
+
+    "If Lucy is lowsey as some folk miscall it,
+    Then lowsey is Lucy whatever befall it."
+
+To paint the ire and astonishment of Sir Thomas would be difficult.
+
+"Here's goodly stuff toward," he said, as the Falconer stopped after the
+four first lines, and stood looking as much scared as if he had himself
+been guilty of the composition. "This, then, Sir Hugh, is doubtless the
+production of thy witty friend. A pestilence strike such wit! say I.
+Here, hand me the paper. Now may the fiend take me, an I do not give him
+his full deserts for this insult." And cramming the placard into the
+bosom of his doublet, to be read carefully and at more leisure, Sir
+Thomas put spurs to his horse and rode into the courtyard of his
+mansion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT TO LONDON.
+
+
+A week has elapsed since Sir Hugh Clopton paid his visit to Charlecote.
+He has been a few days returned to his own home again, and is filled
+with pleasurable sensations on account of a letter just received from
+London, and announcing the arrival there of his nephew, Walter Arderne.
+The ship in which Walter has received a passage home is called the
+"Falcon," it is lying at Deptford; and the letter from the nephew to the
+uncle treats of strange matter; and promises, when they meet, still
+stranger news, connected with his escape, and safe return to England. A
+postscript adds, that as Walter has returned naked, as it were, to his
+native land, and has little to delay him preparatory to his returning to
+Clopton, his strong love for his uncle, "sharp as his spur," will help
+him on his road as fast as his horse can bring him. One only drawback is
+there to the contentment of Sir Hugh, and that is the account his nephew
+gives of the loss of the faithful Martin.
+
+Still (although Sir Hugh felt more happy at this intelligence than he
+had been for some time) he did not let his feelings interfere with a
+project he had conceived after his return home, of going into Stratford
+in order to pay a visit to John Shakespeare, in Henley Street. The good
+Sir Hugh felt, that however much the son of the wool-comber might have
+disgraced himself, at any rate he himself was in duty bound to try and
+befriend him. "A deer-stealer," he said, as he mounted his horse and
+rode forth, "and given to all unluckiness in catching hares and rabbits
+too; and then that biting satire nailed against the park-gates, and
+stuck up all over the town: nay, 'twas too bad, and that is the truth
+on't. Here, too," he continued, (fumbling in the pocket of his doublet,)
+"is a vile ballad I bought of an old hag, who was bawling it through the
+streets of Stratford but yesterday. Let me see what saith the doggrel:
+
+    "Sir Thomas was too covetous
+       To covet so much deer,
+     When horns enough upon his head,
+       Most plainly did appear."
+
+"By 'ur Lady, but 'tis sad stuff; and here be more--
+
+    "Had not his worship one deer left?
+      What then? he had a wife,
+    Took pains enough to find him horns
+      Should last him during life."
+
+"Ah, a very simple lad, and a wilful. Had it not been for these
+things--these scraps of bad verse--I could have made matters up, I dare
+be sworn." And Sir Hugh (who by this time had reached Henley Street)
+dismounted, and entered the house of the wool-comber.
+
+How well the Knight of Charlecote had bestirred himself, and how well he
+had been assisted in his prosecution of the deer-stealers by the
+wretched Grasp, was evident, since Sir Hugh found that Snare was in jail
+at Warwick, Caliver in durance at Coventry, and that William Shakespeare
+had fled.
+
+Yes, Shakespeare had fled from Stratford-upon-Avon. How trivial a
+circumstance did that seem at the time! Except his own family, none
+seemed to know or care much about him. A mere youth was driven from his
+home to avoid punishment for a trifling indiscretion; persecuted by a
+man of high and chivalrous feeling, and who knew him not, but by the ill
+report of the vile; a man who, had he but suspected the great worth and
+brilliant genius of the fugitive, would have been one of the first to
+befriend, in place of injuring and driving him, alone and friendless,
+from his home. And that act, whilst it lent an imperishable _eclat_ to
+his own name, was, perhaps, the exciting cause of the greatness of the
+offender.
+
+It was dark night when Shakespeare left his home. The resolve was
+suddenly taken: his high spirit could not brook the thought of
+degradation and punishment at the suit of the Knight of Charlecote. The
+misrepresentations, the misconceptions, and the absurd reports of the
+Stratford noodles, had disgusted him; and (even amidst the laughter
+caused by the lampoon affixed to the gates of Charlecote) he fled from
+the town.
+
+Added to these feelings, there was the natural ambition which a young
+man, a husband, and a father, entertained to enter into some wider
+sphere of action, find where the talents he possessed might be brought
+into play. Domestic difference, too, and undeserved reproach,--or, if
+_deserved_, ill-timed, galled his spirit, and his gentle nature rebelled
+against the treatment he had received. The fire in the flint, 'tis said,
+"shows not till it be struck."
+
+'Twas night when he left his home. To his mother alone had he confided
+his intent, and to her he had entrusted the care of both wife and
+children. 'Twas two hours past midnight when he donned his hat and
+cloak, took his quarter-staff in his hand, and prepared to start.
+
+Gently he ascended the stairs, and entered his sleeping-room. The
+handsome Ann was buried in a deep sleep; and as one snowy arm encircled
+her infant, her dark-brown locks lay like a cloud upon the pillow. What
+a picture of rustic English beauty did she present! One kiss of her
+parted lips, and he descended the stairs, and let himself out by the
+back-door.
+
+He was obliged to be cautious as he crossed the orchard, and gained the
+open fields in rear of his dwelling. It would, however, we opine, have
+been somewhat dangerous had the emissaries of Grasp molested him on this
+night, as his spirit, although bruised, was not broken, and he would
+have been a difficult person to capture. Ere he left the orchard, he
+turned and looked long and fixedly at his own and his father's dwelling.
+He felt that, perhaps, he might never again behold the sloping roofs
+which covered relatives so dear. All, save one (his mother), were buried
+in deep sleep, and unconscious of his flight. A minute more, and he was
+gone from his native town. Hurrying onwards over the meadows and
+woodlands--avoiding the high-road--across the country towards
+Warwick--"over park, over pale--through brake, through briar." Without
+any fixed notion as to his route, London was his destination; and with a
+mind ill at ease, the solitude of the woods was most congenial to his
+thoughts. Thus he traversed, alone and at night, the first few miles of
+that delicious and park-like scene between his native town and Warwick;
+and still, as his steps were destined towards the latter town, old
+haunts, and points of interest, lured him from the direct line; and the
+breaking dawn found him standing, leaning upon his staff, on Blacklow
+Hill--a spot, we dare say, well known to the majority of our readers.
+The sweetness of this locality, and the delicious scene around, for the
+moment took him from his own particular griefs; his mind reverted to the
+terrible deed of stern and wild justice it had been the scene of.
+
+In the hollow of the rock beneath his feet, Piers Gaveston, the minion
+of Edward the Second, had met his sudden fate.
+
+Amidst the fern and on the mossed face of the rugged rock were still to
+be seen the name of the victim, and the date in which the deed had been
+done, rudely cut at the moment of the execution.
+
+          1311.
+     PIERS GAVESTON,
+    EARL OF CORNWALL,
+        BEHEADED.
+
+Around him were the oaks of the Druids; in the distance, embosomed in
+softest verdure, gray with age, and softened in the mists of early dawn,
+were the towers of the magnificent Warwick.
+
+On right, on left, were the deep woodlands, at this period covering
+nearly all Warwickshire like a huge forest. 'Twas a scene peculiarly
+adapted to call forth all the chivalrous feelings and historical
+recollection of such a being. The distant rush of the water from the
+monastic mill at Guy's Cliff, a sound which the monks of the adjoining
+abbey in bygone times had loved to hear, soothed the melancholy of his
+soul;--a sort of dreamy and shadowy remembrance of ages "long ago
+betide;"--a feeling as if the gazer upon such a scene had been familiar
+with the iron men who lived in feudal pride, and owned those towers in
+bygone days, stole upon him. He stood upon the domain of that mighty
+Earl of Warwick, "the putter up and plucker down of kings;" the blast of
+whose bugle in that county had often assembled thousands, "all
+furnished, all in arms." In thought he followed the proud baron in all
+his stirring career. Knight and esquire and vassal, a "jolly troop of
+English" swept by with tuck of drum and colours spread; and then he saw
+the mighty earl dying amidst the dust and blood of Barnet:--
+
+    "His parks, his walks, his manors, that he had,
+    Even these forsaking him; and, of all his lands,
+    Nothing left him but his body's length."
+
+Any one who could have looked upon that youthful poet at the moment,
+might have surmised the Shakespeare after-times has been wont to
+picture. There was the divine expression,--the countenance _once seen_,
+even in a portrait, never to be forgotten; the eye of fire, "glancing
+from heaven to earth;" the splendid form, with head thrown back and foot
+advanced. And thus he stood upon Blacklow Hill--
+
+    "A combination and a form, indeed,
+    To give the world assurance of a man."
+
+Not like a fugitive flying from the paltry spite of a scrivener set on
+by a country squire, but like the herald mercury.
+
+                "New lighted on a heaven-kissing hill."
+    Long did the fugitive linger in this spot, till--
+
+                      "Light thickened, and the crow
+                      Wing'd to the rocky wood."
+
+He then, as hunger forced him from his retreat, crossed the meadows, and
+entering the town of Warwick, sought an old hostel situate in the
+suburbs. No sooner did he enter this town, than he began to find himself
+one remove from the dull seclusion of his native place. The streets
+seemed all alive; a huge bonfire was a-light in the market-place, and
+hundreds of the rough sons of toil were assembled around, and in the
+adjoining thoroughfares.
+
+Another diabolical conspiracy of the Jesuits had been discovered, and
+their designs frustrated. The news had just travelled to Warwick, and
+all was exultation, execration, and wild riot; whilst, added to this was
+a whispered rumour that the Queen of Scots was to be immediately brought
+to trial for participation in the plot. Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Amias
+Paulet, and Edward Barker,--it was said at the Castle,--had waited upon
+Mary, informing her of the commission to try her, and also that Mary had
+refused to submit to an examination before subjects. Thus, then, all was
+excitement, stir, and bustle, as Shakespeare, unmarked by all, passed
+through the streets of Warwick and entered, the market-place,--a scene,
+perhaps, not quite so rude and riotous as in earlier times in that old
+town, yet still sufficiently characteristic of the period.
+
+At one side of the market a company of fleshers, butchers, and half-clad
+hangers-on, reeking with the "uncleanly savours of the slaughter-house,"
+threw up their sweaty night-caps, and urged their savage mastiffs to the
+charge, whilst an unlucky bear, tied to a strong stake, hugged and bit
+and bellowed with the agony of the attack. At another part a rout of
+fellows were to be seen wrestling and playing at quarter-staff; others,
+as they sprawled before a low hostel, were dicing and drinking, whilst a
+whole company danced and shouted around a bonfire, in which the effigies
+of Philip of Spain, tied back to back to a shaven monk, were being
+burnt. At another part of the market a considerable crowd was gathered
+around a sort of rhyming pedlar,--a tatterdemalion poet, who said, and
+shouted, and sang, the latest news, the newest ballad, and the last
+lampoon made upon Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote:--
+
+    "A Parliament member, a justice of peace--
+    At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass."
+
+Passing through this crowd, and gathering from several knots of the
+citizens much of the stirring news, Shakespeare entered a small tavern
+situate in the outskirts of the town, near the Priory walls, where,
+although he found less bustle, there was yet a decent assemblage of
+guests. Here again he had opportunity of hearing those events which at
+the moment interested the kingdom from one end to the other. Violent
+philippics were levelled against Mary of Scotland, Philip of Spain, the
+Pope, and all communicating and consorting with them. The Queen of
+Scots, it was asserted by one of the travellers, had been found guilty
+of writing a letter to Philip, in which she offered to transfer all
+England to the Spaniard should her son refuse to embrace the Catholic
+faith. Another guest affirmed she had entered into a conspiracy against
+her own son, and instigated agents to seize his person and deliver him
+into the hands of the Pope, or the King of Spain.
+
+As the fugitive sat beneath the huge chimney, and listened to the noisy
+debate of these politicians, amidst the hum of voices, and with the
+names of Walsingham, Babington, Burleigh, Hatton, Leicester, and others,
+ringing in his ears, he fell asleep, and with his arms folded, his head
+dropping upon his breast, his feet stretched out upon the hearth, his
+quarter-staff fast clutched in his arms, in company with others snoring
+in different parts of the apartment, did he pass the first hours of the
+night on which he fled from Stratford.
+
+It was by no means an uncommon occurrence in Elizabeth's day for guests
+and wayfarers at a hostel of this sort _so_ to pass the night. Your
+traveller oft-times took his supper, folded his arms, drew his cloak
+around him, and slept in his boots and doublet when on a journey. The
+comfort of a good bed, as in our own day upon the road, was by no means
+thought so necessary. Nay, during the reign of Henry the Eighth, the
+peasant slept upon the floor with a log of wood for a pillow; and a
+comfortable bed to the hardy English peasant or the yeoman was a luxury
+indeed. The traveller, therefore, who meant to be early on the road,
+paid his shot over-night, and departed with "the first cock."
+Accordingly, the morning broke as Shakespeare brushed the dew from the
+grass some miles from Warwick, and the sun shone out brightly as he
+neared the towers of Kenilworth, then in all its pride and magnificence.
+The parks, and woods, and chase of this fortress were well known to the
+poet; and the beautiful little village, with its priory situated close
+to the walls, amidst verdant meadows, and surrounded with thick and
+massive foliage, had been a favourite haunt. Here, when a school-boy, he
+had accompanied his father, what time the Earl of Leicester entertained
+Queen Elizabeth for seventeen days, "with pomp, with triumph, and with
+revelling." And here he had taken his first impression of regal pride
+and power. At the same time he also got an inkling of the theatrical
+diversions then in vogue; for hither came the Coventry men, and acted an
+ancient play upon the green--a play long used or represented in their
+antique city, and called "Hock's Tuesday," and in which the Dane, after
+a formal engagement, was discomfited. Here, too, us he stood upon the
+margin of the castle-lake, he beheld another pageant, in which
+
+    "Arion,[18] on a dolphin's back,
+    Uttered such dulcet and harmonious breath,
+    That the rude lake grew civil at her song."
+
+[Footnote 18: The Earl, besides other things, had represented Arion on a
+dolphin, with rare music, whilst fireworks were seen in the air.
+Shakespeare, more than once, alludes to Arion on a dolphin's back. Might
+not these things have made early impression upon his mind?]
+
+Many other rough, sports, too, had he seen on this occasion and on this
+spot; the gracious Queen, sitting patiently the whilst, "kindly giving
+her thanks to the actors for nothing."
+
+    "Her sport to take what they mistook,
+    And what poor duty could not do,
+    Noble respect took it in might, not merit;
+    And where she saw them shiver and look pale,
+    Make periods in the midst of sentences,
+    Throttle their practis'd accents in their fears,
+    And in conclusion dumbly breaking off,
+    Out of their silence did she pick a welcome,
+    And in the modesty of fearful duty
+    She read as much, as from the rattling tongue
+    Of saucy and audacious eloquence."
+
+As Shakespeare turned from the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, the scene
+was by no means new to him, yet still it made considerable impression
+upon his mind; the huge castle and its flanking walls and towers, and
+the buildings which had been added to it during various reigns,
+altogether made up a pile of feudal grandeur such as was hardly to be
+equalled in the kingdom. There stood the new and magnificent buildings
+of the favourite Leicester--the towers of old John of Gaunt,
+"time-honoured Lancaster,"--the lodgings of King Henry the Eighth--the
+old bower of Caesar, (built by Geoffrey de Clinton,) the tilt-yard, the
+swan tower, the water tower, Lunn's tower, Fountain tower, Saintlow
+tower, and Mervyn's bower. There was the plaisance, the orchard, the
+huge court, the garden, the glassy lake, and the wild and magnificent
+chase. All these, much as they had been impressed upon the mind of
+Shakespeare in former rambles, seemed doubly interesting and impressive
+now that lie was leaving the scene, perhaps for ever, without purse,
+profession, or prospect. Nay, should he meet some outlaw or common
+robber on the road, he might have said, with his own Valentine--
+
+    "A man I am, crossed with adversity,
+    My riches are these poor habiliments,
+    Of which, if you should here disfurnish me,
+    You take the sum and substance that I have."
+
+Those who have left the home and haunts of their childhood, and all
+there so dearly loved, can best describe the feeling of desolation which
+the one solitary wanderer for the first time feels, and which each mile
+seems to add to. He who has first embarked for a distant clime, leaving
+all worth living for, to "make a hazard of new fortunes in the world,"
+can best remember "how slow his soul sailed on, how swift his ship."
+
+When Shakespeare left the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, all was strange
+and new to him; and he might then be said to have entered upon "the wide
+and universal theatre."
+
+All travel at this period was performed on horseback. Roads were foul,
+ill-made, and difficult; so much so, that in winter a man might have
+been dead in London three mouths before his next heir at York heard the
+news. The towns and villages, too, were then few, small, and far apart;
+and as Shakespeare inquired his weary way onwards, how sweet in
+remembrance seemed the bowery beauty of that sequestered spot he had
+quitted--sweet Stratford! and where he knew every face he met, where he
+saw and mixed with his own family every day, every hour. Sometimes, as
+he lay along, and rested beneath the shade of melancholy boughs, he
+loved to ponder upon those dearly-loved relatives, and imagine what they
+were doing, what they thought of his absence, and whether they missed
+him. His mother, too, she who had always so loved her first-born, who
+could read his high desert, and appreciate his brilliant talents, when
+all else passed him by, how would she miss him!
+
+    "Oh this will make my mother die of grief."
+
+The tears would then course one another down his cheek, and he would
+start up and hurry onwards again. He had no fixed route, but inquired
+his way from village to town, and from hamlet to city. His good
+constitution, and out-door habits, made it no hardship to him to pass
+the night upon the mossed bank in the open air. The cottage afforded him
+refreshment, and the thin drink of the shepherd from his bottle was
+oft-times offered in return for a few minutes' conversation upon the
+wold; the hawthorn bush the shade in which he rested; and thus he
+proceeded onwards in his flight, purposely deviating from the direct
+road, as well from inclination as that he felt it likely some search
+might be made after him either by friends or enemies.
+
+The few coins he had in his pocket when he started were soon expended,
+and he experienced at times, during his progress, the pangs of hunger
+without the means of allaying it, and this perhaps was an ordeal
+Shakespeare was fated to go through. He was destined to feel the "uses
+of adversity" ere he rose, by his own mighty efforts, above the world.
+He was to see human nature in all its varieties. To experience the
+depressing weight of poverty, ere he surmounted his worldly cares, as
+the lion shakes the dew-drops from his mane. Adversity was to be the
+finishing school of his studies--nature the book presented. In this
+school he took his degree, and which all the learning of the ancients,
+all the pedants of the antique world would have failed in teaching him.
+Nor was his attention confined to the actions of men as he mingled
+amongst them. He was the exact surveyor of the inanimate world as he
+travelled through it, and his descriptions in after-life were grafted
+from the contemplation of things as they really existed.
+
+To a solitary traveller on foot at this period there was considerable
+peril. The resolute ruffian, the "resolved villain," who lived by
+levying contributions on the road, was often to be met with. Nay, even
+strong parties of travellers were frequently attacked, and robbed, and
+murdered, 'twixt town and town. Still all unarmed, except the stout
+staff he carried in his hand, and the small dagger worn at his girdle,
+and which served to cut up the food he ate, Shakespeare held on his way.
+The lowly ruffian as he emerged from the thick cover which overhung the
+road occasionally scowled upon him as he passed, and then let him
+proceed unquestioned. There was something in the eye, which met his
+glance, which told the robber of hard blows and desperate resistance,
+whilst the unfurnished manner in which he travelled promised little in
+the shape of booty. Once or twice the wayfarer had joined a party of
+carriers, who, with other travellers in their company, were going the
+same route, but, as he frequently diverged from the road, he soon lost
+such companionship and made his way alone, through by-roads and foul
+ways, and across the dreary wastes and commons, at that period extending
+occasionally for many miles. It was on the fourth evening of his journey
+that, having made a long detour from the main road, he again came into
+it about five miles from Stoney Stratford. The day had been lovely, he
+had wandered far, and as he laid himself down beneath some huge trees
+and watched the bright track of the setting sun, he fell into a sound
+sleep.
+
+'Twas "the middle summer's spring." The bank upon which he lay looked a
+perfect haunt of the elfin crew, but whether or not, on _this_ night,
+Shakespeare dreamt a _dream of Midsummer_, or whether he dreamt at all,
+we are unable to say. Whilst he slept, however, he was suddenly awakened
+by the sound of voices near.
+
+As he opened his eyes, by the moon's light he observed three persons
+standing a few yards from him. The spot on which he reclined was so
+shadowed by the overhanging branches and thick with fern that he had
+himself been undiscovered, and a few moments' observation convinced him
+that the men he beheld were "squires of the night's booty." Their heavy
+boots, their soiled doublets, the rusted breast-plates they wore, their
+slouched hats, and untrimmed beards, altogether indeed convinced him
+they were thieves.
+
+Whilst he regarded the ill-favoured trio they descended from the
+overhanging bank into the road, where they were joined by a fourth
+person, who stole from the covert on the other side, and for some
+minutes remained in conversation with them. The situation was not
+without its interest, albeit it was fraught with danger to Shakespeare.
+He had, indeed, unconsciously intruded himself into the trysting place
+of a band of robbers, and, as he rose to his feet and removed somewhat
+behind the tree, he watched them narrowly.
+
+They were evidently laying in wait for passengers, as he more than once
+observed one of the party throw himself flat upon the road, with his ear
+to the ground, in order to listen for the tread of hoofs. To remain
+behind the oak (whose antique root peeped out upon the overhanging bank)
+would have been dangerous. Still, as he resolved closely to watch these
+men, he cautiously withdrew into the deeper cover of the trees. As he
+did so his head struck against some obstacle pendant from one of the
+boughs, and, as he raised his eyes, he beheld the dead body of a man
+suspended, a ghastly object thus seen in the gloom, and which
+sufficiently shewed the evil nature of the neighbourhood. He had, in
+fact, reached a spot called the "Crooked Wood," a part of the road at
+that period famous for robbery and murder, and the bodies of several
+malefactors were hung _in terrorem_.
+
+Shuddering at the sight, he withdrew from the vicinity of this object,
+which swinging backwards and forwards looked yet more horrible in the
+deep gloom. The next moment he heard the distant sound of hoofs upon the
+rood, and at the same time observed the figures beneath drawing
+cautiously off on either hand, concealing themselves completely in the
+deep shadows, one only remaining prostrate in the very middle of the
+highway. Although the horsemen approached rapidly, it was some time ere
+they neared the spot; now the clatter of hoofs appearing close at hand,
+and then (as some turn in the road intervened) again for some moments
+totally lost to the ear.
+
+At length they advanced down the hill which led immediately into this
+dark defile. Two horsemen he distinguished; the foremost immediately
+reined up his horse, and signed to his companion to do the same. The
+heart of Shakespeare beat quickly as he observed one of the travellers
+dismount and stoop down to render assistance to the prostrate form
+before him. As he did so the robber suddenly grasped the traveller by
+the throat and pulled him down, at the same moment his three companions
+darted like lightning from either side of the road; whilst two assailed
+the horseman, the third aided their comrade to despatch the traveller
+who had been entrapped.
+
+The struggle was desperate: the mounted cavalier had in an instant
+unsheathed his long rapier, and manfully defended himself; and the woods
+around rang to the blows of the combatants. Meanwhile the prostrate
+traveller, whose horse had galloped off at the commencement of the fray,
+was also in an unpleasant plight. This latter, being a powerful man, had
+more than once heaved himself up by main force, and nearly cleared
+himself from his adversaries. But, with heavy blows and desperate
+exertions, they at length succeeded in pinning him down. In an instant,
+however, the fallen man succeeded in drawing a pistol from his belt, and
+discharged it into the body of one of his opponents.
+
+All this happened in as short a time as it has taken the reader to
+peruse it. Life and death, in such deadly conflict, in taken and
+received by the combatants like the lightning's flash; and, albeit the
+travellers straggled manfully, yet a very few minutes sufficed to tell
+against the leaser party. The horseman was on the point of being dragged
+from his saddle, and his fellow-traveller was growing exhausted with the
+violence of action. At that moment, however, a heavy blow fractured the
+skull of the ruffian who hold the bridle-rein of the rearing steed, and
+as the new combatant afterwards opposed himself to the robber, who had
+by this time succeeded in bringing the rider to the ground, after a
+short and rapid combat, the latter turned and fled.
+
+This turned the tide of battle instantaneously in favour of the
+travellers, and as in oft-times the case in such conflicts, it ended in
+the same rapid manner in which it had commenced. The travellers stood
+panting with their recent exertions, and whilst three bodies lay before
+them in the road, thou: deliverer, leaning upon his heavy quarter-staff,
+stood regarding one of them with curious eye.
+
+Meantime, after the person, who seemed by his appearance the principal
+of the travellers, had somewhat recovered himself, he stepped up to the
+hero of the quarter-staff, and poured forth his thanks for the service
+rendered.
+
+"We are indebted to you for no less than our lives," he said, "and would
+fain repay the obligation by something more acceptable than thanks."
+
+The moon was at the moment hidden, but as Shakespeare caught a nearer
+view of the features of the speaker, he plucked his own hat over his
+brow, and withdrew still further into the shadow of the trees. At the
+same time he courteously refused all requital for the aid he had
+rendered.
+
+"Can we do nothing to requite this favour?" said the taller Cavalier.
+
+"You can," said Shakespeare, "since, if I guess aright, your name is
+Arderne, and you go towards Stratford-upon-Avon."
+
+"Such is my name," said the traveller. "How can I serve you?"
+
+"By giving this token," said Shakespeare, tearing a leaf from a small
+tablet he earned in his breast, and writing a few words on it.
+
+"No more?" inquired the traveller, endeavouring to get a better view of
+the speaker.
+
+"Tell those to whom you give the token," said Shakespeare, "that he who
+sends it is in life and health--no more."
+
+"But will you not bear us company?" said Arderne. "This place seems
+dangerous, and alone you may be met by others of the gang."
+
+"'Tis no matter," said Shakespeare; "I cannot consort with thee. Our
+paths to-night, as through life, lie in different directions. Farewell!"
+and hastily darting off, he was quickly lost in the gloom.
+
+"Strange," said Walter Arderne, as he glanced closely at the small slip
+of paper in his hand, and which the moon's light now gave him an
+opportunity of reading. "Ah! this paper is directed to the wool-comber
+in Henley Street. Methought I knew the voice. 'Twas then William
+Shakespeare who so opportunely befriended us."
+
+So much was Arderne surprised at this meeting, that he would fain have
+followed Shakespeare, but his companion dissuaded him.
+
+"The man is gone suddenly as he came," said he, "and we are not wise to
+remain longer in this place. Come," he continued, as Walter remained
+looking in the direction his sometime friend had taken, "let us on, and
+endeavour to catch our horses. We may be met again in this dark pass,
+and, by my fay, it is not every night in the week a man meets with
+a--let me see--How called ye this friend in need?"
+
+"Shakespeare," said Arderne, whilst he still lingered in the hope of
+catching another glimpse of his deliverer--"William Shakespeare."
+
+"Ah, Shakespeare!" said the blunt Fluellyn, sheathing his rapier. "Truly
+so; but come on, a' God's name, I say; for 'tis not every wood at
+midnight that can produce a Shakespeare."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+OLD LONDON.
+
+
+Our scene shifts now from the pleasant fields and sylvan retreats in
+which we have so long lingered, and changes to the great metropolis of
+England--London, in the olden time--a vastly different place, as our
+readers are doubtless well aware, both in size and aspect, from the same
+metropolis of the present day; since three parts of that which is now
+crowded with houses, intersected with streets and squares, and crammed
+with an overwhelming population, was then the haunt of the deer, the
+form of the hare, the park, the thicket, and the chace.
+
+It is curious to imagine the appearance of this metropolis in
+Elizabeth's day. Its peculiar houses, with their sloping roofs and
+beetling stories, its narrow thoroughfares, and the variety of antique
+buildings, which still remained to tell the tale of former reigns,
+altogether producing a picturesque and beautiful effect, such as our
+readers have doubtless often dwelt on with pleasure in the old paintings
+of the time. Added also to the peculiar architectural beauty of that
+day, many of the better sort of edifices being detached, surrounded with
+tall trees, and standing within the rounding of their own gardens,
+presented a delicious and bowery appearance ere the very interior of the
+city was reached. The silver Thames, too, at this period, still flowed
+for the most part through green banks, until its tide passed the dark
+gates of the Tower, when for a small space the buildings were reared
+one upon another, as if they had apparently been thrust forward from the
+more crowded parts, and only hindered from toppling into the stream by
+the piles and heavy timbers of the crushed-up cabins underneath.
+
+Thus the whole together, seen from the water, with their diamond-paned
+bay-windows encroaching over the stream, looked like the bulk-heads of
+innumerable vessels crammed and cast in confusion along the margin of
+the river.
+
+After passing this crowded mass, however, and which, in Elizabeth's
+reign, stretched out for a short distance, the eye of the passenger was
+again relieved by edifices both of a noble appearance, and by no means
+stinted to space, the banks even at this part of the river occasionally
+displaying a verdant appearance, and such buildings standing in their
+own proper grounds. For instance, the very important hostel of the Three
+Cranes, with its porch, its huge chimneys, and its ample rooms, was
+reared upon the grassy bank, its deep bay-windows looking out upon the
+stream. The frowning towers and dark water-gate of Barnard's Castle next
+appeared. Then came the ominous-looking tower of Bridewell. A few
+strokes of the oar, and the pleasant gardens of the White Friars met the
+eye. Then came the Temple Gardens, and after them the pile of buildings,
+with battlement and strong tower, called the Sanoye; after that, amongst
+many other important edifices, were to be seen the castellated towers of
+Duresme Place, York Place, the Courts, the Starre Chamber, Westminster
+Hall, with a sort of pier running out from the open court in front, and
+the Parliament House; then came the huge Abbey of Westminster, not as
+now, choked up by encroaching squalor, but standing in its magnificence
+in the midst of verdant meadows; and lastly came the Queen's Bridge.
+
+On the Surrey side, the aspect of the Thames and its banks would have
+yet more surprised a modern eye, since there the wind still sighed
+amongst the reeds and long grass of centuries. On Lambeth Marsh stood
+the palace and church, together with some two dozen straggling edifices.
+But the Oxen's low was heard along the whole of that over-crowded part,
+so well known to the Londoner of the present day, and now so teeming
+with a squalid and overwhelming population. All along the banks on this
+side, trees and gardens, with an occasional row of houses, a goodly
+edifice, or a countryfied hostel were to be seen until the passenger
+came to Winchester Place, St. Mary Over, and London Bridge, with the
+gate-houses, towers, and multitudinous buildings, built all along it.
+Nay, the spectator, standing upon the top of one of the towers of the
+bridge and looking beyond the great blackened wall of Old London, beheld
+a large tract called the Spital Fyelds, in which the sheep fed beneath
+the shade of tall trees. Bishopgate Street, too, with its one long
+straggling thoroughfare, seemed a trifling village. In Finsburie Fyeld
+stood the windmill, and the kennel for hounds. Clerkenwell seemed but a
+single church with its surrounding wall. Gray's Inn Lane appeared a
+remote thoroughfare, leading to the open country, and Broad St. Jiles
+was a trifling village; whilst in Convent Garden, then completely
+surrounded by a high and massive wall, stood a single edifice--the
+Convent, from which it took its name, and beyond it green meadows
+studded with trees.
+
+Such, then, were the environs of London, at the period of which we
+write. Its interior we shall perhaps again have occasion to speak of
+during the progress of our story.
+
+It was on the afternoon of the fifth day from his leaving
+Stratford-upon-Avon, that William Shakespeare, standing upon Hampstead
+Hill, looked upon London for the first time. The spot on which he stood
+(albeit it has now, like others we have mentioned, become one vast
+region of brick and mortar) was then studded with oaks, which had
+perhaps witnessed the gathering of the knightly and the noble for the
+Crusades. Immediately on his right, was the massive buttressed wall,
+inclosing the grounds of a half castellated and moated residence, a
+country seat of the Earl of Southampton.
+
+As Shakespeare stood thus and gazed down upon the metropolis, he beheld
+many of those time-honoured edifices, yet remaining, which he had read
+of whilst studying the history of his native land.
+
+Long did the future poet gaze upon the scene before him, and the setting
+sun was pouring down his softened glories, and bathing tower, and
+steeple, and wall, in a flood of molten gold, as he entered the suburbs.
+Suburbs which the traveller of the present day would have likened more
+to a row of hucksters' shops, or temporary buildings run up for a fair,
+than the outskirts of a great city.
+
+Far as the eye could reach were to be seen those pent-house stalls,
+which, projecting into the highways, displayed the different articles of
+the different trades and occupations of the indwellers, and which being
+relieved by innumerable signs, tubs, long benches, stalls, smiths'
+forges, and quaint-looking inns or hostels, gave a most picturesque and
+diversified appearance to the whole.
+
+It must have been a singular sight to behold that friendless young man,
+wending his way along the suburban streets of Old London. The dust of
+many miles upon his worn shoes, his spirits weary, and, like his own
+Touchstone, his legs weary too, and not a cross in his pocket. He was in
+London now, and the hard selfishness of the citizen he found somewhat
+different from the good-natured hospitality of the cottager. His last
+coin had been spent that morning, and he was weary and hungry withal.
+Yet still the first sight of the streets of London, as he gradually got
+into the interior, so much interested him, that he forgot both hunger
+and weariness and kept wandering on.
+
+To the right he turned, now stopping to admire some relics of the days
+of the Plantagenets; and then to the left, now looking up at some
+edifice whose beetling stories, projecting over the street above, so
+nearly met a corresponding edifice on the opposite side, that the
+inhabitants might almost have shaken hands out of the upper floor
+windows. The increasing bustle of the great town he was every step
+becoming more involved in, he at first disregarded, being wholly taken
+up with the buildings he passed, and the curiosities every moment
+presented to his view. Occasionally, too, his attention was arrested by
+a group of cavaliers, dressed in all the magnificence of the period, as
+they rode gallantly through the streets. Then again, the furtive glance
+of the merry-eyed citizen's daughter, and which she threw at the
+exceeding handsome, though somewhat country-clad young man, as she
+tripped down some narrow passage, arrested him.
+
+These matters caused Shakespeare ever and anon to stop and consider
+curiously, and, as he gazed around, the continual passers as constantly
+interrupted the current of his meditations.
+
+Then he was rudely thrust from the causeway, as a swaggering party,
+ruffling and rustling in "unpaid-for-silks," and attended by a whole
+retinue of followers, passed on towards the court-end of the town,
+talking loud, swearing gallantly, and even singing snatches of songs as
+they progressed; elbowing the men from, and thrusting the females as
+unceremoniously to, the wall. Their huge trunks and short cloaks
+fluttering in the wind, their chains and various ornaments glittering in
+the sun, and the feathers in their high-crowned hats brushing the
+overhanging stories of the houses as they walked.
+
+All these varieties, so new to the pedestrian, continually excited his
+curiosity, more especially as, from the conversation of several
+citizens, he found that rumours of events of importance were filling
+men's minds with the anticipation of events to come.
+
+"Heard ye the news, neighbour," said one staid-looking burgher, "just
+brought in from Milford Haven? A Spanish fleet hath been sighted off
+those parts."
+
+"Nay, neighbour," said another, "I heard not of the Spaniard. They do
+say, however, that the Duke of Guise hath landed in Sussex with a strong
+army."
+
+"And I heard," continued a third, "that the Scot hath made an irruption
+into England. Nay, 'tis even whispered that Queen Mary hath escaped, and
+that the northern countries, have, in sooth, commenced an insurrection."
+
+"Aye, and harkee, neighbours all," said a fourth, "only let it go no
+further, I heard tell in Paul's to-day of a new conspiracy to
+assassinate our good Queen Elizabeth, and set on foot, 'tis said, by
+L'Aubespine, the French Ambassador. Nay, I can tell thee that a mob hath
+beset the Frenchman's house, and he hath been ordered to quit the
+kingdom without delay. Aye, and 'tis said the Queen is much troubled
+with these things; that she keeps close, and much alone; that she
+muttereth much to herself, and seems in great tribulation."
+
+"Not much wonder, either," said another, "'Tis certain she is in great
+terror and perplexity; and if she hesitate much longer to order the
+execution of the Queen of Scots, the kingdom will be burnt up in an
+_auto-da-fe_."
+
+As Shakespeare listened to these rumours he still continued to wander on
+amidst the labyrinth of lanes, alleys, and buildings in which he found
+himself. Now he progressed through a dense mass of wooden tenements
+called Shoe Lane, the streets crooked and narrow, and overshadowed by a
+perpetual twilight, from the abutments overhead, rising, as we before
+said, story above story, until they almost closed upon each other. Then,
+again, he turned down another street, retraced his steps, wandered back
+through Crow Lane into Gifford Street, and was brought up by the huge
+black-looking mass constituting Old London Wall. Grazing up at the
+ramparts of this dark boundary, he made his way along the Old Bailey,
+passed through Lud's Gate, and found himself in the large open space in
+which stood the then gothic-looking structure of St. Paul's. Here he
+found a large concourse of people, men, women, and children, leaping,
+shouting, and holding a sort of revel around a huge bonfire kindled just
+at the part called Ave Maria, whilst a second rout were collecting in
+the vicinity of a sort of stage erected opposite the houses named
+Paternoster Row.
+
+Leaning upon his staff, in the shade of the old gothic building, he
+gazed upon the scene before him as the chimes rung out from the tower.
+He stood apart from that crowd alone, unknowing any, unknown to all, on
+a spot now covered by the vast building since reared upon those ancient
+foundations: and, as he stood, he looked upon a scene which called up
+associations no longer likely to be engendered in such locality; for all
+is gone which could impress the mind with the times in which he himself
+lived, or with the deeds of a former age.
+
+The edifice itself, at that period, told of monkish intolerance and
+monastic grandeur; when the knightly and the noble bowed their necks,
+and walked bare-headed on the flags beneath, and even kings did penance
+amongst the mean and miserable at its shrine.
+
+He was amidst the mighty dead--the men of whom he had read in his home
+at Stratford! The Norman kings, in all the pomp and circumstance of
+their feudal pride, had walked upon that spot. Then, again, as he seated
+himself upon an ancient tomb, his thoughts turned upon his own welfare
+and prospects, and he began to ask himself, for the first time since his
+arrival in London, what course he was to pursue? Now that he had reached
+this aim and end of his journey, what was he in reality the better for
+it? He knew no one: he had neglected to make inquiries of his own
+friends as to persons to whom he might have got a recommendation; and
+money--the best friend of the traveller--he had none. But then, he was
+in London. "Truly so," he thought to himself. "The more fool for being
+there, when in the country he was in a better place." And then he
+thought of home, of wife, children, and other relations, and then his
+heart softened, and he wept. Yes! there, amidst the bustle of Old
+Paul's, whilst the Londoners recreated themselves before a sort of
+moveable stage, on which certain dramatic representations were exhibited
+to the gaping crowd on one side, and the bonfire raged on the other, and
+all was uproar and hilarity,--there did Shakespeare sit and weep, "in
+pure melancholy and troubled brain." At length, overcome with weariness,
+he leant back against an old tomb, and fell asleep amidst the hubbub.
+
+And, as he slept, came swaggering by, the gay fop--the gallant of the
+city--the tavern-haunter--the ruffler--and the bully. Then paced by the
+more staid and sober citizens, "merchants our well-dealing countrymen;"
+but they stopped not to glance upon the tired stranger. Then came
+flaunting along, tempted out by the beauty of the evening, the city
+madam with her gossip, the merry wives of Chepe; and, as they passed,
+they stopped for a moment to glance upon the well-knit limbs and
+handsome face of the homeless Shakespeare. They marked his travelled
+look, his dusty shoes, and his worn doublet, and they felt inclined to
+arouse him, and ask the cause of that pallid cheek, and his sleeping in
+the open air at such an hour. But then, a titter from the rude gallant
+as he passed, sent them forward amidst the throng. Then came the
+cut-purse, as the shadows deepened, and he stole a furtive glance around
+the dark old building. But the night was not far enough advanced for him
+safely to rifle the pockets of the sleeper, or slit his windpipe
+unobserved; and so Shakespeare slept on amidst the throng. Quietly,
+sweetly did he slumber, until, as night approached, the crowd gradually
+dispersed, the stage disappeared, and all deepened down. Soundly,
+heavily, slept that wonderful man amidst scenes which he was ere long to
+render famous in all time. One touch of his pen was to picture Old
+Paul's and Lud's Town, as no other could picture them. He was to revel
+in these scenes amidst which he now unconsciously slumbered, so as no
+mortal ever revelled before. He was to call up those bright kings, and
+all the glittering host, and shew them in harness, as they had lived,
+and to render all that would else have been unknown in Old London--a
+dream of delight. Nay, those even who dwelt hard by in East Cheap, knew
+not East Cheap; and London itself was to have an interest lent to it,
+such as the dwellers in it at that moment little thought of. And so
+Shakespeare slept the sleep of weariness--of "weariness which snores
+upon the flint."
+
+By-and-by, an old poor man, clad in scraps and tatters, "his whole
+apparel built upon pins," his ragged beard descending to his waist, and
+carrying a filthy wallet on his back, as he poked about, and picked up
+bones in the churchyard, came and looked upon him, and after a few
+moments' contemplation, stirred him with the end of his staff and awoke
+him. "Best not sleep here so late, young master," he said; "'tis
+unsafe."
+
+Shakespeare rubbed his eyes, stared at the crooked object before him,
+and thanked him for the caution. "I have," he said, "no cause for fear,
+since I have nothing to lose. Nevertheless, I thank thee."
+
+"Nothing to fear!" said the tatterdemalion, "nothing to lose! What call
+ye nothing? Have ye not life to lose? Have ye not clothes? By my troth!
+there be those haunting Paul's at night, young man, that will take the
+one for the sake of the other, and so rob ye of both."
+
+"Both are valueless, or at least worth little," said Shakespeare,
+smiling. "Hark, the chimes! how sweetly they sound."
+
+"Sweeter to those who hear them in a good bed," said the man. "They are
+the midnight chimes! wherefore dost thou not seek thy home, young
+master?"
+
+"I should seek that which I should hardly find," said Shakespeare. "I
+have no home, good friend, at least, not in London."
+
+"Neither home nor coin?" said the aged man.
+
+"Neither one nor the other," returned Shakespeare; "and but a few hours
+old in London."
+
+"But you've friends here?" inquired the old man.
+
+"Poor in that as in all else," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"Wilt come with me?" said the old man; "I can find thee a roof for one
+night, perhaps food too."
+
+"I almost die for food," said Shakespeare; "and thankfully follow thee."
+And so the tatterdemalion led the way from St. Paul's, and Shakespeare
+followed him.
+
+Through dark alleys and curious thoroughfares did that lean old man
+thread his way, ever and anon, as he trampled along and turned the
+corner of some fresh street, stopping for a moment to observe if his
+follower took the right turn, where so many closes, alleys, and courts
+existed; for as they made their way to the water-side, he occasionally
+came amongst houses so thickly and irregularly placed, that, by night,
+he himself could scarcely thread the labyrinth. Passing through
+Dowe-gate, Bush-lane, and Pudynge-lane, he at last stopped before a
+house in Bylyngsgate. The tenement before which the old man stopped
+would have been termed in our own days but a shed, since, seen from the
+street, it apparently consisted but of one large bay window, thrust out
+from a square wooden building, a large brick chimney sprouting out in
+rear.
+
+On opening the door, which was situated within a sort of blind alley on
+one side, the proprietor of the domicile signed to his guest to follow,
+and entered the one apartment, which indeed constituted the entire
+dwelling.
+
+Not only was it the parlour, kitchen, and sleeping-apartment of the
+occupants, but, as the guest glanced around it, he observed, by the
+light of a lamp placed on a table near the window, that it was fitted up
+as a sort of laboratory; and its walls being accommodated with shelves,
+were crowded with vials, gallipots, and vessels of antique formation,
+containing precious unguents, filters, and compounds, perhaps in the
+present day no longer to be found in the Pharmacopoeia. In addition to
+this, there was also means for experimentalising in the deep science of
+alchemy,--all which was apparent from the crucibles, retorts, and other
+vessels scattered around the hearth. Such as the apartment was, the
+needy-looking hollow-eyed proprietor, and who, Shakespeare surmised was
+a medical practitioner of that squalid neighbourhood, welcomed his guest
+to his poor dwelling; and with an alacrity which was hardly to be
+expected from his appearance, placed wine and refreshment before him;
+and then opening an ample closet at the further end of the apartment,
+shewed him a mattress on which he could repose for the night.
+
+"I have little to offer, young master," he said; "and seldom offer that
+little. But I saw that in your face which interested me as you slept.
+You reminded me of a bright youth, my hope in better days, my only son,
+long since dead; and as I watched thy countenance, I read a bright
+fortune in store for thee."
+
+And Shakespeare wrung the hand of that old man, so needy-looking and
+pinched, and slept without fear under his roof, in the then dangerous
+locality of Bylyngsgate, and where perhaps he might never again awake
+alive.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+THE POOR PLAYER.
+
+
+On the morning which followed the events narrated in the foregoing
+chapter, the traveller took leave of the exceedingly poor but kind old
+man who had so hospitably sheltered him. He thanked him for his
+goodness, and bestowed upon him a small ring, which he took from his
+finger, the only trifle of value in his possession. And that old host
+attended his guest to the door, and bestowed his blessing upon him, and
+followed him with his eyes as he wended his way along the narrow
+thoroughfare, and then still stood and looked in the direction he had
+gone long after he was out of sight. And then he turned with a sigh and
+re-entered his dwelling. "All, well-a-day," he said, "we may grub on in
+misery for years and years, and forget the goodly beings we have known
+in youth and happiness, outliving all that we loved and honoured in the
+world, and still amidst the contaminating filth of poverty and woe pass
+our weary lives, and then some superior specimen of goodness and grace
+as suddenly revives in our recollection of the beings we have seen in
+bygone times. What would I give, an I were amongst the crowned monarchs
+of the world, to have yonder youth to companion me? To hear his words,
+as I have this morning heard them? to see him as I have seen him but
+now, within this lowly hovel?" And then the old man took the platter
+from which his guest had eaten, and washed it and put it aside, and set
+back the three-legged stool on which Shakespeare had sat, and then he
+wept as he said to himself, "An if I look not upon him again, I will
+keep these as relics, never to be used by others, for, God forgive me,
+but I think, as I recollect his words, that yonder man was something
+more than mortal." And then the old man examined the gold ring his guest
+presented him with, and as he did so, he gradually approached the
+crucible upon the fire, and again he looked upon the gift, and,
+hesitating for a moment as his eye fell upon the crucible, he sighed and
+dropped the ring into it.
+
+It is evening, and the sun shines upon the banks of the Thames on the
+Surrey side.
+
+The scenic hour oft-times presents to our readers such a picture as we
+now invite them to look upon. The houses on this side the river are both
+irregularly placed and situated, as we have before described, namely,
+standing here and there apart, amidst trees and gardens, and
+occasionally neighboured by some edifice of a bygone time, and whose
+build speaks of monastic grandeur and castellated defence.
+
+Looking from the grassy bank upon the Thames at this part, we behold the
+stream rushing impetuously through innumerable arches of a dark
+heavy-built bridge--a bridge which frowns with towers and turrets of
+curious form and ancient architecture, and which turrets and towers are
+graced and garnished with the ghastly heads of criminals and traitors
+lately executed.
+
+As the red glare of the evening sun falls upon those buildings, it is
+reflected in the innumerable windows with which they are accommodated,
+at the same time it displays each "coign of vantage," each grated
+embrasure, each coping-stone, buttress, and battlement of the
+complicated structure in colours of gold.
+
+The arch and flanking tower, and the iron portcullis and cresset, are
+all there as if in a heated furnace.
+
+Turning again towards the shore as we stand upon the bank, after passing
+the ancient edifices called Winchester Place, we behold a long row of
+buildings near the water's edge, and somewhat removed in the open apace
+behind them, a curiously constructed and somewhat ugly building of a
+round form. On its top is a small and quaint-looking structure--a sort
+of "_match-case to a common 'larum bell_"--and the whole surmounted by a
+flag, on which is written "_The Globe_." A few shrubs and stunted trees
+are immediately around this building: and the space beyond that, for
+about half a bow-shot, is gravelled, and even, in some parts, strewed
+with fresh rushes recently cut from the river's bank.
+
+Some fifty yards to the left of this is a rival structure, composed of
+stakes and high palings--a sort of stockade, round which flutter
+half-a-dozen little markers or flags; and over the gateway which admits
+into the arena, is written in large characters the words "_The Bull
+Bayting_."
+
+A little removed from the former of these buildings, stands a hostel of
+the commoner sort, with its garden in rear, several goodly trees before
+its porch, and a bowling-green pleasantly shadowed. Benches are before
+this inn, and also under the trees, and the actors upon the scene are
+both many and rather uncommon in appearance.
+
+The inn is indeed the haunt of those persons who find employment in the
+two houses of entertainment we have described. The hangers-on of the
+Globe Theatre, and the employes of the Bull and Bear-bayting, men of a
+character and disposition somewhat peculiar. They are indeed, many of
+them, _sui generis_, something in style and demeanour between the
+magnifico and the mountebank, and yet amongst them are men of appearance
+and talent worthy of a better station.
+
+As they congregate about this rallying-point, they seem the very genii
+of idleness; and, in their listless indifference, above the doings and
+events of this work-a-day world.
+
+Here a fellow, with his beaver cocked, and swaggering gait, throws out
+his arm, in order to display a cloak of three-piled velvet, whilst his
+toes are seen peeping from the foot of an ample russet boot. There a
+comrade, evidently "a horse of the same colour," an "affected
+fantastico," points a toe in attitude, twists a moustache with a grace,
+plays off a gauntlet with a flourish, and struts "like chanticleer i'
+the sun." These are the magnificoes of the walk. Then come a crowd of
+under-strappers, whose vocation is in their very look, who even play
+their parts hourly, and _live_ in character--either aping the grandee,
+the gallant, the swaggerer, or the lisping idiotic driveller; the clowns
+and jesters making up the file.
+
+Each speaks with an accompanying gesture, and walks with a circumstance.
+Some have a sort of sad hilarity, and utter dull jokes with a grave
+brow, or laugh _in a sort_. They even wear a ceremonious observance
+towards each other, and look upon the world in general in an inferior
+light. The free-masonry of bombast is rife amongst the fellowship. If
+one hands the tankard to his fellow, standing with mine host beneath the
+porch, he does so with a flourish, and receives it again cross-handed.
+In short, as they are seen congregated about their haunt, or place of
+call, they seem uninterested in the common-place events of the world as
+other men. Their ideas are inflated and dreamy; their world, their
+kingdom, is their theatre, and their lives felt to be but passed whilst
+they strut their hour before the admiring throng. "The best actors in
+the world, either for scene individable, or poem unlimited." "Seneca
+could not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light for them." Whilst these
+characters walk and talk, flourish and attitudinize, a trumpet sounds
+from the roof of the round building first described, at which some
+amongst them seem to start like the war-horse aroused; others pay their
+shot to mine host; others again wave a hand gracefully to the buxom
+landlady at the latticed window; and all take their way to the theatre.
+They are indeed summoned to prepare for the scenic hour, to rehearse
+their parts--such as those parts are.
+
+Amongst these men there were, as we have hinted, some individuals of a
+superior stamp, men of high attainments, considering the period in which
+they lived, and who, finding no vent for the talents they were in
+possession of, passed their hours amongst the choice spirits of the
+Globe.
+
+There was a romance in the lives of some of these latter, in keeping
+with their appearance; and one or two had attempted a higher flight, and
+endeavoured to improve the style of dramatic composition. Nor had they
+altogether failed, for many dramas had been written by them possessing
+real and absolute excellence.
+
+Scarce half-an-hour had elapsed after the trumpet sounded from the
+Globe, when a man passed through the various portals upon London Bridge;
+and, as chance directed, turning to the left upon the Surrey side of the
+river, quickly took his way amongst the ancient buildings then lining
+the bank.
+
+Wearied and faint from lack of food--for he had been all day wandering
+through the streets of London,--he stopped beside the Norman structure,
+built during the crusades by William Pont de l'Arche, and called St-Mary
+Ouer.
+
+The curious in antiquities will, we fear, look in vain for any vestige
+of this remnant of the early English, which nevertheless, in Elizabeth's
+day, with its church and monastery, extended down to the very edge of
+the Thames.
+
+Leaning upon his staff, undecided in which direction to turn his steps,
+Shakespeare stopped beside the dark walls of this ancient edifice; and,
+after gazing upon the building with interest for some moments, entered
+the porch of the old monastery.
+
+Whilst he remained there, several cavaliers on horseback rode past--gay
+youths, tricked out in all the extravagance of that age of extravagant
+costume; their loud laughter, and joyous converse, as they careered
+along, shewing that their spirits were gay as their habits. They came
+from the bridge over which he himself had just crossed, and took their
+way along the massive wall then skirting the antique buildings of
+Winchester Place.
+
+Whilst Shakespeare continued to remark the several parties occasionally
+passing, he also observed that boats, containing companies of ladies,
+also put into a small landing-place near at hand; and these latter
+parties took the same direction the horsemen had gone.
+
+The beauty of the evening, the fresh air from the river, the monastic
+grandeur of the old buildings, and the cheerful appearance of the
+various companies he at the moment beheld, somewhat revived his drooping
+spirits. He felt it impossible to be quite unhappy, whilst all around
+was gay, and the scene so lovely.
+
+Listlessly he continued to watch the various boats; and as the parties
+disembarked and passed on, in their thoughtless hilarity, he arose, and
+bent his steps in the same direction.
+
+He passed through the open field along that strong buttressed wall, then
+inclosing Winchester Place; and a few paces brought him to the close
+vicinity of a building, around which several persons at that moment were
+congregated--the Globe Theatre. The place and scene altogether
+interested him, and again he stopped to observe the throng, and which,
+as it altogether presented a somewhat singular appearance, we shall
+ourselves stop with him to observe.
+
+The entrance of the building was accommodated with benches on either
+side, on which were seated various of the hangers-on of the
+establishment, and one or two of the actors, waiting for their call.
+Amongst those, a couple of clowns or fools were conspicuous; and as they
+uttered their witticisms, and performed divers tricks, for the amusement
+of themselves and their companions, they collected an audience without,
+which frequently recruited those within--cracking their jokes, and
+familiarizing themselves with the various companies as they came up.
+These were, indeed, the all-licensed fools of the time, and without
+whose presence and aid no performance was considered perfect; they bore
+off, in some sort, the tedium of the long dialogue then in vogue.
+
+Whilst Shakespeare stood to regard the scene before him, the flourish of
+drum and trumpet within the building recalled those motley-minded gentry
+and their companions to their various duties; and at the same moment a
+gay party of mounted cavaliers approached, dismounted, and entered.
+
+Still that tired stranger, as he stood beside the portals of the
+theatre, continued to feel an interest in all that was going on there.
+The merry glance of the citizen's wife, as she passed in,--the answering
+look of the gallant as he followed,--the gay and flaunting party from
+the Court-end of the town,--the loud laugh, the sharp rebuke, the coarse
+jest, the retort courteous, and the counter-check quarrelsome,--all were
+there.
+
+By-and-by a couple of cavaliers, splendidly mounted and magnificently
+apparelled, came galloping up. They dismounted at the door, and the one
+nearest Shakespeare threw the rein of his steed to him, and desired him
+to hold the horse, at the same moment thrusting a silver coin into the
+youth's hand. His companion meanwhile had confided his charger to the
+care of one of the employes of the theatre, and the next moment both
+these gallants were within the Globe. They had passed so quickly, that
+Shakespeare found himself in possession of the coin and the steed, ere
+he had time fully to observe the person of the cavalier who had favoured
+him with his custody.
+
+As he looked at the money, a slight blush tinged his cheek, but he
+repressed the feeling of shame which at first intruded itself, as he
+reflected the money was honestly come by. He then looked more curiously
+upon the noble animal intrusted to his charge.
+
+Passionately fond of a horse, like most men bred and born in the
+country, he examined its points with interest. It was in truth a noble
+animal, answering in every point the description he has himself given of
+a perfect courser:
+
+     "Round hoofed, short-pointed, fetlocks shag and long,
+      Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,
+    High chest, short ears, straight legs, and passing strong,
+      Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide.
+        Look, what a horse should have, he did not lack."
+
+Pulling the arched neck of the noble steed, he then led him towards the
+man holding its fellow.
+
+"Know you the owner of this goodly horse?" he inquired.
+
+The man was evidently a sort of character, a swaggerer who wished to
+pass for a gentleman and a soldier, albeit his elbows were ragged, and
+his whole dress patched and furbished up.
+
+"Know I Master Edmund Spencer?" he said, looking contemptuously upon
+Shakespeare. "Where canst thou have lived, boy, to ask the question.
+Best inquire me next for the rider of _this_ nag, Sir Walter Raleigh.
+Thou knowest not the choice spirits of the Court. Ergo, thou art strange
+to the town."
+
+"I am, in sooth, a stranger to the town," said Shakespeare; "but a few
+hours old in it."
+
+"And from whence?" inquired the other.
+
+"From Warwickshire," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"The county I know," returned the other; "my grandsire was of Warwick,
+eke also. Hast coin in pouch, camarado mine?"
+
+"I have," said Shakespeare, producing the silver piece given him by
+Spenser the moment before.
+
+"Ha!" said the other, "then will we adventure to yonder hostel in search
+of liquor and food wherewith to repair ourselves, for sooth to say thou
+lookest both pale and hungry. Come ye of the Ardens of Warwickshire?"
+
+"One way I do," said Shakespeare. "But Arden is not my name. Call me
+William."
+
+"'Tis no matter," said the other; "thou art a proper fellow of thy
+hands, and I have taken a fancy for thy companionship. Lead on thy steed
+good William; a cup of Canary and a toast will cheer thee."
+
+And thus did Shakespeare make a friend and procure the refreshments he
+so much required, and with the poor player sitting beside him on the
+bench, whilst they held the horses beneath the tree, under the influence
+of "the good familiar creature, wine," he unbosomed himself to this new
+comrade.
+
+"I will befriend thee in all I can," said the player, and who in truth,
+being but a sorry stick, was himself rarely employed, "I will myself
+advocate thy fortunes, good rustic," he continued. "I do spy in thy face
+and figure marvellous proper attributes for certain parts, for the which
+we are in want of actors. Ah, by Apollo! thou hast the limbs, and thews,
+and form, to captivate the fancy of ladies fair."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+THE TAVERN REVEL.
+
+
+The general aspect of London in the reign of Elizabeth is so singular
+when contrasted with the same great metropolis of our own day, that we
+must again refer to it.
+
+The houses in the heart of the city, like those in the suburbs, were
+still chiefly built of wood, or of wood and brick; the poverty of their
+appearance being the more apparent from their being, ever and anon,
+relieved by the stately and massive building of former days. The dark
+monastery, the massive wall, or the castellated edifice, were constantly
+to be seen amidst streets so crooked and narrow, and so dismal from the
+abutments overhead, that foreigners, as they threaded their way, and
+amidst damp and wind, are said to have likened London to the vale of
+death. In wet weather the streets were especially dismal, and so
+prevalent were consumption and pestilence that bonfires were oft-times
+kindled in order to purify the air and avert the plague. Nay, even kites
+and ravens were to be seen hopping about the various thoroughfares,
+being kept by many inhabitants for the purpose of devouring the filth.
+
+Nothing, indeed, could well exceed the contrast during Elizabeth's reign
+between the splendid, though somewhat barbaresque, magnificence of the
+mansions of the nobles and gentry, and the houses of the commoner sort
+of people. Yet still, although the houses of the citizens were for the
+most part poor and ill-contrived, yet every now and then would be found
+amongst them, the dwelling of some richer trader which broke the
+uniformity of the general mass; such edifice having a quantity of gable
+ends at all heights and in all directions, with chimneys of fantastic
+shape and profuse ornament, and covered with decorations; the
+multitudinous frames in its windows completed the picture.
+
+These were the dwellings of some of the merchant-princes of the town,
+whose strongly-barred and iron-studded doors showed that where wealth
+was to be found defence was necessary against the lawless spirits
+roaming through the dark thoroughfares at hand.
+
+Another contrast to the filthy, unpaved, and uncared-for state of the
+streets and thoroughfares at this period, was the costly style in which
+many of the houses were ornamented on any occasion of rejoicing or
+pageantry. At such times every window and pent-house was garnished with
+banners and strips of tapestry, or hung with rich fragments of velvet,
+damask, or silk, whilst the city functionaries and the various companies
+"in robe and furred gown," and attended by a host of proper fellows,
+apparelled in silk and chain of gold, contributed to make up the show.
+
+On the morning which followed the night Shakespeare made acquaintance
+with the poor player he awoke in a small, low roofed apartment in the
+upper floor of the hostel of the Globe. He felt himself considerably
+refreshed, and rising from his truckle bed he threw open the window and
+looked forth upon the well wooded hills of Surrey, It was a pleasant
+picture at that time, and the inn itself, being of considerable size,
+presented a stirring and bustling scene. Immediately beneath him was the
+ample stable-yard, with long rows of out-buildings and sheds
+appropriated to the varieties of cattle usually driven from the country
+on certain days of the week, the horses of the carriers being on one
+side, and the stabling for those of travellers of a better sort on the
+other. Then there were other buildings appropriate to the large
+quantities of poultry which it was customary at this period to rear,
+besides the ample dove-cot, which stood beyond the bowery garden, and
+which harboured such flights of pigeons that their rush through the air
+was heard at considerable distance as they wheeled and circled about.
+
+"Tired nature's great restorer, balmy sleep," had laid so heavily upon
+the wanderer that it was somewhat late when he awoke, and the bustle in
+the inn-yard below proclaimed that the business of the day had
+commenced.
+
+Returning from the window he sat himself down on the bed to consider his
+prospects. After awhile he took from an inside pocket of his doublet a
+small roll of paper. It was an unfinished poem, "the first heir of his
+invention," and which he had carefully preserved and brought with him,
+intending to finish and, if possible, get it into print at some future
+opportunity.
+
+The composition seemed to please him, for his countenance brightened as
+he read it, and he quickly lost all thought of self in the thoughts
+conjured up. Taking out his tablets, for pen and ink were articles not
+so readily found at hand as in our own times, as he gazed upon the
+well-wooded hills in the distance "burnished with the morning sun," he
+added the following stanza to his poem--
+
+    "Lo, here the gentle lark, weary of rest,
+      From his moist cabinet mounts up on high.
+    And wakes the morning, from whose silver breast
+      The sun arises in his majesty;
+    Who doth the world so gloriously behold,
+      That cedar tops and hills seem burnished gold."
+
+Scarcely had he thus commenced when a slight tap at his door disturbed
+him, and his new friend the player entered.
+
+"Ah! by St. Paul," said the player, "have we writers here? How, Sir
+traveller, inditest thou thus early? I aroused thee not--I called thee
+not--I disturbed thee not; for much toil maketh the limbs weary, and I
+would have thee, good rustic, freshened and refreshened. But lad, I find
+thee up and working with brain and pencil. Come--I have brought thee a
+chalice for thy morning draught. Indue thy habiliments--descend to the
+lower world--and I will take thee before Master Marlow, who will,
+peradventure, find thee apt, and capable of preferment."
+
+Shakespeare thanked the player, whose bombast considerably amused him;
+and putting up his poem, accompanied him to the common apartment of the
+tavern, then filled with a motley assemblage. After procuring something
+by way of a breakfast, which the remaining portion of the money given
+him the night before enabled him to do, he accompanied his new
+acquaintance over to the Globe.
+
+Early as was the hour, the business of the morning had commenced, and
+many of the actors engaged in rehearsing a new play.
+
+The scene altogether was a new and striking one, and instantly engaged
+his attention.
+
+As his eye took the whole interior in its glance, a forcible impression
+was made upon his mind. The stage--the rude half-circle of seats and
+benches, seen thus in the shadowy light admitted from several small
+openings--the various picturesque figures sitting and lounging about,
+some of them being on the centre of the stage, and rehearsing their
+parts--the melody of the tragic rhythm--all impressed him. He even, at
+the moment, conceived a visionary project of one day making the means
+and appliances he beheld around subservient to his own mighty
+conceptions. In an instant, the want of something long sought seemed
+found; and then again, as he looked round, and his mind grasped the
+possibility of his project he said to himself--
+
+    "But, can this cock-pit hold
+    The vasty fields of France? or may we cram
+    Within this wooden O, the very casques
+    That did affright the air at Agincourt?"
+
+Whether it could or not, he was not then permitted further to consider.
+The possibility of such an event, time was to show; and in the meanwhile
+the player disturbing the current of his thoughts, tapped him on the
+shoulder, and invited him to follow to a small apartment, situated on
+one side of the building, and which constituted a sort of manager's
+room.
+
+The proprietor of this apartment was at the moment engaged in the
+composition of a new piece; and as he wrote, he ever and anon rose from
+his seat, and with voice and gesture, recited a portion of his
+composition, though, perhaps, had he better known the man introduced
+into his presence, he would have been less verbose before him.
+
+As it was, he continued to rehearse in a ranting tone, sawing the air
+with his hand, and strutting up and down to give effect to the lines.
+
+During a pause of consideration, he observed the player and his
+companion, "Ah!" he said, "what wants that youth?"
+
+"Pay and employment, good master mine," said the player.
+
+"Hath he wit?--can he speak?--are his legs strong?--arms pliant?"
+
+"He is young, strong, and of good parts," said the player--"I can avouch
+it."
+
+"Then will we find him in employment," said the manager; "he shall have
+charge of the foot-lights, and snuff the lamps." And so Shakespeare
+became attached to the theatre.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE.
+
+
+In a former chapter we have seen Walter Arderne, after many and various
+adventures by flood and field, returning to the home and haunts of his
+childhood. The good and gallant youth (although from station and
+prospects he might reasonably have hoped for ease and happiness in life)
+had hitherto seemed but a step-son of fortune after all. And now, "like
+a younker and a prodigal" lean, rent, and tattered, having endured
+shipwreck and been sold to slavery by the insolent foe, by a sudden
+freak of fortune was once more safe in Warwickshire and with his beloved
+uncle at Clopton. The meeting between Sir Hugh and his nephew was
+extremely affecting. They were now all in all to each other, for both
+had experienced losses which to both were irreparable. The grief,
+however, they experienced for past sorrows had now considerably abated,
+so that they could hold converse upon bygone events and even find
+benefit from such communion.
+
+Still, when Walter looked around him in his old neighbourhood, like Sir
+Hugh when he had first returned, he felt at times a sense of desolation
+which was almost insupportable. The loss of his old and tried friend,
+the eccentric Martin, was also a heavy blow to him; and in addition to
+this the absence and delinquency of the singular friend, whose
+conversation had made so great an impression upon them all during their
+short acquaintance, especially grieved him. The breath of slander, when
+he came to inquire into the facts leading to young Shakespeare's
+departure, had rendered that youth's conduct so reckless and even
+criminal that Walter was us much surprised as grieved at all he heard.
+
+"It was a good thing," Mr. Doubletongue said, "that the _Ne'er-do-well_
+had made off with himself, or the Lord knew what he would be after next.
+Stealing of deer by night, and catching rabbits by day, would perhaps
+have been the least part of the story. Nay," he continued, "the lad
+(albeit he had a most comely female to wife) had as sharp an eye and as
+devilish a tongue for the lasses in Stratford as--"
+
+When the lawyer accordingly entered, he made so many contortions of
+body, and bent and bowed so often and so humbly to the three gentlemen,
+never even venturing to lift his eyes from the floor, that the Knight of
+Clopton desired him to desist from his prostrations, and deliver
+himself.
+
+Upon this Master Grasp muttered some words about his sorrow for past
+passages, and his desire to oblige the good Sir Hugh, and ended by
+depositing on the table the eternal blue bag he always carried; saying,
+as he did so, that he had no particular business at that moment with Sir
+Hugh Clapton at all.
+
+"Then, if such is the case," said Sir Hugh, "as I especially hate law
+and all appertaining, Master Grasp, as speedily an convenient, remove
+yourself from our premises."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "good Sir Hugh, I pray you bear with me, since I come
+to bring joyful tidings to one _near_ and _dear_ to you--even your
+worshipful nephew there, Master Walter Arderne. And in order to convince
+you thereof, with permission, I will enter upon the matter at once." As
+he said this, Grasp emptied the contents of his bag upon the table, and
+forthwith began to fumble amongst a whole heap of parchments, strewing
+them about in most admired disorder.
+
+"Gad-be-here!" exclaimed the old knight, as he looked with astonishment
+upon the vast quantity of documents and deeds. "Here be matter enough to
+undo half the families in Warwickshire. 'Fore Heaven, I ne'er looked
+upon such a mass of parchments before. Lord help thee, Walter, and keep
+pen and ink out of thy hands, for an thou settest thy name to these
+deeds, thou'lt never be thine own man again. I pr'ythee," he continued
+to the lawyer, "leave sorting that mass, and explain thy business."
+
+Grasp, however, had now made good his footing, and produced his
+impression. And, as he pointed with fore-finger from paper to paper, he
+began to recapitulate the various tracts of land, domains, and estates
+and all and sundry thereunto belonging, with messuages, tenements, and
+matters appertaining, so rapidly that Sir Hugh stood aghast, with eyes
+starting and face of wonder, as he listened.
+
+At length, the knight put a stop to it all with a voice of thunder, and
+insisted upon a more clear demonstration of the matter in hand. "What,
+in the fiend's name," he said, "hath my nephew to do with your heirs
+male, your tenures, domains, your castles, windmills, your fee-simples,
+your tails and entails, your arable lands, wastes, commons, fishponds,
+and woodlands, and all the litany of impertinence you have been
+jittering for the last half hour?"
+
+"In fact and in right," said Grasp, "_de facto_ and _de jure_, all and
+every thing hath your nephew to do herewith."
+
+"How so?" said Arderne. "I know nought about the lands you have named,
+unless it be that here, in Warwickshire, I have heard such places
+exist."
+
+"Nevertheless, as sure as they exist, they to all appearance are at this
+moment your own, good Master Arderne," said Grasp.
+
+"Mine?" said Arderne. "The man is mad. I pray you explain."
+
+"I will so," said the lawyer. "May I be permitted to sit in this
+presence."
+
+"Take a chair," said Sir Hugh. And the lawyer accordingly seated
+himself, wiped his glasses, and commenced again.
+
+"You doubtless are aware that, by the father's side, you can claim
+kindred with the noble house of Plantagenet," he said.
+
+"It's a far-away relationship then," said Arderne. "Nevertheless I
+believe such is the case; but what of that?"
+
+"You know it well enough, good Master Arderne," said Grasp; "for it is a
+thing to thank God and to be proud of; and you also know that the Lady
+Clara de Mowbray was also akin to you. As thus:--Geoffrey Plantagenet
+wedded with----."
+
+"Well, a truce with all matter of that sort," interrupted Arderne. "I
+know my lineage well as thou canst tell it me, Master Grasp. But what of
+Clara de Mowbray? Granting I am her distant kinsman, and distant indeed
+must the relationship be----."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, as I am in a condition to prove," said Grasp.
+"Nay, not only are you her kinsman, but you are her sole remaining
+kinsman, and to obviate all controversy about succession, she hath
+constituted and appointed you her sole heir."
+
+"You do, indeed, astonish me," said Arderne; "is then the beautiful
+Clara de Mowbray dead?"
+
+"'Tis so rumoured, set down, and given out," said Grasp.
+
+"She is said to have gone to foreign parts," said Sir Hugh; "died she
+there!"
+
+"She did," said Grasp.
+
+"Alas! my poor daughter's dear and only friend!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. And
+then there was a pause of some moments amongst the party, whilst Grasp,
+whose heart was as hard and dry as the parchment he idolized, became
+again so deeply involved amongst his papers, that he seemed to lose
+sight of everything else around him; nay, even Sir Hugh and Arderne
+seemed totally to have forgotten his presence. Arderne, indeed, was lost
+in the thoughts this intelligence had conjured up. He called to mind the
+exceeding beauty of the high-born lady who thus had made him the heir to
+all her vast possessions; and as he did so, many little passages between
+them, during his intimacy with his cousin Charlotte, flashed across his
+brain. At length, as his eye fell upon Grasp, he again questioned him.
+
+"You were apparently employed," he said, "by the Lady Clara de Mowbray
+as her lawyer, Master Grasp?"
+
+"I had that honour," said Grasp. "I was the instrument by which, under
+direction of her major-domo, or house steward, she gathered in her
+various rents. May I hope for a continuance of favour for the like, from
+your honour?"
+
+"Know you the circumstances of the lady's decease, and where she died?"
+inquired Arderne.
+
+"I do," said Grasp, "inasmuch as having been bound for the term of one
+year to keep the circumstances pertaining to the event secret; that time
+having now expired, I am at liberty to divulge to this honoured company
+all I know thereof."
+
+"I pray you to proceed," said Arderne.
+
+"It seemeth, then," said Grasp, "as I am given to understand by the
+steward or major-domo before-named, that since the melancholy fate of
+the daughter of the honoured master of this house, and who was (under
+favour for mentioning it) buried alive----"
+
+"How! buried alive?" said the captain, laying down his pipe, whilst Sir
+Hugh groaned aloud, rose from his seat, and walked to the window, and
+Walter Arderne started as if he had received a bullet through his brain.
+
+"Buried alive!" iterated Grasp, as he watched his auditors with the
+utmost satisfaction and curiosity. "I conceive it is no libel to say so
+much, _inasmuch_ as it is well known, and has indeed made some talk at
+the time."
+
+"I pray you," said Arderne sternly, "to continue your relation, without
+further circumstance. You pain us all by such unnecessary particulars."
+
+"Nay," said Grasp, "I crave pardon; but as the particularly horrible
+nature of that young lady's end was in some sort necessary to what
+follows, I felt obliged, in some sort, to refer to it. Howbeit, I will
+now expedite my narrative, taking it from the events I have thus brought
+back to your remembrance. It seems, I say, that the particularly awful
+nature of the said Miss Charlotte Clopton's death made a great
+impression upon the mind of the before-named Lady Clara de Mowbray, and
+whose intimate friend the before-mentioned Charlotte was; and that
+moreover the said Clara de Mowbray mourned over her said friend's sad
+fate with strict observance of privacy for many months. Nay, that on the
+news first being told her of Mistress Charlotte's having been buried,
+she, in fact, shut herself up from all communion with the world."
+
+"We heard as much," said Arderne; "I pray you to proceed. She resided at
+Shottery Hall at that time I think?"
+
+"She did so," continued Grasp, "and where, somewhat on the sudden (as I
+learn from her confidential servant,--also my client,) she conceived the
+idea of changing the current of her thoughts and ameliorating her grief
+by seeing foreign lands. In pursuance of which design she fitted out a
+vessel, hired a crew, engaged a gentleman of approved valour as captain,
+and sailed for the New World."
+
+"How! said ye," exclaimed Captain Fluellyn, "fitted out a ship, engaged
+a crew and captain, and adventured to the New World?"
+
+"What ship did she sail in, Master Lawyer Rasp?"
+
+"Grasp, good sir, and it so please ye," said the lawyer.
+
+"What ship, quotha--let me see. I have a document here, signed by one of
+her followers, and which states the name of the ship, the number of her
+crew, the title of the said captain, and all thereunto appertaining and
+belonging. Ah! let me see," he continued, (fumbling about amongst his
+papers.) "the 'Eagle'--the 'Estridge'--the 'Heron'--the 'Hawk'--no, it
+was none of those. The--ah! here it is--the 'Falcon,' that was the
+vessel; Fluellyn, captain commanding; owner, Count Falconara."
+
+The Captain looked at Walter Arderne, in whose face was reflected the
+astonishment depicted in his own; and both, as if by common impulse,
+rose from their seats, and walked forth into the open air.
+
+Arderne took a turn along the dark walk which led to the rivulet at the
+bottom of the garden, ere he spoke. At length he approached the Captain
+(who, out of respect, had remained near the house).
+
+"This is a strange matter!" said Fluellyn.
+
+"It is indeed!" said Arderne. "It seems to me like something unreal. I
+can scarce believe that Clara de Mowbray hath perished in such a
+venture."
+
+"You knew the lady, then?" said the Captain.
+
+"I did," said Arderne. "She was the friend and intimate of Charlotte
+Clopton, she of whom ye have heard me speak, and consequently in former
+days much here; nay, she rented a mansion at Shottery for the purpose of
+being near her friend."
+
+"Perhaps" said the Captain, "for the purpose of being near her
+_friend's_ friend. 'Tis evident she loved you, and you saw it not."
+
+"Nay!" said Arderne, "she knew I was betrothed to my cousin."
+
+"Tush, man! that mattered not amaravedi," said the Captain; "she loved
+you, spite of fate, and against hope. 'Tis not uncommon with women. She
+heard of your desolate condition through the worthy Martin; and (urged
+by her strong love) she persuaded him to adventure with her, in the hope
+of discovering and rescuing you from your desolate situation: so much I
+can myself answer for. How she bore herself in that adventure, I have
+also reason to know. All we required to know further was the name of
+this Count of quality, and, behold! we have it. Come--thou art at least
+a richer man by the knowledge."
+
+"Would to Heaven," said Arderne mournfully, "she were in the enjoyment
+of her own wealth. I seem to make shipwreck of all that interest
+themselves in my welfare."
+
+"Ah!" said the blunt Captain, "I doubt thee not, good Master Arderne.
+Such a woman were worthy of an emperor's love; one to worship in life,
+and evermore sigh for when dead. But come--no more sad brow and sighing
+breath. Thou art the likeliest man in all the country,--hast fair
+domains, castles, parks, and warrens, according to yonder scrivener.
+Such an one need not sigh for a wife methinks. Let us in, lest the old
+knight and the law-man fall to buffets, spite of the news brought."
+
+"Sir Hugh must indeed not know of this," said Arderne, "at least, not at
+present; 'twould but revive his grief for Martin's loss. Over a cup of
+Canary after dinner we will relate the story."
+
+And thus did Walter Arderne become the possessor of many fair domains in
+Warwickshire and other countries; for as there was none at that time to
+dispute possession, and as their former possessor was fairly identified,
+and her death deposed to by more than one of her own followers, so there
+was nothing to hinder him in the succession.
+
+There was, however, a certain degree at melancholy attached to the whole
+affair, which seemed to throw a gloom over the estates, as he in turn
+visited them,--a something wanting--a deserted look--an inexpressible
+feeling of dislike to assume the mastery and ownership of these fair and
+fertile lands. "I can even yet hardly reconcile to myself the right of
+proprietorship here," he said to Sir Hugh, as they looked forth one day
+from the towers at Hill Morton upon a vast chase below. "It seems to me
+that I am an interloper--an usurper here."
+
+"Tush--man!" said Sir Hugh; "this is to be overscrupulous. Take the good
+the gods send, and make no words on't."
+
+And thus matters rested quietly for days, weeks, and months, and then
+there arose matter which took the thoughts of men, throughout the land,
+from their own particular concerns, and (whilst the whole nation rang
+with the news) called up the energies of all.
+
+Sir Hugh was with his nephew and friend when the first intimation of the
+certainty of this event reached Clopton. The day was hot, for it was
+just at the end of April, and the knight had ordered the dinner to be
+served in the hall, where they were enjoying the half hour after their
+meal "with pippins and cheese" and a whiff or two of the pleasant weed.
+
+The soothing influence of his pipe was just composing the old knight to
+sleep when the sharp sound of hoofs were heard in the court without, and
+a messenger, "bloody with sparring, fiery red with haste," came clanking
+into the presence.
+
+The sealed brief he handed to Sir Hugh--with the words, ride, ride,
+ride, upon the cover, in a few minutes after its perusal effectually
+dispelled the influence of the weed Sir Walter loved, inasmuch as it was
+from Sir Walter himself, and dated from Deptford.
+
+"Come forth, my old friend," said the letter, "the time hath arrived for
+all to be stirring, 'Tis now certain the Armada is about to sail. Let
+your nephew look to his command and bring up his companions. Our ships
+are ready for sea and men are wanted. 'Fore Heaven, _we will singe the
+Dons whiskers for him_,[19] or smoke for it ourselves."
+
+[Footnote 19: A saying of Sir Francis Drake's at this time.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+ENGLAND ON THE DEFENSIVE.
+
+
+Our story having now (with swift passage) glided o'er some two years, we
+arrive at a period in which all England was aroused by the alarm of a
+dreadful invasion.
+
+All corners that the eye of Heaven visited throughout the island were
+indeed frightened from their proprietary by the mighty preparation of
+the Spaniard,--a preparation of such vast magnitude that it shewed the
+determination of the foe to subdue, and put to indiscriminate slaughter,
+the whole population of the country, if possible exterminate heresy at
+one blow, and acquire eternal renown by reuniting the whole Christian
+world in the Catholic Communion. England at this period, it must be
+owned, was in a critical situation. A long peace had deprived it of all
+military discipline and experience. It was exposed to invasions from all
+quarters, as it was in reality neither fortified by art or nature;
+whilst the numerous Catholics, with which it still abounded, it was
+feared would be ready to join the invader the moment he succeeded in
+landing.
+
+In addition to this, men began to consider the difference between the
+English and Spanish forces. To remember the overwhelming power of the
+naval force of the Spaniard, and the vast numbers, reputation, and
+veteran bravery of his armies, and then--as they sat and brooded over
+these matters--they reflected that the fate of England must be decided
+in two battles, one at sea and one on land. Deep and portentous were the
+thoughts and fears these things conjured up when the certainty of the
+visitation became apparent. Whole families, high and low, rich and poor,
+looked each other in the face with vacant horror and dire apprehension.
+From the hut to the castle, from the cottage to the baronial hall,
+spread the whispered fear. Not altogether the fear of being beaten in
+fair and open fight, but of being overwhelmed by the mighty power of a
+tremendous foe without chance of a successful defence. Nor is it to be
+wondered at, if the hearts of the islanders did quail at this juncture,
+when we remember the three years' preparation which (_now completed_)
+was about to be precipitated like a mighty torrent upon the shores of
+England.
+
+According to a letter of Sir John Hawkins, written at the time to Sir
+Francis Walsingham, the main strength of the Armada consisted in a
+squadron of fifty-four magnificent and invincible ships, embracing nine
+galleons of Portugal, twenty great argosies of Venice, twenty huge
+Biscayns, four large Galleasses, and a ship of the Duke of Florence of
+800 tons. Besides these were thirty smaller ships and thirty hulks,
+which, together with others, amounted to 132 ships and 20 caravals.
+
+On board this huge fleet were 8,766 mariners, and 21,855 soldiers,
+besides 2,088 galley-slaves; and in addition, the Armada contained
+stores for the army, cannon, double cannon, culverin, and field-pieces,
+7,000 muskets, 10,000 halberts, 56,000 quintals of gunpowder, and 12,000
+quintals of match. Nay, so confident were these overweening Spaniards of
+success, that their huge ships even contained horses, mules, carts,
+waggons, spades, mattocks, baskets, and everything necessary for
+settling upon the land they meant, at one blow, to conquer and enslave.
+
+Both fleet and army were also provided on a scale of unexampled
+profusion, and the officers who were to lead, and who were of the
+noblest families of Spain, even embarked their suites of attendants and
+their physicians. But, perhaps, the most galling accompaniment to the
+Englishman, and which this dread Armada, had provided itself with, was
+one hundred and eighty monks and Jesuits, carrying with them chains,
+wheels, racks, and whips to be employed in the conversion of those
+heretics they might choose to spare from the infliction of a cruel
+death. In fact, every part of the vast empire of the malignant Spaniard
+had resounded with "dreadful note of preparation and the noise of
+armaments," whilst all his ministers, generals, and admirals were
+sweating in aid of the design.
+
+But this was not all that England had to fear, for the Duke of Parma and
+Asmodeus of Savoy had also prepared in the Netherlands an army of 30,000
+men; whilst the Duke of Guise was conducting to the coast of Normandy
+12,000 troops, in order to embark and land on the west of England. So
+that in the Netherlands also the air resounded with the busy hammer of
+smiths and carpenters, collected in Flanders, Lower Germany, and the
+coasts of the Baltic, and who "making the night joint-labourer with the
+day," were engaged in the construction of vessels and flat-bottomed
+boats, for the transport of their infantry and cavalry.
+
+The hearts and minds of many for the moment quailed under the thought of
+this tremendous armament; whilst all Europe apprehended that England was
+doomed, and must be overwhelmed and enslaved.
+
+A deep gloom and a secret horror was indeed upon the hearts of all. They
+stooped, however, but for a moment beneath the tide, and then the whole
+nation seemed to start up at the imperious challenge of Spain, sword in
+hand, sheathed in complete steel.
+
+Not a county in England, not a town or village even, but seemed to rise
+simultaneously in arms--not a corner of the land but rang with
+preparation and muster, and awoke endeavour for defence! Nay, such was
+the incredible alacrity with which from shire to shire the soldiers were
+raised, and mustered and marched, that from Cornwall all along southward
+towards Kent, and thence eastward to Lincolnshire, (as the account of
+the period is worded) "was there a place to be doubted for the landing
+of these foreigners; but that within forty-eight hours, on horseback or
+on foot, 20,000 men, completely armed, with ammunition, provision, and
+carriages, commanded by the principal nobles of their counties, and
+captains of knowledge, would be ready to oppose them."
+
+In the interior, also, every man capable of bearing a weapon, rushed to
+arms.
+
+The green fields, near Tilbury in Essex, gleamed with the white tents of
+22,000 foot, and 2,000 horse, whilst another army, close at hand,
+counted 28,000 men.
+
+The narrow streets of London, too, resounded night and day with roll of
+drum and blast of trumpet; every church and tower and hall was rummaged
+for arms and armour. Each citizen stood in harness of proof. The armour,
+which had "hung unsecured by the walls" even from the Crusades, was
+taken down and put in requisition; and in addition to this, 10,000
+additional troops were raised within the walls, together with 5,000 more
+as a reserve.
+
+All this, however, against the overwhelming moral force of Philip, in
+the minds of many experienced men, was thought insufficient; and whilst
+the bold spirits of the leaders of the host led them to affirm that they
+were strong enough to cut to pieces the whole Spanish force the moment
+they land, there were others quite aware that the ocean was the element
+on which to meet the foe.
+
+"A mighty power," said the great Raleigh at the juncture, "in a goodly
+fleet of ships, and which neither foot nor horse can follow, cannot be
+desirable to land where it list in England; unless it be hindered and
+unconnected by a fleet of answerable strength." It was accordingly under
+advice of men of approved valour and conduct, that Elizabeth set about
+to equip a fleet suitable, as far as possible, to the occasion.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, the almost incredible exertions made to meet
+the foe on the seas, the naval power of England seemed quite inadequate
+to resist so terrible an enemy upon the waters. All the sailors in
+England amounted to but 14,000 men, and the size of the shipping was so
+small that, with the exception of a few of the Queen's ships of war,
+there were not four vessels belonging to the merchants which exceeded
+400 tons. The royal navy consisted but of twenty-eight sail, many of
+them of small size, and indeed for the most part deserving the name of
+pinnaces rather than ships.
+
+To counterbalance this disproportion, however, the English felt
+consolation in the known dexterity and valour of her seamen, their
+constant custom of sailing in tempestuous seas, and being undeterred by
+the dangers of the element on which they had now to fight; a virtue
+which will ever render our glorious sailors more than a match for any
+foe.
+
+In addition to this small navy, all the commercial towns in England
+furnished forth ships. The citizens of London fitted out and equipped
+thirty vessels, and the gentry and nobility hired, armed, and manned
+forty-three ships.
+
+Such then was the mighty preparation of the Spaniard, and such was the
+"awakened endeavour of England for defence,"--an endeavour perhaps
+without parallel in the history of our country, and which we have thus
+minutely brought to the recollection of our readers, because it was
+witnessed and keenly observed by one whose mighty mind seized upon
+whatever came within his piercing ken, and who, whilst he was the most
+careful of observers, was, at the same time, possessed of judgment as
+remarkable as his imagination and genius were wonderful; one who
+treasured up what he then beheld, although he stood, apparently, but as
+"a cypher to that great accompt;" and whilst he thus in reality, beheld
+"a kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the
+swelling scene," himself possessed--
+
+    "A muse of fire; that would ascend
+    The brightest heaven of invention;
+
+afterwards giving his observations to the world in descriptions of
+chivalrous grandeur, such as none other in any age has equalled. One who
+himself saw that brave fleet so hastily collected and prepared for the
+occasion.
+
+    "With silken streamers the young Phebus fanning,
+                And in them beheld,
+    Upon the hempen tackle, ship-boys climbing;
+    Heard the shrill whistle, which did order give,
+    To sounds confus'd. Beheld the threaden sails,
+    Borne with the invisible and creeping wind,
+    Draw the huge bottoms through the furrowed sea,
+    Breasting the lofty surge.
+    Who stood upon the rivage and beheld
+    A city as the inconstant billows dancing,
+    For so appeared the fleet majestical."
+
+Yes, whilst the choice-drawn cavaliers of Elizabeth's age stood in arms,
+and whilst, upon the waves rode those adventurous seamen, Shakespeare
+stood amongst the file, and as his capable eye marked the big muster,
+his heart beat with each roll of the drum, as it resounded amidst the
+narrow streets of old London.
+
+And what, indeed, must have appeared to such a man "this post haste and
+homage through the land," this "threatening of the threatener," this
+"pomp and circumstance of glorious war?" What must have been the
+feelings of that one man as he stood amidst the throng--
+
+    "For who was he, whose chin was but enriched
+    With one appearing hair, that would not follow
+    Those culled and choice-drawn cavaliers?"
+
+He saw the daily and hourly preparation; he beheld the knightly and the
+noble "all plumed like ostriches;" he saw the closes, the streets and
+alleys of Lud's old town swarming with men-at-arms.
+
+    "He beheld the strict and most observant watch,
+    Which nightly toiled the subject of the land:
+    The impress of shipwrights, whose sore task
+    Did not divide the Sunday from the week:
+    And then he put himself in arms."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+THE BOAR'S HEAD IN EAST CHEAP.
+
+
+Whilst London, and indeed all England, was thus aroused by this sound of
+deadly preparation, a gay and jovial party sat carousing in one of the
+apartments of an antique tavern in East Cheap.
+
+They sat around a huge table situated in the centre of the apartment,
+and which was indifferently well furnished with savoury viands and
+generous wines; and a single glance sufficed to proclaim them the choice
+spirits of the tavern. Daring, reckless blades, companions who daffed
+the world aside, men heeding nothing, caring for nothing, dreading
+nothing, and to whom the spirit of the times was peculiarly delightful.
+They loved action, those revellers. Their lives were made up of the
+false fleeting excitement of some four hours' exhibition before the
+flickey foot-lights of a theatre. They were indeed actors all, but their
+vocation was over for the time amidst the excitement of the coming war.
+
+And as they sat at supper at one of their old haunts, the Boar's Head in
+East Cheap, they aroused the neighbourhood with their revelry. Amongst
+them, however, was one whose voice in an instant caused attention. When
+he spoke their clamour ceased, and whilst some envied, others wondered
+at, and one or two even disliked (for amongst men of this sort there is
+ever a something of jealousy) all listened to and sought to catch his
+slightest remark. Nor was it at all surprising that such should be the
+case, for this man, who had joined their company, and become an actor
+about a couple of years before, had made an extraordinary impression
+upon them all. He had come amongst them a stranger, a fugitive, and in
+distress. He had taken the meanest, the most subordinate parts in the
+dramatic representations then performing; but his words, appearance, and
+manners had been instantly recognized as something uncommon.
+
+Amongst those men, and whom he had accidentally, and as if by a sort of
+fate, at once fallen in with, were some who read character deeply and
+instantly, who caught peculiarities and appreciated talent at a glance.
+
+Such then is the association in which we again, after a brief interval
+look upon Shakespeare. The actor's of Elizabeth's day--a jovial racy
+set--men who could play the parts assigned them in the inn yard, or with
+the hawthorn-bush for a scene, and trust to their own good acting and
+energy to keep their audience amused.
+
+And these men had Shakespeare astonished by the genius and talents he
+possessed, whilst his conversation displayed the wildest sallies of
+fancy, the most brilliant wit, and the utmost depth of observation. In
+fact, he had become their oracle, their adviser, their leader. He had
+already altered and improved some of the rude scenes of their dramas,
+shewn them how to put them effectively upon the stage, taught them to
+suit the action to the word, and in short shewn a taste and genius for
+the profession that at once astonished and delighted all.
+
+To many it will doubtless appear strange and startling thus to mark
+Shakespeare down to a period of our island history, which for stirring
+import had never been exceeded, to find him thus, with his companions of
+the theatre, on the eve of so terrific an encounter as was then about to
+take place "between two mighty monarchies," to behold him a living,
+breathing man, at a moment when all England was aroused to beat off the
+invader from her shores, or fall and perish miserably beneath the yoke.
+
+The feeling of the thousands then in arms was as of one man; not an
+islander stood enranked with iron upon his breast, but owned a heart as
+brave and true as the weapon by his side; nay, every right arm felt a
+limb of steel, and each fist, as it grasped the rapier's hilt, was ready
+to rain its storm of blows upon the crests of the overweening Spaniard,
+and smite him dead upon the earth he came to invade. And such will it
+always be in "this sceptered isle."
+
+'Twas a picturesque-looking party that assemblage in the old room of the
+tavern in East Cheap. The chimes, sounding from the tower of St. Paul's,
+proclaimed the hour of midnight through an open casement which admitted
+the fresh and balmy breeze of May. In different parts of the room were
+to be seen portions of the arms and armour the wearers had cast aside
+when they sat down to their carouse,--the heavy rapier, the cuirass, the
+helmet, and the plumed hat are thrown carelessly into corners, whilst
+the story, the biting jest, and the song is heard:--
+
+    "And let me the canakin, clink, clink, clink,
+    And let me the canakin clink,
+    A soldier's a man, and life's but a span,
+    Why then let a soldier drink."
+
+We have said that Shakespeare had obtained an influence amongst the men
+with whom he had become associated, and the present circumstance of this
+tavern meeting shews it,--"that tiger's heart wrapped in a player's
+hide, had stirred them up to join him in the present enterprise." The
+players have turned soldiers, and are about to seek service amongst the
+troops embarking with Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher. With the dawn they
+are to take boat, and drop down towards Tilbury Fort, where the Queen in
+person is to inspect her troops; and this night they hold perhaps their
+last revel in one of their old haunts, this night perhaps they drain
+their last cup in old London.
+
+Fast and furious grows the revel. The spirit of the time lends its charm
+to men so easily excited, so "of imagination all compact." They drink
+deep to the healths of the bold spirits of the day. To Lord Howard of
+Effingham, who commands upon the seas; to the Earl Leicester, who
+defends the capital at Tilbury; to Lord Seymour; to Lord Hunsdon; to the
+Queen,--
+
+    "Cup her till the world go round."
+
+And then that _one man's_ voice is heard, as he rises and drains his
+glass, and his tongue gives utterance to words which still more fire the
+hearts of his hearers. For he speaks of his native land:
+
+    "That England hedged in with the main,
+    That water-walled bulwark, still secure
+    And confident from foreign purposes.
+    England, that never did, nor ever shall
+    Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror,
+    Unless she first doth help to wound herself."
+
+And now, as the breaking dawn sheds a faint and pale light upon tower,
+and church, and lofty roof, gradually redeeming the narrow and
+overshadowed streets from the gloom of night, the sounds of bustle are
+heard around. Then comes the rattle and roll of drum, the blast of horn,
+and the quick tramp of armed men. Up Fish-street Hill, down St. Magnus
+Corner, rattles and reverberates the rolling sheepskin; now it sounds
+dead and dull beneath the caves and penthouses of St. Margarit's and
+Pudding Lane; and now it beats loud and shrill as it emerges into Chepe,
+whilst Aldgate, and Houndsditch, and Hog Lane, and Tower Street, and
+Cornhill, and Budge Row, also are filled with replications of the
+clamour.
+
+As the tongue of war thus suddenly startles the ears of the revellers,
+they start from their seats, and hastily resume the defensive armour. A
+few minutes more and East Cheap seems filled with men, and all the
+crafts of London to have turned out and put themselves in arms. Then
+comes the short quick word of command, the halt and front, the trail of
+the puissant pike, and the ringing noise of caliver upon the hard
+ground.
+
+Then, as the Golden Cheap, as it was called, displays its rich treasures
+from each window, its cloth of gold and silver, and velvets of various
+hue, its arras and rich carpetings and silk, and, more than all, its
+comely wives and the handsome daughters of the wealthy burghers standing
+at the casements they have thus adorned,--then on come the levies
+destined for the defence of the coast, or about to embark in various
+ships, lying in the Thames, and which, passing through the double rank
+of the civic battalions, with quick pace and heavy tramp, turn towards
+London Bridge.
+
+As these sounds, we say, salute the ears of the revellers, they leave
+their flagons, and, hastily selecting their various arms and defensive
+armour, call lustily for something substantial else they join the
+newly-raised levies. They go forth to the war as to another
+revel,--those players. They vow to singe the whiskers of the overweening
+Don. And Shakespeare halloos them on.
+
+          "Hostess, my breakfast, come,
+    O, I could wish this tavern were my drum."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+THE CAMP AT TILBURY.
+
+
+To describe minutely the magnificent force assembled at Tilbury, and the
+camp there, would be both a tedious and a twice-told tale. My Lord of
+Leicester (who had the ordering of all matters thereunto appertaining)
+had arranged things not altogether so unskilfully. It was at his
+instigation, and invitation too, that the Queen herself paid a visit to
+her troops there; for, says his letter to her on this occasion, "If it
+may please your Majesty, your army being about London, as at Stratford,
+East Ham, Hackney, and the villages thereabout, shall be not only a
+defence, but a ready supply to Essex and Kent, if need be. In the
+meantime your Majesty, to comfort this army, and the people of both
+these counties, may (if it so please you) spend some days to see both
+camps and forts." And so the bold Tudor, in martial array, visited the
+camp; and never, perhaps, did the world witness a more heroic sight. The
+glorious sun of a summer's day poured its rays upon a glittering host.
+Line beyond line they stood enranked on either side, and beyond the
+blockhouse, as the Queen landed; and as the drums rattled, and the
+cannon roared, when she stepped from her barge, down went ensign, and
+pike, and caliver.
+
+The Earl of Leicester and his officers received her on landing; and two
+thousand horse, dividing into two brigades, together with two thousand
+infantry, formed her immediate guard.
+
+The next day she reviewed her troops on the hill near Tilbury church,
+attended by the Earls of Leicester and Ormond. She wore a corslet of
+polished steel upon her breast, (a page bearing her plumed helm,) and
+thus, bare-headed, and carrying a marshal's truncheon in her hand, she
+rode through the ranks amidst the most deafening cheers; after which she
+harangued the host in a speech of considerable length.
+
+The scene was one likely to make a deep and lasting impression upon the
+minds of all who witnessed it. The assembled troops were, in
+themselves, worthy of note; for, besides the regular and trained
+infantry and cavalry of the period, there stood enranked, and _doing the
+duty of private volunteers_, some of the noblest in England. The gentry
+of the various counties had donned their harness, and come forth to do
+the duty of common soldiers; scarfed, and plumed, and belted, they stood
+there, resolved to lay down their life, ere they yielded one foot of
+their native land to the invader. As the Queen passed on amidst this
+steel-clad host, there was one who stood somewhat apart, and in an
+interval of the lines of infantry; he raised his voice amidst the
+general enthusiasm, as the royal Tudor rode along the rank near which he
+was posted; and then he lowered his weapon, and as he leaned upon it,
+keenly observed the whole scene.
+
+He saw that lion-hearted woman, and who had then borne the sceptre for
+thirty years; her body cleped in steel; her high pale forehead furrowed
+with care; her bright and piercing eye, and her majestic form unbent by
+the pressure of years. He saw her thus, mounted upon her magnificent
+steed, like a true daughter of the Plantagenet, vindicating the honour
+of her kingdom. He saw her thus, undismayed by the tremendous armament
+threatening her coast, pass on from rank to rank, "with cheerful
+semblance, and sweet majesty;" and as she rode--
+
+    "A largess universal, like the sun,
+    Her liberal eye did give to every one."
+
+Those who have stood in the ranks of an English battalion can perhaps
+best imagine the proud feeling which must have animated the breast of
+Shakespeare at this moment. His eye passed rapidly over the glittering
+files, and then it dwelt with curiosity upon the stern features of the
+troops, as each glance was bent upon that one form, "so regal, so
+majestical;" and, as he looked upon the expression of those bearded
+men, he felt that no power which the invader could bring would be
+likely to subdue such a host. The English might be struck
+dead--blasted--annihilated by some wrathful bolt from the skies, but,
+unless the power of Heaven fought against them, no foreign force could
+subdue that _island-host_ upon their own ground. And then, whilst he
+gazed upon this inspiriting sight, as the Queen passed off the ground,
+and took her way "so strongly guarded" amongst the innumerable white
+tents, a wild flourish of martial music floated through the air, the
+firm unbent forms of the soldiery relaxed, the sword point was lowered,
+the pike trailed, drum and fife sounded, and the various companies
+wheeled off then-several positions and followed through the camp. As
+column after column moved past, still that observant eye was rivetted
+upon them. The musqueteers in the front rank; the pikemen in a dense
+column behind; then came the cavalry, slow and stately, with a rushing
+ringing sound, the horses reined back to keep time to the trumpets'
+clang. Squadron after squadron, they moved past with stately pace and
+slow; the several leaders armed in steel, galloping up and down the
+ranks, and giving the word as they wheeled round and moved off the
+field. They were led by one scarce two-and-twenty years of age, who
+seemed, on his magnificent charger, with his beaver raised, "the prince
+of chivalry," the "arm and burgonet of men." The young Earl of Essex,
+just then in the zenith of his fame, and to whom the Queen had given
+command of the cavalry.
+
+And so the eye of the "poor player" pierced through the camp and
+witnessed all the "pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war;"
+himself, in his humble suit of buff, with buck and breast and helm of a
+common soldier, the greatest man there. He saw the tented field, so as
+only a nation's "endeavour for defence" could have shown it him. He
+mingled amongst tho white tents of the soldiery, and he visited the huts
+made of boughs of trees and poles, beneath which many of the gentry from
+the various counties and their followers were sheltered.
+
+At this period of his life his profusion had made him known to many of
+the nobles and leaders present, and those who fell in with him were
+pleased to have a word with "the pleasant Willie" amidst the excitement
+and bustle of the hour. As he turned from the scene, and, with his
+companions threaded his way amidst the crowd of soldiers, suttlers, and
+the other accompaniments of a huge army, he was met and accosted by one
+high in authority amongst the host.
+
+"Ah! Will Shakespeare," said the noble, "hast thou too put thyself in
+arms? 'Fore Heaven, man, thou shalt come with me to my tent. See, here
+is my Lord of Southampton, and other gallants, 'the very elements of the
+camp,' would fain have a rouse ere they wait upon the Queen. Come, man,
+a word from thee will spice the cup. No denial," continued the noble, as
+Shakespeare endeavoured to excuse himself on the plea of wishing to make
+on toward Dover that night. "No denial. Come, thou shalt cup us this day
+in the field. I could better lack the best of my followers on the day of
+battle than lose thee now we have once met here. What says't thou, my
+Lord of Southampton, thou canst not excuse the gentle William, eh?" And
+so it was late in the day ere Shakespeare left the tented field of
+Tilbury.
+
+When he did so he crossed over a bridge of boats and barges which had
+been drawn across the Thames at Gravesend. This bridge had been
+constructed for the purpose of opposing the passage of the invading
+fleet, should any portion of the expedition succeed in crossing the
+Nore, and to afford a means of communication for supplies of men and
+munition from Kent and Sussex.
+
+With two or three companions (and who, like himself, were resolved to
+hasten to the coast and, if possible, get on board some vessel at
+Dover,) Shakespeare hastened, after leaving Gravesend, along the Old
+Kent Road, then the most beaten track in England.
+
+Thus then, under circumstances so peculiar, the players found themselves
+in the county of Kent, that interesting county, which has been the
+battle-ground of the English for so many centuries, and which yet
+retains the ancient name Caesar,[20] conferred upon it upwards of
+eighteen hundred years before.
+
+[Footnote 20: Caesar denominated this county, Cantium; time, therefore,
+has made no further alteration than in giving it an English sound.]
+
+Much as was the traffic on this thoroughfare at the period of our story,
+the road was still in a very primitive state, thickly shadowed by trees
+on either side, ill kept and full of deep ruts and quagmires, whilst the
+country on either hand seemed one entire forest, and thus, amidst the
+bustle of the time, troops marching and counter-marching, "posts tiring
+on," pack-horses, and wains, and carriers occasionally overtaking them,
+Shakespeare took his way.
+
+We leave our readers to imagine the feelings of the poet as he passed
+along this, the old Roman road.
+
+As his eye pierced through the gloom, he beheld the road ascending
+through a leafy tunnel, and as he mounted a steep hill, he looked into
+the thick shadow on either hand, and then stopped and contemplated the
+place with a curious eye. It is more than probable, whilst he looked
+upon this locality, covered as it was with enormous trees, the road
+darkened by their shadow, the overhanging bank covered with fern, the
+crow winging to his nest, the moon just beginning to appear, that some
+passages he had perused in one of the old chronicles of England flashed
+across his brain, for in the scene thus beheld at so sweet an hour
+Shakespeare looked upon GAD'S HILL.
+
+And now, as the players left the woodlands, and descended the hill on
+the other side, a magnificent sight was presented to their
+view,--looking in the pale moonlight like some romantic view exhibited
+during the scenic hour, the Keep of Rochester, white and spectral,
+towered above the flanking walls that surrounded it; the rushing waters
+of the river flowing just beneath; the old picturesque town (then in
+comparison but a hamlet) lying dark and sombre on the left. 'Twas a
+scene that spake of former passages in Britain's history; and as
+Shakespeare looked upon it he felt the impression. There beneath him
+flowed the broad Medway, where the Britons had made their stand against
+the legions of Rome. On the bank, surrounded with battled towers,
+frowned the tower of the Norman Gundulph, now, as of yore, filled with
+glittering troops; the flaming cresset glaring from its walls, and
+reflected in the stream. The "panoply of war, grim-visaged, but glorious
+war," once again had revived its thick-ribbed towers. And in the old
+hostel of the Crown, Shakespeare and his troop slept that night,--a
+locality since immortalised, for 'tis _the inn-yard at Rochester_, of
+the scenic hour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+THE INVINCIBLE ARMADA.
+
+
+At a time when every rank of men in England buried all party
+distinctions, and prepared with order, as well as vigour, to resist the
+violence of the invaders, the Catholics throughout the land were not
+found wanting. Many gentlemen of that sect, conscious that they could
+not justly expect either trust or authority, entered themselves as
+volunteers in the fleet or army, whilst many equipped ships at their own
+charge, and gave the command of them to Protestants; others again
+bestirred themselves, and animated their tenantry, servants, and
+neighbours to join in the defence.
+
+Amongst these, Sir Hugh Clopton and Walter Arderne had manfully
+bestirred themselves. Sir Hugh had mustered his servants and followers,
+and putting them under conduct of his good friend, Sir Thomas Lucy,
+marched off as a simple volunteer to Tilbury Camp, whilst Walter
+Arderne, with no less zeal, and tenfold means, (for be it remembered he
+was now the possessor of an enormous fortune,) had equipped several
+ships at his own charge, intending to join Sir Francis Drake.
+
+And thus having brought our readers to this period of general
+enthusiasm, we now almost lose sight of the individuals more immediately
+connected with our story in the universal excitement. The huge Armada,
+after having by a variety of reports seemed to threaten every foot of
+the coast in turn, was at length first discerned making its approach. A
+Dutch pirate brought intelligence to Plymouth that the Duke of Medina
+Sidonia was in reality in the English Channel. The captains and
+commanders of the English vessels were at the moment of this
+intelligence being brought playing at bowls at Plymouth; and Sir Francis
+Drake, with the true spirit of an English seaman, insisted upon playing
+out the game. "Play it out," my masters all, he said, "play it out. We
+have plenty of time to win the game first and beat the Spaniards
+afterwards."
+
+A south-west wind, however, blew so strongly at the moment that the
+vessels had considerable difficulty in warping out. At length, however,
+by the tremendous efforts of all hands, (for the anxiety of the troops
+and sailors to get at the enemy is hardly to be described,) the English
+ships were fairly at sea, and, with every sail set, bearing up for the
+enemy.
+
+
+    "And now sits expectant in the air,"
+
+
+for whilst the sea bears upon its bosom the opposing fleets, the shores
+of England are bristling with the armed legions watching the event. The
+islanders standing "like greyhounds in the slips straining upon the
+start," and thus, whilst "borne by the invisible and creeping wind," the
+ships neared each other, was to be seen those characteristics of the
+islanders which furnished forth descriptions like the blast of trumpet
+to a Briton's ear.
+
+
+        "On! on! you noblest English,
+    Whose blood is set from fathers of war proof!
+    Fathers, that, like so many Alexanders,
+    Have, in these parts, from morn till even fought,
+    And sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
+    Dishonour not your mothers. Now attest,
+    That those that you call'd fathers, did beget you;
+    Be copy now to men of grosser blood,
+    And teach them how to war."[21]
+
+
+[Footnote 21: "Henry the Fifth."]
+
+It is not our purpose fully to describe the action with, and the
+discomfiture of, the Huge Don, only such portions of the engagement as
+embraces the fate of those connected with our story being necessary.
+
+Suffice it then that the fleet of the mighty Spaniard came on slowly,
+awfully, and, according to the description given by Camden, so
+tremendous in appearance that the very winds seemed tired of propelling
+and the ocean groaned with its weight. That the English ships, dwarfs as
+they appeared by comparison, and few as they were in number, resolutely
+encountered, and, like bulldogs, which never leave the animal they are
+pitted against whilst life lasts, stuck to and worried the bloated Don
+till they completely pulled down his pride.
+
+The proximity of Plymouth to the Spanish coast had rendered it probable
+that that part of England would be selected by the enemy for his first
+attempt, and there accordingly the Queen had appointed as Guardian one
+of the noblest and most approved soldiers of her realm. That aspiring
+hero, the gallant Sir Walter Raleigh, in himself a host at such a
+moment, was appointed Lord-Warden of Plymouth, with office of
+Lieutenant-General of the county of Cornwall, and 5,000 men under him.
+
+No post or appointment on land, however, could satisfy such a man, when
+he himself knew the element on which the English ought to meet their
+foes was the sea. Accordingly, the blast of war and the thunder at the
+cannon found Sir Walter amidst the foremost, fighting hand to hand like
+some avenger, and covered with the smoke and blood of the hot encounter.
+Sir Walter, indeed, with a brilliant company of nobles and gentlemen,
+had left Plymouth in a small squadron, and quickly came up with the
+Spanish fleet. As they sighted the enemy, it was joined by a small force
+fitted out by Walter Arderne, and the two made into the midst of the
+fight.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, the desperate valour of Sir Walter Raleigh,
+and which at times amounted to rashness, in the present instance he
+displayed his superior seamanship, and used discretion. He was aware
+that the lighter and less numerous vessels of the English had an
+advantage over the unwieldy Spanish galleons, provided the former
+avoided close quarters.
+
+He therefore ran near the floating castles of the enemy, and poured in
+his broadsides, whilst they found it almost impossible to bring their
+great ordnance to bear, ere he was off again. This plan of operation was
+adopted by the whole English fleet. Ever asunder, but always in motion,
+they took advantage of the wind to tack whenever they could most annoy
+the foe; pouring in broadside after broadside, and sheering off out of
+range of the Spanish guns, and then again boldly returning ere the
+latter could well reload; performing, as Sir Henry Wooton described it,
+a perfect morris-dance upon the water.[22]
+
+[Footnote 22: Oldy's "Life of Raleigh."]
+
+It was in vain that the Spanish fleet bore down upon their antagonists,
+anxious, by bringing them to a closer action, at once to destroy them.
+The skilful English sailors avoided the contact by continually
+separating into small divisions. Six of the English ships, however, led
+by Sir Martin Frobisher and Lord Thomas Howard, were so disjoined from
+the rest, that the galleasses of the Armada came close upon them, and
+continued a desperate engagement for many hours. At the same time,
+another squadron of the English fiercely assailed the division of the
+Armada stationed to the westward; nay, such was the desperation of the
+English, that they in a short time disabled every ship in the line
+there.
+
+Amidst the storm of hurling iron, hid from one another by volumes of
+white smoke which hung upon the waters and enveloped everything around,
+two individuals sprang from their vessels, and, followed by their crews,
+sword in hand, clambered with desperate energy up the hull of one of the
+Spanish ships. The dense smoke on all sides is only relieved by the
+rapid volume of fire which seemed to pour out of every part of the
+Spaniard. The tearing of timbers, the shriek of agony, the cry of
+despair, and the deep curse, is answered by the wild joyous cheer of the
+jolly Briton. Amidst a storm of blows, the two leaders, the forlorn hope
+of the boarders, gaining the high deck of the Spanish craft, sprung upon
+the enemy's deck, where they were instantly followed by their
+strong-armed countrymen. What can resist, what can front them and live!
+Their blows are like the lightning's flash! Their force, strength, and
+ire, is terrible to look upon! They carve a passage; they bear down all
+before them! The deck of the Spaniard is slippery with blood; the
+thunder of the cannon is even hushed for the instant; and then is heard
+the ringing noise of hundreds hand-to-hand,--the cold dull smite of
+steel upon the body, the deadly curse, the cry of horror, and the shriek
+of death.
+
+During this terrible encounter, even whilst mounting the side of the
+Spanish vessel, the two men we have first described caught sight of, and
+recognised each other. In the face of him who sprang from a small craft
+called the Falcon, one of the sometime players of the Globe recognized
+Walter Arderne; and in that countenance beside him, although now with
+smoke and powder disguised "as if besmeared in hell," Arderne has for an
+instant recognised the features of one known in fair Warwickshire in
+happier days. They see, they recognized each other, but their thoughts
+are as the red flash of the artillery around them, and the next moment
+they are in the midst of blows and death. A contest of this sort, so
+fought and followed, is seldom of long duration. One side or other must
+generally be overborne; and, accordingly, the entire crew of the Spanish
+galleon were either driven to the poop of their vessel, or dead upon her
+decks. So numerous, however, were the Spaniards, that even in this
+desperate extremity they were formidable; and still the contest raged.
+
+In the midst of the _melee_, the player who we have before seen amongst
+the first to board the Spaniard, is now fighting hand-to-hand with the
+Spanish captain.
+
+Hard pressed, (for the rapier of the Englishman bears the _invincible_
+Don almost to the planks of his vessel,) the latter turns and flies
+below. Entering his cabin, he snatches up a pistol, and attempts to fire
+it into a huge barrel of gunpowder, and so blow up his vessel. Like
+lightning the Englishman strikes the pistol from his grasp, and calls
+upon him to yield.
+
+The Spaniard, however, renews the contest like a tiger at bay. Rushing
+upon his foe, for the moment he bears him backward; he then as suddenly
+turns towards a youth who, crouched in one corner of the cabin, seemed
+terrified, and unable to protect himself. Him the Spaniard now rushes
+upon, and attempts to pierce with his rapier; but the Englishman again
+anticipates him, strikes the weapon aside, and pierces the _invincible_
+Don to the heart at the very moment the vessel is captured; and one loud
+English cheer fills the air. Curiosity and humanity leads the victor to
+approach the boy whom he had so opportunely saved. He drags from before
+him the body of the Spanish captain, bids the lad look up and fear
+nothing; but, overcome with the terrors of the situation, the lad had
+fainted. At this moment the cabin is filled with the excited
+captors--they are maddened with rage and blood, and ready to strike down
+all before them. Anxious for the poor boy, the gallant player lifts him
+up, throws him across his shoulder, and carries him upon deck, never
+leaving him till he has placed him in safety in his own vessel.
+
+Amidst the turmoil, confusion, and horror of such a scene, (for, of all
+battles, perhaps a sea-fight presents the most savage and desperate
+picture of warfare,) the "poor player," who had thus rescued the youth
+from death, and borne him to a place of comparative safety, had but
+small leisure to pay attention to him.
+
+Nevertheless, as he placed him in the cabin of the English vessel, he
+could scarcely fail to observe his extreme beauty; and as the lad came
+to himself, and thanked his preserver, the player found, by his accent,
+that the lad was English born.
+
+Commending him, therefore, hastily to the care of some of the sailors at
+hand, (as his ear again caught the wild huzza of the victors,) the
+player again sprang upon the deck of his own ship, and the next moment
+was once more amidst the scene of death and slaughter--enveloped in
+smoke and fire--deafened with the roar of guns, and in the midst of
+crashing timbers and falling spars.
+
+The Spanish galleon had been captured ere he again reached her decks;
+but still on went those English red-handed from slaughter to slaughter,
+"with ladies' faces, and fierce dragon's spleens," they assailed ship
+after ship of the squadron they had become entangled with, and night
+only arrested the terrible encounter.
+
+Awful indeed is the destructive power of man, when once his rage is let
+loose upon his fellow. Those stately Spanish vessels, covered with
+gilding and ornament, and which had come heaving upon the wave, stately
+in movement, and beautiful in appearance as a bevy of swans, were now
+dismantled wrecks, blackened, half burnt, and, as if tortured into
+madness by their swift enemies, they vomited forth their fire at random,
+their shot flying over the heads of their adversaries, and hurting each
+other in the confusion of the scene.
+
+In other parts of the engagement the English had been equally
+industrious; and had it not been for the gross mismanagement of those in
+authority, and through whose parsimony the ships ran short of
+ammunition, the success would have been instantly followed up; as it
+was, the parsimony of the Queen might have cost her her crown, for
+thrice were the English baulked in the midst of success for want of
+ammunition, and obliged to take advantage of wind to get out of fire,
+and as often did they return, like avengers, to smite and destroy.
+
+The sequel of this glorious contest is too well known for us to dwell
+upon; only so far as it bears upon our story have we followed it. To
+that poor player, the intrepidity of demeanour, the confidence in the
+love of her subjects, and the activity and foresight of the royal Tudor,
+was not lost. He saw of what his own countrymen were capable; and when
+he dipped his pan in his own heart, and described deeds of knightly
+fame, he wrote as he felt.
+
+The noble Howard of Effingham, profiting by the faults of the Duke of
+Medina, and the difficulties experienced by the Spanish seamen in
+manoeuvring their floating castles, made a terrible example of the
+enemy, and all around is crushing ruin, flight, and pursuit. Those ships
+which were scattered he followed, and the whole fleet of Medina was
+already vanquished and flying, when the elements effected the rest.
+
+    "So, by a roaring tempest as the flood,
+    A whole Armada of collected sail
+    Is scatter'd and disjoined from fellowship."
+
+It was during the continuance of tho storm which followed, and whilst
+the few Spaniards who returned to their own shores were filling the ears
+of their countrymen with reports of the desperate valour of the English,
+and the tempestuous violence of the ocean which surrounded them, that
+two solitary travellers took their way along the old Kent road leading
+from Sandwich to Canterbury. Having quitted the ships in which they had
+arrived at the old Cinque Porte town, the two wayfarers were now making
+their way towards the metropolis.
+
+In our own times they would have come under the denomination of
+strollers, since one of them was in reality an actor, and, in the form
+of the other who walks by his side, our readers must recognise the youth
+rescued during the preceding action with the Armada.
+
+Light is the step and joyous the voice of that player. It almost cheers
+the heavy heart of the melancholy lad, his companion. Nay, it does, in
+some sort, apparently chase from his memory some rooted sorrow; for the
+large glowing orbs of the boy are oft-times turned towards the player as
+he speaks, and his step becomes more firm as they proceed.
+
+Scarce a mile has been traversed from the town, ere the eye of the
+player catches sight of a gray and massive ruin on his right, and the
+steps of both are turned towards it.
+
+Long lingered their footsteps beside that magnificent relic, and deeply
+ponders the player upon the surrounding scene.
+
+His companion listened to his words with breathless interest. The
+glittering helmets of the cohorts of Rome seem to pass within the arena.
+
+Nay, the spirit of the Roman, who reared the fortress, like a rock, upon
+that elevation, eighteen hundred years before, seems still to pervade
+the spot. There--where the thistle rears its lonely head, and the long
+grass of centuries waves in the wind--the shadowy forms of the imperial
+soldiery seem to glide by.
+
+"And such," said the youth, as he listened to the words of his
+companion, "is in truth the impression felt in each locality where the
+pick and spade of the Roman has left trace of his conquering arm. The
+feelings you have just described, the shadowy remembrance such locality
+seems to conjure up, I have oft-times felt whilst at Clopton."
+
+The player started. "At Clopton?" he said, as he looked curiously at the
+expressive countenance of his companion. In both there was a sort of
+dreamy recollection of having met before. "At Clopton, boy? True, there
+is a Roman trench in the park there. And so, then, thou knowest fair
+Warwickshire?"
+
+The youth sighed,--his usual answer when his companion, during their
+short acquaintance, had inquired his history. "I do," he said.
+
+"And know you Stratford-upon-Avon?" inquired the player.
+
+"But too well," answered the youth, again sighing.
+
+"Ah," said the player thoughtfully, "then well may I."
+
+"And wherefore?" said the lad, looking archly in his face.
+
+"I was born there," returned the player. "Have friends, wife, children
+at Stratford."
+
+"And your name?" inquired the youth.
+
+"Shakespeare, for fault of a better," said the player. And the pair soon
+afterwards left the Roman ruin and wended on towards London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+THE PLAYER AT COURT.
+
+
+And now a new epoch seems to have arrived, and England (for the time
+being) may indeed be called "_merrie England_." The good old days of
+good Queen Bess are now in full force. The nation seems like a burly
+giant, who, lately weighed down by some heavy disease, and which it
+required all the strength of his constitution to surmount, suddenly
+finds himself again in health and strength.
+
+    "Now he breathes again, and can give audience to any tongue,
+            Speak il of what it may."
+
+The enjoyment of the sometime invalid is tenfold from the sudden
+rebound. Earth and sea, air and sky, look doubly beautiful, and each
+hour is one of enjoyment. The whole nation revels in the excitement and
+the joyous feelings consequent upon its deliverance from a fearful yoke.
+The anticipation of dishonour, torture, and slavery, are no more. The
+overweening Spaniard, "that Armado hight," has been smitten with deadly
+vengeance, and all care is thrown to the winds. The Queen, the
+courtiers, the soldiers, sailors, citizens, nay, all the realm are
+dancing a galliard through the country. And of all those dancers none
+danced more vigorously, or cut higher capers, than the royal Tudor
+herself and her dancing chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton.
+
+    "Full oft within the spacious walls,
+      When he had fifty winters o'er him,
+    My grave lord-keeper led the brawls,
+      And seals and maces danced before him.
+    His bushy beard, and shoe-strings green,
+      His high-crowned hat and satin doublet,
+    Moved the stout heart of England's Queen,
+      Though Pope and Spaniard could not trouble it."
+
+Leicester, Essex, Raleigh, and Hatton, the especial gallants of the
+Court, "glittering in golden coats like images," are amongst those
+revellers.
+
+In London and its environs, bear-baitings, bull-baitings, masques,
+morris dancers, theatrical exhibitions, and all sorts of diversions
+filled up the hours.
+
+Great crowds of noblemen and gentlemen (who had met the Queen on her
+landing at Westminster after the dispersion of the Armada) attended her
+to St. James's Palace, and, day after day, entertained her, "all
+furnished, all in arms," with tilts and tourneys.
+
+Fully did the English at this moment appreciate the merits of their
+Queen. She was extolled, glorified, and almost deified in the exuberance
+of their joy and loyalty.[23]
+
+[Footnote 23: Stow mentions a little jobbing tailor who absolutely went
+mad for love of, and died glorifying the perfections of the Queen.]
+
+Oh that it came within the compass of our pen to describe the appearance
+of the Court. To introduce our reader, but for one short hour, within
+the walls of the palace; amidst that throng of princely gentlemen and
+stately dames clustered around one of the most gifted and extraordinary
+women that ever wielded a sceptre. Alas! the times are so changed, that
+the might, the magnificence of royalty, the grandeur of the scene
+within, and the halo shed around even the precincts of the palace, can
+scarcely be understood. The stately forms of the bearded yeomen; the
+glitter of the halbert, and the flash of weapons amidst tower and
+turret; the emblazoned doublet; the measured tread of men-at-arms on
+every post, and port, and passage; the lounging pages and servants, who
+throng the courts and offices; the hundreds of hangers-on upon royalty
+at this joyous period. The very sacred character of much that pertained
+to a palace seems to have vanished. The bold grandeur of the times seem
+to have departed with those cloistered and embattled buildings and the
+stately beings who inhabited them.
+
+The very precincts of the Court,--the "whereabout of royalty," seemed
+invested with a sacred character during the reign of Elizabeth. The
+stern grandeur which pervaded tho habitations of the terrible Harry, her
+father, still surrounded the various dwellings of the no less majestic
+daughter.
+
+Our readers must now imagine the Court in all its splendour at that old
+palace whose gateway and flanking towers still bear the cognizance and
+initials of the burly Harry; not as now, however, where the echoes of
+the drum and trumpet which rings and rattles out upon occasion of pomp
+and parade, reverberated from the goodly dwellings and ample streets by
+which it is neighboured.
+
+St. James's palace, in Elizabeth's day, stood in the open country. It
+had been built upon the site of the dissolved hospital of St. James, by
+the bluff King, and its buttressed walls were surrounded by a sort of
+chase or park, the grounds of which to the north were, for the most
+part, wet and marshy. The heron flapped his wing in the pool where now
+the Green Park is situated, and amidst the tall trees upon the hill, at
+present called Bond Street, the deer couched in the fern. It was indeed
+a picturesque and noble building, exceeding handsome, as a writer of the
+sixteenth century describes it, built of brick, embattled for defence,
+and surrounded at the top with crenelles, the chase always green, and in
+which the Court can walk in summer. Indeed, every part around St.
+James's, built upon and populated as it now is, at the period of our
+story was the occasional haunt of Queen Elizabeth, where she rode,
+walked, and meditated, considered her household affairs, or disported
+with her ladies, her courtiers, and her lovers.
+
+And what a picture did the scene without the palace exhibit a few weeks
+after the dispersion of the Armada, and whilst many of these noblemen
+and gentry, who, at the moment remained in London, were in constant
+attendance upon the Queen, and endeavouring to outshine each other in
+their devices and designs.
+
+It is near the hour of noon; the sun shines upon tower and turret, and
+glances bright upon the arms of the various sentinels upon rampart and
+gateway. Within, the courtyard is crowded with men-at-arms and persons
+of all ranks passing in and out. And amongst these are the stately forms
+of many whom the page of history has had occasion to tell of. In the
+park without, numerous youthful cavaliers are careering about, mounted
+upon steeds splendidly caparisoned, whilst a mounted guard of honour
+stands enranked about a bow-shot in front of the principal entrance.
+Huntsmen and falconers too, bedight with the royal arms, their
+greyhounds in couples, and other dogs of the chase, are seen amidst the
+clank of arms, as the sentinels are relieved. Nay, the perfume of the
+scented courtiers pervade the air as they dismount and enter the palace.
+The steaming smell of hot dishes and savoury viands also salute the
+nostril, as cooks, scallions, servitors, and pages, are seen in the
+inner court leading from the kitchen, as the hour approaches for the
+royal banquet.
+
+Shift the scene to the interior, and a magnificent sight strikes the
+eye, "the presence strew'd." The walls are hung with rich tapestry, and
+on either hand are the nobles of the Court, "a glittering throng." The
+Queen is about to pass through, and all are bare-headed. What a picture
+do those men present! Cloaked, ruffed, and rapiered, their Very apparel
+and arms studded with jewels, their bearded faces, so celebrated for
+manly beauty,--for the Queen loves to look upon the handsomest men the
+age can produce,--and limbs, and thews, and features, are sure to find
+favour in her sight. Whilst the nobility stand thus enranked, (many of
+lesser note at the bottom of the chamber,) a gentleman usher, dressed in
+velvet, with a golden chain, suddenly appears, the doors are thrown
+open, and the majestic Tudor is announced as at hand.
+
+First come forth, with proud step and reared heads, some of those lately
+so celebrated in the "world's debate." Bare-headed, they have had
+especial and private audience in the presence. Raleigh, with hawk's eye
+and aquiline features, his very spirit glancing as he looks
+good-naturedly, but haughtily around. Then Essex, majestic in mien and
+regal-looking in demeanour, and seeming to carry on his dress the cost
+of whole manors. Then Leicester, splendid in person and dress, but with
+somewhat of a restless, uneasy, and sinister expression; dark as a
+gipsy, and so haughty and unbending in demeanour, that his countenance
+freezes the blood in the gazer's veins, and yet withal wearing a sort of
+smile, ever and anon, to shew his pearly teeth; his hand plays nervously
+with the hilt of his jewelled poniard, as he bows to the several nobles
+he recognises. And so they file in, and fall into line on either hand.
+
+And now, whatever of conversation, amidst the assemblage, has been going
+on, suddenly ceases; and each man standing erect, and with his
+embroidered cloak advanced somewhat over the left arm, the one hand upon
+the rapier's heavy hilt, the plumed hat in the other--with eyes of
+expectation, await the moment of the Queen's appearance. A flourish of
+twelve trumpets and two kettle-drums immediately ring and rattle out;
+the battle-axes of the gentlemen-at-arms are lowered; and, lo, the
+Majesty of England has passed the door.
+
+Elizabeth at this period of her reign was fifty-six years of age. Her
+face, although exceedingly majestic, shewed the deep furrows of
+care--the care which is the heir-loom of the diadem; her nose was
+somewhat hooked; her lips, narrow; her teeth, discoloured. In her ears
+she wore two enormous pearls with rich drops; and her small crown rested
+upon a mass of false red hair. Her bosom it was her pleasure to display
+uncovered (the custom of all English ladies before marriage); on her
+neck was a necklace of costly jewels. The dress she wore was of white
+silk, embroidered with enormous pearls, larger than beans. Over this
+dress she wore a costly mantle of coloured silk, shot with silver
+threads; and her long train was borne by a marchioness. In addition to
+all this, she wore, in place of a chain, a magnificent collar of gold
+and jewels. Her aspect upon the whole was at first sight pleasing; but
+on a steady view of her countenance, there was to be found the
+unendurable look of a line of kings. The eye that could gaze down a
+lion; the fierce glance of the royal Harry, was there; a glance which
+proclaimed the excitable nature of the Tudor blood.
+
+She remained stationary for a few brief moments as soon as she entered
+the room, and seemed to comprehend the whole assemblage in one rapid
+glance. She then advanced, with her bevy of attendant ladies, and, at
+her pleasure, spoke first to one and then another of the nobles present.
+To one or two giving her hand to kiss, as a mark of special favour, her
+favourites (albeit they had already been favoured with a private
+audience) being every now and then appealed to; whilst the moment her
+eye detected any person of peculiar note, or not immediately belonging
+to her circle, she fixed him like a basilisk.
+
+"Ah! Master Spenser," she said, as she stopped near the author of the
+"Faery Queen," "hast thou received the guerdon I promised thee for thy
+song yet? We rated Burleigh soundly for disobeying our orders, and
+bringing forth that jangling rhyme of thine, which touched our honour.
+Let me see how went it;" and the Queen repeated, with good emphasis and
+discretion, the words of the poet:
+
+    "I was promised on a time.
+    To have reason for my rhyme:
+
+    Since that time until this season,
+    I have had nor rhyme nor reason."
+
+"The radiant Gloriana," said Spenser, "doth overmuch honour my poor
+couplet by repeating it; nevertheless the rhyme still hath reason. Of
+that, our shepherd of the ocean[24] can testify."
+
+[Footnote 24: Raleigh.]
+
+"How! Raleigh," said the Queen, "hath not thy friend received the
+hundred pounds I promised him? This is overbold of Burleigh!" And the
+eye of the Queen shewed the lioness' glance as she looked around for
+the offender. Burleigh, however, had anticipated a storm, and sought the
+lower end of the room; meanwhile Raleigh, who seldom let an opportunity
+pass for pressing any suit he had to carry, replied that Spenser had as
+yet received nothing of the promised coin.
+
+"My friend is as unlucky as myself," he said; "for neither hath he
+received his guerdon, any more than I myself have obtained the grant of
+lands your gracious bounty half promised."
+
+"Ah!" said the Queen, (who spite of her partiality for the wit, genius,
+and valour of the adventurous and daring knight, little relished his
+rapacity). "Ah!" she said, "what, that suit of the fields at Mitcham
+again? And when will you cease to be a beggar, Raleigh?"
+
+Raleigh saw he had half offended, but his impudence and readiness
+brought him through. "When your Majesty ceases to be a benefactress," he
+said, gracefully bowing.
+
+The angry spot left the Queen's brow. She smiled and shook her head.
+"Thou art an accomplished courtier," she said, as she passed on, "but
+thou gettest not the Mitcham meadows of us yet notwithstanding."
+
+"What mutterest thou, Tarleton?" she continued sharply, to one of the
+attendant clowns or comedians, whom she frequently admitted to her
+presence.
+
+"I mutter nothing that I will not stand to, Madona," said Tarleton; "and
+that which your Majesty calls muttering, was but an assurance to my
+gossip, Raleigh, of all he requires, Raleigh hath but to open his mouth,
+and the tid bits from your royal table are sure to be cast into it."
+
+"So!" said the Queen, rather angrily.
+
+"Yes," returned the bold jester, "Look but on my lord there--he of the
+dark eye and olive complexion. By my fay, he hath swollen to such a huge
+bulk in the sunshine of your royal eye, that anon we shall all be
+overwhelmed!"
+
+This sally of Tarleton's against the Earl of Leicester was received with
+a titter of applause, and Burleigh, who had indeed tutored the poor
+jester, greatly enjoyed it.
+
+Elizabeth saw the feeling, and affecting to hear it with unconcern,
+turned to another of the court fools. "Well, Pace," she said, "and now I
+suppose we shall hear from you also of our faults."
+
+"What is the use of speaking of that which all the town is talking of?"
+growled Pace.
+
+Although the Queen permitted considerable license to men of this class,
+she was more deeply offended than she chose to shew, and passed on
+without another word. A few moments afterwards, however, both Pace and
+Tarleton were observed, at a hint from one of the gentlemen-at-arms, to
+quit the presence.
+
+"Ah, Bacon," said the Queen to her ample-browed Lord Keeper, "we are
+sorry to see thee still suffering from the old enemy, the gout. Remain
+not standing here, my lord; go sit thee down. We make use of your good
+head, not your bad legs!"
+
+Lord Bacon, nothing loth, bowed and hobbled off.
+
+"My Lord Bacon's soul lodgeth well," she observed to one of her ladies,
+"and truly do we honour him therefore. We are the enemy of all dwarfs
+and monsters in shape, and would have all appointments, either civil or
+military, bestowed on men of good appearance. What sayest thou?"
+
+"Certies, I am woman enough to be of your Majesty's opinion," answered
+the lady; "and yet your Majesty cannot always suit wit and judgment with
+a splendid dwelling: witness your royal choice of Sir Robert Cecil."
+
+"True," said the Queen, "Cecil hath both a mean look and an ugly
+expression; but we cannot want the crook back."
+
+The Queen now turned, and taking Leicester aside, held him for some time
+in conversation, during which all kept aloof. She then, as it was near
+the hour of dining, again passed down the line, still speaking to and
+noticing all she felt any inclination to propitiate, Leicester, Raleigh,
+and one or two of the more privileged courtiers following. As she passed
+into the second chamber, she observed amongst the _elite_ several whose
+rank had not entitled them to be in the presence-chamber; and wherever
+her eye fell on a handsome face and form, she stopped and made inquiry
+concerning such persons.
+
+"I pray you, Mignonne," she said, turning to one of her ladies, "who is
+yonder handsome youth--he who stands there near the door?"
+
+"I know not his name, Madam," said the lady.
+
+"Pshaw," said the Queen, "I have ever those about me who are ignorant.
+Leicester," she continued, "what is the name of yonder youth?"
+
+"He whom your Majesty's eye hath fascinated, even to the crimsoning of
+his cheeks," said Leicester, "is Charles Blount."
+
+"Nay," said the Queen, "I could have sworn there was good blood in his
+veins. He is brother of Lord William Mountjoye, is he not so?"
+
+"He is, Madam," said Leicester, "his younger brother, and now studying
+at the inns of court. He was in Drake's ship, and did good service
+against the Spaniard."
+
+"Nay," said Elizabeth, "by my fay, an he was with Drake, he was like to
+be where blows were rife. Bid him approach."
+
+The youth accordingly came forward and knelt to the Queen, who, still
+more struck by his handsome form and features, gave him her hand to
+kiss.
+
+"Come again to Court, good Master Blount," she said, "and I will bethink
+me of your future fortunes."
+
+The young man again blushed, and being extremely bashful, stammered some
+incoherent reply of thanks which, still more interested the Queen, and
+again she added words of encouragement.
+
+The Earls of Essex and Leicester smiled contemptuously, and Essex, who
+stood near the Queen, made some sneering remark, which was partially
+overheard. Not even, however, could the favourite Essex escape censure
+at such a moment.
+
+"Ha!" she said (turning sharply upon him), "say'st thou, my Lord? Stand
+back, lest we teach you manners here."
+
+Essex bit his lip, but he was fain to obey, observing to my Lord
+Southampton "that every fool he thought was coming into favour."
+
+"Then," said Southampton, who stood near, "'tis fit we introduce
+something not altogether so silly, and there is one here to-day I much
+wish her Majesty to notice. Ha! and look ye, she hath already found
+him."
+
+"Of whom speak ye?" inquired Essex.
+
+"Of one well beloved by thee," said Southampton. "See thou not the man
+there standing amidst the throng, somewhat behind the beefeaters?"
+
+"I do," said Essex. "'Tis Will Shakespeare."
+
+Meanwhile, whilst Essex, whose proud spirit being somewhat chafed, had
+thus remained behind the royal party, the Queen passed on talking right
+and left as was her wont, and discussing matters of political interest
+with those near her. "We will think of this matter, my Lord of
+Effingham," she said, in answer to something that noble had said. "I am
+ready, as thou hast seen, to arm for defence, but I make no wars."
+
+"Nevertheless, your majesty should strike a blow at Spain ere he recover
+the effects of his discomfiture. I hear again of formidable preparations
+being in contemplation to avenge the destruction of his ships. Nay,
+Philip hath affirmed, and that on oath, that he will be revenged even if
+he is reduced to pawn the last candlestick on his altar."
+
+"Nay, my Lord," said the Queen, "if the dollars of silver and ingots of
+gold, and which the wretched Indians work for in their native mines,
+could effect the conquest of this realm, he would assuredly succeed, hut
+I fear him not. We have stout hearts and heavy blades here in England to
+oppose to his glittering coin. Whilst you yourself, Raleigh, Frobisher,
+Drake, and other daring spirits are ready for the sea, we shall hold our
+own, my Lord."
+
+"Nevertheless, your Majesty will, I trust, hear at a future opportunity
+what myself and my Lord of Essex have to urge in favour of an expedition
+against Spain."
+
+"It may be we will hear both," said the Queen, "but in truth Essex is
+hardly to be entrusted with command. His impetuosity requireth a bridle,
+my Lord, rather than a spur. He is the soul of chivalry, but rash as he
+is brave; and see you there now," she said, turning and looking after
+Essex, "I reproved him but with one word, and his choler is aroused even
+towards us, his benefactress."
+
+The Queen turned now to a tall, gaunt, but exceedingly noble looking old
+man, his costume partaking both of the soldier and the courtier. "Sir
+Thomas Lucy," she said, "we have heard of your gallantry during the
+action with the Armada. We thank, in your presence, all those gentlemen
+of fair Warwickshire for their alacrity in fitting out ships, and their
+bravery in fighting them. We heard of you Sir Thomas, in the hottest
+part of the battle."
+
+"And where your Highness shall ever find me when the foes of England are
+to be met," said the old knight, proudly, and at the same time rearing
+his head as he watched the progress of the royal Tudor, Presently,
+however, the countenance of Sir Thomas underwent a slight change, he
+seemed to start at some name her Majesty pronounced. His pale iron-gray
+visage became flushed; nay, had Sir Thomas received an insult in the
+presence, the expression of his countenance could not have more
+instantly changed. Slowly and with contracted brows, his eyes rested
+upon the person Her Majesty was speaking to, and that, indeed, not five
+paces from where he himself stood. He was fixed--astonished. He could
+scarcely believe his eyes.
+
+"What! Master Shakespeare," said the Queen, as her eagle-eye caught
+sight of the poet standing amongst a crowd of officials, "and so thou
+too hast come to Court? We have not ourself yet seen thy last poem--thy
+Tarquin and Lucrece, but Raleigh and Essex have repeated some passages
+to us."
+
+Shakespeare bent his knee and presented a small roll of paper to the
+Queen, which she received graciously, and after glancing at it, "'tis
+well," she said, "we will, good William, be present." She then gave the
+poet her hand to kiss and passed through the door.
+
+As Shakespeare rose from his knee he was immediately accosted and
+congratulated by the Earls of Essex and Southampton, whilst many others
+of the Court came about him.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy, meanwhile, continued to exhibit the utmost
+astonishment. The countenance of the poet he could hardly mistake. The
+name, too, he had caught the sound of, and in the person of one
+apparently on the most familiar terms with the grandees of Elizabeth's
+court, nay, one who was received with favour by the haughty Tudor
+herself, he saw the individual who had broke his park, stolen his deer,
+and decamped to avoid punishment for his offence.
+
+Whilst, therefore, Shakespeare stood amidst the glittering throng, Sir
+Thomas still continued rapt in astonishment. Proud as he himself was, he
+felt (in common with all country squires), that removed from his own
+little domain, and transplanted into the wondrous world of fashion of
+London, he was but a "cypher in the great accompt." But a small mite
+indeed, helping to swell the grandeur of the court.
+
+    "A substitute shines brightly as a king
+    Until a king be by, and then his state
+
+    Empties itself (as doth an inland brook,)
+    Into the main of waters."
+
+"A parliament member," he muttered to himself, as the lampoon kept
+recurring to his mind, and as he watched the courtiers, so interested
+and so joyous, whilst in the influence of Shakespeare's wit. "It must be
+him--I am sure it's him--I know it's him--A justice of peace," he
+muttered: "at home a poor scarecrow. And on such terms here at court
+too! In London an ass," he continued, as he approached somewhat nearer,
+and took a more keen survey of the unconscious poet. "Yes, it is him
+sure enough; and yet--I'll make bold to make sure," and Sir Thomas
+accosted Sir Christopher Hatton, and inquired somewhat tartly, the name
+of the gentleman who seemed to keep the Lords Essex, Bacon, Leicester,
+and Sir Walter Raleigh, in such exceeding mirth.
+
+"His name?" said Hatton, who was himself hastening to the feast of wit,
+"Why, it's our Shakespeare, man--The gentle Will--Knowest thou not Will
+Shakespeare, the very element of wit and pleasantry?"
+
+"Shakespeare!" said Sir Thomas. "Shakespeare! Thank you. Sir
+Christopher. Shakespeare! the element of wit and pleasantry! And what
+may be the present calling of this element of whit?" he inquired.
+
+"His calling; why, he's an actor, Sir Thomas--a poet, and a right good
+one. A player, sir, and a writer of plays; one, too, who keeps us
+amused.
+
+"Oh!" said Sir Thomas, "'Tis so, is it? Good!--an actor--a mummer--a
+morisco."
+
+"Come, Sir Thomas," said Sir Christopher, "I'll make him known to thee;
+I'll assure you he's a rare fellow, this Will Shakespeare."
+
+"I thank you, la," said the knight truly. "I hold not acquaintance with
+mummers and wild moriscos. Farewell, Sir Christopher, I am away to
+Warwickshire. An ass, quotha. Well, this 'tis to have deer, and parks,
+and warrens--this 'tis to be a player. The world's turned athwart.
+Farewell, Sir Christopher, (he continued hurriedly to the dancing
+favorite,) fail not to come to Charlecote, we'll kill the buck
+there--eh?" And so Sir Thomas left the palace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+SIR THOMAS LUCY IN LONDON.
+
+
+The more Sir Thomas Lucy heard, during his sojourn in London on the
+subject that had so startled him at Court, the more he wondered.
+
+It was but a few days after he had caught a glimpse of the Warwickshire
+lad, whom he had hunted from his native town, that he found the name of
+William Shakespeare in the mouths of almost all he met. That his name
+should be at all subject of conversation at this precise moment, was
+indeed astonishing, considering the habits and pursuits of the
+generality of the Londoners. The warm citizens of London were for the
+most part a staid and grave set. The more juvenile were rude and rough;
+fond of athletic sports and out-door pastimes. They loved to see the
+bear tug and hug the hound; to witness the cruel conflict 'twixt mastiff
+and monkey; to see the bull driven to madness; or to shout over the bout
+at quarter-staff. Added to these pastimes it must be owned, however,
+that the patience with which they could sit at a (so-called) theatrical
+exhibition, and listen to the long-winded orations, speeches, and
+mysteries then in fashion, and which had been handed from their more
+ignorant ancestors, was a perfect marvel; for except that the fool or
+clown uttered here and there a conceit, a theatrical exhibition was a
+weary business. Shakespeare, who had now spent some time, in a sort of
+apprenticeship, amongst the players, had already altered this style; and
+just before the invasion of the Spaniards, he had perfectly astonished
+the town by producing a piece of his own writing--a play, which, albeit
+in our own time it is in comparison but slightly regarded, possessed in
+Elizabeth's day peculiar attractions. This play, which was called
+Pericles, had greatly delighted the Court and the city. It in some sort
+partook of the style of production most suited to the taste of the time,
+and prepared the way for more perfect productions.
+
+It is not therefore matter of so much surprise, that just at this
+precise moment, when the fierce revelry consequent upon the dispersion
+of the Armada was beginning to pall upon the "monster with uncounted
+heads," the circumstance of William Shakespeare being about to produce
+another play, should make some stir.
+
+As Sir Thomas passed through the Golden Chepe, he found, by the
+conversation of many whom he met, that the Queen intended to be at the
+Blackfriars Theatre that afternoon.
+
+Now Sir Thomas had never in his life been inside a theatre in London. He
+had seen mysteries, mummeries, morris-dances, and Christmas revels in
+his own hall at Charlecote. But other sort of dramatic representation,
+in common with others of his class, he had no conception of or care
+for.
+
+"Diccon," he said to one of the attendants who walked behind him (for
+Sir Thomas always promenaded the town with half-a-dozen serving men at
+his back,) "What is this play we heard my Lord Keeper speaking of?"
+
+"Marry, Sir Thomas, it is a play written, I be informed, by one Sampson
+Beakspere of this town."
+
+"Ah," said Sir Thomas, "Beakspere, said ye? Art sure that is the name?"
+
+"One cannot be sure of anything, an it so please ye, in this sink of
+iniquity," said Diccon, "where lying, thieving, and every sort of
+villany existeth in open daylight. Nay, one cannot be sure of finding
+one's throat hale and sound in the morning when one lays down at night.
+By the same token, at the hostel where I lay, they cut off the badge
+containing the three silver pike-fish from all our sleeves."
+
+"_Beak_speare," said Sir Thomas, merely glancing at the denuded coat
+sleeve of his head serving-man. "Art sure it is not _Shake_speare,
+Diccon?"
+
+"I cannot tell your honour. Beakspere was the name I understood, but it
+may probably be Shakespeare. Nay, I should not be surprised even if it
+was the very fellow who stole your honour's deer and stuck up bills
+against our park-gates. Nothing is too bad for this town and the people
+in it. I would we were fairly back in Warwickshire."
+
+Sir Thomas looked hard at his serving-man, so unusually talkative in his
+presence. "Amongst other things they do in this town, Diccon," he said
+sharply, "it seems they have taught you to drink more strong beer before
+breakfast than your brains can bear. Go to, sirrah; less circumstance
+when you answer." And the stately knight held his way along Chepe.
+
+On this morning he was intending to pay a visit to an old friend
+residing at Dowe-gate, and afterwards to take boat, at Styll-yard, and
+cross over to Bank-side, there to see the bear-bayting, and accordingly
+his serving-men turned down Bucklersbury, traversed Canwick Street, and
+completely bewildered themselves in East Chepe.
+
+These thoroughfares were somewhat strait and exceedingly intricate in
+Elizabeth's day, whilst the encroaching stories of the houses grazed the
+plumes on the tall knight's castor, as he walked, so much so that he was
+fain to hold down his head. By which proceeding he, ever and anon, run
+full butt against some tall fellow or other, receiving such abuse as
+rather kept his philosophy from rusting.
+
+"How now, thou mandrake, thou thin-faced gull!" said a tall man, dressed
+with great bravery, and who, accompanied by several others, was
+advancing from the water side; "how mean ye by that? Thou hast run thy
+hatchet visage full in my breast, and murdered my ruff, thou ass!"
+
+"I cry ye mercy, fair sir," said Sir Thomas, who was always the
+gentleman. "I am as ready to make amends, as I have unconsciously
+offended."
+
+"Offended, quotha," said the gallant, as he stood pluming himself, like
+a bird, and pinching out his crushed ruff, which starched with yellow
+starch stood out a foot at least from his neck. "Thou hast murdered my
+ruff, I tell thee, and shalt duly answer it."
+
+"Of a verity," said Sir Thomas, "an I have endamaged thy ruff I will pay
+thy laundress coin wherewith to re-stiffen it. An I have ruffled thine
+honour I will give the reparation with my rapier, always presuming thou
+art a gentleman of coat armour, and fit opponent for my poor person, for
+thy language, to say sooth, is foul, and thy manner coarse even for this
+foul town."
+
+"How speakest thou,--a gentleman and fit opponent for thee? Betake thee
+straight to thy weapon. Know I am a gentleman to the Earl of Leicester."
+
+"Diccon," said Sir Thomas, sheathing his half-drawn rapier and stepping
+aside, "this is thy business. Tell this caitiff, that the language and
+behaviour of a menial should be at least civilized when he encounters a
+gentleman."
+
+"Wilt not fight with me?" said the bully, who, together with his fellow,
+now rudely pressed upon the knight's party.
+
+"Not willingly will I fight with a scavenger," said Sir Thomas, "the
+quarrel shall be a good quarrel, for I will fasten it upon the Earl thy
+master. I stand aside here--smite him, Diccon--well, Diccon--lay on my
+men all, and clear a passage. I would pass on."
+
+Upon this the followers of Sir Thomas threw the round targets they
+carried on their left arms, before their breasts, and, spreading out
+over the whole width of the thoroughfare, drew their blades, and
+advancing upon the rude followers of the Earl of Leycester bore them
+back, so that Sir Thomas passed on his way to the bear-bayting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+THE THEATRE OF THE BLACKFRIARS.
+
+
+In our times the profession of an actor presents a picture of
+uninterrupted drudgery and discomfort. In Elizabeth's day such was not
+the case. There was not then that continual craving after novelty, that
+constant production of pieces, written for the hour and the topic of the
+day, which gives an actor no rest. In comparison to our own race of
+actors (excellent as many of them are for the sort of work they have to
+do,) the actors of Elizabeth's day were a company of magnificoes,
+"proper fellows of their hands," and "tall gentlemen in their own
+esteem."
+
+The thing they took easily, and with a certain dignity of deportment. It
+was indeed edifying to see one of these goodly fellows with part in his
+hand, his plumed hat, "short cloak and slops," and eke his rapier,
+taking his early walk, either in the fields or on Bank Side, or
+peradventure hiring a boat at the Blackfriars, and thus gesticulating,
+with a short and diminutive bowled pipe in his mouth, studying the
+author's meaning to the letter, and _getting up his lengths_.
+
+Sometimes they went forth in companies, these men, to some favourite
+rural haunt, some delightfully situated hostel or tavern by the river's
+bank, or to the bowery woods near Richmond or Greenwich. On such
+occasions they would take boat, and make the river echo with their
+jokes, and puns, and witticisms, as they were wafted along on its glassy
+surface. At other times a select few would hire horses and beat up the
+towns of Windsor, Mortlake[25], and other places which the occasional
+residence of the Court made more gay and populous; for these actors
+loved to haunt the whereabout of royalty. Their professional knowledge
+made them exceeding good companions too. Glorious fellows. And then how
+dearly too did "mine host of the tavern," enter into their joviality,
+and aid them in those little waggeries they were so prone to engage in.
+
+[Footnote 25: Elizabeth, with her court, frequently moved to these
+places.]
+
+None but those who have mixed amongst actors of talent, and know them
+intimately, can have an idea of the charm of their society. The very
+characters they have to personate, good or ill, and the moralities
+taught in the pieces they are obliged to study, ought to, and does,
+render them better men. Their study also is to give peculiar effect to
+all they say and do. And oft-times with them the most common place
+sentence is pointed into something witty. They understand the "jest's
+prosperity," and in an instant they penetrated through the follies, the
+ignorance and the cunning of the common-place. Their ideas being for the
+most part free, unfettered, and unshackled by mercantile matters, their
+sentiments are ennobled by the study of those parts they have to
+perform.
+
+And oh, what fascination, what delight, what a world of itself, is the
+scenic hour! The romance of feeling, the inexpressible charm, belonging
+to that brilliant little period, none know but the actors themselves. It
+is oft-times their all of life; the rest is flat and stale? they live
+but for those few brief moments in which they glitter the observed of
+all observers, the admiration, the delight, nay, almost the envy of the
+audience. Like the lunatic, the lover, and the poet, they are "of
+imagination all compact." The actor has thrown himself into the author's
+conception. The poet's world is also the world of him who enacts the
+part the poet has written. He lives in his author's period, not only
+whilst acting, but whilst studying the part. The loves, the hates, the
+fears, the joys, the doing of all around are pertaining to himself--as
+if "'twas reality he felt."
+
+Some of these men were very noble fellows, (if we may so term it), noble
+at least in sentiment, if not in blood, and who would have scorned to
+perform the mean acts perpetrated by men in a class far above them. They
+knew, too, in what the point of honour consisted, and were "sudden and
+quick in quarrel" where they conceived themselves insulted; and it was
+this virtue in the better sort of the actors of Elizabeth's day which
+made them sought for, and associated with, by many of the best of the
+nobility. Nay, it must be remembered that at a somewhat later period of
+England's history, and when civil war "channelled her fields," the
+actors were, to a man, found enranked amongst the cavaliers, and
+fighting "on the party of the King." Their professional education taught
+them to "hold in hate the canting round-heads," and they fought and bled
+for the better cause.
+
+How dearly Shakespeare loved the scenic hour his own doings have, we
+think, proclaimed. The world around him, too, at the period in which he
+lived and wrote presented much that was grand and exciting. He had but
+to note what he observed in the vicinity of Elizabeth's Court, in order
+to pourtray some of his scenes.
+
+From the first moment of his introduction within the walls of the
+theatre, he had felt the fascination of the "scenic hour," and become
+captivated with the society of the actors, oven rude as the pieces were
+which he found them performing. To one of his own natural parts and
+brilliant wit, there was to be found an endless fund of amusement
+amongst such men. Their way of life also had its charm. How he loved
+those summer excursions amidst the sweet scenery of Old Windsor--those
+country revels in which he mingled amongst the rural throng, in all the
+sports and pastimes "of the old age." He had now been resident in London
+some time, and besides being noticed by many of the "choice and master
+spirits of the age," had become acquainted with some of the native
+burghers of the city, and their connexions in the country around.
+
+The amusements of the early portion of Elizabeth's reign for the most
+part consisted in her dearly-loved bull and bear-baiting, with
+occasionally the more refined masques and pageants. These latter,
+however, were of rare occurrence, and usually called forth by some
+exciting occasion, such for instance as the visit of a foreign
+ambassador, the celebration of a victory, or the return of some joyous
+festival. The votaries of the "deformed thief, Fashion," did not then
+herd together as now. Factions, jealousies, and fears together with the
+dangerous intrigues which the great carried on against each other, and
+which oft-times brought the heads of such contrivers to the block, kept
+the grandees apart. Added to which, those mediums of varied amusement
+which assemble the _elite_ with one another in our own day, were not in
+existence.
+
+At the period in which our story had now arrived, however, an event was
+about to take place which made some little stir, and drew a large
+concourse from both Court and city into one focus.
+
+This was neither more nor less than a new play, written as was then
+said, by "a right pleasant and merry conceited companion," named William
+Shakespeare. It was to be enacted within the walls of an old monastery
+called the Blackfriars. The performance was entitled "The Lamentable
+Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet;" and so great was the interest created,
+that the Queen, with such of her Court as she chose should attend her on
+the occasion, had signified an intention of being present.
+
+It will doubtless appear somewhat extraordinary to many of our readers
+to find such a performance taking place within the walls of a religious
+edifice. But the civic authorities had so often opposed the
+representation of regular performance in the city that the actors at
+last sought a place without their jurisdiction, and finally obtained the
+deserted building within the precincts of the dissolved monastery of the
+Blackfriars, and fitted some parts up for a theatre.
+
+In the preceding reigns there had been no public buildings exclusively
+appropriated to dramatic entertainment. The most common places of
+performance were the yards of the Chaucer-like hostels, in the various
+towns through which the actors wandered.
+
+Some of these inns are even yet remaining, although altered and
+modernized, in the city of London, and also along the Old Kent Road. The
+gateways of such houses formed one side of the quadrangle, whilst the
+balconies, being accessible from the various chambers, obviated all
+necessity of descending amongst the vulgar in the yard.
+
+In such galleries kings and nobles, the fierce Norman of the Crusades,
+the knight, the esquire, and the damsel of high decree, had leant over
+the rails in the olden time, and witnessed the miracle-plays and
+mysteries then exhibiting. Such for instance as the miracle-play of the
+Creation, wherein Adam and Eve appeared "in puris naturalibus," and
+were, as the play quaintly says, "NOT ASHAMED." The earliest of theatres
+were churches; the earliest performers, monks and friars; and for the
+most part their exhibitions being on religious subjects, such as the
+descent of our Saviour to liberate our first parents, John the Baptist
+and the prophets from the lower regions. On the accession of Henry the
+Eighth, acting had become an ordinary profession, and companies of
+players were attached to each town; but previous to the reign of the
+bluff monarch, plays on general subjects were unknown, yet long before
+that period it had been customary for great noblemen to have companies
+of players attached to their household.
+
+Such, then, is a short summary of theatrical affairs previous
+to the period in which Shakespeare startled the town by his
+productions,--making a single vault from the lowest depth of misrule and
+barbarity to the highest pinnacle of excellence in dramatic art and
+composition; and, apparently without any ostensible guide whereby to
+steer his course, at once striking out a path, so exquisitely conceived,
+so laden with perfumed flowers, so filled with romance and beauty, that
+all the world of after-times has bowed down in worshipful adoration. Of
+after-times, however, it is not our hint to speak. The sight and
+impression of Shakespeare's own play, in the infancy of his career,
+himself enacting a part, and speaking his own words, is what we have to
+look upon. To bring before the reader's eye that "poor player, who
+strutted his hour upon the stage, and then was heard no more." "_Heard
+no more!_"--his own words! How "rounded in the ear," and yet how strange
+to reflect upon.
+
+We have already said that the expected performance had on this occasion
+drawn together a considerable audience both from Court and city.
+
+Such was indeed the case, and taking into consideration in what
+consisted a considerable audience at that period, and when accommodation
+was at best but scant, the concourse of persons hieing to witness Master
+Shakespeare's new play was very great.
+
+The _elite_ of the Court, for the most part, took boat from their own
+residences, or from Westminster, where they waited within the Abbey
+walls for the arrival of the Queen. The citizens, on the contrary, came
+thronging through Paul's and Ludgate, and over Flete Bridge, and along
+Knight Ryder's Street, filling the open space before the Abbey,
+citywards, and cracking their jokes with each other on that side, whilst
+other nobles and their attendants being congregated about the water-gate
+or sauntering within the wall, (at that period extending along the
+Thames from Baynard Castle to Bridewell), presented a gay and brilliant
+appearance.
+
+All along this part and up to the point of entrance, through the various
+gateways and passages, until the theatre itself was reached, the actors
+had strewn fresh rushes, and to and fro upon these flags walked several
+whose names were famous in the world; and as they walked they debated of
+matters appertaining.
+
+And now, as the chimes sounded from Old Paul's proclaiming the hour of 4
+p.m., soft music was heard upon the water at some little distance, with
+the sullen boom of the kettle drum. Soon after which, boats containing
+the yeomen of the guard touched the Abbey stairs, the men as they landed
+falling in file by file in extended order beneath the various arches and
+along the passages; and shortly afterwards, as boat after boat
+discharged its brilliant freightage and shot off again, the Queen, with
+several of her ladies attendant, and the _elite_ of the Court, stepped
+on shore. As they took their way amidst the cloisters and gothic arches
+of that old building so darkly venerable, and besides whose walls flowed
+the broad Thames, it seemed singular to hear the echo of the gay
+courtier, to listen to the clash of weapon, and the measured tread of
+the guard, as they followed the royal Tudor, together with the mincing
+step and affected voice of the Court fop. On the other side, and in the
+same precincts was also to be heard the ribald jest of the 'prentice of
+Chepe, and the ringing laugh of the city madam, as they entered the
+theatre.
+
+Within, too, what was the sight there? Methinks our readers will be
+anxious to look within those walls, where their own Shakespeare was
+living, breathing, nay, at that moment, perhaps, dressing for his part,
+and about to fret his hour.
+
+The aspect of the interior, as it bursts upon the gazer's eye, is indeed
+curious.
+
+Here was no vast triumphal specimen of architecture; the whole seemed
+got up for the nonce. But oh! how exquisite--how characteristic of him
+who was then striving against so many difficulties.
+
+The partition-wall between two large apartments of the monastery had
+been cut through, so as to form the stage, the proscenium, and the
+circle. Nay, so rude was the whole construction, that, to a modern eye,
+it would have seemed only suited to some "play of ten words long,"
+wherein there was not "one word apt, one player fitted." And yet doth a
+single glance within this rude theatre present all we can expect to
+find. The boxes were a sort of gallery, along which stood and leant the
+gallants and ladies of the Court. The Queen and her own especial party
+being enthroned in ft sort of canopy in the centre--looking indeed very
+like the lady in the lobster.
+
+The rude throne on which she sat was merely railed off from the other
+seats, and standing behind her chair, on either hand, were several of
+her favourites. On her right stood Leicester, on her left Essex--both
+magnificent in look and apparel. Immediately behind her also, on the
+right of her chair, (stepping down whenever she addressed him), was Sir
+Philip Sidney. Beside him stood Sir Christopher Hatton, and Bacon was
+seated near, not being able to remain long on his gouty foot. The rich
+costume of these magnificent looking men, and their splendid jewels, and
+weapons, glittered in the reflection of the many torches held by some of
+the Queen's servants, and even several of the guard held flaming torches
+in their hands.
+
+In what would now be called the pit, were congregated the citizens. The
+members of the inns of court, etc., they stood (for there were no seats
+in that part of the theatre), leaned upon their rapiers, and intently
+_watched_, as it was then termed, the play.
+
+The stage, which was somewhat elevated above the pit, was on each side
+furnished with three-legged stools, and strewed with rushes and seated
+thereon, and even, (one or two of them throwing their careless lengths
+along), nay even smoking their diminutive pipes, were also several of
+the privileged of the Court. Raleigh was upon one side, Spenser on the
+other; my Lord Southampton was also half reclined upon the rushes,
+whilst others of the privileged sprawled about.
+
+Such was, indeed, a custom of the time (albeit it was exceedingly
+distasteful to the audience), as these gallants, whilst they swaggered
+with their rapiers, or combed their long curls, interfered frequently
+with the business of the hour, mewing like cats, hissing like serpents,
+tickling each other's ears with the rushes, and, if they had any pique
+against actor or author, "damning him utterlie." Nay, it was extremely
+fashionable at this period for a gallant to salute his friend in the
+boxes, in the midst of the performance, or carry on a loud conversation
+so as utterly to discontinue and distract the business of the hour, and
+being thus in the very midst of the actors, perhaps, himself and company
+would then get up and withdraw, making as much noise as possible. In
+addition to this was the rudeness of the "all licensed clowns," who
+laughed in order to set on the barren spectators to _laugh_ too, though,
+in the mean time, "some necessary question of the play had to be
+considered."
+
+On the present occasion, however, albeit the conversation was somewhat
+of the loudest, the company were necessitated to be somewhat restrained
+within the bounds of propriety out of respect to the Queen.
+
+The orchestra, we fear, must have _rather_ "split the ears of the
+groundlings." The performers were, for the most part, situated behind
+the scenes. It consisted principally of wind instruments and two
+kettle-drums, which, ever and anon, sounded out a wild flourish of
+martial music, whilst a viol-de-gamba and several fiddles occasionally
+created a sort of relief to the troubled ear.
+
+In our own times, indeed, magnificent as the whole scene must have
+appeared, it would have been criticised severely. The loud talking of
+those on the stage, the impertinence of the clowns, the rudeness and
+small dimensions of the stage, and whole theatre, and which latter
+indeed was calculated to give the actors a gigantic appearance, bringing
+them too close to the audience, would have been cavilled at. In addition
+to all this, was the lack of scenery and decorations; nay, so great was
+the dearth of painted scenery at this interesting period, that the spot
+on which the scene was supposed to occur, was indicated by a board or
+placard, upon which was written the particular locality.
+
+Still, with all those deficiencies, the whole aspect of the interior
+would have presented an extraordinary effect to a modern spectator.
+
+The Queen, beneath her canopy of state, for so was it be-fashioned; her
+splendid guard standing immediately beneath, and bearing "staff
+torches," which threw their glare upon the spectators, and lit up the
+Gothic architecture of that abbey playhouse. The stage itself being
+also, on this occasion, lighted by torches held by servitors having the
+royal arms emblazoned on their doublets. Then those choice spirits of
+the Court too, sitting or lying on either hand, and several of the
+gentlemen-pensioners on guard at each wing. Altogether, rude as was the
+theatre, the entire scene was, as we have already said, one of peculiar
+splendour. Meanwhile, during the few brief minutes before the curtain
+rises, a lively conversation was going on amongst the audience.
+
+"Ah, what, Sir Thomas Lucy, art thou, too, come to see the play
+to-night?" said Lord Burleigh to our old Warwickshire acquaintance, who
+was elbowing his way into the gallery amongst the _elite_. "By cock and
+pie, but 'tis long since thou and I have met at masque or revel."
+
+"Fie! my lord. 'Tis so indeed," returned the knight, "some twenty
+winters is it since we foregathered at Arundel Castle."
+
+"Go to, Sir Thomas," said Lord Burleigh, "By 'ur Lady, 'tis thirty years
+come Martinmas. Rememberest thou the revels there, what time we saw
+enacted in the great hall the Castle of Perseverance?"
+
+"Truly, I had forgotten that," said Sir Thomas Lucy. "Yet now I do
+remember me thereof."
+
+"Go to," said Lord Burleigh, "those were princely revels. Dost remember
+in the performance how rare it was to see the seven deadly sins do their
+parts?"
+
+"Ah, and how featly the dancers tripped it?" struck in Sir Christopher
+Hatton.
+
+"I do now remember me," said Sir Thomas, "of those deadly sins. Let me
+see, there was Pride, Wrath, Envy, Luxury, Sloth, and Gluttony. By the
+same token they came mounted on their hobbys, and assailed the castle."
+
+"Aye," said Hatton, "and then Humanum Genus (who defended it) was sore
+bested; truly it was excellent, and then came Mors, or Dreary Death, and
+took Humanum Genus and carried him off."
+
+"Aye, but then the fool, Sir Thomas!" said Burleigh, "rememberest thou
+the scurvy knave of a fool? By my fay, ha was the life o' the night.
+Truly, Sir Thomas, the fool was a most worthy fool; not altogether an
+ass,--eh?"
+
+"Ahem!" said Sir Thomas, who liked not the word ass, "methinks Her
+Majesty doth glance towards this part, nay, now she peradventure wisheth
+a word with you."
+
+"Go to," said Burleigh, "I will attend. Oh, that fool! methinks I had as
+lief go hang as go see a play without a fool in't. Oh! that ass, Sir
+Thomas; and Sir Thomas, and Lord Burleigh, and Hatton sidled up towards
+the Queen, and joined in the conversation carried on there upon
+theatrical subjects.
+
+"Your Majesty will understand," said Lord Revel (who was something of a
+fop), "that this Shakespeare hath a new style, which is very commendably
+excellent. A most perfect style, altogether his own. Hast seen anything
+yet of his producing, my Lord Burleigh?"
+
+My Lord Burleigh shook his head, an old custom with him. "I have not,"
+he replied, "but I hear great things of his poetry."
+
+"Go to," said the Queen, in answer to some remark of Sir Philip
+Sydney's. "Those matters, Sir Philip, were good, but here be better.
+Didst thou witness the former play of this man's writing, Sir Thomas
+Lucy?" she enquired of the Knight of Charlecote.
+
+"If it is so, please your Majesty, I did not," he returned.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, then, thou hadst a great loss. You heard of it?
+peradventure."
+
+"Truly, your Majesty, we hear not of such matters in Warwickshire as
+these your London plays," said Sir Thomas drily.
+
+"But you have heard of Master Shakespeare, and seen his verse? Nay,
+methinks you must have seen his verse."
+
+Sir Thomas coughed (he glanced at her Majesty in order to see if she was
+bantering him), "His verse, your Majesty," he said.
+
+"Truly so," said the Queen. "How like you Master Shakespeare's verse,
+Sir Thomas."
+
+"Very scurvily, in verity, what I have seen of it, that is to say.
+Ahem!"
+
+"That is singular," said the Queen. "Methinks there could hardly be a
+double opinion upon Master Shakespeare's verse. It is most exquisite and
+unmatchable."
+
+"I cannot say I have seen anything I particularly admire in it
+nevertheless," said Sir Thomas, drily.
+
+"What verse have you seen?" inquired the Queen. "Can you repeat a
+stanza?"
+
+"Ahem! Your Majesty," said Sir Thomas, "I am not altogether good at
+repeating poetry. I like it not. Sir Philip Sydney was about to observe
+something,--he understands these matters."
+
+"I am but saying to my Lord of Leicester," said Sir Philip, "that
+according to the present system, those stage matters are managed in a
+somewhat more rapid style than was wont to be the custom. Now, for
+instance, we must tax our imagination. For look ye, if in the play the
+ladies walk forth before one's eyes and gather flowers, what skills it
+but your Majesty is forthwith to imagine the stage a garden. By-and-by
+two wet mariners speak of shipwreck in the same place. Then indeed, are
+we to blame an we accept it not for a barren sand or rock. Upon the back
+of that cometh out a hideous monster with fire and smoke issuing from
+his nostrils; and then the miserable beholders are bound to take it for
+a cave, whilst in the meantime two armies flying in are represented by
+some half-a-dozen swords and bucklers, and then what hard heart will not
+receive it for a pitched field?"
+
+"By my fay, Sir Philip," said the Queen, "we must then have imaginations
+as fertile as him who writeth these changeful varieties."
+
+"Truly so, your Majesty," said Sir Philip, who was rather affected in
+his ordinary style. "Doubtless such sights are edifying, but then of
+time, madam,--of time,--we must be even more liberal, for look ye, if
+(as is not uncommon) two royal persons fall in love, we may see these
+lovers become parents of a chubby boy. Then, your Majesty, such boy
+becomes stolen and lost, and after many traverses he groweth to man's
+estate, falleth in love in time, and _in time_ is ready to marry
+and all this (an it so please ye) in some two hours' space."
+
+"Nay, Sir Philip," saith the Queen, " methinks you are now taking some
+pains to appeal to our imagination yourself, lest we should weary ere
+the performance commences. But, look ye, in good time the drums have
+ceased and the curtain rises."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER L.
+
+THE SCENIC HOUR.
+
+
+When the curtain rose, it discovered the representation of a private
+street, very rudely painted upon a sort of hanging screen at the back of
+the stage, with a couple of wings to match, and upon a board or placard
+was also written in good-sized characters an intimation for the benefit
+of the spectators, worded thus:--"Scene during the greater part of the
+play in Verona; once in ye-fifthe act, at Mantua," a flourish of
+trumpets meantime rung out as the stage was displayed, and one dressed
+in character as "Prologue," entered, and bowing low towards the royal
+box, delivered the well-known but now omitted argument of the piece:--
+
+     "Two households, both alike in dignity,
+     In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
+     From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
+     Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
+     From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
+     A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
+     Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows
+     Do, with their death, bury their parents' strife.
+     The fearful passage of their death mark'd love,
+     And the continuance of their parents's rage
+     Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,
+     Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage:
+     The which if you with patient ears attend,
+     What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend."
+
+"Methinks, my Lord of Essex," said the Queen, who had listened with
+great interest to the words, "Master Prologue promiseth well. Marked you
+how much was contained in those few lines? And lo, here begins the
+piece."
+
+As the Queen spoke, Sampson and Gregory, with their swords and bucklers,
+and clad pretty much after the fashion of serving men of their own day,
+entered, and instantly commenced their animated dialogue.
+
+Not, however, be it understood "slubbered over" by inferior actors, as
+in our times, but with exceeding humour, and with force and emphasis in
+every word; for even these minor characters were performed by actors of
+great talent.
+
+Nothing could exceed the curiosity and interest in the audience even at
+this, the very commencement. The lively and sharp dialogue, the action
+so suited to the times in which the spectators lived; the animosity of
+the Capulet underlings towards the servitors of the Montagu family--and
+which bore so hardly upon several nobles present, whose followers
+frequently brawled and fought in the streets--produced a great effect;
+till, at length, as the lie was given, and Gregory, being prompted to
+remember his swashing _blow_, drew out his weapon, and the whole four
+engaged, the excitement, especially in the pit, was extraordinary. A
+murmur of delight was heard, and whilst some clapped their hands upon
+their rapiers, others shouted and seemed half inclined to jump upon the
+stage, and "fight on part and part." The entrance of Benvolio and
+Tybalt, however, produced a deep and silent attention.
+
+    "What, art thou drawn amongst these heartless hinds?
+    Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death."
+
+There was, indeed, now amongst the audience no inclination to pursue
+their accustomed practical jokes--no mewling of cats, squeaking of pigs,
+and tickling each other's ears with the rushes. The wondrous words of
+the poet held them in a state of enchantment. The nobles of the Court
+for the moment forgot the accustomed homage of eye and ear. Their
+bearded faces betrayed their interest, and the templars and students, as
+they stood leaning upon their heavy-hilted rapiers, sent their eyes upon
+the stage as if they could have devoured each line.
+
+Indeed, to have any ideas of the interest created, we most again call to
+the reader's remembrance how great was the contrast between that which
+_had been_ and that which _was_; and if the melody of the verse of
+Shakespeare can, in the present day, make such an impression whilst we
+have so many and such varied productions suited to the hour and the
+time, in how much more was it likely to strike the senses of all
+present, when it seemed to have descended at once, in all its glorious
+beauty, like the music of the spheres!
+
+There is that in theatrical representation, it has been observed by one
+of the greatest writers of our day, which perpetually awakens whatever
+of romance belongs to our characters. The comic wit, the strange art
+that gives such meaning to the poet's lightest word, the fair exciting
+life that is detailed before us, crowded into some little three
+hours--all that our most busy ambition could desire, love, enterprize,
+war, glory, the exaggeration of the sentiments which belong to the
+stage--like our own boldest movements.
+
+Meanwhile the interest increased momentarily. The audience, from the
+Queen down to the meanest person there, seemed held in a state of
+enchantment as the piece proceeded. How different was it already from
+anything they had ever conceived of theatrical representation! It was a
+picture of life, such as is in the order of nature; there was the
+buoyant spirit of youth in every line! The Knight of Charlecote even
+became young again; he cast his eyes for a moment around, and was
+edified at beholding the deep, the breathless attention of the audience.
+The royal Tudor, "with eye and ear attentive bent," the lovely faces of
+her attendant ladies, each thrust forward and eager to catch the words
+of the poet, and the fine features of the attendant cavaliers, lighted
+up and animated with an expression of deep interest; the whole
+assemblage seeming, he thought, to hang upon each word.
+
+As the eye of Sir Thomas again turned from the audience and rested upon
+the stage, he observed that the scene had been fresh placarded, and was
+now "a street in fair Verona." Indeed the serving-man who had announced
+to Lady Capulet, in the preceding scene, that "supper was served, Juliet
+asked for, the nurse cursed in the pantry, and everything in extremity,"
+had before his own exit changed the placard, and the next moment, as a
+gay party of revellers filled up the back of the stage, Romeo, Mercutio,
+and Benvolio, clad in masking costume, vizors in their hands, entered.
+
+The masquing robes of Mercutio were partially dashed aside as he spoke
+the few words which constitute his opening speech.
+
+    "Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance."
+
+At the same moment, too, the vizor which had bean held before his face
+was lowered, and as the glance of the torch-light fell upon his rich
+Italian dress and elegant figure, Sir Thomas started, whilst a murmur of
+applause ran through the theatre, gradually breaking into load plaudits,
+for in Mercutio they beheld the author of the piece--Shakespeare was on
+the stage.
+
+The applause, however, was hushed almost at its commencement in the
+interest of the scene, and then came those startling lines which have
+since become as household words:--
+
+    "O, then, I see Queen Mab has been with you."
+
+They came from the tongue of him who composed them, now uttered to an
+audience for the first time. Who shall attempt to describe their
+impression upon the hearers? Who shall describe the manner--the
+look--the utterance of him who then gave them? Shall we go too far if we
+say the world had since nothing to compare with that representation? The
+life, the brilliancy, the style of the character was suited to the
+actor. He was all fire, energy and spirit,--Mercutio was Shakespeare's
+self,--the most mercurial and spirited of the production of his comic
+muse; and the impressive manner in which he gave the words of the
+character, and their fire and brilliancy, his exquisite intonation, nay,
+the very dash of his look was irresistible.
+
+The Queen, as he finished his speech, glanced around her. "'Fore Heaven,
+my Lord of Essex," she said, "but is not this exquisite?"
+
+The answer of Essex was drowned in the applause which at the moment
+burst from all around as the graceful actor continued his part.
+
+To ourselves, perhaps, at this moment, it would appear extraordinary
+that even greater approbation and louder plaudits had not followed.
+Shakespeare upon the stage, and speaking his own words, would seem to
+call forth acclaiming shouts within the walls of that old monastic
+playhouse which should almost have rent its roof in twain. To ourselves
+it would seem that the spectators should have almost expired with their
+enthusiasm; that "throats of brass, inspired with iron lungs," should
+have greeted him. But, be it remembered, that, exquisite as the whole
+performance was, as yet the audience knew little of the man, that the
+consideration of years had to mature the judgment of the world. He was
+actually giving them that which was too exquisite for the rudeness of
+the age in which they lived.
+
+And so the play went on, new beauties every moment coming over the ears
+of that courtly audience, and at the same moment filling with delight
+those of inferior degree.
+
+Amongst the audience constituting the Court circle were two spectators
+who stood somewhat apart, and beneath the arched entrance which admitted
+to the rude gallery constituting the dress-circle. With folded arms they
+watched the performance with, if possible, greater interest than any
+there.
+
+They were an old and a young man, who had been drawn to see this
+performance from having heard the name of the author on their arrival in
+London. Both were from the neighbourhood of Stratford-upon-Avon, and
+(albeit they could scarce believe this play was the production of one
+whom they had long lost sight of), still they came.
+
+As the play proceeded they became convinced from the language that it
+was indeed the production of the youth they had formerly known.
+
+"By 'ur Lady," said Walter Arderne, "this must be our sometime friend!"
+
+"No man else could have written even what we have already heard," said
+Sir Hugh Clopton.
+
+"I am amazed," said Walter; "and yet I ought not, for well do I remember
+what the lad was."
+
+"Hist," said Sir Hugh, "the scene is changed. Ah! and see, too, yonder
+masquer just now speaking those lines of fire. Is it not he?"
+
+"It is himself!" said Walter. "O glorious fellow!"
+
+"Soft, good Walter," said Sir Hugh. "In God's name let us hear."
+
+As Mercutio finished his speech, the uncle and nephew looked at each
+other. The tears were in the eyes of Sir Hugh. "My poor Charlotte
+prophesied this," he said. "Rememberest thou her words about this
+Shakespeare when we first became acquainted with him?"
+
+"I do," said Walter; "and she was indeed the only one amongst us who
+fully appreciated his merits. Nay, from the very first, an you remember,
+she said he would one day surprise us."
+
+All further attempt to describe the progress of this play, and its
+effect upon the minds of the spectators, we feel to be a mere
+impertinence. It seems indeed to ourselves, as in imagination we after
+eye it, a play within a play--where all is like romance. The audience,
+that theatre, the players, that "foremost man of all the world" speaking
+his own words; all is like the fabric of some vision seen before,--a
+shadowy recollection of some brilliant hour set apart from the dull
+stream of life, and that too, during a glorious epoch.
+
+As the play proceeded, and the progress of Romeo's sudden passion
+developed itself, the thoughts of that stately Queen returned to her
+early youth, ere the sterner feeling of pride and power had obliterated
+all gentler sensations. She thought upon the days when she loved the
+handsome Sudley, with all the violence of a first passion.
+
+And if the royal Tudor and all around her were delighted with the
+delicious picture presented before them, in the halls of old Capulet,
+and the masque held there, they were still more charmed with the garden
+scene. They felt enchanted whilst they listened to the images of beauty
+which appear to have floated in such profusion before the poet's mind.
+
+The richness of that glorious Italian picture held them in a state of
+enchantment. It had the sweetness of the rose, and all its freshness in
+every line. All was bright as the moonlight which tipped with silver the
+fruit-tree tops of the orchard, and yet all was soft as a southern
+spring. The very air of that garden seemed to breath a transport of
+delight; one almost expected to hear the language of the nightingale's
+song. And then the refinement and delicacy of the author's conception of
+the female character delighted the hearers as they listened to the words
+of Juliet.
+
+    "Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,
+    Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
+    For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night.
+    Fain would I dwell on form, fain deny
+    What I have spoke--but farewell compliment;
+    Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say, ay,
+    And I will take thee at thy word. Yet, if thou swear'st,
+    Thou may'st prove false; at lovers' perjuries,
+    They say Jove laughs. Oh, gentle Romeo,
+    If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully;
+    Or, if thou think I am too quickly won,
+    I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay
+    So thou wilt woo: but else not for the world.
+    In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond;
+    And therefore thou may'st think my 'haviour light;
+    But trust me gentleman, I'll prove move true
+    Than those who have more cunning to be strange."
+
+"The world hath nothing like this," said Raleigh to Southampton.
+
+"'Tis heaven on this base earth," returned Southampton. "Said I not the
+master-mind of this man would produce wondrous matter?"
+
+"Nay," said Sir Courtley Flutter, who was an ancient fop of the first
+water, "'Fore Gad, my lords, 'tis indeed perfect paradise sent down upon
+us poor worldlings here. I feel inspired altogether--repaired as it
+were; my heart palpitates--my blood circulates! Ha! I am young again,
+positively in love myself. Look, how these exquisite ladies, with the
+Queen there, are overcome. Nay, my Lord Burleigh seems to have forgotten
+the cares o' the state, and Bacon his gout. An we have another such
+masque as that just now represented, Sir Christopher Hatton will
+assuredly fling out amongst the dancers, and give us a coranto."
+
+"By 'ur Lady!" said Sir Christopher, "I would ask no more beatitude in
+life, during the mighty changes of the world, than what appears in this
+changing drama, and the stuff of which it is composed. This lower world
+hath no such bliss. Let me see how went it:--'A hall, a hall,--give way,
+and foot it, girls!' Oh, 'twas exquisite stuff!"
+
+The limits of the chapter we have dedicated to a description of "the
+play" permits not of a full dilation upon all therein enacted, neither
+can we describe the particular excellence of each actor; for each and
+all performed their parts with a richness and appreciation of the
+author's meaning the very tradition of which seems to have worn out from
+the stage.
+
+To the want of scenery during this period we are perhaps indebted for
+many of those glorious descriptions with which the author has favoured
+the world in his works.
+
+One thing, and which with a more modern audience would have gone far to
+take from the delight experienced, was the circumstance of Juliet's
+being personated by a youth of some sixteen years of age. This, together
+with the shambling clowns, who, with loose gait and slippery tongue
+strolled about and vented their sourril jests amongst the audience,--one
+moment tagging idle rhymes together, and the next venting truths deep as
+the centre, shewing a most pitiful ambition to make themselves
+prominent. These circumstances, in some sort, took from the effect.
+
+As for Mercutio, the fire and dash of his character so excited the
+spectators that they could hardly contain themselves within bounds. He
+was like some bright exhalation, lending fire to the sphere in which he
+moved. And when, with the foot and hand, he gave the speech ending "Ah,
+the immortal passado! the punto reverso! the hay!" the Court gallants,
+the benchers of the temple, and the citizens, shouted with delight. His
+death took all by surprise, and his absence from the scene was felt as a
+shock of reality. It was an age of bright deeds and fierce doers, and
+accordingly there was a murmur of disapprobation and disappointment when
+"Tybalt, alive, in triumph," made his exit,--till, as Romeo breaks
+through his apathy, and, assuming some of the fire of his kinsman's
+spirit, fiercely encounters and kills "the envious Capulet," a shout of
+gratified vengeance filled the house. Queen Elizabeth had herself been
+delighted with Mercutio. "That was a character, my Lord of Essex," she
+said, "after my own heart. But he was too brilliant to last. His were
+the faults that travellers give the moon,--
+
+    "He shone too bright. But died, alas! too soon."
+
+"'Fore heaven, Sir Christopher Hatton," she continued, "we will not let
+Mercutio altogether die. An he was so brilliant that the author was
+enforced to kill him thus early, we will ourself raise him up. Go round,
+Sir Christopher, and summon that Shakespeare to our presence, in order
+that we may express to him our approbation of his efforts. What think
+ye, ladies," she continued, turning to her female attendants, "we will
+have both the character and the creator of the character beside us."
+
+Shakespeare accordingly, by royal command, entered the royal stand or
+box, where he knelt and kissed the Queen's hand. After which he remained
+beside her.
+
+And thus he stood on the right hand of the Queen with his face turned
+towards the royal countenance, his side towards the stage, and as the
+play proceeded, he received the compliments of Elizabeth, and answered
+the various questions she put to him. Nay, she ordered back whoever came
+so close as to inconvenience the poet, and seemed altogether delighted
+at having him so near her.
+
+"We will keep you beside us, Master Shakespeare," said she, "and whilst
+your play proceeds, you shall act as chorus, explaining what may seem
+wanting to our duller senses."
+
+Shakespeare bowed his thanks. "I attend your Highness," he said, "with
+all true duty,"--and thus he remained immovable as a statue during the
+remainder of the play, the mark of more than one bright glance from the
+fair bevy in attendance. This was the poet's triumphant hour, and yet
+the mind of the man was too great to be elevated beyond bounds.
+
+He knew "the art o' the Court," and the uncertain favour of the great;
+and that there was--
+
+    "Between that smile, he would aspire to,
+    That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
+    More pangs and fears, than wars or women have."
+
+Amongst the audience, there was a female bright and exquisite as one of
+the creations of that author's after years. She stood with an attendant,
+and almost concealed beneath one of the gothic arches of the building,
+and wore (as was indeed not uncommon at that period) a sort of masking
+costume. Her features, indeed, were so completely concealed by her mask
+that only her brilliant eyes were visible.
+
+It was one who, even at this early period of the poet's career, fully
+appreciated his genius and talents, and (like Charlotte Clopton) at once
+saw what the world would take years to discover. And what a sight was it
+for that private friend to behold! She saw him, to whom she owed so
+much, in his hour of triumph, and marked his expressive countenance as
+he stood beside the Queen. She marked, too, the surprise and delight
+pourtrayed upon the countenance of Walter Arderne and Sir Hugh Clopton,
+as they looked upon the poor player thus honoured in the presence of the
+mighty Tudor; and then she beheld with a smile, for she knew his story,
+the astonishment of Sir Thomas Lucy, as the knight's eyes wandered to
+the stage, and again returned to the figure of the sometime
+deer-stealer; and whilst his ears drank in the honeyed words of that
+poet, Sir Thomas felt he could forgive all his juvenile delinquencies,
+and longed to grasp him by the hand.
+
+"Pshaw," he said, "I have been an ass. I am an ass--_ergo_, we are all
+asses in comparison to this _one_ man, this Shakespeare."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LI.
+
+THE TAVERN.
+
+
+It was about an hour after the performance we have attempted to
+describe, that a solitary individual stood near the water-gate of the
+monastery of the Blackfriars. He stood, apparently lost in thought, and
+listening to the distant sound of music on the waters--the roll of the
+kettle-drum and the flourish of trumpet, as the Queen and her party
+returned towards St. James's.
+
+As Shakespeare stood thus alone (after having attended the Queen to the
+Abbey stairs, and seen her embark), all around seemed dark and sombre.
+The cloisters of that abbey no longer flashed in the torch-light; the
+theatre was empty and deserted; all that was brilliant had
+departed--vanished like the pleasures of the world, and left a dreary
+contrast behind him.
+
+"Oh, time," he thought to himself, "thou art the most indefatigable of
+things! The past is gone, the future to come, and the present becomes
+the past even while we attempt to define it,--like the flash of
+lightning, it exists and expires."
+
+His companions of the theatre had sought the genial license of the
+tavern, there to revel over the success of the night, and canvass the
+merits and demerits of what they had enacted; and whilst he, the poet
+himself, the idol of the hour, and whom all wished to have with them,
+felt at that moment unfitted for society.
+
+As he cast his eyes up at the "brave o'erhanging firmament, fretted with
+golden fire," he felt that "the wide, the universal theatre," was at
+that moment most congenial to his soul.
+
+Whilst numerous boats continued to pass and repass, many of them filled
+with companies who had witnessed the performance, he hailed one he
+observed disengaged; and after rowing to his own lodging, and changing
+his dress, he re-embarked.
+
+We have already stated that the mind of the man had not been elevated
+beyond bounds at the success he had achieved. To such a mind as
+Shakespeare's the prosperity of the hour was more likely to produce a
+degree of melancholy than any undue elevation. An incomprehensible
+feeling of contempt and distrust of all worldly success. Perhaps of all
+mortals this great man was the least given to vanity. The present hour
+would indeed seem to proclaim as much. He was on that night wished for,
+sought for, not only by many of the nobles who had witnessed his play,
+but his companions of the stage too sought for him to join their tavern
+revel after the performance, and several of the audience had even
+lingered about the doors, to gain a look at him as he came forth, whilst
+the unconscious poet, wrapped in his own thoughts, slowly floated down
+the river. Nay, so utterly careless was he of all he had effected, that
+the very play which had made so great a sensation scarcely existed but
+in the memories of the performers who had recited it.
+
+It had, previous to performance, been copied into lengths, as the
+several parts are technically denominated, and given to the actors to
+study, whilst the manuscript itself was left casting about amidst the
+properties of the theatre, to be searched for, if required, at the next
+performance.
+
+As the gentle Shakespeare, during the silent hour of night, passed
+slowly along the stream, his thoughts indeed were of other matters
+rather than his own particular affairs. The ripple of the water, the
+plash of the oars, the faint sound of music from afar, soothed his
+thoughts after the false exciting hour.
+
+        "Soft stillness and the night,
+    Became the touches of sweet harmony."
+
+Meantime, whilst the poet floats onwards, we must return to the city,
+and observe the events taking place immediately after the representation
+of his play.
+
+In a goodly room of a good-sized tavern, situated in the purlieus of Old
+St. Paul's, were congregated, on this night, many who had been
+spectators of the recent performance at the Blackfriars, and several
+other chance customers.
+
+Besides the more respectable merchants, who had put into the tavern
+after the play, there were several ruffling blades of the inns of Court,
+one or two bullying fellows whose moans and professions were extremely
+doubtful--a sort of Alsatian companions, "as ready to strike as to
+speak," who drank deep wherever they could obtain liquor, and diced
+whenever they could pick up a cully; and also several guests from the
+country.
+
+The Londoners, who constituted a party by themselves, sat at a table
+extending about half-way along the ample room; whilst two or three
+smaller tables were occupied by those parties who had sought the hostel
+on matters of business, and who transacted their affairs or enjoyed
+themselves apart from the rest.
+
+The aspect of the room shewed that it had been reduced to its present
+state from a more respectable occupation. The ample window which ran
+along one entire side, looked into a good-sized court: and on the
+capacious stone chimney was carved various coats-of-arms, and all sorts
+of herald devices and designs.
+
+Those guests who were apart from the sort of ordinary, or common table,
+were at the upper end of the room, and on either side the chimney. They
+carried on their conversation amongst each other, and were, for the most
+part, strangers to the town.
+
+At one of the smaller tables, placed quite up in the corner of the room,
+were seated a party of four individuals, and two of them being natives
+of the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, our readers are already acquainted
+with.
+
+This company consisted of Lawyer Grasp; a rich client, for whom he was
+professionally employed; a member of the Temple, with whom he was in
+consultation; and Master Doubletongue.
+
+Besides these, there were also four or five other persons seated upon
+the long bench beneath the window, and they also carried on their
+occupation apart from either the guests at the supper table, or the
+other parties in the room. Some two or three were deeply engaged in
+play, rattling the dice and staking their coin with an eagerness equal
+to the absorption of their comrades who watched the game.
+
+Such being the mixed nature of the assemblage, as two fresh guests
+entered the room and made their way to the upper end of it, the
+conversation of the various parties formed a sort of confused jargon,
+very like the cross-reading of a modern newspaper.
+
+Such as it was, it seemed greatly to interest the late arrivals, and, as
+they stood with their backs towards the fire-place, they lent an
+attentive ear, more especially to the conversation of Grasp and his
+small party, and a look of intelligence ever and anon passed between
+them.
+
+The table at which Grasp sat was covered with the produce of his eternal
+blue bag, and, as his quick moving fingers pointed to the various
+documents and deeds, he held forth with his accustomed volubility whilst
+every now and then a roar from the table, or a dispute amongst the
+dicers, interrupted his dissertations.
+
+"Here," he said to the Temple lawyer, "here we have the matter duly
+executed. And here," he continued, "I will prove our right."
+
+"Stay," said the Temple lawyer, "if I remember rightly, there is no
+mention of this place in the Conqueror's survey."
+
+"A fico for the Conqueror and his survey," cried Grasp; "trouble not
+yourself upon that subject; mark and perpend--from Geoffrey Clinton it
+descended to the Verduns in marriage with Leosceline, daughter of that
+same Geoffrey, as did also the manors of Brandon, and I take it--"
+
+"On my word," roared a tall Alsatian-looking fellow at the long table,
+"I take it that this Romeus and Julietta, or whatever else 'tis called,
+is the most exquisite piece ever submitted to a crowned head."
+
+"A pestilence seize Romulus and Julia," said Grasp; "how that fellow
+bawls. And now, sirs, that name Anselm de Clinton, of whom I was before
+speaking, was first enfeoffed thereof."
+
+"Up with his heels then," cried one of the dicers, as he threw. "Play.
+Ha! seven by Old Paul's. More sack, drawer!"
+
+"The fiend sack those dicers," said Grasp, "marry and amen; as I was
+saying, good sir, by a multitude of testimonies I can prove--"
+
+"A lie, knave, throw again." "Ha! ha!" roared another of the gamblers.
+
+"They are certified to hold it," continued Grasp, "of that family by the
+service of half a knight's fee, and they of the Earls of Warwick. Now my
+client here--"
+
+"A cheater, I'll be sworn. A murrain take thee!" cried another of the
+gamblers.
+
+"But how said ye," inquired the Temple lawyer, "that you became opposed
+to this Arderne? Methinks, when I last consulted you, you were employed
+and trusted by him."
+
+"At first, _only_ at first," said Grasp. "In virtue of my having
+informed him of his good fortune he did employ me,--entrusted me with
+management of his estates, and I did but eject--"
+
+"Cheatery, villany!" cried the dicer. "I'll not restore a dernier."
+
+"Pshaw," said Grasp, "I did but eject one or two of the poorer tenants,
+and put relatives of mine own into their holdings, when he ejected both
+them and myself. This, my good sir, I liked not, and, as upon careful
+examination I found one I thought more nearly related to the deceased,
+and the will distinctly says next of kin. I forthwith sought out my
+client; there now is our case."
+
+"The case is a good case, an exceeding good case, and so I said from the
+first," said the Templar. "You have this Arderne fairly upon the hip, an
+he pay not he must to jail, unless you give him time."
+
+"Not a day, not an hour," said Grasp; "we got a verdict in a former
+suit, and he shall incontinent to prison."
+
+"Such is the law of a verity," said the Templar, emptying his glass,
+filling his pipe, and turning now to regard the guests at the ordinary,
+as they seemed getting up a dispute upon the subject of the play they
+had witnessed.
+
+"I perfectly agree with you," said a person who sat opposite to the tall
+Alsatian, "in so far as regards the excellence of the play we have this
+night seen. But in respect of its newness to the world there I
+disagree."
+
+"How?" cried the other fiercely, "dost mean to affirm that such
+exquisite portraits as that lady who loved the youth Romeo, that
+brilliant Mercutio, and that hot-brained Tybalt were ever drawn by
+mortal man before? Didst ever behold any thing so like reality as that
+loquacious, secret, obsequious nurse, or the little Peter who carried
+her fan? Didst ever--"
+
+"Pshaw," said the other, "I quarrel not with your nurse, neither do I
+take exception at Peter,--what I say I will maintain with my rapier here
+or elsewhere. And thus it is: the subject-matter of that play is not new
+to the world. 'Tis manifestly constructed upon the novel of Italy,
+written by Luigi da Porto, a Venetian gentleman now deceased--gainsay
+that who will." And the student rose, drew up his tall form, twisted his
+mustachio, and looked fiercely around.
+
+"We shall assuredly have a riot here," said Grasp, looking up from the
+copy of a will he was perusing. "I like it not."
+
+"Nay," said Doubletongue, "'tis but a controversy upon a play. I saw the
+greater portion of it myself, and came away to my appointment here.
+'Twas but a paltry performance methought, full of bombast and fustian."
+
+"Was it not then liked?" inquired the Temple lawyer.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, I cannot answer for that," said Doubletongue. "I only
+know it liked me not."
+
+"Methinks," said the Templar, "you are hard to please, good Master
+Doubletongue. Master Shakespeare is somewhat of a favourite here."
+
+"Who, said ye?" exclaimed Grasp, looking over his glasses, and speaking
+with great rapidity. "Master Shakespeare--methinks I ought to know that
+name. Comes he from Warwickshire? Is he to be met withal? Canst tell me
+aught of Master Shakespeare? 'Fore Heaven, I have matter on hand with
+Master Shakespeare, an' his name be William, and he cometh from
+Stratford-upon-Avon."
+
+"I pr'ythee settle one thing at a time, my good Grasp," said the London
+lawyer. "Permit me to glance at that testament you was perusing once
+more."
+
+"Here 'tis," said Grasp. "Nay, you shall find that I do hear a brain;
+whoso trusts to Lawyer Grasp shall be--."
+
+"Ruined, hip and thigh," cried one of the dicers, hurling the dice-box
+at the head of his opponent, whilst, at the same time the disputants at
+the ordinary being also pretty well flushed, a general riot immediately
+ensued, and swords being drawn the whole room became a scene of
+confusion.
+
+The two guests who had last entered took advantage of this scene to
+press close upon the table at which Grasp and his party had been seated.
+They were both clad in the costume of sea-faring men of the period,
+their sea-caps so completely drawn over their heads that their features
+were not discernible, though one appeared a slight youth, and the other
+a middle aged and powerful man.
+
+As Grasp, in some alarm, seized upon his blue bag and withdrew more into
+the corner, the elder of the strangers, as if to keep from the fray,
+seated himself in the chair the lawyer had left, and whilst he puffed
+out huge volumes of smoke from his pipe, abstracted from amongst the
+papers the will the Templar had been perusing. Handing it then to his
+youthful companion, the latter seized a pen, and, unobserved, wrote a
+codicil to it. He then restored it to its place, and as the riot
+increased and Grasp seized upon his papers and thrust them into his bag,
+the pair took an opportunity of withdrawing as quietly as they had
+entered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LII.
+
+THE PLAYER IN HIS LODGING.
+
+
+All that Shakespeare had lately seen and gone through made considerable
+impression upon his mind. In the short period during which the national
+convulsion we have described was taking place, it seemed to him that he
+had lived whole years.
+
+Those events, and the great men which the stirring times had produced,
+seemed indeed to have passed before the poet, for the very purpose of
+finishing and perfecting the great mind of the man.
+
+He sat himself down on his return to London, and, as he thought over the
+past experience of his life, such a chaos of bright thoughts and
+wondrous images presented themselves before and seemed to overflow his
+brain, that, at first, it seemed utterly impossible to turn them to
+shape.
+
+Already had his "muse of fire" given him employment at various times,
+and even taken a dramatic shape; nay, the room he inhabited was filled
+with fragments--unfinished beginnings; and one or two of the novels of
+the period had been partially dramatized and then cast aside, after the
+inspiration which called them forth had, in other pursuits, been
+forgotten.
+
+His avocations as a player had too frequently led him into scenes of
+revelry. His way of life was still desultory. He knew not his own value.
+And whilst his brilliant wit and companionable qualities had kept him
+too much among the society of men in his own class, he had failed to
+carry out any of his bright conceptions. His companions hunted him,
+haunted him, took him from his own thoughts, and dragged him, even when
+satiated with revelry, into more company; for what party was complete
+amongst them that had not in it _that one_--that "foremost man of all
+the world."
+
+His poetry was beginning to be appreciated ere the national danger had
+fully occupied men's minds, and so fully employed them that all else for
+the time being was necessarily forgotten. He had written a poem
+peculiarly suited to the taste of the age, and which was greatly the
+fashion amongst the gay cavaliers of Elizabeth's Court. This he had
+dedicated to Lord Southampton, a nobleman, whose acquaintance he had
+made on the boards of the theatre. Added to this, some sonnets, which
+had almost by accident found their way into circulation (for no man was
+more careless or thoughtless of his own works than William Shakespeare)
+were greatly admired. Nay, the Queen had been so much struck with one or
+two of them, that she had shewn favour to the poet; and spoken words of
+encouragement in his ear.
+
+The starched and stately Tudor was indeed becoming extremely fond of
+dramatic representations, tedious and ill-contrived as they, for the
+most part, were; and now often frequented the theatre, in place of the
+bear and bull-baiting arenas. Besides his stage companions, also
+Shakespeare had, amongst his acquaintance, at this period of his life,
+some of the most brilliant of the courtiers--Sydney and Raleigh, Essex
+and Spenser, all were personally known to the gentle Willie. They sought
+his society for his wit; and they respected him for his fine feelings,
+his noble sentiments, and his universal knowledge. Nay, these great men
+felt an internal conviction, whilst in the society of Shakespeare, that
+great as they themselves were, this man, of almost unknown origin, was
+immeasurably their superior; that, had his station in life been more
+elevated and his opportunities greater, he might have risen to the
+highest eminence in the State. They saw in him--
+
+    "The courtier's, soldier's, scholar's eye, tongue, sword."
+
+The war was now for the present over, and amidst the general excitement
+around him, Shakespeare sat himself down to think upon all he had
+beheld. The quick result of such confederation our readers will as
+quickly imagine. The poet seized his pen,--
+
+    "Imagination bodied forth the form of things unknown."
+
+His pen "turned them to shape, and gave to airy nothing a local
+habitation and a name."
+
+Scarce had the joyous shouts for the glorious victory over the
+invincible Don subsided, ere the poet bad completed one of those
+finished productions which left all competition behind. Yet stop we here
+for a space in our narrative, even whilst the reader looks upon
+Shakespeare thus engaged.
+
+This is indeed a period in the man's life which most of us have sought
+for with the mind's eye.
+
+The living Shakespeare, still comparatively unknown, still
+disregarded--for, however he might have been appreciated by the very few
+who were acquainted with him at this time, the wide and universal
+theatre had yet to discover the greatness of the man. The living
+Shakespeare, employed in writing that language never equalled, never to
+be equalled, deserves somewhat of a pause to look upon. The room, the
+house, the chairs, the tables, each and all, require an especial
+description. Like his own Iachimo, we must "note the chamber. Such and
+such pictures. There the windows. Such the adornment of the bed. The
+arras and figures. Why such and such."
+
+Stay, then, gentle reader, if only for a brief space, and look upon the
+man--the gentle Shakespeare, as he was denominated amongst his
+familiars. He sits in a room, which to all appearance has belonged to a
+building of some pretensions in the palmy days of such edifices. The
+chamber is large, low in roof, and somewhat gloomy withal. A good-sized
+bay window, heavy in mullion, and which looks out upon the silver Thames
+beneath, affording a delicious view of the Surrey hills on the opposite
+side, gives light to (at least) one-half of the apartment. The morning
+sun streams through small diamond panes of many colours, which ornament
+the upper part of the casement, and is reflected in fainter hues, like
+a fading rainbow upon the oaken floor. The ceiling is richly carved. It
+displays the cunning skill of the architects of old. And on the heavy
+oaken beam, which traverses it, is cut from end to end the coats of arms
+of some city functionary of Old London, for the house (albeit it is now
+but partially inhabited by one or two of the actors of the Blackfriars
+theatre, and some portion of it even suffered to run to decay) has, in
+the preceding reign, belonged to one of the citizen princes--the
+merchants of Blackfriars. "The chimney-piece, south of the chamber," is
+elaborately carved, with gigantic figures, "exceedingly ugly;" and
+tapestry, (albeit it is somewhat faded), displaying pictorial scenes
+from scriptural and mythological history, hangs to the wall. One side
+has King David dancing before the ark; the other, "Cytherea hid in
+sedges."
+
+A massive oaken table stands near the fire-place; a high-backed chair on
+either hand, and two more in the embayment of the window; and an antique
+cabinet occupies a place directly opposite the chimney.
+
+The house, we have said, is situated on the river bank, and has once
+been occupied by a rich merchant, but is now let out in compartments.
+You ascend to the chamber which Shakespeare occupies, by a broad carved,
+oaken staircase, and advance along a vast passage which has rooms on
+either side.
+
+The autumn wind sighs, and soughs, in this old dwelling, as it rushes
+through the long passages from the water side. In such room our
+Shakespeare sits and writes. Sometime he stops and considers for a
+space--thinks, and thinks deeply. Then again his pen glides swiftly over
+the paper before him, and he writes like the wind. The table at which he
+is seated is but little removed from the embayment of the window, and
+his eye, ever and anon, glances out upon the rushing tide, and wanders
+over the opposite landscape, then consisting of green meadows and
+stunted trees.
+
+As he thus looks out upon the river, he sees boats filled with gay
+parties, cloaked and ruffed, and rapiered, attended by other boats,
+carrying musicians, who make the air resound with their melody--a gay
+and gallant sight, for these are courtiers going to Greenwich, or
+Mortlake, or Chelsea, such excursions being common in Elizabeth's day.
+
+As the poet writes, there seems no effort in the composition. His
+thoughts flow, for the most part, so easily, that it seems but the
+careless noting down of whatever comes uppermost. He writes as his own
+Falstaff speaks--as if almost without the trouble of thought. Anon, he
+smiles and pauses; then he rises from his high-backed chair, takes a
+turn through the room, and gives utterance to the conceit which has
+suddenly struck him. The actor predominates over the author at such a
+moment, and he recites aloud the recent thought, and which his "often
+rumination" upon, the extravagance of action, amongst his associates,
+has conjured up.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIII.
+
+THE POET AND HIS PATRON.
+
+
+Whilst he gives his thoughts tongue, the door opens, and a bulky form
+seems to fill up the entrance--no other, indeed, than our old Stratford
+acquaintance John Froth.
+
+"Ah! thou mad compound," said Froth, "and is such thy advice to the
+fraternity of the Blackfriars?"
+
+"It is," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"Then would we might see it approved in the acting," said Froth; "but
+'tis thrown away upon me, as thou know'st. I am not for the personation
+of aught requiring such rules. If I am to turn mummer, I must enact
+something fit for a man of my parts to appear in."
+
+"And therefore," said Shakespeare, "will I write a character fit only
+for thy huge bulk and greater follies."
+
+"Nay, by my fay," said Froth, "I thought thou hadst already put me into
+shape, for so hast thou promised any time these two months past."
+
+"'Tis better as it is," said Shakespeare, "for till I saw thy vagaries
+during this last affair with the Spaniard, thy arrant cowardice, thy
+shifts, for preferment, and then thy desire to keep out of action, I
+hardly could have displayed such a marvellous compound of frailty and
+flesh."
+
+"Trouble me not with the remembrance thereof," said Froth; "I received
+my guerdon, my remuneration, and that was the aim in end."
+
+"And which remuneration thou hast already dissipated in dice and
+liquor,--is't not so?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Thou hast spoken it, and not I," said Froth, "and so spoken it that I
+may hardly venture to gainsay it. Wilt furnish me forthwith a few crowns
+for present need, good William?"
+
+"The more readily," returned Shakespeare, as he handed him the coin, "as
+I would fain be rid o' thee. See'st thou not, thou idle reveller, that I
+am busy here with deep premeditated lines--with written matters
+studiously devised?"
+
+"Well, Will, I will hinder thee not. I will mar not thy labours. I will
+but fill me a chalice, and drink success to thy muse, and then to the
+tavern."
+
+So saying, Froth helped himself from the flask upon the table, and
+pledged the health of his friend, smacking his lips after the draught
+with a sense of ineffable relish.
+
+"Thou art a wondrous fellow, Will," he said, as he looked upon his
+friend; "thou wilt thrive. But, in sooth, envy already begins to dog thy
+heels. Green and Marlow like thee not, William; Green calls thee an
+upstart crow dressed with his feathers."
+
+"Ah!" said Shakespeare, smiling, "methinks Green hath little reason to
+speak thus, seeing I have imp'd his wing with some of my own feathers.
+He will scarce say that to my face."
+
+"Nay," said Froth, "I dare be sworn he will not, for many of them know
+thee too well to offer insult to thy face. Marlow too speaks of thee as
+that 'tiger's heart wrapped in a player's hide.'"
+
+"Well," said Shakespeare, "their sayings pass by me like the wind. I
+pr'ythee be nought awhile, if thou art to remain here, or else betake
+thyself to other haunts."
+
+"Farewell," said Froth; "you shall find me at the old haunt in Paul's
+whilst this coin holds out."
+
+Scarcely had Froth departed, ere the sound of horses was heard without,
+and a man of noble presence, dressed in the extreme of fashion of that
+age of brave attire, entered the room. Shakespeare instantly rose, and
+advanced to meet him.
+
+"I am proud to welcome my Lord of Southampton to my poor lodging," said
+the poet.
+
+"Nay, by my fay, not altogether so poor either," said the noble, looking
+around him. "I am glad to find thee removed from thy old haunt to so
+goodly a lodgment, good William."
+
+"And am I not indebted to your lordship's kind favour and friendship for
+being thus well lodged?" said Shakespeare. "When we first met, my lord,
+I was somewhat lower in estate than at the present time. A poor
+unfriended outcast; I do, indeed, owe thee much."
+
+"Not a whit," said the Earl; "you owe all to your own surpassing
+excellence. I am greatly charmed with thy Tarquin and Lucrece. Nay,
+Raleigh, Essex, and others do swear by it as the most exquisite thing
+extant. I, who know thee better, think even better of thee than shall
+here say."
+
+"You do me too much honour, my Lord," said Shakespeare; "like Venus and
+Adonis, (and which I had the honour of dedicating to you), Tarquin and
+Lucrece was but a first effort, when I was green in judgment. I shall
+hope better to deserve with more experience."
+
+"I pray you to inform me," said Lord Southampton, after a pause, "who
+and what is yonder companion of thine, and whom I met as I entered the
+house,--a gross, fat man?"
+
+Shakespeare smiled at the question. "A strange fellow, my Lord," he
+replied, "and who was known to me in my native town, and whom I have
+lately fallen in with here. Like myself, he was obliged to fly from
+Stratford, and being in some difficulties, I procured him employment in
+the theatres."
+
+"A somewhat bulky actor," said Lord Southampton, "is he not."
+
+"Nevertheless one whom I think even of giving a part to. The man is
+himself a character worth the studying, and if he exhibits himself
+before the curtain as he does in his true character, cannot fail to keep
+the audience in continual laughter. His peculiar humour, tone of voice,
+look, and jesture, coupled to such a person, are almost indescribable.
+Added to this, he is so extraordinary a mimic that no one of us can move
+or speak before him, but he carries their voice, look, mien, and motion
+into another company.
+
+"And yet upon the stage he may not be able to execute the same degree of
+perfection," said Southampton. "Some of your companions of the theatre,
+I have found prime fellows and witty knaves over their cups, and yet but
+heavy upon the boards."
+
+"Truly so, my lord," said Shakespeare; "this is one of Nature's secrets,
+and which I have observed. Necessary qualifications which cannot be well
+spared in an actor, oftimes exist in men of the profession; and yet,
+with the assistance of all these united, we see such persons come forth
+upon the boards but poor and barren. In writing a character for my
+friend, I shall avoid making him play off his ordinary parts, except to
+produce himself when I think he will tell forcibly."
+
+"I feel some curiosity to know this witty knave," said the noble
+"pr'ythee bring him with thee to Southampton House when next you come."
+
+"Providing your lordship can away with his grossness, and resist the
+attacks he is sure to make upon your purse," said Shakespeare, "you will
+be amused with him. But, unluckily, 'tis a familiar creature who makes
+himself enemies as easily as his humour delights."
+
+"And this new play of thine," said Southampton, "holds it still for next
+week?"
+
+"It does, my lord," said Shakespeare.
+
+"Then have I news for thee of price, good William," said Southampton.
+"The Queen intends to be present. She takes wondrous interest in all
+that thou dost, and has of late spoken most approvingly of thy efforts."
+
+"I am much bounden to her Majesty," returned the poet; "and there again
+must feel grateful to your lordship for having turned her eye of favour
+towards my unworthy efforts."
+
+"Thou hast sufficiently delighted us all, good William," said Lord
+Southampton; "and, if I am to judge by the mass of papers I behold here,
+you intend still further to delight us. Are these portions of manuscript
+pertaining to another production of the same sort?"
+
+"In truth, my lord," said Shakespeare, "they do in some sort tend that
+way. But at present I am somewhat desultory in my doings. I have so many
+plans, on so many subjects, that what you behold are but the rough notes
+of such ideas as pass current. The scraps are of all sorts; perhaps fit
+for little else but to be cast to the waves without."
+
+"Thou art, at least industrious," said Southampton, "and permit me to
+say, I believe not in the valueless quality of what I behold here. May I
+look upon one of these same unworthy scraps?" And Lord Southampton took
+up a fragment of paper containing some few lines of blank verse.
+
+At first he seemed disposed to read it cursorily, as one slightly
+curious to know what had employed the pen of his friend. The very first
+line, however, seemed to strike him, and he read the verse attentively
+from beginning to end. He then recommenced it, and read it more slowly,
+observing the wondrous force of the lines more and more as he did so. He
+then stopped and looked at the pleasant smiling countenance of the
+writer, so unassuming, so devoid of all self-conceit, and then he read
+aloud--
+
+    "Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back,
+    Wherein he puts alms for oblivion,
+    A great-siz'd monster of ingratitudes:
+    Those scraps are good deeds past: which are devour'd
+    As fast as they are made, forgot as soon
+    As done: Perseverance, dear my lord,
+    Keeps honour bright; To have done is to hang
+    Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail,
+    In monumental mockery. Take the instant way;
+    For honour travels in a strait so narrow,
+    Where one but goes abreast: keep then the path;
+    For emulation hath a thousand sons,
+    That one by one pursue. If you give way,
+    Or hedge aside from the direct forth right,
+    Like to an enter'd tide, they all rush by,
+    And leave you hindmost;--
+    Or, like a gallant horse fallen in first rank,
+    Lie there for pavement to the abject rear,
+    O'errun and trampled on. Then what do they in present,
+    Though less than yours in past, most o'ertop yours:
+    For time is like a fashionable host
+    That slighly shakes his parting guest by the hand;
+    And with his arms out-stretch'd as he would fly,
+    Grasps in the corner: Welcome ever smiles,
+    And farewell goes that sighing."
+
+"Why," he said, "thou hast written here a whole volume in a few brief
+lines. Not all the learning of the ancients ever produced so much in
+such compass. I will learn these lines, and have them ever before me. To
+what pertain they, good William?"
+
+Shakespeare smiled. "Nay, 'tis but a fragment," he said. "My often
+rumination supplies many such. I shall perhaps adopt them in a play I
+have been thinking of writing."
+
+"Thou wilt completely alter the old style of representation," said
+Southampton.
+
+"'Tis my purpose so to do," returned Shakespeare.
+
+"From what thou hast before shewn me," said Lord Southampton, "I think
+thou wilt do much. But bethink ye, William Shakespeare, albeit thou hast
+a quick wit and rapid pen, thou must not let things come hastily from
+thy hands. Good works, I take it, are plants of slow produce. The city
+lads and the inns of court have, I find, began to regard thee since thou
+hast remodelled the company of the Blackfriars. And hast thou,"
+continued the earl after a pause, "still the name purpose of becoming a
+part proprietor in the theatre here?"
+
+"Such is my ambition," said Shakespeare; "but that must be at a future
+period, when further success shall give warranty to my hopes."
+
+"Nay, want of means shall not baulk thee, good William," said Lord
+Southampton, "since I see plainly that more power will greatly
+facilitate the bringing forth thy inimitable works. Look," he continued,
+taking the pen Shakespeare had been writing with, and scrawling a few
+lines, "there is an order for a thousand pounds; present it to my
+steward when thou wilt, and 'tis thine. Nay, double the sum, if
+required."
+
+Shakespeare thanked his generous patron in terms of manly gratitude; and
+soon afterwards the noble, after appointing his poetic friend to visit
+him, took his leave.
+
+After the departure of Lord Southampton, the poet sat for some time,
+with his forehead leaning upon his hand, gazing upon the order his
+friend had given him.
+
+Between my Lord Southampton and Shakespeare there was the most sincere
+friendship. The young noble appreciated the genius of the man, and felt
+quite a veneration for him; whilst the poet honoured one possessed of
+the fine feelings and generous and heroic spirit belonging to a more
+early and chivalrous age.
+
+Since Shakespeare's flight from Stratford some time had now elapsed,
+during which he had not returned there. He had made a vow not to do so
+until he could re-appear under circumstances that would disarm the
+malevolence of his enemies; not until he had achieved a name. Oft-times
+had he written, and as often heard from his friends, sending them the
+greater portion of his earnings his efforts continually brought in. This
+was not the first gift of Lord Southampton; and a considerable sum he
+had before received had enabled him to settle his wife and children in
+comfortable circumstances in his native town. The money his noble friend
+had just now conferred upon him gave him a nearer prospect of revisiting
+Stratford be thought. And so the poet, with renewed energy, seized his
+pen, and again gave vent to his wondrous conceptions. As he writes, he
+remembers former days, and his thoughts revert again to his own sweet
+home and its neighbourhood, and again he dips his pen in his own heart.
+Then he revels in the recollection of those orgies amidst the choice
+spirits of Old London. Those tavern suppers in the quaint dark courts
+where the hostels of the crowded city are situated. Those secluded
+taverns of Old London town now, indeed, no longer to be found. The
+player's loved haunt, and where the rollicking 'prentice and even
+occasionally, the nobles of the Court congregated. Where he himself had
+fallen in with the Alsatian bully, the humourist, and all the varieties
+of the tavern haunter of the age; and from such he now draws his
+character, life-like and real, as if they walked and breathed and spoke
+before him.
+
+And so the first part of the day passes, and still Shakespeare writes,
+for the fit is upon him, and like many of his class, albeit he spends in
+whole weeks, at times in joviality, excursionising with his comrades to
+Windsor and Greenwich, and "dafling the world aside" with the idlest;
+still there comes upon the man fits of deep thought, which are only to
+be relieved by the pen.
+
+Whilst he writes, as the clanking tones of the clock of Barnard's Castle
+strike the sixth hour, the sound of a lute is heard in an adjoining
+apartment, accompanied by a voice of ravishing sweetness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIV.
+
+A CONSULTATION.
+
+
+As those dulcet sounds reached the ears of the poet, he laid down his
+pen and listened attentively. That voice, no rich in tone, so sweetly
+modulated, seemed deeply to affect him; and, as the song ceased, he rose
+and paced the apartment.
+
+Again, he bears a short prelude upon the instrument, and pushing aside
+the arras from the wall, he opened a sliding panel, leading into a
+narrow passage; one of those passages so peculiar to old buildings, and
+which communicate from chamber to chamber, oft-times along, one entire
+wing of such edifice.
+
+As he did so, the voice of the singer is again and again more plainly
+heard. How sweetly it sounds in that house, and at that hour, for the
+shadows are beginning to descend upon Old London.
+
+The poet stands transfixed. His glorious countenance so softened by the
+sorrowful notes of the musician, proclaim how powerfully the strains
+affect him--"He is never merry when he hears sweet music."
+
+Again the strains cease and all is silent, save the moaning of the wind
+without, and which hums through the casement like an AEolian harp. After
+a pause, the poet again withdrew the tapestry which hung before the
+doorway, and, traversing the passage, knocks gently against a small door
+which stood partially open at its extremity.
+
+A sweet voice bids him enter, and the next moment he is in the presence
+of a young and beautiful female. Traces of recent illness are to be
+observed upon her cheek, as she sits, half inclined, upon a sort of
+couch placed near the window of the apartment;--a small lamp, placed
+upon a table near, giving better light for an attendant female, who is
+occupied in knitting.
+
+The lady half rises, as the poet enters and as she does so, he sinks
+upon one knee, and respectfully kisses the hand she extends to him.
+
+Nothing, indeed, can exceed the respectful attention with which the poet
+stands in the presence of that female. He does not even take the chair,
+placed near the couch on which she is seated, till she requires him to
+do so. And well indeed might Shakespeare gaze with interest, and no less
+admiration, upon that lady, as she again reclined upon the couch from
+which she had half risen at his entrance.
+
+The perfect proportions of her form and features, softened as they both
+were in the subdued light of that antique apartment, rendered her in the
+eyes of the poet even more beautiful. Her dark hair fell in wavy
+ringlets upon her shoulders, and her large eyes beamed with an
+expression of sweetness and regard upon him, which made them full of
+peril to one so impassioned.
+
+Frankly and gracefully she again stretched forth her hand. "My kind
+preserver," she said, "my generous and noble friend; but that weakness
+keeps me a prisoner to my couch, 'tis I who ought to kneel to thee."
+
+"I heard the sweet tones, lady," said the poet, "which gave notice that
+I might approach."
+
+"Alas!" she replied, "how can I ever requite thy generosity? Had it been
+my fortune to fall into other hands, I might, indeed, have been unhappy;
+but thou, oh! thou art different from other mortals."
+
+"Beauty, lady," said Shakespeare, "provoketh thieves even sooner than
+gold. Nay, it is that beauty which has made fearful of trusting you in
+this evil town, save whilst I can myself guard over you. The wild and
+reckless spirits who dwell around us here, the desperate characters of
+many who, in their outward seeming, are of the virtuous, render a
+sojourn in this city unsafe, and therefore have I brought thee hither;
+and therefore have I constituted myself thy sole guardian till recovered
+strength shall enable you to take the journey you contemplate."
+
+"You will forgive me, then," said the lady, "that although I have
+related to you some portion of my story, I yet conceal my own, and the
+name of those connected with the tale".
+
+"I am in all thy friend and servant," said Shakespeare.
+
+"And now that I have somewhat recovered," she continued, "recall to me
+in how much I am indebted to you during my illness. The attendant you
+have furnished me with hath partially informed me of your goodness, but
+I would fain hear the recital from your own lips."
+
+"Your disguise," said Shakespeare, "whilst we journeyed hitherward,
+beguiled me, or I had never so far taxed your strength."
+
+"Ah! but that journey," said the lady, "so travelled, can one mile of
+it, think you, be forgotten?"
+
+"Nay," said the poet, smiting, "still can I not forgive myself. Those
+moonlight walks during our route have, I fear, wearied you."
+
+"Could it be possible," said the lady, "for mortal to feel fatigue
+amidst those scenes, I might have wearied."
+
+Shakespeare again smiled. He felt gratified at the compliment paid him.
+He was no perfect mortal, and to say that he could look coldly upon the
+glorious creature before him, would be to belie his nature. He could no
+more do so than he could have "held a fire in his hand by thinking of
+the frosty Caucasus." His finer feelings, however, rendered that
+unprotected female as safe whilst beneath his roof, as if she had been
+guarded by a host. He seated himself again beside her, and an he calmly
+and kindly regarded her exquisite form, whilst he again spoke, a bright
+and pure beam of divine expression was on his bearded face, an
+expression, which diffused a calm feeling of happiness and contentment
+over the soul of her who beheld it.
+
+The long crushed spirit of the lady felt the influence of his presence.
+
+"That I had in my ignorance of your sex somewhat overtaxed your strength
+during our journey," he said, "the result has shewn, since on our
+reaching London, you was seized with an illness which nearly cost your
+life."
+
+"I remember nothing," said the lady, "after our arrival at the hotel of
+the Globe."
+
+"Unluckily," said the poet, "it happened that some seamen who
+disembarked but a few days before had brought the plague into that
+neighbourhood. That disease in London is usually so dire in its effect,
+that, for mere suspicion, the inhabitants act as if for surety. Your
+ship-boy's semblance, and your illness, gave the host of the tavern a
+suspicion that you was infected, and he expelled us from his door. Nay,
+such was the rapidity with which the alarm travelled, that I found it
+impossible to procure a shelter for you in that neighbourhood; and it
+was whilst conveying you, still insensible, to the water-side, that I
+became suspicious of your sex. This discovery increased the difficulty
+of our situation, till I recollected an asylum in which I could safely
+carry you, and e'en procure the assistance of medicine. I remembered an
+old poor man, one so needy, starved, and miserable, that I had oft-times
+sought, and alleviated his condition. Nay, gratitude had prompted me so
+to do, since, in my own need, and when, alone and friendless, I first
+sought this town, he himself befriended me. To the habitation of this
+man, who indeed, possesses considerable skill in leechcraft, I conveyed
+you, and to his care, attention, and skill, for night and day did he
+watch over you, are you indebted for your life."
+
+"And whilst yourself also cared for me," said the lady, "still fearless
+of the tyrant fever with which I was burnt up; nay, you have since
+removed me hither, and so continued to guard over me. And all this in
+favour of one alike hopeless and friendless."
+
+"Such circumstances, lady," said the poet, "should in themselves alone
+suffice to enlist me in your service. But come," he continued, "we will
+no more of this. A letter I have just received from my sometime home, in
+Warwickshire, gives much of news. I have unfolded to you so much of my
+history, that I may now further inform you there is hope of once more
+revisiting the friends I left whilst in trouble and disgrace."
+
+"This is, indeed, pleasing intelligence," said his companion. "My own
+destination is in that neighbourhood."
+
+"To guard over you till I can safely convey you amongst those friends
+you have hinted at," said Shakespeare, "is my wish; nay, our exertions,
+and the generosity of a nobleman, my friend, has enabled me to complete
+a purchase I had in contemplation--a share in the neighbouring theatre
+here. I have also another play toward, and should it succeed in the
+represental, I will then attend on you with all true duty."
+
+"But your letter?" said the lady; "pardon my seeming curiosity. In
+happier days I have owned friends in the neighbourhood of your home.
+Speaks it of any resident around Stratford-upon-Avon?"
+
+"It does," said Shakespeare. "It is from my father, and gives much
+gossip of the locality. Amongst other matter it informs me of some
+difficulties a gentleman, my friend, has fallen into."
+
+"And his name," said the lady, "is Walter Arderne?"
+
+"The same," returned Shakespeare.
+
+The lady's face immediately became crimson, and then deadly pale. "And
+how then hath Walter Arderne fallen into difficulties?" she inquired.
+"Methought I heard from you, during our journey, that he had succeeded
+to great wealth."
+
+"It was even so," said Shakespeare, "but I fear I am again taxing your
+strength. You look somewhat pale."
+
+"'Tis nothing," said his fair companion. "Proceed, I beseech you, I am
+most anxious to know of the welfare of this Arderne."
+
+"The young man, then," continued Shakespeare, "it appears by the story,
+after coming into possession of this fortune, and many parks, and walks,
+and manors, in England, hath busied himself in various acts of goodness.
+Amongst other things he hath built alms-houses, hospitals, for the use
+of the afflicted."
+
+"To such a one," said the lady, "fortune should ever belong; but to your
+story. What more of this Arderne? Methinks I am overfond to hear of so
+much generosity."
+
+"There is little more to tell," said Shakespeare. "The sums he hath
+bestowed and the various charities he hath endowed, have involved him in
+difficulties. His virtues have served him but as enemies. Nay, he seems,
+I am grieved to say, on the brink of ruin; for, in addition to all I
+have enumerated, it appears he hath expended large sums during the
+invasion of the Spaniard, both in fitting out numerous ships, and
+enrolling and embodying men, all which vessels, through his desperate
+valour in leading them into the hot encounter, have been either
+destroyed or returned to port rent and beggared."
+
+"Nay, but," said the lady, "I am still in ignorance how this could
+possibly involve Walter Ardene in ruin. The fortune he inherited would
+have borne all this, methinks, and much more, without endamagement."
+
+"Truly so, lady," said Shakespeare; "but it hath suddenly transpired
+that Walter Arderne is not the lawful heir. A caitiff wretch, named
+Grasp, and whose ferrit eyes and evil spirit are always seeking
+mischief, hath, by dint of searching over worm-eaten deeds and musty
+parchments, hunting out tombstones, and manufacturing pedigrees, somehow
+found a nearer relation; and all the sums Master Arderne hath expended
+since the hour he came into possession, the law will enforce him to
+refund. This, together with the suits he is involved in, will go nigh to
+ruin both himself and his good uncle, Sir Hugh Clopton."
+
+"And this nearer kinsman!" said the lady. "Does your information extend
+so far as to name the person of such claimant?"
+
+"'Tis one who is the friend of a powerful noble," said Shakespeare, "of
+one whom it is dangerous to speak of in other terms but those of
+respect."
+
+"Methinks I can name him," said the lady. "It is one whose unbounded
+stomach and high ambition long soared towards a crown by marriage; one
+whose evil disposition would halt not to obtain power or riches,
+magnificent as his fortune already is. The Earl with the dark
+countenance and gloomy soul--he whom Sussex calls the Gipsey; the
+dangerous Leicester."
+
+"The same," said Shakespeare.
+
+"Nay, then, an Walter Arderne hath that noble for an enemy, let him
+beware the cup, as well as the law, for Leicester is sure to succeed by
+fair means or foul. He is the most successful dealer in poison in the
+kingdom."
+
+"Would to Heaven," said Shakespeare, "some help might be found; for the
+strait this generous man is like to be driven to sorely oppresses him!"
+
+"Let it no longer do so," said the lady. "Continue to inform me of the
+progress of events; I will be warranty for his safe extrication from all
+his difficulties."
+
+Shakespeare looked surprised; but he forbode remark; and soon after this
+conversation retired to his own lodging.
+
+After the interview, the poet reflected deeply upon the conversation
+which had taken place, and as he did so, many things which had not
+previously struck him forced themselves upon his mind regarding his
+mysterious friend, and which now enabled him in some sort to pluck out
+the heart of her mystery.
+
+During the time he had watched over her during her illness, and the
+delirium consequent upon it, she had uttered names which recalled former
+passages of his life. She had called upon Charlotte Clopton, and bade
+her leave the horrid charnel-house in which she had been entombed alive,
+and even named localities familiar to him in his native county.
+
+These things, whilst they contributed to elucidate her story, more
+deeply interested him. He saw she could appreciate a true heart and bold
+spirit in man, and could love with all the truth and innocence of a
+Juliet. There was in her no false pride or prudery, but unconscious of
+her own excellence, she was indeed one of those bright creatures so
+often bestowed where they are unvalued. Had such a one fallen to his own
+share, he thought, how would he have worshipped! But such was not to be.
+He who was the gentlest, the noblest of mankind, was not to be so
+companioned. His course was steered, at this period, alone. For him,
+high birth and bright excellence should have been reserved, because he
+so well could have appreciated them.
+
+There was, however, to be observed in this singular female a sort of
+character which even more interested him than her radiant beauty. With
+all her amiability, she possessed a determination of purpose, which made
+it impossible to control her designs. From what he could fathom of her
+intentions and her story, she seemed only anxious to confer or secure
+some important benefit to the individual she loved, and then to retire
+from the world, to enter some convent abroad, "and be for aye in shady
+cloister mew'd." And so, as the poet sat and thought over these matters,
+he again seized his pen, and wrote.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LV.
+
+ILL WEAVED AMBITION.
+
+
+The machinations of Pouncet Grasp had not been without their due effect.
+His evil disposition was as great as his industry, and his very face and
+form, twisted and contorted as both were, proclaimed the mind of the man
+as plainly as if he had carried a window in his breast.
+
+Few specimens of the human countenance presented indeed less of the
+divine about it than did that of the Stratford lawyer. The term _ugly as
+sin_ might, in verity, have been applied to him, for, when he was
+hatching any particular piece of rascality, the working of his features
+gave him a diabolical look.
+
+Not only had he succeeded in his design of weaving a web about Walter
+Arderne, and getting incarcerated within the walls of a prison for debt,
+but he even managed, by some strange underhand practice, to bring him
+under the suspicion of the Queen's council for treasonable matter. And
+yet, with all this malignancy of disposition, Grasp carried about him
+such an air of _bonhommie_ that, until he was found out, he was seldom
+distrusted. After he had, by the most careful approaches, (like a spider
+securing a victim in his web, who is too powerful to be openly
+attacked), fairly enmeshed Walter Arderne, he turned his thoughts upon
+his old Stratford enemy, William Shakespeare, and, whose whereabout he
+now had little difficulty in discovering, since after the successful
+performance of Romeo and Juliet, the author's name was in the mouths of
+many.
+
+Sir Thomas Lucy had departed only few days before for Stratford, or
+Grasp would immediately have sought him out, and, as he himself was also
+on the eve of returning to Warwickshire, together with his new client,
+in order to take immediate possession of the inheritance succeeded to,
+he resolved to delay till his arrival the discovery he had made.
+
+Meanwhile, the situation of Arderne was sufficiently disagreeable. He
+was arrested for an enormous sum, and-when Sir Hugh Clopton sought to
+clear him of the difficulty, by making some great sacrifices, that good
+old man found, to his further dismay, that some secret foe had denounced
+his nephew as a conspirator against the life of the Queen.
+
+In Elizabeth's reign, those persons of condition who came under
+suspicion and were confined within the walls of a prison found it no
+easy matter to clear themselves, and some, even in the higher ranks of
+the nobility, without any sustained charge but "for mere suspicion, were
+treated as if for surety," finding their graves in the dismal chambers
+of the Tower.
+
+The news of the imprisonment of his early friend greatly troubled
+Shakespeare. He was just at this time contemplating a return to his
+native town, for now that he had so far achieved success, and felt
+within himself the power of future fame, the longing for home, added to
+the desire of once more embracing all he had dear there, he felt to be
+irresistible.
+
+To leave London, however, without an effort to serve his early friend
+was impossible. He visited Arderne in his prison, and afterwards sought
+Lord Leicester in order to interest that noble in his favour.
+
+The time was, however, somewhat out of joint for making a successful
+suit to Leicester at this moment. He was in one of those periodical fits
+of ill-temper which usually attacked him when his "high-reaching"
+schemes failed. He was out of favour with the Queen too, somewhat on the
+sudden, and so wide was the breach that, albeit he was seeking by some
+underhand contrivances to regain a place in her good graces, all his
+attempts were futile.
+
+To explain this to our readers, we must remind them that after the
+services of Leicester at Tilbury, Elizabeth had created for the
+favourite the office of Lord Lieutenant of England and Ireland; an
+office which would have invested him with greater power than any
+sovereign of this country had ever ventured to bestow on a subject. The
+patent for this unprecedented dignity was actually made out, and only
+awaited the royal signature, when Burleigh and Hatton, by their earnest
+remonstrances, deterred Her Majesty from investing him with such power.
+
+It was during the fit of rage consequent upon disappointment, that
+Leicester had behaved with a degree of intemperance so distasteful to
+Her Majesty, that she dismissed him in anger, and refused to be
+reconciled.
+
+The despondence which followed the violence of his rage on this occasion
+brought on an illness, from which he, in truth, never recovered.
+
+At the moment Shakespeare obtained an interview, he accordingly found
+the earl in so ill a frame of mind, that he refused to interest himself
+in favour of Walter Arderne.
+
+He was about, he said to quit London for his castle of Kenilworth, and
+was so utterly disgusted with Courts and all pertaining, that he vowed
+to Heaven he would no more return.
+
+As the poet looked in the face of this ambitious and still powerful
+noble, he thought it not unlikely his words would prove true; for the
+inroads of his peculiar disease were so apparent in his countenance,
+that the grisly tyrant seemed to have put his mark upon him.
+
+Leicester, at this period of his life, had grown bulky, and lost much of
+that striking beauty of face and form for which he had been so
+celebrated. His countenance shewed traces of his ungovernable temper and
+evil disposition; his hair, lately coal-black, had become a "sable
+silvered;" his frown had contracted into an habitual scowl; his dark
+complexion, and from which he had obtained the _sobriquet_ of "The
+Gipsey," had changed to a sickly yellow; his fine features had become
+bloated; and every part about him seemed blasted with premature age.
+
+As he rose from his seat during the interview, the poet observed that he
+looked the personification of an evil-disposed but powerful man. One who
+was torn by the fiend of avarice, the lust of power, and the chagrin of
+blasted ambition. The Court smile was gone for ever from that once
+pliant brow, and the scowl of hate seated in its stead.
+
+To the surprise of the poet, whilst he flatly refused interference on
+the subject of Arderne's imprisonment, he even seemed to experience
+satisfaction at that youth's danger. The poisonous mind of the most
+successful poisoner of the age was now recklessly displayed. He seemed
+to rejoice in the misfortunes of his fellow-men, whilst he felt that his
+own further success in life was ended. He was indeed at that moment
+sinking into the grave a hopeless unbeliever, "a bold bad man."
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy," he said, rudely and abruptly, "hath sought me on the
+subject of this Arderne, praying of me to intercede with the Queen. But
+I meddle not again with matters of state or the business of others. My
+health requires change from the pestilential vapour of this city. I have
+done with Courts and seek my castle at Kenilworth."
+
+Shakespeare bowed, and was about to withdraw, when Leicester turned and
+again spoke.
+
+"I advise you yourself, Master Shakespeare," he said, "to keep free of
+such matters. Peril not your present favour by mixing in treasonable
+affairs, and so farewell."
+
+"Nay, my Lord," said Shakespeare, "this gentleman, my friend, hath been
+most unjustly accused. He is one to whom I owe much love. I may not
+cease from making what interest I can in his favour."
+
+"And I tell thee then," said Leicester, imperiously, "that in me you
+will find an opponent in his cause; my interest lieth in the very
+opposite direction, since I am informed by a law-man of your native town
+that, in right of my wife, I can claim some of those estates in
+Warwickshire so lately in possession of this Arderne."
+
+Shakespeare felt surprised at this intimation, and immediately the
+interview terminated.
+
+There was evidently a secret enemy at work, he thought, as he left the
+house; and, as he passed through the gateway, he ran against a man who
+was entering.
+
+The poet was so wrapped in his own thoughts that he observed not the
+features of this person; but Grasp (for it was no less a person who was
+entering the courtyard) started at the well-known form of his sometime
+clerk, and, hesitating for the moment, seemed divided as to whether he
+should not defer his present business and follow the poet.
+
+Whilst he stood undecided, Shakespeare took boat, and so Grasp turned
+towards the building.
+
+"I shall find the pestilent fellow," he said, "and I shall also
+penetrate into the mystery of that fair Lindabrides who dwells beneath
+his roof, and masquerades about the city at nights. My certie, but I'll
+spoil his actings, his writings, his inditings, his poetizing, and
+rhapsodizing. I can myself indite, aye, and play a part, too, as well as
+he; and so, Master William Shakespeare, look to thyself, for thou art in
+jeopardy;" and so Grasp turned and proceeded, across the court of
+Leicester House rejoicing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVI.
+
+THE ASSOCIATES.
+
+
+So great were the talents possessed by Grasp for smelling out a plot,
+whether it existed or not, that he seemed peculiarly fitted for the
+period in which he lived, and in which conspiracies, either real or
+pretended, were so frequently agitating the kingdom.
+
+Plot and pestilence, indeed, during Elizabeth's reign seemed the
+bug-bears of the time. At one moment the Court was driven from its
+locality, by some of the attendants being seized at the very palace
+gates with some infectious disorder, and the next, some dark,
+evil-minded fanatic was apprehended, dagger in hand, almost in the very
+presence-chamber.
+
+Since the execution of the Queen of Scots those conspirators had been
+more hopeless of success; yet still, ever and anon, a new and dangerous
+attempt against the life of the Queen was brought to light.
+
+Just at the present period of our story, such a design was pounced on by
+Grasp; but, like all over-zealous persons, he was liable, in his
+eagerness, to run upon a wrong scent, and lose sight of the game he had
+started.
+
+It happened, during his visit to London at this time, and in an interval
+spared from his numerous avocations, (for Grasp was now a man in full
+business), that he, one night, amused himself by witnessing an execution
+in company with his friend Doubletongue.
+
+This execution was one possessing considerable interest, inasmuch as
+several criminals were to suffer for conscience-sake, and that was
+always a popular exhibition during Elizabeth's reign. Six were Catholic
+priests, who were hung, drawn, and quartered, for conspiring against the
+Queen's life. Two more were laymen, who, having embraced protestantism
+and returned to the old belief, were to be burned alive in company with
+a wretched atheist named Francis Wright, alias Kit Wyndham. Besides
+these there was one other named Word, who was to be executed for
+concealment of Catholics under suspicion of treason.
+
+The execution took place in Smithfield, and, like those of more modern
+times, when the cut-purse is seen to exercise his vocation beneath the
+gallows on which a fellow thief was struggling, so was treason watching
+within the scorching influence of the fire which burned these traitors.
+
+One Reginald Deville, an usurer and an informer, who also bore the
+appropriate cognomen of Reynard Devil, had tracked a suspicious
+character into Smithfield on this very night; a fanatic being, whose
+husband had been in the service of the Queen of Scots, and who, in the
+disguise of a man, was known to be in concealment in London for the
+purpose of assassinating Elizabeth.
+
+In the crowd, and during the excitement of the execution, Deville had
+lost sight of this person, almost at the moment he was about to gain
+assistance and pounce upon her; and, as he was prying about, he stumbled
+upon Grasp, whom he had formerly known.
+
+Now Grasp himself, besides his other business, occasionally did a little
+in the informing way. Such pursuit formed a sort of afterhour recreation
+with him. He and Doubletongue, at such times, hunted in couples, and as
+evil speaking, lying, and slander, were the peculiar talents of his
+friend, so the more covert villany was his own peculiar forte.
+
+The moment Reginald Deville stumbled upon Grasp and his friend, in his
+eagerness he half divulged the secret intelligence with which he was
+furnished.
+
+"Ah," he said, "my good friend Grasp, I am glad to meet. Hast seen a
+slight rakish figure pass this minute, wearing a cloak of scarlet serge,
+a red feather in his hat, a brace of petronels in his girdle, and drab
+trunks with hose to match?"
+
+Grasp was never at fault. "I have," he said hastily.
+
+"Which way went he, in God's name," said Deville. "Quick, or I lose a
+chance--he's worth the having, I can assure you."
+
+"I will put you upon his trail," said Grasp, "perhaps inform you where
+he haunts, an you promise half profits and tell me what's his crime."
+
+"Treason is his crime," said Deville, "'Tis a female in man's apparel,
+one Margaret Lambrun. Her husband died of grief after Queen Mary was
+executed. The woman was in the service of Mary, and hath resolved on the
+death of the Queen. I had secret intelligence from a cousin of my own in
+Scotland, and have been in pursuit for some days."
+
+"Well, then," said Grasp, "I can only tell you in return for your secret
+that your man, or woman rather, was here beside me in company with four
+others. Catholics, I dare be sworn, for they looked upon the burning of
+yonder priests with a devilish expression of horror, in place of viewing
+it as you and I. They marked me as I watched them, and they are off; but
+I heard one of them name some place in Blackfriars as where he resided."
+
+"How said ye," exclaimed Doubletongue, "in Blackfriars? then, by my fay,
+I think I can give ye a clue to this same female."
+
+"As how?" inquired Grasp, eagerly.
+
+"As thus," said Doubletongue. "Dost remember the night on which we
+consulted with Lawyer Quillet at the Blue Boar Inn?"
+
+"Truly so," said Grasp, "and what o' that?"
+
+"On that night I marked, although you did not, a couple of persons who
+kept themselves altogether apart from the other guests--a young and a
+middle-aged person. Nay, I especially marked the younger of the twain,
+and as I looked upon the tiny foot, the sparkling eyes, and the slender
+form, methinks I penetrated through the disguise worn, and beheld a
+female."
+
+"Ah! caitiff," said Grasp, "thou were't ever a devil to spy out a
+farthingale. And so--"
+
+"And so, I said to myself, where disguise is there mischief is meant,
+and I resolved to know more. Acting upon this resolve, albeit I lost
+sight of them during the riot which ensued in the tavern, I followed
+them out into the street, dodged them to their lair--"
+
+"And that is--?" inquired Deville impatiently.
+
+"In the Blackfriars, at a house down by the water-side, and which I can
+point out."
+
+"But thou may'st have been mistaken," said Grasp, "appearances may have
+deceived thee."
+
+"Not a whit," said Doubletongue. "I took some pains to make assurance;
+for, sooth to say, I was taken with this mysterious female. I watched
+about the house till I again saw her. I even ventured within, concealed
+myself during the absence of herself and him who seemed her protector,
+and I found in the room which she inhabited--"
+
+"What?" said Grasp, who expected a written list of the conspirators. "In
+God's name what did you find?"
+
+"Her doublet and hose," said Doubletongue. "The very pair of nether
+garments in which I had seen her masquerading at the Blue Boar the first
+night I beheld her."
+
+"Oh, monstrous!" said Grasp. "Tis, undoubtedly the person of whom you
+are in quest. See, the execution is over and the criminals burnt.
+Wherefore not at once, proceed to Blackfriars and identify the house?
+To-morrow we will procure assistance and pounce upon her;" and the two
+immediately pushed their way through the crowd and left Smithfield.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVII.
+
+THE POET AND HIS FRIENDS.
+
+
+The success of Shakespeare's play of Romeo and Juliet had placed him in
+a somewhat different situation amongst his companions of the theatre. By
+the majority he was immediately looked up to as a rising star, and
+whilst others again viewed him with increasing envy, there were one or
+two who were so much struck with the extraordinary merit of the
+composition that they already pronounced him the wonder of the age.
+
+Such, however, was the agitated state of the kingdom at the moment, and
+fears, factions, and jealousies, so absorbed the minds of men of all
+ranks, that except beyond the circle of his own professional brethren,
+and amongst his own immediate friends of the Court, my Lord of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, &c., the effect produced was,
+after all, but evanescent.
+
+The English nation at this time was yet struggling to emerge from
+barbarity. The philology of Italy had been transplanted hither in the
+reign of Henry the Eighth, and the learned languages cultivated by
+Lilly, Linacre, More, and others. Greek was now taught in some of the
+principal schools, and many of the learned read the Italian and Spanish
+poets. But still literature was even yet confined in a great measure to
+professed scholars, or persons of high rank. The body public was but
+gross and dark; and to read and write, an accomplishment valued
+according to its rarity.
+
+Thus, then, the people who witnessed the great curiosity of
+Shakespeare's new play hardly knew how to judge. It was welcome even to
+the most rude and vulgar; they looked at it with a sort of childish
+wonder. It was a delicious and startling change from the giants,
+dragons, and enchantments they had been used to. Nay, it even bid fair
+to supersede the interesting exhibition of the bear hugging the dog to
+death, or the bull driven into madness by agony. The show and bustle of
+the new play even charmed the rudesby's, who could scarce even
+comprehend the beauty and elegance of the poetry.
+
+It was on the morning of the same day on which Grasp had witnessed the
+execution in Smithfield, that Shakespeare made his unsuccessful
+application to the Earl of Leicester in behalf of his friend Arderne.
+After his interview with the fallen favourite, the poet returned, sad
+and somewhat out of sorts, to his new lodgings in Blackfriars. As was
+his wont on all occasions wherein his capacious mind had received an
+impression, he contemplated the object that had furnished it. Indeed,
+his interview with that ambitious courtier, whose whole life had been a
+mistake, had been to him a whole volume. "How wretched," he thought, "is
+that poor man that hangs on prince's favours!" and then he seized his
+pen and wrote,--
+
+                        "Fling away ambition,
+    By that sin fell the angels, how can man, then,
+    The image of his Maker, hope to rise by it."
+
+Whilst the poet wrote, as was not uncommonly the case, a whole levee of
+visitors continually interrupted his labours. This, however, was a
+circumstance that seemed rather to aid than disturb the current of his
+thoughts. He laid down his pen to laugh with the light-hearted, and he
+thrust aside his manuscript to listen to the more serious. He was all
+things with all men. The courtier, the soldier, the scholar, all and
+each found in him something to wonder at and admire. On this day, which
+was the sixth for the representation of his play, his visitors were
+numerous. In addition to many of his brother authors, several of the
+actors and other persons connected with the theatre, the Earl of Essex,
+Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Southampton, and the poet Spenser, sought him
+in his lodging. Master Doubletongue too, who on this day had been
+seeking an opportunity of introducing himself into the house, as he met
+with some actor or other visitor coming out, hesitated as to the safety
+of such espial. Nay, he felt considerably astonished at the number and
+quality of the persons who seemed, as the day advanced, to come
+thronging about the locality.
+
+Whilst he continued watching for some person he appeared to expect, he
+beheld the open space in front of the house filled with the attendants
+of several nobles of the Court; their magnificent steeds, gaily
+caparisoned, being led up and down, or held by servitors with the
+emblazoned badges of the favourites of the Queen.
+
+It is indeed curious to consider the poet himself during the visit of
+these magnificoes, and who, in the enjoyment of his society, sought a
+new pleasure; visitors who, like himself, were elevated above "the
+common cry of curs," and, leaving their high rank out of the question,
+worthy of the friendship of Shakespeare. The poet himself, too, was
+perfectly at his ease in the company of these haughty nobles. He sat and
+conversed with them in all the freedom of unchecked enjoyment.
+
+To attempt any description of the conversation carried on amongst these
+choice and master spirits of the age would be vain and ridiculous, since
+it exceeds the power of our pen to describe it. Nay, were it possible so
+to do, we must of necessity furnish forth to the world a dialogue such
+as is only to be found in the page of him who acted as the host to the
+assemblage.
+
+Let us look at the picture, for it is one worthy of regard. Shakespeare
+sits beneath the ample chimney, his table is before him, strewed with
+papers. He leans back in his chair; a divine expression, a sweet smile
+is on his bearded face. Opposite to him is his patron, Lord Southampton,
+his chin resting upon the hilt of his sheathed rapier, his eyes and ears
+intent upon the subject Shakespeare is speaking of. Beside Shakespeare,
+leaning his cheek upon his hand, his elbow upon the table, sits the
+magnificent Essex; he also is intently regarding the poet, admiration in
+his gaze. Standing somewhat behind Lord Southampton, his back against
+the carved chimney, is the poet Spenser. Raleigh sits within the
+embayment of the window; his plumed hat is carelessly thrown down beside
+him, and his quick, restless glance is ever and anon turned from the
+poet towards the different craft which pass and repass upon the Thames
+below. Beside these, _elite_ of the company, there is Tarleton, the
+comedian and Court fool, who, under cover of his folly, shoots his bolts
+upon all the party. One more addition, and the party is completed; and
+it is made up by the dissolute friend of the poet, the fat and jovial
+Froth.
+
+Whilst they are engaged in conversation, the drawer from an adjoining
+tavern enters with wine and other refreshments. From long-necked and
+quaint-looking bottles is poured the wines of Gascony and Spain. The
+means, too, and appliances for indulgence in Sir Walter's favourite weed
+is then handed round, and (as was the custom of the period) each guest
+takes a whiff; the thin blue smoke mounts into the air, and eddies about
+the carved ceiling; and, as the mirth and joviality of the party grows
+faster, time flies unheeded by, the shadows descend upon the Thames,
+again and again the bottles are renewed, and another day dawns upon the
+party, ere they recollect how the hours have fled.
+
+Can our readers wonder at this, when they remember of what that party
+consisted, and their entertainer? Those magnificoes had come to pay the
+poet a morning visit, and they had stayed half a day and one entire
+night. Shakespeare was their entertainer!
+
+As the first faint streaks of dawn began to "lace the severing clouds,"
+the poet stood alone in his apartment. His guests had left him, and his
+room shewed tokens of the revel they had been engaged in.
+
+The revellers had drank deep, for they were such as would be most likely
+to give themselves up to the peculiar enjoyment of the hour. Shakespeare
+had cheered the cup for them.
+
+As the glorious poet glanced upon the heap of empty flaskets, broken
+bottles, remnants of long-necked glasses, and capacious bowled pipes,
+together with all the _debris_ of a long-continued orgie, he smiled, and
+stepping to the lattice-window, threw it open, and stood to enjoy the
+refreshing breeze from the river.
+
+Whilst he stood and gazed upon the Thames, the boats containing his
+recent guests glided past, on their way to Greenwich; for Essex and
+Southampton, when they found themselves regularly set in for an orgie,
+had some time before sent away their steeds.
+
+They waved their hands an they passed, on observing the poet, and he
+remained listening to the music from the boat which followed the barge
+of Essex, as it grew fainter and fainter in the distance.
+
+As Shakespeare turned from the window, the arras near the fire-place was
+lifted, and two persons noiselessly entered. He started as he beheld
+them, for by the faint morning light he distinguished in one of them the
+beautiful female we have before remarked, dwelling beneath his roof; the
+other was our old friend Martin. Something more than ordinary he well
+knew must have caused her to enter the wing of the building he
+inhabited; in addition to which, he saw she was equipped in her
+masculine costume, and, together with her companion, prepared for a
+journey.
+
+"We have come to bid you farewell," she said, as the poet stepped up to
+her, and took her hand.
+
+"This is somewhat sudden," he returned. "I hoped to have been of your
+party into Warwickshire."
+
+"Certain spies, good Master Shakespeare," said Martin, "have it seems
+noted this lady's residence beneath your roof, and she has fallen under
+suspicion of treasonable matter."
+
+"Yes," said the lady, "my faithful friend and adviser here has
+discovered so much. My presence here might even compromise you, my kind
+friend and preserver. We have therefore resolved, at once, to set off on
+our journey."
+
+"And how then have you learnt this?" inquired Shakespeare.
+
+"Nay, heed not my means of intelligence," said Martin. "Thou know'st I
+possess the secret of divination, or I could never have at last escaped
+the Spanish Inquisition, and discovered the residence of this lady in
+London. Suffice it we know our danger, and must fly."
+
+"And do you then still purpose seeking Kenilworth?" inquired Shakespeare
+of his beautiful friend.
+
+"I do," she replied. "Lady Leicester is my friend. She will, I trust,
+be able to do service to him we wish well to. My best hope is from that
+quarter."
+
+"I have already seen the Earl," said Shakespeare, "and my own
+expectations, in that quarter, touch ground."
+
+"From the Earl himself I never entertained a particle of hope," said the
+lady, "his Countess may, however, serve us, for she is my friend."
+
+"All good angels, then, speed you on your journey!" said Shakespeare. "I
+have myself other chances here. The Earl of Essex hath promised to speak
+with the Queen, ere another day passes, added to which, Lord Southampton
+and Sir Walter Raleigh have sworn to back his suit."
+
+"Have you, then, seen the Earl of Essex on this matter?" inquired
+Martin, in some surprise.
+
+"He and Lord Southampton were here but now," said Shakespeare, smiling,
+and pointing to the confused state of the apartment. "Behold the witness
+of their revel. Some ten minutes back they left me to take boat for
+Greenwich, where the Queen at present stays."
+
+"Farewell, then," said the lady sorrowing, "we dare no longer stay, may
+we soon meet again!"
+
+"Heaven grant it, fair excellence," said Shakespeare, "until I again
+revisit my home in Warwickshire, I shall have but small contentment. But
+until I see my friend out of jeopardy, and clear of imprisonment, I have
+neither home nor friends there."
+
+"'Tis like yourself," said the lady. "Farewell! We shall soon then meet,
+I trust. Walter Arderne once relieved from durance, and my task is
+effected."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVIII.
+
+STRATFORD AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.
+
+
+After absence from a well-known locality how fresh and verdant seems
+every spot there. The mind which has dwelt, again and again, upon every
+nook and corner, unmarked perhaps and unappreciated whilst in the
+neighbourhood, becomes enamoured absolutely of trivialities and trifles.
+How well doth the exile, eating the bitter bread of banishment, perhaps
+breathing the hot air of the tropics, many, many thousand leagues from
+the quiet village in which he first drew breath--how well doth he
+recollect, and dwell with fondness upon each street or lane of the
+village suburb, the school-boy spot, the home the wanderer longs for
+with an undying desire!
+
+And if such be the case, how anxiously, and even sadly, do we think upon
+those relatives and friends domesticated in the far-away home, and see
+them in their old-accustomed places. Relations so dear and friends so
+esteemed, yet, perhaps, never again to be met with in life, and
+therefore more cherished in our thoughts.
+
+And Shakespeare had oft-times felt this anxiety during the time his
+self-exile lasted. In his own mind he had resolved that, until he had
+"name and fame," he had "nothing at Stratford." Those dearly loved
+friends should not again look upon the unthrift younker; and unless the
+man redeemed the courses wild of the youth, he would no more return.
+
+How far he had already succeeded our readers have seen; and even the
+little world of Stratford began to feel pride in him they had before so
+lightly regarded.
+
+Master William Shakespeare, it was affirmed amongst the wise-acres of
+the Falcon Inn, had indited two several poems, some said three, of such
+exceeding merit, that they had afforded exceeding delight to the
+grandees and gallants of Elizabeth's court. Sonnets, too, innumerable,
+had fallen amongst the fair dames of the palace, like the perfumed
+flowers blown by the sweet south.
+
+Nay, William Shakespeare was said to be a favourite with the Queen
+herself. Two plays he had also produced--plays of most exquisite fancy.
+The Adonis of the Court,--the "wealthy-curled darling of the land," the
+favourite Essex, was his personal friend. My Lord Southampton his
+patron. And more than this, than these, than all, William Shakespeare
+had made money, thriven, purchased property, become a proprietor of one
+of the theatres in London.
+
+"'Fore Heaven, I wonder what made him ever go away from us?' said Master
+Mumble, the head-bailiff.
+
+"I always said there was something in him," said Master Lamb.
+
+"He was ever a clever dog though a mischievous one," said Cramboy.
+
+"Dost think he will come back amongst us?" inquired Teazle. "Methinks I
+long to look upon one who hath written three poems, a whole litany of
+sonnets, and two masques or mysteries."
+
+"An he do come amongst us again," said the head-bailiff, "I, for one,
+vote we make him master of the free school."
+
+"Nay," said Cramboy, "I know not how far to agree with you there, before
+we go to such lengths, let us peruse his works; there is some
+difference, my masters all, between teaching one's boys their _quis_,
+their _quaes_, and their _quods_, and writing jingling rhymes for the
+amusement of the Londoners and the Court."
+
+"Well," said the mayor, "we might make him parish-clerk. Something we
+ought to offer him, methinks, an he comes back amongst us. Body o' me,
+hath he not written two poems and a play? There be those amongst us who
+cannot even write their own names, much more a poem such as 'tis said
+this William Shakespeare hath produced."
+
+"Hath any one seen these poems you speak of?" inquired Master Scourge.
+
+"Truly, I believe mine host hath a copy of one brought from London by a
+gentleman of the Court, and left behind him. I saw it myself not a week
+ago and looked at the title-page, 'tis called Tartquin and Lucrece, a
+very clever book, if I may judge from the look of the binding."
+
+"We will see that poem," said the bailiff; and the host, being
+accordingly summoned, produced a small volume, which the head-bailiff
+with infinite gravity, after laying aside his pipe and adjusting his
+spectacles, proceeded to read. Scarcely, however, had he got through one
+verse ere he paused and looked over his glasses at the grave auditors
+who sat in judgment upon the production, whilst they themselves puffed
+out such clouds of smoke, that it appeared they were resolved the
+bailiff should scarce observe the impression produced.
+
+"You do not speak, my masters," said the head-bailiff, "have you heard?"
+
+"Perfectly," returned Master Cramboy.
+
+"And do you approve?" inquired the head-bailiff.
+
+"Ahem," said the mercer, "'Speak that I may know thee,' saith the
+proverb; proceed;" and the bailiff read another verse.
+
+"Fie! fie!" said Master Teazle, "what stuff is here? My service to you,
+my masters all, and a merry Christmas. How say you now to making Master
+William Shakespeare master of the free school,--eh?"
+
+"Shall I proceed any further?" inquired the head-bailiff.
+
+"Not a line," said Cramboy. "I feel quite scandalized. What a depraved
+taste the Court must have! Allow me, however to look at the binding of
+this volume," and Cramboy quietly noted down where the book was to be
+bought in order that he might procure and read it as soon as he could,
+the rest of the company quietly following his example.
+
+"Well," said John Peto, the tanner, "after all what is fame? Here hath
+our fellow-townsman gained much celebrity by such matter as we have
+heard. Trash, my masters; lies, conjured up by the fumes of sack and
+Canary. Marry, the lad hath a quick wit, I dare be sworn, but how he
+hath gotten himself into the good graces of the powerful by such matter
+I marvel."
+
+"I remember me," said Master Richard Coomb, (who was known amongst his
+co-mates by the sobriquet of Thin Beard, from the circumstance of his
+wearing a starved cane-coloured beard), "I remember me that our
+townsman, John Shakespeare, father of this William, had from his youth
+upwards, a quick and shrewd wit. Nay, by 'ur Lady, he must be about my
+own age; by the same token I played oft-times with him when he was a boy
+and living with his father at Snitterfield."
+
+"Aye," said Mumble, "he came to Stratford from Snitterfield. He held
+lands there when he was better off. Did'st know Richard Shakespeare,
+grandfather to this William? He was well to do, and had lands and beeves
+at Snitterfield."
+
+"I did know him," returned Coomb; "that is, I do remember me of him. By
+'ur Lady, a proper man of his hands as ever you would wish to look
+on,--aye, and a pleasant man to speak with too."
+
+"Did not your brother, John Coomb, accommodate Master John Shakespeare,
+at his need, with moneys, not long back?" inquired Cramboy.
+
+"In sooth did he," returned Thin Beard, "more than once, I can tell
+thee."
+
+"And did I not hear that John Coomb pressed him hard for repayment, and
+would have clapped him up in jail but for the debt being defrayed by
+this poet of our's,--this William his son,--so soon as he became aware
+of it?"
+
+"Nay, 'tis true enough," said Thin Beard; "I may not deny that my
+brother doth press hard for moneys due."
+
+"Go to," said Mumble; "we all know John Coomb and his usances well
+enough without your confession. 'Tis creditable to Master hath been
+given to courses wild. I like him better for his befriending his father
+than for his poetry."
+
+"Come," said the head bailiff, laying down his pipe, and rising from his
+chair, "Let us drink the health of our good townsman, since he hath so
+far done honour to the place of his birth. Who knows, he may do even
+better yet! We have not altogether approved of the production here
+before us, peradventure his songs and sonnets are in better taste than
+his lampoons. Fill, my masters, to the brim. Since the Queen delights to
+honour Master Shakespeare, here's his health, and may he soon return
+amongst us!"
+
+And if such was the feeling entertained towards the poet by the more
+mechanical portion of the community of Stratford, those of higher degree
+felt a proportionable share of respect, since they could better
+appreciate his merits.
+
+And now, having once more returned to the spot from whence we started,
+we must again revisit some of the localities in and around that sweet
+neighbourhood. Sir Hugh Clopton having also returned from London on
+business of import, is once more to be seen in his old dwelling.
+
+Since we last beheld him located there, many stirring events have
+transpired. His life, on the whole, has passed, since the action with
+the Armada, in ease and quietude. At the present moment, however, he is
+in some trouble, consequent upon the untoward events connected with his
+nephew. Nay, he has returned to London for the purpose of parting with
+all he possesses, so that he may but pay off the huge debts Walter
+Arderne has become liable for, and save him from the other difficulties
+he is surrounded by.
+
+It is now far advanced in the month of September. The season is wet and
+dreary,--one of those unhealthy seasons which produce much sickness
+throughout the land. The continued rain had flooded the country around.
+The roads, never at this period good, are now almost impassable. The
+woods are wrapped in mist, and the marsh lands a perfect sea.
+
+    "The fold stands empty in the drowned field,
+    And crows are fatted with the murrain flocks,
+    The nine men's morris is filled up with mud,
+    And the quaint mazes in the wanton green,
+    For lack of tread, are undistinguishable;
+    Whilst on old Hyem's chin and icy crown,
+    An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds,
+    Is, as in mockery, set."
+
+Sir Hugh, after conferance with his man of business, is preparing in a
+few days again to set off for London. A journey of such extent is,
+however, matter of some consideration and considerable danger at such a
+season, with weather so unpropitious.
+
+As the old knight looks out upon the chase, the gloom of the aspect adds
+to the gloom of his spirits.
+
+Such a prospect is always calculated to beget a certain share of
+despondency, even in the most cheerful temper, and Sir Hugh has had
+enough of sorrow in his time to make him rather a grave than a merry
+companion.
+
+The old knight, however, is not the man to give way to despair under
+circumstances like the present.
+
+"Goods news, an Heaven will," he said, as he suddenly descried a
+horseman, with head bent to the saddle-bow, come sparring against the
+driving wind, his cloak blown into a balloon, the mire and water flying
+into the air as he dashed across the chase towards the mansion.
+
+During the prevalence of heavy and continued rain, any object which
+enlivens the wet landscape, even in our own dull times, becomes of
+interest. In Elizabeth's day, when so many events of import were
+transpiring, and when news came but rarely to a country place, the
+arrival of a post as tho armed and heavily-accoutred horseman was
+called was of peculiar interest. He brought, perhaps, intelligence of
+the danger or death of those nearest and dearest, and now heard for the
+first time. He bore, perchance, some secret intelligence of warning,
+some caution against an imminent, deadly foe, some hint to put the seas
+between the receiver and his native land.
+
+To Sir Hugh the sight of the coming horseman, as he emerged from the
+belt of plantation, and dashed into the open chase, was fraught almost
+with alarm.
+
+"God grant," he said, an he strained his eyes to observe if he could
+recognize the features of the rider, "that this new comer may bring me
+good tidings of our Walter."
+
+The increasing gloom, however, for it was now evening, hindered the
+knight from recognizing the person of the horseman. He heard the clatter
+of the hoofs of the steed along the approach, and, as he threw open the
+door, the rider having dismounted, unceremoniously entered the room. The
+next moment his hand was caught in the iron gripe of Captain Fluellyn.
+
+"Thou hast news, Captain," said Sir Hugh, "news of import, or thou
+would'st scarce have left my nephew in his captivity?"
+
+"I _have_ news, good Sir Hugh," said the Captain; "and when I have in
+something recovered wind enough, I will unfold it to you!"
+
+"Good! an Heaven will," said Sir Hugh; "my nephew, good Captain--?"
+
+"Is well," returned the Captain, "and commends him to you. Nay, he is,
+in some sort, out of his difficulties--that is to say, in as far as the
+charge of treason goeth."
+
+"Nay, then, Heaven be praised for that!" said Sir Hugh, "for the other
+matter, the worst is but worldly loss."
+
+"We are not so sure of that, either," returned the Captain, "affairs
+have altogether taken a new turn. Your nephew hath desired my return at
+once to inform you thereof, so as to stop your making any sacrifice of
+property."
+
+"'Fore Heaven, this doth surprise me!" said the Knight, "but come, we
+will hear such matter at more leisure, and after you have refreshed
+yourself, for you seem to have ridden far and fast since morning."
+
+"I have," said the Captain. "I am stained with variation of each soil,
+'twist this seat of yours and the town of Oxford, and the ways are
+wondrous foul and hard to travel over, too. A cup of wine and a rasher
+will be welcome."
+
+"You shall have the best that Clopton can afford," said the Knight,
+hurrying out, and calling lustily to his servants to prepare the evening
+meal without delay.
+
+Accordingly, the Captain, having divested himself of his heavy
+riding-cloak, and removed the long petronels, rapier, and dagger from
+his side, was in a few minutes more seated cozily in a high-backed chair
+beneath the chimney, and opposite his host.
+
+Between the pair stood a small table, plentifully furnished with several
+sorts of wine. A glorious log of wood blazed upon the hearth, and whilst
+the servants brought in the refreshments which furnished forth the
+evening meal, the new comer between each mouthful delivered his news to
+the greedy ears of his host.
+
+"Many events of import have transpired," said he, as he at length pushed
+his plate from him, in token that the inner man was satisfied; "aye, and
+that too in the short period since you left London to arrange matters
+here. In the first place, I need not inform you that both yourself and
+Walter Arderne had a secret foe at Court."
+
+"Of that I have long been aware," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"Most probably," said the Captain. "A foe is generally found sooner or
+later, like the blind mole, by the effects of his progress; but I have
+unearthed this mole."
+
+"Good," said Sir Hugh, "that's a point gained any how."
+
+"Nay, more, I have discovered you have also a secret and powerful friend
+at Court, and the friend is more powerful than the foe. Witness the
+effects. Your nephew is released from all responsibility on the subject
+of the treasonable charge trumped up against him, and, as he himself
+bade me deliver to you, is in a fair way of getting rid also of other
+matters appertaining."
+
+"And how is this derived?" said Sir Hugh. "You amaze me with so much
+good news, I pray you expound unto me the names of these persons who
+have interested themselves for and against me and mine. Set this foe
+before me, that I may know him, good Captain. 'Fore Heaven, I am old,
+but I have still some skill in fence. Thou shalt bear a cartel to the
+caitiff."
+
+"It could be easily done," returned the Captain, filling his pipe and
+puffing out a volume of smoke.
+
+"'Fore gad, then," said Sir Hugh, lighting a fellow pipe, and performing
+upon it with equal gusto, "you shall find it shall be as promptly done."
+
+"Have you ever had personal quarrel with the Earl of Leicester?"
+inquired the Captain.
+
+"None, as I am a gentleman," said Sir Hugh.
+
+"And yet," said the Captain, "hath it been through his means that your
+nephew's late troubles have been brought to a serious issue, so indeed
+as to threaten his life as well as deprive him of his liberty."
+
+"Were he twenty times an earl," said Sir Hugh, "he shall answer it. Thou
+shalt seek him, Captain, in my name, and demand the why and wherefore."
+
+"I had much rather be excused," said the Captain, eyeing the gyrations
+of the smoke, and then peeping at Sir Hugh.
+
+"How?" said Sir Hugh. "Wilt not be then my friend, good Captain? Well,
+be it so, I will to my good neighbour, Sir Thomas Lucy. He is a man to
+beard fifty earls, be they ever so powerful."
+
+"Sir Thomas Lucy could hardly do your message either," said the Captain.
+
+"Ha, say'st thou! Truly, then, thou knowest not the goodness and
+hot-valour of the knight of Charlecote; he is a true friend, and right
+honest. But wherefore should Sir Thomas refuse to carry a cartel to the
+Earl?"
+
+"Because Sir Thomas would scarce carry a cartel to one unable to reply
+to it," said the Captain. "The Earl of Leicester is dead. He died two
+nights back at Cornbury, on his way to Kenilworth. So much I learnt as I
+tarried at Oxford, where, moreover, I further heard strange rumours of
+the manner of his death."
+
+"Gad-a-mercy!" said Sir Hugh, "this doth indeed surprise me. What a
+world is this we live in. Dead, quotha! and mine enemy too! Well this is
+news, indeed. But then this friend at Court, good Captain? methinks I
+should not forget to ask for him."
+
+"Ahem!" said the Captain. "Of that, anon. Bless me! how heavily the rain
+beats against the casement. Foul weather this, good Sir Hugh, for
+travellers. Truly the night hath come down dark, as a wolf's mouth, and
+ways be both foul and dangerous."
+
+"Hast any friend on the road to-night, good Captain?" inquired Sir Hugh.
+
+"I was consorted," said the Captain, "as far as Oxford by one who
+over-rode me on the way soon after leaving London, and whom I left at
+Oxford with a purpose of following hitherward. He is a native of
+Stratford, and one of pleasanter mood I never travelled withal. The man,
+I think, you know."
+
+"And his name?" inquired Sir Hugh. "Come, fill your glass."
+
+"William Shakespeare," said the Captain. "He who wrote the play we saw
+in London."
+
+Sir Hugh laid down his pipe, and rose to his feet. "Is Shakespeare
+coming back?" he said. "'Fore Heaven, thou canst not think, my good
+friend the pleasure such information gives me. Thou canst not tell what
+I feel towards that young man--so little known, yet so well
+appreciated."
+
+"Ha," said the Captain, "so have I heard you say."
+
+"I have before named to thee," said Sir Hugh, "former passages in which
+my family became acquainted with this Shakespeare, and how we received
+an inestimable service from him in his early youth. And I tell thee now
+my very soul yearned to go to that man when in London and clasp him to
+my heart, but I was ashamed. I gave ear to the tales of his enemies; I
+believed him to have become worthless and an outcast in the world. And,
+as I shamed to take part with him in adversity, so I shame to see his
+face in his hour of triumph. But I love that man. Nay, I am old,
+Captain, but the words of his poetry, as we listened to it that night,
+yet ring in mine ears."
+
+"Truly then," said the Captain, whose rough nature was in something
+moved, "your friendship is not ill bestowed. This Shakespeare hath
+bestirred himself in your nephew's favour, and procured his release from
+the graver charge of treason. He hath interested the Queen, through my
+Lords of Essex and Southampton, and hath given me a clue by which I have
+discovered the villany of our Stratford lawyer here, Pouncet Grasp, the
+secret foe through whose influence the Earl of Leicester was made
+instrumental. Nay, Shakespeare hath been your good friend, Sir Hugh."
+
+"And is he in sooth coming back to Stratford?" said Sir Hugh, rubbing
+his hands. "In prosperity or adversity, he shall be welcome as if he
+were mine own son."
+
+"Truly," said the Captain, "I can in some sort almost feel the same
+towards this friend of thine, for never travelled I with one who so
+cheered the long miles 'twixt post and post. He was right pleasant and
+facetious all the miry way 'twixt Acton and Oxbridge. I wished the miles
+twice us long whilst we pricked across the waste land towards
+Beaconsfield. Neither wind nor rain, or mud or mire, could alter his
+merry mood, as, by night, we made our way towards Walting Town; and when
+we lost our route, and were nearly drowned in the marshes of Abingdon,
+he turned our danger into a jest. Nothing came amiss to this
+Shakespeare; he had a saying for every mistake, and a good word for
+every misfortune."
+
+"Such a comrade," said Sir Hugh, "were worth something on a journey."
+
+"Nay, Sir Hugh," returned the Captain, "I have travelled far and near,
+yet never met I with such another. By 'ur Lady, I have consorted with
+your Dane, drank with your Hollander, revelled with your Frenchman, and
+fought with your Spaniard, yet none did I ever find who could hold
+comparison with this man."
+
+"I marvel you came not on further together," said Sir Hugh, "since you
+so well relished his companionship."
+
+"He tarried, as I told you, at Oxford," returned the Captain, "where it
+seems he had appointed to meet other company. Nay, I myself also tarried
+one night at Oxford, to rest my horse. We put up at the hostel of the
+Crown, and, in sooth, a merrier night I never spent withal. This
+Shakespeare hath a peculiar art. He made himself familiar amidst the
+various guests, and drew them out to exhibit themselves after the most
+exquisite fashion. Nay, the hostess of the Crown was herself a woman of
+exceeding wit and beauty, and seemed to relish the society of the
+player."
+
+"I know that hostel," said Sir Hugh. "'Tis kept by one Davenant; and the
+hostess is indeed, as you say, 'a most sweet wench.'"[26]
+
+[Footnote 26: There is an anecdote extant in Oxfordshire, of the
+intimacy subsisting between this hostess and Shakespeare. Shakespeare is
+said to have always rested at the Crown, at Oxford, whilst _en route_
+from London to Stratford.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIX.
+
+KENILWORTH.
+
+
+Our readers, we doubt not, have for some time entertained a shrewd
+suspicion regarding the somewhat indistinct character latterly flitting
+about amongst the _dramatis personae_ of our story. The Lady Clara de
+Mowbray, in her own proper person, has of late been but little seen in
+the twisted and ravelled skein of this history.
+
+The fortunes of him who is enshrined in all hearts, has of necessity
+thrown all minor characters into the shade.
+
+Nevertheless, the doings of so exquisite a creature as Clara de Mowbray,
+are worthy of the contemplation of our readers, for both in station and
+disposition she was considerably elevated above the ordinary fragments
+of the world.
+
+She was a being in whom the best elements were mingled that she might
+well have been the worshipped idol of the noblest of the other sex. And
+yet have we seen this female, by one of those curious chances so common
+in real life, left alone almost in the world, steering her course across
+the ocean of adventurous deeds, unknown, and, apparently, unappreciated.
+And is not thin oft-times the case? Do we not oft-times see in the world
+the most paltry portions of humanity, the most impudent and assuming?
+The moat common-place, the most vain, and the most unworthy, exacting
+the most homage? Nay, succeeding in life better than the good and
+virtuous?
+
+Clara de Mowbray was one worthy of an emperor's love; a creature we do
+occasionally, but rarely, meet with in the world; a sort of descended
+angel amongst mortals, sent apparently as the pattern, the model, for
+the baser worldlings to "dress themselves by." The world, however, would
+perhaps be likely to censure Clara, and her virtues to stand her but as
+enemies--her innocence and her regardlessness of form and ceremony, her
+recklessness of paltry opinion, be considered unmaidenly and bold! and
+so might the world think and say, for Clara possessed a spirit as
+undaunted in the resolve to carry out her projects as she was pure in
+heart and beautiful in person. If she had a fault it was her unbended
+determination to go through with any thing she once undertook. She was
+the creature of romance too, and altogether would have been better
+suited for a more romantic age than that in which she lived. Albeit her
+own times gave some scope for the exercise of her peculiarities.
+
+We have seen that from childhood she had loved Arderne; she had had so
+many opportunities of observing his excellence and worth, that spite of
+her better reason, and against hope, she had loved. It was one of those
+unselfish passions which hopes all for the being beloved, and nothing
+for self. She knew that the object of her thoughts had been engaged
+elsewhere, that his affections were buried in the tomb of Charlotte
+Clopton, but that altered not her feelings towards him a jot. Whilst he
+lived, it was something to breathe in the same hemisphere; and to add to
+his happiness and prosperity, even by stealth, was her study.
+
+Hence have we seen her in disguise seeking to deliver him from the
+horrors of captivity or starvation on a desolate shore. Herself enduring
+the extremity of mishap, and then rescued from captivity of the
+Spaniard. Hence have we seen her bequeathing, in the event of her own
+death, all she possessed upon the one so beloved, and hence have we
+seen her, and her extraordinary disposition revelled in such a
+situation, the disguised comrade, and then the guest of the wonderful
+man whose course of life it has been our task to follow. And hence we
+find her, up to the present period of our story, still bending all her
+energies to restore the fortunes and happiness of Walter Arderne.
+
+In all things, however, Clara de Mowbray, as we have before hinted,
+chose to follow her own notions comparatively unknown, certainly she
+thought unloved by the object of her affections. She shrank from all
+idea of being recognised as the benefactor of Arderne, lest he should
+consider himself bound to tender her the devotion of the life she had
+sought to save. She pursued, therefore, an extremely cautious and
+erratic mode in all her proceeding. Even Shakespeare, the friend, the
+wonderful man who had saved her from the Spaniard, she feared entirely
+to place confidence in. The poet, however, had carefully studied the
+character of this beautiful female, resolved to thwart her ultimate
+intentions regarding herself, and if possible, to make her happy.
+
+How strangely then flows the tide of human events. Clara de Mowbray
+alive, in health, and the real possessor of enormous wealth, was
+apparently dead to the world as to herself, her affections she thought
+unrequited. On the object of those affections she had conferred all her
+worldly goods, and herself she had intended to dedicate to Heaven.
+
+She was a Catholic, and she meant, as soon an she saw all her schemes in
+a fair way of completion, to seclude herself from the world. She had
+arranged matters so as to retire to a convent in Navarre. With Arderne
+the case was as singular. This youth, so much thought of for his
+excellent disposition, albeit he mourned the beautiful Clara as one
+dead, adored her memory as a reality, and, had he suspected her of being
+in life, would have put a girdle round the earth to find her out.
+
+    "Love like a shadow flies, when substation love pursues,
+    Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues."
+
+And that such should be the case,--that the melancholy Walter should
+become enamoured of what seemed but a shadow, is not surprising in a man
+of his disposition. The splendid domains be had succeeded to, the
+romance of the situation altogether, his remembrance of the sometime
+heiress of these broad lands, at last caused him to be so enamoured of
+her bare memory that the subject of her beauty formed the entire subject
+of his thoughts. It seemed to him that she haunted each dell and glided
+about the stately halls of her forefathers, sighed in the winds which
+swept around the battlements of her ancestry; and, indeed, pervaded
+every spot around the woods and groves she had conferred upon him. The
+remembrance of his former love was by a newer object quite obliterated.
+The good Walter, in short, became a sort of dreamy person. For hours
+together would he stand in the long gallery at Shottery, and
+contemplate the picture of Clara de Mowbray; and had not Grasp's
+machinations, by driving him from these thoughts and from possession of
+the domains, driven him from the haunts that engendered them, he would
+most probably have become a melancholy maniac or a misanthrope.
+
+Clara de Mowbray had in her early youth, beside the unfortunate
+Charlotte Clopton, one other dear and valued friend, the unhappy
+Countess of Leicester. This beautiful woman, whom the dark Earl had
+become enamoured of whilst her first husband was alive, he was reported
+to have "played most foully for." He was said, indeed to have poisoned
+Walter, Earl of Essex, in order to gain her hand.
+
+The sorrowful Countess, who had ample leisure to repent of her second
+marriage, had been greatly attached to Clara, and frequently when she
+could escape from the splendid cares, "the glistering grief," of her own
+home, had been wont to pour her sorrows into the ear of the heiress. She
+had consequently been the only person, except the eccentric Martin, who
+was the entire confident of Clara. She had known of her attachment, and
+also had been privy to her adventure in search of her lover; she also
+knew of her determination to retire from the world it she succeeded, and
+in common with the world, she imagined Clara had perished in the
+attempt; but as she had been sworn to secresy by her young friend, ere
+she departed, so she had faithfully kept counsel.
+
+Now, however, but a few days before the Earl of Leicester's death, to
+her astonishment, in the disguised individual who sought her at
+Kenilworth, the Countess beheld her dearly-loved friend, accompanied by
+the long lost Martin. How they had escaped from shipwreck and all the
+"portance of their travelled history," the Countess had small time to
+learn, for soon after their arrival she herself was summoned to the sick
+Earl at Cornbury Park.
+
+The Countess, however, had granted Clara the boon she asked,--a letter
+to the Queen in favour of Arderne; and this letter, together with the
+applications of Essex and Southampton, had procured Walter's release;
+after which, together with the faithful Martin, Clara again sought
+retirement at Kenilworth.
+
+And, oh! if that splendid record of pride and power could have spoken,
+what tales of sorrow and suffering, as well as of grandeur, what proofs
+of unbridled power could it have told. Those magnificent buildings of
+Leicester, where such princely revels had been held--how could they have
+uttered forth a wailing lament over the wickedness of unchecked and
+headstrong will! Those gaudy and tapestried chambers, the last built,
+the first to go to decay--how well could they have divulged the
+whispered deceit of human nature, the cunning and the baseness of the
+_parvenu_ Earl who reared them!
+
+For one hour those rooms had "blazed with light, and bray'd with
+minstrelsy," how many dark and melancholy weeks had they to tell of,
+whilst sorrow and whispered horror, and surmise that "dared not speak
+its fear," had reigned there! How had the very domestics feared the
+descending shadows in those vast rooms, and where the night-shriek
+"disturbed the curtain sleep!" Deeds of evil note had had their reign in
+those chambers. The wail of sorrow had been heard oft-times in the long
+winter's nights, in the dungeons of that castle; and, even to her who
+was the mistress there, that bright castle-lake, the fair scene without,
+all had been looked upon from those arched windows with eyes that marked
+not their beauty,--she, who was the wife of their possessor, slept there
+in fear.
+
+Through the instrumentality of Essex and Southampton, on becoming better
+known to those chivalrous men, Arderne had been so much liked, that they
+had introduced him to the Queen; and Elizabeth was so struck with his
+handsome form and gallant bearing, that she had taken him into favour,
+and employed him in her service.
+
+The national spirit of England had been so much, aroused by the Spanish
+invasion, that nothing less than some attempt at retaliation would
+satisfy the people. Don Anthonia, titular King of Portugal, was a
+suppliant at the English Court for assistance to establish him on the
+throne of his ancestors; and as Elizabeth rather relished the policy,
+albeit she liked not the cost of such a measure, she gave leave to her
+subjects to fit out an expedition for the liberation of Portugal from
+the Spanish yoke, always providing they did it at their own proper
+charge, she lending them ships of war.
+
+This expedition the valiant Arderne resolved, at a hint from the Queen,
+to join; and, albeit he was forbidden to have anything to do with it by
+the doating Queen, the rash and headstrong Essex also resolved to play
+the knight-errant, and, escaping from the silken fetters of his courtly
+mistress, as a simple volunteer accompany the expedition.
+
+Clara de Mowbray, meantime, was the guest of her early friend, Lettice,
+Countess of Leicester, at Kenilworth; the Countess, during the period of
+her mourning, being resident at the castle. Some three weeks had passed
+away since the Earl's death, and even in that short space, many events
+bad transpired. Arderne was released from all graver charges; Grasp,
+although discomfited, terrified and conscience-stricken, was still
+endeavouring to make a good fight for his client; and Shakespeare was
+returning to his wife and family. True to his resolve, after his own
+return to Stratford-upon-Avon, Grasp as soon as he recovered himself,
+had hastened to Charlecote with intelligence that the "sometime
+deer-stealer" was at length forthcoming, and would but Sir Thomas give
+fresh instructions, he, Grasp, would still pursue the delinquent, and
+bring him to condign punishment.
+
+Sir Thomas had, however, entirely changed his opinion upon the subject
+of the offence, it appeared. He had also changed his opinion of Grasp,
+and summoning his head-falconer, old Hubert, he desired him to call
+together several of his followers, and toss Grasp in a blanket in the
+park--the knight watching the operations with infinite gusto from his
+window.
+
+Such happiness, therefore, as usually falls to the share of mortals in
+this work-a-day world, may be supposed to have fallen to the share of
+many of tho individuals connected with our story.
+
+In outward seeming, such was, indeed the case.
+
+But perfect happiness is, in reality, beyond the reach of mortals. It is
+the green spot in the distance, and that on which we stand is ever but a
+sterile promontory.
+
+    "What we have not, still we strive to get,
+    And what we have, _forget_."
+
+It was one evening, about three weeks after Leicester's death, that the
+Countess and her interesting friend were seated in one of those
+magnificent apartments in the buildings to which the Earl had given his
+name.
+
+Few, as we have before said, as they gaze upon this now ruined shell,
+can have an adequate notion of its former state and grandeur. The
+buildings reared by that proud Earl, almost for the sole purpose of
+offering to the Queen the most sumptuous entertainment ever given by
+subject to sovereign, seemed, indeed, reared but for that one scene of
+pomp and grandeur, and afterwards to have remained a sad memento of the
+mutability of human greatness, and then sank unnoted to decay. As they
+had added their sum of more to that before enormous pile, so had they,
+in their vastness, remained almost too spacious for a subject's means.
+For the castle altogether, with its numerous flanking towers, and the
+additions which had been made to it from time to time seemed capable of
+containing an army within the roundure of its walls.
+
+As the Countess sat with her friend in one of the magnificent apartments
+of Leicester's Building, she listened to the recital Clara had to give
+of her own escape from death, when taken prisoner by the Spaniard.
+
+'Twas a delicious evening. The October winds sighed upon the lake
+without, and scattered the dried leaves from the woodland on the
+opposite shore. The setting sun shone like gold upon the turrets of the
+castle, and tinged the massive forest, as the Lady Clara glanced
+occasionally in the direction where lay Stratford-upon-Avon. The
+Countess marked that glance as she sat opposite to her friend and
+beneath the huge chimney, for the coldness of the season, and the size
+of the room, made the blazing fire upon the hearth anything but
+disagreeable.
+
+"And after enduring so much," said the Countess, "you mean then, to
+retire for ever from the world--you will forsake him for whom you have
+adventured life, fortune, reputation."
+
+"I forsake none," said Clara. "Who knows or cares for one so solitary in
+the world! I bequeath to him I most love, all my worldly goods--myself I
+dedicate to heaven."
+
+"There is one other," said the Countess, "and whom I have heard you
+mention in terms of admiration and respect--will not his persuasion
+avail."
+
+"He is indeed a man," said Clara, with enthusiasm, "one whose words
+might do much. But are you quite sure he would not rather approve than
+censure my resolve? He knows something of my story, but like yourself,
+he is bound by me to secresy whilst I remain in England."
+
+"Listen," said the Countess, "to what this friend has to urge;" and
+taking from a sort of cabinet a small packet, she read the following:--
+
+                      I.
+
+    "From fairest creatures we desire increase,
+        That thereby beauty's rose might never die.
+    But as the riper should by time decease,
+        His tender heir might bear his memory:
+    But then, contracted to thine own bright eyes,
+        Feed'st thy light's frame with self-substantial fuel,
+    Making a famine where abundance lies,
+        Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel,
+    Thou that art now the world's fresh ornament,
+        And only herald to the gaudy spring,
+    Within thine own bud buriest thy content,
+        And, tender churl, mak'st waste in niggarding,
+    Pity the world, or else this glutton be,
+    To eat the world's due, by the grave and thee.
+
+                     II.
+
+    When forty winters shall besiege thy brow,
+        And dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field,
+    Thy youth's proud livery, so gazed on now,
+        Will be a tatter'd weed, of small worth held:
+    Then, being ask'd where all thy beauty lies,
+        Where all the treasure of thy lusty days;
+    To say, within thine own deep sunken eyes,
+        Were an all-eating shame, and thriftless praise.
+    How much more praise deserved thy beauty's use,
+        If thou could'st answer--'This fair-child of mine
+    Shall sum my count, and make my old excuse,'--
+        Proving his beauty by succession thine.
+    This were to be new made, when thou art old,
+    And see thy blood warm, when thou feel'st it cold."
+
+There was a pause after the Countess had read these sonnets, and which
+she, in common with the entire Court circle, had been delighted with
+when they first appeared. The beauty of the poetry, like sweet music,
+placed a spell upon the pair; such verse in those lordly apartments had
+a double influence.
+
+As Clara gazed around upon the arrassed walls, and then glanced from the
+window upon the sweet scene without,--when she looked towards the home
+of the poet, the spirit of that man seemed to breath around. In some
+sort the Countess of Leicester felt this, for both these high-born
+ladies knew Shakespeare; his exquisite poetry had stolen over their
+hearts. They were of the few of their day who already appreciated him.
+
+"Your story, Clara," said Lady Leicester, at length breaking silence,
+"convinces me this generous man carries with him the remembrance of some
+early grief--some secret sorrow never to be expressed. I feel as firmly
+convinced of it, as that you yourself are the excited cause of those
+sonnets I have just perused. The time of their production and
+circulation amongst us by Essex and Southampton--the circumstances under
+which you was rescued by this Shakespeare from the Spaniard--his
+discovery of your true sex, and subsequent contemplation of your
+exquisite disposition, Clara, all confirm it. Heaven grant thou sweetest
+and best of women, that this poetic friend does not himself love, and
+whilst he has pleaded for license to inform his friend Arderne of your
+secret, has not indeed felt a pang sharp as the stilleto of the
+Italian."
+
+Clara started at the words of the Countess, and a slight flush suffused
+her check. The thought was, for the moment, fraught with pleasant
+reminiscences, but then feelings of alarm pervaded her, lest there
+should be in reality some truth in the suspicion of her friend. That
+man, so immeasurably above all other mortals, to love her--that man,
+whose influence seemed always to pervade every spot around her, where
+aught noble, refined, or chivalrous breathed--that man, without whose
+society, even granting she were wedded to him she loved, she must now
+experience a void, a blank. For be it remembered that Clara de Mowbray
+had, from circumstances, been the intimate, the companion of
+Shakespeare, knew his sentiments, been with him in the hour when poetry
+flowed from lip as well as pen; and that whilst she had listened, his
+words had produced thoughts and imaginings belonging to the fabled ages
+of the early world, in Crete, in Sparta, and in Thessaly.
+
+As the Countess remarked the effect her words had produced, she arose
+and walked to the window. How sad, she thought to herself, that the life
+of one so amiable should be an aimless one! How sad, that sorrow should
+inhabit that form where so much grace and beauty dwelt!
+
+Her thoughts, however, were speedily withdrawn from her friend, for at
+that moment the Major Domo, or steward of the Castle, his white wand in
+his hand, announced the arrival of a messenger from London bearing
+dispatches.
+
+"News," she said, as she took the several sealed packets and examined
+them. "News, Clara, and from my truant son."
+
+"The messenger, an it so please ye," said the steward, "announces the
+Earl is on his road hitherward, and with a goodly company."
+
+"'Tis even so," said Lady Leicester; "he writes me word he hath returned
+from Lisbon, where nothing but discomfort, sickness, and mortality
+attended the English army. Six out of eighteen thousand having already
+fallen victims to the climate."
+
+"And have you news of others present in that ill-omened expedition?"
+inquired Clara.
+
+"Nothing save that some of his companions of the expedition are with
+him. The Queen, I find, by another packet," said Lady Leicester, "is
+much blamed for permitting this expedition to be undertaken at all since
+it has thus failed. Nay, she hath been rated by Burleigh. The royal
+lioness is, therefore, chafed in spirit."
+
+"Ah! and here is another letter," continued the Countess, as she perused
+a somewhat curious document, as curiously worded, and after a fashion
+not uncommon at a period when, "in speaking of dangerous majesty," it
+was necessary to be guarded. The letter was brief and secret, partly in
+figures, and the Countess read it aloud to her friend:
+
+"Let not 1500[27] gain sight of 1000 till anger subdueth, or the hot
+blood of 1000 will chafe at what may peradventure follow; 1500 is
+wrathful, and the enemies of 1000 have worked during absence; keep,
+therefore, valour and worth employed till matters cool. Not only hath
+the disobedience of 1000 offended in the expedition, but 1500 hath seen
+a printed volume[28] of _t--t's_, title to _a--a_, a device, doubtless,
+of some crafty knave and enemy; 50 hath been committed this day to the
+tower."
+
+[Footnote 27: Elizabeth was expressed in those letters by the figures
+1500; Essex by 1000; _a--a_ was the crown.]
+
+[Footnote 28: A seditious Catholic publication, dedicated to Essex, to
+ruin him.]
+
+"I understand it not," said Clara. "Albeit it is plain enough to the
+eye, the sense is mysterious."
+
+"It speaks to me of danger to my gallant son," said the Countess with a
+sigh, "and is from a dear and true industrious friend. It means that the
+Queen is angry with my son, and we must, therefore, hold him here if
+possible. You must aid me in this Clara, and we must endeavour to make
+Kenilworth a pleasing prison to him for a brief space."
+
+"Thou knowest," said Clara, "that I am thy guest under promise of strict
+incognito; thou knowest, dear Lettice, that I am strict in my resolve to
+remain unknown."
+
+"I know thou art proud in spirit, Clara, as becomes one of the princely
+line of Plantagenet. But 'tis a mother who asks thee to aid her in
+keeping her darling son from danger. Heaven knows I have little heart
+for revelling just now, but something we must invent to detain Essex at
+Kenilworth till the danger blows over."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LX.
+
+THE RETURN.
+
+
+     Our readers must now again look upon the town of Stratford,
+     whilst the bright mid-day sun shines upon its roof and
+     chimneys, mid glitters like innumerable diamonds upon its
+     multitudinous windows.
+
+With one of those sudden changes so common to our climate, the damp
+weather has cleared up, and turned to frost. The air is light and
+cheerful, and a hoary tinge is given to all around.
+
+How sweetly rural are the quiet old towns of England, as the approaching
+winter begins to give us that cozy anticipation of the comforts and
+fire-side enjoyments to come with the snow and the bracing blast.
+
+In Elizabeth's day, when the season was fraught with games and revels,
+each house in the quaint-looking street seemed to promise its
+hospitality. The citizens' wives, as they bustled through the street,
+appeared to experience this feeling. The native burghers seemed to
+accost each other with a more cordial greeting. The change, even in the
+open country, albeit it is sterile, and the "one red leaf" is all that
+dances on the tall tree, is so seasonable, that it is grateful. The
+human mortals love the coming winter. Its change seems to freshen up all
+around. Even the old crone, shivering in the ingle neuk, looks with a
+renewed feeling of pleasure upon the frosted pane, and listens to the
+sound of the wind without with a kind of enjoyable feeling as she turns
+her eye again upon the bright hearth-log. Its very crackle seems to
+chirp of Christmas festivities--"to tell of youthful prime," and those
+departed days of lusty bachelorship and maiden coyness, with all the
+romps and revels of the time. And then, with the changeful current of
+thought, as remembrance dwells upon the many departed, amidst the many
+known,--then comes the more sombre picture, the superstitions of the old
+age, the sheeted ghost, the evil genius, the witch, and the thrice-told
+tale of Gramarie--those cherished remembrances of the hallowed period
+
+    "Wherein the Saviour's birth was celebrated."
+
+Stratford, so picturesque in its old-world look, so peculiarly English,
+is just now putting on its winter garb.
+
+A couple of days subsequent to that on which Captain Fluellyn arrived at
+Clopton, whilst the inhabitants progressed the streets, they seemed once
+more filled with the import of recent news. Rumour, in the absence of
+all assured information, with all its exaggeration of circumstance, was
+afloat amongst them. The great difficulty amidst the variety of
+information was to gain the real story which had arrived. Grasp, who
+had suddenly returned, had brought it; but then Grasp, who was hardly to
+be believed on his oath, had shut himself up the moment he arrived, and
+would see no one. Certain, however, it was (for everybody said it) that
+another desperate attempt had been made upon the life of the Queen. By
+some it was reported she had been stabbed; by others that she had been
+shot. Master Doubletongue went so far as to say that she was both dead
+and buried! But as such surmise amounted to treason, he was ordered by
+the head-bailiff to go about and deny all he had asserted, the drummer
+of the town being sent round with him, in order that he might proclaim
+himself a liar at every corner.
+
+Those of our readers who have an eye for the picturesque can, we dare
+say, imagine the High Street of Stratford-upon-Avon at this season of
+the year, peopled thus with inhabitants clad in their quaint costume,
+their short cloaks, doublets, and high-crowned hats. Those respectable,
+dignified, and grave-looking men, progressing with an assured and
+stately step, cane in hand, not hurrying about, as at the present day,
+but greeting each other with something of ceremony in their deportment.
+Many of them stand in groups of three or four and discuss the news,
+whilst the good wives of the town, albeit they are few in number, for it
+was not considered over seemly for the sober sort of females to be much
+upon the tramp, are also to be observed in their wide-brimmed hats,
+mufflers and kirtles, passing and repassing along the highway.
+
+The street altogether has, with the beetling stories on either hand, the
+clear frosty air, and the costumed figures, with here and there a red
+cloak amongst other sad-coloured suits, altogether the appearance of a
+winter view in an old Dutch painting.
+
+The news is of import, and all seem impressed with it--for, in
+Elizabeth's day, so much importance was attached to the life of the
+Queen by her Protestant subjects, that man looked grave and anxious at
+such a rumour as the present. Public safety and the prosperity of the
+nation seemed to hang upon her life.
+
+Grasp, albeit he was slightly regarded in the town, was called on
+several times, but no one could gain admittance at Grasp's. He seemed to
+have rammed up his doors against the world. He was sick, engaged, not
+within, not to be molested. Meanwhile, as the day passed and the evening
+approached, a light and gentle fall of snow seemed to herald the coming
+winter weather. And as light thickened, the sharp and rapid sound of an
+approaching horseman is heard at a distance on the Warwick road. Let us
+listen to the sound, as the sharp spur of that rider urges on his steed;
+now from a rapid trot to a gallop, and then again apparently he pulls up
+to a slower pace.
+
+'Tis sweet to hear, in the still evening, the sound of hoofs on the hard
+road, mellowed by distance, now clattering along, loud and sharp, and
+now again so indistinct as to be almost lost to the ear.
+
+One or two of the townsfolk have walked forth to meet that traveller and
+inquire the news, and at length he nears the suburb, spurs on his steed,
+and enters the inn; an event in the annals of that place which, could
+the inhabitants have appreciated it, would have doubtless been
+sufficiently noted.
+
+He came comparatively unknown amongst them, that horseman, unannounced
+even to his own family. He thought not of his own importance, he knew it
+not, yet not a building, could it have spoken and felt, but would, we
+think, have uttered a note of joy. The very bells of the old tower
+should have rung out a joyous peal, and the hollow steeple of the guild
+of the Holy Cross have cracked with the reverberation of the sound.
+
+Nay, we can almost wonder that the inhabitants did not, one and all, go
+forth to greet the rider in the high-crowned hat, long boots, ample
+cloak, and the long petronels in his girdle, for, take him for all in
+all, Stratford will never look upon his like again. His capable eye
+glanced down the High Street, as he rode; a tear glistened on his cheek
+as he beheld its well-known aspect, and then he spurred his steed, and
+rode up Henley Street. A few moments more and he was in the midst of his
+relatives. William Shakespeare had returned to Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXI.
+
+THE DISCOMFITED SCRIVENER.
+
+
+     Grasp's return home was somewhat more sudden than he had
+     intended. He returned indeed in an exceedingly discomfited and
+     excited state.
+
+His friend Dismal was the only person who had gained access to him, and
+that but for a few moments. During the interview, however, Dismal had
+gathered from Doubletongue, who also arrived in all haste, that great
+events had transpired in London, of one sort or other. But so
+extraordinary and so perturbed did both the lawyer and his friend seem,
+that except certain incoherent expressions about an attempt upon the
+Queen's life, a spectre he himself had beheld, and various allusions to
+poison, assassination, death, destruction, and utter ruin. Dismal
+completely failed in discovering the exact news the travellers had to
+tall, and hence the variety of reports circulated through the town.
+Something certainly seemed to have gone all wrong with the lawyer. His
+friend Doubletongue had never seen him so put out, and altogether he
+feared that his wits were going.
+
+To explain the meaning of this agitated and nervous state of the worthy
+Stratford lawyer, we must go back a few paces in our history.
+
+Grasp, then, it will be remembered, whilst in London, had considerably
+extended his practice. He had apparently involved Walter Arderne in
+ruin; he had even carried on his intrigues so as to make the dark Earl,
+he of Leicester, a party concerned in his plot. For Grasp had given the
+Earl a hint about certain abbey lands and a manor near Kenilworth, which
+would fall to the said Earl in the event of Arderne's decease. He had
+ferreted out the existence of a plot, by means of which he hoped to rise
+to great preferment; and he had succeeded in beguiling a simple-minded
+gentleman, resident in Warwickshire, that he was indeed the real and
+undisputed heir to the estates of the before-named Clara de Mowbray, and
+actually by bribery, and using all sorts of villainy, got a verdict in
+such person's favour, and placed him in possession of some portion of
+the property.
+
+Somehow or other, however, like the labours of the alchemist, which at
+the moment of projection are frequently overthrown by the bursting of
+some vessel containing the divine elixir, so all Grasp's schemes seemed
+unaccountably blown to the winds, and himself discomfited.
+
+Acting upon wrong information, he had followed a female, who travelled
+in male disguise, as far as Oxford, where he lost all trace of her; and
+whilst he tarried at the City of Palaces, an express overtook him, with
+directions to hasten with all speed to Cornbury Park, where the Earl of
+Leicester was then lying sick, having arrived there by easy stages on
+the way to Kenilworth, a few days before.
+
+Now, Grasp, since his first introduction to the Earl of Leicester, had
+made such considerable advances in that bad man's good graces, that the
+Earl had sent an express for him, in order to make some alterations in
+his will.
+
+Grasp accordingly set forth, leaving directions that Sir Humphrey
+Graball, the gentleman who was disputing the succession of the Mowbray
+estates, and Master Quillett, the Temple lawyer, and with whom he had
+arranged a meeting at Oxford, should follow him to Cornbury. For Grasp
+argued very wisely, that both the matters of business apertaining to the
+Earl's claim, and the concoction of a new will, might be arranged at one
+and the same time.
+
+The will of the sick and fallen favourite, had we space to dilate upon
+it, would perhaps be well worthy of contemplation. That part of it
+especially in which he bequeathed a costly legacy to his royal
+mistress--the bequest being wrapped up in a preamble of honeyed words,
+being not the least curious part of the document.
+
+It was night when the Earl finished his business with Grasp, and the
+bleak winds of September sounded through the park of Cornbury, as the
+lawyer, after the interview, sat with the before-named client and the
+Templar, in a small apartment of the mansion. It was a dark hour, and a
+certain feeling of awe seemed to pervade that household.
+
+The overgrown and fallen courtier lying helpless and hopeless, alike
+body and soul. His "ill-weaved ambition" shrank to the smallest
+span--his parks, his walks, his manors forsaking him. His swollen body,
+a thing abhorrent even to himself. That beautiful Countess too,
+attending upon him without love; and whilst duty called her to the side
+of him who had so vilely used her, the selfish courtier even envying her
+the life and health she enjoyed.
+
+Nothing however, could exceed the elation of Grasp. He beheld in
+prospect a glorious array of difficulties and litigation consequent upon
+the matters he was engaged in; and most of all the success of his
+machinations in favour of Sir Humphrey Graball, and his succession to
+the manors of Mowbray, promised him endless profits.
+
+"Sir Humphrey is altogether an easy simpleton," he said, "a most weak
+and debile man, and can as easily be led by the nose as an ass. Ergo, I
+shall thrive."
+
+Accordingly, as Grasp sat with his client discussing matters of moment,
+whilst they relieved their labours by occasional indulgence in the good
+wine of the house, amongst other papers called for, was the will of the
+Lady Clara de Mowbray--an instrument we have, on a former occasion seen
+in his possession. There is always a secret horror suitable to the time,
+when in some antique apartment, and, by night, men meet together to
+peruse the musty documents which speak the last wishes of those within
+the tomb, more especially when sickness and those signs which foretell
+the ending of mortality pervade the habitation. On this rough night
+
+    "The owl shrieked, the fatal bellman
+    Which gives the sternest good night."
+
+Suddenly, as Grasp glanced upon that will, he became, as it were,
+transfixed. At the same moment a sort of hubbub seemed to pervade the
+house. In place of the silence which the sick Earl had commanded there
+was suddenly heard an opening and shutting of doors--a summons of
+persons in all haste, and something apparently of dreadful import in
+agitation.
+
+Grasp, however, heeded it not. He seemed still engrossed with the
+parchment before him. He held it back at arm's length; he drew it close
+to his nose; he uttered an exclamation of astonishment, and the word
+"codicil" escaped, as one of the domestics rushed into tho room to
+announce that the Earl was dying in fearful agony.
+
+Without heeding the news, Grasp fled from the room, rushed to the
+stable, mounted his horse, and rode off for Oxford. With the will still
+in his hand, the excited lawyer dismounted from his steed, and strode
+into the tavern, where, heeding not the assembled guests, he threw
+himself into a vacant seat, with the air of one possessed by a demon.
+And, again, with fearful eye, regarded the instrument he hold in his
+hand.
+
+"Can such things be?" he said. "Can the dead return to life, or is it
+the evil one himself who thus palters with my sight and senses?"
+
+The tavern was on this night tolerably well filled with guests. One of
+them, who was seated opposite to the lawyer, was a person of a most
+expressive and pleasant style of countenance. His conversation and wit
+had indeed been setting the whole assemblage, gentle and simple, in
+roars, during the entire evening--the host and hostess of the tavern
+being not the least amused.
+
+The advent of Grasp in his perturbed state, his extraordinary grimaces,
+his abstracted demeanour, and his travel-stained appearance altogether,
+called forth from this person so many curious remarks, that the laughter
+which had for the moment been interrupted by his entrance was renewed
+tenfold at Grasp's expense, till, as on unfixing his gaze from the
+basilisk he seemed to hold in his hand, he looked round upon the
+assemblage, and then steadily regarded his tormentor, he beheld himself
+face to face with the old subject of his former enmity--Master William
+Shakespeare.
+
+"There is no rest for the wicked," saith the old proverb; and the
+renewed roar which followed the expression of Grasp's countenance at
+this sudden recognition, was actually driving him from the room, when
+Doubletongue, who had followed his friend, suddenly entered, and
+whispered something in his ear.
+
+"Poisoned say ye?" exclaimed Grasp, starting in surprise; "my Lord of
+Leicester deceased--dead--defunct, and thus suddenly? Poisoned, say ye?
+Art sure 'tis the Countess you mean?"
+
+"No, 'tis the Earl himself," said Doubletongue; "and your having been
+with him just before, together with your sudden departure, hath raised a
+suspicion among the household that----"
+
+"'Fore heaven, what mean ye?" said Grasp. "They surely suspect not that
+I had ought to do with the poisoning of my Lord of Leicester? There must
+have been some dire mistake in the matter. 'Fore heaven, I shall be
+hanged through this mistake!" and Grasp immediately left the room,
+bribed the ostler to procure him a fresh horse, and set off with all
+speed towards Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+Scarce had he gained a dozen miles when he came up with a couple of
+riders progressing the same road as himself. Company was ever welcome in
+those days, and the horsemen gladly acceded to his request to be allowed
+to ride in their escort.
+
+The habitual caution of the lawyer, however, caused him to cast certain
+searching glances at his companions as often as the moon's light gave
+him opportunity of doing so, and ere long he became almost confirmed in
+the belief that in one of the armed riders he was accompanying he had
+fallen in with the identical female in male apparel whom he had before
+been in search of. There was comfort, at all events, in this
+supposition, and as they emerged from the dark covert of a wood they had
+been progressing through, he managed to push his horse between them and
+gain a good look at their features. And here again Grasp apparently
+beheld that which renewed his former perturbation. The face of the rider
+he first encountered wore the actual expression of one he had reason to
+believe had long been dead, and as he turned his startled glance upon
+the other, he beheld the exact lineaments of Clara de Mowbray. Pale she
+looked, as if her features were of sculptured alabaster; but as she
+turned her countenance full upon him, he could not be mistaken in their
+identity.
+
+Conscience had already made a coward of Grasp--his clear spirit was
+puddled. The deep sea had apparently cast up the dead to discomfort him,
+and clapping spars to his steed, he fled onwards on his route towards
+Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXII.
+
+OLD FRIENDS.
+
+
+Our story now draws towards conclusion, and we once more return to the
+point from which we at first started. Clopton Hall, after so many years
+of gloom, may now be said to have quite resumed that appearance of
+hospitality and prosperity as when we first beheld it in the early
+passages of our story, and ere disease, death, and misery, had so
+prevailed there.
+
+For the first time for many years its rooms and offices, its stalls,
+kennels, and falconries, were all tenanted. After so many vicissitudes
+and strange events, in which its inmates had been separated, and became
+wanderers in the world, such of them as were in being were again
+assembled within its old walls.
+
+The coming Christmas, that season so ceremoniously observed at the
+period, promised again to be the harbinger of festive scenes and old
+world rites of hospitality.
+
+The old knight, for the first time for many years, seemed really to hold
+up his head, and glance around him with feelings of pride and
+contentment. His dearly beloved nephew was again with him; he had just
+come from over sea with Essex, and having left the Earl on the road
+towards Kenilworth, had galloped forward to Clopton.
+
+In addition to this, too, which seemed to give Sir Hugh as much content
+as astonishment, that tried old friend, the trusty and shrewd Martin,
+who had so long been mourned as dead there, had suddenly reappeared at
+Clopton.
+
+The old knight could scarce contain himself within bounds as he looked
+upon the pair. 'Twas hardly to be thought of, so much of contentment,
+after having so long been a lonesome mourner; for one way or other, Sir
+Hugh had now been in trouble so many years, that his happiness almost
+alarmed him, lest something should turn up to mar it afresh.
+
+It was on the evening of the day on which we have introduced our readers
+to the inmates of Kenilworth that Martin and Arderne, together with
+others connected with our story, were seated beneath the hospitable roof
+of Sir Hugh.
+
+To describe the unmixed pleasure experienced by these good and amiable
+friends on that evening exceeds the power of our pen; albeit we may
+attempt to describe some portion of the conversation which took place.
+Few things, we opine, are more gratifying than to glance upon a circle
+of true friends, so bound together as the ones in question, and on this
+occasion the party consisted of some half-dozen individuals, for,
+besides those we have already named, the circle contained the worthy
+Captain Fluellyn, and, "though last, not least," William Shakespeare sat
+a guest beneath that old chimney.
+
+'Twas indeed a goodly fellowship, and in which, though perhaps 'tis a
+rare thing to say, where six mortals quaffed a loving cup together, not
+a particle of envy, hatred, or uncharitableness, pervaded.
+
+The divine expression of Shakespeare's face, as he sipped the ruby
+liquor, the noble countenance of Arderne, as he glanced first at one and
+then another of the friends around, the excitement of the old host, as
+he pushed the cup about, the quaint look of the shrewd Martin, and the
+bluff, jovial style of the sea captain, as he puffed away at his
+capacious pipe, our readers must imagine. They sat in a circle round the
+huge log upon the hearth, and each and all had something to relate or
+something to listen to of stirring interest, for as each spoke of his
+own adventures, 'twas as if some brother told the tale.
+
+"Your story, good Martin," said Shakespeare, as Martin paused after
+telling some portion of his adventure and escape from the Spaniard, "on
+mine own authority I would hardly dare avouch. 'Tis like some of those
+events in real life which scarce pass even in fiction."
+
+"I dare be sworn on't," said Martin. "'Tis an over credulous and yet
+unbelieving world this, an' I may so word it, a mad world, my masters,
+and yet, ha, ha, 'tis a pleasant world, too. Aye, and this not
+altogether so bad a way of passing the time in't. What says the song,
+
+    "'Tis merry in hall when beards wag all,
+    And welcome merry Christmas."
+
+"I pr'ythee, good friend," said Arderne, "continue the narrative of this
+tragedy; for I must needs call that a tragedy which comprehends the loss
+of so exquisite a lady as Clara de Mowbray."
+
+"Aye, truly so," said Martin; "that was a sigh, indeed, Master Walter.
+Sighing, however, is of little avail when the object is beyond reach.
+'Tis too true an evil; the Lady Clara is lost to us."
+
+"Thou did'st, however, aid her escape from that burning carrick?" said
+Fluellyn, "and in which, indeed, we all suffered with those we saw
+suffer. 'Twas a fearful sight."
+
+"I take some credit to say I did so," returned Martin, dallying with his
+glass, and looking at the red flame of the fire through the ruby liquor.
+"Ah, ah, methinks I see those overweening Dons grilling in their
+treasure ship at this moment. I did aid in the lady's escape by the same
+token, I myself caused the conflagration that aided our escape; I
+myself, in my immaculate valour, destroyed the enemy, as Drake hath it,
+I singed the Dons' whiskers with a vengeance. Ha, ha."
+
+"Tell us the manner of the exploit," said Shakespeare, who, by the way,
+had heard it from other lips.
+
+"In few, then," said Martin, "and to continue from where I left. You are
+to know that the commander of the carrick no sooner beheld us upon his
+deck than he was about to cast us off again, and into the roaring sea.
+As he seized, however, upon my companion in misfortune, lo! you, he
+discovered he had prisoner of a female. The stately Don upon this
+steadily regarded his prisoner, and became struck all on a heap with her
+beauty. He then transferred his gaze to me, and (albeit he saw nothing
+extremely feminine, or even beautiful in my outward form) he was pleased
+to extend his clemency to us both. In few the blood of the Castillian
+was inflamed at the sight of the exquisite Clara; and, whilst the two
+ships lay glaring upon each other, we were both hurried down below,
+there to remain till more leisure should enable the magnifico to pay
+personal attention to us. My fate, doubtless, was to have been the sea.
+My companion's, perhaps, even worse. Whatever fate, however, was in
+store for us at the hands of the Don, we determined in no wise to submit
+to it. The cabin in which we were confined had a window in roar of the
+carrick. Without that window hung a boat. My companion got into that
+boat, and after I myself had lighted a bonfire in the cabin, and placed
+several barrels of gunpowder in very dangerous proximity thereto, I
+managed to lower that boat after getting into it, and finally, to cut
+her adrift. The blow-up of the barrels, and the gloom of the coming
+night, effectually diverted attention from our frail craft, as we
+mounted upon the crest of wave after wave. As we did so, we were
+horrified spectators of the scene of terror we had caused. One moment
+the burning ship was lifted on high, like some huge beacon, and the nest
+lost in the deep valley of waters. Thus did we escape, for that time,
+the death and dishonour that awaited us, and, weak and debile ministers,
+destroyed our foes at one and the same time. But oh," continued Martin,
+"conceive us, my masters all, wanderers upon that vast heaving world, in
+a rotten carcase of a boat--no knowledge where to steer for, no
+knowledge how to steer, if we knew where to steer--no expectation but
+death. Do I not seem to ye like one sitting here telling of things
+imagined in a dream? That heaving water, in which our boat could scarce
+live--those roaring winds, which almost stopped our very breathing in
+their violence--that lady, whose form every sea drenched, and who for
+two long nights endured this extremity of dire distress."
+
+"And died she so?" inquired Arderne.
+
+"Not a whit," said Martin. "Her's was a miserable strait to be reduced
+to; but her spirit was great. She had scarce time to die. She helped me
+to bale out the waters, as they continually washed into our boat. She
+shared my small portion of biscuit with me, and she drank from the
+flasket I filched from the cabin when we escaped from the ship; and so
+she lived, good sir, lived to be picked up in the dreary waste of
+waters. For, look ye, we had constructed a sort of sail, when the wind
+moderated, and that betrayed us to the companion of the carrick we had
+burned. Yes, we were descried and picked up by another Don, commanded by
+another courageous Captain of Compliments, and forthwith carried off to
+the country of the Spaniard."
+
+"And that lady," said Arderne. "Pr'ythee, good Martin, follow out your
+story. Her fate I dread to ask, and yet would learn."
+
+"Nay," said Martin, archly, "methinks mine own fate might in some sort
+interest my hearers. But truly I seem not to command much attention in
+this story of adventure: and yet I showed myself courageous, and aided
+the weaker vessel too."
+
+Shakespeare smiled, and a look passed between him and Martin. "'Tis the
+duty of doublet and hose to show itself courageous to petticoat," he
+said. "We are naturally given to pity the young and beautiful, rather
+than the strong and sturdy. Besides, thou hast escaped, art here to
+avouch it thyself."
+
+"And so may that lady, for aught I know to the contrary," said Martin.
+
+"How!" exclaimed Arderne. "Escaped! Methought she died, died in Spain."
+
+"It may be so," said Martin, "but I never said it. When we arrived in
+Spain, we were both clapped up as heretics between the walls of the
+Inquisition, where, doubtless, I for one should have died upon the rack,
+but that I was eventually made useful at the oar. My companion's fate I
+cannot further avouch. I myself was rescued whilst helping against my
+will, to invade my native land, amongst other galley slaves. The craft
+we worked in was captured by one of Frobisher's vessels, and in that
+vessel I was forthwith carried to the Indies after the fight, and in
+that vessel have I returned; and here I am once more at Clopton."
+
+"Nay then," said Arderne, "if such be the case, thou hast but momentarily
+raised my hope and dashed it again, good Martin. Had that lady lived,
+and were I of all kingdoms king, I would give all for but one scattered
+smile of one so excellent."
+
+The narration of Martin caused a sudden check to the previous hilarity
+of the company, since it recalled to most there the loss of kindred or
+relatives in former days.
+
+Shakespeare, as he glanced around, remembered former scenes of mingled
+grief and joy in that house; the melancholy of Arderne was a melancholy
+of his own, the sundry contemplation of his mishaps and misfortunes,
+founded, as he then thought, principally upon the loss of one, who when
+alive, was unappreciated; whilst the captain and Martin also, in pure
+melancholy and troubled brain puffed away at their pipes with double
+vigour.
+
+"Come," said Sir Hugh, who observed this gloomy fit stealing over his
+party, "we trifle time when we sorrow for what is past and irrevocable.
+It draws toward supper time. Remember, neighbours and friends, this is
+the first time of our meeting together after long years and much misery.
+Gloom shall not hold sovereign sway over Clopton again, an I can drive
+it hence. Music ho!" he said, rising and clapping his hands. "'Fore
+heaven, nephew, we will e'en be jovial to-night. Have we not Shakespeare
+here, and can'st forget those scenes he furnished forth at the
+Blackfriars? Come, let music play, and serve the supper, lads!"
+
+The custom of the period permitted this in the halls of the great. Many
+of the nobles and even gentry of condition kept up a sort of orchestra
+or band composed of their own domestics or servitors, and which gave a
+degree of enjoyment to their entertainment unknown to modern times. The
+sweet tones of the instruments kept off that starched etiquette, that
+awkward stiffness oft-times felt during the intervals of conversation,
+that struggle for wit that came not when called for, it filled up the
+evening, and the soft strains of melody engendered bright thoughts,
+whilst they soothed the mind at the same time. Whatever of romance is in
+our character is called forth at such a time by music.
+
+And so the party sat around the festive board in their quaint costume,
+old and young, poet and philosopher, whilst as the musicians puffed at
+tho French horn, and drew forth dulcet sounds from those antiquated
+stringed instruments, serving-men hastened about, trencher in hand, and
+bearing liquor on their salvers. Topics of conversation were plentiful,
+for still flowed the tide of interest concerning each other's separate
+fortunes during their career, and the jest's propriety lay in the ears
+of those who listened, whilst Shakespeare was the speaker.
+
+Sir Hugh promised his friends a merry Christmas at Clopton; a Christmas
+observed with all due observance of the time.
+
+In Elizabeth's day, most people, even of the higher grade of society,
+kept comparatively early hours. Those who dined at eleven and twelve,
+necessarily supped at five or six. The supper too, was the most festive
+meal, and most enjoyed; and when the season of the year, or old custom,
+gave warranty, your old English host not unfrequently kept wassail all
+night long.
+
+On the present occasion the old Knight felt inclined to drink deep and
+sit late. He seemed resolved for a carouse. Martin and Shakespeare
+banded about their quaint sayings, and Sir Hugh seemed to revel in the
+idea of a merry Christmas at Clopton, observed with all due observance
+of the time; an observance, which in Warwickshire at that day was looked
+upon by old and young, rich and poor, with a feeling of enjoyment and
+love amounting to a passion. Every sport was got up with religious
+fervour; every old-world custom regarded with a veneration unknown to
+our own squalid days.
+
+Christmas Day was at hand, and the old Knight talked of it like a child
+talks of a new toy; but whilst he spoke of good cheer and wine and
+wassail to set before his guests, a reeking post arrived, inviting
+himself and all consorting him to a feast held during the Christmas week
+at Kenilworth. The Countess of Leicester greeting her friend Sir Hugh,
+bade him welcome to her poor house of Kenilworth, to come with hawk and
+hound, kith, kindred and friends presently consorting him.
+
+The Countess of Leicester was one in whom Sir Hugh had much interest.
+She was the daughter of his old friend, Lettice, Lady Knolleys, sister
+to Carey, Lord Hundsdon.
+
+The Knight pitied her for her misfortune in marrying the evil-minded
+Leicester, for he had indeed loved her with a paternal affection; albeit
+the troublous current of his own life had lately hindered him from
+seeing much of her.
+
+Under these circumstances, Sir Hugh felt delighted with the invitation,
+and resolved, if his party agreed, to accept it.
+
+"How say ye, lads," he said, "shall we to this feast? Methinks I should
+like hugely to visit Kenilworth, and my charming friend, after so many
+years of absence. How say ye, Walter, shall we dine once more beneath
+the towers of old John of Gaunt, and Geoffrey Clinton?"
+
+The company, as a matter of course, left it to their entertainer to
+accept or refuse, as he thought best.
+
+"I am for a revel and a brawl any bow," said Martin, "now I have come
+once more to a Christian land. Be it at Clopton or Kenilworth, all's one
+to Martin."
+
+And so the party resolved to join in the Christmas revels at
+Kenilworth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIII.
+
+WHICH ENDS THIS STRANGE EVENTFUL HISTORY.
+
+
+The festival held at Kenilworth on occasion of Christmas-tide, was not
+on such an extended scale as on former occasions had been customary
+there, when Norman kings feasted and kept wassail, and when "kettle-drum
+and trumpet brayed out the triumph of their pledge."
+
+In Elizabeth's reign, however, when a noble held a festival in his own
+halls, the entertainment was sufficiently magnificent, and conducted
+with all the observances of older times.
+
+The late demise of the dark Earl, of necessity curtailed the
+hospitalities: yet, still the enjoined rites of the period gave the
+Countess an excuse for some circumstance, some little pageantry of the
+season. Her brilliant son, too, "the glass of fashion and the mould of
+form," was to be with her. And, albeit the party she invited to meet him
+was but small, still it was composed of some of the _elite_ of the
+country round. Almost all entertainments of this period partook of the
+dramatic character, the taste for such was universal; and it seemed,
+indeed, as if he who was in reality to create the drama in England, had
+sprung up just at this period to supply the want of that which wan so
+imperfect, to substitute his own brilliant conceptions for those heavy
+long-winded stupid exhibitions then in vogue.
+
+With all her power of persuasion, the Countess had not been able to
+persuade her friend, Clara de Mowbray, to promise her presence and
+participation during the intended festivities. All she could obtain
+being a promise, that, as that lady's departure was fixed to take place
+in a few days, she would remain over Christmas-eve; as on that night the
+Countess had invited Shakespeare to be present.
+
+The fair Clara had before taken leave of her friend the poet in
+Stratford; but still, to see him at Kenilworth, and during the gaieties
+enacted there, would, she felt, be a great treat.
+
+The Countess resolved to receive her son in the great hall of the
+Castle, an apartment which, those who have carefully perused the
+building will doubtless remember,--eighty-six feet long by forty-five in
+width. It had, some few years before, beheld those fierce vanities, what
+time Leicester, "with pomp, with triumph, and with revelling,"
+entertained the Queen and her followers for seventeen successive days;
+and now, all in that lighted hall was green with holly and winter
+ornaments. The large bow window was festooned with "rarest mistletoe,"
+the various arms and trophies were covered with green boughs, whilst the
+white-hall, the presence-chamber, and other rooms of which nothing now
+remains but the fragments of walls and the staircases which led to
+them, were lighted up and ornamented for the nonce. There is ever
+something cheering in the aspect of all around at this period of the
+year; something bright and joyous in the country, when old Hymns "with
+his icy crown," seems to wield his severe sceptre and pervade the scene;
+when cottage and castle, lake and forest,--all are bound down by the
+sharp and biting frost. The good fellowship of the world seems then more
+rife, and Christian feeling and brotherly love to prevail. Perhaps, the
+good cheer enjoyed, and expectation of more to be enjoyed, openeth the
+heart of men. At Kenilworth, all was hospitality. The Countess was soon
+to give up possession to Ambrose, Earl of Warwick, her late husband's
+brother; and she resolved to quit the neighborhood in no niggardly
+fashion. Butts of ale were broached for the poor in the villages and
+hamlets around, and oxen and sheep were roasted. The young Earl was
+expected on the eve of Christmas-day, and his popularity was just then
+so great, especially in that neighbourhood, that the coming of royalty
+itself could scarce have made a greater sensation.
+
+The day was one of excitement to the Countess. Dearly she loved that
+brilliant Noble, and well she knew the dizzy pinnacle on which he stood.
+Her fears even then anticipated that ruin which was to ensue. Conversant
+with "the art o' the Court," and the dangerous mood of Majesty, she saw
+already a dark cloud in perspective. Nay, that which she was now about
+to do, namely, to receive her son, and entertain him beneath the towers
+of Kenilworth, when it came to be known, would be attended with danger.
+The Queen liked not interference with her pleasures or her purposes. She
+was at that moment seeking to beguile the tedium of the favourite's
+absence by visiting the seats of her different nobles; and during which
+her irritability was but too apparent. He, the adored, the magnificent,
+should on his arrival in England, have bent the knee in all haste, and
+asked pardon for his truant disposition. But he was haughty and rash as
+his queenly relative. The day had been one of excitement to the fair
+Countess. There is ever something to be thought of and arranged, even by
+the great. The Earl was to dine _en route_ with his array at Rugby, and
+afterwards ride forward to Kenilworth, so as to join the select friends
+invited to meet him. In Elizabeth's day nothing was more thought of than
+dancing and playing (says Rowland White), and the invitation given by
+Lady Leicester might have parodied that of Capulet to his friends. There
+came Sir John de Astley and his wife and daughters, the noble knight of
+Clopton and his friends consorting, the Lord de la Warde and his
+beauteous sisters, the Lady widow of Lord Falconberg, good Master
+Murdake and his nieces, Sir Thomas Lucy and his lovely daughters, the
+Lady Wolvey, and the lively Throckmorton. These guests, for the most
+part, were in the castle, but more were expected as the evening
+advanced.
+
+Mistress Bridges, the most beautiful of the Queen's maids of honour, she
+whom Essex loved, and of whom the Queen was so jealous that she is said
+to have publicly struck her; Blount, too, the lover of the Countess of
+Leicester, and the Lady Katharine Howard, all were expected to grace the
+assemblage. And, at length, as the Countess and her guests awaited the
+hour in the great hall, the trumpet from the gate-house announced the
+Earl's arrival.
+
+It was a brilliant sight to behold;--that gallant youth amidst the
+associates he brought with him. The magnificent Essex, looking some
+paladin of romance, came forth from amidst the glittering band, and
+gracefully saluted his handsome mother. A something regal was in his
+look, which suited well with that magnificent hall.
+
+Nay, 'twas almost the last occasion on which those buildings entertained
+so noble an assemblage: they seem to have afterwards fallen to decay, as
+though later times and fashions would be unsuited to their grandeur--as
+though their work was done--their hour passed away.
+
+On this night, however, as Essex and his followers entered, there came
+one individual with a somewhat smaller party, whose presence was more
+worthy of note than oven the Plantagenet Kings who had dwelt there--one
+whose name would live
+
+    "Spite of cormorant devouring time,
+    The heir to all eternity."
+
+He passed on with Sir Hugh Clopton and others of lesser note; and after
+exchanging a few words with the noble hostess, he perused the assembled
+company at his leisure. As he did so, he entered the building called the
+White Hall, and stood for a moment to gaze upon all around, for such a
+scene was likely to make a deep impression upon his mind. Softly the
+sounds of music floated through those vast rooms, and where all he
+beheld spoke of the past, and conjured up scenes he has himself
+impressed upon us all. For when, indeed, doth sweet music in lordly
+chambers, or in solitude, steal upon the ear, but imagination bodies
+forth those scenes which Shakespeare, and Shakespeare alone, is
+identified with. All the poetry of life is associated in those charming
+ideas. The man himself seems to glide around us. At such hour--assembled
+amidst the lovely and the high-born, amidst minstrelsy and lighted
+halls, there doth his glorious spirit seem to pervade.
+
+And so Shakespeare passed on amidst the company, and quietly took his
+way through the gorgeous rooms.
+
+It was evident the poet had before visited those chambers, for he
+appeared familiar with the various passages he passed through, till at
+length he reached a room at the extremity of the buildings. Here he
+stopped, and quietly regarded the apartment, which in its magnificent
+style might well have furnished forth the description he has left us in
+his own Cymbeline, for Shakespeare adopted in many of his descriptions
+the costume of the time.
+
+Whilst he stood, a small door opened, and a figure, lovely as his own
+Juliet, advanced towards him. It was Clara de Mowbray! She uttered an
+exclamation of joy when she beheld the poet, and in an instant was at
+his side. The poet took her hand and led her to a seat, and the pair
+held converse together for some time.
+
+Whilst they did so, it was evident the tongue of that poor player made
+some impression on his fair hearer.
+
+"Marriage is a matter of more worth, lady," he said, as he at length
+rose from his seat; "than to be dealt in by attorneyship. You consent to
+an interview with my friend."
+
+Clara, whose eyes were bent upon the ground in deep thought, glanced
+quickly upon Shakespeare. There was no mistaking the expression of that
+face. He was gazing upon her with feelings of mingled admiration and
+regret. The next moment, as if unwilling again to meet her glance, he
+turned and hastily left the apartment.
+
+A few minutes more, and the Countess of Leicester entered the room,
+accompanied by a tall cavalier, clad in mourning costume. The sad
+expression, however, which for many months had suited with his habit,
+now however gave place to surprise, joy and admiration; and Walter
+Arderne beheld the living original of the portrait his eyes had loved to
+dwell upon. He knelt at the feet of Clara de Mowbray.
+
+Our story is now so far ended. The sequel may be gathered "by what went
+before." Time and space alloweth not of dilation upon the gay revel held
+that night in the halls of Kenilworth. Shakespeare, whose mind was but
+ill-fitted for revelry, soon afterwards left the castle.
+
+For some reason, which we are unable to explain, he felt unfitted for
+society. He left the hall of Kenilworth, and in the free air gave vent
+to the feelings with which he was oppressed. In the woods of Stoneleigh,
+the dawn found him, despite the coldness of the season, laying along
+"under an oak, whose boughs were mossed with age," and "high top-bald
+with dry antiquity." And as his eye glanced from heaven to earth--from
+earth to heaven, whilst the deer swept by,[29] his imagination bodied
+forth the forms of Jaques and Rosalind in Arden.
+
+[Footnote 29: Amongst the few traditions concerning Shakespeare, in
+Warwickshire, there is one which was kindly communicated to me by a
+nobleman resident there, namely, that he wrote the character of Jaques,
+in the park of Stoneleigh.]
+
+About a fortnight subsequent to the revel at Kenilworth, a noble-looking
+cavalier, accompanied by a lady (both mounted and attended by a numerous
+retinue,) rode on to the green before old Hathaway's cottage at
+Shottery. The cavalier and the lady dismounted, and left their horses
+with the attendants, and as they approached the cottage, they conversed
+upon the subject of some dearly-loved friend.
+
+"I offered him," said Walter Arderne, "in your name, dearest Clara, half
+of what we possess, so he would but remain with us here; but the spirit
+of the man is great, and he will pursue his fortunes after his own
+fashion. Listen to what himself says;" and Arderne produced a letter,
+which he read an extract from, worded somewhat thus:--
+
+"The portion of time I have spent amongst my companions of the theatre
+has made me desire to continue in my vocation. The success I have
+already achieved gives warranty to my expectations. I have friends, to,
+as thou knowest, amongst the nobles of the Court; and the spirit of my
+father, which I think is within me, leads me to think I can yet go on
+towards even a higher fortune than this that I have reached. In few, I
+could not with contentment at this period of my life sit down here in
+Stratford. My residence will be at my old haunt, where I shall hope yet
+to see those I so dearly love."
+
+"In London, then, we will see him, Walter," said the lady.
+
+"We will so," returned Arderne. "After our marriage, Clara, we will yet
+hope to visit our friend."
+
+And should our readers also wish to visit the poet, amidst his
+associates of the theatre in London, we will also follow him to his old
+haunt in Paul's.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's William Shakespeare as he lived., by Henry Curling
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AS HE LIVED. ***
+
+***** This file should be named 34796.txt or 34796.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/7/9/34796/
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works
+from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.)
+
+
+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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/34796.zip b/34796.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e7cbdbf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/34796.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6284641
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #34796 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34796)